THE
CityREVIEW NewRochelle February 10 & 17, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 5 | www.cityreviewnr.com
State approves anti-corruption bill By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer
Rye Playland construction stalled by city lawsuit By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Progress on a slew of multimillion dollar renovations at Rye Playland continue to be hampered by litigation between Westchester County and the city of Rye, as construction at the park gets pushed back. According to documents obtained by the Review, the county administration has attributed a lawsuit filed by the city in July for spurring multiple contract delays, including an extended March 31 deadline for a county lawmakers’ decision on the fate
of Playland’s pool, in addition to a construction schedule for $30 million in county-funded capital projects by March 1. According to Dan Branda, a spokesman for the Republican County Executive Rob Astorino’s administration, the county is expecting to meet its March 1 deadline for the schedule, but until a lawsuit with the city has been decided, “there will be no shovels in the ground.” According to Rye City Attorney Kristen Wilson, the city will still continue to mull over an injunction halting projects at the park, but will hold off on purs-
ing any embargo until the judge’s decision on the city’s lawsuit. Wilson said there is currently no timeline for a decision on whether the city’s claims that an environmental review process, carried out as part of the State Environmental Quality Review Act, SEQR, was mishandled by the county. Under a contract between the county and Playland’s new management, Standard Amusements, an investment firm coowned by Harrison native Nick Singer, the county could still exercise one additional 60-day extension. As for the fate of the Playland
pool, according to county Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, things remain uncertain. While $10 million has been allocated in a $300 million county capital budget for renovations, the county Board of Legislators must still determine just what type of improvement the pool will undergo. Parker said that if the details aren’t solidified by the March 31 deadline, it’s currently too early to determine whether or not the county would negotiate an additional extension. PLAYLAND continued on page 5
State officials have taken a big step in the fight against public corruption, as the Legislature has approved a proposal to enact a constitutional amendment that would strip taxpayer-funded pensions from state and local leaders who commit felonies in connection with their office. The pension forfeiture proposal will be on the ballot for a referendum held on Election Day, Nov. 7. Enacting a constitutional amendment in New York state requires both the Senate and Assembly to pass the proposal in two consecutive sessions. Afterward, the proposal goes to voters to make the final decision. “Overall, this has had great bipartisan support, and I think it will send an overwhelming message against corruption in government,” said state Assemblyman David Buchwald, a White Plains Democrat, who first proposed the legislation in May 2013. “This measure will cause high level public officials to think twice before they decide to do something corrupt.” Elected officials, gubernatorial appointees, municipal managers, department heads, chief fiscal officers, judges, and several other policy-makers convicted of a felony, involving the breach of public trust, would all be subject to forfeiture of pension benefits. If it were passed in November, the provision would only
apply to officials who committed crimes on or after Jan. 1, 2018, succeeding the date of the constitutional amendment. Currently, a public officer in New York state can accept bribes, steal public funds or engage in numerous other forms of public corruption without the threat of pension forfeiture, even if convicted. Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause New York, which is a statewide coalition that champions open, honest and accountable government, said, “Public officials who break the law shouldn’t get a taxpayer pension, period.” In 2015, after then-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Manhattan Democrat, was arrested and later convicted of public corruption charges, he applied and was successfully granted his pension, which comes to $79,224 a year, according to the state comptroller’s office. Silver was convicted on Nov. 30, 2015 of charges that included honest services fraud, money laundering and extortion, after serving as the head of the state Assembly since 1994. He is currently serving a 12-year prison sentence. Former majority leader of the state Senate, Dean Skelos, a Long Island Republican, was also convicted on federal corruption charges, and was sentenced to five years in prison in December 2015. Skelos had served as the majority leader since 2011. CORRUPTION continued on page 7
Follow us on Twitter @cityreviewnr Like us on facebook.com/cityreviewnr
2 • THE CITY REVIEW • February 10 & 17, 2017
February 10 & 17, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 3
Donate to the Vietnam War Memorial Dear Friends, My name is Peter Parente and I am the president of The United Veterans Memorial & Patriotic Association of New Rochelle, UVMPA. I am also the commander of VFW Post 439. Myself and UVMPA Vice-Cmdr. Paul Kearns, who is the commander of our American Legion Post 8 on North Avenue, are very proud of our record of keeping the New Rochelle veterans in the forefront and on the minds of the residents and the local government here in New Rochelle. The UVMPA organizes such veterans events as the Memorial Day parade and BBQ/concert and USMC air craft landing in our parks; replacing almost 3,000 flags at the graves for our New Rochelle veterans; hosting
the 9/11 candlelight vigil, 3,000 flags memorial on the City Hall lawn, and Veterans Day services which include visiting some of our vets who live in nursing homes all around town; and the Toys for Tots Christmas party, where we collect hundreds of toys for the children who are in the Westchester County social service network and are in foster care. We also help maintain our War Memorial all over the city. The UVMPA are pleased to announce its most recent projects, The Vietnam War Memorial (Phase 1), The Korean War Memorial (Phase 2), and The Global War on Terrorism Memorial (Phase 3). Phase 1 is currently underway. The UVMPA will be installing a Vietnam War Memo-
rial Monument dedicated to all those who served our nation from 1959 to 1975. New Rochelle has had thousands serve during this time, and several dozen whom have made the ultimate sacrifice. The memorial will be gifted to the citizens and government of our city and placed on the front lawn of City Hall. Phase 2 is scheduled to start the near future; Phase 3, we are hoping for the spring/summer 2018. The New Rochelle veterans are asking for your help and for you to be part of these exciting and deserving monuments of honor by making a contribution to fund the new memorial. We need to raise the funds to make this happen. We have estimates for the cost of our Vietnam War
Follow us on Twitter
@ cityreviewnr
Memorial to be approximately $15,000. The UVMPA is hoping to unveil it on Vietnam Veterans Day this year, Wednesday, March 29, and to formally dedicate it on Memorial Day, Tuesday, May 30. We are first reaching out to our fellow Americans and citizens of New Rochelle and hope to have a huge response. Please help us honor America’s true heroes, the U.S. veterans. Please be as generous as you can. Please make checks payable to: United Veterans Memorial & Patriotic Association. Mail to: United Veterans Memorial & Patriotic Association, c/o: Peter Parente, 95 Brookside Place, New Rochelle, NY 10801. Also include your name or business; full address; and a donation of either $1,000 (Platinum), $500 (Gold), $250 (Silver), $100 (Bronze), $50 (Patriot), or $25 (Supporter). Please note that the UVMPA is a 501(c)3 tax-deductible organization. Thank you in advance for your generosity on behalf of the New Rochelle Veterans. May God bless you, your families and the United States of America. (Submitted)
A rendering of the New Rochelle Vietnam War Memorial, to be formally dedicated at this year’s Memorial Day ceremony. Rendering courtesy Peter Parente
4 • THE CITY REVIEW • February 10 & 17, 2017
What’s going on... New Rochelle Public Library
p.m.; Sundays: Closed.
