THE
CityREVIEW NewRochelle November 10, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 37 | www.cityreviewnr.com
MYLES ahead
Myles Taylor breaks a tackle during New Rochelle’s Nov. 4 Class AA title game against Clarkstown South at Mahopac High School. The Huguenots captured their third straight sectional crown with a 40-15 win. For story, see page 15. Photo/Mike Smith
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November 10, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 3
Latimer wins county executive race By CHRISTIAN FALCONE Editor-in-Chief Republicans in Westchester didn’t stand a chance on Tuesday night, as a Democratic voter surge culminated with the ushering in of state Sen. George Latim-
er to the highest elected office in the county. The failed re-election for incumbent County Executive Rob Astorino, a two-term Republican, was decisive and swift. As the results began to pour in shortly after 9 p.m. on Nov.
7, the numbers quickly shifted in Latimer’s favor, and what materialized into a double-digit margin early on never tightened. It was a sobering night at the polls for Republicans throughout Westchester, who were left to regroup amid fears that the turnout
State Sen. George Latimer, a Rye Democrat, celebrates his landslide victory on Nov. 7 over incumbent County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican. Latimer embraces a supporter at the Coliseum White Plains as the results stream in. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
was in direct response to President Donald Trump’s policies. Termed the “Trump effect,” it was too much to overcome even for Astorino, who had defied odds in his previous election victories despite a 2-to-1 voter registration disadvantage for Republicans. According to the unofficial county Board of Elections tallies, Latimer captured 116,767 votes, equating to 57 percent of the popular vote, compared to Astorino’s 89,463 votes, or 43 percent. The turnout shows a stark turnaround from when Astorino successfully won re-election in 2013. With his biggest win to date, Latimer continues his unbeaten streak of 18 consecutive elections, which started off in 1987 in a run for the Rye City Council. He then successfully worked his way through the Westchester County Board of Legislators and into the New York state Legislature. Latimer has held some level of elected office for 30 years. Joined by a packed house of supporters at the Coliseum White Plains, Latimer offered victory remarks to raucous cheers from the audience. “We are going to run this county well,” he said. “We’re going to run it on progressive values; we’re going to keep your taxes in line, but it’s not going to be
just about taxes.” Latimer said his administration would be about jobs, housing, transportation, health care and also taxes. “We are going to show you in Westchester what we’re going to show you in the nation in three years,” he added, offering a prelude to the 2020 presidential race, “how to run America the right way.” The campaign was hard fought but also full of mudslinging from both sides. Astorino, with a significant war chest, outspent Latimer by a 3-to-1 margin. At the Crowne Plaza White Plains, Astorino awaited the results alongside his supporters. He held out for most of the night hoping the numbers would eventually swing in his favor. But it wasn’t meant to be. At approximately 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Astorino called Latimer to concede the race and offer his congratulations. “George and I have been friends for quite a long time and served together as well,” he said. “And in the heat of an election… we’re glad we’re at this point so we can go back to being friends…. I look forward to working with him and his team to ensure a very smooth transition in January.” The county executive then ad-
dressed his friends, family and supporters. “We’ve come up short and that’s OK,” said Astorino, who was seeking a final third term in office. “We are blessed to live in a democracy and we respect the will of the delegates. Serving the people of Westchester County has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.” But this loss may close the book on his political career as any future ambitions such as a 2018 run for governor now seem over. When Latimer is sworn into office in January, he will have a supermajority of support from the county’s 17-member legislative branch after Democrats captured additional seats this election. The county executive is elected to a four-year term with an annual salary of approximately $160,000. CONTACT: chris@hometwn.com
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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.
