BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 38 CLASSIFIEDS 39 GOVERNMENT AT WORK 2 ICYMI 35 LEGAL NOTICES 39 LEISURE 28 MAHOPAC MUSINGS 2 OPINION 10 SPORTS 24 VOL. 14 NO. 3 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. JUNE 20 – JULY 2, 2024 Mahopac’s own Steven Skybell and “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” costar Gayle Rankin soak up some backstage atmosphere at the 2024 Tony Awards. Both were nominated for Tonys for their work in the musical “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club”: Skybell for best performance by an actor in a featured role in a musical, Rankin (also known for playing Sheila in the Netflix series “Glow”) for actress in a leading role. Ultimately, Daniel Radcliffe (best known as Harry Potter in the film franchise) won best actor for “Merrily We Roll Along.” Maleah Joi Moon took the Best Actress nod. “Going to the Tonys to celebrate our beautiful production of “Cabaret” and the Broadway season was like getting ready for a bar mitzvah, a graduation, and a wedding all rolled into one,” said Skybell afterward. “To get to put on our fine clothes and take a limo to Lincoln Center where we walked the red carpet and then to celebrate the best of Broadway, made for a magical day. It truly didn’t matter who won. We were there to celebrate Broadway. And it felt like the greatest party in town. It was a long day, but certainly one that I will never forget.” A night at the Tonys IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER! BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE A resolution passed earlier this month by the Carmel Town Board asking state lawmakers to repeal a law it says would rob local municipalities of home rule when it comes to site planning for renewable energy projects has been called a “diversion” by state Sen. Pete Harckham. The law in question is called the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act and was enacted in April 2020, by former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The board said a new section in that law creates a new expedited review process and establishes the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) to oversee the environmental review and permitting of proposed major renewable energy facilities. In the resolution, the board states, “ORES has been granted sweeping powers which encroach upon and erodes local home rule, zoning codes, planning, and Local Waterfront Revitalization Plans in the permitting and siting of renewable energy projects.” The resolution contends the law is an “assault on the roles and powers of local governments” and would infringe “on the rights of local government to regulate development and land use within their respective communities.” However, Harckman said the board is conflating renewable energy projects–such as solar arrays and wind farms–with energy storage systems such as battery farms like the one currently proposed for a 94-acre parcel of land in Miller Road in Mahopac. If approved, that proposed 116-megawatt project, which is currently before the Planning Board, would be built by Charlottesville, Va.-based East Point Harckham hits back on board’s renewable energy law opposition Senator says it conflates battery storage systems with sustainable energy Sen. Pete Harckham SEE HARCKHAM PAGE 30 RE/MAX Classic Realty 914-282-6440 [email protected] CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION HOMES ARE SELLING AT RECORD PRICES. Incredible ranch home – well built, immaculate condition - with lake rights. Walk to the golf course or the beach! Spacious rooms throughout - 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, huge eat-in kitchen, dining room, large living room, den. Full basement. Wine Cellar. Work from home in private office with separate entrance + additional parking area... $659,900 New Mahopac Listing! OPEN HOUSE Sat. 6/22 (12 – 2 PM) Are you wondering what your home is worth? Should you add on, or remodel? Buy smaller or larger? Please allow me to answer your questions. Call Today! Gayle Rankin and Steven Skybell at the 2024 Tony Awards PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL COLE
The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Emile Menasché Editor: 845-208-0774 [email protected] Bob Dumas Editor at Large [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] DESIGN Bri Agosta Haven Elder Jacob Elder Noah Elder EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for Mahopac News is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Emile Menasché at 845-208-0774 or email [email protected]. Subscribe To request Mahopac News weekly delivery, call 845-208-8503 or email circulation@halstonmedia. com. Subscriptions are complimentary for residents and businesses in the town. Out of town mail subscriptions are $150 per year for First Class Mail. Periodicals Postage Paid at Mahopac, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mahopac News at 824 Route 6, Suite 4 • Mahopac, NY 10541 PAGE 2 – MAHOPAC NEWS (ISSN 2330-1627) Published by Halston Media, LLC at 824 Route 6, Suite 4 • Mahopac, NY 10541 Main Office 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 Here is a look at the upcoming government meetings in town over the next two weeks: Town Board Wednesdays, July 3, 7 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Planning Board Wednesday, June 26, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 11, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Environmental Conservation Board Thursday, June 20,, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Thursday, June 27, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Recreation Advisory Committee Thursday, July 11, 7:30 p.m. Sycamore Park Board of Education Thursday, June 20, 7 p.m. MMS Auditorium 421 Baldwin Place Road MAHOPAC MUSINGS Sycamore Beach Opens The beach at Sycamore Park is open to town residents daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until July 1, when summer camp starts. During camp season, the public can use the beach from 3:30-6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends. Fees are $8/ day for adults, $7/day for youth ages 4-17, and $20/day for three or more family members. Seasonal permits are $100 for adults and nannies, $80 for youth, and $200 for families. Visitors can also rent boats. Sycamore Park is at 790 Long Pond Road in Mahopac. Learn more at carmelny. org/recreation. Historic Tea Party and Tour The Carmel Historical Society will celebrate the area’s historical past with a “Marsha Washington Tea Party” followed by a tour of the historic ceremony at the First Presbyterian Church of Mahopac Falls (Route 6N and Secor Road) on Saturday, June 29, from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Enjoy hot or cold tea and biscuits, learn some of Mrs. Washington’s tea recipes, see the graves of Revolution War veterans, and more. $5 per person. Contact Margi Picciano at 845- 661-8276 for seat reservations and more information. Fourth of July at Redmills Park The annual Independence Day concert at Red Mills Historic Park (corner of Route 6N and Hill Street in Mahopac) will be held on July 4, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Norm Hathaway Band will perform patriotic and big band numbers. Revolutionary War reenactors will be on hand firing muskets and cannon. Free. Sunset Concert Series The Parks and Rec Dept.’s Sunset Concert Series is held on Thursday evenings throughout the summer at Chamber Park at 953 S. Lake Blvd. from 7-9 p.m. Upcoming shows June 20 - Debits & Credits (classic and modern rock) June 27 - Nashville Drive (Top 40 country) July 11 - Patrick Perone Elvis Tribute Sheriff’s Cadet Car Wash Support the Putnam County Sheriff’s Cadet at their car wash on Saturday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mahopac firehouse, 741 Route 6. Tickets are available on the day of the event or by calling the sheriff’s office at 845-225-4300, ext. 42429. SEE MUSINGS PAGE 34 THESE PRICES ARE VALID WITH AD ONLY BEER & SODA 376 RT 6 MAHOPAC • 845-628-3147 PUT SOME $$$ IN YOUR POCKET! CASH FOR CANS & BOTTLES HUDSON VALLEY BEVERAGE IS NOW A FULL REDEMPTION CENTER GET FULL 5¢ VALUE PER BOTTLE OR CAN —NO LIMIT Open July 4th 9am-5pm COUPONS EXPIRE 7/7/24 Not to be combined with other offers. 20lb. 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Your Neighbor JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 3 Trusts • Wills • Estate Litigation • Probate • Elder Law Guardianships • Real Estate Law LAW OFFICE OF ANDRES D. GIL, PLLC 845.940.1110 973 Route 22, Suite 3, Brewster | Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Business HONOR, INTEGRITY, COMPASSION, AND DIGNITY • EST.2018 Timely Professional Service Scan Here to Visit My Website BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE Shawn Cohen, a 1988 Mahopac High School grad, didn’t set out to be a writer. As a teen, he thought he might become an actor or even a chef. Cohen, who attended Lakeside Elementary while growing up on Mahopac Point, eventually attended Northeastern University in Boston as a business major. But he quickly found out that business was not for him. “I didn’t like the internship I was doing,” he said. “But the one thing I could do well was write. It seemed like journalism was the right fit for me. “That was my big move and suddenly my grades went up,” he continued. “I had found my calling. I wrote for the school newspaper and did an internship with the Patriot Ledger. I then took a job with a community newspaper in New Hampshire.” Now, some three decades later, Cohen is one of the leading crime reporters in the country. His new book, “College Girl, Missing” (Sourcebooks) hit stores on May 28 and has already made it onto The New York Times Best Sellers List. The book tells the story of 20-year-old Indiana University co-ed Lauren Spierer who, in the early morning hours of Friday, June 3, 2011, went missing. She hasn’t been seen since. Spierer was from Edgemont in Westchester County and Cohen was working at the time as an investigative reporter for The Journal News. He drew the assignment and immediately flew out to Bloomingdale, Ind. “One of Lauren’s friends reached out to us, so I headed to Indiana and started digging into the case,” Cohen said. “There were daily news conferences with the (Bloomingdale) police but they weren’t sharing much information. They were just focused on the tips that were coming in. Thousands of people were coming into town to participate in the search. But I was focusing on what happened that night.” Cohen quickly became the lead reporter on the case as USA Today and other daily papers were picking up his stories. Other national papers were citing his coverage. “Thirteen years later, they’re still citing my original coverage,” he said. “I ID’d the people of interest who last saw her alive.” Exactly what happened that night remains a mystery, though Spierer’s last moments were c a u g h t on surveillance video as she made her way down an alleyway between the townh o u s e s where she lived. On the night in question, Spier - er was drinking with friends and, according to reports, was very intoxicated. At one point she had been drinking in a local bar and one of her friends literally had to pick her up and carry her back to the townhouses where she resided. Police used video footage and witness statements to create a timeline of her actions before she disappeared. Over the years, various tips, theories, and new investigations have failed to uncover what happened to Lauren Spierer on that night 13 years ago. In 2018, Cohen decided to revisit the case with permission from Spierer’s parents, who were not pleased with his initial reporting because it discussed the girl’s drinking and alleged drug use. The family called it victim blaming. “Early on, the family was upset with my reporting and said all that should have been left to the police,” Cohen explained. “They wanted the focus [of the reporting] to be on the search.” But when the police investigation went nowhere, Cohen said, the family saw the importance of investigative journalism. He told the Spierers he wanted to write a book and they provided him with all the files of information that the private investigators they’d hired had complied. He also reinterviewed now-retired Bloomingdale detectives who’d worked the case, as well as the circle of friends Spierer had spent that final night with. “I had an opening in my career that allowed me to return to the case,” Cohen said. “Those [private] investigation files became a new starting point for me, and I reapproached the witnesses. The police were still not sharing so I reached out to some of the former detectives and learned new details.” Cohen said that back in 2011, many of Spierer’s friends who were with her that night were reluctant to speak with him, at least not without an attorney present. But that changed this time around. “They were very aware that I was reporting, and so they decided to talk instead of letting others speak without them,” he said. “And they did it without lawyers.” Cohen said he wouldn’t call what the police did in the Spierer case a botched investigation, but rather a “soft investigation.” “Well, it was a failed investigation,” he said. “All the attention in the world was focused on this and they still couldn’t find her. They claim [the case] is still open but they haven’t released any significant new details in more than a decade.” Cohen says “College Girl, Missing” provides the first detailed accounting of what happened that night. “The coverage early on had basic details but it was limited,” he said. “This [book] allowed me to reveal new details and explain what happened that night— where Lauren was in her life at that time, especially that night. She was at a crossroads in her life, ‘College Girl, Missing’ MHS grad’s NY Times Best Seller sheds new light on infamous case Shawn Cohen SEE COLLEGE PAGE 29
PAGE 4 – MAHOPAC NEWS JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 BYEMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR The Carmel PD has a new officer, and he knew the community pretty well before ever pinning on his badge. Scott Fiske, who graduated from Mahopac High School in 2012, was appointed as a probationary officer after getting the Town Board’s unanimous approval on Wednesday, June 12. Fiske, who currently lives in West Harrison but grew up in Mahopac, had been a member of the NYPD since 2018, with his most recent assignment with the 47th Precinct detective unit in the Bronx. “As a member of the four-seven squad, he’s investigated a number of violent felonies and made a lot of arrests,” Police Chief Anthony Hoffmann told the board. “And also, he’s been able to provide assistance to Carmel police detectives for crimes that occurred in our town and have a nexus to the Bronx. Our detectives have let me know that they’re very appreciative of his help in that regard and strongly support his appointment here.” Thanks to his prior service, Fiske will not need to attend the police academy. Hoffmann said Fisk will have a field training assignment lasting about a month and then will be ready to go out on patrol, which is especially helpful with “our busy time over the summer” getting underway. Fiske will earn a starting annual salary of $69,087. Mahopac HS grad comes home as Carmel cop Mahopac’s newest officer Scott Fiske (second from left) with Town Board members Suzanne McDonough, Robert Kearns, Supervisor Mike Cazzari, Frank Lombardi, and Chief Anthony Hoffmann PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF CARMEL BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE Carmel police say they were able to arrest a burglary suspect after he returned to the scene of the crime to pick up forgotten loot while detectives were still there investigating. Police responded to a residence in Mahopac on Saturday, June 8, after being contacted by the homeowner. The unnamed homeowner–who wasn’t home at the time–called the cops when the app tracking his Ring doorbell camera altered him that someone was trying to break into his home. Officers responded to the unoccupied home and found a broken window where the suspect had gained entry. After searching the house, officers began canvassing the neighborhood for the suspect while detectives processed the crime scene for evidence. While Det. Brian Smith and Officer Matthew Valente were still inside the house, a man later identified as Stalin D. Caguana Uzho of Peekskill, entered the residence and appeared to be startled after being confronted by Smith and Valente. Upon further investigation, police said it was determined that Caguana Uzho was the burglary suspect and had returned to retrieve property he had accidentally left behind. Police say they also discovered that the suspect had two outstanding criminal contempt charges stemming from two previous domestic incidents. Caguana Uzho was taken back to Carmel police headquarters for processing and charged with second-degree felony burglary, misdemeanor criminal mischief, larceny, and criminal possession of stolen property. He was later arraigned by Carmel Town Justice Daniel Miller and remanded to the Putnam County Correctional facility in lieu of $20,000 cash bail or $40,000 secured bond. The following day, Sunday, June 9, Carmel police took a report of a stolen vehicle that occurred the previous day in the same area as the burglary. Detectives allege they were able to determine that Caguana Uzho had in fact stolen a second victim’s vehicle prior to committing the burglary and violated an active order of protection for a third time. The victim’s vehicle was recovered with minor damage and further charges are pending against Caguana Uzho. Burglar aids Carmel police in getting himself arrested Cops were at the crime scene when suspect returned for forgotten loot Law Offices of Joseph J. Tock 963 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 TOCKLAW.COM • 845-628-8080 CRIMINAL DEFENSE/DWI • PERSONAL INJURY REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS LAW • WILLS, TRUSTS, ESTATES, PROBATE ‘ Professional & personable and delivered everything he promised. ~C.H.
