The Somers Record 07.23.20

Vol. 10 No. 14 Visit TapIntoSomers.net for the latest news. Thursday, July 23, 2020

Technical problems Racing pigeon retires
interrupt district’s in South Salem
reorganization meeting
Animal Nation took in the lost
bird after it landed in Somers

BY CAROL REIF Trustee Michael D’Anna seconded BY CAROL REIF groups for their
STAFF WRITER the motion. ere were no other nomi- STAFF WRITER next step.
nees and the vote to reinstate Portnoy
e Somers Board of Education hit as president was unanimous. A racing pigeon from Rhode Island that In swooped Megan
several distracting technical bumps in decided to make a pit stop in the area is Apicelli of Animal Nation, a nonpro t or-
the road during a virtual organization e board then moved on to the vote one lucky duck, er, bird, say local animal ganization that maintains a sanctuary for
meeting during which it swore in newly for vice president. advocates. all sorts of abused, abandoned and surren-
reelected trustees Dr. Lindsay Portnoy dered critters in the South Salem hamlet
and MaryRose Joseph. Trustee Chadwick Olsen nominated e little guy or gal started hanging of Lewisboro.
D’Anna, who was the vice president around in the yard of a private residence
It also returned Portnoy to the presi- this past year. Joseph nominated Cam- in Somers in early July. e tender-hearted Apicelli said recently that it didn’t take
dent’s post and picked trustee Heidi bareri. Because the selection was con- homeowners, noticing that it had an iden- much to capture the bird, which was ob-
Cambareri as vice president. tested, the two hopefuls were asked to ti cation band on one of its legs, started viously very comfortable around humans.
talk about why they wanted the post. to worry that someone might be missing a All she and the homeowner had to do was
However, two of the seven board beloved member of their ock. toss a handful of yummy food inside a pet
members—Ifay Chang and Joseph Cambareri said that she was nishing carrier and it strolled right in.
Marra—couldn’t connect via video on the second year of her three-year term With a little detective work, they were
Zoom during the vote on president and and felt she still had more to give. able to reach out to a professional pigeon e pigeon was taken to its new abode,
vice president. club in Rhode Island. It told them not to a loft in an old silo, where it quickly settled
“I kind of feel that I’m just getting worry because their winged visitor would in with its new ock, Apicelli said.
Joseph nominated Portnoy, saying, going, but I’m excited about the work probably make its way back home after a
“She’s shown how she’s really put in we’ve done this past year, getting com- couple days of rest, food and water. Pigeons are social animals, as well as be-
time and e ort into the position this mittees established and improving ing very intelligent and kind, said Apicelli.
past year.” communications,” she said. However, the president of the club also
informed them that the bird’s owner was According to volunteer Lindsay Perry,
Portnoy had been instrumental in Cambareri said she’d “like to take a highly unlikely to travel from Rhode Is- Animal Nation’s sanctuary is located on
several changes, namely the forma- bigger leadership role on the board to land to New York to retrieve it if it didn’t a privately-owned 8-acre farm that abuts
tion of the policy and communications help us continue to do the work that the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. It
committees, Joseph said. we’re doing.” y home on its own. houses horses, sheep, goats, llamas, pigs,
Exactly how the wayward aviator got so turkeys and chickens, not to mention rab-
“She’s invited the community in She added that she’s going to be in o course is still a mystery, but bad weath- bits, geese, quail and all sorts of birds.
to share their viewpoints. She’s really the “fortunate position” of having more er could be one explanation.
about transparency among the board time this coming year to commit to the However it reached Somers, the friendly Wildlife such as squirrels and opossums
itself, so I think it would be great for board. freeloader wasn’t in a big hurry to leave have even found forever homes there.
her to continue this for another year at and its hosts reached out to animal rescue
least,” she added. “I’d like to get familiar with what ere’s even an emu or two.

SEE REORGANIZATION PAGE 6 SEE PIGEON PAGE 16

Ask the Expert! Find out what your home is really worth.

Sell your house for TOP DOLLAR. Ask me how. Sales Vice President | Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

"Hope Mazzola was tireless in her efforts to sell our property, and stayed Cell: 914.714.0090
positive through some setbacks. We couldn't have done it without her....and we
[email protected] | hopemazzola.com
know that because we originally listed with another brokerage."
95 Katonah Ave | Katonah NY 10536

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 27
CLASSIFIEDS 26
HEALTH & WELLNESS 18
LEGAL NOTICES 27
LEISURE 24
OPINION
SPORTS 8 SINGING THE BLUES

22 Live music takes a hit.
pgs 14-15

Page 2 – The Somers Record Thursday, July 23, 2020

The Staff ANNIVERSARY years of wedded bliss
Salvat�e and Jane Ceraldi
EDITORIAL TEAM
JODI WEINBERGER e following is from N.A. shoes and introduced himself to Mr and Mrs Caridi.

