Somers Record 03.18.21

Vol. 10 No. 48 Visit TapIntoSomers.net for the latest news. Thursday, March 18, 2021

SCSD works toward full return

BY CAROL REIF involving students in grades Blanch noted that the district should, open up fully overnight,” school transportation.
STAFF WRITER 7-12. Reentry will evolve over was approaching the one-year Blanch added, and tudents and e district is holding online
a period of several weeks, with anniversary of “where we were parents will still be able to opt
e Somers Central School high school seniors likely to be shut down overnight.” e for remote learning. Q&A sessions with parents and
District last week announced the rst brought back. Students memory of the sta ng, trans- faculty/sta and will survey par-
that it plans to get all middle in kindergarten through sixth portation and other problems e district surveyed parents ents again once it has collected
and high school students back grade already attend school full that sudden closure created and about whether they wanted their more data. Both are tools to help
in the classroom full time by the time. the social and emotional impact children back in class ve days a it prepare for the number of stu-
end of next month. on students, teachers and sta is week. According to Blanch, 85 dents who may be coming back
Speaking on ursday, March spurring the district’s decision to percent of the school commu- full time.
On Tuesday, April 6, just af- 11, via the podcast “Somers “ease back in,” he said. nity who participated indicated
ter spring break, the district Schools Tusker Talk,” schools they did. Parents were also asked “We want to meet families’
will begin a phased-in approach Superintendent Dr. Raymond “We don’t want, or think we whether they planned to use needs,” Blanch said.

e school year doesn’t end
until June 25, so bringing stu-
dents back after April 6 should
give them enough time to get
reacquainted with in-person
learning before summer vaca-
tion.

According to Blanch, the
availability of vaccinations has
been the biggest “game changer”
behind the district’s decision to
move forward with its reentry
plan. As of last week, every dis-
trict employee had been given
“the opportunity” to roll up their
sleeves for vaccinations, he said.

Two vaccine clinics, one at
Westchester Medical Center
and the other at Westchester
Community College, were re-
cently conducted speci cally
for Somers school employees.
Blanch estimated that about 40
percent of district employees had

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Page 2 – The Somers Record Thursday, March 18, 2021

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Thursday, March 18, 2021 The Somers Record – Page 3

Sending school to the students

If the kids are not going to challenging environment. Teach- sire to succeed.
school, sometimes school goes to ers have been asked to nominate  “I am thankful that the Somers
them. Somers High School Stu- students who deserve recognition
dent Life Coordinator Brenda for the work they are doing while Central School District was able
O’Shea and Dean of Students eLearning. to provide a forum for all students
Marc Hattem, along with Somers to continue their education under
Middle School Assistant Princi-  “ ey are always happy to see such di cult circumstances,” says
pal Jennifer Mangone, have made us,”says O’Shea.“It can be hard to Kim. “I am also grateful for the
many trips to check on struggling be noticed when you are on Zoom
students, but also to celebrate stu- and you don’t have that physical ne faculty and sta at Somers
dents who are full time remote connection. Hearing that their High School.”
learners and doing well in this teacher was seeing and noticing
their hard word matters to them.”  Good grades are not the only
Somers Middle School Assistant focus of the recognition. Teach-
Principal Jennifer Mangone,  “It can be hard at times to stay ers are also nominating students
Somers High School Dean of positive about eLearning,” says who are engaged in class and have
Students Marc Hattem, and high school sophomore Liam a positive attitude. To celebrate
Student Life Coordinator Brenda Kim, who is a full time remote their success, the kids are given a
O’Shea on a visit to eLearners. learner. “I’ve found that nding certi cate and a goody bag.
the good things in my classes or
PHOTO COURTESY OF day makes the day better.” Liam’s  “We want our students to know
SOMERS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT father, Jonathan Kim, is proud of they are Tuskers whether they are
his son’s dedication, drive, and de- in the building or not,” says Hat-
tem,“And that they are part of this
community.”

SVFD battles brush fire

BY CAROL REIF
STAFF WRITER

Somers re ghters were able

to beat back a large brush re

in the Lake Purdy area before it

could reach any nearby structures.

e weather was dry and the

winds were blustery Sunday af- Several neighboring fire departments assisted at the scene.

ternoon, two conditions that The fire was caused by a downed
power line on Route 116.
increase the risk of grass and
Firefighters extinguished the
brush res. e re was sparked blaze before nearby homes
were damaged.
by a downed high-power trans-

mission line on Route 116 near

Entrance Way, Somers re Chief

Jon Mackey said Monday.

e blaze, reported shortly

before 3 p.m. Sunday, March 14,

had grown to 1,000 feet by 50 PHOTOS COURTESY OF SVFD
feet by the time crews arrived
The SVFD was on the scene within
at the scene only minutes later. minutes.
Fire ghters had to wait for the

electric utility crews to cut the

power before they could move in. eral hours Sunday afternoon.

It took about four hours to put Electricity was reportedly re-

the re out. stored to most residents, if not

ere was no damage to all, by 10 p.m.

homes in the area, but ames Mutual aid was provided by

did sneak into a few backyards, the Goldens Bridge, Bedford

Mackey said. Residents in the Hills, Katonah and Yorktown

area lost power for at least sev- Heights re departments.

Little People
of Somers
Pre-School

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Page 4 – The Somers Record Thursday, March 18, 2021

The Staff Halston Media welcomes new editorial staffers

EDITORIAL TEAM Halston Media has recently re- both welcomed him with open swing of things,” he said. “It is
TOM WALOGORSKY good to serve the community and
EDITOR: 914-302-5830 vamped its editorial department, arms. get the news out there.”
[email protected]
adding a few new sta members, “ ey are great communities, Trujillo said that being from
ADVERTISING TEAM Somers, he is very familiar with
PAUL FORHAN while some veteran sta ers take and everyone has been very help- the surrounding communities of
Yorktown and Katonah/Lewis-
(914) 806-3951 on some new responsibilities. ful and supportive,”he said.“ ere boro.
[email protected]
omas Walogorsky has joined are de nitely stories to tell.” “Everyone has been so nice and
BRUCE HELLER been keeping me updated,”he said
(914) 486-7608 the Halston team as the new edi- Walogorsky works with our of the town and school o cials.
[email protected] “ ey’ve been a big help.”
tor of e Somers Record and beat reporter,Carol Reif,who cov-
LISA KAIN Trujillo also said reporting dur-
(201) 317-1139 North Salem News. He gradu- ers North Salem and Somers. ing the pandemic brings with it its
[email protected] own special set of challenges.
CORINNE STANTON ated with an English degree from Meanwhile, Nick Trujillo joins
(914) 760-7009 “It’s been a weird experience
[email protected] SUNY Bu alo. Prior to joining Halston Media as a beat reporter trying to learn everything on the

JAY GUSSAK Halston, Walogorsky had been for Yorktown News and e Ka- y, but it’s been fun,” he said.
(914) 299-4541 Brian Marschhauser, who had
[email protected] the editor of e Pawling Record. tonah-Lewisboro Times. served as Halston Media’s sports
JENNIFER CONNELLY editor and editor of Yorktown
(917) 446-7757 Walogorsky, who resides in Trujillo earned his bachelor’s News, is once again adding e
[email protected] Katonah-Lewisboro Times to his
SHELLEY KILCOYNE Brewster, said he’s excited to join degree in journalism from the list of responsibilities.Marschhaus- Tom Walogorsky
(914) 924-9122 er was the original editor of e
[email protected] Halston Media, but noted that University of Massachusetts-Am- Katonah-Lewisboro Times when Bob Dumas remains as the edi-
GABRIELLE BILIK it was launched in 2018. tor of Mahopac News.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/DESIGNER while learning the ropes of a new herst. Before that, he graduated
[email protected] e editorial team is joined by
job is always challenging, it is even from Somers High School, where a small army of freelance report-
PRODUCTION TEAM ers and columnists, including Tom
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL more so during the pandemic as he grew up with e Somers Re- Bartley and Trudy Walz, both of
whom have worked closely with
CREATIVE DIRECTOR sta members work from home cord, and was even spotlighted in the team for many years.
PHOTOGRAPHER
and many events and meetings that publication as an Athlete of Finally, Vim Wilkinson joins
[email protected] Halston Media as a special sec-
CHRISTINA ROSE take place via Zoom. the Week. tions editor. Check out her rst
ART DIRECTOR/ project this week with the Hud-
“It’s been a challenge, but I have Trujillo said he’s already written son Valley Spring Guide, which
DIGITAL PRODUCTION MANAGER can be found inside this week’s
[email protected] a great team behind me,” he said. dozens of articles for his papers newspaper.