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PAGE 6 – MAHOPAC NEWS JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 914.455.2158 SpirelliElectric.com • [email protected] Specializing in residential & commercial services. Licenses in Westchester, Putnam CREATING CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE Family Owned—Over 40 Years Experience! Light up your summer • Outdoor Lighting • Smart Home Setup • Electric Car Chargers • GENERATORS AND ALL OF YOUR ELECTRIC NEEDS! $25 OFF Service Calls When You Present this Ad First Time Customers Only Your One-Stop Shop for Deck Building Materials Mahopac Railroad Tie Experts in Deck Lumber 911 Route 6, Mahopac, NY • 845-628-8111 • www.decklumber.com DECKING & RAILING BY KATE WATSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER The Mahopac Lions Club has disbanded, though district leaders hope to revive the local chapter of the community service organization and its youth-focused Leos division in the future–provided enough residents show an interest in joining. With membership dwindling, Lions Club leaders from around the area met at Four Brothers in Mahopac last month to discuss efforts to revive the Mahopac club. District leaders from Carmel, Croton-on-Hudson, Pearl River, and Yorktown had hoped to kickstart an effort to recruit new members for the Mahopac Lions, which has operated since 2017. But with no one from Mahopac coming to the meeting, they decided to suspend the chapter’s operation in early June. Mahopac has long benefitted from the Lions’ efforts. In recent years, the club coordinated personal protection equipment distribution for first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic, took part in Earth Day clean-up efforts, offered scholarships, supported local eye screening programs for children, ran eyeglass and hearing aid recycling programs, donated transport vans to veterans with disabilities, funded repairs to facilities used by blind and visually impaired, and more. But now, without active members living in town, Mahopac risks losing the benefits of these initiatives entirely. “Mahopac is a great community,” said Jim Poulin, president of the Yorktown Lions. “And this community needs a Lions Club.” Some at the meeting speculated that Lions members from Carmel might fill in the gap, expanding their community efforts to Mahopac until interest in a Mahopac chapter picks back up. The International Lions Club, which has 1.4 million members and is active in over 200 countries, drives community service and fundraising initiatives in thousands of communities. While the organization’s global presence creates opportunities for members to serve in many different countries, the Lions have also embraced the “hyperlocal” model of community service since before it was a buzzword. All money that individual clubs raise can go right back into the community from which it came, depending on what that club decides are its immediate needs and priorities. As for the difficulty in finding members in a hamlet bordered by two active chapters in Carmel and Yorktown, leaders wondered if misconceptions about the requirements for membership could be driving down interest. In fact, they said, annual dues are minimal and the time commitment is flexible. “It can be as little or as much as you want,” said Denise Poulin, Yorktown Lions secretary, of the time commitment. She said several Yorktown members actively volunteer for only one or two big events per year and hoped that membership candidates would understand they can join even if they don’t have a lot of spare time. Members said being part of the club adds a lot to their lives. Alexander Tanchoco, former Lions district governor in Pearl River, initially joined as a way to spend time with his parents, who were longtime members. Over time, the club provided that opportunity along with so much more. “It’s been an opportunity to introduce my children to people who are less fortunate,” he said. “And the club has connected me with friends from all over the world.” District Gov. Ellen Purcigliotti, of the Sleepy Hollow Lions, wants potential members to understand that Lions aren’t necessarily people who have a lot of time or money. They are simply people who feel “a calling to help people in need,” she said. What will it take to bring the Mahopac Lions back from the wilderness? Leaders said that if several people express interest in re-forming the Lions Club in Mahopac, District 20-R1 leadership would be pleased to foster their efforts. Anyone interested can contact that district governor at [email protected]. Mahopac Lions go extinct... for now The Mahopac Lions Club has been suspended but hopes to revive to carry on efforts like the recent Earth Day clean-up shown here. PHOTO COURTESY MAHOPAC LIONS Mahopac Central School District voters have approved the Mahopac Public Library fiscal year 2024-25 budget, with 280 in favor of the budget, 68 opposed. In addition, voters elected three candidates to the library’s Board of Trustees: incumbent John Battista (270 votes), Wayne Heady (234 votes) and Marie Stahl (258 votes). Each will serve a threeyear term beginning on July 1. In a press statement, Mahopac Library Director, Michele Capozzella, expressed appreciation to all of the community members who participated in this year’s vote. “Our community is at the heart of everything we do at the Library,” Capozzella said. “We look forward to an exciting year ahead, and hope to see many of you at our events and programs this summer!” For further information about the budget vote and trustees election, contact Michele Capozzella at 845-628-2009, ext 107. Article courtesy of Mahopac Public Library Mahopac voters pass library budget, elect trustees
JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 7
PAGE 8 – MAHOPAC NEWS JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 K-9 PIETRO ASSISTS IN DRUG ARREST On June 5, P.O. Vincent DeSantola and his K-9 partner Pietro made a drug arrest after receiving a report of a vehicle operating erratically. DeSantola located a green Ford Mustang that was reported to be operating erratically in the area of Rt. 6 and Belden Road. After conducting a traffic stop, K-9 Pietro was deployed and was able to alert to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. A subsequent investigation revealed the operator was in possession of several glassine envelopes containing a brown powdery substance, believed to be heroin. The driver was taken into custody and charged with misdemeanor seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. The driver was released with an appearance ticket, pending a future court date in Justice Court. MAHOPAC MAN ARRESTED FOR DWI In the early morning hours of June 7, police observed a white Jeep Grand Cherokee swerving on Rt. 6. They initiated a traffic stop in the area of Rt. 6 and Buckshollow Road, where an investigation determined the driver was operating under the influence of alcohol. The driver was taken into custody and transported to CPD headquarters, where he was charged with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated and issued an appearance ticket, pending a future court date in Carmel Justice Court. MAN ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT AT TREATMENT FACILITY In the early morning hours of June 8, CPD officers were dispatched to a local treatment facility on Seminary Road in Carmel for a reported assault. Upon arrival, police determined that two patients were involved in a dispute while playing a game of chess. The dispute culminated when one of the patients struck the other with a chair, causing injuries. Police took the defendant into custody and transported him to CPD headquarters for processing. The defendant was charged with misdemeanor third-degree assault and released with an appearance ticket pending a future court date in Carmel Justice Court. BRONX MAN BUSTED AFTER STEALING FROM DELIVERY TRUCK Police responded to a local industrial park on June 11 on a report of a theft from a delivery truck. Upon arrival, police interviewed a delivery truck driver who stated that he had briefly left his truck to enter a local business and an unknown subject had broken into his vehicle and stolen approximately $3,000 in cash. Investigators were quickly able to develop information on a possible suspect vehicle and were able to broadcast that information out to surrounding police agencies with the assistance of the Westchester County Real Time Crime Center. Shortly thereafter, Westchester County Department of Public Safety Officers spotted the suspect’s vehicle traveling southbound on the New York State Thruway. WCPD officers were able to take the suspect into custody and recover the stolen cash. Carmel detectives responded to WCPD headquarters and took the suspect into custody and transported him back to CPD headquarters for processing. The defendant was subsequently arraigned and remanded to the Putnam County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 secured bond. MAHOPAC MAN ARRESTED FOR FELONY DWI Carmel officers responded to a Mahopac residence on June 11 after receiving a call from a third party requesting a welfare check on a 13-year-old. Upon arrival, police were able to locate the juvenile and confirm the child’s wellbeing. It was then reported that the teen’s father, who was allegedly intoxicated, had just left the residence in his vehicle and was possibly en route to a local elementary school to pick up a second child. Police left the scene in an attempt to locate the suspected intoxicated driver. While en route to the local elementary school, the officers observed the suspect’s vehicle. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the suspect failed to comply and continued driving back towards his residence. Officers pursued the subject back to his residence where he eventually stopped his vehicle and was taken into custody after a short struggle. The suspect was charged with felony driving while intoxicated and misdemeanor unlawful fleeing of a police officer in a motor vehicle and resisting arrest. He was arraigned and released pending a future court appearance in Carmel Justice Court. POLICE BLOTTER AFFORDABLE Dumpster Rentals! CIRONE CARTING 845-533-5262 Same-Day Roll-Off Container Delivery Available 10-yard • 12-yard • 15-yard 20-yard • 30-yard CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE cironeconstruction.com SEE BLOTTER PAGE 29
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PAGE 10 – MAHOPAC NEWS JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 Opinion Millwood Under New Ownership Local, Family Owned & Operated The Way to Grow Your Business Banners Custom Graphics Decals Dimensional Signs Directional Signs Momument Signs Parking/DOT Signs Pole Banners Safety/ADA Signs Tradeshow Displays Vehicle Magnets Wall Graphics Window Graphics Yard Signs HERE TO HELP WITH ALL OF YOUR SIGNAGE NEEDS 5 Schuman Rd. Millwood (914)666-7446 [email protected] BaconBrowne Quality Control Happily Ever After I t’s time to set the record straight on the 116-megawatt battery energy storage system proposed for a 93.5-acre parcel of land in Mahopac on the Carmel-Somers town line. The Union Energy Center project, which, at the time of this writing, was set to be discussed at a June 19 Carmel Town Board public hearing, has caused residents considerable consternation. Dozens and dozens of upset residents have contacted my district office to voice their concerns about this project and the feeling they were shut out of the process by Carmel officials. The persistent interjection of partisan politics into the situation, however, has added to the challenges that I have faced in addressing the real worries of homeowners while offering support to the municipalities involved. Despite my repeated declarations of respect for the autonomy of the Town of Carmel Planning Board and its decisionmaking processes on local zoning, Republicans at all levels of government have sought to take partisan advantage of the issue and fabricated wildly outrageous claims and lies purporting to the contrary. Here is the problem: the Town of Carmel has been without an updated comprehensive master plan for more than two decades. That makes the Carmel board responsible for this quagmire; for the board members to blame the Covid-19 pandemic on the lack of an updated master plan is disingenuous at best. As it stands, the current Carmel master plan allows for the planning board to okay this project. At a recent Carmel Town Board meeting, it was erroneously noted that the state had overruled local zoning for the placement of cell towers, and that Gov. Hochul would do the same for the battery energy storage project—even though there is no basis in law for her to do so. A town board resolution in opposition to the state’s oversight on where to place renewable energy facilities, like wind and solar farms, was a diversion, as it had no impact on a stand-alone energy storage system. Meanwhile, Congressman Mike Lawler and Assemblymember Matt Slater poured gas on the fire by issuing a joint press release with my opponent declaring victory for home rule after my legislation enabling the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) to help communities with battery energy storage system proposals was pulled back, its enacting clause stricken, because the bill’s language was made invalid by the new state budget, which gives this Setting the record straight on battery farm PETE HARCKHAM SENATOR Last week, the State Legislature officially concluded the 2024 state legislative session. Of the 804 bills passed this year, more than 420 were approved during the session’s final week and left many Hudson Valley residents wondering what exactly transpired during the session’s final hours. First, I am deeply disappointed that the Democrat majorities in both the State Senate and Assembly failed to tackle the issues that are most important to New Yorkers, including the unending affordability crisis, rising crime and the influx of more than 200,000 illegal immigrants into our state. There are common sense solutions that I have proposed to each of these situations, but the New York City-dominated majority conferences in each chamber are more interested in appeasing the liberal interest groups that fill their campaign war chests and support their campaigns. While I believe the State Legislature should have accomplished more, Democrats and Republicans did successfully work together to address specific problems confronting children and senior citizens. This spring, I met with a group of school superintendents who pointed to the impact social media has on our children and the need for action, starting with the addictive algorithms social media companies utilize. This concern is also frequently raised by fellow parents across my district, which is why I joined a bipartisan group of legislators to pass the SAFE for Kids Act and the New York Child Data Protection Act. This legislation will protect kids under the age of 18 from addictive feeds and stop online sites from collecting and using data from minors. Many seniors have little alternative but to bear the high cost of prescription drugs. And for those living on fixed incomes, spiraling energy costs can overwhelm monthly budgets. At the end of the legislative session, I was End-of-session legislative wrap-up Bipartisan efforts addressed problems confronting kids and seniors MATT SLATER ASSEMBLYMAN SEE HARCKHAM PAGE 13 SEE SLATER PAGE 13
JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 11 Men’s Health Month underscores the importance of proactive health management. If you or the men in your life have been neglecting health concerns, seize this opportunity to initiate positive changes. Here are some healthy lifestyle tips: Men’s Health Matters: Taking Charge of Wellness For more health and wellness tips, scan the QR code or visit optum.com/medicalcare • Get fit: According to the CDC, adults aged 18-64 should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening exercises of all major muscle groups at least twice a week. For those 65 and older, balance-improving activities are also recommended. Before ramping up your activity level, consult your doctor for personalized advice on the best types and amounts of exercise for you. • Eat healthy: For a healthy diet, prioritize fruits and veggies, aiming to fill half your plate with them. • Have regular check-ups: These are crucial for early problem detection, as recommended by the CDC. Discuss with your doctor about necessary screenings and vaccine updates. • Seek help: Men may be less likely to seek help for mental health issues. Addressing mental health is essential for encouraging men to seek support. Coping with stress: • Prioritize self-care • Ensure sufficient sleep • Exercise regularly • Avoid tobacco and illegal substances • Maintain a balanced diet Reach out for support: • Discuss your concerns and feelings with trusted individuals. • Engage with your community or faith-based groups. • Confide in a friend, or community leader, or seek professional assistance from your doctor for additional support and resources to regain joy in life. Remember, prioritizing health isn’t just an act of self-care—it’s a gift to oneself and loved ones, ensuring a healthier and happier tomorrow. 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. 06/24 California’s been good to me Hope it don’t fall into the sea Sometimes you got to trust yourself It ain’t like anywhere else -Tom Petty When I moved to California in 1991, I was ready to put New York in my rearview mirror. Even though it was all I knew for more than 30 years, it was time for a clean slate. I had been fired from my managing editor’s job at the Pawling News Chronicle for reasons that were never made clear to me at the time. I had transformed that paper from what had been somewhat of a local joke (it was commonly referred to as the News Comical) to a respected professional news source. In my seven years there, we won countless New York State Press Association awards and under my watch circulation had increased by more than 10 percent. But they told me it was time for the baby bird to leave the nest and spread its wings. (They actually said something like that.) But I was left angry and confused. I had never been disciplined or written up; never called in on the carpet during my entire tenure there. They replaced me with a young lady fresh out of college who had zero experience as a reporter, much less as a managing editor. I’m sure they were paying her a lot less than I had been making. I read the paper after she took over, and I could tell she was clearly in over her head. Not too long after all that, the paper changed from a broadsheet format to a tabloid. (For you non-newspaper folks, this is a literal reference to the size of the pages; The Journal News is a broadsheet; the Daily News is a tabloid.) This was obviously a cost-cutting measure. The News Chronicle was part of a group of six papers owned by the Housatonic Valley Publishing Company, and it wasn’t too long before they started laying off veteran editors from those other papers as well and replacing them with neophytes. I suddenly began to realize what was happening. Sure enough, in the mid-‘90s, the entire company shuddered its doors. The News Chronicle, a 125-year-old paper, was no more. Sometime later, I was told that thanks to the publisher’s mismanagement, the company was driven into fiscal trauma. I remember this guy as having all the charm of a lanced boil. I was somewhat relieved to learn my departure was a cost-cutting measure and had nothing to do with my skills or performance, or if this little bird needed to leave the nest and spread its wings. I took a job down in Larchmont working for a company called Communication Trends. They published business newsletters for the telephone/ communications industry, and it might have been the most stupefyingly boring job I’d ever had. Plus, it was also an hour’s commute each way. But I was also closer to my girlfriend who lived in White Plains. I planned on asking her to marry me that Christmas, but unfortunately she broke up with me the day before Thanksgiving, leaving me with an engagement ring and a crappy job in Larchmont. I quit a few weeks later. I eventually took a job selling cars (a topic for a future column, for sure) just to pay the bills until I could get back into journalism. It was awful. But then I got a phone call from my cousin who lived in Los Angeles. He wanted me to come out and help him run his business. He had moved there after he graduated high school to go to college and try out for the Olympic gymnastics team, which he actually might have made if he hadn’t injured his hip. His gymnastics skills eventually led to him getting a job in a McDonald’s TV commercial playing Ronald McDonald. McDonald’s was a big sponsor of the 1984 Olympics and ran a series of commercials showing the iconic clown performing athletic feats. My cousin played Ronald doing gymnastics stuff. That led to him getting jobs as a stuntman in movies and TV shows—a career that lasted him more than 10 years. But being a stuntman is like being an athlete. The career has a shelf life and as you get older the jobs begin to dry up. So that was when he started Paradise Foods. In the late ’80s/early ’90s, fatfree frozen yogurt was all the rage. Walk-in yogurt parlors (TCBY, Penguin’s) began popping up everywhere. They were like Carvel or Dairy Queen but sold soft-serve frozen yogurt instead of ice cream. My cousin got the idea to put soft-serve frozen yogurt in a cup with a clear domed lid (so you could see the pretty colors) and then place it in point-ofpurchase freezers in momand-pop grocers, gift shops, delis, and such. It was actually a pretty good idea. He called it Paradise Yogurt and the company was Paradise Foods (we also sold giant cookies). When I arrived, we had about 300 accounts, six fulltime employees, and three freezer trucks that delivered the product to our stores. I can’t remember exactly how many flavors we had but it was more than 20. Some had toppings Go west young man BOB DUMAS OUT OF MY HEAD SEE DUMAS PAGE 12
PAGE 12 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 914-277-4424 • 440 Rt 22 North Salem, NY • www.theblazerpub.com CELEBRATING 531 YEARS! Let’s Celebrate! Here’s to the future! 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. 845-628-5400 SFGtaxes.com | [email protected] 824 Route 6, Suite 4 | Mahopac, NY 10541 from other accountants and tax preparers is our ability to work with you not just on taxes, but on financials, college planning, divorce, retirement planning, changes in life planning... We don’t just process tax forms, we advise on how to handle your income and expenses in the future with personalized recommendations. We help you navigate the tax code, and in the end, help you set sound financial goals. What separates us DUMAS FROM PAGE 11 like crushed peanuts or smashed Oreos. I pretty much took over the day-to-day operations. It was hard work but a lot of fun. I worked closely with the drivers, making sure the accounts were properly serviced, worked with ADP doing payroll, placed weekly orders with the dairy for the yogurt mix, and much more. About two years in, we discovered a retail ice cream shop in Manhattan Beach that had gone out of business. This store was about two blocks from the beach with an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. My cousin wanted to take it over. We were getting the yogurt mix and toppings at a huge discount already because of the quantities we ordered for the wholesale business, so our profit margins at the retail store would be significant, he argued. I was dubious—worried that we were biting off more than we could chew. Then I learned that they held the women’s beach volleyball championships each year (on ESPN!) on the beach right below us and I suddenly was persuaded to come on board. It was a good decision because running that store was some of the best times of my life. But all good things come to an end. And many things conspired to do that. I questioned some of my cousin’s business practices but it was his company, so there wasn’t much I could do. Then the Northridge earthquake hit and knocked out power for three days. Our freezers went down. We scrambled to get dry ice, but we still lost a lot of inventory. Plus, we couldn’t run our machines, so we were unable to make yogurt for three days. Then the Rodney King riots hit and a significant number of our accounts either burned down or had to close their doors. Our point-of-purchase freezers began to break down because my cousin, in an effort to save money, bought the cheap ones, and we didn’t have the funds to replace them. Our most reliable driver developed a drug habit and became erratic, sometimes not showing up for work for days on end... sometimes disappearing with one of our trucks. Our customers began to complain. I eventually fired him, but it was hard to find a suitable replacement. On top of it all, the frozen yogurt craze was starting to wane. The buying public is a fickle lot. We eventually closed our doors and sold off all our assets to a rival company. I went back into journalism, which was a good thing. I had to trade in my shorts and Hawaiian shirts for chinos and a collared shirt, but it all worked out in the end. But I will always remember those days fondly. I call it my Frozen Yogurt Period. And when I think about those beach volleyball players coming into my shop to buy protein smoothies, I can’t stop smiling. Bob Dumas is editor at large for Halston Media. He’d still like to enjoy a cup of soft-serve non-fat frozen yogurt (chocolate/ peanut butter, please!) if he could find someplace that sold it. You can write him at dumas@ halstonmedia.com. Submit a Classified Have a Help Wanted? Selling something? Looking for something? Contact us at classifieds@ halstonmedia.com.
JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 13 RED MILLS Convenience Center 575 Route 6N, Mahopac Falls • 845-628-9745 We have your grab and go items! OUR COOLERS ARE STOCKED! Your Favorite Cold Beverages & Poland Spring Cases of Water! Congratulations Class of 2024 ! Come see our vintage candy shop Mahopac Teachers, Students, School & Bus Garage Employees Buy One Egg Sandwich, Get 2nd HALF OFF Buy Lunch Sandwich, Get a Soda or Coffee FREE Happy Hour Coffee Ask About our coffee club Your 10th Cup is FREE! Any Size 3-7pm Purchase your box of Coffee to go! Buy 10, Get 1 FREE! Try our Coffee Flavors of the Season! Milkshakes & Smoothies $ 399 $ 1 00 OFF Sandwiches 3pm to 7pm Wishing everyone 99¢ a Happy and Safe 4th of July!! We have over 100 helium balloon choices! HARCKHAM FROM PAGE 10 responsibility now to the Public Service Commission. Although my opponent has no clue on the subject, the two lawmakers should have known better, as they ignored the bill’s intent to help in situations exactly like this in Carmel, Somers, Putnam County, Westchester County and New York City (because of the reservoirs). The bill would seek input from neighboring municipalities, something the constituents from Somers say is missing from the process. No consideration was given in this press release as to why having the state’s professional and technical input could benefit the decision-making process. Indeed, this project is a prime example for why a regional solution should at least be discussed: it simply gives a voice to neighboring residents. In this case, the homeowners in Somers have every reason to decry this particular process. Also, it is important for state legislators to weigh in on a state process. As chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, I was instrumental in ensuring that a different energy project did not proceed because it would have impacted wetlands and prime farmland. To date, I have communicated to the Carmel Planning Board (in April) that it should engage in a “robust public engagement process” regarding East Point Energy’s proposed Union Energy Center project, which has resulted in the upcoming public hearing. Additionally, I have publicly supported Carmel’s proposed moratorium on siting a battery energy storage system while it considers more comprehensive local regulations. That’s trying to be helpful. Elected leaders don’t always have to agree on policies and certain issues, but we damn well better work together when it counts. Politicizing each and every issue possible continues to be a model of failure. The Carmel Town Board’s resolution about the state’s oversight on where to place renewable energy facilities, like wind and solar farms, struck me as both unhelpful and diversionary. The Norwegian company behind the Union Energy Center and NYSERDA have done little to explain or educate what a battery storage system is, whether it is safe and what environmental impact it may have. This is all the more reason for elected officials, municipal leaders and other stakeholders to work responsibly together and find a resolution to this challenging issue. State Sen. Pete Harckham (D-40) was elected to the New York State Senate in November 2018, and re-elected in 2020 and 2022. New York’s 40th Senate District includes the towns of Carmel, Kent, Patterson and Southeast, and the village of Brewster in Putnam County; the town of Stony Point in Rockland County; and the city of Peekskill, the towns of Bedford, Cortlandt, Lewisboro, New Castle, North Salem, Somers and Yorktown, the towns/villages of Mount Kisco and Ossining, and the villages of Briarcliff Manor, Buchanan and Croton-on-Hudson in Westchester County. pleased to help pass A.9369A, to automatically identify and enroll senior citizens who qualify for the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage program (EPIC) and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). These are two highly-successful state programs and streamlining access to these services will greatly expand the number of seniors who receive the financial support for which they are eligible. No senior should be placed in a financially vulnerable position by high drug costs and utility bills. Finally, I was proud to write and pass the Detective Brian Simonsen’s Law, mandating that cell phone carriers limit or disable services to a stolen device once notified of the theft. The legislation is named in honor of NYPD Detective Simonsen, who was fatally wounded responding to a cell phone store robbery in New York City. I was also pleased to co-sponsor and help pass the nation’s first legislation providing oversight of state agencies’ use of Artificial Intelligence technology. This area is evolving and advancing at an unbelievable rate and we must ensure the AI technology that is utilized by state government has the proper guardrails and oversight to protect personal privacy and truly benefit all New Yorkers. I believe New Yorkers want a functioning government where Democrats and Republicans can see a problem, work together and offer solutions to help those we represent. While this is too often the exception rather than the rule in Albany, I am proud of the important progress we achieved at the end of the legislative session. Now that I am back in my district office full time, I look forward to meeting with as many of my constituents as possible and continuing my work to best serve you. Matt Slater was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2022. The 94th Assembly District includes parts of Putnam and Westchester counties, including the towns of Kent, Patterson, Putnam Valley, Carmel, Southeast, Somers, and Yorktown, as well as the village of Brewster. I am deeply disappointed that the Democrat majorities in both the State Senate and Assembly failed to tackle the issues that are most important to New Yorkers, including the unending affordability crisis, rising crime and the influx of more than 200,000 illegal immigrants into our state.’ -Matt Slater New York State Assemblyman SLATER FROM PAGE 10
PAGE 14 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 Let Us Know About Your Athlete’s Accomplishments Coaches and parent volunteers should send an email to [email protected]. We aim to give coverage to all athletes, but we need your help. We welcome high resolution photo submissions, write-ups and any information that will help us publish a great section for the community. The sports deadline is the Sunday before the next publication. All youth and recreational sports items should also be submitted to the same e-mail address by the Sunday before the next publication date. 1-800-PROPANE *Offler expires 6/30/24 Tank installation special applies to standard installation of above-ground tank. Offler applies to new residential customers with a fuel service agreement, subject to credit approval. Customer is responsible for the removal of competitor’s tank. Not to be combined with any other offler or discount. Other restrictions may apply. Valid at participating location only. Call for details. LIMITED TIME OFFER 1-800-776-7263 FIRST FILL SPECIAL ONLY $1.899* Installation to existing gas lines Safety check On-site tank requirement assessment New customer pricing Automatic delivery Budget payment plans Web portal and mobile app for easy account management 24/7/365 emergency service FREE PLUS SWITCH & SAVE! New Suburban Propane automatic delivery customers receive*: OBITUARY Nancy S. Alfonso passed away on June 3, 2024, at her home in Carmel, NY surrounded by her family after a year-long battle with cancer. Nancy was born in New Britain, CT on March 16, 1948 to Constance & Aquilino Sarrantonio. The oldest of three children, Nancy attended public and parochial schools in New Britain, CT. To further her education, Nancy attended the College of New Rochelle (CNR ‘70) earning her degree in Psychology and Education. While attending the CNR, she met her future husband, Anthony Alfonso, from Yonkers, NY. After Nancy and Tony married in 1971, they lived in Yonkers temporarily, before settling in Mahopac and Carmel, NY where they raised their four children, Carrie, Michael, Lauren, and Matthew. Her support for the community led her to serve as a Trustee on the Mahopac Public Library Board for two terms, where she was involved in the building of the new library. Nancy and Tony cherish family time at their summer home in North Falmouth, MA on Cape Cod. Nancy began her teaching career at West Hill School in Rocky Hill, CT. She left Connecticut to join Tony and accepted a position at Hillside Elementary School in Hastings, NY, where she taught eight years, eventually leaving to raise their family. She spent the next eighteen years doing her most important job – being a mom – where she was at her best. She returned to the workforce in 1998 and began a career in market research at deKadt Marketing & Research in Ridgefield, CT, but being a mother was always her highest priority. Her support of her children was limitless, and her involvement with and encouragement of her seven precious g r a n d c h i l d r e n defined her later in life. She truly exemplified a favorite saying, Love Knows No Limits. When you think of Nancy, you think of her family. Nancy is survived by her husband, Tony Alfonso, and their four children and spouses; Carrie Roman and her husband Barry of Ridgefield, CT, Michael Alfonso and his wife Jessica of Lincroft, NJ, Lauren Pelz and her husband Matthew of Larchmont, NY, and Matthew Alfonso of Wilmington, NC. She will be incredibly missed by her seven grandchildren; Nicholas, Kayla and Stella Roman, Michael and Olivia Alfonso, and Waverly and Skylar Pelz. And she will be forever cherished by her two sisters and their husbands, Joan and Timothy Grace of New Britain, CT, and Janet and Robert Blair of New Rochelle, NY, and her brother-in-law and wife, Joseph and Jilana Alfonso of Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Family and friends remembered a truly remarkable woman at a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in her honor on Friday, June 7 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Mahopac, NY. Interment followed at Saint Mary Cemetery, 110 North Street, Ridgefield, CT. In lieu of flowers, those who wish can make a donation in Nancy’s memory to Cycle for Survival MSK or the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Nancy S. Alfonso 1948 - 2024 Summer vacation destinations may include national parks for hiking and camping, beach resorts or historic sites. There are many odd attractions that you can add to your summer vacation itinerary, as well. How about a visit to see the world’s largest ball of twine in Cawker City, Kansas? This unusual tourist attraction weighs more than 17,000 pounds with a circumference of 40 feet around. Legend has it that Frank Stoeber started the ball of twine on his farm in 1953. With focus and perseverance for this singular feat, the twine ball grew to weigh 5,000 pounds by 1957. Perhaps the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum is more your jam. Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the museum claims to house more than 10,000 different bobbleheads from around the world. From sports figures to rock stars, politicians to movie celebrities, there is a bobblehead for every fan. My family traveled to Montreal, Canada, one summer when I was 10 years old. We walked around the grounds of Expo ‘67, toured historic cathedrals and even sampled the local favorite - pink popcorn. I vividly remember our visit to the wax museum that summer. As we walked through displays of famous dignitaries and movie stars in their waxen images, one creepy room was labeled the “chamber of horrors.” Walking through the narrow, dark corridor we saw gruesome tableaus of the French Revolution with wax victims losing their heads by the guillotine blade. Years later, I invited my dad to meet me in New York City to visit Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum on a summer Sunday. I took Metro North to Grand Central and walked over to Times Square. My dad rode the subway from Queens. Still carrying the New York Post under his arm, Dad walked into the large multi-level museum with me. I remember a large room decorated like the old Studio 54 disco with 1970’s themed music and costumed figures. Wax celebrities from the worlds of music, movies and politics were displayed separately and in groupings on every floor. I asked my dad to take a photo of me standing next to the wax Jon Bon Jovi. As we walked along, we spotted a wax figure of Woody Allen sitting on a park bench. My dad has a good sense of humor. Dad walked over and sat down on the bench next to Woody and opened his New York Post. I captured a terrific photo of two old guys sitting on a park bench reading the newspaper! Recently, a story about the “Worst Wax Museum Ever” went viral. Apparently, tourists at the Krakow Wax Museum in Poland shared photos of the hideous and amateurish wax figures on display at that museum. The wax statues of the British Royal Family looked like they were wearing fright wigs. Comments about unrecognizable famous celebrities with the wrong hair color or grotesque facial features turned this display into a bad joke. That reminded me of those wax lips kids used to buy at the candy store back in the day. Do you remember wax lips, wax moustaches and wax vampire fangs? In the 1850s, kerosene oil lamps were becoming popular in homes across the U.S. Paraffin wax was a by-product of kerosene production. Paraffin was used for making candles, sealing wax for correspondence, crayons and chewing gum. In 1912, John W. Glenn took over his father’s wholesale candy business and introduced a line of novelty penny candies made with paraffin wax. Wax lips are still produced today -- mostly for the comedy appeal! Kim Kovach preferred Chunky bars, Tootsie Roll Pops and Baby Ruth bars from the candy store! House of wax KIM KOVACH READING, WRITING & CHOCOLATE
JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 15 Clients often fall into two categories: those who want their children and loved ones involved in their estate plan and those who simply do not. When asked which is better, my answer is often “it really depends on your family dynamics and circumstances.” I typically believe that as people age, greater communication and understanding of the situation by my clients’ family and children is helpful in the event of an emergency or upon one’s passing. However, learning of a windfall inheritance, for example, can do “funny” things to people. In rare circumstances, you will hear stories of elder financial abuse being committed by “trusted” family members. If you are planning to discuss your estate plan with your children and/or loved ones, here are a few tips I can share: 1. Communication helps set expectations. One of the biggest challenges in estate planning is that each generation has different values, investment priorities and expectations as to who should be involved in the safeguarding and distribution of assets after a parent or loved one passes away. It is important for you to communicate your goals and wishes to your children and loved ones who will be handling your affairs in the event of your incapacity or death. For example, if you have four children and are only choosing two to act as co-executors, it may be helpful to explain why you are choosing those children: perhaps they are geographically located near you, or perhaps you are appointing your executors in age order or based on their knowledge of financial matters. Similarly, setting expectations for how you would or would not want your money spent in the event of incapacity can be extremely helpful to your appointed agents and successor trustees so they can ensure your wishes are followed. The same can be said for medical decision making and communicating your medical wishes, conditions, medications and doctor information to your agent named in your health care proxy. 2. Communication avoids need to first locate assets upon incapacity or death. When you do not communicate what your assets are to those who will be receiving and/or able to access your assets upon incapacity or death, it immediately creates the issue of locating and marshaling your assets. By making sure that you keep an updated list of your assets, account holdings, contact information for financial advisors, accountants and attorneys you use, you will be helping set your family up for success when transitioning into a decision making role for you. 3. Communication can create tax efficient plans. Estate planning and transfer of wealth not only affect the individual creating the plan, but their children and future generations as well. For example, for individuals with larger and potentially taxable estates, transfer of wealth between generations may require information as to your children’s net worth in order to ensure that you are passing wealth to them in a tax efficient way. Lifetime trusts or generation skipping transfers to grandchildren or more remote descendants may want to be utilized in order to avoid creating a tax liability for your children, especially when they have potential for a taxable estate due to their own personal wealth. Kicking the estate tax bill down the road should be considered. 4. Communication and access are not the same. Clients are sometimes concerned that by communicating their estate plan to their children, they are giving them access and the ability to start “calling the shots.” Access to funds does not need to be given in order for family to be prepared when a loved one passes away or becomes incapacitated. The goal should be to ensure that mechanisms are in place and legal documents are executed to allow for access to be provided when needed. For example, a child does not need to be added as a joint owner on a bank account, but granting them Power of Attorney and the ability to make financial decisions when necessary may suffice. Additionally, the information communicated does not need to be extremely detailed. For individuals who are hesitant to share the details of their finances and net worth, it may be sufficient for them to simply state to their children/ loved ones that they created an estate plan and named their children as those “in charge” if they were to become incapacitated or pass away. The children should then be given the contact information of the attorney who was used to create the estate plan and their parent’s accountant so they can obtain proper guidance when the time is right. Your attorneys and trusted advisors could also be provided a list of assets and additional information to share with the children. In closing, while communication can be difficult, I have found that opening the lines of communication can set your family up for success during difficult times. It can also significantly decrease the likelihood of conflict, disagreements and disappointment when a plan is not what a loved one anticipated. Lauren C. Enea, Esq. is a Partner at Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP. She concentrates her practice on Wills, Trusts and Estates, Medicaid Planning, Special Needs Planning and Probate/Estate Administration. She believes that it is never too early or too late to start planning for your future and she enjoys working with individuals and families to ensure that their estate and long-term care plan best suits their needs. Ms. Enea is on the executive committee of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Elder Law and Special Needs Section and is also the CoEditor of the NYSBA Elder Law and Special Needs Section Journal. She is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida. She can be reached at 914-948-1500. LAUREN ENEA GUEST CORNER FOCUS ON ELDER LAW Sharing is caring? Pros and cons of communicating your estate plan For individuals who are hesitant to share the details of their finances and net worth, it may be sufficient for them to simply state to their children/ loved ones that they created an estate plan and named their children as those “in charge” if they were to become incapacitated or pass away.’ -Lauren C. Enea, Esq. Partner at Enea, Scanlan PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK & Sirignano, LLP
PAGE 16 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 A RESPECTFUL APPROACH TO NAVIGATING FAMILY TRANSITIONS AND CONFLICT - Family, Elder and Divorce Mediation - Collaborative Divorce - Co-Parenting Plans - Pre-Nuptial and Marital Settlement Agreements ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION OFFERS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES - Privacy - A Voice in Decision Making - Preservation of Assets - Child Focused Options - Avoidance of Often Toxic and Costly Court Proceedings 340 Route 202 • Suite M, Somers • 914-669-5224 www.margaretnicholson.com • [email protected] “I am honored to have been selected by my peers for Hudson Valley Magazine’s annual “Top Lawyers” publication. THE LAW & MEDIATION OFFICE OF Margaret A. Nicholson Free Half-Hour Consultations • Virtual Options Available FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HOT WATER HEATER & GAS NEEDS 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com Happy 4th of July! RED WHITE & BLUE SAVINGS! TAKE $100 OFF ANY WATER HEATER/WATER SOFTENER INSTALLATION. 1964-2024 60 Years of Excellence Anxiety is a condition that we all share at some time or another. Although it’s normal, there are unhealthy extremes. For example, when I took the bar exam, a young man in my row dropped what must have been 20 pencils onto the floor of the exam room. As he nervously scrambled on all fours to pick them up, I could hear him sobbing and mumbling under his breath that this was his umpteenth and last time he would take the bar exam. As he stood up and turned towards me, I saw that his whole face had broken out. I often wonder what happened to him. I was glad that, for whatever reason, the bar exam, unlike many things in my life, did not produce one iota of anxiety for me. Go figure. We all have acquaintances, friends or even family members who have struggled with anxiety disorders. My mom, in her later years, would nervously pace back and forth while whispering about the cause of her nervousness. No amount of rational reassurance about whatever was on her mind would ease her suffering. Although at the time I considered her extreme nervousness unnecessary and irrational, I have found myself, in my senior years, emulating her irrational behavior (not the pacing part), as I stress over a host of things, most of which are resolutely out of my control. Let’s start at the beginning. What exactly is anxiety and why are some people more prone to it than others? Anxiety is a feeling of unease that is accompanied by physical symptoms, such as sweating and rapid heartbeat. It evolved as a useful defense mechanism that would alert us to potential dangers. Biologically, part of our brain, the amygdala, when stimulated by a perceived threat, sends signals to the prefrontal cortex, the front of our brain, that deals with complex functions such as emotional regulation. However, when the amygdala is triggered excessively, the entire interaction can develop into Understanding and managing anxiety in our modern world JAMES MARTORANO MY PERSPECTIVE SEE MARTORANO PAGE 17
JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 17 LOCATIONS: Baldwin Place • 44 Route 118 • (845) 628-7900 Croton Falls • 1 Center St • (914) 769-3206 Find out why Joe Ferone of Proper Service needs to be YOUR Go-To Automotive Service Center! YOUR FAMILY CAR CARE CENTER For over 100 years of combined auto experience, Joe Ferone and his sta of Proper Service have been serving the community, creating relationships and building a remarkable company with an amazing team JOE FERONE, owner of employees! a disorder or phobia, which can be debilitating. Anxiety is often accompanied by excessive worrying, irrational fears, and overwhelming feelings of dread. In the movie, “What About Bob,” Bill Murray comedically portrayed a patient crippled by extreme anxiety about almost everything. If that weren’t enough, Mel Brooks’ movie, “High Anxiety,” also took a swing at portraying anxiety in a funny light. But, in truth, although both these movies are delightful and worth your time, there is nothing comedic about anxiety. One good thing about this topic is that everyone is familiar with it in their own lives. We may experience anxiety because of a significant presentation we have to make at work, or a crisis with our teenage child or, even, because we must somehow scrape together the funds to meet this month’s bills. But, as our heart beats faster with worry, there are those who take all of life’s trials and tribulations with a shrug of the shoulders as they seamlessly wind their way through life’s problems. That fact always irked me. I must make it clear; I am not focused on the slight feeling of apprehension we experience in our daily lives. I am focusing on the outer edges of anxiety disorders that are becoming more and more prevalent in our modern age. What are the sources of this disorder and why are some people more likely than others to struggle with this problem? Studies have shown that about 30% of a generalized anxiety disorder is attributable to genetics. It’s not due to a particular gene but, rather, to a host of interacting genetic factors. But environmental factors play a role as well. Trauma, stress and our upbringing can increase the likelihood of developing excessive anxiety. A person who grows up in a chaotic or abusive environment may be more likely to experience an anxiety disorder later in life. Personality traits like perfectionism, low self-esteem and a tendency to overthink can also contribute to anxiety. Goodness, just reviewing these traits is making me anxious. As I alluded to earlier, many researchers believe that anxiety disorders are on the rise in the 21st century. A combination of the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, an overabundance of constant social media communication, and even the aftereffects of extreme climate events such as wildfires, floods, droughts, etc., have all contributed to the rise in the number of people suffering from anxiety disorders. The rise is evenly distributed among all age groups. But all is not lost. While anxiety can be debilitating and distressing and even to some degree inevitable, there are science-based ways to manage and cope with it effectively. One of the most effective ways to deal with anxiety is through therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapy. CBT helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to anxiety, while mindfulness-based therapy teaches individuals to focus on the present