The Somers Record07.14.2022

Vol. 12 No. 14 Visit TapIntoSomers.net for the latest news. Thursday, July 14, 2022

Board of Education School district reveals results
bids farewell to of Family Partnership survey
Joseph Marra
BY CAROL REIF ally valuable when you follow it is doing in school.” e dialogue
STAFF WRITER up with a conversation,” she said would go like this:

Trustee served nine years Tuesday. S-trengths: How do you keep
for Somers schools
e statistical results of its 2022 e poll, which drew a total parents well-informed about how

Family Partnership survey are of 334 respondents, opened May their child is doing?

just signposts on Somers school 18 and closed June 1. While the O-pportunities: What are ef-

district’s constant journey toward number of responses for a district fective and e cient ways we

improvement, local educators charged with educating 2,710 might keep parents well-informed

BY CAROL REIF were told last week. children may sound low, Blanch about their child’s practice?
STAFF WRITER
While outlining the ndings of said, it’s par for the course in the A-spirations: What will it

the online poll Tuesday, June 28, world of educational surveys and look like when all the parents of

Somers school trustees and the schools Superintendent Dr. Ray- is “consistent” with past survey students in your classes feel well-

district’s administration recently mond Blanch pointed out that its numbers. informed?

recognized outgoing colleague “raw data” is only the beginning. at represents a “95% con - R-esults: How will this help the

Joseph Marra for his contribu- Over the summer, administrative dence level with a 5% margin of children in your classes succeed?

tions to the Board of Education. teams at each of the district’s four error,”he explained. e survey featured two dozen

Marra decided not to run for schools will take a “deeper dive” However, when the numbers statements to which respondents

reelection last spring. Newcomer into the ndings, he said. are broken out and applied to each were asked whether they strong-

Amanda Kandel and trustees is fall, parents and others will individual school, the so-called ly agreed, agreed, disagreed or

Chad Olsen and Ifay Chang, be invited to join the conversation con dence level changes to 90% strongly disagreed.

who were reelected, are round- via focus groups and other venues with a 10% margin of error. For a full breakdown of the re-

ing out the latest iteration of the such as Tusker University, a series “When we break it down by sponses,check out the presentation

board. of programs that seeks to build school, it gets a little bit shakier,” posted on the district’s website un-

“It’s really been a privilege and on the school-home-community Blanch said. der Board of Education agendas.

an honor to serve for the last nine PHOTO COURTESY OF IFAY CHANG connection,and the PTA Council. Hence, the importance of fol- ey, and some results, were:
years, but there comes a time
when you know it’s time to leave Trustee Joseph Marra opted not to e ultimate goal is to make lowing through by conducting fo- Q1: When I walk into the
and I felt this is my time to leave,” seek reelection after serving three
terms on the Board of Education. sure everyone’s “voice is heard” cus groups, holding internal pars- school, I feel the school is inviting

before the data is incorporated ing and applying feedback. and that this is a place where par-

Marra said Tuesday, June 7, at his and great conversation as we’ve into each school’s “success plan,” Blanch said almost 90% of all ents and guardians “belong.”(80%

second-to-last board meeting. moved through the district. I Blanch said. students also participate directly agreed; 20% disagreed);

Saying it’s been a pleasure learned a lot from you and thank At that point, the district will in an annual “engagement survey.” Q2: e school’s policies and

working with him, board Presi- you very much,”she said, present- “know the story that goes along e survey data will be ltered programs re ect, respect, and val-

dent Heidi Cambareri told Mar- ing him with a token of apprecia- with these rudimentary stats,” he through the SOAR Strategic ue the diversity of the families in

ra that he’d “helped challenge all tion from the board. added. Conversation Process. the community.(85% agreed; 25%

of us in our perspective and our Trustee Nick Mancini, joking Trustee Dr. Lindsay Portnoy For example, take the state- disagreed);

thoughts.” SEE MARRA PAGE 3 agreed. ment: “My child’s teacher(s) keep SEE SURVEY PAGE 9
“We’ve had great dialogue
“I think surveys are only re- me informed about how my child

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Page 2 – The Somers Record Thursday, July 14, 2022

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Thursday, July 14, 2022 The Somers Record – Page 3

MTA commuter lot primed for October opening

BY CAROL REIF be allocated to folks with monthly per- stations are planned. e  MTA  also said last year that it
STAFF WRITER mits. e remaining will be metered (dai- e lot occupies the former site of the planned to build a sidewalk linking the
ly) parking. Ten electric vehicle charging new lot to an existing sidewalk in the Cro-
e new commuter parking  lot  in old St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church. ton Falls hamlet.
Somers is expected to open this October, Four years ago, the church sold the
according to a Metropolitan Transporta- e trek from the  lot  to Back Street in
tion Authority spokesman. property – which included a rectory, con- Croton Falls is about ve or six minutes long.
vent, and school -- to the MTA for $3.1
Located on Croton Falls Road in the million. St. Joseph’s congregation had outgrown
northeastern part of town, it will serve the small white chapel and its satellite
folks using Metro-North’s Croton Falls e 19th-century structure and the oth- churches, St. John’s in North Salem and
and Purdy’s train stations. er buildings were razed last summer. St. Michael’s in Golden’s Bridge. St. John’s
was sold and converted into a private
It will have 450 spaces. Nine of those e MTA has said that the project aims residence, and St. Michael’s was knocked
will be designated for handicapped park- to improve public safety. down for a housing development.
ing and two of the ADA spots will be van
accessible. When the  lot  is completed, the state St. Joseph’s built a new 30,000-square-
Department of Transportation plans to foot church three-and-a-half miles on
According to the MTA, 300 spaces will eliminate “unauthorized” commuter park- Somers’ Plum Brook Road.
ing  along local streets and Routes 100,
202, and 116.