November 10, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 5
Maher defeats Marcotte for District 10 seat By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Assistant Editor Following a nationwide voting trend, Damon Maher, a Demo-
crat, defeated Westchester County Legislator Sheila Marcotte, an Eastchester Republican. According to unofficial results from the county Board of
Elections, Maher garnered 6,482 votes, or 53 percent, to Marcotte’s 5,713, or 47 percent. Maher, a 23-year resident of New Rochelle, was at the Col-
iseum White Plains when he discovered that he was beating the three-term incumbent Marcotte. “I’m still kind of numb,” he told the Review on Wednesday morning. “I ran intending to win; I didn’t run to be another
Democrat Damon Maher, of New Rochelle, defeated Westchester County Legislator Sheila Marcotte for the District 10 seat on Election Day. Maher, right, is pictured at Coliseum White Plains with Nicholas Naber, a former Tuckahoe village board candidate. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
sacrificial lamb.” Serving as his first foray into politics, Maher said experiencing the campaign trail was “wonderful.” “I was going door to door and met a lot of really nice people,” he added. During the campaign, Maher followed the countywide Democratic playbook of aligning Westchester Republicans with President Donald Trump. He specifically tied Marcotte and County Executive Rob Astorino to Trump’s nationalistic views and agenda. “First of all, we should have people reflecting our values at all levels of government,” said Maher, a managing partner Levy Davis & Maher, a Manhattan-based law firm that focuses on employment disputes. Maher said his platform reflects what he believes are Westchester’s values: fair and affordable housing; banning gun shows on county-owned property; and a county free of xenophobia and fear-mongering. He also supports an immigration act, enacting a women’s clinic access bill that has been proposed at the state level, and funding for daycare. But ultimately, this election cycle was likely more a backlash against Trump than anything else. “I think the most important
factor was last year’s election,” he said. “A lot of people had a strong feeling that what happened doesn’t reflect the values of our community in Westchester and this district.” Maher added that Marcotte supports much of Trump’s views. “I was the complete opposite,” he said. “We didn’t have to get into the nastiness of personalities, because it was very clear that we were very different. More voters agreed with me this time around.” The county’s 10th legislative district covers the town of Eastchester, the village of Tuckahoe, and most of the city of New Rochelle north of Interstate 95. County legislators are elected to serve two-year terms. In 2016, Marcotte received a salary of $57,977. Marcotte could not be reached for comment, as of press time. CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com
6 • THE CITY REVIEW • November 10, 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
Amazon County offers viable locations for
headquarters
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
Amazon’s current campus is home to 40,000 employees.
Graphic Designer | Arthur Gedin Graphic Designer | Jim Grasso Advertising | Lindsay Sturman ext. 14, lsturman@hometwn.com Advertising Coordinator | Nancy Kaplan ext. 27, ads@hometwn.com Staff Writers James Pero, Franco Fino Staff Photographer Jen Parente
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. 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.
Amazon’s Seattle location has a 33-building campus. Photos courtesy Amazon
By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter With Amazon’s final decision on a second corporate headquarters a few months away, West-
chester County has put forward a proposal highlighting several potential locations. Since the submission deadline closed on Oct. 19, Amazon has announced that it received 238
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Westchester County has offered the old IBM campus in Somers, pictured, as a potential location for Amazon’s second headquarters. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.com
proposed locations from across North America. Several of the proposals came from within New York state. “It will mean a lot depending on the site that’s selected,” said George Oros, chief of staff for the administration of Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican. “It would mean a lot to that local municipality.” In early September, Amazon first announced it was opening submission proposals from areas interested in becoming the home to the retailer’s second headquarters. In a press release, Amazon said the new headquarters would “be a full equal to our current campus in Seattle.” Amazon’s Seattle location is 8.1 million square feet, and employs more than 40,000 people. “It would be a tremendous economic growth factor for the county,” Oros told the Review. Amazon announced that the second location would eventually employ 50,000 people, and that the company would invest more than $5 billion in construction.
