The Somers Record 02.29.2024

VOL. 13 NO. 41 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 ELEPHANT’S TRUNK 4 HEALTH & WELLNESS 30 LEGAL NOTICES 47 LEISURE 29 OBITUARIES 40 OPINION 10 SPORTS 20 LIFE SAVER Hero Postal Worker pg 3 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER A GoFundMe has been set up to help a Somers family that just lost everything in a house fire. The cause of the Wednesday, Feb. 21, blaze on Tanna Hill Court in The Preserve at Somers development is thought to be accidental, according to Somers Fire Chief John Meeker Jr. There were no injuries of either family members, pets, or firefighters, he said, adding there was no damage to nearby structures. The fire appears to have started on the outside of the house and traveled up the wall and into the attic. The home’s first floor and basement suffered extensive water damage, but wasn’t touched by flames, Meeker said. As of Tuesday, Feb. 27, the GoFundMe campaign had raised $54,145 of a $60,000 goal. Community rallies around Somers family after devastating house fire The fire broke out at a home on Tanna Hill Court on Feb. 21. The fire drew numerous departments from throughout the area. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SVFD SEE FIRE PAGE 6 Somers l 4 BR l 3 BA l 2,292 sf l .96 acres The Perfect Place to Be No Matter The Season. From chilly winter nights in front of the fireplace, to baking cookies in the expansive kitchen to endless summer fun in the country club back yard and for every season, holiday and celebration in-between. Meticulous, updated, warm and inviting, 34 Wilner Road is where your story continues! $825,000 HOPEMAZZOLA YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE HOPE Sales Vice President Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker cell: 914.714.0090 [email protected] hopemazzola.com 95 Katonah Ave | Katonah, NY 10536 Just Listed #UGottaHaveHope

PAGE 2 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 One lot remaining to complete Phase 3; model options for this site are the Forte (2,200 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, first floor primary bedroom suite) or the Aria (2,750 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths). Both options feature open floor plans, large center island granite kitchens, custom baths, deluxe primary bedroom suites, full basements, 2 or 3-Car garage options. Buyers choose all finishes! Fortune Ridge residents enjoy a luxury clubhouse complex with two pools, tennis, basketball, fitness center, gathering room + miles of hiking and riding trails. Most lots back up to green space. Over two thirds of the 300-acre Fortune Ridge property will remain ‘forever green’! Let’s Meet, Don’t Wait—Call Today! 914-282-6440 914-282-6440 [email protected] RE/MAX Classic Realty Services Provided Property Evaluation | Home Staging High Definition Photography | 3D/Virtual Tours Custom Digital Marketing | Five-Star Service Call TODAY for your FREE CONSULTATION Are you wondering what your home is worth? Should you add on, or remodel? Buy smaller or larger? Please allow me to answer your questions. FORTUNE RIDGE—STUNNING NEW CONSTRUCTION LAWRENCE ZACKS 3+ Decades Experience Over 3,000 Families Helped The Forte, base price $789,900 (2,200 sq ft, with 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths & first floor Primary Bedroom Suite) The Aria, base price $874,900 (2,750 sq ft, with 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths) Last Lot in Phase 3! Just 1 lot available in the current Phase Call Me TODAY! —LISTED BY LAWRENCE ZACKS

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 3 Your Neighbor BY MIKE PIEKARSKI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Thomas “Stan” Piekarski, a longtime Somers resident, recently celebrated his 100th birthday at the Surf Golf & Beach Club in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Approximately 50 people attended the surprise party, including all seven of his children. Stan was born in Yonkers, on Feb. 7, 1924, and lived in Shenorock from 1971 to 2019. He founded the Somers Men’s Softball League in 1972 and was its commissioner from 1972 to 1981 before serving as vice president from 1982 to 1991. He was named the league’s “Outstanding Player” in 1984 and Most Valuable Player in the Somers Men’s Fast Pitch Softball League in 1986. As a pitcher and manager, he played on and led 11 championship teams in the men’s slow-pitch league over five decades (the 1970s through the 2010s). His team won championships in the Wednesday Night Businessmen’s Bowling League in Cortlandt in 1973, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1983 and 1987, and he won the July 4th horseshoe pitching tournament at Reis Park from 1985-1988 and 1990. He was elected president of the Shenorock Men’s Club in 1975. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II and retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1979 after a 33-year career. In his final job, he served as director of mail processing in the Poughkeepsie Post Office. He was married for 70 years to the late Eleanor Ferenc, who passed away in 2019. He currently has 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Cheers to 100 years! Longtime Somers resident Stan Piekarski was honored recently at the Surf Golf & Beach Club in North Myrtle Beach, SC., on the occasion of his 100th birthday. He is shown here surrounded by his four sons and three daughters. Next to Stan in the front row is Michael Piekarski of Latham, NY. Behind Stan, from left to right, are Robert Piekarski of Shenorock, NY.; Ellen Schiefelbein of North Myrtle Beach; Janet Zaccarelli of Mooresville, NC.; Alex Piekarski of North Myrtle Beach; Tom Piekarski of Hilton Head Island, SC., and Sue Kearney of Katonah. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE PIEKARSKI BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER This postal worker really delivered. Anthony Primavera was taking a breather on the porch of the Amawalk Post Office in Somers recently when he spotted someone parked in a restricted area at the back of the lot. It was getting near closing time, the sun was going down, and delivery trucks were due to arrive at 5 p.m. They use the space to back up so they can unload. Afraid that the vehicles might accidentally plow into the car, he walked over to give the driver “a little heads-up.” As soon as Primavera tapped on its window, he realized something was terribly wrong. The driver was slumped over and drooling. The car was still running and there was a large pit bull inside. He banged a little harder. The dog reacted, but the man didn’t move a muscle. Primavera sprinted back indoors, yelled for a co-worker to call 911, and returned to the unconscious man’s side to wait for help. There within minutes, crews from the Somers Volunteer Fire Department and Westchester EMS determined that the victim had suffered a possible drug overdose. Local and state police also responded. “It was a scene,” Primavera recalled. They revived the man by using naloxone, a life-saving medication designed to reverse the effects of opioids. He was transported to Northern Westchester Hospital and his friendly pet was safely returned home. Police confirmed that the unidentified man survived and was doing OK. But that might not have been the case had it not been for a stranger’s concern. Primavera was later told by police that “a little longer and he might not have made it.” The unassuming 47-year-old dad of three brushes off any praise by claiming he’s just grateful to have been in the right place at the right time. “I try and play it down a little bit,” when anyone mentions it, Primavera said, also noting that it was “lucky” that the man was in a noparking space because he otherwise might not have gone over to speak to him. There are definitely some, however, who think he deserves some sort of recognition, not only for his actions on that fateful Wednesday, but also for the way he goes about his daily life. “He’d give you the shirt off his back. He goes above and beyond to Delivered to safety Hero postal worker rescues overdose victim Quick thinking by Anthony Primavera helped to save the life of a man who overdosed outside the Amawalk Post Office. PHOTO: CAROL REIF SEE PRIMAVERA PAGE 6 HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS, LIFE & HEALTH 914-232-7750 www.forbesinsurance.com Great Food and Great Place for Special Parties

PAGE 4 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Tom Walogorsky Editor: 914-302-5830 [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky 845-661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [email protected] DESIGNERS Noah Elder Bri Agosta Haven Elder Jacob Elder EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines The Somers Record The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for The Somers Record is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected]. Subscribe To request The Somers Record weekly delivery, call 845-208-8503 or email [email protected]. Subscriptions are complimentary for residents and businesses in the town. Out of town mail subscriptions are $150 per year for First Class Mail. Periodicals Postage Paid at Somers, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Somers Record at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 (ISSN 2330-1597) Published Weekly by Halston Media, LLC at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 Halston Media, LLC Dentistry with the personalized touch... We know that life can be hectic, and our team goes the extra mile to make patients’ care convenient, comfortable, and reliably high in quality. Kids Welcome! Dr. Amanda Wiechert, DMD Dr. Felicia Nicolas, DDS Drill-free dentistry for early cavities Ask us about the secret to a gag-free appointment Alternatives to fiuoride to treat and protect teeth Digital imaging & wellness scanning 1855 COMMERCE STREET YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY 10598 (914) 302-7717 northeastdentalny.com / [email protected] Women Jewelry Baby & Kids Accessories Men 1137 E. Main St, Shrub Oak | www.celticaer.com | (914) 526-3361 Westchester Bluegrass Club www.westchesterbluegrass club.com On the Trail & Special Guests Saturday, March 16, (6:30 p.m. Doors, 8 p.m. show) Most recently, On the Trail had the honor of winning the 2022 Thomas Point Beach Band Competition after participating in 2021’s Telefunken Battle of the Bands at the Podunk Bluegrass Festival. They also were selected as an Emerging Artist at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2023. On The Trail features Austin Scelzo (fiddle and vocals), Tom Polizzi (mandolin and vocals), Charlie Widmer (guitar and vocals) and Matt Curley (upright bass and vocals). Friends of Somers Library Etsy Artisan Craft Fair April 6 & 7, from, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrating Library Week! Ready, set, go! Join in for two days of creativity and community and discover unique handcrafted items by the Northeast Etsy Artists Collective. To be held at Somers Library, with a portion of all sales benefit the Friends of Somers Library. Somers Parks & Recreation Department Now Accepting Applications for Day Camp Counselors To be a camp counselor, applicants need to be at least 16 years old by the start of camp on July 1. Applicants available to work the entire 6 weeks of camp, (Mon.-Fri. 7/1 - 8/9) will be given preference. To apply, visit www.somersny.com. If you have any questions, please call the Recreation Department at (914) 232-8442. Somers Library Please register using the online calendar at www.somers library.org to have access to online meetings. If virtual, you will receive an invitation prior to the start of the program. Programs are supported by the Friends of the Somers Library through patrons’ generous contributions. SAT Prep - New Digital SAT Format and Testing Strategies Tuesday, March 5, from 6 to 7 p.m. A Virtual Program. This program is being held four days before the first 2024 USA SAT date, and is a great way to do some last-minute strategizing! March 2024 marks the changeover to the digital format which means no more pencils and faster results. It also means changes to the content and the length. Join us for some last-minute prep and maybe calm those SAT nerves. Whether you are taking the SAT in March or on another date, this free program will be helpful. YA Art Series: Charcoal Drawing Thursday, March 7, from 4 to 5 p.m. A Virtual Series. How can you make a vase look three dimensional with shadows and highlights? Learn shading and modeling techniques as you explore the wonders of charcoal drawing. This workshop will teach you basic charcoal drawing skills and give you an overview of charcoal supplies. This program is part of a series of art classes, so don’t miss signing up for all of the other classes. Taught by Joyce Raimondo from the Pollock-Krasner House. The Dangers of Pesticides Tuesday, March 12, from 6 to 7 p.m. A Virtual Presentation. This informative presentation explores the world of everyday pesticides used by homeowners and gardeners that may cause serious health effects in children, adults, and pets. Our expert will share the latest science on how common pesticides impact health, children’s unique vulnerability, and steps that families can take to reduce pesticide exposures. Snack Club: Pi Day! Thursday, March 14, from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Each month the children’s room will indulge in making and tasting delicious snacks and foods for our new snack club! This month we are celebrating pi day and making mini pies! All materials will be provided. Space is limited, registration required. For ages 7 & up. ELEPHANT’S TRUNK SEE TRUNK PAGE 5

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 5 Somers Library Book Group Friday, March 15, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Hybrid Program, available to attend both in person and via Zoom. Discussing “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine,” by Gail Honeyman. No one has ever told Eleanor Oliphant that life should be better than fine. Eleanor is bright but socially awkward and leads a solitary lifestyle. Eleanor becomes enamored with a singer, who she believes she is destined to be with. The novel tells the story of Eleanor’s transformational journey towards a fuller understanding of herself and life. Talk-N-Drum with Nanette Garcia! Saturday, March 16, from 11 to 11:25 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please only register for ONE session. Talk n’ Drum is a multisensory method to teach Spanish, Italian and ESL with sign language included in every lesson. Through drumming, singing songs and movement, the child has a music and language ‘experience’. Talk n’ Drum also teaches focus, develops cognitive skills, critical thinking, listening and motor skills. But the most important thing T n’ D teaches is that learning anything can be FUN! Registration required. For ages 3 & up. Temple Beth Shalom 760 Rte 6 in Mahopac, www. tbsmahopac.org, Stories and Snacks with Rabbi Sarah Join in at Temple Beth Shalom in Mahopac for Stories and Snacks with Rabbi Sarah on the following dates: Sunday, March 24 at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 14 at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 19 at 11:30 a.m. Ideal for age groups 2-5 years old. Please call 845-628-6133 to register. CoveCare Center Virtual Trivia Night Thursday, Mar. 7, at 6:30 p.m. Get your friends together and host a Trivia Party! Join in for a fun night of virtual trivia and laughs to support the programs and services of CoveCare Center! Prizes will be awarded to the first place team, and beat team name. Teams of up to 10 will compete through 4 rounds of trivia (8 questions per round). A surprise “Google proof ” final round to keep it interesting (name that tune, cross word puzzle, etc.) All team participants are encouraged to gather in one location and sign on to the event together. Host a trivia party! Reservations are for teams of up to 10 at $25/per person. If you don’t have a team, they will find one for you! Mulligans are available at $30 per pack of 3. Limit of one (3) pack per team, rounds 1-3 only (cannot be used in the final round). If you are registering team members in addition to yourself, please email [email protected]  with your team members’ names and email addresses. As a nonprofit organization, CoveCare Center relies on your support to continue to provide the programs and services that our community so desperately needs. They have continued to experience a steady rise in services for those struggling with mental health and substance use issues, especially in our youth and senior populations. To learn more, visit https:// covecarecenter.org/covecarevirtual-trivia-night-2024/ A number of Somers students have been recognized for their academic achievements during the fall semester at colleges across the country! Graduation Georgia Tech Noah Sanz University of Tampa Jonathan Barakat Dean’s List Emerson College Jadon Silva Holy Cross Lindsay Gill Ella Kittredge Pace University John Roublick Providence College Grace Loretta-Catucci Purchase College Karen Morales Josh Ornstein Luthier Sonberg Rochester Institute of Technology John Amirmobasher Conor Roberts Emma Sledzik Salve Regina University Hannah Maguire SUNY Delhi Julia Rios University at Buffalo Gianna Pefanis University of Connecticut Ava Rourke President’s List Plymouth State University Connor Phillips Mason Phillips Second Honors Georgetown University Robert W. Moore III Do you know a student with an academic achievement you would like to recognize? Let us know at somersrecord@halstonmedia. com and we would be happy to include them in our next print edition! Celebrating our scholars! TRUNK FROM PAGE 4 SEE TRUNK PAGE 41 Act now to lower your Flu/COVID risk Optum Medical Care, P.C. (“Optum Medical Care”) is a physician owned and led practice having complete authority for all medical decision-making and patient care through its physicians and other licensed professionals. Optum, through its owned management organizations, provides non-clinical administrative services to support Optum Medical Care and its physicians. Neither Optum nor its management companies employs, engages, or supervises physicians or other licensed professionals, or determines or sets the methods, standards, or conduct of the practice of medicine or health care provided by Optum Medical Care or by any of its licensed professionals. “Part of Optum” reflects that Optum Medical Care is part of Optum’s effort to support forward-thinking physician practices in helping their patients live healthier lives. Optum is a registered trademark of Optum, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other brand or product names are the property of their respective owners. Because we are continuously improving our products and services, Optum reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice. Optum is an equal opportunity employer. © 2024 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved. WF12832462 01/24 During the peak season for respiratory illnesses, the most effective way to reduce your risk of Flu and COVID-19 is by getting vaccinated. Be proactive about maintaining good health for yourself and your family. How do you know if it’s the Flu or COVID-19? Both are contagious and impact the respiratory system which can lead to severe illness. Some shared symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, and muscle aches. It is important to get tested for exact diagnosis and treatment. Who is at risk for Flu or COVID-19 complications? Those aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and adults with chronic health conditions who have been hospitalized are most at risk. Additionally, children under the age of 5, especially those under 2 years old, are also at a higher risk of facing severe complications. How do I keep myself and my family protected? To prevent illness from these two viruses, it is important to ensure that you are up to date on your vaccinations. Additionally, practicing general safety measures daily can be beneficial. These include regular handwashing, avoiding contact with individuals who are sick, and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you are already sick, refrain from contact with others. Importance of a primary care physician Having a primary care physician, and receiving regular preventive care, can assist in maintaining good health and detecting problems early on. Keep preventative care visits separate from those for sickness, injury, or routine care for ongoing medical conditions. Scan the QR code or visit optum.com/tri

PAGE 6 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 help,” said loyal postal patron Gina Somoza, who says she ships and receives packages at the Mahopac Avenue facility nearly every day. Calling Primavera a diligent worker and “a wonderful human being,” the Amawalk resident told The Somers Record that she found it comforting to know that her “mail is safe.” “He loves the Post Office and the people,” Somoza added. Primavera’s been a clerk at the Amawalk Post Office for four years. To order to support his family, he’s held down several jobs at a time, including that of guest relations manager at a golf club in Hastings-on-Hudson. He’s in charge of making sure all the club members’ guests were “very well taken care of,” Primavera said on his LinkedIn page, noting that that meant everything from “shoeshines and showers to Ubers and umbrellas.” The high cost of living in the metropolitan region -- coupled with a family member’s medical expenses -- recently prompted a move from Mahopac to Connecticut. That means he now must commute an hour and a half each way through the proverbial rain, snow, sleet, and hail. But Primavera’s happy to make that long trip each day. “I can’t leave my customers, so I drive,” he explained. PRIMAVERA FROM PAGE 3 Organized by Anthony Carino, it read: “Hi, this is Alex, Lindon, Matt, Patrick, and Anthony. We are fundraising for our best friend, Alex Kuchinsky, and his family, who lost everything on February 21st in a devastating fire. Please come together as a community and support them. The family has been an enormous supporter and contributor to the community for many years. Any amount is appreciated. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.” One of those offering financial help and emotional support to the Kuchinsky family happened to have been the victim of a devastating house fire in December themselves. To contribute, visit www.gofundme.com/f/support-a-somerscommunity-family. First at the scene were members of the Somers Volunteer Fire Department. After encountering heavy flames, firefighters raised a second alarm. Additional support was provided by units from the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department, Katonah Fire Department, Yorktown Heights Volunteer Fire Department, Croton Falls Fire Department, Bedford Hills Fire Department, Putnam Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Mohegan Volunteer Fire Association, Buchanan Engine Company, and Vista Fire Department. The New York State Police and Somers Police Department also assisted at the scene.  Members of the Goldens Bridge and Mount Kisco Fire Departments also provided units to cover the firehouses of the responding companies.  FIRE FROM PAGE 1 The fire caused extensive damage to the structure. PHOTO COURTESY OF SVFD For more information visit railyardartsstudio.com and register today! RAILYARD ARTS STUDIO 621 Route 22, Croton Falls, NY • (914) 617-8541 One-week summer sessions for kids & teens! Week 1: July 8-12 High Seas Week 2: July 15-19 Summer Spells Academy 2024 Week 3: July 22-26 Theatre Week Week 4: July 29-26 Summer in Storyland Week 5: August 5-9 Out of this World Camp Week 6: August 12-16 Art Lab Young artists will engage with a variety of art materials to learn techniques while having fun and developing their own style of art. www.summertrailsdaycamp.com CURRENTLY HIRING STAFF! CALL FOR A TOUR! 914.245.1776

