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Published by Halston Media, 2020-06-03 11:42:43

Mahopac News 06.04.20

VOL. 11 NO. 14 Visit TapIntoMahopac.net for the latest news. THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

MHS commencement to honor
late class member

Family and school o cials collaborate on way to pay tribute

BY BOB DUMAS signatures in just a few days. 2020. After a long-fought battle

EDITOR However, school o cials empha- with childhood cancer, Jake

size that they had already begun shouldn’t be forgotten,” Chase

When commencement cer- working with the family to pay Santoriella wrote on the online

emonies are held later this month, tribute to Jake before the petition petition page.

Mahopac High School will honor was set up. Matthew Krycerick, who said

the memory of Jake Santoriella, a However, Santoriella family he was Jake’s best friend, also

Class of 2020 member who lost members insisted that school ad- wrote on the page that Jake “de-

his life to leukemia two years ago. ministrators weren’t going to do serves to be announced at our

Jake Santoriella’s twin brother, it until pressure from the com- graduation. He has worked too

Chase, had approached school munity swayed them. hard to not get any credit.”

PHOTO: BOB DUMAS o cials with the idea of reading “ ey told us no; our com- In a letter to district parents,

In tribute to those his brother’s name along with munity turned it around,” Jake’s Lawrence wrote, “Historically,
who’ve fallen
other 2020 graduates during the mom, Cristina Rodriguez Santo- the administration of MHS has
Councilman Frank Lombardi, left, and Supervisor Ken
Schmitt pose with World War II veteran Mario Porto, 96, ceremony, but several sources riella, said, but noted the family is worked with families to nd a
of Mahopac in front of Town Hall as they await the Me-
morial Day caravan sponsored by the Putnam County Joint claim the district told him that happy the way it ended. “ ank mutually acceptable way to honor
Veterans Council. e caravan was comprised of military,
police and re vehicles and traveled through every town in his brother did not meet cer- you for all the love and support. and remember the deceased as
Putnam County on Memorial Day. e solemn occasion
was also marked by a small ceremony held in conjunction tain criteria to have that happen. Believe me it was a huge help. All part of the commencement. We
between Mahopac’s American Legion and VFW posts. For
more pictures of both events, see the centerspread on pages However, school o cials said we wanted was Jake to be men- recognize that this is a very emo-
16 and 17.
they were more than willing to tioned together with his Class of tional time for families, and we

do something, but were waiting 2020. We got our wish and more. want to be respectful as to how

to meet with family members be- [ Jake is] de nitely smiling and they would like their loved one

fore deciding what action to take. feeling the love.” recognized. Whether or not the

School o cials tried to set up According to a district spokes- student is remembered at a com-

the family meeting last week, but person, high school principal mencement is very much a family

not all could attend until Mon- Dr. Matthew Lawrence will pay decision.”

day ( June 1). tribute to Jake in his opening re- Lawrence noted there are

Before that meeting could take marks. Lawrence will meet with variations on how to conduct a

place, an online petition was set Chase Santoriella to discuss how remembrance.

up at Change.org, urging school he wants his twin brother to be “However, all decisions are

o cials to include Jake Santori- remembered. made mutually between the fam-

ella’s name in the ceremony. e “My brother Jake is and always ily and the district in line with our

petition garnered nearly 9,000 will be a member of the Class of practice,”he wrote.

BIRTHS 21 Congratulations
BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 31
CLASSIFIEDS 30 to the Mahopac Class of 2020!
LEISURE 29 Keep reaching for the stars!
OBITUARIES
OPINION 22 SOFTBALL Mahopac Teacher,
SCHOOLS & CAMPS Student, School &
SPORTS 10 Bus Garage Employees

24 Shannon Becker named Buy One Egg Buy One Egg
27 Player of the Year. Sandwich, Get a Sandwich,
Soda or Coffee Get 2nd
pg 27
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Just show us your student/staff ID!

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Convenience Center 845-628-9745

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PAGE 2 MAHOPAC NEWS THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

The Staff Mailing of school budget ballots delayed

EDITORIAL TEAM BY BOB DUMAS June 3 through Saturday, June 6. house between 1 and 5 p.m. PHOTO: BOB DUMAS
BOB DUMAS EDITOR Completed ballots can be dropped Meanwhile, state Sen. Pete
o at the District O ce lockbox of logistical issues, however, and it is
EDITOR: 845-208-0774 In a letter to district residents, anytime June 3 through June 8. On Harckham has introduced legisla- necessary to provide school districts
[email protected] School Superintendent Anthony June 9, completed ballots can be tion that would extend the date for with an extra week to get the ballots
BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER DiCarlo announced that the dis- dropped o at the Mahopac High school district and library elections delivered and to ensure that every
SPORTS EDITOR: 914-302-5628 trict’s vendor experienced a supply School guard house between 6 a.m. across the state until June 16. registered voter can cast a ballot.”
[email protected] issue delaying the delivery of paper and 5 p.m. All ballots must be re-
ballots for the school budget,library ceived by 5 p.m. on June 9. “Unfortunately, the pandemic Along with statewide school
ADVERTISING TEAM budget and school board candidate has disrupted a number of civic district board elections and budget
LISA KAIN votes. Anyone who meets the de ni- functions this spring, including votes on June 9, a number of pub-
tion of a quali ed voter, but has not school elections and votes,” said lic libraries a liated with school
914-351-2424 DiCarlo wrote, “ e District registered to vote, is eligible to re- Harckham. “ e mail-in absentee districts, as is the case in Mahopac,
[email protected] contracted with NTS to print and ceive an absentee ballot and vote in ballot option caused a perfect storm have their board and budget votes
mail its absentee ballots. On Fri- the annual budget vote and election. on the same date.
PAUL FORHAN day, May 29, we were noti ed that
914-202-2392 NTS has had a major supply issue ey should follow the following
[email protected] as it did not receive the shipment procedures:
CORINNE STANTON of envelopes it expected to receive
845-621-4049 last week. As a result, the absentee • Quali ed voters who are not
[email protected] ballots for many districts, including registered can apply for absentee
JENNIFER CONNELLY ours, have not yet been mailed out. ballot at: https://www.mahopac.
917-446-7757 We have made the following ar- k12.ny.us/budget_information or
[email protected] rangements to deliver an absentee contact our district clerk at laroc-
BRUCE HELLER ballot, and an oath envelope with [email protected]
914-202-2941 instructions to all registered voters.”
[email protected] • On June 8, ballots will be avail-
SHELLEY KILCOYNE Consequently, ballots will be able to quali ed voters who have
delivered to mailboxes Wednesday, completed the absentee ballot ap-
CO-FOUNDER plication and can turn it in at the
914-924-9122 Mahopac High School guard
[email protected]
GABRIELLE BILIK VOTE YES
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/DESIGNER
[email protected] ON THE MAHOPAC PUBLIC LIBRARY
BUDGET - 0% INCREASE FOR 2020-2021.
PRODUCTION TEAM
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL SUPPORT YOUR HOME TOWN LIBRARY

CREATIVE DIRECTOR During this unprecedented �me, the Library has offered
PHOTOGRAPHER online programming, trusted digital resources for job
informa�on and homework help, assistance with technology,
[email protected] and books and cra� items to enjoy while you are home.
CHRISTINA ROSE
THE FRIENDS OF MAHOPAC PUBLIC
ASST PRODUCTION MANAGER LIBRARY ARE PROUD OF THE LIFE-LONG
DESIGNER OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED BY OUR LIBRARY.

[email protected] Your vote is important! Vote by mail; return your
absentee ballot by Tuesday, June 9.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
BRETT FREEMAN
CEO & PUBLISHER
845-208-8151

[email protected]

Deadlines

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AND EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS FOR

MAHOPAC NEWS IS THE THURSDAY
BEFORE THE NEXT PUBLICATION DATE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION,
CALL BOB DUMAS AT

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[email protected].

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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 3

Byrne pushes for investigation into nursing home deaths

BY CAROL REIF
STAFF WRITER

Assemblyman Kevin Byrne is ‘The threat of an

among a growing number of law- outbreak in adult-
makers who are demanding an- care facilities was
swers about the way the state has
handled the coronavirus outbreak evident early, and
in nursing homes.
In a statement released recently, the state’s policies
placing patients and
members of the state Assembly’s

Minority Conference called on staff in harm’s way
the Legislature to convene a public reek of negligence...’
hearing “to review and investigate

New York’s policies, decisions and - Assemblyman Kevin
protocols that were utilized in Byrne
response to the COVID-19 pan-
demic’s impact on state-regulated 94th District

nursing home facilities.”

According to the latest state-

wide data, there have been more

than 5,000 pandemic-related

deaths of nursing home residents, and report any positive test results

either in the homes themselves or to the state the very next day.

in hospitals. Nursing homes were to have

“The threat of an outbreak in come up with a plan for compli-

adult-care facilities was evident ance with the testing directive

early, and the state’s policies plac- by Friday, May 15. According to FILE PHOTO

ing patients and staff in harm’s way the state, any facility found to be Assemblyman Kevin Byrne
reek of negligence. This is wholly in violation of the employee test-

unacceptable,” wrote Byrne, a Re- ing order faces having its license

publican who represents the 94th suspended or fines of $2,000 per tizer that it had borrowed or other- Those calling for an independent VID-19 has had on many veterans’

District (Somers, Yorktown and violation per day. wise scrounged up, he said. investigation argue that since the homes across the state.

parts of Putnam County.) Somers has one nursing facility, Lucas, stating that both county administration and the Attorney It was addressed to Gottfried;

On March 25, citing an “urgent The Paramount at Somers Reha- and state health officials deter- General’s Office are tight, the re- Harry Bronson, chair of the Com-

need to expand hospital capacity,” bilitation & Nursing Center off mined that all proper procedures view might wind up being biased. mittee on Aging; and John T.

Gov. Cuomo directed long-term Route 100. North Salem has two and protocols were being followed Gottfried pointed out that the McDonald III, chair of the Com-

care facilities to accept recovering on the same campus, Salem Hills at the North Salem sites, added: AG serves as the government law- mittee on Oversight, Analysis and

patients who may still have tested Rehabilitation & Healthcare and “The state should have provided yer for state agencies, including the Investigation.

positive for COVID-19. Waterview Hills Rehabilitation & more focus on supporting them.” DOH. He also argued that the According to the May 11 letter,

Six weeks later, Cuomo issued Healthcare on Route 22 in Purdys. He called the nursing home staff DOH—because it has oversight which was signed by Byrne and

an executive order forbidding Both nursing homes report they “wonderful, caring people who we and regulatory controls over the 13 other assemblymen, the state

hospitals to discharge patients to have been taking multiple steps to know and who go out of their way nursing home industry—shouldn’t Veterans Home in Montrose has

nursing homes unless they had combat the spread of the corona- for their residents.” be investigating itself. lost 22 residents to the virus. The

tested negative for the virus. virus, including suspending visi- Gottfried was joined in pressing Long Island State Veterans Home

He denied that it was a policy tations, limiting non-emergency UNDERTHE MICROSCOPE for public hearings by Democratic reported 53 such deaths and the

reversal, saying nursing homes off-site appointments, having all Cuomo’s administration has state Sen. Gustavo Rivera of the New York State Veterans Home

could have contacted the state personnel wear personal protective come under scrutiny from both Bronx, head of the Senate Health at St. Albans in Queens had, at last

Department of Health for help if equipment and screening everyone sides of the aisle over the outbreak Committee. count, suffered 33.

they weren’t equipped to care for for symptoms, such as fever, before in nursing homes. A group of Senate Republicans “Sadly, last week, 1,700 new

infected patients waiting to be ad- they are allowed to enter the build- The governor announced last is also seeking an independent COVID-19 nursing home deaths

mitted. ing. month that state Attorney General probe. were added to the state’s total, in-

Even under normal circum- Reacting Tuesday, May 12, to Letitia James and the Department Meanwhile, Assembly Repub- cluding dozens of military veterans

stances, nursing homes are re- the state’s latest order, Somers Su- of Health planned to launch a full licans are urging Democrats in living in state-run facilities,” Byrne

quired by law to transfer any resi- pervisor Rick Morrissey said: “In investigation. control of Assembly Committees wrote.

dent for whom it cannot provide the midst of this pandemic, it’s vi- Questions about the way nurs- on Aging, Health, and Oversight, Byrne said he was also disturbed

the appropriate level of care, for tally important that we protect the ing homes have been handling the Analysis and Investigation, to hold by the fact that the Legislature had

whatever reason. The facility may most vulnerable in our community. pandemic focus on safety, regula- a public hearing. set a hearing on the federal govern-

not have a way of isolating or The state’s efforts to test all nursing tions and notification. “As state lawmakers, that’s what ment’s response to the pandemic’s

quarantining COVID-19 positive home employees and residents is a James also set up a hot- we do; we hold public hearings so economic effects but didn’t include

patients. It may not have enough move in the right direction.” line—833-249-8499—where nursing home administrators, staff, the committees on Health, Aging,

staff or personal protective equip- North Salem Supervisor War- residents, families or members of and the families of residents have Veterans and Oversight, Analysis

ment. ren Lucas, calling COVID-19 fa- the public can share confidential the opportunity to talk about poli- and Investigation.

