Yorktown News 02.10.22

Vol. 10 No. 47 Visit TapIntoYorktown.net for the latest news. Thursday, February 10, 2022

Where there’s a ‘Wheel,’ there’s a way

Game-show victory extra special for middle-school educator

BY NICK TRUJILLO ‘When we got
STAFF WRITER
to the ‘Wheel of
e beginning of the Co-
vid-19 pandemic left many Fortune’ set and

people homebound with time they had us walk
to kill. Some people red up old

video game systems while oth- out and I saw
ers baked bread. For Mildred E.

Strang Middle School speech the wheel, my
pathologist Jenn Sparano, it
eyes lled with
gave her time to watch “Wheel water. I was so
of Fortune” with her grandma.

Sparano moved in with her

grandma, Antoinette Bianchini, excited but also
in March 2020 when the rst

round of quarantines and lock- so sad because
downs started. During the pan-

demic, they developed a ritual of I thought to
watching Pat Sajak guide three

contestants through numerous myself that [my
puzzles each night. After Bi- grandma] would
anchini, also known as “Mima”

to many, passed away at age 99 be so excited if she
in April 2021, Sparano was in-

spired to apply to be a contestant knew I was here.’
on the show. She was selected

and competed in an episode that –Jenn Sparano

aired on Jan. 31, nishing as the PHOTO COURTESY OF JENN SPARANO PHOTO: WHEEL OF FORTUNE/CAROL KAELSON

winning contestant and taking Jenn Sparano and her grandma, Antoinette Bianchini Jenn Sparano on the set of “Wheel of Fortune” MESMS Speech Pathologist

home $17,000 in prize money.

“She used to always say to me, the most unrealistic wish ever they had us walk out and I saw self that she would be so excited over the summer with her boy-

in the midst of the pandemic, because I can’t get on a plane,’” the wheel, my eyes lled with if she knew I was here.” friend, which is located about 10

‘You gotta get on that show,’ and Sparano said. “When we got to water. I was so excited but also Sparano, 29, was living in SEE GAME SHOW PAGE 2

at that point I was like, ‘ at’s the ‘Wheel of Fortune’ set and so sad because I thought to my- Manhattan Beach, California,

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Page 2 – Yorktown News Thursday, February 10, 2022

The Staff GAME SHOW doubting it,’” Sparano said. lected to compete on the show for a 7 a.m. call time, practiced
A week later, she heard back and was entered into a contes- the show during the morning,
EDITORIAL TEAM FROM PAGE 1 tant pool with an unde ned epi- met with lawyers to fully explain
BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER that she had been selected to au- sode date, ranging from within the puzzles and the rules of the
EDITOR: 914-302-5628 miles north of Culver City, where dition. Sparano took a test and two weeks to two years. In No- show, and then lmed her epi-
[email protected] Sony Pictures Studios are. Upon competed against other poten- vember, Sony reached out to tell sode.
learning that the applications tial contestants in a set of toss- her that her episode’s tape date
VIM WILKINSON for the show were all virtual, she up competitions, where incom- would be ursday, Dec. 2. “I was really strong with the
SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR plete word puzzles ll in with toss-ups. When the letters were
[email protected] lmed a quick video and sub- letters until solved. She won two Sparano ew out the day be- popping up, I solved four of the
mitted her application, men- of six puzzles in the rst round, fore during the middle of the
ADVERTISING TEAM tioning her grandma’s story and and 12 of 16 puzzles after being school week, saying she barely ve, and they were worth either
PAUL FORHAN how they bonded over the show. split into a breakout room. slept the night before because $1,000 or $2,000, so I quickly
she was so excited for the ex- got $7,000 from that,” said
(914) 806-3951 “When I applied, my friends Two weeks later she received perience. She got to the studio Sparano, adding that the bulk of
[email protected] were like, ‘You’re 100 percent an email saying she had been se- her winnings came o a single
going to get on, we’re not even spin of the wheel. “I ipped over
BRUCE HELLER a $10,000 wedge and I solved it
(914) 486-7608 WE’RE HERE WHEN 3379 Crompond Rd (in the BJs Plaza) right away and I won $10,000 in
[email protected] YOU NEED US Yorktown Heights, NY a matter of 10 seconds, it was the
914.930.5550 craziest thing.”
LISA KAIN M-F 8AM-8PM, S-S 8AM-5PM
(201) 317-1139 afcurgentcare.com/yorktown-heights Sparano wore a red shirt on
[email protected] her episode to honor her grand-
CORINNE STANTON At American Family Care we ma, as it was her favorite color.
(914) 760-7009 know how valuable your time is,
[email protected] that’s why our experienced sta is e show’s three contestants
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JAY GUSSAK family, from the oldest member to red podiums, and when she was
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[email protected] clean and sanitized to ensure your knew Mima was with her.
SHELLEY KILCOYNE safety.
(914) 924-9122 “It just con rmed that she’s
[email protected] We’reopenevery day withextended here and she was going to help
hours to fit your schedule. No me out,” Sparano said. “I felt
PRODUCTION TEAM appointment needed. like my grandma was prob-
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL ably beaming and totally on my
Keep the lights on. shoulder.”
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
PHOTOGRAPHER • GENERATORS Sparano’s connection to her
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YORKTOWN NEWS DEADLINE so the kids adored her,” Sparano
THE DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS said. “When I went to go on
‘Wheel of Fortune,’ they were so
AND EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS FOR excited because they knew her
personality and they knew how
YORKTOWN NEWS IS THE THURSDAY proud it would make her.”
BEFORE THE NEXT PUBLICATION DATE.
After her episode aired,
FOR MORE INFORMATION, Sparano said she was the celeb-
CALL BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER AT rity of the school. Her students
914-302-5628 OR EMAIL came to her o ce to celebrate
[email protected]. and take pictures with her, and
Principal Marie Horowitz gave
Subscribe her a shoutout on the day the
episode aired.
TO REQUEST YORKTOWN NEWS
WEEKLY DELIVERY, CALL 845-208-8503 “ e fact that I won $17,000,
OR EMAIL [email protected]. they think I’m like a multimil-
SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE COMPLIMENTARY FOR lionaire,” Sparano said of her
RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN THE TOWN. students.
OUT OF TOWN MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE
$150 PER YEAR FOR FIRST CLASS MAIL. She wrapped up her “Wheel
of Fortune” experience with an
PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT episode watch party on Jan. 31 at
SOMERS, NY AND AT the restaurant Wood and Fire in
her hometown of Pleasantville,
ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. joined by 60 to 70 of her friends
POSTMASTER: and family to view her victory
and celebrate in Mima’s memory.
SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO
YORKTOWN NEWS AT “It was the coolest experience,
it was surreal,” Sparano said. “I
118 N. BEDFORD ROAD didn’t remember a lot of it and
SUITE 100 then watching it the other night
was the craziest thing.”
MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549

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Thursday, February 10, 2022 Yorktown News – Page 3

Yorktown senior
completes Eagle
Scout project at

high school

BY NICK TRUJILLO project with his principal, Direc-

STAFF WRITER tor of Facilities Dennis Verboys,

Maintenance Foreperson Diego Gannon (second from right) with his parents,
When Shane Gannon, senior Araujo, and his Eagle Scout fellow Scouts, and Town Supervisor Matt Slater

at Yorktown High School, be- coach Peter MacDonald, Gan-

gan planning for his Eagle Scout non brought the specs for his

project, he knew he wanted to project before a Board of Review who helped him with the con-

build something that would in September but was not ap- struction. e frame of the patio

positively bene t his community, proved. is 28 feet long and 14 feet wide.

but did not know where. “I had forgotten one or two e two slabs are 14 feet by 12

Inspired by his friend and fel- materials that I would need,” feet with a four-foot space in be-

low member of Boy Scout Troop Gannon said. “ e thing that tween the ower boxes. e rst

228 Nick Cirillo, who built a caught me most o -guard was two sessions consisted of build-

patio area at Somers Intermedi- that they wanted me to specify ing the frame of the boxes and

ate School for his Eagle Scout that I was using pressure-treated the decking. Prior to the third

project in 2020, Gannon decided lumber, despite the fact that usu- session, Gannon spread the mes-

to contribute a patio area with ally when you work outside, you sage of the project at one of his

two ower boxes lled with daf- use pressure-treated lumber be- dad’s union meetings.

fodils, lavender, and hellebores cause it’s better for the weather.” “I got up there and explained

to his high school, turning two On Colombus Day weekend, my whole project. I asked if you

unused concrete slabs located on Gannon went back to the board could donate your money or

the west-facing backside of the with all his necessary plans in or- your time, either way it would

building into a place for students der and his project was approved. be greatly appreciated, and the

and sta to relax outdoors. He fundraised in late October union had donated about $1,000

