THE
CityREVIEW NewRochelle September 15, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 35 | www.cityreviewnr.com
Latimer easily outpaces Jenkins in CE primary By JAMES PERO Staff Writer
DATING WITH DISABILITIES Andrew Kranichfeld, a Westchester native, is working on a dating app called Love is Blind, which he hopes will help alleviate some of the problems that disabled people face when trying to find love. For story, see page 6. Photo courtesy Pinterest.com
Longtime Walter’s owner dies at 95 Eugene “Uncle Gene” Warrington, owner of Walter’s Hot Dogs in Mamaroneck, died on Saturday, Aug. 26. He was 95. Warrington worked as the owner of Walter’s for more than 65 years, after taking over the business from his father and founder of Walter’s, Walter Warrington.
“[Eugene Warrington] made the business what it is today,” said Gene-Christian Baca, head of business and product development for Walter’s and Eugene Warrington’s grandson. Baca explained that Eugene Warrington was 3 years old when his father founded Walter’s, and that he grew up work-
ing in the business. Baca said that his grandfather was always looking to enhance Walter’s, explaining that Eugene Warrington even learned how to make his own ice cream and Italian ice, something that he would later add to the menu. Along with the desserts, Baca remembers Eugene Warrington
making Walter’s signature mustard and jar the batches by himself. “One thing about our customer base is that they’re so loyal,” Baca said. “They’re so dedicated, and a lot of that has to do with identifying my grandfather WALTER’S continued on page 8
Westchester County’s marquis political race of the year has finally solidified its opponents after state Sen. George Latimer convincingly defeated county Legislator Ken Jenkins in a Democratic primary. According to preliminary county Board of Elections tallies, Latimer won the Sept. 12 county executive primary quite comfortably, reeling in 63 percent of the vote to Jenkins’ 37 percent. As of press time, the race logged a little more than 37,000 votes cast in total, while there are about 290,000 active Democratic voters countywide. For Latimer, of Rye, the win will act as another notch in his political belt—having won 18 consecutive elections to date— but will signify only a small step comparatively speaking to what he is gearing up for in his toughest challenge to date this fall. In the coming months, Latimer will look to unseat incumbent County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, who has held the county’s highest elected office since 2010. “This will be the toughest,” Latimer admitted. “Every race, once you reach it, it will be the toughest…. But each one makes you stronger for the next race.” Astorino has already won re-election once, defeating New
Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, a Democrat, in 2013. In addition, Astorino has also overcome a sizeable voter registration disadvantage in the county where Democrats outnumber Republicans by more than a 2-to-1 margin. Latimer will also likely be outspent by Astorino, who has approximately $3.2 million in campaign finances, according to filings with the state Board of Elections, as of press time. Meanwhile, Latimer has raised $354,000, according to recent filings. Despite the decisive edge in funding, Latimer has a history of beating opponents who outspend him, including a record-setting race, at the time, against Bob Cohen, a Republican candidate for state senator, in which more than $4.5 million was spent, primarily by Cohen. For Jenkins, of Yonkers, his political career may be over. By choosing to run for county executive, Jenkins relinquished an opportunity to run for re-election to his legislative seat representing the county’s 16th District; Jenkins has served in that capacity since winning a special election in 2007. Jenkins told the Review that even despite the loss, he will continue to be involved in his community through activism and is ready to throw his full support PRIMARY continued on page 8
2 • THE CITY REVIEW • September 15, 2017
September 15, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 3
4 • THE CITY REVIEW • September 15, 2017
What’s going on... New Rochelle Public Library
New Rochelle Art Association’s juried exhibition
For more information on hours and programs, visit nrpl.org.
From Sunday, Sept. 17 through Saturday, Oct. 21 in the Lumen Winter Gallery at the main library. The New Rochelle Art Association’s 102nd annual juried exhibition features exceptional works in oil, watercolor, graphics, mixed media, pastel, photography, sculpture, and fine crafts. On view during regular library hours. For information about entering, visit newrochelleart.com.
Children’s Gardening
Angels in the Chamber
On Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the main library. Right off the Children’s Room of the library, the abundant garden is the location of hands-on activities involving fresh vegetables and herbs. Everyone is invited to stop by, plant some seeds, harvest some vegetables, and enjoy the foliage. Enter through the gate by the parking lot next to the library or through the library’s Children’s Room. Open to New Rochelle residents only. All sessions will be first-come, first-served basis. These free programs are made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library and the Partnership for the Huguenot Children’s Library.
On Sunday, Sept. 17 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Ossie Davis Theater in the main library. The music of Angels in the Chamber is described as “unique under the heavens.” The ensemble features Garry Novikoff (piano, guitar and vocals), Pamela Sklar (flute), Enid Blount Press (clarinet and bass clarinet), and Marc Wager (French horn). The group weaves elements of rock, pop, classical, improvisational and atmospheric music into a highly original genre all its own. Their material includes original pieces as well as inventive covers from the 1960s and ‘70s—the golden age of art rock. They also go back in time to reinvent and re-imagine works from the Civil War era. Free with a suggested donation of $2.
‘Cook by the Book’ Book Club On Saturday, Sept. 16 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the main library’s Meeting Room on the first floor. Share thematic recipes (and enjoy samples) from the library’s terrific collection of cookbooks or from favorite food blogs. Free, all fun, all deliciously helpful. For more information and to register, please email Barbara Davis at bdavis@nrpl.org or call 632-8254.
English for Advanced ESL students On Mondays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., or 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.; at various locations at the main library.
Improve your English reading, writing, grammar and speaking skills in a casual and fun conversation learning circle with trained volunteers. Classes do not meet during school vacation days. Drop in. If you’d like more information, please call the Community Relations office at 813-3706 or email communityrelations@nrpl.org.
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 Meeting Room/Ossie Davis Theater of the main library. Guided by yoga instructor Nora LeMorin, these midday 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.
Homework Help From Mondays through Thursdays from 3 p.m. until 10 minutes to the main library’s closing time. In the Children’s and Teen rooms. 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
call WEBS at 674-3612 to register. Places will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Health Care Navigators On Wednesdays from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Handleman Business Opportunity Center on the second floor of the main library. Receive one-onone 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.
Computer Basics On Thursday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Computer Lab on the third floor of the main library. No previous knowledge of computers is required for this course. Get an introduction to the personal computer using the Microsoft Windows interface. Learn how to use the mouse and keyboard, how to open and close programs and how to navigate within Windows through hands-on practice and exercises. Free, but registration is required. Please call 813-3737 or stop by the Reference Desk on the second floor to register.
