The Somers Record 02.03.22

Vol. 11 No. 42 Visit TapIntoSomers.net for the latest news. Thursday, February 3, 2022

Somers students Four local men arrested
to remain masked on felony weapon charges
Six-month
BY CAROL REIF on state law. probe nets
STAFF WRITER Referring to the court action as “a 100 rearms,
including
e masks are staying on in Somers little blip,” Hochul said Friday that ‘ghost guns’
schools, for now. “we are back on track legally.”
BY BOB DUMAS
e state’s emergency order had Rademaker’s ruling caused confu- CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
been set to expire on Feb. 1, but last sion among school districts, some of
Friday Gov. Kathy Hochul extended which reacted by making masks op- More than 100 Ghost guns were
it until Feb. 10. It applies to all indoor tional. weapons were seized, created with
public places, including schools and and 11 people were 3-D printers
businesses. Somers was one of those that de- arrested last week, in- and parts found
cided to maintain the status quo until cluding one Mahopac on the internet
Calling it “a critical tool” in driving the legal dust settled. man and three men without serial
COVID numbers down, Hochul said from Carmel, follow- numbers.
the Department of Health policy will Schools Superintendent Dr. Ray- ing a six-month, mul-
be reevaluated every two weeks and mond Blanch reminded parents Fri- tiagency investigation PHOTO COURTESY OF
suspended as soon as possible. day that the district has “adhered to into “ghost guns” and WESTCHESTER DEPT.
health and safety requirements from other illegal rearms in OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Last week, a state Supreme Court the state and health departments Westchester and Put-
justice ruled that the mask mandate since the start of the pandemic.” nam counties.
was unconstitutional and unenforce-
able. Nassau County Judge omas Even if masks are no longer re- Search warrants
Rademaker  found Monday, Jan. 24, quired by the state, it will still “en- were executed Tuesday,
that Hochul and state health o - courage, but not mandate” their Jan. 25, at eight loca-
cials had overstepped their authority wearing. tions in Westchester
by enacting the mandate without the and Putnam by inves-
state Legislature’s approval. “Please keep in mind that there tigators from county,
are strong feelings on both sides of local and federal law
e state appealed and was granted the issue. No matter how the court
a stay. Its lawyers -- and the lawyers case is decided, some will celebrate SEE FELONY PAGE 24
for the group of Long Island parents and others will have deep concerns,”
who sued over the rule – had until Blanch said.
Friday, Jan. 28, to submit written ar-
guments. So masks remain until the e district plans  “to follow the
legality of the state directive is settled. guidelines set by the state and main-
tain a healthy and safe environment
Rademaker’s decision does not ap- in all our schools,” he added, prom-
ply outside New York, as it was based ising that it will keep the SCSD
community updated on any develop-
ments related to the mask mandate.

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Page 2 – The Somers Record ELEPHANT’S TRUNK Thursday, February 3, 2022

The Staff Somers Lions Club your actions. ist, Counselor) and Tusker Hebrew
Applications are due by April Trax Camp (Assistant Director, Congregation of
EDITORIAL TEAM HERBINATOR SCHOLARSHIP Counselor). Must be able to work
TOM WALOGORSKY As we have done for the 30, 2022. Contact Tracy Rei- entire 6 weeks of camp, Monday Somers
EDITOR: 914-302-5830 mann for any additional infor- - Friday, 6/27-8/5. To apply, visit
[email protected] last three years, the family and mation at 914-393-7544. www.somersny.com VIRTUAL DISCUSSION
friends of the late Herb Reimann Tuesday, Feb. 8, from 7 - 8:30
VIM WILKINSON are awarding a scholarship in his Somers Department If you have any questions,
SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR memory. e Herbinator Schol- of Parks and please call the Recreation De- p.m.
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Thursday, February 3, 2022 The Somers Record – Page 3

Your Neighbor

A innenigehebdor
his pocket the morning he died.
BY CAROL REIF

STAFF WRITER Hoppe, who grew up in

Goldens Bridge and graduated

Wounds that can’t be seen are from John Jay High School, at-

the hardest to heal. tended Johnson and Wales Uni-

at’s a sad fact that Molly versity, one of the best culinary

Meixner Hoppe says she’s had to schools in the country. She and

accept. Brian, who was from Mans eld,

Her 45-year-old husband, Mass., met on Cape Cod while

Brian, died suddenly and unex- in their twenties.

pectedly at their Somers home Hoppe ourished in the hos-

nearly a year ago. e couple had pitality eld, rising from ser-

been out to eat on Friday, Jan. 29, vice to management positions.

2021, and were watching TV lat- While living in New Fair eld,

er when Hoppe decided to turn Conn., she was employed by a

in rst. “well-known” restaurant.

