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Published by Halston Media, 2024-03-12 21:19:01

North Salem News 03.14.2024

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S PAPER! Vol. 9 No. 46 BALANCED ROCK 2 LEISURE 16 OPINION 8 SPORTS 14 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. MARCH 14 – MARCH 27, 2024 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER The North Salem community is mourning the death of Herbert F. Geller, someone that everyone seemed to know, love, and respect. Known as “Herb,” the longtime Candlewood Park resident passed away at 102 on Thursday, Feb. 29, at his home. He was predeceased by his wife, Gloria (Feldman), in 2015. The couple had three daughters: JeriAnn Geller, Sharon Zinn, and Nisa Geller. Geller’s family remembers him as “gregarious, outspoken, fun loving, and adventurous” and someone who made friends easily and kept them throughout his life. According to Nisa, as a writer and a newspaperman her dad liked nothing better than a good story or a witty remark. He also had a “song for every occasion.” When he turned 99 in 2020, local first responders turned out in force to give him a Happy Birthday fire truck parade. (Because of the pandemic, Geller’s usual indoor birthday bash couldn’t be held.) As it was early December and cold out, Geller watched from a rented tent on his front lawn, kept nice and toasty by an electric blanket with an extralong cord. Family members handed out cupcakes. “We even got him a bullhorn so he could say hello to everyone,” Nisa recalled. When he hit the century mark, Geller was honored with proclamations from then-County Legislator Kitley Covill and Westchester County Executive George Latimer. His greatest joy was his family. Geller is survived by his daughters; sons-inlaw Dr. William Zinn and Jeffrey Tannenbaum; grandchildren Ariel, Grant, Benji, Isabella, Oriana, Joseph, and Samuel; grandson-in-law Ben Starkweather; and great-grandson, Gabriel Starkweather. He was predeceased by his sister, Erna Beth Drucker. He also leaves eight nieces and nephews, eight Community mourns the loss of Herb Geller Beloved North Salem man was 102 years old Geller was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for a series of articles he wrote about the bicentennial. BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER The North Salem School District is gearing up to offer Universal Pre-K this fall. The tuition-free, publicly funded program aims to level the playing field for all children by giving them a strong start both in school and in life. District administrators did their homework before reaching out to families via several “community conversations” and a survey to determine their level of interest in participating in UPK. And it was very high, said Pequenakonck Elementary School Principal Dr. Roy Martin who -- along with Superintendent Dr. Duncan Wilson and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Adam VanDerStuyf – outlined the district’s vision for UPK at a recent Board of Education meeting. Here are some of the ABCs. As a full-day program, it would serve up to 32 kiddos in two classrooms at PQ, run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and focus on play-based learning, basic reading and math skills, and socialemotional development. To be eligible, children must be four years old by Dec. 1, 2024. Because there are currently more folks interested than available spots, a lottery system will have to be used. No one likes lotteries, especially Wilson. “I wish we could never have them when it involves opportunities for kids,” he said, noting that there’s always going to be someone who doesn’t make the cut. The district is also looking to help working parents out by possibly offering before- and after-school care. Funding Fundamentals The New York State Education Department has reserved up to $329,400 for North Salem’s UPK. One of the district’s tasks to be completed is to coordinate with the NYSED on the funding, which will cover the program’s entire cost. The exact amount will be based on enrollment and other factors. North Salem schools set to offer Universal Pre-K SEE GELLER PAGE 18 SEE PRE-K PAGE 17 Call Us Today For A FREE ESTIMATE! (845)225-9522 • (914)242-PAVE (7283) www.hartshornpaving.com Quality you can DRIVE ON! Residential & Commercial PAVING & ASPHALT SEALING


Page 2 – North Salem News North Salem News USPS #22110 Published Weekly by Halston Media, LLC at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Tom Walogorsky Editor: 914-302-5830 [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky (845) 661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [email protected] DESIGNERS Noah Elder Bri Agosta Haven Elder Jacob Elder EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines North Salem News Deadline The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for North Salem News is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected] Online Follow Us Periodicals Postage Paid at Somers, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to North Salem News at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 March 14 - March 27, 2024 More than 50 Stepinac High School students, including North Salem’s Liam Smith, were recently inducted into the school’s National Honor Society (NHS) St. Thomas More Chapter! The NHS was created to recognize the nation’s outstanding high school students. Each year, students are inducted into Stepinac’s chapter based on their high academic performance, their service to the school and community, their demonstrated leadership skills and their good character. MAKING THE PHOTO COURTESY OF STEPINAC HIGH SCHOOL grade! Employment Opportunity The Town of North Salem is seeking two individuals for part-time positions as Recreation Attendants.   Candidates will perform routine work under specific instructions at the North Salem Community Center in Croton Falls. The positions are entry level in the field of recreation, and may include basic custodial and maintenance tasks. A detailed job description can be found on the town website at  www. northsalemny.org.  Please send resume and cover letter to Janine Kourakos at [email protected] or by mail to 266 Titicus Road, North Salem NY 10560 by March 22, 2024. North Salem Lions Club Easter Basket Drive By Saturday, March 23, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. The North Salem Lions Club is hosting an Easter Basket Drive By at the North Salem Town Hall and Ruth Keeler Memorial Library campus for town and school district families. The North Salem Lion and Easter Bunny will gift each child with an Easter basket! For ages 2 - 11. Event will be held rain or shine. Please be sure to register in advance at northsalemny.org/ recreation so your child will not be disappointed - once the time slots are filled, registration will close. BALANCED ROCK SEE ROCK PAGE 6 with REBATES from BELL! SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO! ENJOY 0 DOWN, 0% FINANCING! ACT NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! LIMITED TIME OFFER 845-600-8004 | www.bellmech.com Heat pumps are a cleaner & healthier alternative to traditional heating & cooling systems. This all in one system will eliminate your need for fossil fuel and help you save thousands. Learn more about rebates & financing options! EXCLUDES SERVICE CONTRACT • EXP 4/30/24 Coupon must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offer. $50 OFF ANY OF OUR SERVICES SAVE THOUSANDS in Federal, State and Local Incentives on your new HEATPUMP PROJECT CALL US TODAY! Sniff out sweet savings


BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Life’s little ups and downs are a whole lot easier to handle when there’s a sunny optimist along for the ride. That’s the heartwarming premise of “A Grandpa Joe Day!,” a children’s book written and illustrated by North Salem resident and rollercoaster fan Bill Shea. It’s a tribute to Shea’s own grandfather, Joe Tuoti, a beacon of positivity who, he says, never let a bit of bad weather stop him from taking him and his siblings out for an adventure. The clouds always seemed to miraculously depart whenever the intrepid troupe arrived at its destination, whether that was a beach or an amusement park such as Playland in Rye, and they’d have the place all to themselves for a few glorious moments. The book will make its debut at a launch party on March 20 at the Prospector Theater in Ridgefield, Conn. The Ruth Keeler Memorial Library has booked the brand-new author for a “Pajama Tales” reading from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, March 25. Little listeners are encouraged to wear their PJs and bring along their favorite snuggly stuffie. There will be crafts inspired by the book and bedtime snacks as well. After the reading, they can stay and chat with Shea and even get their “A Grandpa Joe Day!” copies signed. Shea promises to wear a rollercoaster T-shirt if he can track one down and bring his plush monkey with him. When he was a creative director working in advertising, Shea liked to create his own storyboards, which are a series of drawings, usually with a few directions and dialogue, that represent shots planned for a movie or television production. He got the idea for the book a while back, but after making a few sketches put it aside. “Then this COVID thing comes along and you think it’s the end of the world,” Shea recalled. But instead of retreating into gloom and doom, Shea turned being stuck inside into something positive, just like his grandfather would have done. He hunkered down and finished the book. The colorful drawings were created with magic markers and pencils, not by computer. “They’re not perfect, but that’s part of their charm,” said Shea. Of course, it helped that his supportive friends were there to give him that little “kick in the pants” needed to take it to the next level – getting the book into the hands of young readers. Shea had a bunch of copies printed by an online service, gave one to his mother for her birthday and several to friends’ kids. “The response was amazing. It really seemed to strike a chord,” he said. The reaction was less than amazing, however, when Shea started shipping it around to publishers. “It was like ‘no, no, no,’” he said. (That’s not surprising at all. Getting published is a tough gig. Fewer than 1 percent of all aspiring authors are able to snag a traditional publishing deal. For every one who does, there are 99 who don’t.) Inspired by the spirit of Joe, he refused to turn the car around just because a few metaphorical raindrops were splattering its windshield. Then a friend drew his attention to KWE Publishing, which bills itself as a “small but mighty” collaborative of writing coaches, editors, and designers whose mission is to “discover and market authors whose works inform, inspire, and make a positive impact on the Universe!” It guided Shea through all the serious author stuff, like getting the work copyrighted and obtaining an ISBN (International Standard Book Number). It also got him on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookstores. It was a perfect match for Shea, who said money isn’t the object, bringing light into people’s lives is. “I’m not going to make a million dollars, but I want to share this story, and the love I had for my grandpa, with as many people as I can,” he said. He plans to read to kids at schools, hospitals, and libraries and to kids at heart in nursing and rehab facilities such as Waterview Hills and Salem Hills in North Salem. In a time where there’s so much negativity around, it’s good for folks to know that “the clouds are going to go away and things are going to be better,” Shea said. The real Grandpa Joe has been gone a long time, but “the fact that he’s still a major presence in our lives, shows what an incredible person he was,” he added. Tuoti was an artist. He painted landscapes in the style of Edward Hopper, portraits, and even clowns. The title doesn’t drop until March 20, but folks can pre-order through Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, independent booksellers, and on Shea’s own website, www. agrandpajoeday.com. Books on the Common in Ridgefield works closely with the RKML. Both have been very supportive of Shea’s mission. His skills have made a difference in other ways. As the original creative director of Autism Speaks, Shea played a pivotal role in shaping it into the leading nonprofit autism charity in the country. Nowadays, Shea produces impactful videos for other nonprofits such as the Autism Science Foundation and the Ali Forney Center, which advocates on the behalf of homeless LGBTQ+ young people. Shea had served on the board of SPACE on Ryder Farm, a nonprofit residency program for creatives of all types and an organic farm located in nearby Brewster. He is married to Frank Selvaggi, a confidant and business manager to performers, writers, power brokers, and A-listers such as “Sex in the City” actress Sarah Jessica Parker, as well as Anne Hathaway, and Jimmy Fallon to name a few. Shea and Selvaggi lived in bucolic North Salem “on and off” for 25 years. The couple recently gave up their New York City apartment and are now permanently ensconced in their 100-year-oldplus farmhouse with three dogs: Sherlock, Dodger, and Jackson. The whole “Grandpa Joe” experience has been so “fun” and rewarding that Shea’s contemplating writing a few more children’s books. The running joke around the Shea-Selvaggi household is: “‘Oh, look it’s the soon-to-be New York Times best-selling author!’” “Manifest big, that’s all I’m saying,” Shea laughs. Your Neighbor March 14 - March 27, 2024 North Salem News – Page 3 914-277-4424 • 440 Rt 22 North Salem, NY • www.theblazerpub.com CELEBRATING 531 YEARS! Feast like the Irish... Come Hungry, Leave Full! Bill Shea North Salem author pens children’s book Bill Shea, author of “A Grandpa Joe Day.” PHOTOS COURTESY OF BILL SHEA