Mobile Device Apps: How Do They Work? On Thursday, Sept. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Computer Lab on the third floor of the main library. Learn how to install apps on your mobile device as well as tips and tricks to ensure you’re getting the most out of your smartphone. Free, but registration is required. Please call 813-3737 or stop by the Reference Desk on the second floor to register.
The new Friends’ Book Store will be open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday throughout September from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The executive board of the Friends of the Library, a Thomas Paine Cottage Museum 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, coordinates the book sales with the assistance of other Friends’ Thomas Paine Cottage Museum is located at 20 volunteers. Money realized from book sales are Sicard Ave. in New Rochelle. For more information, used to underwrite the library’s extensive pubcall 633-1776 or visit thomaspainecottage.org. lic programs. The Friends welcome prospective volunteers. Community Day 2017
Free career and educational counseling The New Rochelle Public Library in conjunction with WEBS Career and Educational Counseling Service is once again offering a free eightweek career counseling seminar for adults this fall called “Managing Your Career in Changing Times.” The program is geared to those who are unemployed, changing careers, re-entering the work force or returning to school. The 19-hour workshop consists of an orientation session on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 19 or 26, as well as eight group sessions on Tuesday evenings, beginning Oct. 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and one individual session with a career counselor. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, and is limited to 15 participants. WEBS helps participants assess themselves, explore career options, obtain careers and educational information, find out about the latest trends in resumes and job search, and develop a career plan. The New Rochelle Public Library is one of five public libraries in the county that is participating in the WEBS project. Sponsored by the Westchester Library System, WEBS has counseled more than 40,000 adults in the Westchester area. Those who wish to attend the program must
On Saturday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Thomas Paine Cottage Museum will be hosting a special Community Day event to open a new exhibit to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the First World War and its impact on the city of New Rochelle. This new exhibit is a collaboration with Matthew Holderman, who is helping to design this new exhibit and the associated event as an Eagle Scout project, a requirement to attain the coveted status of Eagle, the highest rank in Boy Scouts. The exhibit will display original articles of uniforms, photographs and letters of New Rochelle men who served in the war. It will also recognize the efforts put out by the men, women and children of New Rochelle to support the war and the men who served. Also planned will be patriotic arts and crafts for children to make with the help of Boy Scouts; a recreated World War I soldier, known as a “Doughboy” to demonstrate aspects of a soldier’s life; and a special guest speaker who will talk about new Rochelle’s role during the “war to end all wars.” It should be a great day of fun and learning while commemorating those who served. Light refreshments will be for sale. 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.
September 15, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 5
Westchester honors those who died on 9/11 In a solemn ceremony Monday night, Westchester County paid tribute to those who died in the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, in-
cluding 111 Westchester residents and 12 former residents. County Executive Rob Astorino presided over the 16th anniversary ceremo-
ny that took place at The Rising, the county’s 9/11 memorial. In his remarks, Astorino made special mention of the first respond-
ers who have died since the attack due to 9/11 related illnesses. “On this day 16 years ago, America was wounded—stunned with a body blow as great structures that symbolized our nation and the fabric of our lives were
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino delivers his remarks at the 16th anniversary commemoration of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks at The Rising, the county’s 9/11 memorial at Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla. Photo courtesy Westchester County
turned to rubble. Into the horror went our heroes. Without hesitation, cops, firefighters and EMTs rushed to save lives. In doing so, many gave their own,” Astorino said. “Sadly, the dynamism of 9/11 also brings more loss. The bravery did not stop on that day. In the days, weeks, months and years that followed, the mission of saving lives changed to comforting souls; bringing dignity to those who died and closure to those who loved them. For some, these acts of humanity would prove fatal. To work on the Pile was to be surrounded by ash, fumes, and other silent killers.” To an estimated 400 family members and residents that attended the ceremony, Astorino named a number of the fallen first responders who have died in the years after 9/11: • New York City firefighter Luis dePeña, of Mount Vernon • New York City police officer Nicholas Finelli, of Hawthorne • New York City police officer Joseph Heid, of Yonkers • New York City Detective Joseph Seabrook, of Mount Vernon • New York City Detective first grade James W. Monahan, of Ossining • New York City police Capt. Ronald G. Peifer Sr.,
of Hartsdale • Peekskill Detective Charles Wassil Jr., of White Plains • Yonkers police Lt. Roy McLaughlin, of Yonkers • Yonkers police officer Anthony Maggiore, of Cortlandt • Fairview firefighter Robert A. Mentrasti, of Greenburgh
Specifically he cited Battalion Chief Kevin Byrnes Sr., who, after 9/11 spent the next years of his life at the Pile on and around ground zero, died from lung disease in 2004. He is listed as the fifth NYFD firefighter—and the first from Westchester—to have died from illness related to 9/11. During the ceremony, Astorino was joined by Anne Byrnes, the widow of Byrnes, to lay a commemorative wreath on the Beam of Remembrance. Pulled from the ashes of the World Trade Center, the Beam of Remembrance was dedicated in 2013 as “a lasting reminder of our nation’s sacrifice, courage and strength on that fateful day.” “Along with their names, we will tell the world that the lives we lost to 9/11 are lives that make us all stronger,” Astorino said. “The human spirit is a giving spirit that cannot be extinguished. That is the enduring message of 9/11 that we celebrate each year.” (Submitted)
6 • THE CITY REVIEW • September 15, 2017 THE
CityREVIEW NewRochelle 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 Tel: (914) 653-1000 Fax: (914) 653-5000
New app hopes to make dating accessible for all
Publisher | Howard Sturman ext. 21, publisher@hometwn.com Christian Falcone Associate Publisher | Editor-in-Chief ext. 19, chris@hometwn.com
By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter
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.
The Love is Blind app will provide extensive dating profiles, video clips and captions to make the dating app accessible to everyone. Photos courtesy Facebook.com/LoveisBlind
Delivery For home delivery or to subsribe, call (914) 653-1000 x27. Classifieds & Legals To post your notices or listings, call (914) 653-1000 x27. Postmaster Send address changes to: The City Review New Rochelle c/o HomeTown Media Group, 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains, N.Y. 10601 Visit us online www.cityreviewnr.com
Follow us on Twitter, @cityreviewnr Follow us on Twitter, @cityreviewnr The City Review New Rochelle (permit #16661) is published weekly by Home Town Media Group for an annual subscription of $45. Application to mail at the periodicals postage rate is approved at White Plains, N.Y., 10601. Periodicals postage paid at White Plains and additional mailing offices.