“Everything was normal,” she “I loved my job,” says Hoppe,

recalls. who even then was in nearly

en their 10-year-old daugh- constant pain from a degenera-

ter, Lilly, tiptoed into the bed- tive spinal condition.

room early Saturday to wake her After several surgeries failed PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOLLY MEIXNER HOPPE
up. to produce any relief, she was
forced to make the very tough Brian Hoppe passed away unexpectedly last year at the age of 45, leaving behind his wife and 10-year-
“Why is daddy sleeping on decision to stop working. e old daughter.
the oor?” she asked her groggy

mom. hope was to at least slow down physical and intellectual changes. and “seize.”) (Hoppe’s grandmother) and

Hoppe gently put a hand on her loss of mobility. Due to the pandemic, she, like Hoppe’s family and friends Richard, use to walk to e Little

his back, trying to rouse him. She at was 2013. With one in- every child has, has faced de cits have been loving and supportive Red Schoolhouse at the corner

quickly realized that it was too come, the couple eventually went in her education. but, she says, they have their own of Route 100 and Plum Brook

late; he was gone. Her screams through their savings and had to Old enough to understand that struggles and bills to pay. She Road – something that couldn’t

brought her father, Robert, run- sell their home. ey then rented death is nal and inevitable, she would love to be able to provide happen on the busy roadway now.

ning. an apartment from her dad, Rob- misses her dad terribly, Hoppe her daughter “with what every Daros eventually sold that res-

A stroke had taken her hus- ert Meixner, in the Otha Drive says. She is struggling, both at child needs and deserves: the op- taurant and built another, today’s

band.  home that his parents had built. home and as a fth-grader at portunity and chance at her best La Fontane, about 2 miles south.

It was a “nightmare” that “We lived within our school.  life.” Richard, meanwhile, bought

Hoppe still hopes to wake from, means and gave up whatever we “It pulls at my heartstrings Hoppe’s family has been there what is now e Burger Barn.

a “nightmare no parent wants to could just to get by. Unfortunate- every day to know I am not able for the community since the ear- In its past life, it was  the  place

have to face.” ly, Brian did not have any savings to provide for Lilly,” she admits, ly 1900s. Robert Meixner runs to go to dance on Friday nights.

At that point in their lives, plans or life insurance,” she says.  adding that “she still needs ther- a small Somers swimming pool It was at a sock hop there that

Brian had been the family’s sole e last year has been spent in apy and grief counseling,” some- business, which he had taken Gloria met future husband John

breadwinner. A stonemason, he somewhat of a “fog,” she says. thing they can’t a ord. over from his father, John. He Meixner. ey got hitched in

toiled “until his ngers bled,” says Besides su ering the loss of Hoppe’s physical ailments – later ran a fuel oil business, which 1945.

his widow. her partner, the single mom is which include  ankylosing spon- kept him “busy in the winters.” Gloria was a member of the

Anyone who knew him ad- also facing increasing nancial dylitis, a chronic in ammatory He had to give up the latter rst graduating class of the

mired him for his “big heart” and challenges. e 44-year-old is on disease that causes vertebrae to because it got too physically hard. Somers Central School, the

willingness to help “anyone in disability, but has been told that fuse – aren’t necessarily visible to Meixner hated to do that. building that is now the Somers

need.” she is not yet old enough to col- the casual eye. “He’s a ghter,” Hoppe says. Middle School. e couple built

He also loved his family and lect her late spouse’s Social Secu- Sadness and loneliness – a Her great-grandmother, Rose a home on Otha Drive and raised

went, Hoppe says, without health rity bene ts. natural reaction to the loss of a (Moretti) Daros, opened the their sons Johnny, Bobby (Rob-

insurance “and much-needed, but “Who knew I was too young to loved one – do a lot of invisible home-style cookery now known ert) and Gary there. e boys

una ordable, medications to give be a widow!” she says. damage, too. (Bereavement actu- as Mama Rosa Ristorante and were all active in school sports,

us what we needed most.” Lilly just turned 11, an age that ally comes from an Old English lived upstairs with her fam- SEE HOPPE PAGE 7

His last paycheck was still in is already fraught with emotional, word that means “rob,” “deprive” ily.  Daros’s children, Gloria

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Page 4 – The Somers Record Thursday, February 3, 2022

Zebra mussels found in Amawalk Reservoir

BY CAROL REIF were rst found there in 2015. ey were detected in the Hud-

STAFF WRITER Authorities believe they got into son River in the early 1990s.

the lake from infested boats from Adults can form dense colo-

Zebra mussels, an invasive spe- a regional shing tournament. nies of thousands per square foot.

cies, have been detected in the Extreme rainfall last summer at can clog pipes, intakes, and

Amawalk Reservoir in Somers, pushed them from the lake into other structures.

the New York City Department the reservoir, the DEP said. Once established, these colo-

of Protection (DEP) announced e DEP said that they haven’t nies can disrupt the water supply

recently. been found in other Croton Sys- and can impact the ecology.

e small, freshwater mollusk tem reservoirs. And it wants to ey are incredibly e ective l-

doesn’t harm drinking water, but keep it that way. ter feeders that nosh on plankton

it is considered a pest because it It is asking local anglers to take and other particles. is reduces

blocks water pipes. And they do the following steps to prevent the food sources for zooplankton and

have a negative impact on native mollusks from expanding their small sh, altering the food web

mussels and, ultimately, the sh territory. and impacting shing.

population. · Don’t dump live bait into res- Zebra mussels outcompete

How did the striped critters ervoirs. native species, attaching to their

get here? · Don’t transport live bait be- shells and killing them.

ey were washed into the tween reservoirs. eir waste accumulates and

564-acre reservoir during several · Clean, drain, and fully dry uses up oxygen, altering the pH

“extreme precipitation events” gear before using it in another of water and producing other by-

last year, the DEP said. reservoir. products.

