Yorktown News 05.27.21

Vol. 10 No. 10 Visit TapIntoYorktown.net for the latest news. Thursday, May 27, 2021

From Adams to York Hill… Yorktown Jewish Center to
close after 68 years
Town rates all 600-plus roads from best to worst

BY BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER e ratings are based on more than just BY NICK TRUJILLO chael Mirksy and Stacy Mitgang. “Our
EDITOR the condition of the road. ey also factor in
speeding,tra c,and the number of accidents STAFF WRITER numbers have been steadily decreasing
e Yorktown Highway Department has that have occurred.
created an A-Z guide of its more than 600 over the last decade and a half, to the
local roads, grading each of them on a scale e town allocated $1,150,00 this year to
of 1-10 (best to worst). pave roads, in addition to state funds. When Since its inception in 1952, the Yor- point where it’s just not nancially vi-
Paganelli took o ce, he said, the town was
Town Supervisor Matt Slater said the en- on a 37-year schedule to pave its 406 lane ktown Jewish Center has been a con- able for us to stay open.”
deavor was carried out in the name of trans- miles of road. With more funds being allo-
parency and to help the Town Board make cated every year, that has since been knocked gregation rooted in tradition. e non- e Jewish Center having just two
“data-driven decisions”about its allocation of down to the low 20s.
funds. pro t religious institution never moved rabbis in its 68-year existence is a tes-
Also factoring into the decision to pave
e list of roads and their ratings are avail- roads is geography. from its original location on the corner tament to the family community built
able on the highway department’s section of
the town’s website (yorktownny.org). High- “In other words, we can’t give all the mon- of Crompond Road under its roof. e
way Superintendent Dave Paganelli said he ey to the Heights,we can’t give all the money
personally visited and rated every road. to Shrub Oak, we can’t give all the money to and Loretta Street, ‘Our numbers rst was Rabbi Stan-
Mohegan, Je erson Valley, Huntersville, the and has only had two ley Urbas, who retired
“Our phone rings o the hook with peo- southern end,” Paganelli said. “ ere’s just a have been steadily
ple saying, ‘Our road hasn’t been paved in 15 lot of ground to cover.” rabbis throughout its in 2006 and became a
years,’ or ‘My road hasn’t been paved in 30
years,’ ” Paganelli said. “ e purpose of this e average rating of the 602 roads was 68-year existence. decreasing over Rabbi Emeritus. Fol-
list is to give us a baseline of what roads need 4.4. Only four received ratings of 10, while e Yorktown Jew- the last decade lowing him was Rab-
to be done.” 101 received ratings of 1. bi Sternstein, who
ish Center is closing

its doors at the end and a half, to will retire upon the
of June and ending the point where closing of the center.
all religious practices.
“It’s pretty rare of

e closure is due to it’s just not a congregation of
the steady decline in nancially viable that age to be lucky
membership in re- enough to like their

ligious institutions for us to stay rabbi, and to have the
over the past decade open.’ rabbi like the congre-
and a half, a lack of gation enough to have

nancial resources to –Marvin Medow only two Rabbis,”
remain open, and the Co-president, Yorktown Medow said, laugh-
retirement of their ingly. “ e wonderful
longtime rabbi. Jewish Center thing about each of

New Road, one of four “Our current rabbi, our rabbis has been
Yorktown roads to receive
Seth Sternstein, who has been with us that each of them were not only the
the dreaded 10 rating
for 15 years, is retiring, and when we religious leaders, but they also became
PHOTO COURTESY OF
TOWN OF YORKTOWN looked at the feasibility of hiring a new your friend, your con dante, and a fam-

rabbi, it’s just not nancially viable,” said ily member.”

Marvin Medow, one of the Jewish Cen- SEE JEWISH CENTER PAGE 4

ter’s three co-presidents, along with Mi-

SellYour Home forTOP DOLLAR BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 39 SOFTBALL
CLASSIFIEDS 38
withYorktown’s Real Estate Specialist HEALTH & WELLNESS 22 Yorktown defeats
LEGAL NOTICES 37 Mahopac.
FREE LEISURE 36 pg 28
OPINION 10
Home Evaluation SPORTS 28

Anytime — No Cost or Obligation

Call 914.243.3051

YorktownHouseValues.com

CLASSIC REALTY Michael Trinchitella
LicensedAssociate Real Estate Broker

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

Page 2 – Yorktown News Thursday, May 27, 2021

Come Discover

Custom
Townhomes

•
Model Homes Open

Wednesday to
Sunday 10AM-5PM

•
Take a
Virtual Tour
on Our Website

Brian Kearney www.HiddenMeadowSomers.com
HiddenMeadowTownhomes
Associate Real Estate Broker

(914) 419 - 2279

Thursday, May 27, 2021 Yorktown News – Page 3
The color guard will The parking lot area in the Shrub Oak Shopping
once again march
through Yorktown. Center that includes this abandoned building
could be redeveloped with housing.