“I’m excited to use it. Hopeful- and throughout November, set- to my project,” Gannon said.

ly, the rst day they open up and ting a goal to collect $2,100. “ e third work session, I had

put all the chairs and tables out- After a couple of larger nancial about 10 carpenters show up, I

side I have a free period rst that donations, he has raised about had a few of my friends show up

day and I can go out and be the $4,100. too from my troop, and we put

rst person to enjoy it,” Gannon Gannon received a lumber do- down quite a bit of the decking.

said. “I gured it would be great- nation from Lowe’s in Yorktown, e fourth and nal session we

ly appreciated to have a more which gave him most of the ma- nished whatever was left of the

welcoming space and I’m hoping terials he needed for the frame of decking and we put the middle One of the flower boxes built by Gannon and his team.
that maybe it’s even possible for the patio and ower boxes, also section down.”

some teachers to use it as some getting his gardening soil, grav- Gannon joked that he was

sort of an outdoor classroom. I el, and ground cloth from the worried there would not be

think that’d be a great idea.” home-improvement seller. All enough work during the fourth

While Gannon, 17, has not of his owers came from Cherry session, because 35 to 40 carpen-

yet achieved the rank of an Eagle Lawn Farms Nursery in New ters showed up to o er their ser-

Scout,the completion of his proj- Rochelle, and the owner donated vices to nish the project, which

ect is a big step toward nishing 60 da odil bulbs to the project. had just an hour’s worth of work

the program. He still has to meet “We only used 20 of them but left. e support from his fam-

with his merit badge counsel- we’ll nd some good use for the ily, his community, his friends,

ors, turn in a letter of ambition, rest of them,” Gannon said. He fellow Scouts, and his dad’s co-

meet with his Scoutmaster for a chose the three types of owers workers left Gannon proud of

Scoutmaster leader conference, because they all bloom at di er- his project and appreciative of

and present himself for a Board ent points in the year: da odils their e orts.

of Review. Everything but the bloom in the spring, lavender “It felt amazing, I almost had

Board of Review must be com- blooms in the summer, and hel- tears of joy,” Gannon said. “I was

pleted prior to his 18th birthday lebores bloom in the winter. grateful for all the help the union PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHANE GANNON
in April, and Gannon estimates “We’ll have owers more gave me and it made me feel re- Gannon recieved support from over 30 union carpenters.

he is just over halfway through or less all year round, which I ally happy to know that people

the process. Once all that is com- thought was a nice idea,” Gan- are so willing to support such a ten many experiences through ceremonies.

pleted, he will receive his Court non said. good project.” trips to Camp Reed in the Ad- “Scouting has just been a won-

of Honor ceremony and become e work took place over four He described the project as irondacks and Philmont Scout derful experience for me. I’ve

an Eagle Scout. sessions, with Gannon enlisting a culmination of years-worth Ranch in New Mexico. He is made great friends, it’s helped

e slabs that the project were help from his fellow Scouts to of hard work. Since joining the also his troop’s designated bu- me really come out of my shell

built on were shown to Gannon move the lumber from his house Scouts in late 2016, Gannon gler, playing “Taps” at the end of these last few years,” Gannon

by YHS Principal Joseph De- to the school, and from his dad, a has made many connections many scouting meetings, Courts said.

Gennaro. After discussing the union carpenter for over 35 years, with fellow Scouts and has got- of Honor, and ag retirement

Page 4 – Yorktown News Thursday, February 10, 2022

Complaints prompt review “ ”What our readers are saying
of YHS library books

BY BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER Hattar con rmed the books
EDITOR
being reviewed are “Beyond Ma-

genta: Transgender Teens Speak

Several books in Yorktown Out” by Susan Kuklin, “Jack of Last week, we published a story on TapIntoYorktown.net (reprinted here) about several books that
are being reviewed at Yorktown High School following complaints from a handful of parents. No
High School’s student library are Hearts (and Other Parts)” by decision has been made on the books, which were available in the high school library.

being reviewed following com- L.C. Rosen, “ e Hate U Give” The discussion continued on our Facebook page.
Here’s what some of our readers had to say:
plaints from community mem- by Angie omas, and “Gen-

bers, Superintendent Ron Hattar der Queer: A Memoir” by Maia

con rmed to Yorktown News Kobabe. Several other titles were

last week. No decision has been rumored to also be under review,

made on the books, which have but Hattar could not con rm

been made temporarily unavail- them at the time of publication. e books in our school libraries have served that’s OK. I think parents should be given in-

able in order for the district to ese books are among the our children well all these years. Now there’s go- formation so they can make the best decision

conduct its review. nearly 10,000 available in the ing to be a review? I’m disheartened that this is for their families. A child who has experienced

“ ere were members of our student library and are not re- even being entertained. Our responsibility is to sexual trauma would not bene t from a book

community who raised concerns quired reading material. “In most educate our children and provide answers for that involves sexual trauma…
hat our readertheir growing minds, even if some of those top-
about a few books in our library,” instances, we have one copy,” –Irene C.

Hattar said. “ ere is a review Hattar said. ics are hard to swallow for some people.

process that’s currently underway “One or two” books in the Mil- –Colleen F e irony is these complaints draw attention

according to Board of Ed policy.” dred E. Strang Middle School W to the books that might have gone unnoticed by
s
at policy—No. 1420-R— library are also being reviewed, All this says is that there are members of someone that needs to and wants to read them.

states that if the complaint can- Hattar said, though he did not the Yorktown community who are afraid of or Fingers crossed the school district makes the
“are saying”threatened by anyone di erent from themselves. right decision.
not be resolved informally, a know which titles.

committee of educators, admin- e complaints came from And they think so little of their children’s intel- –Emily P.

istrators, and a library media three members of the commu- ligence. So sad.

specialist will examine the books, nity, Hattar said, noting that he’s –Carol A. None of the books are required reading. If a

consider the objections, and issue also received letters of support child wants to avoid a book about a certain topic

a recommendation to the super- for the books from community I don’t think books should be banned, but they are more than welcome to. But that doesn’t

intendent, who will make a deci- members. I think it’s important to make sure books in mean it shouldn’t be pulled so that no one can

sion. If the person who made the A spokesperson for the Lake- schools have age appropriate content, and that read it. What bothers one might bene t another.

complaint is not satis ed with land Central School District parents be aware of what their child can access. –Melissa C.

the superintendent’s decision, said that it has not received any What works for me may not work for you, and

they can appeal it to the Board of complaints similar to the ones To join the discussion, search “Yorktown News” on Facebook
or visit facebook.com/TapIntoYorktown.
Education. described in Yorktown.

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Thursday, February 10, 2022 Yorktown News – Page 5

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Page 6 – Yorktown News Thursday, February 10, 2022

Cleaning up NYC’s water at the source

Filters to be installed in some Yorktown catch basins

BY BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER mately 11 kilograms of phosphorus load- It was hard for Town Board members happens,” said Councilman Tom Diana.

EDITOR ing into Junior Lake and inevitably into to argue with that. e Town Board authorized the project

the drinking water supply in New York “If it’s at no cost, let’s try them, see what at its meeting last week.

Did you know that every rainfall in Yor- City,” Fitzgerald said.

ktown a ects the drinking water in New e project is being fully funded by

York City? East of Hudson, whose mission is to “re-

e Junior Lake neighborhood, for ex- duce the levels of phosphorus in storm-

ample, has 42 catch basins. Every time it water runo in the watershed of the New

rains, stormwater makes its way into those York City water supply system east of the

basins, which drain into Junior Lake and Hudson River.” e corporation was es-

eventually into the Amawalk Reservoir, tablished by the municipalities in North-

which supplies drinking water to the city. ern Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess

Looking to clean up the water supply counties that are in the New York City

at its source, the East of Hudson Water- watershed.

shed Corp. is proposing to retro t those Maintenance will also be fully funded,

42 catch basins with new lters at no cost Fitzpatrick said.

to the town. “We would not ask for the town do any-

e StormBasin lters are produced by thing more than they are already doing out

Fabco, a company based out of Farming- there,” he said.

dale. If a drain was clogged, Fitzpatrick said,

“ e best comparison I can make is just a contractor could be called. However, he

thinking of a Britta lter,”said Kevin Fitz- said, it would be faster for the town to x

patrick, director of engineering at East of it.

Hudson. “It’s just a simple item that drops “But the idea is that general mainte-

right into the basin. It will lter all the wa- nance through the course of the year is

ter prior to discharge into the pipes and going to be done by a separate contrac-

then inevitably discharge into the lakes tor,” he said. “ ey will come out with a

and streams.” [vacuum] truck, clean all the basins, re-

Fitzpatrick said the lters will remove place all the lters.”

