North Salem News 11.26.20

Vol. 6 No. 37 North Salem’s only weekly newspaper mailed to every home and business.
Visit TapIntoNorthSalem.net for the latest news. Thursday, November 26, 2020

Students engaged Masks are here to stay with
in remote learning coronavirus numbers on the
through November
rise again in New York.

PHOTO: METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Sta ng shortages force
building closure

BY ABBY LUBY distinction to make, because actu-

CONTRIBUTING WRITER ally our schools are the safest plac- Threat of lockdown opens
up a gamut of feelings
es in North Salem to be. We have

e mounting challenge of deal- the lowest positivity rate of any

ing with outbreaks of COVID-19 site that’s measured in town,” said

cases in the North Salem School Freeston.

District became clear at last week’s e district also has been bur-

school board meeting. dened with more contact tracing to

At the beginning of the week, the inform those who may have been

district announced there were posi- infected. Since the onset of the pan- Residents miss traditions, normalcy

tive COVID-19 cases at both the demic in March, the Westchester

Pequenakonck Elementary School County Department of Health has

and North Salem Middle School. taken primary responsibility for

Quarantining by teachers and sta contact tracing in public schools in BY CAROL REIF pervisor Rick Morrissey said.
STAFF WRITER As of Wednesday, Nov. 18, there were 57
created such a shortage, the district the county. But Freeston said he re-
Government o cials, watching in horror active COVID-19 cases in Somers, an in-
was forced to start remote learn- ceived an email from the DOH last as COVID-19 cases continue to mount in crease of 12 since the last report.
Westchester, are ringing the alarm bells.
ing for students at all schools until week stating that it will no longer North Salem Supervisor Warren Lucas
Imploring residents to do whatever they reported ursday, Nov. 19, that the town
Monday, Nov. 30. assist schools with contact tracing. can to slow the disease’s spread, they fear had 19 new con rmed cases this month.
a post-holiday surge could trigger another
District Superintendent Ken “It was a shock to us, so we shift- lockdown. Meanwhile, those seeking ways to cope
with the added stress are experiencing emo-
Freeston addressed the decision ed gears. e rst week we had an “Our decisions now impact what happens tions ranging from anxiety and fear to hope
in the future, and we all want our schools and optimism.
to pause in-person learning at the infection, we called everyone on and businesses to remain open,” Somers Su-
SEE FEELINGS PAGE 4
board’s meeting Wednesday, Nov. a contact list and told people they

18. would be getting a call from the

“ is particular all-remote phase DOH. But they didn’t get called and

is due to sta ng shortages and not SEE SCHOOLS PAGE 2
risk of infection. It’s an important

BALANCED ROCK 2
CLASSIFIEDS 26
HEALTH & WELLNESS 16
LEGAL NOTICES 26
LEISURE 25
OPINION
SPORTS 8 THANKSGIVING QUIZ

22 Dr. Linda
pg 13

Page 2 – North Salem News Thursday, November 26, 2020

The Staff SCHOOLS into high gear. contact tracing would be part of post major content areas. ey can
FROM PAGE 1
EDITORIAL TEAM Johnson described contact trac- their job descriptions. elicit direct feedback from kids,”
JODI WEINBERGER
ing as a grueling process of identi- “But we’re getting pretty orga- said Johnson.
EDITOR: 914-302-5830
[email protected] that raised the level of anxiety. For fying and notifying potential cases, nized. We realize that it’s stressful DiGrandi added that teachers

BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER us, it [contact tracing] is unbeliev- whether they are sta or students. calling parents, who are already have quickly adapted to online
SPORTS EDITOR: 914-302-5628
[email protected] ably labor-intensive and we un- She spoke about the shortages and extremely anxious. It’s not easy teaching formats.

ADVERTISING TEAM derstand why the DOH couldn’t how she and PQ Assistant Princi- when we call. Don’t kill the mes- “Teachers can give kids a quiz
PAUL FORHAN
do it for the whole county,” said pal Stephanie Bell have also been senger.We’re not happy telling you and give instantaneous feedback
(914) 806-3951
[email protected] Freeston. substitute-teaching. that you have to quarantine for 14 and it becomes a teachable mo-

BRUCE HELLER Joining the virtual board meet- “As this unfolds, every hour is days,” DiGrandi said. ment,” DiGrandi said.
(914) 486-7608
[email protected] ing were a handful of teachers very di erent. One hour we can DiGrandi applauded the per- North Salem Teachers Associa-