EDITOR: 914-302-5830 Ceraldi: He asked Mr. Caridi, “What time would you like
[email protected]
your daughter home?” Mr. Caridi responded, “Mid-
BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER
SPORTS EDITOR: 914-302-5628 On June 14, 1970, what was night!” e date ended and Salvatore brought Jane
[email protected]
hinged on a bet between Sal- home to her father at 11:50 p.m. and thanked her
ADVERTISING TEAM
LISA KAIN vatore Ceraldi Sr. and some father. When the door closed Mr. Demetrio Caridi

914-351-2424 friends blossomed into a 50- said to his daughter, “You’re marrying that man!” Six
[email protected]
year long marriage to Jane months after their rst date, the two were engaged.
PAUL FORHAN
914-202-2392 (Caridi) Ceraldi. Sal and Jane On June 14, 1970, Salvatore and Jane were married at
[email protected]
CORINNE STANTON were two NY Telephone Com- Memorial Methodist Church in White Plains. ey
845-621-4049
[email protected] pany employees: Sal, an engi- got started on a family right away in Greenburgh and
JENNIFER CONNELLY
917-446-7757 neer, and Jane, a secretary. Sal the rst of three boys was born February 2, 1971: Sal-
[email protected]
BRUCE HELLER took a bet with his buddies that vatore Jr. was followed by Nicholas, born November
914-202-2941
[email protected] he couldn’t get a date with the 19, 1972, and Michael was a anksgiving baby, born
SHELLEY KILCOYNE
incredibly beautiful Jane Caridi. November 28, 1975. e Ceraldi Family moved to
CO-FOUNDER
914-924-9122 Jane said yes, but he had to pick her up at her house Yorktown Heights where they raised the three boys.
[email protected]
GABRIELLE BILIK and meet her mother and father. Sal proceeded to Sal and Jane are now grandparents of Katie, 17, Isa-
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/DESIGNER
[email protected] Jane’s house decked out in a three-piece suit, shined bella, 16, and Salvatore the 3rd, 10.

PRODUCTION TEAM and Deli
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL
Now introducing our
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
PHOTOGRAPHER Route 100 Market & Deli app!

[email protected] Available for IOS & Android.
CHRISTINA ROSE
For easy ordering and contactless pickup & delivery.
ASST PRODUCTION MANAGER
DESIGNER

[email protected]

EXECUTIVE TEAM
BRETT FREEMAN
CEO & PUBLISHER
845-208-8151

[email protected]

Deadlines

THE SOMERS RECORD DEADLINE
THE DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS

AND EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS FOR

SOMERS RECORD IS THE THURSDAY
BEFORE THE NEXT PUBLICATION DATE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION,
CALL JODI WEINBERGER AT
914-302-5830 OR EMAIL
[email protected].

Subscribe

TO REQUEST THE SOMERS RECORD
WEEKLY DELIVERY, CALL 845-208-8503
OR EMAIL [email protected].
SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE COMPLIMENTARY FOR
RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN THE TOWN.
OUT OF TOWN MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE
$150 PER YEAR FOR FIRST CLASS MAIL.

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT
SOMERS, NY AND AT

ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
POSTMASTER:

SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO
THE SOMERS RECORD AT
BAILEY COURT

334 ROUTE 202, UNIT C1S
SOMERS, NY 10589

(ISSN 2330-1597) and Deli
PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY
HALSTON MEDIA, LLC AT 291 Route 100, Somers • 914.277.8539 • route100market.com

BAILEY COURT
334 ROUTE 202, UNIT C1S

SOMERS, NY 10589
©2020 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC

Thursday, July 23, 2020 The Somers Record – Page 3

Comet
NEOWISE

Somers resident Robert Ondrovic captured the
comet as it soared over St. Joseph’s Church.

