VOL. 13 NO. 26 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 31 CLASSIFIEDS 30 ELEPHANT’S TRUNK 2 LEGAL NOTICES 30 LEISURE 28 OPINION 8 SPORTS 20 Spirit Week at SHS pg 16 TUSKER PRIDE Visit TapIntoSomers.net for the latest news. CamScanner Everyone across the Somers Central School District was showing their Tusker spirit during homecoming week! A number of Tusker teams picked up big wins in front of the home crowd and made our town proud! Sports coverage begins on page 20! Homecoming heroes! Varsity football topped rival Mahopac on Sept. 22. PHOTO: SKIP PEARLMAN BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER A Somers couple is supporting the installation of anti-suicide fencing on the Bear Mountain Bridge and five other Hudson River crossings. Roy and Lucille Ettere’s 37-year-old daughter Nicole, the second of their four children, had been experiencing medical issues and depression when she took her own life on Sept. 19, 2017. They made their poignant plea to the New York State Bridge Authority at a recent press conference held at the Riverfront Green Park in Peekskill by state and local lawmakers and other suicide prevention advocates. According to her father, Nicole had once tried to jump off a span over the Saw Mill River Parkway. With the help of passersby, he was able to “get her off the railing,” he said, adding that the wife of a family friend had killed herself by leaping from the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, which was formerly called the Tappan Zee Bridge and is operated by the New York State Thruway Authority. Under the NYSBA’s control are the Bear Mountain, Newburgh-Beacon, Mid-Hudson, Kingston-Rhinecliff, and Rip Van Winkle bridges. It also maintains the Walkway Over The Hudson, an elevated pedestrian bridge that links Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County with Highland in Ulster County. The state Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation operates it. “All too often you hear of a distressed person jumping from a bridge to end their life. The call today to install barriers on bridges will prevent people from doing this, and we appreciate the support for this very important initiative to help protect our loved ones,” Roy Ettere said at the Sept. 14 press conference. Two years ago, state Sen. Pete Harckham (D-Lewisboro) introduced legislation that would amend the state’s transportation law to require the NYSBA to erect “means restriction” or “climb deterrent” fencing on its bridges. Building fences, saving lives SEE BRIDGES PAGE 3
PAGE 2 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Tom Walogorsky Editor: 914-302-5830 [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky 845-661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [email protected] Noah Elder Designer Bri Agosta Designer Haven Elder Designer EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines The Somers Record The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for The Somers Record is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected]. Subscribe To request The Somers Record weekly delivery, call 845-208-8503 or email [email protected]. Subscriptions are complimentary for residents and businesses in the town. Out of town mail subscriptions are $150 per year for First Class Mail. Periodicals Postage Paid at Somers, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Somers Record at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 (ISSN 2330-1597) Published Weekly by Halston Media, LLC at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2023 Halston Media, LLC Somers Women’s Club Annual Tag Sale Sunday, Oct. 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To be held in Reis Park. Featuring garden/plants, kitchenware, toys, jewelry, books, a raffle, and many vendors! For more information, email [email protected] or call 914- 406-1593 The Paramount at Somers Fall Festival Sunday, Oct. 1 from 12 to 4 p.m. The Paramount at Somers Rehabilitation & Nursing Center presents their Fall Festival, complete with food, music, rides, and raffles. $15 per person, and children under 5 are free. All proceeds will benefit the Somers Volunteer Fire Department! To be held rain or shine at 189 NY-100 in Somers. For more information, please call 914- 391-3088 or email FallFestival@ ParamountRehab.com St. Mary’s Parish 99 Valley Road in Katonah 1st Annual Family Oktoberfest Sunday, Oct. 8, from 12 to 4 p.m. A fundraiser to support the Parish Center! Featuring live music, games, food, and fun. To purchase tickets, visit www.stmarykatonah.com/oktoberfest 3rd Annual Crossroads Plaza Halloween Party Friday, Oct. 13, from 5 to 7 p.m. Featuring Trunk or Treat! Kids are welcome to wear their costumes and spooky masks and collect treats from each decorated trunk! Sponsored by Keller Williams Realty partners. To be held at Crossroads Plaza, located at 57 Route 6 in Baldwin Place. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 331 Route 100, Somers 914.277.3122 www.SLCsomers. org Annual Blessing of the Animals Sunday, Oct. 1 All are welcome to an Ecumenical Blessing of the Animals at St. Luke’s Church. Pets will be blessed at 11 a.m. in the St. Francis Garden on the church grounds. Additional activities include pet photos, fall refreshments, and a presentation of the story of St. Francis. Visitors and pets are welcome to attend the 10 a.m. service, but all pets will be blessed in the Garden after the service. Somers Library Foundation 11th Annual 5K Trail Run Sunday, Oct. 15 Run, Jog, or Walk for the Somers Library at Reis Park! Bring your friends and family to enjoy a morning in the park. The 5K Race starts at 9:30 a.m. followed by the 1-mile Family Fun Run at 10 a.m. The medal ceremony will be held at approximately 10:30 a.m. If running is not your thing - then come volunteer with the foundation! You can help set up the course, register the runners, hand out t-shirts, give out water, or just cheer on the runners. Proceeds from the race will be used to fund projects like the new Teen Area at the Somers Library. Come lend your support! Details can be found on the Somers Library Foundation website at www.somerslibraryfoundation.org Somers Library Please register using the online calendar at www.somerslibrary.org to have access to online meetings. ELEPHANT’S TRUNK SEE TRUNK PAGE 3 Your Family Car Care Center! LOCATIONS: Baldwin Place • 44 Route 118 • (845) 628-7900 Croton Falls • 1 Center St • (914) 769-3206 Visit us at www.ProperService.com For over 100 years of combined auto experience, Joe Ferone and his sta of Proper Service have been serving the community, creating releationships, and building a remarkable company with an amazing team of employees! Find out why Joe Ferone of Proper Service needs to be YOUR Go-To Automotive Service Center!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 3 HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS, LIFE & HEALTH 914-232-7750 www.forbesinsurance.com Donate: CommunityCenterNW.org Give to the Food Pantry at the Community Center Sen. James Skoufis (D-Cornwall) was co-sponsor. It was introduced in the state Assembly by Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther (D-Middletown). The bill did not pass and was reintroduced this past January. It is now sitting in the Senate’s Transportation Committee. Between now and 2021, 10 people have jumped off NYSBA bridges and one from Walkway Over The Hudson. “These are eleven unnecessary deaths, and eleven loved ones not celebrating birthdays or holidays or graduations,” Harckham said. “Eleven preventable deaths: because studies have shown that means restriction or climb deterrent fencing can prevent up to 90 percent of the deaths by suicide from people on bridges.” (Others have noted that these deaths are only the ones that’ve been reported by the media and the numbers may be greater.) SAFETY OPTIONS According to public information officer Chris Steber, the NYSBA’s board voted to adopt its 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan when it met on Thursday, Sept. 21. Included in the plan was a “proposed project totaling $10 million for safety improvements at our bridges,” he told Halston Media this week. “The NYSBA board members and staff are evaluating what those options might be. No option is off the table,” Steber added. Under the “preventative maintenance” portion of the plan is listed a 2023-2024 item titled “furnish and install curved top pedestrian chain-link fencing” at the Rip Van Winkle, KingstonRhinebeck, Mid-Hudson, and Newburgh-Beacon bridges. Fencing has not, to date, been installed at those four spaces, Steber said. For 2025-2027, the plan talks of a “proposed project” at the Bear Mountain Bridge that would replace its 50-year-old deck and pedestrian sidewalk. That could include suicide- deterrent fencing and solar panels, according to the document. Steber emphasized that the plan is not necessarily “set in stone” and that it just provides a “guideline” for things the NYSBA thinks it might need to address. Any individual expenditure over $15,000 must be approved by the board, he said. “It’s a projection. It might happen; it might not happen. It depends on a number of factors, including our actual toll revenue and other capital needs that may arise,” Steber explained. The authority stays on top of its capital needs projects because it maintains its bridges “to the highest standards possible for their age.” (The Bear Mountain Bridge, for instance, is closing in on its centennial.) That routine maintenance is needed to ensure “the safety of the public,” that the infrastructure “can continue to serve all those crossing the Hudson,” and that the NYSBA can meet its “bond obligations.” He pointed out that funding for anti-suicide fencing was not specifically discussed by the board on Sept. 21 because it was not yet an agenda item. However, he confirmed that several mental health professionals did address the subject during the public comment portion of the meeting. According to midhudsonnews.com, one of those speakers was Madelaine Gould, a professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Medica Center, who said physical barriers are far more effective than phones on bridges or “third-party interventions.” ‘STOP THIS MADNESS’ For Westchester County Legislator Erika Lang Pierce, adding barriers is especially personal. (Pierce represents District 2, which includes Somers, North Salem, Bedford, Lewisboro, Pound Ridge, and Mount Kisco.) “A little over two years ago, I received the call no family should ever have to receive: a beloved family member had just ended his life on the Bear Mountain Bridge,” she said at the press conference. “Since that day, at least eleven more families have received the same news.” Saying that research has proven that barriers are “extremely effective” at reducing suicides on bridges, the legislator said she was convinced that had it been in place, the “11 people and my uncle and the dozens that came before them, would overwhelmingly still be with us, living their lives. The time is now to stop this madness. We need to install barriers. The Bear Mountain Bridge should not be a bridge of death,” Pierce declared at the press conference. Calling fencing a simple way to safeguard “our friends and neighbors who are thinking of suicide,” Harckham demanded that the NYSBA make the investment “because waiting just one more day invites another tragedy that could be avoided.” Skoufis pointed to the “epidemic” of isolation and mental unwellness that occurred during – and after -- the pandemic. “Sadly, that bears out in the suicide statistics we’ve seen in recent years,” he said, adding that physically restricting access is important “because it’s about buying time -- trying to get individuals past that suicidal impulse that is overwhelming them.” It also gives others the chance to intervene with mental health support and resources. Assembly members Chris Eachus (D-New Windsor), Dana Levenberg (D-Ossining), and Jonathan Jacobson (DNewburgh) also spoke in support of the fencing. FENCING WORKS Advocates assert that research shows that the majority of those prevented from committing suicide at a bridge do not go on to complete the act elsewhere or by another method. Overall, suicide deaths often decline in the surrounding area after bridge barriers are in place, they said. NAMI Westchester, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, worked with government officials to have state bridges, including the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, lit up on Sunday, Sept. 10 in recognition of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and in memory of “those lost, and in honor of those determined to live.” “We raise awareness in this way, using the bridges as a messaging tool, as we know that NYS bridges have been used as a method of suicide, and NYS needs to do more. We need the barriers as described today, and we need the commitment of the NYS Bridge Authority to get the barriers and permanent messaging funded and installed without delay,” said Marie