MARRA ity,” “directness” and “kindness to However, there was one thing
FROM PAGE 1
me as well.” Marra found “disappointing” –

“It’s very helpful with all the folks who would rather gripe about

that he expected to see him “in noise that can be out there,” he something online than show up in

the audience every Tuesday night,” said. person and constructively work

credited Marra with showing him Looking back on his time on the with the district to nd solutions.

the ropes when he was a new board, Marra said he’s “learned so One of the ways they can help is

board member. much” about the town and about to run for the school board, Marra

“You were very helpful, so thank education. said.

you very much for that,” Mancini “I feel as though I’ve contrib- ere has been much inspira-

said. uted,” he said, explaining that he tion to note, as well.

Trustee MaryRose Joseph ex- had “certain objectives, as we all “ ere’ve been so many chil-

pressed gratitude to Marra for do,” when rst coming on board dren who bene t from what’s gone

his “mentorship,” “leadership” and in 2013. on in this district and so many

“partnership for the last ve years.” Many of them have either been adults who’ve bene ted from be-

Trustee Dr. Lindsay Portnoy Marra with his fellow Board ful lled or are on the road to being ing around the children in this
noted that the past few years has of Education trustees at realized, Marra added. district,” he said. “ ere’s good,
been particularly rough for edu- the June 7 meeting. there’s bad, and there’s neutral. In
cators because of pandemic chal- Not that there haven’t been a the district, we’ve had all of that. I
PHOTO COURTESY OF IFAY CHANG few “disagreements over the last

lenges. couple of years at this table. No think that I choose to focus on the

“So, sitting at the table tonight ‘It’s really been a privilege and question about that,” he said, em- good, but I recognize the bad and
for the last time – or second to an honor to serve for the last nine phasizing that “unlike some parts the neutral. I’ve learned a lot; I’ve
last time – with this guy right of the community at large, they grown a lot, and I hope I’ve con-
over here is like hitting me a little haven’t risen to the level of being tributed a lot. I thank you all for
bit,” she said. “I’ve learned a bunch personal.” all you’ve done for me. ank you.”

from you, Joe. I mean, truly. We’ve years, but there comes a time “I think we all have respected Asked what he was going to do
had some banter, my friend.” each other and liked each other with his new free time, the attor-

“If you could have asked us go- when you know it’s time to leave despite our di erences,” he said. ney said he recently took a position
ing in what’s going to happen, I Saying it pained him to see cer- on the New York State Bar Asso-
would say, ‘Oh, we’re going to be
tain members of the community ciation’s Law Practice Manage-

really hard after this awful experi- and I felt this is my time to leave.’ criticize “some of us on the board,” ment Committee.
ence,’”Portnoy said of the COVID Marra added: “I’ve had the privi- He’s also looking at “other op-

crisis. “But I think at least for me, lege of being attacked by both the portunities,” including running for

and maybe for you, and lots of us, Joseph Marra right and the left. So it’s been quite another public o ce.

it’s made us sort of softer, made us an honor. I’ve also been compli- Will he miss being on the

more grateful. And so I’m grate- mented by the right and the left, school board despite the fact that

ful for you and grateful that you see what a valuable asset you’ve ed being able to see the big screen which is more of an honor.” it’s sometimes been a bit stressful?

pushed back on me and I’m grate- been to our board. I’ll miss you,” on his laptop computer. rough all the recent struggles, “ ere comes a point in time

ful that you gave me the space and she said. Presenting Marra with a gift the “district has persevered.” at’s where you say that it’s done and

the grace to learn and grow.” Chang, who’s been on the board from the administration team, due to the herculean e orts of the I don’t know if it’s something I’m

“I hope the rest of the district for 15 years, joked that while sit- Superintendent Dr. Raymond administration, sta , teachers, stu- going to miss. For a large part of

and the rest of the community can ting next to Marra, he’s appreciat- Blanch praised him for his “clar- dents, and parents, he said. the time, I enjoyed it,” Marra said.

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Page 4 – The Somers Record ELEPHANT’S TRUNK Thursday, July 14, 2022

