Vol. 14/Number 36 September 7, 2012www.mysoundandtown.com

SOUND &TOWNServing Mamaroneck & Larchmont

Rye City’s 76 bus resolution goes missingBy CHRISTIAN FALCONEASSOCIATE EDITORchris@hometwn.com

More than two months after the Rye City Council agreed to call on the county to restore public transportation south of Playland Parkway and to Milton Point, county officials say they’ve yet to receive a formal request.

According to Donna Greene, deputy communications director for

the county executive’s office, as of last week, the office did not receive any document from the Rye City Council pertaining to the county’s decision to cut bus service in Rye. Greene said the only correspon-dence the office had on file was an informal email from Councilman Richard Filippi, a Republican.

However, Rye Republican Mayor Douglas French, has said as far back as early July that the resolution

had been forwarded to Republican County Executive Rob Astorino.

In an interview last week, French reiterated that the resolution was sent out of the city manager’s of-fice, but said there had yet to be any subsequent discussions with the county over it. “We can resend it,” said French regarding the miss-ing resolution. “I’ll follow up with

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County hosts month-long virtual job fairBy ADAM POLTRACKSTAFF REPORTERadam@hometwn.com

Westchester County, along with neighboring Putnam County, is holding a month-long virtual jobs fair this September, with the aim of pairing qualified workers with businesses that can utilize their tal-ents. One-Stop, a U.S. Department of Labor sponsored employment, education and training initiative, is running the event’s daily opera-tions.

According to officials, the pri-mary purpose of the fair is to streamline the process of hiring for

local businesses. “The challenge isn’t finding people who need jobs, but getting the businesses to list their jobs with One-Stop so that people can connect with the right job,” said Westchester County Deputy Communications Director Donna Greene. “We’re trying to get businesses to realize how they can benefit from the One-Stop, which is really screening applicants so employers don’t get 3,000 applica-tions like you can on some of these job sites.”

Job seekers have turned to the web more and more in recent years, and most reports now indi-

cate that the majority of American workers are finding employment via the Internet. A 2010 report by simplyhired.com concluded that 37 percent of job seekers landed their last job predominately through on-line networking. Twenty percent of respondents found employment through a job board and 15 percent through a company career site.

Westchester and One-Stop are hoping to capitalize on a growing trend. The job fair, said Greene, is just one of the many strategies that Westchester is employing to “deal

JOBS, continued on page 11

Award-w inn ingNewspa perPublished weekly

Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club expansion on hold againBy CHRISTIAN FALCONEASSOCIATE EDITORchris@hometwn.com

A recent letter from the state con-firming its ownership of the contro-versial Otter Creek parcel has put the kibosh–for the time being–on the Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club’s long-planned housing expan-sion, The Sound and Town Report has learned.

That letter, drafted on July 25 by the state Office of Government Services, states that the half-acre land parcel in question was in fact state-owned and not up for sale.

“We continue to have serious concerns with any proposed use by the club, which could jeopardize the resource value of this filled wetland area or otherwise diminish or impair the state’s interest,” OGS Commissioner Roann Destito states in the letter.

The club had been in the midst of a planned construction of 31 sea-sonal housing units that would have included the adjacent Otter Creek property, which club officials con-tend has been under its ownership for centuries.

The parcel is located at the mouth of the Otter Creek on the Mamaroneck Harbor, and in close proximity to the Otter Creek Nature Preserve. In the past, the club has used the land as an occasional destination for overflow parking.

OGS’ decision was reached in con-sultation with the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of State. The OGS contends that it retains all its rights to protect, under state law, its interests with respect to the land parcel and warns that the DEC and DOS also have jurisdiction to act on behalf of the state as well.

However, Paul Noto, an attorney representing the club, said the club

The ownership of the Otter Creek parcel in Mamaroneck is once again up for debate as the state recently sent the Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club a letter affirming the state’s ownership of the property. File photo

owns a deed to the property. “Nothing has changed,” the attorney said. “The title report says we own it.”

The club has submitted the deed and title study, as well as title insur-ance that indicates the land in ques-tion was a part of a royal patent dat-ing back to 1720.

But the club has since withdrawn an application to the state, in which it had been seeking a permit to develop the land, while continuing to suggest that it maintained ownership over the property.

“Obviously, that application was a mistake or not complete, in my opinion,” said Village Trustee John Hofstetter, a Democrat. “I don’t know where to go from here.”

Attorney Noto said the holdup, on a project that has continually stalled for years, is due to all parties at-tempting to resolve several pending lawsuits, which had been adjourned until mid-October, out of court and not due to the findings of the state.

“We just can’t move forward with the existing approved plan until we resolve this,” said Noto, referring to the ongoing litigation.

Yet, in light of the state’s deter-mination, Stephen Kass, an attor-ney representing the Shore Acres Property Owners Association–a group fighting the development–is asking the village to alter its tax map to reflect the determination of the property.

Just last year, the tax assessor had amended the village map to include the Otter Creek parcel as part of the club’s land. Prior to that, the parcel had never been identified as club property by the village.

Hofstetter also believed that the tax assessor must correct the tax map to show the property is no longer owned by the club. “Which creates

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2 • THE SOUND AND TOWN REPORT • September 7, 2012

September 7, 2012 • THE SOUND AND TOWN REPORT • 3

By DANIEL OFFNERSTAFF REPORTERdan@hometwn.com

Halstead Avenue, as the center of Harrison’s downtown, has seen better days. Empty store-fronts, a lack of foot traffic and a sparsity of “destination stores” has left officials seeking a manner to spark the area for decades.

An upcoming draft of the town’s Master Plan may have the answer, or at least the first step toward a revitalized downtown. If you change the look of the area starting with the roadway itself, perhaps the shoppers will come and businesses will stay.

“We are proposing to change the aesthetics of the business community through specific guide-lines,” said BFJ Principal Planner Frank Fish.

The drafted Master Plan proposes to repave the worn roadway from Oakland Avenue to West Street–a three-phase streetscape renova-tion–and redesign façades, awnings, landscap-ing and lighting to make the struggling retail hub more palatable.

In order for any streetscape or repaving work to take place, town officials would need to petition Westchester County for the own-ership of the road or receive permission to conduct the work.

Bill Powell, a member of the ad hoc down-town revitalization committee and owner of Powell’s Clam Bar on Halstead Avenue, said

Harrison’s Halstead Avenue makeover in the planning phasesthat while he is in favor of the streetscape, the county would not likely agree to the renovations without the approval of local landlords and busi-ness owners and the appropriate funding.

“The town really needs to step up to the plate,” Powell said. “Flags and football ban-ners don’t cut it.”

Sam Takahashi, owner of Hajime Japanese Restaurant, said that over the 18 years he has been in Harrison, he has noticed that it is be-coming more and more difficult for businesses to compete with the other municipalities in the Sound Shore region, namely Mamaroneck and Port Chester.

“There used to be more people on Saturdays and I feel like less people are walking around,” Takahashi said. “It’s cozy, but business own-ers need new customers.”

Harrison Mayor Ron Belmont previously told The Sound and Town Report that he has looked to communities like Stamford and Norwalk in Connecticut as the basis for mak-ing downtown Harrison more aesthetically pleasing.

“I want people to go there as a destination,” Belmont said. “Not a place they go because they have no choice.”

However, some residents, like 33-year-old Omar Duenas, enjoy the rustic appeal of downtown Harrison. “I love historical build-ings and the quiet atmosphere downtown,”

Duenas said. “I think it is good as it is.”According to Harrison Public Works

Commissioner Anthony Robinson, who has been working on the three-phase streetscape with the town engineer and consultants from the engineering firm Woodard and Curran since May, there needs to be authorization from the

town before any construction documents and designs are drawn out.

“This project is still in its gestation phase and has not been described in any detail to the mayor and board,” Robinson said. “My depart-ment, along with the engineering department, expect to begin those discussions shortly.”