Lions welcome second female president

Tracy Reimann took over on July 1

BY CAROL REIF sitioned into full- edged Lions Clubs. are su ering nancially due to the for eight years, Reimann stepped Tracy Reimann
STAFF WRITER e Somers Lions Club was coronavirus pandemic. down to focus on her new duties.
than 46,000 clubs and 1.4 million
e Somers Lions Club has a founded in 1956. Forty years later, “COVID-19 is hitting every- Leo, stands for Leadership, Ex- members.
new leader of the pack. Purcigliotti became a Lion and, in body,” Reimann said. “We want perience, Opportunity. Its young
2000, its rst female president. people to know we’re here, we’re a volunteers take part in various According to the new president,
And she’s roarin’to go. resource, we can help them.” projects, covering areas such as more and more of those joining are
O cially installed on July 1,Tracy Reimann is Somers’second. health care, elder assistance, special in their 20s. e latest three were
Christen Reimann said she’s proud Purcigliotti was said to be in- e Lions have ramped up their needs initiatives, literacy, education businesswomen.
to be following in the footsteps of strumental in increasing the num- food distribution program and are and self-development.
local pioneer Ellen Purcigliotti. ber of female members. Now an continuing to hold events such as “We don’t network to get more
When the Lions formed in 1917, estimated third of the 100-plus car ra es and the recent Chase for Reimann’s late husband, Her- clients or gain recognition,” said
its membership was exclusively members are women, according to Charity to raise funds for organi- bert, a CPA and pillar of the Lions, Reimann, adding that members
male, a common practice the time. Paul LaSpina, who was president zations such as Friends of Karen, chaired the group’s annual carnival band together because there’s
As it grew, women, particularly Li- from 2017-2018. Guiding Eyes, Drug Crisis in Our and masterminded the Halloween strength in numbers.
ons spouses—embraced the mission Backyard and My Brother Vinny. Trail of Terror at Reis Park. Nick-
and began forming auxiliary clubs. e Lions come from many named the “Herbinator,” he was Together they can help more
Because of their success, Lions walks and stages of life. ey are Reimann says one or her goals known for his boundless energy people.
Clubs International developed the Li- teachers, business people, lawyers, will be to encourage greater inclu- and ability to keep things running
oness Program and emblem in 1975. retirees—“almost every known pro- sion and diversity. smoothly behind the scenes “ is is what we do, we serve,”
In 1987, it amended its constitution fession,” said Reimann, an attorney she said.
to admit both men and women. who specializes in elder care as well e more di erent people are, After his death in 2018 at the age
And in 1996, the Lioness Bridge as estate and business planning. the more “ideas they bring to the of 55, a scholarship fund was set up If interested in joining, visit
Program and thousands of women table,”she said. in his name for high school stu- somerslionsclub.org.
took advantage of the opportunity and e one thing they all have in dents deemed “unsung heroes.”
became Lions when their clubs tran- common is a desire to help those It’s especially important for the
in need. future of the organization that An a liate of Lions Club In-
younger people join, she added. ternational, it is the world’s larg-
It’s a mission that has become est service organization with more
especially crucial as more people An adviser for the local LEO Club,
a high school o shoot of the Lions,

Gary Forbes Chris Radding HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS, LIFE & HEALTH oSr eSe teJvaeyat
914-232-7750 • www.forbesinsurance.com
The Forbes Insurance Team Jefferson
Valley
Service

For All Your Auto Service Needs
214 E Main • 914-245-3333

Page 4 – The Somers Record Thursday, July 23, 2020

Imperial Wok, Peach Lake BBQ closed permanently

BY CAROL REIF ing was. It is also awaiting re- Imperial Wok has closed in Somers. PHOTO: BRETT FREEMAN
STAFF WRITER sponse from the owners of the
shopping center, Urstadt Biddle found out that even those aren’t his BBQ operation will bounce its annual fall festival. at event
Sadly, it appears that the pan- Properties Inc., a real estate in- draws thousands for apple- and
demic has taken out two more lo- vestment trust based in Green- enough to pay all the bills. back in some form. Among the pumpkin-picking, not to men-
cal businesses. wich, Conn. tion such goodies as piping hot
e situation has been “just possibilities are parking his food cider doughnuts.
Imperial Wok, an Asian fu- Located on a pretty pond at
sion restaurant located o Heri- the entrance of the Heritage brutal,” the self-described “pit- truck at Harvest Moon, which, Soto is researching other spots
tage Hills Drive in Somers, an- Hills development o Route where he can deploy his BBQ
nounced on its Facebook page 202 and guarded by a pair of master” said recently about his as an essential food service, has skills, as well as entertaining the
on March 28 that it would be imperious-looking stone lions, idea of catering.
“closed for the time being due to Imperial Wok reportedly was painful decision to close. remained open. It o ers farm-
the spread of the coronavirus.” the town’s go-to place for de- What Soto misses most now
cades for a traditional sit-down “A lot of people will have to raised meats, fresh produce, dairy are his faithful customers.
“We will be trying to reopen Chinese meal.
as soon as we can, but please bare start from scratch,” Soto said, products and baked goods. “I loved my store. People loved
(sic) with us during this time,” its PEACH LAKE BBQ it. I still get calls,” he said.
post read. In North Salem, Peach Lake adding: “I never thought I’d live But whether that comes to

As of July, however, things Market & BBQ owner Bob to see the day.” fruition—or dies on the vine—
weren’t looking too promising. Soto had started smoking meats
Imperial Wok’s phone has been as a hobby. While he currently has no depends on the Mid-Hudson
disconnected, its website has
been taken down, and its listing But local foodies will have to plans to reopen at the Dingle region’s reopening status and
on Google reviews states that it’s put their enjoyment of these ten-
“permanently closed.” der and juicy treats on the back Ridge Road location, Soto hopes whether the orchard can hold
burner for now, as Peach Lake
Peach Lake Market and BBQ, Market & BBQ recently joined
located on Dingle Ridge Road in the ranks of restaurants and re-
North Salem, also disconnected its tail establishments forced to shut
phone and shut down its website. their doors because of the coro-
navirus pandemic.
e Somers Record reached
out Wednesday, July 15, to Impe- Without being able to o er in-
rial Wok via Facebook messaging door dining, thousands of mom-
to inquire about its status. “Yes, and-pop establishments have had
unfortunately, we are permanent- to rely on delivery services and
ly closed,” its response read. e takeout and curbside pickups to
paper was not able to ascertain make ends meet. But some have
exactly who the person respond-

NORTHWOOD INN Restaurant Go from...
& Bar

“Serving TRADITIONAL POLISH DISHES
And AmericAn FAvoriteS”

Dine Indoors that...
or

On Our
Outdoor Patio!