Zebra mussels were already Zebra mussels are about the For more information, check

hanging out in Lake Mahopac, size of a thumbnail. ey arrived out  https://www1.nyc.gov/site/ PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE
which is connected to the reser- from North America from East- dep/environment/invasive-spe- The freshwater mollusk doesn’t harm drinking water, but can cause
pipe blockages.
voir by the Muscoot River. ey ern Europe in the late-1980s. cies.page

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Thursday, February 3, 2022 The Somers Record – Page 5

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Page 6 – The Somers Record Thursday, February 3, 2022

Kennedy Catholic announces creation of St. Mary’s Academy

Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York education available at all Catholic schools across the re- org/ at any time, year-round, to learn more about the op-
and John F. Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School in gion. e program of studies will not only ful ll middle portunity to provide their children with an exceptional
Somers, jointly announce a new opportunity for middle school educational standards of the New York State education at an a ordable price in a Catholic school.
school students currently attending public school to at- Board of Regents but will also challenge students to ex-
tend grades 6-8 in an academy setting on the high school pand their educational horizons by studying languages ABOUT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN THE
campus at Kennedy Catholic.  St. Mary’s Academy  will other than English along with math, science, and robot- ARCHDIOCESE OF NEW YORK
open for the 2022-23 school year with a limited capacity ics.
of one class per grade, with possible expansion planned Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York
for the future. St. Mary’s Academy will give families an- “John F. Kennedy Preparatory School is one of the serve nearly 54,000 students from Pre-K through 12th
other choice for a superior Catholic education in North- premier high schools in Westchester County,” said Ken- grade across 170 schools in nine counties and boroughs
ern Westchester County. nedy Principal and President, Father Mark Vaillancourt. throughout New York, including Manhattan, the Bronx,
“Our strength and commitment to excellence position us Staten Island, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster,
“ is is great news for Catholic families well to align with the Archdiocese of New York in this Orange, and Dutchess. Catholic schools o er a unique
in Northern Westchester County combination of academic and spiritual development that
as we all continue to battle exciting alternative for public school students empowers children of all backgrounds to gain the con-
the Covid-19 pandemic,” in grades six, seven, and eight. e new St.
said Timothy Cardinal Mary’s Academy will expand the great dence to realize their fullest potential. To learn more
Dolan, Archbishop tradition of academic excellence for about the Archdiocese of New York’s Catholic schools,
of New York. “ e future generations in Westchester visit  www.catholicschoolsny.org  or  www.facebook.com/
Catholic Church County.” CatholicSchoolsArchdioceseNewYork.
in New York in- While only public school stu-
troduced orga- dents may apply to St. Mary’s ABOUT JOHN F. KENNEDY CATHOLIC
nized education Academy for the 2022 – 2023 PREPARATORY HIGH SCHOOL/ACADEMY
to New York school year, wider application
more than 200 opportunities will be avail- Kennedy Catholic, located in Somers, is Northern
years ago, and able in the future. Families Westchester’s premier college-preparatory high school
the academy’s with 5-7th grade students serving the young men and women of Westchester, Put-
formation is a in public schools are en- nam, Dutchess, and Fair eld counties and the Bronx.
move towards couraged to visit the school’s Kennedy Catholic follows a rigorous Regents cur-
preserving and website at https://kennedy- riculum that prepares students for a successful college
growing Catholic catholic.org for more infor- career while preparing them to live out  Christ’s mes-
education in this mation about eligibility and sage of service to the world in the sound doctrine of
area for generations.”  required admissions testing. the Catholic faith. Founded in 1928 by the Sisters of
All families of every faith look- Divine Compassion  as St. Mary’s School in Katonah,
e St. Mary’s Acad- ing for a faith-based, values-centered the current school was built in 1966 on its present site in
emy will o er the same continuous education for their children a serene, 64-acre site setting which includes the natural
time-tested Catholic school from Pre-K through 8th grade are al- beauty of a lake and woodlands.
curriculum and values-centered
ways welcome to visit www.catholicschoolsny. Article provided by Kennedy Catholic. 

Thursday, February 3, 2022 The Somers Record – Page 7

HOPPE

FROM PAGE 3

their favorite being football. eir parents “never

missed any of their games.”

A photo of Robert in his uniform still hangs

near the school’s gym.

Gloria also had a kiln in her house and gave the

locals ceramics lessons.

