THE
CityREVIEW NewRochelle December 15, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 36 | www.cityreviewnr.com
Purchase students collaborate on White Plains project
10 years and counting
BLT Steak recently celebrated 10 years on White Plains’ dining scene, changing the face of steakhouses and championing the importance of excellent service. For story, see page 6. Photo/Sibylla Chipaziwa
Bedford supervisor to run for Latimer Senate seat By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Bedford Supervisor Chris Burdick, a Democrat, will add to a pool of candidates looking to fill the seat of former state Sen. George Latimer, as he readies to take the reins as Westchester County executive next month. In a statement on Dec. 5, Burdick said he’s ready to take his political career a step further. “I am looking forward to taking that record, and my work ethic, to the next level by representing the residents of the 37th Senatorial District,” he said. Burdick has served as Bed-
ford supervisor since 2013 and had prior to that served as a councilman dating back to 2007. Among Burdick’s priorities are building party unity, using his candidacy announcement as an opportunity to criticize the Independent Democratic Conference, IDC, a group of eight state senators who were elected as Democrats but often side with Republican leadership in a power-sharing agreement with the GOP. Though Democrats have a one-seat majority in the state Senate, the IDC gives Republicans control of the Senate. “The IDC-Republican lead-
ership has resulted in a failed record for New Yorkers,” Burdick said in a statement. “Their anti-choice, anti-immigrant, anti-reform record does not reflect the values of Westchester voters.” According to an Associated Press report last month, mainline Democrats in the state Senate and members of the IDC said they are willing to agree to a proposal allowing for a power-split between leaders of both sides, successfully bringing members of the IDC back into the party’s fold. The IDC emerged as an opposition caucus in 2011 headed
by state Sen. Jeff Klein, a Bronx Democrat, who was ousted from party leadership after Democrats lost the Senate majority in 2010. In addition to Burdick, state SENATE continued on page 8
For the third year in a row, SUNY Purchase College School of the Arts has collaborated with the White Plains Business Improvement District, BID, to exhibit Art in Vacant Spaces, an innovative art project in empty storefronts in downtown White Plains. First launched in 2015, the project was created to improve the visual appearance of several vacant storefronts, thereby enhancing the overall ambiance and pedestrian experience in the downtown. This year, Warren Lehrer, a professor at SUNY Purchase, worked with his Community Design class to populate the storefronts with visual poetry as part of their pro-bono work for the semester. The School of the Arts hired poet Judith Sloan to research and interview people in White Plains, and to write site-specific poems for the project that represent the hopes, desires, memories, and soul of people working and or living in White Plains, leaving room for evocative interpretations by student designers. Sloan wrote poems that would invite experimental and evocative visualizations and collaborations with student designers. In writing the text for fall 2017, Sloan wanted to give voice to the fact that students and community members are living in a difficult, ‘divided’ country. “I wanted to reveal the things that are holding communities together including ideas around what it takes to create a community and maintain a community,” Sloan said. The students in Lehrer’s class visualized the poems, making many variations, using typography, image, shape, and color, then refining their solu-
tions, and making final presentations. This year, the project transformed three vacant storefronts on Mamaroneck Avenue, and included second floor windows for the first time. For her setting of the poem “Recipe for a Loving Community,” Madeline Friedman designed suggestive silhouetted scenes for each of nine sets of second floor windows at 131 Mamaroneck Ave., “inviting the public to engage their imagination and enter the world of the inhabitants. For the trilingual poem “I’m Here,” Kelly Mertz interwove the different languages into line drawings of buildings to evoke the diversity and co-existence found in White Plains. Hailee Knadle’s eye-catching interpretation of “New Rhythms” celebrates the seasons of life cycling through time via evolving shapes and vibrant colors. White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach said, “This initiative between the White Plains BID and SUNY Purchase Community Design students showcases a creative and collaborative approach to public art in an urban setting. The work has enlivened our streetscape and created inspiring and thought-provoking messages about community and place.” Brittany Brandwein, the director of events and business promotions for the White Plains BID and the project manager said, “Collaborating with property owners, city hall, artists, and students is the essence of the project and exemplifies the unifying message we have portrayed in the artworks. For the second year in a row, we incorporated the free downloadable app Otocast into PURCHASE continued on page 8
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Astorino vetoes budget; legislators look to override By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, is expected to veto an incoming budget after county lawmakers voted to include a tax levy increase—something Astorino hasn’t done since being elected in 2010—in their revision of his proposed budget for 2018. In a statement issued on Dec. 11, Astorino revealed his plans to veto the most recent budget plan put forward by lawmakers. “There’s no reason to raise property taxes on the already overburdened residents and businesses of Westchester,” he said in a statement. “I proposed a budget that was balanced and provided sufficient revenues for county services. For that reason, I will veto the budget and its tax increase approved by the Board of Legislators.” The 2018 budget—passed 12-5 by lawmakers—included a 2 percent tax levy increase, which clocked in under the 4.4 percent New York state-imposed tax levy cap. Lawmakers say that the tax increase was to make up for projected revenue shortfalls.