Page 4 – North Salem News March 14 - March 27, 2024 Westchester Bluegrass Club www.westchesterbluegrass club. com On the Trail & Special Guests Saturday, March 16, (6:30 p.m. Doors, 8 p.m. show) Most recently, On the Trail had the honor of winning the 2022 Thomas Point Beach Band Competition after participating in 2021’s Telefunken Battle of the Bands at the Podunk Bluegrass Festival. They also were selected as an Emerging Artist at Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival 2023. On The Trail features Austin Scelzo (fiddle and vocals), Tom Polizzi (mandolin and vocals), Charlie Widmer (guitar and vocals) and Matt Curley (upright bass and vocals). Ruth Keeler Memorial Library The library is open for browsing, computer use and reading! Please visit www.ruthkeelermemoriallibrary.org for more information. Most programs are in person or on ZOOM. Send an email if you want to participate to [email protected]. When you email, a link will be sent to click on, including a password to enter. Fun with Puppets Thursdays, March 14, 21, & 28, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Bring your little ones to the library for fun-filled story time and a puppet show! Our toddler storytime will engage the imaginations of our youngest library visitors. With a mix of classic children’s stories and new favorites, these story time sessions promise an adventure in learning and fun. Create Your Own Zine! Saturdays, March 16, 23, & 30, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Are you ready to unleash your creativity and express yourself through the art of zine-making? Look no further! This exciting Zine-Making Class ignites your imagination and empowers you to create unique, personalized publications that reflect your voice and perspective. Author Talk Wednesday, March 20, from 7 to 8 p.m. “The Glass Universe” by Dave Sobel is the hidden history of the women whose contributions to the burgeoning field of astronomy forever changed our understanding of the stars and our place in the universe. Books are available at the library. Toddler Storytime Wednesdays, March 20, & 27, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Join in for fun and interactive toddler story time! This program is designed for children birth - 5 and their caregivers to enjoy stories, songs, and activities together. Ms. Elizabeth will read engaging stories and lead interactive activities to help build early literacy skills and encourage a love of reading. The library will also provide a safe and welcoming space for children to socialize and make new friends. West Point Band at North Salem High School The West Point Band will be offering a free concert at the North Salem High School auditorium on Saturday, April 13, beginning at 3 p.m. Doors will open at 2:15 p.m. The North Salem LIONS Club and the Ruth Keeler Memorial Library are co-sponsoring this event, which is open to everyone in North Salem and beyond. Organizers are honored to offer this prestigious performance to their community. Attendants are asked to please arrive in time to reserve a seat, as there are a limited number available. For questions, contact the library at 914-669-5161. The West Point Band is the Army’s oldest active-duty band, founded on the beautiful and historic grounds of the United States Military Academy in 1817. The band traces its lineage to fifers and drummers who were part of Continental Army units at West Point during the time of the American Revolution. Officially established on June 8, 1817, the West Point Band recently celebrated its bicentennial. Although many changes have occurred over the years, music continues to be an essential aspect of daily life for the cadets and Soldiers at the academy. Today, the band continues to inspire and motivate the next generation of the Army’s leaders, as well as serving as musical ambassadors for the Army to the nation. ROCK FROM PAGE 2 SEE ROCK PAGE 6 LOCATIONS: Baldwin Place • 44 Route 118 • (845) 628-7900 Croton Falls • 1 Center St • (914) 769-3206 Find out why Joe Ferone of Proper Service needs to be YOUR Go-To Automotive Service Center! YOUR FAMILY CAR CARE CENTER For over 100 years of combined auto experience, Joe Ferone and his sta of Proper Service have been serving the community, creating relationships and building a remarkable company with an amazing team JOE FERONE, owner of employees! Scan Here To Sign Up (It’s FREE!) Get YOUR Town’s Local News In Your Inbox Daily


March 14 - March 27, 2024 North Salem News – Page 5 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Lift Trucks Project is currently hosting an exhibit of abstract paintings by French surrealist Christian Lemesle. The gallery and artist space is located at 3 East Cross Road in the North Salem hamlet of Croton Falls. Born on July 10, 1932 in Paris, Lemesle was a renowned painter and collage artist whose works were “deeply influenced” by surrealism, says the gallery’s owner and artist Tom Christopher. Part of the “vibrant art scene of the 1950s,” and in the “midst of acclaim for towering figures like Picasso,” Lemesle’s “unique approach” gained him widespread recognition, noted Christopher. This led to exhibitions at the Salon de Mai in Paris in 1961. In 1960, Lemesle was awarded the prestigious Prix Fénéon. Established in 1949 by Fanny Fénéon, the widow of French art critic  Félix Fénéon., the prize is awarded annually to a French-language writer and a visual artist no older than 35. Lemesle was the second husband of esteemed Haitian painter and collage artist Luce Turnier. Lift Trucks is “thrilled” to be able to exhibit some of Lemesle’s “masterpieces and (to) celebrate the legacy of this influential artist who, despite living in the shadows of giants, emerged as a luminary in his own right,” Christopher said. Lemesle’s art was showcased at Galerie du Dragon in Paris. Founded in 1955 by the poet Max Clarac-Serou, the gallery played a pivotal role in promoting new artists and in “cultivating a vibrant artistic community,” according to Andrea Nuti, a curator and art dealer in Paris. The Galerie du Dragon closed in 1995. The area where the Galerie du Dragon was located was the center of literary activities. Its “significance” is further accentuated by its association with the La Librairie du Temps (BookStore of Time), as depicted in a Lemesle work that features a large clock, Nuti said. Some pieces in the Lift Trucks exhibit bear the gallery’s label, while others trace their provenance to David Findlay Gallery in New York City. For further information, visit www.ltproject.com. Lift Trucks Project unveils new abstract exhibit The gallery is currently displaying works by French surrealist Christian Lemesle. PHOTO COURTESY OF LIFT TRUCKS PROJECT BY EMILE MENASCHÉ CONTRIBUTING EDITOR This spring, Travelers Rest will fill with laughter for a seriously worthy cause. For more than 37 years, CAREERS Support Solutions (careerssupportsolutions.org) has been helping people with disabilities of all kinds find jobs. Originally based in lower Westchester, the non-profit now has locations in Carmel Hamlet (102 Gleneida Ave.) and Valhalla and serves Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties. A funny way to raise money CAREERS comedy night will help support jobs for disabled people SEE COMEDYPAGE 6 Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. Managing Member • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500 WHITE PLAINS • SOMERS • WWW.ESSLAWFIRM.COM • Asset Protection • Elder Law • Medicaid Applications (Nursing Home/Home Care) • Guardianships (Contested/Non-Contested) • Wills, Trusts & Estates Past Chair of Elder Law Section of NYS Bar Association “Super Lawyer” In Elder Law for 16 consecutive years CALL NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 914.948.1500 What steps have you taken to protect your life savings from the cost of long term care?