TAKE-OUT to THIS
& ...safely!
The Hair Wharf
DELIVERY
20 Valley Road, Katonah • 914-232-7271 •
845-621-4222

14 Frances Kiernan Place & Rt 6 Carmel-Mahopac

Thursday, July 23, 2020 The Somers Record – Page 5

Ready For Some Sale valid: 7/24/20 - 7/30/20 SAVE BI
Mouthwatering BBQ?
PRICES VALID With Your Uncle G’s
Place Your Catering Order at AT Yorktown Savings Card!
UncleG.com/Catering
Heights It's Unheard Of!
LOCATION ONLY
WOW!

Limit 2
With an
additional
$20 purchase.

Bigges Cherrie of th Year! $399Tide

Liquid ea
Detergent

Select Varieties, 46 oz

WOW!

sweet $999Uncle G's Turkey / lb
and
juicy! Supreme

House Roasted
Antibotic-Free
Turkey Breast
$199Capri Sun
3JUMBO 8.5-9 ROW Cherries $ 99 ea
10 Pack Drinks
/ lb
Select Varieties, 60 oz

WOW!

Mediterranean Pasta Salad Limit 4
With an
additional
$20 purchase.

Orecchiette Pasta,
$799Kalamata Olives, Ciliegine, 89¢GSpaotortrsadDerink
Peter Luger / lb ea
Steak Sauce Pecorino Romano Select Varieties, 32 oz
Cheese, Tomatoes and
WOW! 12.6 oz Scallions

Sterling Silver $399 Filet Mignon $1699 WOW!
ea Steak Kabobs / lb
Bone-In Rib
12Family Pack Steak $ 99

/ lb

Limit 4
With an
additional
$20 purchase.

1 1/4 LB Eggplant $799 2 $1White Rock
Live Hard-Shell Towers / lb
Seltzer

Select Varieties
33.8 oz
WOW! for

$Lobsters 99 $ 99 14Jumbo $ 99 Wednesday, July 29th: Uncle G's
Extra Virgin
Additional $2.00 /lb/ lb / lb Cooked Shrimp / lb CELEBRATE NATIONAL Olive Oil
Cocktail LASAGNA DAY!
6 12for Steamed, Limit 10 33.8 oz
Fresh Wild Steak
Swordfish $699
ea
Thursday, July 30th: American Cheesecake
Sit Back, relax, and grab a creamy slice
CELEBRATE NATIONAL of American cheesecake with all the
CHEESECAKE DAY! famously smooth-tasting Uncle G Flavors. Siggi's
Yogurt
Available in Orginal, Strawberry,
Raspberry, Chocolate, Oreo, and Chocolate Select Varieties
15Chip. 24 oz $699
ea CLahseaegsnea / lb 5 54.4-5.3 oz
$ 99 $
for

Visit UncleG.com for our Marketplace locations and to view all our weekly specials! Limit 2

Photographs and illustrations do not necessarily depict sale items. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Not responsible for typographical errors. Prices Valid at Yorktown Location Only.

Page 6 – The Somers Record Thursday, July 23, 2020

REORGANIZATION Olsen voted for D’Anna. could be done to mitigate the ef- CB Gallery hosts
FROM PAGE 1 Mt. Kisco artist
D’Anna voted for himself. fect of future technical snafus.
CB Gallery, Katonah’s cutting-edge contemporary art gal-
Saying, “I’d like to vote for two e school board’s next meeting lery, announces its next exhibition entitled “Absurd Life,” by Mt.
Kisco resident John Plunkett. e exhibit will run from July 15
comes with the president’s role people, if possible,” Portnoy cast is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11. - August 29.

and being able to support Lindsay her ballot for Cambareri. Joseph “I am delighted to safely re-open the gallery and am so proud
to present the playfully abstract work of 35 year local resident
in her work. I guess that’s the big also picked Cambareri and Cam- CABLE OUTAGE John Plunkett,” said CB gallery owner Christopher Brescia.
“Safety measures and adherence to CDC protocols will be taken
thing. I’m trying to do a lot more bareri voted for herself. e night before the Board of to protect the health and well-being of all visitors. Masks are re-
quired and the gallery will be cleaned in between appointments.
with communication, to listening e nal tally was three votes Education meeting, a large tree
“Absurd Life,”is a show comprised primarily of Plunkett’s wa-
to what the community needs.” for Cambareri and two for fell in the Lewisboro hamlet of tercolors and acrylic portraits and scenes based on a larger earlier
work entitled “ e Crowd.” is series of humorous paintings
Cambareri said she felt “really D’Anna. Goldens Bridge, taking out both function as individual windows into a parallel reality, exploring
simple forms and colors designed to engage with the audience.
passionate” about her role in the Chang and Marra, who were power and ber optic lines.
e abstract, surreal, almost human gures appear in every day
district and hoped to serve on the later able to get into the meeting While New York State Electric social settings we are all able to relate to.