moment and accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment. In addition, medication can be helpful in treating anxiety disorders. Anti-depressants, anti-anxiety medications and beta blockers are commonly prescribed to help relieve symptoms of extreme apprehension. Lifestyle changes can also play a significant role in managing anxiety. Regular exercise, healthy eating habits and sufficient sleep can help regulate mood and reduce anxiety symptoms. I recommend practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga to help calm the body and mind during moments of heightened anxiety. As researchers significantly advance our understanding of the important sciencebased explanations of our behavior, sometimes the simplest common-sense solutions emerge as the best. So too, in this field, one of the often underappreciated and simplest remedies for an anxious episode is social support. Talking to friends, family members or support groups can provide emotional validation and encouragement during challenging times. It is no surprise that building strong social connections and seeking help in a timely fashion has been proven to be the best way to help a person feel less isolated and overwhelmed by anxiety. So, my friends, when confronted with a seemingly overwhelmingly stressful situation, begin by stopping the negative emotional spiral by taking a deep breath. Next, I recommend you heed the advice of author Alice Boyes who, in her wonderful book, “The Anxiety Toolkit,” recommends you appraise your situation by asking three questions: What’s the worst that could happen? What’s the best thing that could happen? And what’s the most realistic or likely to happen? You may discover that applying a rational approach will reveal that things are not as dire as they appear. My bar exam friend could make a change in the direction of his career and perhaps sell on eBay part of his abundant pencil collection. My mom could put her worries in perspective by focusing on the positive, like the fact that she was surrounded by a loving family. Given the choices of therapy, medicine, self-help methodologies and our new awareness of what exactly the sources of anxiety are, there is no reason why anyone feeling the sting of anxiety cannot lead a happier, healthier life free from the grip of this awful malady. In the final analysis, cultivating feelings of selfcompassion, self-worth and a renewed appreciation of the infinite possibilities that life presents us should, I hope, be a suitable emotional life raft to facilitate our escape from life’s troubled waters. If not, there are always worry beads. MARTORANO FROM PAGE 16
PAGE 18 – MAHOPAC NEWS HEALTH & WELLNESS JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 It has begun. Summer vacation season is upon us, and I am already getting patients coming into my office in a panic because they are in pain and are going away in a few days. They have been planning a wonderful vacation to relax or just get away from it all and now this pain that they have is threatening to ruin their trip. In this article, I will give you some information to help you possibly avoid this situation or at least manage the pain so you can enjoy your vacation or even your business trip. Before the trip Exercise regularly before your trip if you can. Being in relatively good shape can help prevent unwanted injuries. Meanwhile, do not start new strenuous activities just before vacation as you do not want to risk injury just before you go. If pain occurs well before vacation, it would be wise to get treatment as soon as possible. Do not assume it will go away on its own. The earlier you receive treatment, the more likely you will have a comfortable trip. If you receive pain medication from your doctor, make sure it is kept in the original prescription bottles, so it limits the possibilities of issues at TSA check points. Try to pack light and have luggage with wheels so you don’t have to carry your bags. If you are in pain, airports may make accommodations according to Web Md. Contact TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 to learn how to get through security more comfortably and easily. You should have a doctor’s note. This will help when asking for accommodation at the airport or a hotel. During travel When flying, aisle seats make it easier to get up and down occasionally. Call ahead and try to upgrade to business class or better as the seats will be more comfortable. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with lifting bags. Staff and sometimes other passengers are willing to help. There are some great inflatable pillows that can help. Look up travel pillows and you will find some very interesting designs. Maintaining good posture can be very beneficial as good positions can take pressure off your joints. If you are driving to a destination, take frequent breaks. A break every hour, if possible, would be best. When flying or taking a train, this is easier. But frequent breaks when driving will make the travel more bearable. Occasional stretching can help, as well as doing simple isometric exercises. Light contractions of muscles even without movement of your joints can increase blood flow to regions and help you relax. Stress not only causes unnecessary and unhealthy muscle contraction, but it also can cause generalized inflammation. Decrease your stress with relaxation exercises or meditation. On vacation You don’t have to do it all. If an activity seems like it will be too much, maybe just doing some of the activity will allow you to enjoy it without being overtaxed. Icing the area affected can help decrease inflammation. Do not ice longer than 15 minutes and make sure the ice is not applied directly to the skin. When you are hurting, certain foods can make it worse, according to Harvard Health (For example: refined carbohydrates, fried foods and processed meats). Some foods decrease inflammation, like fatty fish, berries, olive oil and leafy green veggies. Hydration is important as well. Drink lots of liquid (water preferred). Alcohol and coffee/ tea decrease hydration. Sorry, but you will want to limit their consumption. Light stretching, hot showers and walking, especially when first getting up, can be helpful to loosen you up and get you going. Just like you planned your trip, you should plan the management of any pain issues. Speak to your healthcare provider for specifics regarding your condition. Hopefully, using some of the suggestions mentioned, you will be able to have an enjoyable vacation. Bon Voyage! Dr. Chris Perrone, DC, has been in practice for 29 years and has extensive experience in treating sports, spinal and muscle injuries. He is presently practicing at Perrone Family Chiropractic, 925 Route 6, in Mahopac. He can be reached at 845-628-3805. When can vacations be a pain in the neck (or back)? IMAGE PRODUCED BY DALL-E DR. CHRIS PERRONE GUEST CORNER Perrone Family CHIROPRACTIC 925 Route 6 • Mahopac, NY 10541 • Tel: (845)628-3805 Serving the Mahopac Community for Over 25 Years We will take care of you like family. perronechiro.com [email protected] Less Pain • Feel Great • Better Health CALL US TODAY! CHIROPRACTIC • MASSAGE THERAPY • ACUPUNCTURE SPINAL DECOMPRESSION • NEUROFEEDBACK • WEIGHT LOSS In Pain? We Can Help! 17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults
JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 HEALTH & WELLNESS MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 19 Elder Law & Estate Planning A Tradition of Excellence in Elder Law Wills, Trusts & Estates | Estate Planning | Probates Elder Law, Medicaid Coordination & Estate Planning Attorneys We Make Home & Hospital Visits Contact the Team Today! (845) 621-8640 thefellergroup.com 625 Route 6, Mahopac NY 10541 Progressive Animal Hospital What is the most common mismanaged condition that you see? THE ITCHY DOG! Is your pet... scratching • licking • chewing feet or having chronic skin infections? Stop treating the symptoms and find out the underlying cause with a simple blood test. Get your pet feeling better and stop the frequent trips to the vet. INDEPENDENTLY OWNED and OPERATED 268 route 202 l somers, ny 10589 914.248.6220 l progressive-vet.com Voted “Best of Somers” 2020-2023 We all remember penmanship lessons. “Cursive” was a fitting word to describe those maddening swirls and lines that we drew on our lined paper. To me, the “z” looked like stairs leading to a haunted house. My penmanship efforts probably scared my third-grade teacher half to death. I was thinking about school curriculum following another client meeting in which family members had expressed their lack of knowledge of the long-term health care system. What are we doing? I am aware that penmanship is no longer a grade school priority, but important life subjects remain unexamined by educators charged with our developmental education. Think about all of the subjects which have to be learned on the fly: Financial literacy, taxation, insurance, health care, estate planning, career development and personal relationship management (dating, marriage, family communication). We spend a lot of time and money on college. College is four years (sometimes five, could be six). Every single item listed above is a lifetime issue. So how do we combat these knowledge gaps. Talk to your children. I am not saying that it is cool to lecture your toddler on Medicare Part D, but maintaining an ongoing conversation on real life issues is extremely helpful. Explain your goals for estate planning. My parents talked about everything. They dragged me to banks, accountants and retirement seminars. Hey, I was in the back seat of the car, kept quiet and did not demand food every three seconds unlike some people who shall remain nameless. Even if my enthusiasm for adult activities was limited, I could not help noticing that these issues were important to mom and dad. If our job, as parents, is to prepare our children to tackle the real world, then they need to know how the real world works. They need to know the difference between a health insurance deductible and a co-pay. They need to know what a Will does and what a Trust does. They need to know that saving money should begin as soon as possible and not to wait until your earnings have increased. They need to know how relationships can impact their lives positively and negatively. They need to know what a job in their chosen career actually feels like. Watch your children watch you when you deal with your aging parents. This is not a lesson plan on the signing of the Magna Carta or quadratic equations. This is real life. Grandma, with our assistance, set up an estate plan many years ago and placed her home in a Trust. She is getting good care in her home. That care is covered by a government program called Medicaid. Grandma’s assets were protected and can be used to make her life better. The money saved can then be used to enhance the lives of her loved ones. These simple connections will embed themselves in your child’s brain and emerge when needed. My handwriting may stink, but estate planning is not a total mystery. For more proper education on long term care planning, contact the professionals at The Feller Group, P.C. They can be reached at 845-621-8640. The Feller Group is a multi-disciplinary law practice specializing in elder law, estate planning and business advisement. This article was written by Alan D. Feller, Esq. For more information, visit thefellergroup.com. ALAN D. FELLER, ESQ. GUEST CORNER Estate Planning: The education we did not receive IMAGE CREATED BY DALL-E
PAGE 20 MAHOPAC NEWS – JUVisit us at: 128 Route 52, Carmel Shari Zimmerman 845-621-2557 [email protected] Call for a FREE Quote today! RATES GOING UP? AWARD WINNER LIC. REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATE BROKER Grace Vinciguerra Come indulLake M• New & Pre-owned Boats • Service• Docking & Storage • Boating Ac1 Marina Dr. • Mahopacmacdonaldmarineny.net Austin Road’s annual Color Run was in full force on Saturday morning, June 1. Runners of all ages came out to stretch their legs and get messy! An experience like no other, the Color Run offers participants a fun, yet healthy, interactive alternative to raising funds for schoolwide activities and events. Article courtesy of Susan Downey Hue got it! Kindergartener Riordan Garvey gets colorized by Kristin Voorhis. Fourth-graders Gavin Schulz, Dylan Murphy, Cruz Zeller, and James Viggiano look colorful. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN DOWNEY Teacher Miaand first-gradePalmerPHOTO COURTESYDOWNEBack: Sienna Iannuzzo, 3, Robert Iannuzzo, Leigh-Anne Iannuzzo. Front: Gia Frascone, 10, Angelina Iannuzzo, 10 and Francesca Iannuzzo, 7. Color Run brings fun PHOTOS: JENNA WALDMAN
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PAGE 22 – MAHOPAC NEWS JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 The twelfth annual English as a New Language (ENL) Multicultural Dinner was held on June 12 at the Mahopac Middle School. Founded and coordinated by MMS ENL teacher Susan Cotten, the annual feast is designed to celebrate the diversity of Mahopac students and to honor and acknowledge the contributions and cultures of immigrant families in the community. The festivities included a potluck-style menu where each family brought a traditional home-cooked meal to share with the group. Three was also a slide presentation created by the students to reflect their individual cultural backgrounds, an open mic-style poetry slam session shared in both English and students’ native languages, and a dance routine performed by the seventh- through ninthgrade ENL students. In attendance were Mahopac Central School District Superintendent Christine Tona, MCSD School Board President Adam Savino, key members of the school administration, and over a hundred members of the community, including current and former students of all ages. “The celebration creates an open and informal setting in which people of different cultures can interact. They share food and conversation, and learn about their differences while developing an understanding of their commonalities,” Cotten said. “Through this event, MMS affirms its commitment to support the vast and colorful community that surrounds not only the school district but the community as a whole.” Article courtesy of Mahopac Central School District International flavor returns to MMS Guest speaker Ziaullhaq Gulestani from Afghanistan talks about his experiences. Families brought dishes from all over the world for everyone to enjoy. PHOTOS: JENNA WALDMAN Anna Vlk, Benjamin Vlk, 2, Emma Vlk, 10, and Jaro Vlk from the Czech Republic Current and former students of Mrs. Cotten pose for a group photo. Eighth-grade ENL student Kerin Avalos Chinchilla and ninthgrade ENL student Naidely Villarreal Guachichulca read a poem Naidely wrote in Spanish and in English. Annual Multicultural Dinner brings students and families together YOUTH FOCUS Get great service & great rates. Get great service & great rates. You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor service. But I’m also here with surprisingly great rates for everyone. Call me for a quote to see how much you can save. You might be surprised. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm® underwriting requirements. Tim Beyrer, Agent 710 Route 6 Mahopac, NY 10541 Bus: 845-628-9100 ibdfh@fGet great service & great rates. You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor servBut I’m also here with surprisingly great rates for eCall me for a quote to see how much you can saveYou might be surprised. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm® underwriting requirTim Beyrer, Agent 710 Route 6 Mahopac, NY 10541 Bus: 845-628-9100 [email protected] State Farm Bloomington, IL 2001877 Get great service & great rates. You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor service. But I’m also here with surprisingly great rates for everyone. Call me for a quote to see how much you can save. You might be surprised. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm® underwriting requirements. Tim Beyrer, Agent 710 Route 6 Mahopac, NY 10541 Bus: 845-628-9100 [email protected] State Farm Bloomington, IL 2001877 Get great service & great rates. You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor service. But I’m also here with surprisingly great rates for everyone. Call me for a quote to see how much you can save. You might be surprised. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm® underwriting requirements. Tim Beyrer, Agent 710 Route 6 Mahopac, NY 10541 Bus: 845-628-9100 [email protected] You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor service. But I’m also here with surprisingly great rates for everyone. Call me for a quote to see how much you can save. You might be surprised. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm® underwriting requirements.
JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 23 The Mousa and Aljamal families from Jordan, with Susan Cotten (right). Teacher Alexandra Dalton stands with Austin Road student Valariia Motuz (with her family from Ukraine), and Luka Kometiani (with his family from Georgia). All the students gather for a group shot with ENL teachers Susan Cotten (far left) and Alexandra Dalton (right) Mahopac Middle School PTO President Claudia Savino, Assistant Principal Stephanie Grace, MMS ENL teacher Susan Cotten, Superintendent Christina Tona, School Board President Adam Savino, and Austin Road ENL teacher Alexandra Dalton The students take to the dancefloor.