Like many nonprofits, CAREERS relies on a combination of grants and donations to operate. And according to Executive Director Tina Cornish-Lauria, funding has become more of a challenge in the post-COVID world. “Things have changed so drastically,” Cornish Lauria said, noting that the grant application system has become more complex. “In the past, I’d raise $200,000 in grants. And now last year and this year I’m close to having to fundraise almost $400,000 to our budget.” Those funds are necessary because all CAREERS services are provided for free. “We do not charge clients, their families, or employers for our services,” Cornish-Lauria said. This year, CAREERS is launching a fun and funny way to help shore up the budget with its firstever comedy night on Friday, April 12, at Travelers Rest in Ossining. Comedians Dimitri Giatrakis, Vicki Sanches, Dr. Blain Langberg, Anthony Sanches, Susan Schatzie, Matt Orefice, LouAnn Daprato, Bill Greene, and Barbara Miller will provide the laughs at the fundraiser, with all profits going to help CAREERS in its mission to help disabled people find employment. “Anyone who lives in Westchester, Putnam or lower Dutchess counties and has a disability is eligible for our services,” CornishLauria said. “You can call CAREERS Support Solutions Carmel office at 845-225-8007 and ask to attend a weekly orientation Zoom meeting. That is the first step. Then ACCES-VR (the NY State Education Department) will need to do an intake for services after they attend the 45-minute meeting.” Part of what makes CAREERS so effective is that it tailors its services to the interests and abilities of each client, looking for well-fitting jobs with the same tools used by job seekers everywhere. “After we receive a new referral, we set up an intake where we gather information from each client, their case manager, family members, etc., and figure out as a team what services they need,” Cornish-Lauria said. “We do not have a pool of jobs that we fit people into. On the contrary, we figure out what each client wants and needs and go looking – just like anyone else looking for a job or paid internship. “Because we work with a wide range of disabilities, that means there is also a wide range of functional levels,” she continued. “We have clients working in daycare centers, lawyers offices, supermarkets, retail stores like Marshall’s and HomeGoods, school districts, hospitals, churches, libraries, and any other places that our clients are interested in working in and have the right experiences for.” While the program works with local school districts and serves around 200 high school students per year, Cornish-Lauria said there’s no age limit. “We provide services to anyone between the ages of 16 to up in their 70s,” she said. CAREERS Board of Directors President Lauren Enea said the comedy night is about more than raising funds; it’s also a chance to increase awareness of CAREERS’ programs. “We’re very excited to introduce or reintroduce CAREERS to the community and hopefully get some more support from our community members in a fun way and with an engaging and exciting night,” Enea said. “We have an amazing list of comedians who are donating their time to perform, so we’re hoping for a good crowd and for them to learn more about careers throughout the night as well.” Tax-deductible sponsorship opportunities are now available for the April 12 CAREERS Support Solutions Comedy Night. Email [email protected] for more information. Individual tickets are also available at Zeffy.com, accessible via the accompanying QR code or this case-sensitive short link: https:// bit.ly/CAREERSComedy. Page 6 – North Salem News March 14 - March 27, 2024 Dr. Blain Langberg and eight other comics will perform to benefit disabled job-seekers at the CAREERS Support Solutions April 12 Comedy Show fundraiser. PHOTO COURTESY OF YOUTUBE COMEDY FROM PAGE 5 Cross over to reliable propane delivery! New Suburban Propane automatic delivery customers receive*: FREE Installation to existing gas lines Safety check On-site tank requirement assessment New customer pricing Automatic delivery Budget payment plans Web portal and mobile app for easy account management 24/7/365 emergency service PLUS 1-800-PROPANE Mention Code: 3822 *Offer expires 4/30/2024. Tank installation special applies to standard installation of above-ground tank. Offer applies to new residential customers with a fuel service agreement, subject to credit approval. Customer is responsible for the removal of competitor’s tank. Not to be combined with any other offer or discount. Other restrictions may apply. 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March 14 - March 27, 2024 North Salem News – Page 7 In Case You Missed It The stories below were published on our website in-between print editions. Never miss another local story again by visiting News.HalstonMedia.com. Scan the QR codes in the summaries below to read the full story. Scan Here To Get The Top Local News Delivered To Your Inbox Daily. West Point Band to Perform at North Salem High School The West Point Band will be offering a free concert at the North Salem High School auditorium on Saturday, April 13, beginning at 3 p.m. Doors will open at 2:15 p.m. The North Salem LIONS Club and the Ruth Keeler Memorial Library are co-sponsoring this event, which is open to everyone in North Salem and beyond. Organizers are honored to offer this prestigious performance to their community. Attendants are asked to please arrive in time to reserve a seat, as there are a limited number available. For questions, contact the library at 914-669- 5161. Landmark Status Sought for Quaker Burial Ground The North Salem Historic Preservation Commission is recommending that the old Peach Pond Quaker burial ground and meeting house site be granted landmark status. Being landmarked grants structures and sites some measure of protection in the future, but, just as importantly, the designation shows respect for the people who once lived and died there. Listed among the purposes of the local landmarking law is to foster pride in those elements of North Salem’s past that give the town its “unique character” and “its sense of orientation and civic identity.” Burdick and Harckham Announce ‘Traveling with Dignity Act’ New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Chris Burdick announced the “Traveling with Dignity Act,” their new legislation, at a special press conference on Feb. 26 alongside leaders from Constructive Partnerships Unlimited, a trusted provider of supports for people with disabilities, plus members of the disability community and advocates. The “Traveling with Dignity Act” will provide for height-adjustable adult changing tables and facilities to be placed within a facility for personal hygiene and made available for persons with disabilities, veterans, seniors or other individuals in public roadside rest areas, museums, libraries, and buildings and amusement attractions. Westchester Oratorio Society Invites Community to ‘Dance Thru the Decades’ On Friday, March 15, travel back in time to support the Westchester Oratorio Society, when the group presents its spring fundraiser, “Dancing thru the Decades” featuring the music of the 50s 60s and 70s. Come dressed in the decade of your choice and join the “almost famous” rock ‘n’ roll band “Da Spallinas” led by WOS president Joe Spallina for a fun filled evening of dancing, live music, good eats, soft drinks and a cash bar.