Andrew Kranichfeld, creator of Love is Blind, was interested in creating the app after experiencing discrimination on other dating apps because he is blind. Photo/Andrew Dapolite
After experiencing discrimination for being blind while using online dating services, Andrew Kranichfeld decided to create his own dating app in hopes of making dating more accessible for disabled people. Kranichfeld’s brainchild is Love is Blind, LIB, a dating app with a goal of creating a safe space for disabled people to make meaningful connections. A Westchester native who lost his eyesight from cancer in 2010, Kranichfeld said that since going blind he’s found online dating to be Love is Blind is an app that wants difficult, between meeting his ideal match, and finding apps that are to help disabled people find their accessible for people who are blind. perfect match without worrying For an app to be accessible to people with disabilities, it must meet about being discriminated against. the standards set under the Americans with Disabilities Act, ADA, a civil rights law that prevents discrimination of people with disabilities in public and private places. The ADA says that an app must follow the guidelines under the World Wide Web Consortium, W3C. The W3C is a community that works to create standards for the web to make it accessible for everyone. In 2008, the W3C released its updated version of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, which said that web developers should include alternatives to text by offering things like content in video form, video captions and sign language interpretations. Yet, most of the dating sites out there offer any of the above. “A lot of [dating apps] out there are not fully accessible for blind people,” Kranichfeld said.. “There are certain things that aren’t labeled correctly for screen reader [software].” He noted Bumble specifically, saying, “I couldn’t use it at all.” The other issue that he found with apps like Tinder was even though he put that he was blind in his profile, he would still receive negative reactions from matches. Kranichfeld said that when his disability would come up over private messages, he would get “all kinds of reactions from anger to confusion.” These reactions are something that people with disabilities often face when participating in online dating. “Disability and sexuality [are] still so taboo,” said Andrew Gurza, a Canadian-based disability awareness consultant and a wheelchair user living with cerebral palsy, a neurological disorder that affects motor functions. “It’s still so taboo that nobody wants to talk about it.” Gurza explained that he attributes the negative reactions he receives while using dating apps to people being scared of disability. “The things [disabled people] face online is just blatant ableism,” he said. “[Users who’re] behind a keyboard, or behind a screen, feel a lot more comfortable to say inappropriate things.” Gurza discusses some of these issues on his weekly podcast “Disability After Dark.” In the episode “Gimps on Grindr,” Gurza opens up about his experiences with being gay and disabled on Grindr, a social networking app for LGBTQ men, where he found users would immediately turn him down because of their own assumptions on how he was able to perform sexually while being wheelchair-bound. “When people say [hurtful] stuff to me and type those things online, when I’m simply trying to connect with somebody, it’s one of the most painful things I’ve experienced,” he told the Review. With LIB, Kranichfeld intends for disabled and nondisabled to be open about their dating preferences without judgment. “I want [users] to pre-select who [they’re] willing to date,” he said. “Then [they] wouldn’t match with anyone outside of those subcategories of people.” Kranichfeld plans to go beyond these specifications, by requiring users to make more detailed profiles that include things like video clips and photo captions. “I’m trying to get a lot of feedback from the disabled community,” he said. Working with Kranichfeld on the dating app is Jaime Urteaga, founder and CEO of Digital Chair, a marketing, web design and video production company based in White Plains. “There’s a definite need, a definite problem to solve. [Kranichfeld’s] experienced it, I think a lot of other people have experienced it, too,” Urteaga said. “The more people hear about it, the more they become aware this is an issue.” Urteaga said that the app is only in its first phase, which has involved creating a landing page at LoveisBlindapp. com, and encouraging people to sign up for the app’s newsletter. The app doesn’t have a set release date, but Kranichfeld hopes to launch it by April 2018. For more information and updates on the app, visit LoveisBlindapp.com. CONTACT: taylor@homtewn.com
September 15, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 7
8 • THE CITY REVIEW • September 15, 2017
Rye readies for further Playland litigation By JAMES PERO Staff Writer The city of Rye is preparing to again lock legal horns with Westchester County in a struggle for a greater say in the future of Playland. On Aug. 22, the Rye City Council vote authorized a new law firm—Sive, Paget & Riesel, P.C.—to take on the council’s appeal of a previous decision rendered in the county’s favor; the city has until October to file an appeal of a March ruling. While the authorization doesn’t yet solidify an appeal of a state judge’s decision, Rye City Attorney Kristen Wilson said she fully expects the council to file. “As far as I know, we’re moving forward,” Wilson said. The March ruling saw the city lose its legal standing in a bout to win control over the environmental review of upcoming capital improvements at the county-owned amusement park. As per a 30-year agreement struck in May 2016 between the county and the management company Standard Amusements— the new operators of the nearly 100-year-old amusement park— the park is set to undergo $60 million in capital improvements,
the cost of which will be split between the two parties. An appeal will seek to overturn the county’s declaration of lead agency of those projects under the State Environmental Quality Review Act, SEQR, last year and install the city as lead agent instead. Wilson said an appeal would also seek to regain the city’s legal standing in the matter. Lack of standing, she said, could greatly harm the city’s future efforts if litigation were to resurface by setting a legal precedent that would prevent the city from suing over development matters at Playland Park in the future. In July, the City Council voted 4-3 to draft the appeal that was approved on Aug. 22. Rye Councilwoman Danielle Tagger-Epstein, a Democrat who voted against having the appeal drafted by attorneys last month, said her change in attitude is the result of increased confidence in the newest firm—which she said will be hired at a lower cost—as well as the prospect of potentially being able to regain legal standing in the matter. “I know that [Sive, Paget & Riesel, P.C.] have our best interest at heart and this is the only way forward to do what’s best for
the future of the community,” she said. The agreement between the county and Standard punctuated years of failed negotiations between Republican Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino’s administration and prospective organizations or companies interested in managing the amusement park; most notably a previous deal brokered between Astorino and local nonprofit Sustainable Playland Inc., which dissolved in the wake of potential litigation from Rye and growing public outcry over the size and scope of the plans, particularly a sports bubble that was slated for Playland’s main parking lot. Now similar fears of litigation have halted some aspects of the latest deal, including a contractual payment by Standard Amusements to the county which administration officials have said is being withheld while the threat of a legal battle looms. Part of that $1.75 million payment—initially due to the county last year—was also tied to a decision on the Playland pool, which county lawmakers voted to renovate in June with a $10 million bond. CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
PRIMARY from page 1
