The Somers Record 03.24.22

Vol. 11 No. 49 Visit TapIntoSomers.net for the latest news. Thursday, March 24, 2022

Solidarity, peace, and hope

e community came to-
gether outside Somers High
School on Sunday, March
20 for a candlelight vigil
in support of the people of
Ukraine. Organized by the
Human Rights Club of SHS,
this powerful evening saw
attendants gather in hopes
for a peaceful resolution. See
more pictures on page 20.

PHOTO: ROB DISTASIO

Budget presented to Board of Ed

Proposal represents 3.59% increase in spending plan 

BY CAROL REIF e proposal represents If adopted by the board and percent, which would almost the budget,” he added.
STAFF WRITER an increase of $3,499,787 or approved by voters in May, “double the amount of revenue e district is estimating that
3.59 percent over the current it would carry a  tax levy  of that we could generate” via taxes,
A 2022-2023 school budget of $97,483,143 spending plan, $84,353,192, up $1,653,984 or 2 Platania said. the tax rate will go up to $175.39
$100,982,930 was presented to according to  Chris Platania, percent from $82,699,208. from $172.69 per $1,000 of
the Somers Board of Education the school district’s assistant But the district is keeping it at assessed valuation. at’s a
at its Tuesday,March 15, meeting. superintendent for business. e maximum levy increase 2 percent and then applying its
allowable under state law is 3.92 appropriated reserves to “balance SEE BUDGET PAGE 8

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SPORTS
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32

10 SUPER SENIORS!

30 St. Patrick’s Party
pg 6

Page 2 – The Somers Record ELEPHANT’S TRUNK Thursday, March 24, 2022

The Staff Somers Central derful works of art created in the any questions or own a restaurant shining the competition,the top 10
School District SCSD K-12 art programs. Held at and would like to participate please DIY home staging tips, and how
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Thursday, March 24, 2022 The Somers Record – Page 3

Faulkner kicks off congressional campaign

BY CAROL REIF was Republican Matt Slater, 36,

STAFF WRITER who last fall won a second term

as Yorktown supervisor and is

Having already received the currently seeking the state As-

endorsements of the Republican sembly seat in the 94th  District

and the Conservative parties of now held by Kevin Byrne.

Westchester, Putnam and Bronx Turning to Slater, McCormack

counties, William Faulkner o - asked, “Tell me, now that they’ve

cially launched his campaign for redrawn the lines, suddenly our

Congress on Saturday, March 19, congressman is Bowman. Uh, is

at e Elephant Hotel in Somers. he now our congressman? Did

Asking for support, the that switch overnight?”

Somers councilman told a cheer- “He will become our congress-

ing crowd of family members, man,” Slater replied, setting up

friends and political colleagues McCormack’s jab at Maloney,

from home and its surrounding who he claimed has only visited

communities that he and fellow Somers “one and a half times.”

conservative Republicans weren’t “Everything I said about

“going to be the silent majority Somers, Sean Patrick Maloney

anymore.” knows nothing. He doesn’t know

“We are going to ip the script. anything about this town. He

We are going to tell the archlib- thinks e Elephant Hotel is

erals and ‘ e Squad’ enough where elephants go for vacation.

of your ine ective and divisive He has no idea,” quipped the for-

politics,” Faulkner declared, re- mer stand-up comedian and tele-

ferring to the well-known group vision/radio personality, drawing

of six progressive Democrats who laughter.

won seats in the 2018 and 2020 Democrats, McCormack

midterm elections to the United claimed, “want us to have a rep-

States House of Representatives. resentative in Washington who

Among them is freshman Rep. basically comes from the Bronx/

Jamaal Bowman (D-Yonkers), Mount Vernon area.”

whom Faulkner is hoping to un- Glancing at Faulkner, he add-

seat in the upcoming midterm ed: “Which is ne if you’re born

elections to the state’s 16th Con- there; that’s great.”

gressional District. “I’m sorry, but I think we need,

Somers had been in the the people of Somers nally need

18th  District, which was repre- some representation in Washing-

sented by Democrat Sean Patrick ton from somebody who actually

Maloney, before the state’s lines spends time in northern West-

were redrawn. PHOTO: CAROL REIF chester (and) who actually knows
what the needs are of people in
As originally con gured, the William Faulkner addressing the crowd outside The Elephant Hotel on March 19.
16th District covered much of the northern Westchester in this part

north Bronx as well as the south- Bowman, an educator and for- work” in the northern part of path of dreams.” of the Hudson Valley,” he said.

ern half of Westchester County, mer school principal, is facing a the district while Gashi needs to “ is guy has been part of Next up at the podium was

including Mount Vernon and primary ght in June from more- make his face known to voters in keeping the town of Somers the Rockland County Executive

Yonkers. Now it includes Somers centrist Democrats, including the south. lowest-taxed town in the high- Ed Day (a Brooklyn native),

among its sizable new population Yorktown’s Vedat Gashi, a lawyer at bit of advice might also est-taxed county in America. who McCormack introduced as

of traditionally moderate voters and Westchester County legis- apply to Faulkner, a 54-year-old at’s because we do things right “somebody who knows every-

in mid- to northern-Westchester lator, and Manuel Casanova of Bronx native who has lived in in Somers, and we know how to thing about taking a tough stance

and parts of Putnam County. New Rochelle, a former political Somers since 1995. hold the line on taxes. While we on how to run a government.”