The Staff Heritage Hills located on Heritage Hills’west hill. corded in the group’s events, gives Friday, July 15 - Acme (Cort-
Golf Group While most of the group’s mem- everyone a chance to win. landt)
EDITORIAL TEAM bers reside in Heritage Hills, it is
TOM WALOGORSKY e East Hill Men’s Golf As- not necessary to be a resident of the If interested, contact the group’s Monday, July 18 - Dollar Tree
EDITOR: 914-302-5830 sociation is a group of about 40 complex. It is not necessary to join Membership Chair, Bob Kenney,
[email protected] men who golf Tuesday and urs- Somers National either. You may at 914-617-9884 or rlkret@aol. The Church of the
day mornings on the back nine purchase a membership or pay as com. Good Shepherd
VIM WILKINSON of the beautiful Somers National you play. It’s also no problem if you
SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR course. e group’s name dates can’t make each “event.” Senior Services Located at 39 Granite Springs
[email protected] back to when there was in fact a Road.
9-hole course located on Heritage e group uses a blend of tee SHOPPING TRIPS
ADVERTISING TEAM Hills’ east hill. Today’s picturesque locations to accommodate a wide Please call 914-232-0807 to SENIOR SATURDAY LUNCH
PAUL FORHAN Somers National course is actually range of abilities. Its handicap Saturday, July 23, at 12 p.m.
system, based solely on scores re- arrange transportation. Two bag e Church of the Good Shep-
(914) 806-3951 limit. $2 round trip.
[email protected] herd will host its third non-de-
nominational, free lunch gather-
BRUCE HELLER ing of local senior citizens at the
(914) 486-7608 church. A delicious hot meal will
[email protected] be served, and will be accompanied
by companionship, conversation
LISA KAIN and community!  e meal will
(201) 317-1139 conclude with dessert and co ee.A
[email protected] second meal will be given to every-
CORINNE STANTON one attending to take home.RSVP
(914) 760-7009 is required by Saturday, July 16 by
[email protected]
calling 914-248-5631 or email-
JAY GUSSAK ing seniorssaturdays@goodshep-
(914) 299-4541 herdny.org.
[email protected]
SHELLEY KILCOYNE Somers Department
(914) 924-9122 of Parks and
[email protected] Recreation
PRODUCTION TEAM
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL WINDOWS AND DOORS PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
CREATIVE DIRECTOR BUILT FOR HOW YOU LIVE UPDATE

PHOTOGRAPHER Marvin windows and doors are inspired Please be advised,by order of the
[email protected] by how people live. Explore our three Town Board, only residents will
product collections organized by degree of be allowed to use the playground
NOAH ELDER design detail, flexibility, and customization equipment by special permit
DESIGNER possibilities. through August 5, Monday - Fri-
day from 8:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.Permits
[email protected] INTERSTATE + LAKELAND LUMBER may be obtained at the Recreation
O ce in Reis Park, M-F from 8
EXECUTIVE TEAM What Dream Homes are Made of a.m. - 3 p.m. Proof of residency
BRETT FREEMAN (Drivers License) is required. All
CEO & PUBLISHER 1248 East Main Street •Shrub Oak NY 10588 • 914- 245- 5050 • www.interstatelumber.com participants must be supervised by
845-208-8151 an adult. ank you for your coop-
eration. e concession stand will
[email protected] remain accessible to all patrons.

Deadlines SOMERS PARKS &
RECREATION CO ED
THE SOMERS RECORD DEADLINE SOFTBALL UPDATE
THE DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS
Unfortunately, the Recreation
AND EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS FOR Department did not receive
su cient enrollment to run a
SOMERS RECORD IS THE THURSDAY league this year, but will instead
BEFORE THE NEXT PUBLICATION DATE. o er an “Open Play Night” for
all those interested. Play would
FOR MORE INFORMATION, start Wednesday, July 13, at Van
CALL TOM WALOGORSKY AT Tassell Field with a game time
914-302-5830 OR EMAIL of 6:30 - 6:45 p.m. e eld will
[email protected]. be available every Wednesday at
the same time through the end of
Subscribe August, weather permitting. e
Town of Somers will prepare the
TO REQUEST THE SOMERS RECORD
WEEKLY DELIVERY, CALL 845-208-8503 eld for a game, provide game
OR EMAIL [email protected]. balls and the strike zone mat.
SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE COMPLIMENTARY FOR
RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN THE TOWN. e game balls and mat will be in
OUT OF TOWN MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE the eld box. It will be up to the
$150 PER YEAR FOR FIRST CLASS MAIL. group to make teams each night.

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT The Somers Library
SOMERS, NY AND AT
ese events range between
ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. virtual and in-person. Please reg-
POSTMASTER: ister on the online calendar at

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Thursday, July 14, 2022 The Somers Record – Page 5

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Page 6 – The Somers Record Thursday, July 14, 2022

Somers Lions award North Salem Supervisor endorses
community service Faulkner for Congress

