VOL. 2 NO. 10 JANUARY 11 – FEBRUARY 8, 2024 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. FOX TRACKS 4 HEALTH & WELLNESS 21 LEISURE 20 OBITUARIES 24 OPINION 10 SPORTS 18 Year in Photos pg 16 2023 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WEST CALDWELL, NJ PERMIT #992 Newly elected Mount Kisco Mayor J Michael Cindrich was officially sworn in alongside Village Trustees Theresa Flora and Angie Garcia-Guerra. Cindrich overcame Deputy Mayor Lisa Abzun in the November election, returning to the mayor position he had previously held for 14 years. Swearing in for 2024! PHOTO: CAROL REIF BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Pound Ridge has officially paused development in its business and commercial district, Scotts Corners. The six-month moratorium, approved unanimously by the Town Board on Dec. 5, took effect immediately. According to Town Attorney William Harrington, it aims to buy the town enough time to weigh local laws that would control the way cannabis dispensaries are operated. Once that legislation passes, there will be public hearings if a dispensary license is ever granted by the state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) within Pound Ridge’s borders, he said. Pots shops are already the hot topic around town. Dozens of residents packed the local elementary school’s gymnasium on Saturday, Dec. 9 to slam town officials for not opting out of allowing adult-use cannabis dispensaries or on-site consumption establishments when it had the chance. To opt out, municipalities needed to pass local laws before Dec. 31, 2021 exerting their authority to prohibit cannabis establishments. The Marijuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) legalized adult-use of recreational marijuana in 2021 and the sale -- through state-approved dispensaries -- in 2022. Cannabis used for medical purposes has been legal in New York since 2016. According to legal experts, the local laws were subject to “permissive referendum,” which means that if residents disagreed with a municipality’s decision to opt out, they could petition for a special election allowing voters to decide whether to override the opt-out. Municipalities that officially opted-out have the option of opting-in later, a cautious approach that the majority of them appear to have taken. Conversely, the municipalities that took no action before the deadline, and are now required to allow cannabis dispensaries, can’t opt-out in the future. The Rockefeller Institute of Government released data in 2022 that showed approximately half of all municipalities in the state had voted not to allow dispensaries, and 57 percent also nixed on-site consumption lounge. The opt-out numbers were a bit higher in municipalities in Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland as well as six other Hudson Valley counties. Among the local governments opting out were Mount Kisco, North Salem, Somers and Yorktown. Pound Ridge was the only one in the northeastern part of the county that didn’t, according to the Rockefeller tracker. Mark Buzzetto Jr. and Sophia J. Mortell of SMMB Inc. have leased a former wine shop located at 32 Westchester Ave. in Scotts Corners with the intent of opening a cannabis dispensary there. Pound Ridge pauses business district development Cannabis dispensaries in question SEE POUND RIDGE PAGE 28 Somers l 3 BR l 2 BA l 1,906 sf l 2-Car Garage l $825,000 Exciting Opportunity at Heritage Hills. Beautifully Updated and Meticulously Cared for and a chance to fall in love with this pristine Sherman II. Featuring three bedrooms + a Den, two full renovated baths, an expansive formal living room with stunning wood fl oors and sliders to the oversized deck, a handsome fi replace, spacious dining room, a sunlit and updated eat-in kitchen, and an attached two-car garage with oversized storage. #UGottaHaveHope HOPEMAZZOLA YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE HOPE Sales Vice President Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker cell: 914.714.0090 [email protected] hopemazzola.com MAZZOLA YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE HOPE 95 Katonah Ave | Katonah, NY 10536 Just Listed
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JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 3 HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS, LIFE & HEALTH 914-232-7750 www.forbesinsurance.com Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year! BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE Nate Cicero has had the need for speed for as long as he can remember. The 19-year-old Pound Ridge resident said his love of cars began simply with collecting Hot Wheels and other toy autos. But over the years that passion has led to Cicero clinching the Mazda MX-5 Cup Rookie of the Year award last month outside Atlanta, and winning the $80,000 in prize money. Cicero just finished his second year of pro sportscar driving, after having been the first-ever two-time Mazda scholarship winner in 2021 and 2022. “When I was about 2 or 3 years old, I loved seeing the different cars on the road and started collecting Hot Wheels and other toy cars,” he said. “I would go up to anyone who had a car and ask to see their keys so I could guess what kind of car they had!” Cicero’s first time behind the wheel in a competitive setting was at Grand Prix New York, the mega-entertainment complex in Mount Kisco where he was part of a go-kart league from 2015 to 2020. “I won eight championships during that time,” he said. “We had a competitive group and a lot of us are still racing. It pushed us to be the best we could be.” Cicero attended and graduated from the private Fusion Academy in New York City because the class schedule there was more flexible, and it allowed him to focus on his racing career. In 2016, he started outdoor go-karting competition at Oakland Valley Race Park (OVRP) in Orange County. “It’s quite a bit faster and [the karts have] less bodywork,” he said. “It’s actually a fast kart at a more competitive level. In 2019, I won my first championship called the New York State Championship, and later the OVRP Junior Championship.” Cicero said at that point he was trying to figure out what his next step should be to move up the ladder in competitive racing. The answer sort of fell into his lap. “It was a combination of luck and success and timing,” he said. “I won a national championship and had joined the right team at the right time—they had had a successful year. That got me nominated for the Mazda scholarship [for emerging drivers].” Cicero said about 40 drivers nationwide receive the nomination and then must send in a video in which they explain why they should be chosen. Nine are then selected to come to a track and drive a racecar—a step up from go-karting. The most recent event was held at Sebring International Raceway in Florida. “It’s for transitioning from karts to cars,” Cicero explained. “They look at not just how you drive, but how you handle yourself off the track, things like giving interviews, socialization, [receiving] coaching. They want you to be yourself and not be phony.” In 2021, Cicero was one of two scholarship winners. He received his for the spec MX-5 (Mazda Miata). In 2022, he was the sole winner. “It is a lot to take in,” he said. “It’s a ladder system and [as you go upward] the cars get faster and there is a higher level of competition.” Cicero said he will continue to compete for the MX-5 cup again this year—the season begins this month in Daytona, Fla., and ends in October in Atlanta with the winner receiving a $250,000 grand prize. Cicero said that he had no real muse growing up that inspired him to become a driver (“It was just me liking cars”), but cites his coaches and mentors Steven and Stuart McAleer, who are brothers, as one of the main reasons for his early success. “They started with me with the karting now MX-5 and are building my journey with them,” he said. “I am following in their footsteps. “To make it in racing, you can’t just be a good driver,” he continued. You have to be a coach too. On the weekends, if you are not racing, you can be a coach. So, that is what I am trying to learn from them. They are always doing something—coaching or driving or running the go-kart team. And that is what I am now trying to do.” If he keeps hustling, Cicero believes, there will be plenty more checkered flags in his future. Nate Cicero is driven to succeed Pound Ridge teen finds early success in sportscar racing Cicero during his go-karting days PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATE CICERO Cicero, third from the left, marks his first national go-karting championship win. He won three of four races to secure the championship PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATE CICERO
PAGE 4 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 Supervisor Ellen Calves, center, is flanked by Town Board members Bobbi Bittker and Tom Catoliato as the three Democrats, re-elected in November, gathered for a New Year’s Day swearing-in at town hall. Joining them are, from left, Town Justice David Menken; the Rev. Dr. Karen Blacks, associate minister of Antioch Baptist Church, Bedford Hills; and 2nd District County Legislator Erika Pierce. Also, from right, are Town Justice Jodi Kimmel, State Sen. Peter Harckham and Councilwoman Stephanie McCaine. Bedford officials sworn in PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA BURKE Questions About Electric Cars? Bedford2030 and the North Salem Climate Smart Committee are excited to co-host their first electric vehicle focused webinar. Community members are encouraged to sign up and listen to three panelists answer questions about making the transition to electric vehicles. The webinar will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. over Zoom. Bedford2030 will be moderating a panel of three experts, NY for Clean Power clean energy coach, Samrat Pathania; Chargepoint Account Manager, Tristan Prochnow and Bedford resident and EV owner, Cynthia Braun. All three panelists have important perspectives related to electric vehicle acquisition and ownership! Please register for the webinar by visiting https://bedford2030. org/gva_event/evwebinar/. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions as there will be a Q&A session for the audience. Bedford2030 is hosting the webinar in conjunction with North Salem’s Climate Action Committee and New Yorkers for Clean Power. For more information, feedback and questions about the webinar, please email Janine Kourakos at [email protected] or mariah.okrongly@ bedford2030.org Race Amity of Northern Westchester & Putnam We welcome you to join us for monthly discussions as we work to advance cross-racial and crosscultural amity. Monthly events feature speakers, screenings, and presentations, followed by discussions. Many meetings are hybrid (in person and on Zoom). Find us on Facebook or contact [email protected]. Martin Luther King Jr. “Beyond the Dream” Monday, Jan. 15, from 1 to 3 p.m. You are cordially invited to join Race Amity of Northern Westchester & Putnam and Yorktown for Justice at their upcoming event to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In honor of his legacy as a radical visionary and nuanced American icon, join in for a candid, in-person discussion of MLK’s life, history and mission through his most powerful and perhaps unfamiliar works. All are welcome. Featuring learning, music, and refreshments. To be held at Grace Lutheran Church at 3830 Gomer Street in Yorktown Heights. Mount Kisco Recreation Department Men’s Basketball Open Gym Mondays, Jan. 22, 29, and Feb. 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. Open gym basketball is a great way to unwind with your friends. Come alone or bring your friends for a game. First come, first served. Dates and times are subject to change. Please check the Mount Kisco Recreation Department page before arriving. You cannot sign up ahead of time for this program. To be held at the Pieragostini Gym Complex in Leonard Park. $5 cash each night. FOX TRACKS SEE TRACKSPAGE 8 914.455.2158 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! The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Tom Walogorsky Editor: 914-302-5830 [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky (845) 661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director Photographer [email protected] DESIGNERS Noah Elder Bri Agosta Haven Elder Jacob Elder EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions is the Wednesday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected] Location 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY HALSTON MEDIA, LLC ©2024 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC
JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 5 BY TOM BARTLEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER Bedford lawmakers have agreed to surrender the email addresses of thousands of town-newsletter subscribers, but only, they hope, after residents have a chance to deleting such private, personal data. In exchange for providing the emails, sought in an open-records request, the town wants to give residents the freedom to cancel their newsletter subscription rather than divulge personal email information. Whether a court would approve such an opt-out remained an open question as The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times went to press this week. But former councilman Don Scott, who has unsuccessfully sought the email list since October and threatened last month to sue to get it, called the opt-out notion “laughable.” Scott now appears likely to get the emails under a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) petition. At the Town Board’s Jan. 2 meeting, Supervisor Ellen Calves, backed by a board majority, agreed to provide the emails. Continued refusal, she said, posed too great a risk of a protracted court fight waged at taxpayer expense. That sharply reversed the way things looked only a fortnight earlier when Scott appealed the town’s initial rejection of his FOIL request. After Scott made his case at the Town Board’s Dec. 19 meeting, Calves told him that providing the emails would be an “unwarranted invasion” of residents’ privacy, exposing them to potential harm via phishing and other cyber scams. Compromised privacy and threats of online scams provide specific exemptions to the state’s Freedom of Information Law, which grants broad public access to government records. But any governmental unit denying a FOIL request must demonstrate the “unwarranted” nature of the request for email addresses or specific danger posed by their release. At the December meeting, Calves said that the town would challenge a years-old court ruling on public access to private email addresses in government files. In reversing her stance this month, Calves said she was reluctant to challenge the 2016 state appeals court decision, which declared email addresses subject to release under FOIL. The supervisor expressed concern “a lawsuit against the town . . . and then probably an appeal would take time and resources. We have a lot of [other] important things to get done.” Board members Stephanie McCaine and Tom Catoliato agreed, saying a fight with Scott was “not a hill to die on.” Councilman Andres Castillo, who was ill but participating via Zoom, wanted further information and assurances like the opt-out before acting. Only Councilwoman Bobbi Bittker flatly opposed providing the email addresses, deemed by many residents to be private, personal information. In dialogue missing from the Town Board’s YouTube video of the meeting, Calves asks Bittker whether she is against the emails’ release. “Absolutely,” Bittker replies. Would she be willing to talk further in two weeks, Calves asks, meaning the board’s meeting next Tuesday (Jan. 16)? “I do not think I’ll be changing my mind,” Bittker says. Only the last two words—my mind—are audible on the YouTube video. By then, Calves clearly had the votes needed to grant Scott’s request but wanted time to seek the opt-out provision. Town Attorney Eric Gordon summed up what he called the town’s three options: continue to deny Scott’s request; comply but offer residents a chance to “unsubscribe” before their emails were disclosed; or simply provide the list sought under FOIL. “I can guarantee one of them,” Gordon said of the options, “will result in no lawsuit. I can’t guarantee the other two.” Gordon told the board he would seek an opinion from the state Committee on Open Government, which oversees FOIL, on permitting residents to opt out of the email list. By the close of business on Jan. 5, Gordon said, he had not heard from Albany. In an interview, Scott derided the optout approach, calling it “laughable . . . to send out an email saying, ‘The evil Don Scott wants your email address. If you don’t want to give it to him, let us know.’ “That would be laughed out of court,” he said. For her part, Calves blamed Scott, a Town Board member from 2015 through 2019, for putting the public purse in jeopardy. It was “very surprising to me,” she said in a telephone interview days after the December board meeting, that “somebody who has been involved in town government—which he reminds everyone frequently—that he would waste Facing lawsuit, Bedford board agrees to release email addresses Don Scott speaking before the Bedford Town Board. SCREENSHOT SEE BEDFORD PAGE 30 Offering the Unique Flavors of Asian Cuisine MAKE A RESERVATION TODAY! 914-232-3900 tengdakatonah.com 286 Katonah Ave, Katonah It’s a Winter Wonderland ofFlavor
PAGE 6 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 845-279-9555 • TankRemovalServices.com Before you place your home on the market, contact ENVIROSTAR about replacing your aging underground storage tank (UST). It is required by most insurance companies prior to insuring property. We replace above ground tanks as well! Call us today for a free estimate and evaluation of your current above ground tank. WINTER SPECIAL! $100 OFF IN-GROUND TANK REMOVAL With this coupon only. Coupon must be presented at the time of the estimate. Not to be combined with any other offers. Expires 2/29/24 FREE ESTIMATES WE WILL MATCH OUR COMPETITOR’S ADVERTISED OFFER! We are the name you trust for environmental needs Since 1998 DON’T GET CAUGHT WITH AN AGING OIL TANK! A vibrant, welcoming new mural was recently celebrated during a small ceremony at Mount Kisco Elementary School (MKES). Jaime Mazuera, a local artist, Fox Lane alum and current MKES staff member, was commissioned by ArtsWestchester to paint the multicultural mural for the school’s lobby. “Representation matters,” MKES Principal Inas Morsi-Hogans told those gathered in the school’s cafeteria. “And our community’s heritage is beautifully captured in this gorgeous mural. We know that our families, our faculty, our staff, our friends feel very embraced and very loved and welcomed as a result. It’s absolutely stunning.” The school’s Multicultural Committee was instrumental in helping to apply for a grant and getting Mazuera’s project funded by ArtsWestchester. He worked closely with Leigh Viviano, a Multicultural Committee member and learning specialist at MKES, to come up with ideas for the mural. “Leigh and I threw ideas back and forth,” Mazuera said. “We wanted to have someone at the door to greet you. From there, I was like, let’s add some kids. And maybe they’re coming from their town to go to the school. It kind of just evolved.” A second idea, one with faces of different ages and ethnicities, was also presented to the school community, but they voted for their favorite and the students walking to school from their town won. “The other option would have been a little easier to do, but this was so much more fun,” Mazuera said. “There are more things going on so it’s much more enjoyable for the eyes. I’m just glad that it all worked out.” Mazuera, a lifelong Mount Kisco resident, completed the project over the course of a three-day weekend with help from his girlfriend (also a Fox Lane alum), Lily Mulligan. “I enjoyed every second of it,” Mazuera said. “Every 20 minutes or so I’d look up and go, wow. I’m actually getting to paint here. Growing up, I was always looking at the bare walls here and wishing I could draw on them. It’s like a full-circle moment.” Many of the people included in the mural are based on people he knows — old classmates, a current student (who also happens to be his neighbor) and even himself. When working on large projects like this one, Mazuera leans into a growth mindset. “Instead of trying to paint something to one hundred percent, I aim for 70,” Mazuera said. “The overwhelming sensation of hitting 100 is so intimidating and it makes you not want to do it sometimes, whereas if I hit 70, I can slowly chip away at getting it done and taking it closer to 100.” Aside from faculty, staff and administrators being on hand to celebrate Mazuera’s work, local officials came out as well. Mount Kisco Mayor Michael Cindrick, NYS Assemblymember Chris Burdick, and their teams were there, along with Susan Abbott from ArtsWestchester. Burdick presented Mazuera with a citation. “One of the things that the New York State Assembly has really been trying to do, together with our colleagues in the Senate, is to provide increased funding for art projects just like this,” Burdick said. “It is so wonderful and fulfilling to see the outcome of a tremendous project like yours, and so it really is my honor to present this citation on behalf of all of my colleagues in the New York State Assembly for the tremendous job you did.” Article courtesy of Bedford Central School District. Mount Kisco Elementary celebrates new multicultural mural Assemblymember Chris Burdick presented artist Jaime Mazuera with a citation. The new multicultural mural was commisioned by ArtsWestchester.
JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 7 NOW THROUGH JANUARY 15TH BUY ONE GET ONE 50% OFF SALE* ** HOME FURNISHINGS • MATTRESSES • KIDS’ ROOMS • HOME OFFICE • LIGHTING • WINDOW TREATMENTS • RUGS • ART • DECOR We’ve got something for every home and budget. VISIT OUR SHOWROOM: 230 RTE 117 BYPASS ROAD, BEDFORD HILLS, NY 10507, 914.241.7000 COUNTRYWILLOW.COM *DISCOUNT OFF RETAIL PRICE TAKEN ON ITEM OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. Offer not valid on the purchase of gift cards, previously purchased merchandise, clearance items, balances, special discounts, delivery charges, furniture protection, Ekornes, Hunter Douglas, American Leather, BDI and Serta. Other limitations may apply. See store for details. BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER There’s been a changing of the guard at the Mount Kisco Democratic Committee. Longtime chair William Serratore officially stepped down on Dec. 12. Earlier during that same meeting, member John Rhodes became the organization’s vice president so that he could lead during the expected transition. Serratore stays on as a district leader. Last week, Tom Luzio was elected to fulfill the remainder of Serratore’s two-year term; Jodi Sherman became its treasurer – a position that had also been held by Serratore -- and former village Trustee Karine Patino was elected as a district leader. “I’m looking forward to unifying the local Democratic Party in advance of the primary and the general elections this year,” Luzio told The Mount Kisco-Bedford Times last week. Saying that he was also hoping to work with Independents and Republicans, Luzio noted: “We have a lot more in common than we sometimes think.” “We had way too much divisiveness in the local election in 2023, so I’m looking for unity,” the new MKDC chair said. Westchester County Democratic Chair Suzanne Berger noted that local committees usually hold their reorganization meetings in the summer. “I’m looking forward to working with Tom Luzio on Democratic matters in 2024 and beyond,” she said. MKDC’s secretary Judith Sage released the following statement: “I am grateful for the years of dedication and hard work William Serratore gave to the Mount Kisco Democratic Committee and Democrats in New York state, and want to personally thank him for his service. I very much look forward to working with Tom and John, both of whom are talented, dedicated public servants and advocates. I also look forward to working with the three outstanding new Mount Kisco Village Board members, on behalf of the residents of Mount Kisco.” TUMULTUOUS TIMES Serratore and his son, Carmelo, had been indicted in September on felony charges that they forged signatures on nominating petitions for then-mayoral hopeful Luzio, a former Westchester prosecutor. The Serratores pleaded not guilty. The case is being handled by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. Its spokesperson, Peter Walker, did not respond to several inquiries about its status. Luzio, who was endorsed by the MKDC, lost to then-Deputy Mayor Lisa Abzun in the June primary. Abzun was beaten on Nov. 7 by independent candidate Michael Cindrich. Abzun stays on as trustee. It was during the nominating process that Abzun’s camp questioned numerous signatures on petitions collected by the Serratores. Luzio has never been accused of any wrongdoing by authorities. Serratore steps down at Mount Kisco Democratic Committee BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Two Westchester County police officers who pulled a Bedford man from a burning car have been nominated for an award honoring their lifesaving actions. Michael Miller, 51, was fleeing from an attempted traffic stop on Friday, Dec. 1, when he lost control of his Chevy Malibu on the Saw Mill River Parkway and crashed, police said. Thrown into the back seat, he was unconscious when the vehicle caught on fire. According to Commissioner Terrance Raynor of the Department of Public Safety, Officers Niall Nerney and Christopher Duffy used a portable fire extinguisher and then broke through the car’s damaged windshield to help Miller. They pulled him to safety just as flames reached the passenger compartment. “This suspect fled at high speed on a rainy night, putting himself, other motorists and these officers in jeopardy. Regardless of this man’s reckless behavior, Officers Nerney and Duffy did not hesitate to put themselves in harm’s way to save him as the flames spread,” Raynor said, adding that he commended them “for the decisive, skillful and courageous actions they took when every second mattered.” The dramatic incident began around 9:30 p.m. in Hawthorne, when Miller sideswiped another car, police said. He did not stop at the accident scene, but instead continued north on the parkway. The Westchester officers honored after heroic save REGIONAL SEE OFFICERSPAGE 25
PAGE 8 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 • Antipasto Platters • Homemade Sausage • Fresh Mozzarella • Italian Cheeses • Prepared Foods • Homemade Sauces • Bread $5 OFF ANY PURCHASE OVER $35 A&S Marketplace • 914-241-6919 Not valid with other offers. Exp.02/28/24 $10 OFF ANY PURCHASE OVER $75 A&S Marketplace • 914-241-6919 Not valid with other offers. Exp.02/28/24 10% OFF YOUR CATERING ORDER OVER $100 A&S Marketplace • 914-241-6919 Not valid with other offers. Exp.02/28/24 CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS 681 Main St. Mount Kisco 914-241-6919 wwww.asmtkisco.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! Mount Kisco Public Library 100 East Main Street, www. mountkiscolibrary.org Affordable Health Care Navigator Saturdays, Jan. 13, 20, and 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. By appointment only, a trained Navigator provided by the Westchester County Department of Health will be available to help with choosing and signing up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act and the NYS of Health Marketplace. Please call to make an appointment at 914-336-6935. Appointments available in English and Spanish. Author Talk with Debbie Chein Morris Sunday, Jan. 14, at 1:30 p.m. Join in for a conversation with Debbie Chein Morris where she will be discussing her memories of her sister and their time together through her memoir “We Used to Dance.” Winter Painting with Special Story Event Saturday, Jan. 20, at 10:30 a.m. Join Happy in Color, led by two local moms, for a special winter painting session. Children will hear a story and then paint a Art Show: Bedford, one of Westchester’s winter highlights, will be returning for the 51st year later this month. The annual event will be held in the Fellowship Room of St. Matthew’s Church, located at 382 Cantitoe Street in Bedford. The juried show will feature 45 artists displaying works in a variety of styles and media. There will be a mix of long-time exhibitors, as well as several artists making their ASB debut. The exhibition and sale will take place on Jan. 27 and 28 and Feb. 2 - 4, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A festive ticketed preview party will kick off the show on Friday night, Jan. 26, with music by Mark Weigel and Friends and delicious hors d’oeuvres donated by Happiness Is. Art Show: Bedford is a reliable contributor to the fundraising efforts of many local charities. Tara Deeks, Chair of ASB, explains “One hundred percent of the proceeds from our show is donated to local charities. This is the main factor that distinguishes our show from so many other art events.” Charities that are supported by Art Show: Bedford are AHome, Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester, Community Center of Northern Westchester, Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship, Hope’s Door, Hour Children, Midnight Run, Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry, Neighbors Link and Rehabilitation Through the Arts. Last year, $54,000 was raised for these charities. The opening night preview party is always a special event. Guests enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in a room filled with beautiful art, a fantastic band and a roaring fireplace. It’s such a delightful way to counteract the January postholiday letdown. Tickets are $125 in advance and $150 at the door and are available for purchase on the Art Show:Bedford website at artshowbedford.org. The show has been held each year since 1973 by the Women of St. Matthew’s as a means of highlighting and supporting local artists as well as local charities. “The majority of the charities included provide food, shelter and protection from abuse to our neighbors most in need,” says Ms. Deeks. Acclaimed artist Betty Ball has painted a beautiful work entitled Beacon that will be featured on the invitation and all the marketing materials for the event. Ms. Ball won the award for Best in Show at last year’s event. This year’s show is being dedicated to Betsy Meyer, longterm committee member, whose presence was always a beacon of light and peace. For more information, visit artshowbedford.org ArtShow: Bedford returns Jan. 27 TRACKS FROM PAGE 4 SEE TRACKSPAGE 24
JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 9 Read your local news online now! Scan Me!