‘That’s Amore!’ Valentine’s Concert
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 soon. 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.
Library hours Both locations will be closed on Sunday, Feb. 19 and Monday, Feb. 20 for Presidents Day. Main library hours: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Wednesdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Huguenot Children’s Library hours: Mondays and Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 5
On Sunday, Feb. 12 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the main library’s Ossie Davis Theater. Back by popular demand, Vincent and Emily Ricciardi return to share some of the most famous love duets and ballads of the 21st century; from opera, Broadway, jazz and pop. This acclaimed singing couple will perform the love duets of Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion, Guiseppe de Stefano and Maria Callas, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and many more. This romance-filled show for Valentine’s Day will surely warm the heart. Free, with a suggested donation of $2. Made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library.
Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library Book Sales The Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library will be holding a mini book sale on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 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. The Friends welcome prospective volunteers. The volunteer executive board of the Friends, a 501(3) (c) organization, accepts donations of tens of thousands of books each year. With the help of active members, the group processes and sells the recycled books in the library’s lobby. Money realized from the sales go directly back to the library, as the funds are used to underwrite the library’s extensive public programs and for special projects not covered by the library’s operating budget.
P U B LI S H ES
Mamaroneck THE
REVIEW CityREVIEW Harrison NewRochelle REVIEW THE
Eastchester REVIEW THE
INSIDE
THE
INSIDE WESTCHESTER COUNTY
www.hometwn.com | 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601 | (914) 653-1000
Free programs for infants and preschoolers The New Rochelle Public Library and the Huguenot Children’s Library, HCL, are offering a great array of free programs for infants, toddlers and preschool children this winter-spring season. Participation is drop-in, on a first-come, firstserved basis. The free programs are made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library and the Partnership for the Huguenot Children’s Library. Most do not take place on days the New Rochelle public schools are closed for vacations. Music and Movement with Nora Maher, for children ages 1 to 3, is a fun-filled introduction to songs, finger plays, and movement, led by a professional musician/educator, and takes place on Tuesdays through Feb. 14, from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the main library and from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at HCL. Participation is drop-in, on a first-come, first-served basis. Nursery Rhyme Time, for children ages 6 months to 2 years old, is a joyful blend of stories, songs and finger plays. It is held at the main library on Fridays, through May 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 9:50 a.m., and at HCL on Mondays, through May 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Toddler Time, for children aged 2, are lively sessions that engage children and their parent or caregiver in music and games. It is held at the main library on Fridays, through May 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and at HCL on Wednesdays, through May 24, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 3, 4, 5’s - Stories & Crafts, for ages 3 to 5, are sessions of stories, songs, and a take-home craft inspired by seasons and picture book themes. A bilingual (English and Spanish) session takes place at the main library on Mondays, through May 22, from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Another session, in English, takes place on Thursdays, through May 25, from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Sessions at HCL take place on Tuesdays, through May 23, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m., and on Thursdays, through May 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Preschool Fun & Fitness, a program for children ages 2 to 5 and their parent or grandparent, is a fun-filled hour of movement, games and healthy eating and lifestyle tips, conducted by the health and fitness team from Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital’s Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Services. Registration is required. Call Ruben at the WIC office at 637-1677. The sessions will be held in the main library’s Meeting Room and stage on Mondays through June 19. Baby Steps, for newborns to children age 3 years old, are half-hour sessions of fun and early socialization through music, movement and finger games, with Nora Maher. They will take place on Saturdays, Feb. 25 to April 15, from 10 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the main library, and from 11:30 a.m. to noon at HCL. Yoga Tots, for children ages 2 to 3, is taught by Budding Buddhas Kids Yoga instructors. Toddlers have fun “playing yoga” with puppets, props, songs, and games. The sessions will take place on Tuesdays, Feb. 28 through April 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the main library, and from 11:30 a.m. to noon at HCL.
Free tax help On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the main library’s Meeting Room on the first floor. Trained AARP volunteer counselors will be available to assist participants in preparing and filing their tax returns on a first-come, firstserved basis. You must bring: whatever tax-related materials are needed to complete your returns; an official photo identification and a Social Security card (or other comparable official documentation); for all other people who will be listed on the tax return, a Social Security card or other official documentation is required. The volunteer counselors must be able to confirm the Taxpayer Identification Number, SSN or ITIN, and the correct spelling of all names as recorded by the Social Security Administration, or they cannot complete the return.
League of Women Voters Coffee & Conversation On Friday, Feb. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the main library’s Meeting Room on the first floor. The guest speakers will be city of New Rochelle Historian Barbara Davis and City Manager Chuck Strome. Strome and Davis will discuss the history and current role of New Rochelle’s city managerform of government.