Harrison’s Halstead Avenue, seen here, is slated to receive a makeover. The overhaul of the downtown thoroughfare is already in the planning stages.

4 • THE SOUND AND TOWN REPORT • September 7, 2012

CommunityBriefs

New Rochelle High School Class of 2003 seeks reunion committee members

The New Rochelle High School Class of 2003 seeks dedicated, motivated and reliable volunteers to be a part of its reunion com-mittee and help organize the 10-year reunion celebration.

There is no definite date for the event as of yet, but it is scheduled to take place sometime in 2013.

All suggestions and ideas are welcomed and encouraged.

Those who are interested should contact Deputy Editor Rachel McCain (Class of ’03) at NRHS2003@gmail.com.

Barry Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church celebrates 160th anniversary

The Barry Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church, located at 645 N. Barry Ave. in Mamaroneck, is celebrating its 160th anniversary, having been established in 1852. One of its found-ers, Robert Purdy, was an escaped slave who made his way to what is now Scarsdale via the Underground Railroad. The first services

of the church were held in the Saxon Woods Road home of Robert Purdy and his wife, Lena Landrine, and later the Cedar Street Mamaroneck home of Dinah Hicks. The cur-rent church building was erected in 1903.

On Sunday, Sept. 9 at 4 p.m., the Church Anniversary Committee will be present-ing, in concert, the Black Heritage Choir of Stamford, Conn. This choir ministry was es-tablished 15 years ago under the leadership of the Rev. Johnny C. Bush, pastor of the Greater Faith Baptist Church in Stamford. There are currently 25 members of the Black Heritage Choir.

The public is cordially invited to join the presentation. For further information, call (914) 835-7386.

Larchmont-Mamaroneck Sept. 11 ceremony

The Town of Mamaroneck, with the Village of Mamaroneck and the Village of Larchmont, is planning to hold a Sept. 11 ceremony on Tuesday, Sept 11 at 5 p.m. at the Girl Scout Rock at Memorial Park on Myrtle Boulevard. Participants will include members of the fire and police departments of the Villages of Mamaroneck and Larchmont and the Town of Mamaroneck, the Mamaroneck Ambulance District, local Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, and public officials of all three municipalities.

The location is on Myrtle Boulevard be-tween Chatsworth and Baldwin avenues – op-posite Plates Restaurant.

Woman’s Club of Mamaroneck kicks off new club year

The evening section of the Woman’s Club of Mamaroneck will begin its new club year with a potluck supper on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at the clubhouse, located at 504 Cortlandt Ave. in Mamaroneck. Punch will be served at 6:30 p.m. followed by supper. If interested in joining the club, call (914) 698-9364.

Event at the Mamaroneck Library

Author Joan Katen to speak about new novel

Mamaroneck Library presents the award-winning Pace Professor Joan Katen, who will speak about her novel “Love at the Edge,” based on the struggles of those trapped in the Palestinian/Israeli conflict. This free program will be held in the Community Room of the library at 136 Prospect Ave. in Mamaroneck on Sept. 12 from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Call the Reference Desk at (914) 698-1250 ext. 3 to register.

Katen is a member of Board of the United Nations Association of Westchester, an adjunct professor at Pace University, and has co-cre-ated a Peace Justice and Sustainability Minor at Pace University. Katen was also president of the League of Women Voters of Mamaroneck.

There is no charge for this program. For fur-ther information, visit mamaronecklibrary.org.

Rotary Club of Larchmont announces September meetings

The Rotary Club of Larchmont’s calendar of weekly luncheon meetings for September includes scheduled appearances by Village of Larchmont Mayor Anne McAndrews on Sept. 14 and by Yolanda Robinson,

Westchester County Regional Director, Intergovernmental and Community Affairs, Office of New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, on Sept. 28. In addi-tion, the club will be initiating new mem-bers on Sept. 21.

Rotary Club of Larchmont luncheon meet-ings occur every Friday at 12:15 p.m. at the Larchmont Yacht Club located at 1 Woodbine Ave. in Larchmont.

The Rotary Club of Larchmont was founded in 1929 and has continuously performed public service projects and provided humanitarian aid locally, region-ally and globally. The club is open to new members; interested individuals may sim-ply come to a Friday meeting or contact Stephen Bartell at (914) 833-8683, email President@rotarylarchmont.com, or visit rotarylarchmont.org.

Upcoming Westchester Sandbox Theatre event

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”The Westchester Sandbox Theatre is proud

to present a very special theatrical event. Come see the classic musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 3 p.m. at Columbus Park in Mamaroneck. Admission is free. Bring the kids and laugh along with Lucy, Linus, Sally, Schroeder, Snoopy and good ol’ Charlie Brown. No need to purchase tickets in advance. For more in-formation, visit wstshows.com or call (914) 630-0804.

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 news@hometwn.com.

Kiwanis Club of Mamaroneck, Rye and Harrison to hold annual car show

On Sunday, Sept. 9 at Harbor Island Park in Mamaroneck, the Kiwanis Club of Mamaroneck, Rye and Harrison will host its 39th annual car show and vendor event–the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Gates open at 11 a.m.

Aside from the cars, food and rides, there will be lots of extras at this year’s show NY Fifth Generation Camaro Club will be participating with over 25 of their best vehicles. Additionally, Hard Parts South Bronx’s very own Joe Ferrer will be there to meet and greet the crowds, and there will be a Car Cleaning Clinic.

The Kiwanis Club of Mamaroneck, Rye and Harrison is made up of residents from all walks of life with a common bond–giving back to the community. The club donates new coats to kids in the winter and camp supplies to Kamp Kiwanis for its summer program. Thanksgiving and holiday dinners are provided to families in need. The club also sponsors safety bike ride events with donations of helmets and supports local sport teams with donations of shirts and equipment. Additionally, the Kiwanis Club of Mamaroneck, Rye and Harrison scholarships are awarded to local high school seniors to help with school expenses.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Kiwanis Club (you do not have to live in Mamaroneck, Harrison or Rye to be a member), or you’d like to help spon-sor this event, visit kiwanismhr.org or call (914) 205-2323. (Submitted)

September 7, 2012 • THE SOUND AND TOWN REPORT • 5

Vinny’s Meat Market of Mamaroneck changing hands after 40 years

By HAROLD WOLFSONCONTRIBUTOR

Vinny’s Meat Market of Mamaroneck, one of the last free-standing, old fashioned butcher shops in the Sound Shore, is changing hands after 40 years.

You’ve probably seen its window banners featuring steak or chicken specials of the week at 432 Mamaroneck Ave., squeezed between the French Le Provinçal Bistro and Tip Top Nails.

Owner Vinny De Francesco’s hair is now all white. He’s from a family of butchers and worked in the business since he was 10. But now he’s going to ease up–slip away at 3 or 4 p.m. and go fishing or take time here and there for a family cookout.

But De Francesco, 64, will be around. He grew up in Mamaroneck and said he’s going to cut meat for local customers as long as he can.

The new owner is Michael Menna from the Bronx, who is also from a family of butchers. Menna, 50, has cut meat since he was 10. Sometimes, his 10-year-old daughter Rebecca helps out in the shop. She carries meat to the cutting table or neatens the display.

De Francesco and Menna met through Vinny’s veteran meat supplier, who also sup-plied Menna’s shop in the Bronx. He knew

Menna wanted to move to a better place and in-troduced the two. “We are amazingly alike,” De Francesco said. “We think alike. We work alike. We both like the Mets and the Jets.”

Although the store’s ownership will change, that will be all that changes, according to Menna.

“There’s nothing to change. The business is all individual customers–they come because of quality,” he said. “We’ll have a few new store-made sausage specialties and things like Chicken Cordon Blu or Chicken Florentine.”

Currently, the landlord is renovating the building. However, residents who are out and about will still get to see a bit more of De Francesco.