According to the family, John and Gloria were

“well-known and respected in the town and con-

tributed their time and e ort to many community

events and programs.” ey were also “very active”

as congregants of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

( e church’s food pantry has been very help-

ful, even bringing groceries to the house when

she couldn’t get out because of back pain, Hoppe

says.)

Although “embarrassed” and “humbled,”

Hoppe said she has put those feelings aside for ON YOONUYROUJORBJOEBVEEVRERYYDDAAYY UUNNTTILILCOCMOPMLEPTLIOETNI..O. N…
the good of her daughter’s emotional and physical GGUUAARRAANNTTEEEEDD
well-being.

“What has been my life’s greatest privilege is

being Lilly’s mom,” she says.

So last week, in honor of the one year anniver- ON YOUR JOB EVERYDAY UNTIL COMPLETION…

sary of Brian’s death, she launched a GoFundMe GUARANTEED
campaign with the goal of raising $10,000 to pay
for grief therapy and other necessities for the fam- PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOLLY MEIXNER HOPPE
ily, such as much-needed, expensive dental work.
Molly Meixner Hoppe and her daughter Lilly are
“Our worlds were turned upside down that day, asking the community for help as they continue to
and it is now that I have been faced with quite recover from their loss.

possibly my biggest challenge yet: being a single

mom!” she says in the online appeal, praying that HOW TO HELP 19 1O0L1DG1DR1991EOO10OE0L1AL1DNGDNGRDWDRSEOEOBEOEAANUNNNOWWRSSDBBOGUUOARRRDGGVDAARSRESVV.DHDHS.EEB.H..BBO.ORBBOREBERWWWEEETTEWWTHRWRHRHSOETOSSOLEEOTET,LOMLEROC,ER,,TSCMMNR,CT0NYS6,TS08Y1N60080115Y0069|1588012|09|0031285|04793584|8.487252479.8|8200.7093088000.407070005478027980000070
folks can join her “in giving someone very special
the opportunities she deserves.” To donate, visit GoFundMe
at https://www.gofundme.com/f/
“What so many can take for granted is what she too-young-to-be-a-widow.
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Page 8 – The Somers Record Thursday, February 3, 2022

Keeping pets safe and happy in the cold season

BY JESSICA JAFET and other creatures healthy and tect it from su ering hypothermia a coat or some type of cover on • Sni and Find: One person

CONTRIBUTING WRITER safe. or frostbite. them.” holds the dog while another hides

According to veterinarian Dr. “Short-haired dogs,by all means, What happens more frequently treats in a di erent room. Place 10

Winter in the Northeast can be Edward Mayland of Cross River should have a coat on,” Dr. May- than frostbite, the vet explained, at one time (or 10 in a row) and en-

brutal—and when it feels too darn Animal Hospital (whose practice land said. “A breed like a Vizsla or are cuts and tears from ice shards, courage your dog to sni and nd

cold outside for people, it can be was established in 1976), pet own- a Greyhound can become hypo- along with bouts of gastroenteri- them. With a young puppy, you

dangerous for pets, too. During the ers should consider the breed of thermic very quickly—and even a tis that can result from an animal can start out this game by simply

frigid months, some commonsense animal and length of its fur before shorthaired cat who is being taken ingesting salt that collects on its tossing treats in front of their face.

practices will keep your dogs, cats, venturing outdoors in order to pro- out to travel in the car should have paws. • Canine Freestyle: ink of

“ e biggest danger this time it as dancing with your dogs. Put

of year is not necessarily exposure on some music you love; teach

around here, but lacerations from your dog a simple trick like run-

the ice—my recommendation ning through your legs or jump-

would be booties for the doggies,” ing through your arms—and make

he said, adding that the ice melt a fun little dance routine in your

and rock salt used by houses or kitchen.

BIG GAME SPECIALS condos, “should only be the pet- • Agility runs: You can make

PARTY WEDGE friendly kind.” simple jumps with broomsticks
Over the winter season, as al- and cereal boxes, “puddles” by
PARTY WEDGE #2 THREE FOOT AMERICAN OR #3 SIX FOOT AMERICAN OR draping a blanket over a chair or
ways, it is important to provide co ee table, and a teeter-totter out
healthy, well-balanced meals and of a two-by-four balanced on a ball.
proper hydration to keep pets in
good form. Hodgson has curated a list of

#1-TWO FOOT AMERICAN OR ITALIAN $175.00 ITALIAN $340.00 “Basically,people food.Feed pets recommended interactive and

ITALIAN $99.00 Half Tray Chicken Wings Half Tray Chicken Wings what you eat; there are many tox- self-soothing toys on her website
Half Tray Chicken Wings Half Tray Penne Vodka Half Tray Sausage and Peppers icities in pet food products today— (sarahsayspets.com) that will keep
they can eat what you eat—and we your pets active and busy.
1 lb Potato Salad & 1 Lb 2 lb Potato Salad & 2lb Macaroni Half Tray Penne Vodka
have diets and instructions on our Of course, there is the old clas-

Macaroni Salad Salad Half Tray Chicken Francaise website,”Dr. Mayland said. sic that can be played without ever
1Bag Wise Chips * Specialty Wedges Extra Small Garden Salad As for exercise, Dr. Mayland leaving the couch.

recommends getting your dogs out “You can always play fetch with
to walk and exercise every day, if your dog—they love that,” Hodg-

possible, although he understands son said.