According to the governor, the talities a “travesty,” said he thought complaints about nursing homes. cies,” said Byrne, a Mahopac resi- The assemblyman said it would

state has “alternative” facilities for that state health officials who were They can also file complaints with dent who is the ranking minority be a “mistake” for the Legislature

nursing home patients, whether focusing on hospitals should have the OAG online at ag.ny.gov/nurs- member on the Assembly’s Health to rely solely on the AG’s investi-

they have COVID-19 or not. paid more attention to nursing inghomes. Committee and chairs the Assem- gation because that has the appear-

Early projections had the state homes from the very beginning. “Nursing homes, they are our bly’s Minority Program Commit- ance of ignoring “the inherent bias

needing another 100,000 hospital When North Salem’s two nurs- top priority. They have been from tee. the state has toward itself.”

beds at the height of the outbreak. ing facilities—like all health care Day One,” the governor said in Lawmakers, in turn, get the “In the interest of openness and

It has since created 40,000 and set operations in the beginning—were April. chance to amass information that transparency, the Legislature owes

up COVID-only facilities that worried about getting sufficient Several Democratic state law- will help them make better policy New Yorkers a hearing into this

could accept nursing home pa- PPE after “normal distribution makers are, however, are demand- “moving forward,”he added. mess. These aren’t just statistics;

tients, Cuomo said. channels dried up,” the town’s ing an independent review. One In a letter to the chairmen of these were people’s mothers, fa-

The state is also now requiring emergency management folks of those is state Assembly Health those committees, the Assembly thers, grandmothers, and uncles.

that such facilities test all employ- stepped in with dozens of surgical Committee Chairman Richard Minority Conference especially We demand an explanation; fami-

ees for COVID-19 twice a week masks and gallons of hand sani- Gottfried (D-Manhattan). decried the “severe” impact CO- lies deserve answers,”Byrne said.

PAGE 4 MAHOPAC NEWS THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

Town offers police early-retirement incentive
Move could save taxpayers more than $500,000

BY BOB DUMAS sum of $50,000 (on top of their the numbers and has been esti-

EDITOR pensions and bene ts) to retire mating a salary cost of $62,586 ‘In this case, the numbers do not lie.
Spreadsheet after spreadsheet, discussion
by Sept. 30, which is when the for the new hires—the high end.

Anticipating challenges in 2021 supervisor’s budget must Should the town hire candidates

preparing next year’s budget be presented. who make less, it would save after discussion, the savings for the
Carmel taxpayers is a big number.’
due to the coronavirus pan- ose retiring o cers, each even more money.

demic, town o cials will o er of whom is making well over Maxwell said if the plan goes

retirement incentives to eligible $100,000, would be replaced by through, the town will save - Deputy Supervisor Suzi McDonough
police o cers, which they say younger incoming o cers who about $56,000 for the nal quar-

would save taxpayers more than would make signi cantly less. ter of 2020 and about $510,000

half a million dollars. Schmitt said a new hire would in 2021. e plan would reduce

Supervisor Ken Schmitt said make about $46,000 annually, the police budget from $9.8 mil-

that the Town Board has looked while a transfer from another lion to about $9.3 million.

at the police department’s $9.8 police department—should the “We would lower the tax levy the number to 35, which, town “buyout.”

million budget to nd “creative town choose such a candidate— and not have to go to the tax- o cials said, is the number the “I don’t particularly care for

ways to reduce spending.” would earn approximately payers for that money,” Maxwell police department wants. A new them,” she said. “But in this case,

O cers with 20 years or $55,000 to $62,000. e new of- said. “I left everything else the chief would be hired as well. the numbers do not lie. Spread-

more of service are eligible for cers would also contribute sig- same [in the police budget]— “In light of the pandemic, we sheet after spreadsheet, discus-

retirement, so the Town Board ni cantly more to their health uniforms, fuel, cars—because I had to gure something out—a sion after discussion, the sav-

engaged in discussion with po- bene t plans, as opposed to the don’t think that will change that way to be creative,” Councilman ings for the Carmel taxpayers is

lice department o cials to see retiring veteran o cers, which much.” Frank Lombardi said. a big number. e Town Board,

if they would be interested in would reduce the town’s costs Maxwell said the incentive Councilman Bob Schanil comptroller and police force

early-retirement incentives. even more. plan is just for 2021 for now, called the idea a “no-brainer.” worked together to put this in-

Schmitt said the department “ e savings would be signi - though the town could revisit “In the situation we are in centive forward for a little relief

was amenable to the idea. cant,” Schmitt said during the the idea for the following year. now, it’s a smart move,” Schanil for our taxpayers.

Schmitt said there are cur- Town Board’s May 27 meeting. Currently, there are 36 o - said. “Hopefully, we will nd “I will continue to try to nd

rently four members of the “ e retirements would open up cers on the Carmel police force. ways to cut even more.” savings,” she added. “It’s getting

police sta —three PBA mem- new positions that would cost e early-retirement plan would Deputy Supervisor Suzi Mc- harder and harder to stay here

bers, plus current police Chief much less money—a consider- remove three o cers (not in- Donough said that when the in our beautiful town, and I am

Mike Cazzari—who met the able savings.” cluding the chief ), bringing the board rst started to discuss the hoping this incentive and other

criteria. e town would of- Town comptroller Mary Ann total to 32. en, two more of- police incentive, she was origi- savings will help all the resi-

fer them a single pretax lump Maxwell has been working on cers would be hired, bringing nally opposed to the idea of a dents.”

SCHOOL BOARD VOTE • Community Based Leadership

Please Vote YES • Volunteerism

for our budget! • Care for Kids

EXPERIENCED LEADERS • Forward Thinking

for our CHILDREN, STAFF and COMMUNITY • Approachable

• Understanding our School District

• Working in Partnership
(faculty/staff/administration)

• Budget Experience

Ballots are being mailed May 25 and can be either mailed back or dropped until to 5pm on June 9

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020 MAHOPAC NEWS PAGE 5

VOTE BY MAIL

BALLOTS MUST BE IN BY JUNE 9th

Dear District Resident,
This COVID-19 crisis has made clear the challenges
our community faces, yet through it all, we’ve all come
together to lift each other up. Here in Mahopac we have
an opportunity to continue to support our community by

voting YES for our school budget.
By JUNE 9th show your support for our schools

by voting YES for what kids need
VOTE YES for the Mahopac School Budget.
We hope you and your family stay safe during this crisis
and we cannot wait to see you again in our schools!

-The Mahopac Teachers' Association

PAGE 6 MAHOPAC NEWS THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

Mahopac Library budget remains flat

ree candidates running unopposed for trustee board

BY BOB DUMAS units within the 16-year-old facil- is a U.S. Army veteran. Personnel, and going forward, the ganizational skills and experience
EDITOR ity. e proposed budget, as well in supervising groups of legal and
as the full budget newsletter, can Baranowski was elected to the Long-Range Planning Commit- non-legal sta members in an en-
e proposed 2020-21 Ma- be found on the Library website at vironment that was often lacking
hopac Public Library budget calls mahopaclibrary.org. Library Board in 2019 to ll the tee. rough these experiences, in funds and rewards. She said she
for a zero percent increase in taxes is interested in serving on the Per-
and remains under the state-man- In addition to the budget vote, remaining term of a departing Boesch said he has learned much sonnel and Long-Range Planning
dated tax cap. three candidates are running un- Committees.
opposed for the library’s Board of board member and in the past about the organization, function,
Mahopac School District resi- Trustees. As a CCD teacher, Cassetta vol-
dents will be able to vote on the li- year has served on the Audit and and running of a modern-day li- unteered at St. Barnabas Church
brary budget and trustee candidates e three candidates are Ste- in the Bronx, and at St. John
by mail this week, along with the phen Baranowski, Eugene Boesch Building Committees. He said he brary as well as other roles it serves the Evangelist Church in Ma-
school budget and Board of Edu- and Irene Cassetta. hopac. She received her Juris Doc-
cation candidates. is proud that the Library received in the community. tor degree from Syracuse Universi-
STEPHEN BARANOWSKI ty College of Law and is a graduate
e library budget re ects an Stephen Baranowski is a Ma- a clean audit opinion in 2019 with As a trustee, Boesch said he will of Fordham University where she
anticipated decrease in spending in obtained her Bachelor of Arts in
building contracts, computer main- hopac native and a 1976 graduate of no material internal control issues, continue to contribute to develop- Political Science.
tenance, and library materials while Mahopac High School. He holds a
maintaining a diversity of pro- doctorate in business administra- and looks forward to continuing ing Library policies that enhance For further information about the
gramming, technology, and virtual tion and has extensive experience budget vote or trustees’ election,
resources for all ages. ere is no in nance, budgeting, auditing, and to serve on this committee. He is the lives of all who use its services contact Michele Capozzella,
increase projected in the personnel accounting, and is a CPA. library director, at mcapozzella@
line. e increase in the building re- excited that the bond nancing for and willingly accepts the responsi- mahopaclibrary.org, or call 845-628-
pairs and maintenance budget line He has a considerable history 2009, ext. 107. To read the budget
is attributed to upgrades and repairs in town and county volunteer ac- the Library will be paid o in 2021.    bilities of serving as a board mem- newsletter, visit mahopaclibrary.org.
to heating and air conditioning tivities and currently serves as vice-
chair of the Putnam County In- ber.   
dustrial Development Agency. He
EUGENE BOESCH

Eugene Boesch and his wife, IRENE CASSETTA

Amy, have lived in Mahopac for Irene Cassetta is a claims attor-

over 30 years, raising their family ney handling professional liabil-

and using the Mahopac Library ity claims submitted by architects,

throughout their time here.  He engineers, real estate agents, title

has served on the Library’s Board agents and others. She retired in

of Trustees for two years, being a 2018 as chief of the Narcotics Bu-

member of several committees in- reau in the Bronx District Attor-

cluding Board Development and ney’s O ce.

Nominating, By-Laws and Policy, Cassetta’s strengths are her or-

Contact Us
Mahopac News is located at Bailey Court, 334 Route 202, Unit C1S, Somers, NY 10589. You can contact us at 845-208-0774 or email mahopacnews@halstonmedia.
com.

Students’ Success 376 Route 6 Mahopac • 845-628-3147

“it’s all about the kids” A HUGE Thank You to the First Responders
and Health Care Workers!
Mahopac -
Best in Class

“best of the best”

Community
Engagement

“full participation”

VOTE 2 OFF$ Propane
BEN DILULLO
20 lb Fill-Up
MAHOPAC SCHOOL BOARD Not valid with any other offers Exp. 06/30/2020
Integrity
Passion FREE 64oz Jug
with Purchase of Growler Fill
Not valid with any other offers Exp. 06/30/2020

5 OFF$ Any 5 Cases of Beer
24 Packs or Larger. 5 Case Limit
Common Not valid with any other offers Exp. 06/30/2020

Sense by JUNE 9, 2020 1 OFF$ Any Case of Beer
24 Packs or Larger. 5 Case Limit
Not valid with any other offers Exp. 06/30/2020

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020 MAHOPAC NEWS PAGE 7

MAHOPAC CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

​ Superintendent of Schools
Anthony DiCarlo

May 30, 2020

Dear Mahopac Community,

As we notified you previously, the Governor has required that this year’s annual budget vote
and election be held via absentee ballot only. The District contracted with NTS to print and mail
its absentee ballots. On Friday, May 29​th,​ we were notified that NTS has had a major supply
issue as it did not receive the shipment of envelopes it expected to receive last week. As a
result, the absentee ballots for many districts, including ours, have not yet been mailed out. ​We
have made the following arrangements to deliver an absentee ballot, and an oath envelope
with instructions to all registered voters:

● Ballots will be delivered to your mailbox Wednesday, June 3 through Saturday, June 6,
2020.