Vinny De Francesco (left), owner of Vinny’s Meat Market on Mamaroneck Avenue, is handing over the ownership of the business to Michael Menna. Photo/Harold Wolfson

them.” Rye City Manager Scott Pickup con-firmed the mayor’s stance saying in an email that the resolution was sent out on July 3.

The City Council has repeatedly discussed the issue of the public transportation since the end of last year, sometimes in heated ex-changes that have sparked some political pos-turing between Democratic Councilwoman Catherine Parker and her Republican col-leagues.

The resolution in question was adopted on June 13 after initially being proposed by Parker. However, with the Republican mem-bers of the City Council feeling the resolu-tion was politically abrasive, the language of the resolution was toned down. Some City Council members questioned whether a reso-lution was even necessary.

Although the city is yet to begin a dialogue with the county about rectifying the situa-tion, the mayor believes the county executive is amenable to listening to any idea the city

may have as a potential option.French has floated previously the possibil-

ity of public partnerships or private entities running the route. “The council members have not put forth any additional ideas,” he said. “That is something that I will raise again to see what options we have.”

But critics of the City Council believe the government body is afraid to confront the county executive over the bus issue, fearing it may irrevocably damage the city’s rela-tionship with the higher office.

The issue has led to a political war within the county as Democrats argued that the Republican county administration usurped the county charter by canceling its service contract after the Board of Legislators had restored funding for it in the county’s 2012 budget.

Just last month, county Democrats–who hold majority on the Board of Legislators–decided to sue the Astorino administration for its cutting of the line, in requesting that service be restored.

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G O T A N E W S T I P ?Contact your local reporter Daniel Offner

dan@hometwn.com

6 • THE SOUND AND TOWN REPORT • September 7, 2012

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New county website aims to help Spanish-speaking residents

By ALEXANDRA BOGDANOVICSTAFF REPORTERalexandra@hometwn.com

It’s all about access.Recently, the Westchester Independent Living Center launched a new website called

“La Fuente” to help Westchester’s Spanish-speaking residents get information about jobs, health benefits, social services and education.

“It is so vitally important that Westchester’s growing Hispanic community has access to the information it needs,” County Executive Robert Astorino, a Republican, said. “La Fuente will complement the county’s efforts to better serve our vibrant Hispanic population.”

The most recent U.S. Census shows that Westchester’s Hispanic population grew 44 per-cent between 2000 and 2010. A breakdown of the census data also shows New Rochelle’s Hispanic population totals 21,452. In contrast, Bronxville’s Hispanic population is 276; Rye’s is 1,014; Harrison’s is 3,202; Eastchester’s is 1,275; and Tuckahoe’s is 784.

Although there are a tremendous number of existing resources for the county’s Spanish-speaking residents no matter where they live, a lot of people don’t seem to be taking advantage of them, according to the WILC’s executive director Joseph Bravo.

He hopes the new website will help bridge that gap.“The ultimate benefit will be if people who are Latino can find what they need in the

community,” Bravo said. “That is the challenge and that is the objective of La Fuente. We need to help connect the Latino population with the resources we know are out there, but many Latinos are not availing themselves of what’s being provided.”

In addition to connecting Spanish-speaking residents with existing services, orga-nizers hope La Fuente–which can translate to ‘the source’ as well as ‘the fountain’ in English–will result in better coordination between the service agencies themselves. To that end, the WILC has also created a “coalition of service providers” with expertise in areas ranging from immigration to childcare, English language services and transporta-tion. Additionally, the website is available in both English and Spanish.

Approximately one dozen agencies, including the ARC of Westchester and a fair hous-ing group called the Westchester Residential Opportunities, have joined the coalition.

“Part of our strategic plan is to increase the number of Spanish-speaking individu-als we provide services to,” said Tibi Guzman, assistant executive director of ARC of Westchester. “Any way we can reach the county’s Spanish-speaking population is most definitely a good thing, so we are very excited about the new website.”

Geoffrey Anderson, executive director of Westchester Residential Opportunities, also said his organization welcomes the opportunity to participate in the new coalition of service providers featured on the website.

“We provide a continuation of services to people countywide, so we want to make sure that anyone who walks through the door has access to the resources they need,” Anderson said. Because the county’s Spanish-speaking population has grown so quick-ly, it is especially important that Westchester Residential Opportunities has a way to reach out to them, Anderson added.

In addition to the Westchester ARC, Westchester Residential Opportunities and WILC, participating agencies and organizations are:

• ANDRUS • AZOR Home Health Care• Cancer Services of the Hudson Valley• Family Service Society of Younkers• Fidelis Care of New York• Food Bank for Westchester• Hope’s Door• Lower West Side Household Services• Open Door• Parent Training and Information Center• The VIVE School• Westchester Hispanic Law Enforcement Association• Westchester Institute for Human Development• YAI NetworkTo learn more about partnering with La Fuente, contact Tamaris Princi at

(914) 682-3986. To view the website, visit LaFuenteNY.org.

September 7, 2012 • THE SOUND AND TOWN REPORT • 7

Metro-North commuters shrug off county’s jobless figures

By ALEXANDRA BOGDANOVICSTAFF REPORTERalexandra@hometwn.com

An informal survey of some commuters awaiting a Manhattan-bound Metro-North train in Rye Aug. 28 showed people seem to be taking the monthly release of state unemploy-ment figures with a proverbial grain of salt.

The preliminary July numbers recently issued by the State Labor Department show the combined jobless rate for Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties was 7.5 percent, as compared to 6.9 percent in July 2011.

In Westchester alone, the unemployment rate climbed from 6.9 percent in July 2011 to 7.6 percent in July 2012. On the other hand, Putnam retained one of the lowest unemploy-ment rates for this July at 7.1 percent.

The numbers are not “seasonally adjusted,” meaning they reflect “seasonal influences” such as summer job hires.

“I don’t think you can tune the numbers out, but I think you can become immune to them,” said Carl Wist, 50, of Darien, Conn. “It’s still at the forefront. It is still concerning and troubling.”

Guru Sreebhar, 34, of Rye, who was on his way to work, thinks people no longer pay as much attention to grim unemployment statistics as they once did, however.

“We’ve had hard times since 2007 or 2008,” said Sreebhar, who is employed as a soft-ware engineer. “Now, everybody just takes one day at a time.”

Sreebhar said that several of his colleagues were laid off and now one person does the work that used to be done by five. But no one dares to complain because they feel lucky they’re still working, he said.

Like Sreebhar, Eileen Kraeger, 55, of Watertown, N.Y. is grateful to be gainfully em-ployed. She’s also relieved her three grown children are all working. The only trouble is they’re not employed in the fields they hoped to work in, she said.

“It’s especially true for my youngest, who’s 27 and just happened to graduate from col-lege at the wrong time,” Kraeger said.

With unemployment surging in many upstate counties, Kraeger said she keeps a wary eye on the monthly reports.

“I think people still care,” she said. “I think they are still concerned.”In many areas, there seems to be plenty of cause for concern. In New York City, for

example, this July’s jobless rate hit 10.2 percent, as compared to 9.3 percent last July. The news was even worse in Bronx County, which had one of the state’s highest jobless rates for this July at 13.9 percent.

The state’s overall unemployment rate for this July was 9.1 percent.There is also good news, however. According to the State Labor Department, New York

“had an increase in the labor force over the past year, as more New Yorkers gained confi-dence in the economy.”

The percentage of job seekers re-entering the labor force, or entering the labor force for the first time, increased 9.8 percent from July 2011 to July 2012. By comparison, the nation showed a 0.4 percent increase during the same period, the agency said.

all kinds of problems,” he said. It is possible that the club may have to file a

new application for the project. But filing the application without the property would trigger new zoning laws and force the club to reduce the size of the project.

The half-acre property provides importance to the overall proposal due to the new zoning laws enacted after the proposal was already vetted by the village’s boards and commis-sions. The zoning laws now limit the amount of seasonal housing and due to the village’s floor area ratio requirements, the club would have to downsize its proposal substantially if it were unable to secure control of the Otter Creek property.

