FOX TRACKS 2 HEALTH & WELLNESS 18 LEISURE 21 OBITUARIES 23 OPINION 10 SPORTS 20 MKES Students Perform pg 22 ALADDIN VOL. 2 NO. 11 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WEST CALDWELL, NJ PERMIT #992 FEBRUARY 8 – MARCH 13, 2024 Bedford Corners l 5 BR l 5.1 BA l 7,200 sf l 4.02 Acres Crisp. Stylish. Refreshing. Step into the realm of modern luxury with this unparalleled new construction. Immerse yourself in the allure of stunning design, where every detail speaks of quality and sophistication. Truly a testament to architectural innovation on 4+ private acres in total harmony with the landscape. Call for your private viewing. Offered at $4,150,000 #UGottaHaveHope HOPEMAZZOLA YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE HOPE Sales Vice President Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker cell: 914.714.0090 [email protected] hopemazzola.com MAZZOLA YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE HOPE 95 Katonah Ave | Katonah, NY 10536 New Construction BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER A continuum is something that keeps on going, changing slowly over time, like the seasons do. So it’s fitting that the late Bill Kuebler, a Katonah resident and dedicated environmentalist, will live on through a new trail in one of the Westchester Land Trust’s largest nature sanctuaries. Late last year, his wife of 26 years and former WLT president, Lori Ensinger, cut the ceremonial ribbon marking the dedication of Kuebler’s Kontinuum Trail at the Westchester Wilderness Walk/Zofnass Family Preserve in Pound Ridge. The name pays homage to Kuebler’s passion for science fiction and to the trail’s features, which include stunning rock outcrops, majestic forests, and historic stone walls. He was a dedicated WLT volunteer who, the organization said, left “an indelible mark.” From 2007 to 2013, he contributed significantly to the WLT’s conservation easement monitoring and also created and maintained signs at its preserves. Kuebler died in 2021 at 67 after a long illness. He was a career photojournalist and had worked for The Patent Trader in Mount Kisco, and more recently, for the Journal News. In 2022, a tree was planted in his honor at the Memory Forest at the Angle Fly Preserve in Somers. He focused his post-journalism life on non-profit and volunteer work. He volunteered at Teatown LEAVING A LEGACY Trail honors the memory of Bill Kuebler Lori Ensigner, wife of the late Bill Kuebler, cuts the ribbon at the dedication of Kuebler’s Kontinuum at the Zofnass Family Preserve in Pound Ridge. PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTCHESTER LAND TRUST BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Mount Kisco recently took another big step toward its goal of mitigating persistent pedestrian and traffic issues. The Village Board voted unanimously on Thursday, Jan. 18, to appoint 11 people to its newly formed traffic safety task force. The village has engaged planning and engineering consultants AKRF Inc. to help guide it through the process of creating an action plan -- aka a Complete Streets Study -- and then applying for state, county, and federal grants to fund projects such as crosswalks, bike lanes, and signaling/signage. AKRF representatives attended last month’s Village Board meeting to bring the new mayor, Michael Cindrich, and new Trustees Theresa Flora and Angie Garcia-Guerra up to speed. WHAT IS COMPLETE STREETS? So, what exactly is “Complete Streets?” It’s a transportation policy and design approach that requires streets to be planned, designed, operated, and maintained in a way that enables safe, convenient, and comfortable travel for users of all ages and abilities regardless of how they’re doing it. Mount Kisco moves forward with ‘Complete Streets’ initiative SEE COMPLETE STREETS PAGE 8 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. SEE KUEBLERPAGE 5
PAGE 2 – MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES 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 Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions is the Wednesday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected] Location 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY HALSTON MEDIA, LLC ©2024 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 Fox Lane High School senior Cameron Bly recently won the principal cellist seat at the New York State School Music Association’s All-State Orchestra Winter Conference in Rochester — earning her a first place state ranking! Making music! PHOTO COURTESY OF JANINE BERGAMINI True Crime Fiction Writing Series Author and fiction writing teacher, Kim Kovach, presents a new 5-week series - True Crime Fiction Writing via Zoom on Wednesday evenings from 7 - 8:30 p.m. starting on Feb. 28. Investigation meets imagination for arm-chair detectives and true crime fans as she introduces a True Crime case each week. Participants can put a new spin on the facts by writing stories from different points of view - a neighbor, a co-worker, a witness, the victim or the accused. The weekly True crime fiction writing program begins on Feb. 28, and continues on Wednesday evenings through March 27. This virtual five-week series is offered in cooperation with the Pound Ridge Library, the Lewisboro Library and the John C. Hart Library. Registration is limited. Please register online through the library websites at poundridgelibrary.org or lewisborolibrary. org or yorktownlibrary.org FOX TRACKS SEE TRACKSPAGE 5 CHASE AWAY THE CHILL 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 2/29/24 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!
FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 3 The United Methodist Church Thrift Shop is celebrating their one-year anniversary. Although its doors are only opened two days a week on Wednesday and Saturday, it continues to expand and grow. The Thrift Store is staffed by church volunteers, community members, and local high school students working towards community service hours required for graduation. The Thrift Shop consists of a large clothing room with shoes and handbags, a children’s room with clothing, toys and games, a room with household items and decor, and a boutique with name brand items - many of which are new with tags still on them. Donations are received daily and can be left on the front porch of the parsonage (weather permitting) at 31 Smith Avenue in Mt. Kisco. Many of our items are obtained from estate sales, people moving, and from those who have too much stuff. “One person’s junk is another person’s treasure.” We have created the Thrift Store to let our local community know that we are here and open for business! Come and browse our ever-changing inventory and feel good knowing that your purchases help the greater good! We are currently accepting donations of gently used items including clothing, collectibles, nick knacks, kitchen items, etc. We do not encourage donations of books, large collections of records, pillows or mis-matched items! This year, we donated six Christmas trees and ornaments to needy Mt. Kisco families. The thrift store also provided household items to family affiliated with Neighbors Link. Profits are used partly for the upkeep of the church, and the remainder is donated to the different missions we support. Some of these missions include The Interfaith Food Pantry, The Emergency Shelter Partnership, The Boys & Girls Club of Mt. Kisco, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital and various United Methodist Conference programs such as Flood Buckets for people experiencing disasters in their homes or businesses. The Thrift Store is located at the Church Parsonage which is the building behind the church. The address of the Parsonage at 31 Smith Avenue has plenty of free parking in the church lot. The Thrift Shop is open Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We are always looking for volunteers, no experience necessary. If interested or if you have any questions, please call the church office at 914-666- 5014 or email umcmk@gmail. com. Come visit our Thrift Shop. Your treasure awaits! Article courtesy of Marianne Baldwin, Bobbie McCann, Pastor Bette Johnson Sohm, and Lisa & Ross Porter. One year, and going strong! United Methodist Church Thrift Shop celebrates anniversary The children’s room. A look inside the thrift shop’s boutique. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARIANNE BALDWIN The shop has a wide array of household items. ‘One person’s junk is another person’s treasure.’ HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS, LIFE & HEALTH 914-232-7750 www.forbesinsurance.com BaCiO Trattoria Best Italian Anywhere!
PAGE 4 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Two New Jersey businessmen are facing federal charges in connection with the bombing of a private residence in Bedford Hills, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Bedford police were called to the McLain Street home near the Mount Kisco border around 7 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, to investigate a report of a suspicious fire. The fire was contained and there were no injuries or property damage reported. Two days later, police arrested Damjan Stanivukovic, 52, of Closter, and Vladamir Radunovic, 47, of Pompton Lakes, and charged them with one count of unlawful possession of a destructive device and one count of conspiracy to commit stalking apiece. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the defendants are accused of exploding a “homemade destructive device” in the driveway of someone with whom they had had a “contentious business relationship.” Recovered from the scene was a box that bore Stanivukovic’s name and address, as well as a 2.5-gallon can of gasoline, firework tubing, and firework residue, the complaint said. The complaint also charges that the victim had later that same day gotten a text message that read: “Knock knock, show up and what do you think is next. This is your final warning.” Stanivukovic, the owner of a contracting company, is involved in a long-running legal dispute with the victim, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Around the time that text message was sent, the cellphone associated with that particular phone number was located in the vicinity of Stanivukovic’s business address and the black Jeep Grand Cherokee that was allegedly used to transport the bomb, it added. Seized from Stanivukovic’s home – among other things – were multiple loaded firearms, gas canisters and fireworks matching those allegedly used to make the device, and a book titled “Make Fireworks and Explosives at Home -- The Ultimate Instruction Manual for Beginners and Pyrotechnicians to Build Firecrackers, Fireworks and Explosives from Scratch,” the complaint said. (According to authorities, Radunovic was staying with Stanivukovic.) The two defendants were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik and held without bail. The charge of unlawful possession of a destructive device carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. If found guilty of conspiracy to commit stalking, the defendants could also face five years behind bars. The U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that the statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and were provided for informational purposes only. Any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the judge. District Attorney Damian Williams praised the investigative efforts of the FBI’s Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), the Bedford Police Department, the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, and the Closter, N.J., Police Department. Pointing out that the suspects were “in custody” just two days after the incident, Williams emphasized Tuesday, Jan. 16, that “the career prosecutors of this office and our law enforcement partners stand ready to act around the clock when our communities are threatened.” “This case is a testament to the critical and effective work that our interagency collaborations accomplish on a daily basis. We have no tolerance for violence in the Southern District of New York,” he added. Bedford Police Chief Melvin Padilla agreed, saying: “The safety and security of our residents is our primary focus, and thanks to the diligent work of our detectives and the cooperation and assistance from our federal partners, the defendants were quickly identified and apprehended.” Also weighing in was FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith. “Damjan Stanivukovic and Vladamir Radunovic allegedly tried to resolve a contentious business relationship with threats of violence and a homemade bomb. While business deals aren’t always successful, neither are overt acts of violence that bring forth federal charges,” he said, adding: “Thankfully, in this case, no one was injured. The FBI will continue to ensure that anyone willing to solve personal grievances with threats and attempts of violence are punished to the fullest extent in the criminal justice system.” Said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo: “Perpetuating violence against others, under any context, is unacceptable behavior. The men and women of ATF NY Hudson Valley Field Office will continue to work alongside our partners at FBI and Bedford Police to address acts of violence in our communities.” Terrance Raynor, acting commissioner of the county’s Department of Public Safety, also commended all the agencies involved in the case “for their skillful and effective collaboration in bringing this investigation to a swift conclusion.” “This is yet another example of the value and importance of multi-agency partnerships, which help us keep Westchester safe,” he added. The prosecution is being handled by the White Plains division of the U.S. Attorney Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Wheelock is in charge of the prosecution. The allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. NJ men arrested in Bedford Hills bombing 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 know what steps you can take to avoid your estate going to probate?
FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 5 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 Lake Reservation in Ossining and was the cofounder of “Take it or Leave It,” a reusable item “shop” located at the Chappaqua train station. No money was involved; everything was free. He volunteered there every Saturday for nearly 20 years, right up to his passing. The WLT encouraged folks to honor Kuebler’s memory by hiking the new trail. The 127-acre preserve encompasses woods, streams, and wetlands. Its nearly 7.5 acres of trails cover some of the most rugged terrain in a town renowned for its crags and outcrops and include hundreds of stepping stones that allow hikers to safely cross streams and wetlands, a 50-foot tall “grand” stone staircase, and dozens of signs that point out its many interesting and fun features. Zofnass’s newest and most exciting addition is a three-acre arboretum with more than 250 plant species. For directions, visit https://westchesterland trust.org/preserves/westchester-wilderness-walk. KUEBLER FROM PAGE 1 ‘Wild Kisco’ Photography Exhibition & Workshop From Feb. 1 - 28, the Mount Kisco Public Library will present the “Wild Kisco” photography exhibition. Visitors can enjoy wildlife pictures taken by 20 local photographers, and also learn how to take better nature photos at a workshop on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. There is no cost to view the exhibit or attend the workshop. For more information, email [email protected] The exhibition is organized by volunters from the Mount Kisco Conservation Advisory Council (CAC), the Mount Kisco Historical Society, and the Mount Kisco Tre Preservation Board. The Mount Kisco Public Library is located at 100 East Main Street in Mount Kisco. 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/ Mount Kisco Public Library 100 East Main Street, www. mountkiscolibrary.org AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE NAVIGATOR Saturdays, Feb. 10, 17, and 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. By appointment only, a trained Navigator provided by the Westchester County Department of Health will be available to help with choosing and signing up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act and the NYS of Health Marketplace. Please call to make an appointment at 914- 336-6935. Appointments available in English and Spanish. CINEMATES FILM CLUB Thursday, Feb. 15, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Do you love films? Do you think of film as art? Join the library’s new Film discussion group with other film lovers that want more than just an opportunity to see an entertaining movie. A chance to discuss a great film, meet new people and grow your enthusiasm for films. This month, they will be discussing “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” by Michel Gondry. Copies of the movie can be found in the Westchester Library System catalog including Mount Kisco Public Library. Please watch the movie before the meeting. Reach out to your library on how to access the film. All are welcome. Pound Ridge Library Located at 271 Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge, NY 10576. For more information, email info@poundridgelibrary. org or call 914-764-5085. To register for these events, visit the calendar at www.poundridgelibrary.org. CHILDREN’S VALENTINE’S DAY MAGIC SHOW & PARTY Saturday, Feb. 10, from 1 to 2 p.m. Magician Sara Crasson returns to the Pound Ridge Library with special guest Bamberg the Bear Magician, for a Valentine’s Day show about love and friendship. Sara shares classical magic performed with grace and elegance, while Bamberg prefers stunts, excitement, and danger! It’s a show where anything is possible with TRACKS FROM PAGE 2 SEE TRACKSPAGE 27
BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Attention late night TV fans. Legendary musician Paul Shaffer and his wife, Cathy, have put their Bedford home on the market for $2.7 million. The Canadian native was talk show host and North Salem resident David Letterman’s musical director, band leader, and sidekick for the entire run of both Late Night with David Letterman and the Late Show with David Letterman. Shaffer was the special guest of singer Emily Bindiger and composer/musician Robbie Kondor, who also live in North Salem, at their Valentine’s Day concert at the Ruth Keeler Memorial Library in 2020. A supporter and patron of the Bedford Playhouse, home of the Clive Davis Arts Center, Shaffer gave the entertainment venue the Baldwin that he had played on television. The Shaffers’ gated four-bedroom, 4 ½-bath colonial was built in the late 1960s and sits on a wooded eight-acre property on Cedar Hill Road in a toney enclave known as Middle Patent Estates. Bedford is home to a plethora of celebs such as lifestyle guru Martha Stewart, comedian Chevy Chase, and actress Glenn Close. According to media reports, the couple bought the home in 1991 for $680,000. Amenities touted by real estate agent Frances Torres of Houlihan Lawrence Bedford include an outdoor space that’s “a haven of relaxation and entertainment.” There’s a saltwater swimming pool with a jacuzzi, which, the listing says promises “refreshing dips and serene evening,” and a tennis court that “invites friendly matches.” It has a three-car garage as well. Inside, there’s an “exquisitely renovated chef ’s kitchen” that features top-ofthe-line appliances, including two ovens with a warming drawer and a custom range hood. The layout offers “flexibility to suit various lifestyles.” The home also has two fireplaces, a studio/ office with its own spa-like bath and sauna, a great room with a vaulted ceiling and a wall of windows, and a custom library. The property is located just over an hour from downtown Manhattan and just minutes from Greenwich, Ct. Shaffer told Realtor.com that he and his wife became “empty nesters” after their children moved out. The couple plan to relocate to an apartment they own on the Upper West Side. PAGE 6 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER The life of a baby from Mount Kisco has been saved thanks to the heroic efforts of two Westchester County Police officers. The incident unfolded around 1:50 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, when police responded to a 911 call about a 1-year-old girl who was non-responsive and not breathing. Upon arriving at the home, Officer Stephen Samuel took the child from frantic relatives and began CPR. He also turned the baby over and administered several back blows to discharge anything that might be blocking her airway. The baby was still non-responsive so the officer continued his resuscitation efforts. She finally took a breath and let out a “faint cry,” according to WCP Commissioner Terrance Raynor. Samuel continued to hold her in the recovery position while a second officer, Emanuel Anjo, checked for obstructions in her mouth. He was able to remove excess mucus, which helped improve her breathing. The baby was taken by Westchester EMS paramedics and members of the Mount Kisco Volunteer Ambulance Corps to Northern Westchester Hospital Center. The officers stopped by the hospital around 4:30 a.m. that same morning and were told by the little girl’s family members and medical staff that she was doing well and would be discharged later that day. “When every second counted, it is gratifying to know that this child and her family could count on the Westchester County Police,” Raynor said. “Our officers are trained to provide emergency aid, and this is the outcome we always hope to see. I commend these two officers for the skillful and decisive actions they took to save this child’s life,” Raynor said. The family’s name and location were being withheld for privacy reasons. Westchester cops save baby in Mount Kisco Legendary musician Paul Shaffer to sell Bedford home for $2.7 Million Paul Shaffer PHOTO COURTESY OF THEWORLDSMOSTDANGEROUSBAND. COM Contact us at (914) 250-2134 • [email protected] for Briarcliff or (914) 250-2750 • [email protected] for Jefferson Valley • Aquatics Center • Indoor & Outdoor Tennis • Pickleball • Indoor Track• Personal Training • Nursery/ Energy Center • Boxing • Cafe •100+ Free Classes Each Week Get Stronger. Be Happier. Live Healthier. 845-279-9555 • TankRemovalServices.com Before you place your home on the market, contact ENVIROSTAR about replacing your aging underground storage tank (UST). It is required by most insurance companies prior to insuring property. We replace above ground tanks as well! 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If you think curb to curb, you’re not really thinking about bicyclists, about people crossing the street, how they’re interacting with the environment,” said Michael Beattie, senior vice president of the White Plain firm’s Transportation Group. Traffic calming should be confused with traffic stopping, he explained, adding: “You need a flow through the village and town, but we also want it done in a way that’s safe.” AKRF also wants to figure out ways to encourage folks to park and walk to their various destinations instead of driving and parking, driving and parking or “rinse and repeat,” as Beattie describes it. FOLLOW THE MONEY The village is using $50,000 in state money to pay for half of the costs of the CSS. The aim is to make the congested community more walkable, drivable, and, most importantly, safer. However, in order to actually implement any of the CSS’s recommendations, the village is going to have to obtain more outside funding. That assistance could come from the state, county, or federal sources. AKRF traffic engineer and project engineer for the CSS Elaine Du, informed the board last month that the application deadline for the federal government’s 2025 Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants had been moved up to February from July. That’s not a bad thing because it will give the village more time to complete the CSS, she said, adding that it still can go after state and county grants that are traditionally released each fall. The village is already planning, or has made, several safety improvements including a pedestrian-controlled device at a crosswalk on South Moger Avenue. Intended as an alternative to traffic control signals, the socalled HAWK beacon flashes to alert drivers that they should slow down and be prepared to stop. TASK FORCE’S PURPOSE Beattie pointed out that specific federal transportation improvement grants require applicants to perform “a certain level of outreach for equity and for tracking how you’re doing.” Hence, the new task force. Appointees approved later that meeting for one-year terms were: Robert Dagostino, Karanja Elliot, Robert Neidzwiedz, and Louis Terlizzi (at-large members); David Gorin, a member of the village’s Economic Development Council; Planning Board co-chairs Michael McGuirk and Crystal Pickard; John Rhodes, chair of the village’s Conservation Advisory Council; Beth Vetare-Civitello, executive director of the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce; and Trustees Flora and Garcia-Guerra. Cindrich said he hoped that task force members would be able to use their expertise, experience, and contacts to bolster the information being gathered by the village. There will be stakeholder surveys and forums conducted and pop-up educational opportunities offered at community events such as the farmers market in the coming months. After reviewing vehicular crash data so locations needing improvements can be identified, AKRF will also seek out anecdotal evidence, which is support based on personal observations. That’s important because there will be locations where so-called “near misses” have occurred but were never formally recorded. The “downside” of depending solely on actual crash data alone is that “it’s a very reactive way of looking at it,” said Beattie, noting that public input is a crucial piece of the puzzle. “People who live here might say ‘I can’t cross that street because it’s scary.’ Just because the data doesn’t show crashes, that doesn’t mean there’s not a problem,” he explained. Part of those outreach efforts will include senior citizens and schoolchildren. Du agreed that the CSS, or action plan, needs to have a “very inclusive public engagement section to it” in order to be eligible for federal funding. Outreach efforts such as the surveys and even the scope of the study itself remain “flexible,” she told the board. That’s where task force members can offer a range of perspectives. They can review proposed surveys to make sure the right questions are being asked. Du said the goal of public input ensures that “everyone’s voices are heard and their concerns are understood.” Mount Kisco has a substantial population of non-English speakers, so language barriers are a concern. Trustee Lisa Abzun asked if AKRF offered translation services. Beattie assured her that the firm has fluent Spanish speakers on staff. AKRF’s next step would be to develop a comprehensive list of improvements based on that feedback and data and then rank them based on factors such as: how long it will take to implement them, how much they’re going to cost, and how “equitable” they are. “Equity is a big part of this plan because we want to make sure everyone in the community is served, including parts of the community that, historically, may be more underserved,” Du asserted. Once the weather warms up a little, AKRF will conduct “walking audits”-- both during the day and after dark -- of locations that made the “dangerous” or problematic list. Cindrich asked AKRF how it’s going to identify spots where bike lanes are not just wanted by the community but are feasible. (In the past, some have suggested eliminating certain parking spots in order to improve traffic flow, especially in the crowded business district. Bicycle riding on downtown sidewalks is also a concern.) “When you have, for example, parallel parking, if you have a bicyclist riding adjacent to parked cars and someone decides to open his door. What do we have? We have a catastrophe,” the mayor pointed out. AKRF factors in 3-foot-wide buffers when engineering bike lanes, Beattie said, adding that as for where bike lanes can safely fit, that all depends on the “geometry” of the road. OTHER CHALLENGES The state and the county both own roads within Mount Kisco’s borders. That means that there could be challenges getting them to “buy into” traffic safety projects recommended by the CSS, Cindrich said. Acknowledging that the two entities face their own restrictions, the mayor nonetheless noted that it’s still frustrating “waiting for someone in the bureaucracy to make a decision.” Beattie assured him that AKRF because has had a good working relationship with state DOT officials for many years, the firm “could help start those conversations.” However, there still must be some “expectations” set about how fast improvements can become reality. “We’re not going to show you something and then build it tomorrow. There’s a process, especially with these grants,” Beattie emphasized. “When we do these projects, we also think about phasing,” he said, explaining that some low-cost, or “quick impact” solutions, such as road striping, “can pave the way for longer-term solutions.” COMPLETE STREETS FROM PAGE 1 Contact Us Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected].
FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 9 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER The former chair of the Mount Kisco Democratic Committee has pleaded guilty in an electionrelated fraud case, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office confirmed Monday, Jan. 29. Last year, William Serratore and his son, Carmelo, were charged with forging and attesting to forged signatures on nominating petitions for then-mayoral hopeful Tom Luzio. Luzio has never been accused of any wrongdoing by authorities. According to DA spokesman Scott Waters, the elder Serratore pleaded guilty on Oct. 20 to Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Third Degree (Penal Law 170.20), a misdemeanor, before Judge Robert A. Neary of the Westchester County Supreme Court. That same day, Carmelo Serratore accepted what’s known under New York state law as an ACD, or an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismission, Waters said, adding that the ACD is to last six months. An ACD is one of the best outcomes that can be offered in a plea bargain, aside from a complete dismissal. People offered an ACD are able to resolve their cases without entering a guilty plea, legal experts say. William Serratore was sentenced on Dec. 15 to three years’ probation, Waters said. According to Rockland District Attorney, Robert E. Walsh II, William Serratore had originally faced 15 felony counts, including Forgery in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree. Carmelo Serratore had been indicted on four felony counts, including Forgery in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree. The two men both pleaded not guilty at their Sept. 13 arraignment. The nominating petitions in question had been filed with the Westchester County Board of Elections. At the time, William Serratore was the city of Yonkers’ director of sustainability. It could not be confirmed before press time if he remains in that position. Both William Serratore and his defense counsel, Michael Kennedy Burke, have, as of Monday, Jan. 29, not returned repeated requests for comment. TIME OF TRANSITION William Serratore officially stepped down as chair of the Mount Kisco Democratic Committee on Dec. 12. He reportedly remains as a district leader. Subsequently, Luzio was elected to fulfill the remainder of Serratore’s two-year term. Luzio lost the June 27 primary to then-Deputy Mayor Lisa Abzun, who, in turn, lost the November mayoral election to Michael Cindrich, who ran as an independent on the Village Inclusive Party (VIP) line. Abzun remains as a village trustee. It was during the nominating process that Abzun’s camp Serratore pleads guilty in Mount Kisco election fraud case Late last year, Yorktown’s American Legion American Legion Post #1009 brought together five area students for the American Legion’s High School Oratorical Scholarship Program: “A Constitutional Speech Contest.” In 1934, Legionnaire William Kitchen of Kansas City, Mo., developed the contest to instill better knowledge and appreciation of the Constitution of the United States in high school students. The contest consisted of an eight- to 10-minute memorized prepared oration on the duties and obligations of a citizen, followed by a three- to five-minute assigned topic oration. The students were then required to speak about one of four constitutional amendments; the amendment they were to speak about remained unknown to them until five minutes before their recitation. First place went to Zackary Stark of Fox Lane High School, whose talk was entitled “Donald J. Trump versus The Constitution of the United States.” Second place winner, Nia Gooden of New Rochelle High School, focused on the First Amendment, from which all other of our crucial rights are ensured. Stark and Gooden are now eligible to compete in the upcoming district competition and may then move on to zone, state, and a national competition at Hillsdale College in Michigan, where a first-place scholarship of $25,000 will be awarded. Article courtesy of the American Legion Post #1009 Fox Lane’s Stark wins American Legion speech contest PHOTO COURTESY AMERICAN LEGION POST #1009 SEE SERRATORE PAGE 30 Offering the Unique Flavors of Asian Cuisine MAKE YOUR VALENTINE’S RESERVATION TODAY! 914-232-3900 tengdakatonah.com 286 Katonah Ave, Katonah Fall in LOVE with Flavor
PAGE 10 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES 118 N, BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those of The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times or its affiliates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail at [email protected]. For more information, call the editor at 914-302-5830 BRETT FREEMAN, PUBLISHER TOM WALOGORSKY , EDITOR TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Editorial Office: 914-302-5830 [email protected]. FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 I was surprised to receive an email from Ed Baum, editor of The Bedford Record Review, letting me know he was retiring after 10 years at the helm. He said that the Jan. 12 edition of the paper would be his last. It was only a few days later that we learned the paper was suspending operations completely according to their Facebook page, “in order to look for solutions to bring us back to financial sustainability.” So it was not only Ed’s last issue, it may have been the last issue for the paper. I have had my differences with Ed and the Record Review over the years, and I let him know it when it was appropriate. I always found him accessible and thanked him and reminded him that the work he was doing was important. The loss of this paper is a loss for our community. The Record Review was founded in 1995. Two local papers, The Pound Ridge Review and The Bedford Record, owned by Acorn Press and based in Connecticut, had failed earlier that same year. Some community-minded local residents led by Dick Pearl raised money to help publisher Deborah White restart a local paper covering Pound Ridge and Bedford. In 1999, the New York Press Association recognized The Record Review as the best community newspaper in the state. Recently, you could see the handwriting on the wall as the paper became thinner and full-page real estate ads nonexistent. A lot had changed in the ensuing 29 years leading up to the shuttering of the paper. Consumers are increasingly relying on digital media to keep up with the news via Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. Pew surveys show GenZ rarely relies on traditional media to keep up with current events. There is a lot of quantity out there without much expertise or quality. Those platforms also aim at national audiences and topics in order to achieve scale. I am a fan of local papers. Years ago, my mom helped pay for my college by selling display advertising for the Patent Trader, a local paper based in Mount Kisco. That paper was absorbed by the Reporter Dispatch, which became Lohud. The Lohud paper still exists in print, barely. Local news is so important, yet it’s becoming harder and harder to find. Without local journalists to cover our local school board, planning board, town board, etc., who holds them accountable? In some ways, those local institutions have more impact on our life than national politics does, yet we lose our connection to them without local journalism. And keeping up with happenings on the ballfields and the police blotter keeps us connected to our neighbors. In an earlier column I mentioned that according to Steven Waldman, chair of the Rebuild Local News Coalition, over 3,400 local papers have closed since 2004. He points out, “communities without local news have less civic engagement, lower voter turnouts, more waste and more corruption. Towns with less local news even have lower bond ratings and higher taxes. Polarization and misinformation grow.” There are some interesting efforts underway at the state and federal level to pass legislation to provide financial support for local journalism, including tax credits for subscribing to local news sources and advertising in local newspapers or local online news services, as well as incentives to hire local journalists. These efforts deserve our support. Could a local paper be run as a notfor-profit? Changing the business model could allow them to conduct fundraisers, sell memberships and ask for stipends from the towns they cover. It would also allow for grant applications and crowdfunding. Shameless plug warning: Luckily, if you are reading these words, you are in a town covered by a Halston Media publication providing vital local journalism. Thank you for your support. Sad day for local journalism The Bedford Record Review suspends operations DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT I have a cousin who suffers from a persecution complex. A textbook paranoid, he thought everyone was out to get him. (Looking back, I think now maybe they were.) He felt the local paper had done him wrong and they were looking to smear his reputation (he had none to begin with). I don’t remember the specific circumstances of what was written about him—this was the ’80s—but he was not happy at all. So, did he write an angry letter to the editor? Did he hire an attorney and sue for libel? No. He decided instead to start his own paper and put the other one out of business. Now, the poor guy couldn’t write a grocery list or spell CAT, even if you spotted him the C and the T, but righteous indignation is a powerful motivator, even if you’re misguided. He actually did it and printed a few issues. He was doing everything... reporting, photographing, selling ads. But he had such a prickly personality that being a salesman was a bit of a challenge for him. His paper folded pretty quickly. The average person has absolutely no idea what goes into owning and running a newspaper. It’s a business like anything else—you have to worry about things such as payroll, insurance, utilities, IT stuff, dealing with printer issues, post office issues, legal stuff and taxes. And within all that, you need to find specialized talents that can write, report, edit, photograph, have a working knowledge of journalistic styles, design ads, and lay out pages Adventures in newspapering BOB DUMAS OUT OF MY HEAD SEE DUMASPAGE 14
FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 OPINION THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 11 In support of Mondaire Jones Dear Editor, Feeling that old anxiety returning as the Republican primary roles on? I feel the same way. It seems like the inevitable is unstoppable. Actually, we can do something. Build a bulwark of people in Congress with the courage to say no. Mondaire Jones has a life history of succeeding against the odds. He has determination and courage. Despite being redistricted out of Congress, he hasn’t given up. He is the kind of person we need in Congress, and it’s not an insurmountable goal; only about 1,800 votes won the last election. The current Congressman, Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) says a lot of pleasant, bipartisan things, but he isn’t saying no. Lawler voted yea on HR 1, which promotes fracking and eliminates the EPA program to incentivize lower methane emissions. Lawler voted yea on HR 2, which declines to fund electric vehicles for the Department of Homeland Security. Lawler voted yea on HR 21, which holds DOE actions on the strategic petroleum reserves hostage to a plan to increase drilling in federal lands and on the outer continental shelf. Lawler voted yea on Senate Joint Resolution (SJ Res) 11, nullifying the EPA rule to reduce ozone and particulate matter from heavy duty engines and vehicles. Lawler voted yea on SJ Res 9 and SJ Res 24, nullifying U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rules classifying endangered species. And, yes, Lawler vote yea on H Res 521 and 529, censuring Adam Schiff and impeaching the President. We can do something. Vote for Mondaire Jones. -Ellen Kearns Pound Ridge LETTER Victor Hugo once remarked, “A stout heart may be ruined in fortune but not in spirit.” This profound observation speaks not just to the resilience of the human spirit, but intriguingly mirrors the multifaceted nature of the term ‘stout’ itself. At its core, Hugo’s quote celebrates the indomitable character of a person, evoking images of courage and bravery. Yet, ‘stout’ also traditionally describes a robust physicality—bulky, heavily built or corpulent. This dual meaning provides a perfect segue into the world of stout beers, where the term takes on yet another rich dimension. In the chilly embrace of colder months, the flavorful Stout style stands out. Many are familiar with the iconic Guinness Stout, a gold standard in its class. Despite its roasty glory, Guinness is surprisingly light in both alcohol content (4.2%) and caloric profile, making it an excellent ‘gateway stout’ for those new to the genre. Stout beer, a dark, top-fermented ale, boasts a variety of sub-styles: dry stout, oatmeal stout (an unexpected source of fiber!), milk stout (enhanced with lactose), imperial stout (notably strong), and the innovative dessert stouts. A common thread among these variations is a backbone of roastiness, often accompanied by a creamy texture. The stout’s origin traces back to the 1600s with the popular dark beer style known as Porter. Originally lighter in body and color, with a balance of malty sweetness and bitter hoppiness, Porters evolved as brewers experimented with recipes, intensifying flavors and increasing the alcohol content. This evolution in boldness and strength led to the emergence of the Stout style. When it comes to pairing stouts with food, remember the mantra: The enduring spirit of stout In heart, body and brew Bart Brewery Chocolate Mint Stout PHOTO COURTESY OF THE KATONAH BEER MAN Excellent rotating beers at Vista Beverage • vistabeerandbeverage.com • 204 Oakridge Commons, South Salem • 914-533-7512 SEE BART PAGE 12 JOHN BART THE KATONAH BEER MAN N O W T H R U F E B R U A RY 11T H SAVE AN EXTRA 10% OFF OUR WINTER SALE PRICES ON ALL FABRIC AND LEATHER SEATING: SOFAS, SECTIONALS, LOVESEATS, CHAIRS, RECLINERS AND MORE! PLUS GET AN EXTRA 5% ON ADDITIONAL PIECES* TO COMPLETE YOUR ROOM TOTAL SAVINGS UP TO 50% OFF HOME FURNISHINGS • MATTRESSES • KIDS’ ROOMS HOME OFFICE • LIGHTING • WINDOW TREATMENTS AREA RUGS • ART • HOME DECOR COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN SERVICES 230 RTE 117 BYPASS ROAD BEDFORD HILLS, NY 10507, 914.241.7000 COUNTRYWILLOW.COM *Offer not valid on purchases of gift cards, previously purchased merchandise, clearance items, balances, special discounts, delivery charges, furniture protection, Ekornes, Hunter Douglas, American Leather, BDI, and Serta. Other limitations may apply.
PAGE 12 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OPINION FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 BART FROM PAGE 11 Welcome to “News & Notes,” where we look at the happenings here in Westchester County. Here are some of my favorite, fun February facts… The groundhog will miss its shadow; I will eat too much at our friends’ Super Bowl party; my wife will not be too happy with the wilted flowers and stale candy I give her for Valentine’s Day, and I will hurt my back watching her shoveling snow. So, fire up a hot cocoa, sit back and enjoy this week’s “Funky February” edition of “News & Notes.” Especially now with the cold and snow, seniors who are homebound, recovering from a hospital stay and are unable to prepare meals, or have no one to do so for them, may be eligible for a hot midday meal delivered by our caring volunteers. Call Jim Whiting at 914-666– 7203 for more information. Speaking of our beloved seniors, there will be a senior Valentine social coffee hour from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Feb. 9, at the Bedford Hills Community House. The town is honoring our senior adults with a special coffee hour with a Valentine theme. Bring a friend or your sweetheart and have coffee, bagels, pastries and more. John Jay Homestead is holding their second Scholars Lecture at 7 p.m. Feb. 11. The topic is “Dissent in Our Democracy,” featuring Joanne Freeman, Steve Luxenberg and Eric Foner. The great team at the Bedford Recreation Department will hold a Paint Escape for adults from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 9, at the Bedford Hills Community House. If you ever saw some of my paintings, you would certainly want to escape. Our friends at Lasdon Park present “Sip, Nibble & Learn: The History of Glass Houses” from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. News & Notes for ‘Funky February’ MARK JEFFERS NEWS & NOTES SEE JEFFERSPAGE 13 Complement, Contrast & Cut. Stouts beautifully complement roasted or grilled proteins (think chicken, pork, beef), as well as vegetables. They elevate a homemade stew to new heights, especially when considering the Maillard Effect and its synergy with darker beers. For dessert, the higher alcohol content of an Imperial Stout can superbly cut through the richness of chocolate, offering a delightful culinary experience. Explore the diverse world of stouts and discover how this robust beer style, much like a stout heart, embodies depth, complexity, and enduring appeal. Reader Recommendations In this month’s Reader Recommendations, we fortuitously delve into the world of Stouts, and it seems almost as if we had planned it! Stout enthusiast Ryan The Great shares his eagerly awaited annual insights on Goose Island’s Bourbon County winter selections: “As the chill of winter sets in and the festive cheer lingers, it’s time for the much-anticipated release of Goose Island’s new stout lineup! “The 2023 Bourbon County Brand Original Stout is a standout year-round choice. Aged for 12 months, this year’s iteration introduces a delightful cherry twist to its already exquisite flavor profile. As a long-time fan, I can attest that the cherry addition enhances the experience – it’s a commendable and delicious choice at a fair price, making it their most approachable stout yet. [KBM: I wholeheartedly agree!] “But the real showstopper this year is the Bananas Foster Stout. This innovative brew immediately captures your attention with its clear banana notes, but it’s the intricate blend of three types of almonds and the sharpness of cassia bark – a type of Chinese cinnamon – that truly sets it apart. It’s a must-try for those who seek unique stout flavors. “Then there’s the Backyard Stout, a dream for berry aficionados. With an ABV close to 13%, it’s as potent as it is flavorful. Goose Island skillfully melds mulberries, boysenberries, and marionberries with touches of vanilla and chocolate, resulting in a rich, berry-forward profile. My personal preference is the bottled version of this stout, which seems to enhance its complex layers. “Continuing our stout journey, the Bourbon County Brand Eagle 2 Year Reserve is back. This two-year-aged stout is a testament to the art of aging, boasting rich flavors of toasted almonds and vanilla. Its thickness is a hallmark of a well-crafted stout – it’s so rich that it can leave a lasting impression on your glass, a trait that enthusiasts cherish. The only downside, as with all special reserves, is its price. “Lastly, as a fellow admirer of Angel’s Envy bourbon [KBM: Indeed, I am], the Cask Finish Angel’s Envy-inspired stout is a revelation. This unique stout spent a year in former Angels Envy barrels followed by a year in Ruby Port Wine barrels, resulting in an explosion of cherry and cocoa notes. It’s an ideal after-dinner indulgence. Despite my initial apprehension about it being overly ‘boozy,’ this stout pleasantly balances its strong flavor profile. “I hope my reviews inspire you to explore these exceptional stouts this season!” Cheers! The Katonah Beer Man can be reached at [email protected] or visit thekatonahbeerman.wordpress.com. Please check out our friends at Vista Beverage, vistabeerandbeverage.com; 204 Oakridge Commons, South Salem; 914-533-7512.
FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 OPINION THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 13 25. You will be welcomed to the Lasdon Main House with your host Gigi Carnes as she takes you on a journey through the ages that spans Ancient Rome through today. Enjoy a glass of wine and some light snacks as you settle in for a presentation about the history of glass houses and why they actually exist. The good folks at the Paramount Hudson Valley Theater have some great shows in February. On Feb. 10 at 5 p.m., step into the enchanting realm of Cirque Zuma Zuma, a mesmerizing spectacle that has earned acclaim from audiences and critics alike in Europe and Australia. This one-of-a-kind show, often likened to an African-style Cirque du Soleil, showcases the extraordinary talents of dedicated performers. Then on Feb. 16, get ready for an unforgettable night with Naturally 7. These vocal virtuosos go beyond traditional a cappella, coining the term “Vocal Play” to describe their jaw-dropping audio pyrotechnics. Did you know that February is National Pet Dental Health Month. I just finished brushing my daughters’ dogs’ teeth and a bit nervous as flossing is next; wish me luck. JEFFERS FROM PAGE 12 J an. 28 was effectively the last day of football season. The Chiefs bested the Ravens and the Forty Niners beat the Lions. What lies ahead is the Taylor Swift Super Bowl featuring hours of pregame hype, way too many commercials and an hour-long halftime show, making it almost impossible to watch for most football fans. It is an event not for football fans, but for everyone else. So we are at that depressing time of year when football is over and baseball season is still two months away. I thought I could at least fill the void by focusing on the presidential primaries for entertainment during the lull, but it looks like both contests were already decided before the process even got going. Is our system for picking presidents broken if 99% of the electorate won’t participate in picking a candidate for November? Probably. The primary system for amassing delegates in order to secure a major party’s endorsement is a relatively recent phenomenon. Most of the reforms in the presidential nomination process came after the tumultuous 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago. Party rules were changed to ensure the delegates to their national nominating convention were selected by primary voting rather than by party leaders at state conventions. Republicans followed suit. The idea was to let the people decide rather than “party bosses.” Like most reforms, there were unintended consequences. Only a small percentage of voters in each party participate in their respective primaries. Those voters are generally the activists and tend to be the most extreme in each of the parties. The characteristics and policy positions that make a candidate appealing to the most strident members of their party may not be helpful in a general election. The result is candidates that appeal to the base of the party, but not necessarily to those in the middle. Polarization among other things is the result. With 50 states, we have 50 different sets of rules for voting in a presidential primary. In most states, you must be a registered member of the party to participate in the primary. Approximately 20 states allow open primaries where a voter can participate in whichever primary they choose regardless of their party affiliation. Independents get to vote in those primaries. Open primaries are attractive because the inclusive electorate more closely resembles the general election, hence more appealing candidates could emerge from those states. Party leaders from both sides don’t like open primaries because they feel it dilutes the power of party membership. However, about 27% of the country identifies as Democrat and about the same percentage identifies as Republican. Forty-three percent identify as independent - a number that has been growing for years. If the goal is to select candidates that will fare well in the general election, why wouldn’t you want to know what independents think? Doesn’t that help build a coalition? Both parties are working hard to button up the primary cycle as quickly as possible, attempting to crown their respective nominees, short-circuiting the entire process. I’d be a fan of cutting to the chase, perhaps, if the product was appealing. But in all likelihood, we will be getting a rematch of the 2020 election. Gallup reports that 70% of those surveyed said they won’t vote for either candidate. It doesn’t look like the system is working. The two party duopoly is not turning out a good product. They are weak institutions, which seem to want to follow the parade rather than lead it. As a recent piece in the Economist opined, “political parties do not plot or strategize anymore to anoint a candidate, at least not with much effect; they have instead become vehicles idling by the curbs of American life until the primaries approach, waiting for successful candidates to commandeer them.” There has been a lot of chatter recently about how each candidate covets a Taylor Swift endorsement, which could make the difference in a tight race. It’s quite possible she may know more about picking presidents than the major parties do. Look how good she’s been at picking football teams. On football and the Taylor Swift presidential sweepstakes DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 914.232.7428 | phatoliveoil.com Follow us Facebook & Instagram @phatoliveoil 87 Katonah Avenue, Katonah, NY 10536 Elevate your Big Game party with our lineup of premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars, zesty seasonings, salts, and hot sauces. 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PAGE 14 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OPINION FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 WHY DO WE ADVERTISE IN HALSTON MEDIA’S TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL BRETT FREEMAN AT (845) 208-8151 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS? “People recognize us all over town and compliment us on our advertising. Our ability to reach patients and inform the community about different aspects of our practice has allowed us to grow.” - Drs. Richard Bridgham and Anita Barr BUYING ONLY 845-628-0362 WE WILL COME TO YOU! 53 WE BUY: YEARS! Gold • Sterling Silver Jewelry • Coins Paintings • Bronzes Clocks • Collectibles Antiques • ETC. Items for sale? Call us! Service: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com using a computer with the help of an array of complex programs. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. My cousin’s inclination would be the same as me walking into a bank and yelling, “You charged me a $40 overdraft fee when I bounced a check! Well, that does it... I’m starting my own bank!” When I was running the paper up in Pawling in the ‘80s, I would get calls all the time from people who told me they always wanted “to try writing” and asked if they could write for us. And when I asked, “Write what?” they inevitably didn’t exactly know. “I’d just always wanted to try it,” they’d explain. They had no experience, no education, and, apparently, no clue. But clearly, all they needed was some paper, a typewriter, and a willingness to try. Yet I needed five years of college and two degrees to get there, which wasn’t cheap. My parents were gonna be pissed. When I first got out of college, I needed a job as quickly as possible because I had student loans to pay off and beers to buy. I had a journalism degree but really had no idea how to get my foot in the door. So, I took a non-journalism job to keep the wolves at bay. Back then, one of the biggest employers in the region was the state-run Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center located in the little hamlet of Wingdale about eight miles north of Pawling. Both my parents worked there at one time or another. But in the ‘70s, the state decided it no longer wanted to warehouse psychiatric patients and set them free. The days of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” were over. So, the state converted the abandoned psychiatric center into a DFY facility. DFY stands for Division for Youth. While that may sound like some sort of patriotic youth organization, it definitely is not. DFY is the sister agency to the state Department of Corrections. It houses kids under the age of 18 who’ve committed serious felonies and were tried as adults. When they turn 18, if there is still time left on their sentence, they are sent off to big boy prison. So, at the former Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center, they put bars on the windows, keycard locks on the interior doors, and then wrapped the whole thing with a 12-foot-tall chain-link fence topped with some nasty-looking razor wire. They hired anyone with a college degree—no vetting, no background check, no psychiatric evaluation to make sure they were fit to work in such a place. So... they hired me. These weren’t hubcap stealers or shoplifters they were housing here—they were scary dudes who’d done some very bad things. We had one “kid” who was about 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds. The word about him was, “Don’t shoot him, you’ll really piss him off.” Not that we had guns. All we had was life insurance. Hiring people to work in a place like that without proper evaluation is a dicey game. It can attract some damaged people with delusional and/or sadistic tendencies... narcissistic bullies. But my first year there was uneventful. I worked the graveyard shift—from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. It was very quiet. Two of us would hang out in the office and once an hour we would walk the hallway of the dorm and peer through the windows in the doors with a flashlight to make sure the inmate (sorry... client) was still in his bed. They often were. It was when I got transferred to the day shift that things got weird. I was able to observe staff-client interaction up close and personal. You could tell pretty quickly the ones who were more suited to working security at a self-storage facility rather than with incarcerated disenfranchised youth. I am not going to go into it all just now, because it’s not what this particular column is about, but I (for reasons I still can’t figure out 45 years later) became a target of the administration. I began getting written up for petty things, and some things that were completely made up. I saw a memo on my boss’s desk that said, “Dumas must be out by July 20th.” That was when my probation was up, and I could join the union and basically become unfirable. Up until then, if they didn’t like the color of your socks, they could let you go without cause. I put in a request to get transferred back to the nightshift and they wrote me up again for that—insubordination. The writing was on the wall, and I was gone within a couple of weeks. Classic blessing in disguise. About a month later I landed my first reporting job and hit the ground running. After three years I made it to managing editor. Not long after, I started getting calls at the paper from former DFY coworkers who were still employed there. Bad things were happening, they told me. Inappropriate relationships between the clients and the female staff... staffers running drugs for clients between the Bronx and Wingdale... administrators being paid hush money to look the other way. Those workers began smuggling out copies of documents, logs, Polaroids and audio tapes. We’d meet late at night at the Triangle Diner—a local greasy spoon. Very skullduggery for so early in my career. It turned out to be a fourpart story—front page, above the fold, banner headlines. They fought us... tried to say I was a disgruntled fired employee, that we obtained documents illegally, and that they’d been taped without their knowledge. There were veiled threats; there were blunt threats. But we published anyway and... Nothing ever happened. Crickets chirping. I called the news editor at The Poughkeepsie Journal—the big daily in the region at the time—and asked him if he’d seen our series on the DFY. He said he had and thought it was strong. He said they were thinking of doing something about it. I encouraged him to do that and offered him our box full of documents, pictures and stuff. We didn’t need it anymore. They came and got it (and gave us credit). The Poughkeepsie Journal’s four-part series began two weeks later. Not long after, the state then began its own investigation. There were resignations, firings and arrests resulting in a little national coverage. The place eventually closed. We won a New York State Press Association award for best reporting. Studies show that towns with a community newspaper have lower taxes. That’s because, with a newspaper nosing around all the time, folks are less inclined to get into any monkey business. I offer up the DFY story as an example of what a boots-onthe-ground community newspaper can do. Perhaps my cousin should have opened up his own bank. It probably would have been a lot easier. DUMAS FROM PAGE 10
FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 15 I regularly meet clients who have been retired for 10 to 15 years and, remarkably, have not had the time to implement an estate and/or elder law plan for themselves. I understand that retirees have busy lives: After all, traveling and playing golf, tennis, pickleball and bocce can be quite time-consuming! (Perhaps not as time-consuming as babysitting, chauffeuring around the grandkids, or arranging and attending doctor appointments, but still…) Yet, for the life of me, I just can’t understand why one would wait until their 80s to implement an elder law and/or estate plan. While implementing an estate plan at any age is better than not doing so at all, the risks and adverse consequences of waiting are significant. For example, delaying the execution of a Durable Power of Attorney with broad gifting provisions and a Health Care Proxy creates the possibility that if one has become incapacitated (mentally and/or physically) and is unable to make financial and personal decisions, they will need to have a Guardian appointed for them. A Guardianship proceeding must be commenced in the Supreme Court of the County where one resides in New York. It is expensive, time-consuming, and can be emotionally taxing for all parties involved, particularly if it ends up being contested. Ultimately, the person appointed as Guardian may still be unable to make the financial transactions necessary to protect the incapacitated person’s assets from the cost of long-term care (especially, if the objective is eligibility for Medicaid home care). This outcome can be easily avoided by executing a broadly drafted Durable Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy long before this could come to pass. The failure to be proactive also rears its ugly head if one has not implemented an elder law plan at least five years before requiring nursing home Medicaid and, once the new law is implemented in 2025 or 2026, at least two-and-a-half years before requiring Medicaid home care. If one waits until their late 70s and/ or 80s to execute and fund a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT), they are increasing the risk that they will need to privately pay for their care in a nursing home or at home, which could potentially dissipate their life savings. It is quite common in the New York metropolitan area for a nursing home to cost between $175,000 to $220,000 per year and for home care to run approximately $150,000 to $175,000 per year. For a person of modest means, this can be devastating. Even for the affluent, the risk of delaying implementation of an estate plan with estate tax planning techniques can be detrimental. This is especially true for New York residents who have estates greater than approximately $7 million in the year 2024, and thus, may be subject to New York’s onerous estate tax cliff. Additionally, while the Federal Estate and Gift Tax exemption will be $13.61 million per person in 2024, said exemption will sunset if it is not extended by Dec. 31, 2025, and on Jan. 1, 2026, it will be reduced to approximately $7 million per person. Moreover, the failure to utilize part or all of the Federal Gift Tax exemption before it sunsets, by gifting assets and implementing an estate tax plan, subjects one’s estate to the potential for significant estate taxes, with a combined Federal and New York estate tax rate of 49.9%. While being proactive is a great idea during any stage in life, the failure to do so when one has reached retirement age can be quite expensive. Anthony J. Enea is the managing attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP of White Plains, New York. He focuses his practice on Wills, Trusts, Estates and Elder Law. Anthony is the Past Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), and is the past Chair of the 50+ Section of the NYSBA. He is a Past President and Founding member of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Anthony is also the Immediate Past President of the Westchester County Bar Foundation and a Past President of the Westchester County Bar Association. He is also fluent in Italian. He can be reached at 914-948-1500 or at www.esslawfirm.com. ANTHONY J. ENEA GUEST CORNER FOCUS ON ELDER LAW Being proactive in retirement Risks for waiting to implement an estate plan are significant If one waits until their late 70s and/or 80s to execute and fund a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT), they are increasing the risk that they will need to privately pay for their care in a nursing home or at home, which could potentially dissipate their life savings.’ -Anthony J. Enea Managing attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP
PAGE 16 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – FvybuMounComIn addition to provnesses and our comalso knows how toDecember to celebrat their holiday partgroup (along with spirit at the HoTo learn more abupcoming Donna Arena (Saw Mill Club), Bruce Heller (Halston Media Group), Cyndi David (Cyndi David Real Estate), Matt Grasso (Northern Westchester Auto Body), Beth Vetare-Civitello (MKCC Executive Director), Dan Taplitz (Right Click Solutions), Dana Schwartz (D’Errico Jewelry), and Loretta Brooks (MKCC Executive Director and Mt. Kisco Gold & Silver) Donna Arena (Saw Mill Club), Rob Bernstein (Mount Kisco Sports), and Kris Mullin Oksana Kolinyk and Samantha Morash of DARCARS BMW Mount Kisco Mayor J. Michael Cindrich and Kevin Kane of Saw Mill Club Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Scooby Doo at Holiday Fest PHOTOS COURTESY OF CYNTHIA DAVID
FEBRUARY 8, 2024 - MARCH 13, 2024 PAGE 17 Our village, your usiness! nt Kisco Chamber of mmerce cuts loose viding programs and events to benefit local busi- mmunity, the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce o have some fun! Chamber members gathered in rate the season and look ahead to the new year ty hosted at DARCARS BMW of Mount Kisco. The a few special guests) also got into the holiday oliday Fest event in downtown Mount Kisco. out the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce and events, visit www.mtkiscochamber.com. Lynne Ler, Leigh Hodgson, Drew Hodgson, and Rhett Ler of The Hamlet, winners of the Mt. Kisco Window Decoration Contest. Chamber of Commerce President and owner of Northern Westchester Auto Body Matt Grasso Sammi Taplitz (Right Click Solutions) and Laura Duerto Perez (Kisco Clean) Nyro Lewis (Trustco Bank), Peter Demarco (Servpro), Jane Pieragostini (Chambr Board Member), and Bruce Heller (Halston Media Group)
PAGE 18 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES HEALTH & WELLNESS FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 We see you here. The things you love doing are more than just passions. They’re what make you “you.” This is why at The Bristal, our expert team members dedicate their time, attention, and energy to creating customized social activities that ensure each resident continues being the unique person they are. And, in the process, create the one-of-a-kind community we are, too. Schedule your visit today and see for yourself. THE BRISTAL AT ARMONK | 914.444.2636 THE BRISTAL AT WHITE PLAINS | 914.862.7667 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.
FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 HEALTH & WELLNESS THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 19 ADVERTORIAL LLPT wishes all readers a happy, healthy, and blessed 2024! Several patients (and readers) have mentioned to me they benefit as much from the whole mind-body connection and awareness I frequently underscore in my articles to improve their full well-being as my suggested handson therapy treatment and alignment exercises. Hence, the focus of this article is on the universe’s basic elements and how they positively impact our well-being and pain-free movement. IT IS A NEW YEAR, AND TIME TO REFLECT AND MAKE CHOICES Life is the C between B & D (birth & death), and C entails the choices we make in life. Since our birth, we constantly make choices about all aspects of our lives: from the career we choose, where to live, what clothes to wear, what to eat, and whether to exercise. We are in a new calendar year. Whether we choose to make New Year’s resolutions or not, it is always healthy to reflect on our life during the past year and the challenges and changes that occurred. We are in the driver’s seat of our own life and whether to make changes to improve our health and lifestyle. INTEGRATE THE FOUR BASIC ELEMENTS OF LIFE This article borrows inspiration and ideas from the Greek philosophy that the Universe consists of four basic elements: solid (earth), gas (air), liquid (water) and plasma (fire). To survive and thrive, we must balance all four basic elements in our life. The four basic elements are symbolical and integrating them in a therapeutic way in our life can enhance and bring positive changes in our day-to-day well-being. • Earth: the earth is our strong foundation and keeps our body and mindset grounded. A strong core foundation in our body is crucial to our balance, posture and keeps us connected with nature. • Air: every breath we take delivers oxygen and fuel for our body and brain. It is our determination to help us stay focused, helps us relax, and helps with the movement of our body and the expansion of our mind. • Fire: fire represents the energy and vigor to act. The warmth from the sun and the heat from our bodies help with pain relief, reduce joint stiffness, and improve mobility. • Water: water keeps us hydrated and symbolizes our creativity and adaptability. INTEGRATE CHANGES USING SMALL, SIMPLE STEPS Set achievable goals to make changes. Start with small, simple steps on which to build as you get motivated from the changes and improvements you see and feel. 1. Earth: • Get grounded: stimulate your feet nerve endings by taking your shoes off and roll your feet around on a small ball, pick up paper scrunches with your toes, trace the alphabet in the air with your feet. • Connect with nature by taking daily brisk walks for 15-20 minutes. • Focus on using your core as a strong foundation to help support your body. Start with simple steps: every hour when you exhale try to suck your belly button into your spine, squeeze your Glutes, pull up your pelvic floor and tighten your abdominal muscles. Take a deep breath in and relax all your muscles. Repeat ten times. 2. Air: • Take deep breaths through your nose and feel how the air travels deep into the base of your lungs, expands your ribcage, and expands your diaphragm, and then feel how your whole body relaxes as you exhale. • Include deep breathing when you walk outside connect the earth with air element. 3. Fire: • Feel the warmth of the sun fill your body with heat as you walk outside and get energized. Move around either dancing around your kitchen, doing Yoga, Pilates, or any form of exercise. Movement increases circulation in your body, it reduces pain and stiffness and helps with muscle flexibility. 4. Water: • Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day; it helps with bodily functions and keeps us energized. Water symbolizes fluidity and healing and how to adapt to our changing bodies. Take time every day to be still and focus on your own emotions and how it affects your actions as well as how it affects the people around you. Life is a one-time remarkable gift LIZE LUBBE GUEST CORNER Choices and Changes for Healthy Living in 2024 and, as the pilot of our own life, the choices we make define who we are and how we can change to improve our own well-being and contribute to our family, friends, and 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) 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 contact@ lizelubbept.com or visiting www.lizelubbept.com. community. At LLPT, our team of therapists incorporate holistic, healing principles, mindfulness, and the integration of various therapeutic approaches to restore and enhance patients’ overall well-being. Consistent with the focus of Greek philosophy on the four basic elements, we address all for basic elements in the rehabilitation of patients: 1) earth - helping you with pain-free movement, working on core and stability exercises; 2) air - guiding you to use correct breathing techniques during all movement and daily activities; 3) fire - prescribing dynamic, coordination movement to energize and improve your balance; and 4) water - adding fluidity and reducing the impact of movement on your joints and spine. Embrace the four elements in your life to enrich and grow to a more balanced, harmonious you.
PAGE 20 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 Fantastic Foxes! Riley New Arthur Shevick Kevin New PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI Luke Valente Ryan Goldstein Our student-athletes are off and running in 2024! Whether they are tipping off on the court or facing off on the ice, our teams always give fans plenty to cheer for. Go Foxes! Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by Halston Media in 2020. Dave Toub and the Chiefs went on to win the Super Bowl that year and again in 2023. This Sunday, Toub will attempt to win his third title in five years. BY BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER CONTRIBUTING WRITER No local teams made the Super Bowl this year, but many residents of nearby Mahopac have a clear rooting interest on Sunday. Dave Toub, the assistant head coach and special teams coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, is a former Mahopac High School football player, graduating from the school in 1980. He went on to play college football at Springfield College and then at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where he started his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 1986. It was at UTEP where Taub met Andy Reid, who coached offensive line from 1987 to 1988. They also coached together at the University of Missouri from 1989 to 1991. In 2001, Reid, then head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, brought Toub on to coach special teams. He stayed with the Eagles until 2003, joining the Chicago Bears from 2004 to 2012. In 2013, when Reid became head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, he and Toub reunited once more. Toub’s special teams units consistently rank near the top of the league. According to ESPN’s metrics, the Bears and the Chiefs ranked in the Top 5 in special teams every year from 2006 to 2019, taking the top spot seven times. “I think he’s the best in the business,” Reid said of Toub in 2016. Toub, who played offensive and defensive line in high school, said he appreciates the support he’s received from Mahopac residents. “I enjoyed growing up in Mahopac and am very proud to call it my hometown,” Toub said. “It is certainly an honor to realize that people from Mahopac are supporting my success. I can assure you I will do everything in my power to bring a World Championship home. “Mahopac is full of hard-working people, including my parents who still reside there,” Toub added. “There is no question that the positive environment Mahopac offered has had a positive impact on my career.” At Mahopac, Toub played under coach Gerry Keevins, who helped Toub land a scholarship at UTEP. Toub actually signed his Letter of Intent at Keevins’ dining room table. Toub was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the ninth round of the 1985 NFL Draft and later signed with the Los Angeles Rams, but he did not play a game for either team. “I knew when he graduated from high school that he had the potential to be a great player, and he was,” Keevins said. “In my 28 years as head coach at Mahopac, he’s probably one of the people that I’m most proud of in terms of what he’s accomplished.” Toub has always been ambitious, Keevins said. “I remember him telling me one day when he was coaching at Missouri that one day he would be a coach in the NFL,” Keevins said. “And he made it. He was the kind of guy who made up his mind of what he wanted and kept working toward it until he achieved his goals. He’s just a great individual. I couldn’t be more proud. I’m rooting like crazy for him.” Big Game, small town Westchester native Dave Toub to coach in Super Bowl
FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 LEISURE THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 21 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. One point south of due east 4. Coagulated blood 8. Fortifying ditch 10. Devotee of Hinduism 11. Trunk of a tree 12. Bank note 13. Capital of Guam 15. Study again 16. Covered with hoarfrost 17. Opening 18. Legendary Rolling Stone 21. Stray 22. Computer storing system 23. Signal 24. Pitching statistic 25. Human being 26. Malaysian isthmus 27. The “Blonde Bombshell” 34. A gland 35. Bluish greens 36. Endangered 37. Three-dimensional 38. In a way, precipitated 39. God associated with dissolution 40. Blemished 41. Flow or leak slowly 42. Disco legends The Bee __ 43. Midway between south and southeast CLUES DOWN 1. A way to board 2. Get down 3. Highly seasoned sausage 4. First day of month 5. Eurasian shrubs 6. The organ that bears the ovules of a flower 7. Small lake 9. Belief 10. Sunrooms 12. Metric weight unit 14. Vasopressin 15. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! 17. One-time family room staple 19. Got back together 20. Anger 23. Sang merrily 24. Sea eagle 25. Military men 26. Kilo yard (abbr.) 27. Found in the sea 28. Protects from weather 29. Type of medicine 30. City along the Rhine 31. Animal disease 32. Martini ingredients 33. Get away 34. Lack of disunity 36. One-time European Commission officer PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF 01/11/24 It’s that much more fun when hosting or attending a game watch party for the Big Game, as food and fellow fans only add to the enjoyment of the competition on the field. Though many foods are at home during game watch parties, perhaps no dish is more associated with football than chicken wings. Wings make the ideal food when watching football, and this recipe for “Grilled Buffalo Wings” courtesy of cookbook author Katie Lee Biegel and The Food Network can make a delicious addition to your game day spread. Grill some wings for the Big Game GRILLED BUFFALO WINGS Yields 6 to 8 servings 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 3 pounds whole chicken wings 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/3 cup hot sauce 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon honey DIRECTIONS 1. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper and garlic powder. In a large bowl, toss the wings with the salt mixture to evenly coat. 2. Preheat a gas grill to medium heat (about 350 F). 3. Place the wings on the grill, crowding them together so that they are all touching (this goes against the conventional wisdom of giving meat room so it doesn’t steam; you want them to steam so they stay moist). Grill, flipping the wings every 5 minutes, for a total of 20 minutes of cooking. 4. In the meantime, heat the butter, hot sauce, vinegar, and honey in a saucepan over low heat and whisk to combine. 5. In a clean large bowl, toss the wings with the sauce. Turn the heat up on the grill to medium-high. Use tongs to remove the wings from the sauce and put them back on the grill until the skins crisp, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Put the wings back in the bowl with the sauce, toss and serve.