● Completed ballots can be dropped off at the District Office Lockbox anytime June 3​rd
through June 8, 2020.

● On June 9, 2020 completed ballots can be dropped off at the Mahopac High School
Guard House between 6:00 am and 5:00 pm. All ballots must be received by 5:00 pm on
June 9, 2020.

If you, or anyone else in your household, meet the definition of a qualified voter, but have not
registered to vote, you are eligible to receive an absentee ballot and vote in the annual budget
vote and election. Please see information below:

● Qualified voters who are not registered can apply for absentee ballot on our website at:
https://www.mahopac.k12.ny.us/budget_information or contact our District Clerk at
[email protected]

● On June 8, 2020 ballots will be available to qualified voters who have completed the
absentee ballot application and turn it in at the Mahopac High School Guard House
between 1:00 and 5:00pm.

Sincerely yours,

Anthony DiCarlo
Superintendent of Schools

AD:ml

179 East Lake Blvd., Mahopac, NY 10541-1666 (845) 628-3415 Fax (845) 628-0261

PAGE 8 MAHOPAC NEWS THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

MHS names valedictorian and salutatorian

omas O’Brien and Matthew Luongo receive top honors

Mahopac High School seniors MHS,” he said. “Some that stand teams.

omas O’Brien and Matthew out are algebra 2, geometry, per- “ omas has been a positive

Luongo have earned the school’s sonal nance, and introduction to role model to his peers and dem-

top honors, named valedictorian engineering,” he said. “My parents onstrates a value for excellence that

and salutatorian, respectively, of the have inspired me both in my stud- is beyond compare,” said principal

Class of 2020. ies and in life to do my best and Dr. Matthew Lawrence. “We are

roughout his high school give my best e ort in everything I so proud of all of his accomplish-

career, valedictorian O’Brien has do. I would like everyone to know ments and wish him continued

proven to be a stellar student dedi- that with hard work and dedica- success in his future.”

cated to achieving great academic tion, you can achieve anything you O’Brien, who will attend Notre

success and as well as an active set your mind to. I would like to Dame University in the fall to

member of his school community. thank all of my family, teachers, study business analytics, said he

“I started in Mahopac schools friends, coaches, and peers who thanks all healthcare workers, rst

in rst grade at Fulmar Road with have helped me succeed and have responders, and essential workers

Mrs. Stefunek,”he said. always been there for me.” for what they’ve done during the

O’Brien excelled in rigorous In addition to being a top-notch pandemic. PHOTO COURTESY OF MAHOPAC SCHOOL DISTRICT

courses, was awarded Signature student, O’Brien has been a mem- “I want them to know their Matthew Luongo, left, and Thomas O’Brien
Student on multiple occasions, and ber of numerous clubs in which work is appreciated by the entire

is an AP Scholar. He will gradu- he held leadership positions and community.,” he said. “I was very

ate with an Advanced Regents di- has volunteered in the community. disappointed to miss out on all optimistic and hope for the best. dence, and unwavering drive has

ploma with honors and mastery in He also earned All-Section for of the senior year milestones like However, I understand the greater led him to many accomplishments

math and science. cross-country and is a member of prom, graduation, and my nal la- picture.” over the past four years in both

“I’ve enjoyed numerous classes at our varsity basketball and lacrosse crosse season at MHS.I am staying “Matthew Luongo’s focus, con- academics and athletics,” Law-

rence said about this year’s salu-

RE-ELECT tatorian. “Over the course of his
high school career,he has taken the

AMY SAYEGH most challenging classes o ered at
Mahopac High School, including
eight honors classes and eleven AP
and college-level classes, earning
high honor roll throughout every

semester of high school.”

REPUBLICAN ENDORSED A student in Mahopac’s schools
REPUBLICAN since kjindergarten, Luongo’s stel-
PRIMARY ELECTION CANDIDATE lar academic performance was
matched by both his athletic talent
JUNE 23rd and commitment to the commu-
nity through clubs and service.

On the eld, Matthew was
captain of both the varsity cross-

country and baseball teams, earn-

ing the NYSPHSAA Student

Athlete award every year since he

EARLY VOTING was a freshman. He is also the vice
president of the senior class, presi-

JUNE 13-21 dent of the Italian Club, captain
of the math team, member of the
Student Athletic Council, biol-

ogy club, National Honors Society,

Science National Honor Society,

Italian National Honors Society,

ABSENTEE BALLOT and Math National Honors Soci-
ety. In addition to his participation

APPLICATIONS DUE and leadership in school, Luongo
has given back to his neighbors

and peers by volunteering over

JUNE 16th 300 hours of community service
through his work as a youth bas-
ketball coach and peer tutor.

“My parents have inspired me

For more information about voting methods throughout my life, both in and
out of the classroom,” Luongo

and locations, call 845-808-1300 or email said. “ ey’ve always stressed the
[email protected] importance of having balance in
my life between school and fun.

I would like to thank my family,

my teachers, my coaches, and my

Dedicated to serving the needs of Mahopac friends. ey’ve all inspired me in
di erent ways and have all been a
part of my successes.”

Luongo will attend the

Paid for by the Friends of Amy Sayegh SEE VAL&SAL PAGE 9

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020 MAHOPAC NEWS PAGE 9

Town Rec Dept. cancels Summer Camp

e Town of Carmel Recre- christ said. sidered an emergency daycare we have all grown to love and under the circumstances we feel
ation & Parks Department has “Without having concrete operation. is would not be expect from Sycamore Camp. it is the right thing to do.”
announced that Summer Camp the traditional camp experience Although we regret the decision,
has been cancelled this year due and proper protocols in place to
to the coronavirus pandemic. train our sta in time to open Replacing scores of
camp safely, we do not feel it is Allstate | State Farm | Geico
Recreation Director Jim Gil- in the best interest of everyone
christ said the department’s to o er camp this year, he said Policies Everyday!
commitment to the health and in prepared statement. “With
safety of the residents, camp that said, there continues to be
participants and employees is its the possibility that New York
primary concern. State will mandate the closure
of all summer camp programs, at
Guidelines from the CDC, which time, whether a plan is in
the state and the county De- place or not, we will be forced to
partment of Health continue to close. According to the guidance
change on a daily basis, and for we have received to date, any
this reason it has been di cult program o ered would be con-
to create a plan for opening, Gil-

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would love to make a positive im- working through all the signi cant
[email protected]
pact on the world,” he said. “ at’s senior events that he lost but un-

why I chose engineering.” derstands it’s more important that

Echoing the sentiments of everyone stays safe.

many seniors in the Class of 2020, “I hope that everyone stays safe

he said, “It’s devastating to think during these [di cult] times and

about missing graduation and my thank you to everyone who is help-

senior baseball season because ing in any way,”he said.

those are the things that I have The Carmel Aardvark Insurance office is merged with the Mahopac office
effective November 25, 2015.
worked the hardest for my entire Article provided by Mahopac School

life. It’s also sad to possibly miss District

-2017 Mahopac Alum AÇAAVÍ ABIOLWABLLSEN!OW Or Create
-14 Year Resident Your Own
-Active Community $10 FOR 3 TOPPINGS !
Member Bowl!
-New York State Piccolo Bakery,
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-Served on Board of
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Albany
Being a by-product of the modern Mahopac school system,
Tanner understands the issues that 21st century students face.

Ballots will arrive via mail between June 3rd and June 6th 845.628.2233
To vote, DROP OFF your completed ballots at the district
2 Mahopac Plaza, Route 6N, Mahopac
office lockbox by June 8th (179 E Lake Blvd, Mahopac)
WiFi Available
Or DROP OFF your completed ballots on June 9th from
6am - 5pm at the MHS guard house (421 Baldwin Place Rd)

Tanner McCracken for Mahopac School Board @TannerMcc135

PAGE 10 MAHOPAC NEWS Opinion THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

tomWorhreonwdsoteasrt? Late stage pandemic confusion

We are witness- HERE agents in their schools Confused about LIFE, not wear one outside or
ing a radical AND and communities. masks? Wheth- HEALTH, alone in a car because
disruption of er you should POLITICS there is no need.
life here in America with Giving students an op- wear one and what kind
no respite in sight. A glob- to wear? MARA Are you confused
al pandemic, an implod- SCHIFFREN about the medications
ing economy, racial bias, You are not alone. that can help people
gender inequality, climate e o cial guidance who have COVID-19?
change. e baby boomer
generation cannot be depended on to get NOW! portunity to be heard and that is coming out in On this point, too, you
us out of a mess we have, in large measure, participate in decision-
created. We need enthusiastic, determined, BERNIE making at high levels this late stage of the are not alone. ere is
and impassioned young people to stand up KOSBERG should be a goal of school
to this fast-changing set of realities. pandemic is very confusing. at is to say, general confusion about it right now due

Contrary to the stereotype that young there are several sources of guidance and to the politicization of helpful protocols.
people are politically apathetic and civically
disengaged polls show that young people districts, thus purposefully they are in contradiction with each other. On the question of using hydroxychlo-
across the political spectrum are deeply
concerned about the state of our world. providing role models Last week, Dr. Fauci came out with a roquine, zinc and azithromycin, there

eir concern is re ected in rising youth of young people in key positions who can statement that mask-wearing was largely were some initial good results and then
voter turnout and a resurgence of protest
movements promoting climate justice, then mentor and inspire others. symbolic but also protective.To translate the government stepped in in some states,
racial and gender equality, LGBTQ rights,
economic equality and gun control. A common refrain heard at high school his statement, he seems to be saying that mandating it for later usage in cases, when

High school- and college-age students and college commencement ceremonies is if and when the virus reasserts itself in the patient was already hospitalized.
are better educated, more informed about
domestic and international issues, and that our youth are the leaders of tomorrow. the fall for a take 2, mask-wearing will Yet, according to Dr. Zev Zelenko—the
more concerned about the relevant issues
of the day than their parents and—or that But when does tomorrow start? be in order then as a protective measure. Hasidic provincial doctor who rst came
matter—any generation in history. ey are
also substantially more comfortable using Last week, I invited my young neighbor, Whereas now, when the virus is disap- up with this protocol—in order for it to be
modern technology and social platforms to
communicate their values and ideas. Tanner McCracken, who is running for pearing and its virulence has temporarily e cacious, it should be used very early on

All too often, however, older adults—ap- a seat on the Board of Education, over to abated, mask-wearing is largely about in the case, in the rst ve days. People who
prehensive about sharing the mantle of
authority—are quick to doubt the readi- chat.Tanner, a graduate of Mahopac High setting a good example and getting into are already hospitalized have usually waited
ness of young leaders and attempt to keep
them in check and out of the established School, is a 20-year-old junior at SUNY practice for when the virus comes around longer than this to come to admitted to
power structure.
Albany, majoring in political science and again in a more virulent form. hospital, so the chance of success in these
Millions of adolescents and young adults
walk through the doors of their schools, ev- spending this spring term interning for the At the same time, WHO recommend- cases is low to nonexistent. It is not e ective,
ery day with anticipation and great hopes for
the future. Some fall into leadership posi- New York State Senate. ed that healthy people should only wear he says, for people who are, for example,
tions, but those are very few. Creating youth
leaders should not be left to happenchance. As Tanner strode down my driveway, masks when caring for sick people. ventilated and on day 17 of their case.

School administrators have the respon- mask on, with a crinkled smile radiat- “Masks should only be used by health- Zelenko also states,“What is done in
sibility to establish a climate that nurtures
growth and develops self-su cient, ing from his eyes, I was slightly taken care workers, caretakers or by people every aspect of medicine is treat early. You
engaged citizens, with emerging leader-
ship skills. Numerous studies over the years aback. Perfectly coi ed and conservatively who are sick with symptoms of fever and are supposed to start treatment the sooner
point to the fact that when students have
real opportunities to lead, they become dressed—including wearing a pair of shiny cough,”stated Dr. April Baller, a public the better… with any infection. No one
architects of their futures and change
brown wingtips—I imagined for a moment health specialist for the WHO. lets a re get out of control before they

that Tanner was Alex P. Keaton, a ctional Last week, also, Gov. Cuomo signed an start putting it out. When someone gets

character played by Michael J. Fox on the order allowing stores to deny entrance to an infection, we don’t wait until they are

television sitcom,“Family Ties,”which aired individuals without masks, even though half dead to start treating it. Only when it

in the 1980s. e comedy series re ected some people are unable to wear them for is COVID-19.”

the move in the U.S. away from the cultural health reasons. He knows by now, how- And he has a point.

liberalism of the ’60s and ’70s, to the Regan ever, that the masks people are wearing in ere has been an enormous politiciza-

conservatism of the ’80s, and was expressed stores are not protective at this time, par- tion against this drug, in part because Big

through the argumentative, yet always car- ticularly in the style that some people wear Pharma was hoping for a billion-dollar

ing relationship between the young Repub- them. For example, Hollywood celebrity/ payo for the research and drug trials it

lican Alex and his hippie parents. activist Alyssa Milano modeled herself in a is currently running. at may now be a

My rst impression wasn’t far wrong. crocheted mask with large holes on Twit- stillborn hope.

