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Vol. 13/Number 22 www.myharrisonreport.com May 31, 2013

MEMORIAL DAY COVERAGE, PAGES 7-9

REMEMBER

2 • The hARRISON RePORT • May 31, 2013

Harrison gets $370K in Sandy relief By DANIEL OFFNERSTAFF [email protected]

More than six months after Superstorm Sandy wrought destruction across the Sound Shore region, the federal government–through issuance of a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant—will provide a $370,000 reimbursement to Harrison for the costs of debris removal after the storm.

“Federal aid has been absolutely essential as our communities recover and rebuild from Superstorm Sandy,” said Congresswoman Nita Lowey, a Democrat. “Responding to the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy across Westchester and Rockland counties, including Harrison, has placed huge burdens on the budgets of counties, towns and vil-lages.”

The announcement of Harrison’s reim-bursement from FEMA came just one day before another announcement from Lowey on President Obama’s approval to increase the existing 75 percent reimbursement level to 90 percent for communities impacted by Sandy.

“This is a victory for communities across New York,” Lowey said. “President Obama’s decision that New York State and local govern-ments will now be eligible to be reimbursed for a greater share of Sandy response costs is the right one and means that communities will

SANDY continued on page 10Clean-up crews sent out in the aftermath of the storm picking up debris along the border of Harrison and White Plains. Photo/Daniel Offner

May 31, 2013 • The hARRISON RePORT • 3

Ryan steps down, county legislator race heats upBy DANIEL OFFNERSTAFF [email protected]

While seeking the Democratic nod for Westchester County Executive last October, County Legislator William Ryan announced he will not seek re-election for a ninth consecu-tive term on the board.

“Although my service with the county board will conclude Dec. 31, [2013] it is not my plan to retire and I am currently considering several public sector offers for 2014,” Ryan said.

Although the April 24 Democratic Convention did not provide Ryan the support for which he’d hoped, as he placed third out of three candidates vying to challenge Republican Rob Astorino for county executive, Ryan reaffirmed his stance not to seek an-other two-year term on the Board of Legislators.

Now, after 16 years on the board, Ryan has endorsed who he hopes will succeed him as legislator of the 5th district—which currently includes Scarsdale, White Plains and a portion of West Harrison—giving his nod to the

Democratic frontrunner, White Plains City Councilman Ben Boykin.

A member of the City of White Plains Common Council since 2000, Boykin said he has been instrumental in $1.2 billion of investment in downtown White Plains, fought to change zoning to protect White Plains neighborhoods, supported public safety initiatives to protect residents and protect the environ-ment, and created 180 units of workforce housing.

“I will work to bring more transpar-ency to the county’s budget process and implement budgets that protect the most vulnerable among us,” Boykin said. “I will fight for better coordination and working relationships between the coun-ty government and our villages, towns and cities to tackle and solve mutual is-sues in order to enhance our quality of life.”

Seeking the Democratic endorsement, Boykin has already secured the Harrison, White Plains

and Scarsdale Democratic committees approvals as well as an endorsement from prominent Democrats like Legislator Ryan and the support of White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach.

“I will not be stepping down from my seat on the White

Plains Common Council,” Boykin said. “I will continue to serve the people of White Plains while I campaign to represent them and the residents of Scarsdale and a portion of Harrison at the county Board of Legislators.”

GOP hopeful Dr. Miriam Levitt-Flisser has also thrown her hat into the ring for the 5th legislative district seat. Dr. Flisser, a full-time pediatric physician, stepped down from her role as mayor of Scarsdale earlier this year after serving a two-year term in office. She also served as village trustee for four years,

during which time she was appointed police commissioner and fire com-missioner of the village.

According to Flisser, she acquired several qualities over her years as a

physician and public servant that would serve her well as a county legislator.

“I have over 20 years experience with the administrative and legislative process,” Flisser said. “I am open to con-stituents’ input…[in determining] how I will develop what residents want.”

County legislators are elected to serve two-year terms.

Former Scarsdale mayor and pediatric physician Dr. Miriam Levitt-Flisser, a Republican, will look to contend with Ben Boykin for county legislator.Contributed photo

Ben Boykin is currently the front-runner for the Democratic Party line in his candidacy for county legislator. A member of the White Plains Common Council, Boykin said he does not plan to step down from the position leading up to the election.Photo Courtesy White Plains

Astorino marks Memorial Day at Playland

The Rye Playland Memorial Day Tribute Ceremony was open to veterans, service members and their families. It began with a performance by the Westchester Police Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Corps, fol-lowed by a tribute from Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino. A barbecue followed the ceremony. Veterans and active duty mem-bers and their families received free parking and five free rides. (Submitted)

County Executive Robert Astorino, center, with Vito Pinto, Director of Veterans Service Agency, left, and Westchester County Legislator Michael Smith.

County Executive Robert Astorino talks to local veterans during Veterans Appreciation Day at Playland. Contributed photos


CommunityBriefs

Oldies Concert A fundraiser to benefit the girls basketball

program. Saturday, June 1, 7:30 p.m. New Rochelle High School

Starring: Kenny Vance & The Planotones, Emil Stuccho & The Classics, Jimmy Gallagher & The Passions, Bel-Airs, Ms. Jackie Dimaggio

Host: Dennis Dion Nardone For tickets, call 914-374-8888 $40 reserve Seating, $35 General Admissionharrison Library children’s eventsFriday, May 3110 a.m. Open play at the library for kids and their caregivers.Storyland with Miss BonnieJune 3 at 10:30 a.m. Miss Bonnie will read stories for ages 3 to 5, siblings are welcome.Board games at the libraryJune 3 at 4 p.m. Bring a friend or two and play one of the

library’s many board games in the Children’s Room.