board “for a while longer.” but had internet issues during the & Gas was able to get the power In describing his personal history Plunkett says “Growing up
on Long Island and as far back as I am able to remember, I al-
On his own behalf, however, vote, were unable to voice their back on relatively quickly, it took ways enjoyed drawing and in high school I took an architectural
drafting class. After high school I went to a technical school to
D’Anna said he has consistently choices because of a poor connec- several days for the cable company study mechanical and electrical drafting but on January 1, 1969,
I was drafted into the Army and sent to Vietnam to serve in
kept an eye out for more commu- tion. to completely restore internet to the 25th Infantry Division. Returning home alive but empty,
I needed go back to what I loved most, creating art. I was ac-
nity outreach. According to District Clerk all of Somers and North Salem. cepted at e School of Visual Arts, where I found my love for
paint and went on to get a masters degree in painting at Rhode
“And, boy, did we in the last six Nancy Corrado, their votes could Other towns were also a ected. Island School of Design, and eventually worked my way up to
Senior Art Director at Time/Warner/AOL, but I never stopped
months give us a lot of opportuni- only be legally tallied if their voic- About 8,000 customers in total drawing, painting, going to galleries, pushing my work, trying to
visually connect with all that it means to be human.”
ties to connect with the commu- es could be heard and their faces were left hanging, according to
SEE CB GALLERY PAGE 16
nity, between Bus P, COVID, dis- seen on screen. Voting by texting North Salem Supervisor Warren

tance learning, the budget cycle, on the phone doesn’t count, they J. Lucas.

which normally brings out people were told. e outage spurred a discus-

as well...And, from my perspec- Portnoy asked Corrado Tues- sion in Somers about the impor-

tive, I think there are areas where day, July 7, if that was indeed the tance of internet access, especially

we connected with the communi- situation. now that, because of COVID-19,

ty and I’ve heard…where we can “Sorry, but I double-checked many people are working from

improve.” with our attorneys this morning,” home and municipalities, civic

( e ellipses indicate where his she said. organizations, and school boards

voice temporarily cut out.) Chang and Marra both ex- need online services to function.

“It’s been challenging. It’s been pressed frustration about the e school board’s annual or-

di cult. But I think Lindsay and I situation when their voices were ganizational meeting is when the

make a good team,” he said. able to be heard. In light of the board makes new appointments,

However, D’Anna said, he fact that the state has extended including personnel such as in-

thought either he or Cambareri Zoom meetings for another sev- ternal auditors and the district’s

“could do a good job of support- eral weeks, the board and schools attorney, designates depositories

ing the good work that Lindsay has Superintendent Dr. Raymond (banks) for district operations and

done over the past 12 months…and Blanch promised to reach out to chooses media outlets for required

into the next 12 months as well.” legal counsel for advice on what announcements.

18th Anniversary

Scratch & Win Event

PRIZES: July 21-31 Come in to
receive your
.25ct Diamond Circle of Life Necklace scratch-off ticket!

($1,045 retail value) (While supplies last)

$500 Towards Any Watch in Stock

35-50% OFF Fine Jewelry in Stock

FREE Watch Battery

(excludes 4 or more screws)

Tel: 914-245-3899 • 32 Triangle Center, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 • www.genesisjewelers.com

Thursday, July 23, 2020 The Somers Record – Page 7

1952 Route 6
Carmel, NY

See dealer for details. All rebates included. Leases include GM Loyalty. Must finance with GMF. Must qualify for rebates. Leases are 10k per year with $3998 down, plus 1st payment, dmv and bank fee due at
signing. Must qualify for tier 1 credit. Residuals: Terrain 3816/21190, Acadia 4536/24081, Canyon 6804/28860 and Sierra 11376/30967. Not responsible for typographical errors.Vehicle pictures for
illustration purposes only.Employee Pricing valid on select models;see dealer for details, restrictions apply. Tax and reg extra. Ends July 31, 2020.