Challenges to the club’s ownership of the land first arose in late 2010 during the club’s applications before the Harbor & Coastal Zone Management Commission and the Planning

Board, respectively. Although the club would garner the necessary approvals, construction never got underway as lawsuits were initiated opposing the project.

A collection of bordering property owners, Shore Acres Property Owners Association, maintained that the land in question was in fact, owned by the state, making a proposal to construct housing there beyond the jurisdiction of any village boards. The group turned to the state for guidance.

Trustee Hofstetter said he doesn’t under-stand how the application traveled so far along the process.

“If you make an application and say you own property, how you don’t have to verify if you own the property doesn’t make sense,” the trustee said.

Phone calls to Village Manager Rich Slingerland and Dan Natchez, president of the Shore Acres Property Owners Association, were not returned as of press time.

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8 • THE SOUND AND TOWN REPORT • September 7, 2012

On Saturday, Aug. 11, David Bradshaw (Brad) Akin and Courtney Huntley Rueter were married in a cere-mony which took place in the garden of the bride’s parent’s home in Portland, Ore. under a canopy of blue, purple and pink hydrangeas.

The bride is the daughter of Dr. John Rueter, who is a professor of environ-mental Science and management and interim director (currently on sabbati-cal) of the School of the Environment at Portland State University, and Joni Huntley, a kindergarten teacher in Portland and a former Olympic bronze medalist in the high jump.

The groom is the son of Carol Bradshaw Akin, a teacher of Larchmont and Cooperstown, and the late Dr. Clayton L. Akin, former superinten-dent of schools in the Rye Neck School District in Mamaroneck for 15 years.

The maid of honor was Sheridan (Dani) Rueter, who is the sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Caryn Akin (sister of the groom), Caitlin Walsh, Lauren Ross, Sabine Bernards and Thea Wigglesworth. The best man was Robert Katuska and the groomsmen were Thomas Reilly, Nathaniel Brown and Justin Akin, nephew of the groom.

Officiating was Dr. Robert Peterson, a friend of the bride’s family. Marilyn Bradshaw Houston, aunt of the groom, read a Shakespeare Sonnet. Meg Tirrell, Sarah Bills and Candice Helfand sang in harmony “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

A catered dinner reception followed under a tent and began with the entire wedding party performing a dance, choreographed by Caryn Akin. Following the toasts, the groom’s a cap-pella group, the groom’s family, and bridal party all sang to the bride, “You and I together, We Can Do…Anything” by Dave Matthews.

The bride is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College, in South Hadley, Mass., and is employed by Green Education Services, a company that is a provider of sustainable design training for contractors, architects and other building industry professionals.

The groom is a graduate of Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. He is an account manager at Flood, Bumstead, McCready and McCarthy, Inc., a music business management firm in New York City.

Following their honeymoon in Costa Rica, the couple will live in New York City. (Submitted)

Brad Akin and Courtney Rueter

Announcement

David Bradshaw (Brad) Akin and Courtney Huntley Rueter were married on Aug. 11. Contributed photo

At Home on the Sound to host author, Mamaroneck resident Lee Stringer

At Home on the Sound, a service organization for senior citizens living independently, will present a talk by award-winning Mamaroneck author and local leader Lee Stringer on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 19.

Once a successful advertising and marketing executive, Stringer’s life spiraled into addiction and 12 long years of homelessness on the streets of New York City.

Life began again when he started hawking the Street News for income, becoming in time its editor. He pro-gressed through essays and articles in major publications and in 1998 wrote the first of his three books, the critically acclaimed “Grand Central Winter: Stories from the Street.” Called one of the top 10 books of that year by The New York Times, and winner of a Washington Irving Award, it has been published in 18 languages on four continents.

The lecture is free and open to the public at 3:30 p.m. at Sts. John & Paul rectory located at 280 Weaver St. in Larchmont. For more information, call (914) 899-3150 or visit AtHomeOnTheSound.org. (Submitted)

Author Lee Stringer will speak at an At Home on the Sound event on Sept. 19. Contributed photo

PET RESCUE

Sassy is a curious, playful calico kitten born in early May who is good with dogs and other cats. She loves to be petted, enjoys being in your lap and adores all the attention she gets for her looks and sweet personality. She currently resides in a foster home along with her brother Rocky. She is spayed, in excellent health and up to date with all vaccinations. The adoption donation for Sassy is $75. To meet this calico kitten, contact Larchmont Pet Rescue at (914) 834-6955 or visit NY-PetRescue.org.

September 7, 2012 • THE SOUND AND TOWN REPORT • 9

Great moments in chairsOne day, when I was 9 years old, I sat in a broken metal

chair on my parents’ back deck, fell through the seat and slid onto a piece of steel that dug two parallel cuts into the small of my back. As I grew older, the scar grew bigger and bigger.

The point is that I, like Clint Eastwood, know the power of the chair. It’s about time that the chair had a seat–if that

is even physically possible–in the national debate.Cable news and the Internet have created an environment where news is no longer informa-

tion but has instead become infomercial–as pointed out by a number of analysts of the national political conventions. Today, having your own viewpoint means facts are shaped to mirror not what is true, but what you wish to be true. The fake reality is becoming more troublesome though, as consumers grow accustomed to hearing what they want to believe. Now, if a newspa-per columnist would ask a question about the similarities between Romneycare and Obamacare, that columnist is obviously part of that monstrous entity known as the elite media. And asking for specifi c examples of President Obama’s foreign policy failures is an attack against an inter-view subject and calling the health care bill “a tax” is only spewing GOP rhetoric.

People have become so comfortable within the four walls they’ve built that they don’t like when someone comes in and notes that the walls are actually made out of paper. That’s where the chair comes in. Let us not be the ones to shake people out of their comfort zones and instead focus on Clint Eastwood’s chair and its place in the great and glorious history of chairs. There have been a few ups and downs, to be sure.

Vincent’s Chair and his Pipe, 1888This oil-on-canvas masterpiece by Vincent Van Gogh is on display in the English National

Gallery in London. It features an empty yellow chair with a tobacco pipe in a room with a blue door and brown tiles.

All in the Family, “Archie’s Chair,” 1977In this episode, Archie Bunker’s beloved chair is broken by his goofy but good-hearted son-

in-law, Michael. Archie is so upset at the absence of his chair that Edith notes he wasn’t even this upset when he lost his father. “I didn’t sit on my father for 28 years!” Archie replies.

The chair is repaired, but accidentally ends up in an art exhibit. In the real world, Archie’s chair would be displayed at the Smithsonian.

“The Jerk,” 1979The “jerk” of the title, Navin R. Johnson, leaves his house after a fi ght with his girlfriend

and declares he doesn’t need her or any of the stuff in the house. By the time he gets out of the door, he is carrying a chair, an ashtray, a paddle game, a magazine, a remote control and various other items.

1984 WWF Tag Team Title Fight, 1984The Wild Samoans lost the tag team title to Rocky Johnson and Tony Atlas in a WWF

matchup on Nov. 15, 1984. Lou Albano, the Samoans’ manager, intended to hit Johnson with a wooden chair, but instead hit one of his own guys, bringing about the three count. Former Home Town Media sports editor John Miele, who is also a former wrestling promoter, ranks it as his top chair-in-wrestling moment. “No one has done it to that extent and he really bled a lot,” Miele told me.

The use of steel chairs was banned in 2010 in the WWE, though a quick Google search showed that Kmart recently sold $75 steel chairs with the “Wrestlemania” logo as a promo-tional item.

“Dumb and Dumber,” 1994In this Farrelly Brothers comedy, the character Harry Dunne licks the frost off the metal bars

of a ski chair lift, thereby accidentally freezing his tongue to the pole. When a couple of kids get on, Harry tells them, “Hey kids, you wouldn’t happen to have a cup of warm water would you?”