The town’s new consultant would review traffic plans submitted by a developer. Here,
traffic backs up along Route 202 in front of the Lowe’s shopping center, which is also
the future site of Trader Joe’s.
PHOTOS: BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER

What’ happening around Yorktown?The station in Railroad Park has been vandalized twice in recent months.

Memorial Day Shrub Oak batting cage and a warm-up area. Security Cameras at the hiring of a tra c consultant.
Parade Shopping Center Chelsea Park playground is Railroad Park With many new develop-

Yorktown’s Memorial Day Pa- At last week’s Yorktown Town the seventh park to get a safety e second case of vandal- ments, tra c reports are de-
rade will return this year. Board meeting, Councilman overhaul after Supervisor Matt ism at Railroad Park in as many veloped by a consultant who is
Tom Diana said the owner of Slater and Parks Superintendent months has prompted the Town being paid by the applicant. e
It will take place at 11 a.m. the long-vacant building in the James Martorano learned that Board to explore installing se- town’s new consultant, the Sam
Monday, May 31. It will start at Shrub Oak Shopping Center safety inspections had not been curity cameras near the former Schwartz Company, will review
Yorktown Town Hall and cul- may bring plans forth to rede- performed on the town’s parks railroad station, which was reno- those studies.
minate at the American Legion velop the property with housing. in decades. Last year, they com- vated last year after decades of
Hall on Veterans Road. In an Renderings could be submitted missioned safety audits of seven neglect. “We want an independent
e ort to avoid large gatherings, soon, he said. parks. and fair review of all tra c
there will not be a post-parade On both occasions, the van- plans submitted to us by devel-
ceremony. Parks Audit e six parks that have already dals broke windows at the rail- opers to ensure that the town’s
received repairs were Yorkh- road station by throwing rocks interests are protected,” said
e public is also welcome to Yorktown’s playground safety ill Park, Railroad Park, Sparkle through them. e most recent Supervisor Matt Slater. “We
attend a smaller ceremony that initiative will continue this sum- Lake Park, Willow Park, Fox incident occurred overnight be- are expecting several new and
begins at 9:30 a.m. at a memo- mer with the demolition of Chel- Den Park, and Junior Lake Park. tween Friday, May 14, and Satur- exciting development propos-
rial at Lakeland High School. sea Park playground, which is ex- day, May 15. als this year and this consultant
pected to begin in June. e playgrounds to be audited will help us evaluate the proj-
e ceremony will then move to later this year are: Downing Traffic Consultant ects.”
an honor wall that is located on Replacement equipment will Park, Ivy Knolls Park, Blackberry
East Main Street between the be installed, and the Yorktown Woods Park, Deer Hollow Park, The Town Board at its meet- e consultant will be paid
Lakeland administration build- Athletic Club will build a new Hanover East Park, Kensington ing last week voted to approve through escrow deposits made
ing and the John C. Hart Memo- Woods Park, Shrub Oak Park, by developers that have submit-
rial Library. and Veterans Park. ted tra c studies.

Page 4 – Yorktown News Thursday, May 27, 2021

The Staff JEWISH CENTER ing together as one congrega- infrastructure, a two-year project continue, but that didn’t work
FROM PAGE 1
EDITORIAL TEAM tion,” Medow said. that ran from 2005 to 2007. out,” Medow said.
BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER
EDITOR: 914-302-5628 Medow noted that there has “At that time, we had every ex- rough frequent commu-
[email protected]
e community that has been been a signi cant decline in pectation that we would remain nications with members of the
ADVERTISING TEAM
PAUL FORHAN built at the Yorktown Jewish individuals participating in or- stable, and we hoped to grow,” congregation, the Yorktown Jew-

(914) 806-3951 Center extends well past the ganized religion and referenced Medow said. “We were left with ish Center has promoted other
[email protected]
rabbis and presidents. For 68 the Pew Research Center’s 2013 a shrinking congregation and a ways for them to show faith and
BRUCE HELLER
(914) 486-7608 years, a multigenerational family portrait of Jewish Americans, a stable mortgage.” worship in the area. roughout
[email protected]
has been built among the con- report that showed that about e organization looked ex- the pandemic, the organization
LISA KAIN
(201) 317-1139 gregation, and it is the aspect 20 percent of Jewish Ameri- tensively at other options to has provided links to Zoom ser-
[email protected]
CORINNE STANTON of the Yorktown Jewish Center cans had reported themselves as keep themselves a oat, such as vices and other resources at sur-
(914) 760-7009
[email protected] that will live on after it closes identifying with no religion. merging with another local con- rounding synagogues, as well as