Page 8 – The Somers Record Thursday, July 23, 2020

Opinion

Happily
Ever
After

Motivational lag Changing perspective

I’m nally getting around to doing MAN The feeling of impotence, the in- THE
some of the things I’ve been putting OVERBOARD ability to be in control of one’s life, SEASONED
o for a long time, and believe me, it is probably the worst sensation I CITIZEN
takes a lot of e ort to put things o for RICK can think of. To know that I must rely on
this long. I thought I’d be more eager to MELÉN other people for things I used to do myself ADRIENNE
get to these projects that have been hang- is devastating…especially now,in the age of KAVELLE
ing over my head for so long, but I seem and foxtail. I had cat’s ear, cat’s paw, cat’s
to be su ering from solitude lassitude. whiskers and, well, actually the cat was answering machines and computers, when
sitting on the lawn so I just pulled him
I had about 3,000 beer cans bagged out by hand. I think I identi ed a cactus all one can do is leave a message and wait,
up in the garage waiting for a lull in growing out there too. And each weed
activity so I could take them back to the needs a di erent product to get rid of sometimes forever,for someone to call back
supermarket and recycle them in the beer it. For instance, glyphosate will kill pig
can machine. When New York went on thistle but not pig’s ear, so it will still hear or email. It is insulting, especially for some months old. As soon as I learned Silvia was
pause it seemed like the perfect time, but you coming. Some plants will try to nail
the recycling machines have been closed you before you nail them, like poison ivy Seasoned Citizens who do not own com- pregnant I immediately sent a Madam Al-
due to covid-19. e last thing you need and poison sumac. Once the weeds were
is essential machines getting sick and gone there were a bunch of dead spots puters or who prefer anonymity to letting it exander ‘First Baby Doll’ so Vik can prac-
unable to do their job. Now that New where they used to be, so I had to re-seed.
York is somewhere between play and fast I spread the seeds around and covered all hang out on Facebook. tice “motherhood”also. I didn’t send one to
forward, I hauled them over to Shoprite. them with hay, and a month later there is
no grass but the hay is still there. I’m hop- I’m usually a very optimistic person who Dylan because I gured he would emulate
e guy who collects the shopping carts ing a little glyphosate will get rid of it.
from the parking lot saw me coming with believes that a good bad man is better than his dad who is a very devoted father and
an entire car full of bags of beer cans, and I haven’t gotten around to cleaning my
he wheeled a 12-shopping-cart conga downstairs o ce yet, because I can’t get a bad good man; who tries to take life on a learn from him that men are as equally in-
line out of the way in record time, prob- in there. ere’s something blocking the
ably thinking I was the town drunk. He door, it might be one of the many o ce day-to-day basis with no time to regret the volved in caring for children as are women.
left so quickly I didn’t get a chance to to chairs I’ve collected over the years. ere’s
explain that they were amassed not over only one of me that I know of, but there past; who believes that the future will take Few men in the 1950s were as helpful
one or two weekends, but three or four. are two or three o ce chairs, and each
I was expecting a warm welcome back, one has a bunch of stu on it that’s very care of itself…but sometimes, especially and attentive as fathers are today. My hus-
maybe a plaque that said “customer of the important, and since there’s no place to
pandemic” on it, or just a friendly greet- sit down I never go in there. One person, since I’ve been a lone Seasoned Citizen I band, Jason, was one of the few. We shared
ing, even someone to just say, “Hey, nice and three chairs, the answer is obvious:
cans.” e machine lled up immediately I need to hire some people to sit in my just can’t hack it. Disappointments hit me all the wonders of bringing up our children.
on a steady diet of Coors Light, or at least o ce. I guess I could take some of the
it said it did, so I’ll have to come back. stu out of my o ce and put it on the hard; broken promises ll me with despair; He felt it was a privilege to be a father and
dining room chairs, but then what would
My lawn has always complained that I can see myself slipping into depression fortunately our daughters married men of
it doesn’t get to spend enough time with SEE MELEN PAGE 9
me, and now that we have the chance to and ghting it becomes harder and harder. the same ilk.
be together, the lawn is getting a little
clingy. First it was the weeds. ere was I tell you all this because I know there When I delivered my children we were
chickweed, dollarweed, bindweed and
knotweed, I had crabgrass, nutgrass and are more “me’s” out there…that many Sea- kept 5 days in the hospital. Today the
goosegrass, I had horsetail, marestail
soned Citizens are having these same or birthing centers send families home within

similar feelings and can’t really explain ad- hours. My generation’s husbands were not

equately to anyone who has never experi- permitted to be in the delivery room but

enced them. In these tenuous times when kept captive in waiting areas pacing up and

there are physical distances imposed on down. Today’s fathers take part in the de-

us as well as emotional distances, it’s even livery holding their wives’ hands and cut-

more di cult. ting the umbilical cord. Jason would have

Now that I’ve depressed all of my readers, loved being able to be there with me.

let’s nd some good things to talk about. I’ve gone in this column from fear and

My newest great-granddaughter joined us unhappiness to the great joy of birth and

on July 8th. Abby weighed 7 lbs.12 oz.and positive outlooks in male/female relation-

she and her mommy are doing very well. ships. We Seasoned Citizens must learn to

Her big brother, Dylan, at 27 months is sti e our doubts and angers and open our

somewhat confused but grandma Lisa and eyes to the wonder surrounding us, because

grandpa Sky are there to step in. to lose hope is to lose everything…not an

Lir, my new great-grandson is expected easy path to follow but well worth trying.

to arrive sometime within the next few

weeks when his big sister, Vik, will be 20 Contact Adrienne at: [email protected]

BRETT FREEMAN, PUBLISHER BAILEY COURT, 334 ROUTE 202, UNIT C1S Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited.
JODI WEINBERGER, EDITOR SOMERS, NY 10589 The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR not necessarily those of The Somers Record or its affiliates.
Editorial Office: 914-302-5830 ©2020 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC Submissions must include a phone number and address for
Fax: 914-617-8508
[email protected] verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be
published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are
anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions
to the editor by e-mail at [email protected].

