North Salem 02.27.2025

VOL. 10 NO. 19 BALANCED ROCK 2 CLASSIFIEDS 23 LEISURE 16 OBITUARIES 6 OPINION 8 SPORTS 14 Lift Trucks Gallery pg 12 ART SHOW Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. FEBRUARY 27 – MARCH 12, 2025 Planning Board examines short-term rental regulations BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER North Salem folks who want to rent out their homes here and there are likely to be looking at a new set of local rules and regulations in the near future. The town Planning Board has been tasked with coming up with recommendations for zoning code changes targeting so-called ShortTerm Rentals (STRs) such as those listed on Airbnb and Vrbo. Those will be reviewed by the Town Board, possibly tweaked, and sent back to planners for finetuning. A public hearing will be held by the Town Board before it adopts the new regulations. Short-term rentals are nothing new, but the availability of online booking sites and the proliferation of local property management companies is said to have had a significant impact on residential neighborhoods both big and small in New York. A number of towns, villages, and cities in the state -- aiming to preserve their individual characters -- have come up with ways to permit or restrict STRs. So North Salem is not facing the challenge alone. In December, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a state law requiring property owners (aka hosts) or managers to register STRs with the Out at home? BY TOM WALOGORSKY EDITOR The baseball diamond at North Salem High School might be a quiet place this spring. Earlier this month, district officials made the decision to drop the program’s varsity team from the upcoming schedule. Currently, North Salem is considering a merger with neighboring Somers for the varsity level, and still hopes to field JV and modified teams for the season. North Salem’s storied baseball program had recently captured state championships in 2016 and 2017, and brought home the section title in the pandemic-shortened 2021 season. The move to cancel the varsity season aroused concern and confusion and left parents and alumni looking for answers. North Salem News spoke with Athletic Director Denise Kiernan to set the record straight about what factors led to the decision, and gain insight into what the future holds for Tigers baseball. Difficult Decision The decision to eliminate the varsity season came down to numbers. After holding eight off-season workouts for grades 7-12 and a pair of meetings with student-athletes and parents, North Salem informed Section One on Feb. 4 that they would be dropping the varsity schedule, but still hoped to offer modified and JV seasons. “The decision to move from varsity to JV was based on the level of experience of the returning players and significant injuries for key players in the lineup to compete at the varsity level,” Kiernan explained. “As of today, we are currently observing the registration numbers to provide data in order to do what is best for all student-athletes in the baseball program. Our number one priority is, and always has been, to keep North Salem baseball within North Salem. The registration numbers will hopefully allow us to provide a team this season.” By the Numbers Last year, varsity baseball included a roster of 16 players, while the modified team had 11 players. The JV team was not active for the previous SEE BASEBALL PAGE 7 SEE RENTALS PAGE 6 PHOTO: TOM WALOGORSKY An update on North Salem baseball

PAGE 2 – NORTH SALEM NEWS North Salem News USPS #22110 Published Twice Monthly (Except for 3x Monthly in September and October). 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2025 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC 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] Pam Zacotinsky (845) 661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [email protected] DESIGNERS Bri Agosta Noah Elder Cara Formisano EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines North Salem News Deadline The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for North Salem News is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected] Online Follow Us Periodicals Postage Paid at Somers, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to North Salem News at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 LOCATIONS: Baldwin Place • 44 Route 118 • (845) 628-7900 Croton Falls • 1 Center St • (914) 769-3206 Find out why Joe Ferone of Proper Service needs to be YOUR Go-To Automotive Service Center! YOUR FAMILY CAR CARE CENTER For over 100 years of combined auto experience, Joe Ferone and his sta of Proper Service have been serving the community, creating relationships and building a remarkable company with an amazing team JOE FERONE, owner of employees! BALANCED ROCK Town of North Salem www.northsalemny.org Town Board Meetings The North Salem Town Board will hold their regular meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. at the Town Meeting Hall, 66 June Road, and via Zoom as allowed by New York State.  All meetings are subject to rescheduling upon adequate notice, as circumstances require. North Salem Middle/High School’s Golden Stage Society presents Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” From the ocean depths to the palace above, join in for a musical journey filled with unforgettable melodies and underwater magic! Under the sea or up where they walk, this production will make a splash! The Golden Stage Society will be making waves with three fin-tastic performances on Thursday, March 6 at 6 p.m., Friday, March 7 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, March 8 at 2 p.m. Your ticket to adventure awaits under the sea at www. onthestage.tickets/show/ north-salem-middlehighschool Ruth Keeler Memorial Library The library is open for browsing, computer use and reading! Please visit www. ruthkeelermemoriallibrary. org for more information. Most programs are in person or on ZOOM. Send an email if you want to participate to [email protected]. When you email, a link will be sent to click on, including a password to enter. Trivia Night Monday, March 3, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Time to study up! The library’s first ever Adults Only Trivia Night is happening! Grab your friends, create a clever team name, and put your knowledge to the test. Questions will cover everything from history to sports, music to movies, and beyond! Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place teams. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Dungeons & Dragons Mondays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Join the weekly Dungeons & Dragons group for adventurers ages 9 and up! Whether you’re new to the game or an experienced player, come ready to explore fantasy worlds, engage in epic battles, and solve puzzles with your friends. Snacks will be provided to keep our heroes fueled for the journey! Registration is required, and spaces are limited, so be sure to sign up and secure your spot for this exciting adventure! Fun with Puppets Thursdays, March 6, 13, 20, & 27, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Bring your little ones to the library for fun-filled story time and a puppet show! Toddler story time will engage the imaginations of our youngest library visitors. With a mix of classic children’s stories and new favorites, story time sessions promise an adventure in learning and fun. Celebrate Shakespeare’s 461st Birthday Monday, March 10, from 5 to 6 p.m. Join in for a special celebration of William Shakespeare’s 461st birthday at Monday Musicale’s theatrical concert, “Brush Up Your Shakespeare: Songs & Scenes from Shakespeare’s Plays.” FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 SEE ROCK PAGE 7

BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER “Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” - Mark Twain Ok, so scholars will sniff that those aren’t the exact words used by the literary giant after finding out that his obituary had been prematurely printed, but they seem to fit the bill here. Just because the final paper version of The Examiner News has rolled off the presses, that doesn’t mean that the media outlet’s – or its intrepid founder’s -- important contributions to community journalism – have come to an end. In fact, it and Adam Stone’s reporting, will live on online, continuing with the mission of providing readers with “professionally reported, fact-checked local news in their backyards,” the publisher/owner says. The last run took place in late January/early February. It was the newspaper group’s 908th week of publishing. The decision to go all digital was an incredibly tough one but unavoidably necessary due to the unsustainable economic -- and other -- realities of putting out four print editions a week, the 46-yearold Mount Kisco dad of two explains. Among those breakingpoint factors were the continued shrinking of advertising dollars, the skyrocketing price of newsprint, and the effect of inflation on operating costs in general. As explained in his farewell to print, a “Stone’s Throw” essay, Stone “felt worn out by the grind of running a grueling race without a finish line, scraping and clawing to get by.” The transition’s human toll has been equally heartbreaking. Forced to let go of most of his “incredibly loyal, hardworking, and talented” staff, Stone plans to continue publishing his own reporting – as well as that of freelancers and interns -- on TheExaminerNews.com website. Interns, although green, can be great assets for a newspaper, says Stone, who is grateful for the mentorship he enjoyed while in his early 20s. “I really feel the obligation to give back. It’s rewarding too; I learn a lot from our interns,” he added. When interviewing candidates, he asks them what their sensibilities and interests are, not only journalistically, but day-to-day. General assignment reporters can tackle almost any topic and write about it with “some level of authority,” but, in Stone’s educated opinion, “some of the best journalism is produced when the reporter is diving into a subject they care deeply about.” Stone holds onto the hope that – with digital ad revenue, support from paying members/subscribers, and some “pretty significant” annual donations – he can “build up a budget” that will allow Examiner Media not only to survive but evolve and thrive. It should be mentioned here that the fearless chief and a dedicated crew of reporters, editors, photographers, designers, and advertising folks have been faithfully burning the midnight oil for 17 years. Also helping steer the ship have been his dad, Peter, who he calls “history’s most underpaid chief financial officer” – and his sister, Laura Markowski, who was associate publisher. (Markowski was the Examiner’s “secret weapon” and the one responsible for keeping “The Little Engine That Could” on track. One of the reasons that the print version of The Examiner hung in there for so long was his family members’ willingness to “work for peanuts,” Stone jokes.) Besides his dad and sis, Stone credits his wife, Alyson, a schoolteacher; their two daughters, Maddie and Mia; and his wife’s folks, Sharon and Ken Foley, with helping him maintain his “equilibrium, despite the ceaseless professional stressors of managing print logistics.” ‘Old School’ Reporter A main buttress to the success of the operation had been its founding editor in chief and “old school” reporter, Martin Wilbur, who Stone fondly described as his “partner in journalistic crime” and The Examiner’s “heart and soul.” Praising him for his “unimpeachable integrity, strict sense of right and wrong and unbeatable work ethic,” Stone wrote: “Simply put, there would be no Examiner without Martin, and I’m forever grateful for his friendship and mentorship.” Brooklyn born and raised, Wilbur was a reporter and an assistant editor, and Stone, a reporter, at The North County News, when the two met. The core group of journalists who helped start Examiner Media were former NCN staffers who left the Yorktown-based weekly in 2006 and 2007. When Stone reached out for help starting his new enterprise, Wilbur told him that he “didn’t have a great business sense but could definitely contribute towards the editorial side” of things. At first, Wilbur viewed his participation as a “parttime adventure.” But within months, it became clear that it was something much, much Adam Stone launched The Examiner in 2007. / PHOTO: CAROL REIF The Examiner’s publisher opens up as paper goes digital There have been so many rewarding, great experiences along the way.’ A conversation with Adam Stone FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 NORTH SALEM NEWS – PAGE 3 SEE STONE PAGE 17 The Examiner staff at the 10 year anniversary party. / PHOTO COURTESY OF ADAM STONE