An original $1.8 billion budget sent down by Astorino on Nov. 13 held the tax levy flat for the eighth consecutive year with spending increasing by less than 1 percent. But, in order to achieve that end, the county executive included cuts to the county’s Engineering and Planning departments as well as the elimination of six park curator positions. Astorino was also accused of attempting to hamstring the incoming administration by reducing support staff to the office of the county executive. After deliberations, the revised budget was passed by the county Board of Legislators with bipartisan support in the form of backing from three Republican lawmakers—David Gelfarb, of Rye Brook; Jim Maisano, of New Rochelle; and David Tubiolo, of Yonkers—giving them potentially enough votes to override Astorino’s veto. Among the areas of concern, legislators have pointed to $30 million in tentative revenue that was included in the budget for a deal privatizing the county’s airport—a deal that lacks support from the county Board of Legislators and County Executive-elect George Latimer, a
Democrat. “Just upon our receipt, this budget included a $29 million hole, as the airport deal was rejected by this legislature, the voters, and financial auditors,” said county Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat. “For the Astorino Administration to include it in its budget once again—while just showing us the details—is an insult to the people of Westchester.” That deal sought to reclassify the airport under a Federal Aviation Administration-run program that allows participants to transition their publicly owned airports into the private sector and then use subsequent revenue toward an operating budget. Last year, legislators also voted to include $15 million in projected revenue derived the airport’s privatization. An original $130 million, 40year agreement, which was sent down to lawmakers on Nov. 3 2016, would have given the investment firm Oaktree Management the exclusive bid for the project, but the deal was sunk by Democrats who accused the administration of skirting proper request for proposals process.
Despite a veto by Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, a supermajority override will help the county Board of Legislators prevail in their passage of a revised 2018 budget increasing the tax levy by 2 percent. Photo courtesy westchestergov.com
Since then, the deal has gone through a formal bidding process resulted in Astorino’s recent selection of Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation, who agreed to a $1 billion deal that would extend for 40 years and throughout its lifespan pay the county $595 million on top of $550 million in capital improvements at the airport.
In addition to raising the tax levy, the Board of Legislators’ revised budget will also restore cuts to the Planning and Engineering departments—positions which will be responsible for handling the $1.2 billion in capital project backlogs—as well as previously nixed county parks curator positions. Seven proposed cuts to the
county executive’s support staff will also be restored for Latimer if the budget is passed as is; three additional positions will also be added in the budget. The Board of Legislators will likely override an Astorino veto and will adopt its budget before a Dec. 27 deadline. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
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What’s going on... New Rochelle Public Library
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.
For more information on hours and programs, visit nrpl.org.
Holiday closings The New Rochelle Public Library and the Huguenot Children’s Library will be closed on Sunday, Dec. 24 and Monday, Dec. 25 in observance of Christmas. The libraries will resume regular operating hours on Tuesday, Dec. 26. The libraries will also be closed on Sunday, Dec. 31 for New Year’s Eve, and Monday, Jan. 1, 2018 for New Year’s Day. The libraries will resume regular operating hours on Tuesday, Jan. 2.
‘Sing Your Heart Out!’ Concert On Sunday, Dec. 17 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the main library’s Ossie Davis Theater. Under the direction of music aficionado Robert Puleo, the talented adults of the “Sing Your Heart Out” classes will present a culminating concert with music of Christmas, Hanukkah, and other winter celebrations. The singers have been meeting every Saturday for several months, preparing for this grand finale performance. Free. Made possible by the Lillian Robbins-Rick Englander Memorial Fund.
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.
Hands-On Technology Drop In On Wednesday, Dec. 6 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.
Internet for Beginners On Thursday, Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Computer Lab on the main library’s third floor. Learn about the Internet and the World Wide Web, how to navigate a web browser and explore the library’s website. 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.
How to Scan Documents and Upload Photos On Friday, Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon in the Computer Lab on the main library’s third floor. Learn how to scan photos or images, change 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. Free. 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.