50% of the pollutants that pass through e cost of any maintenance work done

them, including leaves, sediment and trash. by the town on the lters can be submit- PHOTO: WESTCHESTER COUNTY GIS
“We can e ectively remove approxi- ted for reimbursement, Fitzpatrick said. The neighborhood around Junior Lake, where new stormwater filters will be installed.

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Thursday, February 10, 2022 Yorktown News – Page 7

ASK THE DOC

Did I tear my meniscus?

Dr. Steven Andelman, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult and pediatric sports medicine, discusses
what such tears mean and what can be done to treat – and prevent – them.

The meniscus, a C-shaped disc of soft cartilage that sits between the femur and the tibia, acts as a cushion or “shock absorber” in each of your
knees. There are over 500,000 meniscal tears in the U.S. every year – but not all of them are alike.

There are two kinds of these tears: acute, which tends to occur with younger people during an activity like playing basketball or even getting
out of your chair; and degenerative, which can coincide with the wear-and-tear we experience as we get older, starting at about age 40.
If untreated, the latter can contribute to arthritis and chronic pain going forward.

The assumption that surgery is the only option in meniscal tear cases is often untrue. We treat patients on an individualized basis and the
great majority can recover through medications, injections, physical therapy and/or bracing. If surgery is necessary, we have a range of new
instruments and procedures that are minimally invasive and done arthroscopically.

Whatever the course of treatment, most patients can recover within six to eight weeks. Although sometimes meniscal tears “just happen,”
preventive measures can be taken: Stabilizing the knee to maintain a strong core through exercises that strengthen the legs and/or wearing a
knee brace, properly warming up before and after exercise, and of course maintaining a healthy exercise and diet regimen.

KNOW THE SIGNS

1. THE POP 2. WEAKENING KNEE 3. ONGOING PAIN 4. GROWING STIFFNESS

Hearing a “pop” and Having the sensation that Experiencing continued Feeling painful and stiff
experiencing unusual your knee is “buckling” or painful popping in the knee, after sitting for a long time
pain on either side of giving out even when not putting (in a car, at a movie, etc.)
the knee undue stress upon it

Get savvy about your health. Find an orthopedic surgeon by calling (914) 849-MyMD.

Page 8 – Yorktown News Thursday, February 10, 2022

Keeping pets safe and happy in the cold season

BY JESSICA JAFET Over the winter season, as al- • Sni and Find: One person

CONTRIBUTING WRITER ways, it is important to provide holds the dog while another

healthy, well-balanced meals and hides treats in a di erent room.

Winter in the Northeast can proper hydration to keep pets in Place 10 at one time (or 10 in

be brutal—and when it feels too good form. a row) and encourage your dog

darn cold outside for people, it “Basically, people food. Feed to sni and nd them. With a

can be dangerous for pets, too. pets what you eat; there are many young puppy, you can start out

During the frigid months, some toxicities in pet food products this game by simply tossing treats

commonsense practices will keep today—they can eat what you in front of their face.

your dogs, cats, and other crea- eat—and we have diets and in- • Canine Freestyle: ink of it

tures healthy and safe. structions on our website,” Dr. as dancing with your dogs. Put on

According to veterinarian Dr. Mayland said. some music you love; teach your

Edward Mayland of Cross River As for exercise, Dr. Mayland dog a simple trick like running

Animal Hospital (whose prac- recommends getting your dogs through your legs or jumping

tice was established in 1976), pet out to walk and exercise every through your arms—and make

owners should consider the breed day, if possible, although he un- a fun little dance routine in your

of animal and length of its fur be- derstands that much depends on kitchen.

fore venturing outdoors in order the pet owner’s own health and • Agility runs: You can make

to protect it from su ering hypo- mobility, along with weather and simple jumps with broomsticks

thermia or frostbite. safety concerns—including the and cereal boxes, “puddles” by

“Short-haired dogs, by all dangers of slipping and falling. draping a blanket over a chair or

means, should have a coat on,” If the conditions are just too co ee table, and a teeter-totter

Dr. Mayland said. “A breed like treacherous and you (and your out of a two-by-four balanced on

a Vizsla or a Greyhound can be- dog) are going stir-crazy in the a ball.

come hypothermic very quick- house, Sarah Hodgson, a vet- Hodgson has curated a list of

ly—and even a shorthaired cat eran dog trainer and behavioral recommended interactive and

who is being taken out to travel consultant in the area, has some self-soothing toys on her web-

in the car should have a coat or PHOTO: JESSICA JAFET suggestions for indoor fun and site (sarahsayspets.com) that will
exercise. keep your pets active and busy.
some type of cover on them.” Cookie goes for a walk in her jacket and booties.
What happens more frequently She said a dog’s brains is “80 Of course, there is the old clas-

than frostbite, the vet explained, paws. would be booties for the doggies,” percent sensory-oriented” and sic that can be played without

are cuts and tears from ice shards, “ e biggest danger this time he said, adding that the ice melt with some simple games, pet ever leaving the couch.

along with bouts of gastroenteri- of year is not necessarily exposure and rock salt used by houses or owners can help “light up” their “You can always play fetch

tis that can result from an animal around here, but lacerations from condos, “should only be the pet- pups to keep them stimulated with your dog—they love that,”

ingesting salt that collects on its the ice—my recommendation friendly kind.” and engaged. Here are a few: Hodgson said.

Love at The Country House

Valentine’s day spurs us to take pause and celebrate from Brooklyn, but thanks to the NYC
the love that we receive and the love that we give
by embracing the red and pink and all things cupid. subway, frequent visitation was possible,
Beautiful roses and decadent chocolate provide a
hedonistic backdrop for this overly commercialized and they embraced the journey fre-
holiday. But beyond the rose petals and the choco-
late covered cherries, there are heartfelt stories of quently. On June 9th, 1962, Loretta, and
love. Whether you are a part of a love story or lucky
enough to hear about a special romance, stories of two Israel (Lori and Izzy as they a ection-
souls nding one another never grows old and for me,
stories of rst and everlasting love always seems to ately call one another), celebrated their
spark a melancholic trip down memory lane.
wedding at the Broadway Central Hotel
I happened upon a wonderful, married couple
that now resides at e Country House, an assisted in Manhattan. Many years have passed
living community in Yorktown Heights, NY. Israel
and Loretta Fleiss, who have been married for 59 since that day, and they both described

years, explained to me that they met at summer how lucky they feel. ey have raised
camp when they were about 14 years old.
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Page 10 – Yorktown News Thursday, February 10, 2022

Put a Tiger in A dog person’s tribute to a cat

Your Tank PUBLISHER’S
MEMO
On my three-quarters of was literally killing us. BRETT
a mile trek to grammar As Patterson sounded the FREEMAN
school, I would pass
alarm about the e ects of lead on

by a rather large and colorfully our health, the oil industry hired

decorated Esso pathologist

gas station. Dr. Robert People talk about being cat
people or dog people.
At that time MY Kehoe to I won’t pussy-foot
(1959), the sta- PERSPECTIVE accomplish around. It’s much easier to con-
tion’s promo- nect with dogs. Dogs emote and
two missions: shower their owners with love.
JAMES
tions included MARTORANO prove to the Cats are no di erent than
a large tiger world that ex- lions and tigers, except they are
smaller. at’s the only reason
accompanied posure to low cat people are still alive. Just
Google “Siegfried and Roy” if
by the slogan, levels of lead you want to understand this
fully. Cats are nice until they
“Put a Tiger was safe and, aren’t.

in Your Tank.”Soon after, the if that didn’t succeed, exonerate But despite my obvious a n-
ity towards dogs, this column is
gas station became an EXXON, the oil industry from any liability. about a cat. I was 23 years old
and my then-girlfriend (now
but the tiger displays remained. When I walked past those wife), Lauren, was 22, and we
had just moved in together at an
e gas company’s television ad colorful signs, in my grammar apartment in Washington, DC.