EXECUTIVE TEAM “It’s coming along.” and was happy to hit the ground
BRETT FREEMAN
CEO & PUBLISHER He said the communities of running.
845-208-8151
Somers and North Salem have “It’s good to get back in the
[email protected]
THE ARTIS WAY
Deadlines OF MEMORY CARE
IS NOW OPEN ELEPHANT’S
THE SOMERS RECORD DEADLINE TRUNK
THE DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS and Welcoming
Somers Recreation
AND EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS FOR Department

SOMERS RECORD IS THE THURSDAY New Residents in EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
BEFORE THE NEXT PUBLICATION DATE. Briarcliff Manor! e Town of Somers Depart-

FOR MORE INFORMATION, At Artis, our residents ment of Parks and Recreation is
CALL TOM WALOGORSKYR AT are not de ned by now accepting applications for
914-302-5830 OR EMAIL their dementia. day camp positions. Openings
[email protected]. We help them include rst aid supervisor, divi-
be who they’ve sion heads, operations sta , and
Subscribe always been! counselors. Candidates must be
able to work the entire six weeks
TO REQUEST THE SOMERS RECORD To find out more about Memory Care, of camp. Camp runs Monday
WEEKLY DELIVERY, CALL 845-208-8503 The Artis Way or to schedule a tour: through Friday, from June 28 un-
OR EMAIL [email protected]. til August 6. To apply, visit www.
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RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN THE TOWN.
OUT OF TOWN MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE SPRING PROGRAMS
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PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT Tuesday, March 23 at 8 a.m. For
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visit wwww.somersny.com, click
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POSTMASTER: on Program Registration Site. For
any questions call (914)232-8441
SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO or email [email protected]
THE SOMERS RECORD AT
Somers High
118 N. BEDFORD ROAD School PTSA
SUITE 100
914-236-0874 SHS PTSA PRESENTS DR.
MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 JOSEPH FRANCO
Artis Senior Living of Briarcliff Manor: 553 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
(ISSN 2330-1597) Check out our other nearby community in Chestnut Ridge. Dr. Joseph Franco will be pre-
PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY senting on Wednesday, March
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SUITE 100 SEE TRUNK PAGE 25
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Thursday, March 18, 2021 The Somers Record – Page 5

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Page 6 – The Somers Record Thursday, March 18, 2021

Rabbah enters BOE race “Get Egged”
by the Class
BY CAROL REIF percent remote before the pandemic.” He added
of 2022
STAFF WRITER that he knew the technologies being used by the
e Somers High School Class
district and could “speak rsthand about their of 2022 will soon be tossing eggs
all over town.
A second candidate has appeared in the pros and cons, including privacy implications.”
For this fundraising e ort, the
Somers school board race. Last year, Rabbah served on several commit- community can place an order
to have their home (or a friend’s)
Rodric Rabbah, who ran last year against two tees organized by schools Superintendent Dr. “egged” on April 2 or 3. ere is
no need to worry about the mess,
incumbents, announced last week that he had Raymond Blanch “to raise awareness about the these eggs will be lled with candy
instead. Also available will be spe-
collected enough signatures to qualify for another need for better communication with parents.” cial “Golden Jumbo Eggs” which
will be lled with special prizes as
shot. He is seeking one of two three-year terms A member of the Primrose Elementary well as tasty treats. Supporters can
purchase in increments of 10 eggs
being completed by Heidi Cambareri and Mi- School PTA, he said last week that his reasons for $10, 25 eggs for $20, or 50 eggs
for $30. A package of 4 “Golden
chael D’Anna. for running again are “still the same” and he has Jumbo Eggs” is also available for
$20. Orders will be accepted thru
Cambareri, who is completing her rst term been even more involved in the district. Sunday, March 28 by visiting www.
myschoolbucks.com or emailing
and is serving as board vice president, intends to Rabbah has also been part of the Somers Ed- [email protected].

run again; D’Anna, who has served on the board Rodric Rabbah will once again ucational Equity Advisory Team (SEEAT) and Eggs will be assembled and de-
for nearly a decade, is stepping away for profes- seek a seat on the Board of has worked with Kevin Guidotti, the district’s livered using gloves and adhering
Education. to social distancing best practices.
sional reasons. director of learning on technical issues. Candy will also be individually
wrapped.
Rabbah, cofounder and CTO of Nimbella, A Somers resident for 20 years, Cambareri has

a tech company, was a principal research scientist at IBM for 11 two children. She is the school board’s representative to the West-

years. Before that, he worked at the Massachusetts Institute of chester Putnam School Boards Association, sits on the  board’s

Technology. He has two children in the Somers school system. Policy Committee, and is a member of SEEAT and the Somers

When Rabbah rst ran, he promised he would bring a “fresh High School PTA. A career educator, Cambareri was on the dis-

perspective” to the board regarding STEAM (Science, Technol- trict’s Re-Entry Coalition Guiding Committee and participated in

ogy, Engineering, Arts, Math) education.When at MIT, he taught its Transportation Safety Committee.

courses on “real-world technology” that were translated into other She said she is an “active advocate for public education” and is fo-

languages and o ered online to global audiences. cused on securing enough state and federal funding “to sustain qual-

Rabbah said he wanted to serve on the board because he was ity educational programs without overburdening local taxpayers.”

“keenly interested in how our district is approaching STEAM e trustee election and school budget vote is on Tuesday, May

readiness” and curriculum changes. He added that Somers, while 18.

doing well academically in local and national rankings, could do Candidates must have their petitions to district clerk Nancy

better. As a parent, he said he found the distance learning program Corrado’s o ce no later than 5 p.m. Monday, April 19. Corrado

adopted by the district last year to be “eye-opening.” asks those seeking the petitions to call her at 914-277-2403 to

While Rabbah likes the district’s “whole-child”approach,he said make an appointment. She can also send the forms by email.

he believed educators could “be more tactical in how we prepare For more information about what prospective board members

our students for the future.” Rabbah also noted during his rst should know, visit https://www.nyssba.org/member-services/run-

campaign that he was running “a well-funded startup that was 100 ning-for-the-school-board/.

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Thursday, March 18, 2021 The Somers Record – Page 7

Somers PTSA Steve Johnson and
holds driver safety Jacy Good delivered
a powerful message
seminar about the risks
of driving while
Virtual presentation warns of preoccupied.
the dangers of distracted driving
Somers Town Justice
On Tuesday, February 23, the Somers High School Parent Teach- Michael McDermott
er Student Association hosted the annual Driver Safety Program addressing the young
for sophomores and juniors. 
drivers via Zoom.
e virtual presentation saw Somers Town Justice Michael Mc-
Dermott and a New York State Trooper provide students with an PHOTO COURTESY
invaluable opportunity to learn from their powerful experiences and OF SHS PTSA
insights. Following Judge McDermott’s presentation, Jacy Good
and Steve Johnson from Hang Up and Drive shared Jacy’s story of
su ering severe brain injuries after a major car accident at the hands
of a distracted driver.

Jacy Good and Steve Johnson have been public speakers and
advocates for phone-free roads since 2008. Since then, they have
brought their message to over 1000 events in more than 40 states
across the country.

e SHS PTSA has hosted Jacey and Steve for fteen years,
making them their oldest client.  Students and a parent were re-
quired to attend in order to obtain a senior parking space. For more
information on Jacy and Steve’s presentation, please visit  https://
www.hangupanddrive.com/

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Page 8 – The Somers Record Thursday, March 18, 2021

William H. Siemerling the American Legion Post 1575 OBITUARIES
Marion Brown
sister Marcy who was for many tage Hills in Somers where her

in Katonah, his proudly owned years her upstairs neighbor and daughter Mary Beth and husband

tree service, and in his 50+ active con dant, and her two brothers Tom were raising their family. In

years in the Somers Volunteer Fire Frederick and Donald, one who 1999 her beloved husband Walter

Department which included be- became a brilliant lawyer and the passed away at the age of 80.  e

ing Chief and Fire Commissioner. other a successful businessman. support she received afterwards

But his family most remembers She had her rst job in her early from her children, extended fam-

his sense of humor, his unwavering teens working for the summer at ily, the dear neighbors in her con-

work ethic and his role as a caring the famous Watch Rock Hotel in do group like Antoinette Louzan

dad and grandfather. He support- Schroon Lake, NY. She returned whom Marion spoke with nearly

ed local businesses, communities, to the Adirondacks almost every every evening, her ever helpful and

and kept the lights on at Michaels, year of her life, and “the moun- vigilant friends Margy and David

where it’s been insisted that he’s tains”became a summer home and George, and her loving and atten-

the life of the party. place of reunion for generations of tive nieces and nephews, and their

Bill is survived by his wife Anne, the family. children, whose calls and visits and

(June 12, 1941 - his children Ella McGovern and (December 16, 1921 - At 20 years old she married thoughtful letters and packages
March 8, 2021) her husband Joseph,Laura Campo February 28, 2021) the love of her life Walter E. brought her so much joy, allowed
and her husband Paul, Bill Jr. and Brown.  ey lived in Parkchester her to live happily and indepen-

his wife Margaret, Carrie Siemer- in e Bronx where they raised dently in her home for the next

William H. “Bill, aka Hill Billy ling, and Tad and his wife Rachael, Marion Brown, a resident of four children. During World War 22 years. She often said how lucky

Chief ” Siemerling of Granite as well as fteen grandchildren Heritage Hills for over 40 years, II, when Walter served in the Pa- she was to have always lived “in

Springs, passed away on March 8, and four great grandchildren. passed away peacefully on Febru- ci c, Marion was employed at beautiful places with wonderful

2021 at the age of 79. A visitation was held for friends ary 28 at the age of 99. Womrath’s, a local card and gift neighbors”.

He was born in Peekskill, NY and family at Joseph J. Smith Fu- Marion was born on Decem- shop. She was a parishioner at Marion was a devout Roman

on June 12, 1941, the son of Wid- neral Home in Mahopac. A pri- ber 16, 1921 in the Crotona Park both St. Helena’s and St. Ray- Catholic, and was a graduate of

mer (Buck) and Ella (Barlow) Sie- vate funeral service was held at e section of e Bronx. Her father mond’s, where her children at- Cathedral, an all-girls Catholic

merling. He lived his entire life in Church of the Good Shepherd, Frederick Ludwig came from Ba- tended school. high school in Manhattan. She

Somers. Near the end of his proud with the internment following at varia Germany and her mother In the 1960’s and 70’s the fam- had a special devotion to St. Jude,

service in the United States Navy, Ivandell Cemetery in Somers. Beatrice Stenson from County ily lived on Pelham Parkway in whose image was prominently

he married Anne Fredette on May e family requests those who Sligo Ireland. After the death of e Bronx.  Marion worked as a displayed in her home. She also

21, 1966 in West Chazy, NY. To- wish to express sympathy to con- her father when she was 11 years school aide at PS 97 and her hus- had a deep admiration for those

gether for over 54 years,they raised sider making a donation to the old, Marion’s mother raised her band served as a lieutenant, then a who chose the religious life and

their ve children: Ella, Laurie, Church of Good Shepard in and her four siblings through the captain in the NYC Fire Depart- counted several of them among

Bill Jr., Carrie, and Tad. Granite Springs, Somers Volun- years of the Depression - her sis- ment.  She remained close friends her cherished friends.