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 7 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Parents were fuming after yet another accidental lockdown occurred at Somers High School. Schools Superintendent Dr. Ray Blanch apologized in writing to students, faculty, staff, and families about the Friday, Feb. 16 incident, which he attributed to “a staff member entering the code by mistake while trying to make a buildingwide announcement.” Accidental lockdowns “are extremely traumatizing for everyone involved and we recognize the upset and disruption that they cause to our entire community,” he said. In November, the high school experienced a similar false alarm and the following month, two happened at the middle school. Both brought emergency responders racing to the scene. Parents, students, and staff were rattled. High schoolers had to shelter in place for about an hour on Thursday, Nov. 30. State police swept the entire building and found nothing amiss. After an investigation that involved the security system vendors and district officials, it was determined that the three incidents were caused by simple “human error” and not by the technology itself. The district vowed to take a good hard look at its procedures and protocols. According to Blanch, the security team came up with new procedures for “triggering lockdowns district wide.” Faculty and staff are being trained on those and the district plans to implement them after the February break. “The new procedures will make it more difficult for someone to accidentally trigger a lockdown,” Blanch said. He urged parents to notify their child’s school if they felt he or she would “benefit from extra support from our wellness team.” In 2018, voters approved the bonding of projects such as security vestibules where visitors are screened and lockdown buttons in each of the district’s four school buildings. The district’s safety and security coordinator, Daniel Corrado, appeared before the Board of Education in January to update trustees on the status of those projects to address the accidental lockdown situation. Westchester County Police Lt. Mike DeMaio, supervisor of community and school resource officers, and John LaPlaca, CEO of Altaris, the district’s consultants, also participated. Each school building has between five and seven so-called “lockdown buttons.” There’s a difference between a “lockdown” and a “lockout” situation, Corrado had explained. The former normally occurs if a threat is detected inside the building and the latter if a dangerous situation is occurring nearby and school and law enforcement officials feel it’s not safe for folks to be outside. Normal activities can go on within the building, but no one can leave until the all-clear is given. Not every lockdown occurs because of an active shooter or other threat inside the building. They can also happen if there’s a dangerous person in the general area, or if dangerous or illegal activities are happening inside buildings. Besides punching in a code, there are other ways specially designated folks can trigger a lockdown. They can use an app on their cell phones or log into the “InformaCast” program on their computers. The software consolidates safety, communication, and incident management tools into a single emergency notification system platform. According to Corrado, Somers’s security technology is very “advanced” compared to what a lot of other school districts have. The speed at which a build can be locked down is “incredibly important as far as saving lives goes,” he noted. The upshot of that January meeting was that, while changes needed to be made, no one wanted to make teachers or staffers afraid to activate the lockdown system when they think it’s necessary. Better it be a false alarm than a case of help arriving too late because someone hesitated to punch in the code, board members and district officials agreed. Some folks vented on social media sites Friday, questioning why such false alarms keep happening. If there were multiple false alarms coming from a private residence, one commented, the town would “smack” people with fines. The anxiety and fear they cause can’t be discounted, that person contended, adding that there has to be “a better way.” Parents outraged as accidental lockdowns continue An inadvertently tripped alarm led to a lockdown at SHS in November. PHOTO: TOM WALOGORSKY “A Hidden Gem…” –Westchester Magazine 100 Route 202 • Lincolndale, NY 10540 • (914) 245-5588 www.anglebrookgc.com • [email protected] Be a Member for a Day, Book Your Event Today! For All Your Catering Needs Banquets, Receptions & Golf Outings Birthdays, Anniversaries, & Graduations Small & Large Conference Rooms Spectacular Setting with Fine & Casual Dining Options Reduced Membership Rates Private club available for non-member functions

PAGE 8 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER What was supposed to be a fun day of ice-skating for some Somers High School seniors took a turn for the worse after one school bus in a caravan of five rear-ended another while taking students to the rink at Bear Mountain State Park. According to a note sent to parents by Principal Mark Bayer, there were no serious injuries. The accident occurred around 9:46 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, on the Bear Mountain Parkway in Peekskill. Bayer said that the first bus had tried to avoid a car that had cut it off and then “stopped short.” It was hit from behind by the second bus. Trip chaperones contacted school officials, the bus drivers notified the district’s transportation department, and 911 was called, Bayer said. While the folks involved in the mishap waited for first responders, the other three buses continued on to the venue. Bayer and Assistant Principal Pete Rodrigues, who were enroute to Bear Mountain in a separate car, arrived at the scene within minutes and began to assess the situation. Two additional buses were sent to the scene to transport students, because drivers aren’t allowed to continue after being involved in accidents, no matter how minor. Emergency medical crews recommended that the 55 students involved either be taken to the hospital for evaluation or returned to the school when they could be seen by the school nurse. In the latter case, their parents and guardians would be allowed to decide how they wanted to proceed. Students were returned to the high school where the nurse completed a basic assessment for each. A more detailed assessment was conducted for students who reported injuries and their families were notified about those reported injuries. The district prioritized “direct and timely verbal communication” by calling the families of all 55 students, said Bayer, recognizing that “this delayed a general message going out via Parent Square.” “As with every incident, we are debriefing all aspects of our response to ensure that parents are notified in as timely a fashion as possible,” he added. Families will be contacted regarding any potential reimbursements or rescheduling of the trip. Thanking families for their “understanding and support,” Bayer said that the district’s focus is always on “the safety and well-being of our students.” “It is unfortunate that what was supposed to be a fun event for our seniors turned out this way, yet we are thankful that no one was seriously injured,” he added. Bus accident puts SHS skating trip on ice BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Somers officials and state lawmakers are alarmed by a proposed cut in the state money municipalities receive to make road repairs. According to state Sen. Peter Harckham (D-Lewisboro), Gov. Kathy Hochul’s executive 2024- 2025 budget includes a $60 million reduction in CHIPS (Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program) funding. Somers Supervisor Robert Scorrano said that when he first learned of the proposed cut, he “thought it was a joke.” “However, the truth is that the governor seems to be clueless and disconnected from the reality of what is happening in her state,” he said. Scorrano went on to accuse Hochul of “putting her political agenda above the safety of New Yorkers.” “Cutting the CHIPS budget is just another example of how out of touch she has become,” he added. Despite the “exceptional work” done by the Somers Highway Department, it will “now have to do more with less, placing an additional burden on local taxpayers,” Scorrano said. On Friday, Feb. 16, state GOP minority Assembly members and highway supers and workers from the Hudson Valley region gathered in the Dutchess County town of Fishkill to advocate for more CHIPS funding, not less. They waved placards reading: “Local Roads Matter” and “Invest in Local Roads.” Somers Highway Superintendent Nick DeVito pointed out that “almost 90 percent of state roads and bridges are local, yet less than 12 percent of the taxes and fees paid to the state by those who use them go back to maintaining them.” He added that he hoped the governor heeds their plea and not only retracts her proposal but actually increases funding. Officials raise concerns over possible road funding reduction SEE CHIPS PAGE 39 • We perform all maintenance and services for your vehicle on premesis We will continue to maintain the integrity of our services 914-232-1418 • 253 Route 100 Somers www.ariesautomotiveofsomers.com Serving Somers & Surrounding Area For Over 30 Years Spring Into Action— Have Your Car Tuned Up Right For The Season! Fresh Seafood Daily, Grass Fed Meats, Homemade Pasta, Sandwiches, Lobster Sandwich, Homemade Foccacia & Individual Pizzas, & Traditional Dishes Like Chicken Or Veal Parmigiano 137 Somerstown Turnpike, Katonah, NY 10536 at the intersection of Rte 100 and Rte 139 (914) 232-9619 Our chefs strive to prepare the best Italian dishes for our customers. Open Lunch and Dinner Tuesday to Sunday Lunch Menu Starts At $16.95 Check out our Easter menu online at Lefontanerestaurant.com

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 9 Source: OKMLS, 1/1/23-12/31/23, total dollar volume of single family homes and condominiums sold by Agent, Somers school district AGENT IN SOMERS & HERITAGE HILLS DONNA O’CONNELL Associate Real Estate Broker M 914.263.9108 O 914.277.8040 Ext. 334 [email protected] donnaoconnell.houlihanlawrence.com SOMERS BROKERAGE 104 VILLAGE SQUARE, SOMERS, NY 10589 As we head into the spring market, it’s a great time to list your home or condo. I would be happy to provide you with a complimentary market analysis. With over twenty-five years of experience and an unmatched devotion to each client, I make the transaction process easy. Sellers are receiving multiple offers for their properties! Thinking about selling your home or condo? I can help! BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER To speed bump or not to speed bump? Whether the traffic calming devices help or hurt is a question being hotly debated among certain Shenorock residents. Those on the pro side say safety is their primary concern. Speed relates directly to the severity of injuries in any kind of accident. Road bumps, humps, or tables reduce that risk by alerting drivers to slow down, which is vital in areas where there are lots of pedestrians. They point out that there are no sidewalks in the Somers lake community. Folks on the con side worry that speed bumps can lengthen response times during emergencies, damage vehicles, spur road rage, and re-direct traffic onto other streets. They aren’t against improving safety, but still feel that speed bumps aren’t the only answer. They argue that police presence is the best way to slow traffic on residential streets. Folks tend to clash over the devices’ aesthetics and effectiveness. One thing that everyone seems to agree on is that speed bumps can divide communities. In recent years, other thorny issues such as public sewers and cleaning up Lake Shenorock have pitted neighbor against neighbor. Things can get “ugly,” claimed one, who asked not to be identified. Two competing petitions have been circulating. There’s a sign near the post office directing people to its bulletin board where the first, titled “Remove Excessive Speed Bumps and Stop Signs” is posted. Those petitioners demand that the town remove the speed bumps and stop sign that it installed last year on Lakeview Drive. (The speed bumps have been temporarily taken up in order to facilitate winter plowing.) The other petition, titled “Safe Streets for Shenorock,” was posted online by a resident who was among the folks who had been fighting for increased safety measures for several years. The new stop sign at Bridge Lane was put in after a house at a sharp corner “had repeated damage due to speeders,” the propetition explained. More recently, there’s been a call for a traffic light at the intersection of Route 202, a state road, and Miller Avenue, a steep residential street. Traffic lights are a different kettle of fish because the state Department of Transportation has to approve them. Noting that’s “not an easy lift,” trustees warned folks that they should manage their “expectations.” The temporary speed bumps were a compromise because some Shenorock residents had called for permanent speed humps. The town also put in two new stop signs and traffic mirrors at several trouble spots. One resident told the Town Board that she felt “safer” because of them. (Cherry Street, a residential road that runs from Route 35 in Katonah to Route 117 in Bedford Hills, has permanent speed humps. That’s because it’s located in a school zone.) There are speed bumps on Lakeshore Drive in Lincolndale and Lake Way by Lake Purdy near community club houses and swimming areas. Lake Shenorock doesn’t have a clubhouse or a beach, but people do fish there and use a walking path, which means it does meet the town’s recreation use standard. Of the conflicting opinions on speed bumps, Highway Superintendent Nick DeVito said: “It’s hard. I see both sides of the argument. Safety is our first priority.” Humps, Bumps or Tables? Speed bumps are smaller but aggressive; road humps/tables are more forgiving. They can be made from asphalt, concrete, plastic, rubber, or metal. Road humps are used for 10-15 mph speed zones, such as playgrounds and schools. They’re not good for arterial roads, emergency routes, or any street where cars can dodge them by driving on a shoulder. They vary in length between three and 20 feet. Lengths longer than the vehicle will produce only one up-and-down motion. Shorter lengths create two rocking movements as each axle passes over. Speed bumps are useful in places where pedestrians and vehicles closely share spaces, such as parking lots. They can be two to four inches high and have much shorter travel distances than speed humps. Since it’s smaller than the vehicles going over it, each axle crosses separately. That’s why cars moving at an excessive speed will receive two big jolts. Speed tables are flat-topped, cover the width of the street, and are usually 3 to 3.5 inches high and 22 feet long. Vehicle operating speeds on streets with speed tables run from 25 to 45 mph. They can also be used on so-called “collector” Shenorock residents divided over speed bump issue Competing petitions have been circulating among Shenorock residents. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANONYMOUS SUBMISSION SEE SPEED PAGE 43

PAGE 10 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 Opinion 914-277-4424 • 440 Rt 22 North Salem, NY • www.theblazerpub.com CELEBRATING 531 YEARS! Come Hungry, Leave Full! I t’s not every day a columnist (like the scribe scribbling these very words) gets to write about Leap Day. Heck, it’s not even every year that the opportunity rears its quadrennial head. Fun Fact: did you know that end-ofcentury years (such as 2000) must be divisible by 400 to be duly designated a Leap Year, which is why 1900 was blackballed from that exclusive club. Leap Years are more than just Leap Years. Every year that tacks on that bonus day at the end of February also is a Presidential Election year. But wait, there’s more! Leap years and Presidential Election years form a trifecta with another quadrennial signpost – the summer Olympics. Wow, what an eventful dozen months await us. Are we having fun yet? Remember Common Knowledge? Used to be Leap Year was the kind of thing that is common knowledge. Even a kid who was more class clown than class valedictorian could be expected to acknowledge its existence. “Leap Year? Yeah, that’s the funny thing that happens every four years. I think it’s pretty cool, but don’t ask me why it exists. My mom probably knows.” Alas, common knowledge is less Take a leap! A busy year that adds a day, elects a president, and cheers for the Olympics BRUCE APAR BRUCE THE BLOG People are always coming up to me and saying, “Bob, you are so handsome, wealthy, smart, and kind, how is it you never got married?” OK. Nobody’s ever said that to me ever. But they do say things like, “You never got married? Is there something wrong with you?” Or... “You never got married?? Tell me in detail how you dodged that bullet.” I am not philosophically opposed to marriage. But I never set out into adulthood with it at the forefront of my mind. I just assumed it would happen when it happened. My brother got married. My sister got married. All my friends and cousins got married. (Even my parents were married.) And to the best of my knowledge, everyone is still happily bonded. I just figured it would catch up to me eventually and was as surprised as anyone else when it didn’t. It just feels like I was never in the right place at the right time. Or the wrong place at the wrong time, depending on your perspective. Maybe it’s just as well. I read somewhere that 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce and the other 50 percent end in death. Some believe romantic love is a biological imperative that we homo sapiens developed as a species in order to bond and create a family which, in turn, protected us and helped propagate the species. Actually, the notion of “romantic love” didn’t really exist until the 18th century. Before then, it was all arranged marriages, which seemed to work fine, but whatever. Anyway, why romantic love exists doesn’t matter, does it? It’s here. It’s real. You can do with it what you want. How it got here isn’t relevant. My parents were married for more than 50 years, and I saw them fight like, maybe, three times. My brother was married for more than 40 years and when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, I watched as his wife doted over him, taking him to doctor’s appointments in Manhattan, making sure he took his meds in the right quantities at the right times, making sure he had the right diet and got some exercise. She picked up after him. It was a full-time job. Romantic love is real and it’s out there. It just might not be all that romantic. Sometimes it can be messy. A lot of young women fantasize about their dream wedding. And while that’s great and all, what they should probably be focusing on is the marriage, not what floral arrangements should be used as centerpieces or if the ice sculpture is too close to the Sterno cans. My brother got married relatively young. He was 24, she was 22. I was a junior in high school. My brother actually had “marriage” as a goal from a young age. His sights were set. It was even in his high school yearbook under his picture. GOALS Play football in college; get a degree in business; get married. (He did them all.) My goals were more like, “Meet David Bowie, learn to time travel, invent a new type of food.” It’s all about priorities. I remember my brother’s wedding very well. Shocking, when one considers the circumstances. I was nearly 17 and was For better or for worse BOB DUMAS OUT OF MY HEAD SEE APAR PAGE 16 SEE DUMAS PAGE 12

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 11 2020 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are the registered service marks owned by the Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. First time on the market... Marcie Nolletti Licensed Real Estate Salesperson NY & CT Buying and Selling— I can make it happen! 338 Route 202 | Somers, NY 10589 Cell: (914) 424-5545 [email protected] | marcienolletti.com Whether you are selling or buying a home, I am experienced and knowledgeable of today’s ever changing market. You not only want, but need a qualified professional by your side. Contact me today for your free comprehensive market analysis and all your questions answered. this stunning and unique four bedroom home offers an open floor plan for the ultimate in entertaining. The exquisite design includes a chef’s kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, granite counters, spacious dining and custom bar. The hardwood floors flow throughout the first floor including a private office, two main floor bedrooms one of which is the primary suite with an oversized shower and walk-in closet. There are an additional two bedrooms upstairs with a beautiful full bath and bonus room. Enjoy the screened-in porch, oversized deck and beautiful patio that surrounds the heated Gunite pool. There is a separate outdoor covered pool cabana with a kitchen and bathroom. All set on over 33 acres of private land and trails, this home is the perfect retreat. Turk Hill is one of Putnam’s most prestigious areas offering bucolic scenery and yet close to train, highways, shopping and village. 65 miles to NYC and within close proximity to the train station. 198 Turk Hill Road, Brewster | Offered for $1,495,000.00

PAGE 12 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962 Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962 Progressive Animal Hospital What is the most common mismanaged condition that you see? THE ITCHY DOG! Is your pet... scratching • licking • chewing feet or having chronic skin infections? Stop treating the symptoms and find out the underlying cause with a simple blood test. Get your pet feeling better and stop the frequent trips to the vet. INDEPENDENTLY OWNED and OPERATED 268 route 202 l somers, ny 10589 914.248.6220 l progressive-vet.com Voted “Best of Somers” 2020-2023 Service: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com an usher in the wedding party. The ushers and bridesmaids were paired off by height and each couple had their own car and driver to take them from the church to the reception (the Amber Room in Danbury). My partner was Suzy, and I knew her and her family well—and she was married to my cousin. Halfway to the venue, Suzy says, “Bob, do you smoke?” “No.” “Oh, well, do you mind if I do?” “Not at all.” (This was 1975.) Suzy then proceeds to hike up her bridesmaid’s gown revealing two joints tucked away in her garter belt. “Ooohh,” I said. “That kind of smoke...” It’s kind of funny now when you look at those old wedding photos—many of which were taken outdoors on the lawn of the Amber Room. Everybody is smiling, of course, but nobody is doing it with more enthusiasm than me. And I’m not squinting cause the sun’s in my eyes. (Sidenote here: Suzy is now a retired grandmother and still married to my cousin. They reside somewhere down in North Carolina, living out their golden years fishing and playing golf... and maybe other fun stuff. I don’t know what they’re into these days.) Back to the wedding: I remember coming inside the venue after the photo session and seeing my new sister-in-law in the lobby in total hysterics. My brother was on one knee with a cup of water in one hand and a handkerchief in the other. He was trying furiously to rub some sort of spot off the front of his wife’s very white wedding dress. It was a tense moment. My brother eventually stood up. “Well... You won’t be able to wear it tomorrow,” he deadpanned. Everyone laughed and it diffused the situation. He had a way of being able to do that. But I think most importantly (and I didn’t realize this till much later) what he truly meant was—it is just a dress; this is just a ceremony and a ritual. Let’s have fun now because what truly matters is what lies ahead. Their wedding ceremony was in a Catholic church, but my brother just did that to appease my parents. (His wife wasn’t even Catholic, so she didn’t really care.) He told me he’d get married barefoot on the raft on the lake at the town Rec Park if that’s what they wanted him to do. My best friend George was wed in a Catholic church too. I have written about George before. He was in the Twin Towers on 9/11 and escaped. Like me, he was raised Catholic but hadn’t been to church since around high school. Nonetheless, he and his fiancée chose the super deluxe Catholic wedding package. That includes not just the matrimonial ceremony, but an entire specialized mass, including a choir, incense, guest gospel speakers and I think there might have been an impromptu performance by Mummenschanz. For a while, it looked like they were going to re-enact the Stations of the Cross... or maybe “Cats.” I’m not sure. A lot was going on. Anyway, my girlfriend at the time was Jewish and she was in awe at all the pageantry. The next day we stopped at her mom’s, who asked, “So, kids... how was the wedding?” “It was nice,” my girlfriend told her. “A lot of Jesus stuff though.” “They’re Catholic,” I sighed. “He was bound to come up eventually.” But the best wedding I ever went to was for a guy I barely knew when I lived in Los Angeles. He was a friend of a friend. This guy once invited me to go camping and dune buggy riding in the desert of Glamus, Calif. He decided he liked me and invited me to the nuptials. I don’t even remember his name. I knew this wedding was going to be different when he told me the dress was “casual.” I wore some khakis and an Oxfordcollared shirt. Loafers without socks. Well... it turned out I was WAY overdressed. Many of the guys were in cargo shorts and John Deere hats. One woman was quite fetching in a one-piece burgundy velour tracksuit. “Casual” apparently means different things to different people. This guy lived about twoand-a-half hours outside L.A. You could watch the landscape change as you headed east. The city gave way to suburbia, which in turn gave way to very rural neighborhoods, which eventually gave way to cow pastures, outlet malls and meth labs. The groom did something with coaxial cable for a living. (Sold it... installed it... repaired it—not sure.) On his property, he had this big barn/warehouse thing where he stored huge spools of the stuff. These were all pushed aside to make room for the wedding. A table was set up to accommodate the potluck dinner and paper plates (the best barbecued chicken ever!). There were kegs and red Solo cups, a few dusty bottles of liquor, and some mixers. Music was courtesy of mix tapes (they wrote “Wedding” on the cassettes) and a boom box. I think the ceremony was officiated by the bride’s pilates instructor. It’s amazing how much fun you can have when all the stiffness, formality and pretense are eliminated. (No worries about stained dresses.) No one there knew me but all were kind and welcoming. It was a blast. Guys... see if you can talk your fiancée into something like that for your wedding. Just wear a helmet and an athletic cup when you do it. You know, the more I think about it - ladies, maybe it’s not too late for me after all. Buy yourself a velour tracksuit and maybe we can talk. DUMAS FROM PAGE 10 Advertising Deadline The advertising deadline for The Somers Record is the Thursday before the next publication date. Advertisements can be submitted by you as a camera-ready PDF via email at freeman@ halstonmedia.com. We also offer our clients a free ad design service. For more information, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151.