Circle Time for Tots with Miss ClaudiaJune 5 at 10 a.m. and again at 11 a.m. Songs, dancing, stories and more for ages 0

to 3, siblings welcome.Open Play at the libraryJune 7 at 10 a.m.Come meet other parents, grandparents,

caregivers, and children. Make new friends, play, read, and have fun. Blocks and pre-school LEGOs will be available for the little ones while parents chat.

harrison Public Library eventsArt exhibitHarrison Council for the Arts presents

“Rites of Passage,” collages and small 3D wall sculptures by Debra Friedkin at the Harrison Public Library, 2 Bruce Ave., June 3 to 28 with an opening reception on June 8 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Debra works in various media, including collage, painting, and sculpture. The charac-ters and settings are iconic and range from prehistoric to futuristic–strange and fabulous creatures and animals, fossilized dinosaurs, mythical unicorns, abstract modern figures, aliens and humans or just body parts, as well as surrealistic creations.

The exhibit may be viewed Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Meditation for healthy livingJune 5 at 7 p.m.Join Dr. Andrew Vidich, author, educator,

consultant and international speaker who has been practicing meditation for more than 40 years. Dr.Vidich will present research on how

meditation can improve our physical, mental and spiritual health. Part one of two. All in-vited.

Computer orientationJune 6 at 10:30 a.m.One-hour class for the computerized library

catalog and Internet. If you are feeling left behind in this technology-driven world, this class is for you.

Meditation and healthJune 8 at 10 a.m.Come and explore Bodhi Meditation

with Zen Master Julie and Dr. Francina Liu. Participants will feel renewed and rejuve-nated. Everybody is welcome.

In Our Own Voice: Living with Mental IllnessJune 10 at 7 p.m.This is a unique program that offers hope

that recovery is possible. Hear from people who have struggled with schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, major depression, and other severe mental illnesses, and are now role models of hope and recovery.

Soundview Sports Summer Mini Day CampSoundview Sports Summer Day Camp has

developed a unique movement-based program for 3 and a half to 5-year-old boys and girls. Age appropriate sports and activities, includ-ing swim instruction, will be offered. Created by Soundview Sports educators, together with experienced pre-school and elementary school physical education and health profes-sionals, the Soundview Sports Summer Mini Day Camp focuses on fine-motor as well as gross-motor skills.

For the past 18 years, Soundview Sports has offered a Summer Sports Skills Building Day Camp at Manhattanville College for boys and girls ages 5 to 14. The Soundview Sports Summer Mini Day Camp will run from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m .at Manhattanville College throughout the summer. Lunch is included. Camp starts on Monday, June 24 and ends on Friday, August 9, 2013.

Please call Soundview Sports at 914-323-5400 and/or visit soundviewsports.com for further information on all of our programs.

Eugene J. Feeley Harrison High School student aid fund appeal

For over 65 years, “The Feeley Fund” has enabled needy and worthy Harrison High School graduates to attend accredited col-leges and/or schools. Since 1947, more than 1,000 have received loans or grants to pursue their post-high school education and training. The Feeley Fund needs you to share our con-fidence in the future of our Harrison youth. Please respond to our request by sending your contribution to The Feeley Fund, 255 Union Ave., Harrison, NY 10528. For more info call Lola Geiger, Executive Director at 914-939-7066.

Deadline for our Community Briefs section is every Friday at 12 p.m. Though space is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accom-modate your listing. Please send all items to [email protected].

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Local collective unites against state lawmakersBy DANIEL OFFNERSTAFF [email protected]

Last week, after school budgets were put to a public vote statewide, a bipartisan col-lective—consisting of business, municipal, county, and school officials—formed with the goal of calling for the abolition of unfunded state mandates, which have had a direct im-pact on the wallets of local taxpaying hom-eowners.

“It’s not about Democrats or Republicans,” said Bill Mooney, president of the Westchester County Association, a membership-based business organization. “It’s about our com-munities.”

Aptly monikered Stop Albany, the grass-roots coalition planned to collect signatures through an online petition demanding state lawmakers provide mandate relief. These mandates include increases in state and teacher pension plans, cost of Medicaid, pre-school and special education costs, public as-sistance, child welfare and early intervention among other things. The state-imposed man-dates became an issue for local governments and businesses in 2010 following legislation implemented under New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, that limits the abilities of schools, municipalities and counties to levy property taxes.

At the forefront of the coalition, County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, said

that in the 2013 fiscal year, nine unfunded mandates will cost the county government $464 million—which equates to 85 cents of property tax dollar levied.

“Let’s talk about who is subsidizing who,” Astorino said. “It’s upside down…we need to stop the corrosive effects of unfunded man-dates.”

According to the county executive, in-creasing state aid for school districts, mu-nicipalities and the county doesn’t solve the problems, but rather makes them worse in the long term. “The structure has to be changed,” said Astorino, who is up for re-election this year and scheduled to face off against New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, a Democrat.

With four school districts’ proposed bud-gets shot down by Westchester voters this past week, local school administrators and PTA members decided to join Astorino on May 23, to speak out against Albany lawmakers.

“The long-term growth of our students is at risk,” said Louis Wool, superintendent of the Harrison Central School District.

Wool said that, under the mandated cap and the significant increase in teacher benefit costs, it would be unsustainable to maintain a budget with no reductions of faculty and staff, programming and/or class size.

Harrison schools recently approved funding for a $2.2 million increase in the district’s cost to the teacher retirement system, a $221,786 increase in state employee pensions, and

a $565,452 increase for special education, which equates to 64 percent of the total bud-getary increases.