Republicans have challenged strategist. However, being a resident of do that, we provide all the servic- “I’ll make it simple. Honesty.

the new congressional maps, Just weeks into the race, a third this part of the county actually es that people need,” he said. Integrity. Loyalty. Common

calling them unconstitutional challenger, Michael Gerald, sus- is an advantage, local Republican Faulkner, currently serving his sense. Bill Faulkner. at is the

and blatant gerrymandering. e pended his campaign, citing a Committee Chairman T.J. Mc- third term on the Town Board, gentleman you’re looking to elect

state judge deciding the case re- lack of momentum and family Cormack suggested when intro- ran last fall with fellow Repub- to represent the people of Somers

cently rebu ed the GOP’s bid to obligations. ducing Faulkner Saturday. licans Councilman Anthony and beyond,” Day said.

delay the midterm elections pro- Gerald told  jewishinsider. He’s “a guy from the Bronx Cirieco and Robert Scorrano, Asserting that the country was

cess while the matter plays out in com  that he thought Bowman who made his way to Somers, who secured the supervisor’s role. SEE FAULKNER PAGE 7

court. could expect to do a lot of “leg- pretty much the Westchester Among those in attendance

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Page 4 – The Somers Record Thursday, March 24, 2022

Grand Opening

Grand opening of St. Mary’s Academy

Enrollment is now open for grades 6-8

BY VIM WILKINSON campus of the Kennedy Catholic a limited capacity of one class per and universities coast to coast Father Vaillancourt also said
BUSINESS EDITOR school attended by its students, grade, with possible expansion across the United States.” that enrollment has already begun
sta and the Yorktown Chamber planned for the future. and families are invited to come
John F. Kennedy Catholic Pre- of Commerce o cials. Founded as St. Mary’s in 1924 and be part of the academic pro-
paratory School in Somers cel- “We’ve been here for over 50 by the Sisters of the Divine Com- gram o ered to 6th, 7th and 8th
ebrated the grand opening of its Students currently attending years giving quality Catholic edu- passion and located on 64 scenic grade students. While only public
middle school, St. Mary’s Acad- public school can attend grades 6-8 cation to Northern Westchester acres, Kennedy Catholic provides school students may apply to St.
emy in a ribbon cutting ceremony in an academy setting on the high and Putnam counties,” said Ken- state-of-the-art technology that Mary’s Academy for the 2022 –
on Wednesday, March 16. e school campus at Kennedy Catho- nedy Principal and President, Fa- includes SMART Boards, wire- 2023 school year, wider applica-
ceremony was held on the main lic. St. Mary’s Academy will open ther Mark Vaillancourt. “We send less internet, computer labs and tion opportunities will be available
for the 2022-2023 school year with our students o to the top colleges a TV studio. St. Mary’s Academy in the future. Families with 5-7th
will o er students a full New York grade students in public schools
The ribbon cutting ceremony of St. Mary’s Academy in Somers. PHOTO: VIM WILKINSON State Regents curriculum, as well are encouraged to visit the John
as education in classical literature, F. Kennedy Catholic Preparatory
languages other than English, School website for more informa-
STEM and ne arts opportuni- tion about eligibility and required
ties. admissions testing.

“When we decided to start this “We are opening up our doors
academy, we saw a tremendous in September - enrollment is ac-
need out there,” Father Vaillan- tive now and for those who enroll
court said. “We see in post pan- early, we have some very, very – I
demic America a whole genera- think, enticing scholarship oppor-
tion of young people left behind tunities available,” he added.
and we want to be able to close
that gap – the academic educa- Interested families are encouraged to
tional gap - by giving them strong visit www.KennedyCatholic.org/
formation in Math, Science, Eng- St-Marys-Academy to sign up for
lish and writing. We are going to an information session and entrance
give them quality elite academic exam.
formation here at St. Mary’s.”

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Thursday, March 24, 2022 The Somers Record – Page 5

ST. MARY'S ACADEMY

at
KENNEDY CATHOLIC PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Traditional

American Ideals

and Christian

Values 6th, 7th, 8th Grade

American History, STEM, Classics

Values-Based Catholic Education

KennedyCatholic.Org/St-Marys-Academy

54 Route 138, Somers, NY 10589 (914) 232-5061

Page 6 – The Somers Record Thursday, March 24, 2022

Seniors celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Van Tassell House

It was a festive and fun after- maining home. ditional Irish Corned Beef and ing on Tuesday mornings, social Bridge Club, Canasta Club and

noon during the St. Patrick’s Day Seniors had lots of questions Cabbage meal and munched on dancing on ursday mornings, Mah Jong. For any additional

party at the Somers Senior Cen- for the new Town Supervisor, homemade Irish Soda Bread.   and Chair Yoga on ursday af- information please call 914-232-

ter at Van Tassell House! and he was happy to answer Van Tassell House is happy to ternoons. All of these programs 0807.

Supervisor Robert Scorrano them. Barbara Taberer the Direc- resume the lunch program that are FREE to Somers Residents.

stopped by to say hello and in- tor of Senior Services was happy is available ve days a week, the In addition to exercise and dance Article provided by Somers Senior

troduce himself to everyone. e to “Welcome Home” everyone contribution is $3.00 per meal. we also have a watercolor group, Center.

seniors were all excited to nally after having to shut down due to e center o ers Seated Exercise

come to the center after months, the pandemic. classes on Monday, Wednesday,

and for some of them years, of re- e seniors were served a tra- and Friday, as well as line danc-

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Thursday, March 24, 2022 The Somers Record – Page 7

FAULKNER ing of federal land for drilling. gets through school without be- Electric, he now owns and oper- member of the local Chamber of
FROM PAGE 3
“Doing this in parallel with ing able to read, write or do ba- ates ight schools in Poughkeep- Commerce, he also initiated the

further development of renew- sic math, he said, adding, “It’s a sie, Schenectady and West eld, town’s Telecommunications Task

“in horrible condition right now,” able energy options is our best national embarrassment that so Mass. Force.