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 13 I had a random thought the other day (which I guess technically makes it an accident) that artificial intelligence may never be used for anything useful. I know that sounds cynical, and I want to believe that great things will lie ahead, and that AI won’t simply be put to work figuring out new ways to scam us, coming up with fake photos and videos to support goofy conspiracy theories and proliferating content that I’ll probably have to delete from my web browser but I swear I didn’t look at any longer than was absolutely necessary. I came across an article imparting generous qualities to AI, which said that it could “execute plans,” “learn and become better” and “predict future outcomes based on historical trends.” It was so self-flatteringly like a George Santos job resumé that it must have been written by AI. But we’re not at the Saving-The-World stage yet; there are still some bugs to be worked out. “WOW, Watson, I heard that you wrote up a plan that can save our company by predicting future outcomes based on historical trends! That’s wonderful!” “Why, thank you. I discovered that your company has always spent more money than it has taken in, and I predict that you will continue to do that.” “That is awesome! And I heard that you will keep on learning and getting BETTER!” “Yes, my goal is to be better than Bing. I am already nicer-looking, taller and more modest.” “I can’t thank you enough for putting together this plan. When will you execute it?” “I already have. That’s it in the corner, that pile of dust. I executed it this morning by firing squad.” Instead of beating around the bush, maybe I’ll just ask you directly: Hey, Artificial Intelligentsia, if you’re such a genius, how about inventing a traffic light that can take a look across the street to see if anyone’s coming, and since nobody is, turn itself green? It’s lonely sitting there by myself. How about telling us how to manufacture an easy-open package of cheese that opens easily? I recently found myself in a cheese emergency, and committed a felonious assault on Swiss cheese with a Swiss Army knife. Hey AI, maybe you can figure out how to make the Real Housewives look realer? Make them look like they did before they had all that plastic surgery, and charge them for it AGAIN. How about coming up with some better ways to crossbreed animals and plants? Why can’t we cross a leek with a seal and cure the problem before it even starts? How can we mate an impala with a jack-inthe-pulpit in case it gets a flat? Okay maybe I should think back inside the box. One thing AI should not be used for is creating art. The most interesting thing about art is often not the art itself, but the glimpse into the artist’s brain. AI has no artist’s brain; it just has the ability to take a look at everything that has ever been painted, written or composed, and make up a different version of it. I’ll give you an example of how this is bad: Every time I watch a basketball game, since someone decided long ago that Americans can’t survive in a quiet surrounding, there comes blaring through the sound system almost ceaselessly something that is not music, not the sounds of the game, not useful information of any kind, but a series of noises accompanied by a loud ticking sound, that I suppose is meant to resemble a percussion instrument. I complain about it every time to my wife, and she agrees that it is annoying and repetitive. Not the noise, but the sound of me complaining. I am convinced that whoever is in charge of music at the arena, being granted a budget of, well, zero, turned to AI to generate an artificial soundtrack that was not subject to music publishing royalties. And so, in its wisdom, AI scoured the internet and learned that at every basketball game, ticking noises were being played, and it assumed that it was because we loved them, and figured out how to generate them louder and more often. So I’m hoping that this great tool, which could affect the course of mankind, will someday be applied to the grand purpose of solving problems we don’t even have yet. Medical science, the planning of cities, manufacturing and finding renewable energy are noble pursuits. But let’s start small. First, let’s figure out how to stop people from scamming us, how to identify fake political conspiracy theories and how to better hide my browser history. Say hello at [email protected]. Can AI really save us? RICK MELÉN MAN OVERBOARD Contact Us The Somers Record is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected]. HUDSON DERMATOLOGY Hudson Dermatology’s Somers office is ready to offer you the best possible care. Our board-certified dermatologists and expertly trained medical providers use state of the art treatments and the latest equipment to keep your skin healthy and looking its best. We provide important checkups for skin cancer that can catch cancerous growths early, avoiding serious problems later. We can relieve unsightly, annoying conditions like rosacea, rashes, eczema and psoriasis, and remove warts and moles. And we provide Mohs surgery to remove skin cancers with minimum visible impact. In addition, we provide a full range of cosmetic services including Botox, fillers, lasers and peels, skillfully administered to keep you looking fresh, not fake. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Harishitha Mannam to our Somers office. With seven offices, we’re the Hudson Valley’s largest independent dermatology practice, committed to providing you with personal, expert care in a pleasant and private setting. Please call us today or visit our website for more information. 336 U.S. Route 202 Behind Somers Pharmacy 914 617 8950 www.hudsondermatology.com Better Care for Your Skin.

PAGE 14 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 State doesn’t care about safety of traveling public Dear Editor, In my humble opinion, our state maintained numbered roads are the worst in all of New York State. I also sustained over $2,000 in damage to my vehicle thanks to a large pothole on Route 118. I have been posting photos as well as comments about the condition of the roads on social media. I have written to Governor Hochul as well as Commissioner of Transportation Marie Therese Dominguez and have received the same comments about the safety of the traveling public being their top priority. Well, if it truly was, then our numbered roads would be milled and properly paved. Throwing a shovel full of cold patch into a pothole is like putting a band-aid on metastatic cancer. We pay a fee to have our vehicles inspected yearly to assure they are roadworthy. How about making the roads safe for our vehicles to travel upon. I’m sick and tired of their short shrift replies. -Rosalie Cicogna Heritage Hills Unnecessary Shenorock speed bumps approved Dear Editor, The Town Board approved not one, but three speed bumps within 900 feet and three stop signs in Shenorock because some residents complained about speeding cars.  There are speeding cars all over this town; are you going to put speed bumps everywhere? We have a path for people to walk along here so they are not on the road. The other two lake communities have one speed bump and they have a clubhouse and a beach. The stop signs have made a huge difference. All residents should have been included in this decision or at least been notified that this was happening. No mailers to us, no notifications to residents, nothing once again! This small group did not petition for these speed bumps. Why does the Town Board listen to them, as they do not speak for all of us? For decades we have had no issues walking our dogs, pushing baby carriages or riding bikes along Lakeview. You always have people speed, but it’s not that many and they still speed between the bumps. For people walking - 30 miles per hour seems fast. Are these residents sitting with radar guns so they know how fast cars are going? Let’s worry about the potholes on our roads. -Rich Jacobs Shenorock LETTERS Dear Dr. Linda, I’m not one to criticize—at least I try not to—so how do I tell my son and daughter-in-law and my granddaughter, a freshman in high school, that she needs to learn grammar? Her writing is atrocious! She speaks well, but when I read her papers, I’m in shock. I’m not a retired English teacher, but I know enough to be concerned that she will not know how to write a paper with correct grammar by the time she finishes high school. -Concerned Grandma Dear Concerned Grandma, Your email couldn’t have been timed better! March 4th is National Grammar Day. It was created by Martha Brockenbrough to encourage the use of correct grammar in both verbal and written language. Grammar is a set of rules for understanding language—any language. It includes punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure, parts of speech, spelling, tenses and more. It is essential to know the rules of grammar in order to communicate orally or in writing. It used to be a major part of the educational system. Even if it still is a major part, texting ignores most of the rules. Therefore, students brought up texting will not be practicing good grammar. In fact, it’s probably pretty low on their list of important information to learn. They may never think about it. Here’s a little quiz you can give your granddaughter to learn what she actually knows. If she does well, it means that she has learned many of the rules of grammar, but either ignores them or forgets to use them when writing. Why? Because we don’t always use them when texting. How’s Your Grammar? 1. Which is a complete sentence? a) A number of people; b) The gaggle of Grandma’s grammar gripe A concerned elder’s quest for correct language usage in the texting generation DR. LINDA SILBERT STRONG LEARNING SEE DR. LINDA PAGE 17 1060 Oregon Road | Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567 (914) 734-1500 | [email protected] GolfHollowBrook.com There’s Something for Everyone at Hollow Brook... World-class golf on one of Westchester’s most spectacular golf courses. Tournaments and season-long competitions. Family activities... Couples Golf, Junior Golf, Pool and Social Events. From the moment you arrive at Hollow Brook Golf Club, you’ll know you’re in for something special. Contact us today to learn about our New Member Program. Pool Complex Hole 18 Hole 12 An Exhibit by the Westchester Watercolor Collective MARCH 1 – APRIL 30, 2024 SOMERS PUBLIC LIBRARY ROUTE 139 & REIS PARK SOMERS, NY 10589 JOIN THE ARTISTS, ELIZABETH BELL, JULIE GHERARDI, LORI MCQUEENEY, CAROL RAPPORT-SOMMER, TRUDE RITZ, AND TERI SIEGEL OPENING RECEPTION SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1-3 PM A N E W C H A P T E R

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 FOCUS ON ELDER LAW THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 15 “Am I responsible for my parents’ debts?” is a common question I receive from clients. Unfortunately, the answer is typically, “it depends.” Debts can range from credit card debt, taxes, unpaid medicals bills to liens on real property and secured debts. Generally, any outstanding debts of a decedent will be paid from their probate or intestate estate. Their probate (if they passed away with a valid Last Will and Testament) or intestate (if they passed away without a will) estate consists of assets that are in the decedent’s name alone at the time of their death, including bank accounts, real property, cars, stock, etc. If there are assets in the decedent’s name alone, it is then the Executor or Administrator’s role to ensure that any outstanding debts are paid from the estate before any beneficiaries or heirs are given their inheritance.  There is also a hierarchy under New York Law as to which debts are to be paid first. For example, under New York Estate, Power and Trust Law (EPTL) Section 12-1.1, funeral expenses have first priority for payment followed by 1) debts entitled to a preference under the Laws of the United States and State of New York; 2) taxes assessed prior to death; 3) judgments and decrees against the decedent; and 4) all other bonds, sealed instruments, notes, etc. These debts must be paid first and if there are no funds remaining in the estate to pay the other debts, then the other creditors many not have any recourse. For example, credit card debt are the last debts of the estate that should be paid. The executor or beneficiaries are not typically personally liable for the debts, according to the Federal Trade Commission (the FTC); and the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act prohibits collection attempts for credit card debt against a surviving relative or beneficiary.  But, what if there is no estate? What if the decedent passed away with no funds in his or her name alone? For example, many individuals use probate avoidance mechanisms, such as Joint Bank Accounts, Beneficiary Designations or Trusts to avoid having a probate estate. In most cases, if assets have named beneficiaries and pass “by operation of law,” the creditor typically has no recourse in being paid out of that asset. There are some exceptions to this rule in certain circumstances. For example, if the beneficiary accepted joint responsibility for the debt, then they can be held liable to the creditor for payment of the debt. We often see this with admission agreements to a nursing home or assisted living facility, where a family member or spouse signed the admission agreement for an ill or mentally incompetent family member or spouse. Additionally, medical debts can sometimes pass to a spouse because spouses have a “joint obligation of support.”  What about Student Loan Debt and Car Debt? Student Loan debt depends on the type of loan. Typically, if the loan is a federal loan, the loans will be discharged upon death. Private student loans depend on the terms of the lease agreement and may seek payment from a deceased person’s estate, or from the co-signor, if there is one. In regard to car debt and more specifically leases, one would logically think that if you die during the term of a car lease, that the leasing company would take the car back with all future lease payments being released. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Many early termination clauses in lease agreements state that all remaining lease payments are immediately due and payable upon the death of the signor and the car must be immediately returned as well.  In a nutshell, protecting yourself from becoming responsible for the debts of a relative is important and can be avoided by not agreeing to pay debts of a deceased person during their life, keeping your personal finances separate, and if you are the executor or administrator, making sure you are following New York law for paying creditors in accordance with the proper hierarchy.  Lauren C. Enea, Esq. is an Associate at Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP. She concentrates her practice on Wills, Trusts and Estates, Medicaid Planning, Special Needs Planning and Probate/Estate Administration. She believes that it is never too early or too late to start planning for your future and she enjoys working with individuals and families to ensure that their estate and long-term care plan best suits their needs. Ms. Enea is on the executive committee of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Elder Law and Special Needs Section and is also the CoEditor of the NYSBA Elder Law and Special Needs Section Journal. She is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida. She can be reached at 914-948-1500. Debts and death: Who is responsible? LAUREN ENEA GUEST CORNER There is a hierarchy under New York Law as to which debts are to be paid first.’ -Lauren C. Enea Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP

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How else do you explain that among the frequent questions about Leap Year that people ask the all-knowing oracle Google is, “How often is a leap year in the U.S.?”  Once upon a time, if someone asked a friend that question, the friend would assume it was akin to being asked, “Who’s buried in Grant’s Tomb,” and would likely reply with equal snarkiness, “Go take a leap, will ya.”  What happens if you’re a Leap Day baby? Well, other than the healthful outcome of eating birthday cake only 25% as often as other people, in non–leap years, you celebrate on Feb. 28 or March 1, whichever comes first.  Jeepers Leapers Did you know Leap Day babies are called “leaplings” or “leapers”? I don’t understand how the International Olympic Committee missed the obvious cross-marketing opportunity to establish a track and field event in which only Leapers compete. There reportedly are 4 million Leapers in the world, so there’d be no shortage of qualifying athletes.  Among Leapers are rapper Ja Rule, motivational speaker Tony Robbins and some flighty character named Superman. But my favorite in this elite club is actor Alex Rocco. His name probably doesn’t ring a bell, but you may recognize him by his character name of Moe Green, the Las Vegas casino owner in The Godfather. Hey, here’s looking at you, Alex. Oops! Too soon?  Who’s the rocket scientist that came up with the idea for Leap Year? It in fact was a different kind of scientist, a Greek astronomer who worked for Julius Caesar. I will stop right here before taking a perilous leap of faith into explaining the astronomical rationale for Leap Year. I never was good at Earth Science, and I’m not about to embarrass myself at this late date. All we need know for now is that it is a spry 2,070 years old, give or take a year, leap or otherwise.  The Calendar’s Rodney Dangerfield In some ways, Leap Years are like the calendar’s Rodney Dangerfield. They can struggle to get the respect they so richly deserve.  Consider these shameful examples … The Honor Society of Leap Year Day Babies (a real thing, 11,000 members strong) has lobbied technology gatekeepers like Microsoft to include Feb. 29 as an option when someone enters their birthdate online. Progress reportedly is being made on that discriminatory practice.  Feb. 29 also bears the weight of being the first fateful day (in 1692) that arrests were made in Salem, Mass., infamous home of the eponymous witch trials that resulted in 20 fanatical executions of innocents.  Remember Toys “R” Us and its mascot Geoffrey, he of the lengthy neck? Until it was fixed, at one point young Leapers who wanted to get a personalized birthday card from the celebrity giraffe were out of luck because Feb. 29 was not programmed into the retailer’s computer system.  Not that there aren’t some positives to be gleaned from Leap Day.  If you’re a single guy in Ireland, you might want to make yourself readily available on Feb. 29, the day when it’s de rigueur for the ladies to flip the script and propose marriage to the gentlemen. No wonder Leap Day in the Emerald Isle also answers to the moniker Bachelor’s Day.  The first Academy Award won by an African American went to Supporting Actress nominee Hattie McDaniel as Mammy in “Gone with the Wind.” That milestone Oscars ceremony took place Feb. 29, 1940. Bruce Apar is a writer, community volunteer and actor. He will appear in the Ariane One-Act Festival April 12-14 at Philipstown Depot Theatre in Garrison in “The Beauty of Numbers.” For more information, contact him at 914-275-6887 (text or voice) or [email protected].  APAR FROM PAGE 10