“Amazon HQ2 will bring billions of dollars in up-front and ongoing investments, and tens of thousands of high-paying jobs,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO, said in the announcement. “We’re excited to find a second home.” However, the company has yet to explain why it has an interest in opening a second headquarters. According to Oros, some of the proposed locations are the former PepsiCo headquarters and the former IBM headquarters in Somers, which both met the minimum requirements that Amazon has for its new location. These requirements include being a maximum of 45 minutes from an airport, no more than 2 miles from a major highway, and at-site access to mass transit. Other locations offered by Westchester County consist of sites in the cities of Mount Vernon, New Rochelle and White Plains. Oros explained that the county’s own airport, mass transit system, including the Bee-Line, and affordable office spaces make Westchester a strong contender. New Rochelle, in a separate proposal, offered Davids Island, an uninhabited 120-acre island on the Long Island Sound, and the downtown area as part of its own package to Amazon. New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, a Democrat, said the city’s main focus is on the downtown area, but that Davids Island was included because “it’s a unique asset.” Bramson site’s the city’s combination of “livability and affordability” as one of the reasons New Rochelle should be considered a force to be reckoned with. “[There are a] number of specific sites that the development
team of RDRXR have the ability to build upon, we envision all of those as in play for Amazon,” Bramson said, referencing the city’s master development company which is overseeing all projects in the city. Along with the submitted proposals, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, has offered Amazon the state’s Excelsior Jobs Tax Credit incentives that would come along with choosing New York State as the new headquarters location. The tax credit is part of the Excelsior Jobs Program, which incentivizes companies to move their business to New York by offering jobs, investment, research and development, and real property tax credits. A release from Cuomo’s press office states that these incentives will apply to any of the proposed areas in the state. John Ravitz, executive vice president and chief operating officer at the Business Council of Westchester, a business membership organization, said that if Amazon would move to Westchester it would be a “win-win.” “Westchester makes so much sense for Amazon, for so many reasons,” Ravitz said. “What we’re presenting to Amazon is that Westchester County is the intellectual capital of the state.” As for local businesses, Ravitz said that, “Thousands of employees [would be] there on a daily bases, [and] are going to be able to see and participate in all the exciting businesses we have in Westchester County.” Amazon is currently in negotiations with the proposed sites, and intends to make an announcement on its decision in 2018. CONTACT: taylor@homtewn.com
November 10, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 7
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Parker bests Rosenblum in county race
Bailey is a beautiful female Husky who is about 2 years old and weighs 42 pounds. She is very sweet, gentle, loving and housebroken, too. This active girl enjoys going to the dog park every day, wrestling with the other dogs in her home and then settles down nicely on a dog bed. Her ideal home is with an active family that has another young, playful, active dog her size or bigger and a fenced-in yard. Husky experience a plus. Bailey will repay you with lots of love and gentle kisses. Bailey 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)
Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, is all smiles in White Plains after scoring a huge win over GOP challenger Norman Rosenblum, adding to wholesale Democratic gains across the county. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, joined the wave of big Democratic gains across Westchester County this week, securing a substantial win over challenger Norman Rosenblum. Amongst other legislative races, Parker, a two-term legislator, won by one of the largest margins, securing a formidable 66 percent of the vote compared to 34 percent for Rosenblum, the current mayor of the village of Mamaroneck. Like other Democrats across the county, higher-than-usual voter turnout seemed to clearly work in re-electing Parker to represent the 7th legislative district. According to unofficial county Board of Elections figures, 15,162 people cast ballots in the race compared to just 9,509 during Parker’s last re-election bid in 2015. Further, Parker alone managed to secure 10,000 votes—more than the total number of votes tallied in 2015, a non-presidential election year where she defeated Susan Watson, a Republican from Rye. Parker, while stationed at Bar’Lees Whiskey and Wine Bar on Mamaroneck Avenue, offered her remarks to constituents.
“Thanks so much for re-electing me for a third term,” Parker said to an exuberant Mamaroneck crowd. “I also want to say thank you for recognizing that we are in this together.” Rosenblum, who had held his mayor’s seat since 2009, said he intends to make an exit from politics after opting to pursue higher office instead of running for re-election as village mayor this year. “As they say, the king is dead, long live the king,” he said. “It’s time for other people to step in.” Rosenblum said that while he has no gripes about his campaign, the so-called “Trump effect”—anti-Donald Trump sentiments influencing Democratic voters—was arguably the biggest factor facing Westchester Republicans. “The emphasis was that [Rob] Astorino is like [Donald] Trump, and in my own debate, Rosenblum is like Astorino,” he told the Review. Indeed, countywide, hoards of Democratic voters poured into voting stations and buoyed candidates in their districts. Mirroring Parker’s race, local races in the village of Mamaroneck and the city of Rye—prominent voting blocks in Parker’s district—saw thousands more voters flock to the polls than in
previous elections. Democratic success on election night also helped secure a greater Democratic majority— previously 9-8—in the county Legislature. After at least three Republican incumbents were defeated, with a fourth incumbent’s race—Legislator David Tubiolo, of Yonkers—still too close to call, as of press time, county Democrats will enjoy a super majority come January. Westchester’s 7th District encompasses the city of Rye, the town and village of Mamaroneck, the village of Larchmont, and portions of the city of New Rochelle and the town/village of Harrison. County legislators serve twoyear terms and earn an annual salary of $49,200. Parker could not be reached for comment, as of press time. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
November 10, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 9
Yonkers celebrates
9th annual Pet Parade A pitbull shows off her pretty in pink look.