“The implementation of [the state Employee Retirement System’s] Tier VI was intended for new teachers and state employees,” Wool said. “Unfortunately, no one is being hired in this economy.”

Tier VI was implemented into the state

retirement system last year to help soften the blow of soaring pension costs. But, since the new tier can only be applied to new hires, it does little to address the increasing costs of those already under the state’s employ.

Harrison schools also encountered diffi-culty this past year with the mandated Annual

STOP ALBANY continued on page 7

Joining forces as part of a grassroots coalition, Harrison School Superintendent Louis Wool, right, highlights a need for mandate relief. On May 23, Wool was joined by Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, center, and Westchester–East Putnam Regional PTA Director Kelly Chiarella to discuss the impact of state mandates on local governments and schools. Photo/Daniel Offner


What’s Your Beef?What’s bothering you today?

Collected on Purchase Street in Rye

-Photos and reporting by ILANA BRuckmAN

“Unhappy people bother me.”

Agata Young, 27,Golden’s Bridge

“The bridge on Central Avenue that still is not fixed.”

John Schwartz, 79,Rye

“Corporate lobbying going unnoticed by the public.”

Kate Massey, 21,Brooklyn

“Irrational conservative politicians.”

Sheldon Kaye, 71,Farmington Hills, Mich.

By cHRIS GRAmuGLIA STAFF [email protected]

New Rochelle Mayor, and Democratic can-didate for county executive, Noam Bramson recently announced that County Board of Legislators Chairman, Ken Jenkins will serve as his campaign co-chair. No other chairper-sons have been named to date.

Jenkins, a Yonkers Democrat, lost the nomination to Bramson last month at the Westchester Democratic convention-Bramson got 54 percent of the vote-but said that the ultimate goal of county Democrats is to unseat incumbent Republican County Executive Rob Astorino.

“Noam and I had a spirited race seeking en-dorsement for the county executive nomination,” Jenkins said. “Now we are both committed to making sure we are victorious in November. We are working hard around the county, and had a number of advocates that supported both of our individual campaigns, and now we are talking to those individuals.”

Jenkins also said that, as campaign co-chair, he plans on doing everything he can to ensure that Democratic ideals are restored to the county, including knocking on residents doors, advocating within “certain circles” and, in gen-eral, getting productive conversations started regarding county issues.

Jeremy Sherber, Bramson’s campaign man-ager, said that the mayor, who was appointed mayor of New Rochelle back in 2005 and has won two re-election bids, has placed a great emphasis on Democrats working together in the upcoming elections.

“Noam has been very keen over the last few weeks to make sure that all of the talk of unity is for real,” he said. “I think Ken Jenkins has been a great partner in that endeavor.”

Sherber said that Jenkins and Bramson have met several times to discuss county issues as well as campaign strategies, and that Jenkins will play an integral role in advising Bramson as well as representing him at various public appearances.

“The advice we’re getting from him has al-ready been incredibly helpful,” Sherber said. Sherber also said the campaign is still in the process of selecting a number of other co-chairs to work alongside Jenkins and Bramson as the election approaches.

In statements published by Bramson’s cam-paign, the New Rochelle mayor said having Jenkins on board will be of significant assis-tance in unseating Astorino in November.

Jenkins joins Bramson campaign as co-chair

New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, a Democrat, recently selected county Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins to be the co-chair of his campaign for county executive. Jenkins lost a primary for the party’s nomination to Bramson. File Photo

County Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins, a Democrat, was selected to advise and represent New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson in his campaign against incumbent County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican. File Photo

“Ken has been standing up to the Astorino administration’s right-wing, short-sighted poli-cies on a daily basis for the past three years,” Bramson said. “I am excited for the experience and insight he will bring to our campaign.”

Jenkins is up for re-election this year and has stated that he intends to hold on to his seat as Chairman of the Board of Legislators.

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Mayor Ron Belmont

harrisonhappenings

The heroes and shiny, clean cars of spring

Members of the Westchester Brassmen strum along past the Veterans Memorial Building on Halstead Avenue during Harrison’s annual Memorial Day Parade. Photo/Dan Offner

On Monday, May 27, the Town of Harrison honored those men and women who sacri-ficed their lives for the liberties we enjoy today. This year’s Memorial Day parade and ceremony was a wonderful tribute to fallen servicemen and women who courageously served in the armed forces and lost their lives. Ben DeFonce, U.S.M.C. Ret., Harrison’s commissioner of veteran’s affairs, should be commended for organizing this wonder-ful event. Our honored guests, from various military branches, gave heartfelt speeches describing what active service has meant to them. It was a day to remember the fallen as we celebrate our freedom, and it was an honor to be part of this special occasion.

As you enjoy the outdoors, I hope you have an opportunity to notice this year’s spring plantings. Eighteen gardens were installed this year: nine in West Harrison and nine downtown. Troops from the Harrison Girl Scouts and Brownies helped create beautiful gardens in several locations. Ma Riis, Petti John and Brentwood parks enjoyed the benefit of the generosity and hard work of our scouts. In West Harrison, the 911 Memorial, Veteran's Wall, the Passidomo Monument, as well as the entrance to Passidomo Park, have also been decorated with beautiful plantings. The Girl Scouts and Brownies worked under the lead-ership of Veronika Frohlich, Gail Frohlich and scout moms came to help the girls plant. The Harrison Beautification Foundation, Inc. has supplied all of the flowers, and I would like to thank foundation member, Denise DiBiasi, for her dedication and commitment to beauti-

fying our community. Additional gardens are ready to be planted. If you have an interest in assisting the Beautification Foundation, please call Denise DiBiasi at 946-9655. The foundation is always looking for landscapers or individuals to sponsor gardens.

