BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 23 FOX TRACKS 2 LEISURE 17 OPINION 8 SPORTS 16 FLHS Swim Results pg 16 SPLASH! VOL. 1 NO. 9 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WEST CALDWELL, NJ PERMIT #992 A MONTHLY PUBLICATION JANUARY 19 – FEBRUARY 9, 2023 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER If anyone’s wondering if the Westchester real estate market’s still hot, hot, hot, they won’t have to look any farther than Bedford. Well, metaphorically anyway. Having long outgrown its toosmall building at 34 Village Green, the Bedford Fire Department made plans to build a new rehouse just a quarter-mile south on Old Post Road, aka Route 22. e $14.8 million project was given the thumbs-up by voters in January 2020. e following year, the village put the 1920s rehouse up for sale in order to help defray those costs. It was sold to local resident Govind Friedland for a cool $2 million, who announced that he hoped to turn the iconic building into a boutique hotel and a world-class eatery. e international entrepreneur wasn’t just talking out of his toque. He’s the managing director of ve-star rated Villa Treville, a luxury hotel and restaurant located in the beautiful seaside town of Positano, Italy. It was birthed out of lm giant Franco Ze erelli’s palatial cli side estate on the Amal Coast. Friedland told one media outlet that he wanted to return the old rehouse to its “original glory,” promising to apply the experiences and lessons he’d acquired in Italy. His purchase put the brick building back on the village’s tax rolls. Bedford’s contract with the new owner allowed the re department to stay put until its new re and EMS quarters were ready. at was supposed to happen in 2022, but was pushed back, likely due to pandemic challenges. It now expects to move in during the rst quarter of this year, according to Heather Feldman, chair of the Bedford Fire District’s Board of Commissioners. So what’s the NEW news? Friedland has put the Bedford landmark on the market. He’s asking 3 million big ones, according to Ginnel Real Estate, the folks handling the one-of-akind property’s listing. Hoping to nd out the reasons behind the abrupt turnaround, e Mt Kisco-Bedford Times reached out to Friedland, who is currently abroad, but had not heard back by press time. Fire sale BFD building back on the market PHOTO COURTESY OF GINNEL REAL ESTATE Located at 34 Village Green, the Bedford Fire Department building has an asking price of $3 million. SEE BFD PAGE 5 BY WHIT ANDERSON STAFF WRITER e BCSD Board of Education met three times over the past four weeks. Beginning with Dec. 14’s unsettling revelations from Kroll’s third-party investigative report on the district’s handling of the Fox Lane bathroom incident last year, more hopeful updates came on Dec. 21 and Jan. 11 in the form of the superintendent’s Entry Plan to bring major foundational changes to the district, plans to meet the demand for improvements in the softball program, and major upgrades regarding safety and security. A large contingent of the community gathered at the Dec. 14 meeting to listen to and give their thoughts on the redacted thirdparty investigation report from Kroll, a corporate investigation and risk consulting rm. e report, stemming from last March’s Fox Lane High School incident where students photographed their special education peers in the bathroom and distributed the pictures to much of the student body and on social media, revealed incompetence in the administration’s immediate handling of the situation. e report revealed that a student whistleblower told the special education sta what occurred on Mar. 11, and the sta responded promptly by notifying the administration and implementing new protocols around the supervision of their students in the bathroom. Major changes coming to BCSD after Kroll Report Potential safety and security upgrades presented BOARD OF EDUCATION SEE BCSD PAGE 6 | Complimentary Exam for Kids Under Age 2!
PAGE 2 – MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM TOM WALOGORSKY EDITOR: 914-302-5830 [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM PAUL FORHAN (914) 806-3951 [email protected] BRUCE HELLER (914) 486-7608 [email protected] LISA KAIN (201) 317-1139 [email protected] CORINNE STANTON (914) 760-7009 [email protected] JAY GUSSAK (914) 299-4541 [email protected] SHELLEY KILCOYNE (914) 924-9122 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL CREATIVE DIRECTOR PHOTOGRAPHER [email protected] NOAH ELDER DESIGNER [email protected] EXECUTIVE TEAM BRETT FREEMAN CEO & PUBLISHER 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES DEADLINE THE DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS AND EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS IS THE WEDNESDAY BEFORE THE NEXT PUBLICATION DATE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL TOM WALOGORSKY AT 914-302-5830 OR EMAIL [email protected] Location 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY HALSTON MEDIA, LLC ©2022 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC Bedford Free Library Located at 32 Village Green, Bedford, NY 10506. For more information or to register for events, visit www.bedfordfreelibrary.org WESTCHESTER BREATHES Friday, Jan. 20, from 9 to 10 a.m. An ongoing program o ered by the Westchester Library System o ering an experience of gentle movement, breathing and relaxation exercises that reduce stress and anxiety and increase a sense of calm and well-being. ese exercises are simple and evidencebased – which is to say …they work! STORIES, SONGS, & SURPRISES ON THE VILLAGE GREEN ursday, Jan. 26, from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. is week’s theme: Penguins! Join in for a weekly storytime with Mrs. Crummy. Plan to be outside on the Village Green, and in the event of inclement weather check the website for updated details. Town of Bedford Recreation Department For more information, visit www.bedfordny.gov/departments/recreation-parks PAINT PARTY Friday, Feb. 3, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. If you are looking for something fun and exciting for your child or a group of friends, join this painting party with Nando Amico! is painting adventure is fun for everyone and there is no experience needed. Everyone is an artist, and will walk out with their very own masterpiece! Light refreshments will be provided. To be held at the Bedford Hills Community Housse. $25/residents, $30 non-residents. ICE SKATING AT THE HARVEY SCHOOL Monday, Feb. 20 from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. In cooperation with the Harvey School the department is o ering public recreational skating for all ages. $5 per person, pay at the door. A DJ will be on hand spinning favorites and requests! You must provide your own skates. No hockey playing permitted. Pound Ridge Library Located at 271 Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge, NY 10576. For more information, email info@poundridgelibrary. org or call 914-764-5085. To register for these events, visit the calendar at www.poundridgelibrary.org. MANGA ILLUSTRATION WITH THOMAS TURNER Saturday, Jan. 21, at 2 p.m. Join omas in exploring marker based manga illustration, from undersketch to inks and vibrant color! is class will get into how to break down complex poses into basic shapes, how to use both manga and portrait/ fashion photography as references for your work, basic concepts surrounding inking, and di erent ways to blend/layer alcohol brush tipped marker. Although this is best suited for middle-school to high-school aged students as this requires ne muscle coordination, if you have a younger child don’t fear! e joy of learning new tools (pen and marker) is for all ages! WINTER TREE CARE Saturday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m. Join Adam Wheeler, Horticulture Manager at Broken Arrow Nursery, for this informative lecture on Winter Tree Care. Adam will explore topics to keep in mind during the dormant months including pruning, SEE TRACKS PAGE 22 FOX TRACKS EDS (Electro Dermal Screening) testing uncovers root-cause and locates natural remedies that eliminate root-cause of illness. Additionally, body work is available to speed up and support healing. We specialize in chronic, and weight loss issues. Call today for a free consultation and receive 2 FREE $20 GIFT CERTIFICATES! Give them to loved ones—show them you care. 914-330-5594 • www.AlternativeHealingClinic.com Looking for Results? EDS Is the answer! Mount Kisco Bedford Times readers, contact us for all your real estate needs! 295 E MAIN STREET | MOUNT KISCO 914-666-7792 (O) [email protected] www.TheCafeResidentialTeam.com ☑Full-Service Brokerage ☑Personal Touch ☑Advanced Marketing ☑Highly Recommended
JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 3 BY BILL BONGIORNO CONTRIBUTING WRITER In a time when Episcopal churches in the area are selling property to remain viable, St. Matthew’s Church in Bedford is thriving, growing and building, not just structures, but a strong community of neighbors. The foundation can be found in bold face type in its November newsletter, The Key, from Rector John Zahl, “We refuse to engage in pulpit politics.” Not a small statement given the culture we now live in. The result is a unity not found in many places. The saying above the door of the entrance to the sanctuary is Latin, “Pax intrantibus, salus exeuntibus,” which translates to “Peace to those who enter, good health to those who depart.” One does feel once they step over the threshold into the church, a lifting of the spirit. Perhaps it’s that the outside world with its division and acrimony is left at the door. Its simple message on the church property sign, All Are Welcome, reflects perfectly the sprit of its people and brings a sense of relief. This is just one reason the seats are filled on a regular Sunday. The church made a conscious decision looking to the future, and in 2012 built a separate children’s chapel, where every Sunday, children have their own church service complete with music and a sermon by Associate Rector Drew Courtright. This is just one part of a thriving children’s program under the direction of Children’s Ministry Coordinator Melissa Torres. The Christmas pageant had about 50 children take part. The Chapel also serves as a private place to hold individual baptisms. HISTORY OF ST. MATTHEW’S Everywhere one looks the history of the church is all around. The same key that unlocked the church door in 1810 when the church was founded is still used today. The 100th anniversary of the founding on October 17, 1910, brought Former President Theodore Roosevelt to Bedford for the celebration. There’s a wonderful picture in its coffee table book “Celebrate St. Matthew’s,” which commemorates the 200th anniversary of the church from 2010. The rich history of St. Matthew’s Church can be seen on the walls of the pristine and impeccable church interior and is documented in another of the church’s publication, Key Notes, which gives the history of each plaque on the walls. One of its most well known parishioners was John Jay, first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and Governor of New York. He contributed to the building of the church and the glebe (land), and for many years attended services there, also receiving communion. On the back sanctuary wall is a plaque dedicated to Clara C. Morse, who was related through marriage to the late Samuel F.B. Morse, the inventor of the telegraph, and for whom The Morse Code is named. One of the most influential women of the 20th century, Virginia Gildersleeve, is buried at St. Matthew’s. In 1945 President Roosevelt named her to the U.S. Delegation to write the United Nations Charter. The only woman so named. REVEREND JOHN ZAHL The vestry made an intentional choice when seeking out its 13th Rector five years ago to avoid politics and keep the focus on Scripture. Reverend John Zahl was the perfect fit, having served for six years as Canon Missioner at Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston, SC. A graduate of Kenyon College, he holds a Master of Divinity degree from Oxford University and is completing work toward the Doctor of Divinity in Preaching degree from Sewanee University. He’s the son of an Episcopal minister, author of two books, “Sermons of Grace” and “Grace in Addiction,” regularly contributes to Mockingbird Ministries, and even participates in a series of podcasts by the Zahl Brothers on the “God Business.” He leads this congregation with an incredible staff of dedicated people, which harkens back to a time when the church was the center of life. There are so many events at St. Matthew’s, there’s something for everyone. THE GLEBE The Glebe, or church land has many features on its 67 acres, including a Chapel in the Woods for outdoor services, and a newly repaired Lych Gate from 1850, symbolizing a gateway to heaven. There is the Beaver Dam Brook, where children take part in a stream stomp in June to experience the Living Waters. There are several miles of hiking as part of the Ketchum Preserve, and even a “miracle tree” - a dogwood that produces both pink and white blossoms every spring. PILGRIMAGE TO GREECE AND TURKEY “I’ve always had an interest in St. Paul, and so in our Bible study class we committed to reading all of his writings and that led to the interest to take this trip.” explained Reverend Zahl. “Also, I had never been to Greece and Turkey.” They started in Northern Greece, in Macedonia, then went to Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece, where Paul wrote the Letter to the Thessalonians. Next was İzmir, the third-largest city. “We wanted to go