Day laid blame squarely on Presi- path forward, short-term and many high school graduates – He is a cadet o cer in the Air Faulkner received his bach-

dent Biden, whom he called “in- long-term,” he said. NOT Somers’s – are being given Force’s Civil Air Patrol and a vice elor’s degree in nance from Per-

e ective” and was “supported by a diploma while being function- president of the Somers Lions due University and his master’s

a bare majority of Democrats in CRIME ally illiterate.” Club, a past president and trea- degree in nance from Fordham

the Congress.” After hearing the crowd en- surer of the Somers Education University. He also participated

“ e policies of the progres- thusiastically cry “No!” when BILL’S BACKGROUND Foundation and a longtime coach in an executive training program

sive Democrats are killing us. We he asked whether anyone there Faulkner spent 25 years in the for the Somers American Youth at Harvard University.

cannot keep prices down; gaso- wanted to defund the police, world of corporate nance  with Soccer Organization. He is engaged to Meredith

line is through the roof. If this Faulkner said, “I agree,” adding: IBM, PepsiCo and General A police commissioner and a Byrne.

ever happened under the past “President Biden: Listen care-

president, it would be front-page fully. You can defund the police

news every day,” he said. over my dead body. Nothing per- NOW OPEN

Calling Faulkner “the right sonal, pal.”
person for the job,” Day declared,
“It’s time to take America back BORDER SECURITY
and make sure people who give a “We are a nation of laws as well

damn about us are the ones who as a nation of immigrants…legal

are in Congress, not getting rich immigrants,” declared Faulkner,

but just doing the right thing.” pointing to his own mater-

Faulkner is “about to embark nal grandparents, who came to Your Family Car Care Center!
on a journey, a new chapter in his America from Bavaria, Germany,

life,” said Scorrano, who spoke in early 1929.

next. “He is about to put his “When they got here, they did For over 20 years, Joe Ferone of Proper Service has been
name out there for all of West- not get to choose which laws they

chester County. He’s about to obeyed,” he said, calling for the serving the community, creating relationships,

put his name out there for the enforcement of “our sovereign and building a remarkable company with
16th  District, right? So putting borders so that America is out an amazing team of employees!
party politics aside, we should all of the business of encouraging

commend him for that.” drug dealers to ood our shores

Praising Faulkner for his “calm with lethal fentanyl killing al- Find out why Joe Ferone of Proper Service needs to be
demeanor,” insight and “ability most 100,000 of our precious a
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Scorrano asserted: “Northern alone.”

Westchester needs that voice.

Northern Westchester deserves INFLATION/NATIONAL DEBT

that voice.” “Be the adult in the room.

Know when to say ‘no.’ You can’t

PLATFORM have two desserts,” said Faulkner.

Among the many issues that Last month, America’s gross

Faulkner is promising to use his national debt topped $30 tril-

“unwavering principles of truth, lion for the rst time, which he

justice, and liberty” to tackle are deemed “wholly unsustainable.”

energy independence, crime, na-

tional security, in ation, the na- EDUCATION

tional debt and education. Saying it is “clear” that “parents

know what’s best for their chil-

ENERGY INDEPENDENCE dren, not government,” Faulkner

Joining Republicans in blam- called for providing school tax

ing Biden’s decision last year to credits and school choice for all

cancel the Keystone XL pipeline Americans, “not just the ones

extension and his suspension of who can a ord it.” LOCATIONS:

drilling in the Arctic National at would create competi- Baldwin Place • 44 Route 118 • (845) 628-7900

Wildlife Refuge for skyrocketing tion, and competition would im-

gas prices, Faulkner called for the prove the quality of education, Croton Falls • 1 Center St • (914) 769-3206
revival of the project and the leas- guaranteeing that no student White Plains • 105 Fulton Street • (914) 428-7185

FORMERLY Joe Ferone
OWNER
PHOTO: CAROL REIF
Visit us at www.ProperService.com
A crowd gathered to show their support as Faulkner begins his
congressional campaign. A Qualified Auto Repair











Thursday, March 24, 2022 OPINION The Somers Record – Page 13

Writer’s Workshops are food for the soul

GUEST grammar that drive us wild, is capturing the genre in her like another. more glorious working environ-
CORNER like how to use the words lay new book. Tracy is invested in a I’m at work on my latest novel ment?
and lie? Should we discuss how book that traces the path of her
LINDA SPEAR to write with humor? How biracial marriage. which I share with the group in Linda Spear is the facilitator
about the essence of emotion in draft form. When it’s not work- of the Writer’s Workshop which
Iabsolutely LOVE what I dialogue? We do it all, and we Jack is heading into publica- ing, they tell me and I review meets weekly on Zoom throughout
do as an author of my own come away with knowledge, tion with a novel that captures the mistakes, tighten up the the pandemic each Saturday
novels and also as a group energy and incredible insight suspense in corporate and prose and move along at the morning. You can contact her at
coach for a well-versed bunch that we’ve developed with one pace that suits me for that day. Lindaspear211@gmail.com.
of writers in my hometown of another. nance business manpractice.
Somers. It’s an electric experi- And so it goes. Not one is Can you possibly imagine a
ence for me in every respect. e On writing days, I think
men and women I work with about much of what our groups Keep the lights on.
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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.

Page 14 – The Somers Record OPINION Thursday, March 24, 2022

Hidden family treasures

READING, Sometimes people on Antiques show to ask if the baseball card card wall. e owners’ young son Fortunately, that six-foot
WRITING & Roadshow nd old paintings in collection had any value. Sadly, had asked his parents if he could clown looming over our beds
CHOCOLATE a back closet that turn out to be no monetary value, the appraiser decorate his bedroom wall with did not give us nightmares.
valuable works of art. Sometimes explained, because the cards were the duplicate baseball cards from When my parents added a
KIM the value of art can only be mea- mass produced, not rare col- his large collection. Ms. Brodt third bedroom onto the house,
KOVACH sured in memories. lectibles. Also, the baseball cards invited that baseball fan, now 44 I moved across the hall into
were glued onto the wall. years old, to walk down memory my own large bedroom. My
Iread about a Massachusetts A woman in Boise, Idaho, lane and view his childhood bed- brother remained in the small
family determined to dis- bought a xer-upper house last Ms. Brodt tracked down the room wall of baseball cards. bedroom. A few years later,
cover if rumors of money year and worked to remodel home’s original owners who had Mom decided that the clown
hidden somewhere in the family the home room by room. She constructed the house in 1969 to at unexpected nd behind mural was a bit too juvenile for
home since the 1950s were true. couldn’t wait to revamp the back a bedroom wall prompted my my brother. Mom did not want
bedroom, which was painted in nd out more about the baseball own memory of my child- to paint over or wallpaper over
e family had hired carpenters a dark green color with one wall hood bedroom. On a whim, my her clown mural. So, my dad in-
to poke around the structure in covered in dark green outdoor mother decided to paint a mural stalled blue fake-wood paneling
years past. Deciding to give it shingles. on the wall of the small bedroom over that bedroom wall.
one last try before putting the that I shared with my younger
house on the market, they hired Melissa Brodt got to work brother. Moving the child-sized Mom sold our childhood
a Connecticut based treasure ripping o the unusual choice bed and crib out of the way, home in 1996. I wonder if
hunter. of material covering the wall. Mom had painted the entire the subsequent owners of that
She uncovered an entire wall of wall purple. en she painted a house have ever considered
According to the article, Keith baseball cards! A total of 1,600 colorful six-foot-tall clown in removing the blue wall paneling
Wille went up to the attic with colorful baseball cards from the the center of the wall. e clown in the small upstairs bedroom?
his metal detector and within 1970s and 1980s lled the wall had orange hair, red lips, and a I hope they don’t have a fear of
one hour located a lockbox hid- from oor to ceiling. e cards striped costume with big oppy clowns!
den under the attic oorboards. had been glued to the wall with shoes. On one side of the clown,
What a discovery—$46,000 in strong adhesive. Mom painted a small dog. On Kim Kovach is always surprised
neatly wrapped bundles of cash! the other side of the clown, she when detailed memories surface!
Ms. Brodt lmed her dis- painted a monkey. www.kimkovachwrites.com
Not every hidden treasure covery on her phone and then
turns out to be so lucrative. contacted an appraiser who often
appears on the Antiques Road-