scholarships BY CAROL REIF of the lowest crime rates in West- ity education,”the statement read.
STAFF WRITER chester County.” Faulkner went on to accuse Presi-
e Somers  Lions  wish to touched the lives of many
Somers Councilman Wil- Calling  Faulkner  a “hard worker” dent Joe Biden and U.S. House
congratulate the recipients of people who are in need of as- liam  Faulkner  announced last week who “represents his constituents and Speaker Nancy Pelosi of “destroying
that his campaign for Congress has his town well,” Lucas said residents our country as we know it.”
the Somers Lions Club Com- sistance.  ey exemplify what been endorsed by North Salem Su- of the 17th  CD “can de nitely use
pervisor Warren Lucas. his level-headed governance style in “ eir national campaign manag-
munity Service Scholarships.  it means to serve.  We wish Washington.” er, Sean Patrick Maloney, is charged
e Republican hopeful is aiming with electing more Democrats to
e ve recipients of this them all the best in their future to unseat incumbent U.S. Rep. Sean Lucas, a Republican, is president implement their awed and danger-
Patrick Maloney, chair of the Demo- of the Westchester-Putnam Associa- ous agenda.”
award have shown outstand- endeavors and know that they cratic Congressional Committee tion of Town Supervisors; a former
(DCCC), in the newly recon gured president and current member of Promising to send Maloney “pack-
ing dedication to serving the will be hugely successful in 17th CD. (Both Faulkner and Malo- the Westchester Municipal O cials ing in November,”  Faulkner  added
ney are facing primaries in August.) Association’s executive board; and a that “with the support of honorable
community and beyond. Each their chosen paths. member of Sustainable Westchester’s elected o cials like Supervisor  Lu-
In a statement released Tuesday, and the East of Hudson Watershed cas, we will take the ght to the
recipient was selected based e ve Lion scholarships June 28,  Lucas  said  Faulkner  “is Corp.’s executive boards. Democrats and win.”
exactly who we need to take on the
on their exemplary service and are dedicated to ve extraor- Democrats’ national campaign man- Expressing gratitude for  Lucas’ GOODTO KNOW
ager.” endorsement,  Faulkner  said last e new 17th CD runs from just
ability to show leadership.  dinary  Lions  who remain in week that “the stakes of this election
Pointing to  Faulkner’s “proven couldn’t be higher.” above White Plains to northern
Congratulations  to Lauren our hearts and exempli ed track record of Conservative Repub- Westchester towns such as North
lican governance as an elected of- “Families in NY-17 are struggling Salem, Somers, and Yorktown. It
D’Agostino, Connor Durso, service. It is with pleasure that to ll their cars with gas and buy gro- includes all of Putnam County and
cial,” Lucas said last week that the ceries to put food on the table. Crime parts of both Rockland and Dutchess
Sabrina Cheung,Emily Stavo- we dedicate these scholarships candidate helped earn “his town a is on the rise everywhere, making our counties.
Triple AAA credit rating.” communities less safe and our chil-
la and Diana Antonecchia.  in the names of Lion William dren are no longer guaranteed a qual- (To see the special master maps,
He also said that Somers has “one visit newyork.redistrictingandyou.org)
Each one of these young “Bucky” Pope, Lion Charles

adults has been part of the Ward, Lion Armand “Spike”

Somers LEO’s and has par- Fourgeot,Lion Henry Salerno,

ticipated in many community and Lion Wayne Van Tassell, a

events.  ey have worked hard charter member, who founded

to raise money for organi- the Somers  Lions  Club in

zations such as the Special 1966.

Olympics, Blue Path, and oth-

ers.  Due to their hard work Article provided by the Somers

and dedication, they have Lions Club.

We want to help you celebrate!

Are you getting married? Celebrating an anniversary or welcoming a new grand child to the family? The Somers Record wants to help! Please let
us know about any milestones you would like to see appear in the newspaper by contacting the editor at [email protected].

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Thursday, July 14, 2022 The Somers Record – Page 7

Caretaker Miami man sentenced in
arrested North Salem exploitation case
for stealing
from client BY CAROL REIF ‘We will continue to use every tool available
in Somers STAFF WRITER

A Miami man is going to prison for

to law enforcement to prosecute and punisha very long time for sexually exploit-
those who sexually exploit children.’
ing a North Salem teen and two other
minors in New Jersey and Kentucky,

BY CAROL REIF e Westchester the Department of Justice announced Damian Williams
last week. United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York
STAFF WRITER County District Attor-
Christopher Nunez, 27, pleaded

ney’s O ce, tipped o guilty in February  to three counts of

A caretaker has been by an unnamed nan- enticement and one count of sexual suaded to meet up for sex. to send him explicit pictures and vid-

accused of impersonat- cial institution, investi- exploitation. Nunez deployed various social me- eos of herself. On March 6, 2021, he

ing -- and stealing from gated and determined He was sentenced to more than 26 dia platforms to chat with the teen, in- traveled to Kentucky and engaged in

-- a client in Somers, that Lee, “while em- years behind bars and a lifetime term cluding Discord and Snapchat, using sexual activity with her, the investiga-

state police said. ployed as the victim’s of supervised release by U.S. District the name “PLMV23.” tion showed.

Brandy M. Lee, 35, caretaker, impersonated Judge Kenneth M. Karas on Tuesday, Nunez, then 26, traveled from Flor- He did the same with his third

of Hyde Park, was and stole from the vic- July 5. ida to Westchester where he engaged victim, a 16-year-old New Jersey

charged in June with tim for her own nan- “Christopher Nunez’s conduct is in sexual activity with the victim, court resident, while these communications

rst-degree identify cial gain.” the nightmare of any parent,” said Da- records said. were going on, authorities said.

theft, a Class D felony; Lee was arrested in mian Williams, United States At- He was subsequently charged in Williams praised the e orts of the

rst-degree Scheme to Hyde Park following an torney for the Southern District of North Salem Town Court with third- Federal Bureau of Investigation, the

Defraud; fourth-degree investigation by State New York last week, adding that the degree rape and endangering the wel- New York State Police, the Westches-

Grand Larceny, and 11 Police from the Somers sentence “illustrates that we will con- fare of a child. ter County District Attorney’s Of-

counts of rst-degree barracks and the West- tinue to use every tool available to law e federal investigation also re- ce, and the Westchester County Safe

Falsify Business Re- chester County District enforcement to prosecute and punish vealed that Nunez had abused a Streets Task Force.

cords, all Class E felo- Attorney’s O ce. those who sexually exploit children.” 12-year-old girl in Laurel County, e federal prosecution was han-

nies; and 11 counts of She was sent to the According to court documents, Kentucky. He rst engaged her in dled by the White Plains Division of

second-degree Crimi- Westchester County Nunez made contact online in March “sexually explicit communications on- the U.S. Attorney’s O ce. Assistant

nal Impersonation, a Jail to await arraign- through May 2021 with a 15-year-old line” when she was just 11. United States Attorney Marcia S. Co-

Class A misdemeanor. ment. North Salem girl, who he then per- Nunez got the then-sixth-grader hen was in charge of the prosecution. 