All town residents are invited to attend the Harrison Avenue School’s 5th grade car wash this Saturday, June 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come to the school to get your car washed for $10 and support a great cause. Proceeds from the event, will be divided between yet to be selected charity organizations and will also subsidize various year-end events for the 5th grade class.

As a reminder, the registration deadline for the Harrison Junior Soccer League is June 6. If your child is between 2nd and 8th grade and would like to participate, please make sure to register before this date in order to avoid a late registration fee. For registration and fee information, please contact the Department of Recreation at 949-5265 or 670-3180.

My office has recently been notified that Harrison’s Yellowbook phone directory will be delivered curbside to our residents within the first two weeks of July. Residents can opt out of delivery by visiting www.yellowpag-esoptout.com or by calling the Yellowbook market manager at 877-607-0775. If you would like to dispose of this directory, the phone books are 100 percent recyclable.

I hope you are enjoying this warm late-spring weather. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call or stop in to Town Hall. I am eager to hear your thoughts and suggestions and my door is al-ways open. The next “Lunch with the Mayor” is on Friday, June 7. I will be at Fuji Sushi located at 216 Harrison Ave. in downtown Harrison. I will be at this location from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and look forward to meeting with residents and talking about issues facing our community.

Professional Performance Review, which sets the parameters of teacher and princi-pal evaluations. More commonly referred to as the APPR, the review provides school districts with an opportunity to increase state aid funding provided the evaluation guidelines meet the approval of the state Education Department, prior to a set dead-line.

This year, Harrison schools had submit-ted their plans 19 minutes past deadline and were initially expected to pay a pen-alty of $46,000 out of the anticipated aid for the district. However, through the ef-forts of state lawmakers, the aid increase was restored in full as part of the recently adopted state budget.

However, not every school district missing the deadline was so lucky. Kelly Chiarella, regional director of the Westchester–East Putnam PTA, said that in the City of Yonkers, the missed APPR deadline cost the district roughly $3 mil-lion, which would have been enough to restore its junior varsity sports and middle school music programs.

“Under the tax levy cap, school districts will be forced to cut even mandated [bud-get] items,” Chiarella said.

At the local level, municipalities have also butted head’s with the state mandates, which have upped the costs to the police

retirement system. Village of Ossining Mayor William Hanauer, a Democrat, said that a 72 percent increase in police retire-ment costs as well as a 55 percent increase in state employee retirement costs over the past three years was what led the munici-pality to eliminate 16.5 positions, leaving 2.5 vacant.

“Because of the unfunded state man-dates, municipalities are unable to fund the services which they provide,” Hanauer said.

According to Hanauer, who also serves as president of the Westchester Municipal Officials Association, municipalities will increasingly see a need to cut active duty positions for first responders—police, fire, DPW—in order to stay afloat.

The newly-formed coalition hopes to further their efforts to urge state lawmak-ers to “stop taking our power,” through the release of its online petition and a new public service announcement. Scheduled to air on public access channels through-out the county, the PSA is a riff on an old classic—“This is your brain on drugs” campaign—that, for more than a decade, advocated children stay away from illicit substances.

Anyone wishing to learn more about the “Stop Albany” campaign can visit StopAlbany.com for more information.

STOP ALBANY from page 5


Memorial Day celebration honors veterans, HHS band director

By DANIEL OFFNERSTAFF [email protected]

After a weekend of muggy weather, resi-dents gathered in the warming sunshine along-side Halstead Avenue for the town's annual Memorial Day celebration. Although the May holiday signified the start of the summer sea-son, for several Harrison residents, like Claire Sollazzo, the celebration meant much more.

"Today is a day to honor all our veterans," Sollazzo said, "the living as well as deceased."

Dressed in a Vietnam veteran cap and jacket—both decorated in military pins—Sollazzo clutched her trumpet and reminisced about the veterans who have impacted her life, namely her husband, Frank. Sollazzo said she remembered marching in the parade each year with her husband, playing taps together for the town ceremony.

Members of the N.Y. Color Guard stand at attention during the parade procession at Ma Riis park.

After the parade, lifetime members of the local VFW gathered at the Honor Roll in Ma Riis Park downtown to honor those who lost their lives in wartime.

This year’s parade included several floats, including the one seen here, towed along by Harrison Paint Supply proprietor Roy Aletti. A Veteran of Foreign War, Aletti is well known for his patriotic flair during the annual Memorial Day ceremony. Photos/Daniel Oftner

Unable to march this year, she waited at the corner of Harrison Avenue and Heineman Place—across the street from the Frank P. Sollazzo Recreation Center—for the parade procession.

"Today is an important day," she said. "A lot more people should come out to this."

Meanwhile on Halstead Avenue, the pa-rade marched forward with members of the Harrison High School Marching Band lead-ing the way, followed by local Veterans of Foreign War Post members, the Westchester Brassmen, local Boy and Girl Scout troops, and vehicles from all three Harrison Fire Departments.

Hundreds gathered around the Honor Roll at Ma Riis Park downtown for the second portion of the ceremony, which this year hon-ored Harrison High School Band Director Dr. Ferdinand Pasqua for his 23 years of service with the school district.

"Let’s not forget, today, about our veterans,"

Pasqua said. "All you've done...all you do." For Pasqua, whose father served in WWII

during the Battle of the Bulge, he consid-ered it an honor to have the marching band perform each year during the Memorial Day celebration. Last December, members of the Harrison High School band traveled to Pearl Harbor Hawaii—a trip for which only a few students from each state were selected—for the 50th anniversary celebration of the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial.

"When he first started at Harrison High School there were only 14 members of the band...and now there are over 100," said Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont during the pro-cession.