Considine, NAMI Westchester’s executive director. Bridge barriers are also supported by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Noting that “these six bridges provide lethal means for about 10 publicly reported suicides and attempts per year,” the foundation’s Hudson Valley/Westchester area director, Maria Idoni, added: “The Bridge Authority has the power to help reduce the suicide rate by installing bridge barriers.” COORDINATED APPROACH Recently, the NYSBA and the state Office of Mental Health hosted a Transportation for Life Summit at Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie. It brought together experts from multiple disciplines to help transportation entities share best practices and to better respond to mental health incidents at their facilities, Gov. Kathy Hochul said. It was the first collaboration among state agencies to address suicide prevention in public spaces and to raise “overall mental health awareness,” she added. According to Hochul, statistics show that deaths by suicide occurring in public spaces are fewer in number than those in other settings. However, the public nature of suicide deaths at transportation facilities, “often make them the subject of extensive media coverage,” which can amplify “the impact of these tragic deaths at the community level.” Partnering with the NYSBA on the summit were: MTA Bridges and Tunnels, MetroNorth Railroad, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Thruway Authority, the Office of General Services, as well as the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. BRIDGES FROM PAGE 1 If virtual, you will receive an invitation prior to the start of the program. Programs are supported by the Friends of the Somers Library through patrons’ generous contributions. Virtual Frida Kahlo Workshop Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 7 to 8 p.m. Celebrate the art of Mexico’s most famous female artist -- Frida Kahlo. Learn about what she and Lee Krasner share in common. Discover how Kahlo told the dramatic story of her life in amazing paintings. Then create your own picture story that tells a memory in your life in an imaginative way. This is a shared program with the Pelham, Chappaqua, Croton, Mt Kisco, Somers and Tuckahoe libraries. Chabad of Yorktown 2629 Old Yorktown Rd, Yorktown Heights Please RSVP for events by calling 914-962-1111 or visiting www.ChabadYorktown. com Chabad Hebrew School Meets Sunday Mornings Children, acquire a broad TRUNK FROM PAGE 2 SEE TRUNK PAGE 4
PAGE 4 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 Rebecca Cross of Guiding Eyes for the Blind receives a $5,000 donation check from the Msgr. Raymond M. Collins Knights of Columbus Council 6205 Somers on August 31. Presented by Treasurer Thomas Tobin and Chancellor Robert Mazza of Council 6205, the donation was given as a result of the council’s successful golf outing held at Salem Golf Club in June. Giving back! PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM TOBIN 845-600-8004 | www.bellmech.com EXCLUDES SERVICE CONTRACT EXP 10/31/23 Coupon must present at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offer. $ 50 OFF ANY OF OUR SERVICES SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO! WHAT IS A HEAT PUMP? Heat pumps will help you find the perfect balance of comfort and savings all year round, while reducing your carbon footprint. These all-in-one heating and air conditioning systems optimize the temperature throughout your home to use less energy, and can save you thousands on your cooling and heating costs. DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE to lock-in these incentive savings! FEDERAL INCENTIVE: 30% off the total cost STATE INCENTIVE: $5,000 UTILITY COMPANY INCENTIVE: Up to $20,000 HYBRID HOT WATER HEATER: $1,000 Rebate SUPER SAVINGS on your Heat Pump project while program funding lasts... CALL NOW TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY! ENJOY 0 DOWN, 0% FINANCING! Get Ready for the Fall! Call BELL— We do it ALL! knowledge of Judaism through a motivating and challenging venue. Students gain an appreciation for the joys, values and traditions of the Jewish heritage as it is vividly brought to life by the dedicated and enthusiastic teachers whose creativity and dynamism make every lesson a unique learning experience. Visit www.ChabadYorktown. com/HebrewSchool for more info or to try a free, no obligations class! Sukkot Community Dinner Friday, Eve of Sukkot, Sept 29 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy dinner under the stars! Somers Parks & Recreation Department Fall Programs Now Online To register, visit www.somersny.com, then click “Parks & Recreation” and scroll down to “Program Registration Site.” Available programs can be found in the orange tab. The Church of the Good Shepherd 39 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs Craft Vendors Wanted The church is seeking craft vendors to participate at its Oktoberfest event on Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The fee is $40 per space and organizers ask that you supply your own table(s). There will be flowers, pumpkins, baked goods and much more for sale. To register, please call the office at 914-248-5631 or email [email protected]. Fall Festival Saturday, Sept. 30, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Featuring a plant sale, homemade baked goods, craft vendors, children’s activities, a classic car show and more! This event is rain or shine, and admission is free. For more information, call 914- 248-5631 or email [email protected] A Message from Braver Angels Braver Angels will be showing a documentary called “Better Angels: Reuniting America.” Braver Angels is a national grass roots organization which has been doing workshops, debates, and speaking engagements around America. The 50-minute documentary and discussion will be highlighting the TRUNK FROM PAGE 3 SEE TRUNK PAGE 6
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 5 Open House /kennedycatholic @kennedygaels @kennedycatholic Register Follow Us Learn How to Join Our Class of 2028! Sunday October 15 | 1pm - 4pm Wednesday October 25 | 7pm 6th-12th GRADE COLLEGE PREPARATORY EDUCATION All Grades Welcome! Traditional American Ideals Foundational Christian Values kennedycatholic.org/admissions
PAGE 6 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 The Somers Lions Club is gearing up for an unforgettable night of excitement and good will as they proudly present the “Night at the Races” charity fundraiser. This spectacular event, set to take place on Friday, Oct. 27, at the elegant Villa Barone Hilltop Manor, promises a thrilling evening of virtual horse racing, raffles, live music, and dancing—all in support of two incredible organizations, Friends of Karen and Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley. In collaboration with these esteemed charities, the Somers Lions Club invites the community to join them for a night of entertainment and philanthropy that is sure to leave a lasting impact on the lives of children and families facing critical illnesses. Friends of Karen has been a beacon of hope for over four decades, providing emotional, financial, and advocacy support to families dealing with the unimaginable challenge of caring for a seriously ill child. Their mission is to ensure that no family endures this journey alone. Donations raised during “Night at the Races” will directly contribute to their crucial programs, helping more families find the strength and resources to overcome adversity. Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley has been making dreams come true for children with life-threatening medical conditions by granting their heartfelt wishes. These wishes serve as powerful tools of hope, strength, and joy, uplifting both the children and their families during challenging times. By participating in this fundraiser, you can play a significant role in making dreams a reality for local children. The event promises a night of excitement with virtual horse racing, where attendees can place friendly wagers on their favorite virtual steeds. Don’t forget to try your luck with the enticing raffles, where a wide array of prizes awaits the lucky winners. Live music and dancing will provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening, allowing guests to celebrate their generosity and the positive impact they are making. How to Sponsor the Event • To become a sponsor or purchase tickets for “Night at the Races,” visit the Somers Lions Club website at www.somerslionsclub.org. Advanced tickets are required to attend. • Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, allowing individuals and businesses to show their support in a meaningful way. • Tell all of your friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues about the event. • For those who cannot attend but still want to contribute, donations are graciously accepted on our website. The Somers Lions Club, known for their commitment to serving the community, is excited to host this event and looks forward to welcoming attendees to Villa Barone Hilltop Manor on Oct. 27. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and families who need it the most. So, mark your calendars, gather your friends, and get ready for a night of fun and philanthropy at the “Night at the Races” fundraiser. Let’s gallop towards a brighter future for the children supported by Friends of Karen and MakeA-Wish Hudson Valley. For more information and updates on the event, please visit www.somerslionsclub.org. Your participation and generosity will be a beacon of hope for children in our community who are facing challenging times. Thank you in advance for your generosity. We look forward to seeing you at the races. Lions ready for ‘A Night at the Races’ Charity fundraiser to be held Oct. 27 SOMERS LIONS CLUB genesis of Braver Angels and will be showing moments from our signature workshop. If you care about the future of our local, state and national government, then this documentary is for you. If you want our political parties to work together and find common ground, and get things done, please join us at Somers Library on Thursday, Sept. 28 at 6 p.m. Westchester Bluegrass Club www.westchesterbluegrassclub.com Mark Cosgrove and Good Medicine Saturday, Oct. 21, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Mark Cosgrove’s distinctive, creative flatpicking sound has been heard all over the US and Europe, as well as in Australia and Japan. A lot of this exposure and travel is due to Mark’s association with Americana and roots music icon David Bromberg. In addition to touring with the Grammy nominated David Bromberg Quintet and Big Band, Mark had the great good fortune to be featured on the three most recent recordings of David’s, the latest of which, Big Road, reached Number One on Billboard’s Blues Chart for multiple weeks. The previous release, The Blues, The Whole Blues, And Nothing But The Blues, was selected by The Downbeat Magazine’s Critics Poll as 2017 Blues Album of the Year. In the Bromberg bands, Mark plays acoustic and electric guitar and mandolin, and sings harmony vocals. Doors open at 6 p.m., acoustic jam from 6 - 7:15, Open Mic 7:15 - 8, Mark Cosgrove and Good Medicine 8 - 9:30 p.m.Donation: $25. Please bring a small snack to share! TRUNK FROM PAGE 4 SCSD uses clearly defined Elements of Excellence as the framework to guide decisionmaking to ensure the development of the whole child. Throughout the year, recent data and information about an individual element are shared with the community at Board of Education meetings. This September, the district presented an update on Professional Learning Communities. The Learning Office provides professional learning for faculty and staff, including teaching assistants and aides, clerical workers, monitors, bus drivers, and food service workers. We also ensure that families, community members, and students are engaged in learning throughout the year. GLOBAL c i t i z e n s h i p 21ST CENTURY Knowledge & Skills Social, Emotional & PHYSICAL WELLNESS whole CHILD P R O F E S S I O N A L L E A R N I N G C O M M U N I T I E S — F I S C A L S T E W A R D S H I P — F A M L I M M O C & Y U N I T Y E N G A G E M E N T — L E A R N I N G P E R S O N A L I Z E D Scan here for full report Faculty & Staff Average Years of Experience per Teachers by Years of Experience 98% in 2023 98% in 2022 Teacher Retention Rate 97% of Teachers have a Masters Degree 64 Average Professional Learning Hours per Teacher for 2022-23 0-9 Years 10-19 Years 20-29 Years 30+ Years 0-9 Years 10-19 Years 20-29 Years 30+ Years SCSD strategically engages adult learners in being active contributors to professional learning community (PLC) by continuously engaging the following questions: “What do we want our students to know, be able to do, and understand?” “How do we know what our students know, are able to do, and can understand?” “What do we do when students don’t know, aren’t able to do, or can’t understand?” “What do we do when they already know, are able to do, and understand?”
