Mahopac News 05.09.2024

CLASSIFIEDS 47 GOVERNMENT AT WORK 10 LEGAL NOTICES 47 LEISURE 35 MAHOPAC MUSINGS 4 OPINION 12 SPORTS 28 Litchenberger notches 400th K pg 32 STRIKE 3! VOL. 14 NO. 52 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. MAY 9 – MAY 22, 2024 BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA STAFF WRITER Members of the Temple Beth Shalom community joined together on Sunday to remember the Holocaust that killed more than 6 million Jews in territory occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II. The ceremony for International Holocaust Remembrance Day mourned the dead while honoring the spirit of those who survived. Memory keeper and speaker Michael Gyory, board chair of the Holocaust and  Human Rights Education Center, spoke to the gathering about survivors like his parents, his cousin “Agi” Keleti, and others from Hungary, which saw more than 568,000 Jews perish at the hands of the Nazis. Keleti, now 103 years old, went on to win 10 Olympic medals for Hungary after surviving the Nazi occupation and the later counterinvasion by Soviet Russia. Following Gyory’s presentation, attendees asked questions about his family and shared their own experiences. “It has been roughly 80 years since the tragedies of the Holocaust unfolded and in all generations since then it has been so critically important that we as a Jewish people, and all people worldwide, never forget those horrors,” said Allan Gunzburg, president of Temple Beth Shalom. “I am grateful for the speaker we had this evening, Michael, for sharing his family’s tragic history as well as the triumph of the Temple Beth Shalom hosts Holocaust Remembrance Day Speaker highlights 103-year-old cousin, a survivor who won 10 Olympic medals Wendy and Joel Greenberg, Bernice Guest, Michael Gyory, Councilman Robert Kearns, Francesca Kearns from Congressman Mike Lawler’s office, and Barbara Reitz PHOTO: SOPHIA CASELNOVA SEE HOLOCAUST PAGE 9 BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE A minority owner of the property where a grid-scale battery project (aka battery farm) has been proposed has received death threats and been the subject of social media vitriol calling her names and telling her to leave town. Nicole Barile Stern is a 16.5 percent owner of the 95-acre property on Miller Road where East Point Energy has proposed a controversial 116-megawatt battery farm. The facility, while in Mahopac, would abut a residential Somers neighborhood and has drawn the ire of residents in both communities, who are worried about health and environmental issues as well as its impact on area property values. Barile Stern is part of a limited liability company (LLC) that owns the property. LLC is a common business practice that helps individuals separate personal assets from business assets. This particular LLC also comes with a non-disclosure agreement, which limits what Barile Stern can address. Of greatest concern to her, however, is the death threat she received via text not long ago, and the name-calling and contempt she’s been subject to online after someone doxed her. (Doxing is the publishing of private information of an individual online—address, phone numbers, email, etc.—usually with malicious intent.) The doxing took place while the family was on vacation, so they had to call Carmel PD to ask for extra patrols by their house. “It’s crazy what the world has come to,” Barile Stern said. ‘Battery farm’ property owner receives death threats Intimidating text messages reported to police SEE THREATS PAGE 6 There is no one more knowledgeable, caring, considerate and professional than Larry Zacks. We interviewed many realtors and no one had the knowledge and experience that measured up to Larry. We would recommend Larry to everyone we know. He’s the best choice and should be your only choice. ~A.S. Sell Your Home with Mahopac’s MOST SUCCESSFUL AGENT 845-628-1010 RE/MAX Classic Realty [email protected] THE SPRING MARKET IS IN FULL SWING YOU WILL RECEIVE: Call Lawrence Zacks TODAY for your FREE CONSULTATION Lawrence Zacks • Vast Experience • Home Prep & Repair Advice • Stress-Free Results

PAGE 2 – MAHOPAC NEWS MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 The Woods at Pawling 79 UNITS AT1-5 Castagna Drive, Pawling, NY 12564 Dutchess County Application Due: May 24, 2024 Amenities: Individually controlled Heating & A/C, LEED Certified, Nearby Parks and shopping, Public Transportation close-by, On-site Management & Maintenance Staff. Income Restrictions Apply – No Application Fee – No Broker’s Fee Applicants will not be automatically rejected based on credit or most background check info Mobility disability 8 Units; Hearing/Vision disability 4 units); People with physical Disabilities/Traumatic Brain Injury 12 Units; More Information: 845-306-7705 Your household must meet these income restrictions: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Governor Kathy Hochul HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas www.hcr.gov/lotteries NYHousingSearch.gov AMI Unit Size # Units Monthly Rent* Household Size*** Household Income** 30% 1 BR 2 $507.00 $24,990 - $28,560 2 BR 5 $600.00 $28,560 - $35,700 3 BR 1 $674.00 $32,130 - $41,430 60% 1 BR 18 $1,174.00 $49,980 - $57,120 2BR 26 $1,402.00 $57,120 – 71,400 3 BR 13 $1,600.00 $64,260 - $82,860 80% 2 BR 5 $1,880.00 $76,160 - $95,200 3 BR 5 $2,177.00 $85,680 - $110,480 90% 2 BR 3 $2,113.00 $85,680 - $107,100 3 BR 1 $2,414.00 $96,390 - $124,290 *Rent includes sewer and trash removal. Income guidelines & permitted household size are subject to change. **Minimum income listed may not apply to applicants with Section 8 or other qualifying rental subsidies. Asset limits also apply. ***Minimum household size Application Due Date: MAY 24, 2024 Must be postmarked by this date. Sending more than 1 application may disqualify you. How to Apply: Request Application By Phone or Email: 845-306-7705 – [email protected] By Mail or In-Person: Kearney Realty & Development Group – 57 Route 6, Suite 207, Baldwin Place, NY 10505 Include your address & the name and address of the building where you want to apply. Lottery Date & Location: June 10, 2024 – 11:00 AM – Kearney Realty & Development Group Office The lottery will determine which applications will be reviewed for tenancy YOU HAVE RIGHTS! ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION • If you have experienced housing discrimination: https://dhr.ny.gov/journey-fair-housing or call 844-862-8703 • Learn about how your credit and background check will be individually reviewed: https://on.ny.gov/3uLNLw4 • 8 units are adapted for mobility impairment • 4 units are adapted for hearing/vision impairment • All units are adaptable to be wheelchair accessible • Reasonable accommodation and modifications may be requested ESPAÑOL siguiente página 中文 下一页 KREYÒL AYISYEN paj kap vini an 국어다음 이지 [বাাংলা] - পরবর্তী পৃষ্ঠা� РУССКИЙ Следующая страница POLSZCZYZNA następna strona صفحہ اگال - اردو ITALIANO pagina successiva FRANÇAIS page suivante אידיש - ווייַטער בלאַ ט

MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 3 Trusts • Wills • Estate Litigation • Probate • Elder Law Guardianships • Real Estate Law LAW OFFICE OF ANDRES D. GIL, PLLC 845.940.1110 973 Route 22, Suite 3, Brewster | Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Business HONOR, INTEGRITY, COMPASSION, AND DIGNITY • EST.2018 Timely Professional Service Scan Here to Visit My Website BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE When Mahopac School District voters go to the polls on Tuesday, May 21, they will be asked not only to decide the fate of the 2024-25 budget but to choose three candidates to serve as Board of Education trustees as well. This year, six candidates are vying for three open seats (threeyear terms) on the board with only one incumbent seeking reelection. Here is an up-close look at the six candidates. Lucy Massafra Lucy Massafra is the lone incumbent seeking re-election this year. “It has been an honor to work alongside such dedicated members of our community and contribute to the growth and wellbeing of our schools,” she said. “As I reflect on the progress, I am filled with a sense of pride in past accomplishments, such as stabilizing the tax levy and formulating the capital bond project. That provided much-needed safety and security measures for our students.” The mother of three has lived in Mahopac for more than 40 years. She has worked in the healthcare field as well as a marketing manager, which she says afforded her experience with budgeting, cost analysis, policy compliance, and controlled purchasing. “I’ve worked tirelessly to ensure our students can thrive and I’m excited to run for re-election,” she said. “I am committed to continuing to serve the community with integrity, passion, and dedication. I take my role seriously. I’m proud to be a trustee our community can rely on.” On the topic of challenged books, Massafra said it’s essential that all voices are heard. “There is a review process implemented through policy to incorporate decisions surrounding books that are challenged. I stand by parents being part of the outcome for their children,” she said. Massafra said when it comes to diversity and inclusion, she is committed to creating a learning environment where every student and staff member feels valued, and respected, and are provided with the tools needed to succeed. “That is what I believe diversity and inclusion should look and feel like,” she said. Asked how she feels about the balance between core subjects, the arts, and athletics, Massafra said she recognizes the importance of all of them. “I’m dedicated to providing opportunities for all students to participate in them,” she said. “Core subjects form the foundation of our students’ educations.  Arts play a vital role in fostering creativity and self-expression. Physical education and athletics promote teamwork and discipline. My goal is that students can explore their interests while receiving a well-rounded education that prepares them for their future.” Massafra said one of the biggest challenges facing the district is adapting to the digital age. “Technology has changed the way we teach and learn. Ensuring all students have access to technology and the skills needed to navigate the digital world responsibly is paramount,” she said. “Students have to be prepared for the demands of the 21st-century workforce. “I also see the increasing complexity of educational policy and funding presenting a challenge,” she continued. “Addressing these challenges will require collaboration and a commitment. I look forward to staying in front of this inevitable work in our future.” Massafra said she believes she can continue to make a positive impact in the lives of the students, which is why she wants another term. “I continue to be diligent for our taxpayers, continue to be this community’s representative, and continue serving as your trustee,” she said. Lisa Carway Lisa Carway, a retired special education teacher, moved to Mahopac 24 years ago and did her student teaching at Fulmar Road Elementary School. Her siblings went through Mahopac schools and, her mother has been a teaching assistant at the middle school for 20 years. “I developed and monitored plans for students based on their needs according to data delivered from testing and observations,” said Carway, who currently serves as a non-attorney special education advocate/consultant. “I can apply my analytic skills to help develop plans for a path forward for our district.” Carway said she decided to run for school board because her diverse background in teaching gives her “valuable insights into the district’s strengths and where there are areas for improvement.” “It is particularly important to me that the district continues to make progress toward larger goals and keep the great progress that we have made,” she said. On the subject of challenged books, Carway said she agrees with the current approach of allowing parents to restrict access in writing for particular books. “I believe in making genuinely informed decisions and would encourage my fellow board members to read each book and hear the perspectives of those across the school community,” she said. “Only then as a board can we make any type of rational decision.” Carway added she believes inclusive schooling is crucial for honoring every child’s uniqueness. Drawing from her experience as a special education case manager and advocate, she said she witnessed the power of inclusive environments in fostering belonging. “Mahopac’s commitment to inclusion transcends classrooms to inclusive sports teams, enhancing the school community,” she said. “As a board member, I’d passionately advocate for inclusive education, dedicated to ensuring every student feels valued and included.” Carway said that one of the greatest challenges she sees for Mahopac is the continued difficulties trying to recover from COVID and the time spent out of school. Many students, she notes, are still catching up academically and socially, leaving them in dire need of social-emotional support. “Another great challenge we face is educating our children in an ever-changing world of technology,” she added. “Students need continued education on internet safety. The online world is continuing to develop rapidly, and we should be teaching our students how to navigate it safely.” Carway said that balancing core academics, art, and athletics is crucial for nurturing wellSix vie for three seats on Mahopac School Board One incumbent takes on five newcomers Lucy Massafra Lisa Carway Christopher Harrigan Noelle Harrison Sharae Nix Jennifer Travis PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CANDIDATES SEE SCHOOLBOARD PAGE 36

The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Emile Menasché Editor: 845-208-0774 [email protected] Bob Dumas Editor at Large [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky 845-661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [email protected] DESIGN Bri Agosta Haven Elder Jacob Elder Noah Elder EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for Mahopac News is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Emile Menasché at 845-208-0774 or email [email protected]. Subscribe To request Mahopac News weekly delivery, call 845-208-8503 or email circulation@halstonmedia. com. Subscriptions are complimentary for residents and businesses in the town. Out of town mail subscriptions are $150 per year for First Class Mail. Periodicals Postage Paid at Mahopac, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mahopac News at 824 Route 6, Suite 4 • Mahopac, NY 10541 PAGE 4 – MAHOPAC NEWS (ISSN 2330-1627) Published by Halston Media, LLC at 824 Route 6, Suite 4 • Mahopac, NY 10541 Main Office 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC MAHOPAC MUSINGS MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 Rotary Rock & Soul show Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m. The Lake Mahopac Rotary Club proudly presents its annual oldies extravaganza at Mahopac High School. The Trammps are headlining this year’s show, including their hit “Disco Inferno.” Back by popular demand is Mr. Entertainment Bobby Brooks Wilson with a tribute to his father Jackie Wilson, featuring his hits “Higher and Higher,” “Lonely Teardrops.” The Chiclettes will be performing their tribute to famous female artists, and Elvis tribute artist Richie Santa will be performing. Tickets available on eventbrite.com, by searching for “Lake Mahopac Rotary.” (Tickets $40 in advance • $45 at the door.) Tickets can also be purchased at PCSB Bank (Mahopac), d’Berto’s Pizzeria, Arthur Avenue Deli & Rt 6 Deli in Mahopac. Farmers Market The Carmel Farmers Market at Lake Mahopac is now open every Sunday at 9 a.m. through Oct. 20 at the Chamber Park, 953 S. Lake Blvd. Fresh produce and crafts - supporting local and regional farmers and artisans. Call 845-628-7888 for more info. Lifeguard Classes The Carmel Recreation and Parks Department is offering American Red Cross lifeguarding classes. Lifeguard employment with the Rec Department is guaranteed upon passing the ARC course. Summer camp counselor and CIT positions are also available. Visit  carmelny.org/recreation or call the recreation office at 845-628-7888 for more information. Sycamore Park Summer Jobs The Carmel Recreation and Parks Department is hiring at Sycamore Park’s summer camp. Positions available include lifeguards (must pass training course for certification), camp maintenance (must be at least 18), leaders and counselors (must be 16 by June 30), and CIT—counselors in training, (must be 15 by June 30), CITs will earn community service credit. Visit carmelny.org/recreation or call the recreation office at 845- 628-7888 for more information. Town Hall with Michael Grace Lake Baldwin residents of Mahopac are holding a town hall meeting with attorney and former Yorktown supervisor Michael Grace. The clubhouse has been closed for use since runoff that enters the lake flooded its septic fields in the early 2000s. A new generation of taxpayers hopes to negotiate existing issues with local government and become a park lake district. Residents of Lake Baldwin are encouraged to attend on May 10, 730 p.m. at Yorktown Assembly of God on Mahopac Avenue. Those who wish to submit questions and extend support can connect with a growing team by emailing lakebaldwinconcerns@ gmail.com. PC Youth Business Market The May 24 registration deadline for Putnam County’s inaugural Youth Business Market is approaching. The county is looking for young entrepreneurs to take part at Tilly Foster Farm (100 Route 312 in Brewster) on Sunday, June 9, from noon to 4 p.m. Youth aged 5 to 17 are eligible to participate in an event designed to empower the next generation to create their own small businesses through a youth-led market. Register SEE MUSINGS PAGE 10 LOCATIONS: Baldwin Place • 44 Route 118 • (845) 628-7900 Croton Falls • 1 Center St • (914) 769-3206 Find out why Joe Ferone of Proper Service needs to be YOUR Go-To Automotive Service Center! YOUR FAMILY CAR CARE CENTER For over 100 years of combined auto experience, Joe Ferone and his sta of Proper Service have been serving the community, creating relationships and building a remarkable company with an amazing team JOE FERONE, owner of employees!

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PAGE 6 – MAHOPAC NEWS MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 The death threat in question came via text and starts by calling Barile Stern an expletive, and then asks, “Have you ever seen a dead family member?” Barile Stern said she reported the text to the police, but they said it came from a burner phone and thus was untraceable. (Burner phones come with pre-paid call minutes or text messages and are disposable.) Barile Stern said she is also concerned about what is being said online, particularly in a Facebook group called Stop the LITHIUM Battery Farm in our Backyards in Mahopac NY, as well as in some Facebook direct messages. She said some of the posts and messages have been aggressive and threatening, while others are filled with misinformation. Another individual sent a private message to Barile Stern saying, “Why don’t you and your disgusting family move out of town because nobody likes you and nobody wants you here.” The same poster also wrote, “You can rot in hell. As a mother, you should literally be embarrassed to be on this planet. What a waste of space you are.” Another post called her a “monster,” and a “greedy b**ch.” Barile Stern said the contempt is misguided, however, because “I own about two trees” on the property. She said she doesn’t have a deciding vote on what goes on there. “When I invested in the property I had absolutely no idea it would lead to this,” she said. Barile Stern said she invested in the property about 10 years ago. She said some of the misinformation bandied about on social media contends that her father, Mike Barile, a former town councilman and local developer, is part of the ownership. Barle Stern said he is not and never has been involved in any way. “My dad is getting dragged through the mud for something I invested in 10 years ago,” she said. “We don’t do everything together. Many of our business dealings are separate.” Barile Stern said that as a mother, she completely understands the concerns of neighboring families and says she would never do anything to purposefully put people in harm’s way. “I am being made a target here,” she said. “But the thing is, I live here, and I am raising my family here and we are not going anywhere. I don’t want to do anything that would hurt anyone. We have the same goals.” Barile Stern said she is not knowledgeable in battery farm technology but said she was told it would generate close to half a million dollars in annual tax revenue. “All I know is these types of facilities are popping up everywhere. It seems to be a major push from higher government,” she said. Barile Stern said she is leaving it to the true experts to decide if it is right for the town. “I am not an expert, and neither are these [Facebook] people,” she said. “If it can get through the DEC, the DEP, the Environmental Conservation Board, and the Planning Board, that would be saying something. So, let the experts determine what is right. They’re the ones who know.” THREATS FROM PAGE 1 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR An online forum hosted by East Point Energy—the company behind a proposed Mahopac grid-scale battery storage system—has failed to quiet calls by area residents that the lithium-ion “battery farm” project be stopped. Held on the evening of May 2, the remote video/telephone presentation featured a panel representing East Point: Tyler Cline and Scott Connuck of East Point Energy, Jeffrey Shamas, an environmental consultant with civil engineering company VHB, Anthony Natale, director of risk and response with Fire & Risk Alliance, and Adam Thyberg, a project landscape architect with Insite Engineering. The forum began with an approximately 30-minute presentation followed by questions submitted by the audience. Some Somers residents gathered for a watch party. Online Q&A fails to quell ‘battery farm’ opponents’ fears Residents hold watch party, dismiss forum as ‘publicity stunt’ Neighbors on Lounsbury Drive held a “watch party” for the East Point Energy presentation on May 2. PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE TREMBLAY SEE FORUM PAGE 46

MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 7 Lauren and Brett Freeman, owners of Mahopac News, on vacation in our nation’s capital with their kids. Dear Mahopac Community, As a cherished part of our Mahopac family, you’ve likely enjoyed receiving Mahopac News, a symbol of our shared community spirit. Today, we extend a special invitation to become an even more integral part of this journey. Requesting your copy of Mahopac News is not just free, but a powerful step in sustaining the heart of our community. Here’s why your request matters: The U.S. Postal Service offers significant postage discounts to requester periodicals like ours, a benefit that becomes accessible only when enough of our readers formally request to receive the newspaper. This isn’t just a formality; it’s a lifeline that allows us to direct funds where they truly matter – back into the community. Importantly, these requests are not indefinite; they expire after a few years. This means that even if you have requested Mahopac News in the past, it’s essential to renew your request to ensure continuous support for our endeavors. By requesting Mahopac News, you champion a range of voices in our town. We’re committed to being a nonpartisan platform, ensuring that all members of our community, from young families to our respected seniors, find relevance and resonance in our pages. Our focus isn’t on the divisive national issues; it’s on the stories, achievements, and challenges right here in Mahopac. Furthermore, your support extends beyond just our publication. Mahopac News is a proud advocate for local non-profits and charitable causes. When you request our newspaper, you’re not only receiving a wealth of information and stories; you’re also contributing to a larger cause of community upliftment. In essence, by making a simple, cost-free request for Mahopac News, you’re doing more than just receiving a newspaper; you’re reinforcing the bonds that make Mahopac a wonderful place to live. You’re ensuring that we continue to serve every corner of our town with integrity and dedication. Let’s continue to nurture this community together. Request your free copy of Mahopac News today, and consider making an optional contribution to help us keep our community informed, engaged, and united. Please print your first and last names and address legibly, sign and date (all required to continue receiving your subscription to this newspaper). YES, I wish to receive a FREE 3-year subscription to Mahopac News YES, I really enjoy Mahopac News and I’d like to continue receiving it for 3 years, along with a monetary contribution this year. (Please print legibly.) First (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required. Please print legibly.) Last (Required) State: City: ZIP: Name: Signature: Email: Snowbird Dates (if applicable): Date: Phone: Address: (Optional) (Optional for E-News) 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 Checks payable to Halston Media LLC. Please include this form in your envelope. Please include the following additional papers as part of this subscription: North Salem News The Somers Record Yorktown News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The Katonah-Lewisboro times d address ue receiving er). ah-Lewisboro Times. like to continue year. Last (Required) IP: Cpe. pport er be 1. Clip the short form here on this 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. THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023 VOL. 13 NO. 50 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 23 CLASSIFIEDS 22 LEGAL NOTICES 22 LEISURE 21 MAHOPAC MUSINGS 7 OPINION 8 SPORTS 16 Local Historian’s New Book on Indian Point pg 3 Visit TapIntoMahopac.net for the latest news. BY WHIT ANDERSON SPORTS EDITOR e Mahopac High School Varsity Cheer team are national champions. Greeted by classmates, parents, school o cials--and with an escort from area police and ­ re departments--the team got a wellearned heroes’ welcome on Jan. 23 upon its return from the National Cheer Association (NCA) High School Nationals in Dallas. On Sunday, after two routines that saw the Indians hit zero and accumulate a total score of 96.375, the ’Pac heard their name called as NCA title winners. Celebrations were already underway on Monday when the team bus was met by Carmel PD and the Putnam County Sheri’ ’s Department cars at the Westchester county line. As the police escort brought them home along Croton Falls Road, they were met along the way by Mahopac Fire Department and Mahopac Falls VFD trucks before pulling into the high school parking lot. Hundreds of parents and fans were waiting to give the team the recognition they deserved. Amongst those in attendance were District Superintendent Christine Tona, football coach Dominick DeMatteo, and athletic trainer Breanna Lape. “We are so incredibly proud of our Varsity Cheer Team and their winning performance in Dallas,” said Mahopac Schools Superintendent Christine Tona. Something to about! Mahopac cheer team takes NCA title cheer BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR As New York State’s deadline requiring public schools to stop using Native American names and symbols for sports team mascots draws closer, Mahopac School Superintendent Christine Tona has announced a plan to that will replace ‘Indians’ as the district’s nickname before the end of the school year. e more recently adopted arrowhead logo may also change, though its fate is less clear. Tona presented the plan at the school board’s Jan. 17 work meeting and distributed it online in the “Superintendent’s Message” email newsMahopac schools to say goodbye to ‘Indians’ District forms committee to choose mascot replacement options, students to vote May SEE MASCOT PAGE ˇ Mahopac cheer team takes NCA title cheer SEECHEER PAGE ˘2 YOUR NEIGHBOR 914-282-6440 [email protected] ZACKS RE/MAX Classic Realty Services Provided Property Evaluation | Home Staging High Definition Photography | 3D/Virtual Tours Custom Digital Marketing | Five-Star Service Questions? Call Lawrence Zacks Today! 914-282-6440 Call for a FREE CONSULTATION Privately set on Cul-de-sac. Gorgeous renovation - nothing to do but move in... Stunning Granite Kitchen w/Smart Appliances & large Island w/Seating for 4. Beautiful Dining Area w/Cathedral Ceiling & large Bay Window overlooking the Water. Two expansive Decks for Entertaining. 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PAGE 8 – MAHOPAC NEWS MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR When Mahopac residents get their tax bills in the mail this fall, it will reflect an estimated 2.06 percent increase in the tax rate (1.99 percent for district residents who live in Putnam Valley), if voters approve the proposed school budget. That means that the estimated tax rate per $1,000 of assessed value is $19.91, up from $19.51 in Mahopac and $19.53 in Putnam Valley. Based on an assessed value of $500,000, a Mahopac homeowner can expect to pay just over $201 more per year ($16.75 more per month). The increase is $194/ year, or $16.19/month in Putnam Valley. These numbers are estimates pending final assessment figures from the respective towns. Earlier this school year, the board voted to increase tax exemptions for veterans, seniors, disabled people, and volunteer first responders. The $142.5 million spending package, which was unanimously adopted by the school board last week, represents a 3.25 percent increase over 2023-24 expenditures. The overall tax levy increase of 1.98 percent is below the statemandated cap. “We started this year’s budget at [a tax levy increase of] 2.59 [percent], it went to 2.15 and I’m glad to say we were able to bring it down 1.98 for our community, which I think is very important,” Trustee Lucy Massafra said, adding that Mahopac compared favorably with neighboring districts. “Their rates are much higher and I’m so glad we were able to bring our tax levy rate down to 1.98.” Superintendent Christine Tona said some of the budget’s goals include: ·      Maintaining all academic programs and extracurricular activities ·      Expanding opportunities for high school curriculum pathways ·      Continuing the district’s bus replacement schedule ·      Funding components of the district’s strategic plan ·      Completing the transition to the new Wolf Pac mascot ·      Balancing the needs of the educational program with the fiscal needs of the community. Tona noted that curriculum and instruction priorities, at an estimated cost of $322,208, include: ·      Addition of library media specialist for shared elementary schools. ·      Heggerty phonemic awareness program for kindergarten and first grade ·      Map (benchmarking/progress monitoring) pilot for grade 5 ·            The addition of an art teacher for the middle and high school ·           Expanding the eighthgrade balanced literacy program ·      Launching an Air Force ROTC program 8-12 (if approved by the Air Force ·      Adding an English as a New Language (ENL) teacher. ·            The new universal prekindergarten program, which is entirely funded through state aid. Special education highlights include adding a psychologist to support the MHS Academy (offset by Academy tuition). The district also wants to bring two positions in-house—occupational therapist and physical therapist, offsetting those costs against the expense of using outside vendors for those roles. The district will also hire an additional speech-language pathologist, again offsetting the expense by cutting spending on outside vendors. “That will give us a lot more flexibility,” Tona said. “And we’d also like to hire an additional speech-language pathologist.” Tona added that the district also wants to purchase five 65-passenger buses and four 30-passenger buses for an estimated cost of around $1.25 million, part of an ongoing upgrade to the bus fleet. Facilities expenditures (estimated at $340,000) include updates to the HVAC system, replacing the door at the middle school, abatement, and flooring replacement in classrooms, and an auditorium manager stipend. Safety and security enhancements will cost an estimated $81,454 and include “physical and procedural” measures including Armoured One - Security Film front doors for all buildings, a ranger vehicle for the Falls School, middle and high school security guard, and district-wide Critical Response Group incident mapping, a tool designed to enable “better communication and navigation during an incident.” The budget will go before the public for a vote on Tuesday, May 21 from 6 a.m.-9 p.m. at Mahopac High School. If the budget fails to pass, the district may have to operate under a contingency budget that is $1,878,549 lower. Alyssa Murray, assistant superintendent for finance and operations, said the district would be forced to make numerous cuts if the contingency budget goes into effect. “We would have to look to cut staff…increase class sizes, reduce extracurriculars and sports, and eliminate all equipment Mahopac School Board adopts budget with 2 percent tax hike Voters will go to polls on May 21 to decide the budget’s fate SEE BUDGET PAGE 10

MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 9 spirit of Agi Keleti.” Keleti, born Agnes Klein in Pest on Jan. 9, 1921, began practicing gymnastics at age 4. She won her first Hungarian title in 1940, but when Hungary joined the German-led Axis in 1940, she was barred from competing because she was Jewish. She also wasn’t allowed to attend college, so she trained as a furrier. The danger to Hungarian Jews intensified after Germany occupied the country in 1944 and began deporting Jews to death camps. Keleti got fake papers that identified her as a Christian. She worked as a maid in a munitions factory, entered a “sham marriage,” and survived the war. Her father, however, was murdered at Auschwitz. Her mother, sister and nephew were placed in a safe house and were ultimately saved by Swedish envoy Raoul Wallenberg. In 1948, Keleti reestablished herself as Hungary’s top gymnast while her country came under Soviet influence as part of the Warsaw Pact. While in London for the Olympics, she tore her Achilles tendon while training and feared that her career was over at age 27. Yet she came back and won four medals at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952, making her grand debut on the world stage. Keleti brought home six more medals in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, the year the Soviets cracked down on Hungary’s budding democracy movement. She emigrated to Israel in 1960, where she started a family and coached gymnastics for 30 years. Later in 1972, 11 Israeli athletes and coaches were murdered at the Olympics in Munich, Germany. Keleti was there but survived. Keleti now lives in Budapest once again, but this time as the oldest living medalist and as the Jewish woman with the most Olympic medals. “Today we learned about the resilience of  the human spirit and the importance of fighting antisemitism and all forms of prejudice,” said Bernice Guest, who planned the memorial service. “It was nice to see the community come out to observe Holocaust Remembrance Day.” HOLOCAUST FROM PAGE 1 For Mahopac School Board Trustee RE-ELECT LUCY MASSAFRA AS AN INCUMBENT, I WILL CONTINUE TO: • Advocate for prudent fiscal spending & tax dollars be used wisely • Work to keep the Tax Levy under 2% • Ask questions; I am not afraid to ask “why” & “why not” • Be accessible & transparent to the community • Advocate for High Academic standards & Real World readiness to develop, lifelong learners who exhibit pride for their school & community. WHY VOTE FOR LUCY... Paid for by Lucy Massafra As an alumni of Mahopac Schools, a resident of Mahopac for over 40 yrs. and a mother of three children who attended Mahopac Schools, I have prided myself in advocating for our children’s academic success. I personally feel the impact of school tax increases along with the rest of our Mahopac Community Members and have taken fiduciary responsibility for all tax payers as a board member. – VOTE – Tuesday May 21, 2024 6am-9pm Mahopac High School SCAN WHY YOU SHOULD RE-ELECT LUCY… BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill on May 1 that will require the Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA)  working definition of antisemitism when enforcing federal anti-discrimination laws. The bill, which passed 320-91, was introduced by Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17). The bill had a total of 46 Republican co-sponsors and 15 Democratic co-sponsors. Lawler said using the IHRA definition is a key step in calling out antisemitism where it is and ensuring antisemitic hate crimes on college campuses are properly investigated and prosecuted. “In the wake of anti-Israel demonstrations at Columbia University and other colleges and universities across the nation, the safety of Jewish students has become a major concern,” the congressman said. “Amid escalating protests, a Jewish student at Yale was stabbed in the eye with a Palestinian flag,  and a Jewish UCLA student was  blocked by protestors from entering campus. Last October, Jewish students at The Cooper Union were  locked inside the college library after being harassed by a group of around 20 protestors.” Lawler said that what is happening at Columbia, Yale, UCLA, and other schools, is “reprehensible and alarming.” “When people engage in harassment or bullying of Jewish individuals where they justify the killing of Jews or use blood libel or hold Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the Israeli government - that is antisemitic,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that needs to be clarified, but that’s why this bill is necessary.” Lawler said requiring the Department of Education to adopt the IHRA working definition of antisemitism gives teeth to federal anti-discrimination laws to go after those who attack their Jewish peers. “Politics should never get in the way of the safety of students,” he said. “The strong bipartisan support for and passage of this legislation will ensure  that it won’t.” Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D, NJ5), an original co-sponsor, said when he spoke at Columbia last week, he told administrators that we need deeds, not words to protect Jewish students. While the bill received plenty of bipartisan support, some Democrats who voted for it considered the legislation insignificant. Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) voted in favor of the bill but called it “dumb,” telling Axios News, “I think we want to send a message about antisemitism, but we need to do it in a way that is more united.” Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), a Jewish progressive, told Axios that he had concerns about the IHRA antisemitism definition, but said he voted for the legislation “on the theory that it is basically meaningless and harmless.” Lawler told Halston Media he believes the bill will have plenty of bipartisan support when it reaches the Senate and said that “nearly every Jewish organization supports this definition [of antisemitism as laid out in the legislation].” Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) is leading the bill in the Senate. Lawler introduces, passes Antisemitism Awareness Act SEE ANTISEMITISM PAGE 38

PAGE 10 – MAHOPAC NEWS MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 expenditures,” Murray said. Voters will decide on two other propositions besides the budget. Proposition 2: The Transportation and Bus Proposition would allow the district to continue its transportation plan, which calls for it to replace the buses on a regular cycle instead of all at once. Proposition 3: The Capital Reserve Fund Proposition establishes a new capital reserve fund after the expiration of the previous one—which contains around $2 million. The money cannot be accessed from the expired fund without voter approval. “In order to use that money down the road we need to establish a new fund,” Murray said. “In the next five years, we can add up to $5 million.” Absentee and Early Voting This year, early voting will be an option for the budget/trustee election for the first time. See the district clerk’s webpage for details about early voting and absentee ballots Absentee ballot and early voting ballot applications are available at the district office and through the district clerk’s webpage, or by emailing district clerk Melody LaRocca at [email protected]. Applications are required to receive an absentee ballot or to vote early. Completed applications must be received by the district clerk no later than 4 p.m. on May 14 (if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter) or by 4 p.m. on May 20 (if the ballot is to be picked up personally by the voter). Absentee ballots must be received by the district clerk no later than 5 p.m. on May 21. BUDGET FROM PAGE 8 “Voice for Values, Vision for Victory” Noelle Harrison F O R M A H O P A C B O A R D O F E D U C A T I O N The interests of our students and families, advocating for practical solutions to address our district's challenges. Efficiency and accountability within school budgets to help ensure that resources are allocated effectively, minimizing waste and maximizing impact. Upholding parental rights in education and ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment. Curriculums that empower our students to think independently and become informed, engaged citizens. “As both a parent and an educator, I understand the profound importance of our children's education and well-being.“ MAHOPAC HIGH SCHOOL P R IO R I T I E S : Paid for by friends of Noelle Harrison GOVERNMENT AT WORK Town Board Wednesdays, May 15, 7 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Planning Board Thursday, May 9, 16, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Environmental Conservation Board Thursday, May 16, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Thursday, May 30, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Recreation Advisory Committee Thursday, June 6, 7:30 p.m. Rec Office Building - Sycamore Park Board of Education Thursday, May 23, 7 p.m. MMS Auditorium 421 Baldwin Place Road Correction The April 18 Mahopac News article, “Court rules against Somers Land Trust in Mahopac gun club case,” states that “Judge Victor Grossman ruled that the organization lacked the standing it needed to bring an Article 78 action.” That was not the case. The judge ruled that in certain circumstances, the Land Trust did have standing, but denied the case for other reasons. Mahopac News regrets the error. at putnamcountyny.com/ybm or call 845-808-1600 for more information. Mother’s Day Plant Sale The First Presbyterian Church of Mahopac will hold a Mother’s Day plant sale on Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine, in the basement of the building adjacent to the parking lot, 411 Route 6N (and Secor Road). Plants offered for sale include flowering plants, annuals, perennials, hanging baskets, geranium patio pots, vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, broccoli, zucchini, and peppers as well as herbs like parsley, rosemary, lavender, and oregano. Kearns Town Hall Meeting Carmel Councilman Robert Kearns will hold his monthly town hall meeting from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 11 at Carmel Town Hall, 60 Mcalpin Ave. in Mahopac. The event is designed to be an open discussion where constituents can share their views. Food/Diaper Drive There will be a food and diaper drive for St. John’s Food Pantry on Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Red Mills Convenience Center, 575 Route 6N, in Mahopac Falls. The event is sponsored by Councilman Frank Lombardi and Marianne Chaluisan of Back the Blue. Flower Show The Lake Mahopac Garden Club will hold its annual flower show this season on Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1 at Mahopac Library.  The club’s mission is to stimulate the knowledge and  love of gardening among amateurs, foster the MUSINGS FROM PAGE 4 SEE MUSINGS PAGE 40

MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 11

Opinion PAGE 12 – MAHOPAC NEWS MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 Happily Ever After The following thought experiment, which I’ve seen and heard in a few places, is worth repeating in the pages of this newspaper. Imagine for a second that it was Black students who were told by university administrators and professors to stay off campus because it was not safe for them. There would rightly be a national outcry and a demand for the Biden Administration to send in the National Guard to protect those students. But when Jewish students are the victims of genocidal chants, harassment and violence on campus, as has been happening across this nation for the past few weeks, the response has been equivocation. The protestors aren’t just critics of Israeli policy, nor are they opposed to war. They have held signs stating, “By Any Means Necessary,” which is an endorsement of the murder and rape of Jews on Oct. 7. They also have held signs stating “From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will Be Free,” which is a call to genocide against the world’s only Jewish state. The protestors have also held signs saying “Intifada,” which is the name of the uprisings that have indiscriminately killed men, women and children using suicide bombers on Israeli buses and in restaurants. One protestor at George Washington University, my wife’s alma mater, held a sign that said, “Final Solution,” a reference to Nazi Germany’s ambitions to exterminate Jewish people from the planet. This is what these protestors are glorifying. Of course, everyone has a right to free speech in America, even reprehensible speech. But some of these protestors have harassed, intimidated and in some cases been violent against Jews on campus (including a Jewish student at Yale, my dad’s alma mater, who was stabbed in the eye by a Palestinian flag). In a campus culture where victimhood is the greatest virtue, Jewish students and their families, of whom 70% identify as Democrats (according to several sources), are left pondering why they are suddenly being targeted by their intersectional allies. A great Democrat, President Harry Truman was the first world leader to recognize the state of Israel. Given that the vast majority of Jewish citizens count themselves among the progressive ranks, this antisemitism has wrought anguish and confusion among the American Jewish community.    What is going on here? What is it about the philosophy of “social justice” organizations that exempts Jews from their supposedly noble aims? There are a few explanations. CRT & DEI unfairly label Jews as oppressors One involves the uncritical acceptance of DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and CRT (Critical Race Theory) policies. Those readers who are sympathetic to DEI and CRT, most of whom I am confident are well intentioned, please hear me out. “Despite its laudable goal of opposing racism and white supremacy, CRT relies on narratives of greed, appropriation, unmerited privilege, and hidden power—themes strikingly reminiscent of familiar anti-Jewish conspiracy theories,” wrote Pamela Paresky in her essay, “Critical Race Theory and the Hyper-White Jew,” which was published in the Spring 2021 edition of the quarterly journal, “SAPIR,” which is distributed by Jewish Insider. She goes on to explain, “In the critical social justice paradigm, that is how Jews are viewed. Jews, who have never been seen as white by those for whom being white is a moral good, are now seen as white by those for whom whiteness is an unmitigated evil. This reflects the nature of antisemitism: No matter the grievance or the identity of the aggrieved, Jews are held responsible. Silence in the face of antisemitism What explains all the anti-Jewish hate on college campuses? Despite its laudable goal of opposing racism and white supremacy, CRT relies on narratives of greed, appropriation, unmerited privilege, and hidden power—themes strikingly reminiscent of familiar antiJewish conspiracy theories.’ -Pamela Paresky Spring 2021 edition of the quarterly journal, SAPIR BRETT FREEMAN PUBLISHER’S MEMO SEE FREEMAN PAGE 14 914-277-4424 • 440 Rt 22 North Salem, NY • www.theblazerpub.com 53 CELEBRATING 531 YEARS! Mom's favorite foods!

MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 13 Join us in building strong schools with programs that enhance student opportunity and add to a vibrant community. VOTE YES ON MAY 16TH PAID FOR BY THE MAHOPAC TEACHER’S ASSOCIATION Jennifer Travis Lisa Carway Sharae Nix

PAGE 14 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 Critical race theory does not merely make it easy to demonize Jews using the language of social justice; it makes it difficult not to.” Paresky criticizes Ibram X. Kendi, a leader in the CRT/ DEI movement, who says that racial inequity beyond a certain threshold should be unconstitutional. “This obviously presents a particular problem for Jews, who represent roughly 2 percent of the U.S. population,” Paresky wrote, citing the outsized success of Jewish Americans. “American Jews have generally looked upon Jewish success in the United States as evidence of the country’s fundamental (if far from fully realized) commitment to the principles of tolerance, fair play, and recognition of individual merit. But, according to critical social justice ideology, that explanation is not just false. It’s racist. Jewish success can be explained only by Jewish collusion with white supremacy.” While I share Paresky’s critique of CRT, again I give the benefit of the doubt to local DEI advocates. I think those promoting DEI policies are well intentioned individuals. I think there are also people leery about DEI policies, but nevertheless go along because they are terrified of being labeled as racists. We’ve seen these fights play out at local school board meetings throughout Westchester and Putnam counties, and most people just don’t have the stomach to enter the fray. I urge our readers to give this some thought when voting in the upcoming school board elections. I am not suggesting whom to vote for, but I am urging caution on this topic. Despite well-intentioned individuals’ insistence that CRT and DEI are just one big history lesson, in reality they are a radical departure from our nation’s founding principles. Our founding principles are what eventually led to the Emancipation proclamation and the Civil Rights Movement, but we’ve seen an enormous step backwards over the past few years with the loss of academic freedom and freedom of speech on campuses due to the policing of microaggressions that might offend some students. Professors add trigger warnings to their syllabi and universities set up safe spaces for easily offended students. But all of that is thrown out the window when it comes to Jewish students. All of a sudden, in 2024, freedom of speech is fashionable again, and it’s used to defend harassment and the most disgusting antisemitic drivel. It’s because in the CRT/ DEI definitions of oppressor and oppressed, Jewish supporters of Israel are equated with white supremacists. Antisemitism shouldn’t be a partisan issue The other major problem is simple ignorance, including false claims that Israel is an apartheid state or that it’s committing genocide. American critics of Israel naturally view the conflict through a Western lens and they’ve been indoctrinated by radical leftist professors into thinking that Israel is some sort of neo-colonial fascist state. Nothing could be further from the truth. A majority of Israeli Jews have ancestral connections to Arab countries, as opposed to Europe, and there has been an uninterrupted Jewish presence in Israel for thousands of years. Israel and the fight to combat antisemitism should not be a partisan issue, and as I said previously, the vast majority of Jewish Americans are Democrats. So, while antisemitism clearly exists on the right fringe of America, this new unprecedented form of antisemitism represents some sort of internecine battle within the Democrat Party, which will surely play itself out this August at the Democrat’s National Convention in Chicago. President Biden is between a rock and a hard place. Yes, his administration has been and remains committed to supporting and aiding Israel’s defense. But his fear of losing the extreme left at the ballot box has forced him into a “very fine people on both sides” moment – something he condemned of his predecessor and was supposedly the reason he launched his 2020 candidacy in the first place. Calling out both Islamophobia and antisemitism in the same breath and with equal emphasis is a bit like stating “All Lives Matter” in 2020. Lucky for the people living in our readership area, we do have a leader on this issue. “Antisemitism has no place in America,” Congressman Mike Lawler said on May 1, after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill he introduced, the Antisemitism Awareness Act, by a vote of 320-91. To be clear, whether you are a Democrat or Republican, this is not a partisan issue. Lawler’s bill passed with 187 Republicans and 133 Democrats voting for the bill, while 21 Republicans and 70 Democrats voted against it. Lawler’s office told us that they expect Sen. Schumer to take this up in the U.S. Senate, where it will likely pass, and they expect President Biden to sign it into law. The bill adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism. Importantly, this definition cites as antisemitism the equating of Israel’s actions with that of Nazi Germany. Some may criticize this definition, like Lewisboro Councilman Dan Welsh, who has been the subject of intense criticism by residents after accusing Israel of genocide. Welsh has previously stated that he supports the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism. I urge our readers to Google both definitions and decide for yourselves. Indeed, if Israel was a genocidal regime, the definition of antisemitism adopted by the U.S. House would be unworkable. But the definition does in fact work, as Israel is a progressive democracy and the only country where Muslims, Christians and Jews are afforded civil rights not seen in the rest of the Middle East. While we all mourn the death of so many innocent Gazans, Israel has taken steps to limit FREEMAN FROM PAGE 12 SEE FREEMAN PAGE 16 SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO! ENJOY 0 DOWN, 0% FINANCING! ACT NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! LIMITED TIME OFFER 845-600-8004 | www.bellmech.com Heat pumps are a cleaner and healthier alternative to traditional heating AND 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! CALL US TODAY! $AVE THOU$ANDS in Federal, State and Local Incentives on your new HEATPUMP PROJECT EXCLUDES SERVICE CONTRACT • EXP 5/31/24 Coupon must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offer. $50 OFF ANY OF OUR SERVICES Summe r Spell! 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MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 15 Adults in their 20s and 30s tend to focus on building their careers and accumulating savings. Once they attain stability, they may start to buy properties and make investments. Their lifestyles and priorities will also change as they get married and start a family of their own. While the future is promising for them, it is also uncertain and planning for the unexpected is just as important for the “young” as the “old.” An estate plan provides several options to ensure that young adults establish a solid foundation for their wishes to be followed and their assets to be distributed to their chosen beneficiaries, should they, God forbid, pass away at a young age. Below is a list of estate planning documents that should be considered:  Last will and testament In New York, those aged 18 and above who are “of sound mind” can make a will that takes effect upon death. It should detail how the individual wants to distribute assets like bank accounts, jewelry and real estate properties. The creator of the will can also appoint someone called an “executor” to carry out their wishes. If someone passes away without a will, all assets that are in their name alone without named beneficiaries go to their “heirs at law” known as “distributees.” A Last Will and Testament avoids assets going to someone who might be an “heir at law,” but who is not necessarily someone who the decedent would want to receive their assets. Living trust An estate plan can also have a living trust. This allows the creator of the trust to act as a trustee as well and manage their assets for their own benefit during their life. The benefit is that trusts are also private and any assets titled to the trust avoid the probate process and are not controlled by someone’s Last Will and Testament when the creator of the trust dies. In case of mental incapacity, a successor trustee can also be appointed by the creator of the trust to take over decision making tasks, which can be very helpful in the event of an unforeseen medical situation or diagnosis causing incapacity. Powers of attorney and health proxies Advance directives are crucial inclusions in an estate plan. First, a power of attorney takes care of financial matters. A designated agent can pay bills, give money to your family and manage your funds. Second, a health care proxy assigns someone to make medical decisions in case you become terminally ill or incapacitated. You can also include your wishes for end-of-life situations and medical emergencies. Updating your estate plan often When young adults create an estate plan, it isn’t a done deal yet. Estate planning is an ongoing process that requires updating every few years or so. You may revisit and update your plan every one to five years. Young adults also need to update their estate plans whenever they reach milestones. These include getting married, having a child, being promoted and acquiring new valuable assets. Preparing for the unexpected It’s never too early for young adults to prepare for the unexpected. An estate plan may protect your assets in life and death. Further, it guarantees that the fruits of your labor will benefit you and your loved ones. 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.  LAUREN ENEA GUEST CORNER FOCUS ON ESTATE PLANNING Is it too early for young adults to create an estate plan? An estate plan provides several options to ensure that young adults establish a solid foundation for their wishes to be followed and their assets to be distributed to their chosen beneficiaries, should they, God forbid, pass away at a young age.’ -Lauren C. Enea, Esq. Associate at Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP

PAGE 16 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 Hallocks Square Low Taxes | Luxury Condos | High EEciency 914.245.9000 BonielloDevelopment.com Lorem Ipsum VIEW OUR MODELS! GRAND OPENING 2040 Crompond Road Yorktown Heights NY 10598 May 17-19 from 10AM-4PM those deaths and to aid Gazan civilians that are unmatched by any other nation defending itself following the brutal, unprovoked attack it experienced on Oct. 7. In fact, Israel continues to face rocket attacks on an almost daily basis from Hamas to the south, Hezbollah to the north, and most recently from Iran to the east as well. Unfortunately, American media have tended to ignore the attempted attacks that Israel has had to defend itself from continuously since Oct. 7. Israel’s critics are ill-informed Where do we go from here? I think the most important thing is for people to educate themselves. Most people don’t understand that Gaza is not part of Israel, which removed its settlements from the Palestinian territory in 2005. The American LGBTQ community, some of whom have aligned themselves with the Palestinian cause, need to know that gay Palestinians have sought refuge in Israel because they can be executed by Hamas and the more “moderate” Palestinian Authority for being gay. If you have a few hours, an excellent source of information is Bari Weiss’ podcast, “Honestly.” Weiss, a former writer for The New York Times and founder of The Free Press (thefp.com), recorded a threepart series called “The Free Press in Israel.” Weiss did a phenomenal job of interviewing various segments of Israeli society from an objective standpoint. Here’s what I learned. Seventy-five percent of Palestinians surveyed by the Palestinian Center for Policy Survey and Research said that they thought the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel were justified. But what Weiss also discovered is that there is no free press in Gaza or the West Bank, and so the vast majority of Palestinians, when asked whether they believed in rape as a tool of war or if they believed it was OK to slaughter children, said no, and so they did not believe or were unaware of the barbarous actions of Hamas on Oct. 7. There is no similar excuse for the American protestors holding signs saying “By Any Means Necessary.” I also learned from Weiss’ podcast that Arab Israelis (these are Arab Muslims and Christians with Israeli citizenship) felt a greater affinity for Israel after Oct. 7. Before Oct. 7, just 48% of Arab Israelis said they felt they were a part of Israel. The number jumped to 70% after Oct. 7. These are Arab Muslims and Christians who today feel more united with their Jewish fellow citizens. Weiss interviewed Lucy Aharish, an Arab-Muslim Israeli, who is one of the most prominent TV news anchors in Israel. Aharish survived a Palestinian terrorism attack during the first Intifada in 1987, when she was 5 years old. While she acknowledged that she experiences racism in Israel (just as Black people and others in the U.S. sadly still experience racism), she categorically rejects the label of apartheid. I also learned that it wasn’t until very recently that Hamas displayed the Palestinian flag. This is because Hamas, in reality, is not a Palestinian national movement. If it was a national movement, they would have accepted Israel’s previous offers of a twostate solution. Rather, Hamas is a radical Islamist movement that rejects any sort of co-existence with Jews. Eighty-six years ago, Nazi Germany sought to make Europe and the world “Judenrein,” which means “free of Jews” in German. Today, only one side of the IsraeliPalestinian conflict seeks to make their land “free” of the other. I urge all Americans to get on the right side of history. Israel is fighting a defensive war to preserve its existence and has taken unprecedented care to avoid civilian casualties, but it is fighting an enemy that uses its own population as human shields for propaganda purposes. I urge our readers to not fall for this propaganda.      FREEMAN FROM PAGE 14 Dear Mahopac Community, The third Tuesday in May is an important day in every school district in New York State as it is the date for the annual school budget vote and trustee election. For the 2024-2025 school budget, all Mahopac residents are invited to vote at Mahopac High School from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. The proposed budget of $142,443,564 carries a 3.25% budget to budget increase and a tax levy increase of 1.98%, which is $572,874 less than the maximum allowable tax levy limit. In addition to maintaining all of the wonderful academic programs, robust extracurricular offerings and competitive athletics teams, this budget provides additional opportunities for our students. Additional School budget vote and trustee election is May 21 Budget maintains and provides additional student opportunities CHRISTINE TONA GUEST COLUMNIST SEE TONA PAGE 17

MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 17 course offerings that support engineering, health sciences and financial literacy will be available to our high school students. Did you know that our engineering program is growing at an amazing rate? The high school has received almost 100 requests for the Engineering Essentials course, which is an all-time high! Our high school students have the opportunity to take five engineering courses for college credit through the Rochester Institute of Technology. To provide increased support for students, an additional social worker, psychologist, and English as a New Language teacher are included in the budget. Thanks to the community’s support of the capital project, each of our schools has a renovated, state of the art library media center. We currently have three library media specialists in the district and have budgeted for a fourth to ensure that all of our students receive instruction in research skills necessary for success. Safety and security for all of our students and staff is a top priority and the proposed budget allows us to continue to analyze our needs and make necessary enhancements. The Mahopac Central School District is grateful for our partnership with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, who provide School Resource Officers and Special Patrol Officers in each of our schools. We are also fortunate to have a strong working relationship with the Town of Carmel Police Department. Regular communication and coordination with all of our local law enforcement agencies is critical to the safety of all of our students and staff. On the ballot there will be two additional propositions. The transportation proposition seeks to continue our commitment to student safety through our bus replacement plan authorizing the purchase of five 65-passenger buses and four 30-passenger buses. The other proposition is to establish a capital reserve fund. This is at no additional cost to taxpayers as there is approximately $2 million available in a previous, yet expired, capital reserve fund. We need voter support to re-establish this fund so that we can use these funds to make needed improvements to our facilities such as bathroom renovations. Please plan to vote on May 21, from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. at Mahopac High School. For additional information about the 2024-2025 school budget, please visit mahopac.org. While the school budget vote is an important focus this month, I am also pleased to introduce our first Mahopac HS Alumni Newsletter. You can find this on our district website at mahopac.org. Feel free to share this newsletter with any alumni that you know and if they haven’t already done so, please encourage them to sign up for Mahopac Alumni Network also on our website under the Alumni tab. Last but certainly not least, this week is Teachers and Teaching Assistants Appreciation Week and Wednesday is School Nurse Appreciation Day. Please join me in recognizing all of our amazing professionals who work directly with our students every day. Our teachers, teaching assistants and nurses are dedicated to meeting the needs of our students and helping them to achieve success. We are so fortunate to have these wonderful individuals in our schools and in our district! Mahopac proud, -Christine Tona Superintendent of Schools TONA FROM PAGE 16 QR code for new alumni network section on the district’s website Carmel EV purchases are not actually ‘free’ Dear Editor, Proof that EVs (electric vehicles) are not viable is the need to get “free” stuff (“Carmel OKs Electric Vehicle Purchase Via Grant Money,” April 30 at the following case-sensitive URL: halstonmedia.org/FreeEV). Did government pay for new gas stations as they are doing for charging stations? It’s a disgrace and Carmel politicians are compromised for taking taxpayer money for a farce. Grants are still taxpayer money; it is not some free honey from heaven. -William Monti North Salem NYC employee retirees fighting to keep fully subsidized healthcare Dear Editor, Many Medicare-eligible New York City retirees live in our community.  We devoted years of service to New York City, working as EMTs, police, fire, sanitation, nurses and educators, often accepting smaller paychecks than we would have made from private sector jobs due to the promise of continued, excellent health benefits when we retire. However, we retirees have been in the fight of our lives for the past three years after learning that New York City, along with the Municipal Labor Committee and its current controlling bosses (Michael Mulgrew from the UFT, Henry Garrido of DC 37 and Harry Nespoli of the Sanitation Union), were about to change our fully subsidized healthcare, which for most of us is traditional Medicare plus supplemental GHI-Senior Care, to an inferior Medicare Advantage Plan, without our knowledge or our support. These private plans often diminish healthcare through networks, prior authorizations, denials and delays at a time in one’s life when more and better healthcare is needed. Three successful lawsuits by the New York City Organization of Public Service Retirees (nycretirees.org) are being appealed by the City of New York and so the fight against this healthcare conversion continues. Fortunately, retired UFT members will have the opportunity this May to fight back by taking control of their union chapter. We will be able to vote out the Unity leaders who are responsible for the healthcare changes in the upcoming Retired Teacher Chapter election and replace them with leadership from Retiree Advocate that will truly act in our best interests. -Cynthia Teplitsky Mahopac resident and member of Retiree Advocate UFT Team LETTERS SEE LETTERS PAGE 18 Law Offices of Joseph J. Tock 963 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 TOCKLAW.COM • 845-628-8080 CRIMINAL DEFENSE/DWI • PERSONAL INJURY REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS LAW • WILLS, TRUSTS, ESTATES, PROBATE ‘ The collective background Joe & his team bring forth is that of expertise, dedication and compassion. ~C.K.