Planning for retirement this June, Pasqua was honored by town officials with the Key to the City and a proclamation naming May 27, 2013, Dr. Fred Pasqua Day in Harrison.

Continued on page 9


The program continued with an invoca-tion from Monsignor Francis McAree, the National Anthem performed by Kelly Curtis, and honored guests including retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. S. Baumgarten, Marines Corps., Lt. Col. Richard Bordonaro, Naval

Commander Antonio MacCabe, Air Force Major Bruno Gaita, Army Lt. Col. Mark Rosen, VFW members Richard Bertoli, John Zilembo, and Joseph Mazzullo, Harrison Fire Chiefs, and Harrison Police Chief Anthony Marraccini.

Lighning Roggaro, 11, Valkyria Roggaro, 7, Erick Zagami, 10, and William Roggaro 8, join in the celebration as the procession marches along Halstead Avenue for the annual Memorial Day parade in the Town of Harrison. Members of the Harrison High School Band put on a special performance for soon-to-be retired

band director Dr. Ferdinand Pasqua. Pasqua was later awarded the Key to the City by Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont for his 23 years of service with the school district.

Members of the U.S. Marine Corps march down Halstead Avenue during the annual Memorial Day celebration. Photo/Monica Miles

Harrison High School’s marching band broke out its banner from last December’s trip to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to show support for local veterans in the Harrison Memorial Day ParadePhotos/Daniel Offner


be able to recover more quickly.” FEMA funding for Harrison is a result of

the bipartisan Disaster Relief Appropriations Act passed by Congress in January to help reimburse state and local governments for the cost of emergency responses.

In the days after the late October 2012 hur-ricane, Harrison locals were limited in their travels as police barricades blocked roadways filled with debris—namely downed power lines and uprooted trees and branches.

Property damage in Harrison was immense. Thirty-six residents reported instances of trees toppling through their homes, coupled with 200 reports of damage caused by fallen trees, power lines, gas leaks and fires.

According to Con Edison officials, roughly 179,000 residents in the county lost power during the storm, 8,897 of those cases were from the Town of Harrison.

“Harrison is very happy to receive FEMA’s payment,” said Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont, a Republican. “It’s nice to know

that FEMA recognizes how diligent Harrison was in cleaning up the debris resulting from Hurricane Sandy.”

Belmont added that he is happy to see that the money is starting to flow, and that he an-ticipates this is the first of several payments to come.

According to Comptroller Maureen MacKenzie, the $370,000 was intended to reimburse those employees who worked over-time during the storm.

“FEMA is reimbursing [the town] for expenses that we incurred during Sandy,” MacKenzie said. “We didn’t budget for it...because we didn’t know what we were going to get.”

MacKenzie added that while the money was not included in the town’s budget, it will be split between the town and highway department fund balances, to cover the cost of unanticipated budget increases including overtime and other costs incurred by the town during the storm.

SANDY from page 2

Krissy is a pretty Maine Coon mix kitty. She is a little shy at first, but warms up quickly and is very sweet. Krissy is also friendly with other cats. She is one gorgeous girl who would add a special touch to any home. Krissy will bond well with one person and be your fur-ever best friend. About two-years old, Krissy is spayed, in excellent health and up to date with all vaccinations. The adoption donation for Krissy is $75. To meet this lovely lady, please contact Larchmont Pet Rescue at 914-834-6955 or visit www.NY-Petrescue.org. (Submitted)

Pet Rescue

This uprooted tree is an example of the property damage wrought by Hurricane Sandy’s high velocity winds. Although nobody was harmed, this toppled tree laid on a Partridge Street residence at the border of Harrison and White Plains for days after the storm subsided. Photo/Daniel Offner


Walter’s ranks among nation’s best

By cHRIS GRAmuGLIA STAFF [email protected]

Walter’s Hot Dog Stand has been a fixture in Mamaroneck for almost a century, and the his-toric roadside stand’s claim to fame—its world famous “split” hot dogs—were recently listed as the 15th best in America by culinary blog, The Daily Meal.

Walter’s competed with 34 other establish-ments, all specializing in their own unique kind of hot dog. Walter’s won out over popular es-tablishments like Gray’s Papaya in New York City and Boston Superdog in Roxbury, Mass.

Walter’s hot dogs are grilled in an open-face style in a secret sauce created by Walter Warrington when the first stand opened in 1919. The hot dogs are served on a toasted bun with homemade mustard.

Originally, Warrington operated a stand on Boston Post Road, where he sold cider and apples before moving his business south on the Post Road, and then eventually to 937 Palmer Avenue where the stand is today.

The stand itself is a copper-roofed Chinese pagoda-shaped building with dragon lanterns flanking both sides, and is situated in front of an outdoor dining area where patrons can enjoy milkshakes and french fries along with their hot dogs. The stand, declared a histori-cal landmark in 1991, is listed on the County Inventory of Historic Places and was de-scribed in Roadside Delights as “Westchester County’s best-known contribution to road-side architecture.” The stand has also been featured in The New York Times and on CBS.

The Daily Meal judged hot dogs across the country on a variety of criteria, and only considers vendors and establishments with trademarks on their recipes.

“On our quest to find America’s best hot dogs, we kept an eye out for drive-ins, res-taurants, and roadside stands with a defini-tive style of hot dog and topping, one which embodies not only the region’s quirks, but the particular tastes and culinary traditions of its people,” wrote editor Dan Myers. “We judged these hot dogs based on several criteria: the

Hungry patrons line up outside Walter’s Hot Dog stand located on Palmer Avenue in Mamaroneck. The historic eatery’s franks were recently named 15th best in the nation by The Daily Meal, a culinary blog.

quality of ingredients...the entire hot-dog eating experience...as well as reputation among professional critics and online re-viewers.”