PAGE 4 – NORTH SALEM NEWS 914-277-4424 440 Rt 22 • North Salem, NY www.theblazerpub.com CELEBRATING 521 YEARS! CELEBRATING 521 YEARS! Happy St Patty’s Day! From our family to yours 914.455.2158 SpirelliElectric.com • [email protected] Specializing in residential & commercial services. Licenses in Westchester, Putnam CREATING CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE Family Owned—Over 40 Years Experience! Keep the lights on • GENERATORS • Outdoor Lighting • Smart Home Setup • Electric Car Chargers AND ALL OF YOUR ELECTRIC NEEDS! $25 OFF Service Calls When You Present This Ad. New Customers Only. Button was a two-time Olympic gold medalist and won multiple word championships. / PHOTO COURTESY OF FACEBOOK Remembering Dick Button Olympic gold medalist was 95 CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Figure skating legend Richard Totten (Dick) Button, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion, died on Thursday, Jan. 30 at his North Salem home. He was 95. According to media reports, his family confirmed his death but did not provide a cause. Button had been in declining health in recent years. He is survived by his two children, Edward and Emily, from his marriage to the late former figure skater and coach Slavka Kohout, and by his longtime partner, Dennis Grimaldi. Born in Englewood, N.J., Button was credited with being the first skater to successfully land the double Axel jump in competition and well as the first triple jump -- a triple loop -- of any kind. Lauded for his athleticism on the ice, he also introduced a variation on the flying camel spin, which became known as the “Button Camel.” Hooked on skating at age 6 after being taken out for a spin on a frozen pond by his two brothers, he began professional training at 12. In 1948 in St. Mortiz, at the tender age of 18, he became the first American man to take home gold in figure skating singles.  Four years later, Button did it again, in Oslo, by landing the first consecutive double axel and triple jump in Olympic history. (He also won five consecutive gold medals from the World Championships and became the only American to win a European championship.) In 1949, Button won the James E. Sullivan Award, which is given to the best amateur athlete in the United States. He was the first figure skater to receive it. Button studied law at Harvard. During college vacations he performed in traveling ice shows such as the Ice Capades and Holiday on Ice. He graduated in 1956. He also co-produced “Dick Button’s Ice-Travaganza” for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. And that’s not all, Button founded a production company in 1959 that created madefor-television sports events. He even acted, appearing in such films as “The Bad News Bears go to Japan,” and on TV shows such as “Mr. Broadway.” Called an innovator on the ice and a teacher off it, Button was the voice of the sport for more than 50 years. He started on that path in 1960, as an analyst for the Winter Olympics on CBS. Two years later, he signed on with ABC Sports. In 1981, Button won an Emmy for Outstanding Sports Personality. According to Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, he created a “open and honest space in figure-skating broadcasting where no topic or moment was off-limits.” As a founding member of the Garden Conservancy Open Days Program, Button had graciously hosted hordes of nature-loving visitors at Ice Pond Farm, his Eden-like home on June Road. He collected furniture, paintings, and ice-skating art and artifacts. In 2015, he stepped up to provide a home to D.I.G. (Dealing in Good), a nonprofit organic farm that educates volunteers, youth groups, corporations, special needs organizations, and the community at large about regenerative agriculture and what it takes to grow healthy food. While giving a tour to a lohud.com reporter in 2014, he FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 SEE BUTTON PAGE 20

BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Outside it was gloomy and gray, but inside one North Salem space on a recent weekend, the inextricable relationship of nature to human creativity was helping restore the spirits of the winter weary. Amid a kaleidoscope of colors on canvas and a bounty of blooms and bronzes at Lift Trucks Gallery, art aficionados mingled with champagne glasses in hand while they browsed works by -- and schmoozed with -- artists Domenica Brockman and Dorian Goldman. Presiding over the garden party that Saturday afternoon were gallery director Kirk Rundhaug, a star in the real estate firmament, and Emily Hyatt, proprietor of Trove, an Aladdin’s cave of antiques temptingly located in the very next room. Observing the action were the founder of the visual feast, American expressionist painter Tom Christopher, and his partner in cultural crime, local entrepreneur Dawn Christopher. The couple has helped revitalize Croton Falls’ business district through various initiatives, including Lift Trucks Project, an art studio located in a former forklift factory on East Cross Street; a wine shop (now owned by the husband-and-wife team of Jonas Andersen and Natalie Marie Gehrels); and, more recently, Front Street’s reborn Hygrade Market, home to Milton’s, a restaurant/deli, and the Christophers’ own store, which is packed with oddities and artifacts. Providing a much-needed taste of spring was floral designer Allison Newel, owner of North Salem’s historic June Farm. She literally blanketed a table with a banquet of flowers, mosses, ivies, and other green goodness that cradled the platters of nibbles and bottles of beverages set out for guests. Over the doorway to Trove, Newel had constructed an airy arch of pink blossoms. In another corner of the otherwise stark industrial space grew a spray of branches interspersed with enormous faux red roses. Offering an artist’s eye view of it all, Christopher noted that the “whole show is about art and nature and the correlation between the two.” He found it interesting that Rundhaug had chosen to bring in a floral designer. “Flowers are regarded as high art in Japan and Paris, so I think it’s brilliant to combine them with paintings,” Christopher said, referencing Brockman’s jazz-like works in oil, hot wax, and collage that were on display. Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. MANAGING PARTNER • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500 • Asset Protection • Elder Law • Medicaid Applications (Nursing Home/Home Care) • Guardianships (Contested/Non-Contested) • Wills, Trusts & Estates Past Chair of Elder Law Section of NYS Bar Association “Super Lawyer” In Elder Law for 18 consecutive years CALL NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 914.948.1500 WWW.ESSLAWFIRM.COM WHITE PLAINS • SOMERS Now Open: New Somers Office Location What steps have you taken to protect your life savings from the cost of long term care? FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 The community explored the relationship of nature and creativity at Lift Trucks Gallery. / PHOTO: CAROL REIF Community celebrates art and nature at Lift Trucks Gallery SEE TRUCKS PAGE 12 NORTH SALEM NEWS – PAGE 5

PAGE 6 – NORTH SALEM NEWS 17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults Our dear mother, Carol Ann Clifford, sadly passed away on November 23rd 2024, at the age of 84 at her home in North Salem, NY. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Gregory Michael, and her parents, John and Isabel Gill of Bronx, NY. She graduated from Villa Maria Academy in the Bronx and the College of New Rochelle before earning her Master’s Degree from St. John’s University in Queens. Carol loved teaching, and taught mathematics for twenty years at Northern Westchester Community College. She also tutored hundreds of students throughout her career. Carol volunteered with the North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps and was a Cub Scouts Den Mother. She was a Ham Radio enthusiast and enjoyed watching Star Trek and crime shows, while also being an avid birdwatcher. She loved children and is survived by her son, Christopher of North Salem, NY and daughter, Pamela of Rockville, MD. We love our mother and will continue to miss her terribly. We invite you to make a donation in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org Carol Ann Clifford 1940 – 2024 OBITUARY county or municipality where the property is located. Counties that create local registries will get quarterly reports from booking platforms on things such as rental locations, occupancy nights, guest counts, and taxes collected. If those platforms process transactions for unregistered properties, they can be fined under the new law. After creating and maintaining a registry, counties can collect sales and occupancy taxes from STRs. (The state law defines STRs as residential properties that are rented out for 30 days or less.) Originally, it was the state that was supposed to handle the registry, but after considering the costs involved, it punted that task to counties, leaving regulation at the local level. The intent of the new law was not only to block illegal rentals, but also to help ease the housing crisis and level the playing field for small, independently owned hotels and motels. (STRs have been blamed for driving up both local rents and home prices.) Said to be the first statewide rental registry in the country, it goes into effect on March 25. Booking services are required to verify registrations and registration numbers. Unregistered properties must be removed from listings. Experts say that increasing, and centralizing, booking data will provide state and local municipalities with a vast store of information on STRs, a reported $20 billion industry that can range from big properties owned by absentee holding companies to property owners, especially retirees, who are just trying to make ends meet. It reportedly is currently capturing 15 percent of the state’s vacation rental market. Booking platforms and business advocates vigorously fought back against the legislation. According to media reports, Airbnb’s director of policy, Nathan Rotman, called it an “unfunded mandate” that will create a “complicated bureaucratic system” and unduly burden homeowners. Laura Chadwick, president and CEO of the Travel Tech Association, argued that it will make travel more expensive. It was now known at press time whether the state law would be challenged in court. A Delicate Balance Acknowledging tourism’s contributions to the local economy and the right of property owners to rent their spaces while protecting fulltime residents and preserving a community’s character is a delicate balance. There are already numerous STRs in North Salem. They are, for instance, variously advertised on one booking platform as a “country escape from the city,” “luxe equestrian estate guest house,” “pet friendly lake cottage,” “rustic retreat with a hot tub,” “converted horse barn,” “horse country retreat,” and so on. It’s Planning Board Chairperson Cynthia Curtis’ contention that these don’t meet the definition of a single-family dwelling that’s currently in the town code. It would be up to the building inspector – the “ultimate decider” -- to enforce that, she said. While some other communities that have adopted STR regulations have simply “grandfathered” pre-existing operations, that’s not the tack the town’s likely to take. Being weighed is a grace period – probably three months – for the owner of an STR to apply for a special use permit. North Salem does allow -- and have rules for -- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), bed and breakfasts, and groom (or employee) quarters at its local horse farms. Of primary concern is the impact on full-time residents. At the Planning Board’s Feb. 5 meeting, Curtis highlighted potential concerns that should be addressed while developing STR regulations. Among the many questions to be answered is whether the owners of STRs will be required to live on the property or the premises. The town’s planning consultant, Will Agresta, used that input to draft the preliminary legislation that was presented to the board for discussion at its Feb. 19 work session. Assigned to look into the legal nuts and bolts was the board’s attorney, Lisa Colosi Florio. Talking points ranged from occupancy rates, limits on the number of days these units can be rented, and in which zoning districts they could be allowed, to parking, adherence to fire and safety regulations, and compliance with quality-of-life issues such as noise, exterior lighting, and signage. “I think that -- in fairness to the people who are concerned about what’s going on in the houses next door to them -- we have a responsibility to RENTALS FROM PAGE 1 SEE RENTALS PAGE 19 FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025