PAGE 22 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 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 FORD BRONCO GIVEAWAY Earn Entries All Month Long! Saturday, February 24 • 10pm *Actual model and colors may vary. FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HOT WATER HEATER & GAS NEEDS 60 Years of Excellence 719 Rte. 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com TAKE $25 OFF YOUR NEXT SERVICE CALL! VALID ON CALLS OVER 1 HOUR. Happy Valentine’s Day! Arabian Nights! PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEDFORD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Last weekend, Mount Kisco Elementary School performed its first-ever school play: a dual-language version of Aladdin. The district worked with Disney to pilot this play, and on Feb. 2, MKES became the first elementary school to officially perform it! The Harvey School has announced the names of the area students who have earned academic honors for the fall term. The following have been awarded a Cavalier Scholar certificate (GPA of 4.0 or higher) or have earned places on the Head’s List (3.7 or higher) or Honor Roll (at least 3.3): Lily Acrish, 11, Bedford Corners, Cavalier Scholar; Logan Alexander, 11, Goldens Bridge, Cavalier Scholar; Sienna Bates, 12, Waccabuc, Honor Roll: Dylan Bazaar, 12, Katonah, Head’s List; Emily Bigman, 8, Katonah, Head’s List; Ryan Byrne, 11, Katonah, Head’s List; Amity Doyle, 8, Katonah, Head’s List; Jordan Falk, 10, Bedford, Cavalier Scholar; Sophie Frankel, 8, Katonah, Head’s List; Krisi Friedman, 8, Cross River, Head’s List; Brydie Groff, 6, Waccabuc, Head’s List: Lilah Groff, 8, Waccabuc, Head’s List; Brandon Hall, 10, Goldens Bridge, Cavalier Scholar; Iliana Hellinger, 12, Katonah, Cavalier Scholar; Anna Hodgson, 11, Mount Kisco, Head’s List; Helena Kasarda, 12, Katonah, Head’s List; Jonah Kass, 11, Katonah, Honor Roll; Casey Kelly, 10, South Salem, Honor Roll: Sophia Kimmel, 9, Bedford, Head’s List; Eli Klagsbrun, 10, Katonah, Head’s List; Theo Klagsbrun, 12, Katonah, Cavalier Scholar; Aoife Lazzaro, 7, Katonah, Head’s List; Maeve Lazzaro, 10, Katonah, Cavalier Scholar: Phoebe Lichtman, 12, South Salem, Head’s List; Senna Lieber, 7, Goldens Bridge, Head’s List; Fife MacGregor, 10, Katonah, Head’s List: Leo Marano, 9, Bedford, Head’s List; Stephen Millette, 9, Mount Kisco, Cavalier Scholar; Giulia Muenzen, 8, Katonah, Head’s List; Gus Oliver, 12, Bedford Hills, Honor Roll; Cassidy O’Neil, 8, Bedford Hills, Head’s List; Daniela Rynott, 11, Mount Kisco, Cavalier Scholar; Lila Silpe,10, Bedford, Honor Roll; Emily Sorio, 11, Mount Kisco, Honor Roll; Michael Sorio, 12, Mount Kisco, Cavalier Scholar; Peter Sorio, 12, Mount Kisco, Cavalier Scholar; Sara Strnad, 10, Katonah, Cavalier Scholar; Stefan Volpitta, 11, Pound Ridge, Honor Roll: Riannah Wallach, 12, Pound Ridge, Cavalier Scholar; Sullivan Wieting, 9, Bedford, Honor Roll. Article courtesy of The Harvey School. Area students earn academic honors at The Harvey School
FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 23 Yolanda Teresa Semproni Yolanda Teresa Semproni, 99, of Sandy Hook, CT, passed away on December 31, 2023, of natural causes in the town of Niantic, CT. A visitation for Yolanda was held on Tuesday, January 9, at Cassidy & Flynn Funeral Home in Mt. Kisco, with a burial afterwards at St. Francis Cemetery. Yolanda was born December 29, 1924, in Mt. Kisco to Paul and Josephine Paulli. She had three brothers, Paul Jr., Eugene and Micheal (all deceased). Yolanda attended school in Mt. Kisco, and worked as a telephone switchboard operator for the New York Telephone Company in her hometown. Her first marriage abruptly ended when her husband died fulfilling his job as a courier for the Readers’ Digest. They had one son, Andrew. Thereafter, she married Socrates (Blondie) Semproni, now deceased. They moved to Bedford Hills in 1956 and had two more children, Anthony and Theresa. After Socrate’s retirement, they moved to Sandy Hook to be closer to family. Yolanda and Socrates were married for over 50 years and, during that time Yolanda dedicated her life to her family and their needs. She was known for her delicious home-cooked meals of Italian cuisine and enjoyed hosting the holidays. In her younger years, she enjoyed traveling to New York City on the train, decorating her home and shopping! In her later years, Yolanda enjoyed playing Rummy 500, UNO and solving word search puzzles while munching on her favorite candies, Kit Kats and Twix. Yolanda always enjoyed eating pasta, franks n’ beans, grilled cheese and French fries! Survived by her three children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, she will be missed by all the lives she touched. Michelangelo Carbone Michelangelo Carbone passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024. He was born in Solano, Italy, on October 10, 1938, to the late parents of Giuseppe Carbone and Carmela Legatto Carbone. He was the oldest of three children. He was also known to many as Mike. Mike attended a limited amount of schooling in Italy, but that did not hinder his abundance of knowledge, strength or courage. Mike migrated to the US in 1955 through Ellis Island, settling in Mount Kisco. He joined the carpenter’s Union, helping build many structures such as Fox Lane High School, John Jay High School, Bedford Hills Elementary School, Mount Kisco Elementary School, and even the Mount Kisco Movie Theater to name a few. Meanwhile, he also started his own landscape business. In 1965, he traveled by boat back to Italy and married his wife Concetta Musico` on May 28th 1966. They returned to the United States in Bedford Hills where he built their home. He was blessed with 3 children; Carmela, Pasqualina and Michaelangelo Giuseppe Carbone. He then went on to be self-employed as a contractor, builder, excavator, masonry, fabricator, engineer and inventor. A jack-of-all-trades. A master of all trades. Mike was always helping his family, extended family and friends. He helped many family members from Italy migrate to the U.S. Whether it was financially or with his knowledge, he helped them pave their way and find their own direction. Mike touched many lives and will be deeply missed. He leaves to mourn his passing; his loving wife Concetta Carbone;his daughter Camela Carbone with her children, John and Alexis Smart (grandchildren); daughter Pasqualina Carbone with her children, Mason Dylan and Jade Carbone (grandchildren); and son Michelangelo Giuseppe Carbone along with his children Chancey Carbone (granddaughter)and Alisha Sierra (granddaughter) her husband Gio and their children, Amber and Aurora (greatgrandchildren) Husband, Dad, Uncle, Nonno We will miss you tremendously. Margaret Cardillo Mount Kisco and former Phoenicia resident Margaret Cardillo, known to all as Peggy, died peacefully on Friday, January 5, after a long battle with several illnesses. She was born on July 12, 1950, in Mt. Vernon, to Jack and Gloria Cardillo, the third of four children. She attended Cardinal Spellman High School and Fordham University, graduating in 1972. She obtained a master’s degree at the State University of New York in 1973. She was a professional typesetter and graphic designer, operating her own business, The Type House, before joining Mastandrea Studios and doing freelance work for corporations such as The Reader’s Digest and Starwood Hotels International. Peggy and her family owned homes in Phoenicia for many years. She spoke of skiing at the historic Simpson’s Ski Slope with its tow-rope and buying homemade ice cream at The Risley Farm. She was on the board of the Empire State Railway Museum in Phoenicia, NY, where she also managed and operated the museum’s gift shop. For many years, she was a licensed scuba instructor, training and certifying many people to dive for both sport and emergency service. She was predeceased by her brother Jack and her sister Patricia. She is survived by her loving partner of 35 years, Tom Comito, her stepson Tom Jr., her brother James, her nieces Jennifer Rojas, Dr. Marissa Cardillo-Cheng, and Alyssa Brister, her nephews Robert, Steven and Christopher Suda, Jack Cardillo Jr. and James Cardillo Jr. She will be remembered by all who knew and loved her by the way she touched their lives, her platinum hair, and her beautiful smile. M. Patricia Vermette M. Patricia Vermette of Brewster, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, in Carmel, at the age of 92. Pat was born September 11, 1931, in Port Chester, NY, daughter of the late Charles R. and Mary (McKnight) Slater. She graduated from Port Chester High School, then in 1985 she received an Associate Degree in Applied Science from Dutchess Community College. On May 28, 1960, she married Roland P. Vermette. Pat and her husband Roland lived in Armonk, NY before moving to Brewster in 1965, where they became members of St. Lawrence O’Toole Church. Pat worked as the purchasing director for Mt. Kisco Medical Group in Mt. Kisco for over fifteen years, retiring in 1995. In retirement, Pat volunteered at the Brewster Community Food Pantry. Besides her husband Roland, Pat is survived by two sons, Paul R.Vermette and his wife Christi of Bettendorf, IA and John E. Vermette of Brewster, NY; grandsons Collin (Erin) and Connor; granddaughters Lily, Haley, and Lauren and great-granddaughter Grace. She was predeceased by a daughter Suzanne Vermette, grandson Ian Taylor and her brother Charles Slater. A mass of Christian burial wascelebrated on Monday January 15, at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Brewster, followed by the interment in St. Lawrence O’Toole Cemetery. Calling hours took place before the mass at Beecher Funeral Home. Contributions in Pat’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association. OBITUARIES SEE OBITUARIESPAGE 24 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 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
PAGE 24 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 Kenneth Paul Brace Kenneth P. Brace of Mt. Kisco, passed away on Saturday January 13, 2024, in Danbury, CT at the age of 61. Kenneth was born August 29, 1962, in Mt. Kisco, son of the late Leo F. and Roberta (Roberts) Brace. He graduated from Fox Lane High School and lived most of his life in Mt. Kisco. Kenneth worked as a contractor for Paul Marchiano in Somers, and was a member of Grace Assembly of God Church in Brewster. Kenneth is survived by his son Robert Brace and his wife Alyssa-Rae of Poughquag, NY; daughter Justine Brace and her fiancé Steven Pantazopoulos of Fishkill, NY; granddaughter Ava-Rae and his ex-wife Brenda (Olivero) Paulson. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Contributions in Kenneth’s memory may be made to Grace Assembly of God Church, P.O. Box 28, Brewster, NY 10509. Arrangements by the Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Ave., Brewster, NY. Frances M. Newman Frances M. Newman of North Salem, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 14, 2024, in Mt. Kisco, at the age of 84. Frances was born August 7, 1939, in Mt. Kisco, to the late Antoinette (Coviello) and Henry Corsi. She graduated from Fox Lane High School in 1957 and went to work at General Foods in White Plains. On September 3, 1960, she married Richard H. Newman at St. Mary’s Church in Katonah. They moved to North Salem in 1974 where they raised their four children. Outside of being a devoted wife and mother, Frances was active in the schools and worked as a bookkeeper for the family electrical business. Besides her husband Richard, Frances is survived by four children; Paul (Vanessa) Newman of Stamford, CT, Cynthia (Eric) Cyprus of Brewster, NY, James (Charlotte) Newman of Wappinger Falls, NY, Tom (Virginia) Newman of North Salem, NY; brothers Henry Corsi of Valhalla, NY and Joseph Corsi of Palm Coast, FL and seven grandchildren: Andrew, Nicholas, Alexander, Michael, Megan, Robert and Richard. Frances was predeceased by her brothers James and Sam Corsi and sisters Betty Flores, Mary Disador, Helen Cedrone and Anne Nappi. Calling hours took place on Saturday, January 20, at the Beecher Funeral Home in Brewster. The interment was private. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Frances’ memory to the North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps and/or Croton Falls Volunteer Fire Department. Stephen Lawrence Brotmann It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stephen Lawrence (“Larry”) Brotmann, of Pound Ridge, who died on January 15, 2024. Larry left behind a legacy of warmth, kindness, and joy. Larry was born on January 3, 1939, in Philadelphia, PA and grew up in Atlantic City, NJ. He spent a lifetime dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those around him. His passion for books, music and all things academic (both historic and contemporary) was evident in every aspect of his life and was only surpassed by his love and dedication to his family, friends and community. Larry was a proud descendant of the founders of Brotmanville, NJ, and always maintained close ties to his roots in southern New Jersey. A graduate of Dickinson College (BA ’60) and Columbia Law School ( JD ’63), Larry was a practicing attorney for over forty years. He also earned a master’s degree from Manhattanville College in Biblical Archaeological Studies in 1993. He was not only admired for his professional achievements but also his numerous contributions to his community including having assumed leadership roles in Kiwanis, the Pound Ridge Zoning Board, and, until two weeks ago, he proudly served as Moderator for a wellloved (and well attended) lecture series at the Pound Ridge Library. Family was always at the center of Larry’s world, and he leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and enduring familial bonds. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marilyn, sons Andrew (Lisa), Matthew (Lisa) and Stephen (Charity), and grandchildren, Alison, Emily, Eric, Sam, Lucy, Jack, Reid and Aaron. He was immensely proud of and deeply adored his family and was, in turn, adored by them. A memorial gathering was held on Sunday, January 21, at Conant Hall in Pound Ridge, where friends and family gathered to celebrate the life of Stephen Lawrence Brotmann and share their memories. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. As we mourn the loss of a remarkable person, let us also remember the joy, laughter, and inspiration that Larry brought into our lives. Sister Kathleen E. Fitzgerald Kathleen E. Fitzgerald, 88, of Bedford, died on January 19. Kathleen Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Sister Marie Assumpta, was born November 17, 1935, in the Bronx, one of four daughters of Maurice and Nora Keenaghan Fitzgerald. Kathleen attended Saint Luke Elementary School in the Bronx and Cathedral High School in Manhattan. After graduation, Kathleen worked for two years before entering the sisters of Charity of New York on September 8, 1955. Sister Kathleen received a BA in History from College of Mount Saint Vincent and an MS in Education from Western Connecticut State College in 1972. New York State awarded her Permanent Certification in Education N – 6. Sister Kathleen’s sixty-five years of active ministry were dedicated in the field of elementary education. In her first six years as a teacher, she served at Saint Anthony in the Bronx and Saint Bernard in Manhattan. In 1964, Sister Kathleen began ministry at Saint Patrick School in Bedford where she remained for the next fifty-nine years. During her long service here, she was a classroom teacher of all grades one through eight, Director of Development, Computer instructor, and specialized teacher of religion in grades six through eight. When Saint Patrick School closed in 2020, Sister Kathleen devoted herself as a teacher of religious education in Saint Patrick Parish and continued as a tutor when help was requested. With her happy disposition and sincere interest in others, Sister Kathleen could easily take up a conversation with anyone. She was always ready to share a story and to hear one from someone else. This gift came with a sense of humor, an easy laugh, and a twinkle of Irish wit in her eyes. In her selfless way, she was quick to express her gratitude for any kindness received. Her sisters, their children, and the next generations in the family knew her love for them ran deep and wide and they returned their love to her. Sister Kathleen’s indisputable and tender love of the children sustained her vocation of education until her sudden death on January 19, 2024. She was in her sixty-ninth year of commitment as a Sister of Charity of New York. For the people of Saint Patrick Parish and the wider Bedford area, Sister Kathleen’s steady presence over the years could only have been an assuring blessing. Sister Kathleen, your life has been a growing relationship with our loving Creator God. You are now called to say an eternal Yes to the fullness of relationship our God offers and has promised. Go forth to enter the richness of God’s glory! The family received friends on January 25 at Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah, and on January 26 at Mt St. Vincent Convent in the Bronx. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on January 27 at St. Patrick’s RC Church in Bedford with Rev Joseph Domfeh Boateng officiating. Interment followed at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Yonkers. Marian Armstrong Rogers Marian Armstrong Rogers, 89, of Mount Kisco, passed away peacefully in her home on January 16, 2024. Born February 9, 1934 in the Bronx, to William and Jeanette Armstrong. Marian married John Joseph Benton in 1952. They had four daughters, Laura, Bonnie, Catherine and Elizabeth. In 1986 Marian married Samuel L. Rogers and gained two more beautiful daughters, Holly and Heather. Pre-deceased by husband John J. Benton, Samuel L. Rogers (SamPa), and daughter Bonnie Ellen Darlington. Survived by daughters Laura Benton, Catherine Benton, Beth Burrell, Holly Hruskar, and Heather Dean. Marian was the loving grandmother to 11 grand-children and two greatgrandchildren. Marian was a Westchester OBITUARIES FROM PAGE 23 SEE OBITUARIESPAGE 26
FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 25 Read your local news online now! Scan Me!