LISA KAIN who spoke about their experiences cover everyone by reallocating severance of students, sta and tion president James Savarese,who
(201) 317-1139
[email protected] dealing with the hybrid schedule, sta . It’s a juggling act. But at this teachers. in September had criticized the
CORINNE STANTON
(914) 760-7009 a combination of in-person and point, I do not have the sta to do “ e faculty is great and our kids district’s school cleaning practices,
[email protected]
remote learning. Also present were that,” Johnson said. are great—they email their coun- said he had a sense of real progress.
JAY GUSSAK
(914) 299-4541 PQ school Principal Mary John- e PQ custodial sta were do- selors that they are getting tested. “We continue to meet with the
[email protected]
JENNIFER CONNELLY son and MS/HS Principal Vince ing a great job wiping down high- Our teachers give up their lunch board and with Superintendent
(917) 446-7757
[email protected] DiGrandi. Johnson had been touch surfaces, Johnson told the to answer emails and prepare their Freeston and we appreciate the
SHELLEY KILCOYNE
(914) 924-9122 readying her school for an addi- board, and mask compliance hasn’t next video,” said DiGrandi. support we’ve gotten from the
[email protected]
GABRIELLE BILIK tional 98 students to attend daily been an issue. Board trustee Brandy Kennan board and community members,”
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/DESIGNER
[email protected] but had to put the plan on the back DiGrandi explained that his asked what the expectations were said Savarese.

PRODUCTION TEAM burner because she lacked the sta . building doesn’t have enough sub- for students on Wednesdays, a day Savarese, who is a social stud-
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL
“We were excited to have the stitute teachers to cover the ab- the asynchronous schedule allows ies teacher at MS/HS, said that
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
PHOTOGRAPHER students here every day and it’s sences. to be an open day without classes. Wednesdays o er teachers more

[email protected] abundantly clear how happy the “With 19 sta members out, Both Johnson and DiGrandi time to create meaningful lessons,
CHRISTINA ROSE
ART DIRECTOR/ kids are to be at school, but that it’s impossible to cover,” DiGrandi said Wednesdays help teach- something that sixth-grade Eng-

DIGITAL PRODUCTION MANAGER didn’t happen this time,” Johnson said. ers prepare lessons, help students lish teacher Lynn Colwell agreed
[email protected]
said. DiGrandi said he and Adam catch up. with.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
BRETT FREEMAN Once a COVID-19 case is VanDerStuyf, director of Pupil “Wednesdays, teachers post and “Teachers need time to pause,
CEO & PUBLISHER
845-208-8151 known, school sta members go Personnel Services, never thought schedule assignments and they re ect and revise. Special Educa-

[email protected] tion teachers can collaborate with

Deadlines school psychologists and counsel-

NORTH SALEM NEWS DEADLINE Reserve Your Suite Now! ors,” said Colwell.
THE DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS As the number of COVID-19

AND EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS FOR cases escalate in Westchester

NORTH SALEM NEWS IS THE THURSDAY County and the return of college
BEFORE THE NEXT PUBLICATION DATE.
students to the area has the po-
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL
JODI WEINBERGER AT 914-302-5830 MEMORIES FADE, BUT tential to further spread the virus,
TRADITIONS REMAIN. school reopenings are uncertain, a
OR EMAIL NORTHSALEMNEWS@ concern Freeston said many in his
HALSTONMEDIA.COM superintendent groups were dis-
cussing.
Online
FOLLOW US Artis helps her enjoy this season “We have over 40 sta who are
the way she always has. in quarantine. at might increase
Location as we do more contact tracing and
as more people get tested. e
PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT
SOMERS, NY AND AT governor could very well put every

ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. school district in remote learn-

POSTMASTER: ing, so we’re getting ready for that
SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO
because it’s likely to happen.” said
NORTH SALEM NEWS AT
BAILEY COURT Freeston.

334 ROUTE 202, UNIT C1S 914-236-4666 BALANCED
SOMERS, NY 10589 TheArtisWay.com/Salem ROCK

North Salem News Artis Senior Living of Briarcliff Manor: Golf Gift Cards
USPS #22110 553 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
Want to buy terri c holi-
PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY Check out our other nearby community in Chestnut Ridge. day gifts for yourself and your
HALSTON MEDIA, LLC AT friends?

BAILEY COURT GolfWestchester is getting
334 ROUTE 202, UNIT C1S into the holiday spirit early by of-
fering deals that add a 10 percent
SOMERS, NY 10589 value to golf gift cards purchased
between Monday, November 16
©2020 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC and ursday, December 31. For
example, $10 will be added to a
$100 gift card; $20 will be added
to a $200 gift card.