PAGE 10 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 118 N, BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those of The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times or its affiliates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail at [email protected]. For more information, call the editor at 914-302-5830 BRETT FREEMAN, PUBLISHER TOM WALOGORSKY , EDITOR TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Editorial Office: 914-302-5830 [email protected]. Last month I sent a directive to our regular columnists that this newspaper is banning all mentions of “Biden” and “Trump” in 2024. Half our audience hates Biden; the other half hates Trump. There is absolutely nothing new that a community newspaper can bring to light about presidential politics, so there is no reason to discuss it. Being non-partisan remains an important part of our business model and turning off half our audience is not something I choose to do. I will apply this same standard to our letter writers. If you want to write about Biden or Trump, please send it elsewhere. Every national outlet, from The New York Times to the New York Post, from The Wall Street Journal to The Washington Post, is associated with a political party. On TV and the Internet, the partisanship is more pronounced. The outlets all create their own ecosystems, where one side declares a political event to be a scandal and the other side declares it a conspiracy theory. The allegations against the politicians they seek to protect are always unproven, whereas the opposing politicians have always perpetrated the next Watergate. As a news publisher, I’m always astonished by the editorializing and analyses by socalled “objective” national outlets. They can afford to sell newspapers that way, as they have millions of potential subscribers. On the hyper-local level, non-partisanship is key. Of course, every journalist approaches his or her job with their own preconceived notions and world views, which is why diversity of thought is so important in a news room. At Halston Media, a free flow of ideas is essential. Some people on our staff (including me) are more opinionated than others. We do have one person on our staff who holds his cards so close to the vest, I’m convinced he’s either a member of the Whig or Bull Moose Party. It would be playing Russian Roulette if I had to guess which way this person pulls the lever in the voting booth. But I digress. Going back to our new policy about Biden and Trump, it isn’t just about not annoying half our audience. It’s also about not being boring. More often than not, anyone who writes about Biden or Trump in our opinion pages is simply regurgitating what they heard the night before on CNN or Fox News. The best national political columnists have actual national sources. In his memoir, “The Prince of Darkness,” the late great syndicated columnist Robert Novak spoke about having sources and targets, and if you weren’t his source, you were his target. He also spoke about getting hammered with his sources with drinks over lunch, which is how he loosened the lips of national politicians and had the inside track inside the Beltway. Nobody could ever accuse Novak’s columns of being boring. So, short of actual scoops from our columnists or original analyses from our letter writers (or short of Biden or Trump visiting Northern Westchester or Putnam County), there is no place in these opinion pages for commentary on Biden and Trump. So, as part of our New Year’s resolution, I call on our columnists and letter writers to stick to issues instead of accusing Republicans of this and Democrats of that (which is boring and often a generalization). Spend 20 minutes with someone from the opposing political party, and I promise that you’ll discover areas of agreement on the most important issues of the day. Instead of writing that “Republicans want to kill Social Security” or “Democrats want open borders,” I call on our contributors to instead write about why they think Social Security is something that should be preserved (or not) and why our immigration policy is broken (or not). And of course, with those two topics, there is a lot of nuance in-between. I also remind all our contributors that you catch more flies with honey. Writing an opinion piece shouldn’t just be about serving red meat to the converted; it should also be about convincing those who may disagree with you. Most importantly, if you can bring all of these issues back to how it impacts your local community, even better. Especially in your hometown community newspaper. Happy New Year! This paper’s New Year’s resolution No mention of Biden or Trump in 2024 I f I had to choose only one film to be my “desert island Christmas movie,” it would undoubtedly be “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” While my regular holiday rotation also includes tales of Buddy the Elf, Red Ryder BB guns and Nakatomi Plaza, “Christmas Vacation” tops my list every December. And the older I get, the more I identify with Clark Griswold. For those unfamiliar with the story, the patriarch of the Griswold clan sets out to host an unforgettable holiday for his huge extended family. Naturally, nothing goes according to plan, and destruction, kidnapping and other wacky hijinks ensue. This year the film was especially relatable to me since my wife, Maggie, and I were hosting our own celebration with family coming in from around the country. Twelve different house guests over 10 days, culminating in one huge Christmas party with a whopping 24 people attending. What could possibly go wrong? Shopping Spree I might not be an expert host, but I have discovered that around the holidays people like to eat. To prepare for a family gathering of this magnitude, you need to break out the big guns. Naturally, we headed to Costco. For anyone familiar with oversized bulk shopping, you know you can’t set foot in the warehouse without spending at least a few hundred dollars. We were pleasantly surprised when two carts came to just under $500. Although, going to the store in the evening to sidestep the crowds meant I was deprived of my beloved Costco free samples. I suppose everyone needs to make sacrifices around the holidays. With some steaks generously provided by my in-laws, we were ready to do battle with hungry holiday guests. Comfort and Joy Hosting a gathering for 24 people was simultaneously exciting and daunting. Thankfully, I had the good fortune of marrying a highly motivated and organized woman. Armed with a spreadsheet and a game plan, Maggie planned the day to perfection. We also received a helping hand from my mom’s kitchen, and all of our guests brought dessert so we wound up with more food than we could handle. One oversight was planning for 24 people, but not taking into account that some of our younger attendees were more than happy to dine on dinosaur chicken nuggets, leaving my wife and I with an abundance of leftover baked potatoes into the new year. Not a bad problem to have. Perhaps I’ve watched “Christmas Vacation” one too many times, but I spent the days leading up to the event Clark Griswold has nothing on me ‘Twas the season to be jolly. BRETT FREEMAN PUBLISHER’S MEMO TOM WALOGORSKY TOM’S TAKE SEE WALOGORSKYPAGE 11
JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 OPINION THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 11 Apply Now for 2024-25 Priority Deadline Jan. 15 WHERE STUDENTS BECOME THEIR BEST SELVES. Grades 6–12 with 5-day boarding for 9–12 in Katonah, NY harveyschool.org/apply wondering what sort of holiday calamity would happen. During the course of the day, the kids staked their claim to my office, where they had free rein on my computer. At one point, I was summoned by the sound of a collective blood-curdling scream. Their YouTube session had apparently included some footage of the popular horror video game, “Five Nights at Freddy’s.” Uncle Tommy isn’t here to enforce internet restrictions, but I wouldn’t be surprised if their parents eventually sent me the therapy bills. And to All a Good Night Our family Christmas was a complete success, packed with presents, full of food and loaded with laughter. Maggie and I also proved to ourselves that we could host the enormous family gathering. In my book, that’s a win-win. After all was said and done and our guests returned to Massachusetts, Vermont and North Carolina, we were once again able to enjoy a quiet evening. Naturally, we capped off the season by watching “Christmas Vacation.” As we watched, something curious struck me. Clark Griswold wrecks his house, nearly goes to jail and loses his sanity while hosting only 14 guests. Our Christmas had 24 people in attendance without property damage or criminal charges. Maybe next year we’ll try for more. Tom Walogorsky’s brother threatened to show up in an RV next Christmas. Contact him at [email protected]. WALOGORSKY FROM PAGE 10 I t has always been a point of personal pride for me to underperform on New Year’s Eve. This year I was fast asleep by 10:30 p.m., again missing the ball drop at Times Square. My father always called New Year’s Eve amateur night. In my 20s and 30s, I was always a full participant, frequently crawling home in the wee hours and then paying the price on New Year’s Day with time spent on the couch imbibing “the hair of the dog” to deal with the effects of the previous evening. For those inclined to participate at bars and restaurants on New Year’s Eve, they can usually expect to pay a heavy premium. Applebee’s at Times Square was charging $800 a seat for the privilege of having a front row seat to watch the action. Apparently, there is a market for that. I have to admit that I’m curious about the appeal of the Times Square experience for the ball drop. It’s on my list to do it once; just not very high on the list. Then there is the pressure and tradition of New Year’s resolutions. A recent survey by Forbes Health found that 62% of respondents said that they feel pressured to set a New Year’s resolution. Women feel more pressure than men by a few percentage points. Younger adults were more likely to make a resolution (59% of those ages 18 to 34 versus 19% of those older than 55). Another survey found that resolution setting may be more of an American thing, since only 12% of those in Sweden are in the habit of making New Year’s resolutions. Not surprisingly, improving fitness, losing weight and improving diet are at the top of the list for resolutions. That may explain the non-stop barrage of advertisements coming from gyms and weight loss programs this time of year. Improving mental health also hit the top five for desired improvements for 2024. At the bottom of the list were “perform better at work” and “drink less.” Both came in at 3%. I guess people spend a good bit of time during the holidays drinking and not thinking about work. That’s healthy, right? Interestingly, one of my friends at the dog park said that she has resolved to drink more during the new year. Since reading the article about the survey, I am being followed around the Internet with ads for Talkspace, an online therapy service, suggesting I need a therapist. Maybe they know something I don’t. I am sure Noom, Weight Watchers and Nutrisystem will be following me soon as well. Although over 60% of respondents say that they feel pressure to make a resolution, only 40% actually take the step of making resolutions. Kudos to the 20% that were able to resist. So how well do those making resolutions perform? Sadly, only 6% of respondents said that they were still sticking with their resolutions 12 months later. According to the Forbes, “failing at New Year’s resolutions is so common that there’s even a slew of (unofficial) dates commemorating such failures — some sources cite “Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day” as Jan. 17, while others denote the second Friday in January as “Quitter’s Day.” Here’s to the quitters! I’ve always felt like I operated better in an environment with low expectations. So my lack of resolutions has set me on a path for success in 2024. For those of you who have raised the bar for the year ahead, may you be among the 6% that make it to the end. Happy New Year! Rejecting resolutions and embracing success DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
PAGE 12 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OPINION JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 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? Dear Dr. Linda, I have two questions for you. 1) What’s your opinion on making New Year’s resolutions? 2) Do you know why we celebrate New Year’s on Jan. 1? Here’s why I’m asking these questions. Every New Year’s Day, we invite family and friends to celebrate the beginning of the New Year. I created a tradition of sharing our New Year’s resolutions. However, many guests decline. I’ve personally found success with resolutions. Setting resolutions is a positive way to start the new year, especially as it sets an example for our high school kids. What’s your opinion? My next question is why we celebrate the New Year on Jan. 1. Living in the Northeast, it’s abysmal timing. It’s flu season, and the weather can be cold and snowy, making driving a hazard. Thanks for your time. -Jake Dear Jake, I’ll begin with your first question. I agree that New Year’s resolutions are promising, but the challenge lies in sustaining them. Making resolutions is easy, but without active effort, they often fall by the wayside. Given your success in making resolutions work, you grasp what it takes to achieve them. If you have children in high school, it’s an excellent time to discuss their academic aspirations. For instance, if they aim for better grades, collaboratively outline a list of shortterm goals like consistently completing homework, improving time management or seeking assistance when needed. Together, identify potential obstacles hindering these goals, such as his commitments to sports, school activities or work. Document these obstacles and brainstorm three feasible solutions for each. This exercise will help them understand that thoughtful planning can pave the way for academic improvement. If challenges persist, reevaluate the obstacles and explore alternative solutions. To answer your second question, I made up a quiz that responded to this question years ago. Happy New Year Quiz 1. The first time New Year’s Day was celebrated on Jan. 1 was in the year: A) 45 B.C.; B) 400 A.D.; C) 1599; D) None of the above. 2. The person who decided to celebrate the first day of the year on Jan. 1 was: A) Napoleon B) George Washington C) Julius Caesar D) Benjamin Franklin. 3. The ancient Greeks celebrated the beginning of a new year: A) around Nov. 30; B) on the winter solstice, around Dec. 20; C) around the beginning of fall in September; D) at Easter time in April. 4. The ancient Romans celebrated their new year on: A) July 1; B) Oct. 1; C) Feb. 1; D) March 1. 5. A French king once decreed that the first day of the year would be on: A) Thanksgiving; B) Easter; C) Christmas; D) Halloween. 6. About 200 years ago, the French moved the first day of the year to A) April 22; B) May 22; C) Sept. 22; D) Aug. 22. 7. Many people follow more than one calendar and celebrate different new years on different days. For instance, the Jewish New Year is celebrated between: A) Sept. 5 and Oct. 5; B) Aug. 5 and Sept. 5; C) Dec. 5 and Jan. 5; D) Feb. 5 and March 5. 8. The Russian Orthodox Church starts their new year: A) April 14; B) Jan. 14; C) June 14; D) July 14. 9. The Chinese New Year is celebrated between: A) Jan. 21 and Feb. 21; B) March 21 and April 21; C) Oct. 21 and Nov. 21; D) Dec. 21 and Jan. 21. 10. Because all of this was as confusing then as it probably is to you now, a movement developed to standardize the day to be celebrated as New Year’s Day, and Jan. 1 was restored and has remained so ever since. In what century did that movement begin? A) during the 17th century; B) during the 15th century; C) during the 12th century; D) during the 16th century. Answers: 1) A; 2) C; 3) B; 4) D; 5) B; 6) C; 7) A; 8) B; 9) A; 10) D Wishing you a very Happy and Healthy New Year from my family to yours. -Dr. Linda Send your questions to Linda@ stronglearning.com. The roots of New Year’s Day DR. LINDA SILBERT STRONG LEARNING Contact Us The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times is located at 118 N Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 914-302-5830 or email mkbt@ halstonmedia.com.
JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 OPINION THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 13 We see you here. The things you love doing are more than just passions. They’re what make you “you.” This is why at The Bristal, our expert team members dedicate their time, attention, and energy to creating customized social activities that ensure each resident continues being the unique person they are. And, in the process, create the one-of-a-kind community we are, too. Schedule your visit today and see for yourself. THE BRISTAL AT ARMONK | 914.444.2636 THE BRISTAL AT WHITE PLAINS | 914.862.7667 thebristal.com Licensed by the State Department of Health. Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies. Equal Housing Opportunity. Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care Welcome to “News & Notes,” where we look at the happenings here in Westchester County. We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season; apparently, I was a bit naughty last year, as Santa jammed enough coal in my stocking to heat all of Katonah. Once again, I have outsmarted myself by making my New Year’s resolution “not to make any resolutions.” So please sit back and enjoy this week’s “resolution free” edition of “News & Notes.” Now here’s a great New Year’s resolution: our friends at the Katonah Bedford Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps are looking for new members. KBHVAC provides all the training and no experience is necessary. “From the Earth,” a climate action jazz suite that was researched, written and directed by local resident Andromeda Turre and features Grammy-award winning musicians, will debut Jan. 23, at the Bedford Hills Community House. Looks like I will be working on my Olympic style skiing, mostly from the lodge, as Thunder Ridge Ski Area is now open. Located in the rolling hills of Patterson with 22 trails, three chairlifts and four magic carpets, they have slow and gentle slopes to meet the needs of the newest skiers and snowboarders and advanced trails for the daring and adventurous. With day and night skiing and riding, it’s a mountain of fun for the whole family. On Jan. 28, at 11 a.m., Lasdon Park will hold a learning program on creating a winter bird habitat. Discover the many ways to provide a great winter habitat for wild birds. There will be suggestions for feeding and providing protection from both weather and predators. The program will be held in the Welcome Center. Registration is required and seating is limited. We want to thank this wonderful community for attending and making our food drive & benefit radio show for the Community Center of Northern Westchester’s Food Pantry such a marvelous success. Our annual “Clubhouse Christmas Spectacular” at The Hub in Mount Kisco raised over $500 in donations and over 500 pounds of food was collected for the Center. Time to search through your winter storage boxes and find your ice skates, then head over to the Harvey School Ice Rink on Jan. 15 for Holiday Ice Skating from 12:45 to 2:45 p.m. There is a $5 fee; please bring your own skates. Even with my weak ankles, I hope to see you there. The Bedford Hills Free Library will hold a virtual workshop on Jan. 27, from 10 to 11 a.m., led by Misty Yarnall. Join this supportive community of people seeking to share their stories, recognize patterns in their interactions and habits, and reflect on their truth. This creative workshop encourages us to explore our lives through writing and other arts, focusing on a different topic each month. A New Year’s toast with great cheer and a big thank you to our wonderful fire and police departments, first responders and health care workers. Thank you for your dedication, your service and being there for all of us. I want to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year…Happy 2024! Happy New Year from ‘News & Notes’ MARK JEFFERS NEWS & NOTES Will Rogers never met a man he didn’t like and suburban shoppers never saw an empty storefront they did like. Vacant venues that once contributed to the local economy and to consumer culture are the bane of any proud municipality that is understandably shy about smiling broadly when some of its teeth are missing. Shuttered stores are not unique to any community. They’re everywhere. Ask a random citizen why that is, and you’ll hear responses that put the blame on everything from predatory discount chains to prohibitively pricey rents, to elected officials, to the world’s most powerful unelected official, Jeff Bezos, who delivered the world Amazon. Never is the fickle finger of blame for dormant stores pointed inward, as in, “They’re empty because not enough people like me spent our money there.” But the question remains: Is it strong stores that close weaker stores, or is it shoppers who don’t shop there? Rather than crack wise by telling complainers about empty storefronts to look in the mirror to identify at least one cause of the closures, I decided to do a little digging into the causes. These days, thanks to our allknowing answer machine, AI, a few keystrokes gets you an instant (if superficial) education in whatever it is you want to know. Silent storefronts Transforming vacancies into opportunities BRUCE APAR BRUCE THE BLOG SEE APARPAGE 14
PAGE 14 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OPINION JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 Conveniently located at: 34 Hillandale Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY Accommodates up to 120 people Ample Parking Handicap Accessible Full Kitchen Changeable LED Lighting Stereo System, Free Wi-Fi 3 Cable TVs, Full Stage Separate Suite with Fireplace APAR FROM PAGE 13 Shopping Nostalgia Before we hear what ChatGPT has to say about why storefronts go silent, you might be interested in a few remarks I found in a 23-year-old book titled “Going Shopping: Consumer Choices and Community Consequences,” by Ann Satterthwaite (Yale University Press, 2001). Here’s an excerpt from the book’s synopsis … “Shopping used to be a friendly business: shoppers and clerks knew each other, the country crossroads stores and downtown markets were social as much as economic hubs. Shopping was meshed with civic life—post offices, town halls, courts, and churches. In place of this almost vanished scene have come superstores and the franchises of international companies staffed by pressured clerks in featureless commercial wastelands. Shopping and community have been savagely divorced.” The moral of that trip down memory lane in “Going Shopping” is that things change, including the rituals of consumerism. To bemoan that evolution is as helpful and forward-looking as wondering whatever happened to those cows of yesteryear that used to moo around the pasture that was turned into the grounds of the local high school. (You might say the bovines graduated from graze school.) Satterthwaite speaks of “the inherent volatility of retailing,” noting that “Customers’ needs and desires are swayed by unpredictable changes in fashion (and) unpredictable pressures from peers and advertisers. Overstored She wrote, “In the 1980s and 1990s, when retailing was on a high, malls of every size, outlet villages, and commercial strips were popping up everywhere. By the start of the 21st century, the US was supersaturated with stores. With 20 square feet of retail for every person, it was not surprising that stores were in and out of bankruptcy and the 20 to 30 percent of retailing was estimated to be redundant.” That is a market condition known, in trade jargon, as overstored. AI Addresses Empty Stores To gain a more current overview of retailing, I turned to the AI app ChatGPT. I asked it to discuss reasons for the storefront vacancies in medium-size American suburbs like the Hudson Valley. What follows is some of what ChatGPT had to say, lightly edited by yours truly… admittedly, it tends toward the generic and even naive, but it’s worth noting if only to stimulate further conversation among stakeholders, which includes those who pay taxes, those who operate businesses and those who govern. “The sight of empty storefronts has become a cause for concern and contemplation. The allure of our suburbs has long been defined by its friendly neighborhoods, convenience and a unique blend of local businesses. However, the growing number of vacant commercial spaces has become a pressing issue that demands our collective attention. Online Browsing “There isn’t a solitary cause behind this phenomenon, but rather several socioeconomic shifts. The advent of online shopping has undeniably altered the way people make purchases. The convenience of browsing and buying from the comfort of one’s home, coupled with the allure of competitive pricing, has significantly impacted foot traffic in brick-and-mortar stores. “The economic ramifications of the pandemic have been profound. Small and medium-sized businesses faced unprecedented challenges, navigating shutdowns, restrictions and shifts in consumer behavior. Many of our local enterprises, cherished for their unique offerings and personalized service, struggled to stay afloat amidst the uncertainty. The financial strain led to closures and, subsequently, vacant storefronts that now cast a shadow on our community landscape. “Another pertinent issue is the changing nature of retail and commercial real estate. The rising costs of rent and property taxes in prime suburban locations have made it challenging for smaller businesses to sustain themselves profitably. Landlords and property owners, faced with these economic pressures, sometimes find it more feasible to leave spaces unoccupied rather than compromise on rental rates. The outcome? Shuttered shops that were once hubs of activity and community engagement. Mixed-use Development “However, there are ways to revitalize dormant spaces. Collaboration between local government, property owners and entrepreneurs is paramount. Initiatives such as tax incentives or flexible leasing arrangements could encourage new businesses to set up shop. Additionally, zoning reforms or adaptive reuse programs can facilitate the transformation of vacant spaces into mixeduse developments, incorporating residential units or community spaces. “Supporting local businesses remains a linchpin in this revitalization endeavor. Residents have the power to drive change by consciously choosing to patronize neighborhood stores and eateries. The sense of community fostered by these establishments is irreplaceable. “Fostering an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship also is pivotal. Encouraging the birth of new ventures, whether through business incubators or mentorship programs, can infuse fresh energy to the commercial landscape. Embracing diversity in offerings and experiences could attract a broader demographic, improving sustainability for these businesses in the long run. “Storefront vacancies necessitate a concerted effort, a synergy of ideas and actions, to weave a new narrative for the community. The next step is leveraging our strengths and creativity to transform vacancies into opportunities.” Bruce Apar is a writer, community volunteer and actor. His next performance is in a one-act festival at Gallery Players Theater in Park Slope, Brooklyn, Feb. 1-4. For more information, contact him at 914-275-6887 (text or voice) or [email protected].
JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 15 I f you are like me, Jan. 1 comes with lofty goals, such as elimination of cheese and fried food from my diet, and a resolution of exercising at least four days a week. I’m hopeful I’ll make it six weeks! A more permanent goal, and one with very longterm benefits, might be getting your affairs and estate plan in order. Here are a few questions to get you started: 1. Have you created an inventory of all your assets, accounts, safety deposit boxes, retirement accounts, beneficiary designations and digital assets? Throughout your life, you have accumulated a variety of assets that are held and titled in different ways. Creating an inventory of all your assets will not only help you prepare to meet with a financial advisor or estate planning attorney, but will also be invaluable to your family and/ or spouse in the event you are unable to handle your own finances or pass away. 2. Have you reviewed your monthly income needs and created a budget for your expenditures? Does your monthly income cover your expenses? Are you able to save money for retirement, household projects and/or your children and grandchildren? Discussing a budget with your spouse and a plan for your future with your trusted advisors is an excellent way to start the new year. 3. Have you met with an Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney? Ensuring your estate planning documents are valid and updated can have life-long benefits. Making sure that you have designated an agent to make medical decisions for you in a Health Care Proxy, along with an agent(s) to make financial decisions for you in a Power of Attorney, in the event you are unable to make said decisions yourself. Your Last Will and Testament and if you prefer, a Revocable Living Trust, should be created or updated so as to ensure you have taken advantage of all estate planning options available to you and have properly named the beneficiaries, executors and/or trustees in accordance with your wishes. If your assets are held in a revocable and/or irrevocable trust, upon your death, your loved ones will avoid the need of a probate proceeding. Having a trust can also allow for ease of transition to those you want handling your affairs in the event you become incapacitated and can no longer manage your affairs. In addition to avoiding probate, an Irrevocable Medicaid Asset Protection trust can be used in order to do Medicaid Planning, and thus protect your assets from the cost of long term care. 4. Have you engaged in long term care planning? Understanding and planning for the cost of long-term care will help you determine if and how you will be able to pay for the cost of your long-term care, in the event you need assistance in your home (a home health aide) or in a facility (assisted living facility or nursing home). Paying for long-term care can be done in a variety of ways, including by using your life savings, using long-term care insurance, or taking steps to become eligible for Medicaid benefits. Having a conversation with an Elder Law attorney may be beneficial to determine what your exposure to the cost of your longterm care is, and what steps you can take to minimize said exposure. Happy New Year and Happy Planning! Lauren C. Enea, Esq. is an Associate at Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP. She concentrates her practice on Wills, Trusts and Estates, Medicaid Planning, Special Needs Planning and Probate/Estate Administration. She believes that it is never too early or too late to start planning for your future and she enjoys working with individuals and families to ensure that their estate and long-term care plan best suits their needs. Ms. Enea is on the executive committee of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Elder Law and Special Needs Section and is also the Co-Editor of the NYSBA Elder Law and Special Needs Section Journal. She is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida. She can be reached at 914-948- 1500. FOCUS ON ELDER LAW LAUREN ENEA GUEST CORNER New Year’s Resolutions Estate Planning Edition Having a conversation with an Elder Law attorney may be beneficial to determine what your exposure to the cost of your long-term care is, and what steps you can take to minimize said exposure.’ -Lauren C. Enea, Esq. Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP
THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES –YEAR IN P202As we welcome 2024, The Mt. Kiscolook back at another eventful yeFox Lane’s Jacob Feldman was named a Regeneron scholar in January. PHOTO COURTESY OF BCSD Scenes from the Bedford Fire Department parade. PHOTO: CAROL REIF Fox Lane students all dressPHOTO COURTESY OF SeptemberFest returnedPHOTO: ROB DISThe Foxes gave fans plenty to cheer for last year. PHOTO: RICH MONETTI Beloved service dog Maverick moved on from the Bedford PD to complete his training. Last year’s Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce “Citizen of the Year” award winners. PHOTO COURTESY OF MOUNT KISCO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The community honored a piece of Mt. Kisco’s Revolutionary War history at Washington Rock. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEIR ALEXANDER PAGE 16
– JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 PHOTOS 23 o-Bedford Times takes one last ear in our communities! Sunshine CrossFit in Bedford Hills and seven other participating gyms did a workout to raise funds for the ALS charity Live Like Lou. Colleagues gathered on Feb. 25 to honor the life of George Graniero. PHOTO: CAROL REIF The Fox Lane High School Class of 2023 graduated on June 21. PHOTO: ROB DIANTONIO The BCSD Board of Education introduced new Fox Lane Principal Dr. Jennifer Amos in March. The community marched in a show of solidarity with the hostages taken during the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7. PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANA BINGER sed up on prom night! VICKI WEISSE Mount Kisco Mayor Gina Picinich said goodbye at her final Village Board meeting on Nov. 20. PHOTO: CAROL REIF d to Mount Kisco! STASIO Bedford Town Supervisor Ellen Calves helps Quantum Healing & Wellness owner Michelle Adams cut the ribbon of her grand reopening after relocating from Mt. Kisco to Bedford Hills. PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE ADAMS PAGE 17