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 7 Sponsorships Available
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For more information, call the editor at 914-302-5830 Brett Freeman, Publisher Tom Walogorsky , Editor Tabitha Pearson Marshall, Creative Director Editorial Office: 914-302-5830 [email protected] PAGE 8 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 As I’ve mentioned previously, I am intrigued by the concept of nonpartisan local government as a tool to tamp down the polarization and hyper-partisanship that seeps down from our national politics. In our area, Scarsdale is an example of a village that does not rely on the major parties to select candidates for election. I dug a little deeper into their story to learn about the fascinating system they use to select candidates for election. The Village of Scarsdale switched to nonpartisan elections in 1911 “after a particularly bitter partisan election,” according to the League of Women Voters. Historian Harry Hansen wrote, “it was felt that the injection of politics into our local affairs can only lead us away from the high standards of unselfish service our Village has enjoyed.” Legend has it that the 1911 election was personal and vicious in addition to being divisive for the community. Now, candidates in Scarsdale are vetted by a committee of 30 citizens known as the Scarsdale Citizens Nonpartisan Committee (SCNC), who are elected by the community. Scarsdale has five neighborhoods, which align with the elementary schools in the village. Six committee members are elected from each of those elementary school districts. It’s, of course, a bit of an oxymoron to have a nonpartisan party, but it seems to work there. Trustee candidates are interviewed over a two-month period, after which a slate of candidates is selected and nominated for the ballot for a March election. According to the Scarsdale Citizens Nonpartisan Party’s (SCNP), website, “Our local non-partisan system encourages cooperative, deliberative and open civic government to attract highly qualified individuals to public service.” The ballot in March, which of course only contains local races, has an SCNP party line on the ballot on row A. Generally, there is no row B unless alternative candidates petition to create a competing party for challenger candidates. That seldom happens since it is a steep hill to climb to compete with a slate that has gone through the vetting process. I studied the candidates from last March’s election and learned that they have impressive resumes. In addition to educational and professional accomplishments, each of them has significant experience on other local committees and philanthropic organizations. The system seems to bring forward qualified candidates. The system is not without its shortcomings, however. I have a hard time imagining how a committee of 30 would function. I’ve always found when it comes to committees, smaller is better. How about five or 10 instead? They also don’t allow candidates to discuss positions on specific issues in their interview process, which is troubling. That practice may come from campaign rules for judges that don’t allow them to talk about issues. I understand why you would do that for judges, but not trustee candidates. It’s also troublesome that these March elections have relatively low turnout. But it’s possible that low turnout is a feature of the system and not a bug, since the community has confidence in the vetting process to select candidates. After running the gauntlet of two months of interviews with a committee of 30, only the strong – and qualified – survive. It’s also worth noting that in Scarsdale, the trustees and the mayor do not receive a salary. The feeling among some residents is that Scarsdale’s system allows for more diversity of thought and perspective on their board than a party aligned system would yield. The result is a system that provides representation across a broader spectrum than in a partisan system. An unpopular state law, soon to take effect, will move town elections to even-year dates, to coincide with national elections. Town elections will be more influenced by national politics. Scarsdale’s approach looks increasingly appealing. Municipalities in New York that operate under the village model of government can be thankful that they have protections in the New York State Constitution that towns do not, insulating them from the impacts of shenanigans from Albany politicians. Lessons from Scarsdale on nonpartisan elections DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT When traveling overseas, it can take a while to get used to things like currency conversion, language (remember, you’re the one with the accent, not them), food, dress and sundry other native customs with which you’re unaccustomed. In Greece – which Elyse, our daughter Elissa and I visited in August – the hardest thing to get used to also is the hardest to write about without being indelicate, so let me give it a shot. You know those perforated sheets on a roll in the “water closet” (WC, as it’s known over there)? You know what you do with them after you’ve done your biological duty? Not so fast in Greece! There are ubiquitous reminders – in the airport, the hotel, restaurants – exhorting you not to flush those soiled sheets. Instead, the spent squares of tissue paper are to be deposited in the wastebasket. Feels a little weird, sure, but as they say, when in Greece …. It took about, oh, a week on our Grecian sojourn to get in the groove, so to speak, of reflexively putting the paper in the acceptable receptacle. But, truth to tell, once back home, and able to return to our redwhite-and-blue regimen of personal cleanliness, I was flush with relief. Ferry Cross the Aegean Our trip also was notable for the pleasant surprise that greeted us when we boarded Ode on a Grecian sojourn Learning to pronounce ‘gyro’ and what not to flush BRUCE APAR BRUCE THE BLOG SEE APAR PAGE 9
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 9 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? the Sea Jets ferry for the five-hour ride across the Aegean to Santorini from Athens. This wasn’t the Staten Island or Ossining-to-Haverstraw type of ferry we know here. The Sea Jets conveyance seats 1,200, and is equipped with recliner lounge seats and a well-stocked snack bar – a distinctly more tolerable experience than the 10-hour plane ride to Athens from JFK. Island Hopping Each tourist-friendly Greek island (there are more than 200) has its own personality. Of the three we visited (Crete was the third), Mykonos may have been the most memorable, as you might expect from its nickname of “party island.” Mykonos’s so-called beach clubs host hard partyers strutting their stuff on the sand until well past midnight, at which point the non-stop Bacchanalia segues to one of the hot-to-trot dance clubs that disco till dawn. Elyse and I were asleep long before a gregarious American travel agent we had met on a Santorini catamaran sunset cruise – and who now also was in Mykonos with his clients – texted our daughter Elissa, inviting us to join them at a dance club where he had just paparazzo’d a photo of actress Demi Moore enjoying the high life. Bumper Cars Mykonos also is known for the Keystone Cops free-wheeling chaos of its traffic. The streets are two-way, albeit the width of our one-way roads. For added fun, there are no traffic signals, and there are ATVs aplenty clogging the streets – driven by young tourists clearly not used to operating one. It makes you nostalgic for Coney Island bumper cars. When we were checking in to our Mykonos hotel, Palladium, the concierge had a strong recommendation for which restaurant to avoid like the plague – the world-infamous DK Oyster. This is an eatery that doesn’t need no stinking menus, the better to charge laughably outrageous prices, like $30 for a single oyster. There’s little to laugh about, though, when the bill comes and a very light meal just set you back $1,000 or more. A couple days after we were back in the states, the New York Post ran an article about this rip-off restaurant of ill repute that inexplicably stays in business with impunity. Needless to say, we greatly enjoyed not eating there. Uber-Honest Cabbies At the other end of the ethical scale were a couple of uber-honest taxi drivers. In Mykonos, when I tipped our driver, he insistently would not accept it. In Crete, on a trip to the beach by herself, Elissa thought the driver said the fare was 20 euro. After she exited, he got out before she disappeared to tell her it was 12 euro and promptly gave her the change. ( Just like any NYC cabbie would do, right?) Some things don’t change, though, regardless where in the world you happen to be. As we embarked on our walking tour of the Acropolis in Athens, with our docent spinning finelydetailed histories of the ancient site, one oblivious gent was chattering incessantly on his cellphone, competing for our ears with the tour guide. After disapproving glances were cast his way, the man got the message and behaved himself the rest of the steep ascent to the Parthenon. Perhaps he did not want to tempt the Greek gods surveilling us. (On one of our ferries, I couldn’t help but call out someone who also thought nothing of putting their cellphone’s sound on speaker mode so we all could enjoy it.) You Say Gyro, I Say Yeero Shortly after returning home, I lunched with some actor friends at the popular Pappous Greek Kitchen in Yorktown. The table teased me how the dishes we were about to consume wouldn’t compare to the authentic versions I chowed down in Greece. Not true, I said. The food we had over there was OK, but, to our taste at least, not exceptional. One of the things I like about Pappous, I told them, is that their menu phonetically spells the proper pronunciation of gyro (which is “yeero”). Just as I noted that, our server delivered my plate by saying, “Here is your jighro.” Another fun fact is that we were told the only two meats in Greece that can be ordered in a “yee-ro” are pork and chicken. Turns out the lamb version, according to our server in a Mykonos restaurant, is an American variation, but in Greece, said she, it’s Greek to them. The truth is that no matter which filling is inside the pita or how you say it, it’s still a beautiful thing. As Keats wrote … “Beauty is truth, truth beauty – that is all Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.” Bruce Apar is a writer, community volunteer and actor. He can be seen on stage weekends through Oct. 7 at Elmwood Playhouse in Nyack (Rockland County) as Professor Van Helsing in Dracula. For more information, contact him at 914- 275-6887 (text or voice) or email bapar@ me.com. APAR FROM PAGE 8 Advertising Deadline The advertising deadline for The Somers Record is the Thursday before the next publication date. Advertisements can be submitted by you as a camera-ready PDF via email at [email protected]. We also offer our clients a free ad design service. For more information, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151.
PAGE 10 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 Elder Law & Estate Planning Wills, Trusts & Estates Small Business • Real Estate Matrimonial • Criminal Personal Injury • Commercial SOMERS • YONKERS Evening Appointments & Home Visits Tel: 914-964-6806 www.marralaw.com • [email protected] INDEPENDENTLY OWNED and OPERATED 268 ROUTE 202 SOMERS, NY 10589 progressive-vet.com Rooted in the Community with Excellence & Love 914•248•6220 www.aonpt.com The Road To Recovery Starts Here 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 NEW LOCATION According to The MerriamWebster Dictionary, a bon mot is a clever remark; or how about “words to the wise?” Our mother never used the expression “bon mot,” but she sure had many words to the wise in her repertoire. When she expressed herself, it was in her own words and in her own way. Some were ages old, but others were pure “Momisms.” When we kids would argue and yell, she’d give us a cold stare and in an eerily calm voice tell us that if we kept this up, she’d pack her bags and leave us to “fend for ourselves.” Now that scared us: who would feed us and take care of us? Dad sure wasn’t up to that challenge! A short truce followed and then back to the battleground the next day. When I was going through my divorce, one of the aunts made a comment about the break up, how my children would suffer, how well her kids were doing, blah, blah, blah. Some years later, all three of her kids had divorced. My astute mother quickly went on the defensive (she was a lioness when it came to her family) and had this to say: “Never spit up in the air because it might come down and hit you in the eye.” Again, her own words on an existing saying, but she was spot on. As a teenager, I spoke unedited and off the cuff—a lot! When Mom and I were cleaning up after a party, she asked: “Why do you talk so much? All I could hear was your voice.” “Well, I have a lot to say and sometimes it got too quiet—made me nervous--and I had to fill the space.” “You have to filter what you say. Remember, you are master of the spoken word and slave to the spoken.” She made so much sense. How I wish she were here to see how my “wordiness” ultimately gave birth to this column. My favorite? When one of my boys would whine and tell me I wasn’t being fair, I’d answer with a smile: “Oh, really? Remember, son, all is fair in love and war and raising children.” I used that many times and it usually ended the dispute as the kid skulked off to his room. How many times I have uttered the famous line: “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” That phrase covers a lot of territory, especially when it refers to my sons and the habits and quirks they inherited from their parents and grandparents. I had lunch with a friend not too long ago and mentioned I was thinking of a column on words to the wise. She came up with a few others: “You can’t have your cake and eat it too!” “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch!” “Haste makes waste.” “You’ve made your bed, now lie in it.” “A penny saved is a penny earned.” We agreed, however, that the world would be a far better place if we followed the Golden Rule: “Do for others what you want them to do for you.” (Matthew 7:12) How many special sayings come to your mind after reading this column? Sometimes I wonder if they will disappear as our generation winds down. I hope not. Words to the wise RICK MELÉN MAN OVERBOARD RUTHANN SCHEFFER WHAT WAS I THINKING? There are wealthy people, and then there are people that are in a different stratosphere of rich. They’ve already set aside money for their grandkids (in a trust fund, so named because they don’t trust their kids). They have a secondary residence where they do their wintering in the summer and their summering in the fall. They also bought a fourth home because they don’t remember where the third one is and are too embarrassed to ask. They’ve spent a substantial amount on plastic surgery, and an additional sum to make it look like they haven’t had any plastic surgery, and now they look similar to how they did before the plastic surgery. But then there are others who recognize a wider responsibility to society. Somebody once asked pitcher Tug McGraw what he intended to do with his World Series winnings, and he famously replied, “Ninety percent I’ll spend on good times, women and Irish whiskey. The other 10% I’ll probably waste.” While returning most of that money back into the economy is a noble gesture, many people here in Westchester have benefitted from the fruits of hard work or circumstance and are eager for a way to pass that good fortune on. Looking through the spam folder of my email Donor-operated SEE MELEN PAGE 11