JAY GUSSAK through social gatherings and “ e only sector within the gregation or forming a coalition hosting Zoom services of their
(914) 299-4541
[email protected] other religious practices. Jewish faith that’s growing is the with other synagogues. own for their congregants.
JENNIFER CONNELLY
(917) 446-7757 “Our congregation can best be Orthodox branch,” he added. “We, unfortunately, were not “ e only thing I regret is the
[email protected]
SHELLEY KILCOYNE described as a close family. Our is was unforeseeable when able to do anything like that. We fact that our numbers have fallen
(914) 924-9122
[email protected] biggest disappointment is that Yorktown Jewish Center took spoke to several other congrega- o and we’re no longer a viable
GABRIELLE BILIK
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/DESIGNER our family is going to be dis- out a mortgage on the building tions in the area in the hopes entity, but I will assure you that
[email protected]
persed and folks will join other to undergo a major renovation that we would all be able to get even in this most di cult pro-
PRODUCTION TEAM
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL institutions, so we won’t be stay- to upgrade their facilities and together in one location and cess of planning our end, every-

CREATIVE DIRECTOR body has worked respectfully
PHOTOGRAPHER
and in a considerate fashion to
[email protected]
CHRISTINA ROSE best evaluate our options to do
ART DIRECTOR/
things in a digni ed fashion,”
DIGITAL PRODUCTION MANAGER
[email protected] Medow said.

EXECUTIVE TEAM Because the Yorktown Jew-
BRETT FREEMAN
CEO & PUBLISHER ish Center is incorporated as a
845-208-8151
non-pro t religious institution,
[email protected]
the sale must be approved by the
Deadlines
New York State attorney gener-
YORKTOWN NEWS DEADLINE
THE DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS Russell Girolamo Jr Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Gregory Bell al’s o ce. After the sale and the

AND EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS FOR satisfaction of their nancial ob-

YORKTOWN NEWS IS THE THURSDAY ligations, if there are any assets
BEFORE THE NEXT PUBLICATION DATE.
or cash left over, the decision of
FOR MORE INFORMATION,
CALL BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER AT how to disperse them will be de-
914-302-5628 OR EMAIL
[email protected]. cided by a congregational vote.

Subscribe e property and its

TO REQUEST YORKTOWN NEWS 17,120-square-foot building is
WEEKLY DELIVERY, CALL 845-208-8503
OR EMAIL [email protected]. listed for sale by Coldwell Bank-
SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE COMPLIMENTARY FOR
RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN THE TOWN. Auto | Home | Business | Life er with an asking price of $2.95
OUT OF TOWN MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE million.
$150 PER YEAR FOR FIRST CLASS MAIL.
Let us help you protect what’s most important. “We’re not going to know how
PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT much cash, if we have cash, until
SOMERS, NY AND AT
after the sale. at may happen
ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
POSTMASTER: 914-962-9777 • www.girolamoagency.com next week; that may happen next
year,” Medow said. “What we as
SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO a congregation will do before we
YORKTOWN NEWS AT
le with the attorney general, is
118 N. BEDFORD ROAD
SUITE 100 Your One-Stop Shop for we will decide who is to derive
bene t from those assets.”
MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549
Deck Building Materials Medow added that the Yor-
(ISSN 2329-8693)
PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY ktown Jewish Center is only
HALSTON MEDIA, LLC AT allowed to distribute its assets
118 N. BEDFORD ROAD to “like organizations,” such as

SUITE 100 other non-pro t religious insti-
MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549
tutions or charitable organiza-
©2021 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC
tions. ere are no set plans for

the assets, but the organization

is thinking of splitting its funds

amongst religious or charitable

institutions in the Yorktown

area to continue the mission of

the center.

“It’s very sad, and very, very

di cult to deal with, and very

emotional,” Medow said. He

called the congregation’s closing

as a “diaspora,” a dispersal of the

members of the Yorktown Jew-

ish Center as they branch out to

nd new religious homes in the

Mahopac Railroad Tie Yorktown area.
Experts in Deck Lumber
911 Route 6, Mahopac, NY To advertise in Yorktown
845-628-8111 | www.decklumber.com | x News, call Brett Freeman
at 845-208-8151 or email
freeman@halstonmedia.
com.

Thursday, May 27, 2021 Yorktown News – Page 5

VolzAuto.com
Meadowland AND Bill Volz
of Carmel Westchester

1952 Route 6 845-225-8468 2293 Crompond NRYd914-739-7100
Carmel, NY Cortlandt Manor,

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND HOURS

OPEN SATURDAY May 29, 2021
9am to 6pm

CLOSED SUNDAY May 30, 2021

OPEN MONDAY May 31, 2021
9am to 5pm

2021
JEEP
CHEROKEE
LATITUDE
LUX

0%
FINANCING
AVAILABLE
FOR 84
$199Lease as for 39 MONTHS*
months*
low as OR
SK#M21626 MSRP $33,835
2021 JEEP COMPASS LATITUDE
2021
JEEP GR
0% CHEROKEE
FINANCING LAREDO E
AVAILABLE
0%
FOR 84 FINANCING
MONTHS* AVAILABLE

OR

$189Lease as FOR 72
$239Lease as mfoor n3t9hsS*K#2165M6 MOSNORPTR$H38S,7*40
low as for 39
months* low as

SK#21577 MSRP $30,885

See dealer for details. All rebates included. Compass includes conquest. Cherokee includes loyalty. Gr Cherokee includes loyalty and returning lessee. Must qualify for rebates. Lease is 10k per year with
$2998 down, plus 1st payment, dmv and bank fee due at signing. Must qualify for tier 1 credit. Residuals: Compass 7371/17295, Gr Cherokee 9321/24793 and Cherokee 7761/21316. Not responsible

for typographical errors. Vehicle pictures for illustration purposes only. 0% financing to qualified buyers through Lender. Not all buyers will qualify. Restrictions apply. Tax and reg extra. Ends 5/31/21.