Apostle O’dell Lyerly Foundation Inc. Memorial Scholarship Awards for school supplies The Apostle O’dell Lyerly Foundation Inc., AOLF, a nonprofit entity in New Rochelle, is currently distributing Memorial Scholarship Award applications for higher education school supplies to high school seniors. Applications are circulated to New Rochelle High School, Mount Vernon High School, and the New Rochelle Public Library. To receive a paper or electronic application, please call 563-9982 or email aolfinc@yahoo.com. Memorial Scholarship Awards are needbased. Completed applications with supporting documents are due by Sunday, April 30.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester ‘LEGO Batman’ Movie Days From Saturday, Feb. 11 to Sunday, Feb. 19 at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester, 39 Fitzgerald St. in Yonkers. Super Hero. Crimefighter. Master Builder. “LEGO Batman” is all of those and so much more. Come meet Gotham City’s Caped Crusader during this celebration of the Warner Bros. Pictures’ feature film, which will include photo ops with the scene-stealing star, a themed scavenger hunt and LEGO Batman-inspired build activities. Starting at $15.95; children under age 2 are free. Hours: Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday to Thursday: 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.
February 10 & 17, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 5 PLAYLAND from page 1
A deadline on the pool was previously extended twice; once in September 2016 and again last December. Ongoing litigation between the county and Rye dates back to August, when the city sued the county over alleged violations of the SEQR; specifically,
the city claims, that the county had subverted due process by covertly declaring itself lead agency in April 2016 on a slew of upcoming capital projects at the amusement park. The lawsuit seeks to overturn the county’s declaration of lead agency, giving the city a greater say in the environmental review process of projects at Playland,
which abuts some of Rye’s residential neighborhoods. Playland is owned by Westchester County but is located within the city of Rye. A legal dispute between the two entities harkens back to a previous management agreement between the county and Sustainable Playland Inc.; a deal that eventually dissolved after
An extension on a decision regarding Playland’s pool is set to expire on March 31. A recent capital budget from the county includes $10 million to renovate the structure, but lawmakers will be tasked with determining just how those improvements are done.
Multi-million dollar renovations at Rye Playland have stalled amidst litigation from the city of Rye, which is seeking to assert its authority over the projects’ environmental review. File photos
residential backlash over the proposal of an 87,000-squarefoot field house and the threat of litigation from the city of Rye.
The newest management agreement between the county and Standard Amusements will split various critical capital projects at the ailing park in half,
with $30 million being paid for by the county and another $30 million from Standard. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
6 • THE CITY REVIEW • February 10 & 17, 2017 THE
CityREVIEW NewRochelle 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000
Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com Sports Editor | Mike Smith ext. 22, sports@hometwn.com Assistant Editor | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 25, sibylla@hometwn.com General Assignment | Taylor Brown ext. 30, taylor@hometwn.com Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lynne Starr ext. 29, lynne@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Sibylla Chipaziwa ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writers James Pero, Corey Stockton, Franco Fino Staff Photographers Andrew Dapolite, Aaron Kershaw, Charlie McLaughlin Columnist
Lenore Skenazy Letters
The community’s opinion matters. If you have a view to express, write a letter to the editor by email to chris@hometwn.com. Please include a phone number and name for verification purposes.
Westchester County Airport book
takes flight By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter
Through a collection of black and white photographs dating back more than 80 years, Kent Patterson tells the story of New York’s fourth busiest airport in his book, “Images of America: Westchester County Airport.” Patterson, a retired MetroNorth Railroad project manager and resident of Yorktown, explained that his inspiration for the project came from his love for transportation, and the lack of reading material he was able to find on the airport, which spans across the towns of Rye, Harrison and North Castle. “I like all transportation,” he said. “Subjects like boats, planes, trains, and I was always curious about the airport, living in Westchester.” Realizing the scarce reading material on the subject, Patterson embarked on the task of writing a few chapters before submitting his work to Arcadia Publishing
for consideration. The publisher expressed interest in further developing the book, with Patterson starting in November 2015. Arcadia Publishing has featured Westchester County in several books in a similar style. These include: “Westchester County: Protect and Serve” published in 2001, and written by Frank J. Donovan and Michael J. Lavin and “North Castle” published in Jan. 2017, and written by Sharon Tomback. A full list of these books can be found at Arcadiapublish.com. With the help of the county airport archives, Westchester County Historical Society, the White Plains Library, and Patterson’s own collection, he was able to acquire a majority of the material for the book. Accompanying the information in the book is more than 190 photos. These images include vintage aircrafts, airline schedules and photos from inside the White Plains terminal. The photos included from Patterson’s
Community Events
If you have an event you would like to share with the community, send it to news@hometwn.com.
Delivery
For home delivery or to subsribe, call (914) 653-1000 x27.
Classifieds & Legals
To post your notices or listings, call (914) 653-1000 x27.
Postmaster
Send address changes to: The City Review New Rochelle c/o HomeTown Media Group, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601
In 1963, these were the two main runways for Westchester County Airport.
collection date back to the ‘80s, and were photos that he took himself. The book begins in the 1920s with what was then known as the Armonk Airport, and follows the development process which brought Westchester County Airport to life. “When the discussion for the airport first started, aviation was not considered a serious industry,” Patterson said. “Maybe a sport, but never a serious industry.” Patterson recounts how the present county airport was a product of World War II, and was a topic of discussion for 15 years before construction began in 1942. “Had it not been for World War II, I don’t know if the airport would’ve even been built,” Patterson said. It would then take until 1945 for the airport to open for noncommercial use, and four years later airlines to begin using it. The Westchester County Airport pre-dates the John F. Kennedy International Airport, which opened in 1948 as New York International Airport, and LaGuardia Airport, which was built in 1953. Of further interest was that the county airport provided the U.S. Army with another defense mechanism, and the hub was used as a base by the U.S. Air Forces and the New York Air National Guard. This, in conjunction with the creation of fighter and bomber planes, kept the U.S. better equipped for war. Following the war, the airport
The “Images of America: Westchester County Airport” book captures the rich history of the Westchester County Airport. Photo courtesy Arcadia Publishing
was no longer needed by the army. By 1949, Westchester County had made the accommodations in order to open the airport up to commercial airlines. Patterson wrote that these changes included, “the airport [installing] hangars and… a control tower, radar, and other necessities”. Patterson explained that it took bigger, faster planes with better safety precautions in order to convince the public of its full potential. Westchester County Airport, which spans across 720 acres, currently serves six airlines including American Airlines, Cape Air, Delta, JetBlue, United Airlines, and Tradewind Aviation. For more than 25 years, the county has limited the airport to 240 scheduled passengers per half hour to keep air traffic limited so as to not disturb nearby neighborhoods.
