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Published by Halston Media, 2020-10-28 17:38:45

The Somers Record 10.29.20

Vol. 10 No. 28 Visit TapIntoSomers.net for the latest news. Thursday, October 29, 2020

Girl Scouts continue District strives for
tradition ‘equitable and inclusive’
schools

of cookies BY CAROL REIF to feel “less than” or not valued, their
for veterans
STAFF WRITER stories also inspired him and fellow

administrators to “answer the call that

No lesson about equity or inclusion we have to be doing more.”

can be successfully baked into a school e district has strived toward this

district’s culture, practices, policies or goal for years, but the global outrage

curriculum without one key ingredi- over the killing of George Floyd and

ent, says Mark Bayer. subsequent protests have, he said,

And that’s a safe forum where stu- “propelled” it to think more deeply

dents and educators can have “coura- about what schools can do.

Scouts will be masked for deliveries geous” conversations about race and Bayer, one of four administrators

bias. who spoke last week about their “suc-

“It’s humbling to be on the receiv- cess plans” for 2020-21, chose to focus

ing end of an education from the on global citizenship, the third “buck-

e Somers Girl Scouts are working than 6 feet of space between them. e students we are charged to educate,” et” in the district’s mission statement.
within safety guidelines to continue the girls are also aware that some of the vet-
tradition of Girl Scouts delivering cards erans may prefer to wave from a window Bayer told the Board of Education at ( e other two are commitments to
and cookies to local veterans. instead of opening the door, and will re-
ceive smiles and waves in return before the its Oct. 13 meeting. 21st century knowledge and skills and
is year there will be no homemade girls move on.
cookies. Instead, troops are choosing to In June, the adults listened to cur- social-emotional and physical well-
either buy prepackaged cookies, or paint is year, the Somers Girl Scouts feel
rocks with special messages for the veter- that it is especially important to let vet- rent and former students share their ness.)
ans. e Girl Scouts will also be making erans know they are being thought of, as
homemade cards. so many people are feeling lonely or iso- personal experiences with bigotry, According to Director of Learn-
lated. e Girl Scouts also want veterans
All Girl Scout troops have been advised to know they are taking extra precautions discrimination and, “in some cases, ing Kevin Guidotti, one of the goals
that the girls and their families must wear to keep the veterans, the girls, and families
masks for deliveries, and are encouraged safe, healthy, and comfortable. all-out harassment,” according to the is to make sure faculty and sta have
to use hand sanitizer before and after each
delivery. Girls Scouts will leave their gifts Veterans who do not normally receive Somers High School principal. the tools they need to provide an “eq-
near the front door, and move back after Girl Scout visits and wish to be added to
ringing the doorbell so that there is no our list can contact Stephanie DiLeonardo “ ese are not easy lessons to learn uitable and inclusive” environment for
physical contact, and there will be more at [email protected].
when you hear a student say, ‘You all students.

know, I went to the administration at also means there must be op-

and nothing was done about it,’ “ he portunities for structured learning and

said. “It’s causing us to think about dialogue around issues of race, di er-

how do we act and how do we respond ences and discrimination, he said.

and also how do we get ahead of it.” Part of the foundation for that work

Bayer said that, while painful to SEE DISCUSSION PAGE 2
hear students say they had been made

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CLASSIFIEDS 23 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT
ELEPHANT’S TRUNK 4 IN SUPPORT OF:
LEGAL NOTICES 23 THE COMMUNITY &
LEISURE 22 THE SOMERS CHAMBER
OPINION 10 OF COMMERCE
SPORTS 19 OCTOBER 29, 2020
Illustration by Simone Kurtz

SEE INSIDE:
CELEBRATE SOMERS

Page 2 – The Somers Record Thursday, October 29, 2020

The Staff DISCUSSION thoughts will be conducted be- district manages student behav- “Not Light, But Fire: How to

EDITORIAL TEAM FROM PAGE 1 fore and after that unit is taught. ior in a way that is instructive and Lead Meaningful Race Conver-
JODI WEINBERGER
e team—made up of teachers, not “merely punitive,” he said. sations in the Classroom.”
EDITOR: 914-302-5830
[email protected] has already been laid by the sta ers, administrators, students, Each school now has an “eq- According to Bayer, both

BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER Somers Educational Equity parents and community mem- uity and diversity” leader. books o er “practical how-tos”
SPORTS EDITOR: 914-302-5628
[email protected] Advisory Team, which has been bers—plans to review each of the Somers also partners with No for broaching topics in ways that