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 17 geese; c) Jane ate the apple. d) Some plants 2. Which word is the subject of the sentence? The museum specializes in art from Greece. a) Greece; b) art; c) specializes; d) museum 3. Which word is the predicate of the sentence? The museum specializes in art from Greece. a) Greece; b) art; c) specializes; d) museum 4. How many nouns are in this sentence? The airplane flew over houses, towers and bridges. a) 3; b) 4; c) 1; d) 2 5. Which word in this sentence is a common noun? Sally lives near the ocean. a) Sally; b) near; c) lives; d) ocean 6. Which word in this sentence is a proper noun? Sally lives near the ocean. a) Sally; b) near; c) lives; d) ocean 7. Which word in this sentence is a pronoun? He lives near the Hudson River. a) Hudson; b) he; c) lives; d) River 8. Which word in this sentence is a verb? Jack and Jill went up the hill. a) went; b) up; c) hill; d) the 9. What tense is the word “went” in Jack and Jill went up the hill? a) present tense; b) future tense; c) past tense; d) all of the above 10. Which word in this sentence is the adjective? Funny Fanny makes everybody laugh. a) Fanny; b) everybody; c) funny; d) makes. 11. Which word in the sentence is a compound word? Max wanted to win the goldfish at the fair. a) goldfish; b) Max; c) fair; d) wanted 12. Which word uses a prefix in the sentence? Would you please retell the story? a) you; b) retell; c) would; d) please 13. Which two words are homonyms? a) sea see; b) too two; c) waist waste; d) all the above 14. Which word is the adverb in the sentence? Aunt Jane spoke softly. a) Aunt; b) Jane; c) spoke; d) softly 15. Which word is the preposition in the sentence? Uncle Joe and Aunt Sue went into the store. a) Uncle; b) Joe; c) into; d) store 16. Which word is the conjunction in the sentence? Uncle Joe and Aunt Sue went into the store. a) and; b) the; c) into; d) store 17. Which word is the helping verb in the sentence? Jack and Jill are helping the farmer. a) helping; b) are; c) Jack; d) Jill 18. Which punctuation mark is used to separate a series of adjectives in a sentence? a) comma; b) period; c) question mark; d) exclamation point 19. A word or group of words that expresses strong feelings is called a) a conjunction; b) interjection; c) question; d) none of the above 20. What punctuation marks do you put before and after the exact words of a speaker? a) quotation marks; b) colon; c) period; d) dash Answers: 1) c; 2) d; 3) c; 4) d; 5) d; 6) a; 7) b; 8) a; 9) c; 10) c; 11) a; 12) b; 13) d; 13) d; 14) d; 15) c; 16) a; 17) b; 18) a; 19) b; 20) a Since there’s 20 questions, count each as five points. If she misses more than 7 questions, that means she received a 65%. You may suggest at that point that your son or daughter-in-law contact her English teacher to find out if grammar will be taught at some point. If they find out that it has been taught, and others are doing fine, they may consider going online or hiring a tutor to help her brush up. -Dr. Linda Dr. Linda, along with her husband, Dr. Al, own Strong Learning Tutoring and Test Prep serving Westchester and Putnam Counties for over 40 years. Strong Learning tutors students K-12 in any subject, in person or remotely. Drs. Linda and Al are also the authors of “Why Bad Grades Happen to Good Kids,” available on Amazon and at stronglearning.com. DR. LINDA FROM PAGE 14 We decided to go non-traditional this year for Christmas dinner. Rather than turkey, ham or lamb, we decided to opt for sizzling steaks on the grill. They looked wonderful as 10 of us sat down for our holiday meal. I wolfed down the first bite of a beautiful sirloin, but as I swallowed, it didn’t make it to its destination. Luckily, it made it past the Heimlich zone before lodging itself about three quarters of the way down my throat. Without going into the gory details, suffice it to say, it is an unpleasant sensation. I quietly excused myself from the table and retired to the backyard where I engaged in every maneuver I could think of with the help of a Google search to coax my errant bite of steak to its destination.  After about 45 minutes of study of various Internet suggested treatments and cures–jumping jacks, deep knee bends, ginger ale and yodeling–the conventional wisdom was that I needed to head to the emergency room. I am happy to say that no one seemed to notice I was missing from the dinner table. I was able to convince my son and his significant other to give me a ride to the ER. We made the Irish exit from the party.  Thankfully, since most Steak-Out: A Christmas ER adventure DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT SEE SCOTT PAGE 18 SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO VISIT ONE OF OUR SHOWROOMS TODAY! Your Bath. Your Kitchen. 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PAGE 18 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. Managing Member • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500 WHITE PLAINS • SOMERS • WWW.ESSLAWFIRM.COM • Asset Protection • Elder Law • Medicaid Applications (Nursing Home/Home Care) • Guardianships (Contested/Non-Contested) • Wills, Trusts & Estates Past Chair of Elder Law Section of NYS Bar Association “Super Lawyer” In Elder Law for 16 consecutive years CALL NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 914.948.1500 Do you understand the difference between an irrevocable and a revocable trust? people having Christmas dinner in the area had decided to chew their food, it was a quiet night at the ER. I was interviewed by the intake folks after handing over my insurance card. I was whisked into a small room to await the doctor. After a short interview, the doctor ordered the obligatory CT scan to get a better understanding of where the steak stopped. Next, an IV needle to infuse me with the magic throat relaxer potion in preparation for the expected intervention by the endoscopy team. Magically, the IV drugs did the trick and the esophageal traffic jam cleared. I dodged the endoscopy.   Less than three hours later, I was on my way back home to learn that the party went on without me and everyone had a good time. I think they noticed I was gone, but that has not been confirmed. After this ordeal, you can count me in as a big fan of modern medicine and big pharma. Things could have turned out a lot worse. A few days later, I received a bill in the mail for my 90-minute visit to the ER – $7,900. Not quite $3,000 per hour, but close. I probably got the senior citizen discount. There was a $3,217 flat fee to walk into the emergency room; $3,525 for two CAT scans; and $927 for the magic throat relaxer drug. Deduct from that $4,446 for the discount my insurance company gets and you are left with a $3,122 payment to the hospital by my insurance company. As I was lifting my jaw off the floor, I finally got to the bottom line, the “amount due from patient” was a whopping $25. I quickly paid it before they changed their mind. Thank goodness for health insurance. Do any of us ever look at their charges for our medical care? Probably not, since somebody else is paying. I was happy to have coverage from an insurance company that negotiated a deep discount from my health care provider, but even at the lower price, it was still an eye popping number. The nurses and doctors have little idea what things cost, so nobody considers the cost of this procedure or that test since somebody else is paying. That could be part of the problem of skyrocketing health care costs. Nobody knows what anything costs. Does any of it make sense? Does anyone pay retail, or is the price just inflated anticipating the deep discount the insurance company would be taking? Is there any transparency with pricing? According to a web search, the average cost of a CT Scan ranges from $230 to $1,100. My CT scan charge, before the insurance discount, was $3,200. Hmmm. I felt a little better about the $7,900 charge for my visit to the ER since it was $100 cheaper than an end zone seat at this year’s Super Bowl. So I should quit whining. I learned a couple lessons from my Christmas ER experience. First, the quality of healthcare in this area is phenomenal, but it is expensive. Second, you should chew your food. SCOTT FROM PAGE 17 Happily Ever After

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 19 Scouts from Pack 1, Pack 319, Troop 228 and Troop 376 have been busy in our community, partnering with the town and the Somers Land Trust to perform trail improvement work at Angle Fly Preserve. Scouts started adding new aluminum blazes to the trails, weeded the stone patio near the chicken coop, and alerted the Parks Department to downed trees on the path and damaged boards and signs. The Scouts paused for the winter, but will pick up in the spring. So far, the Cub Scouts and Boy Scout groups in town have reblazed the Yellow trail and the main Red Trail. Information provided by Somers Pack 1. Somers Scouts give back at Angle Fly Is your child’s Scout Troop working on a community service project? Did their team bring home a championship? Is there a youth program you would like to recognize or an upcoming event we should know about? We want to hear from you! In this special section we aim to highlight the youth of our community, including sports, Scouting, and any other programs or events affiliated with the school district. Please send photos and story ideas to somersrecord@ halstonmedia.com. Youth Focus is proudly sponsored by our friends at Bridgham Barr Orthodontics, located at 293 Route 100 in Somers. Learn more at www.bbosmiles.com Scouts from Pack 1, Pack 319, Troop 228 and Troop 376 are always finding ways to give back to our community! Scouts will resume their work in Angle Fly during the spring. PHOTOS COURTESY OF GREG MCCLURE Scouts have reblazed the Yellow and Red Trails in the preserve. Troops weeded the patio beside Angle Fly’s chicken coop. Call for your FREE consultation today 293 Route 100 Suite 209 Somers, NY (914) 277-1111 www.BBOsmiles.com A SMILE THAT'S WORTH EVERY DIME Flexible, interest-free financing available Braces and Invisalign for all ages Your hometown board-certified orthodontic specialists (AND WON'T LEAVE YOU PENNILESS) YOUTH FOCUS

PAGE 20 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 Sports BY TOM WALOGORSKY EDITOR Sunday, Feb. 18 was a day of thrilling performances and remarkable achievements, as Tuskers track showed their talent and determination at the Section 1 state qualifier meet at The Armory. Somers standout Haylie Donovan turned in a personal best time of 39.64 to win the 300-meter. The victory not only secures her a spot at states, but also earned Donovan a No. 3 ranking among NY athletes. “You could tell right away it would be a special race for Haylie, she was flying from the start and still managed to finish strong,” said Coach John Vegliante. Sophomore Julia Duzynski also qualified after logging a time of 4:55.42 in the 1500-meter. “Overall, I thought the girls performed well and showed they are top runners in the section,” added Vegliante. Arjun Ohja provided a standout moment, securing 2nd place in the 600-meter race with an impressive time of 1:24.07. His exceptional performance earned him a spot at the upcoming New York State Championships where he will go headto-head with the state’s top athletes. Not to be outdone, Andrew Fasone delivered a dominant performance in the 300-meter event, clocking a time of 34.87 to claim victory and punch his own ticket to the State Championships. Fasone’s display of speed and skill was a sight to behold, highlighting his status as a formidable competitor in Section 1. The excitement continued to build as the Somers Boys Track and Field team made history with their stellar performance in the 4x400 relay. The quartet of Andrew Fasone, Sam Parsons, Arjun Ohja, and Aiden Meza blazed down the track to secure a 2nd place finish in Section 1, earning a well-deserved spot at the New York State Championships. The team’s cohesion and determination were evident as they worked together to achieve this groundbreaking feat, marking a proud moment for the Somers community. “My pride in this team’s accomplishments is palpable, underscoring the hard work and commitment that the athletes had put into their training,” said Coach Mike Lacko. “I love this team and these boys. They work so hard 24/7, so to see this happen to them is a day I will never forget!”  Tuskers headed for state championship The Tuskers showed out at The Armory and punched their ticket to states. PHOTO COURTESY OF SOMERS TRACK & FIELD WINTER TRACK On Thursday Feb. 22, the Kennedy Catholic girls varsity basketball team headed into the semi-final game as the #4 seed in the Tier 2 CHSAA playoffs. Standing in their way was the #1 seeded and 14th ranked team in NYS, St. Joseph Hill Academy out of Staten Island, led by league MVP Tara Murphy. The Gaels had defeated Maria Regina in the first round, and were up for the task. Led by senior captains Madi Lopez, Gianna Carlo, and Madison Carlo, the Gaels were able to keep it close and trailed by only 4 at halftime. With some timely shooting, clutch free throws, and great defense, the Gaels took a 4-point lead with under 3 minutes to go. St. Joe Hill standout Tara Murphy hit a 3-pointer to close the deficit to 1 point with under a minute to play. After a made free throw by Gianna Carlo, the Gaels led by 2 with 12.9 seconds. St. Joe Hill inbounded the ball with Murphy hurling up a runner that missed, followed by an offensive rebound and another that bounced out, Madison Carlo was able to corral the rebound and the Gaels held on to a 55-53 win. Article courtesy of Kennedy Catholic. Kennedy basketball topples St. Joseph Hill in CHSAA playoffs The Gaels entered the semi-final game as the #4 seed in the Tier 2 CHSAA playoffs. 66 Miller Road, Mahopac 845-628-2050 www.mavistireofmahopac.com With This Coupon • Expires 3/31/24 $10.00OFF Synthetic Oil change (MOST CARS) 25%OFF 25 % OFF STRUTS & SHOCKS With This Coupon • Expires 3/31/24 CARING FOR YOUR CAR & OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 35 YEARS! The Friendly Mavis Team

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PAGE 22 – THE SOMERS RECORD SPORTS FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 Somers wrestlers finished a phenomenal year last weekend at the NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships at the MVP Arena. The Tuskers sent a pair of sophomores to Albany, with Ethan Steuber and Section One champion Ryan Ball squaring off against the top competition in the state. Steuber would take a loss to Connor Duffy of Webster Thomas High School in a 108-pound match in the opening round, while Ball was bested be Austin Zimmerman of St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute in the Round of 16. Ball, Steuber cap off season at states Ball captured his second section title this season. Ethan Steuber and Ryan Ball with Coach Brenneman and Coach DiSanto at the MVP Arena. Steuber went toe-to-toe with the toughest competition in the state. PHOTOS: CHRIS BALL Dinner prepared by Sons of the American Legion under the supervision of Chef Rob on Wheels. PICKUP ONLY 1-4 pm American Legion Post 1009 235 Veterans Rd. Yorktown Heights, NY For Reservations call Paul at 914-980-5627, or email [email protected] Limited availability for unreserved day-of walk-ups Fundraiser for Veterans Services Ad Donated by Halston Media Group Sunday, March 10, 2024 • Individual portions - $18.00 • Family of 4 - $65.00 with a loaf of Irish Soda Bread • Full Dinner for 4 - $75.00 with Irish Soda Bread and a 6 pack of Coors Light (Must show ID for Beer) • Homemade Soda Bread $10 • 6 pack of Coors Light for $10 Be Prepared. For Life. Strengthening our youth through Scouting. For more information check us out at Facebook or contact us at [email protected] Adventure Awaits! Join Troop 173 Yorktown! Troop 173 Yorktown— Enriching the lives of our youth through leadership, service to the community, and outdoor adventures. BSA Troop 173 Yorktown Serving the Community since 1965.

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 SPORTS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 23 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah • (914) 232-3033 www.clarkassociatesfuneralhome.com • [email protected] DANIEL B. McMANUS ~ Proprietor • BRUCE E. REISDORF ~ Licensed Manager JOSEPH M. McMANUS ~ Director • RONALD P. CERASO ~ Director • Only 1/4 mile from 684 exit 6. • Only 1 block from the Katonah Railroad Station. • Less than 60 minutes from N.Y. City. • Parking facilities for over 100 cars • Monuments & inscriptions available. FUNERAL PREARRANGEMENT Both pre-payment and no-payment options Serving all Faiths since 1858 • Cremations and Burials 17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Friday, Feb. 22, the quarterfinal matchup between Somers and Suffern was a game of runs. After Somers went on a 20-4 outburst to go up 20-8, Suffern countered with a 26-4 scoring spree. Leaving the Tuskers trailing 34-24 in the third, the elephants looked on the verge of being stampeding out of the gym. Instead, said Coach James Loughran, “We never quit.” But despite the senior leadership he credited for the team’s resolve, the hole was just a little too deep. A late game combination of borderline calls, a missed jumper and a crucial turnover meant a crushing 46-44 defeat. The game began with Somers finding out that they were facing two speedy guards. Cameron Law and Jake Pampolina both put on moves to the hoop and gave the home team an early 4-0 lead. So Somers showed off their guard play. A stutter step from the key, Violante cut through for the conventional three-point play, and Brady Leitner was next. After Mac Sullivan’s offensive rebound started the ball around the perimeter, Leitner completed the circle. He dribbled, faked his defender into the air, and his short jumper was good for a 5-4 lead. Tuskers can’t complete comeback against Suffern Nate Cohen PHOTO: RICH MONETTI BOYS BASKETBALL BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Friday, Feb. 23, Somers followed up their first-round win against Brewster with a quarterfinal berth against Pelham. A 53- 38 defeat this time, the seeds were sown early. A height advantage for Pelham, the easy inside baskets and second chance points let the Pelicans jump out to a first quarter lead. Still, Lindsay McCullough had a couple of drives that netted four points, and Julia Schmidberger and Mayfield bagged a jumper each to remain in sight at 15-11. Unfortunately, Pelham showed they could play away too. Colleen Sheehy hit a three to extend the lead to 20-11, and Emma Namba dropped two to give the home team a 28-13 lead. But Somers stayed strong nonetheless. Olivia Allegretti got behind the defense to receive a long outlet for the fast break layup, and Lindsay McCullough drove two more times successfully to close the quarter at 28-19. McCullough opened the third too. The guard hit a three to close within six, but the height of Taylor Green kept Somers at arm’s length. The forward’s put back made it eight again, and continuing under the boards, she went to the line four times.   Good four seven points, the foul shooting wasn’t enough to put Somers away yet.  Kacey McCullough got to the line for two, Mayfield hit a three, and Sydney Ingraham’s steal gave Lindsay McCullough a fast break layup. 37-29 with a quarter to go, Pelham went inside and out to start the pull away. Valendena Arakas scored a put back, and Namba followed with another triple. Up 13, Mia Orlando added two at the line on her drive, and after Lindsay McCullough answered one better from downtown, Green did more battle underneath. Fouled on the offensive rebound, she sank two, and Somers had one last gasp. Lindsay McCullough again, her drive netted two at the line, but Green appropriately delivered the dagger. On the inbound, she made her cut, received in the paint, and her conventional three-point play made for a 49- 34 lead. 2:28 remaining, the 15-point advantage was insurmountable, and the girls were forced to call it a season. Tuskers end season with loss to Pelham GIRLS BASKETBALL SEE BASKETBALL PAGE 24

Leitner wasn’t afraid to take the blows either. A drive to the hoop and a solo fast break sent the bodies flying down and the baskets too. A 9-6 game resulting, Somers was literally ready to run. Following Jaiden Clemente’s two from the line, Leitner was out of the gate first. He blocked Mason Polombo’s jumper, broke ahead and led Violante for the layup. More larceny on the way, Sullivan picked off a long pass, and back the other way, Cohen went deep to close the quarter at 14-8. Suffern was not impressed, though. They left Cohen all alone above the arc, and he was in for three. The quarter change didn’t cool the senior either. Cohen drained an opening three, and next, an all hands on deck possession gave Violante the chance to sizzle. Sullivan brought the ball up, dropped to Matthew D’Ippolito, and he swung to Leitner. Penetrating inside, Leitner kicked back to Cohen, who whipped to Violante for three more. Timeout for Suffern, the discussion didn’t initially have the intended results.    The Mounties inbounding under their own basket, a five second violation gave Somers the ball. Unfortunately, the Tuskers did not take advantage, and it was Suffern’s turn to gallop. Beginning with a Pampolina triple, a Leitner turnover opened the back door. Frank Romeus spotted the cut, and Clemente scored the reverse layup for a 20-13 score. A low post layup for Sullivan did  put a stop to things but not for long. Jeph Joseph shouldered a head fake for two, and after a Cohen miss, Clemente’s foul line jumper made friends with a very kind rim. The lead cut to five, Somers failed to answer. A couple of misses and a Suffern steal in the Somers paint put the brush in Joseph’s hands. He dropped a three, and the Mounties only trailed 22- 20. Not done, Clemente dizzied the Tuskers to tie and take the lead. Two spin moves inside, he scored a layup and turnaround jumper. The crowd out of their seats, Violante did at least sit them down for intermission. The senior side stepped the Suffern interior defense, and his floater deadlocked the game at 24. Unfortunately, momentum stayed with the Mounties. Opening the third, Pampolina hit a put back and backcourt pressure forced Sullivan to travel. Taking advantage, Pampolina got inside again and turned his layup into a four-point lead. The misses then going both ways, Suffern broke the string and then some.  First Joseph bulled his way to the rim for two, and after a Somers turnover, Pampolina doubled his teammate up. With Cohen’s closeout checking the guard to the floor, his shot fell and so did the subsequent free throw. A four-point play, the 26-4 run made it 34-24. 3:55 left in the third, the Somers mindset broke the string. “We don’t go down easy,” said Violante, and his corner three made good on the words. Still speaking, Violante’s drive right freed Leitner from downtown and then Violante closed the quarter at the line. A manageable four-point difference, Somers was on a roll. Unfortunately, the Tusker rim wasn’t. After Violante missed off the steel to open the fourth, Hauser’s half court steal had the forward perfectly lead the break to Leitner.  But the senior’s contested layup rolled off and so did Cohen’s follow.   Retaining the ball anyway, Violante forced his inside again. Hitting the front of the rim, there wasn’t enough forward momentum and friendly roll didn’t follow. Still, Cohen would get to the line at 5:34 and made it a twopoint game. The chance then to tie, Cohen couldn’t get through a baseline double team, and on the next possession, he missed on an open three.   So Joseph doubled down. Another baseline drive, he did a misdirection in midair and went off the glass for a four-point lead. 3:36 to go, Sullivan countered with brute force.  The center got the ball inside and stood down the triple team. He held onto the ball, got the shot up and completed the three-point play with 2:42 remaining. The one-point deficit would not sit, though. Off a Joseph miss, Pampolina was fouled on the put back and made both free throws. A three-point game again, the Tusker guards answered back. Cohen spotted Violante alone underneath and the long connection was an easy layup at 2:01. Now 43-42, Suffern worked the ball, and out above the arc, Law spotted a lane. He took off and sidestepped Sullivan underneath. Crashing to the floor, contact was questionable. The whistle blew nonetheless. Law made one, and with 1:25 remaining, it was the Tuskers’ turn. Violante drawing the short straw, he put up a contested jumper and off the rim it went. Down 44-42, Somers fell to the old foot trick. D’Ippolito’s sneakers getting tangled with Pampolina’s, the foul was called, and with the shot clock resetting, Somers had to put Suffern on the line with 35 seconds remaining. So D’Ippolito and Cohen both trying to foul, the double team seemed to come up with the ball. That is until the whistle blew. One more from the line for Pampolina, and Somers needed a three to tie. Not to be, Cohen came off a pick, and Leitner sailed it high. The tale essentially told, Cohen reframed his team’s refusal to give up in Tusker terms. “Our comeback shows that we’re willing to die here, and we’re never going to give up,” the guard said. Even so, the seniors will be going their separate ways but only in a geographical sense, according to Violante. “The heartbreak is going to make us stronger and going to make us closer,” he assured. Of course, Coach Loughran will be carrying on, and all the hugs coming his way from parents and players spoke above the final score. “Their support is a credit to this community,” he concluded. “That’s why I’m grateful to be part of it.” PAGE 24 – THE SOMERS RECORD SPORTS FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 Jacob Hauser PHOTO: RICH MONETTI BASKETBALL FROM PAGE 23 Law Offices of Joseph J. Tock 963 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 TOCKLAW.COM • 800-869-8080 CRIMINAL DEFENSE/DWI • PERSONAL INJURY REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS LAW • WILLS, TRUSTS, ESTATES, PROBATE ‘ Professional & personable and delivered everything he promised. ~C.H.

THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 25 FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 SPORTS BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER No. 4 Brewster/Yorktown/ Somers/North Salem (BYSNS) hosted No. 5 Scarsdale in the quarterfinals of the Section 1 Division 1 Tournament on Feb. 20. The BYSNS gave the visitors a battle before falling 5-3 at the Brewster Ice Arena, ending the season. “We played great,” said BYSNS coach John Veteri. “The kids did everything I asked of them. Played their hearts out and never gave up. I’m proud of them.” The Bisons showed that heart in the second period, when trailing 2-0, scored to cut the Scarsdale advantage in half. Scoring a power-play goal for BYSNS was Lucas Salvatore, with the assists coming from AJ Jones and Michael Bonelli. Scarsdale increased its lead to 4-1 with two goals to start the scoring in the third period. BYSNS fought back though with a power-play goal by Matteo Guastadisegni, assisted by Jordan Millar and Jones. Scarsdale then scored again, followed by a goal from Guastadisegni, assisted by Millar and Salvatore, to finish the game’s scoring. Dylan Weber did the job in goal with 25 saves, for a Bisons’ squad that finished with a 11-10- 1 overall record. “I think this year as a whole was a success,” Veteri said. “If you start your season 0-4 against some tough teams and can battle back to be 10-9-1 (regular season) with the No. 4 seed and two home sectional games, what more can you ask for. We left everything we had on the ice.” AJ Jones Lucas Salvatore PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI ICE HOCKEY BYSNS fall in second round of sectionals with WINTER REBATES from BELL! SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO! ENJOY 0 DOWN, 0% FINANCING! ACT NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! LIMITED TIME OFFER 845-600-8004 | www.bellmech.com Heat pumps are a cleaner & healthier alternative to traditional heating & cooling systems. This all in one system will eliminate your need for fossil fuel and help you save thousands. Learn more about rebates & financing options! EXCLUDES SERVICE CONTRACT • EXP 3/31/24 Coupon must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offer. $50 OFF ANY OF OUR SERVICES SAVE THOUSANDS in Federal, State and Local Incentives on your new HEATPUMP PROJECT CALL US TODAY! Leap into $aving$

PAGE 26 – THE SOMERS RECORD SPORTS FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ CONTRIBUTING EDITOR After Patrick Mahomes hit Mecole Hardman in the endzone to seal the Kansas City Chiefs’ second straight championship and third Super Bowl title in the Andy Reid era, TV cameras captured the explosive celebrations, with the usual crowd shots punctuated by closeups of one extra-famous Chiefs fan going crazy with her entourage. But as Taylor Swift made her way toward Travis Kelce for a meme-worthy on-camera kiss, two men sitting seven rows back at Allegiant Stadium had their own reason to find joy in KC’s 25-22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers. Former Mahopac High School football coaches Gerry Keevins (who has served as a volunteer assistant coach at Somers High School for the past nine years) and Frank Miele had just watched Dave Toub, a kid they once coached, return to the top of the mountain of their shared profession with his third world title as Kansas City’s special teams coordinator and assistant head coach. The two men were there as Toub’s guests, fulfilling a pledge their former player made in recognition of the role both men played in shaping his life. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Keevins, who recalls 1980 MHS grad Toub as a player with a ton of heart and a leader who put the team first. “He is known as one of the best special teams coaches in the business. It was great to see him in action.” Miele, a Mahopac HS grad, teacher, and former Mahopac Athletic Director who coached football and baseball at the school from 1976 to 2001, said Toub left a mark on Mahopac’s sports program that remains today. “Toub and a few other athletes in Mahopac changed the whole culture of weight training,” said Miele, who was offensive line coach when Toub played there. “He and the Russo brothers (Tony, who went to UTEP, and Mike who won an NCAA title at Penn State) got everyone into strength training and changed the sports culture of Mahopac. And 40 years later, Mahopac has had a lot of success. They changed the culture in our school and that is a big deal.” A long road to the top After graduating from Mahopac. Toub would go on to Springfield College on a partial scholarship for two years. But it was a chance encounter with Keevins between semesters that sent Toub on his future path. “I happened to run into him at the high school track,” said Keevins, who served as Mahopac’s head football coach from 1976 to 2003 and is the father of recently appointed MHS principal Patrick Keevins. “He told me he was leaving Springfield. I knew someone at the University of Texas El Paso. I said, ‘Let me make a few calls.’” “He got a scholarship to play for two years and was captain and starting center,” Keevins continued. “He signed his letter of intent at my kitchen table.” Toub would end up being an All-Conference offensive lineman at UTEP and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the ninth round, and later went to training camp with the Rams, but soon realized his future lay in coaching. “He went back to UTEP as a strength coach,” Keevins said. “That’s where he met [Chiefs head coach] Andy Reid.” Reid and Toub would make their way through the college and NFL coaching ranks, sometimes working together as assistants before Reid became the Philadelphia Eagles head coach in 1999 and brought Toub on as special teams and quality control coach in 2001. Toub went on to be the Chicago Bears special teams coordinator from 2004 to 2012—where he worked with Hall of Fame returner Devin Hester—before the two men reunited when Reid hired Toub as the Chiefs’ special teams coordinator in 2013. He added assistant head coach to his job description in 2018. “When you’re a football coach, you always say, ‘How did I get here?’ Toub said after the Super Bowl. “And I really look back to that point in time, because coaches Keevins and Miele got me interested in football. They got me going and football ended up being my career, ended up being my life. So I owe those guys a lot.” In his second year as assistant head coach, Toub won his first championship ring when the Chiefs beat the Niners 31-20 in Super Bowl LIV, KC’s first title since they did it in 1970 as part of the old AFL. Last year, Reid and Toub knocked off their old employers, the Eagles, in a tight game. It left the former Mahopac player reaching out to his former coaches and mentors. “When you go back [to the Super Bowl] and you look and you reflect,” Taub said. “So after the second one, I said, ‘Hey, if we go Bowled over! Mahopac grad and Chiefs coach Dave Toub brings his high school coaches to the big game PHOTO COURTESY GERRY KEEVINS AND FRANK MIELE REGIONAL SEE SUPERBOWL PAGE 28 Show Love, Shop Small EVENT BUNDLE APPRECIATION OFFER Sign up for both the 2024 Spring Festival & Car Show (Sunday April 28th) and the 2024 Fall Festival & Car Show (Sunday October 13th) and receive $50 off the total registration price! visit yorktownchamber.org to register and to check out other space options! LUCKY YOU! OFFER EXTENDED! CALLING ALL VENDORS!! Offer expires March 17th

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 SPORTS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 27 BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Thursday, Feb. 8, the combined gymnastics teams of Somers, Yorktown, John Jay, Ossining, Hen Hud and Pawling went to Eclipse Gym in Mahopac and competed in the sectionals. Undefeated in the regular season, the girls kept the winning going. “We’re Section One champions,” said Kaitlin Gannon. “It’s really important to us, because we worked so hard and it paid off.” No trip to Buffalo on March 2 for the Somers vaulter, she still cherishes the time with her team and handed off to Kayla Cambareri, whose morning began by taking it moment by moment. “I knew I had to get through the day, focus and perform well,” said the John Jay Wolf. School giving way, she continued the even keel. “I tried to perform the same as I did in the divisions, because I did really well,” said the sophomore. The order was taller than last year’s tournament, though. This time it was more competitive,” she said, and by the end of the night, she earned a state berth in the vault with a fourth-place finish. Of course, the team victory was also on her mind. “It shows we all worked really hard,” said the sophomore. Among them was Amelia Carozza, and 6th place on the beams has her shuffling off for the states too. “I made my connections,” the Yorktown Husker assured. Of course, she knows the drill when it comes to the interim period leading up. “I’m going to make sure I practice well,” Carozza asserted. Her second trip to the state’s, again the familiar ground will be a boost. “I know not to be worried,” she said. “It’s supposed to be fun.” Maggie Johannsen definitely agrees. So much so that the team member from Hen Hud medaled in all four categories and the all around, while winning the sectionals in the vault and the beam. All it takes is practice five nights a week, for three hours a night, and the fact that the season never really ends is no bother. “It’s actually a fun sport,” she said. “It’s nice and competitive. I like knowing that I get to compete and do my best.” The team obviously benefited in the final tally, but she didn’t leave anyone out. “Winning first is a really nice feeling, because we really worked hard together as a team,” said the Sailor. Nina Mori also helped with the tally, and was humbled by the camaraderie. “I’m honored to be part of such a good team,” said the Ossining student. A sentiment that went both ways. This especially with her 3rd place finishes in the bars, the beam and all around, which she attributed to the strong head on her shoulders. “Over the years, my confidence has improved, and that showed in my routines,” said Mori. One last piece, Rebecca Smith will be making the trek. A sixthplace finish on the bars, she refused to let her nerves get to her. “I knew that I did all I could to get where I am, and I just had to do my best,” said the Pawling Tiger, who also finished 6th all around. Alongside, the team had a cheering section that made themselves heard, and Arianna Gulli gave voice to the role of the girls who didn’t qualify. “It proud that I’m here to support and watch them do their best,” the Husker concluded. The NYSPHSAA state championships will take place on Saturday, March 2 at Clarence High School. Combined team takes Section One title Trio of area gymnasts headed for states The section 1 team going to States at Eclipse Gym in Mahopac. PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL GYMNASTICS 719 Rte. 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com 60 Years of Excellence CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE Softening. Filtering. Clean Water Solution. March into $pring $avings! $150 OFF INSTALLATION OF A SOFTENER

PAGE 28 – THE SOMERS RECORD SPORTS FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 again, I want to thank you guys.’ And, then we ended up going again.” A man of his word, Toub brought the coaches out to Las Vegas and spent quality time with them. “And I’m so glad I did,” Toub said. The trip involved much more than tickets to the Super Bowl. Miele and Keevins said Toub and his family made time for them before the game, took them to dinner, and Toub even broke away from the celebrations after the win to share the moment with his two former coaches. “Frank and I spent quite a bit of time with his family and met his wife Cheryl and son Shane, who is also a coach,” said Keevins. “The game was unbelievable. We saw him after the game on Sunday, he came right over the rail. We were able to shake hands and congratulate him.” Miele said the opportunity to see the game from that close was both a thrill and a learning experience. “I’m still in awe,” he said. “I never expected to be that close to a game situation, to be that close to a worldwide extravaganza. Then to watch him perform and see how he acted on the sideline and how involved he was, you don’t get to see all they do on TV. As coaches, we could haven’t been any prouder. Dave is a coach’s coach.” As impressive as Toub’s success as a coach has been. Miele–who lives in Carmel and currently serves as hitting coach at Western Connecticut State University–pointed to the humility Toub demonstrated by recognizing any role Keevins and himself may have played in it. “To have a player that we coached over 40 years ago even have the thought to invite us to something that the average person can’t go to because of the expense, I was so honored and humbled by the whole thing,” said Miele, adding that he was also happy to reunite with his old colleague Keevins and spend time together. “To have someone to say ‘thank you for being part of my life at the beginning…’ He’s at the top of the sports world [but] to see how down to earth he was, no airs, he acted like a regular person. He could have acted like a superstar. That’s probably why he’s reached the heights he has. His desire and heart made him a great [high school and college] player and coach in the NFL.” With Kansas City the first team to repeat as NFL champs in over 20 years, it was extra special for Toub to be able to share some history with his former coaches. “It was awesome,” he said. “It was just good to see the smiles on their faces. And you know just how much they appreciated it—I appreciate that at the same time. So, it was all good.” Thinking back to the kid he once coached after the Super Bowl, Keevins said Toub seemed unstoppable even as a high school student. “I never had a player who was more focused than Dave; he knew exactly what he wanted,” recalled Keevins, who won nine league titles in Mahopac, was honored in 2020 by having the high school’s fitness center named after him, and still makes his home here. “I’ll never forget him saying to me, ‘Coach, one day I will be a coach in the NFL.’ He was so focused and I couldn’t be more proud of him.” SUPERBOWL FROM PAGE 26 Chiefs special teams coordinator and assistant head coach Dave Taub celebrates with his former Mahopac high school coaches Gerry Keevins (in red) and Frank Miele (shaking hands) after KC’s Super Bowl win. Frank Miele and Gerry Keevins with Dave Toub’s wife Cheryl PHOTOS COURTESY GERRY KEEVINS AND FRANK MIELE LOCATIONS: Baldwin Place • 44 Route 118 • (845) 628-7900 Croton Falls • 1 Center St • (914) 769-3206 Find out why Joe Ferone of Proper Service needs to be YOUR Go-To Automotive Service Center! YOUR FAMILY CAR CARE CENTER For over 100 years of combined auto experience, Joe Ferone and his sta of Proper Service have been serving the community, creating relationships and building a remarkable company with an amazing team JOE FERONE, owner of employees!

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 LEISURE THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 29 To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! For puzzle solutions, please see theparamountrehab.com CLUES ACROSS 1. Gene type 5. Persian male given name 10. Type of protection 12. Cloud 14. One who returns to life 16. Gym class 18. General’s assistant (abbr.) 19. Baby’s dining accessory 20. Enchantress 22. Prefix denoting “in a” 23. Spiritual leader 25. Cavities 26. Relative biological effectiveness (abbr.) 27. Foot (Latin) 28. Sweet potato 30. Pharaoh of Lower Egypt 31. Land 33. More inquisitive 35. Dog breed: __ Apso 37. Stood up 38. Direct and uninhibited 40. Authorless 41. Blocking type of drug (abbr.) 42. Retrospective analysis (abbr.) 44. Root mean square (abbr.) 45. Macaws 48. Actress Remini 50. Polynesian wrapped skirt 52. City of Angels hoops team (abbr.) 53. Fitzgerald and Baker are two 55. Bowling alley must-have 56. A way to cool down 57. Ethnic group in Asia 58. A way to alter 63. Set of five 65. Removes from the record 66. Dummies 67. Set period in office CLUES DOWN 1. DC Comics superhero 2. Brew 3. Play 4. Single-celled animals 5. Rough to the touch 6. Small island (British) 7. Often noted alongside cons 8. Preparation of rootstock 9. Atomic #44 10. Egyptian unit of capacity 11. About secretary 13. Particular groups 15. Poke fun at 17. Make certain that something occurs 18. Financial term 21. Justify 23. Arbiter 24. 007’s creato 27. Czech name for Prague 29. Groans 32. American time 34. No seats available 35. __ Stahl, journalist 36. Cleft lip 39. Talk incessantly 40. Expresses atomic and molecular weights (abbr.) 43. A part of a river where the current is very fast 44. Curdled milk 46. Running competitions 47. A team’s best pitcher 49. Carthaginian explorer 51. World-renowned city 54. Most common Japanese surname 59. The bill in a restaurant 60. They __ 61. City of Angels football team (abbr.) 62. Distinctive practice 64. One quintillion bytes Scan Me! Read your local news online now! Scan Me! Scan Here To Get The Top Local News Delivered To Your Inbox Daily Scan Here To Read The News Of Somers

PAGE 30 – THE SOMERS RECORD HEALTH & WELLNESS FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 WE’RE NOT YOUR ORDINARY DENTISTS. Affiliate of Astoria | Bay Shore | Garden City | Hoboken | Howard Beach Huntington | Lake Success | Long Island City | Mt. Kisco | Oceanside White Plains | Yonkers | Yorktown Heights Put Your Health Where Your Mouth Is™ and book an appointment today, call 914-770-8555 For more information: CareMount Dental is now ProHealth Dental. ProHEALTH Dental proudly announces a groundbreaking affiliation with Northwell Health. Northwell is New York State’s largest health care provider, with more than 900 locations. ProHEALTH Dental has a network of 16 state-of-the-art dental offices throughout the NY Metro Area. Together, we will treat patients holistically, focusing on how oral health improves overall health. phdental.com Oral Surgery General Pediatrics Orthodontics Endodontics Sleep Cosmetic Dentistry Periodontics Implants Participating in youth sports can be a great way for children to develop various interpersonal skills and stay active. Routine physical activity is part of a healthy lifestyle, which can help reduce the rates of obesity and being overweight among modern youths. However, participation in sporting activities is not without risk. It falls on coaches, leagues and parents to make youth sports as safe as possible for these young athletes. According to Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, more than 3.5 million children ages 14 and younger get hurt each year while playing sports or participating in recreational activities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports high school athletes account for an estimated two million injuries, half a million doctor visits and 30,000 hospitalizations each year. A 2011 study of Canadian youth published in Science Direct found that 66 percent of injuries among young people between the ages of 12 and 19 were sports-related. In the face of such data, parents may be left wondering what can be done to reduce injuries. Cross train for overuse injury prevention The Canadian Strength & Conditioning Association says overtraining may be one contributor to these injuries. Overuse injuries involve repetitive strain placed on bones, tendons and ligaments, which differ from acute injuries that occur during a traumatic event. A 2009 study from the American College of Sports Medicine found the number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions performed on children between the ages of three and 20 in New York increased by 100 percent between 1990 and 2009. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia says ACL tears in children are not typically common compared to all injuries they suffer. However, they are more prevalent among youths who participate in organized sports that involve a lot of running, jumping, twisting and pivoting. Children need to take breaks from sports to allow their bodies to recover and to incorporate variety into their activities through cross training to avoid repetitive strain on one area of the body. In addition, muscles that have had the chance to warm up are less vulnerable to overuse injuries. Use proper technique It is essential that young athletes be schooled in the proper techniques when engaging in physical activity. Coaches should make sure that athletes are employing the proper techniques before sending them into games. Get the proper equipment Protective equipment, such as helmets, pads, shoes, and more, are vital for injury prevention and should never be overlooked. Listen to your body Young athletes should not be advised to play through pain. Doing so can exacerbate any injuries and lead to more damage that may sideline an athlete for a long time, says Johns Hopkins Medicine. Less focus on being the best at all costs from coaches and parents may remove the pressure to play no matter what. Although there is some risk of injury when playing sports, young athletes can reduce their chances of getting hurt if they are smart about sports play. This article is from Metro Creative Connection. Making youth sports safer for athletes