Bill’s hard work and dedica- teer Fire Department, Gary Sinise ter Helen, the oldest, whose jobs with her neighbors there long after She had a wonderful sense of

tion to his family and commu- Foundation, or your favorite char- supported the family and who was they had all left the neighborhood. SEE OBITS PAGE 25

nity could be seen in his work at ity in Bill’s name. Marion’s lifelong best friend, her In 1978 they moved to Heri-

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Thursday, March 18, 2021 The Somers Record – Page 9

SOMERS YOUTH SPORTS
ORGANIZATION (SYSO)

BASEBALL

REGISTRATION IS OPEN for our 2021 spring season!

Register by Sunday, March 21 to take advantage of discounted rates!
• We are seeking volunteers to coach teams (head coaches or assistants) and to

serve as directors for our Rookie (grades 1/2) and Minors (grades 3/4) divisions.
Please email us at [email protected] to volunteer!

• Also calling all umpires ages 12 and up... Certification clinics start soon so please
email [email protected] for more details!

Important 2021 spring season (tentative) dates & information:

Practices for all age groups start the week of April 19
Opening day games will be held on Saturday May 1
Games for all age groups begin the week of May 3 - Season ends June 19
Calendar has been restructured to focus on training clinics

in addition to team practices and games
Rule changes are in the works with the goal of improving competition, enhancing
gameplay and providing a fun, rewarding experience for all players and their families
Special events will be added during the season, potentially including an all-star
game, skills competitions, and weekend night spotlight games under the lights!

To register for the spring season, please visit
http://somersbaseball.leagueapps.com/leagues/baseball

Spring is right around the corner...
we look forward to seeing everyone back on the baseball field!

Page 10 – The Somers Record Thursday, March 18, 2021

Happily Opinion
Ever
After

Up with the Irish A shot in the dark

The arrival of With a little bit “No, they’re lying right
St. Patrick’s of pre-existing
Day always THE doing. Having never asthma I was MAN there on the top.”“What
makes me think SEASONED seen her with anyone, able to schedule a Coro- OVERBOARD is your race?”“I am an
about my mother. CITIZEN Mom asked if he were navirus vaccination for RICK Earthling.”“Are you
Florence was ter- ill. “Oh, no,” replied 11:00 at night at the Javits MELÉN pregnant?”“No, but the
ADRIENNE the lady. “I have him Center in Manhattan. I night is young.”“Are you
KAVELLE right here with me,” was so happy I could have
kissed a stranger, if Gover- an essential worker?”“I
nor Cuomo hadn’t already beaten me to it. I
ribly allergic to and she pulled a large wasn’t sure how to dress for the vaccination. work for television- is
It was such a fortuitous occasion that I felt
ragweed, so every urn lled with ashes I should wear a suit and tie, but I settled on there anything more
something in between that and what I usu-
summer she and my from her bag. “He’s ally wear in quarantine, so the compromise essential than that right now?”“Do you pass
was: clothing. It seems like we’re getting
father would take a month o and sail enjoying the trip as much as I am!” there. It feels as if soon we will be able to out after shots?”“Only if I have more than
get together, in person, and have such a
to Europe where the pollen didn’t af- Sometimes my mother and her contentious argument that we storm out in eight of them.” And so forth. We got our
a snit and never speak to each other again.
fect her. One of Mom’s favorite places mother-in-law would vie over who I’ve been waiting a whole year for this day. inoculations, and the nurses had us sit for

was Ireland. She loved the green elds, was in charge of the kitchen. Grandma e Javits Center is a huge convention a while to make sure we didn’t have an ab-
space, and the whole proceedings had the
the shamrocks, Irish tea, and especially was the old school and mom the new. distinct avor of being at the airport. ere normal reaction. Once they realized that my
were people dressed in National Guard
scones. Florence was an experimental ey each had their own way of doing uniforms, which made me nervous that we reaction was as normal as it was going to get,
might be hijacked. But they were very nice,
cook and a fabulous baker and became things. For example, as soon as my very calm and very e cient, moving my they not only let us go but encouraged it.
wife and I from one side of the oor to the
known for her fantastic scones. ank mother nished with something, she’d other, where we followed a maze of ribbon e CDC published a list of things you
barriers, di erent colored tape on the oor,
goodness we didn’t need to wait for wash it and put it away. My grand- and numbered signs to get us where we still can’t do after receiving your vaccine.
needed to go, which looked remarkably like
March to enjoy them. mother, on the other hand, would pile where we started. I began to feel like that I found, for instance, that after receiving
one red canvas bag on the luggage carou-
My father was a doctor and my everything up in the sink until she was sel, the one that has been there since the the vaccine I still could not play the piano.
Kennedy administration, going around and
mother was his nurse, so she wasn’t done cooking and then clean up. around waving at you while you’re waiting What you CAN do is visit your grand-
for your own suitcase to appear.
home during the day to bake. Dad’s Speaking of food, one of my favorite children, even if they are not vaccinated, as
Centrifugal force threw us o the line in
parents were our care-givers, and days was Wednesday when dad spent front of a panel of nurses, who were run- long as they are not exhibiting any signs of
ning a quiz show, and if you answered the
grandma prepared daily meals. At the afternoon at the clinic. He’d leave questions correctly, you got to move on. being extremely annoying. If you don’t have
“Are you feeling sick today?” One asked. I
night though, or on weekends the his o ce about 11 a.m. and stop at the said, “No, my hair always looks like that.” grandchildren, the CDC has said that it is
“Do you have any underlying conditions?”
aroma of mother’s baking swept Horn and Hardart cafeteria. en he perfectly okay to visit theirs.

through the house, making the air we would bring back two of my favorite I hear rumblings, and I’m not talking

breathed scrumptious. She taught me dishes for lunch: creamed spinach and about my stomach right now, that there are

to bake the best apple pie in the world. macaroni and cheese. Our elementary people out there that don’t want to get the

e pie crust was more like cookie school was close by, so we always came Coronavirus vaccine, so I’d like to have a

dough and melted deliciously on one’s home for the noon meal. few words with them right now. Are you

tongue, but my favorite treat were her Growing up everything was home- afraid that it might hurt? It won’t hurt near-

scones. ere were breakfast scones made. We didn’t have frozen dinners ly as much as me hitting you over the head

and dinner scones and unbelievable then and at six o’clock every evening with a ball peen hammer to knock some

dessert scones, some strewn with bits all the cooking aromas wafted on to sense into you. Are you afraid that it doesn’t

of chocolate. the street enticing homecoming work- have decades of track record for you to pore

On their month to six weeks spent ers to their dinner tables. On March through the data and study? Come on now,

in Europe every year, Mom and Dad 17, the entire neighborhood smelled of you weren’t really going to do that anyway,

met many interesting and sometimes corned beef and cabbage. Not because you were going to trust the same authorita-

exotic people. One Seasoned Citizen everyone WAS Irish, but because tive bodies that told you that Skittles were

always carried a large knitting bag everyone IS Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. safe to eat. Maybe you’ve been gleaning

with her, but never yarn or needles. I don’t mind giving up the cabbage, your science from the QAnon 6:00 News

She explained that she and her hus- but where oh where can I nd some and you now believe that the “vaccine gives

band had always planned to take long of Florence’s homemade scones to ap- SEE MELEN PAGE 17

sea vacations which they were now pease my memory’s taste buds?

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, March 18, 2021 OPINION The Somers Record – Page 11

Not again...

WHATWAS and not send one crashing to the better. I then made the decision Again, I kissed a beloved pet comforting in having a living,
I THINKING? oor! to help my Gus over the Rain- in a nal good bye and watched loving furry creature as a com-
Once he got his 5’ 2” kitty bow Bridge. My vet agreed that as he peacefully left me. I cried panion. Who knows? When
RUTHANN I was making the right decision and continued to pet his soft, the time is right, I may adopt
SCHEFFER tower (sent by son, Matt), all this and that he and his assistants furry head. e vet and dedicat- another kitty to love and cherish.
jumping and racing stopped. He would be with me. He gently ed assistants were compassionate
As I write my column, I would sit for hours on the top told me that I had given Gus a and caring both to me and to My deepest gratitude to the
am sad, distraught and in level and look out the sliding wonderful home, even for the Gus, and I thank them from the team at Goldens Bridge Veteri-
shock. Once again I have doors, then curl up and take a short time he was with me, and bottom of my heart. But, damn, nary Care Center for their loving
helped a dear pet cross over the nap. Of course my lap was his that my kitty had been loved and it hurt so bad! and compassionate care. ey
Rainbow Bridge, my handsome second choice and I welcomed cherished. were such a comfort during this
rescue cat, Gus. him each evening as we watched ere is something so very sorrowful time. God bless.
TV or I read my book.
As you may recall, there was Mamma Rosa Thank you
a time when I wondered if Very recently, I noticed he Gift Certificates for your continued
I’d made the right decision in wasn’t eating or drinking as he
adopting Gus. After all, he was normally did, and he seemed are the support during
an indoor/outdoor kitty and was to be lethargic. One evening as Perfect Present these difficult times
now con ned in a home. In the he sat on my lap, I noticed his
beginning, I was constantly on breathing was irregular. I knew Year-Round! ITALIAN CONTINENTAL CUISINE
the alert for his antics. He was a something was terribly wrong
“jumper” and the higher the bet- and made an appointment Now Taking Reservations For Easter Sunday & Mother’s Day
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leap up on top of the at-screen thinking was that Gus would be (Serving Special Holiday Menu)
TV and sit on that narrow edge. examined and maybe get a shot
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table lled with framed photos ing. As I spoke to the vet, I knew
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Page 12 – The Somers Record OPINION Thursday, March 18, 2021