For more information, call the editor at 914-302-5830

Thursday, July 23, 2020 OPINION The Somers Record – Page 9

MELEN times a lack of energy. ere are ways to CLARK ASSOCIATES
deal with it. For one thing, don’t be too FUNERAL HOME
FROM PAGE 8 hard on yourself for feeling this way. I try
to compliment myself once a day. I look Serving all Faiths since 1858
I do with them? ey do have wheels in the mirror and say, Dude, you may not
and we do live atop a steep driveway, and be the smartest guy in the world, nor the Cremations and Burials
I do have an exasperated wife, so be care- best-looking, questionable personality,
ful if you happen to drive past my house. odd sense of humor, you may not be the FUNERAL PREARRANGEMENT
most gregarious person, kind of cheap
I’m thinking of washing my car, and a weak forehand for someone your Both pre-payment and no-payment options
which is a lot easier than actually do- size. at wasn’t so hard, was it? Compli-
ing it. Because once I get a closer look menting yourself is time-consuming but • Only 1/4 mile from 684 exit 6. • Only 1 block from the Katonah
at it, I realize I’ll have to get out the necessary.
tar remover, and scrape all the bugs o • Less than 60 minutes from N.Y. City. • Railroad station.
it that didn’t make it inside my house, Getting exercise is also important. I
and vacuum the oor mats, and Armor try to get out of the house each day for a • Parking facilities for over 100 cars. • Monuments & inscriptions available.
All the steering wheel and then wax walk, and hurry back before anyone locks
the damn thing. I could take it to the the door. Don’t make your projects too 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah • (914) 232-3033
brushless car wash, but last time when I big and daunting. It’s not easy to write
watched it go through, there was this big an article about nothing each week, and
thing that looked like a brush assaulting sometimes I run into some writer’s block.
it practically the whole time. But I force myself to sit in front of the
computer to write the word “ e,” and
Everything I do uncovers a bunch of see if it sparks any ideas. After I spell
other stu that needs doing, and I can’t check it a couple times and see if any-
get motivated to do any of it. Every idea thing rhymes with it, it’s time for lunch.
I get seems to have an incubation period So just bite o a little at a time, and
of 14 days. It turns out that this is not make yourself feel better, and here I’m
uncommon during quarantine. Experts referring to lunch. After lunch I might
say that the stress caused by prolonged even go tackle my o ce, or maybe it can
isolation can be enervating. Dealing wait until the next pandemic.
with nancial pressures, caring for loved
ones or the daily hardship of spending Say hello at: [email protected]
so much time with someone like me can
manifest itself in di erent ways, some-

www.clarkassociatesfuneralhome.com

Advertise With Us DANIEL B. McMANUS ~ Proprietor BRUCE E. REISDORF ~ Licensed Manager
When you advertise with The Somers Record, you are reaching thousands of JOSEPH M. MCMANUS ~ Director RONALD P. CERASO ~ Director
households and businesses throughout the Town of Somers, including all of MARISA A. GIULIANO ~ Director ADNER J. MONTENEGRO-LEE ~ Director
its hamlets and Heritage Hills. To advertise or to place a classified, call Brett
Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected].

When did you
last update your
last will and
testament and
power of attorney?

WHITE PLAINS • SOMERS • WWW.ESSLAWFIRM.COM

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

Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ.

Managing Member • Fluent in Italian

914.948.1500

Page 10 – The Somers Record OPINION Thursday, July 23, 2020

Too close to home...

On Sunday, July 5, I sent ers and the rest of our support- I found myself thinking back tor was stuck between oors in WHATWAS
a text to son, Matt, in ive family were raining down on to some of the events, funny and a building down the street from I THINKING?
Florida, asking how them non-stop. I was so frus- otherwise, that de ne Matt’s our apartment. When Jack and
everyone was doing—the news trated: I wanted to be with my life. Matt has the bluest eyes the emergency responders arrived RUTHANN
about Covid-19 in Florida was son to wait this out with him and and brown hair which was curly at the building, they lowered SCHEFFER
not good and I was concerned. Helen. But common sense and when he was small. When I’d themselves on to the top of the
He replied that they had had a procedures put into place told me hold him, he’d look up at me with elevator car. Jack pulled open the

fun weekend and he was going there was no way I could get to those baby blues, and I’d melt. elevator ceiling door and looked

to be tested for the virus the next them—I had my own health is- His two older brothers, George down into the car: he couldn’t

day. Just like that! My Mom- sues and traveling by plane was and Paul—Joe’s entrance to the believe his eyes! Crouched in the

mindset then went into overdrive. out of the question. family was way on the horizon- corner was Matt: rageous sense of humor. When