PAGE 26 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 Add Value to Your Home We specialize in targeted home improvements — both big and small — to maximize your home’s value, comfort and beauty. • Bathroom Remodeling • Kitchen Remodeling • Durable Vinyl Siding • Room Additions • Add-a-Levels • • Replacement Windows • General Carpentry • Basement Finishing • Painting • Interior Trim • Handy Man • Sero’s Contracting When we’re done, there is nothing left to do. Licensed & Insured • Local References • Brewster, NY • 845-216-1955 • 845-279-6977 • [email protected] County employee for many years and in her 80’s became an accomplished author, self-publishing her Memoir, as well as being published in several publications. Donations in her memory can be made to Compassion and Choices (NY) at www.compassionandchoices.org Family and friends were invited to Cassidy-Flynn Funeral Directors in Mt. Kisco on Saturday January 20 for visitation. A celebration of life service took place during the visitation. Interment was private. Robert J. Nielsen Robert J. Nielsen passed away at the age of 90 on January 9, 2024. He was predeceased by his wife Cathleen Nielsen. He is survived by his son Robert J. Nielsen Jr. and his wife Carolyn of Bedford, his daughter Patricia Nielsen of Branford, CT, his grandchildren Robert J. Nielsen III and his wife Carissa of Bishop, CA, Matthew Nielsen and his wife Amy of Brooklyn, NY, John Nielsen of Bedford, and Sam Nielsen of Bedford, and his great-grandchildren Gwen and George Nielsen of Brooklyn, NY. Bob was raised in Woodlawn in the Bronx and was a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science. He is a veteran of the Korean War having served in the Army. Bob did upholstery and drapery installation in theaters from Broadway to Venezuela to the old Cinema 22 in what is now Citibank in Bedford. He and Cathy raised their family in Bedford Village where Bob volunteered with the Fire Department serving as Chief from 1981 to 1983. The family wishes to thank Bob’s caregivers at Maplewood at Orange and Connecticut Hospice for all they did to make him comfortable in his final days. A service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held in the near future in Bedford Village. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT 06405 or the Bedford Fire Department, P.O. Box 230, Bedford, NY 10506. Francis Anthony Yozzo Francis “Frank” Anthony Yozzo, 83, of Somers, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 27, 1940, in Mount Kisco, to proud Parents, Rose and Joseph Yozzo. He was the youngest of 10 and loved his family dearly. He married June Stapleton Cory, on October 20, 1973. They had two daughters, Ashley and Alexis (Fortunato) Cambareri. For 55 years, Frank was the proud owner of Four Seasons Flower Shop. His generosity and kindness touched the hearts of many, reflecting his passion for his craft. He loved the town of Mount Kisco and was honored with the Citizen of the Year Award in 2015 for his dedication, hard work and integrity toward the community. Frank was pre-deceased by his beloved Parents, Rose and Joseph, along with his sisters Ann, Liz and Rose, and brothers Nicky, Victor and Joe. He is survived by his brother John (Vivian) Yozzo, and sisters Agnes and Maryann (Vito) Morreale. Frank will be remembered for his huge heart and undying love for his family, especially his grandchildren, Antonio, Frank and Carmela who will never forget Grandpa’s unconditional love. He was a loyal friend who touched everyone’s life with his warm smile, beautiful spirit and entertaining personality. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family, and he will be greatly missed. Family & Friends were invited to Cassidy-Flynn Funeral Directors in Mt. Kisco on Sunday January 28. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Frank on Monday, January 29, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mt. Kisco. Interment was private. Antoinette Allegretti Antoinette Allegretti, formerly of Katonah, passed away on January 27, 2024. She was born in Brooklyn, on February 2, 1936, and lived in Katonah for almost fifty years. She graduated from Saint Francis Xavier Academy and went on to earn her B.A. in Education at Fordham University. Ann worked as a teacher at P.S.1 in Manhattan and after raising her family, was a receptionist at the Mount Kisco Medical Group for over ten years. OBITUARIES FROM PAGE 24 SEE OBITUARIESPAGE 27
FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 27 She was well known for her style, sense of humor, quick wit, wonderful cooking skills, artistic prowess and enormous love of family and friends. She and her by husband, Enzo, traveled extensively in retirement and enjoyed many years living on Cape Cod in Brewster, MA, where they loved hosting family and friends. It was a great joy for her to be surrounded by her grandchildren every summer when they attended Sea Camp on the Cape. She is survived her husband of 63 years, Enzo, her daughters Regina Allegretti-Davenport ( Jonathan Davenport) of Katonah, and Gioia Allegretti ( John Reister) of Palo Alto, CA, her grandchildren Allegra, William and Isabel and her brother John Barbieri (Angela). Ann’s family received friends and family on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah. Burial was at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne on Thursday, February 1. As her love of family and children was enormous, memorial donations would be welcomed to a children’s hospital charity of choice. OBITUARIES FROM PAGE 26 Securities offered through Cantella & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Cantella and Co., Inc. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. 2023 was a CRAZY YEAR! 845-628-5400 SFGtaxes.com | [email protected] 824 Route 6, Suite 4 | Mahopac, NY 10541 We can help make your taxes less crazy. enough heart (and enough honey). Refreshments to be served following the show! Please register on library website. NAVIGATING COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SUCCESSFULLY IN 2024 Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 7 to 8 p.m. The presentation will be led by Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, partners at Stand Out For College, LLC. (www.standoutforcollege.com) Ron and Jackie are offering this Zoom presentation to help families understand how the lingering effects from the pandemic have changed the college admissions landscape and how it affects Juniors, Sophomores and Freshmen. Bedford Free Library Located at 32 Village Green, Bedford, NY 10506. For more information or to register for events, visit www.bedfordfree library.org STORIES, SONGS & SURPRISES Thursdays, Feb. 8, 15, 22, and 29, at 11:15 a.m. Join in for weekly Storytime in the Library with Mrs. Crummy! DOWNLOADING WITH CHARLIE Thursdays, Feb. 8, 15, 22, and 29, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Signup for a one on one session with Charlie and learn to download digital materials. Charlie will show you how to download an ebook or audiobook to your Kindle, iPad or iPhone or Android device. Please bring your device, library card and Apple and Amazon information. Bedford Hills Free Library 26 Main St, Bedford Hills. 914-666-6472 For more information or to register for programs, visit www. bedfordhillsfreelibrary.org BOOKS & BOW WOWS Saturday, Feb. 10, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children learning to read are invited to read a few pages from a favorite book or show their favorite illustrations to Trixie the Labrador Retriever, a Pet Partners certified therapy dog accompanied by her owner. TECH TUESDAY Tuesdays, Feb. 13, 20, and 27, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stop by the Library on Tuesdays or call anytime! Technical questions answered in-person and over the phone, and personal appointments are available. Led by Katherine Whymark, Librarian for Adult Services & Programs. Chronic Pain Support Group Research tells us that 50 million Americans live with chronic pain, or pain that lasts most days Pound Ridge’s Nate Cicero is at it again! Nate, who was profiled in the January issue of The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times, won the Whalen Mazda MX-5 Cup at Daytona International Speedway on Jan. 26. Nate the great! PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANK CICERO TRACKS FROM PAGE 5 SEE TRACKSPAGE 30
PAGE 28 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER A 67-year-old Bedford Hills man is being sued under the New York Child Victims Act now faces federal criminal charges. According to the complaint unsealed Wednesday, Jan. 24, by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, James Collins, Jr. has been charged with one count of attempting to entice a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity and with one count sexual exploitation of a minor. The former charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; the latter, a maximum sentence of 30 years behind bars. Williams pointed out that the potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and were provided in the document for “informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.” Collins was arrested by FBI agents and arraigned before Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in U.S. District Court on Wednesday, Jan. 24. Collins’s attorney, Kerry Lawrence, of the White Plains law firm Calhoun & Lawrence, saying his client did not pose a flight risk, had argued for a bail package that would include house arrest. However, McCarthy found that Collins posed a danger to the public and ordered that he be held without bond. Collins was due back in court on Wednesday, Feb. 7. According to a Jan. 23 affidavit sworn by a special agent with the FBI, Erica Buonocore, the former baseball coach and camp coordinator had been arrested by New Castle police last November after allegedly arranging to meet with who he thought was a 15-year-old boy for sex. (Buonocore is assigned to the Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force.) The teen had previously informed police that a man had paid him $200 after they had had a sexual encounter in a bathroom stall at the Chappaqua Library in July, 2023. When shown a photo-array, the teen identified Collins as that man, police said. The teen allowed authorities to use his Snapchat account to contact Collins. An undercover detective posing as the 15-yearold agreed to meet Collins at the library on Nov. 7, 2023, according to the federal complaint. (The library is located on South Greeley Avenue right across from New Castle Town Hall and the town police department.) The complaint states that detectives observed Collins sitting in the library parking lot in his red Toyota Rav 4. He appeared to be typing on his phone, it said. Meanwhile, the undercover officer who was posing as the boy continued the Snapchat conversation with a person identified in the teen’s account as “Jim Collins,” the complaint said. Collins eventually went in around 3:42 p.m. and came back out again a short while later, the complaint said. He was arrested and searched in the parking lot. Police reported searching Collins and finding a phone, small towel, and a container of petroleum jelly. Collins was subsequently charged with third-degree criminal sex act, a Class E felony, relating to the alleged July encounter with the 15-year-old. He was released on $7,500 bail and is due to appear in New Castle Justice Court on Feb. 22 on that charge. The federal complaint also states that Collins had -- under the Snapchat username of jimc202337221 – had coaxed a 17-year-old boy from Illinois into sending him sexually explicit videos and photos by promising him “gifts.” The images were discovered after authorities obtained a search warrant in December for Collins’s phone, according to the complaint, which also noted that the teen told police that the only present he had received was a “Pokémon plush toy.” The communications between the two began in mid-September 2023 and continued until Nov. 7, the day Collins was arrested in Chappaqua, the complaint said. Police said phone records also showed that Collins had communicated via the app with other underage youths. Federal authorities have jurisdiction in cases of enticement and exploitation that involve the use of the internet, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “This case underlines the urgent need for law enforcement to continue its efforts to protect children from those who prey on them,” Williams said after unsealing the complaint. “As today’s arrest shows, we will use every tool available to law enforcement to investigate and prosecute those alleged to have sexually exploited children,” he added. According to a media report, Lawrence said in court last month that the two alleged victims in the federal cases told Collins that they were 19. Lawrence confirmed last week that Collins’s “family” still owns Jimmy’s, a popular pub in Katonah. He had no comment other than to say that his firm would continue to defend Collins “in all the cases.” The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, Williams emphasized. The U.S. Attorney praised the FBI, the Westchester District Attorney’s Office, the New Castle Police Department, and the Oswego Police Department in Oswego, Ill., for their efforts in connection with the investigation. The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcia S. Cohen is heading the prosecution. CIVIL SUIT Collins is also a defendant in a civil lawsuit that had initially been brought by four plaintiffs in 2020 and then amended to include 13 more in 2021 just before the deadline for making sexual abuse allegations under the New York Child Victims Act. The 2019 legislation allows a victim of child sexual assault to bring civil lawsuits up until his or her 55th birthday. That lawsuit accuses Collins of allegedly, grooming, harassing, and/or sexually abusing a number of underage youths at or around the village Recreation Department’s Camp Iroquois in Mount Kisco and the Memorial Pool at Leonard Park where he’d been employed as a camp coordinator; at the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester (then called the Boys Club) in Mount Kisco where he organized sports activities; and at a school in New Castle. According to media reports, before the lawsuits, Collins had been working for several years as a bus driver and custodian at the Cedar Knolls Union Free School District in Hawthorne. The civil complaint also alleges that some of these incidents took place at Collins’s home. The alleged offenses occurred in the 1980s and early 1990s, the plaintiffs claim. The litigation had to be civil because the criminal statute of limitations had expired. 