Sitting before me for the better part of ter. is is just mask-chic, something to For the public, all this is a bit like

90 minutes was a warm-hearted and tool around with in Hollywood to virtue watching how a sausage gets made. It

impassioned young man, eager to share signal your compliance, but not anything really has demythologized the process of

his thoughts and ideas, but somewhat that will help keep you safe and well. medicine as a eld where only the science

dogmatic in his beliefs. I liked him and e upshot is that there is a lot of the- counts.

was very impressed by both his love for this ater going on at the moment in all of this It’s a bit like taking the red pill.

community and his desire to give back to a public masking. e major reason that the Once seen, this cannot be unseen.

school system from which he feels he has government seems to be supporting it now

bene tted substantially. is that it wants more compliance in case Mara Schi ren, PhD, is a writer, certi ed

ough it was clear to me that our there is a second round of this virus. Also, Functional Medicine health coach, certi ed

politics di ered, he t perfectly into my it wants to be seen to be doing something, Peak Performance coach and psychological

SEE KOSBERG PAGE 12 anything, to help. Even if it doesn’t actually tness specialist. You can reach her at

help. So, wear a mask in a store, but do [email protected]

Join e Chamber
The Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce is a COST EFFECTIVE way to

GROW YOUR BUSINESS by taking advantage of

NETWORKING, ADVERTISING, SPONSORSHIP, VOLUNTEERING

and becoming more involved in your COMMUNITY. Like Us & Follow Us

CALL or EMAIL today: 845-628-5553 | [email protected]

Visit Our Website: www.MahopacCarmelOnline.com
953 South Lake Blvd., Mahopac, NY

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS PAGE 11

LETTERS

Putnam County County Board of Elections mail cratic presidential primary in on. Andrew Yang, one of the 11 3-Republican Party candidates:

steps up registered voters postage-paid ap- late April, citing the health and presidential candidates, took the Toni E. Addonizio and Paul E.
plications for the absentee ballot safety worries of the voters to the Board to court to reinstate the Denbaum

To the editor, for the June 23 primary election. corona virus. However, due to a primary. He won, the Board ap- • County Legislator District

e county, state and nation Applications will be reviewed for federal appeals court ruling, the pealed, and he won that appeal 8-Republican candidates: Amy

are in the middle of a world- accuracy. Ballots will be mailed as Democratic presidential primary as well. e legal decision means Sayegh and Dini Lobue

wide COVID-19 pandemic. soon as they are printed. It is very will be reinstated in New York that 11 qualifying Democratic • Putnam Valley Town Justice-

Our work and personal lives have important that you send your ap- State for June 23. Candidate candidates, and their respective Independence Party candidates:

been turned upside down. How- plication in as soon as possible Joe Biden was endorsed by all delegates, will appear on the pri- Pat A Longobucco and Terry

ever, we will get through this to- since it will take time to get your 11 qualifying candidates. Bernie mary ballot in June, even though Raskin

gether. And, it’s going to require ballot mailed to you, and for you Sanders, in spite of his endorse- former Vice President Joe Biden I hope this information is

special e orts by all of us. An to return it. Please note that an ment of Biden, asked to remain is the only candidate still actively helpful to you, and that you will

example of this special e ort was application for an absentee ballot on New York State’s ballot in or- running for president. cast your vote on Primary Day,

demonstrated over this past holi- is only valid for the election dates der to keep his delegates, so that Putnam County candidates June 23. Your vote is too precious

day weekend. you have requested on the form. he might in uence the Demo- appearing on the primary ballot to waste.

e county was given a man- e New York State Board of cratic platform to re ect the are listed below: Phyllis Hoenig

date mid-day Saturday, the 23rd, Elections canceled the Demo- policies he based his campaign • County Legislator District Mahopac

to have 84 contract tracers trained

by the end of the weekend. Our

seven county mid-Hudson region

was given a mandate to have a to-

tal of 1,991 contact tracers trained

by the end of the weekend. Pre-

viously, we were advised that em-

ployees would have until June 4

to be trained. CSEA Unit Presi-

dent Janet Canaday sent an email

on Friday, the 22nd to all CSEA

members about the requirement

of being a contact tracer. What

wasn’t known by Janet or any-

one else at that time was that the

training to be a contact tracer was

going to be mandated for comple- Making an Impact
tion by the end of the weekend.

“Team Putnam” made up of
CSEA members, PuMA man-
agement members, management/

con dential employees, town of

Carmel employees, Medical Re- for our Customers for our Community
serve Corps volunteers, PILOT
interns and local community vol-

unteers who were all advised by

Paul Eldridge’s emailed letter on

Saturday of this requirement and

of the urgent need to respond. COUNTRY ROAD ASSOCIATES
Fortunately, enough of you re-
sponded and gave up a major David Dunning, Owner

portion of your holiday weekend

to tackle the training. As a result,

Putnam County realized the re-

quired number of trained contact

tracers and the region was able to David Dunning had a plan to purchase Country Road Associates and build on the company’s decades of history
reopen under Phase 1 as of today.

I would like to sincerely ex- giving new life to reclaimed barnwood—but the banks he met with in the process didn’t support his vision.

press my gratitude to you for At Tompkins Mahopac Bank, David found the financing and personalized guidance he needed to keep the
responding to this call to action sustainable business growing.
so we could meet this mandated

requirement of New York State.

MaryEllen Odell “Mahopac was the only bank that would listen,” David says “I call them and they
County Executive

Info on upcoming know me by name. It’s so much easier when someone knows who you are.”

primaries

To the editor, MahopacBank.com
Gov. Cuomo has issued Ex-
6/20
ecutive Order 202.15 that will
allow New York State residents,
voting in the June 23 primary,
to use the absentee ballot appli-
cation to apply for a ballot. You
must check the box “Temporary
illness or physical disability” as
the reason for needing one.

e governor also issued an ex-
ecutive order mandating that the

PAGE 12 MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

ere’s no news like good news KOSBERG

Chuck New- BRUCE quietly using what You’ll also see a charming piece that FROM PAGE 10
man, who lives THE BLOG might be called a gently teaches kids -- through Sesame
in Yorktown, is whisper campaign to Street-style puppetry -- how to stay desired wish to see energetic young adults with
virtually a household let local business own- germ-free. It’s hosted by the Child a clear investment in the future of this town and
name in Peekskill. ers know that if they Abuse Prevention Center (thecpca.org). country move into decision-making positions. e
future really is theirs to own, and not ours to destroy.
And for good reason. BRUCE have an authentically MASK MAKERS
Other videos in the series focus on In our conversation, I asked Tanner to speak to
One is that his fam- APAR altruistic tale to tell at the one aspect of his Mahopac education he felt
Croton Mask Makers, which creates and was wanting and, as an elected o cial of the Board
ily has been an integral this fraught time, the donates COVID-19 masks; Dutchess of Education, would work hardest to improve. His
Outreach, for feeding the hungry; Ozzy’s No. 1 answer was that high school students should
part of the City’s busi- video company would Auto, which provided free service to be spending more time learning life skills and
hospital workers; Little Orphan Animals, practicing them during their school career.
ness and social fabric be happy, in Cobelli’s about adopting pets; and Mohegan Lake
restaurant Wild Fusion, which gave away To paraphrase Tanner:
for generations. words,“to document free food at the start of the shutdown. ere needs to be a lot more instruction that

Another is that no sooner does Chuck how you’re doing some good with respect You can view the videos by searching teaches social/communication skills and practi-
“Good For You Productions”on YouTube. cal skills such as cooking, managing money,
meet someone than he is guring out to COVID-19.” paying taxes, and negotiating. Not every kid is
If you’re bringing good to others at cut out for college.
how to help that person, through a Cobelli continued,“We are all in the this challenging crossroads in our culture
-- such as donating time or resources, Too much time is spent on memorizing
far-reaching network of professional and midst of change and it will take com- or volunteering, or educating -- now’s information instead of learning critical life
the time to take up Good For You on its skills. ere needs to be more focus on build-
personal connections that the model munity for us to pull through. So let us unique donation to the business commu- ing leadership into the curriculum—managing
nity, by contacting Je rey Cobelli at je @ time, working as a team, setting goals, solving
citizen has cultivated for decades. know if we can lm your e ort [at no itisgoodforyou.com. problems, running meetings, presenting and
defending positions.
So it was no surprise that Chuck charge]. Let’s show people what we are As Chuck Newman says,“Out of
adversity you see the best in people come When me and my friends left high school,
Newman was the rst to jump on a gen- made of. We could all use some good out.”He’s talking about people, like Jef- I feel we didn’t know some basic skills such as
frey Cobelli, who aren’t only concerned paying taxes, getting a job, writing a resume,
erous o er extended to this entire region right now.” about what’s good for them, but also paying bills. Without those skills, meeting real-
what’s good for you. world responsibilities can be a struggle. e
as the pandemic shutdown was going main focus of high school is to prepare kids for
Bruce Apar is a writer, actor, consultant, and college. But life skills and lifestyle classes would
into e ect in mid-March. 14 VIDEOS LATER community volunteer. He can be reached at be a huge bene t, giving graduates a better grip
[email protected]; 914.275.6887. on what is really necessary.
Fast forward 10 weeks to today, and
I’d like to see Tanner McCracken elected to
COMMUNITY MINDED the pro bono video series -- titled “A the Mahopac Board of Education. I welcome
his young, fresh outlook and passion to do good.
Je rey Cobelli is owner of videography Piece of Good News”-- that Chuck

company Good For You Productions Newman kicked o for Good For You

-- headquartered at e Hat Factory in has swelled to 14 videos, most running

Peekskill -- and serves as chair of the less than three minutes.

AIM (Art Industry Media) committee On Chuck’s video, he talks about how

of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber he reached out to clients of his Charles J.

of Commerce. Newman Co. -- an insurance agency and

Like Chuck, Je rey, who runs Good brokerage that specializes in employee

For You with business partner Natalie bene ts and many forms of coverage

Chau, always has “community”on his -- to host a webinar where he o ered

mind, as their company name re ects. his expert advice on how to navigate the

Good For You Productions has been crisis as a business owner.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS PAGE 13

Mr. Wonderful Hair today, gone tomorrow

Writing is a lonely business. OF HUMAN Iknow we’ve already talked TRACY noticed, he obviously didn’t tell
A baseball player hits INTEREST a lot about chin hairs in BECKERMAN me, which is kind of annoy-
one out of the park and this column, but I just ing. Unfortunately, we made
the fans cheer and his teammates have to bring it up one more a pact before we went into
time because this morning I quarantine, that for the sake
high- ve him. But a writer can LORENZO

give life to the most subtle gesture, GARO woke up and looked in the of our marriage, he wouldn’t

compose sentences that sing, or give mirror… which is something mention my chin hairs and

you his life, and no one might ever I try to avoid doing at all costs I wouldn’t mention his nose

know. e hours spent alone take these days… and I saw that a hairs. I thought that was a fair

their toll. Doubt creeps in.“Do I have anything to say? Am I boring? is MAMMOTH chin hair had appeared overnight. trade. Still, there are some things that really need to

makes no sense,”says the writer, usually the day after he wrote something Usually I can feel them as they start to emerge, be brought to someone’s attention, such as spinach

that he thought was brilliant. but this one didn’t emerge. It burst through full in your teeth, and food on your face, and chin hairs

What a writer needs most is a rst reader, someone to give him an length in a matter of hours, like the beanstalk in that are so long they should have their own zip code.

honest opinion—but not too honest. Such is the case with Cynthia, who Jack and the Beanstalk. It seemed to defy all laws After I was done marveling at this wonder of fe-

takes honesty to the next level. But the people who love you the most are of nature and had total disregard for the rules male evolution, I knew Chinzilla had to be removed

usually the people who hurt you the most. In many instances, it’s with of female facial hair. It was so long, I decided it from the premises, forthwith! So, I got out my trusted

their honesty. When I give Cynthia something I’ve been working on and needed its own name. tweezers and went to pluck the outlier out. But it

say,“Do your worst. I can take it,”she smiles like cat and tells me the truth. So, I called it Chinzilla. wouldn’t budge. It didn’t even quiver. It was like it had

It hurts sometimes.“You’re supposed to be writing ction,”she When I looked closer, I saw there were actually grown roots that wrapped around my jawbone.

reminded me recently.“Why are you giving your opinion? Nobody cares two more hairs near it that were smaller, but still Apparently Chinzilla, like Dame Judy Dench,

what you think!” visible, so I called them the Chinettes. was not to be tri ed with. (that was a Jane Austen

My excuse was this column. It’s hard to write ction and be a colum- Chinzilla and the Chinettes. reference, by the way).

nist at the same time. As a columnist, you give opinions, try to be funny I seriously thought they were going to break Anyway, that’s when I knew I had to take more

and make people like you. ere is a personal element involved. I tried to into song. Or maybe eat a orist named Seymour. aggressive measures. I went into our toolbox and

explain this to Cynthia, but she threw another gut punch. ( at was a “Little Shop of Horrors”reference, by got out a pair of needle nose pliers and faster than

Referring to my columns, she said,“Why do you always have to make the way). you can say menopause, I yanked that sucker out.

yourself out to be so wonderful?” Meanwhile, I had to wonder if someone had I decided to keep Chinzilla in a box as a re-

“I’m not.” spread chin hair fertilizer all over my face while I minder to all future chin hairs that I was not to be

at was a joke. But I couldn’t help laughing at something even fun- was sleeping. But I suspected I might have noticed tri ed with. en I went downstairs and told my

nier. When I rst began writing for Mahopac News, I had no idea how if someone threw Miracle Grow on my chin in the husband to trim his damn nose hairs…

to write a column, so I started reading all of the other columnists that middle of the night. Forthwith.