PAGE 18 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 LGBTQ+ community has had it with escalating bigotry Dear Editor, In 2020, the first public Pride event was held in Putnam County. Since then, there have been three increasingly larger events, and this year will be perhaps the largest. That makes five years Putnam County has seen a local Pride event without a problem, and yet the hate-filled rhetoric is somehow intensifying with each year. This is obviously not just a local issue—it is fueled by a national political conversation that is deliberately homophobic and transphobic in nature. Of course, local policies like Cold Spring and Philipstown’s ban on the Pride flag a couple of years ago have also contributed to bigots feeling empowered. But we are not some small town in Tennessee or Texas; we are one hour from the city where the concept of a Pride march originated, and many Putnam residents grew up there or nearby. We know better. We all know LGBTQ+ people, and we all know Pride is a thing that’s been happening for 55 years now. So, when local people threaten gun violence against Putnam Pride, or to “shut it down” as a means of intimidating us into staying home, it is especially sinister. Some have also called to boycott our business supporters; luckily our sponsors and vendors know that giving in to such threats only perpetuates the bias—it is how the Nazi regime began its strategy to exterminate Jews, after all. I have had it with the defamatory comments casting all LGBTQ+ people as degenerates and pedophiles; I have had it with the suggestion that we are “grooming” kids to be drag queens, or that somehow drag and rainbows are more threatening to the community than these calls for violence; I’ve had it with harassing emails and texts attempting to scare us into calling off the event. I’ve also had it with the lack of proactive assistance we get in handling these threats from the relevant authorities. It is all tied together—when the aggressors know that no one is there to help us, they are emboldened to do what they please. It won’t look good for the county when something happens eventually and they took no steps to stop it in advance. I’m writing this to encourage everyone not to give in to intimidation and fearmongering. The only way to change the conversation is to show up and stay visible. Support the sponsors and vendors listed at putnampride.com. Counter the hate by attending the event on June 1, volunteering with us, or writing a letter of support to your local paper. There is strength in numbers, and we need your presence and your voice now, more than ever. -Eileen McDermott Putnam NY Pride LETTERS FROM PAGE 17 The first time I brought a girl home to meet my mother, I wanted to show her that I had finally begun to take life seriously. Also, I was proud of my catch. Mom was all smiles and hugs, probably dreaming of future Lorenzos. Dad suffered an uncontrollable urge to prove that he was the tree, and I was the apple. That’s men for you. I had already decided that she was too pretty to marry. It wasn’t so much that men looked at her. It was that I could read their minds and I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life in physical combat. The second and last time I brought a girl to meet mama came under completely different circumstances. Dad was gone. Mom’s heart was broken. I was 28 and I just wanted to reassure my mother that I could be normal and want normal things. To be honest, some of my beliefs used to scare her. And sometimes, when I tried to explain them, they scared me, too. The day I met Charlene, fate was a pair of binoculars. I had spent the morning hiking. When I got back to where I parked my car a tailgating party was taking place. The tailgaters were a group of birdwatchers. They were sitting and standing around a minivan, sipping wine from paper cups and nibbling on crackers and cheese. I came close enough to their gathering to make eye contact and one fellow, seeing the binoculars wrapped around my neck, asked if I’d seen anything interesting. I had: a scarlet tanager. Charlene overheard me and then, in astounding detail, began to describe the migration patterns of the scarlet tanager. We began chatting about the birds they had seen, and I could tell that Charlene liked me a little. It must have been the binoculars. Driving home, I realized that I hadn’t had one sexual thought about her. I took it as a good sign. I wasn’t going for any of that stuff anymore. Life was over after 21, anyway.    Charlene invited me to join their group the following A Mother’s Day story for the birds LORENZO GARO OF HUMAN INTEREST SEE GARO PAGE 19 As Memorial Day weekend launches the onset of summer vacation and travel, families eagerly anticipate gatherings filled with flavorful barbecues and picnics. Amid the joyous celebrations, it’s paramount to prioritize safe food handling practices to keep you and your guests safe from potential foodborne illnesses such as Salmonella and E. coli. Implementing precautionary measures during food preparation and consumption helps to prevent the risk of illness, hospitalizations and even fatalities. What are some food safety guidelines to follow? Some helpful and easy tips include: wash your hands and surfaces often, keep raw meats, poultry, seafood and eggs separate from cooked and ready to eat food, cook to the right temperature (depending on the type of food a safe temperature is 145°F to 165°F), and refrigerate perishable food within two hours (one hour when temperatures are over 90°F degrees). What are the most common symptoms of food poisoning? Symptoms can range in severity as well as duration, depending on the germ ingested. The most common symptoms include: • Diarrhea • Stomach pain or cramps • Nausea • Vomiting • Fever When should I see a doctor for food poisoning? It is important to seek medical care when symptoms are severe or prolonged. According to the CDC these symptoms include: 1. Bloody diarrhea 2. Diarrhea that lasts more than 3 days 3. High fever (temp. over 102°F) 4. Vomiting so often that you cannot keep liquid down 5. Signs of dehydration 6. If you are pregnant and have a fever and other flu-like symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately Essential precautions for summer food festivities Scan the QR code or visit optum.com/medicalcare Optum Medical Care, P.C. (“Optum Medical Care”) is a physician owned and led practice having complete authority for all medical decision-making and patient care through its physicians and other licensed professionals. Optum, through its owned management organizations, provides non-clinical administrative services to support Optum Medical Care and its physicians. Neither Optum nor its management companies employs, engages, or supervises physicians or other licensed professionals, or determines or sets the methods, standards, or conduct of the practice of medicine or health care provided by Optum Medical Care or by any of its licensed professionals. “Part of Optum” reflects that Optum Medical Care is part of Optum’s effort to support forward-thinking physician practices in helping their patients live healthier lives. Optum is a registered trademark of Optum, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other brand or product names are the property of their respective owners. Because we are continuously improving our products and services, Optum reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice. Optum is an equal opportunity employer. © 2024 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved. 04/24

MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 19 GARO FROM PAGE 18 Should we punish our son for failing? DR. LINDA SILBERT STRONG LEARNING SEE DR. LINDA PAGE 20 Dear Dr. Linda, Finals are approaching and we’re afraid our son Joey, a ninth-grader, is going to fail two subjects. Over the year, we met with his teachers, emailed them and texted them. They all kept telling us that he’s capable of passing, but he’s just not doing what he has to do to learn the material. He says that it’s not that he’s not doing what he has to do; it’s that he has no idea what to do. He refuses to go in after school for help because he claims that he’s done that, and it doesn’t help. To make matters worse, we are taking a family trip to Italy this summer. My sister’s telling us to leave him home and my sister-in-law says he should go with us and that it’s our fault if he fails. He’s such a good kid. We don’t want him to miss this trip, but he needs to pass those courses. What should we do? -Madison and Doug Dear Madison and Doug, A family trip to Italy is pretty special. It would help if you did whatever you could to ensure Joey goes on that trip with you. You must also review what went wrong this past school year so you don’t find yourself in this situation again next year. Before reviewing what happened, though, I had never met a student who intentionally failed. Everyone wants a gold star. A child’s struggle in a subject must be addressed immediately because there’s always a reason. First, many students need to be more mature to understand the consequences of what will happen if they fail. Instead of parents yelling, lecturing, grounding and punishing, they need to sit down with their children and walk through the consequences of what’s essential to their lives. That’s right. NOW. Children and teens think in the present, not the future. They must understand that they may have to go to summer or night school or even be held back if they fail too many courses. Secondly, many students, even high schoolers, must keep track of their grades. They know they once got 100% on something, so they think that will cover their bases when they get 0s for not handing homework in. Again, it’s a matter of maturity. Parents must stay aware of grades and teach their children to average them (it’s a real-life math problem). Yes, some students do this themselves. But many children don’t keep track of their grades and don’t know how to. Thirdly, most parents ask their thebovespa.com 366 US 202 / SOMERS, NEW YORK / 10589 914.276.2200 Put a day of Rest on your Calendar... MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM Shots, drops, supplements, and more Weight Loss Machines • Facials • Body Treatments • Injectables & Fillers • Hormone Optimization • Massage • Private Parties Saturday. I started seeing her almost every week, but only as part of the group. I learned that she had been married to a guy with a big bushy beard. I was curious as to what it was like to kiss a guy with whiskers growing over his lips. “Exciting,” Charlene said. I began to wonder if I was the man for her.   As I mentioned earlier, I felt that I had to show my mother that I wasn’t as crazy as she thought I was. My plan was to introduce her to Charlene, an obviously sane and highly intelligent woman. I wanted to give my mother some hope. I wanted to give myself some hope. Right up until she was in her 90s, my mother’s good friend, Jaunita, cut her hair and gave her permanents. Appearances mattered to my mother. She lived in Mahopac for a long time and if it ever got around that her son was seeing a woman twice his age, it would have been to her a scandal worthy of Peyton Place. Charlene wasn’t twice my age; only 10 years separated us, but her hair was mostly gray and looked as if it had been styled by the wind. I hate to make a joke out of this, but it is a good comparison. Her hair resembled a bird’s nest.   How did my plan go? I just hope God places motive over outcome. We had dinner at a nice restaurant. My mother disliked Charlene immediately. Later, she warned me that divorced women lie about their age. She called Charlene “brainy,” but made it sound like a strike against her. My mother, with good intentions of course, was trying to break up something that never started. The best part of that long evening was when I called for the check. I would like to dedicate this column to my mother, to Charlene, to mothers with and without children, to birds of every stripe: red ones, blue ones, worldly tanagers who winter in Bolivia, and to the lucky ones who have nothing better to do than sing! To advertise in Mahopac News, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email freeman@halstonmedia. com.

PAGE 20 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 The afternoon of May 4, 1970. I’m amidst a sea of 3,000 people on the “Quad” at Syracuse University, the first day of a National Student Strike to protest the Vietnam War and the drafting of young men to fight in what the people of Vietnam called the American War. We are facing Hendricks Chapel, with Carnegie Library to our left and Huntington Beard Crouse (HBC) student center to our right. I glimpse painted on the wall of HBC, “Remember Kent State.” In complete puzzlement, I turn to my fraternity brother and ask, “What’s Kent State?”   We found out soon enough about the horror of Kent State; the precipitous tragedy entombed in the name of that once-obscure Ohio college has horrific resonance to this day for my generation. Earlier that same day, four Kent State students running away from the scrum on campus to seek safe harbor had been stopped dead in their tracks, struck down from fatal bullets fired by the Ohio National Guard. In those ancient times before mobile phones and social media and the internet, graffiti hastily spray-painted in panic on a campus building was how that numbing news spread. It ignited a powder keg explosion of civil disobedience at campuses across the land. Sound familiar? A half-century after I was an eyewitness in the flesh to the Syracuse University version of the May 1970 National Student Strike that paralyzed campuses in the United States, here I am, another type of eyewitness, watching class shutdowns at a safe remove, through the highly selective lens of mass media. Because I was on location 54 years ago for that unrest and am at home now for the current unrest, I would not presume to compare what I experienced in 1970 at Syracuse with what I see on TV in 2024 while sitting here in Westchester. What I can do is share some personal observations. Both generations of protesters – 1970’s and today’s – have in common the act of advocating to end a war through agitation, as well as to be given direct agency in their college’s governance policies. In 1970, apart from the antiwar sentiment, core issues on students’ agenda were the so-called military-industrial complex (i.e. war as profiteering) and the common university practice of in loco parentis, which is the principle of administrators invoking their right to act as surrogate parents for students. One stark contrast between then and now is that the 1970 student protester was reacting to warfare further away from home in miles, yet closer to home in the direct impact on its citizens, the loved ones and friends of more than 300,000 Americans putting their lives at risk by fighting a war whose purpose was clear as day to some Americans and clear as mud to others. In the macro, we were over there to fight the good fight against the spread of communism; but in the micro, the winnability of the war became akin to nailing jello to the wall. It eventually dawned on U.S. military intelligence that, in realpolitik terms, our role in Vietnam had devolved from noble cause to fool’s errand.   The 2024 anti-war student wants to put an end to others fighting. The 1970 anti-war student wanted to put an end to their peers and themselves being conscripted to fight involuntarily, through the Selective Service System’s draft lottery. Striking contrasts A Baby Boomer recalls the 1970 unrest on his campus BRUCE APAR BRUCE THE BLOG SEE APAR PAGE 21 DR. LINDA FROM PAGE 19 kids, “Did you study?” The child answers, “Yes,” and then fails. The parents’ reaction is shock, but their child thought they studied. The real issue is that most middle and high schoolers need to learn how to study. The ones who do know are getting high grades. Finally, parents need to contact their children’s teachers when their child is struggling in a course. You did that. But, instead of focusing on how to help him understand and retain the material, you opted to zero in on why he wouldn’t stay after school for help. Now, as far as Italy is concerned, unless you’re going for the whole summer, you have plenty of weeks before the summer Regents to prepare. Contact Joey’s counselor to get names of tutors or summer classes so you can organize around preparing Joey to retake the final.   Have fun in Italy, -Dr. Linda Dr. Linda, along with her husband, Dr. Al, own Strong Learning Tutoring and Test Prep serving Westchester and Putnam counties for over 40 years. Strong Learning tutors students K-12 in any subject, in person or remotely. Drs. Linda and Al are also the authors of “Why Bad Grades Happen to Good Kids,” available on Amazon and at Securities offered through Cantella & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Cantella and Co., Inc. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. stronglearning.com.   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. 845-628-5400 SFGtaxes.com | [email protected] 824 Route 6, Suite 4 | Mahopac, NY 10541 from other accountants and tax preparers is our ability to work with you not just on taxes, but on financials, college planning, divorce, retirement planning, changes in life planning... We don’t just process tax forms, we advise on how to handle your income and expenses in the future with personalized recommendations. We help you navigate the tax code, and in the end, help you set sound financial goals. What separates us

MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 21 APAR FROM PAGE 20 Of the legions of American troops in Vietnam enmeshed in the dauntingly unfamiliar tactics of guerilla warfare in Southeast Asia rice paddies, a significant percentage were drafted. As a college student at Syracuse, I was nobody’s idea of an activist. I did not participate in building barricades at campus entry points to impede incoming vehicles, such as police cars. I did not join the sit-in at the administration offices. I did not break windows. I most certainly did not – as one of our high school classmates reportedly was doing at a famously radical midwestern university – concoct Molotov cocktails (i.e. life-threatening firebombs). As the son of a proud World War II veteran whose closest friends throughout the rest of his life were his buddies in the 9th Infantry Division’s 47th Regiment, I felt no impulse to protest the campus ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps). Defaming those future officers was a notable cause celebre among the so-called “peaceniks” of the era. The most “active” role I took in the 1970 Syracuse student strike was being asked to emcee a dance marathon fundraiser for a political organization, even though I was not a political animal and to this day am not registered with a political party. In fact, my inactivism elicited a rebuke from a student whom I did not know. Upon seeing me just chillin’ at HBC, while he was hightailing his way to a ROTC protest, he caught a glimpse of my shoulder-length hair and, in a brutish attempt to enlist my participation, bellowed, “Why don’t you act like you look?!” (News alert: college students can say some sophomoric things.) In retrospect, the friction between ROTC students and peaceniks was the extent of interpersonal animus between disparate groups. It was fairly mild, especially compared to the bottomless well of ad hominem hatred being played out today between the surrogate factions on either side of the 2024 Mideast conflict.   (Fun Fact: a 1970 Syracuse classmate of mine, Robert Tembeckjian, who dealt with the Syracuse administration in his role as “Shutdown Spokesman” for the strikers, went on to become head of the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct.) As for law enforcement presence on campus, I vividly recall being struck by the sight of mounted police patrolling Marshall (or “M”) Street, a commercial strip in the middle of campus. Having a police officer tower over me, like a foreboding deus ex machina, drained the blood from my face as a numbing reminder that we had passed into an uncharted Twilight Zone of campus life. Another contrast between 1970 and 2024 campus activists: the face of protest fashion has a new look. The rabble-rousing students of my day were not compelled to disguise their identity with face coverings. But did we ever love our bell bottoms and our tie-dyed shirts and our flowing “hair down to there.” If those freak flags, along with some other collegiate indulgences, and my being at Woodstock the previous August, all conspired to cast me as a card-carrying hippie, all I can say is hey, man, it was cool while it lasted.    Finally, we’ve heard a great deal about the presence in the current campus conflagrations of outside agitators, who also don’t answer to being called professional protesters and other job titles. Though I can’t say to what degree, if any, such slithering creatures were embedded in the Syracuse student strike, I do prefer the decidedly more exotic, James Bondesque name that those infiltrators were dubbed during the riots rocking the 1968 Chicago Democratic Convention: agents provocateur. Elder Law Wills, Trusts & Estates Estate Planning Medicaid Applications Guardianships Probates Elder Law & Estate Planning A Tradition of Excellence in Elder Law (845) 621-8640 thefellergroup.com 625 Route 6, Mahopac NY 10541 We make home & hospital visits Contact the team today! (845) 621-8640

PAGE 22 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 85 Myrtle Avenue, Mahopac, NY 10541 845-628-7500 • www.pineg rovecou ntrydayscho ol .com Certified by NYS Department of Education/NYS Department of Social Service • Infant (6weeks - 12 months) • Wobbler/Toddler (12-36 months) • Preschool (3-5 yrs) • Pre-K (older 4’s) • Before & After School (5-12 yrs) Now accepting CAMP REGISTRATION for Summer 2024! Now accepting CAMP REGISTRATION for Summer 2024! Many of our elite colleges and universities have grabbed headlines recently, mostly for all the wrong reasons. Although, like you, I have strong opinions on the topic, but that is a conversation for another day. The news stories and front pages reminded me of my college experience, which I gained during the early Bronze Age. Suffice it to say, it was a while ago. Back then, at this point in my senior year, I was scrambling to turn in my last independent study project in time for graduation, which was just a few days away. Mercifully, they inserted a signed diploma inside the leather frame. I think my independent study professor took pity on me. Thank you, Dr. Berg. Although I majored in economics, half of the courses I took were prescribed by “distribution requirements,” which forced me to take two semesters of math, a foreign language, sociology, psychology, English, history, the classics, computer science, etc. Although I wasn’t happy at the time, when I look back, I have some real appreciation for the value of a liberal arts education. The courses that I draw on so many years later are courses I probably would never have taken had I not been forced.  A broad-based liberal arts education helps develop communication skills both verbal and written. It also hones critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities. I wonder if colleges still have the same commitment to developing the wide range of skills that come from being exposed to the entire educational toolbox. That liberal arts education also gives a student a fluency in our culture, which is so important in developing a shared experience with our fellow citizens. And of course it should include a grounding in civics.   So much has been written recently about the job market’s increasing reliance on credentialing instead of skills. The prestige of the institution often carries more weight than the knowledge a graduate has the skill set. That reliance certainly plays a role in driving up the cost of tuition, which at the Ivies, now exceeds $80,000 per year. That trend may also drive high school graduates away from alternate pathways to success and a better return on the tuition investment.  One of those alternate pathways is vocational education in the skilled trades. Mike Rowe of “Dirty Jobs” fame has dedicated himself to promote vocational training and support individuals interested in pursuing opportunities in fields such as construction, manufacturing, plumbing, welding and electrical work. His foundation is Mike Rowe Works.  A friend of mine who runs a successful, second-generation electrical contracting firm reports that electricians, after completing their apprenticeship program, earn over $100,000 per year to start. These essential industries are hiring, but that may not be well known. Our high school seniors make the papers when they are admitted to the top schools or when they accept athletic scholarships, but seldom do we see announcements about graduates heading off to competitive vocational programs. That should change. I’m reminded of the joke about the neurosurgeon who calls a plumber to fix a leaky pipe at his house. After the plumber finishes the job, the neurosurgeon is surprised by the bill, which is significantly higher than he expected. The neurosurgeon says to the plumber, “I’m a neurosurgeon, and I don’t even charge this much for surgery!” The plumber responds, “I know, I used to be a neurosurgeon too.” There is more than one path to finding a lucrative career regardless of the credential. With recent events on some of our elite college campuses, one wonders if the value of those credentials may have taken a hit. Rethinking education for today’s economy DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Letters and Op-Ed Policy Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those of Mahopac News or its affiliates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail at [email protected]. For more information, call the editor at 845-208-0774. Contact Us Mahopac News is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 845-208-0774 or email [email protected].

MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 23 Mahopac Public Library’s 2024-25 budget remains under that state-mandated tax levy cap and boasts a zero percent increase over the previous budget. Voters will go to the polls to vote on the budget on Tuesday, June 4 at the library, 668 Route 6 in Mahopac, from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Voters will also be asked to elect three trustees to the library’s Board of Trustees. There are four candidates seeking election: John Battista (incumbent), Wayne Heady, Tony Razukiewicz, and Marie Stahl. The three open seats come with a three-year term. Here is an up-close look at the candidates. John Battista John Battista is a lifelong resident of Mahopac with deep roots in the community. His family ran a successful business in town for many years. Battista is active in many local organizations. He attended St. John’s School in Mahopac and later Mahopac High School. After earning his BA degree at Villanova, he completed paralegal certification at Mercy College and Long Island University. Currently retired as senior vice president of a marketing research firm, Battista is now a retail manager. During his past two terms as a library board member, he has been involved in the day-to-day functions of the building as chair of the Facilities Committee. Together with the library director and other board members, the capital improvement project was completed, which resulted in substantial savings over the estimated cost. Wayne Heady Wayne Heady has resided in Mahopac with his wife for over 32 years. His four children were raised here. Heady has a broad background in accounting and finance, acting as director, controller, and vice president of finance. He has extensive budgeting, reporting, and management expertise. Heady also managed large corporate accounting teams through acquisitions, system conversions and audits. Recently retired, he serves as the president of the board for the Old Van Cortlandtville Cemetery. He has also volunteered as a coach in MSA and CYO. Tony Razukiewicz Tony Razukiewicz is a graduate of DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx and Lehman College. He and his family have lived in Mahopac for the past two-and-ahalf years. When not pursuing a career in real estate, Razukiewicz said he feels fortunate to be a stay-at-home dad to his son and daughter, working to strengthen family bonds and raise confident and compassionate children. Razukiewicz is interested in serving on the Board of Trustees because he wants to see the library continue to flourish. As a member of the Peekskill Rotary Club for eight years, he is confident that the communication and leadership skills that he has developed can align with the goals in the library’s long-range plan. Marie Stahl Marie Stahl has been a part of the Mahopac community since 1997. She and her husband Ray raised their four children here, all graduates of Mahopac High School. Stahl’s family owned several businesses in town. She has served as the President of the Putnam Valley Women’s Club and has volunteered with organizations such as the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and various sports clubs that her children were involved with. She is also a member of the Putnam Chapter of NAMI. Her love of reading has led her to actively participate in two of the library’s book clubs. Stahl is interested in serving on the board to help further the library’s mission of serving the community. She is eager to foster a love of reading and assist the library in achieving its goals of offering a wide range of programs, from young children to seniors. The public will have the opportunity to meet the candidates at the annual meeting on Monday, June 3 at 7 p.m. Absentee ballots/early voting Applications for absentee ballots are available at the library’s main desk beginning May 14. Applications must be completed and returned to the election clerk before ballots can be issued. The application can be returned in person to the library, or mailed to: Election Clerk, Mahopac Public Library, 668 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541. The completed application must be received by the election clerk no later than Tuesday, May 28, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, and no later than Monday, June 3, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Completed ballots must be received by the clerk no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4. Applications for early voting ballots are available at the library’s main desk as of May 14. To receive an early voting ballot: • In person: The application must be delivered to Mahopac Library no later than the day before the election. • By mail: Application must be received by the election clerk at Mahopac Library no later than the seventh day before the election. Applications may not be submitted more than 30 days before the election. Early voting ballots must be received by the election clerk no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4, in order to be counted by the election inspectors. For further information, call library director and election clerk, Michele Capozzella, at 845-628-2009, ext. 107. Article courtesy of Mahopac Public Library Mahopac Library budget remains flat Shop & Support LOCAL WE INSTALL TREES. WE DELIVER. Shade, Fruit, Flowering and Evergreen Fully Stocked Nursery 61 LUDINGTON COU RT, CARMEL NY • 845.225.7766 • KentCountryside.com Call for a FREE ESTIMATE! 4,000 SQUARE FOOT GREENHOUSE • House Plants • Succulents • Perennials • Hanging Baskets • Annuals VISIT OUR GIFT SHOP! • Wind Chimes • Pottery • Garden Gifts • Lawn Supplies • Candles • Tools Digital Custom Designs, Landscaping, Walkways Retaining Walls, Fi repits and more! 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PAGE 24 MAHOPAC NEWS – MThe full cast and crew of the Mahopac HS production of “Mary Poppins” Cassandra Coles and Maxine van Nortwick as Robertson Ay and Mrs Brill The pit band Ava Alvarez (Ton Soldier), Brooke Berlingo (Doll), Taylor Martin (Mrs. Punch), Thea Nazario (Valentine) and Eileen Bergerson (Doll), with (seated) Brianna DelVecchio (Bunny) and Madison Romeo (Bear) Cassandra Coles, Maxine Van Nortwick, Kay Rondeau, Amanda Vogel, Taylor Martin, Angel Sedita, Isaiah Cintron, Kaitlyn Pearsall, Ella Atkinson perform in the Mahopac HS production of “Mary Poppins” BUYING845-62WE WILL COWE BUY: Gold • Sterling SJewelry • CoinPaintings • BronClocks • CollectiAntiques • ETItems for saCome See Us At Our New Location! PUTNAM WINDOW TINT AUTO , COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL WINDOW FILM Follow us on Instagram 1065 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • Paint protection film • Vehicle lettering • Full Service vehicle wraps • gift cards available Over 35 in Business Years Progressive Animal Hospital What is the most common mismanaged condition that you see? THE ITCHY DOG! Is your pet... scratching • licking • chewing feet or having chronic skin infections? Stop treating the symptoms and find out the underlying cause with a simple blood test. Get your pet feeling better and stop the frequent trips to the vet. INDEPENDENTLY OWNED and OPERATED 268 route 202 l somers, ny 10589 914.248.6220 l progressive-vet.com Voted “Best of Somers” 2020-2023

The “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” talent of a large group of Mahopac students was on display for the High School’s production of “Mary Poppins” last month. The big cast included as Bert: Isaiah Cintron*; Winifred Banks: Kaitlyn Pearsall*; Mrs. Brill: Maxine Van Nortwick*; Jane Banks: Sydney Hirsch; Michael Banks: Sam Olszewski*; Robertson Ay: Cassandra Coles*; George Banks: Angel Sedita; Mary Poppins: Ella Atkinson*; Mrs. Corey: Kay Rondeau*; Bird woman: Olivia Misiag; Ms. Andrews: Amanda Vogel*; Admiral Boom: Robert Catalano; Mr. Punch: Taylor Martin*; Statue, Messenger, Ms. Smythe: Danielle Dimilia; Mr. Northbrook/Ensemble: Taylor Alm; Toy Soldier/Ensemble: Ava Alvarez; Doll/ Ensemble: Eileen Bergerson; Doll/Ensemble: Brooke Berlingo; Mr. Von Hussler/Ensemble: Erin Booth; Neleus/Ensemble: Olivia Bucci; Mrs. Lark/Ensemble: Sabrina Dealmeida; Doll/Ensemble: Brianna DelVecchio; Policeman/Ensemble: Antoine Fleming; Annie/Ensemble: Emma Hedges; Queen Victoria/Ensemble: Kaden Knapp; Park Keeper/Ensemble: Lola Lauro; Frannie/Ensemble: Sav Martinez; Valentine/Ensemble: Thea Nazario; Doorman/Ensemble: Alex Silva; Chimney Sweep/ Ensemble: Kylie Quackenbush; Teddy Bear/Ensemble: Madison Romeo; Katie Nanna/Ensemble: Samantha Scheedel; Chairman/Ensemble: Ryan Walpole; Chimney Sweep/Ensemble: Izabella Wulcyzn. Pit band: John Biondi*, Joseph Biondi*, Andrew Brunetti*, Anna Carinci, Andy Clark*, Cameron Dinsmore*, Cooper Grimm, Keira Kadan*, Kailee Mastropietro*Adam Spinella, Olivia Spinella, Matthew Torrey, and Ricky Vega* Crew: Abigail Alm, Jude Ansbro, Elizabeth Azzinaro, Hanna Bischoff, Caelyn Boyd, Natalia Brandon, Lexi Butironi, Robert Catalano, Leo Centofonti, Courtney Diesman, Caitlin Decker*, Nicholas Demauro, Cody DiCerbo, Leslie Dutan, Rourke Fitzpatrick, Adam Geller, Brooke Geller*, Ash Hernandez, Samantha Itzla, Keira Kadan*, Ava Lauro*, Maya Lewis, Ariana Liptak*, Joaquin Martinez*, Ariana Martins, Lily McManus, Tristan O’Brien, Danica Parent, Joseph Romano, Maya Rosner*, Madi Salem*, Andrew Solano*, Mackenzie Southlea, Aleksandra Spasic, Griffin Vennard, Lenora Vuksanaj, Jack Zhingri, * Denotes senior MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 PAGE 25 Mary Poppins PHOTOS COURTESY OF LYNNE MONGON/MAHOPAC CSD/FRIEND OF MAHOPAC DRAMA CLUB G ONLY 8-0362 OME TO YOU! 53 YEARS! Silver ns nzes bles C. le? Call us! Service: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com Come indulge in scenic Lake Mahopac • New & Pre-owned Boats • Service & Repairs • Docking & Storage • Boating Accessories 1 Marina Dr. • Mahopac, NY • 845-628-2333 57 macdonaldmarineny.net MacDonaldMarineNY Top of the Poppins

PAGE 26 – MAHOPAC NEWS NORTH SALEM HORSE SHOW MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows have returned to Westchester County’s beautiful horse country, May 7-12 and May 14-19, with a full schedule of world-class competition featuring many of the nation’s best horses and riders. One of the premier stops on the nation’s hunter-jumper horse show circuit, the Spring Horse Shows host competitions for riders of all levels and ages, ranging from young children on ponies to Olympic veterans aboard their grand prix mounts. Many familiar faces return to Old Salem Farm each year to vie for top honors, including Olympic veterans such as local hero McLain Ward (USA), Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA), Daniel Bluman (ISR) and Nayel Nassar (EGY), who will have their sights on the Paris Olympic Games this summer. The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows’ Week 1 takes place May 7-12 with highlights including the Evergate Stables $40,000 New York Welcome Stake, $10,000 Old Salem Farm Speed Derby, $38,700 FEI 1.45m Two-Phase, $38,700 FEI 1.45m Jump-off, $25,000 Old Salem Farm Jumper Classic, $15,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur Jumper 1.40m Classic presented by Eastern Hay and $125,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix Presented by The Kincade Group. Week 2 competition follows May 14-19, featuring the $65,000 Welcome Stake of North Salem Presented by The Kincade Group, $38,700 FEI 1.45m Two-Phase, $38,700 FEI 1.45m Jump-off Presented by Fidelity Investments, $25,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby, $25,000 Old Salem Farm Jumper Classic, Evergate Stables’ $15,000 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Junior/Amateur Jumper 1.40m Classic, Governor’s Perpetual Hunt Seat Cup Presented by Lillie by Flying Changes and the $5,000 Old Salem Farm Grooms’ Class Presented by McLain Ward, Inc., before concluding on Sunday, May 19, with the $200,000 Empire State Grand Prix Presented by Old Salem Farm. The ambiance at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows is unlike any other venue in the country with over-the-top hospitality and unique shopping offered along Old Salem’s popular Boutique Row. The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows also feature a collection of local, gourmet food offerings and familyfriendly activities including pony rides, face painting, dog adoptions each Saturday and more. From Welcome Wednesday to Fiesta Friday and Family Fun Weekends presented by Halston Media, every day is special at the Spring Horse Shows! Old Salem caters not only to the comfort of the people visiting the historic facility but also to the horses competing onsite, providing top-notch care alongside sponsors such as the HEART Equine Ambulance, Eastern Hay & Grain, and FootingFirst. The incredible action starts daily at 8 a.m. with classes running in three rings simultaneously throughout the day before finishing at approximately 5 p.m. A full schedule can be found at OldSalemFarm.net/our-events/. Admission to the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows is free! Spring Horse Shows return to North Salem Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA) aboard Chili PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL Old Salem Farm has a revitalized vendor area and courtyard for even more unique shopping opportunities. PHOTO COURTESY OF RANDOLPHPR OLD SALEM FARM McLain Ward (USA) aboard Faro PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL

MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 27 Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows May 7-19 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. daily (closed Monday, May 13th) www.OldSalemFarm.net • 190 June Rd. North Salem, NY Sat., May 11: face painting, rider autograph sessions, SPCA of Westchester dog adoptions and an ice cream party – with free ice cream! – with Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Sun., May 12: face painting, pony rides, rider autograph sessions plus the $125,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix Presented by The Kincade Group! Sat., May 18: face painting, pony rides, rider autograph sessions, A New Chance Animal Rescue dog adoptions and an ice cream party – with free ice cream again! – with the Wolf Conservation Center Sun., May 19: face painting, pony rides, rider autograph sessions and a visit from the Animal Embassy plus the $200,000 Empire State Grand Prix Presented by Old Salem Farm! Over-the-top hospitality and unique shopping experiences! Kids’ Activities • Pony Rides • Face Painting & More! ADMISSION IS FREE Olympic Stars and the World’s Best Horses and Riders right in your own back yard! As a young rider, Georgina Bloomberg earned four medals in her three appearances at the North American Young Riders’ Championships, and she has continued to be a major player for Team USA in the years since. She made her Nations Cup debut in 2005 in France, where she was a member of the all-female winning team; she made her first of two World Cup Final appearances that same year in Las Vegas. She helped to clinch the win at the 2014 Furusiyya Nations Cup in Spain and later claimed the Team Bronze medal in her major games debut at the 2015 Pan American Games. A dedicated philanthropist and advocate for animal rescue, she shares her North Salem farm with her horses, dogs, goats, rabbits, mules and the endearing pig, Wilbur. Spotlight on North Salem’s Georgina Bloomberg North Salem resident Georgina Bloomberg PHOTO COURTESY OF GEOFFREY TISCHMAN/JUMP MEDIA NORTH SALEM HORSE SHOW

Sports PAGE 28 – MAHOPAC NEWS MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 66 Miller Road, Mahopac 845-628-2050 www.mavistireofmahopac.com With This Coupon • Expires 7/31/24 $10.00OFF Synthetic Oil change (MOST CARS) 25%OFF 25 % OFF STRUTS & SHOCKS With This Coupon • Expires 7/31/24 CARING FOR YOUR CAR & OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 35 YEARS! The Friendly Mavis Team BY SKIP PEARLMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER It was a night of celebration last Thursday at Mahopac High School, with the Wolf Pac girls lacrosse team honoring their six graduating seniors and capping the night with a 19-4 victory over Arlington. Mahopac dominated from the start, rolling to leads of 9-1 after one and 13-2 by halftime. The balanced performance was led by senior captain Adrianna Pranzo and sophomore Ashley Koch, each of whom delivered four goals and one assist. Senior captain Juliana Mangione and freshman Gianna DeVito each had a hat-trick and two assists, soph Gianna Cirelli scored twice and added an assist, Erin Harney and Brooke Plath each scored, and freshman Giana Puckhaber notched her first varsity goal. Netminder Amanda Carey had six saves in the cage. “The girls came out ready to play,” coach Amanda Frederick said. “We knew we wanted, and needed, a win, and that’s exactly what we went out and did. Pac girls celebrate seniors with convincing win over Arlington Senior Night: Mahopac honored seniors last Friday night at home. Front: Adrianna Pranzo, Kayla Westcott, Juliana Mangione; Back: Giovanna Perillo, Brook Plath, and Kiera McGrinder Players from all levels of the girls lacrosse program helped honor the Pac’s seniors on Senior Night. PHOTOS: SKIP PEARLMAN Pac senior Juliana Mangione (11) grabs a loose ball near midfield. LACROSSE SEE LACROSSE PAGE 29

MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 SPORTS MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 29 AFC Carmel (next to Starbucks) 1874B US 6, Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512 914.380.8588 afcurgentcare.com/carmel M-F: 8am-8pm, S-S: 8am-5pm Some bugs do more than bite. If you’ve been bitten by a tick, don’t delay getting tested for tick-borne illness! AFC offers removal, testing and treatment for infection. With convenient extended hours seven days a week and the option to “save your spot” to be seen, getting the care you need when you need it has never been easier. www.aonpt.com GOODROW BUILDING 862 Route 6 Mahopac NY 10541 (845) 208-0963 MILL POND OFFICES 293 Route 100 • Suite 107 Somers, NY 10589 (914) 276-2520 BREWSTER 3 Starr Ridge Road Brewster, NY 10509 (845) 279-9288 The Road To Recovery Starts Here Pac soph Ashley Koch (10) drops one of her four goals vs. Arlington. Pac soph Gianna Cirelli (5) fires a low shot past the Admirals keeper last Friday in a home win. Mahopac celebrated a first-half offensive outburst last week vs. Arlington. PHOTOS: SKIP PEARLMAN “These six seniors are special,” Frederick added of a group that includes Mangione, Pranzo, and Westcott (captains), attacker Plath, and defenders Kiera McGrinder and Giovanna Perillo. “They are my first senior group, so they’re special to me, and they’ve all played together since they were little. They made it a memorable night, and they will be missed.” Mahopac also traveled to Yorktown on Saturday (May 4), and played well in a 9-4 loss. Cirelli had two goals, DeVito and Mangione each had one, and Koch and Pranzo each had one assist. Carey had 14 saves in net. “I was so proud of the way we played Yorktown,” Frederick said. “They’re the No. 1 team in Class B and have a very strong team. They played good zone defense, and we were able to break through a couple of times. And we also played well against their offense. It was a huge mental win for us.” Mahopac (5-9) had two games left in regular-season action before playoffs were set to open (May 14). Mahopac was scheduled to play Tuesday (May 7) at home against North Salem, and the Pac visits John Jay CR Thursday at 5 p.m. Frederick said the team is on the edge of making the playoffs. “We need to win Tuesday against North Salem,” she said. “And a win Thursday would certainly help.” LACROSSE FROM PAGE 28

PAGE 30 – MAHOPAC NEWS SPORTS MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 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! Light up your summer • Outdoor Lighting • Smart Home Setup • Electric Car Chargers • GENERATORS AND ALL OF YOUR ELECTRIC NEEDS! $25 OFF Service Calls When You Present this Ad First Time Customers Only www.summertrailsdaycamp.com CURRENTLY HIRING STAFF! CALL FOR A TOUR! 914.245.1776 BY SKIP PEARLMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER Mahopac High’s boys lacrosse team continued to fight last week, opening with a 19-11 loss to a strong Greeley squad on Tuesday, and closing with a 14-7 loss Saturday on the road at Niskayuna. The Wolf Pac managed to pick up its second win of the season last Friday at home, rolling over a struggling Ardsley team, 20–0. Friday against Ardsley, Mahopac was up 8-0 by the end of the first. The Pac got four goals and one assist from St. Johns-bound Danny Koch, Brayden Torrey added two goals and one assist, Liam Jones had two goals, and Liam Scanlon had a goal and two assists. Keeper Lucas Lambertson made two saves in net, as the Pac defense rarely saw the ball on its end. “Ardsley was a nice win for the guys,” coach Jon Bota said. “We had a lot of guys competing that don’t usually play, and they executed well, and got good looks. We’re continuing to build chemistry. “Danny was great as always,” the coach added of Koch. “And as a junior Brayden Torrey has been playing well, and a few of our young guys have been looking good – Egan Jones and Ryan LaRue have been stepping up.” Saturday in Niskayuna, the host led 9-2 at halftime. Koch led the Pac with five goals, Jones and Patrick Mahoney each had one, and Torrey had one assist. Lambertson had seven saves in net. “Nisky was some good competition,” Bota said. “They’re a very good team, and I saw some fight. In the second half we played them 5-4, so it was close in the second. If we had played better in the first half, it would’ve been a better result.” In the loss to Greeley, Koch led the offense with five goals and four assists. Bryan Margolis and Jones each had two goals, and Torrey and Scanlan each had one. Lambertson had seven saves in net. With four games left in the regular season, Bota said his team (2-11) needs a couple of wins if they want to reach the playoffs. “We’ll need to finish the season strong, and play well against Carmel,” he said. “We definitely need a couple of wins.” Mahopac was set to visit Yorktown Wednesday (May 8), host Carmel Friday (May 10) at 6 p.m. on Senior Night, and the Pac travels to RCK High to face John Jay EF on Tuesday (May 14) at 4:30 p.m. Mahopac boys grind vs. Nisky, Greeley, roll to easy win over Ardsley Pac senior captain Danny Koch (33) had four goals and one assist vs. Ardsley. Mahopac’s Cam Hart (26) wins a faceoff vs. Ardsley. PHOTOS: SKIP PEARLMAN Mahopac’s Bryan Margolis (11) moves the ball vs. Ardsley. Mahopac’s Gio Mirable (1) pursues a ground ball vs. Ardsley. LACROSSE

MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 SPORTS MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 31 RED MILLS Convenience Center 575 Route 6N, Mahopac Falls • 845-628-9745 We have your grab and go items! OUR COOLERS ARE STOCKED! Your Favorite Cold Beverages & Poland Spring Cases of Water! Happy Spring! We are here if you need anything! Come see our vintage candy shop Mahopac Teachers, Students, School & Bus Garage Employees Buy One Egg Sandwich, Get 2nd HALF OFF Buy Lunch Sandwich, Get a Soda or Coffee FREE Happy Hour Coffee Ask About our coffee club Your 10th Cup is FREE! Any Size 3-7pm Purchase your box of Coffee to go! Buy 10, Get 1 FREE! Try our Coffee Flavors of the Season! Milkshakes & Smoothies $ 399 $ 1 00 OFF Sandwiches 3pm to 7pm We have over 100 helium balloon choices! 99¢ Seniors and four-year varsity players Danny Koch and Juliana Mangione each reached an impressive milestone in recent action by passing the 100 goalsscored mark. Both goals came in Wolf Pac wins, with Koch’s tally helping Mahopac past Arlington and Mangione’s 100th coming against Saugerties. Koch, Mangione  notch 100th career goals Mahopac’s Danny Koch scored his 100th career goal last week. PHOTOS: SKIP PEARLMAN Mahopac’s Juliana Mangione scored her 100th career goal last week.

PAGE 32 – MAHOPAC NEWS SPORTS MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR After starting the season 5-0 with a number of dominant wins, Mahopac’s varsity softball team faced a gut check as April came to a close. Five straight losses put them at .500 going into their April 30 home game against crosstown rivals Carmel, who beat Mahopac the previous Friday 2-1. Solid pitching, timely hitting, some good defense (and a few Carmel errors) helped the Wolf Pac to a momentum-changing win. Mahopac broke open a scoreless game in the bottom of the fourth. Pitcher Ava Lichtenberger got things going with a leadoff walk and stole second ahead of a one-out walk for catcher Gianna Lafaro, with Lichtenberger taking third on a wild pitch. Lichtenberger would score the first run on another wild pitch before and Emma Behun drove LaFaro home. A Shivonne Barry single and Alex Weiss walk loaded the bases for Emily Biagini, who was hit by a pitch to force in a run. A throwing error gave Mahopac a 4-0 lead. Lichtenberger fought her way through a tough Carmel lineup, surrendering 1 hit, 1 unearned run, and 3 walks while notching 4 Ks and making a stellar defensive play on a hard-hit comebacker. “We were prepared from the start of the season for a tough schedule and faced some highly skilled teams back to back,” coach Julia Walpole said about the early-season rollercoaster. “We have also had a few injuries that have hurt us as a team. All we can do is learn from the mistakes made and continue to grow as individuals and as a team.” Mahopac followed the Carmel victory up with back-to-back road wins against Scarsdale (8-1) and Brewster (4-1) before falling at Wolf Pac looks toward post-season Lichtenberger notches 400th K Gianna Lafaro, in action against Carmel, was hitting .537 after Monday’s action. Emily Biagini ends a threat with a catch in right field against Carmel. PHOTO: EMILE MENASCHE Ava Lichtenberger on the mound vs. Carmel. SEE SOFTBALL PAGE 33 FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HOT WATER HEATER & GAS NEEDS 60 Years of Excellence 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com TAKE $150 OFF MOTHER’S DAY SAVINGS INSTALLATION OF A SOFTENER luxurious, softened water brings to your Mom! Feel the Difference 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. SPRING 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 6/30/24 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!

MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 SPORTS MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 33 SOFTBALL FROM PAGE 32 Mahopac’s win against Carmel ignited a three-game winning streak Emma Behun stands in against Carmel. Shivonne Barry bats against Carmel. PHOTOS: EMILE MENASCHE Pitcher Ava Lichtenberger’s fourth-inning walk helped Mahopac get on the board against Carmel. John Jay EF (3-1 on May 4). An 8-2 loss at Arlington on Monday put the Wolf Pac at 8-7 heading into the home stretch. Along the way, Lichtenberger (1.79 ERA, 115Ks in 93.2 innings pitched) notched her 400th career strikeout while her battery-mate Lofaro has been the anchor on offense with a .537 average, 1.303 OPS and 13 RBIs in 15 games played. Walpole called 400 strikeouts “an incredible milestone.” “Ava continues to impress me every day,” Walpole said. “She is a great leader on and off the field and has kept us in tough games with her dominant pitching.” Walpole said Lafaro’s contributions at the plate have been just as crucial. “Every time Gianna steps into the box, I know she is going to produce or put the ball in play,” Walpole said. “She’s proven to be one of our best hitters this year and has a sense of relaxation and confidence about her up at bat that is not a taught skill.” Mahopac was set to play Arlington at home on Wednesday before hosting Hen Hud on Friday (May 10), Lakeland (Saturday, May 11), and Clarkstown South on Sunday. “We have one more packed week of regular season play and playoffs are right around the corner,” Walpole said, “It’s a whole new ballgame when it comes to high-stakes competition and at this level, it’s truly anyone’s game.” 17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults Installation to existing gas lines Safety check On-site tank requirement assessment New customer pricing Automatic delivery Budget payment plans Web portal and mobile app for easy account management 24/7/365 emergency service 1-800-PROPANE Mention Code: 3822 *Offer expires 5/31/2024. Tank installation special applies to standard installation of above-ground tank. Offer applies to new residential customers with a fuel service agreement, subject to credit approval. Customer is responsible for the removal of competitor’s tank. Not to be combined with any other offer or discount. Other restrictions may apply. Valid at participating location only. Call for details. LIMITED TIME OFFER 1-800-776-7263 SWITCH & SAVE! New Suburban Propane automatic delivery customers receive*: FREE PLUS

PAGE 34 – MAHOPAC NEWS SPORTS MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 AWARD WINNER LIC. REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATE BROKER Grace Vinciguerra Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962 Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR Late-inning heroics have become something of a habit for Mahopac this season. After finishing off a comeback win in their last at-bat against Yorktown on April 22, Mahopac delivered in true walkoff fashion against Carmel on April 30, with Nate Mascoll scoring in the bottom of the seventh on a fielder’s choice to seal a 3-2 win. Chris Sapienza started and went five strong innings, allowing one run on four hits while striking out 11. Jason Gardineer pitched the final two innings to earn the win. Mahopac opened the scoring in the bottom of the first thanks to a pair of Tylers, with DeBrocky driving in Castrataro, who had led off with a double. After Carmel tied it in the third, Mahopac went back on top when Brandstetter drove in Robert Dusovic with two outs. After surrendering a leadoff homer to his first batter in the top of the sixth, Gardineer settled down to retire six in a row, setting the Wolf Pac up for their walk-off heroics. Mahopac followed that with a 5-3 home win against John Jay and an 8-2 road win at Lakeland, sandwiching a home loss to Ketcham to go 12-4-1. Mahopac was set to play a home and away set vs. Arlington before visiting Greeley on Saturday, May 11. Wolf Pac walks one off vs. Rams Win helps propel Mahopac toward post-season Chris Sapienza struck out 11 Carmel Rams in Mahopac’s walk-off win. Tyler Castrataro Vince Cataldo in action vs. Carmel PHOTOS: EMILE MENASCHE

MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 LEISURE MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 35 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. It wakes you up 6. A place to sleep 9. Czech village 13. Appetizer 14. African country 15. Dark brown or black 16. Parent-teacher groups 17. Saturates 18. ESPN personality Kimes 19. Songs to a lover 21. Cavalry-sword 22. Begat 23. Patriotic women 24. Famed Princess 25. One who does not conform 28. Neither 29. Nigerian monetary unit 31. Body parts 33. Hit Dave Matthews Band song 36. Depicts with pencil 38. Make into leather without tannin 39. Plants grow from them 41. Alias 44. Fingers do it 45. More dried-up 46. Clod 48. Senior officer 49. A way to listen to music 51. The bill in a restaurant 52. Historic center of Artois region 54. Cyprinid fishes 56. Poisonous perennial plant 60. Scottish Loch 61. Heads 62. Extra seed-covering 63. Wings 64. Britpop band 65. Forearm bones 66. Small immature herring 67. Female sibling 68. Hymn CLUES DOWN 1. Vipers 2. Not on time 3. Resembling a wing or wings 4. Tears down 5. Professional designation 6. Noise a sheep made 7. Type of lodge 8. Speak poorly of 9. Ties the knot again 10. Apron 11. Studied intensively 12. City in Finland 14. One who monitors 17. 18-year astronomical period 20. Trent Reznor’s band 21. Takes to the sea 23. Split pulses 25. Valentine’s Day color 26. Wyatt __ 27. Type of rail 29. One from the Big Apple 30. Asteroids 32. Made more sugary 34. Change in skin pigment 35. Mild yellow Dutch cheese 37. Koran chapters 40. A place to relax 42. Young woman ready for society life 43. Female horses 47. Half of Milli Vanilli 49. Icelandic poems 50. Indiana town 52. Golden peas 53. Closes tightly 55. It’s mined in mountains 56. Cliff (Hawaii) 57. Ribosomal ribonucleic acid 58. Monetary unit 59. Primordial matter 61. TV station 65. Rise PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF 4/25/24 Mixed Berry French Toast Whisk together the first six ingredients. Place bread cubes in a 13 x 9-inch or 3-quart baking dish coated with cooking spray. Pour egg mixture over top. Refrigerate, covered, eight hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 350 F. Remove berries from freezer and French toast from refrigerator and let stand while oven heats. Bake French toast, covered, 30 minutes. In a small bowl, cut butter into brown sugar until crumbly. Top French toast with berries; sprinkle with brown sugar mixture. Bake, uncovered, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. If desired, dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve with syrup. This recipe is from Metro Creative Connection. Great breakfast in bed this Mother’s Day Ingredients Makes 8 servings 6 large eggs 1-3/4 cups fat-free milk 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract There may be no better way to start Mother’s Day than serving Mom some breakfast in bed. A homemade meal before Mom even gets out of bed can set the right tone for a day that celebrates all mothers have done and continue to do for their children. There’s no shortage of breakfast in bed options to serve Mom this Mother’s Day. If Mom loves a traditional hearty morning meal, this recipe for “Mixed Berry French Toast” courtesy of Taste of Home (tasteofhome.com) is sure to please. 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 loaf (1 pound)French bread, cubed 1 package (12 ounces) frozen unsweetened mixed berries 2 tablespoons cold butter 1/3 cup packed brown sugar Confectioners’ sugar and maple syrup (optional)