Free Vacation Programs For Children The main New Rochelle Public Library and the Huguenot Children’s Library are offering a great variety of free programs for children in pre-K through grade five during the December vacation week. The Calpulli Mexican Dance Company continues its partnership with the New Rochelle Public Library by offering Mexican dance classes on Wednesday, Dec. 27 through Saturday, Dec. 30. Class for children ages 5 to 7 will be held from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., and classes for children ages 8 to
13 will be held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The classes will culminate in a special Three Kings Day performance on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 4 p.m. Students must attend all four sessions and a dress rehearsal on Friday, Jan. 5 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Registration will take place on Dec. 27. On Wednesday, Dec. 27, the family film, “Finding Dory,” will be shown from 10:30 a.m. to 12:15 pm. Pixar’s animated undersea adventure features Dory, the forgetful blue tang fish, who suddenly remembers she has a family who may be looking for her and sets off on a life-changing quest to find them… with the help from many characters. Later that afternoon, from 1 p.m. to 2:40 p.m., the family film, “How to Train Your Dragon,” will be shown. A winner with audiences and critics alike, the DreamWorks movie rolls fire-breathing action, epic adventure and laughs into a captivating and original story. An “Only One You” Workshop will be held for elementary school students on Thursday, Dec. 28 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Artist and art teacher Kathy Nesi will lead the activity inspired by a popular children’s book of the same title, and resulting in a full-scale self-portrait. Participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis, to the capacity of the Meeting Room, beginning at 12:15 pm. The library will wrap up 2017 with a live performance by circus performer Will Shaw on Friday, Dec. 29 from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. His unique blend of physical comedy, verbal wit and dazzling skill has taken him across the country and around the world. His universally appealing style, irresistible to audiences of all ages, involves juggling, unicycling, balance tricks, boomerangs, cowboy rope tricks, music, sight gags, clowning, and audience participation. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis to the 138-seat capacity of the Ossie Davis Theater. Vacation week programs are made possible by funding from the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library and a grant of the New Rochelle Public Library Foundation.
New Rochelle news Free holiday two-hour parking In continuation of an annual tradition and to promote holiday shopping in New Rochelle, the city will offer two hours of free holiday parking in certain municipal lots. Free two-hour holiday parking in municipal lots will be in effect from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Saturday, Dec. 30. Normal parking regulations will resume on Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. Off-street parking fees will be waived in all lots controlled by either meters or pay by space machines, excluding the New Roc City Garage, the New Rochelle Transit Center and all permit parking areas.
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.
Westchester County news Golf course closings The six county-owned golf courses will close for the season after play on Sunday, Dec. 31. They will remain open until that date, weather and conditions permitting; check with the individual course. The courses are Dunwoodie, 231-3490, and Sprain Lake, 231-3481, both in Yonkers; Maple Moor, 995-9200, in White Plains; Mohansic, 862-5283, in Yorktown Heights; Saxon Woods, 231-3461, in Scarsdale; and Hudson Hills, 864-3000, in Ossining. The courses are expected to reopen in March, weather and conditions permitting. The exact date will be announced.
LEGOLAND Westchester Bricktacular Tis the season to be jolly at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester during Bricktacular. Join in on the festive holiday fun every weekend in December as you walk through a Winter Wonderland-themed MINILAND searching for LEGO presents in a bricktastic scavenger hunt. Help the LEGO delivery truck get all of the hidden presents delivered by the holiday for a chance to win a family four pack of annual passes. Snap a photo with our custom holiday themed builds created by Master Model Builder Anthony Maddoloni, and enjoy winter and holiday-themed mosaic builds in the Master Builder Academy. All visitors receive a limited edition Collector Holiday LEGO Brick. Annual pass members can keep warm with a free hot chocolate every weekend. On Christmas Day, the center will be open for Bricktacular’s last day. LEGOLAND Discovery Center Westchester is located at 39 Fitzgerald St., Yonkers. Tickets start at $15.95; children under 2 are free. Opening hours for Bricktacular in December: Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Monday, Dec. 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 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.