Customers eating at Walter’s told The Harrison Report that it’s not just about getting a bite to eat when they come to Walter’s. It’s about the experience of visit-ing the Mamaroneck hot dog stand itself.

“A lot of people talk about the way they cut and grill the hot dogs,” said Kevin Kumar, a patron, “but it’s really not about that. It’s about the meat they use. If you cut a regular hot dog and grill it, it’s not going to taste anywhere near as good.”

Camille Tambunting, a customer finish-ing up her lunch in the backyard dining area, said Walter’s hot dogs are unlike any other she has ever had, and deserve to be considered some of the nation’s best.

“No one makes hot dogs like Walter’s,” she said. “Also the prices are good. Other places, like in the city, you might pay seven dollars for a hot dog that doesn’t taste as good.”

Paul Murray, a Walter’s patron waiting on line, said, “There’s definitely a bit of an experience coming here. Everything is cooked in butter, which is never a bad thing.”

Walters is open Mondays through Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 11:45 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Walter’s hot dog sign, seen here, can be seen from the street, and hangs on the side of a Chinese-pagoda shaped roof. The building was constructed in 1921, and has long been a local curio for its intriguing and original architecture. Photos/Chris Gramuglia


help wanted

Local Hairdresser with a following-part-ner needed for a Salon in Harrison. Great opportunity; call George: 914-835-7777

adoption

ADOPT: The stork didn’t call. We hope you will. Loving family of 3 looking to adopt an-other little miracle. Contact Robin and Neil: 866-303-0668, www.rnladopt.info

ADOPT: Childless, married couple seek baby to make them a family. Will be stay-at-home mom/ doting dad. Promise love and bright future. Ellen & Chris. 1-888-701-2170

ADOPTION - Happily married, nature-loving couple wishes to adopt a baby. We prom-ise love, laughter, education, and security. Expenses paid. www.DonaldAndEsther.com. (Se habla español.) 1-800-965-5617.

ADOPT: A happily married couple promises cozy home, secure future, extended fam-ily, unconditional love for baby of any race. Expenses paid. Leslie/ Daniel TOLLFREE 1-855-767-2444. [email protected]

SitUationS/SeRViCeS

IF YOU USED THE MIRENA IUD between 2001-present and suffered perforation or embedment in the uterus requiring surgical removal, or had a child born with birth de-fects you may be entitled to compensation. Call Johnson Law and speak with female staff members 1-800-535-5727

AIRLINES ARE HIRING Train for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified -Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-296-7093

SitUationS/SeRViCeS

Attend College Online from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice, *Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer and Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV authorized. Call 888-201-8657 www.CenturaOnline.com

EXPERIENCED TRIAL ATTORNEY– Criminal, Civil and Family Law – FORMER CHIEF PROSECUTOR-20+ years experience – Excellent results on difficult cases-Free consultation-Offices in Westchester/Bronx-Contact Michael 718-293-2222 or mbarskyla [email protected]

ADVANTAGE COMPUTER SUPPORT–We make your computer “people friendly” in your home or office. Fast Resopnse * Upgrades * Repairs * Network Support. Call Richard Klein 914-422-1798 or 203-781-8672.

FoR SaleRINALDIFLEAMARKETS.COM Every Sunday Weather Permitting (Opening 4/7/13) 900 Dutchess Turnpike (rt44) Poughkeepsie NY. Free Admission & Parking, Great Food & Bargains. Vendors Wanted! Please visit RINALDIFLEAMARKETS.COM† See Ya There!

SAWMILLS from only $3997.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own band-mill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD:† www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N

BUYING/SELLING: Gold, gold coins, sterling silver, silver coins, silver plate, diamonds, fine watches (Rolex, Cartier, Patek), paint-ings, furs, estates. Call for appointment 917-696-2024 JAY

Advertising that gets resultsThe Classifieds

DEADLINEPlacement, correction or

cancellation of an ad may be phoned in any time before noon on Monday for publication

HOW TO REACH US (914) 653-1000x25 • Fax: 653-5000

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: 200 William Street, Port Chester

OUR RATES: UP TO 4 LINES $42.50 for 2 weeks minimum.

Each Additional Line $2.00

wanted to BUyTOP CASH PAID FOR

Antiques, furniture, paintings, lamps, chi-na, crystal, coins, sterling, watches, sew-ing machines, clothing, handbags, jewelry, cameras, records, books, baseball items, old toys/games. Call J. Geller – 914-275-6611 or [email protected]

wanted to BUy

CASH for Coins! Buying ALL Gold & Silver. Also Stamps & Paper Money, Entire Collections, Estates. Travel to your home. Call Marc in NYC 1-800-959-3419

CASH BUYER, 1970 and Before, Comic Books, Toys, Sports, entire collections want-ed.† I travel to you and Buy EVERYTHING YOU have! Call Brian TODAY: 1-800-617-3551

Real eStateSULLIVAN COUNTY REAL PROPERTY TAX FORECLOSURE AUCTION: 300+/- Properties† June 13+14 @ 9:30AM. At ìThe Sullivanî Route 17 Exit 109. 800-243-0061 AAR. & HAR, Inc. FREE brochure: www.NYSAuctions.com

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LAKE SALE: 6 acres Bass Lake $29,900. 7 acres 400í waterfront $29,900 6 lake prop-erties. Were $39,900 now $29,900. www.LandFirstNY.com Ends June 30th Call Now! 1888-683-2626.

Waterfront Lots- Virginia’s Eastern Shore WAS 300K Now From $55k Large Lots, Community Pool, Pier and Recreational Center. Great for boating, fishing & kayak-ing. www.oldemillpointe.com 757-824-0808

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com


News Tips Unfortunately, our reporters cannot be everywhere. If you see news in the making or have an idea for a news story, call us.