March 14 - March 27, 2024 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC BRETT FREEMAN, PUBLISHER TOM WALOGORSKY, EDITOR TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Editorial Office: 914-302-5830 [email protected] Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those of North Salem News or its affiliates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail to [email protected]. For more information, call the editor at 914-302-5830. Opinion Page 8 – North Salem News Happily Ever After As objective and independent news writers and editors, we have an imperative to cover the issues most important to the people in North Salem. Every day, our team is on the ground reporting on municipal and school news and uplifting the stories of community changemakers. But, amidst industry challenges, it is no longer unfathomable to picture a future when New York State is completely without local newspapers and other local news outlets. According to the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, 2-1/2 newspapers now close each week in the U.S. More than 3,000 newspapers have shuttered across the country since 2004, and New York has been particularly hard hit. In 2004, New York boasted 501 newspapers; today, it’s only 260. In 2022 alone, 30 newspapers closed across the state. A quarter of New York’s counties are news deserts-–down to their last newspaper. Orleans County recently became the first in the state to have none. These closures have also resulted in thousands of lost journalism and newsroom-supporting jobs. Local news matters. Studies show that when a community loses its source of local news, it experiences decreased voter turnout and civic engagement; increased municipal borrowing costs that lead to higher taxes; and decreased transparency among government and business officials, leading to increased waste, fraud and abuse. As newspapers shutter, communities become more polarized, leaving us stuck in a never-ending doom loop where we lose sight of our shared values. During this era of intense national partisanship, local news offers a path forward. The time to act is now. That is why North Salem News has joined with over 150 other New York local newspapers to launch the Empire State Local News Coalition. The Empire State Local News Coalition, comprising both print and online local newspapers, is advocating for sound public policy that ensures the important work of local news organizations can continue in our state. Through our independent journalism, we aim to serve, inform, uplift and protect New Yorkers. Our coalition cares deeply about our local communities as well as the future of New York’s free press. However, market forces are making it nearly impossible for us to survive. So, together, we are sounding the alarm bell for our leaders in Albany to hear. At the heart of our advocacy is the Local Journalism Sustainability Act. Sponsored by NYS Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, with the bipartisan support of 55 co-sponsors, this bill provides tax credits to local news outlets for the employment of local news journalists. We want to thank Sen. Pete Harckham and Assemblyman Chris Burdick for supporting this legislation. News organizations are incentivized to actually add jobs, returning reporters to many of the state’s newsrooms, which are becoming increasingly desolate. Importantly, the bill is also content neutral, meaning that any legitimate local news outlet--left, right, or in between--can benefit from this bill. The objectivity of the bill’s eligibility requirements means the legislation cannot be weaponized to penalize news organizations critical of government officials. As New York loses talented journalists, lawmakers must act to ensure the industry is allowed not only to survive, but also to thrive. Only local news outlets--with boots-on-the-ground journalists--can deliver the hyperlocal updates and investigations necessary to sustain a community’s civic and financial well-being. Imagine no stories about the Town Board meeting or the school budget debate. No pictures of your granddaughter’s first soccer goal. No obituary of your friendly (and eccentric) neighbor. No reporting to hold public officials to account. And no trusted institution to convene the community around a family in need. We need your help to save local news in New York. To get the Local Journalism Sustainability Act across the finish line, lawmakers need to hear from you about why our newspaper matters and why this bill is important to you. If you would like to help, reach out to Gov. Hochul and to Harckham and Burdick (still helpful for them to hear from you, even though they are already co-sponsors) to let them know you stand with local news. Imagine a future without local news New York must enact the Local Journalism Sustainability Act Support the New York Local Journalism Sustainability Act Contact Governor Kathy Hochul: 518-474-8390 Contact Senator Pete Harckham: 518-455-2340 Contact Assemblyman Chris Burdick: 518-455-5397 Our newspaper is a proud member of the Empire State Local News Coalition: support the coalition at SaveNYLocalNews.com. EDITORIAL


March 14 - March 27, 2024 North Salem News – Page 9 A Guardianship Proceeding is not something that is typically commenced unless there is a true necessity. It is a last resort mechanism for when someone is no longer competent to make their own personal and financial decisions, and has not executed a sufficiently broad Durable General Power of Attorney and a Health Care Proxy. Here are six factors to consider prior to commencing and filing the proceeding: (1) Determine whether the Alleged Incapacitated Person (AIP) has executed a valid Durable General Power of Attorney (POA), Health Care Proxy (HCP), Living Will and HIPAA form. The existence of the aforestated advance directives may obviate the need for a Guardianship Proceeding if they are sufficiently broad enough to deal with the issues present in the particular case at hand. For example, in many instances a valid POA has been executed, but the POA is not sufficiently broad to address the AIP’s financial needs. There may be an immediate need for broad gifting powers for Medicaid and or estate planning purposes where the POA only permits gifting to specific people and in a limited dollar amount, such as $500 or less. (2) Review how title to the AIP’s assets is held. Does the AIP have assets in joint title with others? If so, can these assets be accessed by the joint title holder if the AIP is not able to make decisions as to his or her financial affairs? If so, a Guardianship Proceeding may not be necessary as to those assets. (3) Has the AIP executed a Last Will and Testament or an Inter Vivos Trust? If a Last Will or Inter Vivos Trust are in existence, it will be important to determine whether or not any proposed transfer or disposition of the AIP’s assets sought in the Guardianship Proceeding is consistent or inconsistent with the AIP’s wishes expressed therein. If a beneficiary(ies) under an existing Last Will or Trust is affected by a proposed transfer, he or she will be entitled to notice of the Proceeding and a right to be heard. (4) Prior to filing a Guardianship Proceeding, it is important to determine whether the powers the Guardians will seek will be of an “unlimited” or “definite” duration. Obviously, a critical factor as to the duration of the Guardianship will be whether there is a likelihood that the AIP will be able to handle his or her financial affairs at a later date. Additionally, it will be necessary to determine whether there are any specific or special powers over the person or property that the Guardian requires that are not enumerated as part of the standard powers provided for under the Mental Hygiene Law. For example, perhaps the Guardian needs the power to relocate the AIP to another state or wishes to make gifts or transfers of the AIP’s property. Such powers must be specifically granted to the Guardian, sometimes in a separate proceeding. (5) Does there exist the possibility that the Guardianship will be contested? The possibility that the Guardianship will be contested will have a significant and important impact on whether or not to commence the Proceeding. It is always a difficult decision to commence a Guardianship for one’s father or mother, but the decision is made significantly more difficult when the Petitioner knows or believes that mom, dad or a sibling will contest it. Voluntarily placing oneself into a litigious proceeding with a