to places where Paul planted churches and thrived through his missionary work,” he said. They went to Philippi, where the Letter to the Philippians was written. The next stop was Athens, where Paul famously preached on Mars Hill. They went to Corinth, where the Letter to the Corinthians was written. It was once a booming city, but now just ruins. It was akin to the New York City of its time. They had a service of Holy Communion in the ruins of Corinth. In Turkey, they went to Ephesus, where his Letter to Ephesians was written. Next was Laodicea, where Paul planted a church and Colossae, where he wrote the Letter to the Colossians. Next was Philadelphia and Sardis, then Mellitus. The trip’s intended purpose was to follow the footsteps of St. Paul, the author of almost half of the New Testament. He wrote Romans, First and Second Corinthians, Colossians, Galatians, and both Timothy. He was the first Christian Missionary and planted many of the earliest churches. He traveled all around the Mediterranean in the Ancient World proclaiming the gospel. That’s how he spent his life, traveling over 10,000 miles and looped the Mediterranean about five times. According to Reverend Zahl, although Paul is somewhat of a controversial figure at times, he also wrote incredibly radical things about love and acceptance. He created a church for people who had previously been Gentiles, all non-Jewish born believers. He said they are not second class citizens. He built churches around people who had been incarcerated since he himself had been imprisoned many times. Many of his letters were written from prison. So at the same time he was a great champion for radical ideas for tolerance, says Reverend Zahl. “He was a free thinker and far-reaching in his message of love.The term unconditional love basically comes from Paul. So to the extent that people value those ideas of tolerance and not judgment of a person on their class, race or profession, those ideas in our culture derive from St. Paul,” espoused Reverend Zahl. “I said tomorrow morning we’re going to Colossae, so we read the Letter to Colossians and read the Letter to Philemon. Then the next day, we would climb up on the hill and I would give a short sermon culminating from that passage from scripture or that book of the Bible. And then we would say a prayer and ponder all of it, and it was incredible,” said Reverend Zahl, with a passion and excitement of someone who loves his calling and his flock. “We saw people from all Christian denominations when we went to these great sites. I would contend the second trip to take if you are a Christian after going to the Holy Land is to follow the footsteps of St. Paul,” he said, to really get in the mindset of Bible and the time it was written. “Paul is probably the second most influential human being that ever lived after Jesus. His impact on the modern world is immense and so many of the ideas in our culture derive from St. Paul. The idea of people having worth by the nature of being born. That idea was not the norm in ancient cultures and still isn’t in some cultures,” Reverend Zahl concluded. Maybe you want to join a pilgrimage in the future or you may find yourself drawn to St. Matthew’s Church in Bedford for many reasons, be it the history, the fellowship, a search for a place for your children to experience growing in Christ or just to sit and have some peace and contemplate all of God’s good graces. You’ll be greeted warmly with a smile by clergy, staff and parishioners. Remember, All Are Welcome. A thriving community at St. Matthew’s Church Parishioners make pilgrimage to Turkey and Greece The Lych Gate, symbolizing a gateway to heaven. PHOTOS: BILL BONGIORNO All are welcome at St. Matthew’s Church in Bedford.
PAGE 4 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Mount Kisco o cials are weighing the legalization of rental housing in single-family homes. A draft of the proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) law was presented by Mayor Gina Picinich at the Village Board’s Monday, Jan. 9, work session. “More than 50 percent of Westchester municipalities, including our neighbors, currently permit ADUs, and more are considering it,” she said. e state has been pushing for ADUs since last year. Mount Kisco is among a handful of municipalities that currently do not have a local law in place. And some fear that the state could step in and force a more exacting version on them even if they do. at’s why it’s important for the village to get ahead of the curve now by deciding if it wants to allow ADUs and how to structure the law in a way that bene ts the village as a whole, the mayor explained. Just because Mount Kisco already has an abundance of condos, co-ops, apartment buildings, and multi-family homes, “doesn’t mean there’s enough housing,” Picinich insisted. LOCAL INPUT VALUED Trustees were asked to review the draft law and comment on it by Friday, Jan. 20. Once the wording is nalized, the Village Board will present it to the community. ere will be public hearings as well, so there’s plenty of time for input. While acknowledging that the topic of ADUs can be “a little scary,” Trustee Karine Patiño said Monday that she sees the discussion as an “opportunity” for the community to formulate a collective response to the “housing crisis.” e proposed local law is not “a magic bullet, but it’s a start,” Patiño said. According to the draft, the law would encourage the “more ef- cient use” of existing housing stocks in one-family residential districts. is would provide “economic support” for property owners – especially seniors who want to remain in their homes -- and “housing opportunities” for renters with limited incomes such as students and the disabled. It would also “protect and preserve property values.” PROPOSAL’S KEY POINTS· Accessory apartments will only be allowed by special use permit in RS-6, RS-9, RS-12, and CD zoning districts. ey are prohibited in all other zoning districts. · e homes have to be owneroccupied and used as that owner’s principal residence. Only one is permitted per building. Any ownership change or title transfer will trigger the need for a new application. · e apartment’s oor area can’t be less than 400 square feet or larger than 30 percent of the principal dwelling’s total area. · ere must be a separate kitchen, bathroom, and living area. · e home must “present”as a single-family home. If entrances are constructed, they have to be located to the rear or side. · A principal dwelling unit may be altered, enlarged or constructed to accommodate an accessory dwelling unit, but it still must comply with all zoning regulations and conform to code. · A minimum of one additional o -street parking space is required. · If the property has septic the plans must be approved by the county Health Department. · Special use permits need to be extended or renewed every three years following the passage of a re safety inspection. CONCERNS RAISED Trustee Karen Schleimer raised concerns Monday about whether banks holding mortgages on single-family homes where owners are contemplating an ADU would permit that. “Most of these lenders are federally chartered institutions and the mortgages were made on the basis of single-family occupancy,” she explained to e Mount Kisco-Bedford Times later, adding that “renting out space for money may be considered a commercial use and a violation of the existing mortgage.” Schleimer also noted that the village has spent decades trying to get rid of accessory apartments. “ e illegal ones; there’s a di erence,” Picinich interjected. Schleimer acknowledged ursday that “many or most of those apartments were illegal, some led to loss of life,” but insisted she is still concerned “about enforcement in the future.” Other issues for the trustee parking availability and what could happen to tenants of ADUs if the home were sold or the owner passes away also worried her. Schleimer said at the public meeting that she needed more information before she could formulate an opinion. Finally, she was concerned that the proposed local law, if not written correctly, could wind up causing “more problems than it could ever hope to solve.” e draft legislation is contained in the “packet” for the Jan. 9 Village Board meeting. It’s posted on Mount Kisco’s website, www. mountkiscony.gov. RELATED DEVELOPMENTS Gov. Kathy Hochul highlighted housing, mental health and public safety issues in her 2023 State of the State address in Albany on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Unveiled was the New York Housing Compact, a multipronged statewide strategy that she said would address the “severe, once-in-a-generation” housing crisis, build 800,000 new homes over the next 10 years, and support both renters and homeowners. e proposal includes local participation requirements and O icials discuss ADU options SEE ADU PAGE 21 Providing Solutions to Live More Independently Stair Lifts & Ramps Mobility Scooters Reclining Lift Chairs Patient Handling + Lifts Portable Oxygen Hospital Beds Barrier Free Showers Bathroom Safety Ramps, Rentals & more! We deliver! Mon-Fri 9-5pm Sat. 9-3pm 385 Main St. S Ste. 102 Southbury, CT 06488 203-262-0383 280 N Bedford Rd. Ste. 101 Mt Kisco, NY 10549 914-483-3605 Five Star Customer Service! 10% OFF your first purchase! Call for a Complimentary Home Safety Assessment onthemendmedical.com Ramps, Rentals & more! We deliver! 385 Main St. S Ste. 102 Southbury, CT 06488 Bringing service back to the industry! *10% off of your first purchase. 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JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 5 A self-professed “real estate junkie,” he also owns homes in Katonah and Pound Ridge. (His family empire has spread to ailand and Japan.) Friedland, a geologist, is CEO of GoGreen Investments Corp. and executive chairman of GoviEx Uranium, an “African-focused uranium mine developer and explorer,” according to his LinkedIn pro le. He is the son of billionaire mining magnate Robert Friedland. So what does one get in return for all that moola? About 11,583 square feet of space to play with, for one. e open oor plan lends itself to “a variety of commercial and/or retail uses, including a restaurant, gallery, showroom, museum, or car collection,” Ginnel’s posting crows. It has 30 feet of frontage on the Village Green. Ginnel points out that although the building is in the Bedford Village Historic District, it doesn’t have a “historic” designation. at means that the new owners probably won’t have to worry about being hounded by history bu s opposed to any physical changes. Among the amenities are an industrial-sized kitchen, 11-foothigh ceilings, 20 parking spaces, and even a four-lane bowling alley in its basement. HISTORICAL TIDBITS e re department was organized in 1923 by several Bedford Village residents, including John Kinkel and George McCabe St. Katherine Kinkel sold the property to the village for $1. e rehouse was opened in 1929 and originally contained only 3,000 square feet. e all-volunteer organization’s one and only re truck was parked in a garage belonging to a “Mrs. Colgate,” according to its published history. Sometime in the next decade, the re department purchased several bowling alleys that had been built for an expo in New York City. It installed them behind the building, using a primitive shed roof and walls to “protect them from the elements.” By 1959, the rehouse had been renovated to include another 8,000 square feet and a partial basement. e small garage doors and center pedestrian entryway were combined to make one big door that would accommodate the bigger trucks of the time. A staircase to the second oor, located in the center of the apparatus room, was removed. Reclaimed bowling pin machines, scavenged from a demolition site, were installed in the front half of the basement, completing the bowling alley. e addition also included a three-story rear staircase that provided access to all levels. Another door and staircase were built on the side of the rehouse next to the library in order to accommodate the public. One of the neat architectural details remaining are wooden shutters with cut-outs depicting re axe “roses.” According to Feldman, all the re department’s precious stu – photos, awards, bric-a-brac, etc. – will be transferred to its new home. BFD FROM PAGE 1 Earlier this month, FLHS senior Jacob Feldman was named a top 300 Scholar in the 82nd Regeneron Science Talent Search for research he conducted at the University of Pennsylvania. Jacob’s project, entitled “ e Geometry and Reactivity of a Novel Zirconium-Centered Coordination Complex Supported by a bis-PN Ligand Framework,” involved catalysis, which is the scienti c process that uses chemical substances known as catalysts to increase the rate of reactions. “I researched speci c kinds of compounds called coordination complexes,” Jacob said. “We synthesized two novel complexes. e rst one may have catalytic properties for certain reactions, so that’s exciting. And the fact that we were able to go from the rst compound to the second is promising in that it indicates that the ligand system we’re using is exible, which is an important aspect of catalysis.” While the project itself is con- dential, Jacob explained that its potential is far-reaching. “If the complex we were able to synthesize is ultimately able to execute one or multiple reactions more e ciently than existing technologies, that could lead to more sustainability, as catalysts allow for reactions to be run in a manner that consumes fewer raw materials, uses less energy, and generates less waste.” When Jacob talks about science, his passion, curiosity and awe of the subject are impossible to miss. He notes the “dances” that occur at a molecular level and speaks with enthusiasm about processes in physical science that the average person is unaware of. His teachers were not surprised that he was chosen. “Jacob’s project is an ultimate example of perseverance and resilience,” said Science Research teacher Amy Pirro. “He has met many obstacles and worked tirelessly to produce the project that earned him this honor. He truly is a role model for current and future students in our program.” Pirro and Science Research teacher Kelli Kinlen believe that whatever Jacob decides to do in the future, he will be successful. “He will most de nitely be a game-changer and a ground breaker in the world of research. We are so very proud of him,” said Kinlen. Article provided by Bedford Central School District. Fox Lane’s Feldman named Regeneron scholar Jacob Feldman Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. 