ADVERTISING TEAM looking at professional learning four schools’codes of conduct. Place for Hate, a school climate dignify “all voices and experienc-
PAUL FORHAN
and curriculum strategies. It will determine how those improvement initiative. Several es” and are “opening and enlight-
(914) 806-3951
[email protected] Bayer said an anti-racism/bias support “restorative justice” prac- districtwide programs a year are ening rather than shutting and

BRUCE HELLER unit or plan that weaves concepts tices and how they “mesh with, or based around that framework. closing doors.”
(914) 486-7608
[email protected] and learning goals, often over might contradict or con ict with, Teachers have been reading Board President Dr. Lindsay

LISA KAIN di erent subject areas, will be of- the ideas of equity and inclusion,” Glenn E. Singleton’s “Coura- Portnoy praised Bayer for pre-
(201) 317-1139
[email protected] fered at all four schools this year. Bayer said. geous Conversations About senting a plan that was “concrete”
CORINNE STANTON
(914) 760-7009 A survey of attitudes and e goal? To ensure that the Race” and Matthew R. Kay’s and “actionable.”
[email protected]
“You’ve been relevant and
JAY GUSSAK
(914) 299-4541 timely and, my goodness, this is
[email protected]
JENNIFER CONNELLY something that, not just Somers,
(917) 446-7757
[email protected] but everyone needs,” she said.
SHELLEY KILCOYNE
(914) 924-9122 “I’m so grateful to be in this dis-
[email protected]
GABRIELLE BILIK trict, knowing that my kids are
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/DESIGNER
[email protected] moving through schools with

PRODUCTION TEAM this sort of curriculum, that this
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL
is the approach that you’re mod-
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
PHOTOGRAPHER eling for us.”

[email protected] Visibly moved, she also point-
CHRISTINA ROSE
ART DIRECTOR/ ed to schools Superintendent Dr.

DIGITAL PRODUCTION MANAGER Raymond Blanch’s strong sup-
[email protected]
port of anti-racism and anti-bias
EXECUTIVE TEAM
BRETT FREEMAN e orts and expressed gratitude
CEO & PUBLISHER
845-208-8151 to teachers and administrators

[email protected] for “moving in this space toward

Deadlines justice.”

THE SOMERS RECORD DEADLINE Noting that it’s important for
THE DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS
children to know that they can par-
AND EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS FOR
ticipate in the discussion and that
SOMERS RECORD IS THE THURSDAY
BEFORE THE NEXT PUBLICATION DATE. adults don’t have all the answers,

FOR MORE INFORMATION, either, Portnoy later said: “I think
CALL JODI WEINBERGER AT
914-302-5830 OR EMAIL that’s so powerful to say, ‘Look,
[email protected].
we’re going to struggle through
Subscribe
this with you and we’re going to
TO REQUEST THE SOMERS RECORD
WEEKLY DELIVERY, CALL 845-208-8503 make mistakes, and that’s OK.’”
OR EMAIL [email protected].
SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE COMPLIMENTARY FOR Trustee MaryRose Joseph said
RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN THE TOWN.
OUT OF TOWN MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE she thought it was courageous
$150 PER YEAR FOR FIRST CLASS MAIL.
of the district to work on things
PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT
SOMERS, NY AND AT that weren’t necessarily part of “a

ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. textbook curriculum or get us to
POSTMASTER:
the 1,500-plus on the SATs or
SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO
THE SOMERS RECORD AT the As.”
BAILEY COURT
“ is is not what typical edu-
334 ROUTE 202, UNIT C1S
SOMERS, NY 10589 We are your neighbors. cators are charged with,” she said.
None of the goals can be ac-
(ISSN 2330-1597)
PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY complished without input from
HALSTON MEDIA, LLC AT
We want you to have the facts. students and the community at
BAILEY COURT large, educators agreed.
334 ROUTE 202, UNIT C1S
Referring to the “student pro-
SOMERS, NY 10589
©2020 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC le” for the International Bacca-

Vote “Yes” laureate program Joseph added:
“ is is global citizenship in a
nutshell.”

Blanch said that lately he’s

for Somers Sewer District No. 2 noticed more and more students
talking about wanting to “go out
in the world and make it a more

on November 10 just place.”
Schools are the perfect envi-

ronment to learn “love, respect

Somers Clean Water is a project of the and caring for others,” he said.
Just the fact that some Somers

Somers Lakes Sustainability Projects Committee grads have come back to be part
of the anti-racism, anti-bias con-

versation shows that things “are

www.SomersCleanWater.com heading in the right direction.”
“We have to make that long-

term commitment; it’s a long

journey. It’s not going to happen

through one course, one period or

one day. It’s a way of being. It has

to be in our fabric, in our DNA,

more than ever before,” Blanch

said.

