The Somers Record 04.28.22

Vol. 12 No. 3 Visit TapIntoSomers.net for the latest news. Thursday, April 28, 2022

Board of Education adopts proposed budget

Four candidates to vie for three trustee seats in May

BY CAROL REIF 80 percent of the district’s potential The Candidates
STAFF WRITER liability. It is monitoring the cases
as they proceed through court and Ifay Chang Amanda Kandel Kenneth Mitchell Chadwick Olsen
e Somers Board of Educa- has reserved funds that would cover
tion voted unanimously last week 29.55 percent of the petitioners’ re- e money will also pay for ath- BOARD CANDIDATES Somers school system.
to adopt a proposed $100,982,930 quests. letic projects such as a new tennis ere are four candidates An engineer, scientist, professor,
school budget for scal year 2022- court and upgraded softball and
2023. e district reported a bump in baseball elds as well as building for three seats on the Board of entrepreneur, writer, and volunteer,
revenue from state aid of $1,279,270 renovations and additions, and Education: incumbents Ifay Chang worked at the IBM
e spending plan represents from last year’s. at’s due largely districtwide paving. Chang and Chadwick Olsen, and
a $3,499,787, or 3.59 percent, in- to increased Foundation Aid, a newcomers Kenneth Mitchell and omas J. Watson Research
crease over the district’s current program designed to take district No additional tax dollars are Amanda Kandel. Trustee Joseph Center. He is president of IPO2U.
$97,483,143 million budget. e wealth and student needs into ac- involved. e Capital Reserve Marra decided not to seek re- COM  and of TLC Information
budget will be supported by a tax count when distributing state funds. Fund will consist of budgetary election. Services. He was a professor
levy of $84,353,192. at gure It was created in 2007,but never ful- appropriations, appropriations and dean at the Polytechnic
re ects an increase of $1,653,984, ly funded. Last fall, the state agreed of undesignated fund balances, IFAY CHANG University Westchester Graduate
or 2 percent, over the current to follow through on its promise transfers when warranted and Dr. Ifay Chang is a rst- Center. Chang sits on the policy
$82,699,208 million levy. e dis- and to phase it in by scal year 2024. properly authorized from other board of the PNW BOCES
trict has pointed out that the maxi- reserve funds, which are revenues generation American, a resident Northern Westchester Tech
mum levy increase allowable under e aid increase has allowed the dis- not required by law to be paid into of Somers for more than three Center. A resident of Heritage
state law is 3.92 percent. trict to rely less on reserves and fund any other fund or account. Projects decades, and a school board Hills, he volunteers as a teacher
balances, it said. supported by the fund have to be member since 2007. of Mandarin and writes a weekly
If the plan passes, the tax rate approved by voters.
will rise to an estimated $175.37 A public hearing on the budget He and his wife,Teresa have four SEE BOE PAGE 8
from $172.69, an increase of $2.68 has been set for Tuesday, May 3. e sons,all of whom went through the
per $1,000 of assessed valuation, or budget and proposition vote and
1.55 percent. e rate is not set until trustee elections will take place on
August when assessments are nal- Tuesday, May 17.
ized by the town.Tax certioraris that
are settled between now and August CAPITAL RESERVE FUND
could impact the tax rate. PROPOSITION

e district has $6,708,586 in Voters will be asked to pass a
its Tax Certiorari Reserves. How- separate proposition establishing a
ever, the claims pending amount to $10 million Capital Reserve Fund,
$22,699,059. ere are two large tax which will be used to o set the cost
certioraris that represent more than of future infrastructure needs and
have a probable term of 10 years.

SellYour Home forTOP DOLLAR BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 39 KICK OFF!
CLASSIFIEDS 38
with Somers’ Real Estate Specialist ELEPHANT’S TRUNK 4 Flag Football Begins
HEALTH & WELLNESS 23 pg 12
FREE LEGAL NOTICES 38
LEISURE 34
Home Evaluation OBITUARIES 7
OPINION 12
Anytime — No Cost or Obligation SPORTS 29

Call 914.243.3051

SomersHouseValues.com

CLASSIC REALTY Michael Trinchitella
LicensedAssociate Real Estate Broker

Visit: SomersHouseValues.com
or Email: [email protected]

Page 2 – The Somers Record Thursday, April 28, 2022

SOLD LISTJEUDST SOLD OAFCFCEERPTED LISTJEUDST

36 Manor Road, Patterson 388 Mooney Hill Rd, Patterson 18 Majestic Ridge Road, Carmel
4 bed – 4 bath, Gunite Infinity pool & Barn 59 Acres Single Family Estate 4 bed – 4 bath Colonial in Willow Ridge.
John Petrillo | 914.403.4660 John Petrillo | 914.403.4660 Jackie Calhoun | 914.774.4454

PENDING PENDING

45 Route 116, Purdys 22 Ryan Court, Mahopac 3403 Beverly St, Mohegan Lake
3 Bedroom Colonial waiting for its new owners Custom Built home marketed to sell fast! Highest and Best. Sold in a weekend!
Deanna LaBarbara | 914.403.7203 Deanna LaBarbara | 914.403.7203 Deanna LaBarbara | 914.403.7203