behind Latimer. “I’m disappointed with the results, but at the end of the day I’ll do whatever things I can do to make sure that [Latimer wins] in November,” he said. In an effort to secure Jenkins’ legislative seat, Democrat Christopher Johnson, a Yonkers City councilman, emerged in a narrow primary victory against Symra Brandon, the chairwoman of the Yonkers Democratic Committee. The county executive is elected to serve a four-year term with After a convincing victory over Ken Jenkins in a Democratic primary a $160,760 annual salary. for county executive, state Sen. George Latimer will continue forward CONTACT: james@hometwn.com
into November and square off with Republican County Executive Rob Astorino. File photo
Food Bank kicks off Hunger Action Month On Sept. 5, county and city officials, community members, business leaders and supporters—many wearing orange— joined with Food Bank for Westchester to help the county’s leading hunger relief organization kick off Hunger Action Month with the fourth annual “Go Orange to End Hunger” Campaign. Orange is the color for Hunger Action Month in September, which was established by Feeding America in 2008 as a nationwide push to get involved with the hunger crisis across the country. During September, people everywhere from all walks of life help to feed those in need in their neighborhood, working to ensure that people who live with hunger every day can get some relief. “We are ‘Painting Westchester Orange’ this September to make hunger top of mind and encourage everyone to get involved in any way they can,” said Leslie Gordon, president and CEO of Food Bank for Westchester. “Suburban poverty is a reality, especially in the affluent county of Westchester. Celebrating Hunger Action Month starts by taking action against hunger. All you need to do is help raise awareness of hunger as a problem. Besides visibly promoting the color orange, individuals can also host food drives, take part in volunteer efforts, and make monetary donations to help to battle this epidemic in our neighborhoods.” Food Bank for Westchester has campaigned Hunger Action Month in the county for several years where 20 percent of the
population, or 1 in 5 residents, don’t always know when their next meal will be. Its focus has been on heightening awareness, rallying volunteers, raising funds and driving solutions to end hunger in the county. During the press conference, Food Bank announced a month-long calendar of activities around hunger awareness. In addition, government officials and community leaders announced ways they would promote the awareness campaign throughout the month. Food Bank was joined by several local officials and business leaders who came to the press conference to support the campaign, including County Executive Rob Astorino, state Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, and Marsha Gordon, president and CEO of the Business Council of Westchester. Astorino announced that the county will help promote the campaign on the Westchester County website, social media, e-blast and other promotional platforms. “As we kick off Hunger Action Month, the key word of course is action,” Astorino said. “Every action we take against hunger—big or small—makes a difference. So no matter what you can do, the important thing is that you do it.” To help spread hunger awareness, Spano announced that he would take on the SNAP Challenge (also known as the Food Stamp Challenge) for one week and encouraged other mayors to do the same. For this challenge,
an individual of means chooses to purchase food using only the monetary equivalent of what a family that size would receive in the U.S. federal government Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program,SNAP, colloquially called food stamps. The challenge is one of the best ways to learn about the nutrition hurdles that low-income Americans face every day. The New York state maximum allotment is $194 per month (some people might get less). That equals out to be about $6.46 a day for three meals, or $2.15 a meal. Additionally, in the spirit of “fun for a cause,” Food Bank for Westchester partnered with Pace University for its first-ever Miles for Meals 5K Fun Run, which took place at Pace’s Pleasantville campus on Sept. 9. Also, in recognition of the awareness month, Food Bank hosted its annual Agency Day for all of its partners on Sept. 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Tarrytown. In addition, all month long, Food Bank for Westchester has partnered with local coffee shops for its Match Your Morning Coffee campaign that encourages people to donate the same amount of money they pay for their coffee for the cause. The organization has also partnered with ice cream shops for its Scoop Out Hunger campaign where the shops will also collect donations. To learn more about Hunger Action Month and for a complete listing of activities, please visit foodbankforwestchester.org. (Submitted)
WALTER’S from page 1
lumbus Mamaroneck, a Catholic service organization; he was also a part of the Mamaroneck Historical Society, which works to preserve the village’s history; and he served as a volunteer firefighter for 71 years. “He’s just an all-around great guy,” said village of Mamaroneck Mayor Norman Rosenblum. Warrington was a father to two daughters, Christine Warrington and Jeanne Fellows, and a grandfather to Elisabeth, Christine, Gene-Christian, Sabrina, Katherine and Natalie,
and great-grandfather to Ashley Grace. Baca explained that family was important to Eugene Warrington and his wife of 69 years, Gloria. Instead of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Eugene’s honor to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or St. Joseph’s Indian School. “While it’s sad he died, he did live to 95, and I can tell you it was a life well lived,” Rosenblum said.
[with] Walter’s.” Eugene Warrington was also alive to see the birth of the Walter’s food truck and planned storefront expansions in White Plains and Stamford, Connecticut this year. When he wasn’t working at the Mamaroneck location, Eugene Warrington was heavily involved in the Mamaroneck community, where he lived all his life. He was the oldest current member of the Knights of Co-
-Reporting by Taylor Brown
Connect with us on @linkedin.com/company/hometown-media
September 15, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 9
SUNY Purchase students meet
Dalai Lama By TAYLOR BROWN General Assignment Reporter During a five-week study abroad trip in Himachal Pradesh, India, 21 students from SUNY Purchase College were able to meet and listen to the teachings of the Dalai Lama. The summer semester trip went from May 27 to June 2, where students stayed in the Norbulingka Institute, an institution that works to preserve Tibetan culture and serves as the Dalai Lama’s summer home in Dharamsala, the capital of Himachal Pradesh. The Dalai Lama is the spiritual and political leader for the Tibetan people. While at the institution, the students learned about the social and cultural studies of food in India, a class taught by Dr. Lisa Jean Moore, a sociology and gender studies professor at SUNY Purchase, and Tibetan art taught by Dr. Suzanne Ironbiter, a lecturer emerita in liberal studies at Purchase.
Carly Sorenson, a sophomore and creative writing major, said she wanted to go on the trip because “I just find Tibetan Buddhism fascinating.” Brian Peterkin, a senior and new media major, said he’s “always been big on expanding consciousness and learning, and [am] curious if there is such a thing as enlightenment.” His research in Buddhist philosophy led him to realize that it had ties to India, prompting his interest in the trip. The meeting with the Dalai Lama was set up by Ironbiter, who has a professional relationship with Philippa Russell, whose husband, Jeremy Russell, is an English translator for the Dalai Lama. This relationship has made meetings with the Dalai Lama possible on two other study abroad trips. “It was amazing,” Sorenson said. “I’m lucky I got to meet [the Dalai Lama].” Sorenson said after she shook hands with the Dalai Lama, the two discussed the connection between quantum mechanics and
SUNY Purchase College students study Tibetan art in the Norbulingka Institute, an institution that preserves Tibetan culture and the summer home of the Dalai Lama.