Thursday, October 29, 2020 The Somers Record – Page 3

Keegan cited again for unfair campaign practices

Byrne’s opponent challenges ruling, says she will le ‘formal exception’

BY BOB DUMAS Committee’s earlier ndings, is- the Committee’s ndings both on not recognized for what it is by the formal exception to the Commit-
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR sued on Oct. 1, regarding she and Facebook and in quotes that were Committee. tee’s ndings and looks forward to
Byrne. provided to the media,” including working with the Committee and
e Westchester Fair Cam- Mahopac News. “In today’s terminology, that is all of the communities in the 94th
paign Practices Committee, the e Committee’s earlier ruling called ‘gaslighting’ and, unfortu- Assembly District to address the
non-partisan campaign watchdog found that Keegan had engaged in “ e fact that a subsequent mis- nately, it is all too often used by the problems of voter disenfranchise-
group founded by the League of unfair campaign practices by shar- leading post was issued and given Far-Right (or so called ‘Alt-Right’) ment and unfair campaign pro-
Women Voters in 1991, issued an- ing and promoting an image on so- to the media by my opponent is ex- to attack political opponents and cesses and to nd meaningful ways
other nding of unfair campaign cial media that Byrne claimed gave tremely disappointing,” Byrne said. erode the credibility of institutions to promote voting.”
practices against Assemblyman “a false and misleading impression “It is a shame that our opponent that promote democracy (such as
Kevin Byrne’s opponent, Stepha- [he] refused to condemn a racist chose to ignore the ndings of the the Committee). Predictably, By- Byrne said there is no such thing
nie Keegan last week. attack” that occurred in Carmel Committee and proceed with a rne immediately used the errone- as “formal exception.”
earlier this year. Byrne’s campaign baseless, misleading attack. I thank ous ‘ ndings’of the Committee for
e Committee determined further complained that by pro- the Committee again for its con- campaign fundraising. “A ‘formal exception’ doesn’t ex-
her recent actions were “unfair” in moting an image featuring the as- sistency and fairness.” ist to my knowledge,” he said. “She
response to a complaint from By- semblyman next to an image of a “ e Fair Campaign Practices was found to commit another
rne’s campaign and because of the truck with a “F*** Black Lives”sign Asked to comment on the sec- Committee has now issued three unfair campaign practice.If she
“clarity” of Byrne’s complaint, the a xed to it created “the false and ond ruling by the Committee, the ‘ ndings’ without fair hearings, wants to try and le one against
Committee found no hearing was misleading impression that the as- Keegan campaign released this including one nding where no me she can, but it won’t stick be-
necessary. semblyman is somehow associated prepared statement: hearing was held at all and one cause there’s nothing there. Our
with racist behavior.” hearing where the [Keegan][ cam- campaign’s fundraising email did
is most recent nding stated “Today we must speak up about paign was not told ahead of time not name the Committee or the
that Keegan violated the Commit- at initial Oct. 1 ruling found the misuse of the Westchester that a Republican Party represen- unfair campaign practices. is is
tee’s principle that “the candidate that “the juxtaposition of Mr. By- County Fair Campaign Practices tative would be participating in just nonsense.
will not abuse the Westchester rne’s picture next to a truck with Committee by [Kevin Byrne]. he the Committee’s decisions but no
County Fair Campaign Practices the words “F*** Black Lives” vio- has repeatedly sought to weap- Democratic Party representative “Ms. Keegan has now demon-
Committee process in order to lates the Committee’s principle onize the Committee’s ndings would have a voice. e Commit- strated a pattern,” Byrne contin-
obtain a political advantage. e that “ e candidate will not use or in violation of the very principles tee has the best of intentions but ued. “Her continued lashing out
Committee considers … misrep- condone any campaign material… the Committee promotes. By- has simply not been able to act at the Committee and me is both
resentation of its ndings to be an that misleads the public.” ere rne sought to mischaracterize with fairness. It is not equipped to ugly and dishonest. I will remain
unfair campaign practice.” was no evidence provided that Mr. Stephanie Keegan’s call for Byrne navigate the complexity of racist focussed on meeting and speak-
Byrne “was in any way associated to denounce racism and the hate- ‘dog whistles’ and ‘gaslighting’ used ing with our neighbors, listening to
e Byrne campaign com- with the truck pictured”. ful racist events in our community. by the Far-Right and Republican them and nding ways to improve
plained that Keegan posted an Byrne’s twisting of the facts to dis- partisan operators today. our state. I encourage her to learn
opinion piece on Facebook in e most recent nding found guise his embrace of “both-sides” from this experience and do the
which she misrepresented the that Keegan had “misrepresented false equivalencies on racism was “Stephanie will be submitting a same.”