UETSAFHRHUEE.TNSTHHATFAREIUFAS.ECNRTSUHTTHE.ETAT.YSNHTIHA.TSCEISC.NTT..TYYAT. I.SCT.Y. FORNREOSYEWORUVTARATKDIIOINNNGISNG I was shot
EXPERIENCE
Iwas alone. I’d been
alone for some time JUST get food and/or medi-
now, having been JO ANN cine. If I was to ght
abandoned by friends and my enemy, I had to be
family. At my age, I have JO ANN strong and smart. No
FRANCELLA one else could protect

AFNAFTRURATUEIETSSCTHSTHH.HYE.E.N.NTTATATISICSCT.T.YY.. been through many stages me the way I could.
of my life. I have watched So far, my family
as my hair grew gray, my
and I have been able

skin became dry, my eyes to hide from any dan-

dull. All the changes in my life were gradu- ger, but, I won’t lie, the process has been

al, giving me the opportunity to prepare, to di cult for me. I managed to stay away

acclimate over time. I began to understand from people whom I believe could harm

that this was the way of life. me. But, I’m lonely. Friends and family

I enjoyed a fun, happy childhood. I have tried to lure me out into the open, but

laughed and played with abandon, slept at I stay away. is was not a gradual hiber-

night and woke only to do it all over again. nation. My life seems to have changed

In my teens I understood that I had to overnight. I ask myself, “what can I do?”
BookfoyroEuarsctaetre! ringoaF&R0Ra2ooapcuincdirltr$oclCaieilCsosrt|3dl$rSy|Cce7irll35BlhluuanF|o&7l0tu2C$hreaFpCou&0eloia2MCtm3FFSuro|erhrOBal5treS7r|roloBl5ehmiboFoeurhOcooamaeFsOFoRu&6eeO0uaskR21eeseupascpRrueinpeacdrpini0oorlniadnccdnTerCsosdr|dSoy|olorClslolos|5BdCyuulan|0sFs:odu|eCprreiuunp|yatouCtCenMlCtpmeFF,oieehrOutrulMjCtTneCF|olTlPihruetrhieRboSateRuooleoacCahpibaosORo6eaucisiki1eroOso6escrcutcpcaMkCrt1eFpsalr$lCieictnir0horen$rdkcplmCatnTelei3deill70toon3oFaonllhTellold&C7bla00lhsooFiso:loldo2|uheprSaUiaFla0oe&yF:caSMt0teprn2i|lrOBeB,ria6eotu5et$aurulnojlmnreu|,aEiplePiueo1ukFasSlejrSat|3SreusCOlPiBea5rpleaSnrastcrirrsa5Rapegesopoismia|ncFiotsieMaCc|tdonOFlja0snarrocoPoesh|urkoyomstegTndaerCsdsRtiTkomlieV9t|nurputtbCchoylioMoilaainpuSUcdBaerlMh0ac1MCFeoSlhUtOFe:BeeeCs6WMotoopskei|$arlrdrSoeuyBitE4hopurer1ka$sacnatrb3SuEeshpstunuuen|oar6reulldnkrO,dec3Susnrr-siCa5rg1eesep|lpnrdcresiaa|eraia5ldpjg5|stne&ja0MniOaC|PtooonFnPT0liW|tiyennoahjraegeTndaoStrrleoPdsa5eiltTSoosogfliVC9ty:arrFsthiis0bTcoloayerluoMiliVpa9toar|:actdBae6iolciothy0aMi1aeaOesleo6ei$BanFuo,:ehjeaelteW1ckopTekl1ikrscisSlmt-4ea5eWtareaoklrkycPeSrSneaatetup4shatnreeor6tresldcnisn,edau0shoAnn-ssieki:ere|odnmTedoeddden-asilcdwja56|$le&dltoOPellnoalsdl5WiymaTer&elkSaO0S5nFe:DWa52tytSausfeprCsyipe5isSaseafuteCaoyAt|:MSnUSdn6sloei.oeUeu,Bieoesse|:y$d6cooollac$jtEMcedTlklusca$agrlPim-aat5icoakTl&eypSkB3SeaDatranm-5rsaoakl6$ytraesclanrg5:aylAipao6kmt:isEsssmctnoejaudnAaosaoi|w|:s6y$locoelPtd3aSasligsw6r$slTrlSl5irlisD2trrnTrutTkSym9s5VMcpaDi25riasugeaatsABphSaUn|i6e.ie1aeAseWoy|ene6ce.lcttSMndslyaajkgcSUnrle4coihedo&ruBlPDasMageadiro&o$geDBanard:sylrd|ep-am$TaaEssidr:uylEVsaapm9&5iunsytayer3WSssaO3tSycselfsarryiMlan5ryrnCSsrBoa5aeg5r|sash:d1geui|o|6eo|it$najlaT|aeocetkkWnPtloaa5ajoyg-kmSoero4PstricsTetro6ngiV9tAar:nortcTuswdsieyMhiaeia$Vldr9i6letaBlrhTsd1te5-ScnsDruayiM|aee2WiodpkBeSaseaAhtna45d1reeere&sO6n.yulshndceelgcWerekdWydaoi&na-DsSa4|o5etdrS:eeryasdal5Cfyne&sOusmsnehsyuWyedraeo:de|o56-dnSsosfCy|eMdseu$eoat5d|:adec6oo&OTkleMCman$-OW5atyckaTalAylkermA-55OePSakly6eTtgosCfsycvno6atSENsEcAsnuAaeaA:Tae:oNR:o|aodeo6DVddoiira6w6wi$el$IlllnA$illANTstlskTracStra5TTklIgDSY2UmG5au-eL2sD5pbkaiyluersAEeaCApPnO6e.Oil6itoSBsseacaenyAaLcli6.cAReundLl-:tOgeosido&cySfDE&citDaa6lcwoS$lldlUEh:lgsylaorimrEsT&RSNDae5as2DDySusrp:lymiasseaA6.ensyscylcdlgoi&DhslbwwefwIbaohfmaaaiueodnnfeeoawlaaal:telyymmofaIudaptemnrsusosnauvcifptsertewdnisryohietaeenylemniiefrttd.edhfmehgostumIaomyoshgenntrlnm,oh,oruriy7mycftdbseraumrsh0yesec6nduitspeesm’ihesy0abttuanelaie,n.fagnn’alanIrsyk2Ifndaanstldti0Iwofobiisngndsnan’m.snmebeledagmco.agres-ooemIcewoIsnagirndou4lrnhhddawk-yyeefnr0ndaa.enur,ttacfl’dIrsroeooisoershtmfriouwwbtIoneomimnhonlne.,lbnndofeySigtsadisee,taenodeaaauegtecfrdamocennnrledardlauidamdpldmgdeateb.mrdeohmteoeAosseesuoaneytonuu,sacaefctsltpamecttelrtyomeabenclgrf,cslywceruyroefedeoahkdislthv5gnwmlalysteiey0ioho,fynfcinnueea,tttg,h-lsIe.
but so far the answer eludes me.
I began questioning myself and won-

dered what I ever did to deserve having
this person stalk me. I tried to imagine
giving much needed advice to people who
may be in my same predicament. “Stay
vigilant, stay calm, stay safe and above all,
stay strong. Remember, a chain is only as
strong as its weakest link.”Yes, that’s what
I would say and that’s what I will do until I
can get some help.

On a cold, snowy day at the end of
February after months and months of hid-
ing , I decided to make a very important
call to ask for help. I called the people
who I knew were much better equipped

SEE FRANCELLA PAGE 15

Thursday, March 18, 2021 OPINION The Somers Record – Page 13

ere are angels on earth When math
just doesn’t
BY LINDA SPEAR it, my heart practically stopped! I got my rst shot of vaccine on
GUEST COLUMNIST e note said, “I can get you an Saturday and was amazed at how add up
swiftly what appeared to be a large
Did you know there are appointment at the Westchester line of people could be processed Dear Dr. Linda,
angels on earth? I learned County Center if you call me at and sent home. After I received
that early this year when this number.” the inoculation, they gave me an Our daughter is 12 STRONG
we were all scavenging for a appointment for three weeks later, and in seventh grade. LEARNING
Covid vaccine. For two months, And I did. which is what the vaccine manu- She’s a bright girl but has
I started calling the hotline every ere was an angel on the line, facturer recommended.
day, only to be told there were no dyslexia. We’re starting DR. LINDA
appointments available. and she told me she had access to Just to know that I was on my
the apparatus and if I gave her my way and my husband and friends to think that she also has SILBERT
I continued to seek the vaccine phone number, she would call me had appointments quite soon
throughout each day as I worked with a date for the vaccine. made my heart swell with love dyscalculia because she
in between calls. I stopped only for the angel that solved a huge
at 10 p.m. when the phone lines What? Someone was actually problem on a bitterly cold day in has always struggled with
closed down for the night. helping me through this awful February.
time. math. In fact, she gets so
Tension rose within me. Each Who is she, you might ask?
and every time the hold time was I gave her all my information, at question is not mine to an- nervous when she has a math test that we’re not sure if she
longer than others, but no matter never thinking that this was a swer. She is local and approaches
what, I was let down every time. scam. After all, I had her name, people who openly reach out as has a math disability or if her anxiety is causing the di -
phone number and even her ad- I did.
I was so upset one night, that I dress and they were all correct. When I asked her what I could culty with math.
wrote my frustration on Facebook do in return for her kindness, she
to be seen by all. e response was I had heard about scams - a told me to “pay it forward…” at I was reading your blogs about dyscalculia and was won-
mixed. number of them, but this was dif- is an expression I had heard many
ferent. is angel was real. times but never took personally. dering if she could actually have a math disorder. Wouldn’t
I got di erent answers. Several And so I did. I made a dona-
people responded by saying, “I So I waited for her call and tion to my favorite animal rescue a teacher have picked this up or mentioned it to us before
have both my shots,” or “I have an sure enough, she got back to me service named “Sammysstrays.
appointment in a couple of days.” with an appointment for ve days com,” which is located in North seventh grade? Is it too late to get her help in school? And
later. But what about an ap- Salem. en I felt secure that my
is disturbed me even more. pointment for my husband and continued wishes for vaccine and what can I do at home to help her?
How could they have achieved my close friends, some of whom help were answered by my angel
what I tried so hard to do for were struggling with the same and responded to by me. Carol
close to two months? problem? 2021 doesn’t feel so bad after all.
Dear Carol,
en I noticed that I got a e angel took their names, and To begin with, yes, your daughter could have dyscalcu-
response in the Messenger seg- I called and gave them her phone
ment of my page. When I opened number. Sure enough, the angel lia, which is also referred to as a math disorder. And yes,
got them appointments and we all having a math disorder can cause anxiety. Many times, it
feel much better. seems as if the anxiety is causing the poor grades in math
but it’s probably the other way around. Since she has always
struggled with math, it is more likely that she becomes quite