how it connected to Buddhism. “[The meeting was] very overwhelming,” she said. Peterkin explained he was nervous prior to meeting with the Dalai Lama, but came away from the encounter with a new perspective. He described the Dalai Lama as “so humble and appreciative, despite being aware of his standing amongst his people and in the world.” Peterkin explained that this meeting has left him with a lot of respect for the Dalai Lama. Beyond the initial meeting, the students attended three days of teachings taught by the Dalai Lama during Saga Dawa, a Tibetan Buddhist holiday that honors the birth, wisdom and death of Buddha. “The talks were directed towards the younger scholastic audience but there were broad enough topics that they were able to appeal to everyone present,” Peterkin said. Beyond the teachings, the students were also able to learn from the locals who lived in Dharamsala. “A lot of the students were able to see what it’s like to have a refugee population and how they’re integrated and accepted [into a new society],” Moore said. This included experiencing firsthand the ways in which the Tibetan people have integrated into Dharamsala after being exiled from China in the 1960s. “The whole struggle of the conflict between China and Tibet [is] very interesting,” Sorenson said. According to OfficeOfTibet. com, India is currently home to more than 10,000 exiled Tibetan people. “It’s really good for our students to be able to see the ways in which cultures can be integrated into
homes that aren’t their home and [how they’re] able to thrive and continue their religious practices,” Moore said. Both Sorenson and Peterkin expressed how welcoming the locals were to the group of students. These connections helped the students form a better understanding of the culture. “Spiritually was at the heart of everyday life and improving balancing oneself,” Peterkin said. “This took precedence to attaining financial security and I found this quite refreshing.” Peterkin explained that one of the fascinating parts of the trip was learning the way in which the lives of people in Dharamsala differed from American culture. “I think the study abroad trip provides students with the opportunity to get a global perspective that’s a very different culture from what they experience in New York City,” Moore said.
SUNY Purchase College students meet with the Dalai Lama as part of their study abroad trip in India.
CONTACT: taylor@hometwn.com
Brian Peterkin, a senior and creative writing major at SUNY Purchase College, makes friends with the locals in Dharamsala, India. Photos courtesy Brian Peterkin
Twenty-one SUNY Purchase college students stayed in Dharamsala, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, India for five weeks. Photo courtesy Carly Sorenson
10 • THE CITY REVIEW • September 15, 2017
s e h s i l b u P Eastchester REVIEW THE
Harrison REVIEW THE
Mamaroneck REVIEW THE
THE
CityREVIEW NewRochelle
RyeCity REVIEW INSIDE
THE
INSIDE WESTCHESTER COUNTY
170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203 White Plains N.Y. 10601 (914) 653-1000
www.hometwn.com
September 15, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 11
Sponsored by
The Review, in collaboration with ArtsWestchester, offers a rundown of artrelated events throughout Westchester County. You can find our Arts in the Area page each month.
ums, styles and inspirations. Artists choose their locations, RAC posts them to a Google Map, and visitors are encouraged to find and observe the painters at work. On-location painting will be done on Friday and Saturday, followed by a reception at the RAC on Saturday. A live auction will take place later that night for the newly painted works that were created throughout the weekend. For more information and an updated map on painters’ chosen locations, visit ryeartscenter.org. -Mary Alice Franklin
New Rochelle Opera celebrates Bernstein
Arts Alive grants for artists, arts groups ArtsWestchester works hard to ensure access to the arts for all Westchester residents, especially in areas that are underserved. Arts Alive grants are the most effective means for making this mission a reality. The organization is now accepting applications from nonprofit arts organizations, and individual and teaching artists, for the 2018 grants program. Supported programs incorporate the community and help to bring vibrant arts and cultural activities to a wide audience. Past grants have helped to fund murals, theatrical performances, cultural heritage festivals and more. The deadline for applications is Oct. 4. Funds are available in three categories. Arts Alive Project Grants provide financial support for a range of projects that demonstrate a strong community benefit. Arts Alive Artist Grants provide direct support to artists for the creation of new work related to the community. Arts Alive Arts Education Grants provide support for partnerships between individual artists or organizations and Westchester public schools (K–12), after-school programming or lifelong learning programs. Arts Alive Project Grants are made possible with funds from the Decentralization Program—a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York state Legislature—and administered by ArtsWestchester. For guidelines and applications, visit artsw.org/artsalive. -Mary Alice Franklin
Rye Arts Center holds outdoor painting On Sept. 15 and 16, dozens of painters will populate the Sound Shore with easels and inspiration. During Rye Arts Center’s , RAC, biennial “Painters on Location” event, artists in various locations along the Sound Shore will paint scenes that are inspired by the landscape, seascape and surroundings in a plein-air (the act of painting outdoors) “paint-out.” Participating artists approach their work with varied medi-
On Sept. 17, New Rochelle Opera, NRO, will pay tribute to the music of composer Leonard Bernstein, author of some of the most iconic musical and operatic scores in memory. A celebration of the 60th anniversary of “West Side Story,” this “Bernstein and Friends” concert will include a guest appearance by baritone Miguel Acevedo and will feature NRO singers Kelli Butler, Edith Dowd, Tom Mulder and Wayne Hu, who will perform selections from “West Side Story” and “Candide.” The program, which will be narrated by NRO’s co-founder and artistic director Camille Coppola, will also include works by Bernstein’s contemporaries, including songs from notable 1950s musicals by Rodgers & Hammerstein, Jerome Kern, George Gershwin and more. The midday performance will be dedicated to Tony Award-winning singer and actress Barbara Cook, who passed away last month. The actress originated the role of Cunegonde in Bernstein’s “Candide.” The performance will take place in the Christopher Murphy Auditorium at Iona College. For more information, visit nropera.org. -Mary Alice Franklin
September arts festival highlights Sept. 15-17: Fall Crafts at Lyndhurst On the sprawling lawns of Tarrytown’s Lyndhurst Mansion on Sept. 15 to 17, with a backdrop of the Hudson River, will be a festival to celebrate handmade arts and crafts. Artrider Productions presents the work of 300 emerging and seasoned artists who will offer one-of-a-kind items, from earrings made of stingray to flowers made from