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 11 Brewster Brewster, , NY an NY and d Bethel, C Bethel, CT T Design Centers Design Centers On your project everyday until completion... GUARANTEED! On your project everyday until completion... GUARANTEED! 845-278-0070 845-278-0070 Southeastkitchenan Southeastkitchenandbdbath.com ath.com Celebrating 50 years Your One-Stop Shop for Deck Building Materials DECKING & RAILING Mahopac Railroad Tie Experts in Deck Lumber 911 Route 6, Mahopac, NY • 845-628-8111 • www.decklumber.com account, I discovered that I myself am the recipient of such charity. A certain “Lerynne West from an unassuming community of Redfield Iowa” was apparently the “victor of six hundred and eighty seven Million Powerball bonanza Lottery” dollars, and my email address was “haphazardly drawn from the email global lottery framework.” Now, I know I’m not rich, since my name is Rick and I missed it by one letter. But I’m still trying to figure out how to spend the $8.3 million I was told that I won by a certain Mrs. Nicole Marois of Burkina Faso. While we’re waiting, there are others better suited to bring donors together with organizations who are doing work at a grassroots level, engaging the young, the less fortunate and other deserving folks with programs designed to engage, enrich and further their development in all sorts of ways. My wife is a program officer for the Westchester Community Foundation, and one of her most rewarding duties is to visit these groups and find out in person what they are up to. One such partnership seeks to support women service veterans with PTSD by helping them forge a therapeutic, on-ground bond with horses in a private space as they learn about the animals, their care, handling and grooming. I’ve never been great with horses, but I can see where a day of grooming might help our relationship. “Whoa,” I say, “what’s with the long face? I’m going to fix you up real nice, all the studs’ll be hot-to-trot. Listen, that hairstyle is basically a mullet- business in the front and party in the back. You already have a tail if you need a party further back. Now, let’s talk about your hair color. Have you always been a natural roan? I recommend a few palomino highlights. “Piebald by choice?” Another option. Also, let’s talk about your shoes: seven pairs of flats is a nightmare, pardon the expression.” Last Saturday I was lucky enough to tag along to Mount Vernon for a rehearsal of a community drum line, featuring coed performers of all ages. They learn confidence, discipline, showmanship and how to relate to others out of their peer and age group, not to mention the music and choreography itself. When I was a kid, I used to practice the drums down in our basement, and when my Mom needed to get my attention, she used to flick the lights on and off from the upstairs switch. I just thought it was part of the light show. Exasperated, she said, “It’s like you’re blind, deaf and dumb down there.” I said, “Well, I can speak, so I’m not dumb,” and she gave me that look she gives me when something I say instantly proves her correct. You’re probably thinking, Rick, how is it possible for you to make everything all about YOU? And I say, well, when you get your own newspaper column, then YOU can make it all about me. But this truly isn’t about me, it’s about the people who find the resources to give, those who direct the money where it can do the most good, those who work and volunteer at organizations built to uplift and those who eagerly accept the opportunity to grow from these programs. And on behalf of all of them, I say thank you. Visit the Westchester Community Foundation at: wcf-ny.org. MELEN FROM PAGE 10 Happily Ever After
PAGE 12 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 FUNERAL PREARRANGEMENT Both pre-payment and no-payment options Serving all Faiths since 1858 Cremations and Burials DANIEL B. McMANUS ~ Proprietor BRUCE E. REISDORF ~ Licensed Manager JOSEPH M. McMANUS ~ Director RONALD P. CERASO ~ Director www.clarkassociatesfuneralhome.com 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah • (914) 232-3033 • Only 1/4 mile from 684 exit 6. • Only 1 block from the Katonah Railroad station. • Less than 60 minutes from N.Y. City. • Parking facilities for over 100 cars • Monuments & inscriptions available. Dear Dr. Linda, The homework nightmare has begun. Our son just doesn’t do it. He’s only in school for one week, and we already received two emails that he’s missing homework. He’s in the eighth grade. No matter how much we tell him that his grades are affected by this and how this behavior will impact which college he’s going to go to, it doesn’t do any good. Even if we take things away or ground him, he still won’t do homework. Any advice? -Dave Dear Dave, Lots of kids like your son don’t want to do their homework. You aren’t alone. Children have a variety of reasons they avoid homework. Here are five of the most common ones and what you need to do. The homework is too difficult When children chronically find their homework to be confusing, they get frustrated and anxious. Eventually they avoid the assignments. This can happen if your son is in a class at too high a level for him or if he has an undiagnosed learning disability. Talk to his teacher. The teacher may be able to modify the assignments for your son or suggest help from a school counselor or tutor. If you or the teacher suspect a learning disability, have your son evaluated by a professional who can offer suggestions and support. Your child is disorganized Does your son bring home the book and forget the assignment or bring home the assignment and forget the book? Does he forget both? Maybe he has trouble with time management? Sometimes kids have the best intentions to get the homework done, but somehow it gets lost in their time-maze. Some disorganized children have so much trouble with organizing themselves to get their homework done, they’d rather be criticized or punished. It helps to have a set of books at home. Ask his teacher for suggestions. Parents are too involved Overly involved parents tend to drive their children to avoidance, lying and deception. Perfectionist parents demand picture-perfect-homework. Their children hate to let them see their homework papers out of fear that parents will judge the work as not good enough, tear it up and make them do it again. Helicopter parents hover over their children’s every assignment. This harms kids’ self-esteem and denies them the opportunity of taking responsibility for their own work. Making a big deal of every question a child asks about homework can also cause avoidance. Learn to give short answers. Your child acts unmotivated Many children appear unmotivated when in fact they avoid homework to protect their egos. They wrongly equate failure with stupidity. If they try and fail, it feels like they’re stupid. If they don’t try and fail, it’s due to lack of motivation or irresponsibility. It’s easier to be labeled unmotivated or irresponsible than labeled stupid. Let your son know that no matter what he brings home is OK. At least he acted responsibly and got the assignment done. Your child has too much homework Many kids can’t keep up with the projects, tests, quizzes, reading and other assignments they’re given. For kids in Grades 7-12, the amount of homework will vary considerably, depending on subjects, projects due, tests, etc. A reasonable average is about two hours, with more on weekends as needed for major projects and exams. Some kids are so overwhelmed with the amount of homework, they refuse to do any homework. Perhaps your son works so slowly that two hours of homework is four hours for him. He could have other issues slowing him down. Again, talk to your son’s teachers to find solutions. If that doesn’t solve the problem, get professional help. Before you can help your son find the motivation to do his homework, you need to discover the reason he refuses to do it. -Dr. Linda Dr. Linda, along with her husband, Dr. Al, own Strong Learning Tutoring and Test Prep serving Westchester and Putnam Counties for over 40 years. Strong Learning tutors students K-12 in any subject, in person or remotely. Drs. Linda and Al are also the authors of “Why Bad Grades Happen to Good Kids,” available on Amazon and at stronglearning. com. Why won’t my child do homework? DR. LINDA SILBERT STRONG LEARNING Contact Us The Somers Record is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected].
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 13 914.455.2158 SpirelliElectric.com • [email protected] Specializing in residential & commercial services. Licenses in Westchester, Putnam CREATING CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE Family Owned—Over 40 Years Experience! $25 OFF Service Calls When You Present This Ad. New Customers Only. Keep the lights on. • GENERATORS • Outdoor Lighting • Smart Home Setup • Electric Car Chargers AND ALL OF YOUR ELECTRIC NEEDS! WHY DO WE ADVERTISE IN HALSTON MEDIA’S LOCAL NEWSPAPERS? TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL BRETT FREEMAN AT (845) 208-8151 “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 I always found it fascinating and instructive that many important discoveries were accidental. Here are some prime examples: In 1928, Alexander Fleming was studying bacteria when he noticed that one of his petri dishes had been contaminated with mold. He further noticed that the bacteria around the mold had been killed off. This accidental observation led to the discovery of penicillin, the first modern antibiotic. Penicillin revolutionized medicine, providing an effective treatment for bacterial infections. It has saved countless lives. Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, a German physicist, was conducting experiments on cathode rays when he noticed a fluorescent light glowing in his lab. Investigating further, he realized that the rays produced by the cathode tube could penetrate objects and create images on photographic plates. This, as you may have guessed, led to the invention of the X-ray, which became a crucial tool in medical diagnosis and revolutionized the field of radiology. In 1896, Henri Becquerel was studying the effects of phosphorescent materials on photography when he inadvertently left a compound containing uranium near photographic plates. He later discovered that the plates had been exposed and developed without any external light source. Becquerel accidentally discovered radioactivity, a phenomenon that paved the way for further research in nuclear physics, ultimately leading to the development of nuclear energy and radiation therapy. In 1933, chemist Otto Bayer was working on a new rubber compound. He discovered that a waxy substance formed when he heated ethylene and applied pressure. This mysterious substance turned out to be polyethylene, a highly versatile and widely used plastic. This accidental discovery is used in many ways today, from packaging materials to medical devices. In 1945, Percy Spencer was working on magnetrons for a radar system he hoped would be useful during World War II. He noticed that a chocolate bar in his pocket melted during his time in the lab. Spencer came to the realization that his “magnetron” produced electromagnetic waves that could cook food instantly. This, as you again may have guessed, led to the invention of the microwave oven, a staple of our lives today that I can’t imagine living without. My favorite example of the power of inadvertence happened in the 1960s. Not far from where we are, in Monmouth County, N.J., Bell laboratories built a radio telescope facility, with the hope of some day being able to send a message from one place on earth to another. Project Echo was the program’s name. The facility looked like a telescope stuck within a group of aluminized balloons. When the project was finished, Bell turned the station over to two astronomers: Dr. Penzias and Dr. Wilson. Their mission was to measure the brightness of galaxies. To accomplish this task, they closely examined the temperatures they could observe. On May 20, 1964, the astronomers encountered a troubling development. There was a continuing hiss wherever they pointed their telescope. The intrusive noise was inexplicable. Initially, they blamed it on pigeons and saw to it that pigeons were removed. When the birds returned, unfortunately, the scientists decided on a more permanent fate for them. With the birds gone and the telescope cleaned thoroughly, the noise continued. After a year, the astronomers were at their wit’s end. While this was going on, not far from the Bell lab, Robert Dicke, a physicist from Princeton, had begun looking for the origins of the universe. He and his students had concluded that the Big Bang must have been hot enough to sustain thermonuclear reactions, at millions of degrees, to synthesize heavy elements from primordial hydrogen. Dr. Dicke assigned two graduate students, David Wilkinson and James Peebles, to try to detect microwaves originating from the Big Bang. As their first meeting was being conducted, the phone rang. At the end of the line was Dr. Penzias, who excitedly asked the Princeton team for their assistance. When Dr. Dicke got off the phone, he reportedly exclaimed, “boys, we’ve just been scooped.” The two teams not only met, but produced a paper to memorialize their discovery. It turns out that the microwaves detected by Dr. Penzias and Dr. Wilson dated from 380,000 years after the Big Bang, when the entire universe was as hot as the surface of the sun, the first atoms were formed and the first light was released in the process. More astonishing is the fact that within microwaves, patterns are traceable back to one-trillionth of a second after the Big Bang. Cosmologists speculate that “in that tiny moment, the universe experienced a brief, violent burst of hyper-expansion known as inflation. Such a wrenching outburst would have left ripplesgravitational waves-imprinted on the microwave background.” In 1978, Dr. Penzias and Dr. Wilson were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for their discovery, and in 1988, the old laboratory and antenna were designated National Historic Landmarks. As science has advanced over the ages, major inventions are often the product of inadvertence as much as any planned objective. From the accidental discovery of things like penicillin and the microwave oven to the sounds of the creation of the universe, stumbled upon breakthroughs have revolutionized medicine, chemistry, physics, cosmology and many other disciplines. They have expanded our understanding of the world and led to significant improvements in healthcare, communication, energy production and material sciences. These examples demonstrate that curiosity, observation and perseverance can lead to unexpected, transformative discoveries that shape our lives for the better. The power of inadvertence JAMES MARTORANO MY PERSPECTIVE