WINGS FINGER FOODS that much depends on the pet
owner’s own health and mobil-
45 pcs Half Tray- M/P Chicken Fingers
ity, along with weather and safety

90 pcs Full Tray- M/P Plain or Buffalo-$50 ½ Tray concerns—including the dangers
Choose One Honey Mustard or BBQ of slipping and falling.

If the conditions are just too

Mild/Hot/BBQ/Garlic Parm/ DIPS treacherous and you (and your dog)
Thai Chili/General Tsao are going stir-crazy in the house,
Pint / Quart Sarah Hodgson, a veteran dog
Served with Celery & Carrot Sticks, trainer and behavioral consultant
Blue Cheese or Ranch Buffalo Chicken $20 $30 in the area, has some suggestions
for indoor fun and exercise.
Spinach Artichoke $10 $20
She said a dog’s brains is “80
SLIDERS White Bean and Garlic $10 $20 percent sensory-oriented”and with
Red Bean $10 $20 some simple games,pet owners can Cookie goes for a walk in

$30/dozen * = ADD $6/dozen FRENCH FRIES help “light up” their pups to keep her jacket and booties.
BURGER-plain
Regular $25 ½ Tray them stimulated and engaged. PHOTO: JESSICA JAFET
BIG MAC-Cheese, condiments & special sauce Seasoned Wedges $30 ½ Tray
PULLED BBQ Pork- Cheddar Here are a few:
Tater Tots $40 ½ Tray
CHICKEN - Honey mustard, pickle, cheddar Excellence in Dentistry
MEATBALL- Marinara and mozzarella CHIPS
In Somers Since 1990
BUFFALO CHICKEN-Chicken cutlet and hot sauce Freshly Fried Flour Tortilla $5/bag Paul D. Harbottle, DDS

CUBAN* Pulled Pork, ham, pickle, PASTAS VOTED
honey mustard
Baked Ziti $50 ½ Tray TOP DENTIST 2009-2019
PHILLY* Roast beef, Provolone/onion,peppers
Cavatelli Broccoli & Sausage $60 ½ Tray by his Peers

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Thursday, February 3, 2022 The Somers Record – Page 9

TRUNK plores the romantic history of Valentine’s
FROM PAGE 2
Day, from Saint Valentine, Cupid, and the

rst Valentine cards to some of the sea-

e Coming Transformation of Religion.” son’s most popular songs. e slideshow is

To register and receive a Zoom link, illustrated with original photographs and

visit https://bit.ly/WaskowEducation. lots of vintage Valentine’s Day cards.

The Somers Library VIRTUAL: GETTING READY FOR

YOUR SAT TEST MATH

ese events are all virtual. Please regis- Tuesday, Feb. 15, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. new american restaurant

ter on our online calendar at www.somer- We are o ering an online SAT intro- valoepnentimnoen’dsayday
february 14th
slibrary.org or on the link included in the duction program to students in our com-
call (845) 648 - 2600
description in order to have access to this munity! is program is for SAT Math, for reservations

meeting. You will receive an invitation followed by reading and writing on Feb. 954 Route 6, Mahopac
www.mycousinsmahopac.com
prior to the start of the webinar. Our pro- 22. Somers Library is partnering with C2

grams are funded by e Friends of the Education for this 2-class program (4-hrs

Library - thanks for your support! total) for the SAT. is is a great way to

get to learn the tests and practice the ques-

VIRTUAL: DEMENTIA AND HEALTHY tions! Separate registration for each class.

LIVING FOR YOUR BRAIN & BODY Once registered, we will email you a link to

Wednesday, Feb. 9, from 1 - 2 p.m. your class. Materials will then be provided

At any age, there are lifestyle habits we for the class, which can be picked up here

can adopt to help maintain or even po- at the library before the classes begin.

tentially improve our health. ese habits Race Amity of Northern
may also help to keep our brains healthy

as we age and possibly delay the onset of Westchester & Putnam
cognitive decline. is workshop covers

four areas of lifestyle habits associated

with healthy aging: cognitive activity, ex- MONTHLY MEETING

ercise, diet/nutrition and social engage- Please join us for our monthly discus-

ment. sion as we work to advance cross-racial

and cross-cultural amity to impact the

VIRTUAL VALENTINE’S GREETINGS public discourse on race. Our monthly

Thursday, Feb. 10, from 6:30 - 7:30 meetings feature speakers, screenings,

p.m. and presentations where discussions are

Why do lovers send greeting cards, aimed at educating one another on who

candy, and roses on February 14?  In his we really are. Visit https://www.eventbrite.

newest holiday program, author, photog- com/e/138495877899 to register for this

rapher, and musician Kevin Woyce ex- online event.