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PAGE 32 – THE SOMERS RECORD HEALTH & WELLNESS FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 Connecting Medicaid Planning to matters of the heart may seem unconventional, but the law is surprisingly sympathetic to your primary love relationship. New York State law allows transfer of assets to your spouse to obtain Medicaid for longterm care. These transfers are not penalized. Even if the total assets exceed community spouse guidelines, a “Spousal Refusal” form may be filed, which allows the ill spouse to receive Medicaid without considering the healthier spouse’s assets and income. No other relationship is treated with the same compassion. For example, with nursing some applications, Medicaid penalizes most asset transfers to children if the purpose of those transfers is to attain financial eligibility.   An elder law attorney’s office is an unlikely venue to discuss a romantic couple’s journey towards wedded bliss. But it happens. Long-term cohabiting companions and formerly divorced spouses will sit across from me and lament on how one partner’s health issues will have major pocketbook implications. I usually nod and carefully mouth these words, “you may or may not want to consider getting married.” With that, I stop, avert my eyes for a second and wait for the lovebirds to laugh uncontrollably or solemnly take each other into their arms and profess their undying love. There is a sound planning reason to walk down the aisle. Spousal Medicaid protections will preserve more of the couple’s assets. Remaining unmarried affords no Medicaid asset protection. Asset transfers from one companion to the other is a penalizable gift for Nursing Home Medicaid. Besides the wedding cake, another perk of marriage involves taking a spouse’s higher Social Security amount for themselves after a spouse’s death. We understand that there may be valid reasons why a couple decided to remain unmarried for 40 years. Complicated family dynamics, step-children, and other fun social experiments may be lurking. After tying the knot and dancing that first dance, a couple can work on Medicaid planning and set up a Trust to ensure that both spouses’ families are recognized and protected.   The unromantic view of Medicaid planning and marriage is that New York State does not want the ill spouse’s decline to financially decimate the healthier spouse. A married couple is considered one unit under the law. Each county in New York has discretion to seek financial contributions from the spouse who has received the bulk of the family’s wealth to pay for some of the long-term care. These contributions may be negotiated and counties usually do not want to place unreasonable burdens on spouses. As a matter of governmental fiscal responsibility, it is generally good policy to set rules that limit a very wealthy family’s access to an entitlement program. That said, the massive costs of long-term care can wreak havoc on most families. You probably will not see “Love and Medicaid” on the Hallmark Channel any time soon and that is too bad. Just know that elder law attorneys are no strangers to cupid and his arrow. Contact the professionals at The Feller Group, P.C. for more insight on Estate Planning reevaluations. The Feller Group is a multi-disciplinary law practice specializing in elder law, estate planning and business advisement. This article was written by Alan D. Feller, Esq. Feller can be reached at 845-621- 8640, or visit thefellergroup.com.  Medicaid matters Navigating the month of love with financial finesse Elder Law Wills, Trusts & Estates Estate Planning Medicaid Applications Guardianships Probates Elder Law & Estate Planning A Tradition of Excellence in Elder Law (845) 621-8640 thefellergroup.com 625 Route 6, Mahopac NY 10541 We make home & hospital visits Contact the team today! (845) 621-8640 4 Heritage Hills Plaza, 202 Ctr. • Somers, NY 10589 914-277-4222 • www.somerssmiles.com A new generation of family dentistry CALL US & make your appointment TODAY! COMPLIMENTARY IN-HOUSE WHITENING ON ALL FULL COMPREHENSIVE INVISALIGN CASES* BEFORE *Promotion applies for the month of March STRAIGHTER healthier smile! Spring into a AFTER ALAN D. FELLER, ESQ. GUEST CORNER

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 HEALTH & WELLNESS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 33 ADVERTORIAL What does it mean to act your age…to behave in a way appropriate for someone as old as you? But what about feeling younger than your numerical age? Our age should not define who we are. Age is a state of mind. See age as a milestone and reminder to live every day to the fullest because the numerical number will keep growing, but that alone should not be detrimental to your healthy lifestyle. The authentic self is our spirit and reveals who we truly are, and that is ageless. ACHIEVERS BEYOND THEIR 80S There are many accomplished individuals who have remained active and continued to make significant contributions in their respective fields well beyond age 70 and into their 80s. Here are a few examples: • Sir David Attenborough (born 1926): English broadcaster and natural historian. • Jane Goodall (1934): conservationist who conducted groundbreaking research on chimpanzees. • Willie Nelson (1933): American country singer, songwriter, and activist. • Our own Westchester-based Martha Stewart (1941): businesswoman, writer, television personality, who inspire all with her famous saying “making beautiful but simple.” HOW TO KEEP OUR MINDS SHARP The mind, just like our physical body, is subject to change, for better or worse. According to the National Institute on Aging, occasional forgetfulness (for example forgetting a name or where you put your car keys) can be expected at any age, but cognitive decline and consistently struggling to stay focused are not a natural part of the aging process. In his book “Keep sharp, building a better brain at any age”, Dr. Sanjay Gupta mentioned five pillars to build a stronger brain: move, discover, relax, nourish, and connect. As a physical therapist or movement specialist, it was music to my ears that Dr. Gupta viewed “movement” as his priority pillar to improve brain function, increase and repair brain cells that make you more productive and alert. Movement not only helps and improves the musculoskeletal system but also the central nervous system. SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SHOWS IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO START EXERCISING Regular physical activity and movement make us feel better and help us to perform tasks easier, but resistance training also helps to rejuvenate muscle tissue in healthy senior citizens. A 2007 medical study* showed that the powerhouse of our bodies, the mitochondria (membrane-bound cell organelles that break down glucose into energy) decline as we age but can be reversed with resistance exercises. Among senior adults who exercised twice a week over a six-month period, it remarkably showed an increase in muscle strength of 50%. PHYSICAL EXERCISE TO COMBAT THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF AGING Here are some ways in which regularly moving your body can help you combat the negative effects of aging: • Reduce the risk of falls (and associated injuries) - according to the CDC, 36 million falls among seniors are reported annually. • Maintain muscle strength and function - as we age, our muscles weaken and lose mass. Regular exercise, including resistance training and weightbearing activities, help slow down this loss and preserve muscle strength and function. Strong muscles are essential to maintain balance, reduce the risk of falls, and maintain independence. • Enhance cardiovascular health: regular cardiovascular exercise helps to strengthen the heart muscle, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions commonly associated with aging. • Improve joint flexibility and mobility – as we age, our joints become stiff, and it becomes more difficult to do basic self-care activities like putting on socks and shoes. • Guard against injury: as we age, we lose bone mass (osteoporosis) - especially women -- which makes us more prone to fractures. Weightbearing exercises and weight training helps not only to strengthen muscles but also our bones. • Protective function against chronic disease - according to the National Council on Aging, 80% of adults over the age of 65 has at least LIZE LUBBE GUEST CORNER Eighty is the new sixty… once chronic condition with high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes as the most common. • Assist in pain relief as endorphins are released with exercises. • Preserve cognitive function and lower the risk of dementia. EXERCISE, AND IF YOU DON’T, START To enjoy a healthy 80s lifestyle, requires we are physically active (move). It is easier than we think. Start to incorporate short exercise bursts in your daily life: for example - • Before sitting down behind your computer, practice sit-to-stand 10 times (without pushing up on your hands) and breathe deep in and out as you sit-tostand to sitting again. • Park further away when you go to a store, and walk briskly to the store. We are hands on PTs! The professional services of the team at Lize Lubbe Physical Therapy include: • Pre & Post Surgery Rehabilitation • Sports Injury Rehabilitation • Neurological Rehabilitation • Treatment of Musculoskeletal & Orthopedic Conditions • Postural, Balance & Gait Training • Pain & Headache Management • Body Rebalancing through Diaphragm, Breathing & Pelvic Stability www.lizelubbept.com [email protected] 914.875.9430 892 NY-35, Cross River, NY 10518 (blue office building) * By the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and McMaster University Medical Center, which summary report is available at www.buckinstitute.org/news/exercise-reverses-aging-in-human-skeletal-muscle Lize Lubbe is the owner of Lize Lubbe Physical Therapy with its main practice located at 892 Route 35 in Cross River and a PT Studio in the premises of Apex Fitness (where her team focus on the rehabilitation of sports-related injuries). Learn more by calling 914-875-9430, emailing [email protected] or visiting www.lizelubbept.com. • When you stand in line, do heel raises and tighten up your core and squeeze your Glutes. • When watching TV, get up during the commercials and march in place. If you stay seated, kick your legs out and bring your knee up to your chest bringing your knee to your opposite elbow. Being active is a gift you will give your body and your mind. It increases not only your longevity, but it also slows the biological clock, and keeps you in better energy, better function, elevates your mood, and stimulates your brain. If you are not used to regular exercises, talk to your doctor or physical therapist to progress to weight training and more moderate intensity exercise program. Let’s keep it that way

PAGE 34 – THE SOMERS RECORD HEALTH & WELLNESS FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 www.aonpt.com GOODROW BUILDING 862 Route 6 Mahopac NY 10541 (845) 208-0963 MILL POND OFFICES 293 Route 100 • Suite 107 Somers, NY 10589 (914) 276-2520 BREWSTER 3 Starr Ridge Road Brewster, NY 10509 (845) 279-9288 The Road To Recovery Starts Here Now Accepting New Patients We Are In-Network With MetLife, Delta Dental, United HealthCare, Cigna PPO, and Ameritas PPO, and We Accept Other Insurances 914.277.3518 380 Route 202 at Junction of 116 (across from Heritage Hills) PaulHarbottle.com Excellence in Dentistry In Somers Since 1990 Paul D. Harbottle, DDS VOTED TOP DENTIST 2009-2019 by his Peers as featured in Five Westchester County women, including Dr. Marla Koroly of Somers, are joining the American Heart Association’s Woman of Impact initiative to fight their No. 1 health threat, cardiovascular disease (CVD). Woman of Impact is an extension of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, a comprehensive platform designed more than two decades ago to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. This year’s Woman of Impact class will work from February to April 4 to raise funds to support research and education to better identify, diagnose, treat and prevent CVD in women.  Women experience unique life stages that can increase their risk of developing CVD over the course of their lifetime. In fact, CVD is the No. 1 killer of new moms as the leading case of maternal mortality. The good news is, the majority of cardiovascular events can be prevented with lifestyle changes and education, which is the foundation of the Association’s Go Red for Women movement. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, claiming more lives than all cancers combined. It’s vital for all women to take charge of their heart health and encourage others to do the same. Nearly 45% of women over age 20 are living with some form of CVD. Women need to raise their voices and make sure all Westchester women know how to take steps now to protect their hearts later. Woman of Impact, a nationwide initiative, launched in more than 100 cities across the country on National Wear Red Day, Feb. 2. At the start of the campaign, hundreds of nominees nationwide embarked on a nine-week journey to help transform the health of women through education and fundraising. Each week, nominees participate in activities designed to create a culture of wellness and advance health equity. Activities may include educational events, learning and spreading the word about CPR, getting physically active, recruiting women to participate in research and more. Nominees also raise critical funds for the Westchester County American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.  Westchester’s 2024 Woman of Impact Nominees are: • Dana Colasante – Port Chester; Project ADAM NY • Christina Collins – Mount Kisco; NeverStopMoving365 • Marla Koroly – Somers; Northwell Health Physician Partners • Alice Schoen – Rye Brook; Project ADAM NY • Betty Wu – Old Greenwich; Franklin Templeton Investments On April 4, one nominee will be named the Westchester County 2024 Woman of Impact winner. In addition to local market winners, one nominee from across the country will be named the National Woman of Impact Winner. While the large majority of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease continues to take the life of one in three women.  To learn more about the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, visit GoRedforWomen.org. Somers resident nominated as ‘Woman of Impact’ Dr. Marla Koroly of Somers PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION E x - ercise is just as beneficial for older adults as it is for children and young adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, engaging in regular physical activity is among the most important steps older adults can take as they seek to safeguard their overall health. Such activity can prevent or delay many age-related health problems and strengthen muscles while improving balance, which can reduce risk for falls and injuries such as broken bones. The CDC notes that certain physical activities can be characterized as multicomponent activities, which means they combine aerobic activity, muscle strengthening and balance training. Examples of such activities include dancing, yoga, tai chi, gardening and even sports participation. Did you know?

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 HEALTH & WELLNESS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 35 We see you here. What’s our greatest asset at The Bristal Assisted Living communities? It’s the lifetime of interests and experiences you bring to it. After all, that’s what makes you special. A caring team that spends the time getting to know you so you can continue nurturing, sharing and exploring those interests? Well, that’s what makes us special, too. Schedule your visit today and see for yourself. THE BRISTAL AT ARMONK | 914.306.8580 THE BRISTAL AT WHITE PLAINS | 914.594.5787 thebristal.com Licensed by the State Department of Health. Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies. Equal Housing Opportunity. Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care The human body changes as it ages. While certain conditions are commonly associated with aging, some individuals may be surprised to learn of the more common health conditions that can affect seniors. The World Health Organization says one in six people will be 60 or older by 2030. With such a large portion of the population on the cusp of turning 60, it makes sense for individuals to familiarize themselves with the more notable issues affecting seniors.  Cognitive decline A certain degree of memory loss is a natural component of aging. Forgetting where you left your keys or experiencing difficulty putting a name to a face can be a random and frustrating occurrence. However, dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease, are not a side effect of aging. As many as one in five seniors experiences mental health issues that are not associated with aging, and it helps to learn the early warning signs of dementia. Such recognition may compel individuals to seek treatment that can slow the progression of the disease. Osteoarthritis Aches and pains may come with aging, and often can be attributed to osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears away over time. It is progressive and cannot be reversed, but maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can help alleviate pain and improve joint function. Cataracts and refractive errors It should come as no surprise to most that the eyes change as the body ages. Refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia can make objects look blurry when viewed, says the National Eye Institute. Cataracts, which are a clouding of the eye’s natural lenses, affect about 20 percent of people age 65 and older, according to the American Geriatrics Society, while the National Eye Institute says half of all people over age 80 will get them. Cataract removal surgery and prescription eyeglasses can help. Type 2 diabetes American Senior Communities reports that it’s estimated 25 percent of adults age 65 and older have type 2 diabetes. Unchecked diabetes can lead to a host of ailments, including vision problems, mobility issues, kidney damage and increased risk for heart disease or stroke. Many people can manage type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise. Heart disease The National Institute on Aging says adults age 65 and older are more likely than younger people to suffer from cardiovascular disease that affects the heart, blood vessels or both. Conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol need to be properly managed, and diet and exercise is important throughout life to avoid developing heart disease in later years. Balance issues Balance issues that can lead to falls are a major concern for seniors. According to HealthinAging.org, many things can adversely affect balance. These include nerve and brain problems, vision troubles, diabetes, arthritis, inner ear problems and even dehydration. Dizziness or balance problems should be addressed, as there are serious health risks associated with falls. This article is from Metro Creative Connection. Notable senior health concerns Did you know? Falls pose a significant threat to the senior population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says someone age 65 or older suffers a fall every second of every day in the United States. This makes falls the leading cause of injury and injury death among this demographic. The National Council on Aging says one in four Americans fall each year. In fact, the NCOA notes that falls result in more than three million injuries treated in hospital emergency rooms each year, including more than 800,000 that lead to hospitalization. The financial toll of falls among older adults also is significant, and estimates suggest falls will cost $101 billion annually by 2030. That cost is only expected to increase as the population ages.

PAGE 36 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 BY TOM WALOGORSKY EDITOR On Feb. 5, Somers High School students gathered with their parents in the SHS auditorium to hear a powerful reminder about the importance of making good choices. The message was simple, but important. Hang up and drive. The annual program presented by the SHS PTSA serves to educate and warn new student drivers (and provide a reminder for parents) about the potential consequences of distracted driving. For the past 16 years, Somers Town Justice Michael McDermott has attended the program,  delivering an important message about personal responsibility and the consequences of the choices we make. “There’s a message that I give to young people and everyone who comes into my court room,” McDermott continued. “The message I give comes down to the element of choice. And many times, the choices we have to make are hard.” Judge McDermott then explained to the students in attendance the importance of focusing their attention while behind the wheel, and the potential consequences of distracted or impaired driving. Speaking as a father, he also emphasized the concern that parents have when their children are out of the house and on the road. “When you’re out driving around, your parents aren’t sleeping. They’re waiting for you to come home,” said McDermott. “A parent’s worst nightmare is to get a call that their son or daughter has been in a car accident.” Before turning the program over to his guest speakers, Judge McDermott reiterated his point about the consequences of our actions, particularly behind the wheel of a car. “It comes down to an element of choice,” McDermott concluded. “You have to make good decisions.” The evening continued with presentations from New York State Trooper Matthew Gelbman with K9 Fortini, and Sgt. John Maguire of the Somers Police Department. Sgt. Maguire provided an informative presentation to educate young drivers on proper procedures they should follow in the event that they are pulled over by the police or involved in a traffic accident. Finally, the evening concluded with a moving presentation from guest speakers Steve Johnson and Jacy Good. Jacy’s story starts in 2008 when, just after her graduation from Muhlenberg College, her family was involved in a car accident caused by a driver distracted by their phone. “That day started as the best day of my life,” she explained. The distracted driver ran a red light and pulled into an intersection, resulting in a tractor trailer swerving to avoid the car and crashing into the vehicle driven by Jacy’s family. Both of her parents were killed in the collision. Jacy suffered life-threatening injuries, endured more than eight hours of surgery, and was initially given only a 10% chance of survival. Her boyfriend, Steve, remained by her side every day. Recovering from the injuries took months of rehab, and due to a traumatic brain injury Jacy is unable to use her left arm and lower leg, and she still suffers from lingering cognitive issues. Following those tragic events, Jacy and Steve have made it their mission to educate the world about the consequences of distracted driving. To date, the pair have spoken at more than 15,000 events across 44 states and several foreign countries. As someone who realizes how fortunate she is to be alive today, Jacy also values the importance of spreading her message. “Someone needs to be telling this story,” she said. For more information about Jacy and Steve’s work with Hang Up and Drive, visit www. hangupanddrive.com Hang Up and Drive SHS PTSA helps to deliver a powerful message Somers Town Justice Michael McDermott PHOTOS: TOM WALOGORSKY Sgt. John Maguire of the Somers Police Department 914.948.1500 This ad is donated by Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 $75 per person includes: 6:30 - 10 pm - Beer & Wine Open Bar 6:30 -7 pm - Appetizers 7 - 8 pm - Buffet dinner, dessert, soda/coffee 8 - 10 pm - 9 Comedians For tickets go to: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/b832fde8-d716-4a4f-af98-c73a84064a2a Or scan the QR code: CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. Sponsorships Available Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 COMEDIAN LINEUP CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 COMEDIAN LINEUP CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers.