PAGE 14 – THE SOMERS RECORD HEALTH & WELLNESS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 4 Heritage Hills Plaza, 202 Ctr. • Somers, NY 10589 914-277-4222 • www.somerssmiles.com A new generation of family dentistry The end of the year is fast approaching. DON’T FORGET TO USE YOUR BENEFITS! Elder Law Wills, Trusts & Estates Estate Planning Medicaid Applications Guardianships Probates Elder Law & Estate Planning A Tradition of Excellence in Elder Law (845) 621-8640 thefellergroup.com 625 Route 6, Mahopac NY 10541 We make home & hospital visits Contact the team today! (845) 621-8640 The arrival of fall is a special time for people who love to be scared. Haunted hayrides, fright nights and jack-o-lanterns aplenty permeate our environs as Halloween approaches. Artificial fear is big business. Estate planners do not need rattling chains, headless horsemen, nor floating specters to feel terror. All they have to do is...flip open a case file (cue the maniacal laughter). Residing within these dark green files lurks the scariest of estate planning mistakes. Forget blood curdling screams at midnight; imagine an incomplete beneficiary form. Investments, retirement accounts and life insurance policies all provide beneficiary forms. If completed properly, the proceeds would be distributed to the named beneficiary with a few simple forms and a death certificate. Lacking a beneficiary form, these assets would require an estate to be opened in surrogate’s court. Legal fees and court fees would have to be paid and time would be lost. Intended recipients may have to share money with unintended recipients or not be included at all, depending on estate succession or devisees listed in a will. A variety of adverse tax consequences accompany incomplete beneficiary forms for qualified retirement accounts. Truly a “Nightmare on IRA Street.” Nothing like a good reading of the will scene to send a chill up your spine during a gothic horror movie. Inherit a castle filled with vampires? Check. Aunt Margaret has to ride the haunted coach to Katonah and survive the trip to inherit $100,000? Check. While audiences focus on the 19th century bewhiskered barrister’s intonation, estate attorneys carefully examine the will itself. Did the testator forget to include specific disinheritance language? Was the will drafted poorly with conflicting clauses? Is there an affidavit of attesting witnesses? When making a will, a little precision goes a long way. Will language should be clear. If a child is being disinherited, state that fact in the will – do not fail to mention that child. New York law assumes that a child who is not named in a will was forgotten and therefore is entitled to a share of the estate. Confusing will language may lead to a construction proceeding in surrogate’s court to ascertain the testator’s intentions. Extra court proceedings are expensive, time consuming and decisions may not be in your favor. An affidavit of attesting witnesses is such a simple form. It is attached to the end of a will, signed by the witnesses to that will and notarized. It self-proves the testator’s proper capacity to execute the will and affirms the witnesses’ participation in the will execution. A missing affidavit requires an estate attorney to hunt down the original witnesses, sometimes decades later, to have them sign a post-execution affidavit of attesting witnesses. If the witnesses died or cannot be located, more time and money will be wasted. Goosebumps, indeed. Frankenstein breaking down your door may send you fleeing into the woods. Being forced to initiate a guardianship proceeding after missing an opportunity to obtain a power of attorney will cause a similar panic. If you plan Halloween right, you may end up with a bunch of Snickers, Twix and 100 Grand. If you plan your estate right, there won’t be any snickers and more than a few hundred grand. Talk to the professionals at The Feller Group, P.C. today for more information on avoiding planning mistakes. The Feller Group is a multi-disciplinary law practice specializing in elder law, estate planning and business advisement. This article was written by Alan D. Feller, Esq. Feller can be reached at 845- 621-8640, or visit thefellergroup.com. Scary estate planning mistakes ALAN D. FELLER, ESQ. GUEST CORNER
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 HEALTH & WELLNESS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 15 ADVERTORIAL Our joints play a critical role in our range of motion (“ROM”), namely, how far we can move and stretch our joints and muscles in different directions. Regular directed exercise will help “maintain” our joints for extended and pain-free ROM. THE STRUCTURE OF OUR JOINTS A joint is where two bones come together in our bodies. Ligaments keep the joints together and provide joint stability. Muscles connect around the joints with tendons to allow for movement of the joint. The joint that allows the most movement is the synovial joint, which has two bones that meet in a joint capsule and are covered with cartilage to help with smooth, friction free movement. Synovial fluid surrounds the joint in the capsule to provide nutrients to the joint. We have six types of different synovial joints, of which the hinge and ball-and-socket joint are the more important for our ROM. • Hinge joints open and close in opposite directions, for example in our knees and elbows. • Ball-and-socket joints or multidirectional joints are those were the ball-shaped surface of one rounded bone fits into the cup-like depression of another bone, for example in our shoulders and hips. RANGE OF MOTION ROM is subdivided into the following categories: 1) active range of motion (“AROM”) that we actively do ourselves, 2) active assisted range of motion (“AAROM”), and 3) passive range of motion (“PROM”). AAROM and PROM are performed with the help of someone else like a physical therapist to improve the ROM, when a joint cannot move freely anymore. HOW WE USE OUR JOINTS IN DAILY ACTIVITIES To perform our day-to-day activities with freedom of movement and no joint restrictions, it is important to keep our tendons, muscles, and ligaments strong and healthy. We use ROM several times per day, from the moment we wake up until we retire to bed. For example, getting dressed we flex/bend our hip and knee to put our pants on. We need to rotate and move our hips, knees, and ankles to put our socks and shoes on. Negotiating stairs or going for a walk, requires adequate ROM in our hips, knees and ankles combined with muscle strength, balance, and stability. As we age, we may lose some ROM but, if any of our joints becomes so stiff or painful and loose mobility, it makes it more difficult to move with ease and we start compensating with other body parts which, in turn, throws the natural alignment and balance of our body off. MOVEMENT EXERCISES TO KEEP OUR JOINTS MOVING WITH EASE The following simple exercises will reduce joint stiffness, improve muscle flexibility and strength increase circulation to reduce pain, improve balance and mobility of our bodies and can prevent possible injuries: 1. Waking up in the morning: • Stretch your body out with arms overhead, fingers and hands stretched out, legs straight out and feet flexed back. Take 3 deep breaths in and out. • Flex your one hip and knee up to your chest and use your hands to gently pull your knee to your chest without pain – hold for 3 breaths and repeat with other leg. • Gently raise your hips and pelvis up in a bridge. Repeat 3 times. 2. Sit up on the side of the bed: • Roll onto your side and sit up on the side of the bed. • Feet planted on ground, move your neck gently forward and backwards, slowly turn your head/neck from side to side. Repeat 3 times. • Rotate and stretch your trunk (thoracic spine) with your shoulders and arms from side to side and turn from left to right. Repeat 3 times. • Bend your body forward resting your elbows on your thighs – and if possible lean down to touch your hand between your feet on the floor to stretch out your back. Hold 10 seconds. • Sit up straight again and bend and lift one leg to rest your ankle on your other thigh to stretch your buttock muscle and hip joint. Hold 10 seconds and repeat on other side. 3. Come up to standing and walk to the bathroom, when done with your bathroom necessities: • Hold onto the countertop. Raise high up on to the ball of your feet by lifting you heels up, squeezing buttock muscles tight. Repeat 5 times. • March on the spot lifting one knee high up to your chest, while balancing on your other leg. Repat 5 times. • Step sideways out into a lunge by bending one knee, keeping back flat, and leaning forward onto the countertop. Repeat 5 times to each side. 4. Adopt small daily routines to keep your joints mobile and your body healthy. Take daily brisk LIZE LUBBE GUEST CORNER MAINTAINING OUR JOINTS walks, do low impact exercises, keep moving to stay pain-free and injury free and always listen to your body. Do NOT follow the NO PAIN NO GAIN advice! If you experience any injury or joint stiffness, please contact your medical doctor or physical therapist. A physical therapist can treat you with AAROM and PROM and measure your progress of your joint mobility to get you to a AROM state. If you have any difficulty moving with ease or experience pain, please contact your physician or physical therapist for help. We are hands on PTs! The professional services of the team at Lize Lubbe Physical Therapy include: • Pre & Post Surgery Rehabilitation • Sports Injury Rehabilitation • Neurological Rehabilitation • Treatment of Musculoskeletal & Orthopedic Conditions • Postural, Balance & Gait Training • Pain & Headache Management • Body Rebalancing through Diaphragm, Breathing & Pelvic Stability www.lizelubbept.com [email protected] 914.875.9430 892 NY-35, Cross River, NY 10518 (blue office building) Lize Lubbe is the owner of Lize Lubbe Physical Therapy with its main practice located at 892 Route 35 in Cross River and a PT Studio in the premises of Apex Fitness (where her team focus on the rehabilitation of sports-related injuries). Learn more by calling 914-875-9430, emailing contact@ lizelubbept.com or visiting www.lizelubbept.com. to improve our range of motion
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCSD PAGE 16 THE SOMERS RECORD – THU
Leading up to homecoming, Somers students showed their Tusker pride during Spirit Week. Each day saw students and faculty dress up with a different theme, including Barbie Day, Color Wars, Country vs. Country Club Day, and Little White Lie Wednesday! Tusker Pride! • Gravel • Topsoil • Mulches • Sweet Peet • Unilock Pavers BEDFORD GRAVEL & LANDSCAPE SUPPLY 27 Norm Ave., Mt. Kisco (next to Kohl’s) www.bedfordgravel.com 914-241-3851 • Sand • Stonedust • Item #4 • Drainage Pipe • Flagstone • Fieldstone • Belgian Block • Cobblestones • Wallstone • Fire Pits • Stepping Stones • Soil/Fill Tag Sale [email protected] 914-406-1593 Sunday 9am-4pm 10.1.2023 Reis Park, Somers garden/plants — kitchenware toys — jewelry — books many vendors — raffle Vendors Register Here! Somers Women’s Club Annual Somers students go all out for Spirit Week RSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 PAGE 17
BY MARIA SCAROS GUEST COLUMNIST “There I was squeezing my wife’s hand as the doctor shuffled through his papers. He made no eye contact. He stopped, without looking up, as if he were reading something of little interest and matter-of-factly said, “Yes. It seems definitive. You have Alzheimer’s Disease.’” This is what Henry shared with a group of healthcare providers. He was on a panel with three other people who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease within the last few years. They were presenting at the American Society on Aging’s annual conference in March 2023. Each relayed similar stories of physicians offering horrendous news with little to no compassion. Esther mentioned that after her doctor gave her the news, he said, “Go home and put your affairs in order and I’ll see you in six months.” Henry, Esther, Robert and Gene were all living with Alzheimer’s Disease. They wanted to speak up in their own voice and advocate for themselves. It is hard for us to put ourselves in their shoes. The disease is complex, as is the attitude towards it by professionals, friends and loved ones. Cancer patients, the mentally ill, disabled people and others advocate for themselves. For some reason, those with Alzheimer’s Disease are not offered the chance. “We are still quite able. We are the only ones who can best share what it is like to be dismissed, ignored, tossed away and left for dead before the end,” said Robert, who held his therapy dog close as he shared. Gene nodded. “We are still very much here. The disease takes years for most of us. We ask you don’t leave us as soon as you hear the diagnosis. We are still men and women, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers and more.” I left the panel discussion with such admiration for these very courageous human beings. They deserve their platform with our undying support and our promise to treat them always with the respect and dignity they deserve. Maria Scaros is the Executive Director of The Greens at Greenwich. For more information, visit thegreensatgreenwich.com, or call 203-531-5500. Did you just tell me I have Alzheimer’s Disease? Resident diagnosed with Alzheimer’s gives a presentation on marketing to other residents at The Greens. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREENS AT GREENWICH PAGE 18 – THE SOMERS RECORD HEALTH & WELLNESS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 The Greens provides safety, comfort, and a loving home filled with laughter and joy. We are a small intimate assisted living community for your loved one with memory impairment. Discover The Greens at Greenwich Home is a Feeling [email protected] • thegreensatgreenwich.com Awarded the Best Practice for Resident Care by the Connecticut Assisted Living Association Schedule a Tour 203.531.5500 Now Accepting New Patients We Are In-Network With MetLife, Delta Dental, United HealthCare, Cigna PPO, and Ameritas PPO, and We Accept Other Insurances 914.277.3518 380 Route 202 at Junction of 116 (across from Heritage Hills) PaulHarbottle.com Excellence in Dentistry In Somers Since 1990 Paul D. Harbottle, DDS VOTED TOP DENTIST 2009-2019 by his Peers as featured in
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 HEALTH & WELLNESS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 19 17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults One touch of a button sends help fast, 24/7. alone I’m never Life Alert® is always here for me. I’ve fallen and I can’t get up! ® Help at Home with GPS! Help On-the-Go For a FREE brochure call: 1-800-404-9776 Saving a Life EVERY 11 MINUTES Batteries Never Need Charging. FINANCING AVAILABLE WITH APPROVED CREDIT Call today and receive a FREE SHOWER PACKAGE PLUS $1600 OFF With purchase of a new Safe Step Walk-In Tub. Not applicable with any previous walk-in tub purchase. Offer available while supplies last. No cash value. Must present offer at time of purchase. CSLB 1082165 NSCB 0082999 0083445 1-855-916-5473 TALENT SEARCH FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES! or Email: [email protected] Call: (914) 997-8000 Fax: (914) 940-4730 APPLY NOW! GO TO CMCS.ORG/CAREERS Visit our website for career listings. • Teacher (Birth-2) • Family Worker/Advocates • Home Visitors • Health Specialist/Nurse • Custodians • Cooks • Teachers on Study Plan • Health Nutrition & Safety • Social Worker • Education Specialist Ingredients • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 2 cups apple cider • 1 large apple, sliced • 1 onion, sliced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1 tablespoon olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Instructions 1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt and pepper. 2. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them on both sides until golden brown, about three to four minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. 3. Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about five minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional one minute, or until fragrant. Stir in the sliced apples, ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg. Cook for two to three minutes, allowing the apples to soften slightly. 4. Cook the chicken: Pour the apple cider into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the apple and onion mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 5. Serve garnished with fresh parsley. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Spiced apple cider chicken: As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, late September brings the promise of cozy and comforting meals. Our spiced apple cider chicken is a symphony of autumn flavors, combining the sweetness of apples with the warmth of spices. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that will make your kitchen smell like a fall wonderland! A taste of autumn Contact Us The Somers Record is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 914-302- 5830 or email [email protected]. Share Your Milestones Let your neighbors know about the special moments in your life, whether it’s a birth, engagement, wedding or anniversary. Send us a photo and announcement at somersrecord@halstonmedia. com or mail it to The Somers Record, 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. There is no charge for this announcement. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you’d like your photo returned. Promote Your Charity Send us a press release at somersrecord@halstonmedia. com, or give us a call at 914- 302-5830.