PAGE 18 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Emanuel Giumarra and Adam Concadoro were both stand out baseball players for John Jay and North Salem respectively, and went onto success at the college levels. So when their playing days were over, they saw no reason to disconnect from the game and met up playing club ball for the New York Swarm. Interested in the game from the instructional side too, the duo coached a team together in 2020, and the positive results got the gears of their business majors grinding. “Why don’t we try to do something on our own,” remembered Giumarra. “So we started EA Training.” Their approach begins outside the lines, though. An overall family affair at the core, Giumarra said, “We’re trying to teach them, there is more than just baseball.” That leaves a support system that encourages growth and confidence and only then will the boxscore get its due. “I’m trying to inspire them and get them to work hard, so they can go after their goals relentlessly,” said Giumarra. For now, the regimen EA Training gets players in the game Westchester alums join forces Adam Concadoro and Emanuel Giumarra PHOTO: RICH MONETTI January is among the colder months of the year, but for football fans things are just starting to heat up when the calendar turns to a new year. In addition to featuring the College Football Playoff semifinals (January 1) and championship game (January 8), January also ushers in the National Football League playoffs, which begins with wild card weekend on January 13. That schedule can warm the hearts of football fans no matter how cold it may be outside. With so many great games on the horizon, now is the time for football fanatics to brush up on their hosting skills. A game watch party is a great way to enjoy the action with fellow fans, friends and family, and the following are some ways hosts can take those football festivities up a notch. • Provide ample room and seating. When hosting a party for the big game, pick a room in the house with enough room and seating to accommodate all of your guests. Folding chairs can be brought in to the viewing area to ensure everyone has a seat, but the right viewing area is one where additional seats won’t make everyone feel as though they are sitting on top of one another. A basement or open concept living room makes for an ideal viewing area. • Set up more than one viewing area. Football certainly has its share of fanatical fans, but it also has plenty of casual fans who may attend a watch party to socialize more than see the action. Multiple viewing areas can accommodate various types of fans and solve any space and seating issues that arise. A separate kids-only viewing area also can accommodate young fans. • Stock up on finger foods. When planning a watch party menu, keep in mind that most people will be eating in the viewing area instead of at a dinner table. Finger foods are ideal in such situations. Hosts who want to cook for the crowd can prepare small dishes like meatball or chicken sliders, chicken wings and frozen pizzas cut into bite-size pieces. And don’t forget portable snacks like pretzels, chips, diced vegetables with hummus, and nachos. • Take your tech for a test run. Food and accommodations might garner the bulk of hosts’ attention in the days leading up to the big game, but don’t forget to take your tech for a test run. Many homes have abandoned traditional cable television in favor of streaming services, so if your home is among the legions of cord cutters, confirm in the days ahead that your streaming app is working and that you have the latest version of the app installed on all devices that will be used to show the game. Check speakers as well to ensure everyone can hear the broadcast clearly regardless of where they’re sitting. Playoff season is set to heat up on the gridiron. Game watches make for a great way to enjoy the game with fellow fans. Article provided by Metro Creative Connection. How to host a fun playoff watch party SEE TRAINING PAGE 18
JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 SPORTS THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 19 SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO! ENJOY 0 DOWN, 0% FINANCING! CALL US TODAY! ACT NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! LIMITED TIME OFFER 845-600-8004 | www.bellmech.com CALL BELL before the Winter Spell! 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 1/30/24 Coupon must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offer. $50 OFF ANY OF OUR SERVICES UP TO SAVE THOUSANDS in Federal, State and Local Incentives on your new HEATPUMP PROJECT TRAINING FROM PAGE 18 means going along with an old adage. “Me and Adam take a lot of pride in having teams that play good defense and pitch well,” he added. So the outfielder knows how much the first step matters. “My coaches would say I got insanely good jumps on the ball,” said Giumarra, who was an AllSection centerfielder. Not much chance to roam in the winter, vigorous conditioning, agility and plyometrics drills take off the chill. “We work on making their jumps explosive,” said Giumarra. Then outside, he goes low tech to start. A barrel of tennis balls, he starts rapid firing away and covers the various game scenarios. In front, right at the fielder, behind, to the left and the right, he throws low line drives, high pops and deep balls. “I do that everyday, and that helps their reaction time,” said Giumarra From there, he likens the rundown to being a cornerback. “They have to think about beating the ball to the spot,” said Giumarra. Of course, being quick on the stick extends to the infield and comes under Concadoro’s direction. On the other hand, it’s not the shortest distance between two points. “I teach our kids that we are always trying to round to the right side of the baseball and work through to the left side,” said the former All State shortstop. Or in the words of the outfielder, “You want to dance with the baseball and be in rhythm.” You also want to keep the chin music away, and EA uses Blast Motion to address bat speed and swing mechanics. The technology measures the speed of a player’s swing and upping the velocity is one possible step to a higher batting average. The weight room is the obvious elixir, but EA works short term too. “We do overload and under load bat training,” said Concadoro, whose Misericordia team made it to the College World Series. In this, batters work with a heavy bat to strengthen their movements. Then the kids use a bat that is 20% lighter than their normal bat, and a more efficient swing can emerge. Now, when they go back to their regular bat, it seems lighter, and both the speed and swing have been upgraded. Still, bat speed can be overcome by better mechanics and Blast Motion can help. The technology can identify how to keep a swing compact and allows batters to maximize the skill set they already have. Not just smoke, he points to Luis Arráez of the Miami Marlins to make the case. “He has one of the slowest bats speeds in the major leagues and batted .354 this year,” said Giumarra. They have the mound covered too. Adam Jones and Kadeem Miller are their pitching coaches, and while expediency is nice, it’s location that hits the spot, according to EA’s approach “As we go into games, if you can’t throw strikes, if you can’t hit spots than you’re never going to be successful,” said Concadoro. “So my philosophy is throw strikes then build your arm strength (and velocity).” On the other hand, any doctrine is always open to debate. “We want the guys to question us. We want them to be curious. If they are unsure, we want them to come to us,” said Giumarra. The results speak for themselves. Giumarra and Concadoro coach three GHVBL teams, and all 45 kids are in the program. It’s not a requirement to sign on to EA, but the coaches hope the area momentum continues with the next round of 13 year olds. Either way, they aren’t stopping their impact at the doors of EA. Coaching the JV team at John Jay, the tandem led the Wolves to a 12-6 record this past year and the same formula applies. “We’re a family, and if you’re going against one of us, you’re going against all of us,” said Giumarra. That said, the coaches make sure they do their part at the head of the table. “We’re very hungry and passionate about what we do. We study and research the game every single day. So we never stop learning,” concluded Giumarra. To learn more about EA training, visit www.eatrainingllc.com. I’m trying to inspire them and get them to work hard, so they can go after their goals relentlessly.’ Emanuel Giumarra
PAGE 20 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES LEISURE JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 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. Bleated 6. Snakelike fish 9. Database management system 13. Russian-American violinist 14. Wendy’s founder Thomas 15. Ancient Italian-Greek colony 16. Negatives 17. Rescued 18. Self-immolation by fire ritual 19. Assigns tasks to 21. Island nation native 22. Trade 23. Detergent brand 24. Famed NY Giant 25. Before 28. Split pulses 29. Extremely angry; highly incensed 31. Body part 33. American state 36. David __, US playwright 38. Move one’s head slightly 39. Secret rendezvous 41. Improved 44. A place to exercise 45. 18-year astronomical period 46. Automobile 48. You can take it 49. A radio band 51. Jaws of an animal 52. Short-billed rails 54. Chinese province 56. Shameless and undisguised 60. Horizontal passage into a mine 61. Adult males 62. Fail to entertain 63. Dried-up 64. City in north-central Utah 65. Southern U.S. 66. German river 67. Oxygen 68. Make law CLUES DOWN 1. Curved segment 2. Wings 3. From pentane (Chemistry) 4. Gradually gets into 5. Commercial document (abbr.) 6. Overhang 7. Christmas and New Year’s have them 8. Type of bulb 9. Lacking a plan 10. Tattle 11. Rockers like it “heavy” 12. One who’s been canonized 14. Indicate time and place 17. Nobel Prize winner in physics 20. The voice of Olaf 21. Fragmented rock 23. They __ 25. Master of Philosophy 26. Backside 27. Landmark house in L.A. 29. An act of undue intimacy 30. From which a later word is derived 32. Equal to 10 meters 34. Neither 35. Computer language 37. Sacred book of Judaism 40. A woolen cap of Scottish origin 42. A way to dedicate 43. Challenges 47. British Air Aces 49. Large, influential bank 50. Portended 52. Cavalry-sword 53. Vaccine developer 55. Napoleonic Wars general 56. Italian Seaport 57. Hip joint 58. __ Clapton, musician 59. Insect repellent 61. Decorative scarf 65. Delaware LOADED BEEF NACHOS Serves 4 TACO SEASONING: • 5 teaspoons paprika • 1-1/4 teaspoons garlic powder • 1-1/4 teaspoons ground cumin • 1-1/4 teaspoons onion powder • 1 teaspoon chili powder • 1 teaspoon oregano leaves • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt NACHOS • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • 1 pound ground beef • 1 cup diced onion • 1 cup diced green bell pepper • 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as RO-TEL¨) • 1 15-ounce can Mexican-style corn (optional) • 1 16-ounce can refried beans • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, or as needed • 4 ounces tortilla chips, or as needed TOPPINGS (OPTIONAL): • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional) • 1/2 cup salsa (optional) • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional) • 1/4 cup sliced jalape–os (optional) • 1/4 cup green onion For taco seasoning: Stir paprika, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, chili powder, oregano, and salt together in a small bowl; set aside. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in onion and green pepper; cook and stir with oil and juices from browned meat until much of the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes more. Stir 1/2 can diced tomatoes with chilies and Mexican-style corn into skillet. Season beef mixture to taste with prepared taco seasoning mix. Stir together the remaining 1/2 can diced tomatoes with chilies and refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until heated through, stirring every 30 seconds, 1 to 3 minutes. To assemble nachos: Lay half of tortilla chips in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate, then drop teaspoons of refried beans onto chips, followed by meat mixture and shredded cheese. Repeat with remaining chips, beans, meat and cheese to make a second layer. Microwave on high until cheese is melted and nachos are warm, 2 to 3 minutes. Top with sour cream, salsa, olives, jalapenos, and green onion as desired. Nachos make the ideal game day snack Big games dot the college and professional football landscapes each year beginning in late summer and ending in mid-winter. But no games are bigger than those that take place once the calendar turns to a new year. That’s when the postseason begins in both college and professional football. Game watches with fellow fans, family and friends are a great way to make playoff football even more enjoyable. With so many big games on the horizon, football fans would be wise to ready their culinary arsenal. Whether you’re hosting at home or going to a game watch at a fellow fan’s house, keep in mind that food and football are a great match. Certain dishes have long since staked their claim on the game watch dinner and snacking tables, and nachos certainly need no introduction to football fans. As this year’s playoffs kick off, football fans can try this recipe for “Loaded Beef Nachos” courtesy of AllRecipes.com.
JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 HEALTH & WELLNESS THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 21 Dear Friend, Let me start by explaining the photo in this letter. You know, when I meet people in town they usually say, “oh yeah, I know you, you’re Dr. Gertner. I’ve seen stories for years...” Well, that’s me. I’m the guy in the picture with my amazing family. “When I was in college I was injured playing football. I began developing severe and constant pain in my neck and lower back. After chiropractic, and PT were not effective in relieving my symtoms... I had surgery. Over the next 20 years I had surgery 3 more times, but I still suffered with horrible pain. I was referred to Dr. Gertner by a friend. On the first visit he performed a computerized diagnostic scan that located my problem. I had a pinched nerve. After only a few visits most of the pain in my neck and back was gone for the first time in decades. I fell like I have my life back!” –Rob C Now let me tell my story. When I was in chiropractic school in Atlanta, Georgia, I had a severe injury to my lower back. For over a year I suffered with horrible pain. I was getting adjusted three times a week by traditional chiropractors without any results. I was less than a month away from graduation and I became very frustrated. For the last 8 years I had studied to become a chiropractor, and now my life was put on hold by a condition that chiropractic is supposed to treat. A colleague of mine introduced me to a doctor who specializes in an unique type of chiropractic called NUCCA. In the entire world there are less than 200 NUCCA doctors. NUCCA can be considered to be like “engineering of the spine,” specializing in spinal correction without surgery. The NUCCA correction gently restores the skull, spine, and pelvis back to its proper posi tion. This takes pressure off the nerves and allows the body to return to its natural, healthy state. Patients are typically seen 1/3 as often as traditional chiropractic and most patients receive permanent relief. Immediately after the first visit I felt relief, and in one week I was completely out of pain. I spent the next two years working as an intern in that Atlanta office. In 2002 I returned home to NY. In the last 21 years we have quickly become the busiest NUCCA office worldwide. It is common for patients to travel well over an hour each way for care. We have seen patients that travel from all over the world, as well as 48 of the 50 United States. It’s strange how life is, because people now come to see me with all types of problems. With this NUCCA procedure I have tremendous results with the type of patients that visit traditional chiropractors like neck pain, back pain, and headaches, but the majority of my patients have more severe neurological conditions such as Fibromyalgia, Trigeminal Neuralgia, MS, Parkinson’s, and Seizures, just to name a few. I explain to my patients that I am not curing them of anything, but the NUCCA procedure is able to help alleviate many of the symptoms associated with the disease. Here’s what some of my patients had to say: “I used to suffer with severe facial pain called trigeminal neuralgia. I’ve seen my MD, Neurologist, and Acupuncturist with limited results. I travel from East Hampton, LI because this is the only treatment that has helped me” – Pat G “For the last few years I have suffered with MS. I’ve been suffering with tremors, poor circulation, neck and back pain, loss of coordination, fatigue, asthma and insomnia. I have been under care for six months and without medication, Dr. Gertner has helped me control my MS. My tremors are gone and I am able to keep my hands steady. I am also seen great improvements in all my original symptoms including asthma – all without drugs! –Don O Several times a day patients thank me for helping them with their health problems. But I can’t really take the credit. I’ve never healed anyone of anything. What I do is make a specific spinal adjustment to remove nerve pressure, and the body responds by healing itself. The power that made the body, heals the body! We get tremendous results. It’s as simple as that! Make A Believer Out Of Me Offer – You shouldn’t go bankrupt to find out the solution to your health problems. If you bring in this article, you can receive my computerized diagnostic test and new patient exam with x-rays if needed for $27. This exam could cost you $300 just for the computerized test alone. But, please call right away because this offer expires on January 31, 2024, and I don’t want you to miss out. Why am I doing this? My purpose is to get as many people well through NUCCA chiropractic care as I possibly can. I want to become your chiropractor if you need me. If after the exam I think I can help you I’ll tell you, If not I’ll personally refer you to the appropriate healthcare professional. Satisfaction... Please, I hope that there’s no misunderstanding about quality of care. You’ll get professional care that’s affordable. My qualifications... I graduated from Hofstra University before finishing my Doctorate at Life College in Marietta, GA. I’m Board certified in the state of New York, and by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. I’ve been entrusted to take care of more than 10,000 patients... newborns, pro athletes, and celebrities that you may know, and I have delivered over 250,000 spinal corrections. My assistants are Diana and Sharee and they are great people. Our office is both friendly and warm and we try our best to make you feel at home. Our office is called Upper Cervical Chiropractic of New York and is conveniently located at 311 North St in White Plains. Our phone number is 914-686-6200 or you can visit our website at www.nuccadoctor.com. Call today for an appointment to start getting well! Thank You. George Gertner, DC Do you have a pinched nerve? WE CAN HELP!