campaign boasted that the lead school years, urging us to “Put a Once a week, Lauren and PHOTO: BRETT FREEMAN
I volunteered our time at the
in their gasoline not only took Tiger in Our Tanks,”I had no Washington Animal Rescue Aish over, and our fur baby traveled
League. At the shelter, we would with us to his new home.
the “pinning”sound out of your idea how dangerous that was. But take the dogs outside and give work each night, we’d user a laser
them exercise. As much as we pointer to get him to run up and After New Jersey, Aish moved
engine, but it also gave your car Clair Patterson knew. e tiger wanted to adopt a dog, our down our apartment build- with us to an apartment in Tar-
apartment building only allowed ing hallway until a neighbor rytown, where we found Aish a
added power. I remember seeing was tetraethyl lead, a very deadly cats. complained to the management brother. A feral stray black and
company. white kitten needed a home,
tigers’tails hanging out of gas environmental toxin, which, So, we found one adorable, so Aish showed him the ropes.
friendly and feisty orange tabby, While we were sleeping, he
tanks as people hailed this tech- when added to our gas tanks, which we were told was born in attacked our feet if they were is new cat’s personality is the
West Virginia. While the rest of sticking out of the blanket. If opposite of Aish. Whereas Aish
nological advancement. ended up causing huge amounts the kittens were sleepy, the cat we left kitchen cupboards open, was friendly, greeted all people
that we liked was full of energy. Aish thought it was a great place and was fearless, our new kitten
Just a few years earlier, al- of carbon monoxide and carbon So, we took him home and we to sleep. At one point when was a fraidy-cat, so we named
named him Aish (pronounced Lauren hurt her back, Aish lay him Mayim, which means “wa-
most one thousand miles away, dioxide to spout into the air. aysh), which means “ re” in by her side for hours. ter” in Hebrew.
Hebrew.
University of Chicago Ph.D. Dr. Kehoe’s defense of the oil Aish traveled with us to Chi- e two cats then moved with
Aish was hilarious from cago for graduate school, where us to Carmel, where they had
candidate Clair Patterson was and gas industry had two main Day 1, and he had the typi- I bought a harness for him and a whole townhouse in which
cal vindictive cat behavior. We took him on small walks in our to run around. But when our
tasked with determining the age components. First, imitating the quickly learned that we couldn’t apartment courtyard. When daughter was born in 2009, Aish
leave glassware out, particularly I bought Lauren her favorite was displeased, and let us know
of the earth. Patterson teamed disingenuous arguments of the wine glasses, because he would it by urinating on items associ-
deliberately knock them over. ower – lilies – for Valentine’s ated with the baby.
up with fellow graduate student tobacco industry from earlier Soon after we adopted him, we Day, and then came home to
brought him to the emergency see that Aish had eaten part of As cat owners know, once a
George Tilton to undertake this years, he argued that it could not vet because he cut himself on a the ower, I decided to Google cat urinates on the wrong spot,
fallen wine glass. which plants are poisonous to it’s impossible to get them to
challenging assignment. e be conclusively proven beyond cats (it was probably Yahoo at stop unless 100% of the odor
On to Life No. 2. the time). is removed. at’s when we
focus of their work consisted of all doubt that tetraethyl lead was When we got home from decided to tear up the carpeting
Turns out that lilies are the and put down a cherry-wood
analyzing pinhead-sized miner- a public health hazard. On that MOST poisonous plants to laminate.
cats. After putting him on an IV
als from meteorites which were point his default position was overnight at the emergency vet At one point when our daugh-
and ushing out his system, Aish ter was a baby, Aish, who was an
considered relics of the birth of that his company should be al- was on to Life No. 3. indoor cat, took a mini-vacation
when he somehow got outside.
our solar system. lowed to continue to reap pro ts Aish then moved to Mont- For 48 hours, I handed out
clair, NJ, to live with us at my
Patterson utilized a system until the negative consequences parents’ house after Lauren and I SEE FREEMAN PAGE 18
got married. Six months later, we
designed to measure the rela- to public health became undeni- rented our own place one town

tive levels of lead isotopes in the able. He was taking advantage

items he examined. What he of the fact that science, by its

found shocked him. Lead was inductive nature, never really

everywhere. Mr. Patterson be- approaches 100 percent certainty

came Dr. Patterson and eventu- but rather provides us with the

ally ended up at the University of most reasonable and reliable

California where he continued to conclusions based on the avail-

explore the levels of deadly lead able evidence known at the time.

in our environment. He didn’t Second, he contended that even

have far to look. Lead was indeed if lead was poison, a little bit of

everywhere—pipes, paint, glass, poison is okay. His reasoning

household utensils, tin cans, toys, was that only when it reaches a

and, most especially, the gasoline particularly unbearable threshold

that powered our cars. e con- does it become bad for you. He

centration of lead contamination went on to propose that if it

in our atmosphere was more than SEE MARTORANO PAGE 14
2,000 times the natural level. It

BRETT FREEMAN, PUBLISHER 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views
BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER, EDITOR MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR ©2021 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC
Editorial Office: 914-302-5628 of Yorktown News or its affiliates. Submissions must include a phone
[email protected] 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.

Thursday, February 10, 2022 OPINION Yorktown News – Page 11

e library BUILDING IS Libra ry CornerLibrary Corner
OPEN! PORCH PICKUP is still shop. Grades 2-4, 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. Irena. Ages 4-6, 6:30-7 p.m. 9781451644296).“ is is an
available by calling the Circulation (A) Library Trustee Meeting,
Desk (x221). According to the town SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13 intriguing story of a woman named
of Yorktown policy: all patrons/ (C) Python Coding Class! Ages 6:30-8:30 p.m., in the community
visitors over the age of 2 will be re- room. Hope and her daughter Annie and
quired to wear a mask when inside 8-12, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
the library. THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 17 their journey to reclaim their family
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14 (C) Toddler Time with Miss
• Monday- ursday, 9:30 a.m-8 (C) Rock and Roll for Little history by following the stories
p.m. Marca. Ages 2.5-4, 10:30 a.m. on
Ones on ZOOM. Children of all Zoom and 11:30 a.m. in person. their French Grandmother tells
• Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. ages, 10:30 a.m.
• Saturday, 9:30 a.m-5 p.m. Book Group for Men, 2-3:30 them. Hope is recently divorced
• Sunday, Noon-4 p.m. (C) Sweet Treats for Grades K-2. p.m. (All Welcome)
Phone: 914-245-5262; email: 3:30-4:30 p.m. and jobless, so she and her daughter
[email protected], website: york- (C) Outside Winter Romp with
townlibrary.org. (C) PAWS to Read on ZOOM. Miss Marca. Grades 1-3, 3:30-4:30 return to the small Cape Cod town
(A) Adults Program Grades K-6, 5-6 p.m. p.m.
(Y) Young Adults Program where they own a struggling family
(C) Children’s Program (A, Y) Earring Making Work- (C) Lego Free Build. Ages 5 and
shop. 6-7:30 p.m. up, 5-6 p.m. bakery. Grandmother Mamie had
DID YOU KNOW?
Westchester Library System TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18 baked delicious pastries at her
(C) Mother Goose Time with (A) Westchester Breathes on
Career Coaching Services is pleased North Star bakery for over 50 years
to facilitate a six-week virtual semi- Miss Irena. Ages 1.5-2.5, 10:30 a.m. ZOOM. 9-10 a.m.
nar. A virtual orientation with the on Zoon and 11:30 a.m. in person. (C) Music and Movement with before she started to su er from
Career Coach is required prior to
the seminar. For more information (C) Cool Crafts. Grades 3-5, Lori Cohen on Zoom! 11-11:45 Alzheimer’s. Mamie struggles to
contact Phyllis Blake at 914-231- 4:30-5:15 p.m. p.m. tell stories of her past in Paris and Marca M., head of children’s
3239 or [email protected]. during a lucid moment she scribbles services, with her book pick
(C) Music and Movement with Please visit the library website
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Lori Cohen on ZOOM! Children (yorktownlibrary.org) calendar a list of names and asks Hope to go Hannah
(Y) Free Online SAT Practice. 9 of all ages, 6-6:45 p.m. for details and to register online!
Programs are subject to change, to Paris to uncover a long-lost fam- 2.“ e Last ing He Told Me”
a.m.-1 p.m. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16 please revisit the calendar for the
(C) Valentine’s Day Gift Work- (C) Bouncing Babies with Miss latest updates before you join the ily mystery. is tale of overcom- by Laura Dave
program.
Jane, for lap-sitting babies birth on ing struggles and persevering also 3.“2 Sister Detective Agency”by
up. 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. DID YOU READ?
“ e Sweetness of Forgetting” includes delicious recipes handed James Patterson
(C) Teacher in the library. Grades
K-5, 4:45-7:45 p.m. by Kristin Harmel (2012, ISBN down from generations of families, 4.“Autopsy”by Patricia Daniels

(C) Bedtime Stories with Miss including some from people who Cornwell

are not blood-related but become 5.“ e Butler”by Danielle Steel

family.” 6.“A Slow Fire Burning”by

–Marca M., Head of Children’s Paula Hawkins

Services 7.“Flying Angels”by Danielle

Steel

HART TOP 10 FICTION 8.“Apples Never Fall”by Liane

e most circulated new c- Moriarty

tion in the Hart Library this past 9.“ e Judge’s List”by John

month: Crisham

1.“ e Four Winds”by Kristin 10.“Win”by Harlan Coben

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Page 12 – Yorktown News OPINION Thursday, February 10, 2022