SEE DR. LINDA PAGE 14

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Page 14 – The Somers Record OPINION Thursday, March 18, 2021

DR. LINDA child to child who struggles. But if the a minute” are disasters. Use whatever
real issues aren’t identi ed, she’ll continue e anxiety goes up and method works best for
FROM PAGE 13 to struggle in math and that, in turn, will that task such as making a list, drawing,
cause more anxiety. It becomes a vicious thinking goes down. or underlining.
anxious when she needs to do math circle. • Her attention may • When she’s working on a word
because she knows she has di culty and problem, substitute small numbers for
feels bad about it. I once mentioned frac- What can you do at home to help? wander, meaning she the numbers in the problem. is makes
tions to one of my 12-year-old students at depends on a diagnosis of what may not stay focused it easier to solve. en replace the small
and she commented, “I think I just broke is causing the problem. If your child is when working on numbers with the original numbers and
out in a rash.” struggling in math because she doesn’t math problems. is, solve the problem.
understand math concepts, nd some- as with anything, can I hope this helps you. Let me know
Why one of the teachers didn’t men- one you believe is well-quali ed to tutor cause careless mistakes. how you make out.
tion a math disorder to you is probably your daughter in math privately. If she is For example, some kids
due to the fact that many teachers don’t struggling because she has di culty with add when there’s a minus Dr. Linda
know about dyscalculia—they haven’t certain calculations, then she needs to sign and vice versa. If she
been exposed to the research. In fact, the practice using material that is engaging does this, suggest that she Dr. Linda is co-author of “Why Bad Grades
research is still being done to see which such as games and other fun and interest- circle the sign before doing Happen to Good Kids” and director of
remedial methods are the most bene cial ing math activities. the math problem to make sure Strong Learning Tutoring and SAT/ACT
for individuals with dyscalculia. Up to this she’s following the rules of that Test Prep. Send your questions to Linda@
point, the primary focus was on dyslexia e point is until you nd the cause operation. stronglearning.com.
and that’s still somewhat true—compara- of her di culty, you will be unlikely to
tively speaking, there’s little research on solve the problem. Although not as much • Also, suggest to her that she
this disability. research has been done, dyscalculia does subvocalize (talk without making
have speci c symptoms that can only be a sound) while she’s doing math
However, if you would like to have your evaluated by someone who is skilled in problems. is means she talks to
child evaluated to see if she could have the practice. Here are few suggestions herself while she does the problem,
a math disorder, nd a person in your that may help her while you seek some- talking through the steps toward solving
school district or on the outside who has one who can help you determine if she the problem. She can even just move her
experience in evaluating for dyscalculia. does, indeed, have dyscalculia. lips which will help her stay focused.
Talk to your daughter’s counselor at
school and see what testing can be done • She could be trying to go too fast. If • She may have di culty writing which
at school. It certainly is not too late. Most she races through things, she’ll probably will result in having trouble keeping
children that are diagnosed with dyscal- race through her math test and make numbers in columns. If this is a problem,
culia are usually above third grade—many mistakes. In this case, suggest to her that have her turn lined paper sideways so the
are rst diagnosed in middle school. she put her pencil down before starting lines become vertical guides. en cover
each problem. is simple act may help up all columns except those she’s work-
With that said, could anxiety be caus- her slow down, catch her breath and start ing on. ( is could be a sign of a writing
ing her to struggle in math? e answer is fresh on the next problem. disorder instead.)
yes. Having dyscalculia and knowing you
don’t know how to answer quiz questions • On the other hand, she may need • Have her use a calculator when al-
or do homework is reason enough, but more time because she simply works lowed.
many children just panic when they hear more slowly than others. For these
the word. Why that is true will vary from children, such math activities as “math • When she’s working on a word prob-
lem, have her write down the informa-
tion and what she’s trying to solve for.

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Thursday, March 18, 2021 OPINION The Somers Record – Page 15

Ain’t it the tooth? FRANCELLA

FROM PAGE 12

Most of the time, my tongue TRACY At rst I couldn’t nd the stu to handle this kind of problem.To my amazement, they
and my teeth are blissfully and I thought I was going to have knew all along what I was going through and how hard
unaware of each other. ey to go to an orthodontist o ce I worked to keep myself and my family safe. I made it
BECKERMAN disguised as a middle schooler and clear to these lifesavers that I didn’t really know who
each just do their thing, and everyone would harm me and I didn’t know whether my enemy
was a man or a woman. Astoundingly, they understood
gets along just ne. But then one day get some there. I thought if I wore exactly what I was trying to say.

I lost the bonding on the back of my a pair of Uggs with leggings and a ey asked me and my family to meet at their
headquarters where we would be taken care of. ey
bottom, front tooth and suddenly pu er jacket while my face was bur- too didn’t understand from where the threat emerged,
but they injected us with a dose of con dence. We were
my tongue was all over it. My tongue ied in my cellphone, it might work. told that we should always be aware of our surround-
ings and the people with whom we interact. My life
was like, “tooth tooth tooth tooth Fortunately, I spotted the wax was still going to be di erent, but now I knew I had
protection.
tooth,”all the time until it was raw and sore. I was sure very low on the display, in a tiny little plastic container,
ank you to all the wonderful people at New York
my tooth was antagonizing it, so nally I yelled, “Cut it lined up in strips. Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital for your kind,
courteous and e cient handling of our Covid vaccine
out you guys. Don’t MAKE me come back there!” I grabbed one, paid for it and broke it open, and ap- injection. What has frightened me and slowed down
my life for the past year seems farther away from me
Naturally, this happened at the end of the day Friday plied a little bit to my broken tooth. today and I will forever be grateful to the doctors and
scientists who have worked non-stop this past year.
and because it wasn’t technically an emergency, I had e sun shone down. e angels sang. I had relief.
Yes, I was shot in early March and feel stronger and
to wait three days to get it xed. In the meantime, my And then I swallowed it. more protected for it. I feel less afraid of the man or
woman who may stand too close, not wear a mask or
husband was blissfully unaware of my situation, or I broke o some more and applied that one. And approach me. I am so grateful.

didn’t actually care, and ordered a pizza to eat while he then I swallowed it.

watched “the game.” I grabbed a slice, which was piping Apparently, the stu was very good at sticking to your

hot, and then thought better of it because I was sure if I teeth. It just wasn’t very good at staying there.

burned the roof of my mouth, I would have a complete I went home and repeated this process about 14 times

breakdown. throughout the day. No matter what I did, I couldn’t get

I knew that I had to do something about the situ- the wax to stay on. At this point I thought I’d probably

ation until I could get to the dentist, so my tooth, my swallowed enough wax to grow a candle in my stomach.

tongue and I all left the house and went to the drug “How’s the wax thing going?” asked my husband

store. when he got home from his outing.

I looked around the mouth aisle and didn’t see any- “It’s not,” I said glumly.

thing speci cally made for when your tooth and your “Why?” [email protected]

tongue are ghting. But then I remembered something. “ e wax won’t stay put,” I said. “I keep swallowing it.” Fun
Facts
e thing that made my children’s lives manageable “I’m really sorry, honey,” he said, sympathetically.
by Jo Ann
through their orthodontic years. “How about we get some ice cream to take your mind The Covid 19 virus can cause
a loss of smell. People who
Wax. o it?” don’t have symptoms can

When their braces were scraping their cheeks, they “No, thanks,” I said. “I’m full.” spread the virus.

would put a little piece of wax on the braces to create a

shield. THIS was going to save me from the tonguep- For more “Lost in Midlife,” follow Tracy on Facebook at

ocalypse. facebook.com/LostinsuburbiaFanPage.