Visit us online www.cityreviewnr.com
Follow us on Twitter, @cityreviewnr Like us on Facebook, facebook.com/cityreviewnr The City Review New Rochelle (permit #16661) is published weekly by Home Town Media Group for an annual subscription of $45. Application to mail at the periodicals postage rate is approved at White Plains, N.Y., 10601. Periodicals postage paid at White Plains and additional mailing offices.
This was the last of Mohawk Airlines Douglas DC-3 planes to leave from White Plains. Photos courtesy Westchester Historical Society
Despite the benefits of Westchester County Airport, the local runways have seen a decrease in traffic in recent years. Patterson attributes this decrease in travelers using other forms of transportation, such as trains, which have evolved over the years allowing travelers access to cheaper and more direct routes. “They lost about 20 to 25 percent of traffic over the last eight years,” he said. “Some of it has come back; some of it will be a matter of attracting a few more flights.” But despite the airport’s deep history, Patterson explained the challenges he encountered during his 18-month long writing process. “The most difficult part of [writing] it was reaching out to people who were around when the airport was being built,” he said. “I had to rely on newspaper articles.” The book is set to release on Feb. 6, and will be available online at Amazon.com and Arcadiapublish.com, as well as in Barnes & Noble Booksellers. As for Patterson, he has already expressed interest in writing another book in a similar style, contingent on his first installment doing well. “I’m going to talk to the publisher about doing another book called ‘Westchester Railroads,’” he said. CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com
February 10 & 17, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 7
Mamaroneck supports Green Light driving initiative At a glance By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Assistant Editor
Following in the footsteps of the villages of Ossining and Port Chester, and with a robust Hispanic population, the village of Mamaroneck Board of Trustees unanimously voted to support undocumented immigrants’ ability to obtain driver’s licenses. The initiative, referred to as the Green Light NY initiative, aims to gain equal access to New York state driver’s licenses regardless of one’s immigration status. The proposal, which was approved by the village board last month, was first brought before the board in December by representatives of the local Community Resource Center, CRC, which was founded to help integrate immigrants into the community. New York state currently prohibits hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants from obtaining driver’s licenses. The common denominator amongst the three communities in Westchester County that have adopted the initiative is a large Hispanic contingent. According to 2010 U.S. Census data, Hispanics made up 41.4 percent of Ossining’s population; and in Port Chester, they comprise 59.4 percent. Both villages adopted the Green Light initiative in December 2016. Meanwhile, in the village of Mamaroneck, just under a quarter of its population is Hispanic. Being prohibited from obtaining driver’s licenses puts undocumented immigrants in a bind, as they cannot purchase or register a vehicle, or obtain car insurance, which affects one’s CORRUPTION from page 1
As many as 34 state and local officials have been convicted in New York since 2002 on charges including bribery, conspiracy, falsifying records, racketeering, fraud, extortion, federal corruption and perjury, among a mix of several other felonies and misdemeanors. The only other state to exceed that number is Pennsylvania, which has seen 41 state and local officials imprisoned on simi-
Like us on
Hispanic residents make up just under 25% of the village of Mamaroneck’s population The Green Light NY initiative aims to give all drivers access to a license, regardless of immigration status Undocumented immigrants’ quality of life, including getting to work, school or a hospital, can be adversely affected by not having a reliable source of transport
quality of life, including having difficulty getting to work and/or school, a hospital or a place of worship. There are concerns of high costs from accidents, safety on the roads from people driving without being licensed, and immigrants’ fears of being pulled over and ticketed for driving illegally. Tainya Flores, a village of Mamaroneck resident of 18 years, said Green Light NY caught her interest due to the number of immigrants in the local community without a reliable form of transport. “So many people are afraid to even drive in the town of Mamaroneck,” she said. The New York Immigration Coalition, a nonprofit organization with the aim to “unite immigrants, members and allies so all New Yorkers can thrive,” launched the Green Light NY: Driving Together campaign in 2016 to help undocumented immigrants outside of New York City. A similar initiative was launched in 2006; and in 2007, former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, a Democrat, signed an executive order allowing undoc-
umented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, only to wilt under political pressure. Currently, there are 12 states, including Connecticut and Vermont, which allow undocumented immigrants access to a driver’s license. Following the vote, there were applause and smiles abound in the village of Mamaroneck Courtroom. “We are completely relieved,” said Jirandy Martinez, a co-executive director of the CRC, “and so excited that the village of Mamaroneck stands with immigrants and understands our plight.” Gail Vidales, another co-executive director of the CRC, said she hopes the approval by Mamaroneck will have a “trickling down effect” on other area municipalities. “There’s still a lot of work to be done,” she added. “[We need to] encourage other municipalities and educate them about the importance of safety. That’s what it comes down to.”
lar charges since 2002. “You would think that the threat of losing your job and paycheck, and the immense embarrassment from your community would be enough of a deterrent for these guys,” said state Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat. “Hopefully now we’ll see better behavior. People just won’t tolerate corruption anymore; everybody’s on notice.” With a tremendous amount of support for the bill, and with
expectations that the legislation will pass with an overwhelming majority vote of the public, there are still a handful of individuals who oppose it, Buchwald said. Only four officials voted against the bill, including state Sens. Ruben Diaz, Kevin Parker, Diane Savino and Velmanette Montgomery, all Democrats representing areas in New York City. “Some folks are still in total denial on how seriously corruption erodes public trust in government,” Buchwald said.
CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com
facebook.com/cityreviewnr
8 • THE CITY REVIEW • February 10 & 17, 2017
February 10 & 17, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 9
10 • THE CITY REVIEW • February 10 & 17, 2017
Balducci’s comes to Rye Brook
A cake celebrating the opening of Balducci’s in Rye Brook gives an idea of what the finished exterior will look like.
By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Assistant Editor
Richard Durante, Balducci’s president and COO, shows off just one reason why the franchise is unique. Jackfruit, this one imported from Australia, is becoming a popular substitute for meat in vegetarian and vegan dishes. Photos/Sibylla Chipaziwa
Fresh, organic produce is one thing Balducci’s prides itself on, knowing that is what its ideal customers want.
Balducci’s, the “food lover’s market,” held its grand opening at Rye Ridge Shopping Center, located in the village of Rye Brook, on Jan. 27. Local elected officials and business owners were just some in attendance who toured the 11,500-squarefoot store in the early morning, along with a few lucky customers, before its official 10 a.m. opening. Balducci’s focuses on providing fresh, gourmet goods, with the help of associates who know the products well. The store has an open feel, just like a marketplace; as if patrons are going on a treasure hunt, encountering displays to spark inspiration for when the bounty is taken home. There is seafood that is always fresh and never frozen, and dry-aged beef on hand. There are products that are locally sourced, including pork and lamb, and goods that come from as far away as Italy, Israel and Australia. “When you walk in, you feel the energy,” said Richard Durante, Balducci’s president and COO, of the atmosphere the company hopes to convey to its consumer base with their Rye Brook location. “We want our customers engaging with our associates.” The Rye Brook store is the seventh Balducci’s nationwide; there are two in Connecticut, one in Maryland, another in Scarsdale, and two in Virginia. There are “gourmet on the go” locations in Baltimore and New York City, and express locations at John F. Kennedy and Philadelphia international airports. There is cooked food that is prepared fresh daily, and regulars will never be bored as Balducci’s is always changing its
recipes and offerings. According to Judy Spires, Balducci’s chairman and CEO, the company was the first store ever to come up with the idea of takeout. “When customers come in, you can see for yourself, there’s a fabulous open kitchen where chefs are preparing food to eat here or take home or [to] work,” she said. “We’ve got such great, passionate culinary-trained peo-
ple in every single department; that really sets us apart.” On opening day, the store was offering 191 organic products; something the location prides itself on. There is also a florist and catering, for all occasions. There is even a cheesemonger that has “a Ph.D. in cheese,” and you may recognize a familiar face or two from Balducci’s Scarsdale location.
Rye Brook store manager Angel Caban, a Scarsdale transfer, said that he feels that Rye Brook and the surrounding communities are Balducci customers. “We’re excited to be a part of the community,” he said. “I think it’s going to be an awesome experience for all of us.” CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com
Balducci’s offers a myriad of cooked foods for customers to eat at the small in-store café or take home or to work. Recipes are always changing.
February 10 & 17, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 11
Experience Carnevale di Venezia Be transported back in time to Venice, Italy on Friday, Feb. 24 at Carnevale di Venezia, the latest Eventures Divine event to take place at The Briarcliff Manor. This interactive and historically driven production of a traditional Venetian masked ball will thrill patrons by taking them on an experiential adventure while engaging each of the five senses. The historic 1904 Briarcliff Manor is set to host Therèsa Fernand’s vision on two floors— a feast and fusion of old world Venetian and contemporary Italian tastes accompanied by select spirits, music and art. Guests can indulge in a divine sampling of carved meats, sausages, pasta and fish, all while enjoying this uniquely presented event, which will feature both local talent as
well as internationally known artists and musicians. The theme is “Astrological, Magic of the Stars.” Semiformal dress and masks are required. Coming in full period costumes that are representative of traditional Venetian inspired carnival is preferred for guests to fully engage in the experience of the evening. Astrological/tarot influences will be present in the theme throughout the night. The event on Feb. 24 will begin at 7:30 p.m. and conclude at midnight. Adults only. The Briarcliff Manor is located at 25 Studio Hill Road in Briarcliff Manor. Tickets for Eventures Divine Carnevale di Venezia are available now, priced at $130 per person. For more information, please visit eventuresdivine.com. Fernand is an anamorphic
catalyst, and owner of Intuitive Business Solutions LLC, and the Eventures Divine and Divinely Charmed brands. An information intuit in the business of human experience, she is an intuitive interpreter guiding you through her highly anticipated, experiential events, engaging in the all senses. She has traveled and worked throughout the country, doing readings, events and lectures, inspiring people to connect and live passionately. Eventures Divine was launched as a platform to create highly experiential events out of otherwise ordinary and familiar themes. In a time where people are disengaged, bored and out of touch, Fernand’s vision is to bring a sense of adventure into each event experience. (Submitted)
Connect with us on @linkedin.com/company/hometown-media
12 • THE CITY REVIEW • February 10 & 17, 2017
The Classifieds • Advertising that gets results OUR RATES:
$42.50 for up to 4 lines. Each additional line $2.00. Classifieds ads appear in all five of our publications.
HOW TO REACH US:
Email: ads@hometwn.com Phone: (914) 653-1000 x27 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601
ADOPTION
WANTED TO BUY
Fun Crazy Loving Couple Seeking to Adopt Baby. Husband Chef Wife Teacher. Top US Schools. Dogs Beach Sun Flip Flops. 631432-5591 or www.debraandjeffreyadopt.com
Buying Diamonds, gold, silver, antique and modern jewelry, better furs, U.S. and foreign coins, paintings, bronzes, complete estates. Highest prices paid. Call 914-260-8783 for appointment.
AUTO DONATIONS Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 914-468-4999 Today! Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 315-400-0797 Today!