Sports PAGE 20 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 BY JUSTIN CONTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Saturday, the Somers girls volleyball team headed back to Walter Panas High School where just two weeks ago, they got their revenge on the team that eliminated them from the playoffs a year ago. This time, they took part in the Panas Invitational Tournament. The schools participating were Croton Harmon, Fox Lane, Haldane, Sleepy Hollow, Ursuline, and Walter Panas. The tournament began with pool play where each team played a two-set match against each other starting with a score of 7-7. Somers started bright and early at 8 a.m. against Panas and took both sets from them to start the day undefeated. The Tuskers’ captains have the perfect position setup which grants them a lot of points. Libero Taylor Luks receives the ball from a serve or hit and passes it high to setter Reilly Pittman. She then places a precise set for her sister and outside hitter Bridget Pittman to hammer it down for a kill. Somers continued to dominate through the rest of pool play. Not dropping a single set to any of their competition, the Tuskers were the undisputed one seed for the playoffs. The squad looked just as confident about heading into their 13th set of gameplay as they had been all day except now it was a one-set-match starting from zero. Captain Bridget Pittman goes into detail about how the team kept themselves driven to hopefully make an appearance in the finals after going 12-0 in pool play. “We have the most motivation when we are having fun on the court and the bench,” she explained. “It helps us play loose and play a better game.” Her sister Reilly complemented that, “we do a lot of cheering. It’s one of my favorite things about this team and these girls which is the shared enthusiasm we have for the sport.” The Pittman sister made the “All-Tournament Team,” with Bridget being named tournament MVP. The semifinals were a nail-biter against Ursuline. Points were going back and forth, and Ursuline took a lead that started to look like they were going to put Somers’ undefeated run to an end. The Tuskers were missing their serves, misplacing sets, and passes were hitting the back wall. “Whenever we would start to go into, for lack of a better word, a slump, coach would call a timeout and remind us to focus on the little things; a good pass so that our setter can set the ball to the hitter for a kill or hitting the serving spots that he gives so we can get the ace,” middle blocker Caroline Conti said when asked about how their team gets back on track mid-game. She totaled 22 kills, 9 aces, 4 assists, and 9.5 blocks throughout the tournament. Somers won 25-23 and was moving on to the finals. Somers went head-to-head against Fox Lane in a breath-holding battle for first as points were going either way with fast-paced offense and lock down defense for both teams. Just like the semifinals, it looked as if Somers was going to be taken down in the last game of the day. “It can get hard sometimes, but I view every game as a chance to win,” Reilly Pittman said. Taking each match one at a time gave Somers the ability to go 13-0 into that final game. As the scores got closer together, Luks was up to serve with the team on her back. “I try to tune out of everything, go on autopilot, and just keep a smile on my face,” she said. Luks made every serve count and forced Fox Lane to make their defensive plays. On the day, she had 32 digs, 10 aces, and 11 assists. With one last kill from Conti, Somers won the game 27-25 in a desperate win-by-two situation and took home another trophy for their case. Somers was on the road against Yorktown on Wednesday Sept. 27 and will play away at Byram Hills on Friday, Sept. 29. Then they finish off the week with another tournament at John Jay Cross River High School on Saturday, Sept. 30. Tuskers bring home the hardware Somers volleyball posing with their first place trophy from the Panas Invitational. VOLLEYBALL PHOTO: JUSTIN CONTI Call for your FREE consultation today 293 Route 100 Suite 209 Somers, NY (914) 277-1111 www.BBOsmiles.com WE DON'T JUST CREATE AWESOME SMILES... WE INSPIRE THEM! Our friendly board-certified orthodontic specialists treat patients of all ages! We have an incredible team that works hard to make your braces/Invisalign experience amazing. DR. BRIDGHAM DR. BARR
SPORTS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 21 BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Saturday. Sept. 23, Somers entered their homecoming game versus New Rochelle with a 4-1 record, which included wins over Carmel and Panas this week. So closing the celebration was obviously on the agenda, and if there’s ever any doubt, the Tuskers know exactly where their finisher is. “When you have the best player in the section, you know to give it to him because when he’s on, he’s on,” said Noah Hechler of Brady Leitner. And the cocaptain definitely delivered. “It felt good to put three in the back of the net and get another win,” said Leitner after the 3-0 victory. The senior didn’t wait to get started either. An onslaught that began with Lucas Arbelaez. Maybe taking the cue from his sister’s two assists just prior, Arbelaez fed Leitner, and he beat the goalie at 37:55 to welcome the Huguenots to town. Moments later, Leitner was at it again. Joseph Gherardi lofted a high bouncer into the crease and Leitner settled under with his foot. But the New Rochelle defense was able to clear wide and put a temporary stop on the chaos. Of course, New Rochelle came with some footwork of their own. The Huguenots played the ball into the near corner, and a perfect cross sailed just over the awaiting heads in the crease. So whether or not the incursion sat well with Matthew D’Ippolito, the Somers goalie really made himself heard and not as a defender. With the words, “Brady get ready,” coming from the sideline, D’Ippolito let fly his punt. The ball came down around the 30, and Leitner took the ball off his chest. The Tusker then pushed forward, and the defender’s clear attempt went off Leitner’s profile. A brave face for sure, the race was on with the goalie, Leitner nets hat trick against New Rochelle Brady Leitner PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI Nate Cohen Hyugo Todo BOYS SOCCER SEE BOYS PAGE 26 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 ©2019 RITA’S FRANCHISE COMPANY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. VALID AT PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS. CLOSING FOR THE SEASON ON 10/01 Discount applied to lowest priced item. Not valid on take home treats, catering, or novelty items. Not valid with any other offer. Limit one offer per guestNot valid at cart or theme park venues. Not for resale. ©2020 RITA’S FRANCHISE COMPANY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. VALID AT PARTICIPATING RREDEEMABLE AT FROZEN TREAT $1 OFF WHEN YOU BUY ONExpires 04.15.202RITAS OF YORKTOWN 1881A COMMERCE STREET YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY 10598 914 302 7711 ritas.com www.facebook.com/ritasof $1 OFF BUY ONE, GET $1 OFF ANOTHER ritasofyorktown ritasofyorktown.com Discount applied to lowest priced item. Not valid on take home treats, catering, or novelty items. Not valid with any other offer. Limit one offer per guest per visit. Not valid at cart or theme park venues. Not for resale. ©2020 RITA’S FRANCHISE COMPANY, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. VALID AT PARTICIPATING RITA’S LOCATIONS. Exp. 10/01/2023 OPEN HOUSE SAT. OCT. 14 WHERE STUDENTS BECOME THEIR BEST SELVES. Grades 6–12 with 5-day boarding for 9–12 in Katonah, NY harveyschool.org/OpenHouse
PAGE 22 – THE SOMERS RECORD SPORTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER With Homecoming and the always heated rivalry with Yorktown closing the week, Somers soccer didn’t wait to get the celebration started. They beat Pearl River 2-1 on Monday, Sept. 18 and really went to town when they came home on Tuesday versus Brewster. An 8-0 onslaught, Annie Maguire scored first and downplayed the impetus that came at 31:00. “On the throw in,” the captain said, “I turned off the ball and then just played it into the left corner.” The Brewster goalie did get at least one moment of redemption, though. With Molly Fink closing in the left, Lauren Tremarzo made a great slide tackle to knock the ball out of bounds. Of course, her glory was fleeting. In transition, Lily Mazzella made a perfect lead pass to Maguire on the sideline, and she threaded the rock to Tiana Righetti in the crease. Getting to the ball just before a sliding Tremarzo, the Somers midfielder readied her foot and deflected the ball in for a 2-0 lead at 24:30. Three minutes later, the margin for error was much wider. But Tremarzo’s misplay made up the difference and started with a Jordan McMorrow dance number that didn’t miss a beat. She dribbled and faked her way into space and freed up Maguire at the 20. Not waiting, the forward’s kick toward the net knuckled a bit, and Tremarzo let the bounce beat her at 21:16. Tremarzo did make another pointblank sliding save on Fink at 18:33, but she was again victim to more sleight of hand by Somers. On the corner kick, Bridget Kossow put the shot on net, and the ball squeezed in between the post and goalie. Not intentional, according to the senior, Kossow liked the outcome just the same. “Yeah, it was nice,” the senior assured. So was Bridget Kossow’s sideline loft into Morgan Kauffman at 6:20. The junior took the high bounce and her dink just under the crossbar dunked a commanding 5-0 lead. No laughing matter for the way Lindsay McCullough approaches a game like this. “You just keep working on the Tuskers celebrate homecoming all week long Marley Hawkins PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI Tiana Righetti Adrianna Cooke GIRLS SOCCER SEE GIRLS PAGE 26 FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HOT WATER HEATER & GAS NEEDS 59 Years of Excellence Putnam & Westchester County’s Premier Plumbing Professionals Since 1964 719 Rte. 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com TAKE $25 OFF YOUR NEXT SERVICE CALL! VALID ON CALLS OVER 1 HOUR. EXPIRES 10/31/23 It’s Back to School Time... Have a Great Year!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 23 Support Connection’s Annual Support-A-Walk For Breast & Ovarian Cancer Sunday, October 1, 2023 Your Donation Makes A Difference. “This organization offers cancer support programs and services that are unlimited for as long as you need them. When you need them, they will be there. Tell your friends and family to reach out when they feel all hope is lost and they don’t know where to turn. No one fighting these cancers needs to feel alone.“ ~ Nancy Stingone, Board Member , Volunteer, Donor “The support that Support Connection has provided our family is indescribable. They not only helped my mom, but they also welcomed us with open arms. “Cancer is a family affair,” and it affects every member in different ways. The service they provide is a valuable asset to the community. The staff and counselors are angels sent from above. “ ~ Carrie & Bella Tropea, Volunteers and Donors Walk With Us in FDR Park or Wherever You Are! Donate, raise funds, spread the word. Proceeds fund Support Connection’s free breast, ovarian, and gynecological cancer support programs and services. LEARN MORE: WWW.SUPPORTCONNECTION.ORG 914-962-6402 Bring help & hope to people fighting breast, ovarian, or any gynecological cancer. Support Connection is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization. We do not receive funds from Relay for Life, Making Strides, Susan G. Komen, or any other national cancer organization
PAGE 24 – THE SOMERS RECORD SPORTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 With the season now in full swing, our Tusker teams are already packing the stands and providing fans with unforgettable moments! FOOTBALL The Tuskers capped off the week’s homecoming festivities with a big win over rival Mahopac on Sept. 22. QB Mac Sullivan took command of the offense, throwing for 233 yards and a trio of touchdowns. Late in the third, Sullivan brought the Somers faithful to their feet when he connected with Dean Palazzolo for a 70-yard touchdown to put the Tuskers up 20-0. Mason Kelly also turned in a solid performance on the night, logging 82 yards on 19 carries. Mahopac would rally late before Sullivan slammed the door with a 5-yard touchdown run to seal the 28-14 victory. FIELD HOCKEY Somers Field Hockey went 1-2 on the week. On Monday, the Tuskers lost 4-0 to Fox Lane and then fell 5-0 to Pearl River the following day. However, the squad did close the week on the upside. In a 3-0 victory over Byram Hills, Julia Vecciarell had two goals and an assist, while Caitlin Janecka added a goal and Charlotte Carroll completed the score sheet with an assist. CROSS COUNTRY Earlier this month, Somers hosted the Big Red Invitational, with the Tuskers showing out amidst a crowded field including more than 50 schools and over 2000 athletes. The girls team took home the victory in the Division 2 race and finished the day victorious in the invitational. Julia Duzynski had a breakout performance for the Tuskers, finishing first overall and logging the fastest time of the day. With the strong performance at Big Red, things are looking promising for Somers XC with Duzynski, Julia Aquilino, Mia Sandolo Julia, Jess Masterson, Brooke Fazio, and Mia Parisi all returning from last year’s sectional championship team. “It was a promising start to the season,” said Coach John Vegliante. “These girls worked hard all summer putting in more miles than ever and we’re excited for the rest of the season!” Tuskers top ‘Pac at homecoming XC shines at Big Red Invitational Nick Conti Mac Sullivan PHOTOS: SKIP PEARLMAN Dean Palazzolo The Tuskers celebrate a second-half touchdown Friday night vs. Mahopac. VARSITY ROUNDUP The Somers varsity football team collected more than 200 hoodies and articles of clothing during homecoming week to be donated to Lifting Up Westchester! Hoody heroes! Donation bins outside of SHS during homecoming week. Michael Graziano of Tuskers football with the donations. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JACKIE GRAZIANO