What makes our home
so special has a lot to
do with the service.

Every funeral service deserves to be truly memorable, flawlessly planned and correct to
the smallest detail. The families of our community have long turned to us because we
give every funeral service that kind of respect. In fact, giving our best is simply the way
we do everything here. That can go a long way toward providing real comfort for the
families we serve. And we think that makes our funeral home a special place indeed.

JOSEPH J. SMITH
FUNERAL HOME, INC.

845-621-1992 | 692 U.S. Route 6, Mahopac
Joseph J. Smith, Owner/Director | josephjsmithfuneralhome.com

Thursday, March 24, 2022 OPINION The Somers Record – Page 15

Understanding Pi Day and other math

STRONG march around one of its circular see how much you remember denominator is called a) an remainder
LEARNING spaces while eating fruit pies. It from those high school math improper fraction b) a mixed 13. e answer to a division
caught on in the science world, courses than now? fraction c) percent d) ratio
DR. LINDA and on March 12, 2009, the problem is called the a) sum b)
SILBERT U.S. House of Representatives Here’s a little quiz to chal- 7. e number on the top in a product c) quotient d) remain-
passed a non-binding resolution lenge your math memory. fraction is called the a) denomi- der
Dear Dr. Linda, recognizing March 14, 2009 as nator b) numerator c) addend
My 14-year-old grandson an- National Pi Day. 1. An angle that measures less d) sum 14. A right angle is a) 45% b)
than 90° is a a) right angle b) 180% c) 360% d) 90%
nounced that it was pi day. So, Pi Day has been celebrated obtuse angle c) acute angle, .) all 8. e number on the bot-
I asked him who’s having pie in many di erent ways, includ- of the above. tom in a fraction is called the a) 15. e distance from the
day…which supermarket? He ing eating pie. Two interesting denominator b) numerator c) center of a circle to any point on
looked at me a bit bewildered, facts: 1) e Massachusetts 2. e formula, length times addend d) sum the circle is called the a.) area
and said, “How would I know Institute of Technology (MIT), width is used to measure the a) b) circumference c) diameter d)
which supermarket?” At this in 2012, announced it will post area b) perimeter c) volume d) 9. An angle that measures radius
point, I made it clear that I had their admissions to the college, all of the above more than 90° is a a) right angle
no idea what he was talking privately online, on Pi Day; 2) b) obtuse angle c) acute angle, Answers: 1. C, 2. A. 3. C, 4.
about. “Grandma,” he said, “it’s Since Albert Einstein’s birthday 3. e word for the distance d) all of the above B, 5. D, 6. A, 7. B, 8. A, 9. B, 10.
March 14, pi day, p-i, not p-i-e.” was on March 14 and he lived around a circle is a) diameter b) C, 11. C, 12. B, 13. C, 14. D,
At that point, I said, “I don’t in Princeton, N.J.for more than radius c) circumference d) arc. 10. Two lines that always have 15. D
know what you’re talking about. 20 years, they have a combined same distance between them
Go do your homework.” celebration that day. 4. A mathematical sentence are called a) perpendicular b) Hope you had a happy Pi
with an equal sign is called a) similar c) parallel d) identical Day!
I mentioned this to a few On what better day could geometry b) an equation c)
friends, and some had heard we celebrate this mathemati- algebra d) an equilateral triangle 11. Two lines that create a Dr. Linda
about it, but had no idea what cal known than on March 14? 90-degree angle are called a)
it was. To make a long story (Hint: March 14 is abbreviated 5. A numerator divided by parallel b) similar c) perpen- Dr. Linda is co-author of
short, it seems my children and 3/14). And what better time to a denominator is called a a) dicular d) none of the above “Why Bad Grades Happen to
grandchildren all knew about a parallel b) perpendicular c) Good Kids,” and director of
it. So, I went online. How did geometry d) a fraction 12. e answer to a multipli- Strong Learning Tutoring.
we, my generation miss this? cation problem is called the a) Send your questions to Linda@
Most of us have college degrees. 6. A fraction in which the sum b) product c) quotient d) stronglearning.com.
Anyway, I’d like to pass this on numerator is larger than the
to my peers. Pi day refers to pi
like we learned about in high 2021 was a
school, 3.14, not apple pie (as I CRAZY YEAR!

rst thought). Now, I celebrate We can help make your taxes less crazy.
with the rest of th world!

Jill
Dear Jill,

at’s a great story! If it
makes you feel any better, unless
their careers involved more than
simple math calculations, most
senior citizens probably don’t
remember the word or know
that we celebrate pi as a na-
tional holiday.