SOLJDUST AVAILABLE

5202 Pankin Drive, Carmel 129 Wellington Drive, Carmel 35 Stewart Place #401, Mount Kisco
I can help you find your new home! 4 BR, 2.5 Bth, 2 acs, cul-de-sac. Mahopac Schls 1BD Coop in the Heart of MT Kisco.
Danielle Witkowsky | 845.216.8817 Danielle Witkowsky | 845.216.8817 Danielle Witkowsky | 845.216.8817

PENDING ACCEOPFTFEEDR CONTRIANCT

460 Lake Shore Drive, Patterson 56 Hampton Drive, Carmel 23 Hampton Drive, Carmel
Marketed and stage, waiting for the new owners. Offers received in 2 days! In contract in 7 days, don’t miss your opportunity.
Mary Craig | 914.318.9346 Mary Craig | 914.318.9346 Mike Signorile | 347.564.4638

SOLD SOLD LISTINNEGW

206 Chestnut Drive, Carmel 37 Steiner Drive, Mahopac 332-B Heritage Hills, Somers
Now is the time to buy, and I can help make it happen. Sold with multiple offers for $50K over asking! 2BR/2BTH and 2 decks in recently updated unit!
Mike Signorile | 347.564.4638 Natasha Pazdzerskaia 917.846.2949 Natasha Pazdzerskaia 917.846.2949

COLDWELLBANKERHOMES.COM

Somers | North Salem | Putnam Regional Office
338 Route 202 Somers, NY 10589

Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company.The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed
to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. All associates featured are licensed with NY Department of State as a Broker or Salesperson. ©2022 Coldwell Banker Realty. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.
Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

Thursday, April 28, 2022 The Somers Record – Page 3

Your Neighbor

Nicole Hershfield

SHS sophomore collecting
prom dresses for a cause  

BY WHIT ANDERSON  is something for all in need.  
STAFF WRITER “I have gotten brand new prom

dresses that have never been

As prom season approaches, many touched. ey still have the tag on.

high schoolers anticipate a night they People have brought in brand new

will never forget. However, for some, shoes and tuxedos. ere were some

prom is an anxiety-provoking event expensive items I did not expect

due to the costs involved, speci cally people to bring,” said Hersh eld. 

when it comes to the attire. ese Some might question putting so

students often struggle to a ord the much e ort into clothes that will

necessary dresses and clothing for only be worn for a night. However,

the special night.   Hersh eld argues the opposite, say-

Upon learning about this mis- ing the impact prom leaves on those PHOTOS COURTESY OF FABIANA HERSHFIELD

fortune, Somers sophomore Nicole who experience it holds immeasur- SHS sophomore Nicole Hershfield has made it her mission to make sure everyone looks their
best for prom at no cost.
Hersh eld made it her mission to able value. 

ensure those in need will get the dress “People always say ‘prom is just

of their dreams for no cost at all.  prom.’ I do not think that. Prom

“I wanted to do something for my is one experience that will never

community,” said Hersh eld.  happen again. I know from a girl’s Prom
is one
Determined to make a di erence, perspective, we go crazy just to have experience
that will
Hersh eld reached out to a prom one night like prom. It matters so never
happen
dress donation drive at the Commu- much for high school students.”  again. It
matters so
nity Center of Northern Westchester While there are still a few months much for
high school
and o ered to oversee collecting the until prom, Hersh eld has already students.’

special attire in Somers.   reached her goal of collecting over - Nicole Hersh eld

From there, Hersh eld turned 100 dresses, a milestone she be-

to promoting her cause at Somers lieves will make an impact come

High School, posting yers all over prom season in Westchester.  

campus, placing a donation box in “It was amazing to reach that,”

the student life center and writing Hersh eld said. “More girls will

a newsletter on the school’s website. have the chance to choose the dress

She spread the word on Facebook that is right for them. I think that

and Instagram, and also got her will make them happy. ey will

friends to help get the message out.   not have to worry about money

Hersh eld has received tremen- problems. If they need accessories,

dous support from those in the as well, they can go down to the

Somers community and even those community center and choose what

outside of it, like her mother’s soror- they like.” 

ity alumnae. 

“I had never really done anything ose who wish to donate to the

like this before,” Hersh eld ex- Community Center of Northern

plained. “I wanted to help by donat- Westchester can visit https://

ing and collecting items for people communitycenternw.org/donate-funds.  

who cannot a ord them. is was

also a way to get others to inter- More information on the prom

act and help out the community. It drive can be found at https://

brought a lot of people together.”  communitycenternw.org/ les/ Hershfield has already surpassed her goal of collecting 100
dresses.
So far, Hersh eld has collected a PROM%20Donation%20Flyer%20

variety of formal wear, ensuring there 2022.pdf.  