This pooch will put a spell on you, and now you’re hers.
Farrah Enriquez, 6, and Bella, a 13-year-old maltese. Contributed photo
The Yonkers Downtown/Waterfront paved the way for hundreds of paws, as pups and their owners took part in the ninth an-
nual Yonkers Pet Parade to celebrate Halloween. On Oct. 22, more than 90 dogs dressed as popular political
Taco Bell announces its newest mascot.
Owners join their pets in getting dressed up for the parade. Photos courtesy Rachel Cauvin Photography
figures, comic book superheroes and Disney princesses joined the weekend event in hopes of scoring a win in the Halloween costume contest. “[We tried] to create an event that was inclusive of the many pet owners in the area and also provide an opportunity for people in the broader region to have an excuse to come and visit downtown,” said Jaime Martinez, executive director of the Yonkers Downtown Business Improvement District, BID, a nonprofit that supports development in downtown Yonkers. The parade took place from noon to 2 p.m., where dogs were treated to delicious animal-friendly snacks and crisp bowls of water. “It’s a great opportunity to get out there [and] meet with other pet owners,” Martinez told the Review. He explained that participation in this year’s parade tripled from last year, with 94 dogs registered for the costume contest, and more than 300 people
in attendance. The pets were judged in three different categories: “Scariest Dog,” “Funniest Dog” and “Judge’s Choice.” The panel of judges consisted of Martinez’s daughter, volunteers from the BID, and Bark and Purr, a luxury pet boutique along the Yonkers waterfront which sponsored the event. One of this year’s parade attendees was Danielle Kelly, who marched in the parade with Bella, her 13-year-old Maltese. Kelly said it was her first year in the parade, and added that she would definitely go again. “I thought it was really cute,” she said. “It seemed like the pets really enjoyed it as well.” As for Bella, who was dressed as a little red devil, Kelly said that her pup loved spending time with the other dogs on a sunny afternoon. At the end of the parade, the pets were treated to free treats, some water and certificates commemorating their participation. -Reporting by Taylor Brown
This bee is all bark and no sting.
Costume contest winners: SCARIEST SMALL DOG: Louie, wearing a spider SCARIEST MEDIUM/LARGE DOG: Chuck Norris, dressed as a cowboy FUNNIEST SMALL DOG: Cooper, dressed as Darth Vader FUNNIEST MEDIUM/LARGE DOG: Duke, dressed as a cowboy JUDGES CHOICE: Poppy, dressed as Batman
10 • THE CITY REVIEW • November 10, 2017
County awards $10K to Boys & Girls Club County Executive Rob Astorino awarded $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle to support two programs – “Smart Girls” and “Passport to Manhood” – that are focused on developing youngsters into confident, compassionate and successful members of the community. “It is firmly my belief that safer communities begin close
to home,” Astorino said. “I am always looking to partner with innovative programs that are generated by the local community, and in this case, we found two programs that are doing a fantastic job of building young men and women into strong adults.” Combined, Smart Girls and Passport to Manhood serve over 400 students. The programs are
conducted by the Boys & Girls Club in coordination with the New Rochelle public schools. The partnership is an extension of Astorino’s Safer Communities and #DadBeThere initiatives, which work to strengthen individuals, families and communities. Astorino was joined for the announcement at the Remington Boys & Girls Club of New County Executive Rob Astorino with student speakers Juan Ruiz-Diaz, 15, and Bianca Harris, 15, from the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle. Contributed photos
The county’s donation will help support the Smart Girls and Passport to Manhood programs.
Rochelle by Westchester County Legislator Sheila Marcotte; Bishop Ray Mott, senior pastor of the Family Christian Center of New Rochelle; senior leaders of his fatherhood and faith-based efforts; members of the community; and students and leaders from the Boys & Girls Club. Lutonya Russell-Humes, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle, said there is synergy between the county’s fatherhood initiative and these programs. For instance, she would like to build upon events such as “Dads Take Your Child to School Day” in order to involve more fathers not only in the lives of young men, but in the lives of young girls, too.