Do you understand
the di erence between

an irrevocable and
a revocable trust?

CALL NEW YORK’S
ELDER LAW TEAM

914.948.1500

• Asset Protection • Elder Law WHITE PLAINS • SOMERS • WWW.ESSLAWFIRM.COM
• Medicaid Applications (Nursing Home/Home Care)
• Guardianships (Contested/Non-Contested) Past Chair of Elder Law Section of
• Wills, Trusts & Estates NYS Bar Association

“Super Lawyer” In Elder Law for
16 consecutive years

Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ.

Managing Member • Fluent in Italian

914.948.1500

Page 8 – The Somers Record Thursday, July 14, 2022

TRUNK IN PERSON: COLORING CLUB Don Quixote has been generally 376 may be the place for you! We OBITUARIES

FROM PAGE 4 FOR ADULTS recognized as the rst modern meet every Tuesday evening at Donald J. Melillo Jr.

Thursdays, 10:30 - 12 p.m., novel. Facilitated by Diana Cun- the Somers Middle School caf-

www.somerslibrary.org or on the Get out of the summer heat ningham, Librarian, this group eteria. We are a boy lead troop

link included in the description and join in for a fun morning of meets bimonthly and is open to which means the boys plan and Donald  J.  Melillo Jr.  of

in order to have access to this coloring and conversation! No all Somers residents. run meetings, decide where to Somers, NY, died  Friday, July

meeting. You will receive an in- registration needed. Meets in the Somers BSA go camping, plan menus, and 8,  2022, at Putnam Hospi-
vitation prior to the start of the Reading Room. go on high adventure trips. For tal Center, in Carmel, NY.

webinar. Programs are supported Troop 228 more information, please visit us Donald was born on March
by the Friends of the Somers Li- OCEANS OF POSSIBILITIES:
on www.somerstroop376.org or 7, 1963, in Yonkers, NY, to the

brary through patrons’ generous YA VIRTUAL VISIT TO contact us at somerstroop376@ late Donald  and eresa Me-

contributions. THE SOUTH CAROLINA WEEKLY MEETING gmail.com. Our Scout Master lillo.

AQUARIUM  Mondays, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at and Assistant Scout Masters will Donald is the beloved hus-

IN PERSON: TECH HELP AT Thursday, July 14, the Amawalk Firehouse be able to answer all your ques- band of Paola Melillo, and is

THE SOMERS LIBRARY from 3:30 - 4 p.m. Give your son the tools to de- tions. the loving father of Joseph and

Every Thursday from 1 - 4 Join a virtual mission to explore velop his con dence, leadership Somers Central Anthony of Somers, NY, and is
p.m. and every other Saturday the deep ocean. To get there, they skills, and interest in community also a brother to Karen Melillo

from 2 - 3:15 p.m. rst have to survive the intertidal service while experiencing the School District of Somers, NY.

Helping you learn in the grow- zone, rocky reefs, open ocean, and outdoor adventures of Scouting.

ing world of technology! Do you nally the dark sea oor. Lacking Discover the natural wonders of

need help setting up an email some necessary expedition equip- New York State, whether canoe- TUSKER TOTS ‘N’TEENS

or joining Facebook? Do you ment, they have to learn how to ing in the Adirondacks, hiking PROGRAM

need help using your laptop or best adapt to these environments the Appalachian trail, or camp- e Tusker Tots ‘n’ Teens Pro-

tablet? Would you like to down- by asking advice from the ani- ing at one of our State Parks. gram at Somers High School is

load eBooks and/or download- mals they’ll meet along the way. We have excursions for all ages expanding enrollment to 3-year-

able audiobooks? Sta member is program is conducted by the and levels of experience. Scouts olds. e program is part of the

Juan Carlos will assist with Tech South Carolina Aquarium and explore their personal interests Early Childhood Education

Help for those seeking advice is one of our summer Oceans of through over 135 merit badges. classes at SHS. e high school

in operating their electronics as Possibilities events. Troop 228 is sponsored by students create and deliver dy-

well as those e-services o ered the Somers Volunteer Fire De- namic and engaging lessons

by Somers Library. Please call LIBRARY “CLASSICS” BOOK partment. We are proud citizens for the younger children. e

or email the library to schedule GROUP and actively give back to Somers program is FREE and open to

your appointment at 914-232- Tuesday, July 19, through community service and Somers district residents with

5717 or emal somers@wlsmail. from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. environmental conservation proj- a child who is 3 - 5 years old

org. Somers Library “Classics” ects. To nd out more, email us and runs from mid-September

Book Group meets to discuss at [email protected] through early June on M/T/

PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST: book titles recommended by or visit our website at Troop- TH/F from 11:20 - 1:50 p.m. their time, skills, and energy to

OCEANS OF POSSIBILITIES members and identi ed by sur- 228somers.com. Email [email protected] make a di erence in people’s lives,

Through September 5 veys. e July book is “Don Somers BSA for information. both in our community and for
the charities we support. Lions
Tweens, teens and adults are Quixote,” by Miguel de Cer-

invited to submit their photos vantes. Don Quixote becomes Troop 376 INTERNSHIP can be found working on “hands-
of oceans, seas, marine life, pi- so entranced by reading chivalric OPPORTUNITIES on” projects, fundraising, and

rates, lighthouses, or the beach. romances that he determines to An exciting opportunity to running numerous community

e possibilities are endless! become a knight-errant himself. WEEKLY MEETING share your expertise with a events in and around Somers.