Where to cast your ballot for early voting Clarification

e early voting period is brary, 11 Oakridge Place, 10549 • Westchester County In the candidate pro les published last week
highlighting the race for New York State As-
October 24 through Novem- Eastchester, NY 10709 • Mt. Pleasant Community Board of Elections, 25 Quar- sembly, Democrat Stephanie Keegan said her
opponent, Republican Kevin Byrne, declined
ber 1. Registered voters voting • Dobbs Ferry Village Hall, Center, 125 Lozza Drive, Val- ropas Street, White Plains, to participate in a debate hosted by the Putnam
County League of Women Voters (LWV).
early may cast their ballots at 112 Main Street, Dobbs Ferry, halla, NY 10595 NY 10601 However, Byrne shared evidence with this
newspaper showing this is false. After the de-
ANY of the seventeen (17) NY 10522 • Mt. Vernon City Hall, 1 • Grinton I. Will Library, bate was cancelled, Byrne reached out to LWV
President Eileen Reilly saying that he had pro-
designated early voting loca- • Greenburgh Town Hall, Roosevelt Square, Mt. Ver- 1500 Central Park Avenue, posed four dates for the debate, but never heard
back from the League. In an attempt to show
tions. On Election Day, vot- 177 Hillside Avenue, White non, NY 10550 Yonkers, NY 10710 Byrne that the LWV replied to his campaign,
Reilly forwarded an email to Byrne on Oct. 2,
ers must vote at their assigned Plains, NY 10607 • New Rochelle City Hall • Riverfront Library, One showing that she sent emails to Byrne’s cam-
paign manager, Matt Covucci. But the email
polling sites. • Veterans Memorial Build- Annex, 90 Beaufort Place, Larkin Center, Yonkers, NY trail shows that Reilly spelled Matt with three
Ts as “Mattt” in Covucci’s email address. Byrne
Early Voting Times: ing, 210 Halstead Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801 10701 said he would have wanted to participate in a
LWV debate.
• ursday, October 29: 12 Harrison, NY 10528 • Joseph G. Caputo Com- • Yorktown Cultural Cen-

p.m. – 8 p.m. • Pound Ridge Town munity Center, 95 Broadway, ter, 1974 Commerce Street,

• Friday, October 30: 8 a.m. House, 179 Westchester Ave- Ossining, NY 10562 Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

– 4 p.m. nue, Pound Ridge, NY 10576 • Peekskill Nutrition Cen- If you have any other

• Saturday, October 31: 12 • Mamaroneck Town Cen- ter, Neighborhood Center, 4 questions, please visit the

p.m. – 5 p.m. ter, 740 W. Boston Post Road, Nelson Avenue, Peekskill, NY Westchester County Board

• Sunday, November 1: 12 Mamaroneck, NY 10543 10566 of Elections on the web at

p.m. – 5 p.m. • Mt. Kisco Memorial • Somers Town House, https://citizenparticipation.

Early Voting Locations: Complex at Leonard Park, 1 335 Route 202, Somers, NY westchestergov.com or call

• Eastchester Public Li- Wallace Drive, Mt. Kisco, NY 10589 (914) 995-5700.

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Page 4 – The Somers Record ELEPHANT’S TRUNK Thursday, October 29, 2020

Blood Drive Tickets will be sold online only and ursdays between the hours We look forward to seeing hearing from you!

with scheduled viewing times, no of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. everyone. Chairs will also be
Chabad of YorktownCrystal Hall, Somers Com- tickets will be sold on-site. All What : roundtrip transporta- arranged on the porch if you’d like
munity Center is hosting a blood visitors will be required to wear tion to medical appointments. to visit with your friends following

drive on ursday, November masks inside the Conservatory Who: Seniors 60 years and the class. CHABAD HEBREW SCHOOL

5, from 1-7 p.m. Appointments and observe all safety rules. older. Hebrew Join the Chabad Hebrew
school for an exciting year of
strongly encouraged. Walk-ins Pre-sale tickets are available During the COVID -

will only be accepted if space al- through October 5. Admission is health emergency you must be Congregation of Jewish education and fun!
lows for social distancing. Masks $10 per adult, $5 per child (chil- able to enter and exit the bus Somers Classes will be held Sunday
are required. To sign up call the dren up to 24 months free). $7 independently. Only 2 locations
mornings virtually with once a

New York Blood Center 1-800- per senior. After October 5, online for seating on the bus will be month in person outdoor les-

933-2566 or visit www.nybc.org/ tickets will be sold at regular price used at a time. ey will be 6 feet son and fun, following all CDC

donate of $20 per adult, $10 per child away from each other. Everyone VIRTUAL HEBREW SCHOOL guidelines.