Page 6 – Yorktown News Thursday, May 27, 2021

SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTIONS

Lakeland, Yorktown budgets pass

BY NICK TRUJILLO tion president Michael G. Daly e vote was held at Van Cor- the Board of Education during childhood education, common
STAFF WRITER and trustee Angela Conti have tlandtville Elementary School their April 8 meeting. It includes branch education, middle school
been re-elected, and Anna Mas- and Lakeland residents had the a $1.4 million proposition to pur- mathematics, and special educa-
e Lakeland Central School saro has been elected to ll the opportunity to vote from 7 a.m. chase vehicles for the school’s bus tion. She has also achieved a mas-
District’s $168,255,026 budget seat left behind by Karen Press- to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18. ter’s degree in school counseling
passed by a vote of 1088 to 266, man. e results were certi ed eet, and a at tax levy for the from Long Island University, and
according to election results. at the school board meeting on e budget will increase by 2.1 second consecutive year. completed her doctoral program
percent from last year’s gure and in teacher leadership at Concor-
Incumbent Board of Educa- ursday, May 20. was unanimously approved by e voters chose from seven dia University.
candidates to ll the three open
seats on the Board of Education. YORKTOWN CENTRAL
Of the three incumbent trustees SCHOOL DISTRICT
whose terms had expired, Press-
man was the only one who de- Voters in the Yorktown Cen-
cided not to run for re-election. tral School District chose the sta-
tus quo on last week, re-electing
e nal voting tallies for the incumbents Jackie Carbone and
candidates nished as: Peter Bisaccia to the Board of
Education.
• Michael G. Daly: 924
• Anna Massaro: 814 Carbone received 568 votes
• Angela Conti: 788 and Bisaccia received 520 votes,
• Carmella Pervizi: 375 defeating challenger Richie Gi-
• Tatyana Krychkina: 305 annasca, who received 323 votes.
• Marisa Ragonese: 288
• Vincent Xavier: 276 Carbone has been a board
Daly, a 24-year resident of the trustee for 15 years, the last 14
district, is a senior vice president as president. She serves on the
of an international nancial ser- Fiscal Advisory and Policy com-
vices rm, as well as a registered mittees and chairs the District
nancial advisor. Facilities Steering Committee.
Conti will return for her sec-
ond term year as a Lakeland Bisaccia has also been on the
board trustee. She is a 25-year school board for 15 years. He has
Cortlandt Manor resident. She served on the district’s Audit and
has a bachelor’s degree in ac- Wellness committees.
counting and nance and has
completed all the coursework e school board veterans
towards a master’s degree in el- faced a challenge from Giannas-
ementary education and special ca, a rising senior at Pace Univer-
education. She serves as a chair- sity and a 2018 Yorktown High
person on both the audit and School graduate.
budget committees at Lakeland.
Massaro is the only newcomer e $101.9 million budget
to the Board of Education. She passed, 594 to 188, and a $4 mil-
has been a resident of Yorktown lion withdrawal from the capital
since 2016 and has two children project fund was approved, 664
currently enrolled in the district. to 130.
She has earned licenses in early
Additional reporting by Brian
Marschhauser.

BRIEFS

Government at Work Yorktown Fire
Parade
• Tuesday, June 1, Town Board,

7:30 p.m. Yorktown Heights Engine

• Wednesday, June 2, Conser- Company No. 1 will hold its an-

vation Board, 7:30 p.m. nual Fireman’s Parade at 7 p.m.

Visit yorktownny.org, york- Wendesday, June 23.

town.org, or lakelandschools. Library Porch
org for agenda information or to

watch/participate. Concert

SummerFest e Independence, a multi-

generational band playing a mix

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Satur- of jazz, R&B, pop and rock, will

day, June 19 the town of York- play at the John C. Hart Memo-

town and the Yorktown Chamber rial Library at 2 p.m. Sunday,

of Commerce are hosting a Sum- June 6. is is a porch concert

merFest event behind the York- on the lawn, so guests are able

town Firehouse on Commerce to bring blankets, chairs, and an

Street. An opening ceremony/ umbrella for shade. Food dona-

Juneteenth ceremony will be held tions will also be collected for

at 11:30 a.m. e free event (rain the pantry at First Presbyterian

or shine) will include food, enter- Church of Yorktown. No regis-

tainment, wine and craft beer, live tration is required.

music, and vendors.

