County Executive George
Latimer said: “Our County’s six
18-hole golf courses were very
popular last season, and we ex-
pect the same in 2021. No matter
their age, skill level or frequency

SEE ROCK PAGE 24

Thursday, November 26, 2020 North Salem News – Page 3

Westchester Medical Center launches
Post-COVID-19 Recovery Program

PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTCHESTER MEDICAL CENTER PHOTO: STUNTFISH.COM

Dr. Carol Karmen, right, with a patient in her WMCHealth Physicians practice office Yorktown’s Vinny Malvarosa performs with his band, Stunt Fish.

Doctor: Symptoms of A long road to recovery
COVID-19 can linger
Resident returns to health after
months-long COVID-19 battle

BY BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER With the virus a ecting di erent peo- BY BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER Still Standing” by Elton John.
EDITOR His Yorktown homecoming was a day to
EDITOR ple in di erent ways, seemingly at ran-
Vinny Malvarosa, a 51-year-old Yorktown remember.
dom, the medical center has launched resident, went to the emergency room on “As I pulled down Strang Boulevard, ev-
Wednesday, March 11, with a fever.
Death rates have understandably a Post-COVID-19 Recovery Program ery house on the block had signs on the lawn
“I thought I would be gone two or three and families waving to me as I came home,”
dominated the discussion about CO- that tailors treatment plans to the pa- hours,” he said. “Instead, I was gone 103 Malvarosa said. “I was greeted by about 60
days.” people on my front lawn who came to wish
VID-19’s severity, but the virus that tient’s speci c symptoms. e program me well. I like to say I attended my own fu-
At the hospital, Malvarosa was diagnosed neral. is has been a year of trials and tribu-
has already killed more than 250,000 provides patients with access to West- with bilateral pneumonia and tested posi- lations, but most importantly, love.”
tive for COVID-19. Around midnight on
Americans has also sidelined many with chester Medical Center doctors with ex- Saturday, March 14, he was intubated and Malvarosa has had a few lingering e ects,
slipped into a month-long coma. due mostly to his months of inactivity. He
months-long ailments. pertise in lungs, heart, kidneys, radiology developed bedsores, which required weekly
“One doctor said when she was given my doctor visits for almost three months. ey
Since their diagnosis, patients at and mental and emotional health. case, she was told I wouldn’t live beyond the are now almost healed, he said. He also de-
next couple of days,”Malvarosa said.“Some- veloped foot drop, the inability to raise the
Westchester Medical Center have re- “Our practice is very well-suited for how, I persevered and woke up sometime in front part of the foot due to weakness or
mid-April. I couldn’t lift my arm to scratch paralysis of the muscles. He now wears tita-
ported experiencing shortness of breath, this because we are specialists in inter- my nose, but I was alive.” nium leg braces,and recently reached 3 miles
on a walk.
chest pain, loss of taste and smell, brain nal medicine, and this is really what we Malvarosa spent the next two months in
a rehab facility, interrupted only by a week Malvarosa is also happy to report that his
fog, headaches, fatigue, malaise, reduced do,” Karmen said. “We have a patient at Yale-New Haven Hospital for an infec- singing voice is “better than ever.” He fronts
tion and panic attacks. On June 23, he left a band called Stunt Fish.
kidney function, and hair loss. Even navigator. e doctors will assess the pa- Gaylord Specialty Healthcare on his own
two feet to the sounds of a recording of “I’m “I have to say, I am healthier than I have
originally asymptomatic patients have tients and decide they need the follow- been in 30 years,” he said.

felt these lingering e ects long after the ing things. All patients accepted into the

virus has left their system, said Dr. Carol program have previously tested positive

Karmen, an internal medicine specialist for the coronavirus.

and long-time Yorktown resident. “It’s an interesting thing, because

“During the time of the surge in pa- it doesn’t seem to matter how sick the

tients that were infected with the virus, patient was with the initial illness,” Kar-

some recovered fully and some did not,” men reiterated.

Karmen said, “and it didn’t seem to be e doctor has lived in Yorktown for

related to how severe their initial illness about 30 years, all the while working at

was.” Westchester Medical Center.