“Chairman of the Board,” 1998Carrot Top plays a surfer/inventor who inherits a billion-dollar company. ‘Nuff said.

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street band, 2012 World TourBefore each show, the musicians enter the stage and touch an empty chair under the spotlight.

The chair represents the memory of Clarence Clemons, the recently deceased saxophonist of the band.

Behold the power of chairs. Let us not discuss anything else. Anyone who wishes to discuss non-chair topics, please–ahem–have a seat.

Reach Mark Lungariello at mark@hometwn.com

Mark Lungariello

LUNGARIELLO AT LARGE

10 • THE SOUND AND TOWN REPORT • September 7, 2012

The creation…and the kitchenIn light of the upcoming Jewish New Year, Rosh

Hashanah, I thought we could take a look at the history of creation this month, not only concern-ing Adam and Eve, but kitchens as well. So…

A long time ago, in a garden, far, far away, a bright, young woman was tempted by an evil, pos-

sessed reptile to go off her diet…and it ruined everything! It wasn’t enough that she consumed a forbidden piece of fruit; to make matters worse, she made her husband taste it, too. God was not too pleased about this and so he punished the young couple severely. Not only were Adam and Eve evicted, they were forced to start preparing the very food they ate. Their kids, (Cain an Abel), when they came along, weren’t too happy about the living situation either, and they developed their own self-esteem issues, but that’s another story (see Genesis 4:1-8).

So thanks to Adam and Eve, we all need a place to prepare food, and with the holidays coming up, this place becomes the focal point of your home. Where are you going to prepare your feasts? In your kitchen, of course, but, is it up to the task? Will you have trouble fi nding space to prepare the all the delicacies that you will serve? Will you be embarrassed by those cupboards that look like they’re 5,000 years old? Sure, you can tidy up before the family arrives, however, wouldn’t it be nice to have a new kitchen for the next major holiday?

Since the unfortunate episode in the garden, a select group of dedicated artisans have devoted their lives to create perfect kitchens. Time after time, these masters have blended space and families, combining function and beauty, to create their master-pieces. These artisans, now know as kitchen designers, have broken down a remodel-ing project into fi ve distinct steps: planning, designing, preparation, construction and fi nishing touches. The age-old secret to creating the perfect scheme for your kitchen is taking your time during the planning and designing stages. The initial planning stage primarily involves your own research. Establish a budget that you’re comfort-able with (and then deduct 10 percent of it for unforeseen expenses). Next, analyze your existing situation and make a list of what you would like to change. Do you need more storage area? Do you need more counter space? What types of appliances would you like included in the new kitchen, etc.? Pick up some kitchen magazines and while browsing through them, tear out whatever interests you and put it into a folder to show your kitchen designer.

The design stage is really the key to success and this is when you need to interview and hire a designer and/or contractor. They will work with you to develop a detailed fl oor plan, combining both your ideas and their own, based on your budget and life-style. You’ll also select the cabinets and fi nalize the choices of counters and appli-ances during this stage. Do not rush this process! The more time you spend planning, the happier you will be with the outcome.

Once the layout of the cabinets and appliances has been completed to your sat-isfaction its time to look inside each cabinet. Where are you going to put things? It makes more sense to carefully plan what’s going where before the cabinets are in place, and if necessary, revise the design to accommodate your needs. Simple things, like the glasses being stored close to the dishwasher, will save you valuable time everyday for the rest of your kitchen’s life! Unlike plates, which can be stacked when moved, you can only carry two glasses at a time so store them within arm’s length of the dishwasher.

We can all thank Adam and Eve for having to go through this process, and of course don’t forget the snake (who was also severely punished). However, if you take your time and plan your new kitchen carefully, preparing meals (which we were never meant to do) will be much easier and more enjoyable.

Paul Bookbinder, M.I.D., C.R., is president of DreamWork Kitchens, Inc. located in Mamaroneck. A master of design (Pratt Institute), and E.P.A. Certifi ed Remodeler, he serves on the Advisory Panel of Remodeling Magazine. A member of the National Kitchen & Bath Assoc., he is also a contributor to Do It Yourself magazine. He can be reached for questions at (914) 777-0437 or dreamworkkitchens.com.

POETIC LICENSEWith Town/Village of Mamaroneck Poet Laureate Mary Louise Cox

“The Possible slow fuse is lit by the Imagination.” -Emily Dickinson

IMAGINATION

I want to go where birds crowd and whistle.

I want to whistle, too.I want to get closer than I ever thought

possible to polar bears, moose and dol-phins.

I want to mush my own team of sled dogs across country that is one big natural won-der.

I want to tread lightly on certain foreign lands, come to terms with the inhabitants, even the rattlesnakes.

I want to live a time among howler mon-keys in a rain forest, experience indigenous cultures on magic islands.

I want to walk on the ocean fl oor.I want to stand in front of a mountain.A mountain that goes straight up, so tall

the snow never melts.

A mountain that reminds me that I am privileged.

I want to go North with the geese next summer.

I want to watch eagles soar, plunge to earth, climb again into the clear sky.

I want to marvel at the show put on by pelicans, egrets, great blue herons and whoop-ing cranes.

I want to visit wetlands, tall grass prairies that run on sunlight and rain.

Great places for those of us who like our entertainment wet and wild!

I want to go places where no reservations are required, where young and old are wel-come!

Mary Louise Cox, Poet Laureate of the Town and Village of Mamaroneck

Paul Bookbinder, M.I.D.©

THE KITCHEN ANDBATH INSIDER

Correcting the recordIn the Aug. 31 edition in the article “Mamaroneck man killed by Metro-North train,”

it should refl ect that Robert Warner is not predeceased by his wife, Marcia Lipsett.

In the Aug. 31 edition, in the article entitled “Tigers play intras-quad game, readying for season ahead,” Tigers player Jeff Amato was incorrectly identifi ed as Jeff Amado.

September 7, 2012 • THE SOUND AND TOWN REPORT • 11

Human case of West Nile found in New RochelleNile cases in humans across the country. The virus has been linked to 41 deaths this year, with 19 of them taking place in Texas. The outbreak is considered by health officials to be the worst in history, with infections three times higher than what is typically seen at this point in the summer.

So far, there have been four cases reported in New York–two in New Jersey and two in Connecticut–according to the CDC.

The county Health Department treated over 40,000 street catch basins with larvacide as part of their West Nile prevention measures. Health officials are also saying residents should continue to do their parts by taking personal protection measures and removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

Last month, the Rye area became a local hotspot for West Nile concerns when 15 of the 17 positive mosquito tests conducted by the county were found within Rye City, Mamaroneck and Rye Brook. In Rye City, five positive tests were identified during the month of July–at the Rye Nature Center and one from Hen Island. The length of the mosquito season is largely dependent upon the weather, and the county typically traps for the insects until the fall.

A phone call to Caren Halbfinger, com-munications director for the county Health Department, was not returned as of press time.

By CHRISTIAN FALCONEASSOCIATE EDITORchris@hometwn.com

The first human case of West Nile virus in the county this year was reported last week, with a 28-year-old male from New Rochelle who contracted the virus being subsequently hospitalized, according to health officials. The resident is recovering at home, according to the county.

In the wake of the case, the county Health Department conducted an assessment of New Rochelle around the infected man’s home for signs of mosquito breeding activity nearby. Additionally, residents have since been ad-vised to remove any standing water from their properties and several catch basins in the area were retreated with larvacide.

However, health officials are not taking any additional precautions in light of the news.

This year, there have been 22 positive tests in mosquito batches collected; testing began in late June. At the same time last year, 26 positive tests had been documented–with the first batch identified in early August. Three human cases were reported, none of which resulted in death. In total, the county found 32 positive mosquito batches last year.