Halston Media employs. I took notes. One of them went something like It’s not like I could have missed it the day before

this: “Don’t try to get readers to think you’re wonderful.” because I swear it wasn’t there. And clearly, if You can follow Tracy on Facebook at www.facebook.

SEE GARO PAGE 14 Chinzilla had been there the day before, I’m sure com/LostinsuburbiaFanPage and sign up for her

my husband would have noticed. But if he had newsletter at tracybeckerman.com/newsletter.

Hernia Repair Methods
and Recovery

Find out what’s right for you…

Ask the Doctor Q: What is a hernia? or hernias in the groin, require a synthetic mesh to
A: A hernia is an opening within muscles or connective repair and cover the defect, or hole. Other methods,
Dr. Amanda Messina, FACS tissue, called fascia, through which intestines or fat like Laparoscopy and robotic hernia repair, allow
Bariatric Surgery & General Surgery protrudes. Hernias tend to occur in the belly through the surgeon to make smaller incisions with smaller
Northern Westchester Hospital previous incisions, or most commonly in the groin, operating tools. In both types of surgery, the risk of
which is known as an inguinal hernia. They can develop complications is minimal – about the same as any
Learn more about at any age, from birth onward. Hernias may grow over surgical operation. Hernia repairs are ambulatory
Dr. Messina, visit time or they can come on suddenly; they may result procedures and you’ll be able to go home the same day.
nwhsurgicalweightloss. from strenuous activity, heavy lifting, during pregnancy, The risk of recurrence is slim: There’s about a 5 percent
org/DrMessina or even from a t of coughing. chance that a person will experience another hernia in
the same spot or elsewhere.
400 East Main Street | Mount Kisco, NY 10549 Q: What should I do if I think I have a hernia?
(914) 666-1200 | www.nwhc.net A: It’s important to seek medical attention right away Q: How long is the recovery period?
if you think you have a hernia. Aside from resting and A: I generally recommend patients take a week off from
taking ibuprofen for pain, unfortunately there isn’t work and that they do not lift anything heavier than 25
a lot that people can do on their own when it comes pounds for at least six weeks. I typically don’t restrict
to treating a hernia. The only de nitive treatment is cardiovascular exercise with my patients and most
surgery. Hernias, if left untreated, can continue to patients are able to return to regular activities without
enlarge, putting you at risk for potentially dangerous pain after a few weeks.
complications, like lack of blood supply or strangulation
to the intestines. Did you know?

Q: What are the surgical options for treating a hernia? There are about 200,000 hernias
A: Hernias are treated either by open repair, or diagnosed every year. About 2 percent
minimally invasive surgery, which includes laparoscopy occur in adults, 4 percent in infants.
or robot-assisted surgery. At Northern Westchester
Hospital all methods are available and selected based Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
on the size and location of the hernia. Inguinal hernias,

PAGE 14 MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

OP-ED

Handling cell tower plans moving forward

BY ROBERT MONTANARO It is important to note that the residents of without concern for their neighbors and town for the single-family residences which
GUEST WRITER the Dixon Road/Brittany Lane community community. Our town boards need to be take the brunt of the tax burden. If our
still feel strongly that if a tower is needed it held accountable for protecting the hard- town’s planning and zoning boards are to
The settlement of the Dixon Road should have always gone on town property working tax-paying residents from these address these issues/opportunities, it cannot
cell tower by the Town Board shows instead of a private individual. e fact that intrusions now and in the future. Our be done as a “one-o ”decision each time
that community activism can have the town lost any of that revenue opportu- elected o cials need to have a better master there is some type of a variance request.
an e ect. It is a shame that the residents nity for all of us is embarrassing given the plan for dealing with cell towers; it is vital
had to hire their own attorney at their number of locations on town land that are to include early input from local residents as My advice to folks is to get involved early
expense in order to be certain their voices available. Our community deserves all of part of that process. and often on these types of critical issues
were heard. the revenue from such a tower. in order to in uence the outcomes, diver-
ere are some large-scale items on the sify the tax base and maintain respect for
e tower being moved to a less intrusive e town board has a critical obligation horizon from technology to commercial residential communities.
location on Dixon Road, as well as a lower to the community it serves to have income development which require a long-term
limit on its height, now and in the future revenue streams shared by the community. strategic plan. It is critical that these be Robert Montanaro was the spokesperson for
represent an improvement from the outra- handled properly and can become oppor- the Dixon Road neighborhood during the cell
geous proposals that were originally made. ere will always be self-serving corpora- tunities to diversify the tax base within our tower hearings last fall.
tions, as well as sel sh individual residents

GARO When I was 19 years old, I tried angry and gave me an ultimatum. jumping. My brother stopped me. trashier the better. I was even try-
to jump out a window. It was only If I didn’t go and seek help, he’d Why did I want to jump? I didn’t ing to write one.
FROM PAGE 13 a second story bedroom window. have me committed. know. It seemed like a good idea
I doubt that the fall would have at the time. “You want to be a writer?”
e male columnists were more killed me, or that I was suicidal. Roger, my counselor, looked Roger asked.
a icted with “wonderfulitis”than All I will say is this: It was Satur- more like a ski bum or a hip Jesuit Roger took a holistic approach
the female columnists. Wonderfu- day night and I had nothing better priest than a psychotherapist. I to treating me. He asked if I had e thought had never occurred
litis is a male thing. Nine women to do. But my father got pretty any hobbies. I liked reading dime to me. Most of what I read was
are to blame. Keep reading. lled out a long questionnaire. store, pulp ction novels, the either not pornographic enough
He asked what stopped me from or gratuitously pornographic. I
dreamed of creating something
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He handed me a book of my-
thology. On the cover was a white
horse with wings.“ at’s Pegasus,”
he said.“Perseus is riding him to
Mt. Olympus.”

We spent a lot of time discuss-
ing the Greek mythological gures
that Roger wanted me to read
about. ey were a frustrated lot.
Perseus fell o the divine Pegasus
before they reached Olympus.
Once god-like, man had descend-
ed into a deplorable state.

You may wish to frame it in
loftier terms, ponder white-winged
horses and men who can’t stay on
them, but I think those ancient
Greeks su ered from something
much more common than an aspi-
ration to be god-like. ey simply
had a bad case of wonderfulitis.

Greek myth has nine Muses.
ey live near the bottom of Mt.
Olympus. eir beauty inspired po-
etry, music, and, in my view, men to
be wonderful. Wonderful husbands
and lovers, wonderful sons, wonder-
ful fathers, wonderful plumbers.
If you know one, lie a little, and
tell him that… he’s wonderful.

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020 MAHOPAC NEWS PAGE 15

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PAGE 16 MAHOPAC NEWS TH

PHOTO: MAUREEN DALY For those w
PHOTO:
Memorial Day was very di erent this year due to
MAUREEN DALY the COVID-19 pandemic, but was nonetheless re-
spectfully observed by VFW 5491, American Legion
1080, and a small group of elected o cials and re-
men.

It began, without a parade, but with a service held
at Memorial Circle. VFW Commander Chris Long
opened the ceremony and acted as master of cere-
monies. Afterward, services were held at American
Legion Post 1080 and VFW 5491 with a roll call of
deceased members, followed by a patriotic boat pa-
rade on Lake Mahopac.

Additionally, the Putnam County Joint Veterans
Council, led by Karl Rhode and Art Hanley of the
county’s Department of Veteran A airs, put together
a caravan of military, police and re vehicles that mo-
tored through every Putnam County town, includ-
ing Mahopac, where it drove up Route 6N to Route
6 before passing Town Hall and down Croton Falls
Road and out of town.

PHOTO: M

PHOTO: BOB DUMAS

An array of military vehicles were part of the county’s Memorial Day caravan.

Participants ready for the patriotic boat parade on Lake Mahopac. PHOTO: MAUREEN DALY

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and Renee Cariddo as they wait for the caravan to pass Town Hall.

MAUREEN DALY VFW Commander Chris Long PHOTO: MAUREEN DALY

PHOTO: BOB DUMAS

PHOTO: BOB DUMAS

The county caravan heads up McAlpin Avenue.

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MEMORIAL DAY PHOTOS
PHOTO: MAUREEN DALY
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
The VFW color guard gives a three-
PHOTO: MAUREEN DALY gun salute.

County legislators Neal Sullivan and Amy Sayegh
A team of

motorcycles lead
the caravan.

PHOTO: BOB DUMAS

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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020 MAHOPAC NEWS PAGE 19

PHOTOS COURTESY OF IRON ORDER MOTORCYLE CLUB The Iron Order Motorcyle Club and American Legion say thanks. PHOTOS COURTESY OF IRON ORDER MOTORCYLE CLUB

Lunch is served!

Motorcycle club, Legion barbecue for PHC staff

e Iron Order Motorcycle Club and barbecue lunch of hotdogs, hamburgers, One club member said that during say thank you and pay it forward.
the American Legion Post 1542 (Ma- chicken and salad. good times it’s easy to overlook what e lunch was a success as there was
hopac) kicked o the Memorial Day these medical professionals do for the
weekend by paying tribute to rst re- Several local Girl Scout troops con- community—always there, standing nothing but smile and full bellies. e
sponders at the Putnam Hospital Cen- tributed to the celebration b sending strong, protecting and caring for the pa- two organizations gave thanks to hospi-
ter (PHC) in Carmel by providing a handmade thank you cards. tients’ needs. e barbecue was a way to tal management for giving permission for
the event.
Over 80 heroes attended the barbecue.

County to hand out free face masks for seniors

e Putnam County O ce nam Valley and in public settings. distribution period. Seniors ing face coverings and gloves.

for Senior Resources has sched- Friendship Center in Phil- ere will be signage posted driving in are to remain in their e face covering is a white

uled two face-covering distri- ipstown, 1756 Rt. 9D, Lahey directing cars and walk-ins cars and the face coverings will washable cotton fabric and will

bution days for Putnam County Pavilion, Cold Spring where to go. Sta will also be be handed to them on a tray by come with washing instruc-

seniors on Friday, June 5, and Seniors have been identi- outside the centers during the OSR sta and volunteers wear- tions.

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PAGE 20 MAHOPAC NEWS THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

Mahopac Girl Scouts shine during the pandemic

Mahopac Girl Scouts from the Bucci Brothers Deli, Northwood

youngest level, Daisy, through the Tavern, Countryside Kitchen and

oldest Ambassador have pitched Dunkin’ Donuts.

in and are doing their part to help ey also donated funds to the

during this pandemic. Mask Makers Guild and donated

Some of the supportive things fabric for mask making.

they have done and continue to Junior Scouts sent letters of

do for our community include thanks and encouragement to

the Daisy troops donating Girl area hospitals, re departments

Scout cookies to Putnam Hos- and the food industry. ey also

pital Center (PHC) and making sent Meals on Wheels to lo-

rainbow cards for nursing home cal seniors and donated cookies

residents; donating cookies to to PHC. ey used their cookie

rst responders and to Northern money proceeds to buy 25 hospi-

Westchester Hospital and the tal sta members lunch.