“The most critical relationship for a young girl is with her father,” Russell-Humes said. “We often think about fathers and sons, but as a woman, one of the most important relationships I’ve had is with my father. Dads are really important. We have lots of involvement from moms, but the thing we’ve been talking about is how to incorporate dads. This $10,000 will allow us to create some targeted activities for dads and the children we serve. We are pleased to work with the county and further help kids reach their full potential.” Smart Girls is geared towards young women and girls between the ages of eight and 18. The focus is on building healthy atti-
tudes and lifestyles. Special emphasis is placed on the themes of self-esteem, peer pressure, bullying, body image, and positive decision making. In addition, the girls focus on entrepreneurship, career building, community service and mentorship. Passport to Manhood, meanwhile, mirrors the Smart Girls program but instead covers the journey of becoming a young man. The approach is to give young boys an opportunity to see themselves as adults, looking at both the challenges and successes they may face along the way. The program covers a wide range of topics, such as peer interaction, self-esteem, self-portrayal, and mentorship. (Submitted)
November 10, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 11
12 • THE CITY REVIEW • November 10, 2017
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November 10, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 13
The Birch Collective brings Quebec flair to Westchester By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Assistant Editor It seems like most restaurants that have opened this year are on the “new American, farmto-table” path. But The Birch Collective has brought a certain je ne sais quoi to downtown White Plains. The two-story eatery offers comfort food with a French-Canadian flair. So, of course, there’s poutine; the two chefs are from Montreal, and I, honestly, was taken back to long weekends in that city. There is something for everyone on the menu, which features some American classics and dishes with interesting names, like the Wings Beneath My Wind (no typo here). Also, all sauces, marinades and drink purees are made in-house, including a savory caramel drizzle served over tempura cauliflower bits. Perhaps the biggest draw to The Birch Collective is the
drink menu, with cocktails as big as you could imagine and creative names and recipes to boot. If you are an Instagram foodie, you may have seen Finding Nemo: a neon blue cocktail that tastes like bubblegum and gin, served with shark-shaped candy floating around in a sturdy plastic bag. Add to all of this décor that calls to mind a home by the lake with lots of wood, hits from the 1980s and beyond playing through the speakers, and a great staff led by owners Matthew Gagnon Guastaferri, 33, and Pierluc Dupont, whom you’ll see greeting patrons often. “It’s really important to connect,” Gagnon Guastaferri said. “We want to create an experience, not a transaction.” Gagnon Guastaferri has spent half of his life in the hospitality industry, boasting experience in about 25 restaurants and bars across the spec-
One of the many “Birchtails”: the Birchberry Mojito made with a raspberry and rhubarb purée, littered with fresh blueberries.
trum, in all positions. He has French-Canadian blood, grew up in New Hampshire, and has spent about nine years in New York City. He also happens to be a singer-songwriter. Upon visiting Montreal for the first time, Gagnon Guastaferri remembered how much attention the Quebecois pay to food, especially to sauces and marinades. “I was blown away by the food,” he said. “They don’t put up with any crap.” Unless you’ve been to the province of Quebec, you may not have been exposed to its cuisine. The Birch Collective was a year and a half in the making, with the goal of bringing something unique to the White Plains dining and bar scene. Gagnon Guastaferri and Dupont, who also hails from Montreal, clicked upon meeting each other, and practically agreed on everything concerning the restaurant’s concept. They sampled food from various restaurants nationwide, and looked in Brooklyn and even New Jersey for the space. “We said, ‘Let’s go somewhere they need us; let’s be a big fish in a small pond,’” Gagnon Guastaferri said on selecting White Plains as the restaurant’s home. “I know that people expect a great culinary and mixology experience in cities.” All of the restaurant’s elements have a story. According to Gagnon Guastaferri, the yellow birch is the official tree of Quebec, and symbolizes new beginnings. Every table is made from wood from birch trees, and communal tables are a part of the mix. The space is very welcoming; hence the restaurant’s name. To add a personal touch, on the way up to the mezzanine space, childhood photos of staff line the wall of the stairs. Gagnon Guastaferri and Dupont plan on expanding The Birch Collective as a brand, with more locations in the future and even putting their housemade sauces on sale. “We were thinking bigger than just a restaurant,” Gagnon Guastaferri said. “Here, we’re growing.” CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com
As it gets darker outside, The Birch Collective remains warm and inviting.
A cross section of the Birch Burger: bacon jam, cheddar, lettuce, confit tomato, onion and the housemade big Birch sauce served on a brioche bun. The burger is also served with a fried pickle, not pictured.