COLLECTABLES TO P C A S H PA I D I N S TA N T LY F O R COLLECTIBLES! -WE BUY Baseball Cards, Autographs, Records, Silver Coins, Golf Items, Art, Jewelry, Comics Etc., Call Jim Today @ 914-310-5153
FINANCIAL CONVENTIONAL & BANK RATE FINANCING, Fix’n Flips, Hard-Bridge Loans, No DocumentsStated Income Programs, $100K-$100 Million, Purchase-Refinance, SFH-1-4, Multi-family, Mixed Use, Commercial, 888-565-9477
HELP WANTED AIRLINE CAREERS Start Here-Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866-296-7094
LAWN AND GARDEN Privacy hedges! 3Ft: ARBORVITAE, Limited Supply! Regularly $49.95, now only $12.95!, Also Apple, White Birch, Cherry, Blue Spruce, Forsythia: $7.99 each, FREE DELIVERY!! 844592-3327, www.GrandIsleFarm.com
MISCELLANEOUS SAWMILLS from only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD:† www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N
MODULAR CONSTRUCTION EINSTEIN MODULAR CONSTRUCTIONwholesale factory direct pricing. Visitwww. EinsteinModularConstruction.com to view plans and invoices. We will build any plan. 845-734*Emc2(3622)
REAL ESTATE JUST REPOSSESSED! 21 acres- $39,900. Orig sold for $49,900! Fields, woods, exceptional views! Just off The Thruway! 30 mins to Albany! Terms avail. Call 888-905-8847 LENDER ORDERED SALE! 39 acres- $89,900. Assessed for $96,000! Pay CASH and pay just $84,900! Catskill Mtn Setting w/views, woods, spring, stonewalls! Stunning land! Financing avail! Call 888-479-3394 NewYorkLandandLakes.com Sebastian, Florida (East Coast)Beach Cove is an Age Restricted Community where friends are easily made. Sebastian is an ìOld Floridaî fishing village with a quaint atmosphere yet excellent medical facilities, shopping and restaurants. Direct flights from Newark to Vero Beach. New manufactured homes from 89,900. 772-581-0080; www.beach-cove.com.
$ TOP CASH PAID $ Complete Contents + All Antiques and Collectibles Furn, Lamps, Sterling, Jewelry, Watches, Coins, Record Collections, Coins, Old Baseball Items. Comics, Books, Music. Over 25 yrs. buying and selling experience. Call Joe Geller at 914-275-6611 or email gellerent@aol.com.
Publish your LLC notice in our newpapers! New York State law requires that all LLC companies publish a Notice of Formation within 120 days of forming or else your LLC will be suspended. All five of our newspapers LE G A L NO are designated by the Noti TICE ce o G S f oldm Fo Westchester County Clerk filed an, LLC r m a t i o n . Arts with o for this urpose. (S S N NY S of O f locat Y) on 1/ ecy of S rg. io 0 t Allow us to guide you SSN n: Southc 2/17. Of ate Y fi h of LL is design ester Co ce through what can be an unty. a g C upon ated as unnecessarily complicated SSNaYi n sst i t m awy hbom proacgeesnt s hall m e se Jack rv a process. We provide the Road Eichman, il process e d . , any la NYC 10 134 Sten to: template for your 8 wful t activit 20. Purpo on y. se: publication along with the notarized affidavit signed by the publisher. For more informationemail us at ads@hometwn.com.
DEADLINE:
Placement, correction or cancellation of an ad may be phoned in any time before noon on Monday for publication
February 10 & 17, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 13
Stop hating everyone who didn’t vote like you Astorino discusses tips to combat winter flu RHYMES WITH CRAZY Lenore Skenazy
Want to start an argument? No? Well, that’s strange. Seems like arguing—screaming, shouting, or at the very least, extreme eye-rolling—is right up there with eating breakfast these days. Wake up, brush your teeth, glance at the latest news and... EXPLODE! Jeanne Johnson was sick of it. Johnson is a mom of two in Ridgewood, New Jersey, and a local activist. A few years back, she got the village to make its crosswalks more obvious, to encourage kids to walk—and cars to stop. Last week, she wanted to encourage something else to stop: The demonization of everyone who voted for someone other than the someone YOU voted for. So, to a local social hall she invited Guy Benson, a conservative author; Julie Roginsky, a Democratic strategist; and Lisa “Kennedy” Montgomery, the mordantly hilarious libertarian who has a show on Fox Business. In fact, all three are on Fox all the time, often sparring, but also always happy to see each other. That’s what Johnson wanted her fellow citizens to witness with their own eyes: You can disagree with someone’s politics, even vehemently, and not despise them as humans. As crazy as that sounds. Kennedy moderated the chat by asking the kind of questions that can stop a “You crazy s--head!” in mid-air. For instance, she wondered, was there ever a time when either of her guests realized the other side was not evil incarnate? Roginsky recalled a time back in college when she and her fel-
low feminists took a bus to a Rhode Island abortion clinic, where nuns and priests were protesting outside. As Roginsky and her retinue shouted, “Keep your rosaries off our ovaries!” she looked at the clergy, fervently praying, and suddenly it hit her: These clergy folk weren’t there to be judgmental jerks. They had come because they truly believe that a fetus is a life that must be saved. For them, blocking the clinic was no different from grabbing the gun from some nut holding a hostage. To this day, Roginsky remains adamantly pro-choice. But instead of seeing pro-life supporters as bad people, she seems them simply as... people. For his part, Benson flashed back to 2009, when Obama was sworn into office on a wave of Democratic euphoria. Conservatives were beside themselves: Here was a president who would pass every piece of liberal legislation this side of Sweden. The Republicans were on the outs, perhaps never to rise again. So Benson said, smirk-free, he truly empathizes with what Democrats are feeling now. He obviously doesn’t share their dismay (although he didn’t sound very happy about Trump). But he gave a knowing nod to the people who... well, that’s just the thing. The room was filled with ardent Democrats and Republicans, and probably some Libertarians besides just Kennedy. And you couldn’t tell who’s who. For Johnson, that was the whole point. “Because of space constraints, those [feuding] people ended up having to sit at the same tables together,” she said. She’d deliberately chosen round tables, so everyone would be looking at everyone else, and purple tablecloths. Not red. Not blue. Purple. The cookies for the event were iced in purple frost-
ing, “Together.” Cookies are always an icebreaker. And so was this event. Up on stage, Roginsky and Benson were discussing free speech. They’d just gotten word about the unrest—riots?—at the University of California at Berkeley, where masked agitators had caused $100,000 in damage as they protested a speech to be given by the right-wing agitator Milo Yiannopoulos. Roginsky was appalled. She is hardly a fan of Yiannopoulos, but “free speech wins,” she said. “Always.” For his part, Benson was ready with some good advice for the Democrats. “If everything is an outrage, nothing is.” In other words, if the left rejects absolutely everyone and everything Trump proposes, their message will get tuned out. Pick your battles, he advised, to get more traction. How did the two opposites manage to stay friends through this election and post-election season? The same way they handle the Twitter taunts that come their way. The trick is to “listen generously,” said Benson. Don’t assume the person who didn’t vote your way chose the other candidate out of bigotry, stupidity, or calumny. Assume they had their varied reasons, just like you had yours. Give folks the benefit of the doubt. By the end of the night, Johnson said she thought she saw that happening. “I know how contentious things were, or are, in our community—horrible. Just like we’re seeing on the national stage.” But after the event, the audience hung around for almost an hour, talking, laughing and eating those cookies. “Let’s do this again!” they said. That’s an idea no one could argue with. CONTACT: lskenazy@yahoo.com