PAGE 24 – MAHOPAC NEWS JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 Sports 66 Miller Road, Mahopac 845-628-2050 www.mavistireofmahopac.com With This Coupon • Expires 7/31/24 $10.00OFF Synthetic Oil change (MOST CARS) 25%OFF 25 % OFF STRUTS & SHOCKS With This Coupon • Expires 7/31/24 CARING FOR YOUR CAR & OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 35 YEARS! The Friendly Mavis Team BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR The Mahopac varsity boys and girls track teams had a strong spring season, both in competition and in the classroom. “Both boys and girls track teams were recognized as New York State Public High School Athletic Association ScholarAthlete teams, emblematic of having a team scholastic average of 90-plus during the competitive season,” coach Vin Collins said. “It was well-deserved recognition for an outstanding season.” Senior James Biolchini earned All-Section and AllNorthern County (Putnam and Dutchess) honors for the 400-meter hurdles, along with third-team All-Nothern County recognition for the 110-meter hurdles. Other All-Northern County nods went to senior Jake Luciano (second team, discus), freshman Brandon Kumrow (third team, 800-meter run), and freshman Kira Waring (third team, 3,000-meter run). Biolchini, Ian Lanter, Brendan Maloney, and James Thomas also made the All North County 4x400 relay third team, while Kelvin Cabrera, Kumrow, Nick Marks, Liam McGuire, and Shane Waring made the 4x800 relay third team. Several other Mahopac athletes made it into the two-day state qualifier tournament last month, which took place at Arlington High School and Suffern Middle School. “In order to qualify for this event you must be one of the top 16 individual competitors in that event or in the top eight in relays,” Collins said. In addition to the athletes named above, qualifiers included junior Hayden Biolchini (100m hurdles and freshman Ella Biolchini (100m hurdles). Kumrow was unable to participate due to injury, “Qualifying for this championship meet is an accomplishment in itself and to compete as well as they all did speaks volumes as to the type of competitors they are,” Collins said. Mahopac boys finished fourth overall at the Class A Championship on May 26, with the girls finishing a strong 10th. Luciano’s 123-0 was good for first place in the discus. James Biolchini finished second in the 400 hurdles (and fifth in the 110). Thomas took third with a 5-8 in the high jump ahead of Lanter in fourth (5-6). Kira Waring took fourth in the 3,000-meter run, McGuire fifth in the 800, while Ella Biolchini finished eighth in the place 100-meter hurdles, as did Ben Haley in the 1600-meter run. Gigi Hartman earned ninth in the 400-meter dash and 800-meter run, while took Samantha Salomon the same place in the discus. Mahopac’s Cabrera, McGuire, Shane Waring, and Marks took second in the 4 x 800 relay and finished third in the 4 x 400 relay (Lanter, James Biolchini, Brendan Mahoney, Thomas). Collins believes the team has a solid foundation to build from going into next year. “Looking at the season, I would definitely say it has been successful, with each of our athletes on both the boys and girls team achieving personal records during the season,” Collins said. “The future is bright for Mahopac track and field.” Mahopac athletes earn accolades Coach Vin Collins with the 4x400 relay team of James Biolchini, Ian Lanter, Brendan Mahoney and James Thomas PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAC & FIELD/X Mahopac 4x800 relay team members Nick Marks, Liam McGuire, Kelvin Cabrera and Shane Waring Hayden, Ella Biolchini, and James Biolchini Jake Luciano took first place in the discus. TRACK & FIELD
JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 25 6TH - 12TH GRADE COLLEGE PREPARATORY EDUCATION KENNEDYCATHOLIC.ORG 54 Route 138 Somers, NY Congratulations Class of 2024 Our graduates earned admission to over 250 colleges, including.. Florida State University Binghamton University Cornell University Boston College Georgetown University Boston University Howard University Bucknell University College of the Holy Cross College of William and Mary North Caroline State University Northeastern University Northwestern University Pepperdine University Stevens Institute of Technology Stony Brook University The George Washington University United States Air Force Academy United States Coast Guard Academy United States Military Academy United States Naval Academy University of California - Irvine University of Florida University of Georgia University of Maryland - College Park University of Miami University of Michigan University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill University of Notre Dame University of Richmond University of Rochester University of Virginia The Class of 2024 earned over $34 million in merit award scholarships. The average per student receiving awards was over $400,000! Join the Kennedy Catholic Prep Legacy of Success Inquire Today Inquire Today
PAGE 26 – MAHOPAC NEWS SPORTS JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 www.summertrailsdaycamp.com CURRENTLY HIRING STAFF! CALL FOR A TOUR! 914.245.1776 Come See Us At Our New Location! PUTNAM WINDOW TINT AUTO , COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL WINDOW FILM Follow us on Instagram 1065 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • Paint protection film • Vehicle lettering • Full Service vehicle wraps • gift cards available Over 35 in Business Years 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! BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Mahopac played the Hornets to a 1-1 draw in the opener of the Lakeland Summer Soccer League, which began its 17th season on June 16. “We are on year 17 of the summer league, and wildly enough back in 2007, we started with just four local high school teams and that has now grown into 18 highschool programs competing this June and July,” said Hourahan who founded and directs the league to give local high school teams a chance to sharpen up before the fall. Mahopac coach Chris Mulholland said the league is especially valuable because the official preseason schedule is so tight. “The summer league is a good way to get the boys out a little earlier,” Mulholland said. “We usually start in late August – the preseason is really short. So this is a good way to get the boys ready before the real season starts. “It gives me a chance to get some of the new players some experience before jumping into the varsity season and lets me see what I have going forward,” Mulholland added. Center midfielder Kody Booth scored in Mahopac’s 1-1 draw against Lakeland. “I was really happy with how we played,” Mulholland said. “We had a couple of scrimmages before the first game and I saw improvement [in the Summer League game]. We possessed the ball really well and did well defensively. We stayed disciplined, didn’t try to do too much with the ball, and handled their pressure. It’s nice to see the boys get comfortable with each other.” The games are going to be played at Lakeland High School, Granite Knolls Park, and Walter Panas High School. “We will be resurfacing the track on our stadium field so we have had to move some games off campus this summer due to the construction,” Hourahan said. In addition to Lakeland. the league gives the Wolf Pac a chance to play against teams from southern Westchester and as far north as John Jay-East Fishkill. “We have teams from three different counties (Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess), including two teams playing for the first time ever in my league—Ardsley and Irvington,” Hourahan said. “To be honest, I am really proud not only of how big this league has become but also how this league has now spun off a few other boys summer soccer leagues in Ossining and Goshen in Section 9. So phenomenal, all the opportunities soccer players in the Hudson Valley region are now given to go compete.” Teams have used playing in the summer league as a springboard to championships in the fall. In the last three years, that list includes Somers (Class A), which won the states in 2021, Yorktown (Class A), which won a sectional title in 2022, Eastchester, which shared the sectional Class AA title in 2023, and Byram Hills, which won the Class A sectional title in 2023. “Eight different programs have won a sectional title after playing in the summer league and we have had a few state titles as well,” Hourahan said. Playing in the summer gives teams a leg up on the competition. “It has truly become a massive advantage for teams to compete over the summer,” Hourahan said. “There are so many factors in play with this league and each program can take something from it. “Maybe it’s allowing your JV players from the previous highschool season to get used to the speed of play at the varsity level,” Hourahan added. “Maybe it’s allowing your returning players an opportunity to take on new leadership responsibilities in the program. Some teams have new coaches this fall and they can now start to put their playing principles in with their players.” One of those new coaches is Yorktown’s Justin Huff, who previously was an assistant coach at Somers and Yorktown. “I always tell my team that winning habits are formed now,” Huff said. “Summer league is the foundation in which we are going to build our seasons’ success on. From a coaching standpoint, all I demand from my players is effort and energy because those things can always be controlled. The chemistry and bond amongst the team will develop over the course of the season.” Summer league is invaluable in helping a coach find out the makeup of his players. “As a coach the summer league gives me insight as to which kids can handle the emotions of a highly contested game, who is already at an appropriate fitness level, and who has leadership qualities that I’m looking for in a captain,” Huff said. The same night Mahopac played Lakeland, Somers beat Valhalla 1-0, Carmel bested Ardsley 2-1, John Jay-East Fishkill tied Harrison 0-0, Yorktown defeated White Plains 1-0 and Rye won against Roy C. Ketcham 2-1. Briarcliff, Eastchester, Walter Panas, Byram Hills, Irvington, and John Jay-Cross River are also competing in the league this summer. Emile Menasche contributed additional reporting for this article. Mahopac opens Lakeland Summer League season with a draw League gives HS soccer teams a headstart on fall season Mahopac’s Kody Booth, seen in 2023 action against Somers, scored in the Wolf Pac’s 1-1 Summer League draw against Lakeland. PHOTO: JENNA WALDMAN Contact Us SOCCER Mahopac News is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 845- 208-0774 or email [email protected].
JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 SPORTS MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 27 2 TRACKS $60 for a 1/8 page ad to participate. 10% of all revenue earned from this section will be donated to your school's PTA as a parting gift to the organization. Ad booking deadline: JUNE 24 Ad approval deadline: JUNE 26 FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADS, email [email protected] FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADS, email [email protected] Honor Your High School Graduate! You nurtured them for 18 years. Share your family's accomplishment in our Special High School Graduation Pullout on JULY 3RD. Let's Not Forget the 8th Graders are Movin' On Up! Moving up from middle school to high school is an achievement that also deserves recognition. Your baby is growing up! Honor them with a special message in a Middle School Graduation Section inside the regular paper JULY 3RD. In the email, send us: • A high resolution photo (original digital file is preferred over scanning) • Let us know your school district so we can publish it in the correct newspaper. ildhild'fidlihdhParents! www.aonpt.com GOODROW BUILDING 862 Route 6 Mahopac NY 10541 (845) 208-0963 MILL POND OFFICES 293 Route 100 • Suite 107 Somers, NY 10589 (914) 276-2520 BREWSTER 3 Starr Ridge Road Brewster, NY 10509 (845) 279-9288 The Road To Recovery Starts Here The champion U13 Mahopac Firecrackers have played two straight seasons in WYSL’s 2011 Premier Division without a single loss, going 10-0 in the fall and posting a record of nine wins, no losses, and one tie this spring. Pictured are (back row): Coach Anthony Pizzuto, Katherine Soto Ruiz, Summer McDermott, Gracie Preikschat, Evelin Mejia-Beltran, Brianna Lofaro, Kaylanni Roebuck, Ella Provenzano, Coach Craig Hettinger; (middle row): Natalie Hettinger, Cadence McGuire, Alexa Pizzuto, Sophia Banchs; and (front row): Gianna Tucci, Keira Finer, and Sophia Carlin. Article courtesy of Jen Hettinger Mahopac Firecrackers go undefeated–again Mahopac Firecrackers PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSEMARIE MCGUIRE SOCCER
PAGE 28 – MAHOPAC NEWS LEISURE JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 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. Breezed through 5. Supervises interstate commerce 8. Unruly group 11. Backs away from 13. Expression of understanding 14. Have concern for 15. Monetary units 16. Congressman (abbr.) 17. Iranian city 18. Eating houses 20. 2,000 lbs. 21. Grandmother 22. They include North, South and Central 25. In an early way 30. Foes 31. Shuttered British entertainment magazine 32. One who unloads cages 33. Another term for sesame 38. Formally forbid 41. Make clear 43. Inaccessible 45. Get through 47. Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea 49. Decameter 50. Type of sword 55. Actor Idris 56. Affirmative (slang) 57. Afflicted 59. One point north of northeast 60. Born of 61. Arabic name 62. Traditional Hong Kong street food: __ pai dong 63. Termination point 64. Email function CLUES DOWN 1. Sign language 2. In style 3. Helsinki neighborhood 4. Unable to hear 5. More rapid 6. An idea accepted as a demonstrable truth 7. In a cagy way 8. Kate and Rooney are two 9. Algerian port 10. Community in Ladakh 12. Midway between south and southeast 14. Town in Galilee 19. Satisfy 23. Italian impressionist painter 24. Brass instrument 25. Chest muscle (slang) 26. Transmits genetic information from DNA to the cytoplasm 27. Records electric currents generated by the brain 28. Woman (French) 29. Aircraft designed to carry lots of passengers 34. Baseball stat 35. Pointed end of a pen 36. Popular sports league 37. Body part 39. Unlikely to provoke dissent 40. Yellowish cotton cloth 41. Domesticated house pet 42. Untruths 44. Set out to attract 45. Spiritual leader 46. Abba __, Israeli politician 47. Repair 48. Genus of flowering plants 51. Swiss river 52. Prejudice 53. River in central Europe 54. Harness 58. Father Tortilla chips dipped in a tangy salsa often make the perfect opener to a meal. Salsa traditionally is made with tomatoes, but people often can find different fruits filling in for tomatoes or complementing them in various salsa recipes. During the height of the summer entertaining season, salsa can be transformed by watermelon, a popular summertime fruit. Watermelon’s high water content and subtle, sweet flavor contribute to its refreshing, some might say addictive, nature. However, this recipe for “Watermelon Fire and Ice Salsa,” courtesy of the The National Watermelon Promotion Board, adds jalapeño peppers to the mix to bring a little heat to those cool watermelon pieces. Give chips and dip a sweet twist Watermelon Fire and Ice Salsa Makes 3 cups • 3 cups chopped watermelon • 1/2 cup green peppers • 2 tablespoons lime juice • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro • 1 tablespoon green onions • 2 tablespoons jalapeño peppers Combine ingredients. Mix well and cover. Refrigerate for 1 hour or more.
JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 29 especially with her boyfriend. There was a new guy competing for her affection.” However, Cohen doesn’t think it was a jealous lover type of crime. Spierer’s boyfriend was not out with them that night and had spent the evening at home. Cohen said the book draws no conclusions. “The reader has to weigh the credibility of each witness,” he said. “There are a lot of theories, but none have panned out.” However, he said, he doesn’t believe she was abducted by a stranger. “Thirteen years later there is still no evidence she made it out of those townhouses alive,” he said. “But I don’t want to offer my opinion [as to what happened].” Cohen currently resides in San Francisco with his wife and two children and works for The Daily Mail as a senior reporter on its exclusives team. He hopes the book will inspire fresh eyes to revisit the case. “We will see where this will all lead,” he said. Asked if he believes the case will finally be solved, he said, “I wouldn’t have written [the book] if I didn’t believe that. I am optimistic.” “I find it hard to believe that 13 years later anyone involved could maintain a secret for that long,” he said. “The bottom line is whoever was involved, it just takes one person to make an anonymous call to the authorities. Secrets were kept and this [book] could force people to reveal details to break the case open.” COLLEGE FROM PAGE 3 Thirteen years later there is still no evidence she made it out of those townhouses alive.” –Shawn Cohen Author “College Girl, Missing” Tag/Garage/Estate Sale? Call: 914-302-5628 or email [email protected] 25 words/5 papers/$55 total* *This is the cost for base ad. Additional add-ons are extra. Call us to place your upcoming sale in our Classifieds! Our Fences Include: Chain Link Aluminum Wood Vinyl Deer Fencing Railings scrfence.com | 914-302-2552 GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS. -Robert Frost See Our Great Selection of Styles & Colors! Material Also Available for DIY. 2013 Crompond Road Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 [email protected] Westchester’s Leading Fence Installer Proud To Be Locally Owned Building Superior Fences at Competitive Prices Proudly Partnered With AFA (American Fence Association) 85 Myrtle Avenue, Mahopac, NY 10541 845-628-7500 • www.pineg rovecou ntrydayscho ol .com Certified by NYS Department of Education/NYS Department of Social Service • Infant (6weeks - 12 months) • Wobbler/Toddler (12-36 months) • Preschool (3-5 yrs) • Pre-K (older 4’s) • Before & After School (5-12 yrs) Now accepting CAMP REGISTRATION for Summer 2024! Now accepting CAMP REGISTRATION for Summer 2024! MAN ARRESTED AT TREATMENT FACILITY AFTER SPITTING AT COPS On June 12, Carmel officers responded to a treatment facility off Seminary Hill Road in the hamlet of Carmel after receiving a call from security personnel about an aggressive patient. Upon arrival, officers were met by staff members and security personnel who were struggling to discharge an unruly patient. Police made several attempts to de-escalate the situation and assist security personnel with discharging the patient. The patient continued to be aggressive toward officers and began spitting in the face of two officers who were trying to assist. After a brief struggle the subject was taken into custody and transported to CPD headquarters for processing. The defendant was charged with two counts of second-degree harassment and disorderly conduct. The defendant was issued an appearance ticket and turned over to Orange County Sheriff’s Department personnel. TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO DRUG ARREST CPD Det. Shea was en route back to police headquarters on June 12 after concluding a traffic detail, when he observed a gray Toyota disregard a stop sign and speed through an intersection in the area of East Lake Boulevard. Det. Shea initiated a traffic stop and the investigation revealed the driver was in possession of approximately 25 glassine envelopes containing heroin. The driver was taken into custody and transported to CPD headquarters for processing. He was charged with misdemeanor seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and failing to stop at a stop sign. The defendant was processed and released with an appearance ticket pending a future court appearance, MAHOPAC MAN ARRESTED AFTER DOMESTIC DISPUTE Police were dispatched to a residence in Mahopac on June 12 for a reported domestic dispute. Upon arrival, officers were met by a combative 47-year-old resident, who BLOTTER FROM PAGE 8 SEE BLOTTER PAGE 34
PAGE 30 – MAHOPAC NEWS JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 www.jaiporeny.com Join Us For Our Brunch Buffet Every Sunday: 12n-3p Closed Tuesdays OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-HOUR PROBLEM GAMING HOTLINE: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369) Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com I-84 | Exit 36B I-87 | Exit 17 Earn Entries All Month Long! Saturday, June 29 • 10pm Win a 2024 Chevy Camaro! *Actual model and colors may vary. CHEVY CAMARO DRAWING Energy. The Town Board has proposed a moratorium on high-energy storage systems and may limit the size of such projects to 0.6 megawatts in its new Master Plan. The board had scheduled a public hearing on the moratorium for Wednesday, June 19 (after this edition goes to press). According to Harckham, there is nothing in the state law preventing the town from taking such acitons. “The reality is that the Carmel Town Board retains home rule with regard to energy storage systems,” said Tom Stauder, a spokesperson for Harckham’s office. “It’s the current town code that is at issue with the East Point Energy application. That’s why Sen. Harckham supports the proposal for a temporary moratorium while the Town Board does the deliberation it needs to do to regulate energy storage intelligently, including input and respect for neighboring communities, as stated in his letter [to Supervisor Mike Cazzari] last month.” Town officials have said that the proposed moratorium on battery farms would act as a stopgap until the town’s revised master plan is in place, which would then prohibit grid-scale battery storage systems the size of the one proposed by East Point Energy. During the public comment portion of recent town meetings, many speakers have criticized the board for taking so long to complete the revised master plan—a project that has been in the works for more than four years. One anonymous source told Mahopac News that he believes the many comments criticizing the board for taking too long to complete the master plan were “orchestrated.” Councilwoman Suzy McDonough, who has overseen the master plan revision since it began in 2019, told the audience at the June 12 meeting that the project faced myriad hurdles that slowed it down. “I agree it is taking way too long. But everybody needs to understand we had a lot of challenges,” she told the audience. “When we started this, COVID hit and that did take a good yearand-a-half to two years away from our schedule. We wanted to make sure everybody in the community had input. We had new board members and new supervisors who wanted to [get involved].” But in a letter written last week by Harckham in an effort to “set the record straight,” the senator said, “For the board members to blame the COVID-19 pandemic on the lack of an updated master plan is disingenuous, at best.” Harckham said the board’s resolution calling for the repeal of the Accelerated Renewable Energy Growth and Community Benefit Act was a red herring and had nothing to do with the proposed battery farm. “A Town Board resolution in opposition to the state’s oversight on where to place renewable energy facilities, like wind and solar farms, was a diversion, as it had no impact on a stand-alone energy storage system,” he wrote. “Here is the problem: The town of Carmel has been without an updated comprehensive master plan for more than two decades. That makes the Carmel board responsible for this quagmire.” Harckham also decried the politicizing of the battery farm issue. “The persistent interjection of partisan politics into the situation has added to the challenges that I have faced in addressing the real worries of homeowners while offering support to the municipalities involved,” he wrote. “Despite my repeated declarations of respect for the autonomy of Carmel’s Planning Board and its decision-making processes on local zoning, Republicans at all levels of government have sought to take partisan advantage of the issue and fabricated wildly outrageous claims and lies purporting to the contrary.” Harckham’s opponent in the November election, Republican Gina Arena, said in a statement on social media that Harckham has been “the champion for forcing energy projects into local communities against the will of local residents,” referring to a bill he authored earlier this year but then withdrew. “Now that it’s election season he’s pretending to oppose the exact thing he’s been promoting in Albany,” Arena said. “Notice the language ‘temporary moratorium’ in his letter [to Cazzari]. Translation: Once the election is over he will move full steam ahead against local zoning laws.” But Harckham pushed back, saying Arena didn’t know what she was talking about. He also had harsh words for state Assemblyman Matt Stater and Congressman Mike Lawler. “Congressman Mike Lawler and Assemblymember Matt Slater poured gas on the fire by issuing a joint press release with my opponent (Arena) declaring victory for home rule after my legislation enabling the Office of Renewable Energy Siting HARCKHAM FROM PAGE 1 SEE HARCKHAM PAGE 32 Advertise With Us Mahopac News is mailed to approximately 6,000 mailboxes on a bi-weekly basis. We offer our clients an ad design service. For more information, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected].
JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 31 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 the cost of your long-term care will be if you are not eligible for Medicaid? Hudson Valley artist and Mahopac native Regina Gelfer is returning home for an exhibition at Mahopac Public Library’s Third Floor Gallery running from June 30 to July 28. Gelfer will be on hand for an opening day reception and artist talk from 2-4 p.m. The reception is open to the public; refreshments will be served. The exhibit features Gelfer’s plein air paintings of local landscapes—most notably the majestic Hudson River and scenery from Boscobel, Garrison Landing, Fahnestock State Park, Tilly Foster Farm, and other vistas from across the region. Also included in the show are her acrylic, mixed media, and digital portraits of musicians and popular culture icons. Gelfer is a longtime Hudson Valley resident who grew up in Mahopac. She is a career graphic designer, illustrator, and painter with a BFA from SUNY Purchase. She has participated in the Hudson Valley Plein Air festival for five years, winning the award for “Best Nocturne Painting” in 2021. She has mentored high school art students through Garrison’s mentorship program for two years and is a member of the Putnam Arts Council and the Garrison Art Center. Gelfer said she is thrilled to return to her hometown to share her artwork with the community and celebrate beautiful Hudson Valley landscapes at Mahopac Public Library. The Third Floor Gallery is open to the public during regular Mahopac Library hours. For further information about the Gallery, visit mahopaclibrary.org/ art-galleries or email [email protected]. Article courtesy of Mahopac Public Library Mahopac Library to show works by Regina Gelfer Hudson Valley artist grew up in town Regina Gelfer painting at Stonecrop Gardens PHOTO COURTESY OF MAHOPAC PUBLIC LIBRARY
PAGE 32 – MAHOPAC NEWS JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 (ORES) to help communities with battery energy storage system proposals was pulled back, its enacting clause stricken because the bill’s language was made invalid by the new state budget, which gives this responsibility now to the Public Service Commission,” Harckham wrote in his letter. “Although my opponent has no clue on the subject, the two lawmakers should have known better, as they ignored the bill’s intent to help in situations exactly like this in Carmel, Somers, Putnam County, Westchester County, and New York City (because of the reservoirs). “The bill would seek input from neighboring municipalities, something the constituents from Somers say is missing from the process,” he added. “No consideration was given in this press release as to why having the state’s professional and technical input could benefit the decision-making process.” But Supervisor Mike Cazzari said that while he understands that the law the Town Board’s resolution wants to be repealed doesn’t directly concern energy storage systems such as the proposed battery farm, he said it could eventually. “It is not ludicrous to think battery farms could be the next step,” he said. “I don’t see the difference between a grape and an apple. It is still a piece of fruit.” He added that opposing the law via the resolution was a good thing because Carmel doesn’t want renewable energy projects in town either. “We don’t want that stuff (wind farms, solar arrays, etc.) in our community,” he said. “Is that what you want to be looking at—all these solar panels in this beautiful town full of lakes? If you let that law stand, this is where we are going. They are going to dump this stuff wherever they want. It is ridiculous they are going to tell a town what to do. It’s tyranny.” HARCKHAM FROM PAGE 30 A male suspect is facing three felony DUI charges after police say he struck a motorcyclist causing serious injuries. Shortly after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, Carmel police were called to the scene of a motor vehicle accident in a residential neighborhood off of Hill Street in Mahopac. Upon arrival, officers located a downed motorcyclist who had sustained serious leg injuries after being struck by a gray Cadillac SUV. Investigators said they recognized the Cadillac as being a suspect in a hit-and-run accident that had taken place earlier in the day. A subsequent investigation determined that the driver of the Cadillac was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. He was taken into custody and transported to police headquarters for processing. The suspect was charged with three felonies: driving while intoxicated with a previous conviction within 10 years, aggravated driving while intoxicated (BAC greater than .18), and firstdegree vehicular assault, as well as several traffic violations. Police declined to release the name of the suspect, who was arraigned by Town Justice Danial Miller and released upon his own recognizance pending a future court appearance. Article provided by Carmel Police Dept. Police charge man with three DUI-related felonies A rare sight hung above Mahopac on the afternoon of Sunday, June 2–a rainbow cloud. According to the weather-information site SciJinks.gov, rainbow clouds occur because of cloud iridescence and can happen in altocumulus, cirrocumulus, lenticular, and cirrus clouds. “Iridescent clouds happen because of diffraction – a phenomenon that occurs when small water droplets or small ice crystals scatter the sun’s light,” the site says. “Cloud iridescence is relatively rare. The cloud must be thin and have lots of water droplets or ice crystals of about the same size. When that happens, the sun’s rays encounter just a few droplets at a time.” — Emile Menasché Rainbow in the clouds PHOTO: EMILE MENASCHÉ WHY DO WE ADVERTISE IN HALSTON MEDIA’S TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL BRETT FREEMAN AT (845) 208-8151 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS? “Advertising in Halston Media’s publications is one of the best investments the Anglebrook Golf Club has ever made. The response far exceeded our expectations, and most of the inquiries resulted in booking banquets, private parties, golf outings and even enlisting new members.” - Matt Sullivan, General Manager, Anglebrook Golf Club rals and name recognition. Advertise in the Mahopac News Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! My Community Bulletin Board ncrease referrals and name recognition. Advertise in the Mahopac News Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! My Community Bulletin Board Give us a call today! (914)393-5670 • MAHOPAC, NY WESTCHESTERK-9.COM • [email protected] WHAT’S NEW AT WESTCHESTER K-9? • Training Based Daycare • Pack Hikes/ Outings • One On One Training Sessions • Board & Train Programs Scan here for more info! (845) 309-9214 LISCENSED & FULLY INSURED COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL [email protected] Increase referrals and name recognition. 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JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 33 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD SUITE 100 MT. KISCO, NY 10549 • PH: 914.202.0575 2 TRACKS $60 for a 1/8 page ad to participate. 10% of all revenue earned from this section will be donated to your school's PTA as a parting gift to the organization. Ad booking deadline: JUNE 24 Ad approval deadline: JUNE 26 FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADS, email [email protected] FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADS, email [email protected] Honor Your High School Graduate! You nurtured them for 18 years. Share your family's accomplishment in our Special High School Graduation Pullout on JULY 3RD. Let's Not Forget the 8th Graders are Movin' On Up! Moving up from middle school to high school is an achievement that also deserves recognition. Your baby is growing up! Honor them with a special message in a Middle School Graduation Section inside the regular paper JULY 3RD. In the email, send us: • A high resolution photo (original digital file is preferred over scanning) • Let us know your school district so we can publish it in the correct newspaper. • One to two sentences in a message. Include your child's first and last name in the message. End the message with who it's from. (Example: Joe Smith, We are so proud of you and all your accomplishments. We wish you the best over the next four years. Love, Mom & Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Brother & Sister). • Our team will design the ads and send it back to the parent for their approval. For any questions, call Jay Gussak at 914-299-4541. Parents!