845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com Over 60 Years of Excellence CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE Softening. Filtering. Clean Water Solution. March into $pring $avings! $150 OFF INSTALLATION OF A SOFTENER two seasons. The current slate of varsity spring sports offered in North Salem saw steady participation from male student-athletes last season, including lacrosse (15 members), track (12 members), and golf (13 members.) A look at the district’s enrollment and participation numbers show high percentages of students donning Tiger uniforms. For 2023-24, female enrollment in the district with 236, with 157 athletes playing for a 67% participation rate. Male enrollment was 221, with 154 taking part in sports for a 70% participation rate. Upperclassmen in the district provided solid participation numbers, with 71% of seniors and 62% of juniors taking part in North Salem’s athletic programs. Of the seniors, 42% were three-sport athletes. The Tennis Question Parents concerned about the varsity baseball season folding pointed to a similar situation in the fall which saw the elimination of North Salem’s varsity tennis team. Once again, it came down to the numbers. Over the previous five seasons, the Tigers tennis squad had seen 10 or fewer players each year. In the fall, a dip in district enrollment and competition with other fall ports including cross country, volleyball, soccer, and field hockey ultimately led to the season being cancelled. “There was a drop in enrollment from 89 to 61 seniors, lack of interest, and only two student athletes (a junior and a freshman) registered to play tennis in the fall,” Kiernan said. “Neither of these student-athletes participated the previous year. As a result, the team did not have a season.” Tigers and Tuskers? While a final decision has not yet been reached, a merger with Somers baseball could still give North Salem players a chance to take the diamond this season. Currently, the Tuskers are a Class AA team, meaning that a merger with North Salem would not effect their classification for scheduling and postseason play. Somers offers baseball at the freshman, JV, and varsity level, and the district currently enjoys a positive working relationship with North Salem to combine student-athletes for the wrestling and ski teams. A merger with the football program for the 2025 season is also pending approval by Section One. BASEBALL FROM PAGE 1 ROCK Our number one priority is, FROM PAGE 2 and always has been, to keep North Salem baseball within North Salem.’’ Denise Kiernan Athletic Director FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 NORTH SALEM NEWS – PAGE 7 SEE ROCK PAGE 19 “If music be the food of love, play on!” These immortal words from Twelfth Night invite audiences to enjoy an evening of captivating music and scenes from Shakespeare’s celebrated works. Local actors and musicians—Philip Anderson, Judy Brewster, Ellen Lang, and Mike Mulder—will bring Shakespeare’s poetry to life, performing songs inspired by his plays. The concert will feature works by renowned composers, including John Dowland, Thomas Morley, Henry Purcell, Franz Schubert, Roger Quilter, Cole Porter, Leonard Bernstein, and John Rutter, offering a rich blend of classical, musical theater, and traditional songs. Each musical selection will be paired with the monologue or scene from Shakespeare’s plays that inspired it, providing a delightful fusion of music and theater. This intimate performance is the perfect way to celebrate Shakespeare’s lasting influence on literature and music. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Bard or new to his works, this event is sure to enchant and entertain. Introducing the Gida Dia Lombardo Scholarship The Gida Dia Lombardo family is proud to announce a 2025 scholarship for graduating High School seniors from North Salem. We are offering a $548.48 college scholarship in honor of our grandmother Gida Dia Lombardo who immigrated to this country from Italy in 1917 at the height of anti-Italian sentiment and activity in this country. Eligibility requirements 1. Must be a graduating high school senior from the Class of 2025 in North Salem. 2. Entering a college, university or trade school in 2025 (gap year is OK too) 3. Submission of a written original essay answering one of the two essay prompts below: Essay prompt 1 The First Amendment of the US constitution guarantees several fundamental freedoms to everyone in this country. (Freedom of speech,

FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 12, 2025 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2025 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC Brett Freeman, Publisher Tom Walogorsky, Editor Tabitha Pearson Marshall, Creative Director Editorial Office: 914-302-5830 [email protected] 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 North Salem News 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 opeds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail to [email protected]. For more information, call the editor at 914-302-5830. Opinion PAGE 8 – NORTH SALEM NEWS Happily Ever After League of Women Voters takes a partisan stance in its opposition to election integrity measures Dear Editor, The League of Women Voters (LWV) claims to support free and fair elections, yet they oppose the SAVE Act (H.R. 8281), a bill that would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. This is both troubling and hypocritical. Every developed nation around the world requires some form of voter ID, yet the LWV insists that basic election integrity measures are unnecessary in the United States. Election security should not be a partisan issue. Americans deserve confidence that only eligible citizens are casting ballots. The SAVE Act simply ensures that federal voter registration forms require proof of citizenship, something most Americans already assume is happening. By opposing this bill, the LWV is undermining the very principle of fair elections. Their stance disregards common-sense safeguards and opens the door to potential fraud. The right to vote is sacred, and protecting it should be a priority for everyone; especially an organization that claims to champion voter participation. Our elections should be determined by American citizens, not foreign nationals. The North Salem Republican Town committee strongly supports the SAVE Act and urges voters to see through the misleading rhetoric of those who oppose it. Ensuring election integrity is not voter suppression, it is voter protection. -North Salem Republican Town Committee LETTER

FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 12, 2025 OPINION NORTH SALEM NEWS – PAGE 9 Six more weeks of misery I s it a coincidence that Groundhog Day and the Super Bowl occur during the same week? Both signify the start of six more weeks of winter. Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his hole, sees his shadow, and we are sentenced to six more weeks of winter. Similarly, the Super Bowl marks the end of football and the beginning of a sports desert, which only ends with baseball’s Opening Day in April. Several snowstorms and single-digit temperatures have only added to the malaise. Sure, basketball and hockey are still going, but for many of us, they don’t quite scratch the same itch. This year, I swore I wasn’t going to watch the Super Bowl. Like the presidential election, the two finalists were not particularly popular. Needless to say, my Jets’ season ended early—for the 56th consecutive year. Another rebuilding season awaits. I did, however, manage to ruin it for Buffalo Bills fans by rooting for their team during the playoffs. My apologies for jinxing them. Our plans to go to the movies instead of watching got sidetracked when friends invited us over for the game. Being oldsters, we said we’d leave at halftime so we could be in bed by the fourth quarter. Since it was impossible for both teams to lose, the next best thing happened. Philadelphia routed the Chiefs, interrupting their “three-peat” and signaling the end of a mini-dynasty. I guess misery loves company. Maybe Taylor Swift will start dating a Jets player next year? Then there was the halftime show. What was that? Kendrick Lamar, one of hiphop’s most influential rappers, put on a performance that left us shaking our heads, wondering what happened to Janet Jackson, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga and Bruce Springsteen. Judging from the internet reaction, we were not alone. After the show, my thirtysomething son texted me a meme of an old man screaming at his TV during the performance. I figured, like me, he thought the show was a bust. When I replied, I learned he was actually making fun of me—he thought the show was wonderful. He explained all the inside jokes, nuance and symbolism, giving me—I guess—a better appreciation for it. Clearly, a massive generational divide was at work here. Can’t wait for next year. I’ll admit I probably spend too much time watching football. I need to find other hobbies because, as a Jets fan, the rewards are few and far between. But I do have some thoughts on how to make the game more entertaining. I’m told NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell regularly reads my columns. Well, I wasn’t actually told that, but he does live in Westchester, so I can only assume. It is in that spirit that I offer him some suggestions for NFL rule changes next season. Let’s change the dopey kickoff routine. The new “dynamic kickoff,” which requires 21 players to pose like statues while the kicker boots the ball into the end zone for a touchback, is a bust. A waste of time. Let’s move the kickoff back 20 yards so the ball lands in the field of play and is actually run back. Get rid of the “false start” penalty. They must call that 20 times a game, slowing things down immensely. If the defense can move, why not let the offense? It’s only fair. Fewer flags, more fun. Let one of the refs watch the game on TV like we do so they can reverse ridiculous calls on replay. There have been plenty of game-changing miscues that could have been corrected. Fans want to watch players play—they don’t pay to watch referees toss flags. Let them play. Roger, feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions. It’s only two months until the NFL Draft and one month until baseball’s Opening Day. This could be the year. Until then, stay warm. DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