Please follow the instructions His exploits blossom in all sorts Tuesdays, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Somers High School senior! e If you are in need of assistance,

to enter by visiting https://bit. of wonderful ways, although If your son is interested in high school English Depart- there is a good chance that the

ly/3M4uqNm his fancy often leads him astray. scouting, Somers BSA Troop ment is coordinating intern- Lions can help. Visit our website

ship and experiential learning www.somerslionsclub.org for

Please Join Us opportunities for twelfth-grade more information or to contact
students. ese authentic ex- us. Follow us on social media @
MondPaleya, sJeuJloyin1U8,s 2022
periences will provide valuable somerslions. e Somers Lions
14th Annual ColdMwoenldlPaBleyaa,nsJekuJeloyrinR1U8es,a2lt0y2G2olf Tournament knowledge and skills for seniors would like to welcome our newest
14th ASnanleumaGl oClfoClMdluwbo,en1ldl8aBByal,onoJkmueelyr RR1o8ea,ad2l,t0yN2oG2rtoh lSfaTleomu,rnNaYment as they transition from high members. We are proud to serve
14th ASnanleumaGl ColfoCldluwb,e1ll8PBlBealaonsoekmJeeorrinRRUoeasadl,tyNoGrtohlSf aTloemu,rnNaYment school to college and careers. We alongside you.
Salem Golf CMlubo,n1d8aByl,ooJmuelyr R1o8a,d2,0N2o2rth Salem, NY are interested in both traditional
14th Annual Coldwell Banker RRoeaadl,tyNoGrtohlSfIEIannTrliMMeonmeeuOmm,r’CnooNorraYyynmnoooff rent and virtual internships. If you Lakeland High and
are part of a business or organi- Walter Panas High
Salem Golf Club, 18 Bloomer zation that would be interested
in working with a senior, please Class of 1972
contact us at seniorexperience@
Erin O’Connor somersschools.org.
In Memory of
Erin O’Connor Somers PTA Council 50TH REUNION DINNER
Saturday, September 17

To be held at the old Tarry-

To Register and/or Make a Contribution OInnMlineem:ory of SPIRIT WEAR SALE town Hilton, now known as e
To Regiwstwerwa.nCdB/oGroMlfaTkoeuarnCaomnetrnibt.uctoiomn OEnrinlinOe’C: onnor
e Somers PTA Council is Sleepy Hollow Hotel, where the

selling Somers Sprit wear. Our class held Senior Prom. Featur-

GRHIGRDIHGRDIHGnnnaaacccooioioooonnnnnllluullulllllggenegneffffdddeeeeePPPPeeeSSS,,,rssrsaaaaLLLpp::p:&&uuucccc111ooonnnkkkk888nnnNccNcaaaahhHHhHssseegggg,,,ooooootteeeeDDDlllwrrwreeeiiissnnsnSSSoonnnTToooririieeegggkkfffoorrrnnnGGGiinn&&&oooRRgglNlNlNfff,,,eeeeeGGGtttggwwwrrreeeioioowwwsseeerrrkkknnnttiiiwwewesssnnngggrr&&&wwwaaCCC...aannaCCCrrrddtttBBBFFF//eeeooGGGeeerrsssooo,,,MMPPPlllfffrrraaaaaTTTccckkoootttiiieecccuuueeeaarrrnnnCCaaaoommmnnIccIcIeeefffttooorriiinnnnnnnnniibbttttttttteeaaea...uurrccrcccceeetttttoossosiiMMMoottteemmemiiinnkkkdddeeeiiiOOnnnOOOccnnc’’’CCCooolliioorrornnpppnnnoooeennnrrrooo::aaarrrttteeeaaatttsssp9p9p9o1o1o1n4n4n4s.s.s.555ooo555rrrs2s2s2hhh...555iiippp111,,,444333 store is open year round and ing an elegant bu et dinner
DIRnacinnlugndeee,rsL:&u1n8NchHe,otDlweisnonorekfrGin&oglNf,eGtwreoerknisng& Cart Fees, Practice items ship to your home. Promo with music and cash bar. $115
Hole Sponsor Sign If interested in corporate sponsorship, codes available on the website. per person. More information
contact Mike O’Connor at 914.552.5143 can be found by visiting https://
Visit our store at teamlocker. lakeland-high-school-class-of-
Dinner & Networking s q u a d l o c k e r. c o m / # / l o c k e r s / 1972-50th-class-reunion.ched-
somers-pta-council-store darup.com

Somers Lions Club For any questions,contact Lau-
ra Marino-Scott (lscott1068@
In 1966, the Somers Lions aol.com) or Sue Fowler-Finn
Club was chartered and has grown (susiek @aol.com)
exponentially with dedicated
men and women who volunteer SEE TRUNK PAGE 24

Thursday, July 14, 2022 The Somers Record – Page 9

Celebrating SWC Co-president Jane
Service Zucker, Event Chairwoman
Christine Robbins, SWC Co-
On June 16, the Somers Women’s Club com- attendees was Senator Peter Harckham, who pre- president Pam Manna and
memorated its 50th Anniversary with a celebra- sented the club with a proclamation acknowledg-
tory dinner at Travelers Rest. Among the 100 plus ing the bene cial work they do for the community. Senator Peter Harckham