Lasdon Park (children up to 24 months free). is required to wear a mask during NOW ENROLLING For more information and to

$15 per senior. the entire trip. ere will be a Hebrew Congregation of register visit: www.ChabadYork-

e exhibit is presented by COVID check in,including temp. Somers has opened enrollment town.com or call 914-962-1111.

Learn that change can be Westchester County Parks and Call – to see if you are eligible at for our warm, nurturing, RideConnect

good with new fall exhibit and the Friends of Lasdon Park and 232-0807. comprehensive and fun

train show, “Autumn Changes: Arboretum with support by Hou- Price: - We are asking for $10 Hebrew School, which will run program

Change can be Good,” in the lihan Lawrence of Somers, Mary fee round trip. exclusively via remote learning.

Conservatory at Westchester’s Ward and Carol Cirieco, West- Outdoor Seated Exercise with In a loving and collaborative e RideConnect a program

public garden, Lasdon Park, Ar- Fair Electric and Whitehall Auto. Lori Barr setting, our educational director, of Family Services of Westches-

boretum and Veterans Memorial, Lasdon Park, Arboretum and When: 10 a.m.to 11 a.m.Mon- teachers, rabbi and cantor con- ter has volunteers willing and

in Somers, which opens Friday, Veterans Memorial is a Westches- days and Wednesdays nect our students and families to able to shop for seniors at this

Oct. 9. Dates, times and tickets ter County Park on Route 35 in Where: we will have chairs set a rich, vibrant, meaningful and time. Ride Connect has volun-

available at LasdonPark.org. Somers. e GPS address is 2610 up 6 ft apart on the front lawn at exciting personal relationship teers willing and able to drive

e new exhibit follows a fall- Amawalk Road, Katonah, NY Van Tassell house with Judaism and the practical, seniors to their medical appoint-

en little Tupelo Leaf, who doesn’t 10536. Weather: all classes will be necessary building blocks to read ments. Ride Connect serves all

want to change his colors and Go to the Friends of Lasdon weather permitting. Rain or op- and understand the language of of Westchester and southern

sets o on a journey to under- Park and Arboretum website at pressive heat will cancel the class. prayer. Putnam Counties. e number

stand why it is so important for https://lasdonpark.org or call If you are not sure call 232-0807 To learn more about Hebrew to call to request a volunteer

leaves to change color in fall. e (914) 864-7263 for more infor- the morning of the class to check. School registration, High Holi- shopper or a ride to a medical

2,400 square foot exhibit features mation Transportation: you must pro- day services and our synagogue appointment is (914) 242-7433.

four giant G-scale train layouts Senior Programs vide your own transportation and community, please visit our web- All services are free to seniors!
with over 300 feet of track, sur- wear a mask until you are seated. site, http://www.hebrewcongre- Anyone wishing to volunteer for

rounded by miniature landscapes Chairs will be disinfected fol- gationofsomers.org. You can also RideConnect or nd out more

and animated characters tucked Transportation to medical lowing each class email questions@hebrewcongre- can also contact us (914)242-

within an array of colorful plants, appointments for seniors: Wear comfortable clothing and gationofsomers.org or call 914- 7433 or via email at kganis@fsw.

owers, shrubs and trees. When: Tuesday, Wednesday sneakers 248-9532. We look forward to org.

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Thursday, October 29, 2020 The Somers Record – Page 5

Somers hosts 5th Students back at school
annual Wellness Summit after COVID-19 closures

Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. BY CAROL REIF
STAFF WRITER

e following is from the Somers with schools, Dr. Mazza and Dr.

Central School District: Dexter-Mazza currently run a Somers High School and middle school reopened

free online course called “Parent- Tuesday,Oct.27,after having been shut down by CO-

e Somers Central School ing rough COVID-19 & Be- VID-19.

District 5th Annual Wellness yond” where they teach the DBT It was the second time in a month the high school

Summit Presents: Managing Dis- STEPS-A skills to parents and had to close due to the coronavirus, which causes the

tress through Emotional Problem educators. On November 5, Dr. highly infectious and deadly disease.