Sheri ’s O ce. ey also do- Cadette Scouts donated cook- The Junior Scouts donated funds
nated to the Ossining Police De- ies and cards to White Plains and fabric to the Mask Makers
partment, Mahopac Firehouse Cancer Center and the Carmel Guild.
and local grocery stores. ey Ambulance Corps and sent cards

made cards for all. to Troop 2021’s slideshow proj-

e Daisies also raised money ect for Putnam Ridge Nursing Senior Scouts collected new

to buy meals and snacks from Home. ey also sent coloring and used baby monitors to lo-

Our Town Bagels, Bucci Brothers sheets through Color a Smile, cal area hospitals. In addition to

Deli, Northwood Tavern, Coun- a nonpro t organization that this, many scouts created rainbow

tryside Kitchen and Dunkin’ distributes cheerful drawings to drawings around the town to be

Donuts. ey delivered them to senior citizens, overseas military displayed in their homes for fam-

PHC. ey are still accepting do- troops and anyone in need of a ilies to seek on their walks around

nations through Venmo @Troop smile. town.

1566. Ambassador Scouts made

e Brownie troops donated cards and put them into a slide-

cookies and cards to White show for Putnam Ridge Nurs- The staff at Northern Westchester
Plains Cancer Center and the ing Home. e slideshow was Hospital give thanks for the Girl
Carmel Ambulance Corps and designed to be displayed on the Scout cookie donation.
raised money to buy meals and TVs of the nursing home resi-

snacks from Our Town Bagels, dents. PHOTOS COURTESY OF STACY BRIGANTE

Dr. Del Vecchio and his surgical team
hope the community is staying safe and

healthy during these difficult times.

How much can you sell for? We are Open
and Available for
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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020 MAHOPAC NEWS PAGE 21

Public health BIRTHS
efforts continue
as county comes Braeden Vincent Byrne

Braeden Vincent Byrne was born at
Northern Westchester Hospital on his
Nana’s, Patricia Byrne’s, birthday, May

18, 2020 at 11:23 a.m. to Briana and
Kevin Byrne of Mahopac. He came
into this world at 8 pounds,3 ounces,21

back to life inches long, with a gorgeous full head
of hair. His middle name, “Vincent,” is
after his Poppa, maternal grandfather,
Vincent Messina of Kent, N.Y.

e couple say they are over the moon

A deliberate, phased-in ap- In Putnam, as around the in love with their beautiful baby boy and

proach to reopening began in state, Phase 1 begins with the he brings some much-needed joy into

other parts of the state. Now reopening of businesses where the world, and an entirely new sense of

its Putnam and the Mid-Hud- physical distancing can be most purpose to us in their lives. ey are be-

son region’s turn. Deaths from easily preserved. Construction, ing careful, taking extra precautions to

COVID-19 have continued to farms and landscaping keep him healthy and safe from CO-

decline and contact tracer train- businesses, manufacturing, VID-19. at said, they are extremely

ing is underway, so Phase 1 has and wholesale trade are some excited to share their beautiful Braeden

begun. of the businesses that are with the world in person when it’s safer.

“We have been watching care- getting the green light rst. e couple gave thanks to the sta at

fully around the state and we Retail establishments as well Northern Westchester Hospital, as well

know what a safe re-opening can open, limited to curbside as CareMount Medical for their phe-

looks like,” County Execu- or in-store pickup or drop- nomenal care. his colleague,Assemblywoman Sandy Galef,helped

tive MaryEllen Odell said. “It o . If all proceeds with reason e couple was grateful that the governor’s CO- advocate for, and for which he is very thankful.

is a delicate process. Getting SEE COUNTY PAGE 22 VID-19 policies were updated earlier this year to Kevin Byrne is a New York State assemblyman,

the economy moving again is allow Kevin to be in the hospital. at is something representing District 94, which includes Mahopac.

crucial, which is why Putnam

County formed the Reopen

Putnam Safely Task Force. We

must all do our part and not

become complacent. Following

the guidance will ensure the vi- During these trying times,
rus continues to decline. Large
gatherings and crowds still need

to be avoided, as we continue to Schneider Financial Group is working
practice social and physical dis-
tancing. e good news is that

over the Memorial Day week- with our local businesses by helping them to
end, we saw residents at Putnam
beaches showing restraint and

being responsible.”

e key is to remain diligent improvise, adapt and overcome.
in practicing the tried-and-

true public health practices of

good hygiene, social distancing

and now keeping gatherings to

groups of less than 10 people. By

keeping groups small, contact Call or email today to see how
tracing can be managed. Ac-
cording to the NYS reopening

benchmarks, 30 contact tracers we can help your business.
are needed per 100,000 resi-
dents. However, NYS reopening

requirements for Putnam stipu-

late that the county identify 84

contact tracers in order to track

and identify people who may

become sick and advise them on

how to avoid spreading the virus

further.

Putnam County’s Health

Commissioner Dr. Michael J.

Nesheiwat, also emphasized the

importance of continuing public

health e orts.

“Everyone must remain strong

and continue to practice social

distancing, hand washing and

wearing face coverings,” he said.

“With these practices we have 845-628-5400 | [email protected] | SFGtaxes.com
attened the curve. With these

practices we can keep it attened. 824 Route 6, Suite 4 | Mahopac, NY 10541
en we can continue to reopen

and get everyone back to work.

e key words are caution, Securities offered through Cantella & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Cantella and Co., Inc. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes
patience and perseverance.” only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

PAGE 22 MAHOPAC NEWS THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

OBITUARIES

Ann Denise Zimmer and seemed to remember every detail from Christ- side. He was 63. He was born in Hollywood, Fla.
mas mornings to summers at the Jersey shore. She on Oct. 24, 1956, the son of Louis D. and Dorothy
Ann Denise “Ann” Zimmer of Charlotte, N.C., loved cooking and always felt it was important for M. Boniello.
formerly of Mahopac and Palm Coast, Fla. entered family to come together around the table. She dis-
into rest on ursday, May 14, following a period of covered a passion for exercise in the late ‘70s. She Tommy graduated from Mahopac High School in
declining health. started by taking some classes and ended many years 1974, where he excelled in varsity wrestling and foot-
later as a certi ed instructor working in many gyms ball. He was one of the founding partners of LynLil
In addition to her parents, Ann is preceded in in Putnam and Westchester counties. Regardless of Associates, a real estate development rm located in
death by her loving husband, Frederick E. Zimmer. where she lived in her later years, she remained a Mahopac. He enjoyed golf when he could and was
New Yorker at heart throughout her life. an avid hunter. Tommy loved meeting his group of
She leaves a lasting legacy to be cherished by friends for morning co ee and laughs.
her survivors, sons: Frederick Zimmer and wife, A memorial service will be held at a later date
Amy; Stephen Zimmer; Christopher Zimmer and when Ann Denise will be laid to rest with her hus- On Oct. 24, 1981 he married Rosalyn “Lyn”Drago
wife Debbie; daughters, Donna Gass and husband, band, parents and grandparents in New York. Until at St. John the Evangelist Church in Mahopac. In
G. David; and Denise Jacobs and husband, Chris; that time, the family rests in knowing she is now re- addition to Lyn, he is survived by his son, omas
grandchildren, Lauren, Rachel, Chris, eo, Georgia, united with her beloved and that their spirits live on ,of Kent, N.Y.; his daughter, Stephanie Whitaker
Louis, Christopher, Sophia, Luke, and Olivia; great- in those they’ve left behind. and her husband, Matthew, of Carmel; his brother,
grandchildren, Rose, Porter, Charlie, and Nicholas. Louis, and his wife Sue of Somers; and his beloved
Palmetto Funeral Home of Fort Mill, S.C. will be grandson, Tyler. He was predeceased by his father on
Ann’s love for her family was unmatched. She serving the Zimmer family. Oct. 28, 2000 and survived by his mother, Dorothy.
continually shared heartfelt memories of them. Her
lineage was something she was proud of and wanted Tommy Boniello Private entombment took place at Rose Hills Me-
to make known. She remained ercely proud of her morial Park in Putnam Valley.
children to the end of her life. Despite her many Tommy Boniello of Carmel passed away on
physical ailments and complaints, Ann never lost her Wednesday, May 27, with his loving family by his In lieu of owers, donations in memory of Tommy
sharp-mindedness. She would tell stories for hours may be made to: www.autismspeaks.org

and www.purpleheartfoundation.org.

Grocery/med deliveries
available for seniors

Family Services of Westchester new demand for delivery services to
(FSW)’s RideConnect program is seniors and those who are immu-
ready to assist older adults 60 and nocompromised. e program also
up in Westchester and southern continues to provide seniors with
Putnam County who need shop- transportation to essential medical
ping and delivery of groceries and/ appointments like chemotherapy
or medication. and dialysis.

e program has hundreds of Seniors and immunocompro-
volunteers available to shop so mised individuals can inquire about
that the vulnerable population receiving grocery or medication de-
can stay home and safeguard their liveries by calling 914-242-7433 or
health during the COVID-19 emailing Karen Ganis at kganis@
outbreak. fsw.org. Details are available at www.
fsw.org/seniors-grocery-delivery.
RideConnect’s core mission is
to provide transportation resources ose looking to volunteer can visit
for older adults 60 and over, and it www.fsw.org/volunteer-grocery-
has mobilized quickly to meet the delivery.

COUNTY the easing of restrictions in some

FROM PAGE 21 areas, and nearly everyone tired

of staying home, more people

and restraint and hot spots are venturing out.

are quickly identi ed through “ is is all good for the econo-

contact tracing and testing, my,” Odell said. “If public health

progress will continue, Odell practices can remain in place,

said. If lapses occur, it will take then resurges can be contained,

some time for that to be re ected the economy will continue to re-

in the numbers of positive cases vive itself. Putnam residents can

and hospitalizations. continue to do their part, both

Putnam o cials said anony- for the health of the community

mous cellphone data shows that and to support local businesses.”

people across the country initial-

ly took very seriously the gov- Article courtesy of Putnam County

ernment’s advice to stay at home. Department of Health

Now with the warmer weather,

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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020 MAHOPAC NEWS PAGE 23

County Legislature holding meetings via video conference

In an e ort to keep the public to follow state and county man- e key provisions of the ad- public. tice of all Legislative meetings
safe while continuing the work dates that limit the size of gath- opted resolution include: • Requiring that any Legisla- as well as instructions on how
of county government, the Put- erings during the coronavirus to access the audio and/or video
nam County Legislature will outbreak, while also continuing • Allowing Legislators to tive meeting closed to the pub- of non-public meetings.
hold all of its future meetings to ful ll our duties as elected participate in meetings (includ- lic be observable by the public
virtually, by conference call or o cials.” ing voting) by conference call or by audio and/or video in real- the audio webcast link for
video conference, until further videoconference. time, such as by livestreaming each meeting will be posted
notice. Sullivan is also chairman of (webcast). prior to the start of the meet-
the Legislature’s Rules, Enact- • Closing meetings to the ing on the Legislature’s page
e meetings will be ments and Intergovernmental general public but allowing for • Requiring the transcription on the Putnam County website,
livestreamed on the web so that Relations Committee, which the attendance of persons nec- of all meetings and proceedings at www.putnamcountyny.com/
the public can view them in real approved the resolution for the essary for proper consideration closed to the public. legi/.
time. virtual meetings before for- of agenda items.
warding it to the Legislature, • Limiting the agenda items Article provided by County
e move to virtual meetings where it passed in a vote last • Allowing members of the for all meetings to time-sensi- Executive’s O ce
is a temporary solution in a dif- month. press to attend meetings so that tive and/or essential business;
they may continue to report on and
cult time, said Toni Addonizio, Legislative proceedings to the
chair of the Legislature. • Requiring timely public no-

“As you may know, certain My Community Bulletin Board
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Dutchess, are canceling all Mulch Topsoil Buying Only
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PAGE 24 MAHOPAC NEWS SCHOOLS & CAMPS THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

Mahopac college student roundup

e following Mahopac residents are Natalie Fuchs was named to the Uni- online. Featured artworks were chosen more than 430 students recognized at a

being recognized for their achievements versity of Vermont Dean’s List for the from an open jury process and works en- virtual commencement celebration.

while attending college, from graduation spring semester. tered by the art faculty. Painting, drawing, ---

to Dean’s List and various other accom- --- sculpture, digital print, digital video, and Carleigh Ashnault was named to the

plishments. Michael Capasso was one of 25 stu- an assortment of mixed media made up University of Utah’s spring semsester

Kennedy Catholic High School gradu- dents inducted into SUNY Oneonta’s this year’s o erings. Dean’s List where she is a recreational

ate Robert A. Kocovic of Mahopac will Edward K. Griesmer chapter of National --- therapy major.

be attending Stony Brook University, Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH), a Brian McCarthy, a 2016 Mahopac ---

majoring in chemistry and has been ac- branch of the National Association of High School graduate, graduated from Natalie Fuchs graduated from the

cepted into Stony Brook’s pre-med pro- Colleges and University Residence Halls, North Carolina State University this University of Vermont.

gram. A four-year starter for Kennedy in May. Capasso is a professional ac- spring with a double major (Bachelor of ---

Catholic’s baseball team, Kocovic also counting major. Arts in political science and Bachelor of Jillian Flynn and Alec D’iorio were

plans to try out for Division 1 Stony --- Science in business nance). He gradu- named to the spring semester Dean’s List

Brook as a walk-on. Kristen Papitto was selected to exhibit ated magna cum laude. at Bucknell University.