PAGE 22 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES HEALTH & WELLNESS JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 Discover The Greens at Greenwich Home is a Feeling The Greens provides safety, comfort, and a loving home filled with laughter and joy. We are a small intimate assisted living community for your loved one with memory impairment. Awarded the Best Practice for Resident Care by the Connecticut Assisted Living Association [email protected] thegreensatgreenwich.com Schedule a Tour 203.531.5500 BY MARIA SCAROS GUEST COLUMNIST As you reflect on the holidays and enter a new year with memories of family gatherings, you may have noticed changes in your loved one’s cognitive abilities. You have a gut feeling that something is “off.” Is it your imagination? Do you chalk it up to aging? How should I deal with this? Should I deal with this? The first suggestion is to visit your loved one more frequently to see what is actually going on. Are they safe? Can they make informed decisions to handle their activities of daily living? How is their hygiene? This is a huge red flag. Are they eating well? Are they steady on their feet? Can they find their way around? To help you in your assessment, consider any or all of the five A’s associated with most memory impairment. Amnesia Do they remember that they saw you yesterday? Do they remember where they saw you? Do they remember your name? What do they recall short term? Long term? Apraxia What is their relationship with their environment? What is their spatial awareness? How are they walking and navigating their environment? As people progress in their disease, they have difficulty navigating space and become unsteady in their gait. In many instances, they can no longer see in three dimensions. Floors and rugs that have contrasting colors may be especially challenging. Agnosia Do they know what an item is and what is its function? Do they know what the “key” is for, for example? Do they know what it is called and what it does? Can they use the “key”? Do they eat with the proper utensils? Aphasia How is their ability to access language? Do they have difficulty verbally communicating? Are they saying things that don’t make sense to you but seem to make sense to them? Is their dialogue becoming a “word salad?” Note that if they speak in word salad, they hear in word salad as well. That may be why it may be difficult for them to follow your conversation. Anomia Are they unable to access words? They may substitute words for those they cannot recall. They may replace one noun or verb for another. The A’s do not come all at once. The A’s develop gradually over time. The A’s don’t affect everyone, but they are visible in most who have a form of dementia. How do you know it is time to place a loved one in Memory Care? It is different for everyone. Your loved one may become incontinent or wander aimlessly. They may forget who their family is or may become aggressive. Each person’s tipping point is different. The time will come when you realize that you are not equipped to provide the care they need. You will realize your quality of life is suffering. If you are honest with yourself, you will recognize the tipping point for you. You must act on it. Why would you consider a Memory Care Community over a home health aide? Isn’t it better if your loved one stays in their home? Initially staying home with help may be the best way to go. There will come a time when “home” is not the place they “live” anymore. The space becomes unfamiliar and the treasured objects will have lost their magic. Those who work in memory care understand that “Home” is not a place, but a feeling of safety and familiarity. Home is being in a community that is accepting, compassionate, joyful and kind. Home is a community where we are celebrated and accepted for the imperfect person we are. Staying isolated with one or two caregivers cannot provide what is needed for a dignified life. What does a memory care community provide? When the person becomes more compromised with any one or more of the A’s, they may need to go to a memory care community. It is in the community where they can sustain a healthy baseline. The professionals there help your loved one maintain the independence they still have and care for them with appropriate distance and compassion. A memory care community provides trained professionals to give your loved one the care and dignity they deserve in a supportive social environment. An excellent community will look at your loved one’s strengths, not their limitations, and work with their strengths. Your loved one will be guided through their journey, developing a sense of purpose in their new normal. Their day will be gently structured with times to be active, creative, thoughtful and restful. Body, mind and spirit are focused upon. Nutritious meals, lectures, social events, exercise and spiritual services, along with medical supervision enhance health and well being. As a caregiver, you will find peace of mind in knowing that your loved one is safe. This allows you to visit and enjoy their company in their new normal. You are facing difficult decisions. You don’t need to do it on your own. Senior advisors and geriatric care managers are resources to help you decide. I suggest you find someone within the community. They will help you find the best fit for you and your loved one. Maria Scaros is Executive Director at The Greens at Greenwich, a small familyowned assisted living home for memory impairment. For more information, visit www. greensatgreenwich.com or call 203-531-5500. How much support does your loved one need? Check the 5 A’s How much support does your loved one need? Check the 5 A’s. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREENS AT GREENWICH
JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 HEALTH & WELLNESS THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 23 ADVERTORIAL LLPT wishes all readers a happy, healthy, and blessed 2024! Several patients (and readers) have mentioned to me they benefit as much from the whole mind-body connection and awareness I frequently underscore in my articles to improve their full well-being as my suggested handson therapy treatment and alignment exercises. Hence, the focus of this article is on the universe’s basic elements and how they positively impact our well-being and pain-free movement. IT IS A NEW YEAR, AND TIME TO REFLECT AND MAKE CHOICES Life is the C between B & D (birth & death), and C entails the choices we make in life. Since our birth, we constantly make choices about all aspects of our lives: from the career we choose, where to live, what clothes to wear, what to eat, and whether to exercise. We are in a new calendar year. Whether we choose to make New Year’s resolutions or not, it is always healthy to reflect on our life during the past year and the challenges and changes that occurred. We are in the driver’s seat of our own life and whether to make changes to improve our health and lifestyle. INTEGRATE THE FOUR BASIC ELEMENTS OF LIFE This article borrows inspiration and ideas from the Greek philosophy that the Universe consists of four basic elements: solid (earth), gas (air), liquid (water) and plasma (fire). To survive and thrive, we must balance all four basic elements in our life. The four basic elements are symbolical and integrating them in a therapeutic way in our life can enhance and bring positive changes in our day-to-day well-being. • Earth: the earth is our strong foundation and keeps our body and mindset grounded. A strong core foundation in our body is crucial to our balance, posture and keeps us connected with nature. • Air: every breath we take delivers oxygen and fuel for our body and brain. It is our determination to help us stay focused, helps us relax, and helps with the movement of our body and the expansion of our mind. • Fire: fire represents the energy and vigor to act. The warmth from the sun and the heat from our bodies help with pain relief, reduce joint stiffness, and improve mobility. • Water: water keeps us hydrated and symbolizes our creativity and adaptability. INTEGRATE CHANGES USING SMALL, SIMPLE STEPS Set achievable goals to make changes. Start with small, simple steps on which to build as you get motivated from the changes and improvements you see and feel. 1. Earth: • Get grounded: stimulate your feet nerve endings by taking your shoes off and roll your feet around on a small ball, pick up paper scrunches with your toes, trace the alphabet in the air with your feet. • Connect with nature by taking daily brisk walks for 15-20 minutes. • Focus on using your core as a strong foundation to help support your body. Start with simple steps: every hour when you exhale try to suck your belly button into your spine, squeeze your Glutes, pull up your pelvic floor and tighten your abdominal muscles. Take a deep breath in and relax all your muscles. Repeat ten times. 2. Air: • Take deep breaths through your nose and feel how the air travels deep into the base of your lungs, expands your ribcage, and expands your diaphragm, and then feel how your whole body relaxes as you exhale. • Include deep breathing when you walk outside connect the earth with air element. 3. Fire: • Feel the warmth of the sun fill your body with heat as you walk outside and get energized. Move around either dancing around your kitchen, doing Yoga, Pilates, or any form of exercise. Movement increases circulation in your body, it reduces pain and stiffness and helps with muscle flexibility. 4. Water: • Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day; it helps with bodily functions and keeps us energized. Water symbolizes fluidity and healing and how to adapt to our changing bodies. Take time every day to be still and focus on your own emotions and how it affects your actions as well as how it affects the people around you. Life is a one-time remarkable gift LIZE LUBBE GUEST CORNER Choices and Changes for Healthy Living in 2024 and, as the pilot of our own life, the choices we make define who we are and how we can change to improve our own well-being and contribute to our family, friends, and We are hands on PTs! The professional services of the team at Lize Lubbe Physical Therapy include: • Pre & Post Surgery Rehabilitation • Sports Injury Rehabilitation • Neurological Rehabilitation • Treatment of Musculoskeletal & Orthopedic Conditions • Postural, Balance & Gait Training • Pain & Headache Management • Body Rebalancing through Diaphragm, Breathing & Pelvic Stability www.lizelubbept.com [email protected] 914.875.9430 892 NY-35, Cross River, NY 10518 (blue office building) Lize Lubbe is the owner of Lize Lubbe Physical Therapy with its main practice located at 892 Route 35 in Cross River and a PT Studio in the premises of Apex Fitness (where her team focus on the rehabilitation of sports-related injuries). Learn more by calling 914-875-9430, emailing contact@ lizelubbept.com or visiting www.lizelubbept.com. community. At LLPT, our team of therapists incorporate holistic, healing principles, mindfulness, and the integration of various therapeutic approaches to restore and enhance patients’ overall well-being. Consistent with the focus of Greek philosophy on the four basic elements, we address all for basic elements in the rehabilitation of patients: 1) earth - helping you with pain-free movement, working on core and stability exercises; 2) air - guiding you to use correct breathing techniques during all movement and daily activities; 3) fire - prescribing dynamic, coordination movement to energize and improve your balance; and 4) water - adding fluidity and reducing the impact of movement on your joints and spine. Embrace the four elements in your life to enrich and grow to a more balanced, harmonious you.
PAGE 24 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 WHY DO WE ADVERTISE IN HALSTON MEDIA’S TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL BRETT FREEMAN AT (845) 208-8151 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS? “The saying goes, “shop local.” There is nothing like the local paper in the town you live in and love. My clients enjoy seeing the updated real estate news. We are blessed to still have a local newspaper delivered to our homes. Yorktown News is where you find everything about Yorktown: the good, the bad and the news.” Douglas Dill Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker Houlihan Lawrence Yorktown 914.671.7730 Service: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com John Joseph Fallon John Joseph Fallon of Greer, South Carolina, but more recently of Bedford Hills, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 31, 2023. John was born on November 10, 1937, in New York City, the oldest son of Patrick and Ann Fallon. He grew up on the upper east side of Manhattan more commonly known as Yorkville. After attending St George, the Ukraine High School, he entered the United States Navy where he served as a chaplain’s yeoman. In 1957, he began dating the love of his life, Alice Loughran, and married in 1959. Together, they would raise four children in the Inwood section of Manhattan and later in Riverdale in the Bronx. John followed his father’s footsteps and worked for MABSTOA /MTA. Many will recall him admonishing someone’s driving or parking abilities by telling them, “I could park or drive a bus through there.” John retired after 25 years in 1988. He then worked as a concierge in some of the most prestigious residential buildings in New York City before retiring to South Carolina. In retirement, John loved listening to Irish Music and became a Civil War enthusiast, visiting historical sites and reading countless volumes and biographies. In addition, he was a voracious reader of religious material and mysteries. John was a devout Catholic with a particular devotion to St. Rita. Family mattered most to John, immediate and extended. His love of family and water brings memories of vacations to Keuka Lake and Cape Cod. He would agree with the old saying the happiest days for a boat owner are the day you buy it and the day you sell it. John was almost never separated from Alice during their 64 years of marriage and was devoted to his children. He is survived by his wife Alice, sister Ann Daly and brother Patrick Fallon, his children Ann (Terry) Stevens; John (Ann Marie); Patricia (George) Ackerman; and Mary Beth (Robert) DeMalo and six grandchildren: Amy, Katelyn, James, Matthew, Kevin, and Lauren. John was predeceased by his parents, sister Catherine Danaher, daughter Alice and granddaughter Elizabeth Anne. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Tunnel to Towers foundation, (https://t2t.org/ (718) 987- 1931) an organization close to John’s heart or to a charity close to yours. Thomas Paul Diana Thomas Paul Diana of Shrub Oak, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024 at the age of 66. Thomas was born to the late Henry Paul Diana, and Maurine Audra Power Diana. He was born and raised in Shrub Oak, New York where he proudly continued to live and serve. Thomas graduated from Lakeland High School in 1975. He then started his long career in public service as Putnam County Deputy Sheriff. After serving for Putnam County, he transferred to Yorktown, New York Police Department as a part of the K9 Unit. Succeeding his employment there he transferred to the town of Cortlandt Police Department, where he became Patrol Commander Sergeant. Thomas then finished his law enforcement career in the Westchester County Police Department, retiring in March 2005. Thomas was a successful small business owner. During this time Thomas served as town Councilman for Yorktown for seven years. He became the interim Town Supervisor for Yorktown and then was overwhelmingly elected as the current Yorktown Town Supervisor in November 2023. Thomas never met a stranger he didn’t know and loved talking to people. He would drop everything to help anyone in need. He had a quick wit and beautiful, blue eyes that lit up the room. Thomas had a jovial smile and laugh that made everyone happy whenever he was near. Outside of his law, small business, and political ventures, Thomas enjoyed many hobbies. His favorite being drag racing. He was a momentous part and supporter of Guiding Eyes for the Blind. He socialized, pups and successfully raised a graduate pup named Nacho. Thomas loved the sea and sky. He was an avid boater and a licensed boat captain. Thomas also received his pilot’s license. Thomas loved community service and was an integral part of initiating the Yorktown Against Heroin Program. He had a passion for socializing, meeting new people, and serving his community. Thomas was a member of many organizations including The Yorktown Elks, Circolo DaVinci Italian Club, and Sons of the American Legion. His love of this was evident in his everyday life. He loved his family and adored his grandchildren. Thomas is survived by his devoted, loving wife Donna, daughter Megan, her husband, William, their children, Emma Marie and Gracie Lynn, his daughter, Brianna, her husband, Steven, and their children, Penelope Rose and Daisy Row. Family and friends honored the life of Thomas at Yorktown Funeral Home on Monday, January 8. A mass of Christian burial was held on Tuesday, January 9, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, followed by a burial at Assumption Cemetery in Cortlandt Manor. OBITUARIES winter scene based on the themes from the book. Ages 4 & Up. Pound Ridge Library Located at 271 Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge, NY 10576. For more information, email info@poundridgelibrary. org or call 914-764-5085. To register for these events, visit the calendar at www.poundridge library.org. Growing Native Plants from Seed Saturday, Jan. 13, at 3 p.m. Gardening workshop on winter sowing presented by Barbara Gerson. Join us at this repeat of a popular workshop and learn how to sow wildflowers just like Mother Nature. Leave with seeds planted and ready to grow. All materials will be provided. Great complement to the library’s seed program. Participants are limited. Online ACT with The Princeton Review Saturday, Jan. 20, at 10:30 a.m. Take a free online ACT through The Princeton Review. Please register on library website. Writer’s Inspiration Evening - On Zoom Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 6:30 p.m. Inspiration is all around us, TRACKS FROM PAGE 8 SEE TRACKSPAGE 25
JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 25 especially in this adult writing program led by author and writing teacher, Kim Kovach. If you are interested in writing creative fiction, short stories, this course is for you. New and experienced writers will boost their skills through weekly homework assignment to keep everyone motivated! Join this convivial group of writers for fresh ideas, fun and fantastic writing! Bedford Hills Free Library 26 Main St, Bedford Hills. 914-666-6472 For more information or to register for programs, visit www. bedfordhillsfreelibrary.org Books & Bow Wows Saturday, Jan 13, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children learning to read are invited to read a few pages from a favorite book or show their favorite illustrations to Trixie the Labrador Retriever, a Pet Partners certified therapy dog accompanied by her owner. Tech Tuesday Tuesdays, Jan. 16, 23, and 30, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stop by the Library on Tuesdays or call anytime! Technical questions answered in-person and over the phone, and personal appointments are available. Led by Katherine Whymark, Librarian for Adult Services & Programs. Westchester County Police Officers Niall Nerney and Christopher Duffy (center) are flanked from left to right by Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, Sgt. Ed Zerbo, Chief Inspector James Luciano and County Executive George Latimer PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY driver of the other vehicle called County Police and gave them a description of the fleeing vehicle. Nerney and Duffy positioned their patrol car on Grant Street in Pleasantville to observe passing traffic. After spotting the Chevy Malibu, they tried to stop Miller near Route 120 in New Castle but he sped off. Miller skidded on wet pavement about a mile south of Readers Digest Road and collided with another car before flipping his vehicle, police said. He was transported by Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. Nerney was treated for smoke inhalation and cuts to his hands. Miller’s condition was not released. A 33-year-old woman and her 7-year-old daughter, occupants of the vehicle that had been struck, were taken to the hospital, evaluated, and released. A loaded handgun was found in Miller’s car, police said. Charged with second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, second-degree Criminal Contempt, Fleeing an Officer in a Motor Vehicle, and Reckless Driving, he was also issued summonses for speeding and leaving the scene of the initial accident in Hawthorne. The criminal contempt charge was lodged because he is barred from possessing a firearm due to a preexisting Order of Protection, police said. OFFICERS FROM PAGE 7 TRACKS FROM PAGE 24 SEE TRACKSPAGE 26 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.