Salute to

Chief
Mike Driscoll

HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS, Thank You
LIFE & HEALTH for your
914-232-7750 service!

www.forbesinsurance.com

Page 4 – The Somers Record ELEPHANT’S TRUNK Thursday, April 28, 2022

The Staff Somers Holocaust Somers High School. We hope nancial support. Please know will be on display at Somers High
Memorial you can join us. that any tax-deductible contribu- School on April 28.
EDITORIAL TEAM Commission tion you make would be greatly
TOM WALOGORSKY As a group, we remain resolved appreciate, and 100% will go to Maintain and expand e Fred
EDITOR: 914-302-5830 to educating young people about support all of the programs. In the Bachner Human Rights Collec-
[email protected] the Holocaust and other human tion at the North Salem Library.

VIM WILKINSON EVENING OF REMEMBRANCE rights violations, hoping to inspire past, your generous contribution Support local teachers with
SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR
[email protected] Thursday, April 28, at 7 p.m. in them a commitment to ensure have helped us to: grants for human rights education

ADVERTISING TEAM After a two-year pandemic that such violations are never re- Provide awards and scholar- purposes.
PAUL FORHAN
required hiatus, the Somers Ho- peated again. ships for local high school students Somers Partners in
(914) 806-3951 Prevention
[email protected] locaust Memorial Commission In order to continue with our whose artistic creations help keep

BRUCE HELLER is pleased to resume our annual commitment to provide this pro- alive the memory of the Holo-
(914) 486-7608
[email protected] Evening of Remembrance. is gramming to our local community caust and other violations of hu-

LISA KAIN year, the ceremony will be held at and schools, we are asking for your man rights. Many of these projects
(201) 317-1139
[email protected] PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE
CORINNE STANTON
(914) 760-7009 BACK DAY
[email protected]
NOW OPEN Saturday, April 30, from 9 a.m.
JAY GUSSAK to 1 p.m.
(914) 299-4541
[email protected] Somers Partners in Prevention
SHELLEY KILCOYNE
(914) 924-9122 cares about our community and
[email protected]
PRODUCTION TEAM the environment! Turn in your un-
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL
CREATIVE DIRECTOR used or expired medication for safe

PHOTOGRAPHER disposal. Sharps are not accepted.
[email protected]
To be held at the Somers Police
GABRIELLE BILIK
DESIGNER Your Family Car Care Center! Department, 100 Primrose St.
(Route 139). For questions, con-
[email protected] tact Kathy Cucchiarella at kcuc-

EXECUTIVE TEAM For over 20 years, Joe Ferone of Proper Service has been [email protected]
BRETT FREEMAN serving the community, creating relationships,
CEO & PUBLISHER Senior Services
845-208-8151
and building a remarkable company with SHOPPING TRIPS
[email protected] an amazing team of employees! Please call 914-232-0807 to

Deadlines arrange transportation. $2 round

THE SOMERS RECORD DEADLINE Find out why Joe Ferone of Proper Service needs to be trip.
THE DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS Monday, May 2 - Dollar Tree
YOUR Go-To Automotive Service Center! Friday, May 6 - Trader Joe’s
AND EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS FOR
Monday, May 9 - Danbury
SOMERS RECORD IS THE THURSDAY
BEFORE THE NEXT PUBLICATION DATE. Mall

FOR MORE INFORMATION, LOCATIONS: PT DRIVER WANTED
CALL TOM WALOGORSKY AT Baldwin Place • 44 Route 118 • (845) 628-7900 e Town of Somers is look-
914-302-5830 OR EMAIL
[email protected]. Croton Falls • 1 Center St • (914) 769-3206 ing for part-time drivers to cover
White Plains • 105 Fulton Street • (914) 428-7185 all positions o ered at Van Tas-
Subscribe sell House. $17.50 hourly. A clean
driving record is required. You
TO REQUEST THE SOMERS RECORD must be able to operate a 14 -seat
WEEKLY DELIVERY, CALL 845-208-8503 wheel chair access van as well as
OR EMAIL [email protected]. the SUV s we have in our eet.
SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE COMPLIMENTARY FOR Training will be provided for both.
RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN THE TOWN. A CDL is not required.
OUT OF TOWN MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE
$150 PER YEAR FOR FIRST CLASS MAIL. e hours for delivering Meals
on Wheels are generally between
PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
SOMERS, NY AND AT 3-5 days a week. Monday through
Friday
ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
POSTMASTER: We are also looking for some-
one who can sub for shopping
SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO bus transportation, medical ap-
THE SOMERS RECORD AT pointments, food and folks trav-
eling in to Van Tassell. e hours
118 N. BEDFORD ROAD for this program are generally 5-6
SUITE 100 hours daily . the hours are Monday
through Friday.
MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549
We are located at 98 Primrose
(ISSN 2330-1597) Street at Van Tassell House. For
PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY additional information contact
HALSTON MEDIA, LLC AT Barbara Taberer at btaberer@som-
118 N. BEDFORD ROAD ersny.com or call 914-232-0807

SUITE 100 Somers Education
MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 Foundation
©2021 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC
FORMERLY Joe Ferone HARLEM WIZARDS GAME
OWNER Friday, May 13
SEF is happy to announce the
Visit us at www.ProperService.com
23rd matchup of e Somers
A Qualified Auto Repair Wiz-Busters and the Harlem

SEE ELEPHANT PAGE 11