2020 With historically low inventory,
1PROUD TO BE THEAGENT IN low interest rates and extremely
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time to be on the market! Homes
and Condos are receiving multiple
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DONNA O’CONNELL DONNA O’CONNELL
Associate Real Estate Broker
Source: OKMLS 1/1/20-12/31/20, total dollar volume of single family M
homes and condominiums sold by agent, Somers school district [email protected]
donnaoconnell.houlihanlawrence.com

SOMERS BROKERAGE

Page 10 – The Somers Record Thursday, February 3, 2022

Opinion

Happily
Ever
After

It isn’t all bad Coincidence?
Fun Facts
BY DR. ANDREW about two young sh swim- JUST by Jo Ann
ming in the water. An older JO ANN
FRISHMAN Most people feel a bit awkward getting in touch with friends
GUEST WRITER sh swims near them and asks JO ANN or family they haven’t seen or spoken to in a while.
them, “How’s the water?” e FRANCELLA
Doom and gloom is two young sh ask each other,
the trend for news “What’s water?” e point is The dictionary de nes the ing just become a grandparent friend who had lost her pet. I
outlets, social media, that the most obvious things word coincidence as a myself, it made me want, in time, took the book from my shelf
cellphone alerts, and news- are hidden in plain sight. remarkable concurrence to achieve that same closeness and wrote in it, telling her that I
papers. e business model of events or circumstances with- with my own grandson. understood what it means to lose
of the news is based on what Take note of the amazing out apparent causal connection. a pet. We were in the early stages
can elicit the most emotions acts of kindness (that aren’t re- One day, several years back, of the pandemic, so I mailed it
and get the most clicks on the ported) happening to ordinary at is exactly what happened I walked into a yoga class and to her. Marcia doing something
computer. people all around you. Recently, when I wrote to a dear friend there was Marcia with a wel- kind for me had begun a chain
a drone saved the life of a man, whom I had not seen since the coming smile. She asked if I was of kindnesses.  at’s just the
Oftentimes, I fall prey to 71, su ering a heart attack by pandemic began. I inquired all right, as I must have appeared kind of woman Marcia is.
the negativity that surrounds delivering a de brillator to his whether or not she was still sad to her. I told her that several
us all. I want everyone to step home in Sweden in less than writing, and she informed me weeks before I had lost my com- I told Marcia that I would
back, take a bird’s eye view, and four minutes. that on that very day she had just panion of 12 years, my Choco- write a column about “Coinci-
realize what amazing times begun an online writing class. A late Lab named Coco. She was dences,” but I already knew that
we live in. Human civiliza- Not long ago, I was walk- happy coincidence. very kind and sympathetic. It I also wanted to write about her
tions started forming around ing in Times Square in New felt good to know that someone being such a kind and caring
6,000 years ago. For the rst York City. Someone tapped me I had been thinking of Mar- understood what I was feeling. friend.
5,900 years, there have been on the shoulder and handed cia and missing our time spent
some major periods in human me the $40 that fell out of my in my writing class about two e next week at the end of I’m glad that I wrote to
history (stone ages, renaissance, pocket. years ago. In her reply to my our yoga class, Marcia handed Marcia when I did. Coinci-
enlightenment, industrial revo- email, she told me she had not me a gift - a book. She explained dence? Perhaps. I prefer to
lution, civil rights, etc). In the I suggest everyone should been writing, but had recently to me that when she lost her think of it as two people having
last 50 years, space travel has keep a “Cookie Jar of Awe- learned of a group she could join own furry companion, a friend a great connection.
become a reality, the internet someness” in their home. You via zoom. In class, Marcia stood had given her a book about
was developed, cellphones, place a handwritten note to out to me for several di erent when a dog passes. Her friend To those of you who are
arti cial intelligence, and mod- yourself. I note what happened reasons. She was always doing wrote a short, encouraging note thinking of people you haven’t
ern medicine have progressed in the week that I am thankful something exciting, and she had inside the book and told her to seen or been in touch with for
dramatically. for. I celebrate the small wins many stories about her grand- pass it on to someone else who a few years, pick up the phone,
and successes in my life that I son. It was delightful to listen might be in need of some heart- write a letter or type them an
If you think of all of human don’t want to forget by writing to how proud she was of her felt compassion. What Marcia email, and I hope it will make
existence as an 800-page book. them down. grandchildren and especially her wrote in that book meant the them as happy as I was to catch
For an alien trying to learn grandson who enjoyed spending world to me; and as months up and reconnect.
about humans, the book is basi- Petting, scratching, and cud- so much time with her. Hav- passed I learned of another
cally pretty boring, up until the dling a pet can be as soothing [email protected]
last 20 pages, which represent to the mind, and heart, as deep
the times we are living through! meditation, and prayer. Look Advertise With Us
around and remind yourself When you advertise with The Somers Record, you are reaching thousands of households and
If living through unprec- every day, it isn’t all bad. businesses throughout the Town of Somers, including all of its hamlets and Heritage Hills. To advertise
edented times doesn’t get you or to place a classified, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected].
amped, we are going to see Dr. Andrew Frishman is the
things we never dreamed of in owner of Progressive Animal
the next 10 years. Hospital, 914-248- 6220,
progressive-vet.com, 268 Route
ere is a famous wise tale 202, Somers.