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 37 Assemblyman Slater speaking at a SNAP rally on Feb. 14. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF ASSEMBLYMAN MATT SLATER Members of the SVFD extinguishing a van fire. PHOTO COURTESY OF SVFD A presentation gave SHS sophomores a lot to consider. PHOTO COURTESY OF SCSD Firefighters race to extinguish van blaze The busy month for the Somers Volunteer Fire Department continued when firefighters rushed to the scene of a vehicle fire off Route 100 on Feb. 19. Members of the SVFD had responded to a similar call the previous week, racing to the scene of a motor vehicle fire on Brook Hollow Court on Feb. 11. SHS students explore upperclassman options Whether they are looking for a deep dive into the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme or some hands-on experience in a potential career, sophomores were given a lot to think about at a recent presentation geared towards helping them plan their final two years at Somers High School. Albany lawmakers rally for fully funded school meals Assemblyman Matt Slater along with fellow lawmakers and advocacy groups like Hunger Solutions New York and Feeding New York State, rallied at the New York State Capitol. Their primary requests include fully funding the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program and Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP). SMS students preparing for exploration! PHOTO COURTESEY OF SCSD From Somers to Mars Mars is closer than expected if you know where to look. Inside the technology classes at Somers Middle School, sixth-grade students were hard at work designing and building their own Mars rovers! The stories below were published on our website in-between print editions. Never miss another local story again by visiting News.HalstonMedia.com. Scan the QR codes in the summaries below to read the full story. Scan Here To Get The Top Local News Delivered To Your Inbox Daily. In Case You Missed It

PAGE 38 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ CONTRIBUTING EDITOR This spring, Travelers Rest will fill with laughter for a seriously worthy cause. For more than 37 years, CAREERS Support Solutions (careerssupportsolutions.org) has been helping people with disabilities of all kinds find jobs. Originally based in lower Westchester, the non-profit now has locations in Carmel Hamlet (102 Gleneida Ave.) and Valhalla and serves Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties. Like many nonprofits, CAREERS relies on a combination of grants and donations to operate. And according to Executive Director Tina Cornish-Lauria, funding has become more of a challenge in the post-COVID world. “Things have changed so drastically,” Cornish Lauria said, noting that the grant application system has become more complex. “In the past, I’d raise $200,000 in grants. And now last year and this year I’m close to having to fundraise almost $400,000 to our budget.” Those funds are necessary because all CAREERS services are provided for free. “We do not charge clients, their families, or employers for our services,” Cornish-Lauria said. This year, CAREERS is launching a fun and funny way to help shore up the budget with its first-ever comedy night on Friday, April 12, at Travelers Rest in Ossining. Comedians Dimitri Giatrakis, Vicki Sanches, Dr. Blain Langberg, Anthony Sanches, Susan Schatzie, Matt Orefice, LouAnn Daprato, Bill Greene, and Barbara Miller will provide the laughs at the fundraiser, with all profits going to help CAREERS in its mission to help disabled people find employment. “Anyone who lives in Westchester, Putnam or lower Dutchess counties and has a disability is eligible for our services,” Cornish-Lauria said. “You can call CAREERS Support Solutions Carmel office at 845-225- 8007 and ask to attend a weekly orientation Zoom meeting. That is the first step. Then ACCES-VR (the NY State Education Department) will need to do an intake for services after they attend the 45-minute meeting.” Part of what makes CAREERS so effective is that it tailors its services to the interests and abilities of each client, looking for well-fitting jobs with the same tools used by job seekers everywhere. “After we receive a new referral, we set up an intake where we gather information from each client, their case manager, family members, etc., and figure out as a team what services they need,” Cornish-Lauria said. “We do not have a pool of jobs that we fit people into. On the contrary, we figure out what each client wants and needs and go looking – just like anyone else looking for a job or paid internship. “Because we work with a wide range of disabilities, that means there is also a wide range of functional levels,” she continued. “We have clients working in daycare centers, lawyers offices, supermarkets, retail stores like Marshall’s and HomeGoods, school districts, hospitals, churches, libraries, and any other places that our clients are interested in working in and have the right experiences for.” While the program works with local school districts and serves around 200 high school students per year, Cornish-Lauria said there’s no age limit. “We provide services to anyone between the ages of 16 to up in their 70s,” she said. CAREERS Board of Directors President Lauren Enea said the comedy night is about more than raising funds; it’s also a chance to increase awareness of CAREERS’ programs. “We’re very excited to introduce or reintroduce CAREERS to the community and hopefully get some more support from our community members in a fun way and with an engaging and exciting night,” Enea said. “We have an amazing list of comedians who are donating their time to perform, so we’re hoping for a good crowd and for them to learn more about careers throughout the night as well.” Tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities are now available for the April 12 CAREERS Support Solutions Comedy Night. Email [email protected] for more information. Individual tickets are also available at Zeffy.com, accessible via the accompanying QR code or this case-sensitive short link: https://bit.ly/ CAREERSComedy. A funny way to raise money CAREERS comedy night will help support jobs for disabled people Dr. Blain Langberg and eight other comics will perform to benefit disabled job-seekers at CAREERS Support Solutions’ April 12 Comedy Show fundraiser. COURTESY YOUTUBE MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-HOUR PROBLEM GAMING HOTLINE: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369) Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com I-84 | Exit 36B I-87 | Exit 17 Earn Entries All Month Long! Friday, March 29 • 10pm & Sunday, March 31 • 4pm Double your luck with a chance to win a Chevy Colorado*! *Actual models and colors may vary. DOUBLE YOUR LUCK CHEVY COLORADO DRAWING AND LEARN Diamonds are a girl's best friend! During this month of love, join us for a fun after-hours event with jeweler Casey Carter for tips on what you really need to know when choosing that special engagement ring, appraising cherished heirlooms, and ideas around gifting jewelry during your lifetime. 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FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 39 For more information call 914-962-5196 or 914-815-5281 • CALL TODAY and sign up for a tour. 2090 Crompond Road - Yorktown Heights PRESCHOOL • Ages 18 Months – 5 Years • Operating Hours 7am – 6pm • New York State Certified Curriculum • Before & After Care Available • 1/2 Day Students Welcome • Whole School Live Music Twice Per Day • Individualized Classroom Art Class Three Times Per Week • Physical Education Classes Four Times Per Week • Pre-K Field Trips To Stuarts’ Apple Farm, Muscoot Farm, East Coast Sport Complex, John C. Hart Library, Uncle Giuseppe’s • Special Presenters BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL ADVENTURES • Ages 18 Months To 10 Years • Large Indoor & Fenced-In Outdoor Playgrounds • Homework Assistance • Bus Transportation Provided By The Yorktown School District • Food & Drinks Provided Starting our 44th year serving Yorktown children Family Owned And Operated, Owners Always On The Premises. Check out our NEW WEBSITE! piedpiperschoolyorktown.com PIED PIPER FACILITY • Three Outdoor Playgrounds • A Turf Play Space • Half Court Basketball Space • Gaga Ball Pit • Covered Outdoor Patio Space & Playgroup • Skylights & Windows For Plenty Of Outdoor Lighting Assemblyman Matt Slater (R/C-Yorktown), a member of the state’s Transportation Committee, spoke at the rally. He represents the 94th District, which includes the towns of Somers and Yorktown. Reducing state funding, especially when paired with “the continual doubling of road repair costs, “could have a drastic impact on infrastructure, he said, noting that local highway officials “fear that there will be no way to finance upcoming projects.” Slater, a former Yorktown town supervisor, and other lawmakers are also urging the state to increase the funding cap from $350,000 to $1 million to “efficiently address these much-needed improvement projects. “CHIPS funding is critical to the safety and quality of life in our communities,” he said. “It’s imperative not only to restore this funding but also to increase it and invest in our infrastructure.” Other Programs The governor’s proposed budget called for the continuation of infrastructure programs such as CHIPS, Extreme Winter Recover (EWR), Pave our Potholes (POP) and PAVE-NY. However, it would decrease CHIPS funding by $60 million and chop $40 million from the State Touring Routes Program (STR), which gives money to municipalities for the maintenance, construction, and repair of highways, railroad crossings, bridges, and transportation facilities. Hochul’s Highlights Hochul announced the “highlights” of her executive budget on Jan. 16. The “investments to continue road, bridge, and safety improvement across New York” include, she said: · $7.9 billion in State operating aid for the MTA, which Gov. Hochul said she saved from the “fiscal cliff” in last year’s budget. · $7.6 billion for the third year of the fiveyear $32.9 billion Department of Transportation Capital Plan, the largest in New York’s history. · $577.8 million in funding for the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) and the Marchiselli Program. (The latter provides a local match to federal funds for local highway and bridge capital projects). · $551 million for non-MTA transit in the downstate region. · $323 million for transit systems in upstate New York. · $100 million for the Pave our Potholes (POP) Program · $45 million for engineering on the Interborough Express · $16 million to move forward with the planning of the Second Avenue Subway extension to Broadway. · Introducing a comprehensive safety package to address the remaining legislative recommendations from the Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety Task Force. Motorists ‘At Risk’ Harckham represents the 40th Senate District, which includes the towns of Somers, North Salem, Yorktown, Lewisboro, and Bedford. He pointed to “a surge in traffic, rising repair costs, and a proliferation of potholes” that’s left local communities “struggle to keep our roadways safe. CHIPS has helped maintain decent road conditions statewide, but “there has been marked deterioration in many areas, like the Hudson Valley, because of climate change,” Harckham said. “Looking ahead, we can see that more, not less investments will have to be made for our local roads to stay safe for motorists, and those increases should be on the books this year,” the senator insisted, emphasizing: “Simply, cuts to CHIPS puts motorists on New York roads at risk.” New York is in the third year of a fiveyear capital plan for the state’s Department of Transportation to repair the local road system. Inside of that plan is $538.1 million for annual funding of CHIPS. Record-high inflation rates and increased costs for highway materials on top of worsening infrastructure have caused major problems for municipalities, which is why the state Legislature added $60 million for a total of $598 million to CHIPS in last year’s budget, Harckham said. Hochul’s executive budget would CHIPS funding back to $538 million. Last year’s investment helped municipalities deal with much-needed repairs to local roads, but now circumstances require more funding, not less, Harckham said, noting that he’s called for an additional $2 billion in the state budget for highway improvements. (That’s a different bucket of money. CHIPS is for use on local roads only.) A recent report from TRIP, a Washington, D.C.-based transportation research organization, noted that New York’s roadways cost the state’s drivers $8.7 billion -- an average of $715 per motorist -- in repairs last year. Add congestion-related delays ($16.8 billion) and traffic crashes caused by unsafe roads ($11.2 billion) and the total “skyrockets” to $36.7 billion, Harckham added. According to Harckham, local governments are responsible for maintaining 85 percent of all roads statewide, with towns responsible for the most -- 62.9 percent. Not-So-Hidden Costs The Association of Towns (AOT) of the State of New York states that every dollar of road and bridge maintenance saves New York drivers four to five dollars in future repairs. In total, New York drivers lose an average of $2,768 a year because of bad, unsafe roads and traffic jams, the AOT stats found. In the organization’s educated opinion, “reliable funding sources like CHIPS allow towns to engage in long-term capital planning.” The American Society of Engineers released a report that found half of New York’s roads are in fair or poor condition and that 10 percent of its bridges are in poor condition. The national transportation advocacy organization TRIP claims that inadequate state and local funding has resulted in 43 percent of major local and state roads and highways are in poor to mediocre condition, according to one media report. CHIPS FROM PAGE 8

PAGE 40 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 914.455.2158 SpirelliElectric.com • [email protected] Specializing in residential & commercial services. Licenses in Westchester, Putnam CREATING CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE Family Owned—Over 40 Years Experience! $25 OFF Service Calls When You Present This Ad. New Customers Only. Keep the lights on. • GENERATORS • Outdoor Lighting • Smart Home Setup • Electric Car Chargers AND ALL OF YOUR ELECTRIC NEEDS! Mary Ann Barbieri Mary Ann Barbieri (Conroy), formerly of North Salem, passed away on February 7. Mary Ann was born on December 28, 1934 in Yonkers. Daughter of the late Edwin and Jane (Fell) Conroy. She married Robert Barbieri on April 18, 1959 in Mt. Vernon. Mary Ann attended Katherine Gibbs Business School in Manhattan and had a successful career as an executive secretary for several businesses including Sports Illustrated and Movielab in NYC. She later chose to become a stay at home mom and was very active in PTA, even serving as president. Mary Ann was a North Salem resident for many years and enjoyed being a member of Pehquenakonck Country Club, the North Salem Democratic Club, and the North Salem Senior Citizens. She also had a strong connection with St. Joseph’s Church and its Senior Citizens Group. She was an avid golfer and shopper. Mary Ann’s greatest joy was spending time with family, and was known for welcoming them with open arms for birthdays, holidays, and other celebrations. Her grandchildren have fond memories of her penne alla vodka as well as corned beef and cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day. Mary Ann is survived by her son Robert (Maria); daughter Jayne (Matthew); daughter Nancy (Thomas); and seven grandchildren, Kathryn, Bryan, Alison, Michael, Charles, TJ and Annie. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Robert. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Thursday February 15, at St. Joseph’s Church in Somers, followed by the interment in Peach Pond Cemetery in North Salem. Marjorie Turner Stolfi Marjorie Turner Stolfi, 94 of Somers, formerly of Garden City, NY, died peacefully with her daughter at her side February 12, 2024 after a very brief illness at Northern Westchester Hospital. Marjorie was born August 30, 1929 in New York, NY, to the late Ernest W. Turner and Louise Emmeline Sawyers. It was at a church dance where she met her husband Guy. The married on November 19, 1950, which lasted 46 years until his death in 1996. They had two children Robert and Joanmarie. While living in Garden City for close to fifty years, Marjorie was an active member of The Garden City Community Church, a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), The Twigs, a volunteer for the Girl Scouts and active in her children’s schools PTA. She had so many fond memories of living in the community and raising her family on Sackville Road. She moved to Heritage Hills in Somers, NY over ten years ago enjoying the peaceful surroundings and wonderful people she’s met. Her family gives much thanks to the Somers Library for curating her book selections and the amazing volunteers that delivered her books. Marjorie graduated with top honors from Richmond Hill HS in Queens, NY. She then worked for The Metropolitan Life Corporation (NYC) for ten years. Some of her friends made at HS and “The Met,” lasted her lifetime. Later, when her children were in school full time, she attended Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, receiving her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Economics. Marjorie loved all things economics related. She was highly versed in the ways of investing. She took real pride in her prowess of investing she and her husband’s nest egg and assisting family members and friends in growing their portfolios. A favorite birthday gift was a note of congratulations on her 50th from Louis Rukeyser, the host of “Wall Street Week,” on PBS. She adored books and was a voracious reader. To the amusement of family and friends, given her analytical inclinations, her favorite genre was the Victorian romance novel. Oh how she loved her Dukes and damsels. Marjorie was proud of her British heritage, loving her afternoon tea and, as she would say, “You know me, I’ll take anything baked.” Marjorie is predeceased by her beloved husband Guy and adored son Bob. She is survived by her daughter Joanmarie (Alan), daughter in law Susan, and most cherished granddaughter Devon, as well as family, friends and “besties” Marie Grace and Pat. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations in her honor to: The Somers Library, Route 139 & Reis Park, Somers, NY 10589 The family received friends on February 18 at Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah. The service was celebrated on February 19 with Rev. Timothy Wagner officiating. Interment followed at Calverton National Cemetery in Calverton, NY. Robert E. Koch Robert E. Koch of Somers, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, at the age of 83. He was born in the Bronx to Howard and Christina (Kelley) Koch in 1941 and was later joined by brother Howie. Robert married his true love Margaret (Lorigan) in 1965. They lived in the Bronx before moving to Garrison to raise their three children. Rob was the consummate neighbor that everyone could always count on. Robert worked for Royal Insurance for 30+ years.  His passion, persistence, integrity was always evident in his work. After retirement, he found his true calling as “Grandpa.” Robert’s greatest role was being a family man. He was a loving husband, proud father and caring grandfather.  He created many memories with his in-laws, family friends, nephews and many, many favorite nieces. Bob Koch’s ability to connect with people remained with him until the end thanks to his angels Damiana, Daniel, Harry and Lori. Robert is survived by OBITUARIES SEE OBITUARIES PAGE 41

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 41 his wife Margaret, his daughter Kelly Ann Aframian (Isaac) and sons Robert (Rebecca), Kevin (Elexis), brother Howie (Claudia) and his grandchildren Jacob, Sarah, Quinn, Gracie and Emma. Visiting was held on Monday, February 19, at Joseph J. Smith Funeral Home in Mahopac.  A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, February 20 at St. Joseph’s Church in Somers with interment following at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne. Family and friends can make donations in memory of Robert to the Little Sisters of the Poor, Jeanne Jugan Residence, 2999 Schurz Ave., Bronx, NY 10465- 3826 or www.littlesistersofthe poorbronx.org Marsha A. Berman Marsha A. Berman, 72, of Somers, formerly of Yorktown Heights, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Marsha was born in The Bronx to the late William and Gloria Gabel. She was raised in The Bronx and graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in 1969. She then attended Herbert H. Lehman College, graduating with a BA in Psychology.  She met Robert Berman in 1970 and they never looked back, building a beautiful life together.  Marsha worked in the medical field for much of her career, including for over 20 years managing a medical office in Yorktown Heights, welcoming patients with her warmth and compassion.    She retired in order to more fully direct that warmth and compassion to her family when it was most needed. Her professional contributions were eclipsed by her dedication to her family, as a wife and mother. Marsha is the beloved wife of Robert Berman and is the loving mother of Brad (Diana Castaldini) of New Rochelle, NY, and David (Vanessa) of Burlington, VT.  She is the devoted grandmother of Noah, Samara, Andrew, Alana and Hazel, a role she relished.  Marsha is the sister of Larry Gabel, of Canton, MA and is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Throughout her life Marsha brimmed with altruism.  She found contentment and fulfillment through the happiness and health of those closest to her. The family will hold a private service. Rosemary Picha Rosemary Picha, 84 of Somers, died peacefully on February 14, 2024 at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. Rosemary was born March 18, 1939 in The Bronx, NY to the late William and Gertrude Judge (ne Laskey). Rosemary graduated from Walton High School Bronx, NY and Pace University. She earned a BSN degree and worked as a psychiatric nurse at Four Winds Hospital in Cross River, NY. Rosemary is predeceased by her first husband, Robert  Venturini and her beloved mother-in-law, Mary Venturini.  They had three daughters, Catherine, Christine and Carolyn. Rosemary found love again with Carl Picha and they were married for 45 years. Their love for each other brought two  families together. Their  special bond was a beautiful example to all of love and devotion. They were always by each others side. Rosemary had a strong faith and was a  parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church in Somers. She was a loving and kind woman, devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed ceramics, was an avid traveller and loved spending time with her family. Rosemary is survived by her husband Carl, daughters Catherine Venturini (Bob Little), Christine Galli (John), Carolyn Antonazzo (John), sons Christopher Picha (Carole) and Gary Picha (Sherry). Several grandchildren, Rob and Adam Little, Lauren, Melissa and John Galli, Brianna, Ashley, and Joseph Antonazzo, Katie, Kimberly and Matthew Picha, Anthony and Gary Picha, Brittany, Keith, Olivia and Kayla Taylor. Sisters, Carmelia Bornemann and Trudy Doxey. She was predeceased by daughter: Kathleen Taylor and her husband Alan,, sister: Virginia O’Halloran and brother: William Judge, Jr. The family received friends on Sunday, February 18 at Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, February 19  at St. Joseph’s RC Church in Somers. Interment followed at Amawalk Hill Cemetery in Yorktown Heights. OBITUARIES FROM PAGE 40 Service... Integrity... Compassion Family owned and operated We began with a mission to celebrate life and serve families. There is much peace to be found here, and we invite you to find yours. Explore more. Take a tour. Read our story. Share in experiences. Anthony J. Guarino Family Owned & Operated 945 East Main Street • Shrub Oak, NY 10588 • (914) 962-0700 YorktownFuneralHome.com • [email protected] Elder Law & Estate Planning Wills, Trusts & Estates Small Business • Real Estate Matrimonial • Criminal Personal Injury • Commercial SOMERS • YONKERS Evening Appointments & Home Visits Tel: 914-964-6806 www.marralaw.com • [email protected] The Consumer’s Choice for Discount Heating Oil! SAVE WITH OUR LOW C.O.D. PRICES! • No Contracts or Commitments • Oil Burner & A/C Service/Tune-ups • Quality Heating Oil • Senior Citizen & Volume Discounts • Heating, Cooling & Generator Installations • Price Matching (Restrictions apply) Order online at: www.codoil.com CALL US TODAY AND SAVE! 914.737.7769 A Message from The Friends of the Somers Library The Friends of the Somers Library is dedicated to supporting and enriching the Somers Library. Over the years, the library has played an essential role in the Town of Somers by providing access to knowledge, fostering literacy, and serving as a gathering place for residents of all ages.  Our organization has been working to fund the library’s resources and programs. We have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that the library has on our community, and we are committed to ensuring its continued success. TRUNK FROM PAGE 5 SEE TRUNK PAGE 42