--- artwork in SUNY Oneonta’s 2020 Stu- --- ---

Caroline Matuck graduated from Paul dent Juried Art Exhibition. e exhibi- Talia eodosiou has graduated from Ryan Vitkus graduated from the Uni-

Smith’s College in May. Matuck earned a tion, featuring more than 100 works by Becker College with a Bachelor of Sci- versity of Scranton with a bachelor’s de-

bachelor’s degree in biology. student artists, is presented this year by ence in forensic science, criminalistics gree in international business.

--- the college’s Martin-Mullen Art Gallery concentration. eodosiou was one of

e meaning of Memorial Day

Dear Dr. Linda, Dear Mrs. K., Probably, most people state stories and our nation’s story will
is past Memorial Day weekend was Most likely neither be written in the history books. Future
STRONG do. Otherwise, dur- generations will read about what we are
so sad. e four of us were alone watching one is to blame. Most LEARNING ing times of crises we living through, the same way we learned
television. I’m a 48-year-old mother of two, people do not think wouldn’t see such an about WWI, WWII, the Great Depres-
and I’m embarrassed to admit it, but it’s the about what is happening sion, 9/11 and all the horri c school and
to someone else unless it DR. LINDA outpouring of charity. nationwide shootings. Students will be
rst time I ever thought about how many a ects them personally. memorizing the causes of the virus, the
men and women gave their lives ghting Do they have empathy SILBERT As with you, prob- steps our nation took to ght this enemy,
for our country. Do you think we as parents for those in need? Do and how our lives, our communities and
or our educational system is the cause of most people look at someone in need and ably, this past Memo- our nation changed as a result. In the fu-
this lack of empathy and self-centeredness? think, “What can I do to help them?” ture, it could appear as an essay question
rial Day weekend was on a nal U.S. History exam.
Mrs. K
thought-provoking for Years from now, after we conquer
COVID-19, the question is whether
a lot of people. As a nation we’re in the humankind will develop a deeper sense
of empathy for their fellow person—or
middle of a war ghting an enemy we will Memorial Day weekend still signify
barbecues and sales?
can’t see. e soldiers are everyone of us
SEE DR. LINDA PAGE 26
with the most courageous frontline sol-

diers of doctors, nurses, health care work-

ers, teachers, police, re ghters, factory

workers, transit workers and every citizen

that contributes to our everyday lives. is

enemy has a ected every one of us, not to

mention that it has killed nearly 100,000

of our citizens so far.

Our personal stories, our city and

845.621.4450

[email protected]
219 Watermelon Hill Rd. Mahopac, NY 19541

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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020 SCHOOLS & CAMPS MAHOPAC NEWS PAGE 25

Bryan Gilligan named new Austin Road principal

Bryan M. Gilligan, Austin with a team of his teachers and that motivates me to do my best PHOTO COURTESY OF MAHOPAC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Road Elementary School’s as- was a member of the District every single day. I work with such
sistant principal for the past Teachers College Reading and an amazing community. I cannot Jim Gardineer, left, and Bryan Gilligan
Phonics roll-out team. He facili- highlight enough how thankful
ve years and acting principal tated a K-5 Writing Committee and humbled I am by their sup- Before joining Austin Road in Avenue Academy in the Bronx.
from February to June 2019 and to develop a district-wide writ- port.” 2015, Gilligan served as a fourth-
March to May 2020, has been ing program. As a member of the grade teacher, literary coach, and Article courtesy of Mahopac School
named the school’s permanent district’s Response to Interven- DiCarlo had praise for Jim assistant principal at P.S. 8 Briggs District
principal. tion (RTI) team, he worked to Gardineer, as the longtime edu-
help struggling students through cator enters retirement.
e Board of Education made skills and lessons designed to help
the announcement at its May 21 them succeed in the classroom. “His kindness, understanding,
meeting. Gilligan takes the reins He also facilitated the renovation dedication, and love of learn-
from Jim Gardineer, who retired committee for the new Learning ing have bene ted all of us in
last month. Lab and was instrumental in a Mahopac,” the superintendent
variety of professional develop- said. “It is inspiring to realize the
“I speak for the entire ad- ment and safety committee ini- impact he has had on the entire
ministration in saying that I am tiatives. community as both a teacher and
pleased that the Board of Educa- administrator.”
tion selected Mr. Gilligan as Aus- “I am honored to be named the
tin Road’s new principal,” said principal of Austin Road,” Gilli- Gardineer began in Mahopac
School Superintendent Anthony gan said. “For the last ve years, it in September 1991 as a teacher
DiCarlo. “We look forward to has been a pleasure and privilege and in 2008 became an assistant
bringing his ideas and plans to to work closely with Mr. Gar- principal and was named princi-
fruition as he builds on the sturdy dineer and all of our dedicated pal in 2010. “We will miss Jim,
framework that Mr. Gardineer so teachers, sta and families. I am and we wish him well as he em-
carefully constructed during his incredibly grateful that I had the barks on his retirement,” DiCarlo
years as principal. opportunity to learn from Mr. said.
Gardineer’s leadership. In my
DiCarlo said Gilligan is an new role, I am determined to Gilligan, who lives in Ossin-
elementary-years expert who is continue building on his strong ing, earned both a bachelor’s and
child-centered. foundation to ensure that our master’s degree in elementary
students have a wonderful Aus- education and special education
“I look forward to working tin Road experience. Truly, it is respectively from Manhattan
with him as he leads Austin Road the commitment and enthusiasm College. He went on to Bank
forward with passion and dedica- shown by our teachers and sta Street College in 2006, where he
tion,” he said. earned his certi cation as a New
York State school district admin-
As the assistant principal, Gil- istrator.
ligan attended Teachers College
Reading and Writing Institutes

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PAGE 26 MAHOPAC NEWS SCHOOLS & CAMPS THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

School officials clarify DR. LINDA
assessment impact on tax bills
FROM PAGE 24
BY BOB DUMAS
EDITOR MEMORIAL DAY QUIZ
Memorial Day was established
As Mahopac School District vot- over which to spread the bill. In gen- GRAPH PROVIDED MAHOPAC SCHOOL DISTRICT
ers prepare to cast their ballots on the eral, assessed values and tax rates have to honor those men and women
budget and board candidates by mail, an inverse relationship, an increase in percentage in assessment is not added who have (1) ___ while serving
school o cials say they want residents assessed value above the district-wide to the tax rate. their country. It actually began as a
to understand that just because their average will limit or even decrease the solemn day to honor those who died
property assessments may have in- tax rate.” e proposed tax levy increase for during the (2) ___War. Union and
creased recently, it doesn’t necessarily the 2020-21 budget is 1.66 percent, (3) ___armies were both honored.
mean their future school taxes will do Speci cally, tentative total taxable however; the monthly and annual in- It was originally called (4) ___.
the same. assessments from 2019 to 2020 have creases remain approximately the same President (5) ___ declared it would
increased 4.08 percent. is increase (or decrease slightly) because of the re- be celebrated on the last (6) ___ in
e town tax assessor’s o ce recently in total assessments causes the esti- duced tax rate. May. Each year, on Memorial Day,
sent property owners the annual state- mated tax rate to decrease from $23.24 the president or vice president lays
required mailings showing changes in to $22.33 per $1,000 of assessed value, Mail-in ballots for the school bud- a wreath on soldiers’ graves at (7)
assessments, which re ect the current school o cials said. e increased get, library budget and school board ___ National Cemetery. (8) ___ are
market value. e assessor is required candidates must be received by the held all over the country on this day.
by state law to determine a property’s school district no later than 5 p.m. on (9) e holiday’s name was o cially
worth as of July 1, 2019 based on what Tuesday, June 9. declared as Memorial Day in the
structures and improvements, if any, year ___. e day isn’t a religious
were standing on March 1. holiday or a state holiday, but a (10)
___ holiday.
“Municipalities perform tax reas-
sessments in order to ensure that all Answers: 1. Died; 2. Civil War; 3.
properties are fairly and uniformly Confederate; 4. Decoration Day; 5.
valued,” said Superintendent Anthony Nixon; 6. Monday; 7. Arlington; 8.
DiCarlo in a statement to district resi- Parades; 9. 1967; 10. Federal.
dents. “An increase in your tax assess-
ment does not necessarily mean your Dr. Linda
future property or school taxes will in-
crease. Exemptions and new construc- Dr. Linda is co-author of “Why
tion have been added to this year’s roll Bad Grades Happen to Good Kids”
which increases the number of parcels and director of Strong Learning
Tutoring and Test Prep. If you have
any questions, email her at Linda@
stronglearning.com.

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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020 Sports MAHOPAC NEWS PAGE 27

SOFTBALL Mahopac athletes
make college picks
Becker is Gatorade’s
Player of the Year A dozen Mahopac High School senior student-
Star pitcher set to return for senior season in 2021 athletes announced their college commitments

BY BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER Shannon Becker during a virtual signing day last week:
SPORTS EDITOR pitches against host
CHRISTINA LOPREATO
Even in a canceled season, Shannon Becker’s domi- Somers in 2019. Mercy College, lacrosse
nance is hard to ignore.
FILE PHOTO/ Area of study: Communication disorders,
ROB DIANTONIO psychology

e junior softball superstar, committed to the Uni- SOPHIA DEFRANCESCO
Lindenwood University, lacrosse
versity of Notre Dame, has been named New York Area of study: Criminal justice

State’s Softball Player of the Year by Gatorade. e CAITLYN REILLY
Assumption College, lacrosse
prominent award, rst given 35 years ago, recognizes Area of study: Psychology, criminology

the best high-school athletes in the country. BILLY REILLY
Pace, football
She shares the award with some elite alumni, like Area of study: Computer science

Derek Jeter, Peyton Manning, and Abby Wambach. ISABELLA DIAZ
Sacred Heart, cheerleading
“To be in that class is an amazing achievement,” Area of study: Criminal justice, psychology

Becker said. “To even be mentioned in the same class GRACE DIVINCENZO
UConn, soccer
as them is so surreal to me! But it also makes me want
Area of study: Undecided
to work harder to become just as good and successful
CARLY STEINBERG
as they are! is is so exciting, and I am grateful to Colgate, soccer

receive this award.” Area of study: Economics, psychological sciences

Becker, who led Mahopac High School to the semi- ALEXA RISPOLI
Wagner, soccer
nals of the section playo s as a sophomore in 2019, Area of study: Nursing

put up staggering statistics a year ago. In 163 innings JOHN BERNARDI
Oneonta, soccer
pitched, she struck out 369 batters and allowed just 50
Area of study: Business
hits (.097 BAA) and 9 earned runs (0.39 ERA). She’s ‘ ese individual records and
also skilled with the bat, leading the Indians in batting victories are amazing, but she’s AIDAN MARTIN
average (.420), on-base percentage (.518), hits (29), Ithaca, lacrosse

extra-base hits (11), and runs scored (18). always all about what’s best for the Area of study: Health education, physical education
She is perhaps most known for her “perfect” perfect team. She is rare. Notre Dame hit
JESSICA KASPER
game against Carmel on May 8, when she struck out Westchester Community College, bowling

all 21 batters she faced. e masterful performance, the lottery recruiting her.’ Area of study: Mathematics education
reported on by ESPN and others, put a national spot-
–Cristina Giansante FELICITY KEOGH
light on Mahopac, which nished last season at 19-4. Westchester Community College, bowling

But Becker, who also plays on Mahopac’s varsity Mahopac softball coach Area of study: Graphic design

soccer and basketball teams, is more than her gaudy

statistics. She is civic-minded, having served as a free time, those aren’t done by many. She is constantly

member of the Student Athletic Council. She has also working to perfect her game. She knows the game in-

volunteered locally with youth sports programs and on side and out, to the point where last season when I had

behalf of the Make-a-Wish Foundation. In the class- no assistant, I would go to her for her opinion.”

room, she maintains an A average. Outside of Mahopac, the 6-foot right-hander

“You see those stats and records and they’re in- helped lead the East Cobb Bullets to the Triple

credible. ey speak for themselves,” said Cristina Crown/USA 16U national championship last summer

Giansante, Mahopac softball coach. “But what truly and was named a First Team All-American by the Na-

matters is the kind of kid behind those stats. at’s tional Fastpitch Coaches Association.

where you really get the magnitude of this kid. “She is sel ess,she wants to win as a team,”Giansante

“As a coach, you couldn’t wish up a better player, role said. “ ese individual records and victories are amaz-

model, team player,”the coach continued.“She is dedi- ing, but she’s always all about what’s best for the team.

cated, driven, and committed—although those words She is rare. Notre Dame hit the lottery recruiting her. I

don’t seem to do justice. e hours she puts in on her can’t wait for everything else she will accomplish.”