As of Aug. 21, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 1,100 West

with unemployment issues.”According to the New York State

Department of Labor, the Putnam-Rockland-Westchester statistical area has a lower unemployment rate than all but one such area state-wide, and places second behind Ithaca, which comes in at 7 per-cent. Still, the area saw its unemployment uptick more than half a percentage point from 2011 to 2012, moving the rate from 6.9 percent to 7.5 percent. By compari-son, the national average is 8.3 percent.Officials hope that One-Stop can start to address the persistent problem of unem-ployment. Donnovan Beckford, director of the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Investment Board, said that the One-Stop job fair separates itself from other online options by more than just its screening process. “We’re only focused on local employers and local residents,” he said.

“We’re also offering employers/employees in-person assistance…We have a team of people who can talk employees and em-ployers directly and we will subsidize the cost of training for workers who need it.”

Westchester and Putnam counties won’t be footing the bill for the fair, either. The pro-gram is 100 percent federally funded via the Workforce Investment Act.

Dorothy Dobkowski, a recruiter from Whole Foods, utilized One-Stop last year during a two-month long hiring initiative where nearly 700 applicants were inter-viewed for 200 positions in the Ridge Hill Whole Foods store. “We benefited from the One-Stop’s resources–particularly with phone screening–and the first two rounds of interviewing of nearly 400 competitive candidates,” she said. “One-Stop staff took a hands-on approach and we’re grateful for this direct support.”

Interested businesses may register at westchesterputnamonestop.com.

JOBS, continued from page 1

12 • THE SOUND AND TOWN REPORT • September 7, 2012

HELP WANTED

ADMIN - SOUTHERN WESTCHESTERA busy real estate office is seeking a well organized, detail oriented candidate with experience in QuickBooks, Excel and data-base programs. Hours: Part-time.

• Location: Southern Westchester • Compensation: TBD.• Principals only. Recruiters, please don’t contact this job posting• Please do not contact job posting about other services, products or commercial interests.• Requirements: Experience working with QuickBooks, Excel and database programs

Steps from Metro North train station. Please email resume to ffrey@PruCent.com

CLASS A DRIVERS: SIGN ON BONUS Paid Holidays, Vacation, & More. Weekly Pay. Direct Deposit. REGIONAL with Home Time. 2 Years T/T EXP. 800-524-5051 www.gomcilvaine.com

Combined Insurance is looking for agent and sales management candidates. New Agent Training Subsidy Bonus Program, training, ben-efits, leads. Contact Marisa at 315-744-3266, Marisa.Hammerquist@Combined.com. EOE

CLASS A DRIVERS: SIGN ON BONUS Paid Holidays, Vacation, & More. Weekly Pay. Direct Deposit. REGIONAL with Home Time. 2 Years T/T EXP. 800-524-5051 www.gomcilvaine.com

WE’RE HIRING! Tupper Lake, New York State Facility needs Nurses, Dentist, Doctor, Physician’s Assistant, Nurse Practicioners, Psychologists. NY State License and Experience required. Arlene.mace@opwdd.ny.gov 518-359- 4155

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

D r i v e r s - H I R I N G E X P E R I E N C E D / INEXPERIENCED TANKER DRIVERS! Earn up to $.51/mile! New Fleet Volvo Tractors! 1 Year OTR Exp. Req.-Tanker Training Available. Call Today: 877-882-6537 www.OakleyTransport.com

Driver- Full or Part-time. $0.01 increase per mile after 6 months. Choose your ho-metime; Weekly, 7/ON- 7/OFF, Requires 3 months recent experience. 800-414-9569 www.driveknight.com

ADOPTION

ADOPT: A financially secure, energetic, hap-pily married couple will cherish your child forever. Little one, we love you already! Expenses Paid: Lisa/Brian 1-888-939-8399 www.Lbadopt.info

ADOPT: A happily married couple is ex-cited to adopt! Weíll love your child with our whole being. Expenses paid. Please call Kathleen/Gerard; 1-800-829-1976. www.kathleengerry2adopt.com.

ADOPT: A teacher and loving husband wish to adopt. Your baby would be a precious gift, adored by us/ extended family. Andy/ Adele 1-866-408-1543. www.adoptimist.com/adoption-parent-profile/206

ADOPT: A happily married couple seeks to adopt. We’ll provide your baby with love, laughter, education, security. Wonderful ex-tended family nearby. EXPENSES PAID. www.annieandnickadopt.info 888-964-4269

WANTED TO BUY

****MOST CASH PAID FOR**** OLD Furniture, Silver (flatware sets, serving pieces, bowls), Crystal, Sewing Machines, Cameras, Coins, Books, Records, Comic Books and Baseball cards. PLEASE CALL JOE GELLER @ 914-275-6611

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

Wanted: Will Pay up to $20.00 for High School Yearbooks 1900-1988. Any School/Any State. www.yearbookusa.com or 214-514-1040

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

DONATE A CAR- HELP HOMELESS PETS! Free Next-Day Towing. Tax Deductible. Non- Runners OK. Receive $1,000 Grocery Coupons. Call National Animal Welfare

Foundation 1-888-333-3848

SITUATIONS/SERVICES

EXPERIENCED TRIAL ATTORNEY– Criminal, Civil and Family Law – FORMER CHIEF PROSECUTOR-20+ years experience – Excelle nt results on difficult cases-Free consultation-Offices in Westchester/Bronx-Contact Michael 718-293-2222 or mbarskyla w@verizon.net

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.

START NOW! OPEN RED HOT DOLLAR, DOLLAR PLUS, MAILBOX, DISCOUNT PARTY, DISCOUNT CLOTHING, TEEN STORE, FITNESS CENTER FROM $51,900 WORLDWIDE! WWW.DRSS16.COM 1-800-518-3064

24/7 Emergency Response $1/day Living alone? You could fall! Deaths from falls can be avoided. Helps a button push away. Lifewatch 1-800-207-4078

HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers Inc, for straight-ening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLD-BARN. www.woodfordbros.com. “Not applicable in Queens county”

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice, *Hospitality, Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if quali-fied. SCHEV certified. Call 888-201-8657 www.CenturaOnline.com

FOR SALE

RINALDIFLEAMARKETS.COM Every Sunday Weather Permitting900 Dutchess Turnpike (rt44) Poughkeepsie NY. Free Admission & Parking, Great Food & Bargains. Vendors Wanted! Please visit RINALDIFLEAMARKETS.COM See You There!

Fly Creek Cider Mill starts pressing fresh, sweet apple cider 9/8, w live music 9/9! Open daily 9-6; www.flycreekcidermill.com for coupons/events/store. 607-547-9 692.

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of MAMA CARES LLC. Arts of Org. filed with on 8/10/12. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY desig-nated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 17 West Drive Larchmont NY 10538. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

Advertising that gets resultsThe Classifieds

DEADLINE Placement, 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

FOR SALE

*HUGE MOVING SALE**MOST ITEMS ARE IN MINT TO DIAMOND

CONDITION AND MUST GO!*WILL NEGOTIATE ALL PRICES!

W i d e r a n g e o f i t e m s f o r s a l e : Beds, a futon, mini fridge, regular fridge, Craftsman Electric Start Snowblower, Brinkman Gas Grill, gardening tools, night-club speakers, window treatments, washer and dryer, rugs, furs, clothes, and more! You name it, we probably have it - just ask! For photos or for more information, call Rachel at (917) 574-7030 or email Rachel.mccain@aol.com.

REAL ESTATE

ABANDONED FARM! 5 acres - $69,000. Nice old farmhouse, barns, awesome view! Beautiful Upstate NY setting! Call (888) 701-7509.

COURT ORDERED FARM SALE! SEPTEMBER 15TH!! 4 acres - $16,900. 10 acres - $24,900. 20 acres - $34,900. 23 parcels available for pennies on the dollar! Gorgeous upstate NY setting! $30K in discounts this weekend ONLY! Views, streams, hunting! Financing available! Call for FREE info packet! (888) 905-8847

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

September 7, 2012 • THE SOUND AND TOWN REPORT • 13

BusinessBriefs

Local businessmen release guide for aspiring entrepreneurs

At a time when the employment pic-ture is bleak, starting one’s own business may be an attrac-tive alternative. This is the subject of a new book, “Business Ours–Starting Out and Building Your Own Business,” co-authored by Richard Gerstman and Herb Meyers, a New Rochelle resident.