It seems that Matt’s gol ng e gist of this nightmare? -kept me hopping during the “Hi, Uncle Jack,” he beamed. I’m visiting in Florida and he

buddy, Roger, and his mother Matt and Roger had played golf day; I felt guilty that I didn’t e men “rescued” my son, comes home late from work, we

had tested positive for Covid-19. on Sunday, June 28. e fol- spend enough time with baby and Jack brought him home. He will sit and talk well into the eve-

Matt and Helen were tested lowing day, Roger’s mother who number three. My solution? In- relayed the drama, trying not to ning--some things don’t change,

on Monday and advised that it was being treated for pneumo- stead of watching the news at 11 laugh in front of Matt. To this do they?

would be 72 hours minimum nia tested positive for Covid-19. pm., I woke him and sat in the day, he remembers peering down Back to the present: Monday,

before they learned the results. Roger had no symptoms but was rocking chair holding him, qui- into the elevator and seeing those July 13 Matt texted: “Test was

Both had to remain at home until also tested. On Saturday, July 4 etly talking and singing to him. big blue eyes and chapped mouth negative! On my way to work.

then. Each day, we either texted he was shocked to learn that his After about a half hour, I’d kiss (it had been a cold winter) and Helen also negative.” I thanked

or phoned each other. Matt felt test was positive and he had the his sweet head and lay him back hearing “Hi, Uncle Jack.” For God and nally took a deep

ne, was working from home, virus. I later discovered that my in the crib where he’d smile up at Matt’s part, he had been riding breath of relief.

doing some chores and feel- grandson, Matt, Jr., who has been me and gently go back to sleep. the elevator for a lark when he My heart and prayers go to

ing bored. Seventy-two hours at home for the summer, had Matt claims this nightly get-to- decided to push a few oor but- all who are and/or will be af-

passed, then another day and an- golfed with Roger within that gether is the reason he is now a tons at the same time. Bam! El- fected by Covid-19. It strips us

other day without results. Matt same time frame, has been tested night owl! evator stuck! of our dignity and takes our loved

was calling the doctor every three and is waiting for his results- We lived in White Plains dur- Matthew, the man, is a loving ones away, leaving us without

hours, hoping to get an answer. -with the uptick of the virus in ing the time my brother, Jack, and devoted husband, father, son the chance to say a decent, lov-

e waiting was dreadful and Florida, we could be in for a very was on the police force. One day and brother. He is a good, faithful ing good bye and a forever empty

the prayers from me, his broth- long, agonizing wait. he received a call that an eleva- friend to many and has an out- place in our hearts.

Contact Us
The Somers Record is located at Bailey Court, 334 Route 202, Unit C1S, Somers, NY 10589. You can contact us at 914-302-5830 or email somersrecord@
halstonmedia.com.

D ODNONNANOA’ COO’ CNONNENL LE L L I F YIOF UYOHUAVHEAVCEOCNOS INDSEIRDEEDR E D
P U RPCUHRACSHIANSGI NOGR OS ERLSLEI NL LGI N, PGL,EPALSEEA S E
11# # AGAGENETNTININ F E EFLEFERL EFER TE EO TCOOCNOTANCTTACMTE MAEN YATNIYMTEI .M E .
SOSOMMERESRS
As thAes#t1haeg#en1 at ginenStoimneSrosmanerdsHanerditHageeriHtaiglles,HIibllrsi,nIgborivnegr o2v4er 24
yearsyoeaf ersxopfeerxiepnecreieanncdeuannmd uatncmheadtcdheevdodtieovnottoioenactoheaancdh and
everyevpeerrysopnerIswonorIkwwoirtkh.with.

D O NDNOANON’ AC OON’ CNOENL LN E L L
AssocAiastesoRceiaalteERsteaatleEBsrtoakteerBroker
M M. . . .
DoconDnoecllo@[email protected]
donnadoocnonnanoecllo.hnonuellilh.haonullaiwharnenlacwe.rceonmce.com

SOMERS BROKERAGE
S O M E R S B RVOI LKLEARGAEGSEQ U A R E , S O M E R S, N Y

VILLAGE SQUARE, SOMERS, NY

Source: HGMLS, 1/1/19-12/31/19, total dollar volume of Single Family homes and Condominiums sold by agent, Somers
Source: HscGhMooLlSd,i1s/t1r/ic19t;-H12G/3M1/L1S9,1t/o1t/a9l-d12o/ll3a1r/1v9o,ltuomtael ovfoSluinmgeleCFoanmdoilymhinoimuiemssasnodldCboyndaogemnitn, iSuommsesros.ld by agent, Somers
school district; HGMLS 1/1/9-12/31/19, total volume Condominiuims sold by agent, Somers.