So, what is pi? It’s the dis-
tance around a circle—the
circumference—divided by the
distance across it—its diameter.
No matter how large or small
the circle, the answer will always
be approximately 3.14, repre-
sented by the symbol “π,” or pi.

e concept of Pi Day began
in 1988. A physicist, Larry
Shaw, at the San Francisco
Exploratorium, organized a

Editorial Submissions 845-628-5400
Press releases and photos
should be submitted to The SFGtaxes.com | info@sfgtaxes.com
Somers Record by the Thursday
before the next publication date. 824 Route 6, Suite 4 | Mahopac, NY 10541
Submissons can be emailed to
somersrecord@halstonmedia. Securities o ered through Cantella & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Cantella and Co., Inc. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice.
com or mail it to The Somers This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or
Record, 118 N. Bedford Road,
Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
10549. Send a self-addressed
stamped envelope if you’d like
your photo returned.

Page 16 – The Somers Record OPINION Thursday, March 24, 2022

e gift of remembrance

BRUCE Fifteen years after his birth, it ity. e rare form of dwar sm BIRTHDAY GIFT PROMISE be happening. Please, God.”
THE BLOG felt we were coming full circle to Harrison was born with stunted A diary he started the night At 12 years old, Elissa found
Harrison’s birthplace, the city of his growth short of even the leg-
BRUCE Brotherly Love, for a life-saving endary Tom umb of P.T. Barnum before his surgery con rmed that herself an only child. Unable to
APAR operation. fame. Even at 15, he stood three Harrison’s pre-surgery game face comprehend the downcast death
feet, weighed less than 40 pounds. was not an act. His journal notation mask of mourning that I now wore
When Elyse’s and my son Tethered to the oxygen tank said that he fully expected to “give 24/7, she asked her mom,“Will
and Elissa’s brother that let both him and us breathe Whatever he lacked in vertical my dad a refreshing birthday gift daddy ever be happy again?”
needed open-heart sur- easier while he was quarantined inches, he more than made up for in wrapped in esh -- a son’s healthy
gery No. 3 in 2003, the rst date of- in our Yorktown Heights home con dence, smarts, and a quick wit heart.” Elissa, now an elementary school
fered us by Children’s Hospital of for the prior 11 weeks, Harrison that invariably left people around teacher beloved by her students, and
Philadelphia was March 20. We – all three feet of him – soldiered him agape. Less than 48 hours after those Elyse – gifted with peerless nurtur-
took that as a sign, partly astro- his way through the hospital words were put to paper, Harrison ing instincts – have become the life-
logical, partly superstitious, partly corridors, seemingly undaunted anks to Harrison’s passion for came out of surgery OK but later a rming answers to 12-year-old
pleaful hope. at is my birthday. by the prospect of having his sports – he played and o ciated went into cardiac arrest. e best ef- Elissa’s plaintive question. Without
Must mean something, right? torso invaded yet again by heart baseball and basketball in Yorktown forts of six doctors hovering over his them, I’d be more than not happy. I’d
surgeons. Athletic Club, among peers virtually bed in the ICU were not enough to be nowhere.
Philly is the city where Harri- twice his size – I learned the inner bring my birthday gift back to life.
son burst onto the scene, in 1987, rough it all, he exuded the strength it takes to hold your head Harrison did come through
in Philadelphia’s Pennysylvania same combative spirit as Sylvester high even when low to the ground. e despair that seizes you as the on his birthday present for me, in
Hospital, same place Rocky Bal- Stallone’s underdog hero.It was then, surgeon delivers the numbing news many ways. It is a gift for us to be
boa’s son was born, on the silver and ever since,that – with equal parts anks to his canny insights and that he couldn’t save your son robs surrounded by a community full of
screen. Upon emerging, Harrison pride and humility – I know I’m not way with words, I learned -- when your emotional well-being. Hope concern and compassion for each
even paid homage to Rocky by half the man my son was. he was selected by faculty to address surrenders to Hell. In that moment, other. It is a gift that Harrison’s vi-
classmates at the 2001 Mildred E. your world is a vacuum, empty brant spirit inspires a local charity. It
ashing a shiner under one eye. TINY ASTOMTHUMB Strang Middle School graduation – and meaningless. Nothing matters is a gift that his presence can be felt
Where Harrison and Rocky “Dreams do not come easily, but if other than the end of a life that at the town ball eld named for him.
you stretch enough, nothing is out you created. Your own life becomes
were not at all alike is in physical- of reach.” incomprehensible.“No. is cannot FIELD OF DREAMS
At the foot of the agpole at
GOLD • SILVER • DIAMONDS
Harrison Apar Field of Dreams
WE BUY WATCHES • COINS • FURS in Yorktown Heights, a dedication
plaque is mounted on a post that is
PAINTINGS • FULL ESTATES the same three-foot height as Har-
rison. It’s built that way by design
The Buying Service to remind kids and adults alike
We simply pay more! that the true measure of a person
is not in inches, or in material
Contact Barry possessions, but in heart and soul.

914-260-8783 Every year at this time, Har-
rison Apar Field of Dreams is the
americabuying@aol.com site of an opening-day ceremony,
hosted by Yorktown Athletic
DENTAL Insurance Club (YAC) and Yorktown Parks
1-855-225-1434from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. and Recreation. Part of the ritual
Kit is for a young player to read aloud
Call to get your FREE Information the dedication plaque. ( is year’s
dental50plus.com/nypress ceremony is April 2, 2022 at 11:45
IsasTntibNcmao:ltuiuePldast15e.rt0sAohTctfiNsfhcee)er;ipn.RPtsCiaaudenrrertcatirecinfikicpicgenaaudttasisenroaBglCin4c2(t3ii5etn80ae/tAGdBioA4(fn:3IoD.9Dr:eT(oCsGhn2iAigs5e:n0BsaiEn4pt;es3ePud9cAr)Bifia:)Pnc.Crc2ooe5vf0ifpdeQoer)lr;isciIsyna/sncnuedorrtatPniarficevcevaaeitPlneaotblioivlcefeytiBhnPei1s5nC0eOtfiy;(ptGsceAa.R:llCiPdo11e-5n8r0t.0aGP0cArt-o;9duN6us9Yc-:f4toP7nr185o1c0toNoamrYv;parOlieelaKstpb:eolPedn15edin0taOfaiolKlsrl; a.m.)
One time use only. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other coupon or offer.
Coupon offer good until December 31, 2022. Valid for any new It lls our family’s hearts that a
special place for us is made even
service except subscription fees. Must mention coupon at time of sale. more special by YAC and the Town.