BOWLING BOWLING 16 MARCH Let’s STRIKE up some fun! Join us for an afternoon of bowling to benefit the programs & services of CoveCare Center. We hope you can SPARE some time for an amazing cause! Please register/reserve your lane by March 3rd www.covecarecenter.org/community-bowling-day-2025 For more info - [email protected] 1:00pm-3:30pm Spin’s Bowl Carmel $25 per person Day Community SUNDAY Sponsors, Bowlers, Raffle items needed! Raffles, Prizes! 2025 2025 EVENT SPONSOR STRIKE SPONSORS SPARE SPONSOR MEDIA SPONSOR THE LAW & MEDIATION OFFICE OF Margaret A. Nicholson Free Half Hour Consultations Virtual Options Available A RESPECTFUL APPROACH TO NAVIGATING FAMILY TRANSITIONS AND CONFLICT - Family, Elder and Divorce Mediation - Collaborative Divorce - Co-Parenting Plans - Pre-Nuptial and Marital Settlement Agreements ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION OFFERS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES - Privacy - A Voice in Decision Making - Preservation of Assets - Child Focused Options - Avoidance of Often Toxic and Costly Court Proceedings 340 Route 202 • Suite M, Somers • 914-669-5224 www.margaretnicholson.com • [email protected] PAGE 10 – NORTH SALEM NEWS OPINION FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 12, 2025 Dear Dr. Linda, I’m a first grade teacher and find that many of my students need to count on their fingers to do addition and subtraction. I don’t allow it. They need to learn their addition facts or they won’t be able to do addition or subtraction. They know the rule, but I find many of them hiding their hands under their desks so they can count on their fingers. I make a very big deal over this. I don’t want to embarrass them, but if I don’t insist, they will never learn their number facts. I tell them that only babies count on their fingers. One of my colleagues totally disagrees with me and lets her students count on their fingers. In fact, she thinks I’m a terrible teacher for doing this. Who’s right? Thanks. -Grace Dear Grace, I’m sorry to tell you, but your colleague is right. Not only is she right, but research backs her up. Recent research has shown that when children use their fingers, it helps them in learning and understanding arithmetic. Hand and finger related motions have been shown to stimulate different areas in the brain. Years ago,  a fourth grade boy I was working with, who had severe dyscalculia, told me that the only way he could do arithmetic was by using his fingers. He was not able to visualize the quantity numbers represented without using his fingers.   For some reason, over the years, actually over generations, counting on fingers was discouraged in most classes. This practice was probably not based on any research, but rather how the teacher was originally taught. It was taboo to be caught counting on your fingers. How many adults state that they are horrible in math? They could never do math. They have trouble with their checkbooks and anything else that requires math. A woman once told me that if she found herself at a house party where someone was selling things and she had to fill out an order form, she’d make up an excuse that she suddenly had to go home. She said she would go into a panic just like she did in first and second grade when she couldn’t do the math without using her fingers, and of course she was not allowed to use her fingers. Just like this woman, thousands of other children who were dependent on counting on their fingers were told that they could not by some well meaning but uninformed teacher. There are tutoring companies right now that don’t allow their students to use their fingers. It is amazing that so many teachers followed and still follow this practice without questioning it. Obviously, they want their students to visualize the math in their heads and that of course is the ultimate goal. However, for many children they first need to see the visual before being able to visualize it. It’s like telling a child who has never seen an apple to visualize an apple. A child can’t begin to visualize what numbers represent unless they understand numbers and understanding numbers is different for everyone. Research suggests that discouraging children from using their fingers to count may hinder their mathematical development. Encouraging young learners to use their fingers can not only aid in counting but also support brain development, helping them better understand math. This approach may even foster a greater appreciation for the subject and reduce fear or anxiety toward it.  -Dr. Linda  If you have a question to ask Dr. Linda about your child or a school-related situation, she can be reached at Linda@ stronglearning.com. Why counting on fingers is actually good for kids DR. LINDA SILBERT STRONG LEARNING

I t never ceases to amaze me how many Powers of Attorney don’t permit the named agent(s) to take necessary steps to protect the life savings of the principal. The principal is the individual who creates the Power of Attorney and selects the agent(s) to act on the principal’s behalf. The principal also has the sole discretion to determine what powers should be granted to the agent(s) to handle the financial affairs of the principal. There are generally three commonly used Powers of Attorney 1 A “General” Power of Attorney is one that does not survive the subsequent incapacity and/or disability of the principal. 2 A “Durable” General Power of Attorney does survive the subsequent incapacity and/or disability of the principal, and is the type preferred by most attorneys. 3 A “Springing” Power of Attorney is one that becomes effective only upon the occurrence of an event specified in the Power of Attorney. For example, the Power of Attorney can be drafted so that it is not effective until my treating physician and a neurologist who has examined me determine that I am unable to handle my personal and financial affairs. I have never been a fan of the “Springing” Power of Attorney because determining whether the triggering event has occurred is a matter of interpretation and can be disputed.. There are other Powers of Attorney as well, such as a “Financial” or “Banking” Power of Attorney, which are on a form provided by the bank or financial/brokerage firm to its clients. These are forms that generally allow the agent(s) to access the accounts held at the bank or financial institution, only for the limited purpose of paying the bills of the client from the bank or brokerage account. However, they rarely contain any gifting powers, which are critical to protecting the principal’s life savings for either long-term care planning and/or estate tax planning purposes. On the other hand, a Durable General Power of Attorney that gives the agent(s) unlimited gifting powers; the power to create, amend and revoke trusts; and the power to engage in estate and Medicaid planning opens a world of possibilities, thereby allowing the agent(s) (without the need to seek court intervention in a Guardianship proceeding) the ability to take necessary steps to protect the principal’s life savings. Currently, under New York law, the statutory Power of Attorney short form allows the agent(s) to make gifts of up to $5,000 per person in a single year. However, there is a “Modifications” section in the statutory Power of Attorney short form that allows the gifting power to be modified and to permit gifting to the agent(s) and others of an unlimited amount, so long as doing so is in the best interest of the principal—for example, protecting the principal’s assets from the cost of longterm care and/or from New York and/or federal estate taxes. Additionally, the Modifications section of the Power of Attorney can provide the agent(s) the power to transfer assets to the principal’s spouse for Medicaid eligibility purposes or to execute documents such as an Assignment of Support, a Medicaid application, a Pooled Trust agreement to protect the principal’s income, and/ or a Spousal Refusal form. In conclusion, not all Powers of Attorney are created equal. A Power of Attorney that handcuffs the agent(s) can often lead to an expensive and time-consuming Guardianship proceeding in the courts (which ultimately may not even allow the transfers to be made), and thus, prohibit the agent(s) from protecting the principal’s assets to the fullest extent possible. Anthony J. Enea is the managing attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP of White Plains, and Somers, NY. 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 is also fluent in Italian. He can be reached at 914-948-1500 or at a.enea@ esslawfirm.com. FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 12, 2025 NORTH SALEM NEWS – PAGE 11 The importance of a broadly-drafted Power of Attorney How the right legal document can protect your life savings ANTHONY J. ENEA GUEST CORNER FOCUS ON ELDER LAW Not all Powers of Attorney are created equal. A Power of Attorney that handcuffs the agent(s) can often lead to an expensive and time-consuming Guardianship proceeding in the courts.’ Anthony J. Enea, Managing Attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

PAGE 12 NORTH SALEM NEWS – FEBRUBrockman has two very different styles of painting. Attracted to the logic of geometry, she distills that into bold, color-saturated abstracts. Yet she’s also inspired by the natural world such as, Brockman says in her blog, “the effects of light on clouds in sunsets and the little rainbows that appear in gasoline spills on asphalt, or in soap bubbles.” Oils of moonlight on water and landscapes filled an entire wall. When asked to talk about the dual nature of her art, she borrowed from Walt Whitman’s poem, “Song of Myself,” which opined that people can have many different identities and characteristics that change over time. Contradictions and complexities should not be evaded but embraced, she said. “Well, I think we all contain multitudes,” explained Brockman, who feels that a lot of artists feel limited in what they can do or what they can show the world. “I kind of decided that, at my age, I’m over that. I’m going to do everything that I want to do,” she said, adding that she was “very happy” to have been invited to show at Lift Trucks. “Emily said, ‘We love everything. Bring it all,” Brockman said. Equally in her element, sculptor Goldman describes herself as “a being who is most at home in nature, whether breathing cool, crisp air, planting a garden with my hands deep in the soil, or observing a seed pod crack and sprout triumphantly.” She raises fruits, flowers, vegetables, and chickens, and keeps bees. When not creating or cultivating, Goldman’s meditating, a practice that she says attunes her “to the oneness of the planet and the interconnectedness of all.” Her work explores the ties between the body and forms in nature. “I focus on the female figure as I can feel its connectedness to everything else. At one time we were all, both male and female, part of, embedded, and nurtured in the female torso,” she said in an online post. The original version of “Twisted Torso,” one of the bronzes for sale at the gallery, was ceramic, an example of how things can evolve from one form to another. Goldman has a master’s degree in sculpture from the Graduate School of Fine Arts at University of Pennsylvania. After school, she taught while making and exhibiting her works. (She lives in New York City where she and her husband raised three sons.) “At some point, life kind of got in the way. I started juggling other things and sculpture fell behind a little bit,” she said, adding that it was always in her mind “to someday go back to it.” Then a number of years ago, Goldman “realized that someday was now or never.” Like the crocus that sleeps hidden under a blanket of snow only to emerge triumphant in the spring, that’s exactly what she did. “There aren’t that many somedays left,” she said, not only enjoying the work itself but the chance for other people to see it. Show attendees were thrilled about having a new cultural venue to visit. Said one, Douglas Kim, who recently moved to Croton Falls: “I would say it’s an up-and-coming, artist-friendly community.” North Salem, and other places in northern Westchester, has increased in popularity of late – especially in the post-COVID era. Kim and his wife, a professional confectioner and body builder, attend church in Bedford where there’s been, he said, “an explosion of young people from New York City. It’s just been nonstop.” He attributed that to “a whole combination of factors that are helping all these towns, propping them up.” Calling the gallery space “elegant,” Laura Schmidt of Mahopac said she appreciated the combination of traditional art and natural displays. “I’m going to walk around and enjoy the show,” she happily told Halston Media before taking her leave. Christopher had previously summed things up with an anecdote about Jackson Pollock, who he recalled -- with great fondness and admiration -- as “the most inarticulate, drunken artist in the world.” Famed for his radical drip paintings, volatile personality, and struggles with alcoholism, Pollock and his wife, Lee Krasner, were friends of the painter Hans Hofmann. Noticing that Pollock’s paintings didn’t include still lives or models, Hofmann once suggested that he work from nature. His oft-quoted response reflected a rejection of the idea of merely representing or duplicating what Mother Nature had already birthed. He also was voicing – although not known to be a man of words – his desire to dig deeper into his own psyche. “I am nature,” Pollock replied. Dawn Christopher with Vincent and Judy Castellucci Jennifer Stewart, Gregory Nicolai, and Mark D. Lazarus TRUCKS FROM PAGE 5