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PAGE 6 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 From there, however, is where malpractice occurred. On Mar. 21, two of the student perpetrators confessed their actions to Fox Lane Principal Brett Miller. But at a Mar. 22 meeting, he chose to not mention anything about the incident. Furthermore, Miller wrote in a Mar. 31 email to then Superintendent Joel Adelburg that there was “still no evidence” of who might have done it, and made no mention of it while presenting a district timeline investigation to the board on Apr. 8. Current Superintendent Robert Glass announced that Miller is currently on leave and will resign at the end of the school year. Former Fox Lane Middle School and Mount Kisco Elementary Principal Sue Ostrofsky is acting as interim principal for the rest of the year. Edward Escobar, the district’s Director of Pupil Services, is currently on leave for his role in downplaying reports he received. Assessing the district’s own investigation last spring, the report cited a lack of leadership, a lack of record keeping leading to poor decision-making, a lack of communication with key figures, and a lack of district policy to inform the victim’s parents of the incident in a timely manner. Based on Kroll’s recommendations, the district, who will address the matter on Feb. 1, will implement staff and administration training on the basics of investigating and communicating. They will also revise Policy 7550 to include a one-day notification provision to families for incidents like this. “This report illustrates a breakdown in that trust affecting vulnerable students, and that is never acceptable – our expectations must be higher,” said Board President Edward Reder. Pound Ridge resident Karen Close, the mother of one of the victims, spoke of the traumatic effect the report had on her, but will keep standing strong. “I am feeling even more outraged, hurt, and victimized than I was before, which I did not think was possible. Yet, I also feel vindicated and validated, that everything I knew that was wrong was actually happening.” In theme with changing the operations and culture of the district moving forward, Dr. Glass presented the final update on his Entry Plan at the Dec. 21 meeting. Meeting with many students, parents, staff, community members, and other groups, along with gathering their thoughts on the ThoughtExchange survey, Glass looks to fulfill the needs and wants of the district through a simplified approach. Glass’s concrete steps moving forward call for taking the time to double down on the district’s foundations, such as their efforts in literacy review, math implementation, and Dual Language Bilingual Education (DLBE) review. He also called for improvement in the district’s culture through structured communication, building trust through results, and overall alignment or “buying in.” “I see us as national leaders, known for our elite curriculum and instruction to meet the needs of all students,” he said. “We are destined for greatness.” Later during public comment, a handful of members from the softball program spoke on the lackluster facilities and coverage they receive compared to other sports, believing it to violate Title 9 laws. Citing issues such as rocks on the field, inadequate field access for players and spectators, a lack of equipment, and a lack of video and social media coverage, players, coaches, and parents emphasized the necessity for improvement. “If we do better, we can inspire other schools who are violating Title 9 laws as well,” said Fox Lane Senior Gabby Tucker, a member of the softball and basketball team. “The girls are isolated. We are the only varsity team that does not play on the high school campus,” said Pound Ridge parent Josh Genovese. Dr. Glass addressed the concerns, saying that he, Reder, and others met twice with the softball parents that month to discuss how to move forward with safety improvements and bond renovations. Speaking on more general district improvements for next school year, Dr. Glass opened the Jan. 11 board meeting by presenting the 2023-24 budget overview landscape. Glass highlighted that staying within the 2.0% tax cap restraint will be difficult given that inflation remains over 7.0%. He also warned that the risk of a recession could impact sales tax revenues in the district. However, the district still has many goals and initiatives in place using next year’s budget, including safety and security, post-pandemic academic and social emotional support, class size and staffing levels, literacy, special education study recommendations, and sustaining the Success Plan initiatives. Glass will present the proposed budget to the board on Mar. 22. Dr. Glass also presented the general recommendations from the Safety and Security Task Force meetings. Formed in response to the Uvalde, Texas school shooting last May, community and administrative members met numerous times to discuss methods to prevent a similar tragedy happening in the district. Planning to use the general fund and bonds, the district is already working on a plethora of measures (room numbering, law enforcement training within school’s buildings, parent reunification planning, a Critical Response Group (CRG) building mapping system, etc.). Furthermore, Glass composed bond measures (Security vestibule upgrades at building entrances, safety and security window film, an emergency generator at high school grandstands, etc.). He also broke down additional potential improvements into high and medium priorities. The high measures included a fulltime security coordinator and an additional school resource officer (SRO), among other suggestions. Glass looks to incorporate the priorities into the 2023-24 budget process. “It’s really a great feeling to have a community that cares so much,” he said. The board meets next on Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. BCSD FROM PAGE 1 ALSO HAPPENING DURING OUR TV & MOTION SUPER SALE: TAKE 15% OFF ANY LANCASTER IRON PRODUCT COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN SERVICES HOME FURNISHINGS • MATTRESSES • KIDS’ ROOMS LIGHTING • WINDOW TREATMENTS • RUGS • ART • DECOR VISIT OUR SPACIOUS BEDFORD HILLS SHOWROOM: 230 RTE 117 BYPASS ROAD COUNTRYWILLOW.COM *Offer not valid on purchase of gift cards, previously purchased merchandise, clearance items, balances or special discounts. **0% APR from date of eligible purchase until paid in full. Monthly payment is the purchase amount divided by the number of months in the offer. Last payment may vary due to rounding. 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JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 7 We’re seeking experienced Home Health Aides in Westchester! Join us and make a positive impact in people’s lives by providing quality care and developing meaningful relationships. As a Health Raiser, you will enjoy our higher pay rates, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, education, well-being programs, and excellent opportunities for growth. Multiple shifts available. Apply today by scanning the QR code, visiting NorthwellCareers.com or calling 914-750-0076. Northwell Health is hiring Home Health Aides.
PAGE 8 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES 118 N, BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2021 Halston Media, LLC Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those of The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times or its affiliates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for 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 Brett Freeman, Publisher Tom Walogorsky, Editor Tabitha Pearson Marshall, Creative Director Editorial Office: 914-302-5830 [email protected] JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 I played some Little League and soccer growing up. I was even captain of my middle school soccer team when I was in eighth grade. In high school, I ran sprints in track and competed in long jump. But none of those sports prepared me for my 9-year-old son’s involvement in wrestling. When we committed to taking Jared to wrestling practice six hours per week (plus even more hours with frequent tournaments and duels), the head coach warned us that it would be an emotional sport. He said there would be plenty of tears during the matches. And that’s just the parents. I don’t know if every town is like ours. But our town (I live in Connecticut, just a stone’s throw from Bedford/Mt. Kisco/Pound Ridge) is a wrestling town. Every practice is a bit chaotic, from the parking lot to inside the gymnasium. When we arrive at the gym, there are about 50-60 younger kids winding down their practice and about 50-60 slightly older kids starting theirs. And there are lots and lots of parents helping their children with their uniforms and equipment. You can’t just walk onto a wrestling mat from off the street. You need to wear special wrestling shoes with clean soles in order to keep the mats free from detritus and unnecessary germs and bacteria. At Jared’s very first practice, kids were crying after about 10 minutes of laps around the gym; one of the older kids got reamed out for not paying attention; and a girl vomited all over the floor. None of the coaches or parent volunteers seemed phased in the slightest by any of this. Throughout all of it, over a couple of months, I have to hand it to Jared- -he seems to be enjoying himself. He often has a smile on his face and he’s enthusiastic about going to practice. I’m really glad, as Jared has struggled a bit with bullying at school. Nothing totally egregious or excessive. But enough to make me happy that he pursued wrestling so that he could feel more confident about himself. He is far from the best wrestler. At his first tournament, he won one match and lost three. I was glad that I took video and pictures of the one match he happened to win. Of course, I posted it on social media to announce how proud we were of him. I captured the perfect photo of the referee raising his arm in victory. But it’s important to note (and I certainly told him the same), I was equally proud of him during his three losing matches, two of which he truly got his butt kicked (his words, not mine). After the match, no matter how upset each child is, he must shake his opponent’s hand, shake the hand of the opposing team’s coach, and then speak to his own coach for a quick post-mortem before returning to Mommy and Daddy for a hug. My wife, Lauren, and I were sitting at the edge of the mat throughout each match. It’s not easy to watch your 9-year-old struggling to get up after getting tackled to the ground. Our town had the largest contingent of kids, which meant two of Jared’s four opponents were from our own team. When he wrestled against kids from our own team, we remained muted except for some polite applause (it’s hard to get too enthusiastic when you’re standing next to the same parents you see at practice each week), and we got more vocal in support of Jared when he wrestled against kids from opposing towns. I know there is a special relationship between a son and his mom, but there’s also a unique dynamic between a son and his dad. A son looks to his mom for comfort, but he looks to his dad for approval. After all, his dad is the person who was a boy his age earlier in life. After Jared’s first loss, he seemed crushed, and after he spoke to his coach and hugged his mom, he collapsed in my lap while we both held back tears. I just held him, kissed his head and told him how proud I was of him. As I said, the coach warned us that wrestling is an emotional sport. It was one of those rare moments in parenting that I will cherish forever. Lauren really stays on top of the details when it comes to our kids. Our 13-year-old daughter, Jenna, is a dancer, and while I sometimes drive her to and from her dance classes, it’s really been her mom who has been on top of all the details when it comes to rehearsals, which classes to sign up for, what costumes to purchase, etc. But with Jared’s wrestling, I’ve pretty much been an equal participant with my wife. She’s better at staying on top of the schedules and sign-ups and what uniforms and equipment to purchase, but I prepped everyone for the intense requirements leading up to Jared’s first tournament. I learned that hygiene and skin conditions are taken seriously in wrestling, and so we needed a doctor’s note to document Jared’s birthmark (or as we call it, stork bite) on the back of his neck. I watched the video sent out explaining the rules of each match, how to score points and how to avoid penalties. And Lauren and I together carefully navigated the utter chaos of the first tournament. When we arrived, we had to check in, then get Jared’s skin checked and then compete simultaneously with hundreds of other parents to find our child’s bracket posted on the cafeteria wall. In youth wrestling, they carefully match up the kids by weight, age and experience level. We were at the tournament for about four hours, but you can’t just sit back and relax as a parent (especially of a 9-year-old). You have to stay vigilant for when your child’s bracket comes up, and on which mat. When Jared returned to practice the day after his first tournament, he wanted to wrestle one of the kids who really beat him bad so he could learn from him and practice with someone who could really help him improve his techniques. Jared, when you read this column years from now, I want you to always know this. You’re much braver than I ever was. I admire you tremendously for your willingness to compete in such a tough sport. Just showing up and getting on the mat takes courage. And I just want to say “hats off ” to all the other parents in the wrestling community throughout the local area. In just a few short weeks, I’ve learned that there truly is a wrestling culture. The practices are tough and the coaches are strict, but the coaches are also nurturing. It’s clear that Jared has joined a close-knit community that will have his back into the future. As a parent of a wrestler, I’m hooked! Hats off to my son and the wrestling community PHOTO COURTESY OF BRETT FREEMAN Jared Freeman winning a match at his first tournament BRETT FREEMAN PUBLISHER’S MEMO
JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 OPINION THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 9 When I think of the future, I always envision the stereotypical elements of ying cars, robot butlers, and cloud cities. We’re gradually getting there, but we’re still not where I thought we would be in 2023. Although, over our recent holiday break, I was nally able to check one thing o of my futuristic bucket list. anks to a visit from my nephew and nieces and their snazzy new VR headset I got the chance to play the next generation of video games. I’ve seen the future, and it’s weird. THE GRAPH PAPER STORY My brother and I have fond memories of our childhood Christmases, with Nintendo systems being among the gifts through the years. However, any present that involved the latest in video entertainment also came with a fable that has become somewhat legendary in my family. When my father was growing up, kids were more creative with devising forms of entertainment. A rubber Spalding ball opened the door to an assortment of games, and even something as simple as a bottle cap could be turned into hours of entertainment. And then there was Battleship. e classic board game that we all know today was a luxury item in those days, meaning that my dad had to make his own game board using a pencil and a sheet of graph paper. But the hardships didn’t end there. Since pre-lined graph paper was also a luxury, my father endured the arduous process of making his own. As he often explained (with tongue rmly in cheek), only the rich folks could a ord graph paper, and su ering builds character. READY PLAYER 1 Now that the next generation of Walogorsky kids are getting into video games, it was time for Graham, Elise, and Daphne to show us old folks what they were working with. Naturally, the kids had rst dibs on their new toy once they arrived. I quickly discovered that even being in the room while they took turns in the virtual world was endlessly entertaining. eir game of choice was “Job Simulator,” where the player gets to pick an occupation and test their skills from the comfort of the living room. When Daphne announced that she had spilled mustard on the oor, it took me a moment to realize that she was Virtual insanity PHOTO: TOM WALOGORSKY The future is now. TOM WALOGORSKY TOM’S TAKE SEEWALOGORSKYPAGE 10 1. Clip the short form on the page 2.Fill out the information. 3.Mail it to P.O. Box 864, Mahopac, NY 10541 4.Or Visit www.HalstonSubscribe.com 5.Or Scan our QR Code to Subscribe. Please print your first and last names and address legibly, sign and date (all required to continue receiving your subscription to this newspaper). YES, I wish to receive a FREE 3-year subscription to The Katonah-Lewisboro Times. 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PAGE 10 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OPINION JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 referring to the virtual convenience store that she was working in. What a time to be alive! When my turn nally came, I donned the VR headset and slipped into the next generation of video games. I also opted for the convenience store option in “Job Simulator,” and spent the next half hour doling out Slurpies, snacks, and lotto tickets to a parade of robot customers. I don’t look back fondly on my younger days working in retail, but I’ll admit that sta ng the virtual 7-11 was a lot of fun. Plus, the VR retail world enabled me to live out a fantasy of throwing food at rude customers. I might need to invest in one of these headsets. FUTURE SHOCK After spending some time in the VR universe, it was strange to take o the headset and realize that I had actually just been roaming around a little corner of my living room. It was astounding how easily we all slipped into the world of virtual retail sales and auto repair, all the while knowing that it was all because of a piece of plastic strapped to our heads. Finally getting to play the next generation of video games got me thinking about how far we’ve come from the good old days of Atari and original Nintendo. My wife and I break out the classic consoles from time to time, and even with their spi y VR headset, the kids still enjoy playing the original Sonic the Hedgehog when they come to visit. I’m on board with the next wave of VR video games, but I can’t help but wonder if playing 8-bit Super Mario Bros. will one day become MY graph paper story. Tom Walogorsky hopes there will be a virtual newspaper editor game. Contact him at walogorsky@ halstonmedia.com. WALOGORSKY FROM PAGE 9 I n 2022, it was a very cold Christmas eve, even in Texas. Cesar Montelongo Sr., the head maintenance worker at the Clayton Pointe apartment complex in Grand Prairie, had cheerfully taken the duty shift for the evening. Even though the next day (Christmas) was his 29th wedding anniversary, he had no problem volunteering that night because he knew all the residents and really loved helping them, as he had for the past 16 years. e particular apartment building that Cesar attended to has a history of frozen pipes. Any maintenance worker worth her salt will tell you that the damage that can be caused by such a condition can be catastrophic. Unfortunately, a report had been received at the maintenance o ce on Dec. 24 that several of the apartment building’s pipes had ruptured that day. e thought that any of his tenants would spend a Christmas eve (or any night) shivering was unacceptable for this gentle, hardworking and gregarious man who, it is reported, was loved by everyone. To check the condition of the pipes, Mr. Montelongo, 53, had to laboriously hoist himself from balcony to balcony. At 6 p.m. on Christmas eve, one of the residents, from a window in one of the apartments he was working on, shot four bullets at Cesar, fatally wounding him. He was declared dead at the hospital. His son, Cesar Montelongo Jr., 28, of Arlington, couldn’t believe this had happened. “Come to nd out it was not just one bullet that was red, but four…he wasn’t doing anything malicious. He wasn’t even trying to open the balcony door. He wasn’t trying to get into the apartment. My dad was employed there for 16 years. All the residents knew him, and he knew all the residents, as well.” Halfway around the globe at about the very same time, in Hiroshima, Japan, Tsunekazu Ito, 65, was debating with his wife about whether or not he should take out the garbage. You may not think it was much of dilemma, but it was a particularly cold and icy Christmas eve. His wife insisted that there was no need since the garbage wasn’t going to be picked up until the following Tuesday. But Tsunekazu felt that it was best to get this little chore done. After all, he reasoned, he wanted to get all the mundane tasks accomplished so their whole focus could be the upcoming holiday celebrations with their ve grandkids. He loved his grandkids with every ber of his being. Braving the icy streets and cold air was not a problem. He was a dedicated and sel ess husband, who like Mr. Montelongo, possessed a truly gentle and gregarious nature, loved by everyone who knew him. On the way to the garbage bin the outdoor cameras show him falling on the ice and hitting his head. He lay there for two minutes but eventually got to his feet and went home. His wife asked him what had happened but being the type of unassuming man that he was, he waived o her concerns. He loved his wife with a sel ess passion that wouldn’t permit him to focus on himself. 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OPINION THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 11 JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 I t’s 2023 and you either just toasted with Champagne when the ball dropped (impressive) or had sparkling cider with your kids at 8 p.m. in your fancy sweats. Either way, it’s a new year and you’re hopeful and optimistic. Maybe you’re hoping that this will be the year your baby will sleep through the night or that your little one will hit some major milestones. Or maybe you’re hoping to get into a workout routine for yourself that you will actually stay committed to. You tell yourself that this will be the year that you organize your playroom, nally go through those junk drawers, make those photo albums, and cook more dinners. You, my friend, are determined. You’re going to slay 2023 (as the kids say). OK, so back to reality. Yes, New Year’s resolutions can be a positive thing. I’m not hating on them. In fact, I make quite a few myself each year and sometimes they stick and sometimes they don’t. Resolutions can de nitely make you motivated and yes, they can jump-start the process and be bene cial. But in my opinion, they are the equivalent to starting a fad diet. It’s not going to work out and you’re not going to be consistent if it’s extreme and unreasonable. Every year I hear people say that they’re going to eat healthy. Yes, you can eat healthy and you can be successful but it’s not going to a long-term thing if you force yourself to give up everything and only eat carrot sticks. e same goes for resolutions with our parenting goals. To wake up on Jan. 1 and to claim that you’re never going to feel frustrated and raise your voice is just setting yourself up to fail. I really feel that we as parents want to be so perfect for our kids so often because we love them so much that we set unrealistic expectations for ourselves. I nd that when I have a not-so-proud moment with my kids, usually when I have become so overwhelmed and frustrated, that I just have to take a step back and remove myself so that I can breathe. en I usually come back and explain what happened. I have absolutely told my kids that Mommy was frustrated and sometimes when that happens, she has a reaction. And that it’s OK to feel in the moment as long as we can get back to a calm place and talk it out. I want my kids to know that I’m not perfect and that I have my moments, too. I am very big on talking things out, especially why we feel the way we feel, even when we get angry. I have even told my kids that sometimes Mommy slips and says bad words and that she’s going to work on it (oops). So this year, my New Year’s resolution is to work on having patience with myself as well as with my kids. And it’s not to say I won’t overreact or get upset. I am human, I’m not perfect, and I am entitled to feel my feelings, good and bad. I will not set an unattainable goal of never becoming overwhelmed. at’s not realistic in any way. But I will set small goals: I will always communicate why I’m feeling the way I am; I will always apologize when I’m wrong; I will always be accountable for my actions. And I will always remind myself that it’s OK to have a moment to myself to reel myself back in. I deserve it, and so do my kids. As for unrealistic resolutions, I still have a few things on my list that will always be there and make me laugh. 1. Stop spending money at Target. 2. Drink less co ee. 3. Do less mindless scrolling on Instagram before bed. One day I’ll get to those… one day! Or maybe never… Nicole Dooley is a Somers mom who enjoys writing for her parenting blog. If you enjoyed her column, you can read more of her entries at www. mamaexplains.com or follow her on Instagram at @mamaexplains for relatable parenting tips and stories. New year, new you? PHOTO: NICOLE DOOLEY NICOLE DOOLEY MAMA EXPLAINS Grades 6–12 with 5-day boarding for 9–12 in Katonah, NY NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2023–2024 www.harveyschool.org Dare To Be Your Best! YOUR LOCAL PAINTING COMPANY! RPC Painting & Contracting is a full-service painting and contracting company that has been servicing the area for over 26 years. We specialize in interior and exterior painting for residential and commercial customers based in Westchester County, NY. We also do basic maintenance and repairs. Our team is fully licensed and insured, so you can be sure that your home will be taken care of by highly skilled professionals who know what they’re doing. Contact Rick Cook TODAY! 914-486-8905 [email protected] rpcpaintingandcontracting.com FREE ESTIMATES!