Meyers and Gerstman, both now retired, were partners of the design-consulting firm, Gerstman+Meyers for 30 years. Recounting some of their business experiences, their book serves as a guide to those who are thinking about starting and building their own consult-ing business and growing it into a success-ful enterprise. The book describes how the authors started as a small group of four and grew into a preeminent international design consultancy.

Meyers and Gerstman describe specific steps to launching a business and making it succeed, the need for providing strong lead-ership, maintaining a strong business phi-losophy, gaining customer/client confidence, establishing guidelines for work performance and efficiency, inspiring staff loyalty for the benefit of the business, promoting the com-pany creatively, handling company growth, dealing with the ups and downs of business, gaining personal fulfillment from being your own boss.

The book is available from Amazon and bookstores, such as Barnes & Noble, or the publisher, Tate Publishing. An e-book version of the book is also available from Tate.

For more information, visit Business-Ours.com, or call Herb Meyers at (914) 632-3561.

City Center Dance opens new White Plains studio

Harrison native Dina Giordano, City Center Dance has grown into one of the top dance facilities in Westchester County under her tenure as artistic director.

The culture of the studio is one of profes-sionalism and quality instruction, where dedi-cation to all students is a top priority.

Students learn the technique, terminology, placement, line and grace of movement that accompanies their style of dance. Children’s classes include ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, pointe, boy’s break dancing and pre–k cre-ative movement. City Center Dance offers workshops, master classes, private lessons and performance opportunities–you can even have your birthday party at the studio.

As artistic director, Dina Giordano provides students with opportunities to perform at various venues throughout the year, including Radio City Music Hall, Lincoln Center and Madison Square Garden. Featured in Dance Spirit Magazine, on the Rachael Ray Show and in feature films, students have gone on to establish successful dancing careers with NBA dance teams and Walt Disney Cruises.

The grand opening will be held on Saturday, Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Come in to reg-ister, meet the director, enter the raffle, enjoy refreshments and more. City Center Dance is now located at 98 Lake St. in White Plains. Call (914) 328-1881 or visit CityCenterDance.com for more information.

Free teeth whitening treatment for first-time patients at Village Family Dental

Dr. Randy Lunenfeld of Village Family Dental, the ultra-modern, sophisticated dental office located at 115 Main St. in Tuckahoe, is pleased to announce a new promotion for first-time patients. From now until Oct. 15, new patients receiving a full set of x-rays, cleaning, and exam are eligible for a compli-mentary in-office teeth whitening. The Zoom! Whitening System used in office will allow patients to leave the office with a brighter, more confident smile. For more information regarding this offer or to make an appoint-ment, contact Village Family Dental at (914) 771-8888 or visit Tuckahoedentists.com.

Joseph Cara Salon opens in Scarsdale

The Joseph Cara Salon recently opened its doors in Scarsdale. Owner Joseph Carcaterra describes it as “Where Soho meets Scarsdale,” since he believes it is on the cutting edge of the industry in both hair fashion and salon practic-es. The salon’s hair stylists have diverse beauty backgrounds, enabling them to create new hairstyles without disregarding the classics.

Caracaterra has more than 30 years expe-rience, including 15 years as a very popular stylist at Victor Balestri’s in Scarsdale, but decided to pursue his dream by opening his own salon in an intimate boutique setting. The result is his Joseph Cara Salon, where he gives considerable thought and high priority to the comfort of his clients, as well as their appearance.

The Joseph Cara Salon is well equipped to provide its clients with the ultimate salon ex-perience that will have them brimming with confidence as they walk out the door.

Appointments are recommended, but not always necessary, and can be made by calling (914) 874-5100.

Junior League of Westchester seeks donations

The Junior League of Westchester on the Sound’s primary fundraiser is the Golden Shoestring Thrift Shop, which is located in Larchmont.

All proceeds from this “nearly new” shop support community projects and help fund scholarships and community grants. The Junior League of Westchester on the Sound community projects help women and children in need in the Sound Shore community. The Golden Shoestring gladly accepts donations of new or gently used men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, shoes accessories and small home goods. All donations are tax de-ductible.

The Golden Shoestring is located at 149 Larchmont Ave. in Larchmont. Hours of op-eration are Tuesday–Saturday, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. To learn more, visit jlwos.org.

The Junior League of Westchester on the Sound comprised of women volunteers sup-porting the community. Its mission is to pro-mote volunteerism, develop the potential of women, and improve the Sound Shore com-munities. Over the years, the league evolved and now represents the seven Sound Shore communities of New Rochelle, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Harrison, Rye, Rye Brook and Port Chester.

New orthopedic office opens in Mamaroneck

Dr. Eric Spencer is pleased to announce the opening of a new orthope-dic office in Mamaroneck. Dr. Spencer is a Board C e r t i f i e d Or thoped ic Surgeon with a specialty in sports medicine, hand, upper extremity, as well as shoulder and knee surgery. The new office is in the PM Pediatrics facility at 620 E. Boston Post Road in Mamaroneck.

After earning his undergraduate honors degree at Dartmouth College, Dr. Spencer completed his medical studies at Columbia University College of Physicians and

Surgeons, residency at Lenox Hill Hospital and fellowship at NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases. He is board certified, and was elect-ed a Diplomate of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. He and his family live in Rye.

Dr. Spencer sees pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients. He sees patients with both acute and chronic orthopedic issues, as well as fracture care. He specializes in sports related injuries of the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, and knees. Dr. Spencer runs a “Weekend Warrior” clinic at the Mamaroneck office, where he sees patients Monday morn-ings that have sustained injuries over the weekend and during the previous week. No appointments are necessary for the Monday morning clinic; just come to the Mamaroneck office between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. He special-izes in arthroscopic surgical techniques, and recently began performing robotic assisted partial knee replacements. His practice is the only practice in Westchester County currently certified to perform this robotic surgery.

Dr. Spencer accepts most private insur-ance plans. To learn more about his practice, visit westchesterorthopedic.com or ericspen-cermd.com. To make an appointment in his Mamaroneck office, call (914) 960-2124 or (914) 476-4343.

Larchmont Village Cleaners celebrates 12 years

The Larchmont Village Cleaners consists of a personal dry cleaning, tailoring and Laundromat service.

The business opened under new manage-ment in the year 2000 and year after year, has continued to take care of its customers’ needs. It initially began as Larchmont Village Cleaners, but when the owners next door sold their Laundromat, the cleaners expanded.

The Larchmont Village Cleaners has since thrived, and aims to have the best delivery and drop offs for customer’s dry cleaning and laundry. Tailoring is also an area the business is proud of.

Larchmont Village Cleaners is located at 2125 Palmer Ave. For more information, call (914) 833-0702.

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SPORTS14 • THE SOUND AND TOWN REPORT • September 7, 2012

New Ro’s Koehler called up to Big LeaguesBy MIKE SMITHASSOCIATE SPORTS EDITORsports@hometwn.com

New Orleans Zephyr’s pitcher Tom Koehler was riding the team bus back to the Triple-A club’s ballpark on Saturday night when the call came through. After a quick conversation with Zephyrs manager Mike Schiline, Koehler strode to the back of the bus, parked himself in the bathroom for some privacy, and phoned home to tell his parents the good news: He is headed to the Major Leagues.

Koehler, 26, was called into service by the Miami Marlins after a solid season in the Pacific Coast League, during which the big right hander went 12-11 with a 4.17 ERA, notching 138 strikeouts in 151 innings. As far as memorable life moments go, said the New Rochelle native, the phone call was a tough one to beat.