PHOTO COURTESY OF KENNY
ALSWANG/AT HOME STUDIOS

SURVEY Q8: My child’s teacher(s) com- swered; 80% agreed); Q20: Adults in the school en- Capital Reserve Fund, which will
municates with me on a regular Q14: All students are encour- sure all students follow the rules be used to o set the cost of future
FROM PAGE 1 basis. (330 answered, with 60% in against insults, teasing, bully- infrastructure needs and have a
agreement and 40% not); aged to enroll in challenging aca- ing, harassment, or other verbal probable term of 10 years.
Q3: Students at the school are demic experiences. (312 answered; abuse. (303 answered; about 69%
treated fairly regardless of their Q9: My child’s teacher(s) keeps about 65% agreed); agreed); e projects include upgrading
personal characteristics. (80% me informed about how my child softball and baseball elds, install-
agreed; 20% disagreed); is doing in school. (312 answered Q15: e school allows input Q21: I am satis ed with the ing new tennis courts, renovating
and slightly less than 60% agreed); and welcomes contributions from quality of the school. (299 an- buildings and districtwide paving.
Q4: I feel welcome at the PTA families. (312 answered; about swered; 80% agreed);
and parent group meetings. (90% Q10: I understand the academic 79% agreed); Any expenditures will have to
agreed; 10% disagreed); standards my child is expected to Q22: I would recommend this be approved by voters.
meet. (312 answered, with slightly Q16: If the school can’t help school to family and friends with
Q5: e school keeps all fami- more than 80% in agreement); me, they will connect me with children. (299 answered; about Christopher Platania, assistant
lies informed about important someone who can. (305 answered; 83% agreed). superintendent for business and
events. (Four out of the 334 re- Q11: My child’s teacher and about 78% agreed); operations, pointed out that the
spondents did not answer; of the school give me useful infor- e survey also asked the re- board had already approved the
those, 90% agreed and 10% dis- mation about how to support my Q17: I have a positive work- spondents’ race or ethnicity and transfer of the $1.7 million to the
agreed); child’s academic progress. (312 ing relationship with my child’s what grade their children were in. fund, which he said left “just shy
answered and slightly more than teacher(s). (305 answered; about of $3.5 million in the Capital Re-
Q6: e school communicates 60% agreed); 79% agreed); In other business, the school serve Fund.”
with families in multiple ways board held a public hearing on the
(e.g., email, phone, website). (Of Q12: All students are chal- Q18: Overall, my child feels proposed transfer of $1,750,000 e board also approved an
the 329 who answered, close to all lenged to do their best. (312 an- safe at school. (303 answered; from the State and Local Re- amendment to Blanch’s contract
agreed); swered with slightly more than close to 90% agreed); tirement System Contributions that will increase his annual salary
70% in agreement); reserve fund into its newly estab- by 2%, to $281,864.
Q7: I can talk to a school ad- Q19: If my child reports unsafe lished Capital Reserve Fund.
ministrator when I need to. (Of Q13: Students are provided behavior, I am con dent the prob- e board was set to hold its
the 330 who answered, about 87% with social and emotional sup- lem will be taken care of as soon In May, voters passed a propo- annual reorganization meeting on
agreed, 13% did not); port or counseling. (312 an- as possible. (303 answered; 80% sition establishing a $10 million Tuesday, July 5.
agreed);

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Page 10 – The Somers Record Thursday, July 14, 2022

Opinion

Afro-Cuban fusion ree and not counting!
conclusions 
In previous writings, I shared with (and God snickered).
you that I’ve been married three In another previous column, I hap-

Even living right around the corner, we times. You might wonder how such pily related how Art and I reconnected
had not yet paid a visit to Caramoor
Center for the Arts in Katonah until translated, means “ e casa de los famosos.” an experience has a ected me and the at our class reunion 40 years after our
My friend Gene is a musician too, and as we
lives of my sons. rst date. Because we
listened we got into a conversation about how
Today’s column, had a long history,
WHATWAS marriage was the
last Friday. Much like a good cup of co ee, the we started in music. He was well familiar with post Father’s Day,

experience starts with the lovely grounds. ere the sounds of salsa from working at his Dad’s lets me tell you our ITHINKING? most natural and
story.
is an event space here sign shop in the Bronx during RUTHANN logical move for us.
My rst hus-
for every type of show, summers out of school. His band George is the SCHEFFER During our partner-

from a covered outdoor MAN co-workers blasted Latin music ship, we experienced
1500-seat theater to a OVERBOARD out of their boom-box, and he
small, indoor concert became well acquainted with father of our four and shared the ups

wonderful sons. He and downs of life: an

room almost like watch- RICK the busy rhythms and full horn has remarried, and illness that showed

ing a performance inside a MELÉN sections. I went to high school I am happy to say that we are friends, Art’s bravery in the face of this deadly

museum. e room is one in Chappaqua at a time when visiting each other’s homes, exchang- foe; how we combined and enjoyed our

of many lled with pre- there was only one Black kid ing e-mails, etc. One year at George families; his pride at being a Marine;

cious artifacts and works in our class, and luckily he was and Dee’s Memorial Day barbecue, he the hours we spent talking about any-

of art from the Caramoor a good guitarist. We recruited gave me and the boys DVDs he had thing and everything.