Thursday, May 27, 2021 OPINION Yorktown News – Page 15

Soundview Time to ease LETTERS We deserve more public? And If not, why not?
sounds like restrictions information Mr. Glass strongly recom-
measures will help undo the
a duck To the editor, unfortunate repercussions from To the editor, mended and urged that there
It’s time to begin the process all the shutdowns. Mr. Glass was right to come should never be anyone serving
To the editor, on the Planning Board who
At rst glance (giving everyone of easing back restrictions that On another note, I have forward, but what happened?! works in the real estate busi-
go beyond NY State and CDC noticed that there has been I want to thank Mr. Glass, ness, and I agree. I’d like to
the bene t of the doubt), the Guidance. When the pandemic some fallout due to the recent know what is the Town Board’s
perception projected is that altru- started the town board properly recommendations from the a longtime Yorktown resident position on this recommenda-
istic elected o cials are working implemented the guidance at CDC on mask wearing. I have who came forward and spoke tion?
hand and hand with a developer that time and went above and noticed that there have been at Courtesy of the Floor two
on the Soundview property in beyond the accepted protocols some minor con icts with weeks ago about an ethical You could hear a pin drop af-
a methodical and transparent to keep us safe. e measures residents and businesses alike. issue involving a con ict of ter Mr. Glass spoke, not a peep
fashion to improve Yorktown for were necessary especially during Please remember to respect one interest with a former Planning from anyone, not the board, no
the bene t of all. a time when there were many another’s decisions regarding Board member. one. e silence was deafening
unanswered questions and no mask wearing and please respect and concerning to say the least.
When you peel back the onion COVID vaccine in sight. ose the decisions of local businesses If it weren’t for Mr. Glass’s
a little (one coincidence after were dark days. regarding their own policy on tenacity, and commitment to ankfully we have residents
another in an almost fairytale mask mandates while frequent- transparency, this con ict of like Mr. Glass who are will-
timeline), a more murky image Today, we see a much dif- ing their respective establish- interest would not have been ing to come forward, and with
of politicians maybe working ferent picture. e vaccine is ments. brought forward to the ethics their brave perseverance and
hand and glove with a long-time readily available and widely committee. Holding our elected commitment to a fair and just
political contributor at breakneck distributed. COVID numbers Lastly please realize that o cials and volunteer advisory local government that perosn is
speeds in back rooms to bend are down signi cantly and the as of the writing of this letter board members accountable is no longer serving on the Plan-
all the rules for a questionable Center for Disease Control has NY State has yet to announce essential to the proper running ning Board.
bene t is emerging. recommended important new any changes to their policies of a municipality.
guidance with regard to mask regarding masks and our local But wouldn’t it be nice to
If it looks like a duck and wearing. Its time to begin the businesses are still following the My question to residents is get the whole story? Don’t we
sounds like a duck, the simplest process of unwinding the town older guidance. will the Town Board release the deserve that?
answer is that it’s probably a implemented, once necessary, details of the complaint to the
duck. restrictions that went above and Sergio Esposito Patricia Sullivan-Rothberg
beyond the guidance. ese
Stephen Brown Candidate, Town Board Yorktown Heights

Yorktown Heights ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES.

Letters and Op-Ed Policy EXPERT HELP.
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 Yorktown
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 914-302-5628.

Thank You Veterans and • EXCEPTIONAL SELECTION OF HIGH QUALITY TILE & MOSAICS
Front Line Responders • KITCHEN & BATH CABINETS STOCK & CUSTOM
• COUNTER TOPS: QUARTZ, GRANITE & MARBLE
and to Everyone, • SHOWER DOORS & MEDICINE CABINETS
Have a Happy and Healthy • DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE

Memorial Day NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

845-628-1330 361 Route 6 • Mahopac, New York
sclafanienergy.com
845-628-4100
www.samsceramic.com