Super Bowling

For those of you lucky enough to NON FANS AMONG THE FANS and was about to cross the goal line when
have scored those bargain $5,000 e excitement inside the stadium he clumsily let the ball be knocked out of
seats to this Sunday’s Super Bowl his outstretched hand by a Bu alo player.
can be surprisingly muted by the fact an
Other than that game – with e
LVI, have fun… explaining to your inordinate number of spectators are not Gloved One changing the course of
halftime history, which ever since has
spouse why you need fully vested fans. ey showcased the creme de la creme of mu-
sic – the rest of my SB nostalgia has little
to take out a second came into their tickets to do with the games.

mortgage to pay for the through a connection ALL THE WAY WITH ELWAY
Sure, there was Super Bowl 32 in San
precious tickets. (BTW, and are there for the
Diego (Broncos 31, Packers 24), when I
for you non-Roman BRUCE experience and brag- was one of many walking up the ramp to
numeral practitioners, THE BLOG ging rights, not because Qualcomm Stadium shouting “All the
LVI roughly translates they give a hoot which way with Elway!” because the Denver QB
to 56, and I’ll abandon BRUCE team wins. As you look was the sentimental favorite, having never
the stu y numbers for APAR around, notice that a lot won the big one in three previous trips.

the rest of this article of those non-fans are Gameday morning, as I was on the
lone treadmill in the hotel gym, this guy
because, after all, we’re barely looking at the walks in, looks at me, and gru y asks, The 1993 Super Bowl is best remembered
“How long you going to be?” I reply, for its Michael Jackson halftime show.
not in Rome, so we eld. “I’m almost done, Mr. Davis,” because
I recognized him as infamous Oakland We got to meet Warren Moon, Lynn
don’t have to do as they e SB game I recall Raiders owner Al Davis. I couldn’t resist Swann, Joe Morgan, LL Cool J, Steve
asking, “Who do you like today?”True to McNair, and Hollywood Henderson,
do.) best is the rst one I attended almost 30 form, the NFL’s longtime enfant terrible among others.
responded with a non-committal grunt
For the rest of you paupers like me years ago – Super Bowl 27 (Cowboys 52, and walked away. THE MAGIC ELEVATOR
Standing in the hotel elevator one
who will be watching from a couch that Bills 17) in 1993. e legendary Rose John Elway was back the following
year for Super Bowl 33 (Broncos 34, night after a Kool and the Gang concert,
likely costs a bit less than $5,000, I am Bowl in Pasadena, 100 years old this Falcons 19) and so was I. is is the one a super-sized gure heading toward us
SB I hold to most dearly, as I was accom- from across the lobby shouts, “Hold the
happy to give you a highlights tour of year, is hard to forget. e aluminum panied by our late son Harrison, and we door!” I said to Harrison, “ at guy looks
had a ball. like a football player.” He turned out to be
my four Super Bowl experiences (for benches we sat on were a real treat. ank Magic Johnson.

which I had press passes, so I didn’t have goodness every ticket holder gets a seat At another party, Harrison spots two
guys across the room, points to them,
to shell out any shekels for the tickets). cushion. And how can anyone forget the
SEE APAR PAGE 13
e rst thing to remember is that single-lane access road to the stadium,

the game is not the thing. Huh? You hopelessly clogged with immobile tra c.

heard me (even with all that crowd noise Even when the stadium was within sight,

drowning out my play-calling). Depend- it took a couple of hours to inch our way

ing on your proclivity for partying, once to the destination.

you’re there, all the events packed into Even though the score was lopsided,

Super Bowl weekend conspire to make the game is a classic because of two

watching the game day battle of gridiron names: Michael Jackson (a milestone

warriors almost anti-climactic. half-time show) and Leon Lett, the Dal-

las defender who recovered a Bills fumble

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Thursday, February 10, 2022 OPINION Yorktown News – Page 13

APAR to Super Bowls, accompanied by a LETTERS
Sharpie, as a convenient way to col-
FROM PAGE 12 lect signatures. Books should be students while a determination is being
available during review made. I also respectfully request that this
and excitedly blurts out, “South A hulking bodyguard at that same process be made transparent to the com-
Park!” It was the show’s creators Trey party made his presence clearly process munity. People such as myself, a district
Parker and Matt Stone. known to me by quickly inserting taxpayer and the parent of a YHS alumnus,
himself between me and the lady Dear Dr. Hattar and Board of Education deserve clear and frequent communica-
e last Super Bowl I’ve been I was approaching to say hello – members, tion. Shining a light on the process can
to also was the least: e drubbing Queen Latifah. I thought it was a be an important tool for us to support the
of the Giants at the hands of the smart idea not to challenge him, so I am a 26 year resident of Yorktown. district.
Ravens (34-7) in SB 35 at Raymond I just sort of waved at her highness, My son attended Yorktown schools from
James Stadium in Tampa. e game like the loyal subject I am. kindergarten through high school. I was ex- My asks are that the district start with
was over by halftime, but we could tremely distressed to hear about books being making public the list of books being
lick our wounds in a suite and act I was more successful at that af- challenged, and removed, from our very own challenged. Next, please communicate the
like there was no game to watch, fair schmoozing it up big time with high school library right here in Yorktown. process and expected timeline to the com-
since there wasn’t. I was more fasci- Martha Reeves, of the Vandellas, Even without having seen a full list of the munity. Most importantly, please make sure
nated by the huge pirate ship under with whom I was captured on video books in question, I know that I adamantly that these books are NOT removed from
the scoreboard, a tting sight since doing a slightly drunken duet on do not want any of them removed from the the library during the review process. It
the boys in blue were made to walk “Dancing in the Street.” library shelves. would be a rare book indeed that wouldn’t
the plank that day. be available to the review committee
At checkout Monday morning, as While someone may not want their elsewhere.
DANCING WITH MARTHA we were about to board the airport children to read a particular book, that
I found my fun that year in bus, a hip-looking gentleman in the does not give them the right to prevent all WIth what is going on in our country
hotel lobby, with roller skates draped students from having access to it. We know right now, I am also concerned about the
places other than the depressing over his shoulder and a stogie in his that books about gender issues and by reputation of our ne school district. Do
game. Impersonating a paparazzo, hand, asks me, “Got a light?” I said, people of color are being targeted. As I’m we want to be known for removing “objec-
I sort of stalked Cuba Gooding at “Sorry, I don’t, Steven.” at would sure you’re aware, books about LGBTQ+ tionable” books from school libraries? Or
a party with my video camera until be as in Tyler, of Aerosmith.   experiences, in particular, can quite literally do we want to be known as a community
his modest-size bodyguard (who I save lives. Books from a Black perspective, that welcomes and supports all students?
Bruce Apar is a writer and actor, who especially from a Pulitzer Prize-winning I believe that you will nd that the great
gured must know martial arts or is appearing this March in the M&M author, are essential to the ESTEAM ini- majority of our neighbors support our
something to make up for his aver- Performing Arts production of Arthur tiative that we are rightly so proud of. educational professionals and have faith in
age frame) politely asked me to cease Miller’s “ e Price” at Lyndhurst their expertise.
and desist. But the Jerry Maguire in Tarrytown. He can be reached at I have read sections 1420 and 1420-R
“Show Me the Money!” Oscar-win- [email protected]; 914-275-6887. For of the Policy Handbook. I hope that the Judyth Stavans
ner was gracious enough, along with tickets > Lyndhurst.org/events/winter- books in question will remain available to
actor Edward Norton, to autograph theater. Yorktown Heights
the white cap I always would wear

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Page 14 – Yorktown News OPINION Thursday, February 10, 2022

Where is this in Yorktown?

Congratulations to Francisco Gomez, James Graham, omas Del Vino, Terita
Bracod, and Scott Morris, who knew that the Jan. 27 photo was taken at the Audi deal-
ership on Route 6 in Mohegan Lake.

If you know where this week’s photo was taken, email the editor at marschhauser@
halstonmedia.com.