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 25 OCT 8th 11am-5pm at the Jefferson Valley Mall ROAD KNIGHT'S CAR SHOW NATHAN’S HOT DOG EATING CONTEST SENIOR LUNCH CHILDREN'S RIDES & CRAFTS MUSICAL PERFORMANCES DANCE PERFORMANCES BEER GARDEN FOOD TRUCKS VENDORS YORKTOWN FALL FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY THE YORKTOWN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2023
PAGE 26 – THE SOMERS RECORD SPORTS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 BOYS FROM PAGE 21 GIRLS FROM PAGE 22 and Leitner having more than a nose to spare for the empty net was no surprise to Coach Brian Lanzetta. “He’s relentless. He’s a force. He makes things happen on a dime. One bad spin off, one 50-50 ball, it’s going through into space, and Brady is there.” A 2-0 game with 25:28 left in the half, playing catch up was not in the cards because the defense was really dealing. Not just quick to the ball, they were a step ahead, according to Hechler. “You’ve got to be able to anticipate what’s coming next,” said the center back. Lanzetta, on the other hand, knows exactly what he has. “Noah is an amazing player. You can see the speed, the strength and the size. He was awesome today,” the coach boasted. Getting two for the price of one ain’t bad either. Noah’s twin Griffin helps hold it down on defense too. “They started as sophomores, and now are coming into their junior year,” Lanzetta explained. “You can see the maturity.” So Somers on lockdown, the crowd was really pulling to tip their hats for Brady. Sorry, Leitner had no problem making them wait by playing a little point guard first. On the goal line, he drew the double team, dribbled to keep the ball alive and snuck the rock out front to Nate Cohen. The goalie completely fooled, Cohen got his outside heel on the pass but popped the ball over the empty net at 38:30 of the second. Undeterred, Leitner went team first again on a lead pass by Arbelaez. Two defenders to negotiate this time too, he split the duo, took on a third and then hit the open man. Hyugo Todo on the precipice, his shot was partially deflected by the goalie and meandered just wide. 20 minutes to go, Lanzetta and Leitner gave the people what they wanted. A set play on the penalty kick at the 20, Leitner lined up and instead of kicking, he ran toward the center. Todo stepped in, made an unassuming pass to Arbelaez, and attention was drawn away from the main event. In other words, Leitner now had a step inside, and Arbelaez made the most of it with a perfect thread. Leitner gathered and finding the top right corner of the goal had the attacker walking the red carpet at 10:26. The whole team mobbing him in the end zone, Leitner still delivered the acceptance speech with humility. “That’s a play our coach has us run in practice,” he said. “We executed it perfectly.” Not an isolated incident, the coach was left relishing the sum of all the parts and not just one player. “We have such a strong core. It’s coming together more and more,” Lanzetta concluded. Noah Hechler PHOTO: RICH MONETTI small things, passing, connecting and working with your team,” said the forward. Off the bench, second string goalie Scarlet Mills certainly felt the same and ended up having the most exciting play of the game. Julie DeRose got a clear shot at the goal, and Mills was literally unconscious with the diving save. “It’s a disconnect between muscle memory and my brain,” she explained. “I kind of just do this.” The shutout preserved, Julia Arbelaez added one goal, Kayla Coviello had two more and left homecoming awaiting. “Yorktown and Somers has always been a good battle,” said Kossow. Of course, the Tuskers didn’t overlook their trip to Byram Hills on Wednesday. In a 5-0 victory, Julia Arbelaez had two goals and Tiana Righetti added a goal and an assist. The duo wasn’t done either. On Saturday morning, Arbelaez scored first on an assist from Mazzella and then the tandem went to work. Arbelaez assisted Righetti with 14 minutes left in the first half, and in doing a double take at 21:25 of the second, Coach Kelci Hegg couldn’t overlook the synergy. “Their communication is undeniable. It doesn’t matter what position they play,” she boasted. “I can put one up and one at midfield or both at midfield. They always seem to be able to find each other.” The cylinders firing everywhere else too, Coach Hegg saw no reason to view the homecoming day victory as an isolated incident. “We’ve had four of them this week,” she concluded. “It’s been good.” Lindsay Ulaj PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 JAVIS CENTER, NYC FREQUENT TRAVEL CONSUMERS • How to plan a life changing vacation — that won’t break the bank • Hidden Gems of Travel • Live your wildest dreams using miles and points SATURDAY 10/28 SESSIONS NEW ITS2023 BENEFITS PRESENTERS INCLUDE: Darley Newman • Pauline Frommer • Dave Grossman MilesTalk • Michael Luongo • Nancy Barkley DON’T DELAY, REGISTER ONLINE TODAY VIEW THE SCHEDULE ON OUR WEBSITE Use featured ITS2023 Attendee Systems to increase the effectiveness of your participation • Attendee Appointment System • Info Retrieval System nyinternationaltravelshow.com TO ATTEND Visit: NYINTERNATIONALTRAVELSHOW.COM Click: the ATTEND Tab to register for the Consumer Day Exhibition & Seminars on Saturday October 28. Promo Code: Use Promotion Code ITSNYN to save $5 off $25 attendance fee.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 27 Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in The Somers Record Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! My Community Bulletin Board VIKING LYNX MONOGRAM SUBZERO SCOTSMAN BERTAZZONI BOSCH BEST DCS GE MARVEL MIELE MAYTAG ELECTROLUX WHIPSPERKOOL FRIDGIDAIRE Trusted Repair That Will Stand the Test of Time Grills | Washers | Dryers | Refrigerators | Ovens | Ranges | Wine Coolers Serving Westchester County PH: 914.864.1252 6 Mark Mead Road • Cross River, NY 10518 Email: [email protected] www.appliancegenie.com AUTHORIZED SERVICE FOR VIKING, LYNX, FRIGIDAIRE Service: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com 421 Rt 6 • Mahopac, NY 10541 Tel: 845.628.9604 • www.callsullivan.com Neal L. Sullivan Business Umbrella Home Auto BUYING ONLY 845-628-0362 WE WILL COME TO YOU! 52 YEARS! WE BUY: GOLD • STERLING SILVER • JEWELRY • COINS • PAINTINGS • BRONZES • CLOCKS • COLLECTIBLES • ANTIQUES • ETC. Items for sale? Call us! Established 1979 Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer WESTCHESTER 914-277-4229 • PUTNAM 845-278-2575 AS FEATURED ON FREE ESTIMATES AND FREE INSTALLATION DISCOUNTED BLINDS & SHADES VERTICAL-MINI BLINDS-SILHOUETTE SHUTTERS-WOOD BLINDS-VIGNETTE LUMINETTES-ROMAN BLINDS-VALANCES Shades Above the Rest for Home & Office SAVE AN ADDITIONAL $25 PER BLIND! www.westrockwindowdesigns.com Somers Resident COUPON Honest and Reliable, 30+ years experience. Local Collector/Seller Putnam/Westchester/Orange/Dutchess and more Call or text: 917-699-2496 • email: [email protected] Hope to hear from you! Thanks! BUYING COMIC BOOK COLLECTIONS! TOP PRICES PAID! 845-278-7312 ALL FUEL CO. The Shelley Family Home Heating Fuel 1606 Rte 22, Brewster • Burner Sales, Service & Installation • Tank Removal & Installation • Propane Available for Cooking & Heating AFFORDABLE Dumpster Rentals! CIRONE CARTING 845-533-5262 * Maintenance * Planting * Pruning * * Shrubs * Plants * Lawn Maintenance * Soil Test * * Landscape Architectural Planning * Horticulturist * (914) 248-7768
PAGE 28 – THE SOMERS RECORD LEISURE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 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. Outsourcing (abbr.) 4. Post 8. German city on edge of Black Forest 10. “__, but goodie” 11. Spiced stew 12. Passionately 13. Monetary units 15. Group of living organisms 16. Organic compound derived from ammonia 17. High honors 18. 5-year-olds’ classes 21. Swiss river 22. Old woman 23. Cash machine 24. A way to soak 25. Hair product 26. Deride 27. “The Blonde Bombshell” 34. Cause to become insane 35. Bluish greens 36. Supported with money 37. Type of equation 38. Court officials 39. Indian god 40. Rids 41. Leak slowly through 42. Units of ionizing radiation 43. Midway between south and southeast CLUES DOWN 1. Native of Slovakia 2. Deli meat 3. Fibrous substance in fungi 4. Cutting 5. Vedder and Van Halen 6. Horror comic novelist 7. Rulers of Tunis 9. Shaped like a circle 10. Make a pig of oneself 12. Aphorism 14. Witness 15. Single Lens Reflex 17. Freshwater North American fish 19. Nautical ropes 20. Leg (slang) 23. Pokes holes in 24. Moved quickly on foot 25. Fix-it shops 26. Type of bread 27. Repaired 28. Synthetic diamond (abbr.) 29. Type of drug (abbr.) 30. German city along the Rhine 31. Animal disease 32. Martini necessities 33. Get away from 34. Village in Mali 36. Djibouti franc Happy October! This summer, a new live music lounge called Uncle Cheef opened in Brewster, featuring fantastic music evenings from Wednesday to Saturday, and during Sunday brunch. While you may recognize some of their weekly lineup, you can be assured the music will be outstanding in this intimate, yet spacious, 106-seat room. Fivetime Grammy winning saxophonist, Ian Hendrickson-Smith (a.k.a. Uncle Cheef) curates the music. Additionally, Hendriskcon-Smith and his business partner, wife Jenny Larisey, have painstakingly designed the listening room down to the most finite detail to enhance your listening experience. While the music is primarily jazz oriented, HendricksonSmith is bringing in other genres as well. Thursdays are funk night, and the venue is showcasing talent you won’t catch elsewhere. Wednesdays are a great night for something different. Oct. 11, the Hudson Valley Blues Society will present Blues, Roots & Americana songwriter Dave Keys. On Oct. 25, Hear It There presents bluesy folk songwriter David Ray. Wednesdays are all day happy hour featuring discounted beverages accompanied by their tapas-style dinner menu. It’s a fun night, won’t break the bank and you’ll be home early enough to meet Thursday morning obligations. If jazz is not your thing, see below for exciting live music this month. For a complete listing of local live music events in the New York Metro area, visit HearItThere.com. Bedford/Katonah The Bedford Music Festival returns from 3 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., featuring The Wailers. General admission tickets along with VIP packages are available at destination393.org. Mohegan Lake Thursday and Friday night acoustic music and Saturday is open mic comedy at Dog Haus Biergarten, 3137 E Main St., Cortlandt Town Center Pound Ridge The Harvest Festival is from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at The Pound Ridge Town Park, 199 Westchester Ave. There is no admission to enter and enjoy featured performers, Galactic Freedom Rockets and Guard Hill. Purdys Marc Cosgrove and his band Good Medicine will perform on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Westchester Bluegrass Club, 33 Lake Way Clubhouse. Get there early for community fun with a potluck meal at 6:15 p.m. Bring your instruments to jam and perform till Marc and Good Medicine take the stage at 8 p.m. Yorktown Heights There is a full lineup of great live music starting at 7:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday in March, at Mohansic Grill, 1500 Baldwin Road. All are invited to the 10th annual Halloween costume party featuring Class Action! Live music performers and presenters, please send your upcoming event news to [email protected]. Jacque Roche is a freelance writer, content contributor to several local publications, as well as editor and music blogger for HearItThere.com. Archived broadcasts of her 2016-2020 radio shows can be heard streaming on Mixcloud.com. JACQUE’S S PIN O N M USI C UE’S M USI C October 2023