December 15, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 5
BHS orchestra spreads holiday cheer at Lawrence Hospital
From left, Bronxville High School students Christopher Hutchins and Masha Popovic on violin, Bronxville High School orchestra director Dr. Denise Lutter, Bronxville High School students Claire Rich and Theodore Liao on cello, Kirsten Ircha on viola, Sarah Whitney on violin, Amy Xu on cello and George Daher on violin. Photo courtesy Bronxville school district
Members of the Bronxville High School orchestra, led by orchestra director Dr. Denise Lutter, spread holiday cheer by performing an arrangement of holiday classics for the staff and patients at Lawrence Hospital on Dec. 8. “I was delighted when one of the doctors borrowed a student’s cello and played two selections with us,” Lutter said. “We hope that impromptu moments such as this bring joy to those who work
in stressful, demanding professions, and we hope that the music served to brighten the spirits of the patients.” Lutter and the group of students – George Daher, Christopher Hutchins, Masha Popovic, and Sarah Whitney on violin, Kirsten Ircha on viola, Theodore Liao, Claire Rich, and Amy Xu on cello – performed favorites such as “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Up on the Housetop,” “Jolly
Old Saint Nicholas,” “Deck the Halls” and “Carol of the Bells.” They performed throughout the hospital, including the maternity ward, cancer center and orthopedic department. As members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, the students use their musical skills in service to others. In the past, Bronxville students have performed at nursing homes, senior centers and local churches. (Submitted)
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CityREVIEW NewRochelle P.O. Box 485 White Plains, N.Y. 10602 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 | 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. 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, P.O. Box 485 White Plains, N.Y. 10602
BLT Steak White Plains celebrates 10 years By SIBYLLA CHIPAZIWA Assistant Editor BLT Steak’s White Plains location turned 10 years old recently, and the restaurant has helped change classic steakhouses from being an old men’s club to a place where anyone can wine and dine. “The comment I heard most when we first came was ‘Wow, this is the first restaurant in Westchester that feels like I’m eating in Manhattan,’” said Keith Treyball, president of ESquared Hospitality, BLT Steak’s parent company. “I heard that three times a night in the beginning.” To celebrate 10 years, BLT Steak offered popovers with golden tickets inside, which included prizes such as gift cards, a night in a Ritz-Carlton deluxe room, and “The Golden Experience”: a three-course dinner with wine pairings for two. Treyball said one thing that has set the restaurant apart over the past decade has been its attention to not just the meat—a 28day dry-aged porterhouse for two is one item—but appetizers and side dishes as well, which currently includes grilled double-cut smoked bacon, hen of the woods mushrooms and duck fat hash browns. While 90 percent of BLT’s menu is set, current executive chef Andrew Schilling’s playground is the “blackboard menu,” which tends to focus on peak season ingredients, sourcing locally whenever possible. “The original chef [when BLT Steak opened in 2007] spent a lot of time making a menu that spoke to not only men, but to women,” Treyball said, mentioning great salad offerings and lightening up the décor as examples. “We took that to the next level.” BLT Steak also stands out because of its seafood offerings, another remnant of the location’s first chef. “He brought a component to the menu which I don’t think you saw at other steakhouses,” Treyball said. “A lot of people followed suit afterwards.” BLT wanted to grow its brand, hence the reason to open up at the Ritz-Carlton Westchester; ESquared has maintained relationships with hotel groups. It also made sense as some patrons had dined at the Midtown location on 57th Street and lived in Westchester County. “Now Westchester has become quite a savvy dining scene, and I think a lot of that has trickled out from Manhattan,” he added. Treyball stressed the importance of service as much as the cuisine. “A bad waiter can’t save a good meal, but a good waiter can save a bad meal,” he said, adding it’s all about reading the guest, and making sure that their experience is a memorable one. “Throughout the years, BLT Steak has remained a go-to restaurant. Ten years is a pretty good run,” Treyball said. There are Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinners available for reservations.
BLT Steak’s tuna tartare with avocado and soy-lime dressing is a popular appetizer.
To celebrate 10 years in White Plains, BLT Steak guests were treated to popovers with golden tickets inside, offering some delectable prizes.
CONTACT: sibylla@hometwn.com
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The White Plains location is bright with high ceilings and touches of wood and leather.