No Need To Pick Up & Carry Your Own Tile, WE DO IT ALL!
DELIVERY AVAILABLE

Page 16 – Yorktown News OPINION Thursday, May 27, 2021

Rotary Club, YDC host Women’s History Month essay contest

Recently, the Yorktown Rotary to make remarkable contribu- Real Woman in My Life Who Is her best friend. her perseverance to learn Eng-
Club and the Yorktown Democratic tions within the Yorktown My Hero.” From real life gures In second place was Caroline lish, break barriers, and create
Committee sponsored a Women’s community. Honorees Katherine to ctional characters, the sub- a loving home for him and his
History Month essay contest with Quinn of Support Connection, missions recognized the diverse Jethmal, a ninth grader from brothers. His mother’s kindness,
Yorktown and Lakeland students. Michelle Neustadt-Kardon of ways in which we are personally Yorktown High School, who sense of humor, and strength
the NYS O ce for People with inspired by female heroes. e wrote her essay in the form of displayed in the face of adversity,
e essay contest was called: “ e Developmental Disabilities, and essay contest was judged by the a letter to her mother. Caroline are sources of immense admira-
Real Woman in My Life Who Is Kara Mac of Kara Mac Shoes Rotary Club of Yorktown. praised her inspirational mother, tion and inspire Ryan to work
My Here.” Yorktown High School were also recognized for breaking whom she described as encom- hard in all areas of his life.
student, Rebecca Gerdis, wrote the barriers and having tremendous Julia Whalen, a ninth grader passing the optimism and resil-
following article. impacts, both professionally and at Yorktown High School, ience of Leslie Knope, a ctional e Yorktown Democratic
BY REBECCA GERDIS within the community. ese came in rst place with an essay character in the television show, Committee’s Women’s His-
incredible women with di erent about her best friend “S.” She “Parks and Recreation.” Her tory Month celebration brought
GUEST WRITER stories serve as inspiring examples described the support “S” gave mom proved to her that these positivity during a time of such
of female leaders, paving the way her throughout their friendship, positive characteristics are not uncertainty. Whether or not
This March, the Yorktown for the next generations of young as well as the grace and strength limited to ction, but can also be they realize it, countless women
Democratic Commit- women. shown by “S” when facing her found in our true real life heroes continue to inspire us, both
tee held its rst annual own unanticipated challenges. such as herself. professionally and personally. It is
Women’s History Month cel- In addition to honoring these Learning from her friend, Julia important that we acknowledge
ebration. Many were in atten- women, the Yorktown Demo- now understands what it means Ryan Zheng, a sixth grader their amazing contributions and
dance on Zoom to honor Coun- cratic Committee also challenged to have empathy and resilience. from Mildred E. Strang Middle recognize the roles they play as
cilwoman Alice Roker along students in grades 6-12 to write School, came in third place with our real-life heroes.
with other inspiring women. about an inspiring woman who is beautifully written essay an essay about his mother. He
has made an impact on their life demonstrates the true meaning described her fortitude when You can read the students’ es-
Councilwoman Roker has in an essay contest entitled, “ e of a hero; despite being the same emigrating to the United States says at: yorktowndemocrats.com/
blazed trails throughout her age, Julia found a role model in from China as a young girl and ydc-news/community.
successful career, and continues

BYRNE tions and seek answers. Marginal- percent of Americans have already obligation to do what’s right Assemblyman Kevin Byrne represents
izing those with doubts won’t help received at least one shot of a for the health and safety of our New York’s 94th Assembly District,
FROM PAGE 13 address their concerns. Personally, COVID-19 vaccine, according to society—including our fami- which includes portions of Putnam
I nd it more e ective to do our the CDC. at includes 52 percent lies, friends, and businesses. In and Westchester counties. Byrne is
those who may still be hesitat- best to answer those concerns of New Yorkers, 58.7 percent of 2021, for me and my family, that the ranking minority member of
ing to get the shot- not to shame honestly and directly—which is Westchester County residents, means getting vaccinated. the Assembly Committee on Health,
or marginalize anyone who feels what I attempted to do in this and 56.5 percent of Putnam and serves as chair of the Assembly
di erently. column. County residents according to You can learn more about the Minority Program Committee.
NYSDOH. We each have an importance of immunization at
As Americans, it is our right— As of Tuesday, May 25, 50 letsgetimmunizedny.org.
and our obligation—to ask ques-

VISIT US FOR HAPPY HOUR: Tues-Fri 3-7PM• THURS & SUN 3 PM-Close

HALF PRICE WINES•$2 OFF ALL TAPAS • $3 DOMESTIC BEERS • $2 OFF SPECIALTY & MIXED DRINKS

Happy Hour is in the Bar only.

845.526.1200

151 BRYANT POND ROAD, MAHOPAC NY
WWW.CHARSTEAKHOUSEANDBAR.COM

Thursday, May 27, 2021 Yorktown News – Page 17

Halston Media

Presents

Inaugural

FORUM SERIES

Now That It’s Legal, Should Recreational
Marijuana Dispensaries

Be Allowed To Operate In Your Town?

This forum is your chance to ask questions and watch an exciting debate
about a topic that could have a big impact on your community!

IN FAVOR OPPOSED

• Jonathan Schneider, former member of the • Susan Salomone,
Carmel Town Board; local business consultant; Founder & Executive Director of

and Iraq War veteran Drug Crisis in our Backyard

• Ryan Lepore, North Salem High School Class of • Frank Lombardi,
2010; District Office Director for former NY State Carmel Town Councilman
Assemblyman David Buchwald; Interim Executive
Director of NYC NORML (National Organization for • Jeffrey Veatch,
the Reform of Marijuana Laws); Board of Directors President of the
Justin Veatch Fund
of Empire State NORML
• Kathy Cucchiarella,
• Thomas Winstanley, Vice President of Marketing Chairperson & DFC Coordinator
for Theory Wellness, one of the top marijuana Somers Partners in Prevention
dispensaries in the nation
Join in on this conversation!
• Matt Damrow,
Yorktown resident; Partner, Hudson Grow,

future NYS adult-use dispensary

7 p.m. Thursday, June 10th, via Zoom

RSVP via email at [email protected]

Sponsored By: Putnam County Citizens
Jenn and Christopher Maher:
For a Strong Economy and Smart Community























Thursday, May 27, 2021 SPORTS Yorktown News – Page 29

SOFTBALL

FROM PAGE 28

“We all play in the same Yorktown’s Olivia
organization, Empire State Fasce slides safely into
Huskies, so I have known
Olivia for like years,” Bale second base against
host Somers.

said. “Her, myself, Ava Knopf,

Hannah Matusiak, and Shan-

non Scotto all play for the

Huskies.