Page 4 – North Salem News Thursday, November 26, 2020

FEELINGS to help or “call in the troops when it might be our last. Love, laugh, Croton Falls, and his troupe, e “It’s a built-in pod,” she said.
necessary” during the pandemic, hike and do something that Pandemic Players, are focusing on North Salem recreation leader
FROM PAGE 1

she said, adding, “We are Somers makes another person’s day just a producing plays and participat- Lauren Rosaco said the begin-

Among them is Grace Zim- strong!” bit brighter,” he said. “Some day ing in readings to cheer and up- ning of the year was “tough”

merman of the Somers Historical Rich DeVito was among a that assumption will prove cor- lift. In their current repertoire are because of ever-changing gov-

Society, who said she was looking platoon of Somers teachers who, rect, but until then, being wrong “A Tuna Christmas,” “ e Man ernmental guidelines, but things

forward to the holidays but was armed with 3D printers, churned on a daily basis might just make Who Came to Dinner,” “Twelfth worked out. Over the summer,

feeling “con icted.” out plastic face shields for front- the world a better place.” Night” and “ e Gift of the there were crafts and sports pro-

“I feel blessed and thankful; line responders. North Salem’s Denise Moore Magi.” grams and for Halloween, a so-

disappointed and resentful; angry Grateful that his family is knows how lonely things can be Carolyn Resnick, North Salem cially distant pumpkin walk that

and void,” she said. healthy and his kids “are still in for those in care facilities even un- library director, said she appreci- she said was a smashing success.

Town historian and teacher school every day,” DeVito is cau- der normal circumstances. Now, ates family and friends more now People, anxious to get out and

Doris Jane Smith said she is tiously optimistic that science when loved ones can’t visit, the that they can’t get together physi- do something, were extremely

grateful to be able to work with will provide an e ective weapon isolation can be crushing. cally. Some in her circle, she said, cooperative about obeying safety

children, as it boosts her spirits to against the coronavirus. at’s why the administra- are fearful; some blasé. rules. And it was so well-orga-

see her littlest learners’ eyes “light “Knock on wood; it looks like a tor’s team at Waterview Hills in “ e hard part is navigating nized, most participants didn’t

up” when she tells them stories vaccine is coming soon,” he said. Purdys aims to make residents that.” notice the di erence.

about the history of anksgiving. Steve Wilson, a lifelong athlete feel “extra-loved.” ey’ve come e library has developed clever “It was a night free from

But Smith also feels “down” who recently donated a kidney, up with ways to provide that vi- ways to serve patrons by o ering thinking about COVID,” Ro-

when she’s alone, so to cope, the says it’s important to keep your tal connection, including a pen Zoom programs that appeal to a saco said.

avid reader and a “pod” of friends chin up. pal program and bird feeders to wider audience and attract pre- At rst, Janine Kourakos,

formed an ad hoc book club. ey “Happiness is a choice,” the attract ne-feathered friends for senters from all over. North Salem mother of two, said

safely share favorite reads by leav- Somers man said. “You have residents to watch. Carrying on under these dif- she felt “strong and optimistic,”

ing copies in each other’s mailbox- to wake up and say, ‘No mat- “It warms my heart to know we cult circumstances “calls on all but lately it’s been harder to keep

es, discussing them later online or ter what’s going on, I’m going to can make a di erence in some- your resources,” Resnick said. everyone’s spirits up. So she sets

over the phone. make it a great day.’” one’s life,” Moore said. “It’s stressful and hard, but it the dinner table with cloth nap-

“It’s important to talk to people; Wilson, who jokingly calls North Salem historian Susie made us look at what’s important. kins, candles and, occasionally,

it makes you feel good,” she said. himself “the losing-est baseball ompson says she misses being We don’t take people for granted owers–little touches that make

Somers’ Tracy Christen Rei- coach” in Somers’ history (only able to “sit down and relax with anymore.” family mealtime extra special.

mann, an elder law attorney, has two wins in four years), claims to friends.” Children’s librarian Cathleen Lest anyone think that the

spent countless hours this year have never taken the eld without Zoom is has “really saved our Sulli said she feels “fortunate to Kourakos household is overly

trying to reassure people “that thinking, “Today’s the day we’re lives,” she admits. Phone chats have a very bustling household.” staid, mom has informed ev-

there are ways to protect them- going to win.” also reassure her that “people are e full nest includes her 20-year- eryone that they “have to dance

selves while not allowing fear to “If there is a positive lesson to alive and there.” old son and his wife, who were more.”

rule them.” be learned from 2020, it’s to live Bram Lewis, artistic director married in their backyard in Oc- “We put on Queen and jump

Lots of volunteers can step up every day under the assumption of the Schoolhouse eater in tober. around the kitchen,” she said.

Contact Us
North Salem News is located at Bailey Court, 334 Route 202, Unit C1S, Somers, NY 10589. You can contact us at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected].

Happy
Thanksgiving!

$50.00 OFF
ANY OF
OUR SERVICES

EXP 12/31/2020. Coupon must present at time of service.

FREECannot be combined with any other offer.
Whole-Home
CALL NOW to schedule your Pre-Season Checkup! Air Purification System
with a New High Efficiency
We Now Provide Duct Cleaning & Sealing! AC/HEAT Pump System Installation.

In business for over 40 years! Want cleaner air?