Page 16 – The Somers Record OPINION Thursday, March 18, 2021

Stupid stu

Once upon a time, in the canon of hurt anybody besides and others’ interests.” What about pro athletes who have a
cautionary advice, no two topics ourselves. Hall of Fame career, but are blocked from
were considered more verbo- at all-inclusive induction because they outed their sport’s
ten in polite company than politics and ere’s a distinction, ban on performance-enhancing drug?
religion. though, between being BRUCE de nition actually
stupid and doing “some- THE BLOG leaves out a number A case can be made that, according
Another topic about which it’s awk- thing stupid” (Nostalgia of folks you may be to Cippola’s strict de nition, they are
ward to speak about in polite company is Note > Boomers will stupid. True, they gained something for
something that sounds as blunt and harsh recognize that as the title BRUCE tempted to tar as themselves—fame and fortune. But they
as what it means—stupidity. of a 1967 pop hit, sung APAR stupid, situationally also lost respect by spoiling their reputa-
by Sinatras Frank and speaking. tion. Plus, they sacri ced the Holy Grail
Let’s start with the bozo writing this. daughter Nancy.) of immortal enshrinement that would
I make a habit of doing stupid things on For example, your validate their legacy forever.
a daily basis. en I write them down in Doing something stupid can under-
my morning journal as a kind of penance. mine others. at’s at the core of an version of stupid may STRIKING OUT
Inscribing my stupidity in my book of life unforgivingly harsh assessment reached e bad behavior that hurt them also
makes me think I can minimize future by an Italian economic historian and be a rail commuter at
bumbles by keeping my past stupidi- University of California Berkley profes- was counterproductive to the interests
ties front and center in my addled brain. sor named Carlo M. Cipolla. He is best rush hour who places a briefcase or back- of other talented players, who got by on
Sometimes it actually works. Journaling known for formulating “ e Basic Laws their organic athleticism, which put them
my mishaps may not make me a whole less of Human Stupidity,” rst published in pack on a sought-after empty seat. Or at a disadvantage: their own elite statistics
stupid but it keeps me honest with me. 1976 (avaialble on Amazon). were pushed down a couple of notches,
you may understandably curse as stupid subjugated by comparison to the presum-
BOILING OVER I’M WITH STUPID ably in ated, arti cially aided achieve-
What do I mean by stupid? Did you Without enumerating each of the laws the inevitable motorist who at the last ments of the steroid users.

ever boil water—for tea, say—walk away, here, the dual gist of Cippola’s copiously moment cuts in front of the long line of If you think reading all this was a waste
and totally forget about it? studied conclusions are that 1) ere are a of your time, and don’t understand what
lot more stupid people among us than we vehicles you are bumper-to-bumper with I gained from writing it, the next time
Something else I’m hoping others can care to believe, and that 2) What quali- you see me, feel free to shout at me, “Hey,
relate to is returning home from a trip to when exiting a highway. stupid!”
realize you left something in your hotel es them as unambiguously stupid (in
room. Cippola’s view) is that—to quote his Law BANDITS If I turn around to acknowledge you,
No. 3—the stupid person “causes losses to e thing of it is, in both cases, the that’s what I am. Like Forrest said, “Stu-
ere’s no lasting shame in doing another person or to a group of persons pid is as stupid does.”
stupid stu now and then. People are while himself deriving no gain and even perpetrators may have caused you a loss,
like that. Imperfect. Precipitous. Prone to possibly incurring losses.” but they gained something in the pro- Bruce Apar is a writer, actor, consultant, and
momentary lapses in judgment. We mean cess. Because of that, they don’t qualify community volunteer. He can be reached at
well, even when we don’t perform as well In other words, says Cippola, “their ef- as stupid, per se, in Professor Cippola’s [email protected]; 914-275-6887.
as we’d like. Acting stupid usually doesn’t forts are counterproductive to both their lexicon, but he does reserve a special word
for them: Bandits. at’s someone who
“causes to other individuals losses equal to
their gains.”

e extra seat the bandit occupies
to hold her belongings is the seat she
deprives you, to rest your rump. e up-
front spot the highway bandit gained by
cutting in front of you and everyone else
saves them time that is taken from you.

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Page 18 – The Somers Record Thursday, March 18, 2021

Sports

Somers’ Ava Giudice heads for the Somers senior Natalia
hoop after a big steal late in the fourth Rukaj lines up a three
quarter of the Tuskers’ win over Fox from the left wing in the
Somers’ Lauren McCartin leads a break up Lane in the quarterfinals of the regional Somers’ Amy Lasher drives the second half of Tuskers’ The Tuskers’ Alexa
the floor. tournament. baseline. 43-38 quarterfinal win Warycha looks to throw an
outlet pass.
PHOTOS: ROB DIANTONIO at Fox Lane.

Tuskers top Foxes but fall in semifinals

BYSNS hockey battles John Jay-CR in playo loss

VRarosuitnydup of Giudice, who scored six of her out a 40-31 win over visiting e Quakers then garnered responded by scoring three goals
eight points in the nal 1:30. “I Somers in the regional semi nals. the victory by scoring the last ve to go up 5-1.
love that kid to pieces and if she goals of the game.
played basketball year round it Giudice led the Tuskers, who Brunco, courtesy of an assist
nished an up and down season “Unfortunately we let up four from Brien Suchanek, scored the

MARCH 9 - 13 would be scary. at’s why you at 6-8, with eight points. power-play goals, two right at nal goal of the season for the
start a kid like that at Rye (in the the end of the second which ul- BYSNS, with Gergley making

playo s) last year, because she de- ICE HOCKEY 4 5 1 timately led them to run away 37 saves.

BY ROB DIANTONIO AND served it. ere are a lot of great Greeley 8, BYSNS 3 with the game,” Bonitatibus said. “Our season was short which

MIKE SABINI female athletes at Somers and that Tuesday, March 9 (Brewster “Penalties killed us that game, is unfortunate, but the kids rolled

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS kid will be as good as any of them. Ice Arena) including one right at the begin- with the punches,” Bonitatibus

And she’s so physically and men- e BYSNS played a solid ning of the third.” said. “I am glad they got at least

GIRLS BASKETBALL 6 8 tally tough. She’s got that clutch rst-period against Horace Matt Gergley made 40 saves some season, especially for our

Somers 43, Fox Lane 38 gene.” Greeley, before the Quakers took in goal for the BYSNS. seniors.”

Wednesday, March 10 Somers’lone senior Natalia Ru- control of the game in the next John Jay-CR 5, BYSNS 2

Somers sophomore guard kaj (6 points) knocked down two two periods. e game ended in a Friday, March 12 (Brewster WRESTLING 2 2

Ava Giudice came through with crucial 3-pointers during a third 8-3 Greeley victory, in what was Ice Arena) Somers vs. Mahopac

a clutch steal and layup to seal a quarter run to stretch the Tuskers’ the nal regular-season contest e No. 4 BYSNS gave top- Wednesday, March 10

43-38 win over third-seeded Fox lead to 16 points before Fox Lane for both teams. seed John Jay-Cross River all it Somers competed in indi-

Lane in the quarter nals of the was able to mount its rally. After Greeley scored, the could handle, before losing to the vidual matches with Mahopac

Putnam/Northern Westchester “ is could have been Natalia’s BYSNS’ Carson Brunco scored Wolves 5-2 in the semi nals of as there was no dual meet con-

large school regional tournament. last game,” Hattem said. “And the next two goals of the game the Section 1 Putnam-Northern tested.

Fox Lane went on a furious she’s struggled and that kid will to give them a 2-1 lead. e as- Westchester Tournament. A trio of freshmen earned

rally to cut sixth-seeded Somers’ tell you she’s struggled. At prac- sist on the rst goal came from “Our team’s e ort was amaz- wins for the Tuskers with Dalton

lead to one when Natalie Pence tice, she’s the last one to leave the Jonathan Graham. Graham and ing,” Bonitatibus said. “We Baloy (110, pin), Liam Dwyer

nailed a left wing three with 1:33 gym after shooting. For her to hit Bryan Kottmann recorded the were at 2-1 going into the third (110, pin) and Ryan Cole (189)

to play. Giudice answered with a those two threes was monstrous. assists on Brunco’s second goal. against a strong team like John getting their hand raised. Cole

drive and nish for the Tuskers I was so happy for her. She’s a Greeley tied the game 2-2 at Jay. We had so many chances, bumped up from 172 pounds

to extend the lead back to three better shooter than she shot this the end of the rst period, then if the puck bounced di erently and picked up a big upset victory

at 38-35. She then came through year.” took a 3-2 lead to start the sec- this was our game.”After two over Brock Fitzpatrick, a senior

with the game-changing steal Amy Lasher, a junior, paced ond period. Brunco followed by rst-period goals by John Jay, the who was all-section last season.

and bucket to get the lead to ve the Tuskers with a team-high recording a hat trick, o an assist BYSNS’ cut the Wolves’ lead in Edgemont 100, Somers 23

points with 30 seconds to go. Giu- 13 points. Sophomores Lauren from Kottmann, to tie the game half on a goal by Ian Woloshyn, Saturday, March 13

dice made two free throws with 15 McCartin (9 points) and Alexa at 3-3. assisted by Kottmann, in the sec- Dwyer (110, pin), Baloy (110,

seconds left to ice the win. Warycha (5 points) chipped in. “We shortened the bench early ond period. technical fall), Anthony Tucci

“She jumped it on the dribble Brewster 40, Somers 31 and were playing mostly our top e BYSNS appeared to have (145, pin) and Nathaniel Traver

hand-o to Pence and if she Thursday, March 11 two lines,” BYSNS’ coach Joey the momentum when it killed a 5 (172, injury default) earned wins

doesn’t get there it’s not good,” Second-seeded Brewster used Bonitatibus said. “ ey were able on 3 John Jay power-play early in in Somers’ 100-23 loss to Edge-

Somers coach Marc Hattem said a 17-4 third quarter run to pull to compete hard.” the third period, but the Wolves mont to conclude the season.