“It’s like fun because I know

it’s going to be a good game,”

Bale added. “I know Olivia, I

know how good she is. She is

one of the best. I always like

playing people I know. It was

just fun.”

Lakeland scored all three of

their runs in the third inning,

thanks to some small ball.

“ at was the only inning

we scored, so that really de -

nitely helped.

Bale said. “ e bunts were a

big part of winning the game.”

Melendez (2 singles), Scot-

to (3 walks, RBI), Matusiak

(RBI), Gabby Santini (run), Husker Adrianna
Bale (run), and Knopf (single, Albano puts it in play
run) produced o ensively for
Lakeland. and gets ready to
head to first against
Lakeland (10-2) defeated Somers.

visiting Panas, 4-2, on May 24,

led by Bale (13 strikeouts, 3

hits, earned run, walk), Knopf

(2-3, run, RBI), Scotto (1-2, 1

RBI), Bale (2-3, 2 runs), and PHOTOS: ROB DIANTONIO

Matusiak (1-3, RBI). COYMoPrAkNtoYwIDn’s Lainie Ornstein fires the ballFiAnCtoE tMhAeSK

inBfiAeDlGdE. COMPANY FACE MASK
COMPANY
Decks UNIFORM COMPANY ID
WITH LOGO BADGE

MEASURING UNIFORM
COMTPANPYE ID WITH LOGO
Patios Your All-In-OneANTI-BACTERIALWIPES, FACECMLAIPSKBOARD
Driveways CLIP BOARD
Siding WORMKEGALSOUVRIENSGBADGE COMPANYHAND MEASURING
Roofs HAND
Windows Home Improvement& DISPOSABTLAEPEGLOVES UNIFOSRAMNITIZER SANITIZER
Chimneys ContractorANTI-BACTERIAL WIPES,
PHOTOTSA: RPOEB DIANTONIO SHOE
Doors Yorktown’s LainiWeITOHrnLOsGteOSinHOfirEes the ball into the infield. COVERS &
Baths FLASHLIGHT
CLIP BOACRODVERS & ANTI-BACTERIAL WIPES,
HANFDLASHLIGHT
CCOOMMPPAANNYYIDID WORK GLOVES FFAACCEEMMAASSKK
SANITIZER
BBAADDGGEE & DISPOSABLE GLOVESCCOOMMPPAANNYY

& WORK GLOVEYS ou and your family, as weCllOSVaHEsORESo&urs. UUNNIFIFOORRMM
WWITITHHLLOOGGOO
DISPOSABLE GLOVES
FAFACECEMMAASKSK FLASHLIGHT MMEEAASSUURRININGG
COCOMMPAPANNYYIDID TTAAPPEE CCLLIPIPBBOOAARRDD
BABADDGGEE COCOMMPAPANNYY
UUNNIFIOFORMRM AANNTTI-IB-BAACCTTEERRIAIALLWWIPIPEESS, , You anHHdAANNyDDour family, as well as ours.
MMEAEASUSURIRNINGG WWOORRKKGGLLOOVVEESS
TATAPEPE You and your famWiWlITyIHT,HLaOLsOGGOwO ell as ours. SSAANNITITIZIZEERR
&&DDISISPPOOSSAABBLLEEGGLLOOVVEESS
CLCILPIPBOBOAARDRD SSHHOOEE
HHAANNDD CCOOVVEERRSS&&
FFLLAASSHHLLIGIGHHTT
SASANNITIITZIEZRER
AANNTIT-BI-ABACTCETREIRAIAL LWWIPIEPSE,S,
WWOORKRKGGLOLOVVESES SHSHOOEE YYoouuaannddyyoouurrffaammililyy, ,aasswweelllaassoouurrss. .
COCOVVERESRS&&
&&DDISIPSOPOSASABLBELEGGLOLOVVESES FLFALASHSHLILGIGHHT T

YYoouuaannddyyoouur rfafammiliyl,ya, asswweellllaassoouursr.s. FREE PATIO SWING

WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR NEW DECK
OR ANY JOB OVER $5000
Kitchens
Additions Providing Comprehensive BEFORE JUNE 15, 2021
Renovations NAILING INTEGRITY INTO EVERY JOB& MRaeimnotednealinncge, SRoelpuatiiro,nsHusker Adrianna Albano puts it in play and gets readCyaPntHonOohTtOebSea:cdRoOmtoBbiDfinIerAdsNtwTOitNhIaOny offers. Cannot be used on previously completed work. Exp. 6/15/21.
Repairs
Installs YYAoouunonnemeeoedopdnitteiidyotonddnooieswn,aWenv,ea0Wid%laoebifidlten!o!aintc! ing You needYYoouunneeeeddiittddoonnee,,WWeeddooiitt!! it done, We do it!
Handyman SSeerrvviinnggWWeessttcchheesstteerr&&PPuuttnnaamm
YYo5oSuSeyuerrnvrnviaeniSenWSnegegdedWredWrvei1hvesti0tstnaicdtyhcndvgohreeogesnWfitsnoeetWnerpe,ra&s,tW&etWinPocPsuechnuettidnntecsdnaosghfamotomeiwertirst!iat!&tlehlPrynuo&otunpPrarubemutpndagyaemmtennetepdes!nalty!