Poutine Québécois: french fries, cheese curds and brown gravy, topped with smoked meat from the popular Mile End Delicatessen in Brooklyn. Photos/Sibylla Chipaziwa
The Birch Collective 91 Mamaroneck Ave. White Plains, NY 10601 437-9065 thebirchcollective.com
14 • THE CITY REVIEW • November 10, 2017
Goodbye, Doc LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
On Tuesday afternoon, I was mulling possible column topics for the week, when I heard the news about Roy Halladay. The retired MLB great, just 40 years old, had died in a single-casualty plane crash off the coast of Florida. The news hit me like a ton of bricks. Baseball has lost its fair share of stars over the last few years, guys like Oscar Taveras, Yordano Ventura and Jose Fernandez—all players whose best years were ahead of them before their lives were tragically cut short —but it was undoubtedly the loss of Halladay, and what he meant to my formative baseball years, that impacted me the most. Although he never reached the heights of fame like some of his contemporaries, like Randy Johnson or Pedro Martinez, Halladay undoubtedly holds a special place in the hearts of die-hard baseball fans. He was never the flashiest guy
on the field, but he was a consummate professional, a throwback, guy who went out every five days and gave his team a chance to win and would have been just as at home pitching in the 1960s as he was pitching in the juiced-ball era of the early-aughts. There was just so much to admire about his game; he wasn’t a flame-thrower, with his two-seamer sitting most days at around 92 miles per hour, but he didn’t need to be, because I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy command that pitch better. He worked faster than most, too, once combining with Mark Buehrle to throw dueling complete games in a contest between the Blue Jays and White Sox that took less than two hours to complete. But if his attitude and prowess made him a favorite among the baseball cognoscenti, his reputation among his fellow players was even greater. That was certainly evident in the outpouring of support for his family on Tuesday night. Former teammates, opponents, even guys who never shared the field with him all took
SPORTS
the time to share their own memories of “Doc”. By all accounts, Halladay seemed to be one of the good ones—a fierce competitor on the field who understood the importance of serving as a mentor to younger players and giving back to the community. He had two Cy Youngs to his name, sure. But he also earned his colleagues’ respect through his work with disadvantaged children and animal rescue programs. He didn’t get a lot of media attention for his charity work, though, because that simply wasn’t Doc’s way. Nobody put it better than Dodgers’ right-hander Brandon McCarthy, who simply said “Roy Halladay was your favorite player’s favorite player.” Over the next few weeks, as Halladay’s life and career are reviewed, many will wonder if he will someday be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. It’s going to be an interesting debate; Halladay only won 203 games in his 16-year career, never raised the World Series trophy,
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
Former MLB pitcher Roy Halladay died in a plane crash on Nov. 7. Sports Editor Mike Smith remembers the righty as one of the all-time greats. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.org
and only played on a handful of contending teams during his time in the Bigs. At the end of the day, I don’t
know if he’s going to Cooperstown; but I know that I’m lucky enough to have seen him pitched. And baseball was lucky for hav-
ing him out there on the mound.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
SPORTS
November 10, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 15
Huguenots take Class AA crown FOOTBALL
class aa
FINALS
NEW ROCHELLE 40 CLARSTOWN SOUTH 15 MAHOPAC HS
11/4/17
Game Notes: • New Rochelle scored the first 40 points of the game • Jared Baron, Romeo Holden were named Co-Offensive MVPs • The Huguenots will take on Section II champion Troy on Nov. 10 Romeo Holden runs for a touchdown behind Aidan Lilly. Holden found the endzone twice on Saturday.
By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Throughout the course of the 2017 football season, New Rochelle hasn’t met with much resistance from Section I opposition. That narrative went largely unchanged on Nov. 4, as the Huguenots cruised to their third straight Class AA crown, manhandling an overmatched Clarkstown South team 40-15 in the section final at Mahopac High School. Coming into Saturday’s show-
Khairi Manns brings down a Clarkstown ball carrier on Nov. 4 at Mahopac High School. Manns was named the game’s most outstanding lineman.