glass. An interactive puppet theater and handson demonstrations of wheel thrown pottery and woodturning are designed to keep even small children occupied and entertained. Guests can make a day of their visit by enjoying gourmet foods and taking a tour of the mansion. For more information, visit artrider.com. Sept. 23 & 24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show The 56th annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show features 185 artists from 29 states as well as Israel and Canada. This juried festival showcases fresh and diverse art in a variety of mediums and subjects, from Jonathan Spector’s surf photography to Dwight Baird’s paintings about daily struggles in Cuba. The new addition of a children’s tent will provide free activities, including workshops by Neuberger Museum of Art, for children of all ages. Also new this year is the offering of beer and wine for guests to enjoy while browsing the gift-worthy works. For more information, visit armonkoutdoorartshow.org. -Mary Alice Franklin
Katonah Museum of Art: ‘Wall to Wall’ exhibit
Katonah Museum of Art’s, KMA, “Wall to Wall: Carpets by Artists” exhibition examines the advancement of contemporary art practices through one of history’s most ancient mediums: the artist carpet. The exhibition, on view through Oct. 1, features 17 international artists who demonstrate how and why the carpet continues to be a prominent medium in today’s art realm. Although the carpet is occasionally viewed as an artless item of décor, for present artists it is a source of inspiration because of its illuminating creative components, from color and material to composition and production. The wide range of carpets, organized by the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland and curator Dr. Cornelia Lauf, are hung like paintings on the walls and subtly reveal the collaboration between art, culture, manufacturing and geopolitics. These interwoven relationships expose developments in traditional artisanal techniques throughout the world. In conjunction with the exhibition, KMA will offer a series of events that will provide guests with an in-depth look at “Wall to Wall” and its exhibiting artists. Through Oct. 1, visitors are invited to the KMA’s learning center for a hands-on weaving workshop, where they will contribute to a large weaving installation. Artist Lindsay Carone’s “Twisting Textiles” workshop will instruct participants on how to combine recycled materials and diverse craft techniques to create textured artworks (Sept. 17). “Stroller Tours” and “Senior Socials” will take families and seniors on exclusive tours led by expert docents (Sept. 15). Audiences can also join KMA’s “Picture and Prose Book Club” for a curator-led tour of “Wall to Wall” and a discussion on Marta Morazzoni’s novel “The Invention of Truth,” a story about 300 women who embroidered the 11th century textile masterpiece, “The Bayeux Tapestry” (Sept. 18). For more information, visit katonahmuseum.org. -Rocío De La Roca
Contemporary dance workshops in Yonkers
Sidra Bell Dance New York, SBDNY, is presenting a series of community outreach workshops in Yonkers this fall. Designed to appeal to a broad range of people of all skill levels, these contemporary dance workshops will encourage
participants to access their imagination while they practice, and learn more about, movement and conditioning. A live DJ, Drew Lewis, will play a blend of jazz, house and electronica music to inspire participants, who will be encouraged to practice improvisation. In addition to the workshop, a company dancer will be on-site to perform a short excerpt of the company’s newest work, “MÖNSTER OUTSIDE.” Each workshop will end with a dialogue about the creative process. Sessions will take place on Sept. 21 and Oct. 20 at PC4 Purchase College Center for Community and Culture in Yonkers. Future dates will be announced. This series is supported by one of ArtsWestchester’s Arts Alive grants. For more information about these workshops and to register, visit sidrabelldanceny.org/outreach. -Mary Alice Franklin
International jazz in downtown White Plains The award-winning White Plains Jazz Fest will continue to bring its international jazz music to downtown White Plains. Presented by ArtsWestchester, the city of White Plains and White Plains BID, the five-day festival, which began on Sept. 13 and continues through Sept. 17, hosts a series of diverse concerts at different venues throughout the city. On Sept. 15, Colombian pianist and composer Pablo Mayor and his “Folklore Urbano” Septet will transport audiences from the stage at ArtsWestchester’s intimate gallery all the way to South America. While Mayor incorporates Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz genres to his compositions, his music primarily preserves the folkloric sound of his native county. He explains, “My sound is modern but at no cost to the traditions, which are at the heart of the music.” On Sept. 16, guests can enjoy a midday performance while they shop at The Galleria at White Plains as Charlie Lagond and Kaleidoscope present jazz fusion, world beat and funk music. Later that evening, Cuban saxophone virtuoso Paquito D’Rivera will join the list of performers with a concert at the White Plains Performing Arts Center. The 14-time Grammy Award winner will bring his lively Latin jazz styles to the stage, including tango, Venezuelan waltz and straight bebop. Jazz Fest culminates with an eclectic blend of sounds, from Brazilian-infused rhythms to soulful New Orleans jazz, during a free, outdoor White Plains Jazz and Food Festival on Mamaroneck Avenue on Sept. 17. The line-up of performers includes SUNY Purchase Jazz All-Stars, Sage, the Kenny Lee All Stars, Steve Kroon’s Latin Jazz Sextet, and Donald Harrison. The full-day celebration will encompass international music, as well as foods of Africa, Cuba, Puerto Rico and more, making the event an allaround cultural experience for all audiences. For more information, visit artsw.org/jazzfest. -Rocío De La Roca These articles appear in the September 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 • September 15, 2017
The Classifieds • Advertising that gets results OUR RATES:
$42.50 for up to 4 lines. Each additional line $2.00. Classifieds ads appear in all five of our publications.
AUTO DONATIONS Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 914-468-4999 Today! Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-A-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 315-400-0797 Today!
FARMING G OT LAN D? Our Hunters will Pay Top $$$ To hunt your land. Call for a Free info packet & Quote. 1-866-309-1507 www. BaseCampLeasing.com
FOR SALE Privacy Hedges-FALL B LOWOUT SALE 6 ft Arb orvitae (Evergreen) Reg $14 9 Now $75 Beautiful, Nursery Grown. FREE Installation/FREE delivery, Limited Supply! OR DE R NOW: 518-536-1367 www.lowcosttreefarm.com
HELP WANTED AIRLINE CAREERS Start Here! Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call AIM for free information 866-296-7094
MISCELLANEOUS SAWMILLS from only $4397.00-MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill-Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship! FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com. 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N
REAL ESTATE Lakefront Land Liquidation. 15 Lakefront lots Discounted for One Weekend Only September 16th & 17th Sample Offers: 2 Acres w/463ft Lakefront- $49,900 8 Acres w/600ft Lakefront$89,900 Unspoiled Lake, Woods, Views, Perfect for Getaway Cabin! 3 hrs NY City! Wine Country! EZ terms! 888-905-8847 NewYorkLandandLakes.com
HOW TO REACH US:
Email: ads@hometwn.com Phone: (914) 653-1000 x27 170 Hamilton Ave., Suite 203, White Plains N.Y. 10601
Publish your LLC notice in our newpapers! New York State law requires that all LLC companies publish a Notice of Formation within 120 days of forming or else your LLC will be suspended. All five of our newspapers are designated by the Westchester County Clerk for this urpose. Allow us to guide you through what can be an unnecessarily complicated process. We provide the template for your publication along with the notarized affidavit signed by the publisher.