Solving at 7 p.m. on Nov. 5. Zoom Mazza will o er Somers parents, e district announced the schools’closure on Sun-

link to follow. students, and educators an over- day,Oct.25,after the discovery of positive cases at each PHOTO: METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

view of this approach and provide building. Students transitioned to remote learning while the
Primrose Elementary School also was brie y shut- district underwent contact tracing.
DR. MAZZA practical insights and strategies on

Somers parents, students, and how applying it to our daily lives tered in late September under the same circumstances. As part of its 2020-2021 re-entry plan, the dis-

sta are invited to hear special can help us better tolerate distress Schools Superintendent Dr. Raymond Blanch an- trict had required anyone who would be attending

guest speaker, Dr. James Mazza and be more in control of our nounced Monday, Oct. 26, that contact tracing at school in person (at-home learners are exempt) to

discuss the social emotional learn- thoughts,emotions,and behaviors. SMS and SHS had been completed. e Westchester ll out a daily health survey that includes the ap-

ing (SEL) curriculum that he and More on DBT STEPS-A: County Department of Health had noti ed the school pearance of such symptoms of COVID-19 as fever,

his colleagues developed to help is curriculum was adapted district Monday that both buildings could reopen the coughing, sore throat and a runny nose. e disease

students manage distress through from the skills training program next day. can also cause muscle pain, fatigue, vomiting and

emotional problem solving. Dr. in Dialectical Behavior erapy However, because certain sta members had to diarrhea.

Mazza is a professor of school (DBT) developed by Dr. Mar- quarantine themselves, only the sixth- and seventh- Anyone who suspects they are ill must stay home

psychology, author and researcher sha Linehan, a professor at the graders were allowed to return to in-school learning and consult their physician.

at the University of Washington. University of Washington. e Tuesday. Fee testing sites can be found at the NY State

e program created by Dr. Maz- program focuses on supporting Blanch said Monday that the district had enough Find a Test Site Near You page, https://coronavi-

za, along with his wife, Dr. Eliza- e ective emotion regulation, deci- sta coverage to welcome eighth-graders back as rus.health.ny.gov/ nd-test-site-near-you.

beth Dexter-Mazza, has been sion making, and problem-solving scheduled on Wednesday, Oct. 28. For more information about COVID-19, call

implemented in schools around skills in adolescents. is curricu- Students considered to have been in contact with 866-588-0195 or visit the Westchester Depart-

the country. lum was piloted in Wellness and the infected person had been noti ed by the district, ment of Health homepage, https://health.west-

Called DBT STEPS-A, this Family and Consumer Science Blanch said. Parents who had questions were urged to chestergov.com/2019-novel-coronavirus.

curriculum was piloted in Somers classes at Somers Middle School contact county health o cials. e superintendent thanked the school commu-

schools in the 2019-2020 school and Somers High School during SMS Principal Je rey Getman was expected to send nity Monday for its continued “patience and ex-

year. In addition to their work the 2019-2020 school year. parents a follow-up message, Blanch said Monday. ibility.”

VOTE

WILLIAmSJudge E. Loren
M U R P H YA l e x a n d r a
ONDROROBERT VIC

VOTE ABbAseLntLeOe T EARLY VOTING ENLEoCvTIO. N3DrAdY your candidates for

10.24 to 11.1 NYS Supreme Court Justice

PAID FOR BY WILLIAMS, MURPHY & ONDROVIC CAMPAIGNS EQUALLY WESTCHESTER | ROCKLAND | ORANGE | PUTNAM | DUTCHESS

Supremes_Joint_general creative_HALSTON.indd 1 B etcoa uvsoet ei tf’os rnPorteesni doeungth.

10/5/20 10:21 PM

Page 6 – The Somers Record Thursday, October 29, 2020

Fire department gets
new safety equipment

BY CAROL REIF cyanide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde

STAFF WRITER and dioxins.

Of all the protective turnout gear

Local re ghters have unwrapped an that re ghters wear—boots, helmets,

early holiday present that will help them gloves—nowadays, none are probably

keep themselves and members of the more important. SCBA enables them

community safe. to forge deeper into burning structures

According to Chief Jon Mackey, the to not only save people inside, but nd a

Somers Volunteer Fire Department re- re’s source and put it out.

cently received 12 new Scott X3 Self- It also buys re ghters time should

Contained Breathing Apparatus, or they become disoriented or trapped.

SCBA, and 24 re llable air tanks. e department’s budget is controlled

ey cost $87,000 and will replace a by the Board of Fire Commissioners and

dozen units that date to the early to mid- the district’s funds come from local taxes.