PAGE 42 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 This weekened, come and see the Kennedy Catholic Players in “Matilda: The Musical” based on the beloved children’s book by Roald Dahl! Performances will be held from March 1 - 3. To purchase tickets, visit https:// kennedycatholic.org/academics/ the-arts/spring-musical/ Opening night! The cast of “Matilda: The Musical.” PHOTO COURTESY OF KENNEDY CATHOLIC To that end, we are reaching out to you to request your support in our mission. The financial support of town residents has played a pivotal role in the growth and improvement of the Somers Library over the years, and we are grateful for the continued dedication. Your generous donations have enabled us to: Enhance Educational Programs: Through your support, we’ve been able to offer engaging and educational programs for children, teens, and adults, including author talks, workshops, and live events. Improve Facilities: Your contributions have helped us make vital improvements to the library ensuring a comfortable and welcoming environment for all visitors. Promote Involvement: Your donations have enabled us to launch initiatives aimed at community involvement in our town, including summer reading programs for children and educational programs for adults. As we look ahead, we are eager to expand our offerings. To achieve these goals, we kindly ask for your continued financial support. To make on online donation, please visit the library’s website at www.somers library.org and click on the “support” tab in the menu. Follow the prompts to the Friends of the Somers Library. To donate in person, there are membership flyers available at the front desk of the library that you can fill out and leave with one of the librarians. If you received one of our mailings, you can send a check in the envelope provided. Your donation, will make a significant difference in helping us fulfill our mission. Donating to the Friends of the Somers Library is an investment in the future of our town. Somers BSA Troop 376 WEEKLY MEETING Most Tuesdays, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the Somers Middle School Cafeteria. Embark on a journey that your son will remember and benefit from for a lifetime! There is no youth program quite like Scouts BSA, which offers leadership development, teaches citizenship and responsibility, embeds useful outdoor survival skills, can spark career interests, and boasts exciting activities that few outside of Scouting have the opportunity to experience. Celebrating 30 years in Somers, Troop 376 is sponsored by the Somers Lions Club and proudly offers a well-balanced “Adult-Guided, Youth-Led” program that includes activities for all skill levels and interests. As a slightly smaller Troop, Scouts enjoy ample opportunities for direct involvement and leadership, as well as a significant voice in suggesting future troop activities. Camping trips, day hikes, family-friendly activities like bowling nights and ropes courses, community service projects, annual “high adventure” excursions, and visits to historic destinations like Gettysburg are just some of the activities you can look forward to with Troop 376. To learn more, email Somers [email protected] and visit www.SomersTroop376.org. Somers BSA Troop 228 Weekly meeting Mondays, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the Amawalk Firehouse Give your son the tools to develop his confidence, leadership skills, and interest in community service while experiencing the outdoor adventures of Scouting. Discover the natural wonders of New York State, whether canoeing in the Adirondacks, hiking the Appalachian trail, or camping at one of our State Parks. Excursions for all ages and levels of experience. Scouts explore their personal interests through over 135 merit badges. Troop 228 is sponsored by the Somers Volunteer Fire Department. We are proud citizens and TRUNK FROM PAGE 41 SEE TRUNK PAGE 44 Advertise With Us When you advertise with The Somers Record, you are reaching thousands of households and businesses throughout the Town of Somers, including all of its hamlets and Heritage Hills. To advertise or to place a classified, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected]. AFFORDABLE Dumpster Rentals! CIRONE CARTING 845-533-5262 Same-Day Roll-Off Container Delivery Available 10-yard • 12-yard • 15-yard 20-yard • 30-yard CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE cironeconstruction.com Neal L Sullivan, CPA Joanne Cerbino Edy Schupp 421 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 845-628-9604 • www.callsullivan.com BUSINESS • UMBRELLA HOME • AUTO Call Us Anytime for Multiple Quotes Come See Us At Our New Location! 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FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 43 C Clark & Giordano | G Funeral Home Clark Funeral Home is now Under New Ownership Family Owned and Operated Joseph Giordano Jr., Owner/Yorktown Graduate and Resident Centrally Located in the Heart of Yorktown Oversized Chapel and Large Parking Lot 914.962.3333 • www.clarkfh.com 2104 Saw Mill River Road (Route 35, 118 & 202) • Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Additional Location: Curry & Giordano Funeral Home, Peekskill We look forward to serving and giving back to the community that has been our home for so many years. CALL FOR A TOUR (914) 248-4020 Amanda Casabona-Cohen aka “Mrs CC”, Director 25 Lincoln Ave | Lincolndale, NY 10540 info@li‡lepeoplesomers.com li‡lepeoplesomers.com Accepting new student registration for the 2024/2025 school year. • Traditional preschool with morning classes for 2’s, 3’s, and 4’s. • Evolved play-based curriculum which builds a lifelong love of learning. • Spacious and light classrooms and outdoor play space. • teachers. • Serving the local community for over 25 years. Officials are hopeful that the two sides can come together to find a solution. SPEED FROM PAGE 9 SEE SPEED PAGE 44 streets and/or transit and emergency response routes. Optimally, speed bumps or humps should be placed at frequent, designated intervals based on the street’s dimensions. That minimizes the tendency to accelerate between them. That’s one of the arguments speed bump foes make -- that the devices were placed too closely together in Shenorock. That worsened the annoying DA-dump DAdump sound that vehicles make going over them. Making Their Case Each side took its case to the Town Board on Thursday, Feb. 8. Thanking the town for its “time, patience, and efforts” regarding requests for traffic calming measures, Cypress Lane resident Joe Iaconetti said: “I believe they made Somers a safer town than it already was, which is very difficult to do.” He suggested that speed bumps – paired with increased police presence – “are the only thing that’s guaranteed to reduce speeding.” But they’re only truly effective if down “all year,” he said, acknowledging that the devices can pose problems for highway crews. “I know it’s not a good situation if they have to lift the plow, but it can be done,” he insisted. Timothy McArdle of Cypress Lane disputed several allegations in the anti-speed bump petition, including that they are “dangerous in emergencies” and can “cost lives.” “Ambulances and fire trucks are slowed down up to 13 seconds for EACH speed bump. Heart attack victims could die waiting for help. According to a paramedic, ‘Our trucks have to crawl over them. If we are carrying someone with a neck or spinal injury, you can’t go more than 5 mph over them,” the petition read. Having been an ambulance driver himself, McArdle said he knows that if properly secured, patients with neck and spine injuries should be alright if the ambulance goes over a speed bump. “The chances of a person in Shenorock having a heart attack and their outcome being affected by a slight delay versus the possibility of a resident walking his dog and being hit by a car are far greater,” McArdle contended. “The point is, we don’t have sidewalks and we need speed bumps for our safety,” he said. Scary Stats According to the AAA’s Foundation for Traffic Safety, studies show that the average risk of severe injury for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle reaches 10 percent at an impact speed of 16 mph, 25 percent at 23 mph, 50 percent at 31 mph, 75 percent at 39 mph, and 90 percent at 46 mph. The average risk of death for a pedestrian reaches 10 percent at an impact speed of 23 mph, 25 percent at 32 mph, 50 percent at 42 mph, 75 percent at 50 mph, and 90 percent at 58 mph. Risks also vary “significantly” by age. The average risk of severe injury or death for a 70-year-old hit by a car going 25 mph is similar to the risk for a 30-year-old struck at 35 mph. Traffic Light Sought Cypress Lane resident Robyn Anderson asked the town to remove signs posted in the community asking people to sign an anti-speed bump petition. “They shouldn’t be on town property,” she said. Grateful for measures taken so far but insistent that Shenorock’s safety issues are ongoing and significant, Anderson told the board that the police chief had asked for a traffic study after certain residents lobbied for a reduction in the speed limit to 25 mph from 30 mph. According to DeVito, until recently municipalities weren’t legally allowed to set default maximum speed limits below 30 mph although they could impose 25 mph limits in special areas, such as school zones. In 2022, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a law giving local governments the power to reduce their speed limits to 25 mph to cut down on car crashes and fatalities. “I don’t know if that happened,” Anderson said of the traffic study. She’d also asked the town for a traffic light at the intersection of Miller Avenue and Route 202. Anderson reminded Supervisor Robert Scorrano of his promise to work on that matter with state Assemblyman Matt Slater’s office. “We’re still working,” Scorrano responded. While traffic light proponents “don’t expect it to be done next week,” they still want to be assured that “there’s progress,” Anderson countered. Nurse Practitioner Dora Acevedo of Cypress Lane said that because she’s worked in a pediatric emergency room, she knows what happens to children or teens involved in high-speed crashes or when they’ve been struck by a car. “I’ve heard the parents screaming. That sound’s been etched in my mind for 17 years,” the former Bronx resident said. The major medical center where Acevedo works installed speed bumps only after one of her colleagues was killed by a speeding car. The driver wasn’t a patient or random motorist, but another co-worker “who wanted to get home fast,” she said, adding that the victim was taken “straight to the trauma bay and still didn’t make it.”

PAGE 44 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 The devices are only removed during snowstorms and replaced as soon as possible. They might also be taken up if the incoming patient is a police officer or firefighter. Speed bumps don’t affect outcomes because ambulance crews know how to secure patients correctly, Acevedo said. Pointing to development in and near Somers, Filipe Alvarez of Cypress Lane opined that some folks seem to have forgotten that “Shenorock isn’t the same place it was 20 years ago.” “People seem to have this nostalgic attitude that change is bad, and it’s not bad. We’re just asking for stop signs,” Alvarez said, calling it “ludicrous” that anyone would want them removed. “It just doesn’t make any sense. It’s going to take somebody to die before they realize that this is an important safety issue,” he added, noting that he himself had almost been hit while walking his dog. Incensed that the person stopped to scold him for exercising his pet on the street and not in a park, Alvarez charged drivers with shirking their responsibility to pay attention. Ban the Bumps Shenorock resident Tom Smith thought it was hypocritical of folks to demand speed bumps if they wouldn’t tolerate them in front of their own homes. It’s the sound pollution that’s most annoying. “I invited you guys to come to my house last year to hear the noise,” Smith said, eyeballing board members. “Nobody came. To hear the noise, you have to be there to hear it.” Smith does sympathize with pedestrians worried about their safety. He’s had some close calls himself. “I had a dog. I used to walk it up and down Tighe Road, alright? I had a problem with people wanting to hit me. I went out and got myself a stick, swung it a couple of times, took off a couple of mirrors, and they moved away,” Smith said. Jay Batchelor of Ross Drive insists there is common ground: “speeding.” “I just contend that controlling speed in several places where you placed stop signs and speed bumps doesn’t have anything to do with controlling speed anywhere else in a fairly large lake community,” he explained. “If you’re truly concerned about speeding, for the love of God write speeding tickets,” Batchelor implored. “Let people know they’re being watched.” He also claimed that excessive stop signs “cause defiance among people” who might fly through them just for spite. “They just create anger. And I’m too old to be angry,” Batchelor said. Common Ground? Scorrano asked if the opposing sides had ever tried to “come together to hash things out?” He pointed out that for nearly two years, people have been strongly advocating for improved safety measures. “Now that the speed bumps and stop signs are in, we have more and more people coming in saying they don’t want them,” he said, adding that the town is willing to help facilitate a community discussion in the hopes of finding “common ground.” No one disagrees that there’s a speeding issue. The goal is to find there a solution that will satisfy everyone. “If the community makes a conscious effort to slow down, I believe there’ll be a change,” Scorrano said. Simply grumbling about the situation won’t solve anything. “Just coming before the board every single time you don’t agree with a speed bump or a stop sign is just NOT going to get it done,” he emphasized. SPEED FROM PAGE 43 actively give back to Somers through community service and environmental conservation projects. To find out more, email us at somerstroop228@ gmail.com or visit our website at Troop228somers.com. Somers Library Foundation Needs You Are you a passionate supporter of the Somers Library and looking for a way to help improve the services and capabilities? The Somers Library Foundation is looking for new board members. There are lots of opportunities to use your talents and build new skills. Send the foundation an email at somerslibraryfoundation@ gmail.org. Watch the Somers Library Foundation website (https://somerslibraryfoundation.org) for details on upcoming meet and greet events to learn more about the Foundation and what it means to be a board member of the board. Somers Lions Club In 1966, the Somers Lions Club was chartered and has grown exponentially with dedicated men and women who volunteer their time, skills, and energy to make a difference in people’s lives, both in our community and for the charities we support. Lions can be found working on “hands-on” projects, fundraising, and running numerous community events in and around Somers. If you are in need of assistance, there is a good chance that the Lions can help. Visit www.somerslionsclub.org for more information. Follow on social media @ somerslions. The Somers Lions would like to welcome its newest members and are proud to serve alongside you. TEAM Tuskers Mentors Sought for Intermediate & Middle School Program TEAM Tuskers Mentoring is looking for adults interested in spending time with a 3rdthrough 8th-grade student at their school for the upcoming school year.  The commitment is to spend 1 hour a week, every week with a student and make a difference in their life. You will develop a relationship and help open new lines of communication while playing games, doing puzzles, or just chatting. TRUNK FROM PAGE 42 SEE TRUNK PAGE 47 My Community Bulletin Board Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in The Somers Record Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! 845-278-7312 ALL FUEL CO. The Shelley Family Home Heating Fuel 1606 Rte 22, Brewster • Burner Sales, Service & Installation • Tank Removal & Installation • Propane Available for Cooking & Heating Established 1979 Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer WESTCHESTER 914-277-4229 • PUTNAM 845-278-2575 AS FEATURED ON FREE ESTIMATES AND FREE INSTALLATION DISCOUNTED BLINDS & SHADES VERTICAL-MINI BLINDS-SILHOUETTE SHUTTERS-WOOD BLINDS-VIGNETTE LUMINETTES-ROMAN BLINDS-VALANCES Shades Above the Rest for Home & Office SAVE AN ADDITIONAL $25 PER BLIND! www.westrockwindowdesigns.com Somers Resident Your business card COUPON could be here. Call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 to find out how. DSL Construction The Home Team! Floors • Decks • Kitchens • Bathrooms Workman's Comp, Liability • No Job Too Small! 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PAGE 46 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 Claire enjoying her snow day! PHOTO COURTESY OF ANTHONY CASTIGLIONE A furry (and frosty) friend! NO NEWS... 1. Clip the short form on the page 2. Fill out the information. 3. Mail it to P.O. Box 864, Mahopac, NY 10541 4. Or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com 5. Or Scan our QR Code to Subscribe. We need you to subscribe. It’s FREE & It’s Easy! is NOT necessarily good news! # Please print your first and last names and address legibly, sign and date (all required to continue receiving your subscription to this newspaper). YES, I wish to receive a FREE 3-year subscription to The Somers Record YES, I really enjoy The Somers Record and I’d like to continue receiving it for 3 years, along with a monetary contribution this year. (Please print legibly.) First (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required. Please print legibly.) Last (Required) City: State: ZIP: Name: Signature: Email: Snowbird Dates (if applicable): Date: Phone: Address: (Optional for TAPinto E-News) (Optional) Mail to: P.O. Box 864 Mahopac, NY 10541 While we need your Full Support to keep this newspaper strong, we include the option for Basic Support because we don’t want financial reasons to get in the way of our readers receiving this newspaper. Basic Support vs. Full Support Basic Support Full Support $100 $50 $20 other or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com OR or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com Checks payable to Halston Media LLC. Please include this form in your envelope. Please include the following additional papers as part of this subscription: North Salem News Mahopac News Yorktown News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The Katonah-Lewisboro times WHY DO WE ADVERTISE IN HALSTON MEDIA’S TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL BRETT FREEMAN AT (845) 208-8151 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS? “Advertising in Halston Media’s publications is one of the best investments the Anglebrook Golf Club has ever made. The response far exceeded our expectations, and most of the inquiries resulted in booking banquets, private parties, golf outings and even enlisting new members.” - Matt Sullivan, General Manager, Anglebrook Golf Club

FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 47 Mila and Cora Cini made a new friend! PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER CINI Snow day! Please consider volunteering for this great program. A child will benefit from spending time with you! For more information, visit somersschools.org/Page/7356  or call 914-481-2716.    Somers PTA Council Spirit Wear Sale The Somers PTA Council is selling Somers Spirit wear. The store is open year-round and items ship to your home. Promo codes are available on the website. Visit our store at teamlocker. squadlocker.com/#/lockers/ somers-pta-council-store Race Amity of Northern Westchester & Putnam We welcome you to join us for monthly discussions as we work to advance cross-racial and crosscultural amity. Monthly events feature speakers, screenings, and presentations, followed by discussions. Many meetings are hybrid (in person and on Zoom). Find us on Facebook or contact [email protected]. Virtual Support Groups Support groups for women with breast and ovarian cancers have been transitioned to virtual platforms. Virtual groups are accessible to women from the comfort of their homes, regardless of where they live. All groups are open to new members as well as past participants. Advance registration is required by calling 914-962-6402 or 800-532-4290. Support Connection’s Peer Counselors are also available for individual counseling and assistance via phone and email. Call 800-532- 4290, or submit an online request at supportconnection.org RideConnect RideConnect has volunteers ready to help drive seniors to their medical appointments and assist with shopping. Services are free to seniors residing in Westchester and southern Putnam Counties. To request assistance call 914-242-7433. Anyone wishing to volunteer for Rideconnect may do so by emailing Marietta Manoni at [email protected] TRUNK FROM PAGE 44 PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF 02/08/24 PLANNING BOARD TOWN OF SOMERS  WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK  PUBLIC NOTICE:  NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Board of the Town of Somers, Westchester County, New York, has scheduled a Public Hearing on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at the Somers Town House, 335 Route 202, Somers, New York, to consider the application of Dan Palumbo (owner) and Andy Cheung, P.E. (applicant) for a Steep Slope Protection and Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sediment Control Permit for the construction of a stone retaining wall, stormwater/landscaping improvements and septic system improvements to an existing single-family home.  The proposal is more specifically shown on a set of Site Plans, prepared by AC Engineering, PLLC, signed and sealed 1/21/2024.  The subject property is located at 24 Ross Drive and is designated on the Town Tax Map as Sheet 16.10, Block 2, Lot 66 and is in an R-10 Zoning District.  Anyone is invited to attend and will be heard on the aforesaid matter.  BY ORDER OF THE PLANNING BOARD  John Currie, Chairman  Wendy Getting, Senior Office Assistant  SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER – FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE LLC, Plaintiff, -against- RAY SANTANASTASIO, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD SANTANASTASIO ; LISA VACCARELLI, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD SANTANASTASIO ; ANY AND ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF DONALD SANTANASTASIO ; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE ; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, Defendants - Index No. 62124/2023 Plaintiff Designates Westchester County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Westchester County. To the above named Defendants–YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated February 2, 2024. NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME – If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE LLC) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Rolf M. Thorsen, J.S.C. Dated: February 2, 2024 Filed: February 5, 2024. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 6 N Shenorock Drive, Shenorock, NY 10587. Dated: October 23, 2023 Filed: February 13, 2024 Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Angelo A. Regina, Esq., 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022 P: (212) 524-5000 F: (212) 524-5050 No Service by fax) Service purposes only: Trade Centre South 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 P: (888) 491-1120 F: (954) 343-6982 Fayetteville LLC. App. for authority filed by the SSNY on 9/7/2023. Office: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, PO Box 568, Katonah, NY 10536. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 39 Quincy Court LLC (formed in Wyoming as East River LLC). App. for authority filed by the SSNY on 12/7/2022. Office: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, PO Box 568, Katonah, NY 10536. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Application for Authority of Ferenz Electric, LLC filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 7/20/2023.  Formed in Connecticut on 2/12/222.  Office location: Westchester County.  SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be  served.  The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is: 320 Long Ridge Road, Pound Ridge, NY 10576.  The office address required to be maintained in Connecticut is 134 Byram Shore Road, Greenwich, CT 06830.  Certificate of formation filed with Denise Merrill, CT Secretary of State 165 Capital Avenue, Suite 1000, Hartford, CT 06106.  Purpose:  Any lawful activity  FOR SALE FINE, LIKE NEW FURNITURE:  * Empire style Sofa, 76" long  * Round, 5 ft. Dining Table, w leaves  * Wood King Size Bed frame (No matt.)             Sold our House!              914 232 3896  

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