The Jan. 27 photo This week’s photo PHOTOS: BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER

MARTORANO into the potential safety hazards of of a mailman from Mitchellville, in the 1980s, Patterson’s work was In my research, I stumbled
lead. It wasn’t lost on the commit- Iowa could not be bought. In front nally accepted, and his data laud- across this anonymous quote that
FROM PAGE 10 tee that Kehoe, like the experts of the Senate Committee chaired concisely sums up my feelings:
hired by the tobacco industry, was a by Senator Edward Muskie, ed as accurate. e culmination of “Clair Patterson was a hero because
doesn’t reach that point (which he hired gun who was in the pocket of Patterson argued e ectively and his life’s work nally came in 1986, he strived to make life better,
placed at an extraordinarily high the petroleum industry. Everyone passionately about the levels of lead which marked the beginning of the answered scienti c questions, dedi-
level) we are all ne. Patterson and knew that he was more concerned in the atmosphere. end for leaded gasoline. On Dec. cated his life and his time to his
most “unbought”scientists sco ed with pro t than he was about 31, 1995, leaded gasoline, and the
at these arguments. ere was no public safety. As for Patterson, he Had he sold out, Clair Patterson tiger, forever disappeared from all eld, and revolutionized modern
scienti cally agreed upon “thresh- was approached by representatives could have led a life of luxury. In- science. Clair Patterson embodies
old”as Kehoe claimed. of the oil industry and warned of stead, for sticking to his principles, lling stations in the United States. heroic qualities through his desire
the consequences of his continued he was ignored and ridiculed for Ironically, weeks earlier Clair Pat- to improve all people’s lives and
Like Lincoln and Douglas, these advocacy. He was even o ered a years. Finally, in 1976, the United terson, my hero, succumbed to a discover more about the world.”
two experts found themselves lucrative contract if he would just States Environmental Protection severe asthma attack. In case you As we face increasingly perilous
squaring o against each other at change sides. But this humble son Agency mandated a reduction in were wondering, he did nish his times, our world needs more Clair
various venues including in front the levels of lead in gasoline. en, original task and determined that Pattersons.
of a Senate Committee looking the earth is 4.4 billion years old.

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Thursday, February 10, 2022 OPINION Yorktown News – Page 15

How important is grammar
on greeting cards?

STRONG they’re going to become one from a friend. You’ll nd cards be sure the commas were there, mistakes because I’m also from
LEARNING of those educated adults that you received from hundreds of but it’s more than likely other that generation. Would I men-
can’t write a sentence correctly. I people and each one is telling parents weren’t as concerned. tion it to my grandchildren? No.
DR. LINDA understand that they know how you that they’re thinking about Your grandchildren’s generation
SILBERT to use a computer and text a lot you. Giving and receiving gifts may or may not be exchanging If they send me a paper they
better than I ever will know, but and cards are part of our lives. valentine cards in school, and were handing into school and
Dear Dr. Linda, they need to be able to write. most likely don’t care about asked me to look over it for
As a retired English teacher, Curious what your opinion is. ey add meaning and make us commas! ey’re probably most punctuation and spelling errors, I
feel good whether we’re giving concerned about telling someone would be delighted to help them.
I’m concerned when I receive ank you in advance for your or receiving. that they’re their friend, or that But a card, letter, or gift, sent
Valentine’s Day cards from my time they love Grandma and Grand- out of love to show that they’re
grandchildren with one written is brings up the second pa and want them to know. Each thinking of me, is just that.
mistake after another. And I’m Mary issue. How important is it that generation and person addresses
upset that my children let them Dear Mary, the punctuation on the card and Valentine’s Day from their own Treasure the cards from your
send these cards to me with the grammar and spelling be perspective. grandchildren and say, “ ank
commas missing and misspell- You brought up two interest- perfect? It seems there’s a gen- You!”
ings. When I mentioned to my ing issues. One being valuing erational di erence of opinion. So, going back to your ques-
son and daughter that I was writing rules over receiving cards Grandparents spent years in tion, what’s my opinion? As a Happy Valentine’s Day,
going to explain the mistakes from your grandchildren, and school being taught how to write grandmother, I too would see the Dr. Linda
to my grandchildren, they were the other being the importance correctly according to the rules missing commas and the spelling
actually angry at me and told me of punctuation, grammar, and of that era. You can be sure that Send your questions to Linda@
that I absolutely could not do spelling. when the children exchanged stronglearning.com.
that. ey accused me of caring valentine cards in school, there
more about the rules of writing Let’s rst address your chil- was a comma after a salutation,
than about receiving cards from dren’s anger that you were more like “Dear Susan,” and a comma
my grandchildren. concerned about how your after closings like “Your friend!”
grandchildren wrote the cards Your children’s generation likely
Believe me, I’m happy that than the fact that they sent you also exchanged valentine cards
they are thinking of me and do the cards. If I hear you right, you in school, but probably weren’t
appreciate the cards, but I have value both. Your children are as concerned about where they
to admit that I’m concerned that teaching their children the art of placed their commas. You, be-
giving. Look around, you’ll see ing a retired English teacher,
a book a student gave you as a probably checked your own
holiday gift, a bracelet your sister children’s valentine’s cards to
gave you for your birthday, or a
vase you received as a house gift

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Page 16 Yorktown News – Thurs

Our Agents Have the Market K

Celebrating 20 years of success in real estate this year, I have never seen so little
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sday, February 10, 2022 Page 17

Knowledge & Advice You Need

2021 was one of the best markets for Sellers. This trend is expected to continue through the
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Page 18 – Yorktown News OPINION Thursday, February 10, 2022

Advertise With Us FREEMAN Turns out that he was prob- in the east. It was a stressful
When you advertise with Yorktown News, you are reaching ably about 4 years old, and we situation. Now with two little
thousands of households and businesses throughout Yorktown. FROM PAGE 10 feared for our cats’ lives after he kids in the mix who behaved
To advertise or to place a classified, call Brett Freeman at 845- lunged at them. At one point like President Reagan at the
208-8151 or email [email protected]. lost-cat yers to my neigh- when the dog attacked the cat, Brandenburg Gate, there were
bors and traversed the woods they literally ran in circles with some scary close calls.
Service around my house, and I pretty all sorts of scary noises remi-
Integrity much went crazy if you ask niscent of a scene in a Tom and As Aish got older, he devel-
Compassion Lauren. And then, out of the Jerry cartoon. oped a thyroid condition, so for
blue, he came back. When he years we’ve had to shove a pill
We have years of experience caring for walked up to our back patio, Before our readers judge me, down his throat twice daily. He
families, from all walks of life. Each family Lauren ran and hugged him in hindsight, I probably should lost a lot of weight due to his
comes to us because they know we are and began to cry. She later have returned the dog imme- condition, and his grooming
leaders in our profession, dedicated revealed that she was happier diately on that rst day. But habits were less than stellar. A
to excellence in service, and have that she had her husband back instead, we put the cats in the couple of times, we had to have
the highest integrity. (I literally went insane those basement (a nished basement him shaved at the vet because
48 hours looking for him) than with comfortable furniture). his fur got all matted. I felt like
Family owned and operated she was about the cat coming We hung out with the cats one of those delinquent pet
back. daily while watching TV, and owners because if you didn’t
945 East Main Street, Yorktown, NY 10588 they had plenty of sunlight know his health condition and
www.YorktownFuneralhome.com He looked a little bit thin- from a sliding glass door. We the fact that we were attempt-
(914) 962-0700 • [email protected] ner and was very hungry. Onto thought this arrangement was ing to brush out his fur, it was
Life No. 4. going to be temporary – it a bit embarrassing. His latest
wasn’t – but we fell further in shave was a few months ago.
Fast forward several of his love with our dog. Dog people
nine lives, and we’re at Christ- will understand! In the summer of 2020, we
mas in 2017, when we adopted moved to Connecticut, where
a large dog from a local rescue We lived as if the basement we live just a stone’s throw
organization in Patterson. e door was the Berlin Wall for from the towns covered by our
rescue organization assured us several years. e dog was free newspapers. My cats had been
that the dog was about 1 year in the West, and the poor cats relegated to an even bigger
old and was good with other lived behind the Iron Curtain basement – kind of like an
animals. apartment.

2021 was a All of a sudden, a few weeks
CRAZY YEAR! ago, Aish was unable to jump
onto the counter for his meal.
We can help make your taxes less crazy. He also started peeing on the
carpet instead of his litter box,
845-628-5400 so we bought a new, easier to
enter litter box with softer
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he slept.
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comfortably, and we picked up
accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. some pain medication from the
vet.

Unfortunately, he deterio-
rated rapidly. When the vet
weighed him, he had lost two
pounds, and a couple months
before that, he was six pounds.
When you pet him, you could
feel his skeleton. He had
trouble walking and one of his
paws was bent weirdly, so we
think he had a stroke. e vet
gave him an antibiotic in the
o chance that all of this was
due to an infection.

On Jan. 30, Aish had zero
interest in food, and we knew
that was goodbye. We had
been told that starvation is the
most painful way to die, so we
euthanized him that day. As all
pet owners who have chosen
euthanasia know, it was an
excruciating decision.

Aish wasn’t just a cat. He was
a loving member of our fam-
ily. He was there for the very
beginning of my relationship
with Lauren. He was there for
our wedding and the birth of
our two children. He was a ec-
tionate and gentle. He was by
our side for half our lives and
the entirety of our adult lives.

Rest in Peace, our sweet
Aish.