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BLT Steak The rib-eye, arguably the most flavorful cut of steak, served with bone marrow. Photos courtesy BLT Steak
at The Ritz-Carlton Westchester 221 Main St., White Plains 467-5500 bltrestaurants.com/blt-steak/white-plains
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First-class entertainment in your backyard By DORIS SHAW BLOCK Contributor Look no farther than Larchmont, Mamaroneck and New Rochelle for wonderful and affordable performances by committed groups of professional artists during the upcoming holiday season and throughout the new year. There is no need to travel afar for first-class entertainment. The Larchmont-Mamaroneck Local Summit’s Nov. 14 breakfast program featured nonprofit high-quality performing arts venues in our community. The panel included New Rochelle Opera’s co-founder and artistic director, Camille Coppola, who opened the program by singing an aria from “The Merry Widow.” The other noted speakers were Mark Ettenger, president of the Emelin Theatre board of directors; Eric Milnes, director of music at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Mamaroneck; and Tony Coretto, president of The Westchester Chorale. Coppola co-founded New Rochelle Opera 33 years ago with a dual mission of providing young opera singers with a performance venue and the community with an appreciation of live opera. The company performs a fully staged and costumed opera with professional singers each year at the Ursuline School. Next June, the company will perform Puccini’s “La Boheme.” Mamaroneck’s Emelin Theatre, a multi-genre performance venue with the motto “world class right here,” recently celebrated its 45th anniversary with a gala featuring Tony Award-winning singer/actress Kelli O’Hara. With 110 performances annually entertaining an audience of 25,000, the Emelin provides an enormous variety of affordable, quality performances by well-known artists, including all types of music, dance, comedy and children’s’ programs. There is also a popular Wednesday evePURCHASE from page 1
the project that gives viewers detailed information about window designs from all three years that are currently on view.” Lehrer said, “This class enables senior graphic students to work on projects with real clients, collaborators, budgets, deadlines. But the scale of this project is especially exciting for the students. And I like that it engages students to think about poetry, and issues having to do with community and public art.”
compasses Rye, White Plains, Yonkers, Harrison, Mamaroneck, North Castle, Bedford, and Eastchester.
SENATE from page 1
Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer, a Yonkers Democrat, and White Plains’ Kat Brezler—a teacher and campaign organizer for Sen. Bernie Sanders, of Vermont, during his presidential run—are also interested in the open seat. It is now up to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, to decide whether to call for a special election to fill the final year remaining on Latimer’s term. The other option would be for Cuomo to leave the seat vacant, and ultimately be decided by the November 2018 election. The Senate’s 37th District en-
CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
Bedford Supervisor Chris Burdick, a Democrat, will join a growing list of candidates interested in filling a New York Senate seat vacated by Westchester County Executiveelect George Latimer. Photo courtesy bedfordny.gov
Mark Ettenger, president of the Emelin Theatre board of directors, standing, speaks about performing arts in the community at the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Local Summit breakfast program in November. Contributed photo
ning film club showing independent and foreign films. St. Thomas will be celebrating its 200th anniversary with five major performances at 4 p.m. on the following Sundays: Dec. 17, Feb. 4, March 25, April 15 and June 10. Musical director Eric Milne crafts programs drawing from all traditions of music. “Handel’s Messiah,” performed last year to much praise, will be repeated this year on Dec. 17, featuring the Choir of St. Thomas, an orchestra of Baroque instruments and internationally acclaimed soloists. The Westchester Chorale, founded in 1965 and currently resident at the Larchmont Avenue Church, is the oldest chorus in Westchester County, with a mission of presenting the best in choral music. Under the musical direction of Douglas Kostner, the 35- to 45-member chorus performs fall and spring concerts showcasing diverse musical traditions. On Dec. 16 at 4 p.m., the chorale also will perform “Handel’s Messiah.” The panelists spoke about their organizations’ outreach to, and involvement with, the local communities and their efforts to reach diverse audiences. Coppola teaches local school children about opera and then brings them to a per-
formance for their first live opera experience. Ettenger noted that artists performing at the Emelin have conducted master classes at local schools, and the Emelin offers student and group discounts. The Emelin has made efforts to showcase a variety of performers and engage diverse audiences, including dance programs with dancers of color and presenting “The Sound of Music” with Spanish subtitles. Milne noted that St. Thomas offers free concert admission to anyone unable to pay and stressed the church’s mission of encouraging and celebrating diversity, inclusiveness, and service to the community. Coretto noted the Westchester Chorale’s policy of student discounts and free admission to children under 12.
Lehrer received a 2017 Design Educators Award for the White Plains Storefront project from Design Incubation, a national organization that fosters dialogue between design educators, and grants awards for excellence in teaching and research. The White Plains Storefront Project was one of five projects the community design class worked on this semester. Other projects include a public art project for the Harrison Public Library, a catalogue for an ex-
hibition of activist graphics, a poster campaign for WESPAC’s Westchester Social Forum, and campaigns for SUNY Purchase’s Natural & Social Science symposium and lecture series. The White Plains BID appreciates the city of White Plains for their support, and for the generous sponsorship from LANline, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, and the Eugene & Emily Grant Faculty Incentive Fund. For more information, visit wpbid.com/art. (Submitted)
This breakfast forum was hosted by the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Local Summit, an informal community council that seeks to make life better for all in the tri-municipal area. The Local Summit’s Dec. 19 breakfast program will feature a discussion with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Shaps on Mamaroneck’s growing enrollment and space challenges. All breakfast programs are held at Nautilus Diner in Mamaroneck at 7:45 a.m.