Caring for your Car
and Our Community

~ For Over 35 Years ~

The Friendly Mavis Team

PAGE 28 MAHOPAC NEWS SPORTS THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT – CHRISTOPHER LORUSSO

Kennedy senior stars in lacrosse, football

Christopher Lorusso BY BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER the Year as a freshman, and All- and football game throughout the
SPORTS EDITOR
League and Defensive MVP his years, even if he was traveling for

PHOTO COURTESY OF junior year. work. I’ve learned from them that
KELSEY WILLIAMS Christopher Lorusso is no hard work, determination and

stranger to adversity. How are you getting through dedication will get you far in life.

As a sophomore, during his rst this period of social distancing? Do you have any pre-game

game as a football player at Ken- What are you doing to keep rituals?

nedy Catholic High School, he busy? Well, I have a couple. I listen

broke his femur. It was tolerable at rst, when I to “Codeine Dreaming” by Ko-

He wouldn’t step foot on the had a lot of schoolwork. Now that dak Black and Lil Wayne. Also,

gridiron again until his senior year, school has been over for a couple I always try and think of some

when he played strong safety and of weeks, I have been trying to oc- creative eye black to put on before

linebacker, and helped lead Ken- cupy my time by improving my the game. Going with the concept

nedy to the New York Catholic golf game, shing, and I recently of look good, feel good, play good!

High School Football League got into P90X. I also keep busy by What are your post-high

Class A championship. In the going to work ve days a week. school plans, athletically and

championship game, Lorusso When did you start football academically?

led the Gaels in tackles. He also and lacrosse and what got you I will hopefully be able to at-

received the Monsignor Peters started? tend the University of Southern

Golden Eleven award. I started playing Mahopac California, where I will study phi-

e Mahopac resident also Sports Association ag football losophy, politics and economics,

starred in lacrosse, playing four when I was 6 and moved on to with the intent of moving onto

years at Kennedy, the last two as tackle when I was in fourth grade. law school. I will try out for the

captain. He was named Rookie of I also started MSA lacrosse in club lacrosse team at USC.

fourth grade as well, so it was a big If you could have one super-

year in athletics for me. power, what would it be and

What is your favorite event why?

and why? Teleportation through space

My favorite event in sports is and time. Basically, I could be

playing lacrosse games at Monsi- anywhere at any time I desired. I

For today, retirement gnor Farrell. ey have been our think it would be cool to explore
rivals since I’ve been playing at impactful parts of history and ex-
Kennedy and every time we play perience it in di erent regions.

and every moment out there, the stands are packed What is something about
with all their alumni who are con- yourself people would be sur-
stantly chirping at us. Something prised to learn?

in between. about having such a large group of People would be surprised to
people rooting against us helped know that I enjoy reading classical
to motivate me to play better. Al- literature. For instance, my favor-

though, it still kind of stung when ite novel is “Gulliver’s Travels” by

they kept calling me “small fry” Jonathan Swift.

my freshman year. What place would you most

What is your favorite sports like to visit?

Tier 4 planning isn’t about getting a new 403(b) memory from your time at Ken- Ibiza, Spain. I would love to
or buying financial products. It’s about becoming nedy? go experience the beautiful island
educated and empowered around the events and hang out with Mike Posner.
and decisions in your personal financial life. It’s My favorite memory is when I
made the last stop against a player What is your favorite place to
on Holy Trinity running down eat locally?

about being prepared. Maybe it’s time. the eld in double-overtime in the It’s a split between a nice hot

Call me today for your initial Confident state championship in lacrosse. slice of shrimp scampi pizza at Sa-
Retirement conversation. e player dodged toward the vor or a spicy tuna roll from Kobu.

goal on me and I landed a check, What’s the go-to app on your

Confident Retirement approach knocking the ball loose. en my phone and why?
teammate scooped up the ball and Mimo. It’s an app that has been

Michael A. Bucci 203.302.6744 passed it down eld and the of- helping me learn how to write
Financial Advisor fense put in the goal for the win. codes for computer programming.
41 W. Putnam Ave. I take short lessons each day.
Tier 4 Planning Greenwich, CT 06830 Who has been your biggest
A financial advisory practice of [email protected] role model over the years and Are you currently binging
Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Tier4planning.com what have you learned from anything?
CA Insurance #0M83870 them?
I’m watching “Hunters,”
My biggest role model over the “Ozarks” and just nished “Outer

years has been my parents. ey Banks” a week ago

always motivate me on and o the Do you have any advice for

eld to try my hardest and do my younger athletes?

best. My dad always made it his Practice hard on the eld but

priority to attend every lacrosse study harder in the classroom.

The Confident Retirement approach is not a guarantee of future financial results. The initial Confident Retirement conversation provides an overview CORRECTION
of financial planning concepts. You will not receive written analysis and/or recommendations.
In last week’s Athlete Spotlight, Sophia DeFrancesco’s name
Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC., a registered investment adviser. was spelled incorrectly as So a. We regret the error.

© 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (05/19)

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020 LEISURE MAHOPAC NEWS PAGE 29

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THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE MAHOPAC NEWS PAGE 31

Pandemic’s long-term impact on assisted living facilities

It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say as the dining rooms, their families will con- for any transfer of assets (gifts) made
that the residents of New York’s nurs- during that 30-month period. is new
ing homes and assisted living facilities game rooms, concerts, GUEST tinue to want to utilize eligibility makes it more important than
have felt the brunt of the ravages of the movies, bingo, etc., CORNER a nursing home and/or ever that seniors (particularly those that
COVID-19 pandemic. For example, are their Achilles heel assisted living facil- are single) and who need assistances with
at the time of this writing it has been activities of daily living submit applica-
reported that approximately 37 percent with respect to COV- ANTHONY J. ity for their housing tions for Medicaid home care services in
of the deaths from COVID-19 are nurs- ID-19. e events that ENEA needs. ere are many advance of Oct. 1.
ing home residents and that 42 nursing bring people together questions that will
homes in New York had at least 10 Advanced and proactive planning to
COVID-19 deaths. in a nursing home and need to be answered protect one’s life savings and home from
the cost of long-term care remains an
e impact of New York’s decision to assisted living facility, and many changes that urgent need for seniors. Making yourself
require nursing homes to take patients eligible for Medicaid services is prudent
with active COVID-19 for rehabilita- unfortunately, can be breeding grounds will need to be implemented. planning.
tion and care has received and deserves
scrutiny as to its impact on the number for viral illnesses such as the u and Even before the COVID-19 pandemic Anthony J. Enea is a member of Enea,
of deaths. e elderly with pre-existing Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP of White
conditions have always been vulnerable COVID-19. reared its ugly head, seniors had become Plains. He focuses his practice on wills,
to the u and it now appears they are trusts and estates and elder law. Mr. Enea
signi cantly more vulnerable to the coro- Until a cure and treatment for CO- more reluctant to leave their homes and is the past chair of Elder Law and Special
navirus. is vulnerability is exacerbated Needs Section of the New York State Bar
when the elderly are residents of nurs- VID-19 is found, it will be necessary that had for a number of years expressed their Association (NYSBA). He is the current chair
ing home and assisted living facilities. of the Senior Lawyer Section of the NYSBA.
Unfortunately, the very nature of how the day-to-day operation and models preference to “age in place.”Residing at He is also the past president and founding
nursing homes and assisted living facili- member of the New York Chapter of the
ties are designed and operated magni es used for nursing homes and assisted living home and receiving home care services National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
their exposure to viral illnesses. (NAELA). Mr. Enea is the president of the
facilities be signi cantly modi ed. e gained a great deal of support in the last Westchester County Bar Foundation and a
e very reasons that have made as- past president of the Westchester County Bar
sisted living facilities and nursing homes need for them to be vigilant about the decade. is has also been possible in part Association. Mr. Enea can be reached at 914-
attractive for senior housing, being, the 948-1500 or at a.enea@esslaw rm.com.
socialization aspects of the facilities, such health and hygiene of their residents as due to New York’s Medicaid home care

well as the cleanliness of their facilities on program and its relatively easy accessibility

a year-round basis is now a matter of life and eligibility rules.

and death. It is also necessary that they be Shockingly, while this pandemic raged

better organized to handle an outbreak and devastated the residents of nursing

at their facility and how best to treat ill home and assisted living facilities, the

residents and communicate with their State of New York passed legislation

families about their treatment and care. making eligibility for Medicaid home

Whether or not they can and will care services more di cult.

adapt remains to be seen. I am con dent Under the new law Medicaid Home

they will make the attempt as their sur- Care applications submitted after Oct.

vival depends on it. Additionally, it also 1, 2020 will be subject to a 30-month

remains to be seen whether seniors and lookback period and will be penalized

3 ways to stay connected with customers while social distancing

Social distancing guidelines customers for their business and provide meals for rst respond- munity even in the most di cult connections with their custom-
forced many businesses to change even sharing tips to make social ers. Volunteering is a great way circumstances. ers until they can open their
the way they interact with their distancing more pleasant. For for small business owners to doors once again.
customers. Businesses deemed example, restaurants can email make use of their extra free time Social distancing has been
non-essential may not have been customers suggestions on pair- and show their customers that hard on many small businesses. is article is provided by Metro
forced to shutter, but many were ing wines. they’re committed to the com- But small business owners can Creative Connection.
no longer allowed to welcome take various steps to maintain
customers into their facilities. 2.THINK CREATIVELY.
Face-to-face interactions with APARPR
Maintaining relationships with
customers is a foundation for customers drive many small PUBLICITY WITH PERSONALITY
many small businesses. According business owners to keep doing
to the global management con- what they’re doing. Such in- Public Rela ons For...
sulting rm Bain & Company, the teractions may not be possible Businesses | Individuals | Organiza ons | Events
average repeat customer spends 67 while social distancing, but small
percent more between months 31 business owners who get cre- Your Message Is Our Mission
and 36 with a business than they ative can still interact with their
do between months zero and six. customers. For example, tness Leave Your Message Here...
center owners can create how-to (914) 275-6887 | bruceaparpr@ gmail.com
at highlights how vital it is for workout videos for members and
small businesses to maintain long- post them to their social media BRUCE APAR
term relationships with repeat pages. Garden center owners can
customers. at can be more chal- create how-to gardening videos
lenging while social distancing, and post them to their websites,
but the following are three ways social media pages or even create
for small businesses to stay con- their own YouTube channels.
nected with their customers even
when those customers are not al- 3. VOLUNTEER IN YOUR
lowed to enter their facilities. COMMUNITY.

1. KEEP LINES OF Small business owners may
COMMUNICATION OPEN. have extra time on their hands
until business returns to normal.
A recent 4A Research sur- In the meantime, volunteer-
vey of 1,000 consumers found ing in the community can be a
that 43 percent of respondents great way to continue serving
said it’s reassuring to hear from your neighbors. Sew masks for
brands they know and trust dur- aging customers and neighbors
ing the pandemic. Small busi- who may not be able to do so
ness owners can keep in touch on their own. Or organize an ef-
with customers via email, send- fort by local small businesses to
ing weekly updates thanking

PAGE 32 MAHOPAC NEWS THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 2020

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