SCHEDULE EARLY & SAVE! 845-628-2580 The RGF Environmental Group, Inc.
Whole Home Air Purification System
ASK ABOUT OUR SERVICE CONTRACT! is designed to eliminate sick building
syndrome risks by neutralizing mold
spores, bacteria, viruses, odors and

allergens throughout your home.

EXP 12/31/2020. Coupon must present at time of service.
Cannot be combined with any other offer.

WE NOW OFFER
PLUMBING SERVICES!

Thursday, November 26, 2020 North Salem News – Page 5

1952 Route 6
Carmel, NY

See dealer for details. All rebates included. Terrain, Acadia and Sierra lease include GM Loyalty. Must finance with GMF. Must qualify for rebates. Leases are 10k per year with $3998 down,
plus 1st payment, dmv and bank fee due at signing. Must qualify for tier 1 credit. Residuals: Terrain 4296/21760 Acadia 5016/23705, Canyon 9711/25984 and Sierra 13284/32153.
Not responsible for typographical errors.Vehicle pictures for illustration purposes only.Tax and reg extra. Ends November 30, 2020.

Page 6 – North Salem News Thursday, November 26, 2020

ough it may not have been the traditional trick-
or-treating experience, families still went all out for
Halloween. See more photos on pages 14-15.

Rebecca Bose dressed up Kooney Masked and ready for candy
Kooney for the occasion.
Jesse, Cameron and
The Grullon Jaime Buzzetto
family
More photos
the Shrink Wrapping on page 7
Protects Your
Est. 1987 Investments! DON’T GET CAUGHT WITH
AN AGING OIL TANK!
shrinkwrapmystuff.com | (203) 740-0175 30 years experience • Insured
P.O. Box 774, Brookfield CT 06804

Before you place your home on the

market, contact ENVIROSTAR about

replacing your aging underground

DON’T HOLD UP storage tank (UST). It it required by
most insurance companies prior to
THE SALE OF insuring property.

We wrap anything Call Today! YOUR HOME! ESTIFMRAETEES
Mother Nature can harm!
11500 OFFF$$WSEUPWTHEOERRWKSITNPHTERECORIUAGLH OUWREACWDOVOIMLEFLRFPETMERITSA!IETTDOCRH’S Since
Email us a picture of your stuff and
we will give you a FREE Estimate IN-GROUND TANK REMOVAL 1998
[email protected]
eWsWtitimhithtahttishei.csNoNocuotopttuootnpobooebnncelyoo.nmcClobyom.iunCpebodoinnuwepmidtohunwsatmnibtyheuosaptthrneebysreeoonpftfthreeeerdssr.aeoEtnftxtfheepedirrsetia.mstE9et/xh1ope5f it/rt1hieme9see3sot/i1mf /t2aht0ee2. 1

• Boats • Jet Skis • RVs • Motorcycles • Patio Furniture •Grills • Fountains
• Landscaping & Construction Equipment • Restaurant Furniture & Equipment •

Call 203-740-0175 or 914-714-3417 We are the name you trust for environmental needs

to schedule your wrap today! shrinkwrapmystuff.com 845-279-9555 • TankRemovalServices.com

Thursday, November 26, 2020 North Salem News – Page 7

The Basler family

Maddy Moo & James
“The Grinch” Bridges

The Armstrong family More photos
on pages 14-15

Make my Medicare MVP!

Get added value and benefits with a Medicare Advantage plan Speak with an MVP
from MVP Health Care.® Medicare Advisor today.

0$ primary care visits, telemedicine services, and Preferred Generic Drugs Call 1-833-368-4619
TTY: 1-800-662-1220
NEW! Earn up to $200 in WellBeing Rewards for healthy activities
NEW! Up to $200 for over-the-counter medicines and health-related Monday–Friday, 8 am–8 pm Eastern
items from select pharmacies or by mail order with most plans Time, October 1–March 31, seven
NEW! Option to add additional dental coverage, with $1,000 in annual benefits days a week, 8 am–8 pm

Plus, FREE wellness programs, including virtual fitness classes, a FREE SilverSneakers® Try MVP’s new Medicare Cost
fitness membership, and more! Calculator, or schedule a one-
on-one virtual appointment at
The annual election period for MVP Health Care Medicare Advantage health plans is Oct. 15–Dec. 7, 2020. MovetoMVP.com/compare.
MVP Health Plan, Inc. is an HMO-POS/PPO/MSA organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in MVP
Health Plan depends on contract renewal.
Telemedicine services from MVP Health Care are powered by Amwell and UCM Digital Health. Regulatory
restrictions may apply.
Y0051_4916_M