PAGE 12 SWEARING IN CEREMONIES Our community didn’t waste any time getting into the swing of things for 2023! At the Dec. 6 Village Board meeting, Trustee Karen Schleimer and Trustee/Deputy Mayor Lisa Abzun were sworn in by Mayor Gina Picinich. At the Village Board meeting on Jan. 9, library board trustees Dr. Barbara Steckel, Jill Resnick, and Heather Bryant were also sworn in. IT’S A BOY! e rst baby to be born in Westchester in 2023 came into the world at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco. Cute-as-a-button Luciano arrived at 12:41 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1, to proud parents Marilyn and Kristo Albanese. He weighed 6 pounds and 4 ounces and is the Holmes couple’s rst child. “Holding my baby for the rst time was surreal,” his mom said. “It felt like it was meant to be. It felt right.” e Albaneses met 12 years ago at their workplace, a cap and gown supplier in Greenwich, Ct., and got married four years later. ey chose to travel from their Dutchess County home to Mount Kisco for the birth. According to NWH, the facility provides private rooms, gourmet meals, and dedicated mother-baby navigators for all maternity patients. FOX LANE STUDENTS BUDGET FOR THE FUTURE “Welcome to the Disney Store. How is your day going?” Fox Lane High School senior Owen Coulter stood behind a cash register greeting his peers as they brought snacks up to the coun money. e role-play of an engaging lesson class in which studen planned a trip to Disn “We were workinment, money manage separate lessons,” Smy fun way to apply thoseing format.” To begin, Smythe much money they wo a trip to Disney. “ ey originally th said. “But when they sline prices, hotels, gift more, they realized th closer to $3,500.” Each of Smythe’s stnary job that pays $1 Looking ahe Marilyn and Kristo Albanese with Luciano, Westchester’s first baby of 2023. Brigida Smythe showing senior Owen Coulter how to use the cash register. PHOTO COURTESY OF BCSD THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – The Consumer’s Choice for Discount Heating Oil! SAVE WITH OUR LOW C.O.D. PRICES! • No Contracts or Commitments • Oil Burner & A/C Service/Tune-ups • Quality Heating Oil • Senior Citizen & Volume Discounts • Heating, Cooling & Generator Installations • Price Matching (Restrictions apply) Order online at: www.codoil.com CALL US TODAY AND SAVE! 914.737.7769 SAVE WITH OUR LOW C.O.D.
PAGE 13 nter and counted out ying exercise was part n in Brigida Smythe’s nts budgeted for and ney. g on time manageement, and budget in ythe said. “ is was a e skills using an excit asked students how ould have to save for hought $35,” Smythe started looking at airfts for loved ones, and heir budget might be tudents has an imagi15 per hour. ey had to gure out how long it would take them to save enough money for a trip. ey also researched the parks and fully planned their day — from the moment they would wake up to where to have lunch and what souvenirs they would buy for loved ones. ey also used YouTube and virtual reality goggles to see what the parks had to o er. “Look at this place! It’s cool!” said senior Rodin Madric as he experienced a safari expedition through virtual reality. As students planned their trips, Smythe along with instructional aide ToniAnn Licata and teacher’s aides Reema Katzenberger, Averil Mathis, Hannah Heineke and Dawn McClain helped make sure students thought all their options through as they planned, asking questions like Do you shower in the morning? Do you eat rst? What time do you want to have breakfast? What do you want to do after breakfast? After nishing their schedules, students visited their classroom Disney Snack Shop and “paid” at the register. ey counted out their money and made sure they got back the correct change. “I wanted to see my students take what they were showing me on worksheets and Google Slides, and apply it to a given situation,” Smythe said. “ ey worked really hard to apply the skills they have been learning. It was also fun to see them begin to understand the value of a dollar and acknowledge how much money needs to be earned and saved to make something like a dream Disney trip come true.” Article provided by Bedford Central School District. ead to 2023! Deputy Mayor Lisa Abzun being sworn in by Mayor Gina Picinich. PHOTO COURTESY OF LIZETTE DAVIS (Back row) Deputy Mayor Lisa Abzun, Mayor Gina Picinich, Trustee Karine Patino, Trustee Anne Bianchi (Front row) Dr. Barbara Steckel, Jill Resnick, Heather Bryant PHOTO COURTESY OF LIZETTE DAVIS Fox Lane students looked to (and planned for) the future! JANUARY 19 – FEBRUARY 9, 2023 Trustee Karen Schleimer being sworn in. PHOTO COURTESY OF LIZETTE DAVIS Combining the best of modern medicine with proven holistic methods. (914) 248-6220 / Progressive-vet.com 268 Route 202 Somers, NY
PAGE 14 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OPINION JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 When all the holiday decorations come down, isn’t it amazing how your home seems to double in size and everything feels simpler and lighter. ere is something about having “less” that makes you feel capable of so much more. What if we did that in other areas of life? Less busy. Less negativity. Less clutter. Less worrying. How much more large, inviting and calm would our days feel? As we walk forward in this new year, let’s focus on less so we have room for more of what truly matters. Kim Stoll empowers women to nd joy in every day and build a life they love through positive habits in mindset, tness and smart nutrition. Virtual coaching available. [email protected] What if less is really more? Kim Stoll GUEST CORNER I just wanted to take a second to wish everyone a happy and healthy new year. But now that I have you here, I could certainly waste more of your time than by just saying that. is is the moment to make a fresh start, let bygones be bygones, mend fences, take stock of the future and bury the past. Let’s start with my New Year’s resolution of speaking only in clichés. Needless to say, that’s the honest truth. Which is cliché code for: I just said something you don’t care about, and it’s the only thing I’ve said that wasn’t a lie. We’ve been stuck in the house for months waiting for a good reason to test our immunity to all the bugs and viruses out there, and a New Year’s Eve party seemed like the perfect opportunity to try to RSVP without the RSV. New Year’s Eve this year was hosted by a couple who have diametrically opposing views about what kind of music is most appropriate for the occasion. She likes to dance to the hiphop music of the day. He likes alternative rock and classic roll. ey used to argue about it, and a satisfactory marriage is built on compromise. at way, NOBODY is happy. However, a STRONG marriage is built on the pretense of compromise. And so a Ludacris song starts and when she kicks o her shoes to dance, he kicks them under the couch and says “Honey, I thought I saw some glass on the oor,” so she disappears into the bedroom and he switches to “Start Me Up” by the Stones and hits the oor but she returns and says “Honey, they need help lling the Champagne glasses and “Start Me Up” is nished in 12 notes and it’s back to Ludacris but he returns and says “Honey, can you put the kids to bed?” and she says, “Honey, the kids are 27 and 29,” and so they retreat to neutral corners. e rest of us are nursing a sprained ankle from trying to dance to a fractured playlist. “Where’s the remote control? We don’t want to miss the countdown!” I shout. “Rick, it’s only 10:15.” Better safe than never than late than sorry, I always say. Actually that was the rst time, but I’m auditioning clichés. It’s important that you get the new year o to a timely start, otherwise, you’ll be a few seconds o the whole year. It’s so much more important than, say, the countdown to launching a rocket ship. If you miss lifto by a minute or two, and you’re late to Mars, you think they’re not going to hold dinner for you? After the New Year has been safely rung in, and hands have been shook and people have been air-kissed, I park myself over by the dessert table to see who all is not really serious about New Year’s resolutions. So many people set themselves up for failure. Make your promises easy to keep. I resolve to eat more chocolate in 2023, and I get right to it. And to watch more 1970s television. at sounds easy, but old shows where you can punch whomever you like and no one sues you AND they’ll be knocked unconscious for 10 minutes are not a renewable resource, and I’m starting to run out of options. In with the the old SEEMELENPAGE 15 RICK MELÉN MAN OVERBOARD Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! 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In the wee hours of a New Year’s Eve party, I can estimate where the guests live within a margin of error of plus or minus 3 miles. e people who have already left by 12:02 live less than a half-hour away. ey have two countdowns, one to ring in the new year and the other for when their babysitter goes into overtime. e ones who stay until 12:47 a.m. live within 15 minutes of the party, and they’ve nursed two-and-a-half drinks over four hours, to maintain a degree of sobriety that makes their conversation just out of reach of those who are still left at 2 a.m., who live close enough to wobble home to their last known address. e party we went to was in Crotonon-Hudson, up a big hill within spitting distance of the river, and if you don’t pay attention and stumble the wrong way, it’s Croton-IN-Hudson for you. If you were the rst baby born in 2023, we missed you and your parents at the party. ey had to time it just right so they could be interviewed on television. Your husband, who is also your Lamaze coach, was trying to get you to hit it on the nose. “OK, BREATHE, Honey, but don’t breathe very much, it’s only 11. Are you sure your water broke? How DOES water even break? It’s a liquid, for god’s sake.” And to the last baby born in 2022, I know you just missed the cut, but in a few years it’ll be water under the bridge. And that was my rst cliché of 2023. Rick’s original song “ e Key”: bit.ly/rick_thekey. Look for Rickster Melen on Facebook! Say hello at: [email protected] JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 OPINION THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 15 passed out. Hours later, at the hospital, the CAT scan of his brain was totally black. He had no outward sign of injury; the bleeding was all internal. His brain su ered such dramatic swelling that when the surgeons opened his skull, they could not reattach it without causing more damage. On the day after Christmas, Tsunekazu, surrounded by his loving family, passed away. He and his lovely wife lived a nancially modest life and had recently canceled their life insurance policy because of skyrocketing premiums. I had the honor of knowing him and I can tell you that no one I have ever met was a gentler or more sel ess individual than this 65-year-old gentleman. We are all confronted with tragedy during our lifetimes. It is nothing new. In fact, it is one of life’s crueler lessons. People we know and love, of all ages, are suddenly taken from us. But how we make sense of these events very much depends on the belief system we have adopted during our lives. And there is not just one system to choose from; rather there are countless lenses at our disposal. After all, from time immemorial, humankind has sought to cushion the blow of death’s harsh deeds. One of religion’s primary missions is to help us weather the toughest of times. It is no surprise that theists commonly assert that even the most tragic of deaths are part of God’s “plan” or “grand design.” ey further explain that our loved one’s death is nothing more than the liberation of the spirit and that the person we lost now exists in an even better state, heaven. We should wipe away the tears and rejoice for the deceased is now in a better place. I suspect that at Cesar’s funeral Mass, his loving family received comparable reassuring messages. Similarly, at Tsunekazu’s Buddhist ceremony following his death, the attendants were reminded that life and death are a continuum, that consciousness (the spirit) continues after death and may be reborn. e soothing eulogistic ideas expressed at these two services represent but two views of life after death, but as I mentioned earlier, there are many more. From an existentialist point of view, the ideas mentioned above are comforting but miss the mark. For thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre, life is essentially a series of chance events with no rhyme or reason. I recall, in college, being moved by his famed novel, “Nausea.” In this famous work, the protagonist is moving through life interpreting and understanding all his experiences through the belief system he was taught since childhood (as most of us do). Gradually he comes to realize that his framework is false. is epiphany is triggered by the fact that his inherited belief system which was supposed to provide meaning and justi cation for the tragic events of his life produced instead, yes, you guessed it, nausea. All he is left with is the realization that life has no meaningful order. According to Sartre, only after shattering the shackles of his old beliefs could he begin to construct his own method for organizing life’s experiences. My problem with Sartre is that he seems to bring us back to square one, but maybe that’s just me. Regardless of the belief system we adopt, I would hope that we could all agree on two things. First, life is extremely precious and no tomorrow is guaranteed. Treat every day as a precious jewel. ere should be no time wasted on hate or gossip or prejudice of any kind. Second, we need to be grateful for the wonderful people we meet during our life’s journey, like the two individuals cited above. ey were sel ess, giving individuals who sought to make the lives of others better. We should emulate their examples. MARTORANO FROM PAGE 10 MELEN FROM PAGE 14 RideConnect provides transportation free of charge to seniors age 60+ in Westchester County who are no longer driving. Our volunteers transport older adults to local destinations including doctors’ offices and stores, as well errands to the bank, pharmacy, library, and other community locations. We need your help. DO YOU HAVE A DRIVER'S LICENSE AND SOME TIME? 