PAGE 34 – MAHOPAC NEWS JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 The Putnam County Department of Health has successfully completed a thorough review and has maintained its national accreditation status by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). The department was initially accredited by the organization in 2016, becoming the first local health department in the Hudson Valley and one of only 200 nationwide to achieve the honor at the time. Now the growing network of accredited health departments exceeds 400 state, local, and tribal health departments. Meeting the quality standards and measures of PHAB means the health department has demonstrated it has the capacity to continue to evolve, improve, and advance the health of Putnam residents. “This hard-won achievement is the result of high-quality and focused work by our health department,” said County Executive Kevin Byrne. “We have a number of exceptional public servants throughout county government, but today, it is Dr. Nesheiwat and his team who deserve the credit for all they have built, and it is certainly worthy of recognition. This announcement should also reassure partner organizations, funders, and my colleagues in government that the services from the health department are as responsive as possible to the needs of our community.” Interim commissioner Dr. Michael Nesheiwat said that when Putnam County shut down in March 2020, the health department had already made “great advances” in incorporating the main tenets of accreditation into its culture. “These tenets, particularly our focus on quality improvement and performance management have grown to become foundational to our work,” he said. “It is only because of the commitment of our staff that the high standards PHAB has set, can be met.” Launched in 2011, the non-profit PHAB works to advance and transform public health practice by championing performance improvement, strong infrastructure, and innovation. PHAB’s accreditation program, which receives support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sets standards against which the nation’s governmental public health departments can continuously improve the quality of their services and performance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, PHAB supported these departments by maintaining flexibility with the accreditation deadlines. PHAB president and CEO Paul Kuehnert congratulated the health department as well, saying, “In successfully maintaining their five-year accreditation status through PHAB, the Putnam County Department of Health, along with many others, are assuring their communities that the value of accreditation is long-term— not a one-time recognition—and that continual improvement is the hallmark of a 21st century organization.” Article courtesy of the Putnam County Health Dept. Putnam County Health Dept. maintains national accreditation Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Nesheiwat had just been involved in a physical dispute with his 17-year-old son. An investigation at the scene determined the 47-year-old man was the primary physical aggressor and he was subsequently taken into custody. The defendant was later charged with second-degree harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. The defendant was arraigned and released upon his own recognizance pending a future court date and compliance with a temporary order of protection. BLOTTER FROM PAGE 29 Receive a free 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase* - valued at $535. Be prepared before the next power outage. Call 914-689-7350 to schedule your free quote! IAC Columbus Parade Fundraiser The Italian American Club of Mahopac is seeking to bring back the Columbus Day parade to Mahopac and celebrate Italian heritage at the Evening in the Piazza. As a fundraiser, it is selling raffle tickets for a boat ride and tour of Petra Island on Lake Mahopac and the Frank Lloyd Wright design house, a $300-valued prize for the winner and their guest. Seven winners will be drawn on Aug. 17, the night of The Evening in the Piazza, in Chamber Park. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Freight House Cafe, 609 Route 6, Mahopac, at every Italian American Club event, 141 Buckshollow Road, or by calling Giulio Cefaloni at 845-745-2655 or Donna Massaro at 845-628-1872. Visit our website or Facebook page for more information. For band sponsorships and tax-deductible parade donations, call Giulio at 845-745- 2655. Free HIV Testing The easiest way to know your HIV status is to get tested. The Putnam County Department of Health is offering free HIV testing for New York State residents on Wednesday, June 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the health department, located at 1 Geneva Road in Brewster. The test takes just 15 minutes and is completely confidential. Walk-ins welcome. Condoms are available for free in the lobby. For questions or to make an appointment, call 845-808-1390, ext. 43155. Putnam Land Trust Seeks Board Trustees the Putnam County Land Trust is seeking board members. Candidates are not required to be experts in the field but rather have an interest in the environment and a dedication to the mission of the land trust to “The protection of forests and wetlands, wildlife habitats and important water resources in and around Putnam County.” The trust envisions a healthy future for all, including access to safe drinking water, clean air, and opportunities to engage with nature and one another. In addition to preparing for MUSINGS FROM PAGE 2 SEE MUSINGS PAGE 35
JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 35 In Case You Missed It Red Mills: From Revolution to Residential The hamlet of Mahopac Falls has a rich past dating to pre-revolutionary times. Our monthly history feature tells the Falls’ story, from the Philipse family land grant from the King of England to Sybil Ludington’s famous ride, the 19th-century growth of the community, and its evolution from farming and mining to a residential haven in the 20th century. Scan this QR code or visit news.halstonmedia.com/sections/mahopacnews to read all about it. Railroad Ave (now Potter Road with Mahopac Falls train station on the right. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF CARMEL HISOTRICAL SOCIETY 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] and attending board meetings, trustees are encouraged to serve on one of the board committees. Currently, there are two- and three-year terms available. Those interested can email [email protected] or call 845 743 3187. Applications should be completed applications by June 15.. Consideration will be given to applications after that date if seats are available. Lifeguard Classes The Carmel Recreation and Parks Department is offering American Red Cross lifeguard classes. Lifeguard employment with the Rec Department is guaranteed upon passing the ARC course. Summer camp counselor and CIT positions are also available. Visit carmelny.org/recreation or call the recreation office at 845- 628-7888 for more information. Sycamore Park Summer Jobs The Carmel Recreation and Parks Department is hiring at Sycamore Park’s summer camp. Positions available include lifeguards (must pass training course for certification), camp maintenance (must be at least 18), leaders and counselors (must be 16 by June 30), and CIT—counselors in training, (must be 15 by June 30), CITs will earn community service credit. Visit carmelny.org/recreation or call the recreation office at 845- 628-7888 for more information. MUSINGS FROM PAGE 34
PAGE 36 – MAHOPAC NEWS JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 1 DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 8/31/2024. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or entry/patio door, get one (1) window or entry/patio door 40% off, and 12 months no money down, no monthly payments, no interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 5/1/2024 and 8/31/2024. Additional $100 off your purchase, minimum purchase of 4, taken after initial discount(s), when you purchase by 8/31/2024. 40% off windows and entry/patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or entry/patio door in the order. Subject to credit approval. Interest is billed during the promotional period, but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid before the expiration of the promotional period. Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. CA License CLSB #1050316. Central CA License #1096271. License #RCE-50303. OR License #198571. WA License #RENEWAP877BM. WA License #RENEWAW856K6, FL License #CGC1527613. All other license numbers available upon request. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. “Renewal by Andersen" and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of their respective owners. © 2024 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. RBA13669 Save on Windows and Doors! Minimum purchase of 4 – interest accrues from the date of purchase but is waived if paid in full within 12 months. Affordable Financing! NO Money Down, NO Monthly Payments, NO Interest for 12 months 40 1 % OFF Buy One, Get One YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE1 Take an Extra $ 100OFF AND AND ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS1 866-944-1728 Call by August 31 to schedule your FREE consultation. Red Mills Park got a bit more beautiful thanks to the combined efforts of the Mahopac Garden Club, Lake Mahopac Rotary, and the Carmel Recreation and Parks Department. Members of all three organizations, along with Supervisor Mike Cazzari, dug in to plant an Eastern Redbud tree for Arbor Day. A tree grows at Red Mills Former Recreation and Parks Director Jim Gilchrist, Lake Carmel Rotary President Doris Doris Stahl, Rec & Parks Director Nina Kallmeyer, and Supervisor Mike Cazzari at Red Mills Park Local organizations joined town officials to celebrate Arbor Day by planting a tree at Red Mills Park. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAKE MAHOPAC ROTARY CLUB
JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 37 ORDER ON OUR ONLINE STORE AND PICKUP LO CALLY! BEST PRICES IN THE AREA! PICKUP HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! www.american-arms.com [email protected] 1928 Commerce St, Suite C Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 NRA Basic Pistol/Personal Protection UTAH Concealed Firearms Course Private Lessons Permit Assistance Refuse To Be A Victim™ Group and Private Classes Gun Sales & Ammunition Gun Accessories FFL Services & Transfers 914-455-4210 Service... Integrity... Compassion Family owned and operated We began with a mission to celebrate life and serve families. There is much peace to be found here, and we invite you to find yours. Explore more. Take a tour. Read our story. Share in experiences. Anthony J. Guarino Family Owned & Operated 945 East Main Street • Shrub Oak, NY 10588 • (914) 962-0700 YorktownFuneralHome.com • [email protected] Upcoming events at Mahopac Library include an art show, movie nights, tech help, live music, book clubs, cooking, crafts, and more. Register online at mahopaclibrary. org, or call (845) 628-2009 ext.100 unless otherwise noted. June events and programs June 20, 27, 10 a.m.: Microsoft Excel Series Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is a high-demand skill in the job market. This series will take you from getting to know the layout of Excel to creating PivotTables! This is a hybrid class with an option to participate virtually or in person. June 26, 3 p.m.: Summer Kickoff with Flor Bromley: Celebrate the start of summer with a rollicking concert by award-winning performer Flor Bromley. Bromley is a 2023 Latin GRAMMY nominee and a bilingual singer/songwriter originally from Peru. Flor’s mission is to share the Latin-American experience through her music with a new generation. Register online or call (845) 628-2009 ext.139. June 30, 2-4 p.m.: Art Show Opening Reception: Regina Gelfer: Mahopac Library’s Third Floor Gallery will host Hudson Valley artist and Mahopac native Regina Gelfer for an opening reception and talk about her new exhibit, which will be in place until July 28. See page 31 for more on Gelfer and her work. July events and programs July 2, noon: Midday Matinee: Where the Crawdads Sing. Based on the best-selling novel by Delia Owens, the film follows the story of Kya, a young woman from a small town in North Carolina who becomes the main suspect when a man who showed interest in her suddenly dies. Rated PG13. Ages 18-plus. July 3, 4 p.m.: Teen Graphic Novel Book Club. Join us on the first Wednesday of each month as we discuss a graphic novel title in depth. Participation is highly encouraged. Most meetings will be a discussion and an activity/ craft related to the reading. This month’s book is “On a Sunbeam” written and illustrated by Tillie Walden. Organizers recommend reading ahead and bring your copy of the book with you. Additional copies of the book are available at the circulation desk, unless specified otherwise. For teens ages 14- plus. Register online or call (845) 628-2009 ext.139. July 10, 4 p.m.: Teens Can Cook. With just a waffle maker and a few simple ingredients, we’ll learn how to make some tasty snacks. Register online or call (845) 628- 2009 ext.139. July 10, 5 p.m.: Summer Anime Movie Night. The library is kicking off this summer old school with its “Anime You May Have Missed” summer series showing classic anime films that revolutionized Japanese and American movie and TV culture. Anime is made for young and old, and here’s a chance to see some classics on the big screen. The July 10 feature is Akira (1988). No Registration Required. Thursday, July 11, 2 p.m.: Adventures with Arts & Crafts for Teens. Express yourself with wearable art projects and other techniques while having some handson creative fun! Register for each week separately. Ages 15 and up. Register online or call (845) 628-2009 ext.139. Article courtesy of Mahopac Library Mahopac Library Lowdown Latin GRAMMY nominee Flor Bromley will be at Mahopac Library on June 26. PHOTO COURTESY OF FLOR BROMLEY MUSIC
PAGE 38 – MAHOPAC NEWS BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024 The law firm of Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP, with offices in Somers and White Plains, is pleased to announce Somers resident Lauren C. Enea, Esq. has become a partner of the firm. Ms. Enea joined Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP as an associate attorney in 2017 and concentrates her practice on wills, trusts and estates; Medicaid planning; special needs planning; and probate/estate administration. “Lauren has been an invaluable member of Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP for years,” said elder law attorney Anthony J. Enea, the firm’s managing partner. “She exemplifies our firm’s dedication to upholding the highest legal standards and delivering outstanding results for our clients. We are thrilled for Lauren to take on an even more significant role in shaping the firm’s future.” Ms. Enea has received several accolades for her work, including the Westchester County Bar Association’s Outstanding New Lawyer Award. She was named a Rising Star in the New York Metro edition of Super Lawyers (2021-2023), is a 914INC Wunderkind, and was honored with Westfair Communications’ Millennial Award. This year is also the second consecutive year Ms. Enea received Best Lawyers’ Ones to Watch in America recognition. An active member of the local bar associations, Ms. Enea holds several leadership positions within various legal organizations. She was appointed to the Executive Committee of the Westchester County Bar Association (WCBA) Trusts and Estates Section. Additionally, Ms. Enea co-chairs both the WCBA New Lawyers Section and Publications Committee for the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Elder Law and Special Needs Section, is co-editor of the NYSBA Elder Law and Special Needs Section Journal, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County. Beyond her legal practice, Ms. Enea serves as the president of CAREERS Support Solutions’ Board of Directors, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities secure employment in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties. She is also a member of the Pace Women’s Justice Center Advisory Board, Friends of Gail. Ms. Enea received a B.S. in Business Management from Quinnipiac University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and a J.D. from the Pace University School of Law, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida. Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP is located at 245 Main Street in White Plains, with additional offices in Somers. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 914-948-1500 or visit esslawfirm.com. Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP is an AV preeminent rated elder law firm with offices in White Plains and Somers. The practice concentrates on elder law; Medicaid planning; nursing home and home care applications; wills, trusts and estates; guardianships; estate litigation; supplemental needs trusts; and special needs planning. Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP serves Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, the Bronx, Manhattan, Long Island and Queens and is committed to providing the highest quality legal services to seniors, the disabled, and their families. Visit the firm online at esslawfirm.com. Lauren C. Enea named partner Westchester elder law attorney joined firm as an associate in 2017 Lauren C. Enea ENEA, SCANLAN & SIRIGNANO, LLP NO NEWS... 1. Clip the short form on the page 2. Fill out the information. 3. Mail it to P.O. Box 864, Mahopac, NY 10541 4. Or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com 5. Or Scan our QR Code to Subscribe. We need you to subscribe. 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Located at 3333 Crompond Road, Crumbl Cookies’ Yorktown Heights store is open six days a week and closed on Sundays. Crumbl Cookies opens in neighboring town From left to right: Yorktown Councilman Patrick Murphy, Yorktown Chamber of Commerce Vice President Bruce Apar, Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman and Yorktown Crumbl Cookies coowners Scott and Justin Cinnamon. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN
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PAGE 40 – MAHOPAC NEWS JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2024