PAGE 36 – MAHOPAC NEWS MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 rounded individuals and believes Mahopac achieves that balance admirably. She points to the STEAM fairs, academic ceremonies, art hops, and sporting events, all valued by the community, as proof. “As a mother, an education advocate, and a former teacher, I will do my best for all the students of Mahopac as if they were my own,” she said. Christopher Harrigan Christopher Harrigan has been a resident of the Mahopac School District since 2012. He said that upon moving to the area, it was important to him and his wife to become involved in the community where their son would grow up. Since then, Harrigan, who has worked in law enforcement for 18 years, has volunteered as a sports coach, firefighter/EMT, and Cub Scout den leader. “I have really enjoyed coaching baseball, basketball, and now soccer. It is always great to see the children competing and having fun together,” he said. “As a member of the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department for 10 years, it was very rewarding to be able to help a neighbor in their time of need. My wife and I were den leaders for Pack 271 for many years and were so proud to watch the boys cross over into Boy Scouts.” Harrigan said that as a law enforcement officer, his interactions with the public have made him very aware of the importance of public trust. “I will bring the same level of integrity, trust, and professionalism that I have in my career to the school board,” he said. Harrigan said it was the COVID school lockdowns that compelled him to get involved in the school district. “Before that, I never gave much thought about the school district and the school board. Our family was happy with the schools and the teachers that we had through the years,” he said. “Unfortunately, the school district was forced to comply with many stringent policies that New York State pushed that were harmful to our children’s health and education. I felt a strong urge to get involved on behalf of our students and I did everything I could to return our students to a normal school experience.” On the issue of challenged books, Harrigan notes said, “we have seen in our district that there are certain books that are not appropriate for a school library.” “One parent read a few lines from one of these books at a school board meeting here in Mahopac,,” he said. “ A board member called the material ‘salacious’ and the board shut off her microphone and ended the meeting.  The passage was unfit for a business meeting full of adults but [is] apparently considered perfectly fine reading material for middle or high schoolers. We need to evaluate our vetting process if situations like this occur. ‘ Harrigan also raised concerns about the school budget and tax burden to the community, noting that while the student population has declined by about 15 percent over the past 10 years, the budget and cost per student continue to rise. “In 2022, the school budget was voted down. A contingency budget with minor cuts was put forward and eventually passed,” he said. “I had thought that would lead to the district taking a comprehensive look at all aspects of the budget, but that never took place. I believe that substantial, long-term solutions are needed to keep our budget in check.” Harrigan said that preparing students for success should be the district’s top priority, including policies that strengthen Mahopac’s academic and vocational programs. He said he was impressed with the success that students have achieved in the various BOCES programs, which “provide our students great opportunities; we should look to expand on those offerings.” “I hope to get the opportunity to serve as a member of the Mahopac School Board,” Harrigan concluded. “I look forward to continuing my service to the community. I know that parents, teachers, and students can work together towards the success of our schools.” Noelle Harrison Noelle Harrison grew up on Long Island, one of seven children. That background has instilled in her a deep appreciation for community and the value of education. After completing her bachelor’s degree and graduate studies in digital imaging and design, Harrison ventured into that industry for several years. But her journey took an unexpected turn when she discovered a passion for teaching and decided to pursue it full-time. After her daughter was born, the family relocated to Queens, but eventually, the desire to escape apartment life prompted them northbound and they settled in Mahopac. “We have been residents for five-plus years,” she said. “Along the way, I accumulated more than 13 years of teaching experience at Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES and have served as a STEM afterschool teacher for various school districts. As an educator, I’ve found profound fulfillment in teaching a diverse group of learners, each with their unique abilities and talents.” Harrison said that now more than ever it is crucial to engage in school board elections, regardless of whether you have children in the district. “Our schools are confronting new challenges, and the transformative shifts occurring in education nationally are affecting us locally,” she said. “As both a parent and an educator, I understand the profound importance of our children’s education and well-being.” Harrison said that although she supports the administration’s current approach to evaluating challenged books, she would like to transition from the current opt-out system (where a parent can tell the school not to allow their child access to any book) SEE SCHOOLBOARD PAGE 37 SCHOOLBOARD FROM PAGE 3 Bobo’s Chappaqua 1 Station Plaza Chappaqua, NY 914-861-8001 Bobo’s Ridgefield, Ct. 32 Danbury Road 203-894-5463 249 US-202 6 Heritage Center Somers, NY 10589 (914) 276-2233 Crossroads Plaza, 57 US-6, Baldwin Place, NY 10505 (914) 519-6227 We would like to take this opportunity to wish the Mahopac Moms a Gift certificates are a great gift for MOM! www.boboscafe.net Visit our other locations: Very Happy Mothers Day! 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to an opt-in method (where any contested book would be removed from access for all unless an individual student’s parent approves it for their child). “Transparency and parental involvement in the process is crucial. Parents should be fully heard before any decisions are concluded,” she said. “I believe it is crucial to ensure age-appropriate materials in libraries and to address concerns regarding explicit language, sexual content, and political biases. Striking a balance between freedom of expression and protecting youth from potentially harmful content is vital in shaping a conducive learning environment.” On the issue of diversity and inclusion, Harrison said the district’s effort should “reflect the true meaning of equity — recognizing and addressing students’ unique needs to ensure their success.” “It’s essential to realize that some require tailored support to thrive and reach their full potential, yet the challenge is doing so without excessively lowering learning standards,” she said. “Research suggests that some current DEI programs and training, funded by taxpayers, may have shortcomings. Concerns arise when mandatory DEI activities involve materials and projects emphasizing an ‘anti-racist’ stance, potentially complicating discernment regarding biased actions and appropriate responses. Instead, an alternative approach could prioritize lessons centered on common values such as equality under the law, freedom, and opportunity while avoiding unnecessary division.” Harrison said prioritizing core subjects while still allocating time and attention to arts and athletics is essential for a wellrounded education. “This can be achieved through regular classes, elective courses, and extracurricular activities,” she said. “Striking a balance that allows for meaningful engagement in all areas will contribute to the healthy development of students and prepare them for success in school and beyond.” Harrison said one of the biggest challenges facing the district over the next few years will be maintaining the schools in the face of inflation and the cost of living. “Prioritizing efficiency and accountability within school budgets can help ensure that resources are allocated effectively, minimizing waste and maximizing impact,” she said. Another challenge facing all districts, she said, is the risk of overreliance on AI as it continues to advance, potentially impacting students’ learning and critical thinking skills while facilitating cheating. “A balance between technology and traditional teaching methods will ensure that students develop essential cognitive skills, such as memory retention, comprehension, and creativity,” she said. “If elected, I will prioritize the interests of our students and families, advocating for practical solutions to address our district’s challenges.” Sharae Nix Sharae Nix and her husband of eight years moved to Mahopac in 2017 as her stepson was getting ready to start kindergarten. The couple have three children, including a 6-year-old autistic son. “We came here to provide our children with the best possible education,” she said. Nix went to nursing school and worked in healthcare, and then received a BA in history from Hunter College intending to become a history professor. “For now, I have the opportunity to be home full-time mother to focus on my children, which is a blessing as a parent of a special needs child,” she said. Nix said she decided to run for school board in the wake of the debate over universal pre-k (UPK), which she said left her frustrated. “My husband and I went to the special meeting on UPK to show our support for what seemed like a common-sense decision for the district. It quickly became very apparent to me that decisions weren’t being made based on what was best for the children, and that is exactly what I stood up at the meeting and said,” she recalled. “When I went home that night I knew that if I were a trustee of the board I would always keep the children of the district at the center of my decisions and therefore I decided to run.” Nix said she “absolutely supports” the administration’s current approach to evaluating challenged books. “I believe it is a thorough process that is fair and gives parents who do not want their children reading certain material an option to restrict access to it from their children,” she said. Nix said diversity and inclusion efforts throughout the district should celebrate differences, understanding that sometimes it’s our differences that benefit the community as a whole. “I have seen success in the diversity days and cultural nights held at our schools,” Nix said. “I believe where we have an area of opportunity is closing the academic gaps in our underserved populations, which counts for nearly 10 percent of our US News & World Report ranking. It’s now one of two ways you can meet the criteria to become a National Blue Ribbon school. When everyone is doing well, our district is doing well.” Nix said she also believes core subjects, arts and athletics must coexist equally because not every child will be good in all categories. “If we de-emphasize any group, we risk a child leaving our school district having not found their niche,” she said. “If our goal is to emphasize strengths and minimize weaknesses in every child we must invest in all three areas.” Nix said the biggest challenge facing the school district over the next several years is technology— from the way students are tested by the state, to their addiction to their screens, to the use of AI in academics to social media bullying. “Technology rules our children’s lives more and more MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 37 Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. 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PAGE 38 – MAHOPAC NEWS MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 every day. We as a district have to figure out how to prepare them for every technological facet of today and tomorrow,” she said. “We could teach digital citizenship, use AI detection software, and offer Zoom workshops for parents about digital safety just to start.” If elected, Nix said voters would be getting a new trustee who is goal-orientated. “My goal would be working cooperatively to ensure our school district is advancing forward instead of remaining stagnant,” she said. Jennifer Travis Jennifer Travis has lived in Mahopac her entire life. She purchased the house that her grandfather, George Bennett, built on the land that her great-grandparents owned. She is the mother of two girls and works full-time as a school psychologist in a nearby district. “As a mental health clinician and educator, as well as a mom, I have a unique perspective to bring,” she said. Travis said running for the school board has been a goal for many years, but decided to do it this year when she was inspired by her daughter bravely stepping onto the stage in the middle school play. “I reflected at that moment how much I appreciate all the things that the school district provides and knew that it was time to start giving back,” Travis said. “Our children have a plethora of opportunities provided to them and I want to ensure that the district continues to support our students in these and other ways.” Travis said she would like to follow the district’s current approach that challenged books are appropriately reviewed, discussed, and voted upon. “It is important to listen to all stakeholders and hear their concerns. I would also plan on reading each of the books myself so that I have a better understanding of the content,” she said. “I would encourage my other board members to do the same. We cannot make an informed decision without first becoming informed ourselves.” Travis believes that when it comes to diversity and inclusivity, the district has worked hard to ensure that everyone feels like they belong. “They have asked for community input, met with students, and provided clear goals through the strategic plan,” she said. “In my professional role, I see the importance of inclusion policies for students with special needs, and I have fought for children to be placed in the least restrictive environment and have inclusion whenever possible. Children with diverse backgrounds help all children learn and grow.” Travis believes there needs to be a balance among academics, the arts, and athletics. She said all areas are important and children need to feel successful in their areas of strength. “Every child has different skills and interests and we need to ensure we are providing each of them with opportunities to grow and succeed,” she said. “Mahopac is strong in music and athletics and has made new investments in STEM and arts. We need to sustain that funding balance to provide all students critical pathways toward future careers.” The biggest challenge Travis said she sees for the Mahopac School District is responding to the growing social/emotional and behavioral needs of our students. She said that over the last five years, there has been a significant increase in emotional dysregulation among children, including in Mahopac’s elementary schools. “We need to provide resources to our classrooms so they can continue to meet the growing needs within our community,” she said. “Social and Emotional Learning is a critical step in being proactive to those needs. Paying attention to these crucial skills in elementary school will lead to fewer special education referrals and costly alternative placement recommendations.   Travis said residents should vote for her because she understands how schools can be the most effective. “And I can hit the ground running to make an impact on day one,” she said. “I love this town and I want to keep it strong for my children and future grandchildren.” SCHOOLBOARD FROM PAGE 37 Get This Newspaper’s App On Your Phone Always Stay Informed About News Involving YOUR Town & Schools Android Scan Here iPhone Scan Here Get Our App! Service... Integrity... Compassion Family owned and operated We began with a mission to celebrate life and serve families. There is much peace to be found here, and we invite you to find yours. Explore more. Take a tour. Read our story. Share in experiences. Anthony J. Guarino Family Owned & Operated 945 East Main Street • Shrub Oak, NY 10588 • (914) 962-0700 YorktownFuneralHome.com • [email protected] It’s unfortunate that [antisemitism] needs to be clarified, but that’s why this bill is necessary.” -Congressman Mike Lawler “Antisemitism has spread like wildfire on college campuses and now more than ever, it is crucial that we stamp it out,” Scott said. “I am urging Chuck Schumer to immediately bring the bill to the floor for a vote and for every single senator to support it. The Senate has a responsibility to stand against hatred so our Jewish brothers and sisters can live without fear.” Lawler said it got to the point where Congress could no longer sit around and do nothing. “Sadly, we are seeing how divided our country is,” he said. “But the problem is there are no consequences anymore for people’s actions. People do things with impunity and are not held accountable. The failure to do that is what led to this explosion on college campuses.” Lawler said after the Senate passes the legislation, it will head to President Biden’s desk for his approval. Lawler notes that while the President hasn’t publicly indicated his stance on the bill, he said he believes Biden will sign it. “If the bill passes the Senate [which has a Democratic majority], I can’t imagine he wouldn’t sign it,” Lawler said. “They worked with us last fall when we were crafting it, and we took their feedback.” Lawler has two other related bills pending as well. The College Oversight and Legal Updates Mandating Bias Investigations and Accountability (COLUMBIA)  Act would have the Secretary of Education appoint antisemitism monitors to college campuses that receive federal funding. The expenses of the monitorship would be paid by the particular college or university that has been selected for monitorship. Failure to comply with the monitorship would result in the loss of federal funds. The monitor would release a publicly available online quarterly report, evaluating in detail the progress that a college or university has made toward combating antisemitism on campus and issuing policy recommendations to Congress, the Secretary of Education, and state and local regulators as needed. The other bill is known as the Stop the Antisemitism on College Campuses Act, which would strip funding if the school were found to be propagating antisemitism. A spokesperson for Lawler’s office said he believes the COLUMBIA Act will get to the House floor for a vote in about a month. Lawler’s 17th Congressional District contains all or parts of Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, and Westchester counties and is home to one of the largest Jewish populations in the United States. ANTISEMITISM FROM PAGE 9

MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 39 This ad Sponsored by Mahopac News Hercules Volpe Hercules Alexander Volpe, a former longtime Mahopac resident, passed away on April 22, 2024. He was born in Providence R.I., on July 10, 1928, to Giovanni and Mary (Vento) Volpe. He was the youngest of six children - two brothers, and three sisters - all of whom passed away before him. Herc, as he was known to family and friends, was the devoted husband of the late Barbara (Cutler) Volpe. He was in the U.S. Navy from January 1946 through December 1947. He was a graduate of the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design and put his engineering degree to good use during his 37 years at IBM and in everyday life.  He was an exemplary employee, but the most important role in his life was as a husband and father. He was a strong, generous, giving man who spent many years volunteering at several East Hampton Organizations starting in the mid-1980s.  Before the move to Amagansett, N.Y. he and his wife Barbara lived in Mahopac for more than 30 years where they were active participants at St. John the Evangelist Church and Parish community. Herc was still imparting knowledge, guidance, and love at the age of 95-plus years. He and his late wife Barbara raised nine children and were the proud grandparents of 53 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Hercules, and the love of his life Barbara, were married on June 8th, 1950, for 67 years, raising not only their 9 children but also Jean Cutler, beloved 9-yearold sister of Barbara. He is survived by his children Katherine (Jack) Bettin; Susan (Larry) Gusmano; Peggy (Kevin) Healy; Rosemary (Steven) Carinci; Annie (Rich) Fetzer; James (Louise) Volpe; Beth (Richard Jr.) Ainsworth; Krissie (Jay) Hansmann; Matthew (Lisa) Volpe, 22 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren. Herc was cremated and a funeral mass was held at St. Peter’s Church in Amagansett with a private interment following on May 2. A memorial mass will be held at St. John the Evangelist Church in Mahopac at a later date. Theresa L. Wissell Theresa L. Wissell, (aka Bunny) 86, of Carmel, passed away peacefully at home on March 31, 2024, with her family by her side. Together we said goodbye to this special “Bunny.” She couldn’t have planned her entry into the Lord’s workforce any better than on Easter Sunday. A cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she was born in the City of New York to Edward and Loretto (McAllister) Ramelkamp on Jan. 2, 1938. She was a graduate of St. Barnabas High School in the Bronx  Theresa was employed by the Bowery Savings Bank in Manhattan until she married the love of her life, Walter, upon his return from the Navy in 1959.  Married for 64 years, Theresa and Walter began their journey of raising seven children: Walter Wissell, Christine Misuraca (Joe), Kathy Maguire, Theresa Krepil (Keith), Ed Wissell (Alisa), Tom Wissell (Lisa McSpedon) and Jennifer Nygard. Theresa also leaves behind her much loved, cherished, and spoiled 16 grandchildren, Hunter, Joseph, Jenna, Kallen, Michael, Daniel, Dylan, Alexa, Kevin, Ryan, John, Eliana, Emma, Olivia, Hannah, and Ameliah, all of whom she treasured.  Theresa is survived by her youngest sister, Anne Marie Reap. Theresa was predeceased by her parents, sister Joan Greco and sister Mary Coleman. Theresa will be remembered for her devotion to her family and others. She was a devout Catholic with a great devotion to St. Therese and an altruistic person at heart. If she wasn’t caring for her children, and grandchildren, or volunteering, she was spending her time at either St. John’s the Evangelist Church in Mahopac, or St. James the Apostle in Carmel. Theresa was a Eucharistic minister and an active member of the Rosary Alter Society. She held many offices on both the state and local levels for the Catholic Daughters of America for more than 40 years.  Theresa also enjoyed spending several nights a week volunteering in the gift shop for Putnam Hospital Center. Once her children were grown and she was not running around town, Theresa enjoyed her days decorating the house for every season and holiday and caring for her gardens at the family home.  Theresa was always willing to go out of her way to lend a hand, whether babysitting her grandchildren, ironing for the church, baking for a bake sale, shopping and making sandwiches for the homeless, and literally tending to anyone who needed her. Her constant willingness to go the extra mile and her endless love and affection will be missed. Make donations to the St. John’s Food Pantry OBITUARIES SEE OBITUARIES PAGE 40

PAGE 40 – MAHOPAC NEWS MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 Mary Ellen DiRaffaele Mary Ellen DiRaffaele, a longtime resident of Mahopac, passed away on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the age of 77. She was born in Jamaica, Queens, on Dec. 16, 1946, the daughter of Walter and Mary (Snodgrass) Marvin. Mary Ellen graduated from Massapequa High School. She retired from Three Lakes Management in Brewster, in 2023 where she worked as a property manager after 37 years of service. Mary Ellen was an avid reader and a member of Read Hot Mamas Book Club. She was a member of the Friends of the Mahopac Library where she had served on the board of directors. While her children were growing up, she was a member of the Parent Teacher Association (Mahopac) and was a Girl Scout leader. On May 31, 1969, she married Dennis DiRaffaele in Farmingdale, N.Y. In addition to Dennis, she is survived by her children, Leann Cook and her husband Matthew of Putnam Valley, and Matthew DiRaffaele of Newburgh, N.Y.; her brother, Robert McDaniel and wife, Shirley of Farmingdale and her beloved granddaughters, Casey and Tara Stiller. She was predeceased by her brother, Butch Marvin. Interment was at Union Valley Cemetery in Mahopac. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Mary Ellen to the American Cancer Society, specifying breast cancer research. Go to www. cancer.org. OBITUARIES FROM PAGE 39 MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-HOUR PROBLEM GAMING HOTLINE: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369) Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com I-84 | Exit 36B I-87 | Exit 17 Earn Entries All Month Long! Saturday, May 25 • 10pm Win a Ford Mustang GT Premium Fastback! *Actual model and color may vary. FORD MUSTANG DRAWING CoveCare Center Please come out to support our community-based mental health and substance use services! 2024 Annual Team Spelling Bee May 15th, 5:30 PM Network & Team Build! Fun and fundraising for a great cause - 3 Team trophies awarded! Our Bee is the perfect networking and team-building event. Groups work together to correctly spell challenging words advancing through more difficult rounds as the night goes on. To SPONSOR/REGISTER, visit the link below or scan the QR code: covecarecenter.org/2024-spelling-bee/ Centennial Golf Club, Carmel NY $50 per person dinner included SPONSORS NEEDED! - Special Thanks to Our Sponsors - artistic use of plant material, aid in the protection of native trees, plants, and birds, and encourage civic planting. Learn more at lakemahopacgc.com IAC Relay for Life Fundraiser Join the Italian American Club (141 Buckshollow Road. in Mahopac) on May 20 from 5-9 p.m. for a Monday night dinner extravaganza fundraiser for Relay for Life. Savor an authentic, four-course meal, music, an Italian hospitality. Payment and reservations are due no later than May 16. Admission is $40 for nonmembers, $30 for members and seniors, and $20 for kids 15 and under. Pay in person at the Freight House Café (609 US 6 Mahopac, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For more info, call Linda, or visit italianamericanclubofmahopac.org, or search for the club on Facebook. Blood Drive With supplies short, the American Red Cross and New York Blood Center are organizing multiple blood drives in town: Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd. in Yorktown Heights on Monday, May 13, noon-6 p.m. (New York Blood Center). Visit donate.nybc.org/donor/ schedules for more information about these and other donation opportunities. 4-H Fair Vendors Wanted The annual Putnam County Fair and 4-H Showcase will be held on Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Carmel. This event attracts thousands of individuals and families from the Hudson Valley and the tri-state area. Putnam County and Cornell Cooperative Extension are seeking crafters and food trucks to showcase their offerings. They are looking for vendors who offer high-quality, unique, and engaging products and services that align with the values of the Fair and 4-H Showcase. Vendors who are passionate about their craft or food are encouraged to apply. For more information, call the Putnam County Parks Office at 845- 808-1994, or email [email protected]. Honor Vets, Earn Service Credit The Putnam County Veterans Service Agency is looking for volunteers to help install flags on the Row of Honor on the shoreline of Lake Gleneida along Gleneida Avenue on Saturday, May 18 in the Carmel Hamlet. The group will meet at 9 a.m. across from George’s Place. This is an excellent opportunity for any student looking to earn community service credits. Relay for Life Shoe Donations All shoes, new or in good used condition, are wanted for a Relay for Life fundraiser.  Men, women, children, or sports shoes and boots can be left at the First Presbyterian Church’s garage at 411 Route 6N (and Secor Road), Mahopac, anytime, or brought to the Relay for Life event at Mahopac High School on June 1, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Shoes will be picked up at the end of June by Funds2Org, they will donate to Relay for Life and then the shoes will be used to supply micro-businesses in developing countries. For more information, e-mail Johanna at [email protected]. MUSINGS FROM PAGE 10

MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 41 Mahopac’s Farmer’s Market is back in business. The season opened on Saturday, and the gray skies couldn’t dim the smiles all around Chamber Park. The market runs every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until late October. Farmers Market opens at Chamber Park Mary Galway of Miss Mary’s Flowers PHOTOS: AMY MENASCHÉ Tara Dolack at Tara’s Treasures, a business she runs with her mom Sue McKenna. Richard Settembrini and Jamie Lynn Alonso volunteer at the Carmel Rec & Parks booth. Andrew Tiess, Farmer’s Market manager is with them. Visit us at: 128 Route 52, Carmel Shari Zimmerman 845-621-2557 [email protected] Call for a FREE Quote today! RATES GOING UP? SUBSCRIBE NOW SAVE20% www.theschoolhousetheater.org 914-473-7111 Isabella Vicario and Gianni Thomas serve a customer at Frenchy’s Baked Goods Anthony Carlino of Bosco’s Beans: Anthony used to run Brooklyn Coffee House with his brother on Clark Place. Ciel Mendoza smiles for the camera at Brewster Pastry.