Letters The community’s opinion matters. If you have a view

to express, write a letter to the editor by email to [email protected], fax or mail. Please include a phone number and name for verification purposes.

Word limit: 625. No unsolicited Op/Eds, food, film reviews.

Community EventsIf you have an event you would like to share with the community, send it via email to [email protected].

Deadline for community news is noon on Fridays. Space is not guaranteed. Send listings to [email protected].

Delivery For home delivery, call Marcia Schultz at (914) 653-1000 x27.

PostmasterSend address changes to:

The Harrison Report c/o HomeTown Media Group, 200 William St.

Port Chester, N.Y. 10573

Visit us onlinewww.myharrisonreport.com

200 William St., Port Chester, N.Y. 10573 Tel: (914) 653-1000 | Fax: (914) 653-5000

Publisher | Howard Sturmanext. 21, [email protected]

Editor-in-chief | Christian Falconeext. 19, [email protected]

Deputy editor | Jason Chirevas ext. 30, [email protected]

Art Director | Michaela Zalkoext. 12, [email protected]

Reporter | Daniel Offnerext. 26, [email protected]

Sports Editor | Mike Smithext. 22, [email protected]

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Account Manager | Lindsay Sturmanext. 14, [email protected]

Advertising Coordinator | Marcia SchultzClassifieds, Subsciptions

ext. 27, [email protected]

ContributorsBobby Begun, Alexandra Bogdanovic, Liz Button

Chris Gramuglia, Ashley Helms

The Harrison Report is published weekly by Home Town Media Group for a subscription price of $30 per year

by Home Town Media Group. Standard Postage is paid at White Plains, New York

Follow us on Twitter @harrisonreport

Like us on facebook, facebook.com/harrisonreport

Dance fundraiser nets $4K

The Dance Works 2013 Fundraiser Showcase raised $4,000 for 3 causes–The Avon Foundation’s Breast Cancer Crusade, their Domestic Violence Campaign and the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Approximately 100 local dancers and Manhattan-based professional dancers par-ticipated celebrating a wide variety of dance styles.

Dance Works Event Producer, Company Director and Harrison resident Wendy Wood Barletta brings dancers together annually in a non-competitive environment to celebrate the universal language of dance in an effort to help save and change many lives.

This season, Wood Barletta presented several

New York City company, Ballets With A Twist, presented a world premier preview of “Zombie” from the Suite Cocktail Hour.

Cammie Megley and Julene Pineda dance a duet, “Reflection,” choreographed by Wendy Barletta.

Choreographer Carrie Tron brought her “Rhiannon” piece.

Stella Johansson and Livia Giudici dance in “A Medley of Rhymes,” a Dance Works piece choreographed by Wendy Barletta.

Dance Works company members Margaux Ducasse, Julene Pineda, Darya Khodakhah, Isabel O’Connell, Cammie Megley, Fallon Morel, Satomi Shibata in “Charleston,” choreographed by Wendy Barletta.

special guests including New York City-based ballet company, Ballets with a Twist, under the direction of Marilyn Klaus, for a world premiere addition to their critically acclaimed full-length evening work, Cocktail Hour. Soloist Kimberly Giannelli danced the solo of Sputnik. Billy Bell, a “So You Think You Can Dance” finalist, presented a work from his Lunge Dance Collective. Dance Works also welcomed New York-based choreographer Marcos Vedoveto to present a new solo work.

Dance Naiad of Bedford Hills, New Dance from Rye, Danse Elite of Mamaroneck, and Magical Movements and the Dance Works Company from Harrison also brought pieces to this production.

Donations can still be made to this initia-tive through:www.avonwalk.org/goto/danceworks or www.danceworksspeaksout.org. (Submitted)

Nicole Barletta dances the role of Dorothy in “Over the Rainbow.”

Billy Bell, a “So You Think You Can Dance” season 6 and 7 finalist, brought a duet piece, “Burgeon,” from his recently formed Lunge Dance Collective. Photos/Gary Morgan


Sports

Weathering the storms

Rye Neck pitcher Ryan Aquino throws against Croton-Harmon in a first-round playoff game. Aquino will be back on full rest in the second round due to the rain that hit the region last week. Photo/Bobby Begun

Springtime—of all the seasons of the high school sports schedule—is often the most unpredictable when it comes to weath-er. From early spring storms, to at times unbearable heat towards the end of the season, spring athletes need to be prepared for whatever mother nature throws at them. This week, she threw a wrench into the plans of the Section I playoff schedule, as roughly a week of baseball and softball was canceled due to some inclement weather.

Of all the springtime sports, none can be affected by the weather quite like baseball or softball. Whereas the Section I lacrosse title games were played—a day late—in a steady drum of raindrops, baseball and softball just aren’t suited to wet weather.

But, while baseball and softball might be the most affected by the weather, the effects of a day or two off—especially on a pitching staff-are also immeasurable.

Take, for example, the case of the Mamaroneck Tigers baseball team. On May 23, the Tigers upset Mahopac to advance to what they assumed was a May 25 game against top-seeded North Rockland. But, in a do-or-die situation, Mamaroneck coach Mike Chiapparelli ended up using his three top pitchers to secure the “W’ over the Indians, leaving Mamaroneck–many assumed–with a worn-out staff heading into the North Rockland tilt.

But, with a week’s worth of games washed out, the Tigers now find themselves with a refreshed ace in Will Hofmann taking the mound against North Rockland on May 30.

In a similar vein, Eastchester needed their two top arms—Marc Medico and Kyle Crimmins—in their win over Lakeland. With a week of rest, Eagles’ coach Dom Cecere now has Crimmins and Medico available for a playoff push.