down, the Huguenots (10-0) had outscored opponents 349-57 over the course of nine games this season and previously topped the Vikings 25-0 on Oct. 3. They played to form on Section I’s biggest stage, amassing a 40-0 lead until emptying the bench in the fourth quarter. Defensive end Khairi Manns, who took home the game’s Most
Valuable Lineman honors, said that the team’s suffocating performance was an extension of the game plan that they have been able to execute all season long. “It’s all about rallying to the ball,” Manns said. “It’s never just one guy tackling, everybody steps up and does their job, and that’s what we’ve been doing all year.” Offensively, New Rochelle
got big games from Jared Baron and Romeo Holden, who earned Co-Offensive MVP honors. Baron ran for 116 yards and two scores, while the elusive Holden rushed for 101, one touchdown and returned a punt for a score. Baron and Holden, both seniors, have been major contributors to each of the Huguenots’ last three titles. “Ever since we were kids, at 5, 6, 7 years old, we knew this was a special group, the whole town knew this was going to be
New Rochelle celebrates its third straight Section I championship. The Huguenots topped Clarkstown South 40-15. Photos/ Mike Smith
a special group,” Baron said. “It’s always great to win it with my guys, and I’m a senior, so it’s even more of a blessing to win a section title.” For the Huguenots, however, earning another Section I championship was simply the first step in the team’s eventual goal of bringing home a state title. They will face a stiff test on Nov. 10, when they take on Troy in the state regional finals. On Nov. 3, Troy (10-0) beat Saratoga Springs 28-6 to capture its second
straight Section II crown. Last year, The Flying Horses topped the Huguenots 20-14 en route to capturing the Class AA state title, and the Huguenots are eager to exact some revenge. “We don’t take anything for granted, and we’re not even thinking about a state title yet,” Manns said. “Right now, we’re just going to focus on Troy because we know that they beat us last year.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
SPORTS
16 • THE CITY REVIEW • November 10, 2017
Volleyball wins first-ever title VOLLEYBALL
class aa
FINALS
NEW ROCHELLE 3 OSSINING 1 PACE UNIVERSITY
11/5/17
Game Notes: • New Rochelle won three straight sets to bring home the program’s first-ever Section I title • The Huguenots are 20-0 this year • New Rochelle will play Binghamton on Nov. 8, after press time By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor On Nov. 5, the New Rochelle volleyball team wrote another chapter to the program’s history, capturing the school’s first-ever Section I title with a four-set victory over defending champion Ossining at Pace University. The Huguenots dropped a wild 31-33 first set to the Pride before ratting off three straight wins— 25-18, 25-14, and 25-22—to
Anna Gussenhoven sends the ball over the net.
Isabella Clayton drops a shot over the net against Ossining on Nov. 5. Photos/Mike Smith
bring home the Section I plaque. The comeback was capped off by a game-winning kill from Adeline Cullom, and according to New Rochelle coach Alyssa Patti-Dembek, it hasn’t been unusual to see an early-set loss spark her
girls that they weren’t just going to roll over and give us the title, we needed to go out and earn it.” The win over Ossining not only gave the program it’s first ever title, it also capped off a perfect 20-0 start to the season
team to a win this year. “I think it’s happened a couple of times early on, especially in a game to Ursuline [on Sept. 19], we dropped one and that woke us up,” Patti-Dembek said. “Against Ossining, I think it showed the
New Rochelle players huddle up after a point against Ossining. The Huguenots unseated the defending Class AA champs to win their first-ever title.
for a Huguenot team that was garnering some attention early on this fall. Patti-Dembeck admitted that although she may not have predicted the kind of success her Huguenots would have this fall, others had the
squad pegged as potential section champs right from the beginning. “We were having a preseason scrimmage with a bunch of other schools, and I remember that [John Jay coach] Diane Swertfager came up to me and said, you guys are going to go all the way this year,” Patti-Dembek recalled. “That definitely surprised me, even if I knew that we had a lot of talent, because we hadn’t been at that level before.” But with the win over Ossining, the Huguenots proved to the rest of the Section I that they belonged on that level. “We had good serves and our communication was important,” Patti-Dembek said. “Our communication is always the key to our success.” The Huguenots will look for their 21st win on Nov. 8, after press time, when they take on Binghamton at John Jay High School in the state regional final round. And although she admitted her team was happy to be in this position, she was adamant that her team is continuing to work hard in the hopes of bringing back a state title. “Our preparation has been the same, and we always watch game-film,” Patti-Dembek said. “We know that there are a lot of areas we can still improve on and we are going to do our best to get better.” CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com