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The new hazardous response vehicle, with a Rosenbauer Rescue Body built on to 2022 Ford F550 Cab and Chassis, is replacing the county’s existing former heavy-duty Hazardous Devices Unit (HDU) Bomb Response Vehicle, a 2008 GMC Utility Truck. “One of my top priorities, as a Westchester legislator and in the Senate, has been making sure that county police and emergency personnel have up-to-date equipment and proper resources in order to safeguard our communities,” said Harckham. “These tumultuous times we are experiencing pose certain challenges in terms of public safety, and this new Hazardous Response Vehicle will benefit both police officers and residents. I am happy to have helped gain this important investment for the county while also alleviating some of the financial burden on taxpayers.” The new Hazardous Response Vehicle has four-wheel drive capacity, giving it extra range throughout the county on back roads and remote areas while maintaining full equipment loads. The plan is to utilize the new vehicle for a minimum of 10 years of service, and the vehicle will be used as a regional tool to respond to bomb threats and hazardous device calls, as well as storing updated equipment to maintain the bomb squad’s accreditation status. Westchester County’s Hazardous Devices Unit (HDU), also known as the Bomb Squad, is one of only 13 such units in New York State. The unit is accredited by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is comprised of seven trained officers / technicians. In 2022, the HDU responded to 59 operational deployments and an additional 219 pre-event and dignitary security sweeps. Westchester County Department of Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor said, “Our Department is grateful to Senator Harckham for obtaining this significant grant for the Hazardous Devices Unit. The funding enabled us to replace an aging, outdated vehicle, and it ensures that our bomb squad officers have the resources they need to keep themselves and the public safe. Our Hazardous Devices Unit not only supports all municipal police departments in Westchester, but it is a regional resource as well. HDU also assists law enforcement in Putnam and Dutchess counties when circumstances call for a highly trained bomb squad to respond.” The full cost of the new Hazardous Response Vehicle was $258,732. About two-thirds of the vehicle’s cost is being funded with a 2019 Bomb Squad Initiative grant awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and administered through the New York State Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. The awarded grant funding was secured within the State and Municipal Facilities Program (SAM), which is among the grant programs administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) to support community and economic development. Harckham has delivered more than $2 million of state grant funding to first responders and emergency personnel for critical vehicle and equipment investments in SD40 municipalities and nonprofits over the past four years. Article courtesy of the Office of Sen. Pete Harckham. Sen. Harckham secures $100K for hazardous response vehicle Sen. Harckham with Det. Thomas Barker Sen. Harckham with Det. Nicholas Piqueras, Police Officer David Lincoln, County Executive George Latimer, Commissioner Terrance Raynor, Chief Inspector James Luciano, Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, Lt. Paul Cusano and Det. Thomas Barker
PAGE 30 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 Two of the plaintiffs who publicly identified themselves in 2020 are Scott Roth, then 45, and Gregory Ardanowski, then 49. In a press conference, Ardanowski claimed the abuse began when he was 13 and “lasted for years.” He added that he’d only recently come to terms with “the profound impact that it’s had on my life.” Ardanowski also told the media then that he and his “brother survivors” had learned through discussions with local, county, and federal law officials that “serial pedophiles do not stop sexually abusing children until they are either caught or are physically incapacitated.” Roth, the married dad of two children, also claimed he’d been abused by Collins while at Camp Iroquois and at the Boy’s Club of Northern Westchester in Mount Kisco. Roth, who claimed he was first abused when he was 14, blamed adults at the camp and club for failing to protect him and other boys. Roth was a camp counselor at Camp Iroquois and Ardanowski first met Collins when the then-20-something-year-old was a Little League coach. “I knew this man from the time I was six years old,” Roth said at the 2020 press conference. “I thought he was my friend and I thought I could trust him. I could not. He is a predator.” Also named in the civil suit are the Boys & Girls Club, the village/town of Mount Kisco, and the Chappaqua Central School District. Collins could not be charged with a crime in those alleged cases because the criminal statute of limitations had passed, according to the plaintiffs’ attorney, Saul Wolf, of the California-based Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, which bills itself as “America’s leading sexual abuse law firm.” Wolf told Halston Media that “it’s not uncommon for (sexual abuse) survivors to never tell anyone what happened” and that “the average age for disclosure is 52 years old.” In his clients’ case, the alleged abuse “will continue to haunt them the rest of their lives,” he said. HELP SOUGHT In December, after news of the New Castle arrest broke, Wolf and his clients appealed to the public for help in locating any more possible victims. “My clients want to make sure that this isn’t buried and if there are any alleged victims of James Collins out there that they come forward,” he explained. They urged people to call the New Castle Police Department at (914) 238-4422 or to email [email protected], or to call the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office at (914) 995-3000 if they believe they have any pertinent information. Meanwhile, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York is asking “anyone who may have encountered Collins or whose child may have had any communications with Collins” to contact the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225- 5324). COLLINS FROM PAGE 28 questioned numerous signatures on petitions collected by the Serratores. The then-mayoral candidate had hired a private investigator who signed an affidavit stating that seven people had sworn they hadn’t signed the petition. The Board of Elections threw out Abzun’s challenge after citing a technicality that the objections were postmarked a day after the deadline. She declined to pursue an Article 78 proceeding, which calls for a review of decisions made by state officials or an administrative agency that are believed to be unlawful. Luzio told Halston Media after becoming the new Democratic chairman that he was looking forward to “unifying the local Democratic Party in advance of the primary and the general elections this year.” Hoping to work with Independents and Republicans as well, he noted: “We have a lot more in common than we sometimes think.” “We had way too much divisiveness in the local election in 2023, so I’m looking for unity,” the new MKDC chair added. SERRATORE FROM PAGE 9 Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Limit 2. 8 free 6 oz. burgers will be sent to each shipping address that includes 75039. Standard S&H added per address. Off er available while supplies last. Items may be substituted due to inventory limitations. Cannot be combined with other off ers. Other restrictions may apply. 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Acceptance is guaranteed for one insurance policy/certifi cate of this type. This specifi c offer is not available in CO: call 1-800-969-4781 for a similar offer. For complete details about this solicitation of insurance, please contact us. Certifi cate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN) 6129-1118 FREE Information Kit 1-877-690-2680 Visit us online at www.dental50plus.com/seasonal or every day for three months or more. Of this group, 20 million experience highimpact chronic pain, or pain that interferes with basic functioning and activities of daily living. Pain is the number one reason that Americans access the health care system, and costs the nation up to $635 billion each year in medical treatments, disability payments, and lost productivity. Support groups provide a forum for those with pain to gain support and learn about ways to manage pain and progress from patient to person. This group takes place over Zoom every other week. For more information, please call Ted Bloch at 914-552-6281 or email him at [email protected]. All conversations are kept strictly confidential. 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] TRACKS FROM PAGE 27
BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Mystery solved, armchair sleuths. Eagle-eyed TV fans might have detected that there was something awfully familiar about the setting for a production of the Peacock series “Poker Face.” And they were right. It was IBM’s former regional headquarters in Somers where scenes from the critically acclaimed comedy-drama were filmed in 2022. Being computer-centric, it was an apropos spot to film “The Orpheus Syndrome,” the plot of which centers on mysterious deaths at a visual effects company. Episode 8 aired in January 2023. Westchester’s tourism folks proudly note that several shows filmed in the county garnered a total of 56 Primetime Emmy nominations and notched nine wins at the award ceremony broadcast on Fox on Monday, Jan. 15. Lyonne was nominated for “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series” for the 2023 season. She was up against Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”), Christina Applegate (“Dead to Me”), Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), and Jenna Ortega (“Wednesday”). Brunson took home the winged statuette. The number of nominations and awards given to shows that filmed in Westchester was a “testament” to the county’s “growing prominence” as an entertainment industry hotspot. It’s “film-friendly” also propelled, they said, success in the Golden Globes, Critic’s Choice, and Directors, Producers, and Screen Actors Guild awards and nominations. HBO’s “Succession” swept awards this year, scoring six Emmys, including “Outstanding Drama” and “Best Writing in Drama for the show’s creator, Jesse Armstrong; four Golden Globes, and three Critic’s Choice Awards. The series is set in New York City and in locations around the world, but the production filmed several episodes in Westchester, including at Westchester County Airport in the “shocking” episode that centered on the death of family patriarch Logan Roy. Also pointing to the recent “numerous recognitions,” Westchester County Tourism & Film Director Natasha Caputo said that they prove that the county’s diverse locations “provide excellent backdrops for storytelling, exemplified by these numerous recognitions.” The film biz has grown steadily due to the efforts of the county’s tourism team. The office provides location guidance, offers technical visits, and facilitates the permit process, she pointed out, adding that that support “makes a big difference in choosing where to film, according to many industry professionals.” The long-running Amazon Prime show “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” filmed at Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle for its last season. The comedy earned two Emmy awards, for period makeup and cinematography. This year’s winners also include the Hulu murder mystery, “Only Murders in the Building,” which filmed at the Westchester County Records Center. The series received an Emmy for outstanding production design and a Critic’s Choice Award for acting for star Meryl Streep. Also notably, Alchemy Post Sound, a post-production sound studio in Peekskill took home a Creative Arts Emmy for its sound editing work on FX’s “The Bear.” Besides “Poker Face,” productions filmed in Westchester that earned award nominations this season include: “The Watcher” (Netflix), filmed at a private home and country club in Rye; “FBI: Most Wanted” (CBS), films regularly and extensively throughout Westchester; “The Other Two” (HBO), filmed at Haven Studios NY in Mount Vernon; “White House Plumbers” (HBO), filmed in the Michaelian Building in White Plains, Purchase College, Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle; and the Belvedere Estate in Tarrytown; “The Gilded Age” (HBO), filmed at Lyndhurst, Glenview Mansion/Hudson River Museum, Manhattanville College, Jacob Purdy House, Pace University, and more; “Maestro” (Netflix) filmed in Rye; and “The Crowded Room” (Apple TV+), filmed at Untermyer Park and Gardens in Yonkers and downtown Hastingson-Hudson. FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 31 Cherry Jones as Laura in “Poker Face” PHOTO COURTESY OF PEACOCK 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. is NOT necessarily good news! It’s FREE & it’s Easy! 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 Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times YES, I really enjoy The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times 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.) 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PAGE 32 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES FEBRUARY 8 - MARCH 13, 2024 fie team at Weichert Realtors, Signature Properties is committed to promoting fair housing, cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion of all. DOROTHY BOTSOE ABR, AHWD, BA, C2EX, CBR, CDEI, CIPS, CRB, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, ITI, PSA, RENE, SFR, SRES, SRS 2020 NYS Association of Realtors Realtor of the Year l 2019 Lawrence B Caldwell RPAC Award Recipient 2017 HGAR President l 2012 HGAR Realtor of the Year l 2007 NYS WCR Member of the Year Platinum RPAC, HOF Member l RPAC President’s Circle member If your property is currently listed, this is not intended as a solicitation. Looking For A Hard Working Realtor? Independently Owned and Operated Weichert Realtors Signature Properties.com Real Estate Broker, New York O: 1-914-846-0408 M: 1-914-359-0368 275 E. Main Street • Mt. Kis co, NY 105 49 [email protected] / Weichertsignatureproperties.com CALL US NOW! 914-846-0408 We are your Hometown Realtors We provide integrity, service and love to help you achieve the American Dream! Happy &Healthy New Year &Best Wishes For A Prosperous