Selling Something? Looking To Buy Something? Having An Event? Reach Thousands of our Readers at a Low Cost! [email protected] Email: UARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 PAGE 13 Dorian Goldman and Marvin Israelow Janice Hyde and Laura Schmidt Marielia and Luca of Bedford Rob Hyatt, Justin Hjortshoj, and Erick Schonfeld Deborah Lazarus and Patti Howard PHOTOS: CAROL REIF

Sports PAGE 14 – NORTH SALEM NEWS BY TOM WALOGORSKY EDITOR With the calendar flipping to February, business has picked up in Tiger town. The past few weeks saw nonstop action for our teams, with highlights including a pair of North Salem bowlers punching their ticket to states, winter track finishing their season strong, and both basketball squads getting set for the playoffs. Bowling A pair of North Salem’s varsity bowlers will be taking their talents to Syracuse in March after standout performances at the sectional finals earlier this month.  The girls team was up first on Feb. 10, squaring off against tough competition at Fishkill Bowl. Once all the pins had fallen, sophomore Erika Saez earned herself a spot on the Division 2 smallschool composite team alongside bowlers from Pearl River, Albertus Magnus, and Hen Hud.  The following day, the boys team tried their luck, with sophomore Jericho Hartley punching his ticket to states. He will join the Division 2 small-school composite team and join forces with bowlers from Irvington and Hen Hud.  The state championships will be held on Saturday, March 15, at AMF Syracuse Lanes.  Winter Track North Salem’s winter track team capped off a strong season at the sectional championship meet at The Armory in Manhattan on Feb. 16. Emma Gautier turned in her best performance of the season, finishing 10th in the 1000M.  Fellow junior Zoe Elias came in 7th in the 600M, and sophomore Jonathan Alves finished 17th in the 600M.  Finally, freshman Drew Karam topped his personal best time by 6 seconds, finishing 9th in the 1600M.  “This is the first frosh that I’ve coached that broke 5:00 in his first year,” said Coach Chris Gould of Karam’s standout performance. “We are certainly looking forward to his progression over the coming years.”  Girls Basketball North Salem 61, Haldane 14 Friday, Jan. 31 The Tigers made a statement with the offense bolstered by a standout performance from junior Noemi Torres, who put up 36 points to help scorch the Blue Devils.  8th grader Kerri Nemeth (15 points), and senior Ruby Molina (7 points) also got in on the action to send the North Salem faithful home happy.  Croton Harmon 53, North Salem 33 Tuesday, Feb. 4 The squad couldn’t keep the momentum going on the road. Nemeth led North Salem’s scoring with 10 points. Irvington 52, North Salem 33 Friday, Feb. 7 Sophomore Emma Greenberg led the Tigers with 12 points as they were bested by the Bulldogs. Putnam Valley 59, North Salem 50 Monday, Feb. 10 The squad came up short in a Tiger showdown at home, with Nemeth and Torres both scoring 16. Bronxville 53, North Salem 27 Wednesday, Feb. 12 The Tigers held their annual Dunk Pink game on Senior Night, taking time to honor Ruby Molina and Lauren Ndreu. Torres led North Salem in scoring with 11 points. Playoff Picture The Tigers will enter the playoffs as the #2 seed in Class C, and will face #3 seeded Haldane at the Westchester County Center at 3 p.m. on Monday, March 3. Boys Basketball Croton Harmon 63, North Salem 60 Tuesday, Feb. 4 The Tigers opened the month with a tough home loss. Max Cotrone (20 points), Lucas Virzi (16 points), and Justin Major (10 points) all played tough in the effort. Putnam Valley 77, North Salem 50 Monday, Feb. 10 The squad was battered during a Tiger tussle with Putnam Valley. Cotrone (16 points) and Major (13 points) led scoring for North Salem. North Salem 80, Children’s Village 54 Friday, Feb. 14 The Tigers got back in the win column in a big way as they outpaced Children’s Village on Senior Night. Cotrone once again led the scoring with 19 points. The evening also served to honor seniors Justin Major and Daniel Laino, who both showed out with 18 points and 16 points, respectively. Playoff Picture North Salem heads to the postseason as the #2 seed in Class C, and are set to square off with #3 seeded Keio Academy at the Westchester County Center at 4:45 p.m. on Monday, March 3. BYSNS Ice Hockey BYSNS 3, ETBE 2 Friday, Feb. 7, Brewster Ice Arena BYSNS (Brewster/Yorktown/Somers/North Salem) defeated ETBE (Eastchester/ Tuckahoe/Bronxville/Edgemont) 3-2, on a special occasion Drew Karam / PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORTH SALEM TRACK & FIELD Emma Gautier Zoe Elias North Salem bowlers roll to states Torres scores 36 as Tigers hammer Haldane FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 Erika Saez / PHOTO: ROB DIANTONIO SEE VARSITY PAGE 15 VARSITY ROUNDUP Noemi Torres / PHOTO: RICH MONETTI

SPORTS NORTH SALEM NEWS – PAGE 15 BY WES ADAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER I don’t know who is in charge of posting on the signboard outside the New York State Police bunker in Somers, but as a runner I appreciate their latest message: WINTER IS A SEASON FOR RECOVERY AND PREPARATION. I like that the sign doesn’t broadcast any nonsense about New Year’s resolutions. For runners, as for anyone attempting pretty much any endeavor, resolutions are an everyday event, not an annual exercise. Each morning, whether it’s January or July, a runner needs to make a new resolution to push away from her, his, or their bed, couch, or desk and get out the door. For those days when we don’t succeed, it helps to have framed our resolution as a mundane daily enterprise. This keeps the stakes low and lessens the need to agonize when things don’t work out. Missed a workout? No problem. Tomorrow brings a clean slate and another chance to push the rock back up the hill. Think Small Another thing I do to keep moving in the right direction is reminding myself that a little can be a lot. Some days, life gets in the way of the perfect workout, often in the form of a time crunch. Once in a while I have to admit defeat and let go of my plan to run for the day. But there are other days when I can shake off the all-or-nothing mentality and turn these frustrating obstacles into opportunities. If I am pressed for time and have, say, only a half hour between Zoom meetings, I can slip in a 20-minute out and back. Going by my watch, I’ll give myself exactly 10 minutes to jog any which way. At the 10-minute mark I’ll do a hard 180 and head back to base. Extra points if I make it back in 9. Yes, at the front and back ends, lightningfast wardrobe changes and bathroom breaks are required, but that’s just part of the exercise. Be Practical Other days, if I am swamped with errands, I might try to knock off some of my chores with a utility run. A few days before Christmas, I went with my wife to Target for some last-minute holiday shopping. After unloading the overstuffed shopping cart at the car, I did a quick backseat change into my running togs from the Go Bag I always keep in the trunk, grabbed a couple of overdue library books, tied four dirty dress shirts around my waist, and started to jog 3 miles north on Bedford Road to the cleaners and library in Katonah while my wife drove off in the other direction to do more shopping. Forty minutes later she pulled up outside the library as I was making a final sprint to the drop box. It wasn’t a competition but I gave myself the win. Executing goofy little filler runs like this makes me feel a whole lot better than giving in to the slings and arrows that come my way. And sometimes putting the emphasis on fun is a whole lot more valuable than any fitness benefit. Change Things Up Which brings me to the last thing in my gym back of tricks: Refresh and reinvent. I am a creature of habit. Repetition is my friend, until it becomes my enemy. To keep up my resolve to run, there’s no better way to stay motivated than watching for ways to knock myself out of the ruts I’m in. If I always go left at that stop sign, it’s time to go right. If I’m used to running my favorite 4-mile trail loop in the clear light of day, I need to pop on a headlamp and run it in the dark. If I feel like I am drifting aimlessly from workout to workout, that’s a sign I am ready to register for a race or set a short-term challenge. Of course, there are some days when none of these techniques help me at all. Days when the wheels come off and all I want to do is stay home, pull the shades, and watch TV. Maybe on those days I can call 911 and ask for that wise sign-posting state trooper from Somers to come talk to me about recovery and preparation and help me resolve to run all over again. Contact the.runaround1@ gmail.com with your stories and ideas to promote the local running scene. FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 that saw Danny Luis (Yorktown), Michael Bonelli (North Salem), Sam Cucinell (Brewster), and Kaden Krempler (Brewster) being honored on senior night. “It meant a lot to honor our four seniors who have developed this BYSNS program,” said BYSNS coach Ryan Langkafel. “It was also a big win as we are preparing for the playoffs.” AJ Jones put the Bisons on top 1-0, courtesy of assists from Jack Leavy and Bonelli. Ryan Dean, off an assist from Jones, extended the lead to 2-0 before Sam Cucinell, with assists from Jones and James Munoz, scored to give BYSNS a 3-0 first-period advantage. ETBE cut the BYSNS’ lead to 3-2 with two goals in the second stanza but the host held on for the win, thanks in large part to 29 saves made by Patrick Vaughn. BYSNS 10, Mahopac 7 Monday, Feb. 10, Brewster Ice Arena BYSNS overcame rival Mahopac 10-7, led by Lucas Salvatore (6G, 2A), AJ Jones (3G, 2A), Jordan Millar (1G, 1A), Michael Bonelli (2A), Ryan Dean (2A), Kaden Kempler (1A), Jake Leavy (1A), and Patrick Vaughn (24 saves). “We were focused on playing one period at a time,” said BYSNS coach Ryan Langkafel. “We had a big-time performances from AJ Jones and Lucas Salvatore. The rest of the team was determined to battle and kept controlling the game, one shift at a time.” Rivertown 10, BYSNS 3 Tuesday, Feb. 11, Westchester Skating Academy The BYSNS fell to Rivertown 10-3, led by Salvatore (3G), Jones (2A), Bonelli (1A), and Vaughn (34 saves). BYSNS results provided by Mike Sabini. VARSITY FROM PAGE 14 Put the joystick down, time to play ball “Dude, why are you sneakin’ up on me like that? I’m on a hot mic, dangit,” says the random teen-age boy deeply dialed into his NBA 2K25 video game, his back turned toward the parent who literally brought his chicken parm sandwich to the bedroom he’s been cornholed in since his eyes opened shortly before noon. “Bro, I’m bringing you your dinner, so shut your hot mic off before I…,” (well, you likely know the rest), says the random parent. Yeah, soft parenting is part of the problem; to that we must ALL confess. Nowadays, we treat our babies like they’re still babies, even though they drive to school now and mooch our credit cards dry. There’s not a boomer/millenial on earth who ever had their parents plate a two-course meal, bring it upstairs and say “mangia, buddy boy,” unless they had parents well ahead of the Charmin-soft curve. Between the addiction to video games and the unavoidable year-long-or-more COVID layoffs, good portions of the youth of America are years behind in terms of social skills and athletic progression. I don’t need the ‘experts’ to confirm it. I’ve run youth basketball leagues in Putnam County for kids between fifth and ninth grade. We’re almost 10 weeks into our season now and kids still don’t know where and when to line up for foul shots, but I’ll throw some expert information at y’all just the same. They say: Excessive use of video games can lead to a deterioration of social skills, resulting in a worse quality of life. When individuals spend the majority of their time in front of screens playing games, they have fewer opportunities to hone their social and physical skills and may eventually struggle to keep up with those less inclined to waste hours on end with a joystick in their hands instead of an actual basketball.  I see it every week. Kids palming basketballs like they see in video games, thinking they get the extra step and then turning sass on the refs when they get called for it. Kids that should know better, not knowing what 1-and-1 means at the foul line. Kids, not all of them, getting tossed a ball and not knowing what to do next. I’ve been working with young athletes in these rec league settings for more than 30 years now, and it’s the first time we cannot implement anything more than halfcourt pressure (grades 5/6) to avoid what would be utter chaos if we did. This spring and summer, I urge folks to force lil’ Johnny/Jenny to get away from the screen, to put the joystick down and call on friends to challenge one another like we did back in the day… to meet at Sycamore Park and hang there for hours on end, hooping, fishing, etc. Heck, when ‘Gen X’ (1965- 80) and ‘Millennials’ (1981- 1996, roughly) were raised back in the day, they left the house on summer mornings by 10 a.m., actually called for friends, played a variety of sports/activities (including fishing), drank water from the hose #ImagineThat, dipped into the nearest pool, then went back to playing sports/activities and didn’t think about stopping until you heard your dad’s first whistle; at which point you delayed hearing it and kept playing until the second whistle, which was more of a distress signal.  We rushed home, slurped a quick meal (something like a medley of 80% ground chop meat, a jar of Ragu sauce and a can of mixed carrots and peas #Gross), and then begged to go back outside to play ringolevio in the hopes it led to truth or dare and a chance to smooch young Julie. None of that would be possible with a dreaded joystick in our hands, and none of us would trade those days in for anything. Correct me if I’m wrong. THE RUNAROUND Resolving to run Ray Gallagher DIRECT RAYS

PAGE 16 – NORTH SALEM NEWS LEISURE CROSSWORD SUDOKU 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! CLUES ACROSS 1. Greek mythological figure 5. Small amount 8. Play a role 11. River in Georgia and Alabama 13. Water in the solid state 14. Ancient Greek sophist 15. Having a strong sharp smell or taste 16. Fleece 17. Writer/actress Dunham 18. Behave in a way that belittles 20. Comedienne Gasteyer 21. Zoroastrian concept of holy fire 22. Conceits 25. Slowed down 30. Nourishment 31. Midway between east and southeast 32. Fights 33. Comedienne Tyler 38. Standing operating procedure 41. Locks 43. Old 45. Song sung to one’s lover 47. Whale ship captain 49. Moved quickly on foot 50. Volcanic craters 55. Large musical instrument 56. Liquefied natural gas 57. Ethiopian town 59. Not closed 60. A team’s best pitcher 61. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation 62. Disfigure 63. Prefix denoting “in a” 64. Sleep CLUES DOWN 1. S. American plant 2. Soul and calypso song 3. Fruit of the service tree 4. Continent 5. Albania’s capital 6. Poisonous plant 7. Argues 8. Assists 9. Town in Galilee 10. Russian leader 12. Promotional materials 14. Wings 19. Not odd 23. Expression of creativity 24. Conceptualize 25. A digital tape recording of sound 26. Peyton’s little brother 27. Cost, insurance and freight (abbr.) 28. Difference in potential 29. Owner 34. I (German) 35. Chinese conception of poetry 36. The world of the dead 37. Sign language 39. Coincide 40. Religious observance 41. Confined condition (abbr.) 42. Polite interruption sound 44. Texas ballplayer 45. Type of sword 46. Abba __, Israeli politician 47. Basic unit of a chemical element 48. Native American people in California 51. Swiss river 52. Hebrew calendar month 53. Easily swindled person 54. One point south of southwest 58. Small island (British) For puzzle solutions, please see theparamountrehab.com Warm up with a good breakfast Green Chile Breakfast Burritos Makes 6 servings • 6 eggs • 3 egg whites • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced • Dash cayenne pepper • 4 breakfast turkey sausage links, casings removed • 3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend • 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles, drained • 6 whole wheat tortillas (8 inches), warmed • 6 tablespoons salsa 1. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, egg whites, jalapeño and cayenne; set aside. 2. Crumble sausage into a large skillet; cook over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain. Push sausage to the sides of pan. Pour egg mixture into center of pan. Cook and stir until set. Sprinkle with cheese and chiles. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand until cheese is melted. 3. Place 1/3 cup mixture off center on each tortilla. Fold sides and end over filling; roll up. Top with salsa. Breakfast has long been touted as the most important meal of the day. After individuals spend several hours sleeping, breakfast refuels their bodies and prepares them to tackle the day ahead. People on the go may not have a lot of time to enjoy breakfast, which means they may grab something quick and not always so healthy. But a filling, hot breakfast provides enough sustenance and nutrients to last until lunch. Such is the case with “Green Chile Breakfast Burritos” from “Taste of Home Healthy Cooking Cookbook” (RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC) by the Taste of Home Kitchens.

more. While there are tons of places where folks can get a sense of the world’s goings-on, there are fewer and fewer that can tell them about their own communities. Whether it’s sports, government, education, the environment, businesses, arts and entertainment, human interest, health, fire/police, or politics; all topics are important. Wilbur’s philosophy is simple: local newspapers should have “something for everyone.” That’s part of the reason that The Examiner News lasted. The other part of its success is the people who’d put in those 80-hour work weeks to deliver the goods. “We wanted to put out a good product. We didn’t take ourselves seriously, but we took our jobs seriously,” Wilbur said, adding that the secret to being a good local reporter is to put the community first and yourself “second or third.” “There’s nothing fancy about it. It’s showing up and showing up and showing up some more,” he said. What was so frustrating during the pandemic was, while there was tons of news, there was “no place to show up.” Virtual coverage left many reporters feeling that they were losing that important sense of human connection with the community. By the time the world started opening back up, the economic damage had already been done and newspapers everywhere had to regroup in order to survive. If there was one bright side, it was that virtual reporting allowed The Examiner to continue doing its job with a smaller staff. “It was a great run. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity. While some of the weeks and the days were incredibly long, it was rewarding,” Wilbur said. Between The North County News and The Examiner, he’s been reporting and editing (and taking photographs) for nearly three decades. But it’s never gotten old. “I got to know a whole different range of communities and people. You never know exactly how the day is going to go. There are always new people to meet, things to learn, and experiences to have,” said Wilbur, who is now freelancing for The Examiner News as well as looking for new writing and other job opportunities. “Things change. It’s a fact of life. You adapt or try to as best you can,” he explained, adding that he hopes that The Examiner “continues to have a presence.” “It’s important to have as many (news) outlets as you can, in whatever form. At some point – after all the baby boomers are gone – all of it will be digital,” he predicted. “It’s just progress. As long as there are people and democracy and a free press, there will always be journalism and it will always be important,” Wilbur said. Makings of a Vocation After graduating from Hofstra University in 2001 with a degree in journalism, Stone went on to become an awardwinning reporter, covering government, general interest, and sports beats for The Journal News’ weeklies division, Yorktown’s North County News, The Times Herald-Record, and other media outlets. Examiner News has also garnered accolades from the New York Press Association for its editorials, sports coverage, and news writing. Stone’s duties included hiring and managing staff, setting priorities, running the day-to-day stuff, and guiding the outlet’s general editorial focus. Being in charge of the business side of things for nearly two decades took the native Long Islander away from his first calling – boots-on-theground reporting. An occasional essayist for the publications, Stone had more recently authored a wellregarded investigative series that delved into challenges in the health industry. Other columns offered insights into not only the “boundaries of established science” but the “spiritual realm and near-death experiences.” “There was a whole series of topics that I covered that reminded me of – not just the type of journalism I love – but how I wanted to be spending my days, ideally,” he says, adding: “The truth of the matter is that this transition only gets me part of the way there in terms of really recapturing that passion.” Stone Shares Stone recently met up with Halston Media at a local café where he reflected on the past, talked candidly about current circumstances, unveiled plans for a podcast, and expressed optimism about the future of the rebooted Examiner and of local journalism in general. It all began in 2007 when Stone – only 29 and a reporter with no practical business experience other than working one summer in his family’s candy factory in Brooklyn – was suddenly seized by a burning desire to own his own newspaper. He recalls sitting in his basement sketching out a “business plan” on a “tattered yellow legal pad.” When he told his loving spouse, Alyson, about this grand scheme, she was like “Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Stone said, adding: “I think she thought it was going to be a side hustle, hobby-type thing.” Inspired perhaps by his father, a self-made Hungarian immigrant who followed his own path and prospered after coming to the United States six decades ago, Stone dug into his own pocket and spent a few hundred dollars to create a mockup. He then sold advertising around it. That revenue covered payroll and production costs. About 2,000 copies were printed. Initially, there were two papers – one that served Mount Kisco and the other, nearby Pleasantville. (It helped that he lived in the former community and that his in-laws had deep roots in the latter.) Those strong connections, coupled with the fact that The Patent Trader’s demise had left a marked void in the marketplace, convinced Stone this it was time to take a giant leap. (The Patent Trader folded in 2007 after 50 years of covering northern Westchester. Full disclosure: This reporter worked for the PT as a reporter and editor in Mount Kisco in the late 1970s to early 1980s.) “I knew that – just from the standpoint of the product itself, also from a readership standpoint – it would be popular right out of the gate because it would be fulfilling a real need and desire for professionally reported, factchecked news,” he said. Examiner Media eventually sprouted four print editions -- The Examiner, The Northern Westchester Examiner, The Putnam Examiner, and The White Plains Examiner. In the summer of 2021, it launched a new digital newsletter/publication after snagging funding and support by winning a competition hosted by Substack Local, a program designed to bolster local journalism. Like other news outlets, Examiner Media has had to not only be resilient but creative and tenacious in order to stay afloat in an industry that’s slowly but surely coming apart at the seams. When dailies started biting the dust right and left, it was print weeklies that bravely stepped up to fill in the void. Service: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com BUYING ONLY 845-628-0362 WE WILL COME TO YOU! 54 WE BUY: YEARS! Gold • Sterling Silver Jewelry • Coins Paintings • Bronzes Clocks • Collectibles Antiques • ETC. Items for sale? Call us! 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City. • Parking facilities for over 100 cars • Monuments & inscriptions available. FUNERAL PREARRANGEMENT Both pre-payment and no-payment options Serving all Faiths since 1858 • Cremations and Burials PAGE 18 – NORTH SALEM NEWS FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 STONE FROM PAGE 17 Now – thanks to the internet -- even they are struggling to make ends meet. After coming through the Great Recession intact early in its history, it seemed as if The Examiner’s toughest challenges were in “the rearview mirror,” Stone recalled. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the newspaper group found itself facing yet another existential threat. Stone cut staff, consolidated content across editions, and held his nose and took a deep dive into the fundraising pool. Reader donations, journalism grants, and a loan helped keep the lights on. A paywall was considered but discarded as not having enough financial “horsepower” to do the job on its own. The Examiner is free but also has paid subscribers, aka Examiner + members. The set-up is not only a way for the community to support local journalism but a way for the outlet to deliver “extra value,” aka exclusive content and perks such as theater tickets, he said. Stone thinks of it this way: “The main reason you should or shouldn’t sign up for $79 a year is a referendum on whether you want to support high quality journalism or not.” From Probe to Podcast Stone started probing the health care industry after hearing from a reader concerned about the arrival of Optum Inc. Shortly after that first column hit the streets, Stone began receiving “an endless stream of unsolicited tips and suggestions.” The series eventually took on a life of its own and “broadened out well beyond” the newspaper’s coverage area. “Just given the nature of the internet and social media, the story really reached all corners of the county, so a lot of leads came -- not just from Westchester or Putnam, or even Dutchess or Long Island -- but from across the country,” Stone says. His reporting included allegations that Optum had improperly sought “reimbursements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through unsupported and misleading diagnosis codes.” Stone even managed to scoop the Wall Street Journal last year when he reported that that the U.S. Department of Justice had launched an anti-trust investigation into UnitedHealth Group Inc., a multinational, for-profit company specializing in health insurance (under the UnitedHealthcare brand) and health care services (as Optum). His online article appeared on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. The paper version came out the next day. The WSJ mentioned Stone’s reporting in their own piece on Tuesday, Feb. 27. This past December, after the brutal murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan made headlines, Sean Cannon, a Peabody-winning podcast producer and journalist based in Louisville was doing some research when he came across The Examiner’s coverage of United Healthcare/ Optum. He reached out to Stone via email, who, although he gets lots, figured that this one was something “not to ignore.” They started talking. Cannon drove out from Kentucky to Mount Kisco where he met Stone at a local hotel and spent a weekend taping him for a new national podcast, to be named “Sick Care.” This preceded, Stone says, the crystallization of the newspaper’s “cash crisis.” Besides Cannon and Stone, the two others collaborating on the project are Jane Marie, an award-winning journalist known for her podcast, The Dream, which explored “the scourge” of multi-level marketing schemes; and Heather Schroering, a Columbia Journalism School-trained investigative journalist and producer who worked on the popular podcasts “Joe Exotic” and a season of “Dr. Death.” The first episode is expected to drop in March. Of course, the podcast has financial potential, but for now Stone is “focused on making a great product.” That kind of thinking harks back to the theory behind his once-fledgling media group. Maybe: If you build it, they will come? “I think that, with any creative endeavor, you don’t know whether it’s going to be a commercial success, but I’m confident it will be something that we’re proud of,” he says. Hindsight is 20/20 Regrets? There’ve been a few but -- with apologies to Ol’ Blue Eyes – too few to mention. When all the successes and failures are totted up, Stone’s still a dyed-in-the-wool newshound who just happened to have been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. He has no plans to throw in the towel no matter what the future brings. Stone says he feels so strongly about the importance of good local journalism that he’d gladly serve as a “passionate goodwill ambassador” for anyone self-sacrificing enough to carry that ink-stained banner forward. For someone like him, it can feel a little weird to be the interviewee and not the interviewer. So Stone had to pause to collect his thoughts before answering the question: “Was it all worth it?” “Always, because the good, the bad, the ugly – all those battle scars – make you stronger,” he responded. “There have been so many rewarding, great experiences along the way. As a reporter who started a business, I’m grateful to have had the chance to build and develop this other muscle, one that I might not otherwise have been inclined to work on.” So yes, taking that leap of faith back in 2007 was worth it. “Because of that, I think I’ve become not just a better journalist, but a better person,” Stone said.

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A STR in the hamlet of Peach Lake was recently brought to the board’s attention after one of the neighbors complained to the town. “It’s disruptive. It’s a concern. I get that,” Curtis said. Doing One’s Homework Curtis is researching how similar and nearby towns have handled the situation -- for instance, Somers. Three years ago, the neighboring town -- addressing noise, safety, and privacy concerns raised by folks living near a single-family dwelling that was being rented out -- changed its definition of “family” to: “Any number of individuals living together and doing their cooking as a single housekeeping unit on the premises, as distinguished from a group occupying a boarding room, boardinghouse, hotel or motel, or renting the premises or part thereof on a daily or transient basis.” North Salem’s current code defines a “family” as “Any number of individuals living together and doing their cooking as a single housekeeping unit on the premises, as distinguished from a group occupying a boarding room, boardinghouse, hotel or motel.” In Ulster County, the artsy community of Woodstock amended its zoning code to regulate STRs by requiring registration with the county (permit applicants must provide a copy of said registration), limiting the maximum number of days during a calendar year that a property can be rented on a short-term basis, restricting the per-bedroom occupancy to two guests (children under a certain age are not counted), and setting standards for parking, garbage collection, and fire/safety/building  inspections. According to Woodstock’s code, non-owner-occupied short-term rentals can only be rented out for a maximum of 180 days per calendar year, with no more than 26 weekends or parts of weekends included in that total. Weekends were defined as any time between a Friday evening and a Monday morning. Paths to Explore The STR issue poses a number of challenges. First of all, the town has to decide exactly where they can be located. Following its basic rules for bed and breakfasts and ADUs, the town could allow STRs in its five major residential districts: R1, R2, R4, R ½ and R ¼. At present, it does not permit ADUs or bed and breakfasts in its commercial districts: NB and GB. However, the board did not completely rule those out for STRs. Also remaining under consideration are its two PO districts, which are located in the hamlets of Croton Falls and Purdys. It also needs to set limits on the number of days units can be rented out and to determine whether it’s going to require property owners to live on the premises and for how long. Owner occupancy rules – intended to discourage folks or real estate entities from buying properties strictly for investment purposes and turning them into STRs – have faced legal challenges in other communities, Florio said. Curtis pointed out that the town requires owners of ADUs to occupy one of the units. While agreeing that no one to date has challenged that rule, Agresta said that it “doesn’t mean it’s not challengeable” in court. That could potentially translate to other situations. “It’s the same argument that STR people are making: ‘You can’t tell me where to live,’” he added. The town also has to make it clear that such entrepreneurs can’t just arbitrarily create more sleeping areas by throwing down a futon or renting out a couch. That’s because a singlefamily home’s certificate of occupancy directly links the number of bedrooms to the capacity of its septic system. Any changes require the approval of the county’s Department of Health. To get a special use permit to operate an STR, the owner could have to submit the CO and a floor plan to the town. The board also agreed that the permit should “run” with the owner of the property -- whether that’s an individual, an LLC, or a trust. If someone new comes in, they have to apply again. It’s also looking at a cut-off time of 10 p.m. for noise and 11 p.m. for exterior lights that might disturb the neighbors. Other rules to be established cover kitchen and/or cooking facilities, where guests can and cannot park (Definitely NOT on the street.), signage, and so forth. Next Steps The Planning Board expects to have a “final first draft” of the STR regs in hand by its March meeting. The Town Board has the last say when it comes to zoning code changes so the plan is to present it with a “preliminary” document that includes a couple of alternatives, or items, it can weigh in on. “We want to get some direction from them. Make them part of the thought process,” Curtis explained. FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 NORTH SALEM NEWS – PAGE 19 RENTALS FROM PAGE 6 ROCK FROM PAGE 7 SEE ROCK PAGE 23 freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances) Which of the freedoms enumerated in the First Amendment is most important to you and which actions of the past and present Trump administrations have violated that particular First Amendment freedom? or Essay prompt 2 Explain how immigration and immigrants have built this country and how the USA in 2025 relies on continued immigration for our benefit and for the benefit of the rest of the world Essay guidelines 1. Choose one of the two prompts. Essay on either topic should be 600-700 words in length 2. Be clear, thoughtful and specific in your response 3. Include examples or personal experiences if applicable Submission details Essays must be submitted by May 20, 2025, no later than 5 p.m. Submit your essay via email to Gidascholarship123@gmail. com with the word SCHOLARSHIP in the subject line Include your full name, email address contact information, the name of your high school and the college, university or trade school you will attend in 2025. The winning essay will be selected based on originality, clarity and insightfulness. The winner will be notified by email. We look forward to hearing from the next generation of leaders and thinkers! If you have any questions, contact the Lombardo family at Gidascholarship123@gmail. com. Good Luck! CoveCare Center Community Bowling Day Sunday, March 16, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Let’s strike up some fun! Join in for an afternoon of bowling to benefit the programs and services of CoveCare Center. They hope you can spare some time for an amazing cause! To be held at Spins Bowl Carmel. Maximum of 6 players per lane, includes shoe rentals. Sponsorship opportunities available! To register, sponsor or donate, visit www. covecarecenter.org/community-bowling-day-2025 For more information, email [email protected] Free and open to the public, registration is not required.