6255 ey have made it a matter of civic
pride to make the place that bears
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Locally Owned & Operated CALL US TODAY FOR 1-855-478-9473 As the plaque at Apar Field says,
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• Sales • Rentals • Service • Buybacks Same Day Installation
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Bruce can be reached at bruce@aparpr.co;
914-275-6887.

Thursday, March 24, 2022 The Somers Record – Page 17

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Page 18 The Somers Record – Th

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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 Ser
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.

hursday, March 24, 2022 Page 19

ANKER REALTY

T Real Estate service... Selling or Buying a home can be Stress Free!

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vice, 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. ©2021 Coldwell Banker Realty. All Rights Reserved.

Page 20 – The Somers Record Thursday, March 24, 2022

UKRAINE CANDLELIGHT VIGIL Holding candles and ashlights, the Rights Club of SHS also gathered do- PHOTOS: ROB DISTASIO
community came together in front of nations for Ukraine Relief. For more
Somers High School for an evening of information on their e orts, contact the Human Rights Club members Corryn Watt, Nicole Cassara,
solidarity, peace and hope in support Human Rights Club via Schoology or Ella Goldman and Charlotte Potter
of Ukraine on March 20. e Human at Somers.HRC@gmail.com.

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Thursday, March 24, 2022 The Somers Record – Page 21

Supporters
gathered
outside SHS
on March 20.

PHOTOS: ROB DISTASIO

Supporters giving donations to Ukraine Relief.

Hall Rental

at the

Putnam Italian American Club
1010 Route 22 • Brewster, New York

Bill Szpynda showing his support. Somers High School alumni Tatiana • Suitable for all types of parties and events
Barankewicz, Emily Szpynda and sister Adriana • Hall holds 100 to 120 people
speak to the crowd about their Ukranian
heritage and the effects of the war. For more information or to schedule an event, please contact:

Jimmy at (917) 803-7893

Page 22 – The Somers Record HEALTH &WELLNESS Thursday, March 24, 2022

Get kids on a healthy track

Childhood obesity is a serious fers the Mayo Clinic. To reverse Academy of Pediatrics states that Teach children Children may be inclined to
medical issue a ecting children course, parents, guardians and only 25 percent of children get that weight loss entertain themselves by heading
around the world, but notably educators can focus on helping the recommended 60 minutes of is accomplished for the television, mobile phone
in North America. While the is- children become more physically physical activity per day. Empha- or tablet rst, especially after a
sue has been around for decades, size a fun activity with a focus on when more year-plus of being stuck indoors.
the Centers for Disease Control t. e following are a few ways movement that produces short- calories are But parents can make a concert-
and Prevention says Ameri- to do so. ness of breath, body warmth and burned than ed e ort to limit kids’ screen time
can children and teenagers have sweat. ese are indicators that consumed.’ in favor of more physically chal-
witnessed a signi cant increase • ENCOURAGE the heart rate is really pumping. lenging pursuits.
in weight gain since the COV- PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS ing trip to a scenic national park.
ID-19 pandemic began. OR OTHER PHYSICAL • USE EXERCISE AS A REWARD Kids will be begin to associate ex- • TEACH HEALTHY EATING
ACTIVITIES AND NOT A PUNISHMENT ercise with fun. HABITS
Younger school-aged children
have been among the hardest hit Sports practices, games, com- Make exercise something kids • OFFER A VARIETY OF A Harris Poll survey conduct-
during the pandemic. A study petitions, and other activities can look forward to. Reward a FOODS ed on behalf of the American
published in September 2021 may keep children moving for job well done on a test with extra Psychological Association found
found the percentage of obese an hour or more several days per time biking with friends or a hik- Kids who eat a variety of foods that 61 percent of respondents
children and teens increased to week. However, the American are more likely to get the nutri- age 18 and older reported a me-
22 percent compared with 19 ents the body needs, according to dian weight gain of 15 pounds
percent before the pandemic. Kids Health® by Nemours. ese during the pandemic. Teach
healthy foods should include at children that weight loss is ac-
e CDC looked at the BMI of least ve servings of fruits and complished when more calories
study subjects between March 1, vegetables a day, with an empha- are burned than consumed. Pay
2020 and November 30, 2020. sis on vegetables. attention to portion sizes and
One of the study’s authors, Dr. explain how beverages like fruit
Alyson Goodman of the CDC’s • LIMIT SCREEN TIME juices can be sneaky sources of
National Center for Chronic extra calories.
Disease Prevention and Health
Promotion, described the results Children may need a little
as “substantial and alarming.” extra help getting t, especially
if they gained weight during
Being less physically active, the pandemic. Teaching healthy
overweight and eating the wrong habits now can help kids enjoy
foods can start children on a path healthy futures.
toward problems that once were
only considered conditions of is article was provided by Metro
adulthood, namely hypertension, Creative Connection.
diabetes and high cholesterol, of-

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Thursday, March 24, 2022 The Somers Record – Page 23

ASK THE DOC

Did I tear my meniscus?

Dr. Steven Andelman, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in adult and pediatric sports medicine, discusses
what such tears mean and what can be done to treat – and prevent – them.

The meniscus, a C-shaped disc of soft cartilage that sits between the femur and the tibia, acts as a cushion or “shock absorber” in each of your
knees. There are over 500,000 meniscal tears in the U.S. every year – but not all of them are alike.

There are two kinds of these tears: acute, which tends to occur with younger people during an activity like playing basketball or even getting
out of your chair; and degenerative, which can coincide with the wear-and-tear we experience as we get older, starting at about age 40.
If untreated, the latter can contribute to arthritis and chronic pain going forward.

The assumption that surgery is the only option in meniscal tear cases is often untrue. We treat patients on an individualized basis and the
great majority can recover through medications, injections, physical therapy and/or bracing. If surgery is necessary, we have a range of new
instruments and procedures that are minimally invasive and done arthroscopically.