1990s. Finding the money for new equipment

While regularly maintained and func- has become more di cult since 2011,

tional, the devices were out-of-date and when the state imposed a tax cap on local

failing to meet all National Fire Protec- government spending.

tion Association standards, Mackey said. According to Mackey, the department

e department has 100 volunteers had been unsuccessfully applying for fed-

and 60 SCBA. eral grants to buy new SCBA for three or

e equipment is important during four years. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SOMERS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

res to prevent smoke inhalation by the While it had a lot of support from This SFD recently took delivery of 12 new Scott X3 Pro SCBA (Self Contained Breathing
volunteers answering calls to extinguish the town’s representatives in Albany and Apparatus) units and 24 bottles.
building res. Washington, the SVFD could never quite

At one time, some re ghters felt that “get over that crest,” Mackey explained

wearing SCBA was optional or only nec- last week. placed,” Mackey said. 2002, which puts them within two years

essary under extreme conditions. Due to en the board came around with the With proper maintenance, SCBA can of expiration.

technological advances in construction $87K. last 20 years. Somers’ is inspected every Mackey said that if the department

and home decor, combustion of modern, “Everyone’s extremely grateful to the year by an outside contractor who deter- gets the go-ahead to replace those next

non-organic building materials, furniture re commissioners for seeing the need mines whether they’re still usable. year, it will “be in good shape going for-

and clothing emits toxic gases such as (for new SCBA) and getting them re- e next oldest set was purchased in ward.”

Will this be true for you? Need a new
kitchen or bath
A well-formed faith-based conscience is a truth not permitting one for the holidays?
to vote for a political program/agenda or laws which contradicts
Call for Appointment:
the fundamental contents of one’s faith and morals.
845-628-4100
THINK: Human life is sacred and the dignity of the human person
is a fundamental human right on which all other rights are based. 361 Route 6, Mahopac NY
Human dignity can only be ensured if basic rights are protected, samsceramic.com
responsibilities are met, and people exercise respect for one
another. Fundamental rights such as the right to life,
from conception to natural death, and the right to religious
freedom must always be recognized and defended.

ACTION: We have the responsibility to take special care of the
poor and vulnerable among us, right to work, and the right to own

and use property and hold associations, must all be respected.

Do candidates in the upcoming election promote
human life and dignity?

Is he/she committed to justice and peace?
What is his/her agenda in view of the dignity of the human person?
Are there unacceptable positions conflicting your faith and morals?

Our decisions about voting must be informed by prayer
seeking to understand Divine will for ourselves and country;
laws, policies and other agendas supported by public officials
should be a reflection of a well-formed faith-based conscience.

Will your faith conscience
be true in action for you?

No.Westchester/Putnam Center for Life centerforlifenwp.org
& Hudson Valley Coalition for Life [email protected]

Thursday, October 29, 2020 The Somers Record – Page 7

State clears way for movie theaters to reopen

Carmel Cinema 8 given green light with some restrictions

Local movie theaters, including Car- turn,” Addonizio said. “It’s also good for to socially distance; air ltration systems es for reopening,” Feighery said. “Some
mel Cinema 8 on Route 52, were among our community. People have adjusted to and ventilation will have to meet state industries, like movie theaters, seem to
those allowed to reopen on Friday, Oct. wearing masks and washing their hands standards; and additional sta will be re- have been unfairly left behind, and we
23, after Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s lifted re- often to protect themselves from CO- quired to ensure rules are followed. have been advocating for their chance
strictions in most of the state. VID-19, but they haven’t adjusted to the to safely reopen. We continue to partner
isolation and disruption of normal life. Putnam Deputy County Executive with county businesses to ensure they
“Restaurants, gyms and other busi- omas Feighery said the county contin- have every tool they need to survive in
nesses that cater to the public are open, is is another step on the road back to ues to support the business community this uncharted year.”
so it didn’t make sense to keep movie the- normal.” throughout the reopening process
aters closed,” Putnam County Executive “Since the beginning of the pandemic Kathleen Abels, president of the Put-
MaryEllen Odell said. “We need to help To reopen, movie theaters must follow we have utilized all the resources of Put- nam County Economic Development
businesses come back, not stand in their certain restrictions: theaters must limit nam County to partner with all busi- Corporation, called the cinema’s reopen-
way. Plus, people are feeling COVID fa- capacity to 25 percent with no more than ing an important step forward.
tigue. We have to give them options and 50 people per screen; patrons must wear nesses to navigate
trust they will make the right decisions masks except when seated and through each of “I am hopeful that with movie theaters
to stay safe.” eating or drinking; theaters the state’s phas- reopening outside of red zones, live the-
must assign seating and ater performances will soon be allowed,”
Over the weekend, Gov. Cuomo lifted even groups of Abels said. “Limited capacity assigned
the lockdown order on movie theaters in friends will seating and additional cleaning are re-
counties outside of New York City that have ally just common-sense approaches that
had no cluster zones and where the 14- mimic the guidelines for other sectors.
day average infection rate is lower than 2
percent, which leaves out Rockland and “Also promising is Gov. Cuomo’s Clus-
Orange counties. ter Action Initiative, which divides clus-
ters and the areas surrounding them into
Putnam County Legislature Chair- categories with successively greater re-
woman Toni Addonizio, whose district strictions. is initiative protects regions
includes the Carmel Cinema 8, said she and counties where COVID-19 has been
was relieved that the governor had nally well-managed from being punished for
allowed movie theaters to reopen. the bad actions of a few.”