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PAGE 16 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Last month, John Jay-Fox Lane opened their season at Westchester Community College, and going in, Coach Clare Carr was admittedly treading water. “It’s always a little nervewracking because you really don’t know what the kids can do,” she said. But by the time the first meet was digitally downloaded, there was plenty of cascade to drive Carr home. The boys defeated Brewster by a score of 93-85 to stand at 1-0. Out of the blocks and onto the finish line, Dylan Gourlay did his part by winning the 200 Freestyle, the 100 Butterfly and anchoring first place in the 200 Medley Relay and the 200 Freestyle Relay. “You can throw him in any event,” said Carr. “He performs and is very eager to swim whatever is needed.” The senior does not just make an impact in the shallows, either. “As a captain, he’s a very integral part of the team. Everyone really respects him,” Coach said. So it’s not a surprise that he spoke team-first over his individual success. “It feels great to have a good start to the season,” said Gourley. But at the end, he’s up to task as the final arbiter - even when the last leg gets down to the nitty gritty. “The 200 Freestyle, it was a little bit closer than we would have liked. But we were able to bring it home together,” said the Fox Lane senior. Winning the race with Brendan Morgan, freshman Jesse Agor, and Henry Dauterman, the 200 Medley Relay had Patrick Polese, Morgan and Thomas Brown walling it with Gourley. Brown then stayed in close proximity for the 100 Butterfly. “Me and Dylan got one and two,” said the John Jay sophomore. Brown also took second in the 50 Freestyle. “It’s really just going all out. You got to put everything into it,” Brown said of the sprint. The long haul, though, has him believing that the team will go the distance. “We are going to win a lot of meets,” Brown asserted. A victory by Brendan Morgan in the 200 Individual Medley helps back up the boast. The same goes for Aidan Polese’s gold in the 100 Backstroke, Dauterman’s second place finish in the 200 Individual Medley, and third place finishes for second-year swimmer Spencer Grayson in the 200 Freestyle and the 100 Freestyle. Michael O’Donnell was also set to return, and the mix of new and old made it hard for the coach to miss the energy. “The boys are super charged for a good season,” Carr concluded. On Thursday, Jan. 5, John JayFox Lane returned from break and fell 102-72 to Scarsdale at Westchester Community College. Now 1-3, Coach Clare Carr is still optimistic about the team and the season. “Our swimmers did very well,” she said. “They are coming off a long break, and we got another sectional cut tonight.” A third-place finish in the 100 Butterfly (57.30) for Thomas Brown got the swimmer a pole position. He joined Dylan Gourlay, Brendan Morgan, Aidan Polese, Michael O’Donnell and Ryan Loveless, who took first in the 500 Freestyle (5:05.30). Second place made waves as well. Gourlay’s silver (1:50.5) to Bryan Manheimer (1:49.34) was definitely worthy in the 200 Freestyle. “Dylan went after it and swam out of his suit,” said Carr. “He stayed with Manheimer, who’s a very, very fast swimmer.” Gourlay did one better in the 400 Freestyle Relay (3:32.42) with Thomas Morgan, Brown and O’Donnell. The same goes for the 200 Freestyle Relay. A 1:40.05 taking the heat, Jesse Agor knows it’s his job to spark the fire. “I need to build a strong foundation for the rest of the group to go fast,” said the sophomore. Of course, that does not mean a deep dive to flail about. “You have to use your arms and your legs and have them working together to push you forward,” Agor revealed. Fox Lane’s Spencer Grayson then took the hand off and adhered to his teammate’s synergy to shake the second leg. “It always motivates me to do more when I see my guy Jesse going as fast as he can,” Grayson asserted. “Then I know I need to go as fast as I can.” Jumping in third was Polese, and he had no problem with Grayson removing most of the doubt. “I’m happy he got us the lead, because I don’t want to have to worry,” said the freshman. More than a load lifted, a big lead is literally a sigh of relief for the Fox Lane swimmer. In close races, he admitted, “It’s hard to control my breathing.” John Jay’s Henry Dauterman didn’t have to catch his wind either way, and the freshman knew why. “I had a pretty decent lead thanks to my friend Aidan,” he assured. “I was like, I’ll just finish this up and solidify our win.” Even so, he knows what to do when it actually counts. “Well, I’m like, I better kick in gear and make sure we win this,” said the Wolf. Ethan Coppola, on the other hand, likely knew beforehand that a win was not forthcoming in the 500 freestyle. The luck of the draw, Coach Carr always makes one of the young swimmers run the marathon event. So the results are almost expected to lag, and the Fox Lane swimmer’s last place followed suit. But Fox Lane Coach Sydney Delfico still had praise. Drawing the long straw, according to Delfico, often yields a look of panic from swimmers and hopes of wiggling their way out. Not in Coppola’s case, he took the news in stride. “Ethan was a team player today. He didn’t say a word about it. He went up there with no complaints, came through and did great,” said Delfico. In this, the swimmer is emblematic of the team as a whole. “It’s a very good core group of kids, who are evolving together,” concluded Carr. John Jay-Fox Lane splits first two meets PHOTO: RICH MONETTI Ryan Loveless SWIMMING On Jan. 7, Fox Lane’s basketball squads took the court against John Jay. The girls team came up short 60-40, while the boys came away with a big 53-37 victory. Foxes battle Wolves to start 2023 Charles Shevick PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI Hannah Getman
LEISURE THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 17 JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 No matter which teams fans support, they’re sure to get hungry watching the action play out. at’s why game day hosts need to plan for various foods to keep guests satiated as they follow the scores. Dips, small bites and other nger foods are staples when the game is on because they can be eaten easily in front of the big screen. Utilizing one or more slow cookers to prepare such items creates more time to watch the game, stock the cooler with refreshments and ready the home theater. Slow cookers also can keep meals warm on the bu et table. ese recipes for “Pepperoni Pizza Dip with Breadstick Dippers” and “Big Al’s Hot and Sweet Sausage Sandwich” from “Crock*Pot® 365 YearRound Recipes” (Publications International, Ltd.) from the Crock*Pot Kitchens make great game day meals. Adjust as needed for the game day crowd. Use a slow cooker for game day pick-me-ups Pepperoni Pizza Dip with Breadstick Dipper Serves 8 • 1 jar or can (14 ounces) pizza sauce • 3/4 cup chopped turkey pepperoni • 4 green onions, chopped • 1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced black olives, drained • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano • 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese • 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened Dippers • 1 package (8 ounces) refrigerated breadstick dough • 2 teaspoons melted butter • 2 teaspoons minced fresh Italian parsley 1. Combine pizza sauce, pepperoni, green onions, olives, and oregano in a 2-quart slow cooker. Cover; cook on low 2 hours or on high 1 to 1/2 hours or until mixture is hot. 2. Stir in mozzarella and cream cheese until melted and well blended. Serve with warm Breadstick Dippers. 3. For dippers, bake breadsticks according to package directions. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with parsley. Big Al’s Hot and Sweet Sausage Sandwich Makes 8 to 10 servings • 4 to 5 pounds hot Italian sausage links • 1 jar (26 ounces) spaghetti sauce • 1 large Vidalia onion (or other sweet onion), sliced • 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded and sliced • 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar • Italian rolls, cut in half • Provolone cheese, sliced (optional) 1. Combine sausages, spaghetti sauce, onion, bell peppers, and brown sugar in slow cooker. Cover; cook on low 8 to 10 hours or on high 4 to 6 hours. 2. Place sausages in rolls. Top with vegetable mixture. Add provolone cheese, if desired. Tip: Instead of large Italian rolls, use slider buns or medium kaiser rolls to stretch the sausage mixture further and make it easier to eat while watching the game. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! For puzzle solutions, please see theparamountrehab.com CLUES ACROSS 1. Not invited 6. Whale ship captain 10. One point south of southwest 14. Small cavity in a rock 15. Recidivists 17. City of Angels hoopster 19. A way to mark with oneÕs signature 20. OJ trial judge 21. Rice cooked in broth 22. One point east of due south 23. One point east of southeast 24. Complements an entree 26. Grouped by twos 29. Disfigure 31. Woods 32. Political action committee 34. Longer of 2 bones in the forearm 35. Kin groups 37. Philippine Island 38. Contrary to 39. Bluish-gray fur 40. Comprehend the written word 41. Natural depressions 43. Felines 45. Breathe noisily 46. Taxi 47. Pancake made from buckwheat flour 49. Swiss river 50. Foot (Latin) 53. Have surgery 57. Formal withdrawal 58. Monetary units of Peru 59. Greek war god 60. 2,000 lbs. 61. High points CLUES DOWN 1. Green and yellow citrus fruit 2. A bright color 3. Thicket 4. Journalist Tarbell 5. A place to work or relax 6. Sharp mountain ridge 7. Helicopter 8. Mimic 9. Suggests 10. More musty 11. Large, flightless rail 12. Make beer 13. Soviet Socialist Republic 16. People who can account for you 18. Taunt 22. South Dakota 23. Cover the entirety of 24. KidsÕ favorite visitor 25. A way to save for retirement 27. Fencing swords 28. C. China mountain range 29. Type of sandwich 30. Team 31. Paddle 33. Partly digested food 35. Most cagey 36. Shoppers make one 37. Cathode-ray tube 39. Food supplies 42. Backbones 43. Concern 44. Blood group 46. Broadway songwriter Sammy 47. Dutch colonist 48. Full-grown pike fish 49. Deity of a monotheistic cult 50. Type of bread 51. S. Nigerian people 52. Scottish tax 53. Young womenÕs association 54. Brazilian city 55. Hide of a young animal 56. Midway between north and northeast