Whatever the course of treatment, most patients can recover within six to eight weeks. Although sometimes meniscal tears “just happen,”
preventive measures can be taken: Stabilizing the knee to maintain a strong core through exercises that strengthen the legs and/or wearing a
knee brace, properly warming up before and after exercise, and of course maintaining a healthy exercise and diet regimen.

KNOW THE SIGNS

1. THE POP 2. WEAKENING KNEE 3. ONGOING PAIN 4. GROWING STIFFNESS

Hearing a “pop” and Having the sensation that Experiencing continued Feeling painful and stiff
experiencing unusual your knee is “buckling” or painful popping in the knee, after sitting for a long time
pain on either side of giving out even when not putting (in a car, at a movie, etc.)
the knee undue stress upon it

Get savvy about your health. Find an orthopedic surgeon by calling (914) 849-MyMD.

Page 24 – The Somers Record Thursday, March 24, 2022

Conditioning for an injury-free golf season

get you ready for ing your core and

GUEST the golf season and With each golf gluts tight, rotating Lize Lubbe is the owner of Lize Lubbe
CORNER reduce the risk of in- swing, your from the hips to Physical erapy with its main practice
juries: the thoracic spine, located at 892 Route 35 in Cross River and
LIZE body undergoes mimicking the golf a PT Studio in the premises of Apex Fitness
LUBBE 1. Warm up and swing, but keeping (where her team focus on the rehabilitation
build up your en-

Golf is good exercise for young and old durance. Take a dai- a combination the weight below of sports-related injuries). Learn more by
in the fresh air. ly brisk 20-30 min of rotational, shoulder level. Re- calling 914-875-9430, emailing contact@
walk. Elongate your compression, peat both sides. lizelubbept.com or visiting www.lizelub-
With Spring around the corner, now spine, swing arms, bept.com
taking long strides. Additional prepara-
tion for the golf sea-

is the time to prepare your body for good 2. Stretching. stretching, and son:
days on the golf course and reduce the (Done seated in an shearing forces Doing the cor-
risk of possible injuries. You can mini- upright chair. Do that can result in
mize injuries by improving your physi- slowly and pain free rect exercises is not
cal limitations: tightness, weakness, and to both sides. Repeat enough to prevent
injuries. Also im-

functional balance instabilities. Remem- 10 times - hold 15- back pain due to prove your golf
ber that when you play golf, your whole- 20sec.) weakness in your technique through
body functions together as a unit. It is the professional
therefore crucial to maintain a balance in • Fold your arms core and gluts.’ guidance of a golf
your body between conditioning, exibil- and rotate your tho- pro. APEX Fitness
racic spine and head

ity, strength, stability, and balance. from one side to the -Lize Lubbe in Cross River has
Causes of most common golf injuries: other side, exhale as Physical erapist at a golf pro and an
e most common golf injuries occur you turn. Lize Lubbe Physical erapy indoor golf simu-
lator that can help
in the wrists, elbows, shoulders, back and • Bend from the

knees due to repetitive movement during waist down to the you understand and

a golf swing. ground stretching the lower back out. identify swing faults and reinforce correct

• Wrist injuries: over stretching mus- • Straighten your one leg out with your mechanics and changing wrong behavior.

cles during the full golf swing and lead heel on the oor, ex your foot back and Contact your physical therapist timely

to wrist tendonitis. Two major groups gently lean forward with both hands to- if you experience any physical discomfort

of muscles form tendons that attach wards your ankle – feel the stretch be- that may hinder your game.

onto the bones in the wrist. First, the hind your leg, knee, and calf.

exor group that is on the palm side of • Cross right ankle over left knee and

the hand and allow you to form a grip lean forward towards your right foot until

around the golf club. And second, the you feel the stretch in the right buttock.

extensor group on the back of the wrist • Arms straight out in front of chest.

that opens the ngers and keeps the wrist Bend your wrists and ngers down and

stable during the impact and swing. e up, feel the stretch in your forearms.

latter group is more prone to tendonitis 3. Strengthening. (Repeat 10 times,

because they are over stretched during hold 5 sec. Add more weight or resis-

the full golf swing. tance bands and repetitions as you get

• Elbow injuries: Golfers frequently stronger.)

develop elbow tendonitis from using an • Lay on the ground, knees bent and

incorrect grip or an overuse of their fore- feet at. Tighten the core muscles and

arm muscles (in the inner tendon of the slowly raise your buttocks up to the ceil-

elbow or “golfers’ elbow” or in the outer ing in a bridge position. Add a small ball

tendon of the elbow or “tennis elbow”). between knees and squeeze the ball as

• Shoulder injuries: e golf swing you bridge up. en tie a belt above your

places stress on your shoulders and can knees to push knees open as you lift.

cause rotator cu tendinitis due to over- • Lay on your side, knees bent. Open

use of your shoulders, tightness in the the top knee to ceiling in a clam shell,

thoracic spine and shoulder joints. keeping your feet together.

• Back injuries: With each golf swing, • Lay on your side, bottom leg bent

your body undergoes a combination of and top leg straight. Lift top leg sideways

rotational, compression, stretching, and up keeping a straight line with your body

shearing forces that can result in back and your leg.

pain due to weakness in your core and • Go onto your elbows and move your

gluts. knees further away from your elbows

• Knee injuries: Knee pain can re- into a modi ed plank position if you feel

sult from improper weight distribution strong and comfortable go on your toes

during your golf swing as your feet are into a full plank tightening your core and

rmly on the ground and your hips and gluts.

torso rotate during the golf swing which 4. Functional balance while stand-

puts stress on the knees. ing. Stand in a semi-squat position feet

Prevent golf injuries through proper shoulder width apart. Hold a 3-5lb

conditioning: weight with both hands and transfer your

e following conditioning tips will weight from right leg to the left leg keep-

ADVERTORIAL

Thursday, March 24, 2022 HEALTH &WELLNESS The Somers Record – Page 25

How to keep a pet-friendly home clean

68 percent of American households, or

about 85 million families, own a pet, accord- Regularly wash
ing to the 2017-2018 National Pet Own-

ers Survey conducted by the American Pet bedding and other
Products Association. Canada’s Pet Well- belongings that pets
ness report indicates that approximately 35 use. This will help
percent of Canadian households have a dog, tame indoor odors.’
while 38 percent have a cat.