DEADLINE:
Placement, correction or cancellation of an ad may be phoned in any time before noon on Monday for publication
DONATE YOUR CAR
Wheels For Wishes Benefiting
Make-A-Wish® Hudson Valley
*Free Vehicle/Boat Pickup ANYWHERE *We Accept All Vehicles Running or Not *Fully Tax Deductible
WheelsForWishes.org Call: (914) 468-4999 * Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Wheels For Wishes. To learn more about our programs or financial information, visit www.wheelsforwishes.org.
For more information email us at
ads@hometwn.com.
VACATION RENTALS OCEAN CITY, MARYLAN D. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-8 006 3 8 - 2 1 0 2 . O n l i n e r e s e r v a t i o n s : w w w. holidayoc.com. 5% base rent discount— use code NYPS17-2. Ends Oct-01-2017
WANTED TO BUY Buying Diamonds, gold, silver, antique and modern jewelry, better furs, U.S. and foreign coins, paintings, bronzes, complete estates. Highest prices paid. Call 914-260-8783 for appointment.
LEGAL NOTICES Notice of formation G R ANTS’ TRUCKING&DELIVERY, LLC. Art of org. filed with NYSECY of state(SSNY) on 08/31/2017. Office location: Westchester county. SSNY is designated as agent of Llc upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Legalinc corporate service Inc. 1967 WEHRLE DRIVE suite 1 #086 Buffalo, NY14221.perpose: any lawful activity
SOONER OR LATER... SOMEONE’S GOING TO BLAB IT ON
Call Cindy at (412) 720-8702 or Amy at 1-800-677-2773 (Toll Free) host.asse.com or email info@asse.com
September 15, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 13
14 • THE CITY REVIEW • September 15, 2017
SPORTS
Enough of America’s Team LIVE MIKE Mike Smith
Scientists predict that when the big nuclear war comes, wiping humans off the face of the earth, only a scant few life forms on the planet—like cockroaches—will survive the fallout. Of course, one would have to imagine that Dallas Cowboys fans will still be around, too. On Sunday night, I headed out to one of our local establishments to take in the primetime Week One showdown between the Giants and the hated Cowboys. This being the season opener—and New York—I expected to be greeted by a sea of Big Blue jerseys when I walked into the bar. Instead, the place was packed with jerseys proudly bearing the names of Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin and Tony Romo. What, I thought to myself, is going on here? Billing themselves as America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys do, in fact, have a nationwide fanbase.
It’s not hard to understand why. Throughout the franchise’s history, there have been a few stretches of dominance—like the Roger Staubach-led teams of the 1970s and the Troy Aikman Cowboys of the early 1990s—that have helped the Cowboys become one of the most visible, successful organizations in the NFL. So it’s no surprise that fans who came of age during these periods might have a fondness for the ballclub. But while I can understand how NFL watchers who live in areas without a local team may gravitate to Dallas fandom, I can not for the life of me understand how the tristate area, home to the Cowboys’ biggest rival, has become an absolute breeding ground for Jerry Jones acolytes. I bet Boston Red Sox fans living in New England don’t wander into their local pubs only to find the place crawling with pinstripe-clad Yankee fans. I get it; maybe I’m just salty about the way the Giants played in their 19-3 loss. I mean, had the G-Men not put forth such a subpar
effort, maybe I wouldn’t even have noticed the makeup of the crowd. But with each New York drive that ended in a three-and-out, the Cowboys fans got louder, chirping about how, for the second year in a row, the NFC East was theirs this season. It was certainly not how I wanted to start the 2017 NFL campaign. Right now, what scares me about the Cowboys is that they are poised to be good for a very long time. They’ve got a solid second-year quarterback in Dak Prescott, an all-world running back in Ezekiel Elliot, and the best offensive line in the league. It’s a recipe for sustained success, which means that pretty soon, we’re going to have a new generation of New York-bred Dallas fans taking over our local bars on game day. If this keeps up, I’m going to have to find a new place to watch my games. I hear Antarctica is lovely this time of year.
Follow Mike Smith on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports
On Sunday night, Sports Editor Mike Smith went out to watch his Giants play the hated Cowboys. He wasn’t ready for a lackluster Big Blue performance—or the sheer volume of Dallas fans in the area. Photo courtesy Wikipedia.org
Stars take field for charity game By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor On Aug. 24, Flowers Park in New Rochelle played host to a number of stars, as a collection of local athletes took on a celebrity-laden crew helmed by radio host Craig Carton for the sixth annual Boomer & Carton Celebrity Softball Game. For more than half a decade, WFAN personality Carton, a New Rochelle native, has teamed up with co-host and former New York Jets quarterback Boomer Esiason to field a squad consisting of current and retired professional athletes to take on a team of New Rochelle softball superstars in a charity game benefiting the New Rochelle Parks and Recreation Gift Fund. Retired Yankee closer Mariano Rivera suited up to play first base for the New Rochelle team, while the WFAN club featured notable names including former New York Islander goalie Rick DiPietro, Mets manager Bobby Valentine, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Chris Simms, Yankee outfielder Jim Leyritz and
current Toronto Maple Leaf right winger Matt Martin. Also joining the Boomer and Carton team once again was 2017 New Rochelle Hall of Fame inductee Ray Rice. Rice, who was a two-sport high school standout for the Huguenots and went on to a Pro Bowl career with the Baltimore Ravens, said he looks forward to lacing up his cleats for charity every year. “[Carton] has known me since I was in high school, we got very close a few years ago when he asked me to come out, and I’ve been coming to the game ever since,” Rice said. “It’s always a great time to do this.” The chance to raise money for his hometown, Rice said, is what keeps him coming back. “This is home and home is special,” he added. “This is the place where I grew up, so it’s always important to be able to give back.” The running back’s history in the Queen City of the Sound made him one of the game’s most popular attractions, and Rice said that once again hearing the cheers
of the New Rochelle community was a welcome experience. “I’m just so appreciative to be able to come back here and receive that genuine love,” he said. “This is a place with so many different people and it’s great that we can all get along for one cause.” Turning his attention to the gridiron, Rice also offered some advice and well wishes for the New Rochelle High School football team—a squad that will enter the 2017 school year with massively high expectations. “They have a lot of talent, but talent will only go so far,” he said. “They need to be mentally tough, and I know that coach [Lou DiRienzo] is going to have the guys prepared for what they are going to need to do to reach their full potential.” Editor’s Note: On Sept. 6, event organizer Craig Carton was arrested by federal agents and charged with four counts related to securities and wire fraud and conspiracy to commit those offenses. CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Former Yankees closer Mariano Rivera smacks a single in the first inning of the sixth annual Boomer and Carton Celebrity Softball Game in New Rochelle on Aug. 24. Rivera has played for the New Rochelle Super Star team for the past several years. Photo/Mike Smith