parent or a loved one may have significant consequences depending on the level of mental capacity of the AIP. (6) Is the appointment of a Temporary or Independent Guardian advisable? In cases where there exists a significant possibility for either personal or financial harm to the AIP because he or she is unable to handle his or her affairs, it may be advisable to request that the Petitioner(s) or an independent third party be appointed a Temporary Guardian pending the final determination of the Court. This is often utilized when there is an immediate need to marshal the AIP’s assets to prevent waste, dissipation or fraud, or where there is an immediate need for someone to handle the Alleged Incapacitated Person’s personal and financial affairs. Additionally, in a contested guardianship setting, an independent non-related third party may be appointed as the guardian of the AIP in a final order by the Court in order to avoid any parties to the matter from making decisions regarding the AIP, where they cannot come to an agreement as to what is in the AIP’s best interest and who should act as the Guardian long term. In conclusion, although the aforestated factors are not the only factors that one should consider prior to commencing a Guardianship, in my experience they are often the most important! Lauren C. Enea, Esq. is an Associate at Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP. She concentrates her practice on Wills, Trusts and Estates, Medicaid Planning, Special Needs Planning and Probate/Estate Administration. She believes that it is never too early or too late to start planning for your future and she enjoys working with individuals and families to ensure that their estate and long-term care plan best suits their needs. Ms. Enea is on the executive committee of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Elder Law and Special Needs Section and is also the Co-Editor of the NYSBA Elder Law and Special Needs Section Journal. She is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida. She can be reached at 914-948- 1500. Commencing a Guardianship Proceeding? Beforehand, consider these six factors under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law ‘It is always a difficult decision to commence a Guardianship for one’s father or mother, but the decision is made significantly more difficult when the Petitioner knows or believes that mom, dad or a sibling will contest it.’ -Lauren C. Enea, Esq.  Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP LAUREN ENEA GUEST CORNER FOCUS ON ELDER LAW


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After years of reckless spending and omnibus mega-budgets, we finally took a step in the right direction by passing the first of two smaller and more narrowly focused spending bills. Congressman Mike Lawler not only helped keep the government open, but he also secured $36 million in federal funding for our district. Our former representative, Mondaire Jones, brought home only a fraction of that in his first year in office. The House spending bill didn’t cut food stamps, ban abortion, or overthrow democracy like radical progressives claimed it would. It funded clean drinking water, safe roads and utility infrastructure in the Hudson Valley. It kept our country running but made a fiscal plan and began to tighten the belt. It’s a slow process to undo 30 years of bad practice, but we’re finally on our way. Doing it right takes work, something Jones wasn’t interested in doing when representing us. The adults are finally back in charge. Lawler’s hard work this appropriation season has funded law enforcement, environmental conservation, public infrastructure and resources for those in need. It’s nice to see a congressman who shows up for his community, and we should expect it of every one of our leaders. -Marcus Sarno North Salem LETTER When I was a teen, my brother got me my first “real” job and I am sure he regretted that move until the day he died. Back in the ’70s, he was a vice president and head loan officer at the National Bank of Pawling, which is now Key Bank. He got me a summer job as a teller. I don’t think they keep data on such things, but I just may have been the worst teller in the history of banks. I enjoyed it. It wasn’t difficult work. You got to socialize all day long. But I stunk at it. Literally... as you will soon see. Besides providing friendly customer service, the most important thing a teller must do is balance the cashbox when your shift is over. You count the money before you start and again when you finish. The machine will tell you how much cash you took in and gave out. It should all balance. For me... it seldom did. I’d always have half the staff crawling all over my station, going over the machine tape, recounting the money, and crawling around on the floor looking for stray bills I might have dropped. It was embarrassing. It was the end of a long day and these poor people just wanted to go home. But Bob can’t count. My career in the banking industry was doomed early on. One day (this was when I was a senior in high school) the president of the bank called me in for a chat. He wanted to know if I was interested in banking and if I was going to pursue a business degree in college. Now, all these years later, I realize what I should have said was, “I don’t know yet, sir. I am still carefully weighing all my options... but it’s certainly something to consider.” But instead, what I said was: “Are you kidding me? Oh, my God, no!” Nonetheless, they kept bringing me back every summer. In 1976, the drinking age was 18. I turned 18 on July 15 and took advantage of it throughout that summer. Friday nights were as good a time as any to do it. The problem with that was my job as a bank teller required me to work on Saturday mornings. Had to get there by 8:30. One particular Saturday morning I was hungover. Now, to give you some perspective, this one would easily make the Top 10 Worst Hangovers in the History of Fermentation. I knew I was going to be sick the moment I pulled into the bank parking lot that morning. I was wearing a jacket and tie, so this was going to be a first. The plan was simple—go straight to the men’s room, get it over with, clean up, get some coffee, get to work, and tough it out until noon, when we closed. Unfortunately, the janitor was in the men’s room mopping when I got there. The ladies’ room was occupied. Yikes! Plan B – go to the vault, get my cashbox, take it to my station, and get set up. The janitor should be done by then. Ahh, but as they say, “Man plans, God laughs.” When I got to the vault, without warning, physiology took over, my stomach would not wait any longer, and the little metal room suddenly smelled like a dive bar. One of my teller co-workers walked in just then, saw my whipped-dog expression, and burst out laughing. She quickly regained her composure and led me to my station, got me coffee, and then got the janitor to take care of the mess in the vault. Other than that, the morning was uneventful, but I’ve never forgotten that incident. And I haven’t really told that story to anyone before, except maybe a few friends, for obvious reasons. It is true... as you get older you don’t care what people think anymore. It is weirdly liberating. I was never really “fired” by the bank, but on my last summer vacation home from college, I was told there were no jobs available that year. But my brother came to the rescue once again. He wanted to know if I wanted a job working at a new hardware/lumber store that was opening in town. I knew as much about hardware as I did banking so I thought, sure, that sounds great! The store was owned by two of my former high school teachers who had decided to change careers. They went from molding young minds to selling molding. They made the right decision... trust me. I had had them as teachers. I thought the job would primarily be stocking shelves and waiting on customers. It was not. The first day they had me out in the warehouse working a forklift. I cannot stress strongly enough how bad this idea was. I had never worked a forklift before, but they acted as if it was just like riding a bike. They gave me a few quick lessons and left me to my own devices. But the forklift didn’t want to do anything I commanded it to do Working for a living BOB DUMAS OUT OF MY HEAD SEE DUMASPAGE 11


Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxx. pg XX OPINION North Salem News – Page 11 719 Rte. 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com 60 Years of Excellence CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE Softening. Filtering. Clean Water Solution. March into $pring $avings! $150 OFF INSTALLATION OF A SOFTENER and it wasn’t too long before I had smashed up a few pallets of lawn fertilizer, spilling piles of the stuff all over the place. So obviously the next thing to have me do was use the forklift to load a flatbed truck with a bunch of cinder blocks and then drive them to a construction site. Somehow I got the blocks on the flatbed without any major disasters, but I had never driven a truck like that before. I am pretty sure you needed a certain type of driver’s license to do it. I just had a regular license and I only had that for a couple of years and was still trying to get better at parallel parking. (They teach parallel parking in driver’s ed, but to this day there is no record anywhere of anyone actually doing it successfully. Kind of like folding a fitted sheet.) I headed out to the construction site going about 8 mph the whole way. The site was about 50 yards off the road and you had to drive through an open field to get there. You followed the tracks that previous heavy vehicles had made. The problem was that the path was not level. It kind of tilted a little to the right because of the lay of the land. The tilt got more extreme as you got closer to the site and by the time I arrived, I was on about a 30-degree angle. The cinder blocks began to slide, busted through the straps, and half of them fell to the ground where they pulverized each other into literal cinders. Somehow, I was still not fired. However, my job description did change radically. Now I was stocking shelves and waiting on customers and life was as it should be. The only machine they would let me near is the cash register and I think I might have broken that too. So... I wasn’t good at the cushy office job where you wore a tie, and I was even more of a disaster at hard labor. What was I to do? Fortunately, I found a career where you spend half the day sitting at a desk with a typewriter, later a computer, and the other half driving around and trying to get people to talk to you when they would much rather gouge out their own eyes than do that. Now I just sit and type, type and sit. The world can breathe a collective sigh of relief that there are no more busted cinder blocks and no unbalanced cashboxes or stinky bank vaults. All of it has been traded for a painful lower back and a touch of carpal tunnel syndrome. That seems about right. DUMAS FROM PAGE 10


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TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL BRETT FREEMAN AT (845) 208-8151 “By promoting our business in Halston’s local newspapers, we have attracted many new customers and it has helped us stay connected to our existing clients. Readers love our monthly specials, and Halston’s staff is always there when we need them.” ~Mary & Ted Kugler Bee & Jay Plumbing & Heating BY JEAN TOCK GUEST COLUMNIST My husband’s first word as a toddler was not “mama” or “dada.” It was “ball.” And shortly after that I am sure he was shouting “Let’s Go Mets!” The man owns 27 Mets Tshirts, 36 Mets baseball caps, seven official MLB jerseys, and well into the hundreds of baseball cards, autographs, bobbleheads and commemorative giveaways. He has had a partial season ticket plan for more than 40 years. He has attended playoffs and World Series games, albeit not many, since we are talking about the Mets. He has seen his favorite players retire and, sadly, he has seen some of them pass on to that heavenly dugout. He has seen Shea Stadium knocked down and Citifield constructed. So maybe you can imagine his dismay that the woman he fell in love with 30-some years ago still knows nothing about baseball. It is not for lack of trying. I listen — most of the time — when he explains plays or when he yells coaching advice at the TV, but I am not sure becoming a diehard baseball fan is a trait I can acquire. I think being a sports fan has to start at a young age for it to “take.” I do enjoy attending a game once or twice a season, but I have other things taking up space in my brain and there is no room left for the ever-changing rules of baseball. I will never understand how my husband remembers statistics, but apparently it is a genetic gift that he shares with our nephews. Chris and Andrew can recite Mets batting averages and can remember specific games with astounding precision right along with their uncle. One year my husband tried explaining to me the “neighborhood play.” It’s when a fielder catches the ball near second base and does not need to step on the base for the out if he is “in the neighborhood.” I spent the entire season asking “Was that the neighborhood play?” I asked so many times that he just stopped talking to me. For years I wore my car keys on a Mets lanyard like a necklace and every time I would approach a cashier at a store they would inevitably strike up a baseball conversation. Then I was really stuck because unless my husband had just given me the highlights of the previous day’s game, I knew nothing. I would explain I am only a Mets fan by marriage but still, I felt like a fraud. I was masquerading as a Mets fan simply by wearing this giveaway from “Lanyard Night” at Citifield. I finally ditched the lanyard this year because it was too exhausting trying to come up with Mets chitchat for the cashiers at Stop & Shop. I was completely unaware of professional sports until I got to college. I, of course, knew professional sports existed and I knew the names of the teams. My dad always enjoyed Monday night football. (Go Cowboys.) But I had no real allegiance to or interest in any pro teams. At Penn State, which is located nearly halfway between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, I met lots of people from both cities who were fans in the truest sense of the word: fanatics. Their teams were an extension of their personalities. One of my best friends during freshman year was a girl from Pittsburgh who knew every detail about every hockey player for the Penguins. I had never even heard of the Pittsburgh Penguins. But I will always remember that Karen loves the Penguins. And then of course there was college football. I could not understand what was so remarkable about Penn State football. This was back when Joe Paterno was a god. As students, we could purchase season tickets at a very reasonable cost, which I did. Students were sold a single paper ticket that got hole-punched when they attended the game. Each year I went to one game and after that I sold the ticket, collecting a fee plus collateral to assure I got the ticket back for the remaining games. I sold each season ticket five times over. Maybe if I had actually attended the games, I would be more of a Penn State football fan. The college friends with whom I have stayed in touch are all true fans of the blue and white, and there I sit, unable to contribute to their conversation. Being a sports fan is a valuable trait. It enables you to talk to people with whom you may not have much else in common. My husband can chime in on sports conversations with complete strangers waiting in line at a deli. My daughter’s boyfriend can talk Giants football with absolutely anyone. What’s the Mendoza line again? SEE PAGE 13