Dogs, cats and other companion animals
can be wonderful to have around, breath-
ing energy into a family. Despite all of the
advantages pets can bring, they tend to be

a little messy. However, that doesn’t mean

it’s impossible to have a pet and maintain a

clean home.Homeowners just need to take a are better suited to pets because the fabric is

few extra steps to help things along. tightly woven and may be more resistant to

fur and soiling.

• MANAGE PET FUR

One of the persistent issues pet parents • LAUNDER PET ITEMS

face is fur. Grooming the pet regularly (pref- Regularly wash bedding and other be-

erably outdoors) will help tame some of its longings that pets use. is will help tame

fur. Covering sofas and other places where indoor odors.

pets like to lounge with an old sheet can con-

tain some of the fur where it can be shaken • PAUSE FOR PAWS ATTHE DOOR turn to the soiled area again and again think- • KEEP NAILS NEAT

o outdoors and laundered frequently. Keep a small container of water by the ing this is an acceptable potty location, says Clipping dog and cat and other small ani-

front door. When returning from walks, dip Modern Dog magazine. Test an area of the mals’ nails may help avoid scratches on fur-

• UPGRADE YOUR VACUUM the dog’s paws into the water and dry before carpet or oor being treated for colorfastness niture and oors. If you do not feel comfort-

You’ll need a vacuum with strong suction entering the house. is keeps dirt (and salt before applying.Address accidents promptly. able doing it, take the animal to a groomer.

to pick up fur, dirt, dander, feathers, birdseed, in the winter) from being a nuisance. Pet owners can keep their homes clean

and any of the other debris that can accumu- • CHOOSETHE RIGHT UPHOLSTERY regardless of how much dirt their pets track

late thanks to pets. A vacuum with a good • GETTHE RIGHT CLEANSER According to Martha Stewart Living, into the house.

brush action also can dig in deep to carpets Pet owners must contend with accidents. look for top-grain, semi-aniline leathers, as

and upholstery to really clean thoroughly,say Look for an enzymatic cleanser that will scratches are disguised on such pieces. In is article was provided by Metro Creative

the experts at House Beautiful. treat stains and odors so that pets do not re- terms of fabric, micro ber or microsuede Connection.

His two tiny babies spent twelve days in
Northern Westchester Hospital’s Level III NICU,
the highest possible level Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit in a community hospital.

“We learned everything there. The NICU nurses
took great care of our babies – and us.”

We deliver more than babies.
We deliver experience…when it matters most.

nwh.northwell.edu/maternity

Page 26 – The Somers Record HEALTH &WELLNESS Thursday, March 24, 2022

What to do when a loved one gets sick

GUEST emergency room through their Every household should
CORNER admission and transport to a
have a folder that contains
ALAN D. oor, obtaining information can
FELLER, ESQ. be di cult. Every household each person’s Health Care
should have a folder that con-
Reacting to an emergency tains each person’s Health Care Proxy, Living Will and
is an imperfect sci- Proxy, Living Will and Power
ence. In rare instances, a of Attorney. Having scanned Power of Attorney.’
rhyming phrase like “stop, drop copies of these documents is
and roll,” distills all you need to also helpful. Medical person- -Alan D. Feller
know. When a loved one gets nel will ask for a copy of the Sloan & Feller
sick, short-term confusion gets Health Care Proxy so that there
mixed up with long-term fear. are authorized people to speak hospital environment. Seek out ity are keys to steering recovery encouraging results. Still, fam-
Removing the anxiety is not re- with in case the sick person is friends and family members after a health crisis. Once the ily members of an ill loved one
alistic, but organization blended unresponsive. Setting up proper who have been through this picture becomes clearer and should work together to ensure
with education can format a communication between the before or who are medical pro- discharge planning is discussed that nances are organized
checklist that is logical for most necessary family members and fessionals. Even if the issues are a family must focus on long- properly to handle further long-
families. doctors, nurses, and social work- outside of their expertise – they term care. When will Medicare term care charges including
ers makes things signi cantly may know the right questions to coverage end? Can their loved possible nursing home care. Es-
e rst hurdle is handling easier. ask. Never underestimate your one be brought home? Will tate and Medicaid planning has
the initial crisis or interven- own knowledge of your loved home health aides be necessary to be considered so that funds
tion. From the time a person ose rst few days can be one. Recovery usually results or is an assisted living facility are not spent haphazardly. All
is brought to a hospital’s tough. Decisions concerning from a combination of good a better option? How will this families face illness. Setting up
treatments and synthesizing the medical care and a desire to get care be handled nancially? Is a foundation of preparedness is
available medical information better. at desire can be fueled there a long-term care insurance the key to staying strong in the
requires time which is a luxury by the person themself and their policy in place? Will Medicaid face of adversity. Contact the
in the current overstressed support system staying positive be sought to pay for care? What professionals at Sloan and Feller
and engaged. professionals are needed to as- today for more information.
Rooney Orthodontics sist the family? Elder care pro-
Children & Adults Once a loved one is stabilized fessionals can provide helpful Alan D. Feller is cofounder of
and they leave the hospital insight so that these questions Sloan & Feller in Mahopac, a
for a rehabilitative facility, the can be answered. multi-disciplinary law practice
next hurdle presents itself. specializing in elder law,
Rehabilitation provides the rst Long-term care still o ers estate planning and business
glimpses of your loved one’s opportunities for recovery. advisement. He can be reached
new reality. Maintain solid Intelligent management of at 845-621-8640. Contact the
communication with the physi- medication, outpatient doctor professionals at Sloan and Feller
cal therapy and nutrition sta . and physical therapy visits and today to go over long term care
Avoiding detrimental weight secure home or assisted living options.
loss and sustained loss of mobil- care supervision can lead to

17 Miller Rd. Elder Law & Estate Planning
Mahopac

845-621-1222

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