BRETT FREEMAN, PUBLISHER 118 N, BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited.
TOM WALOGORSKY , EDITOR The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 not necessarily those of The Somers Record or its affiliates.
Editorial Office: 914-302-5830 ©2021 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC Submissions must include a phone number and address for
[email protected]
verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be
published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are
anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions
to the editor by e-mail at [email protected].

For more information, call the editor at 914-302-5830

Thursday, February 3, 2022 OPINION The Somers Record – Page 11

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Page 12 – The Somers Record OPINION Thursday, February 3, 2022

Crunch Old time numbers

GUEST nding something to enjoy WHATWAS istration; she was going to plate number is still available;
CORNER every day. I purposely rec- I THINKING? sell the car and turn in the it’s yours if you want it!”
ognize the good. Could be plates. An idea blossomed:
Kim Stoll a win with my kid, one of RUTHANN maybe I could take over Dad’s Want it? I was elated! WP
their new accomplishments, SCHEFFER plate number and keep it in 148 was back where it be-
Istepped on a Cheerio… a fun outing or even my own the family. I contacted DMV longed.  e clerk was smiling
again. growth in learning to shake Our Dad had a special and as fate would have it, while I lled out forms and
My teeth clench, my o the mess and not get an- license plate of which my registration was due the paid the fee (and a vanity plate
body tenses and I literally want gry about the cheerios on the he was very proud: same time Mom was going to fee!). She congratulated me and
to scream. WP 148, the WP represent- surrender Dad’s. With a bit of said I’d made her day. Made
oor. en I celebrate it.  ing “White Plains.” He had paper work and some notarized my day, too!
Over a Cheerio. e days are long, but the had that plate for as long as documents, WP 148 became
How did I become this we could remember.  When mine. Some time later, I stopped at
person? I was determined to years feel short, let’s be inten- he passed away years ago, our a car wash in White Plains. An
“enjoy every moment, it goes tional about nding joy in each mother announced she would However, years later after older gentleman came up to the
fast” as everyone recommends, day. renew the registration and my husband Bud passed away car to ask what type of wash I
and here I was… getting angry insurance on his 1969 Dodge and before I reconnected with wanted. As I paid him, he said:
over a Cheerio. Kim Stoll empowers women to Monaco, and she was going Art, I spread my wings and
nd joy in every day and build to learn how to drive! OMG, moved to Vermont. I asked my “WP 148, eh?  at’s an old-
e repetitive nature of stay a life they love through positive she was 68 years old and had family if anyone wanted to take timer.”
at home mom life and the lack habits in mindset, tness and never expressed a desire to over WP 148 - there were no
of accomplishment are the smart nutrition. Virtual coaching drive. She walked everywhere! takers. Reluctantly and sadly, I “Yes, it is,” I answered. “It
hardest for me. While I believe available. Coachkimstoll@gmail. In fact, Dad used to say if she turned in the plates. was my Dad’s and has been in
everyone; this is going by fast, com drove, she’d probably stop the the family for years.”
and I am going to miss car and let a bird cross the Returning to New York a
these days, but to enjoy street. Brother Jack wisely said couple of years later, I needed to He asked me who my Dad
it all can’t be the goal. that these were her emotions re-register my car. While at the was, and when I told him, he
talking, just let it be and don’t DMV window, I told the clerk laughed out loud:
Instead, I work on make a big fuss. the story of WP 148 and asked
if she could check to see if it “Joe? Years ago, he and
e following year, Mom had been assigned to someone I used to bowl in the same
said it was too expensive to else. Just the idea that I might league! What a good bowler
keep the insurance and reg- see a strange car with Dad’s and a great guy!”
plate made me cringe.
ere you have it: a license
“Oh, wow, you’re in luck,” plate is not just a number. How
she exclaimed as she turned the about memories of years long
screen toward me. “Look, that past and part of a never-ending
legacy? Proudly, WP 148 and
my car ags are part of mine.

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Thursday, February 3, 2022 OPINION The Somers Record – Page 13