PAGE 18 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES HEALTH & WELLNESS JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 BY GIOVANNA TARTARONE GUEST COLUMNIST With the new year under way, some of you might already be losing the motivation to follow through on the promises you made just a few weeks ago — to become healthier, wealthier and altogether more impressive versions of yourselves in 2023. According to statistics, if you haven’t already given up on them, 75% of you are likely to abandon any resolutions you might have made by the second week of February. You want to know what separates the 25% who succeed from those who try in vain? Short answer: “Growth Mindset.” GROWTH MINDSET Growth mindset refers to the core belief that our talents can be developed through practice, which may subsequently in uence our thoughts and behaviors. By contrast, those with a xed mindset believe that talent and intelligence are something you either have or you don’t. Dr. Carol Dweck, a Stanford psychologist and author of “Mindset: e New Psychology of Success,” writes about the research she conducted on the importance of how embracing a growth mindset is foundational for favorable results in our lives. A recent study published in “Frontiers in Psychology” found that people with a growth mindset were more likely to take control of their own health and be more resilient in the face of challenges or di culties. Individuals with xed mindsets su ered more stress and selfreported symptoms of psychological ailments. ey were also less likely to bounce back from failures. Many people struggle to reach their goals because they set a goal without simultaneously changing their habits or beliefs. A good example are people who set a New Year’s resolution to get in shape. ey will purchase equipment, go to the gym and exercise, go for daily walks, or even alter their diet. However, after a few weeks or even a few months, they stop working out and resume their old habits. Year after year, these people fall into the same old patterns that keep them from making the required changes to reach their goals. You may ask yourself why. If you are like most people, you are probably holding a number of beliefs in your subconscious mind that sabotage your e orts to become a better version of yourself, although you will likely be completely unaware of them. ose beliefs are an important in uence on your behavioral patterns, and therefore the results you get in life. Shifting the beliefs that are self-sabotaging and redundant to beliefs that support you in achieving your goals can have a signi cant impact on the outcomes you get. To learn more about the concept of a “Growth Mindset,” stay tuned for our next issue where we dig deeper into habits and beliefs and why it is so dif- cult to change them and why they prevent us from achieving our goals. Giovanna Tartarone is an Energy Practitioner and Transformational Life Coach. She is the founder and owner of Rainbow Alternative Healing and Life Coaching at 120 Kisco Ave., Suite J, in Mt. Kisco. For more information, visit GiovannaTartarone.com, email [email protected] or call 914-879-9900. New year, new mindset, new you Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that rates of anxiety and depression rose dramatically after the onset of COVID-19. According to the CDC, the range of average monthly percentages of adults in the United States reporting symptoms of anxiety between January and December of 2019 was 7.4 percent to 8.6 percent. Between April 2020, or roughly three weeks after the World Health Organization declared a global COVID-19 pandemic, and August 2021, the average submonthly percentages of U.S. residents reporting symptoms of anxiety was between 28.2 percent and 37.2 percent. at means the rate of anxiety rose by about four times between April 2020 and August 2021. A similar spike was prevalent among U.S. adults reporting symptoms of depression during that same period. ough percentages were between 5.9 and 7.5 percent between January and December 2019, they rose to between 20.2 and 31.1 percent between April 2020 and August 2021. ese gures are important to keep in mind as the world tries to move on from the pandemic. Despite individuals’ best e orts, rates of anxiety and depression could remain signi cantly higher than they were in 2019, underscoring the need for accessible education about each disorder. is article is from Metro Creative Connection. 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JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 19 Before I address the changes to the income/ resource eligibility requirements for Medicaid, I wish to first remind you that as of Jan. 1, there is still no 30-month lookback (period of ineligibility) on gifts (uncompensated transfer of assets) for community (home care) Medicaid eligibility in New York. In fact, according to the New York Department of Health, the earliest the lookback will be implemented is March 31, 2024. Thus, if one transfers their assets to an Irrevocable Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) before March 31, 2024 and applies for Medicaid home care before that date, then their transfer of assets to the trust will not create a lookback for Medicaid home care, but only for Medicaid nursing home care. When combined with the ability to utilize a pooled income community trust to shelter surplus income, Medicaid home care becomes a very advantageous option for seniors and the disabled that need assistance with activities of daily living in their home (including an assisted living facility). Because of high inflation last year, the income and resource eligibility requirements for Medicaid have significantly increased. For example, for institutional/nursing home care in 2023, a single applicant can have no more than $28,133 in non-IRA savings (in 2022 it was $16,800). Additionally, the spouse of a nursing home Medicaid applicant can have a maximum of $148,620 (was $137,400 in 2022) of non-IRA savings (the face amount of IRA’s/401k’s/Qualified Retirement funds are not counted for Medicaid eligibility purposes; however, the Minimum Requirement Distribution is counted as part of one’s income). The applicant for nursing home Medicaid is allowed to keep $50 of their income, the spouse of the applicant can have no more than $3,715.50 (was $3,435 in 2022). If the spouse’s income is below $3,715.50, they can take from the applicant spouse’s income to bring them to the $3,715.50 amount. If the spouse’s income is greater than $3,715.50, they must do what is known as spousal refusal. For Medicaid home care (community Medicaid), in 2023 the applicant can have no more than $28,133 (was $16,800 in 2022) of non-IRA savings (resources) and no more than $1,563 of income (if they have more, they can enroll in a pooled income community trust to utilize said income for their needs). The spouse of the applicant can retain 50% of the couple’s assets up to a maximum of $148,620. If the spouse’s non-retirement saving are greater than $148,620, they will have to do spousal refusal. Married couples applying for Medicaid home care can have no more than $37,902 (was $24,600 in 2022) in combined non-IRA savings (resources) and no more than $2,106 of combined income. Additionally, one’s home (primary residence) with an equity limit of $1,033,000 is also exempt for Medicaid eligibility purposes (was $955,000 in 2022). While the house/ co-op/condo that is the primary residence is exempt for eligibility purposes so long as the Medicaid applicant and/or their spouse resides therein, it is still an asset against which Medicaid can have a lien/claim against for the value of services provided if the home is part of the Medicaid applicant and/or refusing spouse’s probate estate at the time of their passing. While seniors that are concerned about losing their life savings to the cost of long-term care (home care and/or nursing home) are generally not concerned about having to pay estate taxes upon their demise, it is of great importance that New Yorkers be aware of the exemption as New York has an onerous estate tax. In 2023, the New York estate tax exemption is increased from $6,110,000 (2022) to $6,580,000. Thus, with proper estate planning, a husband and wife in New York should be able to shelter $13,160,000 from estate taxes. However, if they do not plan, they can be subject to NY’s estate tax cliff and its significant taxes. In 2023 the federal estate and gift tax exemption increased from $12,060,000 to $12,920,000, a significant increase which allows a married couple to transfer almost $26 million either during their lifetime or on their death without federal estate and gift tax. However, the high exemption amount may be short lived as under current law, the exemption sunsets on Dec. 31, 2025, and unless it is extended by law before that date, then on Jan. 1, 2026, it returns to approximately $6 million per person. The current size of the exemption presents great opportunity for the affluent to transfer millions of dollars to their children and loved ones, and thus significantly reducing the possibility that their estate will be subjected to a federal and/or NY estate tax. Finally, in 2023 the personal gift tax exclusion increases from $16,000 per person per year to $17,000 per person per year. Thus, another opportunity to transfer assets. Anthony J. Enea is a member of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP of White Plains. He focuses his practice on Wills, Trusts, Estates and Elder Law. Anthony is the Past Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), and is the past Chair of the 50+ Section of the NYSBA. He is a Past President and Founding member of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Anthony is also the Immediate Past President of the Westchester County Bar Foundation and a Past President of the Westchester County Bar Association. He can be reached at 914-948- 1500 or at esslawfirm.com. New year, new New York laws 2023 brings changes to Medicaid eligibility requirements & estate/ gift tax exemption The current size of the exemption presents great opportunity for the affluent to transfer millions of dollars to their children and loved ones, and thus significantly reducing the possibility that their estate will be subjected to a federal and/or NY estate tax.’ -Anthony J. Enea Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP FOCUS ON ELDER LAW ANTHONY J. ENEA GUEST CORNER
PAGE 20 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES HEALTH & WELLNESS JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 Snowfall is magical and the excitement of playing in the snow can turn into a painful reality when you need to dig your way out of your house as snow keeps piling up. With snow shoveling comes the risk of injuries. Be smart when shoveling snow. Approach it as your first session in a gym. You can only work out for 15-20 minutes for the first time: pace your body, especially with wet, heavy snow UNDERSTANDING HOW SNOW SHOVELING MAY LEAD TO INJURIES Shoveling is a strenuous, repetitive activity and can lead to lower back strain, shoulder tendinitis to name just two. As in the case of any repetitive exercise, you should warm up your body with gentle dynamic stretches that will help to loosen your muscles and joints, improve blood circulation. WARMING-UP EXERCISES TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF SNOW SHOVELING INJURIES The following warm-up exercises and dynamic stretches will get you ready for snow shoveling: • Hold light weights (3-5lb) in your hands and march or walk in place for 5-10 minutes keeping your elbows bent and shoulders down. March with your shoulders and arms as you bring your knees high up to your waist. • Stretch your hamstrings: place your one leg up on a step, keep your front knee straight and gently lean with your body forward until you feel a stretch behind your leg. Hold for 5 seconds, and move in and out of the stretch; never bounce. Repeat 10 times with both legs. • Stretch your adductor: open your legs wide, hold onto a sturdy counter and bend your one leg deep down in a side lunge until you feel a stretch on the inner thigh. Hold 5 seconds and lunge from side to side. Repeat 10 times. • Stand upright with your core tight and gently rotate your body from side to side stretching your arm across your body as you rotate. Repeat 10 times. OTHER SNOW SHOVELING TIPS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF INJURIES • Choose the correct size shovel with lightweight material. A bigger scoop may carry more snow, but is more strenuous on your back to lift. • When shoveling - - keep your feet separated with one leg forward and your knees in a soft bent position. Keep your ribcage up, your spine straight, and hinge from the hips slightly forward; - Bend your knees and not your back; - Keep the shovel close to your body, and your elbows tucked in. Let your thigh muscles do the work to push the shovel and keep your core tight; - Avoid lifting the