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Thursday, March 18, 2021 SPORTS The Somers Record – Page 19

BOYS BASKETBALL

Tuskers trample Yorktown in quarterfinals

Somers falls to Mahopac in semi nals of regional tourney

BY ROB DIANTONIO large school regional tournament Somers’ Henry Gilroy forces a jump ball Luke Miskiewicz fires a PHOTOS: ROB DIANTONIO
CONTRIBUTING WRITER on March 10. against host Yorktown. jumper.
Somers’ Daniel Loscher fires a three
Somers’ boys basketball team “We have so much inexperience rst quarter. Repp nailed a three of guess that’s what really did it for from the wing in Somers’ 87-64 win
knew they were better than their and the kids really had no o sea- his own, Loscher scored again and us.” e hot shooting continued over Yorktown in the quarterfinals of
record indicated and they wanted son,”Somers coach Chris DiCintio Bennett Leitner swished a 3-point- in the second quarter and Somers the Putnam-Northern Westchester
to prove it. e Tuskers went 4-7 said. “In truth, we lost four games er with two seconds to spare to give held a commanding 56-36 lead at regional tournament.
during the regular season but four by three points or less. Sometimes Somers a 28-11 lead after just one halftime. e Tuskers made nine
of their losses were in tight games you can put your head in the sand quarter. 3-pointers in the rst half. bought in on pushing the ball. To-
that went down to the wire. and kind of throw your hands up day, it really bene tted us when it
and say this is not going to hap- “Don’t force shots,” Repp said “Our philosophy has been to mattered most.”
“Most of our losses have been by pen for us this year. But we’ve been of the team’s game plan head- push the ball, run the fast break,
one, two or three points,” Somers preaching to the kids that we can ing into the game. “Just everyone attack downhill and not live at the Yorktown converted a four-point
senior Robert Repp said. “I really compete with any of these teams work together in unison. Push the perimeter,” DiCintio said. “Yes, play early in the third quarter to
think our team can get it done. We and we have competed with these tempo, move the ball, look for open we hit a lot of shots today but it gain some momentum but Somers
were 4-7 (coming into the playo s) teams. In the playo s, everybody is looks and just trust each other. I was really created o our attack in quickly squashed any hopes the
but I think we’re much better than 0-0 going into it.” the middle and getting some easy Huskers had at a comeback.
what our record says about us.” buckets in transition. en that Somers had four players in double
It was a game where the Tusk- started to open up the outside and
Two of Somers’ regular season ers just couldn’t miss and knocking gures in scoring with Repp lead-
losses came at the hands of Yor- down shots became contagious. our shooters caught re. I was ing the way with a game-high 21
ktown, but the Tuskers turned “Once one person sparked it I think very proud of the fact that for the points. Leitner added 20 points
the tables on the Huskers in a big it really lit a re under the whole while Fitzsimons notched 17
way in the playo s. Sixth-seeded team,”Repp said. ve weeks (of the season), they points. Loscher (13 points), Henry
Somers caught re early in an 87- Gilroy (8 points) and Dylan Ingra-
64 blowout win over third-seeded A Matt Fitzsimons three was ham (6 points) also contributed.
Yorktown in the quarter nals of followed by a Daniel Loscher nish
the Putnam/Northern Westchester and Somers led 20-11 late in the Mahopac 51, Somers 43
ursday, March 11
e Tuskers’ season came to a

close in a 51-43 loss to second-seed-
ed Mahopac in the semi nals of the
Putnam/Northern Westchester re-
gional tournament.Somers nished
the 2021 season with a 5-8 record.

Matt Fitzsimons fires a three in the The Tuskers’ Robert Repp scored
first half of Somers’ playoff win at a game-high 21 points in the
Yorktown. Dylan Ingraham attacks the team’s dominant 87-64 playoff
basket against the Huskers. win over Yorktown.

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Page 20 – The Somers Record SPORTS Thursday, March 18, 2021

Luciano qualifies for Nationals

Somers junior holds school record in weight throw

Luciano’s record BY ROB DIANTONIO
breaking throw CONTRIBUTING WRITER
measured 59 feet,
10 inches. In a normal year, Somers junior
Brian Luciano would have been
PHOTOS: ROB DIANTONIO heading to Virginia to compete
in the Adidas Indoor Nationals
for track and eld. But the last Brian Luciano
year has been far from normal. shattered his own
record (and a desk)
Luciano quali ed for Nation- at the winter league
als in the weight throw back in
October but was unable to com- championship.
pete due to travel restrictions.
tober, which I was very excited
e competition took place from about.”
Feb. 26-28 at the Virginia Beach
Sports Complex. Luciano’s mark of 59-10 puts
him at fourth in New York State
In October, Luciano broke his and 33rd in the country.
own school record and launched breaking heave was 59-10.
the weight throw 58-feet 10 1/2 “It always feels good to con- e Somers junior honed his
inches. But at the winter league tinue to PR (personal record) craft throughout the summer
championships at Hendrick and get the school record higher and fall leading up his record
Hudson High School, he shat- and higher,” Luciano said. “But breaking accomplishments in
tered his school record and a the cherry on top was qualifying October and during the winter
desk in the process. His record relatively early this year in Oc- season.

Ring “Bell” For Your AIR CONDITIONING Needs! “Brian is a hard worker and
a leader on the team,” Somers
CALpLrNeOvWentTaotisvcehmedauinleteynoaunrce visit! In business for over 40 years! coach Jesse Arnett said. “He
models the dedication that
PRE-SEASON A/C CHECK UP Somers Track and eld encour-
ages. On top of his normal ve
SCHEDULE $99.00 $129.00 $149.00 to six day team practice routine,
NOW AND Brian works out on his own and
When scheduled by When scheduled by When scheduled by trains with Paddy McGrath, an
SAVE! March 31st April 30th May 31st Olympic level athlete.”

Coupon must be presented at time of service. Coupon must be presented at time of service. Coupon must be presented at time of service. Alex Preisig, Somers’ throw-
ing coach, has worked with Lu-
Cannot be combined with any other offers. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Cannot be combined with any other offers. ciano since he was a freshman
and has played an important role
in his development and success.
“Brian is a very dedicated ath-
lete and consistently does what
needs to be done to be success-
ful,” Preisig said. “It’s fantastic
to work with someone who is so
passionate about this sport and
who continues to push himself
past his limits.”

Luciano, who felt fortunate to
be able to compete in the winter
season during the COVID-19
pandemic, hopes to continue to
improve and thrive in the spring
and beyond.

“I think as a team we made
the most out of our time and
the most out of the season,” he
said. “We were able to get to
multiple meets for marks and
times and were able to lay it all
on the line at leagues and ended
up winning. I am super excited
for what’s to come in the spring
and my senior season.”

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Thursday, March 18, 2021 SPORTS The Somers Record – Page 21

FOOTBALL

Kaiser, Kossow to lead Tuskers

Somers opens season at Mahopac in
DeMatteo Bowl

BY ROB DIANTONIO family a air.

CONTRIBUTING WRITER “It’s not such a big deal facing each other,

because we’ve been involved with so much

It’s been 16 months since the last o cial football in our lives,“ Dominick said. “But I

snap in a Section 1 football game. COVID-19 am really excited for the Mahopac and Somers

delayed the season and football was pushed communities. We’ve wanted to play each other

back to March in a season labeled “Fall 2.” for years, it’s a natural rival.“ PHOTO: ROB DIANTONIO Quarterback Jackson Kossow will once
Somers coach Tony DeMatteo admitted Leading the way for the Tuskers in their sea- Fullback Jack Kaiser rushed for over 2,000 again helm the Tuskers offense.
son opener against Mahopac will be bruising yards in each of the last two seasons.
that it’s been a stressful situation but the Tusk-

ers are also thankful that football season has senior fullback Jack Kaiser. Kaiser’s rushed for

arrived at last. over 2,000 yards the past two seasons. Senior Dan Curran will line up at right Handling the punting duties again is Kossow

“When we were allowed to nally start “Jack has worked very hard,”Tony DeMat- tackle and senior Colin Smith returns at cen- with Cabo in charge of the eld goals, extra

(practice) we were only bringing in 10 kids,” teo said. “I expect him to have a very big year. ter. A number of players could rotate at guard points and kicko s. e Tuskers are a senior

DeMatteo said. “We had to be really careful I think he’s one of the ve best backs to ever in senior Luc Verard, senior Anthony Cheek, heavy, experienced squad with nearly 60 ath-

and they couldn’t come in the building. It’s come out of Section 1. I can’t put it any better senior Anthony Miller (guard/tackle), junior letes on the roster.

been really stressful, especially on the kids and than that.” Aedan Hopper, junior Johnny Crecco and “We’re just happy to be out there and we’re

the coaches. Not being around the kids really Senior Jackson Kossow, a three-year starter, sophomore Timmy Azimi. Senior Ben Sea- just trying to get better every day,” DeMatteo

bothered me.When we had our rst day,it was returns at quarterback. He can beat opposing grist is the backup center. said. “When I rst start practice (in a normal

almost like playing and winning a big game. defenses with an accurate arm and is also ca- Somers is stacked at defensive end with season) we run triple sessions for four days.

We were so excited.” pable of picking up rst downs with his feet. speed, strength and pass rushing ability from at’s 12 practices.I’m trying to get three prac-

What’s also stressful for DeMatteo is the “Kossow was good as a sophomore and was Deagan, Kaiser and Lasseter. e interior de- tices in one which is impossible.It’s been a long

opponent the Tuskers have on their schedule very good as a junior,”DeMatteo said.“He can fensive line is led by Polito, Curran, Smith and haul mentally for the coaches and for the kids.”

for Week 1. Somers will travel to Mahopac for be as good as anyone in the section this year if Faller with other players in the mix for time. Somers reached the Section 1 Class A semi-

a 7 p.m. game on Saturday, March 20. e In- he keeps improving the way he’s improving.” Krauss, Cheek and senior Shane Repp will nals last season before falling to Rye. is sea-

dians are coached by DeMatteo’s son, Domi- Somers has ve senior halfbacks who will lead an experienced linebacker crew. son will be di erent with the Tuskers playing

nick. On top of that, Tony’s grandson, Antho- see carries in T.J. Deagan, Cole Zampaglione, In the secondary, Rosenzweig is at one cor- just ve regular season games and one cross-

ny, is Mahopac’s starting quarterback. Nate Rosenzweig,Justin Pufahl and Evan Las- nerback with junior Derek Marcus and Oli - over bowl game. ere will be no sectional or

“I’ve coached against my son, coached seter, a transfer from Hackley. ers at the other cornerback spot. Seniors Gar- state tournament.

against my brother and have coached against Juniors Matt Kapica and T.J. Oli ers will rett Cassin and Alex Cabo are at strong safety “We only have six games and we’re thrilled

many former players,” Tony DeMatteo said. line up at split end as Kossow’s primary tar- with Zampaglione and Pufahl at free safety. that we’re getting that,”DeMatteo said.