PAGE 26 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 DENTAL Insurance Physicians Mutual Insurance Company A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve Get help paying dental bills and keep more money in your pocket This is real dental insurance — NOT just a discount plan You can get coverage before your next checkup CALL NOW! 1-877-690-2680 Don’t wait! Call now and we’ll rush you a FREE Information Kit with all the details. Product not available in all states. Acceptance is guaranteed for one insurance policy/certifi cate of this type. This specifi c offer is not available in CO: call 1-800-969-4781 for a similar offer. For complete details about this solicitation of insurance, please contact us. Certifi cate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN) 6129-1118 FREE Information Kit 1-877-690-2680 Visit us online at www.dental50plus.com/seasonal 877-427-0320 EXACT SAME COVERAGE UP TO HALF THE COST. 100% U.S. BASED CUSTOMER SUPPORT All of our support teams are just a call or click away. AWARD-WINNING CUSTOMER SUPPORT 14 TIMES IN A ROW We’ve been ranked “#1 in Customer Service among Wireless Value MVNOs, 14 Times in a Row.” © 2023 Consumer Cellular Inc. Terms and Conditions subject to change. Half the cost savings based on cost of Consumer Cellular’s single-line, 5GB data plan with unlimited talk and text compared to lowest cost, single-line post-paid unlimited plan offered by T-Mobile and Verizon, May 2023. Westchester Oratorio Society has announced that weekly rehearsals resume on Tuesday evening, Jan. 9 in preparation for the group’s May 4 concert featuring Brahms Liebeslieder Waltzes, Op. 52 (selections), Brahms Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny), Op. 54 and Mozart Great Mass in C minor K. 427 with professional soloists and orchestra. The chorus is planning for a special event as this will be the final performance for longtime Artistic Director Benjamin Niemczyk and marks 20 years of association with the ensemble. Mr. Niemczyk, who lives in Brooklyn, is leaving to concentrate on his many other New York City based positions including as conductor of the New Your Session Symphony and choir director of St. Boniface Oratory Church in Brooklyn. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Garden Room of the Katonah Village Library, 26 Bedford Rd., in Katonah, located a short walk from the Metro-North train station. The concert will be Saturday, May 4, at 7 p.m. at South Salem Presbyterian Church. Competent singers in all voice parts are welcome. Potential new singers are invited to attend any January rehearsal. For more information, email [email protected] or visit the group’s website at www.westchesteroratorio.org. Article courtesy of Westchester Oratorio Society. Westchester Oratorio Society begins rehearsals for spring season Chronic Pain Support Group Research tells us that 50 million Americans live with chronic pain, or pain that lasts most days or every day for three months or more. Of this group, 20 million experience high-impact chronic pain, or pain that interferes with basic functioning and activities of daily living. Pain is the number one reason that Americans access the health care system, and costs the nation up to $635 billion each year in medical treatments, disability payments, and lost productivity. Support groups provide a forum for those with pain to gain support and learn about ways to manage pain and progress from patient to person. This group takes place over Zoom every other week. For more information, please call Ted Bloch at 914-552-6281 or email him at [email protected]. All conversations are kept strictly confidential. RideConnect Rideconnect has volunteers ready to help drive seniors to their medical appointments and assist with shopping. Services are free to seniors residing in Westchester and southern Putnam Counties. To request assistance call (914) 242-7433. Anyone wishing to volunteer for Rideconnect may do so by emailing Marietta Manoni at [email protected] Bedford Free Library Located at 32 Village Green, Bedford, NY 10506. For more information or to register for events, visit www.bedfordfreelibrary.org Downloading with Charlie Thursdays, Jan. 18, 25, and Feb. 1, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Signup for a one on one session with Charlie and learn to download digital materials. Charlie will show you how to download an ebook or audiobook to your Kindle, iPad or iPhone or Android device. Please bring your device, library card and Apple and Amazon information. Stories, Songs & Surprises Thursdays, Jan. 18, 25, and Feb. 1, at 11:15 a.m. Join in for weekly Storytime in the Library with Mrs. Crummy! TRACKS FROM PAGE 25
JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 27 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER 10-13. In law enforcement speak, it means “Officer needs assistance.” But in one Lewisboro native’s case, it should translate to “Officer needs a kidney.” Clark Pitura, a longtime detective with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, was on duty in 2021 when he contracted COVID and was hospitalized in critical condition. The doctors suggested a certain medication that, they warned, could save his life but could also possibly harm his kidneys. Pitura’s family made the tough decision to go ahead with the treatment. He and his wife, Lia, an occupational therapist with the Lakeland Central School District, have one son, Dylan, who is now in college. The now 51-year-old dad survived but had to undergo six months of pulmonary rehabilitation and be placed on medical leave. To top things off, Pitura was dealing with Type 1 Diabetes, a disease he was diagnosed with when a student at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Orangeburg. (A 1990 graduate John Jay High School in Cross River, he grew up in Goldens Bridge and then lived in Katonah before moving to Brewster in Putnam County. Lia grew up in Katonah and graduated from John Jay in 1991.) Pitura had been working hard to get healthy enough to return to duty when he got the bad news that tests showed his kidneys had taken a big hit. Doctors had hoped the organs would rebound, but they got “worse and worse,” he said. There were times when Pitura was so fatigued he couldn’t get out of bed by himself. By 2022, the “writing was on the wall,” namely that he was heading for dialysis and would most likely need a transplant, ideally from a living donor. Although a perfect match, Lia couldn’t donate because she’s petite (about 5 foot 2) and doctors said her kidney would be too small for her 6-foot-plus spouse. Several cousins also stepped up, but unfortunately were medically disqualified. “It was nice of them to try, but it just didn’t work out,” Pitura said. The family turned to social media and also reached out to Pitura’s college pals and fellow church parishioners. “Everybody knows, but it’s a BIG ask,” he acknowledged recently. According to organdonor.gov, there are currently 103,327 men, women, and children in the U.S. on the national transplant list. The National Kidney Foundation set the average time frame for waiting at three to five years at most transplant centers. It can be even longer in some geographic regions of the country. There is a swap program where any healthy person willing to donate can. They do not have to be an exact match for Pitura. (You only need one kidney to live a full, healthy life. Most donor surgery is done laparoscopically, which doesn’t require large incisions. Recuperation is quick, usually two weeks after surgery. Insurance and evaluation costs are covered by the recipient’s policy.) Pitura is registered with the Recanati/Miller Transplant Institute (RMTI) of Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. Here’s how its living donor team explains the institute’s “kidney swap” program. Say the prospective donor, “Mary,” wants to give a kidney to her friend “Joe,” but has a blood type that isn’t compatible. Mary and Joe are entered into the program’s data base as “a pair.” They remain remain on the list until a second “pair” – one of whom will be a match – is identified, the spokesperson said. But once that happens, it’s usually only two to three weeks before transplant surgery takes place. Joe gets a kidney from the matching donor and Mary donates one of hers to a second recipient. Besides saving a stranger’s life, Mary’s selfless act moves her to the top of the list for a kidney (from a deceased donor) transplant should she need one in the future. To take the donor survey, visit www.MountSinaiLivingDonation.org. For more information, visit www.mountsinai.org/care/transplant/services/living-donor or www.mountsinai.org/locations/ recanati-miller-transplant; or call (212) 731-7684. Pitura underwent a “fistula” procedure in 2022 that grafted an artery and vein in his arm in order to prepare him for dialysis, a treatment which removes water, waste products, and toxins from the bloodstream. By May 2023, Pitura was visiting a clinic in Jefferson Valley three days a week, an experience he calls “life-changing” and “humbling.” Although he knew dialysis was buying him time, Pitura was sad that it put the kibosh on favorite outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, skiing, and canoeing. Gratitude has kept him going. “Whenever I walk into the clinic I say to myself, I’m walking out of here and there are lots of people who aren’t as fortunate as I am,” Pitura said, adding: “As poor shape that I’m in, I look like Captain Fitness in comparison to some other folks.” However, it doesn’t make having to be tethered to a machine that resembles a commercial “Slushie maker” for 19 or 20 hours a week any less miserable. “The problem is that there’s no end in sight; it’s not like a broken bone or a wound that’s going to heal. It’s never ending; it can really make you cry,” he explained. That’s not to say Pitura’s not extremely thankful that he has access to life-saving medical care. “At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter how much money you make, if you don’t have your health, you have nothing,” he said. Pitura’s kidneys have deteriorated to the point where even A neighbor in need Westchester native seeks kidney donation Clark Pitura with his son Dylan and wife Lia. 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PAGE 28 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 dialysis isn’t totally doing the job. He needs a transplant, and fast. Having to be hospitalized three times this fall so that excess fluids could be drained from his body, Pitura missed his 18-year-old son’s first Thanksgiving home from college. Asked how Dylan is holding up, the proud father said he’s “surprisingly confident in dealing with the situation and is being so supportive.” “Of course, he wishes it wasn’t happening,” Pitura added. Lia is impressed with her spouse’s fortitude and resilience and grateful that the family has been able to find new ways to be together. “It’s amazing what you can do when you don’t have a choice,” she told Halston Media recently. There’ve been a lot of emotional ups and downs along the way, but the Pituras feel “unbelievable fortunate to have a lot of people rooting for us,” Lia said. Folks in the law enforcement community are rallying around. Last spring, Westchester B.L.U.E. (Brothers in Law Enforcement Uniting Efforts) Foundation and the New York City Environmental Police Benevolent Association held a fundraiser to help the Pituras. There was food, raffles, T-shirts, music, and a 50-50 drawing. Founded in 2011 by former Mount Vernon homicide detective Matthew Frank, B.L.U.E helps active and retired police officers who are experiencing emotional, physical, and financial difficulties. “There are so few resources, we have to rely on ourselves and be there for one another,” he explained. “Whatever their needs may be, they just have to reach out and we’ll be there, 24/7, 365,” said Frank of cops in crisis. Calling the Pituras “a lovely family,” he added: “Clark is awesome; his wife’s the best; and their son is a very smart young man.” Frank said it was important that people “realize that there are all kinds of dangers police officers face on the job.” (He himself was seriously wounded in 2006 by a shooting suspect he’d been questioning.) While most are obvious – injury or death caused by persons or animal, traffic accidents, and even suicide – the one thing that folks don’t usually think about is exposure to illnesses. The impact on first responders and medical providers became painfully apparent during the COVID epidemic. Despite the personal risks, they’d take them “again and again and again” because “when you’re a police officer, it’s in your heart. It’s not just a job, it’s part of who we are,” Frank said. Officers have to take care of themselves and their brothers and sisters in blue, he said, recalling a favorite analogy. “I tell people then, when you are in the police academy, one of things they teach you is how to drive a certain way. You have to stop at signs and lights; you can’t just blow through them. Proceed with caution. Because if you don’t get there, you can’t help anybody else,” he said. To donate to B.L.U.E visit www.westchesterblue.org and click on the “About Us” and then the “Donate Now” buttons. To direct funds to Pitura, specify that in the notes section. Pitura’s goal is not only to be there for his family but to get healthy enough to return to the career he loves. Among the friends pulling for him is Joe Parrello, a Harrison police officer who had been Dylan Pitura’s football coach. “Clark’s an amazing man, a great husband, and a great dad. He’s lived a life of service and someone’s donating a kidney would be the perfect way to give back,” he said. KIDNEY FROM PAGE 27 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. Licensed & Insured • Local References • Brewster, NY • 845-216-1955 • 845-279-6977 • [email protected] Buzzetto Jr. declined to comment last week when asked by Halston Media if SMMB had received its state license yet. Meanwhile, Monica Alexander confirmed last week that she’s withdrawn her application to open a dispensary at 69 Westchester Ave., a retail space on Pound Ridge’s so-called “Main Street.” According to a report in The Journal News, the Town Board has notified the OCM that it supports a “home rule law” that could give it a second chance at holding a public referendum on cannabis operations. Dispensary opponents have reached out to state Sen. Shelley Mayer (D-Yonkers) and state Assemblyman Chris Burdick (DBedford) for help. Burdick confirmed last week that the MRTA doesn’t contain language that would allow municipalities that didn’t opt-out “a second bite of the apple.” However, if they opted-out before the 2021 deadline, then they can opt in if they change their minds. While there’s “no waiver, no mechanism within the four corners of the act itself,” that doesn’t mean that the elected officials can’t approach the Cannabis Control Board, which is the OCM’s approval and oversight body and is responsible for regulatory framework and implementation of the act. “We don’t want to be disingenuous about this. We’re not aware if the board would have the authority to allow for it, but it is our responsibility to inquire about the possibility,” Burdick said. Saying she agreed with the way Burdick “framed” the issue, Shelley noted that the lawmakers, while having heard comments from both the Town Board and constituents are “reluctant to overpromise the re-opening of a complicated and long-fought effort to pass the underlining bill.” “But we have an obligation to see what we can do to try to craft a solution for Pound Ridge,” she added. As for the possibility of going the “home rule” route, Burdick noted that such laws only apply under “certain narrow circumstances and changes would only apply to a particular municipality. “The first step is to see if there’s any recourse through the CCB. We want to first exhaust any possibilities available under existing laws and regulations,” Burdick explained. The “home rule” thing might not be relevant anyway. The state might find that it only could be POUND RIDGE FROM PAGE 1 SEE POUND RIDGE PAGE 29
JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 29 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. is NOT necessarily good news! It’s FREE & it’s Easy! Please print your first and last names and address legibly, sign and date (all required to continue receiving your subscription to this newspaper). YES, I wish to receive a FREE 3-year subscription to The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times YES, I really enjoy The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times 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) (Optional for TAPinto E-News) Checks payable to Halston Media LLC. Please include this form in your envelope. Please Include the following additional papers as part of this subscription: Mahopac News The Somers Record Yorktown News North Salem News The Katonah-Lewisboro Times 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 Visit www.HalstonSubscribe.com applied if the entire MRTA was amended and could reject it based on the finding that it would “set a precedent.” Resident Cheryl Schacht told town officials on Dec. 5 that she only learned in October that a dispensary might open in Pound Ridge and was upset that there’s been no outreach to residents and no opportunity to participate in the decisionmaking process. She demanded that the town explain why it did not opt-out and that board or commission members disclose any financial interests they may have in cannabis dispensaries. Kurt Schacht also decried the lack of a public hearing or referendum and asked that a public vote be held on whether onsite consumption of cannabis products should be allowed. “My main question is: ‘Are we totally foreclosed at this point from revisiting the opt-out decision as a town?’ I’m wondering because there was no public forum or public comment or ability to view the issue and all the things that should be looked at like traffic, property values, and safety,” asked Cheryl Schacht, adding: “Can we say it was a mistake? Can we go to whatever the authority is and tell it this was not fully vetted and, therefore, we’re going to request that we get the opportunity to revisit this as a town with full town support?” “The answer’s no,” both Harrington and Supervisor Kevin Hansan flatly responded. MORATORIUM SPECIFICS The moratorium prohibits the town building inspector, Planning Board, and Zoning Board of Appeals from issuing any determinations under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) or any final determinations on applications for non-exempt building permits, variances, special use permits, site plans, certificates of occupancy, or subdivisions located in the PB-A, PB-B, or PB-C zoning districts. The town’s Land Use Board can hold public hearings and discuss applications, but can’t formally approve or deny them while the moratorium is in effect. There are certain applications that are exempt, namely: area variances for one- or twofamily dwellings; building permits for work that doesn’t require approval from the Land Use Board; those that the building inspector “reasonable believes” are being performed primarily for health and safety reasons; and those planned for existing structures for existing operations with a gross floor area of less than 3,000 square feet. Property owners facing a “severe financial hardship” due to the delay in processing their applications may seek an exemption from the Town Board. To qualify, they have to show a financial loss of at least $750,000 in funds already spent on their proposed development. The town gave itself the option of extending the moratorium beyond the initial six months. LEGISLATION WEIGHED The intent of passing a local law regulating state-licensed cannabis sales is to mitigate any “potential nuisances” or “adverse impacts on “public youth facilities” such as schools and residences and to “protect the overall community character while allowing for small business development that provides outlets for hookah and vaping, and for the retail sale of associated products and cannabis for at-home consumption.” It defines what cannabis is and exempts hemp, cannabinoid hemp, or hemp extract products that have been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration. The law, if passed as written, would prohibit such operations from creating any hazard, including, but not limited to: fire, explosion, fumes, gas smoke, odors, obnoxious dust, vapors, and offensive noises or vibrations – basically anything that would “impair the normal use and peaceful enjoyment of any property, structure, or dwelling in the area.” No cannabis retail business, or hookah lounge or vape shop, will be allowed within 500 feet of public youth facilities or schools, or within 200 feet of any house of worship. Proximity restrictions may also apply, if the Planning Board chooses, to libraries, playgrounds, parks, martial arts and dance studies, pediatric medical offices, toy stores, government buildings for youth, and youth clubs. The board will be allowed to deviate from those restrictions if the applicant can show “good cause” regarding the need to “foster and develop new businesses” while balancing that with the need to protect the community. The draft law also addressed hours of operation. No cannabis business may open before 9 a.m. or close later than 5 p.m., unless it gets a special use permit. The sale or consumption of alcohol on the premises – except for the sale of tinctures allowed by state law – is prohibited as are drivethrough services and sales. Facades, signage, and ventilation and security systems must also pass muster with the town. Details of the moratorium and the proposed law can both be found on the town’s website, www.townofpoundridge.com. ALL FIRED UP Harrington claimed at the heated Dec. 9 public hearing that, at present, no state licenses have been issued to dispensaries that want to operate in Pound Ridge and there there’s “no guarantee” that the state will approve such license “in the near future or ever.” (That contradicts a media report that SMMB Inc. had been issued a license by the state. Alexander said her state license was “pending.”) Licensed operators would be required by the town to ensure that there’s no interference with the public thoroughfare, that there’s no use or consumption of cannabis on the premises, and to comply with all local regulations. (It’s unclear if municipalities that didn’t opt out, and are therefore legally bound to allow cannabis dispensaries, can ban on-site consumption.) Among the speakers expressing frustration with the lack of a public discussion of POUND RIDGE FROM PAGE 28 SEE POUND RIDGE PAGE 30
PAGE 30 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 taxpayers’ money and resources on this issue.” Scott contends that the law is on his side, pointing to the precedent set in another Westchester town. In 2014, Greenburgh officials—first the town clerk and later the town board, acting as an appellate body—rejected a FOIL request by Dorrine Livson, a civic association president, for the emails of subscribers to that town’s newsletter. Livson sued. In an article 78 proceeding— a judicial review of Greenburgh’s administrative action—a State Supreme Court justice upheld the town’s refusal. But a fourjudge appeals-court panel two years later overturned that decision, saying the town had failed to substantiate its privacy concerns or fears of cyber scams like phishing. Scott, at his Dec. 19 appeal of the FOIL denial, clearly relied on the Livson case when he warned the board of legal consequences if it continued to rebuff him. He would sue, Scott said, and predicted, “When you lose, and you will, you will not only subject the taxpayers of the town to legal fees for defending that article 78, but you’ll be also paying my legal fees as well.” Scott wants the email addresses residents must submit to receive Calves’ Friday newsletter, most often a recap or preview of town and community activities and other notes. Calves estimates the subscriber base as having about 7,000 names. Simmering in private for months, the fight over email access burst into public view at the board’s Dec. 19 meeting, with most board members voicing support for the supervisor’s continuing to deny Scott. Castillo observed that the pace of technology had quickened and that phishing and other scams were more likely today than they were when Livson v. Greenburgh was decided almost a decade ago. McCaine pointed out that history has shown how readily socalled “settled law” can change. Scott contends that board members took part in the earlier denial, putting him in the curious position of appealing his case to the same tribunal that had already rebuffed him. “It’s a bit Catch-22,” he said in a December email interview, “to have me arguing in front of the Town Board to reverse their own decision which they made in executive session. That’s not the way it is supposed to work.” He tried more than once during December’s town hall hearing to coax an admission that board members had discussed the case in executive session, which would violate state open-meetings law. Calves and others insisted the closed-door meetings were held only to hear legal advice from Gordon, the town attorney, not to discuss the FOIL application. Asked repeatedly why he wanted the email addresses, Scott did not respond directly, saying only that the law clearly required their release. “I shouldn’t have to be here,” he told the board and said his request deserved to be granted in days, as it had been “in the past.” Two years ago, before Calves became supervisor, a similar request by candidate Scott had promptly produced the email list. In 2023, with Calves at the helm, things changed, a circumstance Scott attributed to politics. “The two-thirds of the iceberg nobody is talking about,” Scott said in last week’s telephone interview, “is that this is a nakedly political move on the supervisor’s part.” Calves and Scott, Katonah neighbors and frequent electoral rivals, have opposed each other in races for both a part-time Town Board seat in 2019 and, two years ago, the supervisor’s job. Last October, contests for office in Bedford were in their final weeks. Calves was unopposed for re-election. But Scott, running with Michael Palladino on the Republican line, was in an uphill fight to overcome a 2-1 Democratic enrollment advantage. Looking to break the Democrats’ 5-0 Town Board lock, the two sought to unseat Catoliato and Bittker. On Oct. 5, Scott made his initial FOIL request, seeking the email list used for townwide email announcements, including first and last names and email addresses. On Nov. 2, with early voting already underway and final balloting only days away, a letter signed by Town Clerk Lisbeth “Boo” Fumagalli as Bedford’s FOIL officer denied Scott’s request. “The Town has determined that releasing email addresses, especially as much in connection with other personal details such as names and/or home addresses, would result in potential harm to residents that is more than speculative,” the letter read in part. “Phishing scams or other cybersecurity concerns are significantly more likely to occur when direct contact information is provided in connection with personal details of one’s life including names and home address.” Despite Fumagalli’s signature, Scott maintains the letter was written by the town attorney, Gordon, with direction from Calves. The supervisor, he charged in his email interview, “hijacked the request, improperly, and in conflict with the town’s own FOIL procedures.” Neither Calves nor Gordon denied Scott’s assertion on the letter’s origin. The town’s stated position in the denial is at odds with the Livson decision as well as a letter from the Committee on Open Government in Albany, which oversees FOIL. Calves had acknowledged as much in December, seeing a tough fight in the courts and noting, “We have this pesky case law and advisory opinion, not in our favor.” Calves floated the possibility last week that Scott, with November’s election well past, might voluntarily withdraw his FOIL application. But Scott, who did not attend the latest board meeting, made clear in a telephone interview later that he would not pull back the FOIL, calling it “a matter of principle.” Besides immediate privacy concerns, the supervisor said, granting Scott’s request would mean “anybody from anywhere can send us a FOIL request and get all of our residents’ emails, and perhaps more information about their personal lives.” Fumagalli, for her part, said she had been kept out of the loop after informing the supervisor of last year’s request. The veteran clerk said that she would resign her FOIL post if she continued to be kept in the dark. Addressing her 2021 release of the email list, Fumagalli told the board, “I did not like when I was told that I had to give out that information, because I thought it was personal. However, that is not what the law says, and I took an oath, as did all of you, to obey the law, whether I like it or not. I obeyed the law.” In any case, Scott disagrees with the stated reasons for turning down his request and contends that in a tough electoral contest, access to the town’s subscriber list is a simple matter of fairness. In a December exchange, Scott directly addressed Bittker, the incumbent councilwoman he had challenged in November. “You have weekly access to thousands of people to give a message,” he said. “It puts somebody that’s on the other side of that at a great disadvantage.” Bittker, in response, said Scott was conflating politics and governance. “As government officials, we were not politicking,” she said, drawing a distinction between the actions of candidates and officeholders. “I take those two roles very separately, very seriously,” Bittker said. Scott, in the subsequent email interview, said, “It’s a moot point now that the election has come and gone, but principles do matter. Elected officials have an obligation to follow the law even when it doesn’t suit their purposes.” BEDFORD FROM PAGE 5 the issue in 2021 was John Nathan, who claimed that the Town Board’s decision not to opt-out “off the books” violated the law. He planned to ask the OCM to stay any applications until all questions are resolved and that it give municipalities a second chance to opt-out. Catherine Nathan then demanded that the entire Town Board resign. Equally as critical, Kathleen McCown said she thought this “debacle of poor governance” could be reversed if residents were given the opportunity to vote on the matter. John McCown, her husband, tried and failed to unseat incumbent Supervisor Kevin Hansan in November. Citing a 2021 study, John McCown asserted that a dispensary at a former wine shop on Westchester Avenue would harm the value of at least 69 residential properties nearby. Resident Peggy Seton feared that the traffic generated by cannabis operations would make Pound Ridge a “less desirable” destination and that marijuana dispensaries are not an “appropriate fit” for the town. Andrew Klaber echoed that sentiment when he declared that cannabis-related business activity will jeopardize the smalltown environment that he and his wife want for their children. Barry Cohen noted that local police lack the “resources” to address issues that may arise because of a dispensary. Many other speakers accused the Town Board of failing to do its due diligence and of not acting in the best interests of residents. Insisting that having a dispensary in town was not the way “to put Pound Ridge on the map,” Richard Schlesinger predicted that more than 90 percent of residents would vote against dispensaries if given the chance. Ellen Kearns and Sara McLeod both were anti-dispensaries while Ellen Ivens came out on the pro side, saying she had outlined her reasons why in a letter to the town. Steven Kuschner, one of the authors of the town’s Comprehensive Plan, said it was disingenuous to state that there would be no consumption of cannabis in the town because it has failed to opt out of that. Slamming the Town Board, he claimed that that its actions were illegal and urged Harrington to pursue every possible avenue to undo the damage. Jay Goodgal asserted that the Town Board’s failure to opt-out constituted “gross negligence” and suggested that residents should be able to sue its members personally. Nicola Stephenson was one of two speakers who came out on the pre-dispensary side of the argument. The owner of a cannabis company, she decried the “typecasting” of marijuana users, she pointed out that the substance provides many people with relief from anxiety, pain, sleep deprivation, menopause symptoms, and other debilitating conditions. Stephenson also noted that the cannabis industry is “highly regulated” and that the “real danger” is not “plant-based medicine” but the illicit drug market. After the public hearing was adjourned, Councilwoman Alison Boak apologized to residents for not having realized that the cannabis issue was so “controversial” and “divisive,” according to Town Board minutes. Councilman Dan Paschkes also threw himself on the sword and admitted that the board had dropped the ball by not having a public hearing and referendum before deciding not to opt-out. Emphasizing that there had been no conspiracy as some speakers had clearly implied, he agreed that residents’ concerns were valid and said he thought the board should make every effort to revisit the cannabis issue. Councilwoman Carla Brand, who has left the board after completing a four-year stint, reiterated that there was no conspiracy and expressed the hope that there could be more “listening, learning, and working together in the future.” She encouraged residents to remain engaged and admitted that the board’s handling of the cannabis issue was her “greatest regret” during her time as a councilwoman. Noting that he was frustrated that the state had “deviated” so far from the original plan for cannabis regulation, Hansan assured residents there would be more opportunities for public input in the future. POUND RIDGE FROM PAGE 29
JANUARY 11 - FEBRUARY 8, 2024 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 31 Call 914-689-7350 to schedule your free quote!
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