shovel with arms stretched out, because that puts extra strain on your spine and shoulder tendons; and - Avoid twisting your back. Instead, take an extra step to face with your shoulders and hips in the direction of where you shovel. • Avoiding shoveling only to your dominant side. Alternate sides; shoveling to the left leading with your left foot and left hand on the bottom of the snow shovel and when shoveling to the right, reverse the above. • Create distance between your hands on the snow shovel. It provides more leverage when lifting the shovel. • Lift smaller loads of snow at a time. • Never throw snow over your shoulder. Instead, go forward with a load to avoid twisting and torquing of your lower back. STRETCH AFTER YOU SHOVELED SNOW Gentle stretches will assist your body to relax and cool down. • Stand on your hands and knees (Quadruped), and do gentle cat-cow movements lifting your head to the ceiling and arching your back as you inhale then tucking your behind and head down, rounding your spine to the ceiling. You can modify this movement if you have difficulty kneeling on your hands and knees: hold onto a sturdy counter, feet shoulder width apart, knees bent and gently arch and tuck your spine. Repeat 10 times. • In Quadruped lift your one arm up to the ceiling as you gently rotate your body and head to follow the outstretched arm to the ceiling. Then needle through bringing you stretched arm underneath the supporting arm, following the movement with your head and upper body. The modified position can again be done leaning against a sturdy counter. Repeat 10 times. • Sit on a chair with one leg straight out and foot flexed back. Lean forward with your body until you feel a stretch behind your knee to stretch your hamstring. Hold for 20 deep breaths. Repeat 5 times. • Sit on a chair and cross your one ankle over your knee in a “cross 4” position and lean with your body forward to your ankle to feel the stretch in your buttocks. Hold for 20 deep breaths. Repeat 5 times. • Stand in a doorway with one leg in front and arms up against the doorframe. Lean forward until you feel a stretch in front of your shoulders. Hold for 20 deep breaths. Repeat 5 times. Stay warm and safe. If you experience any pain or injury, please contact your medical practitioner or physical therapist. LIZE LUBBE GUEST CORNER ADVERTORIAL Minimizing snow shoveling injuries Lize Lubbe is the owner of Lize Lubbe Physical Therapy with its main practice located at 892 Route 35 in Cross River and a PT Studio in the premises of Apex Fitness (where her team focus on the rehabilitation of sports-related injuries). Learn more by calling 914-875-9430, emailing [email protected] or visiting www.lizelubbept.com. We are hands on PTs! The professional services of the team at Lize Lubbe Physical Therapy include: • Pre & Post Surgery Rehabilitation • Sports Injury Rehabilitation • Neurological Rehabilitation • Treatment of Musculoskeletal & Orthopedic Conditions • Postural, Balance & Gait Training • Pain & Headache Management • Body Rebalancing through Diaphragm, Breathing & Pelvic Stability www.lizelubbept.com [email protected] 914.875.9430 892 NY-35, Cross River, NY 10518 (blue office building)
THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 21 JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 incentives for housing growth and also demands that municipalities with MTA rail stations rezone for higher-density residential developments, aka Transit-Oriented Districts or TODs. “New York faces a housing crisis that requires bold actions and an all-hands-on-deck approach,” Hochul said. “Every community in New York must do their part to encourage housing growth to move our state forward and keep our economy strong.” According to the Population Reference Bureau, more than half of New York renters are “rent-burdened,” meaning they pay more than 30 percent of their income on rent. That’s the second highest in the nation. In the New York City metro area, rents have risen since 2015 while home prices have gone up by 50 percent. Outside the city, rents increased by 40 to 60 percent in the same period; home prices, 50 to 80 percent. The “compact” will create a $250 million Infrastructure Fund and a $20 million Planning Fund to support housing production. Municipalities will be able to seek money to either undertake required TOD rezonings or “Preferred Actions” involving ADUs to help them hit their growth targets. The TOD proposal last year raised even more hackles among communities that contain MTA rail services because it would force them to permit multifamily developments within a half mile of each station – unless they’ve already met housing density levels. One of the reasons that Mount Kisco seems to be hedging its bets is that it fears the state could step in with something more stringent if the village doesn’t have a local law in place. Village Attorney Whitney Singleton seemed to foretell Hochul’s latest pronouncement when he noted that Albany might intervene if a municipality’s housing plans aren’t up to snuff. That means that they haven’t met growth targets or shown a good-faith effort to implement the state’s so-called “Preferred Actions.” After three years, proposed housing developments that meet affordability criteria but don’t conform to existing zoning may appeal to the new State Housing Approval Board – or go to court – if denied a permit. Those projects will be fasttracked unless a locality can “demonstrate a valid health or safety reason for turning down the application,” Hochul said. To make things more complicated, municipalities that fall short of their targets can still take good faith “Preferred Actions” to spur development for another 3-year cycle in which the fast-track approval process will not apply. In places where there is no market demand for new housing there will be “no practical effect if localities fall short of their targets,” she said. To expedite rezoning and housing development, Albany will provide “specific relief from environmental review” in “New Homes Targets” and “Transit-Oriented Development” proposals. Hochul promised that the state will continue to “exercise crucial safeguards that prevent environmental harm and ensure that public health remains a top priority.” She unveiled a series of new incentives specific to New York City. To support efforts outside the city, Hochul is directing New York State Homes and Community Renewal to make $5 million in state low-income housing tax credits available. She also promised localities, where new housing developments utilize “Payment in Lieu of Taxes” agreements, would not be penalized when the state makes its tax cap calculations. MORE CARROT THAN STICK? Two sections of the Education, Labor, and Family Assistance bill (S.8006/A.9006) had been ensconced in the governor’s 2023 spending plan. The first, the Accessory Dwelling Act of 2022 (ADU), was sponsored by state Sen. Peter Harckham (D-Lewisboro), who represents the 40th District, of which Mount Kisco is a part, and state Assemblyman Harvey Epstein (D-Manhattan). The legislation would have mandated that local governments authorize the construction of accessory dwelling units – including in attics, garages, basements, and backyard cottages – by local law and impose state reporting, regulatory, and enforcement requirements. The 2023 executive budget set aside $85 million to support the creation and rehabilitation of said units. It was Albany’s TOD proposal that raised the most hackles because, opponents said, it would have amended the state’s general town law and compel local governments to authorize the construction of up to 25 residential units per acre within a half-mile of transportation centers, such as a train or bus station. There was no funding component to that in Hochul’s budget. The governor removed that from the spending plan after aggressive pushback from both Democratic and Republican champions of home rule. Among those were Picinich, North Salem Supervisor Warren Lucas, then-Yorktown Supervisor, and now state Assemblyman Matt Slater, Somers Supervisor Rob Scorrano, and North Castle Supervisor Mike Schiliro. State Assemblyman Chris Burdick, a former Bedford supervisor who represents District 93, said last week that he wanted to reserve judgment until he had the chance to thoroughly review the proposed “compact.” “I’m keeping an open mind but I’m still concerned it might just be a repeat of what was in the (2023) executive budget,” he added. Harckham said last week through a spokesman that he was also withholding comment until he had the strategy’s “specifics” at hand. There are likely to be more details available after Hochul presents her executive budget for fiscal 2024. The governor will do that “by no later than Feb. 1,” her press office said last week. 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PAGE 22 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JANUARY 19 - FEBRUARY 9, 2023 reference -- for the sake of consistency. WMOA folks have been having ongoing discussions with Westchester Planning Commissioner Norma Drummond about the situation and were scheduled to meet with Harckham on Friday, Jan. 13, Lucas said. e state now seems to be leaning more toward the carrot than the stick approach. After three years have passed, the state will be looking at whether local growth targets have been met. If not, it will allow housing developments that meet affordability criteria but may not conform to local zoning to take “advantage of a fast-track housing approval process if the locality denies the permit.” e appeal can be made to a new State Housing Approval Board or through the courts. Appealed projects will be approved unless a locality can demonstrate a valid health or safety reason for denying the application, Hochul said. Municipalities that fall short of their targets can still take good faith Preferred Actions to spur development for another 3-year cycle in which the fast-track approval process will not apply. In municipalities where there is no market demand for new housing there will be no practical e ect if localities fall short of their targets. To expedite rezoning and development of new homes, speci c relief from environmental review will be included in the New Homes Targets and Transit Oriented Development proposals. e state will continue to exercise crucial safeguards that prevent environmental harm and ensure that public health remains a top priority. After announcing last February that she was removing the TOD legislation from her 2023 executive budget, Hochul explained that she’d always “believed strongly in the importance of consensus-building and listening to communities and my fellow policymakers.” Hochul said during the last goround that she intended to continue to drive the a ordable housing conversation forward. e governor now appears to be making good on that promise. ADU FROM PAGE 21 exposure protection, pest strategies and other seasonally appropriate considerations. You won’t want to miss this popular speaker’s presentation. Virtual Support Groups Support groups have been transitioned to virtual platforms. Virtual groups are accessible to women from the comfort of their homes, regardless of where they live. All groups are open to new members as well as past participants. Advance registration is required by calling 914-962- 6402 or 800-532-4290. Support Connection’s Peer Counselors are also available for individual counseling and assistance via phone and email. Call 800-532- 4290, or submit an online request at supportconnection.org RideConnect Rideconnect has volunteers ready to help drive seniors to their medical appointments and assist with shopping. Services are free to seniors residing in Westchester and southern Putnam Counties. To request assistance call (914) 242-7433. Anyone wishing to volunteer for Rideconnect may do so by emailing [email protected] TRACKS FROM PAGE 2 WHY DO WE ADVERTISE IN HALSTON MEDIA’S LOCAL NEWSPAPERS? To AdverTise wiTh Us, CAll BreTT FreemAn AT (845) 208-8151 Prepare for power outages today WITH A HOME STANDBY GENERATOR $0 MONEY DOWN + LOW MONTHLY PAYMENT OPTIONS Contact a Generac dealer for full terms and conditions *To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions. REQUEST A FREE QUOTE CALL NOW BEFORE THE NEXT POWER OUTAGE (844) 536-2370 FREE 7-Year Extended Warranty* – A $695 Value! SPECIAL OFFER $50 OFF Call today! USE CODE MBSP50 A Better Way to Hear TV® Voice Clarifying Wireless TV Speaker™ Works better than a Soundbar! SPECIAL OFFER $50 OFF Voice Clarifying Wireless 888-992-9749
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