founders’lifetimes of collecting. him for our band, and he showed us some blues, painstakingly put together.  ere on It was very important to Art that

We joined our friends Margaret and Gene some soul and some color. I would have been my screen appeared George and I as a he meet the boys’Dad. We did get

for a concert on Friends Field, outdoors on a happy to be somebody’s in uence if I could young married couple, our children as together with George and Dee a few

gorgeous evening, in front of a spacious wooden nd anyone who thought a musician from the babies and toddlers, Mom and Dad, times: once, at Foxwood’s for brunch

stage, well lit and well mixed. Picnics were wel- bewitching land of Westchester, white, upper George’s Mom, my sister and brother, and a visit to the slots.  George was

come, and although ours was a modest couple middle-class and Protestant was exotic. aunts, uncles and friends now gone. I concerned that since Art used a cane,

of sandwiches, this was Katonah, after all. ere Of course, even though I came out of the marveled at the thought, time and he might need help at the bu et bal-

were elaborate spreads, fancy seating and wines womb fully understanding the rattle as a percus- emotions he had put into this treasure. ancing his plate.

of ne vintage. I think I saw some Louis XV sion element, when it came time to choose an My boys were ages ve through 13 “Don’t worry,”I told him,“as long

furniture and a chandelier. By the way, I’ve never instrument in middle school my dad chose for when Bud became part of our family. as you don’t hear dishes breaking, Art’s

met anyone more bitter than Louis XV, because me, and he did not choose the drums. He chose A soft-spoken, gentle yet strong man, doing okay.”

everyone else had his furniture and he remained the trombone, which although I appreciate now, he walked through life with a certain We also went to barbecues at our

standing most of his life. back then I considered more of a comedy prop, grace. He had a razor sharp sense of sons’homes where Art and George

Providing the music was an Afro-Cuban useful for snatching peoples’toupees. ere was humor and was master of the one- shared their interest and expertise in

quintet, lively and rhythmic. Afro-Cuban would a talented trombone player in last Friday’s band, liners. He also made fantastic potato cameras. I have pictures taken by each

have been great as a restaurant choice, but as a and I noticed two bald players with no toupee, salad and the best chicken cutlets. Bud to memorialize these pleasant and

musical genus it was even tastier. I’m a drum- just saying. was approachable and easy to talk to, relaxed get-togethers.

mer by nature, and soon I was tapping both feet, Music can remind you of a time many sum- a perfect role model for the boys; he Each of my husbands was very

both hands and consider yourself lucky if I left mers ago, cruising in your car with your friends, also liked and respected their father. It di erent in personality and the way

it at that. or it can be the company that misery loves, was his suggestion that George join us he viewed and lived life, a life that

It was the type of performance that you could or it can set the mood for something you’ll for dinner and conversation after his intertwined with one or both the other

dial fully into if you wanted, or just sit back, remember every time you hear it. But I couldn’t Sunday outings with the kids. Fifteen men. I am thankful that George, Bud

relax, have a conversation and come back to imagine me doing any of those things with a years of life with Bud was an amazing and Art played such signi cant roles in

the music when you wanted. I just let the sultry trombone. And when the band teacher insisted gift for me, my boys and my family. We my and my sons’life story.

night absorb the music so I could bask in it. All I play the tuba, I knew my days in the brass sec- were heartbroken and sad when he As I conclude my reverie, I leave

the lyrics were in Spanish, and I only speak just tion where numbered. passed away from cancer. And true you with this heartfelt request: George

enough to get me around at a Mexican restau- When I think of all the time I spent not to himself, he fought that battle with Sr. will celebrate his 94th birthday

rant as long as I don’t mind ordering the wrong practicing the trombone, I realize that I could quiet strength and dignity. in November. He is battling that

thing. I took Latin for two years in middle have used those valuable hours not studying Several years after Bud’s passing, dreaded disease as did Bud and Art. 

school, so I can easily break down the entomol- to become the scholar that I never was. It lls I told myself that another marriage He continues to ght and astonishes

ogy of a word and gure out its basic meaning. me with regret every time I don’t think about wasn’t in the cards for me. I should us at his strength, both physically and

Okay, it turns out that “entomology”is the study it. I suppose that when my parents heard have remembered one of Mom’s fa- mentally. Please remember George in

of bugs, but you get the idea. You simply nd me practicing the drums they just heard a vorite expressions: “Man proposes and your thoughts and prayers.

the root of the word, gure out its pre x and its lot of banging, but to me I was at the pulse God disposes.” I moved to Vermont

su x, and bingo, you’re speaking Spanish. For SEE MELEN PAGE 11 with the thought of perhaps opening a [email protected]
instance, the phrase “La casa de los famosos”
very small bed and breakfast. Enter Art

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Thursday, July 14, 2022 OPINION The Somers Record – Page 11

Happily
Ever
After

Happiness is an W Sadl Sa Goo -By
inside job t M ica Shac ,

GUEST ture, personal development, exercise Bu Hair b Lis Remain Ope We follow strict CDC guidelines.
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ere is one thing you can I used to feel so stuck, down on
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Work on you from the inside out life was just passing me by, and
and nothing can steal that joy. now I can tell you, it doesn’t have
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I learned that lling my cup was change each day and ask for help
essential to having daily joy and if needed. You only get one life.
positivity for myself, for my kids, Choose to live at your best.
and it owed into every aspect of
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MELEN know your kid better than your Servin th communit for over 30 year
kid. 
FROM PAGE 10

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