SPORTS
September 15, 2017 • THE CITY REVIEW • 15
Local fighter inks promo deal By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor Undefeated professional boxer Natalie Gonzalez took one more step toward stardom on Saturday, Sept. 2, when the local fighter signed a promotional agreement with Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports and Entertainment at Champs Boxing Club in New Rochelle. For Gonzalez, who was surrounded by friends, family and gym-mates for the signing event, the move represents the logical next step in a promising career that could soon reach new heights. “It feels amazing,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity and I’m happy that they were able to see my hard work and dedication. Female boxers don’t generally get recognized as much, but I’m so grateful to all the female fighters out there doing their thing, because that’s going to help us become even more well-known.” Despite having just three fights on her professional resume, Gonzalez, 26, was beginning to raise some eyebrows on her own. In her last fight, on Nov. 11, 2016, the New Ro-
chelle native knocked out similarly undefeated Marina Ramirez in a light flyweight bout in Las Vegas, Nevada Kiko Cancel, one of the promoters who was responsible for bringing Gonzalez into Real Deal’s stable, said he recognized her tenacity from the first time he saw her step in the ring. “I was in the gym and I saw her in there sparring with two girls; I turned around for one second, and one of the girls was on the floor,” Cancel said. “She really caught my attention; it was basically a no-brainer.” Cancel’s partner, Chris Martin, thinks that Gonzalez’s aggressive style will eventually make her a household name in the boxing world. “There are a lot of competitive women out there, but what they really need is that exposure,” Martin said. “And with [Natalie], I think she’s one of those fighters who can take it to the next level because she’s so exciting to watch.” That style, however, has also worked against Gonzalez in terms of finding opponents. Ryan O’Leary, who has trained Gonzalez for the past eight years,
said that Natalie’s youth—and her explosiveness—make her an unenviable opponent for women with a comparable number of pro fights, and that signing on with Real Deal Promotions will help her find more suitable challengers. “She was kind of between a rock and a hard place; the newer girls who should be at her level really aren’t, and the only girls who want to fight her are already world champions,” O’Leary said. “I know she’s going to beat those [champions] at some point, but it’s just not fair to put her in with them right now.” Although Gonzalez does not have her next fight lined up, she expects to be back in the ring in the next two months and said that, in the meantime, she will just be grinding away at Champs, fine-tuning her skill set as she looks ahead to her next victory. “We’re thinking about a fight sometime in October,” she said. “But right now, the game plan is to continue to work hard, giving it my all, and hopefully just keep winning.”
Natalie Gonzalez, surrounded by friends and family, poses after signing a promotional deal with boxing great Evander Holyfield’s Real Deal Sports and Entertainment on Sept. 2. Gonzalez fights out of Champs Boxing Club in New Rochelle.
CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Natalie Gonzalez hands a pen to trainer Ryan O’Leary during a Sept. 2 press conference. Photos/Mike Smith
Natalie Gonzalez catches Rachel Sazoff with a punch last year during Gonzalez’s second professional fight. The New Rochelle fighter is currently 3-0.
16 • THE CITY REVIEW • September 15, 2017
SPORTS
Huguenots top Tigers in opener FOOTBALL
class aa
NEW ROCHELLE 33 MAMARONECK 17 AT FOSINA FIELD
9/3/17
Game Notes: • New Rochelle quarterback Jonathan Saddler threw for three touchdowns • The Huguenots held a 20-0 lead before a Chris Watroba field goal put the Tigers on the board • Mamaroneck will play Suffern this weekend By MIKE SMITH Sports Editor After months of speculation about the program’s postseason prospects, the New Rochelle Huguenots wasted little time on Saturday establishing why they are widely considered to be the team to beat in Class AA this year. Against Mamaroneck on Sept. 2, the Huguenots scored on their very first offensive snap, a 56yard touchdown pass from Jonathan Saddler to Myles Taylor, which set the stage for a convincing 33-17 season-opening win for the reigning section champs. According to the senior quarterback, however, the scoring strike was not executed exactly as it was drawn up.
“It was a read play, but my read was a little cloudy,” Saddler said. “I saw someone coming off the edge, I rolled out, and I just threw it up there for my playmaker.” Putting that first touchdown in the books, he added, was a big confidence booster for an offensive unit widely expected to be one of the best in Section I. Saddler finished the day with three passing touchdowns, including another strike to Taylor, who also broke a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown in the second half. “It felt great, we just wanted to come out and set the tone; we knew we had to do that in the first couple of plays,” he said. “It’s great knowing that I can dump a pass off for like five yards and know that one of my teammates can take it 80 or 90 yards.” But as explosive as New Rochelle’s offense was on Saturday, the Tigers didn’t make it easy. A Mamaroneck surge at the end of the second quarter—highlighted by an end-around flea-flicker pass from quarterback Tommy Dillon to Tim Sommers—saw the Tigers head into halftime trailing their hosts 20-10. But New Rochelle clamped down in the second half, keeping Mamaroneck off the board until Dillon scored on a keeper with only a few seconds left in the game. “Earlier this morning we didn’t have that great of a practice and
it showed that we lacked a little bit of focus,” Saddler said. “That was pretty evident at the end of the second quarter.” But the New Rochelle quarterback believes that a few defensive lapses are not indicative of how he expects that unit to play this year, chalking much of the performance up to first-game jitters. “I think we’re going to play better every single week, and this is just going to be one game out of hopefully 13,” he said. “Coach [DiRienzo] is going to have us back in on Sunday, ready to work, and we are going to be better.” Mamaroneck will be on the road again this week, as they
travel to Suffern (1-0) to take on the Mounties on Sept. 8. Last Saturday, Suffern earned a win over Mount Vernon, topping the Knights 21-20. On Sept. 9, New Rochelle will host Clarkstown South (1-0), which is coming off an impressive 42-0 romp over Ramapo. CONTACT: sports@hometwn.com
Romeo Holden attempts to leap over Tanner Conlon on Sept. 2. Photos/Mike Smith
Jared Baron lays a shoulder into Connor Sundin at Fosina Field.
New Rochelle’s Jonathan Saddler tries to break a tackle against Mamaroneck on Sept. 2. Saddler threw for three touchdowns in the Huguenots’ 33-17 win.
Mamaroneck’s Tommy Dillon tries to avoid the pass rush against New Rochelle. Dillon completed 11-of-18 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown.