VOL. 14 NO. 49 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 GOVERNMENT AT WORK 6 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 39 LEISURE 30 MAHOPAC MUSINGS 4 OPINION 12 SPORTS 24 SPRING FEATURE 8 Spring sports previews pg 24 PLAY BALL PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL With the Easter Bunny on hand, Mahopac’s Airport Park was a hoppin’ egg-stravaganza as hundreds of kids and their families braved the cold to take part in the Carmel Department of Recreation and Parks annual Egg Hunt. Here, 3-year-old Evelyn Anderson poses with her favorite egg hunt prize. See more pictures on page 20. Eye on the prize BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE A proposal to build a gridscale battery project in Mahopac has a group of Somers residents worried that the planned power-storage facility—colloquially known as a ‘battery farm’— would pose an existential threat to their safety and way of life. A grid-scale battery project is an energy storage system connected directly to an electric utility—in this case, NYSEG. The project would enable the utility to store electricity during off-peak hours and discharge the stored power during peak demand hours. The goal is to make the grid cleaner, more reliable, resilient, and affordable. “The security of the grid is at risk. There are a lot of vulnerabilities on the system,” said Scott Connuck, senior project developer for Charlottesville, Va.-based East Point Energy, which is proposing the project. “These sorts of projects help provide a lot of the reliability that is required.” The site plan has been before the Carmel Planning Board since last September and is winding its way through the process. A public hearing will eventually be held, probably in May, town planning officials said. The project is proposed for a 95-acre parcel of woodland and wetland off Miller Road in Mahopac, which is near the NYSEG substation on Union Valley Road and also abuts the property of some Somers homeowners. In September, Connuck told the board that the project would be at the center of the property and would be “out of sight...out of mind.” However, residents of Lounsbury Drive in Baldwin Place (Town of Somers) contend that is not the case. They say the battery farm would actually be at the edge of the 95-acre lot and just 200 feet from their backyards. “That’s a lie,” said Michele Stuart of the claim that the battery farm would be in the middle of the property. “When I see Sparks are flying Somers neighborhood charged up over proposed Mahopac ‘battery farm’ SEE BATTERY FARM PAGE 36 There is no one more knowledgeable, caring, considerate and professional than Larry Zacks. We interviewed many realtors and no one had the knowledge and experience that measured up to Larry. We would recommend Larry to everyone we know. He’s the best choice and should be your only choice. ~A.S. with Mahopac’s MOST SUCCESSFUL AGENT 914-282-6440 RE/MAX Classic Realty [email protected] SELL FOR A RECORD PRICE YOU WILL RECEIVE: Call Lawrence Zacks TODAY for your FREE CONSULTATION Lawrence Zacks • Vast Experience • Home Prep & Repair Advice • Stress-Free Results
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MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 3 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR The Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce has recognized John Malzone, Carl Garofolo, and Scott Centofonti with its 2023 business awards. Businessperson of the Year Malzone is the owner of Custom Interior Remodeling. The Yonkers native has lived in Mahopac for more than 30 years and said running the business in his adopted hometown fulfills a lifelong ambition. “After high school, and for 16 years, I was a letter carrier, but always dreamed of having my own interior remodeling business,” he said. “So, in the early 1990s, I started my company Custom Interior Remodeling. We specialize in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, decks, painting, tile, and more.” Malzone said working with individual customers is among his favorite aspects of the job. “I’ve been fortunate to be able to work one job at a time, which allows me to be at every job site full-time,” he said. “This has been my lifelong passion and I’m happy to say that I still get up every morning excited to go to work. I have made numerous new friends from the service I provide. I’m licensed, insured, and bonded. I provide free estimates to all of my potential customers. I’m honest, knowledgeable, trustworthy, and professional.” After moving with his family to Mahopac in 1992, Malzone joined the Chamber hoping to make friends and do some networking. “I immediately began to see how being part of the Chamber was going to benefit me,” he said. “I started volunteering for different committees. Ultimately I decided to run for the board. I was voted on, and that was only the beginning. I worked my way up the ladder to chairman of the board. It was a great experience and I loved every minute of it. Giving back to the community is so gratifying. I continue to be a member of the chamber to this day.” Malzone can be reached at (914) 406-3900. If Business Person Meritorious Awad-winner Carl Garofolo has any spare time, it’s likely he’s about to fill it with volunteer work or community service. At work, Garofolo—who is in his ninth year serving on the Chamber board—is widely seen as the go-to person at health insurance company Fidelis Care (fideliscare.org). He specializes in “community relations, engagement, outreach, marketing, and in the service of others,” Garofolo said. “Key areas include social determinants of health (SDoH) initiatives, DEI change agent, and working with cross-functional teams.” A former senior IT professional for IBM, Garofolo was the team leader of worldwide accounts and served as the single point of contact while working as a service delivery and critical situation manager for outwardfacing IBM system platforms. As a community relations specialist at Fidelis Care, “I have covered Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, Columbia, and Greene counties,” Garofolo said. “I am known as ‘Mr. Fidelis,’ and I serve as the eyes, ears, and face of Fidelis Care in the community. My role is to build partnerships for Fidelis Care with notfor-profit organizations, houses of worship, schools and school districts, government agencies, through B2B, and with individuals and families.” In addition to his busy work schedule, Garofolo is an active volunteer who has given his time to the United Way, the American Heart Association, the XP Society and Camp Sundown, the Special Olympics, and several American Cancer Society organizations. “I am [also] a voice-over actor, master of ceremonies, radio broadcaster, and motivational speaker,” Garofolo said. “I am a proud member of the Poughkeepsie Elks Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Knights of Columbus.” In 2000, Garofolo was elected to the Dutchess County Sports Museum Hall of Fame for his contributions to sports and community and has been recognized by the United Way, the Benevolent Protected Order of Elks, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, the Exchange Club, Literacy Volunteers of America, and others. The Emerging Professional award went to Scott Centofonti, who is a partner at Superior Merchant Solutions (gosupermerchant.com). For the past 17 years, Centofonti has been passionate about helping small and medium sized businesses streamline their payment processing needs. Scott and his business partner Mike Kaprinski have built Superior Merchant Solutions into a key resource for businesses maintaining their credit card/pointof-sales systems to help them compete with large scale businesses. Scott and his wife Niki of 19 years live in Mahopac, where they are raising what Centofonti described as “three adventurous boys and two equally adventurous dogs.” As Chamber member for over 17 years, Centofonti said he understands how important it is to support the community that has helped him establish success and fulfillment in his business. One chamber member described him as a guy who never says no when he’s called upon to help. “The Chamber of Commerce is such an important part of our local community,” Centofonti said. “And I believe there is room for even greater success within your business and the chamber’s membership.” When he’s is not building his business or on the golf course, Centofonti is studying to become a certified yoga instructor and hopes to share his growing love of the practice and its philosophies. He also contributed to Volume 3 of the book series “Be A Success Maverick: How Ordinary People Do It Different to Achieve Extraordinary Results” by Paul Finck. Always active in the community, you can catch Centofonti at the most recent chamber mixer or dinner events while serving as the committee’s chairman. Malzone, Garofolo, Centofonti get Chamber biz awards Business Person Meritorious Carl Garofolo of Fidelis Care 2023 Businessperson of the Year John Malzone of Custom Interior Remodeling Emerging Professional Scott Centofonti of Superior Merchant Solutions PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL
PAGE 4 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Emile Menasché Editor: 845-208-0774 [email protected] Bob Dumas Editor at Large [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] Noah Elder Designer Bri Agosta Designer Haven Elder Designer EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines Mahopac News The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for Mahopac News is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Emile Menasché at 845-208-0774 or email [email protected]. Subscribe To request Mahopac News weekly delivery, call 845-208-8503 or email [email protected]. Subscriptions are complimentary for residents and businesses in the town. Out of town mail subscriptions are $150 per year for First Class Mail. Periodicals Postage Paid at Mahopac, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mahopac News at 824 Route 6, Suite 4 • Mahopac, NY 10541 (ISSN 2330-1627) Published Weekly by Halston Media, LLC at 824 Route 6, Suite 4 • Mahopac, NY 10541 Main Office 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2023 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC PUBLIC DOCUMENT | OFFICIAL BUSINESS | Paid for by official funds authorized by the House of Representatives. lawler.house.gov/services WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE 1013 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515(202) 225-6506 PEARL RIVER OFFICE One Blue Hill Plaza, Third Floor, P.O. Box 1645, Pearl River, NY 10965 (845) 201-2060 CARMEL OFFICE 60 McAlpin Avenue, Mahopac, NY 10541 (845) 743-7130 January 31, 2024 House passes bipartisan tax bill that would expand child tax credit CONGRESSMAN MIKE LAWLER Fighting to deliver tax relief to Hudson Valley families. Congressman Lawler voted to pass a bipartisan increase to child tax credit Congressman Lawler is taking on both parties to deliver even more tax relief Congressman Lawler has consistently been a leader in the House pushing members of both parties to provide much-needed tax relief to Hudson Valley families. MAHOPAC MUSINGS Coffee With a Cop/SPCA Come meet some members of the Carmel Police Department and the Putnam County SPCA. Ask questions about the community; learn about animal cruelty and prevention. In honor of National Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month, the event will be held on Sunday, April 7, at 11 a.m. at the Freight House Cafe, 609 Route 6, Mahopac. IAC Homemade Winetasting Festival The Italian American Club of Mahopac will hold its 8th Annual Homemade Winetasting Festival & Competition on Sunday, April 21, at 3 p.m. at the Italian American Club of Mahopac on 141 Buckshollow Road. Admission is $40 and includes a four-course dinner, music, and Italian hospitality. The top three scorers will be declared winners and the top winemaker will be crowned “Mastro del Vino.”.In addition to the official judging, guests will select their favorite wines for the Taster’s Choice Award. Only IAC members can submit wines for the competition but everyone is invited to sip and enjoy the wines and enjoy a fabulous Italian dinner. RSVP required. For information, contact Linda Cefaloni at 914-582-4373 or Sandra Cefaloni Henderson at 845-745- 0762 or visit italianamericanclubofmahopac.org or Facebook page. IAC Monday Night Dinner Fundraiser Join the Italian American Club of Mahopac for a Monday Night Dinner Extravaganza Fundraiser for Relay for Life. Savor a mouthwatering, authentic, four-course meal, music, laughter, and the warmth of Italian hospitality. Monday, April 29, from 5-9 p.m. and Monday, May 20, from 5-9 p.m. at Italian American Club of Mahopac on 141 Buckshollow Road. Admission is $40 for nonmembers, $30 for members and seniors, and $20 for kids 15 and under. Each adult reservation includes a complimentary glass of wine. A cash donation bar will be available. Payment and reservation are due no later than April 23. Payment options: 1) Freight House Café/ 609 US 6 Mahopac, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Ask for Donna. 2) Italian American Club of Mahopac PO Box 931 Mahopac, NY 10541 (mail checks) 3) Contact Linda Cefaloni 914-582-4373 or Donna Massaro at 845-628-1872 Come hungry, leave happy knowing you are helping find a cure for cancer. For more info call or visit italianamericanclubofmahopac.org or the Facebook page. PAC Spring Classes Putnam Arts Council, 521 Kennicut Hill Road, Mahopac, is currently accepting registration for spring classes in the arts including six-week and one-day workshops; classes and workshops are offered throughout April. Offerings include watercolor, oils and acrylics, pottery, and mixed media. Classes are offered afternoons, evenings, and weekends. One weekend option for adults - treat yourself to a Saturday night out and try your hand at hand-building (clay) in our Sip and Spin Workshop; an evening of fun in the pottery studio where you will create a project or two from a slab of clay while enjoying light refreshments and beverages. Groups are most welcome; a maximum of eight. Affordable classes for kids, teens, and adults. Small classes offer individual attention in a relaxed atmosphere where creativity is the goal. Visit www.putnamartscouncil.com for details on fees, and instructors, and to register. SEE MUSINGS PAGE 7
MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 5 Experience Our Signature Homemade Dishes In Our Renovated Dining Room Or Our ALL SEASON PATIO FEATURING • Ready to Bake Entrees & Appetizers • Homemade Soups & Sauces • Freshly Made Side Dishes. ALSO FEATURING Savor’s Hits & Rick’s Seafood Classics like Homemade Seafood Salad, Baked Clams, Coconut Shrimp, Horseradish Crusted Sea Bass & So Much More. Check out rickssavoronline.com JOIN US FOR EASTER SUNDAY 12-4PM 3 COURSE DINNER MENU COMPLIMENTARY GLASS OF WINE OR MIMOSA April 8-21 18 Clark Pl, Mahopac, NY 10541 • (845) 628-3081 OPEN 7 DAYS See website for daily hours • Order Online! TAKE-OUT & FREE LOCAL DELIVERY! SAVORMAHOPAC.COM CATERING FOR ANY OCCASION — EASTER, COMMUNIONS, BAPTISMS, BIRTHDAYS! RICK’S IS BACK ONLINE! Rick’s Savor Online Market is Now Open. Check out savormahopac.com NOW OPEN! FREE Small ICE CREAM Cone w/purchase of any Savor cone w/coupon. Exp. 5/1/24 Savor Crust Pizza 2 for $25 w/coupon. Exp. 5/1/24 PIZZA • SLICES • PIZZA ROLLS & CASUAL DYNAMIC FARE SOFT SERVE GELATO • SORBET HARD ICE CREAM COME CHECK US OUT!
PAGE 6 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE The Town Board amended two chapters of the town code last week, one of which it hopes will improve the overall aesthetic of downtown Mahopac, especially the Route 6 corridor. At its March 20 meeting, the board held two public hearings for the code changes. The first, a proposed local law amending Chapter 156 of the Code of the Town of Carmel, entitled “Signs,” will restrict the use of neon, LED, and other forms of lighting, as well as enact other sign-related regulations. “This change to zoning is part of the beautification. It’s to remove the flashing lights, the multiple signs and make it more uniform,” said Supervisor Mike Cazzari. “[It will] remove all those lights from the center of town that make it seem like the old Times Square.” The amended code will regulate or limit sign issues such as: · All unshielded and bare incandescent light sources or any LED string lights where the bulb or diode is visible from any public space or right-of-way unless placed in a window in conformity with the code. · Signs that revolve or otherwise move or which utilize flashing or blinking lights or multiple illuminating units that operate alternately. · Signs that cause direct glare into or upon a dwelling or other structure where persons live, are employed, or conduct other activity where such glare would constitute a sustained nuisance. · One window sign will be permitted per building or per tenant. In addition to a window sign, up to two neon or LED signs may be permitted in the C and CBP districts only. The total sign area of the two neon/LED signs shall not exceed 5 percent of the glazing area or 5 square feet, whichever is smaller, and no individual neon/LED sign shall exceed 4 square feet. Neon, string, and/or LED signs shall not outline the shape or form of any window to which it is attached. All signs within a window – permanent, neon, LED, and/or temporary – combined area shall not exceed 25 percent of the total area of the window in which the signs are located. The new code goes into effect on May 15, but Cazzari said that businesses will have a two- to four-week grace period to come into compliance. Smoke shop moratorium The other enacted code amendment extends the moratorium on smoke/vape shop applications within the town of Carmel, something the board initially put into place in 2023. Board members had expressed concern about the impact the proliferation of smoke and vape shops is having on the community. While no existing shops are impacted by the amendment, it will prevent any new smoke/ vape shops from opening until the town creates a permanent policy. “We are extending the moratorium because we have one more meeting on the master plan and then put out that draft,” Cazzari said. “Then they will adopt it. The smoke shops will be addressed in the master plan. So, we are extending the moratorium one more time [until the master plan is ready.]’” Cazzari said the moratorium meant that applicants for such retail business cannot receive a building permit or certificate of occupancy while the edict is in effect. The moratorium ends Sept. 15. Town Board takes dim view of bright lights Votes to restrict electric signs and extend vape shop moratorium After a pair of public hearings last week, the Town Board elected to restrict the use of bright window lights and continue a moratorium on smoke/vape shops. PHOTO: EMILE MENASCHÉ Town Board Wednesday, April 3, 10, 7 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Planning Board Thursday, April 11, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Environmental Conservation Board Thursday, April 4, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Thursday, March 28, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Recreation Advisory Committee Thursday, April 4, 7:30 p.m. Rec Office Building - Sycamore Park Board of Education Thursday, April 18, 6 p.m. (work session) Falls School, 100 Myrtle Ave. Tuesday, April 24, 7 p.m. Mahopac High School, 421 Baldwin Place Road Law Offices of Joseph J. Tock 963 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 TOCKLAW.COM • 845-628-8080 CRIMINAL DEFENSE/DWI • PERSONAL INJURY REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS LAW • WILLS, TRUSTS, ESTATES, PROBATE ‘ Joe has a wealth of knowledge and experience. Listens to what you say and follows through in a professional and timely manner. ~J.D.
MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 7 BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE The Town Board unanimously passed a resolution last week urging lawmakers in Albany to amend New York State criminal justice statutes related to the controversial reforms to the cash bail system. In 2019, the state passed legislation that lightened bail restrictions for many defendants. Critics say the current law puts dangerous criminals back on the street, puts witnesses and victims at risk, hampers prosecutors, and prevents judges from using their discretion in individual cases. Spearheaded by Councilman Frank Lombardi, the resolution supports a measure initially proposed in 2020 by the New York State Conference of Mayors, which Carmel officials say is “consistent with the intent of the criminal justice reforms but will also allow for more effective and affordable implementation.” “This is a resolution that I drafted [with the help of town] counsel over the last three years,” Lombardi said at the board’s March 20 meeting. “Now that the legislative session has started again up in Albany, we demand [on behalf of ] the 37,000 people we speak for here in the town of Carmel, that the bail reforms are deemed a failure and provide less safety for all of the residents of New York State. We want to make sure our voices are heard during this process in the Legislature.” Lombardi said he hopes one day lawmakers will realize that the reforms they made five years ago “have not made towns or the city of New York any safer.” “You don’t have to look any further than the local stories [on the news] that this has been a failure,” he said. The resolution passed by the board calls for cities and villages to be provided with additional financial and operational support to offset the cost of the mandated measures. The resolution also calls for revised amendments to the state statute that would: · Allow 60 days for prosecutors to disclose evidence to the defense for criminal charges; · Exclude from the accelerated discovery requirements any charge not involving a misdemeanor or felony; · Adjust the 20-day arraignment requirement to accommodate local courts that meet only once a month; · Allow prosecutors to withhold sensitive information, such as victim contact information, without having to obtain a court order; · Give judges the discretion to order pretrial detention by amendment of the bail reform measures which have put citizens at risk. The resolution is being forwarded to Gov. Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Sen. Peter Harckham, Assemblyman Matt Slater, the New York State Conference of Mayors, as well as all other municipalities in Putnam County. Town Board to state: ‘Reform bail reform!’ Officials say 2019 changes have created public danger Library Events Free Yoga for Adults: Classes start April 1. Learn about these programs and more at mahopaclibrary.org. ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ Lecture Carmel resident Dr. Michael Taub, retired professor of Jewish studies, will discuss the Eastern European background to the American “Fiddler on the Roof ” and other well-known theater and film works, like “Yentl” on Sunday, March 31, at 7 p.m. at Chabad of Putnam, 5 Fair Street in Carmel Hamlet. Dr. Taub’s lecture will compare what he knows about shtetl life and the stage/screen portraits known by most Americans today. Coincidently, the Brewster Theater Co. is planning a “Fiddler” play for the current theater season. To RSVP visit PutnamChabad.org/ RSVP or call 845-225-4770; the Zoom link is available upon request. Help for the Library is in the Bag This March, make your Mahopac Library lucky by purchasing a Community Bag at Shop & Stop, Lake Plaza, 1001 US-6, Mahopac. For every $2.50 reusable bag purchased, Shop & Stop will give $1 to the Friends of the Library. Book Barn Special Offers The Book Barn is currently running a buy-one-get-one-free offer on Tom Clancy novels. Or buy 10 or more books and receive one free book (excluding collectibles) or one free Book Barn tote bag. Need a gift for an avid reader? The Book Barn has $10 gift cards for sale, redeemable for books in the lobby and the Book Barn. Hours are Tuesday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Wednesday, 10 a.m. - noon., Thursday, 4 - 6:45 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Stories and Snacks with Rabbi Sarah Temple Beth Shalom in Mahopac presents Stories and Snacks with Rabbi Sarah, ideal for age groups 2-5 years old. Stories and Snacks will take place on the following Sundays at 11:30 a.m.: March 24, April 14, and May 19. Call 845-628-6133 to register. MUSINGS FROM PAGE 4 SEE MUSINGS PAGE 35 UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP Same Great Staff & Teachers NEW GROUP CLASSES Chamber Orchestra Rock Band Music Theory Art Classes INTRODUCING Kindermusik 18 MONTHS - 5 YEARS RETAIL - LESSONS REPAIRS - RENTALS 609 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 www.PutnamMusic.com SCAN FOR MORE INFO Get Started Today Call 845-621-2626 Monday - Thursday 10 - 8 Friday - 10 - 7 Saturday 9 - 5
BY SANDY LINDSEY OF THE EPOCH TIMES NEWSWIRE Spring is not only a time to get back in the garden with cool season crops, but depending on your gardening zone and the seasonal temperatures, it may be the only time to grow plants such as broccoli, cauliflower, and many lettuces before the arrival of peak summer heat. Some hearty plants, such as kale and Brussels sprouts, can even withstand an unexpected frost, but it’s best to be cautious. Some ways to extend the season include covering the soil with black plastic to warm it faster. Planting in a raised bed can also provide a few days’ or weeks’ head start, as the ambient air temperature will raise the above-ground soil temperature faster than the ground temp. Unexpected frosts do occur, so consider having some season extenders on hand just in case. These can range from floating row covers to a milk jug with the bottom cut out to create a free version of the traditional glass bell jar garden cloche. Be sure to tie the milk jug handle to a stake or otherwise secure it from blowing away in spring winds. Take off the cap during the day to prevent overheating and cap at night for snuggly protection. And whatever barrier is chosen, keep the leaves from touching the cover, or else the plant could freeze. March and April Faves Fifty degrees Fahrenheit is a magic number when it comes to early spring vegetables. Lettuce, mustard greens, Swiss chard, kale, collards, beets, carrots, turnips, cabbage, spinach, kohlrabi, cauliflower, onions, radish, and celery, to name just a few, can all be direct-seeded once the soil is above 50 degrees F. In fact, some vegetables even require a cooler temperature of 50 to 70 degrees F for best germination. The soil temperature should not be confused with air temperature. To get an accurate reading, an inexpensive soil probe can be purchased online, but an old kitchen thermometer that shows both hot and cold will also do the trick. Why an old thermometer? No one wants to spear a thermometer into a roast after it’s been in the ground. To get a further jumpstart on the process, seeds can be started six to eight weeks prior to planting out or purchased as seedlings from the local garden center. This works for many plants, including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, peas, and spinach. However, root crops such as radish, beets, turnips, kohlrabi, and carrots prefer direct sowing, due to having a taproot that doesn’t like to be disturbed. Be sure to loosen the soil, as hard or compacted soil will stunt their growth. Avoid walking on wet soil, as this can lead to unintentional compaction. Speaking of wet soil, if the soil is too wet, seeds will rot, so it’s better to wait a few days to plant. If birds are showing an interest in the seeds or seedlings, consider using a row cover or milk jug cloche until the plants get larger. Speed Harvesting Depending on the variety, some spring radishes can be eaten in as little as 25 days, with the majority of them taking no longer than 40 days. The leaves of green onions can be added to cooking starting at roughly 30 days. Lettuce can be cut (and come again for more leaves) starting at roughly 45 days, as can spinach. Beets and broccoli can be ready in as little as 50 days or shortly thereafter, with some varieties of cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, kohlrabi, and peas coming in at about 55 to 60 days. In the case of peas, in particular, harvest often to encourage more pod formation. These short timeframes allow for succession planting—particularly for root crops that are one-and-done. Radish is an excellent example, since new sowings can be made every two weeks until summer to ensure a continuous supply. Double Duty Companion planting can help maximize valuable garden (or raised bed or container) real estate while keeping pests away. The simplest way to start is with layers—combining a skyward-growing crop with root vegetables. One example is radishes or beets planted with shallowrooted lettuce. Not only will this combo make the most of the space, watering, and fertilizing, but root crops break up soil as the y g r o w, resulting in better aeration and water penetration, while the shallow roots of the lettuce won’t affect radish or beet growth. Onion sets planted amongst greens will have similar benefits. Another pair of spring “buddies” are peas vining up a trellis or other support, interplanted amongst greens. The lowgrowing plants shade and cool the pea roots, and help keep weeds down. The peas in turn add organic nitrogen to the soil, leading to lusher lettuce, spinach, and so forth. Always Thinking Ahead Once the garden is up and running, it’s time to start thinking about pre-sprouting late spring and summer crops indoors. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and summer squash are cheaper when started from seed, which also allows for a much larger Ready, set, spring! The best garden vegetables for an early start SEE GARDEN PAGE 10 PAGE 8 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024
Spring is a time of year when change is in the air. Trees are budding, plants are flowering, and homes laden with dark or heavy fabrics and clutter could use some lightening up. Spring cleaning projects are popular this time of year as residents take inventory of their living spaces and aim to declutter, clean and increase efficiency. Some people find the prospect of getting organized overwhelming. Here are some tips that can help anyone master spring cleaning. • Create a plan. Make a checklist and establish a cleaning plan of attack. Focus on areas that are not regularly cleaned, as they probably need a little attention. • Assemble your cleaning kit. Spring cleaning can be slowed down considerably if you don’t have all of your equipment at the ready. Items to have on hand include an all-purpose cleaner, concentrated cleaner, microfiber cloths, paper towels, mop, vacuum, dusters, and a squeegee. Adjust your equipment based on the task at hand. • Curate your cleaning playlist. Create a playlist with songs that will get you moving and motivated to clean. • Work from top to bottom. Work efficiently by cleaning shelves, ceiling fans and other elevated items first, as dust and debris will trickle down and need to be cleaned next. • Purchase or rent a carpet cleaner. According to the experts at Clean That Up, carpets help filter indoor air by trapping debris and allergens. By deep cleaning carpets, homeowners can improve the indoor air quality of their homes. Use a carpet cleaner on a warm, dry day so that windows can be opened and cross breezes will help dry the damp rug. • Clean windows. Wash windows inside and out and utilize their screens to help brighten indoors spaces. • Deep clean the kitchen. Clean out and disinfect the refrigerator by wiping it down with warm water and baking soda or a vinegar-and-water solution. While in the kitchen, set the oven to the self-clean function so it becomes cleaner as well. • Homeowners also can focus on cleaning curtains (including shower curtains), steam-cleaning upholstery, removing clutter from closets, cleaning out the dryer vent and duct tubing, wiping inside kitchen drawers, and vacuuming under beds and other furniture. Spring cleaning can bring the revitalizing nature of this beloved time of year into your home. This article is from Metro Creative Connection. Spring cleaning tips and tricks Egg hunts are a traditional component of many people’s Easter celebrations. Children often delight in searching for eggs around the house or in the backyard. Egg hunts are so popular that they have become a component of many town-sponsored festivities. In fact, the White House hosts its annual Easter Egg Roll each year. There are many ways to make Easter egg hunts more enjoyable and productive for participants of all ages. Try these “eggcellent” ideas. • Designate a clear hunting area. Young children can grow frustrated searching for eggs in large areas. Set parameters for the search area that are manageable depending on the ages of the children participating. If you’ll be in a large yard or field, tape off the search area perimeter. • Vary the prizes. Candy, candy and more candy seems to be the name of the game on Easter. But too many sweets can lead to stomach aches for young Hop on these tips for a great Easter egg hunt SEE EGG HUNT PAGE 11 SPRING MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 9 Make every listing a miracle listing. Supporting Maria Fareri Children's Hospital. kateb.remax.com Call or text 914-804-1775 Katherine Barile Bellantoni RE/MAX Classic Realty Licensed R.E. Salesperson, NY + CT 293 Rte 100, Ste 207 | Somers, NY 10589 | 914-243-5200 2023 #1 Miracle Agent RE/MAX Classic We Carry A Complete Line of BioGuard Pool Treatments
selection than is normally available locally. Green Savvy Gardeners are some of the most innovative people on the planet. Here are some examples of their wonderfully budget-friendly tips and tricks. Newspaper Seed Pots: The ultimate biodegradable planter that can be set out directly in the garden, seed pots made from newspaper or other recyclable paper, allow for easy transplanting without disturbing a seedling’s roots, just like a peat pot, but without the cost. Tube Guides: Tiny seeds planted directly in the garden can easily be washed away by rain or even gentle watering. The solution is to cut up a toilet paper or paper towel tube into three-inch sections. Press halfway into the soil, and sow two seeds inside each (one is a spare) to keep them in the same general area until they sprout and root. DIY Seed Tape: Another way to sow small seeds is via a seed tape, but that’s an unnecessary expense. Instead, take a roll of twoply toilet paper, place the seeds on it at even intervals, fold over, and mist lightly with water to hold the seeds in place while planting. Millions of people embrace opportunities to get back in their gardens each spring, and they might be reaping more rewards from that activity than they realize. According to the American Institute of Stress, gardening sparks a level of creativity among enthusiasts, and that can help to alleviate stress by lowering levels of the hormone cortisol. In addition, authors of a 2022 study published in the journal Urban Forestry & Urban Greening concluded that gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic helped people cope with coronavirus-related stress through outdoor activity. This article is from Metro Creative Connection. GARDEN FROM PAGE 8 Gardening offers more than a day in the sun SPRING PAGE 10 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 MY SEASONS REALTY LLC RICHARD DUTRA [email protected] PUTNAMREALESTATE.NET Serving Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess and Beyond Licensed Real Estate Broker 914-714-5609 FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HOT WATER HEATER & GAS NEEDS 60 Years of Excellence 719 Rte. 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com TAKE $50 OFF ANY DEWINTERIZATION— HOSEBIBS, POOL HOUSES AND OUTDOOR SHOWERS INTO ACTION! Spring
The interior of a home may be where homeowners and their families spend the majority of their time, and there’s no denying that a well-planned interior goes a long way toward making a house a home. However, the exterior of a home, including its landscaping, can serve as a source of pride and catch the eye of prospective buyers when the home hits the market. It’s easy to walk past a home with an eye-catching exterior and assume the homeowner has a green thumb or has spent lots of time and money working on the landscaping. Though that may be true, oftentimes it’s the simplest strategies that make all the difference. Homeowners can keep these strategies in mind as they look to transform the exterior of their homes. • Dress up the walkway. A longer walkway can give guests a strong first impression of a home and won’t break the bank. Create new planting beds and plant bright plants and flowers along each side of the walkway. If it’s necessary and within budget, lengthen the walkway to create the feel of a more grandiose entryway. • Make things more symmetrical. A messy landscape can give a poor first impression, even if the area features some beautiful plants. In such instances, a little effort to make things more symmetrical, with equal parts grass and vegetation, can create a cleaner, more inviting look. • Mulch your flower and tree beds. Mulch is a relatively inexpensive but effective way to add aesthetic appeal to a landscape. Freshly mulched beds beneath trees and flowers creates a clean and organized look, and the mulch also serves a practical purpose, as it reduces weed growth and helps the soil retain moisture so plants stay healthy and look better throughout the warmer months when rainfall may not be steady or significant. • Plant shade trees. Shade trees can be especially useful when selling a home. The shade provided by trees can shield grass from blistering summer sun, potentially helping it stay green. A lush green lawn appeals to buyers and gives the impression the home has been well maintained. In addition, shade trees can be used to create the look of a backyard oasis. A well-placed bench beneath a large shade tree can entice buyers who want a relaxing spot to enjoy warm summer days outdoors without getting a sunburn. • Consider maintenance. The more exotic an exterior landscape is, the more maintenance it’s likely to require. Lawn and garden enthusiasts may not be turned off by landscape features that require steady maintenance, but homeowners who don’t have much time for such work should keep things simple. A poorly maintained landscape, even if it includes exotic plants and elaborate designs, will adversely affect curb appeal. Another feather in the cap of low-maintenance landscape features is they could prove more appealing to prospective buyers, who may view elaborate, exotic landscaping as a lot of extra work they won’t want to do. Some simple landscaping strategies can help homeowners transform their home exteriors without requiring a significant investment of time or money. Simple landscaping strategies that can transform a home’s exterior Easter celebrants. Instead, mix and match the prizes contained in the eggs. Candy can be in some, money in others, and perhaps small toys in a few eggs. Another clever idea is to mix the egg hunt with charades. Put charade prompts in some eggs so that kids have to act out what they read inside for added fun. • Special privilege egg. Hide one egg that gives the finder the opportunity for a special honor. It may include getting the first slice of the holiday ham or being able to choose a movie that the entire family watches together after dinner. • Label eggs for equity. When there are children across a wide range of ages, label the eggs with the children’s names or utilize a color-coded system to ensure that everyone has an equal shot at finding eggs. • Keep a master list. It can be hard to remember where each egg is hidden, so keep a running list of where they are or take photos with a phone of the hiding spots. This way you’re not left to discover a chocolate-filled egg teeming with ants come summertime. • Make custom baskets. Children will need something to carry their eggs. Prior to the egg hunt, let them decorate bags or baskets with Easter trinkets for custom creations. Easter egg hunts are a time-honored tradition. The opportunities for fun are endless when families plan accordingly. This article is from Metro Creative Connection. EGG HUNT FROM PAGE 9 SPRING MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 11
PAGE 12 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 Opinion There’s a somewhat common joke about how much money a priest makes: the priesthood might not pay much, but the benefits are eternal! It’s a pretty easy joke to “get”: it’s the hope that, as a priest, I might not have a lot of *stuff* here in this life – I won’t drive the nicest car, have the nicest clothes, go on the nicest vacations, nor have my chance of fame or fortune – but God will reward me for that. What I give up here, I will earn in Heaven. However, this is pretty far from the truth: Heaven is not a wage I will earn simply by putting in my years here of being a man of the cloth. In fact, Heaven is something none of us can earn; from the pope to the pauper, from the holiest nun to the queen of vulgarity, none of us is qualified to get into Heaven by our own merits. Entrance into Heaven is not a wage, it is a gift. Wages and gifts are opposites. Wages are earned, while gifts are given; wages are necessary, gifts are free; wages are demanded by justice, gifts are chosen out of love. Wages are based on a contract, “If you do this, then you will get that,” while a true gift has no strings attached. The reality is we don’t deserve God, His mercy, Heaven or salvation. If we’re being blunt, due to our sinfulness, we really deserve death, pain and suffering. However, on that first Easter Sunday nearly 2,000 years ago, we were freely given the greatest gift of all: eternal life. St. Paul said it well in his Letter to the Romans, “The wage of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). That’s what makes the Easter celebration so revolutionary: the heart of the Christian claim is that the greatest debt of them all – our sinfulness – has been paid off by the very One to Whom we owed such a debt. We were indebted to God, and yet we were also freed by God. This is not a loan that we must pay back over time, nor a paycheck that is to be earned, but a free gift from the Father through His own Son, Jesus Christ. Not all gifts that are given, however, are used. Just because someone gives me tickets to a New York Yankees game doesn’t mean I actually attended the game, but only that I can attend the game (though feel free to give me such a gift: I’ll use them!) This gift from Jesus is similar: we’ve been gifted entrance into Heaven, but we must accept the invitation and make the proper preparations. This is done by rejecting evil, following the laws Jesus and His Church have given, asking for forgiveness when we stumble, and constantly responding “yes” to His invitation to live a life of closeness to Him. If it seems hard to get into Heaven, we might not be wrong; but we might also be overthinking it. We can think of Jesus’ simple invitation in the Gospels, “Let the children come to Me, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,” and again, “you must acquire the heart of a child to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” Perhaps the secret to entrance into Heaven really is as simple as being like a child accepting a birthday gift from their parents: a child does nothing to earn his or her birthday gifts except by being born so many years ago. Easter is the time when we have been reborn by Jesus’ Passion, Death and Resurrection: we died with Him, and we rose to a new life with Him. It’s almost like a new birthday! And we have been given the greatest re-birthday gift imaginable. This Easter, let’s remember that we can never earn our way into Heaven, but thankfully we don’t have to earn anything, we just need to accept the gift. Heaven is something I could never earn no matter how hard I try, so – quite literally – thank God He gave it to me. Happy Easter to all of us who got the greatest gift of all time. Fr. Matthew Breslin is a Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of New York, serving as Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph’s Church in Somers and Chaplain of Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School. Easter: A time of free gifts, not earned wages FR. MATTHEW BRESLIN GUEST COLUMNIST I used to be a felon. I’m not anymore. No need to move to the other side of the street when you see me walking your way. I don’t have a problem talking about it. I’ve been pretty candid—I’ve written about it here in this space and discussed it openly on the Hudson Valley Uncensored podcast. Have you ever had a police officer point a gun at you and tell you to put your hands in the air and not move? I have. And let me tell you, it’s not a lot of fun. You will definitely need new underwear. What these particular officers were concerned about was that I might be growing some plants in my garden of which they did not approve. So, as a punishment, I was made to go sit in a room for 10 weekends and think about what I’d done. Yes—that is a fancy way of saying I was cultivating cannabis sativa (aka marijuana, weed, pot, yadda yadda). Well... actually I wasn’t the one doing the cultivating. That was my entrepreneurial cousin. I was just living there. My full-time job was being a senior editor at a magazine on Wilshire Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles. But the police and the D.A. didn’t make that distinction. (This was 22 years ago, but it feels like yesterday.) So, I was sentenced to 30 days in jail but was allowed to do my time on weekends. You Up in smoke BOB DUMAS OUT OF MY HEAD SEE DUMAS PAGE 13 914-277-4424 • 440 Rt 22 North Salem, NY • www.theblazerpub.com CELEBRATING 531 YEARS! From Winter Chill to Spring Thrill!
MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 13 Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. Managing Member • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500 WHITE PLAINS • SOMERS • WWW.ESSLAWFIRM.COM • 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 16 consecutive years CALL NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 914.948.1500 When did you last update your last will and testament and power of attorney? have to pay for that. Like a motel that comes with a psychotic roommate. It was surreal and ridiculous. But at least I was able to keep my job... and my cat. We menaces to society have feelings too, you know. Anyway, after all that was put behind me, I eventually moved back to New York. And as soon as I did that, California legalized recreational marijuana. What had gotten me in so much trouble just a few years prior was now perfectly legal as long as one had the right permits and licenses. (You have to laugh so as not to cry.) In October 2017, I received a letter from the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office. I still have it. It reads, in part, “We believe you may qualify for a reduction or expungement of your felony conviction(s) under Proposition 47.” Proposition 47 was created in the wake of California legalization in order to help folks such as me. So, I wrote to them and sure enough, I qualified. Two of my charges were eventually expunged, and one was reduced to a misdemeanor. However, all the money that I had to spend on things like lawyers, court costs, fines, weekend jail fees, and myriad other crap would not be reimbursed and I was pretty much financially devastated. Just so you know, getting arrested is really expensive. I’m not looking for sympathy, folks. I made my choices and I own up. However... The United States has the highest number of incarcerated people per capita on the planet. Not China. Not Russia. Not Vatican City. Many of them are there on drug charges and a significant number of those are cannabis related. According to The Last Prisoner Project, there were more than half a million cannabis arrests in 2017. It is hard to track exactly how many are in jail because some are in local lockups, others in state prisons, and still others in federal custody. Some are also in jail pre-trial, so do you count them too since they are in jail but not yet convicted? Anyway, Last Prisoner believes there are around 32,000 folks currently serving time for this sort of thing, which is, of course, 32,000 too many. Right now, 38 states allow medically prescribed cannabis, while 24 have legalized its recreational use. I am convinced more states will follow suit if only the federal government would remove it as a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act, which contends that cannabis has a “high potential for abuse, no acceptable medical use...and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.” Well, as we all know now, NONE OF THAT is true. That’s a combination of wonky 1950s disproven science and good old-fashioned misinformation from lobbying groups that include the alcohol and forestry industries (hemp can do anything a tree can do, only better and without deforestation). Other Schedule 1 drugs include heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl. Equating these drugs to cannabis is like comparing a firing squad to skeet shooting. Yes—they both go “bang,” but only one of them ain’t gonna kill you. Sen. Corey Booker (D-NJ) is leading the charge to reschedule cannabis with bipartisan support and President Biden said he would sign off on it, but it seems to have stalled and I am not sure why. When Albany legalized pot a couple of years ago, they gave municipalities the right to opt out and not allow dispensaries in their communities if they so chose. But if they did that, they would not get a slice of the substantial tax revenue. All of the towns in Halston Media’s coverage area opted out, including Mahopac/Carmel and Yorktown. In Mahopac, they are struggling to find money to fund the Swan Cove park project, they are facing a huge bill for having to revamp water treatment plants to meet new federal and state standards, and have to deal with water contamination at an old Super Fund site in downtown Mahopac that has reared its ugly head again. Also, the Parks and Rec Department would love to build a community center, something widely requested by the residents. Money is so tight in Mahopac that the Town Board actually cut funding to the library in an effort to barely stay under the state’s tax levy cap. Gee... if only we could figure out where to get some more tax revenue. I talked to a few local politicians after they opted out to see if they had done their due diligence and drove up to Massachusetts where the legal dispensaries were thriving and asked their government officials, their law enforcement, and business owners how it had been working for them. Halston Media did, and the answer is “spectacular,” by the way, and they told us they loved it when New Yorkers cross the border into Massachusetts and help them fill their tax treasuries. But not one single local board member here did that. (By the way, there is a dispensary in Danbury on Mill Plain Road about a football field away from Trader Joe’s. Bet you never even noticed it was there. No unsavory characters are milling about the building. So, next time you are at Joe’s buying some hummus or garlic achaar sauce, also stop by The Botanist and pick up a jar of gummies. Your day will improve.) But instead, local officials chose to complain about the proliferation of vape/ tobacco shops that are now selling weed out of their backrooms. So they have put a moratorium on such businesses. But what they don’t seem to grasp is that they themselves created this whole new black market with their foolish opt-out move. If we had legal dispensaries, then the vape shop’s backroom weed business would dry up pretty fast. I see TikTok videos from time to time where someone with a mic goes out in the street and asks people the simplest of questions... Who fought in the Civil War? From whom did the U.S. gain its independence? What is 77 + 23? What are the four directions on a compass? And people struggle to answer. They have no clue. It’s supposed to be funny but it’s actually kind of sad. America is getting dumber by the second folks... so, please stop getting your info from old reruns of “Reefer Madness.” Instead, come over and hang out with me. I’ll get a bag of Doritos and put on some Pink Floyd. Peace. DUMAS FROM PAGE 12
PAGE 14 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 RED MILLS Convenience Center 575 Route 6N, Mahopac Falls • 845-628-9745 Mahopac Teachers, Students, School & Bus Garage Employees Buy One Egg Sandwich, Get 2nd HALF OFF Buy Lunch Sandwich, Get a Soda or Coffee FREE Happy Hour Coffee Check out our Coffee of the Month! Any Size 3-7pm Firewood Bundles Purchase your box of Coffee to go! Warm Up with Winter Breakfast Special Bacon egg & cheese Sausage egg & cheese and Ham egg & cheese $4.49 bacon egg cheese & hash browns $5.49 Try our Coffee Flavors of the Season! Come see our vintage candy shop Cold weather accessories! Salt and windshield wiper fluid. We have over 100 helium balloon choices! RED MILLS IS YOUR... Gas - Coffee - Grab and Go items LOTTO - Candy - Seasonal items Balloons - Snacks and Beverages. As someone who has seen firsthand the power of civic engagement and the importance of every voice being heard, I want to talk about something crucial to the health of our democracy: primaries. These are not just preliminary elections but the heartbeat of our democratic process. Growing up in the Jim Crow South, my family fought and bled for this fundamental right that would allow Barack Obama, and even me, to participate in our democracy in an election as a candidate for any office. Primaries are where the conversation starts. They are where diverse candidates step forward with their visions for our future, and we, as voters, get to engage with those ideas and make informed decisions. This is where democracy comes to life, in the exchange of ideas and the robust debate that shapes and strengthens our policies. But primaries are more than just a debate stage. They are a tool for accountability, ensuring our political parties and their leaders remain connected to the people they serve. Despite their importance, the role of primaries in our democratic process is often underappreciated and even threatened. We’ve seen attempts to cancel or diminish their significance in certain states and parties, which not only undermines the democratic process but also erodes public trust in our political institutions. Right here in the Hudson Valley, a region known for its vibrant democratic spirit, a concerning situation is unfolding. A candidate running for office who claims to champion the values of democracy is working to undermine one of its fundamental pillars: the primary process. This individual is pressing local party leaders to rush endorsements, effectively sidelining the voices of party members and voters and attempting to block the opportunity for a primary election. Ironically, someone who claims to stand apart from Washington politics is resorting to tactics that seem all too familiar in the corridors of power. These maneuvers remind us that vigilance is required at all levels of our political system. Democracy thrives on transparency, competition and the active participation of the electorate. Any attempt to bypass these fundamentals should be met with scrutiny and resistance. Moreover, primaries are vital for fostering political participation and engagement among the broader electorate. They spark interest in the political process, encouraging people to register to vote and turn out at the polls. They provide a valuable civic education opportunity, helping voters understand the issues, the candidates, and how our political system works. If we genuinely care about the health of our democracy, we must recognize the essential role of primaries. They are not just a step in the electoral process but the heartbeat of our democratic system. By valuing and protecting primaries, we safeguard the health of our democracy and ensure that it remains responsive to the will of the people. Let’s embrace the spirit of active participation and robust competition that primaries embody, for it is through this engagement that our democracy thrives and endures. MaryAnn Carr is running in the Democrat primary for U.S. Congress in New York’s 17th district, which includes our entire readership area. She previously served as councilwoman and supervisor in the Town of Bedford. The heartbeat of democracy Why primaries matter MARYANN CARR GUEST COLUMNIST
MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 FOCUS ON ELDER LAW MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 15 Recently, the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) has received a great deal of negative press, as it is a home care program that is being victimized by fraud and abuse by both some of its participants and some of the fiscal intermediaries involved with the program. Clearly, those using the program and participants in its implementation must avoid committing fraud. However, a few bad actors should not dissuade seniors from attempting to use the program. Most seniors are set in their ways: they know what they like and do not like. Thus, bringing someone they don’t know into their home to provide care may be a hurdle and challenge. Thus, if you are facing such a dilemma, eligibility for the CDPAP may be a great option. CDPAP is a New York Medicaid initiative that allows someone who is eligible for the Medicaid home care program (both financially and physically) to hire their own home health aide (caregiver), including members of their family and friends (with the exception of their spouse). The caregiver is paid hourly by Medicaid based on the number of hours the consumer has been approved for by Medicaid. Thus, the child of the person eligible for Medicaid home care can be the caregiver, as well as other family members and/or friends. The consumer (person in need of care) or their representative will be responsible for hiring, firing, training and back up for the caregiver. Of the above-stated requirements placed on the consumer, the most difficult is ensuring that there is back up. If the primary caregiver is unavailable, the consumer cannot call the Managed Long Term Care Provider (MLTC) or Home Care Agency involved and request that an aide be sent. They must arrange for their own backup to provide the care. Additionally, the aide chosen by the consumer does not need to be a certified healthcare provider, nor do they require any training in healthcare. The consumer or their representative can provide the training at the consumer’s home. An additional benefit of using the CDPAP program is that the caregiver is not limited in the services they can provide. For example, if the consumer requires an injection (insulin, et al), the aide can provide said services. They can virtually do all that a registered nurse can do. CDPAP more than anything else provides the consumer with the option of receiving home care from someone they know and trust. The level of familiarity and comfort that awaits both the recipient of the care and their family knowing that a loved one and/or friend is providing the care needed is invaluable. The present allegations that participants and fiscal intermediaries may be committing fraud is not sufficient reason for the consumer to not use the program, legally and ethically. Anthony J. Enea is the managing partner of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP of White Plains. He focuses his practice on Wills, Trusts, Estates and Elder Law. Anthony is the Past Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), and is the past Chair of the 50+ Section of the NYSBA. He is a Past President and Founding member of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Anthony is also the Immediate Past President of the Westchester County Bar Foundation and a Past President of the Westchester County Bar Association. He is also fluent in Italian. He can be reached at 914-948-1500 or at [email protected]. Is the CDPAP Program right for you? Bad press should not dissuade seniors from using the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program CDPAP more than anything else provides the consumer with the option of receiving home care from someone they know and trust.’ -Anthony J. Enea, managing partner Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP ANTHONY J. ENEA GUEST CORNER
PAGE 16 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 Fresh Seafood Daily, Grass Fed Meats, Homemade Pasta, Sandwiches, Lobster Sandwich, Homemade Foccacia & Individual Pizzas, & Traditional Dishes Like Chicken Or Veal Parmigiano 137 Somerstown Turnpike, Katonah, NY 10536 at the intersection of Rte 100 and Rte 139 (914) 232-9619 Our chefs strive to prepare the best Italian dishes for our customers. 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What friends I have left, the ones who haven’t died or moved away, or just plain expired through time and neglect, are either avid golfers or avid Yankee fans. Joe is both. He lived in Mahopac up until his family moved to Lake Carmel, when he was 14. His golf career began at Hill and Dale Golf Club, mine as a caddy at Mahopac Golf Club. I started playing with Joe and his father, Joe Sr., at Hill and Dale around three years later. Golf is a sport that can make you suffer for 17 holes, but then the shot you have been waiting for all day finally shows up and the game that you were ready to quit just five minutes before suddenly becomes easy. In that, golf is like life. It is harder than it seems and almost impossible not to resist the temptation to think that you are better than you really are, or, sometimes, worse. As far as Joe Sr.’s and Joe Jr.’s golf games were concerned, the out-ofbounds stake did not fall far from the water hazard. In desperation, Joe Sr. turned to me for a golf tip. What did I know? I saw the golfers that I caddied for throwing clubs and swearing as if they were possessed by demons. I saw men, who I admired… cheat. The greatest teachers in the world could not have helped Joe Sr. He eventually quit the game and I think the world became a safer place because of it. Joe’s father used to give us haircuts when we were kids and one day Joe Jr. looked at himself in the mirror and said, “Who would want to kiss this face?” He eventually found someone to kiss his face. It is a big, doughy face, kind of unfinished looking, except for the big dimple on his chin, less prominent through the years, but still there! He lives upstate. Up until our golf match last October, because of COVID and other circumstances, I hadn’t seen him in four years. I sometimes wonder if our friendship would have lasted had he stayed in Mahopac. We chose different paths. He is a devout Catholic and family man, with two strapping sons, both Yankee fans, though neither, thank God, has taken up golf. I see Joe and everyone else as a potential Buddha and if I ever revealed that to Joe, he would probably offer to drive me to the nearest psychiatric hospital. All we ever really had in common were the Yanks and golf. So, let’s get to the match. Joe is a master in the use of psychological tactics. On the first tee, as I’m getting ready to hit, he reminds me about the water hazard on the left. Since I haven’t played for a long while and I am rusty, I must rely on muscle memory. Either I have lost my muscles or my memory or maybe both. My opening drive sleeps with the fishes. As we walk down the fairway, Joe tells me how great his life is going. He loves being a grandpa. Things have never been better with the wife, and so on and on. “What have you achieved?” he asks. “I made God my friend.” Joe knows that I am somewhat of a lapsed Catholic and assumes that I have found my way back to the Church. I am tempted to tell him how Buddha has deepened my faith in Jesus, but I have already lost enough friends. Joe has a new driver that has taken 30 yards off his slice. On the second hole, for the first time in his life, he outdrives me and then asks if I have been eating all my vegetables. Maybe I have scurvy. I have been hearing these barbs for over 40 years and never have had to go tit for tat. But I am starting to feel desperate. Joe has me three down after eight holes and then concedes a 3-foot putt to keep the match close. I think of his poor father who had the “yips,” an involuntary spasm in the wrists that affects putting. He wouldn’t even give his own father a 6-inch putt. Joe can, at times, be cruel. But so can I. Something clicked for me on the back nine. I drew even with Joe on 17, but on the last hole he had a tricky 2-foot putt to win the match. As he was lining up his putt, I sidled up next to him and said, innocently, “Joe, didn’t your father have the yips?” I knew he had to miss. It was just a matter of activating his karma. Eventually, we all get what’s coming to us. Too bad I didn’t include myself in that number last October, before I gave myself the yips. Bad karma and the yips LORENZO GARO OF HUMAN INTEREST Advertise With Us When you advertise with Mahopac News, you are reaching thousands of households and businesses throughout Mahopac, Mahopac Falls and portions of Carmel. To advertise or to place a classified, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected].
MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 17 Hole 8 Pool Hole 18 Hole 11 Hole 12 1060 Oregon Road | Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567 (914) 734-1500 | [email protected] GolfHollowBrook.com There’s Something for Everyone at Hollow Brook Golf Club. World-class golf on one of Westchester’s most spectacular golf courses with tournaments and season-long competitions. Family activities including Couples Golf, Junior Golf, Summer Camps and Kids Golf Clinics, Pool and Social Events. For even more value, your children aged 10 or under can play golf with you FOR FREE! From the moment you arrive at Hollow Brook, you’ll know you’re in for something special. Contact us today to learn about our New Member Program. Join Now for 2024 and Pay No Initiation! Dear Dr. Linda, I was working with my son Colin on his homework. I became upset when I realized he had no idea what had been going on in class. I don’t know if it’s because he’s not listening or because the teacher is not explaining things well. Colin, a seventh-grader, had to fill in a worksheet on the branches of science. When I asked him about the worksheet, he said he thought they were learning about trees, but he wasn’t sure. I asked to see the homework sheet, knowing he couldn’t do an assignment about the branches of science if he didn’t know that’s what the worksheet was about. He had skipped most of the questions and told me the ones he’d filled in were what the teacher did with the class. I drew a tree for him and filled in biology, zoology, botany, chemistry, physics, etc. “Oh, that’s it!” he said to me. He’s not doing well in school, and I’m realizing he simply doesn’t know what’s going on. Now what do I do? -Leslie Dear Leslie, I don’t blame you for getting upset. It’s amazing how many children go to school but aren’t learning because they don’t know what’s going on. Unless teachers continually assess to see if students understand, they never know when students aren’t understanding. For example, I met with Landon, an eighth-grader, who didn’t know what he was studying in social studies. He was flunking. He explained that he never knew what tests were about, so he just slept through them. I started at the beginning. “Landon, what’s the name of your social studies class. “I don’t know. It’s social studies.” “Are you learning about American history or world history?” “I don’t know. Mr. Green never told us.” “Are you learning about the American Revolution, Civil War, immigration? Or about China, Japan, Egypt, France?” “I think we’re learning about a war.” Obviously, Landon had no clue what had been going on all year. Before you go through a year like this, contact Colin’s teacher. His teacher may tell you that Colin spends most of his time in class staring into space and is never on task. If this is something you’ve heard before, it could be that Colin has an attentional issue, an auditory processing issue, or even a hearing problem. Ask the school to have him tested or find a professional outside the school to do the testing. If Colin is usually on top of things, ask how lessons are taught. Colin may have a different learning style than the way the teacher is presenting the material. Or Colin may simply have connected the word “branch” with trees and couldn’t understand what was happening from then on. For most of us, not just kids, if we don’t get it at the beginning, what follows doesn’t make sense. By talking to the teacher, you’ll have a better understanding of why Colin missed what was being taught. Ask the teacher to e-mail you the topics and class outline ahead of time. Now you can help Colin become familiar with the terms and concepts before the teacher presents them in class. And you’ll get a better idea of how he learns best. Is it reading? Is it through a conversation? Is it listening to an explanation. Is it making a diagram or drawing a picture? If you can, go on day trips to museums, observatories and historic sites. Or take vacations where Colin can see and experience things he’ll be learning about in school. For example, the child who has visited Washington, D.C. will learn more when the teacher talks about the capital than the child who just reads about it in a book. Because the student who visited the capital now has a life experience about the material, this student will be more engaged in school. Keep lines of communication open for a happy and successful school year, -Dr. Linda Dr. Linda, along with her husband, Dr. Al, own Strong Learning Tutoring and Test Prep serving Westchester and Putnam counties for over 40 years. Strong Learning tutors students K-12 in any subject, in person or remotely. Drs. Linda and Al are also the authors of “Why Bad Grades Happen to Good Kids,” available on Amazon and at stronglearning.com. Does your child need to be tested? DR. LINDA SILBERT STRONG LEARNING Contact Us Mahopac News is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 845-208-0774 or email mahopacnews@halstonmedia. com.
PAGE 18 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 Say no to the battery farm Dear Editor, We are writing to bring awareness to the massive lithium battery storage facility being proposed in Mahopac, off Miller Road. Corporations across America are trying to put these battery facilities all over and one is being proposed right here in our backyards. These facilities, and all the systems that require the plant to run properly, are still in the very beginning and experimental stages. No one really knows the harmful effects that these facilities can cause to people, animals and the environment. There has already been three fires across New York State at much smaller facilities than the one being proposed for Mahopac. To propose a facility of this magnitude off a residential community is reckless and irresponsible. At this early stage, we are trying to bring awareness to Mahopac and the surrounding areas. At the end of the day, we are not looking to get into the politics of it. We are just a group of parents who want to raise our families in a healthy and safe environment. We have one question for anyone who is on the Town of Carmel Planning Board: What would your answer be if this was being proposed in your backyard? Think about it that way. I would bet that you would be completely against it. So here we are, asking the members of the Carmel Town Planning Board to do the right thing by the community and vote this thing down! -Stephanie Azadian Baldwin Place Lawler brings important funds home to district Dear Editor, I’d like to commend Congressman Mike Lawler for successfully securing $36 million in federal funding for crucial projects across his district, particularly for those projects in Putnam County. The initiatives championed by Congressman Lawler will have a transformative impact on our communities, addressing critical infrastructure needs and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Lawler delivered $2 million to Mahopac for a clean water project that will alleviate the adverse effects of stormwater runoff and improve key infrastructure for downtown businesses and residents. Lawler also delivered $1.25 million to replace the Oregon Corners Pump Station in Putnam Valley, which will protect the local watershed and the drinking water supply for both Putnam Valley and Peekskill. Additionally, $7.5 million in federal funding to ensure ADA compliance, protect pedestrians, and improve accessibility for seniors throughout the county is a huge win for our county. Lastly, $1.24 million has been set aside for the rehabilitation of the Lake Carmel Dam, addressing critical deficiencies and dramatically reducing the likelihood of a catastrophic failure, protecting property, natural resources, and public infrastructure in the area. Congressman Lawler’s leadership and his tireless advocacy has been instrumental in securing bipartisan support for these projects, bringing NY-17 four times as much funding as it received under his predecessor in their first years in office. These projects epitomize the essence of good governance—investment in infrastructure, ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities, and safeguarding our public resources. New Yorkers consistently pay more in federal taxes than they receive in services and funding. Thanks to Lawler’s efforts, we’re finally starting to get our fair share. -Daniela Poljak Mahopac LETTERS Promote Your Charity Send us a press release at [email protected], or give us a call at 845-208-0774. Scan Here To Sign Up (It’s FREE!) Get YOUR Town’s Local News In Your Inbox Daily 85 Myrtle Avenue, Mahopac, NY 10541 845-628-7500 • www.pineg rovecou ntrydayscho ol .com Certified by NYS Department of Education/NYS Department of Social Service • Infant (6weeks - 12 months) • Wobbler/Toddler (12-36 months) • Preschool (3-5 yrs) • Pre-K (older 4’s) • Before & After School (5-12 yrs) Now accepting CAMP REGISTRATION for Summer 2024! Now accepting CAMP REGISTRATION for Summer 2024! Service... Integrity... Compassion Family owned and operated We began with a mission to celebrate life and serve families. There is much peace to be found here, and we invite you to find yours. Explore more. Take a tour. Read our story. Share in experiences. Anthony J. Guarino Family Owned & Operated 945 East Main Street • Shrub Oak, NY 10588 • (914) 962-0700 YorktownFuneralHome.com • [email protected]
MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 19 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! Get This Newspaper’s App On Your Phone Always Stay Informed About News Involving YOUR Town & Schools Android Scan Here iPhone Scan Here Get Our App! BY RANDY FREEMAN GUEST COLUMNIST This year is an important election year, and trustworthy elections are essential to ensure the legitimacy of our government. They are the cornerstone of democratic governance. Fair elections protect the right to participate in the democratic process. Elections conducted with integrity contribute to political stability and enhance our country’s credibility on the world stage. Overall, trustworthy elections are essential for upholding democratic values, protecting human rights, ensuring stability and fostering socioeconomic development. Braver Angels, a national grass roots organization, is active in Westchester County, and has members throughout Westchester and Putnam counties. Braver Angels has been around since 2016. It is made up of people on the political left and the political right. Their focus is on decreasing the political rancor, getting people to disagree amicably and finding some common ground even if each side has to give up a little to get there. Braver Angels has spent the past year putting both conservatives and liberals together to hash out what constitutes a trustworthy election. We have held 26 of these Common Ground Meetings around the United States this past year. We wanted to show ourselves and the country that people from both sides of our political spectrum could come together and find points of agreement about what constitutes a trustworthy election. This impacts all of us on the local, state and federal level. These were three principles that were agreed upon: 1) “Voting should be easy. Cheating should be hard.” 2) “Every citizen should have an equal say in who will govern them; this is done through free and fair elections.” 3) “The American government will fail if candidates refuse to accept any outcome other than victory.” Some examples of points of agreement were: 1) Voter ID should be required. 2) Gerrymandering should not be allowed. 3) There should be a process that ensures transparency and accountability at the polls. 4) Safety and security at polling places should be ensured. 5) A process should be in place to enforce accuracy and confidence in vote counting. 6) Candidates must accept the results of the election for peaceful transfers of power. These are some highlights of the results of our Common Ground Meetings. There were more that were agreed upon. They are the results of hours of discussions and haggling over details that took place across the country. Randy Freeman is the New York State coordinator for Braver Angels. If anyone would like a copy of the full report or for more information about the Westchester group, contact Freeman at [email protected]. Left and right unite on voter integrity Letters and Op-Ed Policy 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 Mahopac 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 op-eds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail at mahopacnews@ halstonmedia.com. For more information, call the editor at 845-208-0774.
PAGE 20 MAHOPAC NEWS – MARThe student volunteers hide eggs on the toddler field. Adaly Washington, 2, holds a prize. The Easter Bunny is all eafor Rec. & Parks’ Nina Kallmeyer and Councilman Frank Lombardi. Hunter O’Connell, 5, with his mom Lindsey Ryan Finnerty and Eliana, 4 Brett and Elsie Brown with Sloane, 1 Wyatt Lawrenson, 4, gives the Easter Bunny a high-five. Some of the student volunteers take a break from hiding eggs on the big kids’ field. The Carmel Department of Recreation & Parks and some hardy volunteers from Lake Mahopac Rotary made sure Saturday’s deluge did nothing to dampen the fun at the town’s annual egg hunt, which was moved to Sunday with barely a hitch. Held at Mahopac’s Airport Park, the event featured free food, music, an appearance by the Easter Bunny, prize-filled eggs, and too many smiles to count. Hare we go! Erin Donovan with Emersyn, 2
RCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 PAGE 21 ars PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL Victoria Ochoa, 5, with her basket full of eggs Lake Mahopac Rotarians Hilary Albert, Grace Vinciguerra, Doris Stahl, Chris Perrone, Earle Bellows and Rick Dutra prep and serve the traditional free hot dog lunch for all the egg hunters.
PAGE 22 – MAHOPAC NEWS HEALTH & WELLNESS AFC Carmel (next to Starbucks) 1874B US 6, Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512 914.380.8588 afcurgentcare.com/carmel M-F: 8am-8pm, S-S: 8am-5pm Don’t let allergies slow you down. We’re open seven days a week with short wait times and flexible hours, ready to provide you and your family with quality seasonal allergy treatment. We can help you spend less time sniffling, and more time doing what you love. Elder Law Wills, Trusts & Estates Estate Planning Medicaid Applications Guardianships Probates Elder Law & Estate Planning A Tradition of Excellence in Elder Law (845) 621-8640 thefellergroup.com 625 Route 6, Mahopac NY 10541 We make home & hospital visits Contact the team today! (845) 621-8640 I knew a guy. In the late 90s, as a young elder law clerk soon to be attorney, the Medicaid system was wildly different than today. The Nursing Home Eligibility Division of New York City had a phone number that I would call regularly. Picking up the phone was a gentleman of advancing years who knew the status of all of my cases. I think his name was Frank, but don’t hold me to it. I looked forward to my conversations with him- his old timey New York good humor and friendly advice. For a city the size of New York, it still amazes me that during those years, only one or two people sat at a bureaucratic intersection and were able to pull information accurately from a motley collection of analog files and slow computers. Years before the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 complicated Medicaid planning, at least in my experience, elder law practice mimicked the neighborliness of Sesame Street. Paperwork and people merged to create a system that was not perfect, but more manageable. Medicaid is the U.S. Government health insurance program that covers low income/low resourced individuals and long term care for the disabled and chronically ill. While Medicare pays for basic doctor visits, prescription drugs, short hospital stays and up to 100 days of rehabilitation, Medicaid covers longer, continuous care. Medicaid is means based and requires financial eligibility. The steps required for a disabled or chronically ill person to reach or maintain financial eligibility is called Medicaid planning. Nursing Home planning is more restrictive than Home Care or Assisted Living planning. Luckily for us, New York remains one of the most flexible states for reaching Medicaid financial eligibility. Elder law attorneys focus on assets and income. Assets include homes, bank accounts, retirement accounts, whole life insurance policies and vehicles. Some assets can be excluded from Medicaid consideration; others cannot. Transferring general assets to spouses and disabled children or homes to caregiver children or siblings residing in the same home are allowed. Irrevocable Trusts are often used to protect assets from Medicaid consideration. Income from Social Security, pensions, rent, interest and dividends are tracked. Community based Medicaid allows income in excess of regulated limits to be protected through the use of Pooled Supplemental Needs Trusts. These special trusts hold excess income, set aside these funds to pay for expenses, and allow a Medicaid recipient to maintain eligibility. The downside is that these funds remain with the Pool after the Medicaid recipient dies. For Nursing Home cases, income is owed to the facility and cannot be protected unless a spouse remains in the community and is under an income threshold. Working together with Local DSS (Department of Social Services) agencies, the merging of paperwork and people continues, albeit under a slightly more digitized system. Elder attorneys are tasked with obtaining subsidized long term health care solutions for chronically ill people while protecting a family’s money. For many of us, it is a labor of love and an appreciation of the efforts of everyone involved with setting up care for our loved ones. Contact the professionals at The Feller Group, P.C. for more insight on this topic. The Feller Group is a multi-disciplinary law practice specializing in elder law, estate planning and business advisement. This article was written by Alan D. Feller, Esq. Feller can be reached at 845-621-8640, or visit thefellergroup.com. Medicaid marvels Unmasking financial superpowers for a prosperous spring The Medicaid system has gotten a bit more advanced since the late 1990s, when an older gentleman named Frank picked up the phone whenever Alan Feller called. IMAGE CREATED BY DALL-E ALAN D. FELLER, ESQ. GUEST CORNER MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024
Spring is officially here! If you have not started outdoor activities, now is the time. For those of you who have been active over the winter, congratulations! Getting outside and experiencing nature while being physically active has a positive effect not only on your physical wellbeing, but also on your mental wellbeing. According to the Mayo Clinic, benefits of regular physical activity are: • Helps control weight – Burns calories and controls hunger. • Boost energy – Sends oxygen and nutrients to your body tissues. • Combat health conditions/ disease – From diabetes and cardiovascular issues to cancer. • Promotes better sleep – Can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. • Improves mood – stimulates brain chemicals to make you happier, more relaxed and less anxious. You will have more fun and are more likely to continue activities if you include family, friends or co-workers. Here is an abbreviated menu of outdoor spring activities: • Gardening/outside clean up – This can be anywhere from easy to very strenuous. Take breaks and do not do it all in one day. For tips on gardening, reach out to the Cornell Cooperative extension in Brewster or visit their web site. • Fishing – Although not the most active sport, I included fishing for two reasons. First, many people walk to get to where they fish. Second, being out in and appreciating nature is great for your mental health. Please make sure you check the NY State Department of Environmental Conservation web site for fishing regulations. • Walking/Hiking – Go out with people you like and combine exercise with socialization. Hiking can be easy to difficult, depending on where you hike. The Alltrails app is a wonderful place to locate trails in New York. • Yoga — Flexibility can be helpful to prevent injuries and is more physically challenging than you would think. • Golf –Whether you want to join a private course or just play a public one, we are incredibly lucky to have numerous golf courses in our area. If you are not in decent shape, you can take a golf cart; if you are in good shape, you can either walk with a handcart or to increase difficulty, you can carry your clubs. • Biking/ jogging – We are lucky to have access to Empire State Trail. It runs from Buffalo to Albany, down through Mahopac and all the way to Battery Park in New York City, according to the Empiretrail.ny.gov website. Small sections at a time to start please. • Pickleball – This is a hot sport these days. Carmel Recreation has a pickup league for those who are interested. • Basketball – We have many outdoor courts in Mahopac. Get out there, enjoy the fresh air and hit some 3’s. There are unlimited activities you can do. Just get out there and play with your kids, grandkids and loved ones. You will have some bonding time and feel good about being active at the same time. Please take a look at all of the great programs that Carmel Recreation runs for our town thanks to (now retired) Director Jim Gilcrist, Director Nina Kallmeyer and the Carmel Recreation and Parks staff. www. ci.carmel.ny.us/recreation-andparks-department Reward yourself by getting more active, spending time with friends, and having fun while getting healthier physically and mentally. As always, with all activities, warm up, stretch, do not overdo it, hydrate and if you injure yourself, get it taken care of as soon as possible so it doesn’t ruin your ability to be active. Have a wonderful start to your spring! Dr. Chris Perrone, DC, has been in practice for 29 years and has extensive experience in treating sports, spinal and muscle injuries. He is presently practicing at Perrone Family Chiropractic, 925 Route 6, in Mahopac. He can be reached at 845-628-3805. MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 HEALTH & WELLNESS MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 23 Perrone Family CHIROPRACTIC 925 Route 6 • Mahopac, NY 10541 • Tel: (845)628-3805 Serving the Mahopac Community for Over 25 Years We will take care of you like family. perronechiro.com [email protected] Less Pain • Feel Great • Better Health CALL US TODAY! CHIROPRACTIC • MASSAGE THERAPY • ACUPUNCTURE SPINAL DECOMPRESSION • NEUROFEEDBACK • WEIGHT LOSS In Pain? We Can Help! 17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults DR. CHRIS PERRONE GUEST CORNER Spring: Help your health with outdoor activities FILE PHOTO/COURTESY KELLY SCHULZE PHOTOGRAPHY
Senior captain Adrianna Pranzo PAGE 24 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 Sports BY SKIP PEARLMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER After closing out last season at 7-11 and suffering a quarterfinal playoff loss to Greeley, the Mahopac High School girls lacrosse team returns this spring with a new head coach and achievable goals: To get back to the playoffs and get their record back over .500. Amanda Frederick (assistant coach last year) takes over this spring for Christina D’Amore, who coached the team the last two seasons. Frederick, a 2016 Yorktown graduate, played lacrosse for the Cornhuskers until her junior season when her interests turned toward coaching. “I’m really excited about this season,” Frederick said. “We have a special group; we played over the winter in a league, and had tremendous success. It’s so exciting to see them continue to flourish and thrive. I know they have it in them.” Mahopac will miss the talents of graduated standouts Katie Watts (an All-Section slection), and standout defenders Grace Witt and Gianna Rispoli (both All-League picks). But seven starters return, giving the team a strong core. Anchoring the midfield are senior captains and mids Juliana Mangione and Adriana Pranzo. Sophomore mid Ashley Koch, soph keeper Amanda Carey, senior attack Brooke Plath, and defenders Giovanna Perillo (senior) and Grace Gaine (soph) round out the returning starters. Also back are junior attacker Erin Harney and senior Team Manager Kayla Westcott, both of whom will serve as captains. “Our captains will give us a sense of seriousness that has sometimes been lacking since COVID,” Frederick said. “These four captains can do that, they’ll also promote team unity—functioning as a team, not individuals. They are great at that. “Our strength will be at midfield; we’re a midfield-heavy team,” Frederick added. “We’ll always have fresh legs. Mangione and Koch will be two big offensive forces for us, but our offense is balanced, and they don’t make mistakes. Defense is an area where we lost some key players, so it will be a big rebuilding year on that end. But we’ll introduce some new stuff on defense, and I think we can be good.” A number of newcomers are also expected to contribute. “Sophomore (mid) Gianna Cirelli has grown a tremendous amount in the last year, and can be huge for us,” Frederick said. “She’ll be one of our key players. Her shot placement is insane, and she’s fast. Gianna DeVito (freshman) is a low attacker, and her ability to run the offense as a freshman is remarkable. And Shay Massett (freshman) can play mid or defense, she’s so versatile, and I can rely on her on both ends of the field, which is huge. She can go anywhere.” Frederick said the team is looking for a deeper playoff run, and a record above .500. “One of my goals is always to get further than the prior year,” she said. “This is a very competitive class, and we want a winning record, that would be awesome.” Mahopac opened its season last Thursday at Ursuline, falling to the Koalas, 15–8. Koch delivered a hat-trick (and an assist), and Mangione added three goals in the loss. Cirelli and Harney each had a goal, and Carey made seven saves in net. “We were up one for most of the first half, but they broke our defense in the third quarter,” Frederick said. “In the fourth, we got back to playing even. I think we played very well as a team, but Ursuline is a very good team… There’s a chance we could see them again. Mangione and Koch were both incredible, and Pranzo played really strong for us” Mahopac was scheduled to travel to Magnus on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m., and host Clarkstown North Thursday (March 28) at 4:30 p.m. Experienced Pac girls looking for strong spring Senior captain Juliana Mangione PHOTOS: SKIP PEARLMAN LACROSSE 66 Miller Road, Mahopac 845-628-2050 www.mavistireofmahopac.com With This Coupon • Expires 5/31/24 $10.00OFF Synthetic Oil change (MOST CARS) 25%OFF 25 % OFF STRUTS & SHOCKS With This Coupon • Expires 5/31/24 CARING FOR YOUR CAR & OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 35 YEARS! The Friendly Mavis Team
MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 SPORTS MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 25 SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO! ENJOY 0 DOWN, 0% FINANCING! ACT NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! LIMITED TIME OFFER 845-600-8004 | www.bellmech.com Heat pumps are a cleaner & healthier alternative to traditional heating & cooling systems. This all in one system will eliminate your need for fossil fuel and help you save thousands. Learn more about rebates & financing options! EXCLUDES SERVICE CONTRACT • EXP 4/30/24 Coupon must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offer. $50 OFF ANY OF OUR SERVICES CALL US TODAY! Keep COOL with REBATES from BELL! SAVE THOUSANDS in Federal, State and Local Incentives on your new HEATPUMP PROJECT Mahopac student-athletes were recognized for some standout achievements in winter sports this season. Here are the award winners. Boys Basketball Liam Scanlon: All-League, AllSection; Daniel Dedvukaj: AllLeague, All-Section; Daniel Koch: All-League Girls Basketball Maydsen Ford: All-League; Fiona O’Boyle: All-League, AllSection Boys Bowling Austin Arzaga: All-League Girls Bowling Emma Long: All-League, AllSection; Leslie Dutan: All-League Cheerleading Mia Calderilla: All-League, All-Section; Keira MacDowell, Isabella Chiodi, Ariana Canariato, and Isabella Mariella: All-League Gymnastics Anna Carinci, Lexie Castrataro, Riley Hughes, Kaitlyn Palange, and Kelsie Thim: All-League, AllSection Boys Hockey Christian Martirano: AllLeague Boys Ski James Biolchini and Noah Bonder: All-League Girls Ski Ella Bilchini and Victoria Hrnic: All-League Boys Swim Dylan Esposito: All-League Wrestling Jake Clark, Nick Greco, Charles Przymylski, Robert DeMauro, and Pace Zeiler: All-League Information provided by Mahopac Central School District Fiona O’Boyle PHOTO: SKIP PEARLMAN Austin Arzaga PHOTO: RICH MONETTI Lexie Castrataro PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL Christian Martirano challenges for the puck against ETBE on Saturday, Dec. 16. PHOTO: JUSTIN CONTI SPORTS AWARDS Mahopac student-athletes earn accolades Promote Your Charity Send us a press release at mahopacnews@ halstonmedia.com, or give us a call at 845-208-0774.
PAGE 26 – MAHOPAC NEWS SPORTS MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR With a returning league MVP and a deep squad that blends veterans with rising talent, the Mahopac High School varsity baseball team has plenty of potential for a strong 2024 season, which starts this week. “Tyler Castrataro—reigning league MVP and an All-Section player [in 2023]—is going to Hofstra next year and should be a major force for us offensively, defensively at shortstop, and on the mound being our ace,” said second-year Wolf Pac coach Anthony Nappi, who previously coached Somers to a Section 1 championship. Castrataro is one of a dozen seniors on this spring’s squad, along with infielders Robert Dusovic, Owen Ryan, and Ryan Tissier, outfielders Casey Brandstetter and Phil Scuderi, and outfielder/pitchers Tyler DeBrocky and Chris Sapienza. “Tyler DeBrocky, a senior OF/RHP committed to Canisius College, is primed to have a major impact for us offensively and on the mound as well,” Nappi said. “I’m also expecting a big year from sophomore catcher Drew Lichtenberger. As a freshman, he batted third and was second on the team in RBIs. This kid’s going to big time and we’re lucky to have him for the amount of time we do.” The roster also includes juniors Nick Tardio (OF), Anthony Eppolito (OF), Jovani Segarra (OF/P), Jayson Mayer (OF), and Jack Moeller (infield), along with sophomores Nate Mascoll (OF/P), and Vince Cataldo The season is set to start on Tuesday, March 26 (after MN goes to press) at home against Clarkstown North, followed by a Thursday, March 28, road game at Hendrick Hudson, who visits Mahopac on Friday, April 5 before the Wolf Pac hits the road for three against Fox Lane (April 6), John Jay East Fishkill (April 10), and Lincoln (April 12). Nappi said the team has been getting ready to face some challenging rivals. “Our whole schedule is tough, so it’s really hard for us to look past the first one,” Nappi said. “Clarkstown North is very well coached every year and we know they’re gonna give us all we can handle. They beat us last year at their place so we hope we can protect our home field and get a win to start the year. It should be a great game. They have a couple of very good pitchers that we’re going to have to grind against.” Season preview: Wolf Pac looks to veteran leadership Senior pitcher/outfielder Tyler DeBrocky is expected to be one of the mainstays of a strong Wolf Pac pitching staff. PHOTOS: EMILE MENASCHÉ Tyler Castrataro with the tag. Sophomore catcher/infielder Drew Lichtenberger had a breakout year as a freshman and should be a power threat in the Wolf Pac lineup. PHOTO: RICH MONETTI BASEBALL www.aonpt.com GOODROW BUILDING 862 Route 6 Mahopac NY 10541 (845) 208-0963 MILL POND OFFICES 293 Route 100 • Suite 107 Somers, NY 10589 (914) 276-2520 BREWSTER 3 Starr Ridge Road Brewster, NY 10509 (845) 279-9288 The Road To Recovery Starts Here MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-HOUR PROBLEM GAMING HOTLINE: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369) Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com I-84 | Exit 36B I-87 | Exit 17 Earn Entries All Month Long! Friday, March 29 • 10pm & Sunday, March 31 • 4pm Double your luck with a chance to win a Chevy Colorado*! *Actual models and colors may vary. DOUBLE YOUR LUCK CHEVY COLORADO DRAWING
MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 SPORTS MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 27 “A Hidden Gem…” –Westchester Magazine 100 Route 202 • Lincolndale, NY 10540 • (914) 245-5588 www.anglebrookgc.com • [email protected] Be a Member for a Day, Book Your Event Today! For All Your Catering Needs Banquets, Receptions & Golf Outings Birthdays, Anniversaries, & Graduations Small & Large Conference Rooms Spectacular Setting with Fine & Casual Dining Options Reduced Membership Rates Private club available for non-member functions With a former star hurler at the helm, Mahopac pitches in for softball success Caitlyn Wolf PHOTOS COURTESY OF JULIA WALPOLE Ava Lichtenberger PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI Gianna Lafaro SOFTBALL BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR A new leader and a tough schedule may seem like a challenging combination for this year’s Mahopac varsity softball team, but with a coach who grew up and starred in the program and a mix of veteran leadership and young talent on the field, the Wolf Pac has reason to believe 2024 may include a postseason run. “Our team has eight or nine players returning to starting positions this year,” said first-year varsity coach Julia Walpole, a Mahopac grad who spent the last three years coaching the Fox Lane JV. “I am new to coaching our varsity softball team this year. As an alumni softball player of Mahopac, it has always been a goal of mine to come back and coach.” The 2016 Mahopac grad takes over for high school assistant principal Christina Giansante, who coached the varsity for seven years. In high school, Walpole was a two-way threat, pitching and batting in the power-hitting fifth position. She tossed a few no-hitters along the way and earned All-Section and AllLeague honors her senior year before going on to pitch at SUNY Farmingdale (where she was once named Skyline Conference Pitcher of the Week). But just as she was headed into her final season, the physical education major’s college playing career was cut short by the pandemic. Walpole said the lost season on the field helped her realize she wanted to stay involved off of it. “I lost my senior year to COVID, and that led me back to coaching just to be around the game,” said Walpole, who went on to complete her master’s degree at Manhattanville and now teaches phys ed at Eastchester High School. “After coaching the junior varsity at Fox Lane for three seasons, I wanted to coach at the next level. I’m super excited to be part of this varsity squad.” It doesn’t hurt that the Wolf Pac opens the 2024 season loaded with veteran leadership. “I would like to highlight our four seniors who have been through the program from the very start and are all extremely talented and dedicated to the sport,” Walpole said. “There’s Caitlyn Wolf at first base, Emma Behun at second base, pitcher Ava Lichtenberger, and pitcher and catcher Gianna Lafaro. We face a tough schedule this year; however, I think this group of girls will rise to the occasion and shock many people with their skills.” Mahopac’s season opens on Thursday, April 4 at 4:30 p.m. against Clarkstown South on home turf at the Falls School on Myrtle Avenue. The Wolf Pac then travels to Fox Lane (April 6, 11 a.m.), hosts Horace Greeley on April 8 at 5 p.m., and heads down to Scarsdale on April 10 at 4:30 p.m. As they take on those challenges, Walpole said the senior quartet can expect plenty of support from the squad’s younger members, including junior outfielder Emily Biagini, and freshmen Isabella Genovese and Samantha Ereditario. “Camdyn Wilson and Alenah Gomes are two other young players to be on the lookout for defensively this season,” she said. “Kiara Peralta and Alexandra Weiss are two new additions to the team who I am excited to work with. I am looking forward to a fun season with a spectacular group of girls!”
PAGE 28 – MAHOPAC NEWS SPORTS MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR MHS student athlete DJ DeMatteo has been named a recipient of the 51st annual Golden Dozen awards by the Westchester Chapter of the National Football Foundation and Hall of Fame. It’s a collection of high school football standouts from the 2023 season who excelled both on the field and in the classroom. More than 600 players have been named Golden Dozen scholar-athletes by the Westchester Chapter of the NFF since 1974 and the organization has awarded more than $600,000 in scholarship grants. DeMatteo’s father, Dominick DeMatteo, is also his head coach. He said his son represents the very best of what a student-athlete should be. “He excelled in the classroom while continuing to challenge himself academically throughout his high school career,” his father said. “He thrives in multiple athletic arenas not only as a difference-maker athletically but as a leader to his teammates and community. He notes that DJ was recently recognized by the New York Giants, USA Football, and the Hospital for Special Surgery as a “Heart of a Giant” finalist during Week 2 of the football season. Mahopac News sat down with DJ last week to get his reaction to being named to the Golden Dozen team and what the next chapter in his life might bring. You’re a multisport athlete. Are there things about football that help you be a better baseball player and vice versa? There are several crossovers playing quarterback in football and catcher in baseball. In both positions, you’re the field general. I feel playing both has helped me with leadership, decisionmaking, and accountability. When something goes wrong or someone needs an answer, they typically look at the guys playing these positions. Playing catcher in baseball has helped me with my arm slots in football. I was able to get in different positions and throw the football more efficiently this year than ever. Playing quarterback in football has made me a much better baseball thrower on the run by using my football footwork whenever I’m on the move. Are there things that make it challenging to adjust from one to the other? The clear struggle of transition is the mental aspect. Football is a violent game. If you mess up, you can go hit someone, forget about it, and move on. While in baseball that’s not the case. The greats fail 70 percent of the time at the plate; you rarely experience that level of failure in a football game. In football you depend on other people, everyone has to do their job for success. Baseball every play there is a one-on-one battle when you’re in the box. It’s you vs. the pitcher and there is nobody to lean on. How do you balance schoolwork and sports? Time management and effort. I’ve noticed over the past couple of years that if you succeed in these two areas, there is no paper too long or practice too strenuous. Mahopac has also been a great environment for me, they have many opportunities and ways to get help if you need it. Do you have one or two go-to training/workout moves? My go-to training move has always been the squat. Playing in the box with football and catching in baseball has always been important to me. I had a strong foundation with my legs. What are your favorite school subjects? Math. I have been a math guy from the jump and continued to love it through high school. Something about numbers just always interested and intrigued me. What do you plan to study after high school, and have you thought beyond college yet? I committed to play baseball at Middlebury College in Vermont. I will study mathematics and statistics there. What about outside of sports and school... any hobbies? I tend to say I’m a pretty simple high school kid. I love my sports, working out, and spending DeMatteo named Golden Dozen Award recipient A one-on-one interview with the star MHS student-athlete Standout Mahopac athlete DJ DeMatteo had a huge year on the field and in the classroom. FILE PHOTO/SKIP PEARLMAN DJ DeMatteo with father and coach Dominick and mom Dianne. PHOTO COURTESY DOMINICK DEMATTEO SEE DEMATTEO PAGE 34 Installation to existing gas lines Safety check On-site tank requirement assessment New customer pricing Automatic delivery Budget payment plans Web portal and mobile app for easy account management 24/7/365 emergency service 1-800-PROPANE Mention Code: 3822 *Offer expires 4/30/2024. Tank installation special applies to standard installation of above-ground tank. Offer applies to new residential customers with a fuel service agreement, subject to credit approval. Customer is responsible for the removal of competitor’s tank. Not to be combined with any other offer or discount. Other restrictions may apply. 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MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 SPORTS MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 29 The Mahopac varsity ski team enjoyed a strong 2023-24 season, with James Biolchini, Ella Biolchini, Noah Bonder and Victoria Hrnic earning All-League honors. “Our season began with a month’s worth of land workouts as we waited for Thunder Ridge to open for the season,” said Krista Osborne, who coaches along with Don Markoe. “We finally got on the mountain in early January and commenced racing soon after at both Thunder Ridge and Mohawk Mountain in Connecticut.” The squad of 10 usually brought six boys and four girls to each race. “Great finishes were made by James Biolchini, Noah Bonder, Jacob Weiss, Aydin Aiviazians, Charles Wooley, and Nicholas Weiss for the boys” Osborne said. “On the girls’ side, Victoria Hrncir, Ella Biolchini, Chloe Lex, and Lola Mulero posted speedy runs down the slalom race course, as well. “In the end, four skiers qualified for Sectionals, which were held at Hunter Mountain on February 15. Kudos to Victoria Hrncir, James Biolchini, Noah Bonder, and Ella Biolchini for stellar performances on both the Slalom and Giant Slalom courses that day.” Mahopac ski team looks back on solid season 37 James Biolchini, James Bonder, Ella Biolchini and Victoria Hrnic take a time out at the Sectionals. Jacob Weiss (4), Nick Weiss (6), Chloe Lex (4), Ella Biolchini (2), and Lola Mulero (3) on the slopes Mahopac’s season began with “dry land” training. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KRISTA OSBORNE SKIING 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! $25 OFF Service Calls When You Present This Ad. New Customers Only. Keep the lights on. • GENERATORS • Outdoor Lighting • Smart Home Setup • Electric Car Chargers AND ALL OF YOUR ELECTRIC NEEDS! www.summertrailsdaycamp.com CURRENTLY HIRING STAFF! CALL FOR A TOUR! 914.245.1776
PAGE 30 – MAHOPAC NEWS LEISURE MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! For puzzle solutions, please see theparamountrehab.com CLUES ACROSS 1. Helps little firms 4. Political action committee 7. Allowed 12. Olivia Colman played one 15. Open 16. He had a notable lamp 18. Promotional material 19. Domesticated animal 20. Larry and Curly’s buddy 21. The best ever 24. TV network 27. Checked for 30. Dry or withered 31. Expression of annoyance 33. Dash 34. Fifth note of a major scale 35. A secret clique 37. Partner to cheese 39. __ school: where to learn healing 41. City in ancient Syria 42. Gasteyer and de Armas are two 44. Established practice 47. Thanksgiving side dish 48. District in Peru 49. It’s becoming more prevalent 50. State in India 52. Measure of illumination 53. Raised platform 56. Japanese warrior 61. R.L. Stevenson novel 63. Transitory 64. Advanced degree 65. Fiddler crabs CLUES DOWN 1. Prevent from seeing 2. Czech city 3. __ and Andy, TV show 4. A young pig 5. Removed surgically 6. Covered with 7. Chest muscle (slang) 8. Nigerian City 9. Midway between south and east 10. A way to shut 11. Stop playing 12 Marshy places 13. Takes apart 14. Ten cents 17. A gesture of assent 22. Scent 23. Teletypewriter 24. General’s assistant (abbr.) 25. Hillside 26. Taxi driver 28. Semitic Sun god 29. Town in India 32. Traditional rhythmic pattern 36. Fugitives are on the __ 38. Type of dance 40. Two letters, one sound 43. Having a strong, pleasant taste 44. Golf score 45. Mayhem 46. Drenched 51. River in northeastern Asia 54. Drug to treat anxiety (abbr.) 55. Part-time employee 56. A very large body of water 57. Aboriginal people of Japan 58. Millisecond 59. Forearm bone 60. Subway dweller 62. Royal Mail BY EMILE MENASCHÉ CONTRIBUTING EDITOR On Friday, April 12, nine of the area’s funniest people will take the stage at Ossining’s Traveler’s Rest for a good cause – to help raise funds for CAREERS Support Solutions’ job placement program for people with disabilities. Produced by comedian Dimitri Giatrakis, the show features a line-up of comics offering a wide mix of styles and subject matter. “We’re a group of comics who’ve performed together for years, some for more than a decade,” said Giatrakis, who learned about the fundraiser through CAREERS board member Ken Gulmi and helped organize the show. “Ken asked me to put together a fundraiser and we were able to bring in a lineup of some very funny people.” All nine comics are donating their time to the event and each will perform solo, drawing on their own life experiences. Giatrakis—a retired kindergarten teacher whose comedy touches on aging in humorous detail—said the mix of performers gives the audience a little bit of everything with no one comic acting as the “star.” “We’re a group of comedians and we do shows together, so there’s no so-called headliner,” Giatrakis said. “Our group has been working together for about 10 years and our acts complement each other.” Most of the comedians are based in Connecticut and perform at the Ridgefield Playhouse Theater and other venues in Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Giatrakis said the lineup draws from three different companies: Greenlight Comedy, Nights of the Round Table, and Sonic Boom Comedy. In addition to Giatrakis, the lineup includes Vicki French-Sanches and Tony Sanches, co-founders of Sonic Boom Productions. When they’re not doing stand-up or sketch comedy, Tony is a longtime musician and audio expert, while Vicki is an author of fiction and non-fiction books, short stories, blogs, essays, and articles. Then there’s Dr. Blaine Langberg. What’s his day job? Brace yourselves: He’s an orthodontist. Self-described klutz Mat Orefice was a finalist in the “Funniest Comedian in Connecticut” competition. Bill Greene delivers wry observations on relationships. (“How do I look?”/“What are you trying to look like?”), while admitted toilet paper hoarder Barbara Miller says she has more doctors than friends. Lou-Ann Daprato is a “mortgage loan originator by day and a very funny person by night.” Asked to describe Suzanne Schatzle’s comedy, Giatrakis called it varied and hilarious. “She’s unpredictable,” he said. “All you know you’re gonna get is plenty of laughs.” With the comedians donating their time, more proceeds from the show can go to support CAREERS, an organization that has helped hundreds of people with disabilities find work in Westchester Putnam and southern Dutchess counties. The event takes place on Friday, April 12 from 6:30-10 p.m. at Travelers Rest, 25 Route 100, in Ossining. Tickets are $75, and the price includes this lineup of nine comedians, plus appetizers, a buffet dinner, dessert, and an open wine/beer bar. Sponsorships are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/CAREERSComedyShow Learn more about CAREERS at careerssupportsolutions.org. Comedy with a heart CAREERS fundraiser standup show to help people with disabilities find jobs
MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 31 Their cars may not have the 1,000 HP engines used in Formula 1, but a bunch of Mahopac Boy Scouts in Troop 71 delved into the world of aerodynamics at the annual Pine Box Derby at the Lake Casse clubhouse earlier this year. The competition involves designing and building cars to see who’s fastest when propelled only by the power of gravity. Nicholas Korovich, Johnny Piqueras, and Alex Nicotina made up the podium, taking first, second, and third respectively. The Grand Champion, Nicky Korovich PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL Back row: Third place winner Alex Nicotina, second place winner Johnny Piqueras, and first place winner Nicholas Korovich Middle - Tony Nanetti, Scott Camarda, Caden Zakon Sitting - Frankie Korovich, Danny McKenna, Louis Prokos, AJ Clemenza Kaylee Zakon, Scott Camarda, Caden Zakon, Tony Nanetti, Louis Prokos, Nicky Korovich Cub scouts race at Pine Wood Derby Scan Here To Sign Up (It’s FREE!) Get YOUR Town’s Local News In Your Inbox Daily INDEPENDENTLY OWNED and OPERATED 268 ROUTE 202 SOMERS, NY 10589 progressive-vet.com Rooted in the Community with Excellence & Love 914•248•6220 AWARD WINNER LIC. REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATE BROKER Grace Vinciguerra Come See Us At Our New Location! PUTNAM WINDOW TINT AUTO , COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL WINDOW FILM Follow us on Instagram 1065 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • Paint protection film • Vehicle lettering • Full Service vehicle wraps • gift cards available Over 35 in Business Years
PAGE 32 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE Putnam County residents will now have a way to keep up with the progress of local road construction projects in real time thanks to a new portal on the county website. With spring around the corner, several road construction projects will be undertaken throughout the county. The new Road Construction Project Portal will provide residents with access to regular updates and information regarding the projects. County Executive Kevin Byrne said the initiative aims to “enhance transparency, accountability, and accessibility of information to the public while promoting greater awareness and understanding of ongoing construction activities throughout the county.” The Road Construction Project Portal was highlighted by Byrne during his State of the County presentation earlier this month. The webpage offers an interface where residents can view regular updates on county road projects and each project is assigned a color code—green, yellow, or red—to indicate its status. Green signifies that the project is on track, yellow indicates a potential delay, and red confirms a delay. “We are excited to launch the Road Construction Project Portal as part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in government,” said Byrne. “By providing residents with access to timely and accurate information about county road projects, we are empowering our community to stay informed and engaged in the development and progress of critical infrastructure projects.” The portal includes project details such as the expected completion date, traffic impact, and the name of the contractor that is working on the project. The information is designed to enable residents to better understand the scope and timeline of each project and plan accordingly for any potential disruptions. “This is a great product for our residents. We want to make sure residents have access to the information they need to navigate construction activities in our communities,” said Department of Public Works Commissioner Tommy Feighery. “By centralizing project updates and status reports on a single webpage, we are streamlining communication and making it easier than ever for residents to have an idea of what’s going on.” Legislator Greg Ellner, chair of the Physical Services Committee, commended the DPW and Byrne for taking a proactive step toward better transparency. “Providing taxpayers with access to these bi-weekly updates is valuable, admirable, and absolutely the right thing to do,” he said. Byrne said in a prepared statement that the Road Construction Project Portal underscores the county’s commitment to “improving public access to government information and fostering greater community engagement in infrastructure planning and development.” Residents can visit the Road Construction Project Portal at putnamcountyny.com/publicworks/projects on the county website to stay informed about ongoing road projects and track their progress. Online portal will help residents track county road projects The Drewville Road bridge just before its closure for renovations last year. Now drivers will be able to keep track of repairs and detours. FILE PHOTO/EMILE MENASCHÉ IMAGE COURTESY OF PUTNAM COUNTY Contact Us Mahopac News is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 845-208-0774 or email [email protected]. Get This Newspaper’s App On Your Phone Always Stay Informed About News Involving YOUR Town & Schools Android Scan Here iPhone Scan Here Get Our App! 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! 53 WE BUY: YEARS! Gold • Sterling Silver Jewelry • Coins Paintings • Bronzes Clocks • Collectibles Antiques • ETC. Items for sale? Call us! Visit us at: 128 Route 52, Carmel Shari Zimmerman 845-621-2557 [email protected] Call for a FREE Quote today! RATES GOING UP?
MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 33 914.948.1500 This ad is donated by Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 $75 per person includes: 6:30 - 10 pm - Beer & Wine Open Bar 6:30 -7 pm - Appetizers 7 - 8 pm - Buffet dinner, dessert, soda/coffee 8 - 10 pm - 9 Comedians For tickets go to: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/b832fde8-d716-4a4f-af98-c73a84064a2a Or scan the QR code: CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. Sponsorships Available Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 COMEDIAN LINEUP CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 COMEDIAN LINEUP CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. Mahopac students and servicemembers were recognized for their dedication and hard work with academic honors, promotions, and more. Here are some highlights as provided by Merit Pages News. Phi Kappa Phi Michael DeNobile (University of Wyoming), Bryce Sobieski (The University of Tampa), and Fordham University’s Nicholas Hangach and Patrick Richards were recently initiated into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. National Guard Joseph Murphy, who is assigned to the 1427th Transportation Company was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant last month. Mahopac’s Miguel Lopez assigned to the New York Army National Guard’s Company A, 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment was recently promoted to the rank of sergeant Graduations John Bernardi graduated from SUNY Oneonta last December as part of the school’s fall 2023 commencement after completing his bachelor’s degree in business economics Austin Boehm graduated from Clarkson University last December, earning an advanced certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages. Academic honors Note: Academic honors are listed alphabetically by school Caitlyn Reilly was named to Assumption University’s fall 2023 dean’s list, which requires a GPA of 3.5 or higher while taking at least 15 credits. Grace Goodman and Mia Zucchi of Mahopac qualified for Belmont University’s fall 2023 dean’s list. Dean’s list eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C. Bryant University has named Sophia Higgins to its fall 2023 dean’s list. Students need a GPA of 3.4 or better for at least 12 semester hours of work to qualify. Owen Klein was named to the [SUNY] Buffalo State University dean’s list, which requires a GPA of 3.5 or higher while completing at least 12 credits. Raven Barksdale, Max Head, Rebecca Keller, and Victoria Mastrantoni were named to the [SUNY] University at Buffalo’s dean’s list, which requires a GPA of 3.6 or higher. Abigail Edwards was named to the College of Charleston fall 2023 dean’s list (distinguished). To qualify, students must earn a GPA of 3.5. John Patrick Dundon was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2023 semester at Clarkson University. Dean’s list students must achieve a minimum 3.25 gradepoint average with at least 14 credit hours. Elena Hysaj, Alexandra Lynch, and Tyler Nocito were named to the Hartwick College dean’s list, which requires a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Hofstra University students Alexander Thomas Gaspar and Isabella Nieto (both class of 2025) have been named to the school’s provost’s list, which honors students who earn a perfect 4.0 GPA. Gaspar is studying nursing. Nieto is studying community health. Hofstra has named two Mahopac students to its fall 2023 dean’s list. Leandro Oliveira (class of 2026) is studying computer science & cybersecurity. Kaylee Rodriguez (also class of 2026) is studying Public relations & strategic communications. Michael Vail was named to the College of the Holy Cross dean’s list for both the spring and fall semesters in 2023. To qualify, students must pass four or more letter-graded courses with no failing grades during the semester and earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher. James Madison University named the following students to its fall 2023 dean’s list: Kate Kasparian, Michael Kertelits, Frank Muscarella, and Caroline Carey. Alyssa Catania and Nicole Silvagni were named to Siena College’s president’s list, which requires a GPA of 3.9 or higher. Troy Franzetti, Christopher McKeon, Amanda Nailor, and Ashley Spaeth were named to Siena’s dean’s list. * Alexis Annabi, Jamie Baker, Isabella Del Vecchio, Sylvia Drenkalo, Christopher Evangelista, Heidi Froehlich, Julia Hernandez, Ashlyn Memon, Matthew Sarcinella, Mariam Shakishvili, Salome Shakishvili, Ava Svoboda, and Christopher Zimmer made the dean’s list at University at Albany last fall. To qualify, fulltime students must earn a GPA of 3.25 or higher in their first semester of study and a GPA of 3.50 or higher in subsequent semesters. Rheinard Zadanowsky earned a dean’s certificate of commendation, which has similar requirements for part-time students. Dominick Baeriswil, Anthony Servino, Alex Zecca, and Lauren Zecca made the dean’s list at SUNY Delhi, which requires a GPA of 3.5 or higher while taking a minimum of six credits. Isabella Bocchino, Michael Callahan, Angelo Centrone, Jessica Delgaudio, Isabella DiPippo, Keirra Ettere, Isabella Ferreira, Jack Meroles, Matthew Mormile, John Ryan, Kerriann Stepkoski, Joseph Tetto, and Nicholas Valentin were named to the SUNY Cortland Spring 2023 dean’s list. Students must earn a minimum GPA of 3.3 to make the list. Sofia Arenas, Katrina Levitz, Ned Maguire, Karl Thimm, and Spencer Virga, were named to the University of Delaware dean’s list for the fall 2023 semester, which requires a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Brock Breiman, Danielle Dacey, and Emily Milano were named to the University of Harford’s president’s list, which requires a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Brock Breiman, Danielle Dacey, Mahopac scholars earn honors SEE SCHOLARS PAGE34
PAGE 34 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 time with friends. They all give me time I extremely value to just detach from a busy schedule. What’s it like playing for your dad? It’s an absolute dream. There is nobody I would rather work my tail off for and go to battle with on Fridays than my very own father. It has been a pleasure playing for him and in my opinion, he is one of the most knowledgeable coaches in the state. My dad is a role model to me and who I ultimately look up to every day. When and how did you learn you made the Golden Dozen and what did that feel like? I’ll never forget walking in the door to a big grin on my dad’s face and hearing the words, “You did it dude, you’re in the Golden Dozen.” Hearing those words was finally the closure I think I needed for this football season. I still struggled with the fact that I’d never wear a helmet, run out of the tunnel, or bring a play in from my dad again. However, this award was something I always dreamt of, and getting it made me realize all good things must come to an end. Once he told me, I dropped my stuff, ran upstairs, and called my grandfather right away. I couldn’t wait to tell him. What have sports taught you about life? Playing sports has taught me numerous things. However, one thing stood out to me this football season from my grandfather. He would always say to me before every game, “Football is about the next play, but life is about the next day.” This really opened my eyes to the whole idea of perseverance, what is in the past is in the past. It truly doesn’t matter, go after what’s next. You control the future, don’t get hung up on other stuff. DEMATTEO FROM PAGE 28 Ashley Gardineer, Matthew Krycerick, and Amanda Gaglio were named to the University of Hartford’s dean’s list. Annie Caraher, Maggie Coyle, Robert Cuomo, Matthew McMahon, Bert Moklebust, Lindsay Neilis, and Kara Thimm were named to the University of Rode Island’s dean’s list, which requires a GPA of 3.3 or higher. Jack Brown was named to The Citadel’s dean’s list, which requires a GPA of at least 3.2. Jade Paciullo was named to Seton Hall University’s fall 2023 dean’s list, which requires a GPA of at least 3.4 with no grades lower than C. Dominick Blanc was named to The University of Alabama dean’s list for the fall of 2023 which requires a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Capri DeMara was named to the University of Mississippi’s fall 2023 chancellor’s honor roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00. Bryce Sobieski was named to the University of Tampa’s fall semester dean’s list, which requires a GPA of 3.75 or higher. Xander Pedersen was named to the Tufts University dean’s list, which requires a GPA of 3.4 or above. Sophia Palminteri was one of 60 SUNY Oneonta to receive the Richard Siegfried Student Award in the fall 2023 semester for earning a total GPA of 3.9 or higher. To be eligible for the award, a student who meets the GPA requirement must either be a fulltime first-year or transfer student. Piper Klammer of Mahopac was named to the Fall 2023 President’s List at Hudson Valley Community College. HVCC’s president’s list honors students registered for at least six college credits who have a term average of between 3.5 and 4.0. Mahopac’s Ryan Allen, Jack Maguire, and Lanna Plateroti have been named to the fall 2023 dean’s list at Roger Williams University. Full-time students who complete 12 or more credits per semester and earn a GPA of 3.4 or higher are placed on the dean’s List that semester. Jonathan McCormack was named to Southern New Hampshire University’s fall 2023 dean’s list. Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the dean’s list. Springfield College has named Emily Pontillo to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the 2023 fall semester. Pontillo has a primary major of education. Grace Fischer, a SUNY Canton funeral services administration major, was honored for academic achievement during the fall 2023 semester. The college created part-time Honors to recognize students who earned at least a 3.25 GPA in six to 11 credit hours of coursework. It stands alongside the college’s dean’s and president’s lists as one of the top awards given for academic success during a single semester. Four Mahopac students were named to SUNY Cortland’s fallsemester president’s list: Isabella Bocchino (majoring in inclusive education childhood), Isabella DiPippo (exercise science), Isabella Ferreira (psychology), and Matthew Mormile (physical education, K-12) qualified by earning an A- or better in each of their classes while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more. SUNY New Paltz has named Mariano Alvarez, Kristen Annabi, Anthony Conforti, Thomas Conforti, Daisy DeRaco, Molly Decker, Victor Fiscella, Josephine Frissora, Davis Grimm, Bethany Itzla, Michael Manzi, Julia Nardecchia, Madison Orsini, Vincenzo Pascarella, Emma Sheeran, Lauren Sullo, and Melissa Topf to the school’s dean’s list, which recognizes students who excel academically and earn at least a 3.3 grade-point average in a semester with a fulltime course load. Mahopac’s John Bernardi, Madeline Boyar, Carlos Miguel, Sophia Palminteri, and Jayme Revenson were named to Oneonta’s dean’s list, which requires a GPA of 3.5 or higher while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more. Revenson was one of 19 SUNY Oneonta students who designed a collaborative anthropology art exhibit titled “Winter Waste Land” under the guidance of Professor of Material Culture Cynthia Falk last fall. The exhibition was on display at the Open Space Gallery from Nov. 19 to Dec. 16. SCHOLARS FROM PAGE 33 Add Value to Your Home We specialize in targeted home improvements — both big and small — to maximize your home’s value, comfort and beauty. • Bathroom Remodeling • Kitchen Remodeling • Durable Vinyl Siding • Room Additions • Add-a-Levels • • Replacement Windows • General Carpentry • Basement Finishing • Painting • Interior Trim • Handy Man • Sero’s Contracting When we’re done, there is nothing left to do. 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James J. Yessian James J. Yessian of Brewster, passed away Friday March 8, 2024, at Danbury Hospital with his daughters by his side. He was 92 years old. Jimmy was born August 5, 1931, in the Bronx to Harry and Bertha (Albertina Ptruszysky) Yessian. He was raised in Lake Secor/Mahopac, where he graduated high school on June 16, 1950. He received his college degree from the New York State Instituted of Applied Arts & Sciences (now known as Westchester Community College). He served proudly in the Korean War from 1952-1954 and wore his veteran’s hat with his pins everywhere he went. He was a founding partner of Dutchess Design and Development in 1964 which led him to also be a founding partner in Cabletronics and Arlington Steel Design (ASD) which was the second largest employer in Poughkeepsie. He retired in 1996. Jimmy met his sweetheart, Dorothy Petersen of Brewster, on stage at the Brewster Theatre Group. Besides his good looks, he won her over with his ability to always make her laugh. They married on October 26, 1957 at St. John the Evangelist in Mahopac and settled in Brewster where they raised their family. Jimmy and Dorothy were very involved with Trinity Lutheran Church in Brewster. They were long time members of Couples Club, danced in the Schuhklutzers German Dancers for the Oktoberfests, camped with Trinity Campers as well as the Tappan Z Campers. There was always a reason to have a pool party, whether it was for their friends, their daughter’s friends, or family. Their home was always open. They enjoyed traveling (Hawaii and Germany twice) as well as back and forth to their Florida home, stopping along the way to visit friends. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by friends and family. They were married 57 years. He was a life member of the Elks and a member of the VFW, both in Brewster. Those who knew Jimmy knew his smile, his sense of humor and jokes (for better or worse), his tinkering and ability to fix just about everything. He loved living, loved life, loved people especially family and close and long time friends. He was “Dad” to many family and friends and had a special bond with each of them. He is survived by his daughters Laurie (Peter) Bell and Lynne (John) Heuschkel; his grandsons Connor and Gavin Heuschkel; his granddaughter Nicole Kosminsky; his great-grandsons Cole and Brayden Kosminsky; his sister Nina Eckwerth; his nieces Tina Eckwerth, Dawn (Joseph) Sarlo, Jennifer Eckwerth, Susie (Terry) Lane, Andrea (Bruce) Yessian; his nephew Ricky Yessian; his nephew Bruce Petersenl; his niece Michelle (Matt) Forthofer and many grand-nephews and grand-neices. He is predeceased by his loving wife Dorothy, his brother Richard, and his granddaughter Danielle. A wake was held on Sunday March 17, at Beecher Funeral Home in Brewster. Donations in celebration of Jimmy’s life made be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, 2103 Route 6, Brewster, NY 10509 or to your charity of choice. MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 35 Putnam CAP Luncheon/ Silent Auction Putnam CAP will host its 38th annual Luncheon & Silent Auction fundraiser on Thursday, April 11, at noon at St. James the Apostle Church, Doherty Hall in Carmel. Join us as we honor former Putnam CAP Advisory Board member Michael Ingber, posthumously, and Stop & Shop’s Mahopac store for its contributions to the organization. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at www.putnamcap.org. Call the CAP office at 845-278- 8021 for information on sponsorship opportunities for this event. New Parents Support Group Mahopac Library will host its weekly virtual (Zoom) support group meeting for new parents every Friday from 11 a.m. to noon. The New Parents Support Group provides no-cost, professionally-facilitated support for all who seek professional advice, peer companionship, and kind support. This warm and welcoming group is co-facilitated by Katherine Whiteside (CPD: CBI) and Dr. Rachel Lemonik (PsyD) and is open to all residents of Putnam County. To join this weekly group, email [email protected] to request a Zoom invitation. Wiggles and Giggles Mahopac Library’s Wiggles and Giggles with Ms. Cindy is an active program for toddlers ages 13-24 months who are walking independently and their caregivers. Each session features songs, rhymes, movement, fingerplays, and book-sharing designed to build early literacy skills. Children can attend one of two Friday sessions per week, from 10 - 10:30 a.m., and 11-11:30 a.m. The last session will be on March 8. Learn more at mahopaclibrary.org MUSINGS FROM PAGE 7 OBITUARIES Contact Us Mahopac News is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 845-208-0774 or email [email protected]. Securities offered through Cantella & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Cantella and Co., Inc. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. 2023 was a CRAZY YEAR! 845-628-5400 SFGtaxes.com | [email protected] 824 Route 6, Suite 4 | Mahopac, NY 10541 We can help make your taxes less crazy. SEE MUSINGS PAGE 38
a project like this, I cannot get my head around it. Besides the dollar, why would the placement of the plant be 200 feet from someone’s backyard with families and babies?” Stuart lives on Cornelius Lane, which connects with Lounsbury Drive, and said she immediately became alarmed when she heard about the plan. “On top of raising my children now I have to spend my spare time researching ways to stop this potentially lethal plant that is being proposed,” she told Halston Media. “I would urge them to rethink the location of this plant.” The Somers residents have been meeting regularly to discuss the project. They’ve formed a Facebook group and are passing out fliers to raise awareness. They say they are considering hiring an attorney and already have a petition with more than 500 signatures seeking to prevent the battery farm from being built near their homes. (Because the 95-acre parcel also borders the homes of some Mahopac residents, opponents of the project say Mahopac residents have also joined their Facebook group.) The residents have three major areas of concern—the health and safety of the people in the neighborhood, environmental impacts, and the effect a large-scale industrial project could have on property values in their bucolic neighborhood of spacious lots and single-family homes. There were three battery farm fires in the region last year— East Hampton, Long Island; the town of Warwick; and the town of Lyme. This prompted Gov. Hochul to commission a study of the fires, the results of which were released earlier this year. The study concluded that the fires caused no injuries or did no long-term harm to the environment. The study also recommended 15 changes to the state’s fire code, which will be published in May. Connuck told the Planning Board the recommended changes would be incorporated into the Mahopac project. However, Lounsbury Drive resident Roland Ciofrone isn’t buying the results of that study. Ciofrone has been a licensed electrician for the past 50 years and said he has worked in all phases of the power industry, including nuclear. “I have helped build substations for Con Ed and I know what these (battery farms) are all about,” he said. “I’ve done it all.” Ciofrone said the problem with lithium-ion batteries is that they catch fire easily, are difficult to extinguish, and can burn for days. He said firefighters often have to just let them burn. “In August of 2023, they had a fire up at Lake Ontario and it burned for four days,” he said. “Now you are breathing all those fumes. [Letting it burn] is not the answer. Those ionizing gases and hydrocarbons [result from the fire]. If they weren’t bad for you they would tell you to sit there and breathe. Instead, they say shelter in place and that is not good.” When it comes to the state study, Ciofrone says, “I distrust the government.” “We would have this huge industrial complex less than 200 feet behind us and they give off hydrogen gas which is extremely explosive,” he said. “I don’t believe they can be designed to ‘fail safely.’” Ciofrone said that despite East Point Energy’s contentions, he doesn’t believe a grid-scale battery project is even necessary anymore. He said NYSEG is doing a better job of reducing blackouts via tree removal and improving its infrastructure. “They’ve done a good job of changing things, so we don’t keep losing power like we used to,” he said. Lounsbury Drive resident Stephanie Azadian said her research has shown that it’s not just New York State that has had to deal with battery farm fires. She said media reports tell of such fires in San Diego, as well as one that burned for several days in Arizona that injured four firefighters. A FEMA-funded study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin called battery storage system fires an “emerging hazard.” “These lithium cells can experience thermal runaway which causes them to release very hot flammable, toxic gases,” Principle Investigator Dr. Ofodike Ezekoye reported. “In large storage systems, failure of one lithium cell can cascade to include hundreds of individual cells. The hot flammable gases can result in an explosion or a very difficultto-extinguish fire.” Azadian said her research prompted her to speak up. “I am a young mom with young boys and don’t get involved in politics but now I have PAGE 36 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 PICK-UP & DELIVERY AVAILABLE WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS OF PORTABLE GENERATORS 845-225-3503 * LAWN MOWERS * CHAIN SAWS * TRIMMERS * TRACTORS * GENERATORS * MOTORCYCLES * ATV’S * AND MORE! FACTORY-TRAINED SERVICE TECHNICIANS EAST ROAD MOTORS 58 CAROLAN RD. EAST • CARMEL, NY www.EASTROADMOTORS.com FUN for the Whole Family! FOOD • VENDORS ENTERTAINMENT CARMEL Spring FAIR Has partnered with: The Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce brings you the annual Gleneida Ave. between Fair St. & Vink Dr. Sat. May 18th (Raindate Sun. May 19th) 12–4pm VENDORS WANTED! To sign up go to www.mahopaccarmelchamber.com or call 845-628-5553 A Mahopac woodland bordering the Union Valley Road NYSEG substation may soon be home to a grid-scale battery project. COURTESY GOOGLE MAPS. BATTERY FARM FROM PAGE 1 SEE BATTERY FARM PAGE 37
no choice,” she said. “I started researching and these things are still in the experimental stage, and we don’t know the harmful effects they can have on people, animals, or the environment. To propose one of this magnitude right off a residential community is reckless and irresponsible. The technology is way too new to even be considered for a project of this size. This is slated to be one of the biggest ones in the country as far as power goes.” Stuart agreed. “The one in Warwick was 12 megawatts, the one in Mahopac would be 160 megawatts,” she said. “In Warwick, a much smaller farm, they actually had two fires back-to-back that burned for three days. Schools had to be closed. Residents said they didn’t even know it was there. They only found out because of the fires.” Guy and Dawn Baker have lived on Lounsbury for 62 years and are concerned that their bucolic neighborhood and quiet way of life is about to change dramatically. “It’s 200 feet from us. They will have the AC (used to cool the batteries) running all the time and we will hear it,” Guy said. “It will be lit up like a football field. If the AC fails it could catch on fire. There are just too many unknowns.” He said the damage to the environment should a fire occur could be catastrophic. “The streams here dump into the [Amawalk] reservoir and we worry about the water supply,” he said. “Have they talked to the DEC or the DEP?” Cathy and Mark Dupuy have lived in the neighborhood for 22 years. “It is being built on marshland and we have well water,” Mark noted. “You could have airborne carcinogens that contaminate the groundwater. [Consider] the dangerous nature of what happens if the cooling system doesn’t work.” Cathy Dupuy noted the negative impact such a project could have on local property values. “Of course, life and well-being are most important, but if we want to retire and sell our house who would want to buy a home with a battery farm behind it?” she wondered. “There are a lot of children on this block and a lot of seniors... plus there are gas stations just off Baldwin Place. “If you want to put it somewhere where there are no homes or businesses then go ahead,” she added. “[But with this plan] we are all affected. In the summertime, we are all out on our decks and patios and in our pools. This is a residential area. I don’t know how they can do this. We are not against this if it was someplace more remote. But this is really very scary.” The residents also noted that a daycare facility is located nearby. Scott and Noelle Maoriello have lived on the block for five years, and while they worry about all the same potential problems as their neighbors, Scott points out that such battery farms could be a security risk should someone want to harm a community. “The fire and fumes are concerns and so it seems like a security risk,” he said. “This is a densely populated area and if anyone had sinister motives, they could do harm to the community, and it could be devastating. “We are still learning about this,” he continued. “This seems to be moving very quickly and it seems reckless, and we are nervous about the impact. I would want the Planning Board to make sure the security of the residents is the most important thing. Sure, they will say it is perfectly safe but there have been three fires in the past year. It is crazy they would put this so close to residences and businesses.” Noelle noted that the applicants, East Point Energy, are from out of state and aren’t invested in the community. “They are not being forthright about this,” she said. “[East Point Energy] is from Virginia, and they are outsiders looking in. They have everything to gain and nothing to lose.” Azadian also said battery farms could be vulnerable to harsh weather. “The Warwick fire was a storm-related fire,” she said. “We have a lot of wind here and we have lightning storms. Some [fires] are caused by system failure, but it could be storm-related too. Maybe lightning—I don’t know. But it is something else to consider.” Stuart feels East Point has not been forthright in its presentation and said more transparency is needed. She said it is especially hard for Somers residents to stay on top of things because this is a project under the auspices of the town of Carmel. “The lack of transparency that this project has for the very people they are impacting is odd and suspicious,” she said. “It feels like it is in bad faith. A county line doesn’t prohibit the need for checks and balances. It is almost like it is hiding behind the county line. People are not being brought into the conversation. I find that very odd. You shouldn’t have to go to your neighbor’s planning board meetings to make sure they’re not building a battery farm in your backyard. Bad faith is bad faith. It is ridiculous to think that this behavior would be normalized. We should be taking each other into consideration. For matters that are lethal to a community, it is not a lot to ask to be brought into the conversation. These are deliberate choices that have been made to put a community of people in the line of fire.” Stuart called it “‘Erin Brockovich’ all over again.” “It is reminiscent of that movie,” she said. “My family has been here a long time but if we knew this was coming we wouldn’t have bought this house. No one would want to live here.” Carmel Planning Board Chair Craig Paeprer said that Somers residents will be allowed to speak at the public hearing. “We want to hear from everyone,” he said. Paeprer also said he wants to hear from the Mahopac Fire Department’s firematic specialist and advisor on the matter. He said that he and some other board members have plans to walk the property in the coming weeks. And while Stuart said she was happy to hear that, it does not assuage her fears. “I feel like a Guinea pig,” she said. “We worked really hard for our home and now have to wonder if we are even safe here. It’s like they just don’t care.” MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 37 Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in the Mahopac News Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 toMy Community Bulletin Board Your business card could be here. Call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 to find out how. Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in the Mahopac News Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! Honest and Reliable, 30+ years experience. Local Collector/Seller Putnam/Westchester/Orange/Dutchess and more Call or text: 917-699-2496 • email: [email protected] Hope to hear from you! Thanks! BUYING COMIC BOOK COLLECTIONS! TOP PRICES PAID! AFFORDABLE Dumpster Rentals! CIRONE CARTING 845-533-5262 Same-Day Roll-Off Container Delivery Available 10-yard • 12-yard • 15-yard 20-yard • 30-yard CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE cironeconstruction.com Baldwin Place homes can be seen from the parcel of land proposed as the site of a large scale battery farm in Mahopac. PHOTOS: EMILE MENASCHÉ A path on Miller Road believed to be an access way for a proposed “battery farm” in Mahopac. BATTERY FARM FROM PAGE 36
PAGE 38 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 FOR SALE FINE, LIKE NEW FURNITURE: * Empire style Sofa, 76" long * Round, 5 ft. Dining Table, w leaves * Wood King Size Bed frame (No matt.) Sold our House! 914 232 3896 ORDER ON OUR ONLINE STORE AND PICKUP LO CALLY! BEST PRICES IN THE AREA! PICKUP HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! www.american-arms.com [email protected] 1928 Commerce St, Suite C Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 NRA Basic Pistol/Personal Protection UTAH Concealed Firearms Course Private Lessons Permit Assistance Refuse To Be A Victim™ Group and Private Classes Gun Sales & Ammunition Gun Accessories FFL Services & Transfers 914-455-4210 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 Mahopac News YES, I really enjoy Mahopac 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: North Salem News The Somers Record Yorktown News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The Katonah-Lewisboro times Food Pantry The food pantry at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church is open every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Parish Social Hall, 221 East Lake Blvd. in Mahopac. Call 845-628- 2006 or visit sjtemahopac.org/ events/food-pantry/20231110 for more information. Library Resource Help Looking for a job, working on a research project, or getting started with social media, email, or a new device? Have questions about Libby, Hoopla, or one of the Mahopac Library’s other digital platforms? Book a help appointment to meet one-on-one with a library staff member. They can help library patrons find and use information resources or address basic technology questions. Registration is required: Register online at mahopaclibrary.org, or call 845-628-2009, ext. 100. (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in December from open to close.) Learn to Save a Life The Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services offers training in lifesaving skills from community professionals. Original and refresher basic life support (EMT) training is available. You can learn more and register for these courses at putnamcountyny.com/life. For more information and directions, call 845-808-4000. Volunteer Drivers Needed Can you spare a little time to make a difference in the life of an older adult? RideConnect, a program of Family Services of Westchester, is an information, referral, and volunteer transportation program for adults ages 60-plus who can no longer drive. They seek volunteer drivers who are willing to provide occasional rides to older adult neighbors. These rides enable clients to remain active in their communities and to continue to lead fulfilling lives. Rides are typically to medical and dental appointments, grocery shopping, and other errands. Give the gift of mobility and independence. No minimum commitment. Match trips to your schedule. Rides can be set up by phone or online. Your family members, young and old, can ride along. For more information, go to ride connectwestchester.org, call 914-242-7433, or email [email protected]. MUSINGS FROM PAGE 35 To advertise in Mahopac News, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected].
MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 39 In Case You Missed It The stories below were published on our website in-between print editions. Never miss another local story again by visiting News.HalstonMedia.com. Scan the QR codes in the summaries below to read the full story. Scan Here To Get The Top Local News Delivered To Your Inbox Daily. Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne speaks at the 2023 ‘Back the Blue prayer walk. PHOTO: SOPHIA CASELNOVA FILE PHOTO The Forest House, circa 1930 PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CARMEL HISTORICAL SOCIETY Putnam County and PBA Ink Deal After lengthy negotiations, Putnam County and the Sheriff’s Police Benevolence Association (PBA) have come to a five-year contract agreement. Universal Pre-K Up for Debate The Mahopac Board of Education was due to meet on Tuesday (March 26) after failing to decide on a proposed Universal Pre-Kindergarten program for this fall. Scan the QR code to learn the outcome of Tuesday’s meeting and see what’s next. New: A Look Back at Mahopac History Mahopac News is teaming up with the Carmel Historical Society to offer a series covering the area’s history. Up first: The history of Mahopac’s lakeside hotels.
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