Thursday, February 10, 2022 Yorktown News – Page 19

Black History Month book donation

BY NICK TRUJILLO exploration, when you see the member. Library Director Yvonne Cech with YFJ members in
STAFF WRITER array of topics to which Black “Ours will honor the spirit of front of the display

Americans have contributed, teach-ins. ey’re supposed to ll PHOTO COURTESY OF YVONNE CECH

e nonpro t activist group it’s quite stunning,” said Yvonne a gap in what’s available through

Yorktown for Justice donated Cech, John C. Hart Memorial formal education and they’re

the 50-book biographical Library director. “We’re honored much more layperson-led than

series, “Black Americans of to receive the donation and by someone with pedagogical

Achievement,” to the John C. honored to work in partnership training,” said Marisa Ragonese,

Hart Memorial Library on with Yorktown for Justice, Yorktown For Justice member.

Feb. 5 to kick o Black History especially when the library is

Month. very mindful of diversity, equity,

e set of biographies will be and inclusion.”

on display at the library until e books will be on display

Feb. 28 and are written for the throughout the month before

young adult age group but can moving into a new section of the

be checked out by anyone. ey library with a focus on providing

come from YFJ member Mel content for children in sixth

Tanzman, who had bought the grade to eighth grade, called the

books for his children when “middle ground” section.

they were young and is now e rst Saturday of February The “Black Americans of
Achievement” book series on
giving them a second life in the was also Take Your Child to the

community. e series features Library Day, which coincided display at the John C. Hart

prominent Black Americans with the John C. Hart library’s Memorial Library

who have excelled in a variety launch of their Read 1,000 PHOTO COURTESY OF MEL TANZMAN

of elds, such as Barack Obama, Books Before Kindergarten

Jackie Robinson, Maya Angelou, program. e series was on

Harriet Tubman, Stevie Wonder, display for the community to ‘ They explained everything
and guided me. They really
and more. browse and check out, as well

“I wanted it to go somewhere as a display of books that focus

where our community could on racial healing through a

really bene t from the partnership between the library,

collection,” Tanzman said. “ e the Westchester County Library

library is wonderful because System, and the Coalition for

they’ve always been a place Understanding Racism through

for open dialogue and open Education (C.U.R.E.), based in cared about my well-being.

thinking. For us and for YFJ, Mamaroneck and Larchmont.

what other place than a library e donation of the biography

would be perfect for it? ey series is just one event YFJ They were always available for
were welcoming and were great has planned for Black History

in terms of accepting it.” Month. ey are planning to consultations. I cannot imagine

e full donated series hold a series of 45-minute

features books from the original teach-ins at the library on Feb.

21-book series, published in the 26, split into three age groups: any other law firm being so
late-1980s with a focus on Black one for children that they hope caring and providing the highest
Americans through history and will be taught by a John C.

of the era, and the 29-book Hart children’s librarian; one
legacy edition released in the for teenagers taught by Daks

late-2000s with more current Armstrong, Yorktown High level of representation.’

iconic Black Americans. School guidance counselor; and

“From music to sports to one for adults, taught by Paul

politics to science to geographical Edwards, Yorktown for Justice ~M.S.

Criminal Defense/DWI
Personal Injury
Real Estate
Business Law
Wills, Trusts, Estates, Probate

LO J J. T
963 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541
TOCKLAW.COM • 800-869-8080

Page 20 – Yorktown News Thursday, February 10, 2022

Celebrating
with the trophy

PHOTOS: BRIAN
MARSCHHAUSER

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Lakeland beats Panas

Hormazabal’s clutch hoop seals Giglio Games win The Lakeland girls basketball team with their trophy

BY MIKE SABINI over Panas on Saturday, Feb. 5. on my shot, and I was so lucky missed the second but the ball do a real good job of scoring o
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Trailing 50-47, Lakeland that it went in.” went o a Panas player out of of pressure, so we told the girls
bounds, giving Lakeland the ball. we have to play good defense in
e always-important Giglio earned the win by going on a Panas though still had plenty the half-court. We said if we can
Memorial Scholarship Games— 13-5 run to nish the game. of time to tie the game or take Shortly after that, Devane (5 get them in the half-court, we are
which pit the Lakeland School the lead. points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 going to make it a game. So, the
District’s basketball squads “We were able to get the ball blocks) went to the foul line and girls played great defense, they
against each other—held even and then my teammates were Panther freshman sensation made two free throws with 8.7 followed the plan.”
greater signi cance for the Lake- able to make their free throws Cadence Nicholas was able to get seconds remaining to seal the
land Hornets’ varsity girls team and that’s what really got us the to the basket, but Hannah Dev- very sweet victory. Ava Lugo (15 points, 3 treys, 3
this year. lead,” said Lakeland captain Ty- ane’s tough defense forced her to blocks), Sarah Devane (4 points,
ler Hormazabal. “We were just miss,with teammate Grace Hahn “It means the world,” Hor- 7 rebounds), HaiLian Rowan,
at’s because host Walter Pa- so aggressive. Everyone played (5 points, 6 rebounds) coming up mazabal said. “Everyone played Amanda Franco, Nikole Langan,
nas entered the game 16-1 and great.” with the clutch rebound o the so great. We had great defense. and Kellie Sullivan also made up
on an eight-game winning streak. glass. We were able to make our shots. the Hornets’ Giglio Games’ ros-
No slouch, Lakeland came into O a nifty pass from Nichole Now we are just looking for the ter.
the mammoth contest with an Ljuljic (14 points, 3 treys, 4 as- “We just told them, don’t leave next one. We have to beat Pough-
impressive 14-3 mark. sists), Hormazabal (17 points, 8 Cadence alone,” said Lakeland keepsie (on Feb. 9).” Lakeland (15-3) won at home
rebounds, 6 steals) put Lakeland coach Miranda Mangan. “It was against Hendrick Hudson 47-
With records like that, it’s ahead for good. She drove from the energy and intensity they e game was in stark contrast 33 on ursday, Feb. 3, led by
very conceivable that the two lo- the top of the three-point line to (Hornet players) had. ey want- to their rst meeting of the sea- Hormazabal (22 points, 5 steals,
cal squads could be playing for the hoop and scored, was fouled, ed this win really bad. ey knew son at Lakeland on Jan. 21, which 2 blocks) and Lugo (8 points)
something even bigger in the and added an ensuing free throw, they had to step up and play de- Panas won going away 66-48. while losing at Pearl River 51-38
postseason. But for now, Lake- giving the Hornets a 57-55 lead fense. If not, Panas is going to on Tuesday, Feb. 1, paced by Hor-
land was happy to come away with 19.1 seconds left to play. win, so they did.” “We de nitely made adjust- mazabal (15 points) and Hannah
with a hard-fought 60-55 victory ments,” Mangan said. “Panas’ Devane (10 points).
“Just like it was in practice,” Hahn made her rst foul shot game is run, jump, steal, and
Hormazabal said. “I just focused to put Lakeland up 58-55. She press. ey do what they do. ey