“ is is good news for the theater Article courtesy of Putnam County
owners and their employees, who have Executive’s O ce
had to wait too long for their jobs to re-

To advertise in The Somers Record, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected].

As our State Senator, Rob will
work to rebuild our state:

 Reduce taxes and excessive
regulations to jumpstart the economy

 Repeal the “no cash bail” law and
invest in our police — not defund them

 Give parents more choice and
control over their child’s education

 Invest in infrastructure and
innovative environmental initiatives

 Clean up Albany’s corruption —
starting with term limits

“A rare politician who has lived up to his promises.”

(10/31/17)

Paid for by Friends of Rob Astorino

Page 8 – The Somers Record Thursday, October 29, 2020

Randy Freeman Ken Freeman PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUZY MORAVICK
Residents clean up the townMembers of the Somers Womens Club

e following is from the Somers e Somers Litter Task Force trailways. Ken and Randy Freeman, new Hudson High School cleaned up
Litter Task Force: was out in full force at the Somers Ashton Clarke, a Somers In- residents in Somers, helped to litter around Lake Lincolndale.
Town House on Saturday, Oc- clean up Route 100 from the cen-
As with many events this year, tober 17, handing out roadside termediate School student, heard ter of town south to Burger Barn. e Somers Women’s Club,
the pandemic caused the Somers litter clean up supplies. e turn about the litter clean up at school who are committed litter clean
Litter Task Force to postpone its out for supplies was successful and encouraged his family to Xavi Dosil, a fth grader, and up volunteers, helped clean Route
Annual Spring Town Wide Lit- and many residents took advan- participate. e Clarke Family his mom Adys Dosil picked up 202 from Lake Road to Route
ter Clean Up and reinvent their tage of the beautiful fall weather helped to clean up litter on the litter near Lake Shenorock. 118, and a portion of Route 100
Annual Fall Town Wide Litter and cleaned up litter along our North County Bike Trail and at near the intersection of Route
Clean Up. roadsides, shopping centers, and the Somers Commons Shopping Stephanie McQuade Gei- 138.
Center. ger, Lake Lincolndale resident,
and science teacher at Hendrick SEE CLEANUP PAGE 9

What steps have you
taken to protect your
life savings from the
cost of long term care?
CALL NEW YORK’S
ELDER LAW TEAM

914.948.1500

WHITE PLAINS • SOMERS • WWW.ESSLAWFIRM.COM

• Asset Protection • Elder Law • Wills, Trusts & Estates
• Medicaid Applications (Nursing Home/Home Care) • Past Chair of Elder Law Section of NYS Bar Association
• Guardianships (Contested/Non-Contested) • “Super Lawyer” In Elder Law for 10 consecutive years

Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ.

Managing Member • Fluent in Italian

914.948.1500

Thursday, October 29, 2020 The Somers Record – Page 9

CLEANUP Goff family
and friends
FROM PAGE 8 A young
member of
e Somers Litter Task the Clarke
Force volunteer members Family
clean roadside litter all year pitches in.
long, weather permitting.
Somers residents and busi- PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUZY MORAVICK
ness owners are encouraged
to pick up roadside litter as The Somers Womens Club helps out.
often as possible, so the litter
does not pile up and attract
more litter.

Since the “O cial” Fall
Town Wide Litter Clean
Up has been reinvented this
year, the Somers Litter Task
Force would like to encour-
age Somers residents and
business owners to continue
to pick up litter and help
Keep Somers Beautiful.

e Somers Litter Task
Force is also seeking “Area
Managers” who would help
the Task Force by being a
liaison to their part of town.
Many hands make for light
work and the Somers Lit-
ter Task Force needs your
help. If you are interested in
being more active with our
Somers Litter Task Force,
please email them at keep-
[email protected] or
call 914-486-0355. If you
are in need of litter clean up
supplies, call Rich Nash at
914-438-3721.

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