“You always hope that you’ve done enough to get that call,” said Koehler, who has been in the Marlin’s organization since 2008. “But no one ever knows for sure if they’re going to get it. Sometimes, you just have to work and get kind of lucky.”

Those who know Koehler best, however, would argue while there is luck involved, none of the righty’s success would have been possible without his mental makeup and at-tention to detail.

“I think it’s a testament to his perseverance

and his hard work,” said Koehler’s father, Rolf. “I don’t think people realize just how much he’s sacrificed to get here. Getting that call, me and my wife, it was very emotional.”

Former New Rochelle head coach Darren Gurney, who coached Koehler from 2002-2005, has remained close with the hurler ever since, employing him as a coach at Rising Star Baseball Camp. Gurney at-tributes Koehler’s rise through the minor

league ranks to many factors–his athleticism, his personality and his work ethic–but also believes that Koehler’s attention to detail separates him from other pitchers who can throw hard.

“A lot of guys, they can throw hard and they’re the best player on their teams growing up, so nobody ever thinks to correct their me-chanics,” said the head coach. “But Tommy’s big into his fundamentals and making himself

better. Sure, he can throw 96 miles per hour, but because his mechanics are good, he can consistently throw the ball there in the mid 90s.”

Gurney also noted his former player’s dedication to his hometown, as Koehler has been a presence in New Rochelle’s baseball community, offering up pitching lessons to the town’s youth and helping New Rochelle’s current high school players make their college recruiting videos last year.

“I’ve got a lot of pride coming from New Rochelle, and my goal is to help make New Rochelle baseball a powerhouse,” said Koehler. “I’d like to be able to do for baseball what [NFL star] Ray Rice has done for foot-ball here.”

Koehler suited up for his first game on Sunday, calling the experience everything he could have hoped for, though he hasn’t gotten the chance to get into a game as of press time. He is expected to serve as a reliever, but said he is ready to do anything the team asks of him.

“I’m hoping to use this as a chance to show-case my abilities and show that I can bring something to the team,” said Koehler.

But no matter what happens from here on out, Koehler has brought something to the city of New Rochelle: pride.

“I don’t want to put my son up on a pedes-tal,” said Rolf Koehler. “But I think this story shows that sometimes, the good guy wins.”

New Rochelle native Tom Koehler pitches for the New Orleans Zephyrs of the Pacific Coast League in 2012. On Saturday night, Koehler was called up by the Zephyr’s big league affiliate, the Miami Marlins. Contributed photo

SPORTSSeptember 7, 2012 • THE SOUND AND TOWN REPORT • 15

A quick look at Week 1’s football matchups

Mamaroneck vs. SuffernSince last season ended, Tigers coach Anthony Vitti has been harping on one of the harsh

truths of the high school football season: A slow start can derail a promising season. If the Tigers hope to make the playoffs this year, they’re going to have to start quickly against a Suffern team that is something of an unknown coming into the season. Both the Mounties and Tigers graduated some key players after last season, but it seems that Suffern’s strengths, which include a talented receiving corps, play into Mamaroneck’s strengths–including a defensive backfield led by Matt Marino and Robbie Nigro.

Harrison vs. White PlainsHarrison, one of the preseason picks to do some damage in Class A this year, will open up

against a Tigers squad that was a Class AA playoff team in 2011. Harrison is experienced on both sides of the ball, with a veteran quarterback in Vinnie Nicita and a force up front in Charlie Credendino. The Tigers graduated all but four starters from last year’s team and have a tough road ahead, facing the Huskies and New Rochelle dur-ing the team’s first two weeks.

Harrison will have to keep an eye on Ari Shammery, who will likely get the most touches coming out of the backfield.

Rye vs. Pearl RiverLike many of the other

teams on this list, Rye’s first round opponent will be a squad decimated by graduation. The Pirates were a solid team at 6-3 last season, but will bring back just two starters this year. The Garnets also have a young squad, but are returning play-ers like sophomore quarterback Andrew Livingston, who have seen plenty of service time. Rye has a number of weapons on the offensive end, such as Chris Santangelo and James Dugan, that will make it hard for the Pirates to game plan against just one player.

As far as planning goes, the Garnets should be on the lookout for Pearl River quarterback Chris van Houten and his ability to run a spread offense. Rye’s players may not have a ton of experience playing against the wide-open offense, but head coach Dino Garr has been around long enough to have his teams ready to play against any such wrinkle, as the Garnets have played against a similar offense run by Roosevelt in recent years.

Clarkstown South vs. New RochelleClarkstown South found itself in the Class AA semis last year, where the squad knocked

off New Rochelle, ending the team’s five-year run as Section I champions. As far as Week 1

matchups go, this one is intriguing. Both New Ro and Clarkstown have veteran teams, returning players in key spots.

Quarterback Ryan McManus and halfback Thomas Lent represent Clarkstown’s main threats offensively, and should pose a challenge for the Huguenots’ defense led by linebacker Joe Clarke, who has missed time with a concussion. In fact, several of the Huguenots’ key players–including Jason Ceneus–have been sidelined recently, but most are expected back for the season opener.

Tuckahoe vs. PawlingAlthough a good, veteran Tigers team might have the unenviable task of playing private-

school superpower Rye Country Day in Week 2, Tuckahoe can’t afford to overlook Pawling in its season opener. The game might give area fans their first glimpse at Tuckahoe’s new of-fensive wrinkle, as senior Shyheim Nixon has been taking snaps in a wildcat formation. Still, head coach John D’Arco Sr. is more keen on seeing how his line holds up, both offensively and defensively. He said that lineplay will dictate the fortunes of this Tigers team, and he is anxious to see how the squad performs in game conditions.

Eastchester vs. Byram HillsLike their neighbors from Tuckahoe, the Eagles have a daunting task ahead of them in Week 2,

when the team takes on Poughkeepsie. But this weekend’s tilt with Byram Hills promises to be a stiff test as well. Byram Hills went 6-3 in Class A’s developmental league in 2011, and will return many key players from that team, including running backs Connor Morley and Brendan Rosen.

Eastchester, however, looks poised for big things, and will look to frustrate the Bobcats with its

Harrison quarterback Vinnie Nicita throws a pass during practice on Aug. 20. Nicita and the Huskies will take on a White Plains team that made the Class AA players in Week 1 action.

Eastchester quarterback Greg DiCarlo looks for a receiver down field on Aug. 24. DiCarlo will lead his team against a solid Byram Hills team in the season opener. Photos/Bobby Begun

option, which is being run by second-year quarterback Greg DiCarlo to much success this preseason. Expect fullback Mike Marisco to be instrumental in any success the Eagles hope to have.

Rye Neck vs. Blind BrookRye Neck has taken its lumps in recent years, winning just one game in the 2011 season, but

is looking to turn things around right off the bat this fall. With a veteran team, head coach Nick Ianello hopes his squad will, in little time, get one in the win column this year. Blind Brook should prove a formidable opponent, however, as the Trojans went 6-1 last year and fell to t op-seeded Bronxville in the first round of the Class C playoffs.

Rye Neck’s plan this year, as it is most years, is to do very little very well, and with Thomas Pippolo back under center, the team brings back a group that knows how to run the Wing-T offense. If the offense can establish its running game early against the Trojans, the team might pick up its first win of the young season.

Bronxville vs. WoodlandsUnder second-year head coach Mike Mead, Woodlands has made great strides and could

certainly be viewed as a threat to vie for a Class C title this year. The Falcons’ offense should provide a stiff test for Bronxville in the opener: Woodlands returns starting quarterback Justin Riccio, who threw for over 1,000 yards in 2011, as well as two of its top three receivers from last season.

Bronxville, which, for so long, has dominated teams at the line of scrimmage, might be in unfamiliar territory in dealing with Woodlands’ big tackle, D’Sean Downey, who is listed at 250 pounds and can create pressure from the inside.

16 • THE SOUND AND TOWN REPORT • September 7, 2012