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Powering up! Electric vehicle (EV) drivers now have a new convenient fast charging location in downtown Katonah, less than a mile off Interstate 684. Installed by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) the federally-funded EVolve NY station will serve more drivers through its fast-charging network and further NYPA’s efforts to encourage EV adoption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  State and local officials gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Feb. 18, including Katonah Chamber of Commerce president Casey Carter, Sr. Director of NYPA eMobility John Markowitz, Bedford Supervisor Ellen Calves, Senator Pete Harckham, Assemblymember Chris Burdick,  Bedford Town Board member Stephanie McCaine, and Midge Iorio, Acting Executive Director of Bedford 2030. “As a proud New York State Climate Smart Community with a strong dedication to economic vitality, Bedford is excited to welcome new fast chargers in Katonah,” said Supervisor Calves. “This initiative is a win-win—promoting sustainability while boosting opportunities for local businesses by increasing foot traffic in the hamlet. We are honored to be part of this important program and look forward to welcoming EV drivers to experience Katonah.”  The new EVolve NY charging station is now open in downtown Katonah, just off Exit 6 on I-684. The site is one of the largest fast charging sites in the Hudson Valley with six units available. A six-unit station is also located at the North County Shopping Center in Goldens Bridge and a third location will soon open in downtown White Plains. “Communities, like Katonah, that promote cleaner transportation options serve local residents, attract eco-conscious visitors, and showcase a commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said Justin E. Driscoll, Power Authority president and CEO. “This conveniently located high-speed charging station in downtown Katonah, minutes from the highway, illustrates how the Power Authority and the Town of Bedford collaborated to make it even easier for travelers in the Hudson Valley region to drive electric.”  The Katonah location supports New York’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program corridor buildout and is EVolve NY’s eleventh location supporting the program.  The EVolve NY Katonah site includes six chargers located in a townowned lot at 252 Katonah Ave., directly next to the Katonah Shopping Center. On the Electrify America network, the hub consists of six fast chargers with CCS connectors rated at up to 350 kilowatts. The units are an easy walk to the many restaurants and shops in the downtown area. “I congratulate Katonah in the Town of Bedford on being the latest municipality to receive NYPA’s EVolve NY fast-charging stations at its newest site statewide,” said Senator Harckham. “This is another important step forward in fighting climate change and transitioning to zero-emission vehicles that will benefit our communities with new jobs, cleaner air and a healthier environment for us all.”  “This is a proud moment for the Town of Bedford and the State of New York through NYPA,” added Assemblymember Burdick. “We all need to forge ahead to meet our climate goals, and collectively we can get it done. With transportation accounting for 50% or more of greenhouse gas emissions, New York is aggressively building out its EV charging station infrastructure, which is so vital to encouraging the switch over to electric vehicles. 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PAGE 22 – NORTH SALEM NEWS BY TOM WALOGORSKY EDITOR A pair Lewisboro residents were arrested earlier this month and now face a multitude of charges after being found in possession of a stash of illegal narcotics and seven “ghost guns.” Nicholas Pinnetti, 46, and Brooke Ahern, 42, both of Goldens Bridge, are being charged with multiple felonies including Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd, 3rd and 4th Degrees and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th Degree. The arrests were made following an investigation by the Westchester County Police Narcotics Unit with support from the Lewisboro Police Department. Pinnetti, a previously convicted felon, and Ahern were found in possession of seven personally made firearms and a quantity of cocaine and unfinished firearm frames. Investigators determined they had been utilizing a 3D printer to manufacture unserialized firearms and modifying flare guns into operable weapons. A search warrant was executed at their residence on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 4, and the pair were taken into custody. They were arraigned in Ossining Town Court and sent to the Westchester County Jail in lieu of $3,500 bail. The investigation, which is continuing, was conducted with additional assistance from the Westchester County Police Special Response Team, Emergency Service Unit, Forensic Investigations Unit, and Hazardous Devices Unit; and the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit, FBI Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, Queens County District Attorney’s Office and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. NO NEWS... 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. We need you to subscribe. It’s FREE & It’s Easy! is NOT necessarily good news! # 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 North Salem News YES, I really enjoy North Salem News and I’d like to continue receiving it for 3 years, along with a monetary contribution this year. (Please print legibly.) First (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required. Please print legibly.) Last (Required) City: State: ZIP: Name: Signature: Email: Snowbird Dates (if applicable): Date: Phone: Address: (Optional for TAPinto E-News) (Optional) Mail to: P.O. Box 864 Mahopac, NY 10541 While we need your Full Support to keep this newspaper strong, we include the option for Basic Support because we don’t want financial reasons to get in the way of our readers receiving this newspaper. Basic Support vs. Full Support Basic Support Full Support $100 $50 $20 other or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com OR or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com Checks payable to Halston Media LLC. Please include this form in your envelope. Please include the following additional papers as part of this subscription: The Somers Record Mahopac News Yorktown News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The Katonah-Lewisboro times FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 The arrests were made following an investigation by the Westchester County Police Narcotics Unit with support from the Lewisboro Police Department. / PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY REGIONAL Lewisboro residents arrested for possession of cocaine and ‘ghost guns’ REGIONAL Concrete charges: Man busted for giving cement dealer bad checks A part-time resident of nearby Mahopac is facing felony charges for allegedly passing bad checks to pay for concrete. According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, PCSO officers arrested 60-year-old Michael Scoca of New Rochelle and Mahopac on Jan. 28 after investigating reports of allegedly bad checks written to a Southeast concrete business, which has not been named. In a press release, the PCSO said the investigation began in November 2024, when members of the business reported two checks from the suspect for concrete deliveries to a Mahopac address that bounced. “Both the business and investigator attempted to contact the suspect and get him to make good on the checks but were unsuccessful.” the PCSO press release said.  Scoca was charged with one count of thirddegree grand larceny, a class D felony, and two counts of issuing a bad check, a class B misdemeanor.  He was arraigned in the Carmel Justice Court and remanded back to the Putnam County Correctional Facility, where he was being held on an unrelated charge. He is due in the Town of Southeast court at a future date.

North Salem Republican Town Committee www.northsalemrepublican. com Join the NSRTC Are you passionate about preserving our patriotic values and making a difference in our community? Now is the time to get involved! The NSTRC has two District Leader spots available as they prepare for the February petition drive. This is your opportunity to join a dedicated team that stands for conservative principles and works tirelessly to uphold the values we all cherish. If you support their causes and share their concerns for the future, they encourage you to take the next step and join their committee and continue to make a positive impact for North Salem and beyond. Get involved today! Contact northsalemrepublicans@ gmail.com for more information. Scholarship Opportunity The NSRTC is proud to announce its annual scholarship for graduating high school seniors, offering a $545.47 college scholarship in honor of our 45th & 47th President, Donald J. Trump.  Eligibility Requirements • Must be a graduating high school senior in North Salem. • Planning to attend a college, university, or trade school. • Submission of an essay answering the prompt below. Essay Prompt Which America First policies do you agree with regarding President Donald J. Trump, and why? Essay Guidelines: • Essays should be 500–600 words in length. • Be clear, thoughtful, and specific in your response. • Include examples or personal experiences if applicable. Submission Details • Essays must be submitted by May 1, 2025, no later than 5 p.m.  • Submit your essay via email to [email protected] with the word SCHOLARSHIP in the subject line.  • Include your full name, contact information, and the name of your high school. The winning essay will be selected based on originality, clarity, and insightfulness.  We look forward to hearing from the next generation of leaders and thinkers! If you have any questions, please contact the North Salem Republican Town Committee at [email protected] Good luck! North Salem Democratic Committee Volunteers Wanted There are a few open seats on the town committee and the Democrats would love to have some new volunteers come forward. It’s a great way to meet new people and be involved in who and what shapes our community. If, on the other hand, you may be interested in serving on a town committee or board, it is suggested you keep an eye on the town’s website, northsalemny.org, and send an inquiry to the town clerk at mhlushko@ northsalemny.org. Vacancies are listed on the town website. Contact the group at PO Box 525, North Salem, NY 10560 or northsalemdemocraticclub@ gmail.com A Message from the North Salem Senior Club Don’t you want to join us? We meet each month on the second Tuesday at the North Salem Firehouse at 301 Titicus Road. You must be over 50 years old, fill out the enrollment form and send it in with $15 dues. 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