Thursday, February 10, 2022 SPORTS Yorktown News – Page 21

WRESTLING

Huskers and Rebels shine
at Divisionals
Yorktown’s Carter and Tornambe take rst

BY MIKE SABINI rst place at 102 pounds in the JV sec- Dave Bergen, of his team’s divisional PHOTO: DENNIS MCGANNON
CONTRIBUTING WRITER tionals at John Jay-Cross River on Feb. performance. “ e kids have really
6, was pleased with his performance. been working hard and staying focused. Lakeland/Panas’ Hunter Dagnino
It was quite a performance by the lo-
cal wrestling squads at the divisionals “It meant a lot to place rst today,” ey are wrestling well at the right PHOTO: DR. JIMMY KAISHIAN
on Saturday, Feb. 5, topped by York- Tornambe said. “It’s one step closer to time of year. I know these guys really
town’s Joe Tornambe (102 pounds) and my goal.” wanted to qualify and I am happy for Yorktown’s wrestling squad after the divisionals at Port
Dillon Carter (160), who each placed them and proud of them.” Chester on Feb. 5, with Dillon Carter (left) and
Tornambe beat three highly ranked
rst at Port Chester High School. grapplers in Mahopac’s George John- McGannon said that placing in sec- Joe Tornambe holding their first-place brackets.
e rst-place nishes earned each son Jr., Arlington’s Austin Kellner, and ond is the best thing that could’ve hap-
Port Chester’s Nicholas Bolanos. pened for him.
Husker a trip to the Section 1 Division
1 Tournament, which will take place Yorktown’s Nick Bucello (118, sec- “It showed me exactly what I need to
Saturday, Feb. 12, at Arlington and ond place), Luca Stanford 172, second), x and next week when I’m at section-
Sunday, Feb. 13, at Clarkstown South. James Madden (215, third), Frank als, I plan to make a statement,” Mc-
Ofrias (110, fourth), and Jason Glicks- Gannon said.
“Placing rst at divisionals just man (118, fourth) also earned trips to Lakeland/Panas (16-
proved all my hard work paid o and the sectionals. 8) ended its regular
also proved everything I knew all sea- season with a 46-21 tri-
son,” Carter said. “I knew that I’m one LAKELAND/PANAS WRESTLING umph at John Jay-Cross
of the best in the section and this just Eight Lakeland/Panas grapplers River on Feb. 1, with
proved who I am.” Alex Russo (118, pin),
earned trips to the sectionals based Maja (126, major deci-
Carter beat Tristan Robinson-July on their performance at the division- sion), Frogel (132, deci-
from Ossining, the top-ranked wrestler als at Roy C. Ketcham High School sion), Cooper Schmidt
in his weight class, in the nals. in Josh Frogel (132), Stephen Carroll (152, pin), Salazar (160,
(145), Evan Salazar (160), Chris Ci- pin), Ciraco (172, deci-
“Beating the No. 1 ranked wrestler in raco (172), Connor McGannon (189), sion), Crilly (189, pin),
the section was the biggest con dence and Kevin Hickey (285), who all placed Charleston Henriquez
boost by far,” Carter said. second, and Spencer Maja (126, third) (215, pin), and Hickey
and Gavin Crilly (189, fourth). (285, forfeit) recording
Carter also beat the highly ranked victories for the Rebels.
Joe Peretta from Arlington in the semi- “It means we are doing something
right,” said Lakeland/Panas coach
nals.
Tornambe, whose brother Gio took

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Page 22 – Yorktown News SPORTS Thursday, February 10, 2022

GYMNASTICS Yorktown’s Copper Beech
Regan eighth-grader
Yorktown edges Mooney Olivia Marricco
Lakeland-Panas
PHOTO: PHOTO: TABITHA
in sectionals ROBERT PEARSON
DISTASIO
BY RICH MONETTI MARSHALL
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Yorktown’s
Amelia
e combined gymnastics team from John Jay, Somers, Carozza
Yorktown, Hen Hud, Peekskill, Briarcli , and Ossining com-
pleted their perfect regular season with a perfect ending to PHOTO:
their Section One competition. e undefeated team took ROBERT
both the Divisional Championship and the Section One DISTASIO
Championship.

Regan Mooney of Yorktown had a good week. In the di-
visionals, she took fourth in the vault and bar, sixth in the
beam and oor, and ninth overall. So, qualifying for ursday,
Mooney took eighth in the vault and bars, 10th in the beam,
13th on the oor, and 16th overall.

A great season, her favorite routine takes place on the oor.
“It’s really fun to dance and jump around with the music play-
ing,” Mooney said.

LAKELAND PANAS/PUTNAM VALLEY
e Lakeland-Panas/Putnam Valley team was on the

wrong end of the razor-thin defeat to Yorktown and Com-
pany in the sectionals, which were held ursday, Feb. 3, at the
Eclipse Gymnastics Center in Mahopac. Despite some stellar
individual performances, the team lost 173.9 to 173.1.

Leading the way in the sectionals were Lakeland Copper
Beech eighth-grader Olivia Marricco and Putnam Valley’s
Emily Quinn, who nished rst and fourth in the all-around
competition, respectively.

A few days earlier, Lakeland-Panas/Putnam Valley took
rst place in the divisional round over Mahopac and Clark-
stown. Once again, it was Marricco who took rst in the all-
around while Quinn nished in second. Teammates Alexis
Kelly (fourth), Hayley Madden (ninth), and Keira Gallagher
(10th) also scored well. Other top performers included Izzy
Albano, who took fourth on the uneven bars, and Gianna
DelPonte, who nished in sixth on the balance beam.

Walter Panas’ Alexis Kelly Lakeland’s Jade Gorman
performs her dismount on bars.
PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL
PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL

Thursday, February 10, 2022 SPORTS Yorktown News – Page 23

BOYS BASKETBALL

Giglio Games are personal for Fallo

Panas’ size too much for Hornets

BY MIKE SABINI “I was just shooting the right In the end, Lakeland just

CONTRIBUTING WRITER shots,”Whyte-Luciano said.“My couldn’t match up against Panas.

teammates were setting me up. I “Bottom line is, we don’t shoot

e Giglio Memorial Scholar- was doing good, I was shooting. the ball well and we can’t score,

ship Games are an all-day a air at’s what we practice. at’s that’s our fault,” Fallo said. “Put-

between the basketball teams in what we work on in practice.” ting up 45 points isn’t going to

the Lakeland School District. Panas though answered by beat this team, with the size that

For Lakeland boys basketball scoring the last eight points of they have. Tavares is a terri c

coach Steve Fallo, the games have the opening quarter and led 16- player, they have Maleek in the

a deeper meaning. 11 at the end of it. middle. ey out-sized us and if

“I’ve been here since the rst e Panthers continued to we are not shooting the ball well,

Giglio Games, I was here for the build their lead, going up 24- we can’t stay in the game o en- Chris Whyte-Luciano scored a team-high 21 points.
rst game,” Fallo said. “I knew 14 before a 3-pointer by Logan sively, you saw the score.”

Vince and Terry Giglio. Vince Shiland (10 points) cut the hosts’ David Mula (5 points), Jason

was our AD, and this is especially advantage to seven. Shiland then Portella (4 points), and Logan

important because it’s in memory gave the Hornets a momentary Crilly (1 point) also scored for

of him. You know what he did for spark on defense with a blocked Lakeland, which appreciated be-

our community, he died tragically, shot. ing part of the Giglio Games.

and we play these games to honor “At that point in the game, that “It’s a great event to be a part

him and his wife, so it’s again an was huge,” Whyte-Luciano said. of,” Whyte-Luciano said. “I just

important day.” “I’m thankful for teammates like love it. e energy was great. My

e games, which started in Logan, they bring a lot of en- teammates, I’ll love them. And

1991, are named after Vincent ergy. at block brought us some Panas, they are a very good team.

and Terry Giglio. Vincent was a momentum, unfortunately, we It was just a great thing overall.”

teacher at Lakeland High School couldn’t pull out the win.” Lakeland fell at Hendrick

for 26 years and a longtime foot- Panas scored a deuce then Hudson 56-42 on ursday, Feb.

ball coach. Lakeland’s Andrew Mendel (4 3, paced by Mula (10 points),

Vincent later became the di- points) recorded a eld goal af- Whyte-Luciano (10 points),

rector of health, athletics, and terward. Shiland (9 points), Mendel (4

physical education for the Lake- at was followed by Panas’ points), Anthony Jennings (3

land School District. superstar Alex Tavares, who reg- points), Crilly (2 points), Ryan

He and his wife, Terry, were istered a game-high 23 points Tocci (2 points), and John Bar-

killed in an automobile acci- and Shiland, exchanging hoops tolotta (2 points) while be-

dent on Feb. 18, 1990. e Vin- before Panas scored the nal ve ing nipped by visiting Lourdes

cent and Terry Giglio Memorial points of the second quarter to go 67-64 on Feb. 1, led by Shi-

Scholarship fund was created in up 33-21 and was never threat- land (24 points), Whyte-Lu-

their memory and is given to a ened after that. ciano (16 points), Jennings (11

Lakeland and Walter Panas stu- “Mostly, there were just driv- points), Mula (8 points), David

dent every year. ing the ball, getting it into the Pinkowsky (3 points), and Crilly

is year, host Panas overcame paint,” Whyte-Luciano said. (2 points).

the early hot-shooting of the “We couldn’t really guard Maleek e Hornets (8-9) defeated

Hornets’ Chris Whyte-Luciano (McNeil, Penn State football visiting Peekskill 71-43 on Sun-

to record a 73-45 victory on Feb. commit), the big kid. We didn’t day, Feb. 7, led by White-Lu-

5. really have anybody to match ciano (16 points), Shiland (11 PHOTOS: BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER
points), Jennings (10 points), Anthony Jennings drives to the hoop.
Whyte-Luciano scored 11 of their size.”

his team-high 21 points, includ- McNeil is 6 feet 7 inches tall Tocci (9 points), Mula (8 points),

ing three three-pointers, in the and weighs 340 pounds, accord- Mendel (6 points), Grady Leon-
Rooney Orthodonticsland get o to an 11-8 lead.
rst quarter, which helped Lake- ing to his football recruiting pro- ard (6 points), and Pinkowsky (5

le. points).

Children & Adults

Logan Shiland contests at the rim. 17 Miller Rd.
Mahopac

845-621-1222

RooneyOrtho.com