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino and Dr. Sherlita Amler, county health commissioner, speak at a news conference on how residents can keep the flu at bay this season. Photo courtesy Westchester County
With Westchester entering the high flu season, County Executive Rob Astorino urged residents on Feb. 1 to do four things to protect themselves, their families and the people around them from the flu and other seasonal viruses like Norovirus. “Get a flu shot if you haven’t already,” Astorino said. “It’s not too late. A flu vaccine is your best defense against the flu, and flu shots are readily available at pharmacies, supermarkets, doctors’ offices and by appointment at our health department clinics in White Plains and Yonkers. Follow mom’s advice to wash your hands thoroughly and often. When you have a fever, diarrhea or vomiting, stay home to avoid spreading illness to others. And finally, clean household surfaces with a bleach solution if anyone in your home is sick.” In a typical year, Westchester County experiences roughly 90,000 cases of influenza and 60,000 cases of the Norovirus during the flu season, which runs from October to as late as May. Last Tuesday, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, said New York state is experiencing epidemic flu activity. The latest figures nationally show influenza levels, entering the “significant” level with 3 percent of doctors’ visits being attributed to the flu. A 2 percent level of doctors’ visits is considered normal; 7 to 8 percent is considered a “bad” season. At a news conference in White Plains, Astorino and county health commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said they were calling attention to disease prevention now because viruses flourish in the winter, when people spend
more time indoors together, and because February and March are the height of the flu season, according to the CDC. Amler said flu symptoms include fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache, chills and fatigue, while norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. “Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot each year to protect not only yourself, but the youngest and oldest residents around us,” she said. “You can have the flu and not know it and pass it along to infants, young children and seniors, who are much more vulnerable to flu complications. Right now, Westchester is tracking for a normal flu season, but we still have a few months to go.” To avoid spreading and catching viruses, hand hygiene is critically important, Amler said. “Viruses spread more easily in the winter, and handwashing is one of the best ways to avoid viruses,” she said. “Wash your hands thoroughly for about 20 seconds—the amount of time it takes to sing the ABCs or to sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice.” To avoid spreading germs, other tips include coughing into your sleeve—not your hands— and reminding children to wash their hands thoroughly after they sneeze. Also, wash your hands before and after using the toilet, blowing your nose or preparing food, and teach your children the right way to wash hands. Wet your hands, work up a lather, scrub the back of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails, rinse and dry.
Until they are well, people who are ill should stay home and avoid visits to newborns or family members in hospitals, nursing homes, hospices or assisted living facilities, Amler said. People there are often at increased risk for complications from flu or other viruses, and viruses spread easily in these settings. If you have a family member at home sick with the flu or another virus, hand hygiene and frequent cleaning are critical for everyone in your household. Environmentally friendly cleaning products often aren’t strong enough to kill germs, Amler said. Instead, clean high-touch hard surfaces with a bleach solution. Add a tablespoon of bleach to a gallon of water. Pour this into a labeled spray bottle and use it to clean countertops and tables, railings and door knobs, but don’t use on upholstered furniture. When you are sick, try to avoid preparing food for others and don’t share utensils. Free flu shots will be given by appointment at the White Plains district office, located at 134 Court St., on Feb. 17; March 3 and 17; and April 7 and 21. Free flu shots will also be available at the Yonkers district office, located at 20 S. Broadway, 2nd floor, on Feb. 24; March 10 and 24; and April 14 and 28. Call 9955800 to schedule a visit. For a visual reminder of these seasonal health tips, watch the county Department of Health’s video at westchestergov.com/ health. For more information, you can also call the Department of Health at 813-5000, follow on Twitter @wchealthdept, or like on Facebook at facebook.com/ wchealthdept. (Submitted)
14 • THE CITY REVIEW • February 10 & 17, 2017
SPORTS
Cheaters never prosper LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
Sometime around halftime on Sunday night, I sent my friend Derek an email. Derek, a Massachusetts native, is a wonderful human being, but also exemplifies the absolute worst of Patriots’ fandom—i.e., the smugness and sense of entitlement that comes with claiming the successes of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick as his own. So, seeing as his Pats were headed into the second half of Super Bowl LI trailing the Atlanta Falcons 213, I—being the good friend that I am—just wanted to know how he was doing. He didn’t respond. When the Falcons extended that lead to 25 points in the third quarter, I started to feel bad, so I reached out again. I told Derek that I was sincerely sorry to be witnessing Brady’s demise in real time and
that, although his Pats had put together a historic run over the last 15 years, maybe it was time to look to the future of the organization with someone like second-year player Jimmy Garoppolo under center. Despite my best efforts to let my friend know that I was there for him, Derek refused to answer. My other friends also sent Derek their condolences. My buddy Matt reminded him that, in some ways, it was good that the Pats would lose to someone other than the Giants this time. Justen let Derek know that if it were up to him, he would personally deliver a ball pump to NRG Stadium to help facilitate a New England comeback. Alex wanted to know if Derek would be driving up to Foxboro next fall for Brady’s inevitable retirement ceremony. We’re good friends, and we were just looking out for one of our own in his time of mourning. Of course, we all know what happened next.