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December 15, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 9
brings traditional southern comfort to White Plains By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter Only a few weeks into its opening, Freebird Kitchen & Bar in White Plains is serving customers with southern food, specialty smoked cocktails and a cozy atmosphere. The restaurant, previously known as Elements Food & Spirits, is located at 161 Mamaroneck Ave. and officially opened its doors on Nov. 22. Owner and operator Nick Fusco took over the restaurant nine months ago, with a goal in mind to turn it into White Plains’ first southern comfort spot. “It became available, and you know, I always wanted something around [White Plains],” he said. Fusco, a native of Harrison, explained his family’s background is in Italian food restaurants, which made him want to choose a different style of food for his new spot. After speaking with a consulting company, the idea of southern comfort came up. “It’s something different, [and] it goes really well with liquor,” Fusco said. Fusco explained patrons can expect to see fried chicken, burgers on Texas toast, and sweet tea and lemon grilled chicken on the menu. The restaurant also has a rooftop beer garden, which will feature its own separate menu, with barbecue dishes and foods typically found at a picnic. The rooftop will be open for New Year’s Eve, and again once the weather begins to warm up in the spring. But of everything Freebird has to offer, Fusco said the smoked cocktails have been their biggest hit so far. “We’re probably the only bar in the area that does [smoked cocktails],” he said. The drinks are made by using a smoking gun, an appliance that infuses food and drinks with smoky flavors. After mixing the cocktail, the bartenders pump smoke into a bottle where the alcohol can absorb it.
Nick Fusco, owner and operator of Freebird, creates a Smoke on the Water, one of the bar’s signature cocktails made with the use of a smoking gun.
Freebird Kitchen & Bar is located at 161 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains.
Freebird can seat more than 250 customers at a time.
“It’s becoming more and more popular,” Fusco said. “Around here you don’t see it as much, but it’s become the biggest selling item [at Freebird].” Although the variety of drinks offered doesn’t stop there. Fusco explained that they offer more than 90 types of whiskeys ranging from $30 a bottle to $500. “We’re trying to have a different style than your everyday bar,” he said. Fusco promises that there’s nothing else around White Plains like Freebird, and the customers can expect even better things from the restaurant in the future. He disclosed that some of their plans include trivia nights every Wednesday, brunch and also some live entertainment. Fusco explained that they’re aiming to create less of a party scene and more of a spot where patrons can have a “good dinner
and a few drinks.” Jillian Fontecchio, Fusco’s sister, said that so far their customers seem to be receptive to the restaurant’s concept. “People are definitely excited about the drink menu, it’s different,” she said. Fontecchio explained she became involved with the businesses after hearing Fusco was intending to open a new restaurant. “It’s been exciting. It’s definitely eventful,” she said. “There’s non-stop something to do, [and] someone to talk to.” The restaurant has already received a four-star rating on Yelp, with customers expressing their interest in returning to the restaurant. Freebird is open Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.; Monday from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.; and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m. Customers enjoy from more than x types of beer.
CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com
A bartender for Freebird mixes up one of the restaurant’s signature drinks. Photos/Taylor Brown
10 • THE CITY REVIEW • December 15, 2017
December 15, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 11
Sponsored by
portraiture. “Patriotism” by John Murphy is pictured above. Veterans in Focus will be on view through Dec. 23 in Gallery9, ArtsWestchester’s ninth-floor gallery in White Plains. For more information, visit artsw.org/jhproject. -Rocio de la Roca
‘The Gift of the Magi’
Mahlstedt Gallery explores photography in digital age During a time when carrying a high-quality camera is as ubiquitous as owning a smartphone, Mahlstedt Gallery has taken a step back to look how today’s professional photographers are growing and changing with this ever-evolving technology. Mahlstedt presents “Contemporary Photography,” an exhibition that features works by five digital artists: Aitor Arana, Andrei Tallent, Astro de Sagun, Lori Hutchinson and Philip McKay. Each of these photographers experiments through new creative outlets like computer programs, which allows them to more properly express their artistic vision. Various and ever-changing digital advancements allow for these artists to convey their expressions through a diverse range of innovative processes. This provides new possibilities for a more meaningful visual communication with its viewer as well. “Contemporary Photography” is on view through Jan. 4, 2018 in New Rochelle. For more information, visit jam415.com.