But in baseball or softball, pitchers resting or not, the most important thing for teams during a layoff is to stay active. Harrison’s softball team has been on the field three times since their win over Poughkeepsie on May 25 as they wait to take on the winner of Eastchester and Lakeland. Chiapparelli’s Tigers have been working out in the cages tire-

lessly as they look ahead to North Rockland. Ultimately, said Rye Neck coach Tyler Slater, every team has to find its own way to pick itself up after a layoff.

“Sure, some time off gives you a chance to rest some of your guys who are going through injuries,” said Slater. “But ultimately, every-one’s in the same boat as you are.”

Harrison Report Sports Roundup

hARRISON RePORT Roundup

Drew Estes swings at a pitch against Valhalla on April 20. On May 23, the Huskies season came to an end with a first-round loss to Somers. Photo/Mike Smith

Boys:Jeremy Altamuro, Shot Put, 1st PlaceBrandon Merluccio, Discus, 1st PlaceCoby Lefkowitz, 110 Hurdles, 2nd PlaceCoby Lefkowitz, Long Jump, 2nd PlaceTrey Wasilesky, 3000 Steeplechase, 2nd PlaceDeven Jacobi, Triple Jump, 2nd PlaceEric Gutierrez, Discus, 3rd PlaceBen Adler, 1600m, 3rd PlaceGiovanni Valdes-Fauli, 110 Hurdles, 3rd Place4x100 relay (Ryan Moretti, Dan Quinn, Giovanni Valdes-Fauli, Deven Jacobi), 2nd Place

4x400 relay (Jack Hochman, Ryo Inkyo, Matt Konigsberg, Christian Saavedra), 2nd Place4x800 relay (Trey Wasilesky, Jake Coonin, Frank Antolino, Ben Adler), 2nd Place

Girls:Karol Moises, Shot Put, 2nd PlaceMichelle Aguirre, Pentathlon, 2nd PlaceKyle Lefkowtiz, Discus, 3rd Place4x100 relay (Marisa Gazzola, Hannah Hochman, Samantha Shopovick, Renata Diniz), 2nd Place4x400 relay (Ella Eisinger, Jia Luo, Marisa Gazzola, Hannah Hochman),3rd Place

Baseball5/23 Somers d. Harrison 12-11In a wild 8-seed versus 9-seed matchup, the

visiting Huskies fell to a good Somers team 12-11, ending Harrison’s season. Harrison’s Matt Baker went 2-for-5 with a homer and drove in a whopping five runs on the afternoon, but it wasn’t enough to get past the Tuskers, whose relievers did a phenomenal job of keeping the Huskies off the base paths late in the game. With the win, Somers earned the right to take on top-seeded Tappan Zee on May 29.

TrackHarrison ended its phenomenal outdoor track

season on May 25 in Pearl River, scoring high marks at the Section I championship. Harrison’s girls placed third overall, behind Pearl River and Irvington, while the boys, who tallied an impressive 110 points, came in second behind Pearl River.

Harrison had two first-place finishers, as Jeremy Altamuro and Brandon Merluccio won the shot put and discus events respectively. Overall, the Huskies managed to grab All-Section nods, which are awards to the top three finishers, in 17 events.

2013 Spring Track & Field all SecTion HonorS


Huskies wait for second-round foe

Sports

By mIkE SmITHSPORTS [email protected]

Given Harrison’s success over the past few years, it may have seemed strange to area fans to see the Huskies playing in a first-round playoff game without homefield advantage as they did on May 26. But, although Harrison wasn’t playing on its home turf, the outcome was still a familiar one, as the Huskies walked away with a 12-5 win over host Poughkeepsie.

Jordan Valentzas led the way for the Huskies, driving in five runs on three hits for the ninth-seeded Huskies. For Harrison, who struggled at points early in the season, the game was just the latest in a turnaround that head coach Dean Marino attributes to simply getting more experience for his young team.

“It took us the first 10 games of the year before we actually had our starting team out on the field,” said Marino. “With a young team, we’ve been asking girls to play out of position.”

That has manifested itself in the statsheet, as Harrison logged 53 errors over the course of the season. That number has come down recently, though, as the Huskies have com-mitted only eight miscues in their past seven games.

“We’re definitely getting better defen-sively,” said Marino. “But when you haven’t

played a position in the past, there going to be errors.”

With a lengthy layoff due to rain, Harrison will be back in action on May 30, after press time, against the winner of Eastchester versus Lakeland, which will be played on May 29.

According to Marino, the relatively lengthy layoff between Harrison’s first and second-round games should not be a problem, as the team has been fine-tuning its game on the practice field since the win over Poughkeepsie.

“We don’t take days off,” said Marino. “We were right back on the field on Saturday, took off Sunday but we’re getting ready for the next round.”

Barring an upset, the Huskies will likely be taking on the top-seeded Eagles on May 30. Eastchester handed the Eagles an early-season loss, but Marino is confident that, due to the growth of his players, his Huskies are no longer the same team that fell to the Eagles 12-2.

“We were missing about three or four start-ers that game,” said Marino. “Obviously, that’s not an excuse. Eastchester is a really good ballclub.

“Right now, we’re the underdogs, we’re playing loose,” Marino said. “I told the girls at the beginning of the season, as long as they were playing their best at the end of the sea-son, that would be enough for me.”

Genna Vaccaro plays for a bunt against New Rochelle. Harrison’s defense has gotten better over the last half of the season, cutting back on costly errors. Photos/Mike Smith

Christina DeCarlo throws a pitch against New Rochelle in an early-season contest. The Huskies have been solid as of late, beating Poughkeepsie in the first round of the playoffs.

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