PAGE 42 – MAHOPAC NEWS MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 Our Fences Include: Chain Link Aluminum Wood Vinyl Deer Fencing Railings scrfence.com | 914-302-2552 GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS. -Robert Frost See Our Great Selection of Styles & Colors! Material Also Available for DIY. 2013 Crompond Road Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 [email protected] Westchester’s Leading Fence Installer Proud To Be Locally Owned Building Superior Fences at Competitive Prices Proudly Partnered With AFA (American Fence Association) JUNK REMOVAL DUMPSTERS 3 DUMPSTER ON WHEELS 10,12,15,18 yd. 3 CONTAINERS 15, 20, 30 yd 3 JUNK REMOVAL Michael Procopis • [email protected] www.MVPJunkRemoval.com (914 703-2626 Get This Newspaper’s App On Your Phone Always Stay Informed About News Involving YOUR Town & Schools Android Scan Here iPhone Scan Here Get Our App! A diverse selection of paintings created by Mahopac resident James Sparks, representing several decades of work, will be on display in the Third Floor Gallery at Mahopac Public Library. The exhibit features realism, fantasy, and an homage to the 16th Century painter Hieronymous Bosch. The exhibit will be on display from May 13 through June 21, with a public reception on Sunday, May 19, from 2-4 p.m. Sparks’s subject matter honors the beauty found in the complexity and biodiversity in nature. His paintings are a realistic portrayal of the patterns, textures, and subtle coloration found in natural rock formations, vegetation, and even in curbside garbage.  These themes extend to exploring the challenge to paint crowds of people in sports stadiums. His inspiration to paint complex natural formations, whether rock, roots, or animated people in crowded stadiums, stems from a desire to tease out order from chaos. By concentrating on patterns, layers of dried leaves on a porch floor, or intertwining vines, his work transcends the literalness of the subject and allows for a new awareness and appreciation of the inherent beauty of organic forms that stimulate the imagination and border on the fantastic. With the stadium series, the organized repetition of seating provides contrast to the energy and movement of the crowd. Sparks’ series of Bosch-inspired paintings celebrate his re-imagining of Hieronymus Bosch’s enigmatic 16th Century triptych “The Garden of Earthly Delights.” When closely examining this very detailed, symbol-laden “Garden,” he was challenged to redefine the fascinating fragments to become complete compositions in themselves. Bosch was a precursor to the surrealists and Sparks’s series of amplified details depicts a universal delight with myth, magic, and dream-like images. Sparks moved with his family from Lower Manhattan to Mahopac in 1991. He served for 22 years as an Adjunct Professor of Fine Arts at the College of Mount St. Vincent in Riverdale (now known as the University of Mount St. Vincent), where he taught drawing, art history, and Ddigital photography until his retirement in May 2023. He is represented by Upstream Gallery in Hastings-on-Hudson; his work is also featured on fineartamerica.com and SaatchiArt.com. Several of Sparks’s paintings and prints are currently installed at Tilly’s Table in Brewster in cooperation with the Putnam Arts Council. The Third Floor Gallery is open to the public during regular Library hours. For further information about the Gallery, visit mahopaclibrary.org/art-galleries or email [email protected]. Article courtesy of Mahopac Public Library Artwork by James Sparks comes to Mahopac Library Local artist reflects on nature and Hieronymous Bosch Works by James Sparks will be on display at Mahopac Library’s Third Floor Gallery from May 13-June 21. IMAGES COURTESY OF MAHOPAC PUBLIC LIBRARY

MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 43 FUN for the Whole Family! FOOD • VENDORS ENTERTAINMENT CARMEL Spring FAIR Has partnered with: The Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce brings you the annual VENDORS WANTED! To sign up go to www.mahopaccarmelchamber.com or call 845-628-5553 Gleneida Ave. between Fair St. & Vink Dr. Sat. May 18th (Raindate Sun. May 19th) 12–4pm

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MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 45 Contact Us Mahopac News is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 845-208-0774 or email mahopacnews@ halstonmedia.com. The Consumer’s Choice for Discount Heating Oil! SAVE WITH OUR LOW C.O.D. PRICES! • No Contracts or Commitments • Oil Burner & A/C Service/Tune-ups • Quality Heating Oil • Senior Citizen & Volume Discounts • Heating, Cooling & Generator Installations • Price Matching (Restrictions apply) Order online at: www.codoil.com CALL US TODAY AND SAVE! 914.737.7769 Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in the Mahopac News Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-My Community Bulletin Board Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in the Mahopac News Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 toMy Community Bulletin Board Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in the Mahopac News Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! Honest and Reliable, 30+ years experience. Local Collector/Seller Putnam/Westchester/Orange/Dutchess and more Call or text: 917-699-2496 • email: [email protected] Hope to hear from you! Thanks! BUYING COMIC BOOK COLLECTIONS! TOP PRICES PAID! 914-245-2060 YorktownGardenSupply.com Topsoil Stone Mulch Sand 3311 Gomer Street Yorktown, NY 10598 Has your style changed? Your furniture just needs a face-lift. UPHOLSTERY CUSTOM FURNITURE DESIGN 64 Gleneida Ave • Carmel, NY 10512 914.584.3839 [email protected] AFFORDABLE Dumpster Rentals! CIRONE CARTING 845-533-5262 Same-Day Roll-Off Container Delivery Available 10-yard • 12-yard • 15-yard 20-yard • 30-yard CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE cironeconstruction.com Putnam County is recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month to promote existing mental health resources, increase educational messaging, and challenge the stigma for people with mental health diagnoses. Key areas of focus for this year’s celebration include intentional language and personcentered care, with the county hosting a forum on May 21, from 8:30 a.m. to noon, at the Bureau of Emergency Services auditorium, at 112 Old Route 6, in Carmel.  “May is a critical time for us to reflect on the challenges faced by individuals with mental health conditions and to reaffirm our commitment to providing support and resources for our community,” said County Executive Kevin Byrne. “By coming together during Mental Health Awareness Month, we can work towards breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need. I hope to see a good crowd at our forum later this month.” Millions of New Yorkers are affected by mental health symptoms and diagnoses. Based on the Community Health Assessment conducted by the Putnam County Health Department, Putnam County residents report they do not feel there are sufficient quality mental health providers here in Putnam. Additionally, Putnam County residents report high levels of pandemic impact on mental health, increased social isolation, and increased frequency of drug use. In response, Putnam County has refocused efforts to expand access to services, hire additional mental health experts, create a mental health co-response team with the County Sheriff’s Office, and bring additional providers to the community, including a partnership with PeopleUSA to open the county’s first Stabilization Center. “To approach Mental Health Awareness Month in a celebratory manner does not diminish the struggles and obstacles people with mental health diagnoses face,” said Lauren Johnson, dual recovery coordinator with the Putnam County Department of Mental Health. “The goal is to change the language we use to be more empowering, intentional, and inclusive to encourage anyone needing mental health support to not only know the resources available to them but to also feel welcome and empowered to access those resources.” “It is essential for all residents to understand that they play a part in supporting the mental health of our community. That work begins with challenging stigma and the words we choose to use,” said Sara Servadio, commissioner of mental health at Putnam’s Social Services & Youth Bureau.  The focus on person-centered, strengths-based services is carried into the Putnam County Mental Health Forum to be hosted this month. The title of the forum on May 21st  is “Words Matter: Fostering a Person-Centered, Inclusive Approach. The forum is open to all, and registration is required:  form.jotform. com/241094989511161. For more information on the Putnam County Department of Mental Health, call 845-808- 1500. Resources for Putnam residents can be found at: putnamcountyny.com/thebridge  Article courtesy of the Putnam County Executive’s Office Putnam County to host mental health forum Event is part of Mental Health Awareness Month Letters and Op-Ed Policy Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those of Mahopac News or its affiliates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail at mahopacnews@ halstonmedia.com. For more information, call the editor at 845-208-0774. Editorial Submissions Press releases and photos should be submitted to Mahopac News by the Thursday before the next publication date. Submissions can be emailed to [email protected] or mail it to Mahopac News, 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you’d like your photo returned.

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Get YOUR Town’s Local News In Your Inbox Daily FORUM FROM PAGE 6 Viewers were allowed to submit questions by typing them online or leaving a voice mail but did not have the opportunity to speak directly to any of the panel members. Questions were read and assigned to panel members by the moderator, who did not appear on camera. Cline and Natale tackled most of the questions. The questions ranged from the project’s impact on property values to personnel (there will be no workers onsite most of the time) to light pollution (designed to be minimized), and the company’s experience with other such projects. But judging by the volume of questions and reactions after the event, subjects of most concern to residents revolved around the potential danger—such as fire and water contamination— posed by placing a lithium-ion battery system of this size in a largely residential location that includes wetlands. Asked what happens if chemicals leak into the wetlands, Cline said it was “really unlikely.” “Under normal operations, these facilities won’t leak,” Cline said. “Under an extremely rare circumstance where there is a fire incident…these facilities are designed to fail [safely].” Natale, whose organization helps train firefighters on how to deal with lithium-ion incidents, said the best practice in a fire was to let it burn itself out. “During fire conditions, what we recommend is non-intervention, meaning allow the batteries to consume themselves,” Natale said. “You cannot extinguish a lithium-ion fire. So there [are] currently no listed agents that would allow you to suppress these fires. Allowing them to consume themselves, then there’s no runoff like you would see at a normal fire.” Asked whether residents within a mile of the facility would have to shelter in place in the event of a fire, Natale said it was a “gameday decision” for the fire companies and that first responders would conduct some “basic metering.” “What we’re looking for in that metering is carbon dioxide flammables—anything that would suggest thermal runaway gases,” he said. “If you’re not seeing that, there’s no reason [to] shelter in place or even extremely evacuate people.” Earlier in the presentation, the panel explained that firefighters would receive classroom training on how to deal with lithium-ion fires. One resident asked about a 2019 incident at the Arizona Public Services’ BESS facility in Surprise, Ariz., in which a captain, a fire engineer, and two firefighters were seriously injured by cascading thermal runaway, according to the Fire Safety Research Institute Natale said that at the time of that fire, the codes developed in 2018 had yet to be published. “Now [the codes] are a lot more robust,” Natale said. “People have a clear focus on what needs to be done. There have been zero injuries and there have been no fatalities since the codes are in place.” Natale later returned to the question, saying he “didn’t properly answer” the first time because the proposed system is “different from what hurt the firefighters in Arizona.” “It was a container that allowed people to walk inside,” Natale said. “[With the new designs], you cannot inside a container anymore. The new designs prohibit that. The designs require doors to open from the outside, and you can see and service the batteries, so that was a big change. The other big change that really correlated to what got these folks hurt was the fact that they didn’t have an explosion prevention system. Now this is mandated by code.” Posting on the Facebook group “Stop the LITHIUM Battery Farm in our Backyards in Mahopac NY!!,” several members of the group complained that the forum failed to address their questions or fully address their concerns. “I watched the virtual meeting last night,” wrote Mahopac resident Maryann Festo Norden. “They were salesman selling a product that we don’t want. They hand-picked the questions that they wanted to answer. Wetlands [are] involved in this property. Also, a 160 feet setback from residential homes is not a lot. When asked about the tax break for the town, the answer was vague and [they] couldn’t answer the question.” Reached later, Cline said he didn’t know what percentage of the submitted questions were addressed in the 90-minute session. “We answered a lot of the questions submitted but weren’t able to address all of them,” he said. East Point said the video would be posted online but was not yet live at the time of this writing. Maryanne LaRue, a Carmel resident posting in the Facebook group asked where she could see the video. “You really didn’t miss anything,” said Mahopac resident Jerome Mitchell. “They did not answer any questions or concerns; it was a PR piece.” Posting on Facebook after the Somers watch party, Michelle Tremblay, seemed to agree. “It did not change our opinions at all,” she said. As of Monday, the Facebook group opposing the project had grown to 3,200 members.

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Call: 877 988 7277 NOTICE OF MAHOPAC PUBLIC LIBRARY’S TRUSTEES ELECTION and BUDGET VOTE  NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Annual Meeting, Election of Trustees and Budget Vote, of the qualified voters of Mahopac Public Library, being the qualified voters of the Mahopac Central School District, Towns of Carmel and Putnam Valley, New York (“School District”), will be held at Mahopac Public Library, 668 Route 6, Mahopac, New York, on Tuesday, the 4th day of June, 2024, between the hours of 7:00 am and 9:00 pm for the purpose of:  1.  voting on the statement of estimated expenses for the 2024-2025 fiscal year (the Budget);    electing three (3) members to the Board of Trustees; and  The four (4) candidates running for three (3) seats on the Board of Trustees are: John Battista (incumbent), Wayne Heady, Tony Razukiewicz, and Marie Stahl.  NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that those residents of the Mahopac Central School District who registered at the 2023 Annual Meeting and Election of the School District or who previously registered or voted in any annual or special district meeting or election during the four (4) calendar years prior to this year need not re-register. Also, any resident of the Mahopac Central School District, otherwise qualified to vote, who is currently registered for any general election in Putnam County, pursuant to Section 352 of the Election Law shall be entitled to vote without further registration.  NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that personal registration of voters is required pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law. Qualified voters may register for said Annual Meeting, Election of Trustees and Budget Vote of the Mahopac Public Library at the School District Clerk’s Office, 179 East Lake Blvd. Mahopac, New York on weekdays between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. to 4:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) up to and including Wednesday, May 29, 2024.    NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the Register prepared pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the office of the Election Clerk of Mahopac Public Library and that same will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the School District between the hours of 10:00 am and 5:00 pm on each of the five (5) days prior to and the day set for the meeting or election, except Sunday, or holidays.  NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a qualified military voter who is not currently registered can request a military personal registration form during the same times and at the same locations as listed above. Additionally, qualified military voters can contact the Election Clerk to indicate their preference to receive a personal registration application via mail, facsimile or electronic mail.  NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that qualified military voters may request a military absentee ballot application from the Election Clerk via email or access it on the Library website, and may indicate their preference to receive a military absentee ballot application via mail, facsimile or electronic mail.  Absentee ballots for military voters shall be administered in accordance with the provisions of Section 2018-d of the Education Law and Part 122 of the Commissioner’s Regulations.  NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for absentee ballots for the Annual Meeting, Election of Trustees and Budget Vote may be applied for at the office of the Election Clerk at the Mahopac Public Library. If the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, the completed application must be received by the Election Clerk no later than Tuesday, May 28, 2024.  If the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter, the completed application must be received by the Election Clerk no later than 5:00 pm on Monday, June 3, 2024.  Also, that a list of all persons to whom absentee ballots have been issued will be available at said office of the Election Clerk of the Mahopac Public Library on each of five (5) days prior to the election, except Sunday, or holidays, and that such list will also be posted at the polling place at the election of Trustees.   NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for early voting ballots for the Annual Meeting, Election of Trustees and Budget Vote may be applied for at the office of the Election Clerk at the Mahopac Public Library. To receive an early voting ballot in person, the application must be delivered to Mahopac Library no later than the day before the election. To receive an early voting ballot by mail, the application must be received by the Election Clerk at Mahopac Public Library not later than the 7th day before the election. Applications may not be submitted more than 30 days prior to the election. If you are qualified for early voting and issued an early voting ballot, the ballot itself must be received by Mahopac Public Library by 5:00 pm on the day of the election in order to be canvassed.   By order of the Board of Trustees of  THE MAHOPAC PUBLIC LIBRARY  668 Route 6  Mahopac, New York 10541  Michele Capozzella, Election Clerk  2. LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF CARMEL  COUNTY OF PUTNAM NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF 2024 TENTATIVE ASSESSMENT ROLL (Pursuant to Sections 501, 506 and 526 of the Real Property Tax Law)  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Assessor of the Town of Carmel, County of Putnam, has completed the Tentative Assessment Roll for the current year and that a copy will be available at   Carmel Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Avenue, Mahopac, N.Y.  It may be examined by any person interested   starting on or about May 1, 2024 Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm until   the 28th day of May, 2024.  The Board of Assessment Review will meet at Carmel Town Hall on   May 28, 2024 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm to hear and examine all verified written complaints in relation to assessments. Information regarding contesting your assessment is available at the Assessor’s office or online   at www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/contest/contestasmt.htm.  FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Assessor will be available, by appointment only, most weekday evenings May 1st to May 24th and on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.   Dated:   April 24, 2024     Scan Here To Sign Up (It’s FREE!) Get YOUR Town’s Local News In Your Inbox Daily

PAGE 48 – MAHOPAC NEWS MAY 9 - MAY 22, 2024