-Mary Alice Franklin
Photos by local veterans at Gallery9 in White Plains An exhibition, “Veterans in Focus,” will feature the photography of nine veterans who participated in an eight-week program by artists Joseph Squillante and Karen Ann Sullivan, both members of ArtsWestchester’s Teaching Artists roster. Squillante and Sullivan collaborated with the nonprofit organization Josephine Herrick Project, JHP, to create a free program that provided students with the tools needed to express themselves. During the program, which was initiated and financially supported by the JHP, veteran participants from the Vet Center in White Plains were able to implement a variety of photography techniques through in-studio classes, field trips and on-location photography sessions. The 27 works on view will reflect the wide range of the veterans’ interests to include abstracts, street photography, nature, architecture and studio
Holiday highlights M&M Performing Arts Company presents the classic Christmas tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a cranky and greedy man who is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Actor Michael Muldoon will recreate Charles Dickens’ own performances of his timeless novel “A Christmas Carol” in the historic period setting of Lyndhurst Mansion, which will be specially decorated for the holiday season. Guests will travel throughout the main floor of the Gothic Revival style building as they meet the spirits and characters from the story. Throughout the course of the play, the spirits transform his view of the world, making him a kinder man. Muldoon will give each character its own persona with different voices and styles. Through Dec. 30. For more information, visit lyndhurst.org.
A call for Westchester photographers
-Mary Alice Franklin
-Mary Alice Franklin
Mr. Dickens tells ‘A Christmas Carol’
The Review, in collaboration with ArtsWestchester, offers a rundown of art-related events throughout Westchester County. You can find our Arts in the Area page each month.
ArtsWestchester, in partnership with the African American Men of Westchester, seeks nominations for the inaugural Larry Salley Photography Award. The award was created to celebrate the life and artistic achievements of Lawrence “Larry” C. Salley, who was an active member of both organizations. This competition is open to Westchester-based photographers who have a significant body of work of outstanding artistic merit. The recipient will receive a $1,000 cash prize and the opportunity to have a three-month residency in one of ArtsWestchester’s artist studio spaces at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains. The award will be presented at ArtsWestchester’s annual Arts Award Luncheon in April 2018. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 2, 2018. For more information, visit bit.ly/LarrySalleyPhoto.
exhibition, a timely show about the state of voting rights in America today. For more information, visit artsw.org/giveusthevote.
ArtsW invites guests to ‘Get Over the Hump’ ArtsWestchester presents a happy hour pop-up shopping experience in its gallery on Dec. 20 to help visitors through the mid-week slump. As part of its monthly “Get Over the Hump” Wednesday series, guests are invited to enjoy a glass of wine and do some last-minute holiday shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts by four local designers. Matt Gualco reinterprets well-known written works and lyrics onto posters. Tatjana Kunst’s handmade utilitarian ceramic pieces, such as stoneware candles, jewelry, and planters are often decorated with motifs and carvings inspired by the natural world. Jody Lee will display glass homeware items, such as coasters, ornaments and plates, which incorporate marine- and nature-inspired details. Elena Rosenberg’s hand-knit and crocheted accessories and clothing are original designs made almost exclusively with natural materials. Guests can also view the contemporary artworks in ArtsWestchester’s “Give Us The Vote”
A production of “The Gift of the Magi” will return to the Schoolhouse Theater, SHT, stage this winter. With little to no money to their names, a young married couple, Della and Jim, set out to buy each other Christmas gifts. Della sells her long hair to buy Jim a fob chain for his family heirloom watch. Meantime, Jim sells the watch to buy Della combs, which she can no longer use for her long, beautiful hair. The famously ironic ending leaves the couple with a lesson about their priceless love. The family-friendly play has been adapted from a celebrated O. Henry story by SHT’s artistic director Bram Lewis. Through Dec. 24. For more information, visit schoolhousetheater.org.
TENET Vocal ensemble TENET will fill Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts’ Rosen House with the sounds of time-honored carols from America and Europe during its “Candlelight Carols” event. The New York-based quintet of singers will be joined by lutenist Hank Hejink for this night of intimate carols, both new and old. The program includes 20 songs, including the traditional French hymn “Veni, Veni Emmanuel,” Richard Dering’s “Ave Virgo Gloriosa,” and Francis Cutting’s “Greensleeves.” Guests can tour the Rosen House, a 1930s Mediterranean-style structure that will be decorated for the holidays, before the performance begins. On Dec. 16 and Dec. 17. For more information, visit caramoor.org.
‘The Nutcracker Dream’ Ballet des Amériques will present “The Nutcracker Dream,” pictured above, a holiday production choreographed and coached by the organization’s artistic director Carole Alexis, in its Port Chester studio. The ballet is an adaptation of the classic “The Nutcracker,” which also takes excerpts restaged after Rudolph Nureyev. The story follows Marie, who falls asleep and dreams of a prince and of a fantastical world of sweet treats that is ruled by the Sugar Plum Fairy. The production will feature students of the Ballet des Amériques school, who will be supported by the professional dancers of the company. Four performances will be offered on two days, Dec. 16 and Dec. 17. For more information, visit balletdesameriques.com.