“But I’ve never coached against a grandson. gets on the perimeter. Kapica was the Tuskers’

It’s pretty traumatic for me. But I have to be backup quarterback last season. Somers has SOMERS NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
loyal to my team and we’re getting ready the three tight ends they expect contributions from
best we can. I don’t like it but I’m getting these in senior Ben Germaine, junior Ethan Krauss

kids ready.” and junior Dylan Faller.

Tony and Dominick coached against each Sophomore Jake Polito (6-foot-3, 278 Join as a Member
other when Dominick was the head coach at pounds) will protect Kossow’s blind side at left

Nyack in 2016 and the Tuskers came out on tackle. “He’s bigger, more physical and he’s got

top. Tony’s son Anthony is also an assistant a year under his belt,”DeMatteo said.“I expect

coach at Somers so the game will truly be a him to be a lot better.”

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Page 22 – The Somers Record Thursday, March 18, 2021

Somers High School Featured Seniors

As the Class of 2021 counts down to graduation on June 23, e Somers Record is proud to highlight a di erent group of seniors in each issue.

Isabella Viscovich Luke Angelini Evan Volkman Gia Sylvester Kelsey Collura

ISABELLA VISCOVICH LUKE ANGELINI EVAN VOLKMAN GIA SYLVESTER KELSEY COLLURA

What activities do you par- What is something that most What three words would What is something that most What is something that most
ticipate in, both in school and people don’t know about you? people don’t know about you?
outside of school? your friends use to describe people don’t know about you?
I’m a very good writer.  I’ve had my driving permit for
Soccer, track, going to the gym, you and your personality? I am a huge fan of the MET
Favorite vacation spot? two years and have only been in
President of Junior Leadership Aruba Vocal, passionate, and deter- gala. 
the car twice
Council, Student Council, Span- What do you hope to be do- mined. Favorite comfort food?
ing in five years? Favorite book?
ish Club, Spanish National Hon- Favorite book? Wa es “ is Lullaby” by Sarah Des-
In ve years I hope to have my
or Society and Honor Society.  “Looking for Alaska” by John What are some of your main sen 
own place and be somewhat -
Favorite TV show? Green life goals? What do you hope to be do-
Drake and Josh nancially comfortable. ing in five years? What are
What three things would you I plan to go to college and some of your main life goals?
What is your idea of a per- What is Somers’ best attrac-
fect day? tion? take to a deserted island? study lm and media.  In the next ve years, I hope to

Waking up early, going for Reis Park Water, phone and Welch’s fruit What is Somers’ best attrac- either be in college or working. I

a run, rinsing in the shower, a How would you describe snacks tion? am majoring in equine business
your high school experience in
day at the beach, showering and one word? What would you miss most I like to go to Bobo’s with management and I am hoping to

getting ready for dinner, eat at a Fast about Somers if you were to my friends or go to my friend’s become a Barn Manager in the

place on the beach and then go to ever leave? houses.  future.

an ice cream parlor.   e community and the rela- Were your years at Somers What is Somers’ best attrac-
tion?
What would you miss most tionships I’ve built over the years. High School what you expected
about Somers if you were to Mamma Rosa Ristorante
ever leave? Were your years at Somers them to be? How would you de-
Were your years at Somers
I would miss all the friends I High School what you expected scribe your high school experi- High School what you expected
them to be?
made.  them to be? How would you de- ence in one word?
My rst 2.5 years at Somers
How would you describe scribe your high school experi- Sad. I guess my friends and I
your high school experience in High School were what I ex-
one word? ence in one word? had an okay freshman year and
pected them to be. But with
Awesome!!! In one word, I would describe looked up to the seniors a lot,
the pandemic starting halfway
my experience as chaotic. It goes then sophomore year was fun and
through junior year and continu-
by in the blink of an eye and if we spent a lot of time with the
ing through the senior year it has
you don’t live in the moment, it’ll seniors which built our anticipa-
been di cult. It’s nice because
be senior year before you know it.   tion up for senior year even more.
there is still the sense of com-
Junior year sucked, and this one
munity this year compared to the
is way worse. 
other years. 

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOMERS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Thursday, March 18, 2021 The Somers Record – Page 23

Town Board approves police reform plan

BY CAROL REIF 10-person task force was formed cult conversations,” St. Rose department has all that it needs keeping our community ahead
STAFF WRITER
as a subcommittee of the coun- said ursday that “it could have to continue to run e ectively,” of the curve dealing with these
e people who put together
Somers’s police reform plan cil, whose mission it is to ex- been very easy to say ‘You know St. Rose added. most sensitive and pressing is-
thought of themselves not as
detectives trying to solve a case amine issues a ecting Somers’s what? Chief Driscoll’s doing a e town is de nitely looking sues in our society.”
with just the cold, hard facts, but
as farmers planting a seed that most vulnerable citizens. great job. Our police service is to the future, according to Mor- And while the plan does
could help the town continue
growing in the right direction. Members were Driscoll; Town ne, we don’t need to look at rissey.  contain timetables for achiev-

“ is is a living, breathing Supervisor Rick Morrissey; anything further. But I think “I think the chief kind of ing some of its goals, it still is
document. is is not a check-
the-box activity,” Sharla St. Councilman Anthony Cirieco; everyone on the committee ap- summed it up because he said, “open-ended,” Cody said, add-
Rose, a member of the task force
that produced it, emphasized at police O cer David Burpee; proached this process thought- ‘We can always improve,’ and, ing: “Should di culties arise,
a public hearing last week.
State Police Lt. Peter Healey; fully and with an open mind. We basically, that was our approach we have a plan in place that al-
e road map, which must be
sent to the state no later than Susan Cody of Race Amity of did have some di cult discus- to this,” he said before opening lows our community to address
April 1, was adopted unani-
mously by the Town Board on Northern Westchester & Put- sions; we did challenge ourselves the hearing ursday. them.”

ursday, March 11. nam; Rabbi Shoshana Leis of to look at every single possible “Yea, OK, we do have a great Mattes called the document
It contains 21 recommenda-
tions, including evaluating the the Yorktown-Somers Interfaith aspect of community policing, police department. But, you “just a beginning, something we
“feasibility” of providing body
cameras to all police o cers and Council; and Jack Mattes and what we can do better.” know, everyone has a bias. How will progress with and grow with
equipping every police vehicle
with dashboard models; rein- Grace Zimmerman, both town e best part is that the plan’s are we dealing with that? Are as the police department itself
forcing anti-bias training; ad-
dressing the di ering needs of residents. more than just a collection of we getting continuing training? grows.”
minors and those with mental
illnesses; increasing involvement “ is has been an exercise in proposals and ideals, it holds “us I think this plan really re ects e task force received some
with the community’s youth,
and establishing a residents ad- transparency and collaboration,” accountable,” she said. those concerns,” Morrissey add- statistics last week that “at least
visory board.
Somers police policy states Cirieco declared ursday. “ is is something I think ed. to me, are very meaningful,” he
that force be used only as a
last resort. It speci cally bans many of us will continue to be Cody said that she thought said: e police reported a total
chokeholds. e plan, however,
recommends that police also OPEN MINDED, proud of and continue to look at the best thing about the plan of 6,587 “actions” taken in 2020.
explore nonlethal technology
such as pepper spray. It also calls OPEN ENDED as a way to continue to grow this was that it was “proactive,” “ ex- “And they’re very wide-rang-
for police to review that policy
to see whether factors such as Calling the plan the result of community and the way that our ible” and “it involves the whole ing. But the focus on a lot of
race, ethnicity, religion, gender
or LGBTQIA a ect its applica- “lots of thoughtful people com- police department serves us and learning process that is necessary SEE POLICE PAGE 24
tions. to move forward and continue
No member of the public ing together to have some dif- a way to ensure that the police
spoke at the hearing but close
to three dozen emails from resi- WWhahtaist itshethmeomstocsotmcmomonmon
dents, mostly expressing support myoisummsaeinseam?gtahenadatcygooenuddistcieooenn?dthitaiot n
for the police department, were
attached to the document. TThheeItIctchhy yDoDgo!g!
“It was very moving to me to
see that in writing,” police Chief IIssyyoouurrppetetscsractrcahticnhg,inligck, ilnicgk, ing,
Michael Driscoll said previously. cchheewwinigngfefeeteotrohravhianvginchgrocnhicronic skin
sinkfinecintifoenctsio?ns?
e plan and the emails are
posted on the town’s website, Stop taresaicmtiaSnputgolsepethbtwreleoittasohhatydeiannmdgtfserpiestmsthtqotoe.pumplGesestynehbmtatelonptyfrodtroiodepumqfstriuenstpesdoatne.ntottGhdtufreeetfiitpentvyslhdeiontetuoog.ruutphtbneetedhttevetfreeelutyre.nliaindnngegdrclbyaseitnutotgseper
www.somersny.com with

Town o cials reached out to PPrrooggrreesDssr.siAvinevdreAewnAiFnmriisamhml aHanlosHpoistaplital
the Somers Community Coun-
cil last year for guidance after 149 Route9D210r.24A&-n2Ldov4reel8l wS-t.6FSor2mise2rhs0,mNYa1n0589
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