Brady and the Pats scored 25 unanswered points in regulation and beat the Falcons in overtime in the most thrilling game in Super Bowl history. As the confetti rained down in Houston and Roger Goodell took the stage to a chorus of lusty boos, Derek finally broke his silence with just three words. “You were saying?” he responded. If you, like most of America, root against the Patriots, you shouldn’t be surprised by what happened on Sunday night. The Pats have exceeded expectations for nearly two decades now, winning five Super Bowls in that time and establishing themselves as one of the best dynasties in the history of American professional sports—particularly in today’s age of parity. Back in the heyday of the New York Yankees, it was often said that rooting for the Bombers was akin to rooting for U.S. Steel. If that’s the case, then cheering for Brady and the Patriots has to be
On Feb. 4, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots won their fifth Super Bowl with a 34-28 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons. Sports Editor Mike Smith now regrets trolling his Pats fan friend early on in the game. Photo courtesy Wikipedia
like rooting for Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire; you may blow up a Death Star or two, or catch Belichick videotaping an opponents’ practice, but ultimately, they will always strike back. Derek hasn’t reached out to us since the night of the Pats’ latest win, but we don’t expect him to
be quiet for long. I’m sure that right now, he’s crafting a long, heartfelt email about how he understands how tough it must be for us to root for teams that aren’t a lock for the conference championship game each year, and that all we can do is keep our chins up.
But even though I know he’s a good friend, and that he’ll mean to cheer us up with his message, I can’t help but think that hearing from him will simply be deflating.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
TO COVER LOCAL SPORTS, YOU NEED A
LIVE MIKE! Follow Mike Smith @LiveMike_Sports stats • recaps • commentary Follow @cityreviewnr for Mike’s live, in-game action updates
SPORTS
February 10 & 17, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 15
New Ro ready for sectionals By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor On Feb. 4, a handful of Huguenot wrestlers punched their tickets to the Section I championships with top-four finishes at the Division II qualifiers at New Rochelle High School. With the biggest wrestling in the area looming on Feb. 11, the Huguenot grapplers will spend the week preparing to go against the best the section has to offer. New Rochelle played host to Tappan Zee, Suffern, Eastchester, Mamaroneck, Ossining, Lakeland/Panas, and Yorktown last Saturday, and although Suffern had the most success on the day, sending a total of 13 wrestlers through to the next round of the wrestling postseason, the Huguenots also fared well, qualifying six athletes for the upcoming tournament. “I thought we could have qualified as many as 10 guys, but when it comes down to the divisionals, it’s kind of the luck of the draw,” Huguenot coach Eddie Ortiz said. “Some guys were at tough weights, some guys
Aidan Lilly pins an opponent on Feb. 4. Photos/Mike Smith
Eddie Maffia tangles with an opponent at the Division II qualifiers. Maffia reached the finals in the 152-pound bracket.
didn’t have their best days, but of all the guys we are sending to sectionals had good years, they all had at least 20 wins, so we’re just looking ahead to that now.” New Rochelle made the most noise in the 170-pound division,
draw in regulation before Wallace was able to take down his opponent in the overtime period and add to his already impressive win total. Watching the two square off, Ortiz said, was something of a unique position for the Huguenots’ coaching staff to be in. “You can’t really do too much, they’re kind of on their own,” Ortiz said. “You’re really just watching on the side, you’re there if someone has an injury.” Both Wallace and Logan should garner top seeds at 170 pounds in the upcoming sectional tournament, and another showdown between the two could be in the cards. According to Ortiz, having two wrestlers achieving such a high level in the same weight class is a source of pride for the program. “It’s kind of a tough deal because both of them are such great wrestlers, they’ve been training partners for the last three years and you watch them go at it every day,” said the head coach. “It’s like having two kids and it makes it tough because you know that ultimately, one of them is not going to achieve their goal.” Eddie Maffia and Adian Lilly, wrestling at 152 and 220 pounds, respectively, also reached the championships on Saturday. Maffia lost a 9-0 decision to Suffern’s Brian Nicpon, and Lilly was pinned by Suffern’s Tyrell Jackson in the fi-
where Jordan Wallace squared off against teammate Jake Logan in the finals. Logan, who has been sidelined since the Eastern States Tournament three weeks ago, battled Wallace—the reigning Section I champ—to a 1-1
Jake Logan upends a Tappan Zee opponent on Feb. 4 at New Rochelle High School. Logan took second place in the 170-pound bracket, falling to teammate Jordan Wallace in the finals.
Nkosi Trought looks for an advantage during the Division II qualifiers.
nal match. Nkosi Trought, 145 pounds, and Joseph Lopez, 182 pounds, took home fourth-place finishes. Although the sectional seeds will not officially be announced until Feb. 8, after press time, Ortiz said that his charges will spend the week preparing for the upcoming event in the hopes that, come Sunday, Feb 12, there will be a few Huguenots stand-
ing on the podium at Clarkstown South High School. “It’s all very individual at this point, we’re trying to work with each guy on his strengths and correcting his weaknesses,” Ortiz said. “But at this point, these guys have been wrestling all year; they know what they need to do to get ready.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
16 • THE CITY REVIEW • February 10 & 17, 2017