Winter Pops Westchester Philharmonic’s annual Winter Pops concert will feature Broadway star Laura Michelle Kelly at SUNY Purchase College Performing Arts Center on Dec. 17. The vocalist created the role of Mary Poppins on London’s West End before starring in “South Pacific,” “Finding Neverland” and more. Violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins will make a special appearance to perform her acclaimed solos from “Fiddler on the Roof.” The program, to be led by conductor Ted Sperling, will include Broadway and American Songbook hits (“Shall We Dance,” “Get Happy,” “Almost Like Being in Love,” “Let It Go”), holiday fare (“Favorite Things,” “All I Want for Christmas is You,” “Joy to the World”) and classical favorites by Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev. For more information, visit westchesterphil.org.
Concert of Peace For the 23rd year, Songcatchers will bring an evening of peace to Westchester County on Dec. 17. The organization’s intergenerational concert choir and ensemble will present a program consisting of songs of peace, interfaith carols for Christmas and Hanukkah and carols of different cultures, such as Spanish, African and Scandinavian songs. Holiday songs will include “Carol of the Bells” and “Go Tell It On the Mountain” for audience participation. The concert will be held at the College of New Rochelle Chapel. For more information, visit songcatchers.org.
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ George Bailey will once again gain an appreciation for his life in Bedford Falls when Jacob Burns Film Center displays this classic holiday hit on the big screen. In this 1946 black and white film, George is visited by angel Clarence after experiencing a particularly bleak period in his life. Clarence puts life into perspective for him by showing George what life would be like if he never existed. The film, which stars James Stewart and Donna Reed and was directed Frank Capra, will screen during Christmas week, from Dec. 21 through Dec. 25. For more information, visit burnsfilmcenter.org.
-Mary Alice Franklin
These articles appear in the December 2017 issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy of the full issue is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.
12 • THE CITY REVIEW • December 15, 2017
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December 15, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 13
14 • THE CITY REVIEW • December 15, 2017
SPORTS
The Empire strikes back LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
If the Yankees’ introduction of Giancarlo Stanton this week came as something of an early Christmas present to area baseball fans, make no mistake; there is plenty of holiday cheer to go around. As a devoted Red Sox fan, I’m not here to chip away at the impact of the signing; injury issues aside, Stanton is a heck of a ballplayer and should play a large part in making the Yankees’ lineup one of the most feared in the past few years. But as scary as the newfangled Murderer’s Row looks on paper, the Stanton move has also been a gift to those—like myself—who don’t root for the Bombers. It has finally made the Yankees the Evil Empire again. Last year was a weird one for Yankee-haters. Because as good as the Yanks were—they were one win away from a
World Series berth—they were also oddly compelling. With a youth movement afoot in the Bronx, the organization trotted out tons of likeable homegrown talent, like Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez, that made them tough to root against. It’s not that I didn’t root against them; I did, but after years of decrying our American League East rivals for going out and buying high-priced free agents to compete, it was fun to watch them take the field with exciting, young players that were a product of a robust farm system. But now that the Yanks have added the reigning National League MVP to their ranks after a ridiculously one-sided trade, all that goodwill has flown straight out the window. And that’s a good thing for the sport. Stanton, Judge, Sanchez and shortstop Didi Gregorious—arguably the Yanks’ top four sluggers coming into the spring—smacked a combined 169 home runs last year, one
more than the entire Red Sox team. If they duplicate those numbers this season, that is going to be a tough lineup to pitch against for sure, especially given the friendly confines of many AL East ballparks. And that’s exactly how I like it. At least for me, rooting for the Red Sox is more enjoyable when they fall somewhere between the lovable losers they were for the first 20 years of my life and the presumptive favorites to reach the World Series. And with the Yankees seemingly standing as a formidable roadblock to another postseason appearance, the narrative is already built in for the upcoming year. Can they topple the mighty Yanks this year? That remains to be seen. But the journey just got a whole lot more interesting, and as a fan, that’s really all I can ask for.
Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
On Monday, Dec. 11, the New York Yankees officially announced reigning National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton as the newest member of the ballclub. Sports Editor Mike Smith thinks it was a great day for Yankee haters. Photo courtesy commons.wikimedia.org
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
December 15, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 15
16 • THE CITY REVIEW • December 15, 2017