Serving Westchester & Putnam

914-837-0411 • HoneyDoMen.com

Page 30 – Yorktown News Thursday, May 27, 2021

VARSITY ROUNDUP (5/18-5/24)

Huskers victorious in
Riefenhauser’s return

to Mahopac

Rebel boys’ lax wins three in a row

BY MIKE SABINI on, Yorktown climbed to within inning and allowing just 1 hit, 0

CONTRIBUTING WRITER one run, keyed by a double from earned runs, 0 walks while strik-

Yorktown Baseball Brett Warden (3 doubles, 2 RBI, ing out 4 in four innings pitched, PHOTO: ROB DIANTONIO
(12-1) 2 runs) and a Tyler Pugliese (2 on just 48 pitches.
RBI) home run. Yorktown shortstop Brett Warden fires to first for the double play
Jon Sica (2 hits, RBI) also con- against Somers.
In the bottom of the fth, Kyle tributed to the win.

Zaslaw hit his second home run

YORKTOWN 8, SOMERS 6 of the season on a 3-2 count to YORKTOWN 10, SOMERS 0 Haglund (4-4, two doubles, 4 runs, RBI), Zaslaw (2-4, double,

Tuesday, May 18 (Yorktown tie the game at ve and Yorktown Thursday, May 20 (Somers RBI), Jon Munoz (2-4, RBI), 3 RBI), Nick Jacoby (3-4, 2 dou-

High School) went on to score three more runs High School) Warden (double, 2 RBI, 2 walks), bles, 2 runs, RBI), and Swaroop

Yorktown rallied to beat highlighted by another double Yorktown defeated Somers, and Zaslaw (double, RBI, 2 Pujari (4-5, 2 doubles, 2 runs)

Somers, 8-6. from Warden. 10-0, in six innings, led by Kevin walks). did the job o ensively for Yor-

Down 5-1 with two outs in the Scott Weitman earned the Weitman (complete game, 3 hits, ktown while Scott Weitman (6

bottom of the fourth and nobody victory by coming in the fourth 0 walks, 9 strikeouts), Stephen YORKTOWN 14, MAHOPAC 8 innings of relief, 7 hits, 4 runs, 5

Saturday, May 22 (Mahopac strikeouts) and winning pitcher

High School) Warden (1.2 innings, 1 hit) per-

Yorktown rallied from a 7-3 formed well on the mound.

rst-inning de cit and broke an “We were familiar with com-

8-8 tie by scoring 6 runs in the ing from behind so this wasn’t

eighth, to win 14-8. anything new to us,” Pugliese

CJ Riefenhauser came back to said. “ ere was still a lot of base-

his alma mater where his retired ball to be played left in the game.

No. 7 is up on the scoreboard, We stayed focused and strung

We prioritize your case, winning his rst game returning together hits which allowed us to

to Mahopac as a head coach for make a comeback.”
Yorktown.

investigate thoroughly, “Mahopac holds a special place YORKTOWN 7, MAHOPAC 1

in my heart,” Riefenhauser said. Monday, May 24 (Yorktown
“I learned so much and have so High School)

many great memories on that Kevin Weitman (4 hits, 0

and help you make eld. earned runs, 7 strikeouts), Mu-
“My group of kids are special, noz (2 hits), Warden (2 hits),

they battled back,” Riefenhauser Jacoby (2 hits), Sica (double, 2

sound decisions. added. “ ey know they’re never RBI), and Zaslaw (double, RBI)
out of any ght, they really just led Yorktown to a 7-1 win against

continue to impress my sta and Mahopac.

continue to keep getting better.”

Pugliese (3-5, 2 doubles, 3 SEE VARSITY PAGE 31

runs, 4 RBI), Munoz (3-5, 3

We are open and
ready to assist you.

SU MMER CA

MP

LAW OFFICES OF JOSEPH J. TOCK 200 BOCES Drive ● Yorktown Heights, NY ● 914-248-2220
Fun programs for students 12-15 years old
963 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541
In Person and Virtual Camps ● Instructors are experts in their fields
TOCKLAW.COM • 800-869-8080 To register for camp or for more information, please visit

www.pnwboces.org/summercamp or call 914-248-2220or 914-248-2431.
***Discount of $10 per camp for payments received by 5/7/21***