e exercise bike 

MAN in order to make it to the other doodles rather than actual letters. your Communist propaganda a false- ag operation using
OVERBOARD side just before someone runs I started panic-typing some and get down to business here.” Russian dressing. It needs work
me over. stu into several boxes, without I say, “ at’s ne with me, I anyway.” He says, “Melén, are
RICK knowing what I was saying, think I might have accidentally you wearing bedroom slippers?”
MELÉN To replace all that physical trying to get back to a language initiated a military incident with “Nyet, I mean NO, these are
activity we bought one of those that might understand me better. Ukraine.”  “War is no laughing ‘semi-wakeful athletic apparel,’”
I’ve been working from home “smart” exercise bikes that you I even went onto the internet to matter, Melén.” I counter, “Well I lie. “Get yourself some bicycle
for almost two years now, can use with online classes in then I won’t bother with the
and my body misses the daily real time. ere wasn’t a moment nd out what the words “United joke I was going to make about SEE MELEN PAGE 17
exercise of getting up way too to lose, I wanted to get right into States” and “English” might look
late and running up and down the saddle. I was too impatient like in Russian. But it only got Katherine
the stairs at the train station, to create a user pro le and sign worse, and instead I created an Barile Bellantoni
forgetting that I forgot to buy up for a session, I just wanted to account that the Kremlin may be
my ticket and running up and put it into manual override and watching very closely. kateb.remax.com
down the stairs again and then jump on for a quick ride. So I
dodging Manhattan tra c punched a few buttons, which e next day I found a screen
instead of waiting for a green got me pretty quickly into a loop with an icon of a little picture
light. In midtown, instead of that of prompts that I couldn’t nd of Earth, so I knew I was in the
my way out of. I dug deeper into right place, and I managed to
ashing “DON’T WALK” sign a couple some more menus, and return to English. I booted up
that reminds you to run instead, before I knew it (and for quite a little guided tour and started
there is a ashing numerical some time after I knew it), I had my ride. My wife assured me
countdown, so if I see that I have changed the bike’s primary lan- that the instructors cannot see
8 seconds left I take o in a dead guage to Russian (I kid you not). or hear you, nor yell at you for
sprint from half a block away I don’t know if you’re familiar doing something stupid. I can
with the Russian language, but just imagine how it would go if
it looks more like it’s made up of they could:
a bunch of corporate logos and
“Melén,” my instructor says,
“why don’t you quit pedaling

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Page 14 The Somers Record – Thu

Somers Students

The maiden
voyage of
the STEM
Club’s
hovercraft.

SIS STEM CLUB HOVERCRAFT FLOATS ON AIR Nick Frey IB PSYCHOLO
One part plywood. One part shop vac blower. Multiple cheers and all working on What do p
his drawings
parts excitement. of wild birds presented wit
is was the recipe for success the fourth graders in the Somers In- during his Christine Spe
WIN period. High School a
termediate School STEM Club used for their hovercraft project, which understanding
made its debut voyage in the halls of the middle school last week. SMS SEVENTH GRADERS FINDING A WIN WITH ART decision-maki
teachers Matt Lugo and Dan Devito, the STEM Club advisors, were on Watercolors, sketching, colored pencils, markers.
hand guiding each student’s ride on their hovercraft creation. ese are the chosen mediums for a group of seventh graders opting for Students ha
nitive bias.
Students crafted the hovercraft using a large circle of plywood tted Open Art Studio during their WIN period this week. e students are belief that neg
with a hole for the power source – a shop vac blower reinforced with working on a variety of creations, drawing their favorite animals, Pokeman pen to others
Styrofoam. en students attached a shower curtain to the bottom to characters, characters from video games, owers, and more. exploring whe
catch the large volume of air from the blower, the key to the structure’s will lead to an
ability to “hover.” “I really like drawing. It’s my favorite thing to do,” said Alisa Asllani.” person, a phen
Asllani is using watercolors to recreate a character from Pokeman, her own
“ e key to a good ride on the hovercraft is to be centered and tuck rendition of Snarlax. IB Psycholo
in tight,” Lugo told the students before the rst student climbed on the including psyc
round disc. As the air lled the bottom, the hovercraft rose o the oor Nick Frey was busy perfecting the images of wild birds. He used colored enlisted the he
and the students were ecstatic to ride down the hallway with a little shove pencils to make the colors of the black and orange toucan and the multi- gauge percept
from Lugo and Devito. colored parrots really shine. “I like drawing birds and the fact that in this think a paintin
WIN period I can be creative,” Frey said. to paint? Do
“It was a little scary at rst, but then I got used to it,” said Kenna Min- better than a
nerly, who clapped throughout her ride. “I loved it! It was so much fun.” For Julia Klein and Dylan DeLuca, the Open Art Studio WIN period clothing make
is the perfect combination of creativity and relaxation. Klein was busy with
Fellow club member Lucas Ruck agreed. “ e vibration felt a little markers while DeLuca was putting the nal touches on her sun ower us- Students ha
weird at rst, but it was very fun.” ing watercolor and ink. ous ways incl
survey their p
e fourth graders in the STEM club have been meeting in Lugo’s Art teacher Gary Wanderlingh o ers the Open Art Studio in his class- Schoology for
classroom to build the hovercraft after school for the past several weeks. room for the seventh graders to come and work on projects of their choice.
Each student was able to decorate their own little cardboard tag, similar He said he was pleased with the turnout and range of projects especially Juniors Jack
to a license plate, to place around the perimeter of the craft. since there is not a designated art class for the seventh grade. Wanderlingh
said he hopes to incorporate clay into an upcoming WIN class.
“It was exciting to see the students work as a design team to accom-
plish their goal of building a riding hovercraft,” Lugo said. “I hope proj-
ects like this help inspire them to pursue more engineering experiences
in the future.”

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