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 29 Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in The Somers Record Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! My Community Bulletin Board DSL Construction The Home Team! Floors • Decks • Kitchens • Bathrooms Workman's Comp, Liability • No Job Too Small! FREE Consultation and Design Fully Insured to Meet Your Needs Complete Remodeling of Your Home OFFICE: 845-276-8608 LOU: 845-494-9857 Proudly Serving Heritage Hills Community DSL Construction Inc. Windows, Doors, and Painting Full Service Window and Door Installations Call for Free Quote and Measure We deal with all the major window, door, and paint brand manufacturers Office: 845-276-8608 • Lou: 845-494-9857 Fully Licensed to meet your needs! 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PAGE 30 – THE SOMERS RECORD CLASSIFIEDS THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 DIVORCE $389 - Uncontested divorce papers prepared. Only one signature required. Poor personApplication included if applicable. Separation agreements. Custody and support petitions. 518-274-0380 Drive Out Breast Cancer: Donate a car today! The benefits of donating your car or boat: Fast Free Pickup - 24hr Response Tax Deduction - Easy To Do! Call 24/7: 855-905-4755 Privacy Hedge! Arborvitae 6-foot Reduced to $125/each. Free Installation, Free Delivery. Fast growing, High-quality Beautiful & Bushy! Order now to reserve for early Fall delivery. LowCostTrees.com 518-536-1367 HEARING AIDS!! High-quality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-598-5898 VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Pills SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 855-413-9574 ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! 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BEST SATELLITE TV with 2 Year Price Guarantee! $59.99/mo with 190 channels and 3 months freepremium movie channels! Free next day installation! Call 888-508-5313 DIRECTV Sports Pack – 3 Months on Us! Watch pro and college sports LIVE. Plus over 40 regional and specialty networks included. NFL, College Football, MLB, NBA, NHL, Golf and more. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918 ATTORNEY AUTO DONATIONS FOR SALE HEALTH HOME IMPROVEMENT MISCELLANEOUS PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF 9/21/23 Your ad could be here. Call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 to find out how. Advertise With Us When you advertise with The Somers Record, you are reaching thousands of households and businesses throughout the Town of Somers, including all of its hamlets and Heritage Hills. To advertise or to place a classified, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected]. NOA CT Properties LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 8/17/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Orges Gjinaj, 90 Amsterdam Ave., Hawthorne, NY 10532. General Purpose 1 Edward Street LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 8/29/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 518 N. State Rd., Briarcliff, NY 10510. General Purpose Luciano Stefano Development LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 8/29/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Harfenist Kraut & Perlstein LLP, 2975 Westchester Ave., Ste. 415, Purchase, NY 10577. General Purpose Siberia 24 LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 9/6/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 342 N. Main St., Port Chester, NY 10573. General Purpose 1832 Commerce, LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 7/25/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 81 Virginia Ave., Dunmont, NJ 07628. General Purpose Wessy LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 8/31/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Elahe Ohebshalom, 490 Bleeker Ave., Apt. 3H, Mamaroneck, NY 10543. General Purpose 51 Grove Street Realty, LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 7/26/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Lynn Scott, P.O. Box 204, Mt. Kisco, NY 10545. General Purpose Prime Nation Records LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 7/31/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Howard Johnson, 18 North Bond St., Apt. 1D, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550. General Purpose 27 New Street Realty LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 8/2/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to SMSM Accounting Services, 1075 Central park Ave., Ste. 206, Scarsdale, NY 10583. General Purpose AJSRJ LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 8/11/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 60 Elm St., Yonkers, NY 10701. General Purpose Royalty Day Care LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 7/27/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 167 King Ave., Yonkers, NY 10704. General Purpose Notice of Formation of LMR ASSOCIATES LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023- 09-01. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to LMR ASSOCIATES LLC: PO Box 26 Croton Falls NY 10519. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Notice of Formation of GoTheDistance. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023- 08-17. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Danielle Santoro: 237 Hayward street Yonkers NY 10704. Purpose: Any lawful purpose PLANNING BOARD TOWN OF SOMERS WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE NOTICE IS HERBY GIVEN that the Planning Board of the Town of Somers, Westchester County, New York has scheduled a Public Hearing on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 at 7:30 p.m. to be held at the Somers Town House, 335 Route 202, Somers, New York to consider the application of 3 Narcissus Drive LLC for an Abbreviated Preliminary Subdivision/Lot Line Change. The proposal is more specifically shown on a plan entitled “Boundary Line Agreement Prepared for 3 Narcissus Drive LLC & Robert L. Curtis” prepared by Edward T. Gannon, P.L.S., dated November 23, 2022. The subject proposal is designated on the Town Tax Map as 3 Narcissus Drive (TM: 5.15-1-51 & 64) and 28 Juniper Drive (TM: 5.15-1-50) and is located in a R-10 Zoning District. This request is for the conveyance of 149 Sq. Ft. between the properties. All persons having an interest in the proposed application are invited to attend the Public Hearing and will be heard on the aforesaid matter. BY ORDER OF THE PLANNING BOARD John Currie, Chairman Wendy Getting, Senior Office Assistant UPD*NOTE: when putting thPromote Your Charity Send us a press release at somersrecord@halstonmedia. com, or give us a call at 914- 302-5830. Photo Submissions Photos submitted to The Somers Record need to be high-resolution. Images that are submitted at a low resolution cannot be published. Submit photos to The Somers Record by the Thursday before the next publication date. Submissons can be emailed to somersrecord@halstonmedia. com or mail it to The Somers Record, 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you’d like your photo returned. Advertise With Us When you advertise with The Somers Record, you are reaching thousands of households and businesses throughout the Town of Somers, including all of its hamlets and Heritage Hills. To advertise or to place a classified, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected]. To advertise in The Somers Record, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected].
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 31 NO NEWS... 1. Clip the short form on the page 2. Fill out the information. 3. Mail it to P.O. Box 864, Mahopac, NY 10541 4. Or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com 5. Or Scan our QR Code to Subscribe. We need you to subscribe. It’s FREE & It’s Easy! is NOT necessarily good news! # Please print your first and last names and address legibly, sign and date (all required to continue receiving your subscription to this newspaper). YES, I wish to receive a FREE 3-year subscription to The Somers Record YES, I really enjoy The Somers Record and I’d like to continue receiving it for 3 years, along with a monetary contribution this year. (Please print legibly.) First (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required. Please print legibly.) Last (Required) City: State: ZIP: Name: Signature: Email: Snowbird Dates (if applicable): Date: Phone: Address: (Optional for TAPinto E-News) (Optional) Mail to: P.O. Box 864 Mahopac, NY 10541 While we need your Full Support to keep this newspaper strong, we include the option for Basic Support because we don’t want financial reasons to get in the way of our readers receiving this newspaper. Basic Support vs. Full Support Basic Support Full Support $100 $50 $20 other or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com OR or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com Checks payable to Halston Media LLC. Please include this form in your envelope. Please include the following additional papers as part of this subscription: North Salem News Mahopac News Yorktown News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The Katonah-Lewisboro times Honey Do Men secured the 282nd spot on the esteemed 2023 Qualified Remodeler Top 500 List, leaping over 71 positions from last year. Celebrating its 45th annual ranking, the Qualified Remodeler Top 500 List stands as a hallmark of excellence, identifying the nation’s most accomplished and robust remodeling firms based on annual revenue. Recognized for its significant and sustained success, Honey Do Men has demonstrated exemplary performance across various evaluative criteria, including: • Installed remodeling dollar volume • Industry association membership • Coveted industry awards • Long-standing years in the business • Relevant certifications and accreditations • Unwavering commitment to community service Honey Do Men’s journey on the top 500 list showcases a remarkable growth trajectory. Reflecting on the past years: • 2019: Ranked No. 432 • 2020: Ranked No. 444 • 2021: Ranked No. 389 • 2022: Ranked No. 353 In 2022, Honey Do Men reported a gross remodeling revenue of $7,894,144 and successfully completed 1,620 remodeling projects. These figures not only underscore the firm’s operational expertise, but also its commitment to client satisfaction and high-quality deliverables. Founded on the core values such as integrity, craftsmanship and customer service, Honey Do Men has carved a niche in the remodeling industry. They specialize in room additions, bathroom and kitchen remodels, whole-house remodels and more. The company’s portfolio is a testament to its versatility, innovation and impeccable craftsmanship. Membership in prominent industry associations and an array of industry awards add further credence to the company’s reputation. Furthermore, Honey Do Men holds several notable certifications and accreditations, attesting to its rigorous adherence to industry standards and best practices. Beyond business, Honey Do Men is deeply embedded in community service. With a firm belief in giving back, the company is involved in various philanthropic endeavors, thereby making a tangible difference in the communities it serves. Looking ahead, Honey Do Men remains focused on enhancing their service offerings, adopting innovative remodeling solutions, and ensuring their clients’ visions are brought to life with precision and artistry. The remodeling firm is deeply grateful to their loyal clients, dedicated staff and industry partners who’ve been pivotal in their journey thus far. About Honey Do Men Founded in 1997 in Yorktown, Honey Do Men has established itself as the trusted home improvement contractor for residents in Putnam, Westchester, Dutchess and Fairfield counties. Offering a comprehensive suite of services, they handle everything from maintenance and repair to complete home renovations. Whether homeowners need window replacements, driveway sealing or an extensive home makeover, they have proven their expertise. What sets them apart is their steadfast dedication to customer satisfaction. From the initial contact to postproject follow-ups, they promise unparalleled service, punctuality and a commitment to address and rectify any concerns to the client’s contentment. About Qualified Remodeler Qualified Remodeler is a foremost publication serving U.S. remodelers since 1978. Renowned for its dedication to the home improvement industry, it introduced the Top 500 List, annually ranking leading remodeling firms on revenue and other key factors. Covering projects from kitchen remodels to light commercial ventures, the list is a testament to the firms’ excellence and growth. Over decades, Qualified Remodeler has been an essential resource, offering news, product reviews and expert insights, solidifying its status as the trusted voice for industry professionals. Climbing the ranks on top 500 list for 2023 HONEY DO MEN Photo Submissions Photos submitted to The Somers Record need to be high-resolution. Images that are submitted at a low resolution cannot be published. Submit photos to The Somers Record by the Thursday before the next publication date. Submissons can be emailed to [email protected] or mail it to The Somers Record, 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you’d like your photo returned.
PAGE 32 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. All associates featured are licensed with NY Department of State as a Broker or Salesperson. ©2023 Coldwell Banker Realty. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Somers | North Salem | Putnam Regional Office 338 Route 202 Somers, NY 10589 COLDWELLBANKERHOMES.COM PENDING ACTIVE PENDING 3 Wilner Road, Somers This home has it all. If you are looking to sell in today’s market you need an experienced agent. Call me today! Deanna Labarbara 914-403-7203 PENDING 16 Sugar Hill Road, North Salem - $555,000 Home features an ensuite bedroom, 2 nice-sized bedrooms, plus a den/office, hall bathroom, hardwood floors, central air and a dine in kitchen. Call today for a private viewing. Deanna LeBarbara 914-403-7203 ACTIVE 117 Willow Court, Cross River My buyer is delighted with their gorgeous new home in the Meadows. I will be happy to help you find your dream home too. Natasha Pazdzerskaia 917-846-2949 SOLD 15 Harvard Drive, Carmel Bright and airy, meticulously and lovingly maintained 3 bedroom 2.5 bath ranch is now pending. I can help you with all your real estate need, just call. Mary Craig 914-318-9346 PENDING 21 Oak Street, Brewster Lovely Colonial home was just waiting for the perfect buyer...and I found it for him. Contact me to learn more about my marketing plan. Suzanne Shilling 845-729-9818 SOLD 505 Somerset Knoll, Brewster Beautifully updated unit in Fieldstone Pond. Are you interested in buying or selling please don’t hesitate to call me. Suzanne Shilling 845-729-9818 PENDING 100 Ritter Road, Stormville My marketing plan offers sellers the best opportunity to capture buyers. Call today for details. John Petrillo 914-403-4660 784 East Branch Road, $859,000 TOP QUALITY BUILDER DON'T MISS OUT.... Sitting on 11.33 Acres with outrageous Views. Call today for more information! John Petrillo 914-403-4660 217 Shear Hill, Mahopac With low inventory now may be the best time to sell. Contact me for a free home evaluation and learn about today’s real estate market. Diana Cirocco 845-494-1995 17 B Hastings Court, Yorktown Just SOLD this great unit in Jefferson Village. Contact me today for a free home evaluation. Danielle Witkowsky 845-216-8817 SOLD 58 Wellington Drive, Carmel Multiple offers and in contract in one week for over asking price 3BR/2BTH. Tastefully updated and meticulously maintained property in a magical setting. Danielle Witkowsky & Natasha Pazdzerskaia PENDING 7 Seward Road, Patterson – $338,000 Charming 2-bedroom/1.5 Bath cottage with two amazing stone fireplaces & beautiful seasonal lake views. Jackie Calhoun 914-774-4454 ACTIVE