March 14 - March 27, 2024 OPINION North Salem News – Page 13 MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-HOUR PROBLEM GAMING HOTLINE: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369) Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com I-84 | Exit 36B I-87 | Exit 17 Earn Entries All Month Long! Friday, March 29 • 10pm & Sunday, March 31 • 4pm Double your luck with a chance to win a Chevy Colorado*! *Actual models and colors may vary. DOUBLE YOUR LUCK CHEVY COLORADO DRAWING PICK-UP & DELIVERY AVAILABLE WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS OF PORTABLE GENERATORS 845-225-3503 * LAWN MOWERS * CHAIN SAWS * TRIMMERS * TRACTORS * GENERATORS * MOTORCYCLES * ATV’S * AND MORE! FACTORY-TRAINED SERVICE TECHNICIANS EAST ROAD MOTORS 58 CAROLAN RD. EAST • CARMEL, NY www.EASTROADMOTORS.com Being a sports fan connects you to a larger community. According to a recent study, more than 60% of Americans identify as sports fans. Watching professional sports gives such an intense feeling of excitement that endorphins are released – those neurotransmitters that boost mood and relieve pain. You get the same feeling when you exercise, but if you can’t work out one day, it’s good to know you can watch your favorite team and get the same psychological benefit. I find it fascinating that half the sports fans who watch a game will watch their team lose. You probably would not watch a movie if you were told there was a 50% chance you would hate it. The movie’s story is never going to change, but your team may have a better day next time around. Sports fans always have hope. Maybe this is the year I become a baseball fan. I want to share in the excitement of the sports fan community. I don’t know if being a Mets fan will ever be a true part of my identity, but I do understand the appeal of community, camaraderie and loyalty. I’ll dig my Mets lanyard out of the trash if someone can get me to understand the neighborhood play. TOCK FROM PAGE 12 A friend of mine was waiting for his car at the car wash recently when he noticed a couple of customers grabbing their cars and heading out without visiting the tip box. He felt bad for the workers, so he left them $20 instead of his normal $5. His story got me thinking that tipping has become more complicated these days. At our local car wash–actually we have two of them across the street from one another–there’s a tip box where you drop off your car, another at the counter, and another where you pick up your car. Are you supposed to hit each one? Or should you pick your favorite? I tend to wait until the end to make sure the car looks OK before I tip. Then there is the problem of cash. I always used to lecture my kids about having a $20 bill handy since they never carry cash. I haven’t changed their behavior, but I think they have changed mine, since I seldom have cash in my pocket now. That lack of liquidity leads to embarrassment sometimes. I’m not sure everyone believes me when I tell them I’ll take care of them next time. Maybe those cheapskates at the car wash didn’t have any cash either. COVID changed tipping behavior for Americans. We were so excited when someone delivered something to our house, or had meals ready for pickup, we started tipping in places we never tipped before. I asked the proprietor of my favorite pizza place if tipping was prevalent for takeout orders. He said that most people tip for take-out. A dollar or two in the tip bucket or adding it to their check when they pay by credit card. Ten percent seems to be the norm. Seven in 10 Americans say tipping is expected in more places today than it was five years ago, according to the Pew Research Center. Point-of-sale systems have had an impact. Frequently, the cashier spins around an iPad with a suggestion about a tip. I’m generally a 10% tip in those situations, but what if it’s preselected at 15%. Pressure. And there’s always someone looking over your shoulder. I went to a liquor store recently and I was prompted for a tip at checkout. I guess that’s one of the new places they’re talking about in the survey. In the same survey, 92% reported that they “often or always” leave a tip at a sit-down restaurant. Only 24% leave a tip at Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts. Those establishments could probably help their employees’ income if they made tipping easy on their apps or when collecting by credit card. I was recently at a resort for a few days that had valet parking. They had some nifty software. You scanned your claim check and they immediately responded with how many minutes it would be until your car was out front. Next they asked “would you like to give a tip for the staff?” I was happy to take care of that with a couple of taps on my phone. Maybe servers and valets could carry their own scan code so we can tip them by phone. In some situations, it may make sense to tip early. I was heading off to one of my first business meetings at a fancy hotel in New Orleans. My father told me the first thing I should do when I got to the hotel was to find the concierge and introduce myself, tip $20, and let them know I would be there for the whole weekend. I followed his instructions. All of my prospects and competitors were milling around the hotel lobby as it became the prime networking space at the conference. Every time I walked by the concierge desk, prominently located in the lobby, I was greeted with “good morning Mr. Scott, how are you today?” It was a great PR investment for my 20 bucks. Although the tipping game has changed, it’s still important to take care of those who take care of us with a few shekels, whether in cash or digital form. New etiquette of modern tipping DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT


Sports Page 14 – North Salem News March 14 - March 27, 2024 Tigers tamed by Hamilton in semifinals Ella Dallow is among four seniors leaving the Tigers. Sarafina DiPaola led the Tigers in scoring during the final playoff game. PHOTOS: ROB DIANTONIO GIRLS BASKETBALL BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER The combined John Jay/ Somers/North Salem ski team recently completed the season, and it allowed senior Josh Burkart to take stock. “We’ve got a lot of talented kids on the team,” said the Somers skier. “We have for the past few years.” But the assertion amounts to more than words. The combined team won the sectionals and sent three to the states at Whiteface Mountain. First among them at the sectionals was Porter Bysshe. He took first in the slalom and seventh in the giant slalom. Icy conditions, the John Jay skier paid heed with a more conservative run, which wasn’t the case for everyone. “A lot of other people fell, so I was able to throw down two good runs,” said Bysshe. The giant slalom first, though, he gave the slopes a little payback. “I crashed both my giant slalom runs last year,” he said. No time registered for the event, he was out of the states, but this time he rode the wave. “After finishing well in the giant slalom, I was ready to do well in the slalom,” said Bysshe. The Wolf quickly sensed the ecosystem. “It was a really competitive scene,” he said. Still, the skier managed to blend in. “I just wanted to try my best, go all out and have some great runs,” Bysshe clarified. His disqualification in the slalom was certainly a disappointment. But 19th in the giant slalom certainly helped make up for it, and so did the triumvirate he arrived with. “It was fun to be there with my teammates,” said Bysshe. Next up, Sean O’Meara finished 12th overall in the section run.   A fall in the second giant slalom attempt, he had a bit to make up in the slalom.   “I had two really nice runs,” he said. Good for 8th place, the skier helped rack up the scoring. “It was super exciting because we got to the states as a team by winning section one,” said O’Meara. More importantly, the load was lifted on arrival at Whiteface. “All the pressure is about getting there,” said O’Meara. Even so, his ski popped off on the giant slalom, and there were no second chances. But he made up for the miscue in the slalom.  “I finished in 9th place,” said O’Meara. So he obviously wants to complete the GS next year, but finishing is not the main objective. “The biggest goal is to win the states as a team,” said the John Jay skier. And finally, Josh Burkart rounded out the roster with his 9th place finish, and third best team finisher in the sectionals. “I have wanted to qualify for the states my entire high school career,” said the Tusker. In this, the senior followed Top of the mountain Combined team takes sectionals, trio compete at states Porter Bysshe, Josh Burkart, Sean O’Mera PHOTO COURTESY OF HALLEY BYSSHE SKIING BY TOM WALOGORSKY EDITOR A team that displayed grit and determination on the court all season may have come up short in the Section 1 semifinal game, but the Tigers went down swinging. #3 seed North Salem traveled to the Westchester County Center on Feb. 25, taking on #2 seeded Alexander Hamilton. The Tigers controlled the pace early, taking a 18-14 lead into halftime. However, in the latter stage of the game, a combination of foul trouble and a stifling Red Raider defense saw North Salem end their season with a 46-40 loss. The standout senior duo of SaraFina DiPaola and Jaiden Donovan led the Tigers in scoring with 18 and 11 points respectively. Ruby Molina also played tough in the paint defensively in an effort to keep the season alive. “We held tough though, but just couldn’t get the ball to fall late in the game,” said Coach Matt Mackenzie. “I give Hamilton a lot of credit and wish them the best of luck going into the finals.” The Tigers finished the season with a record of 10-10, and will bid farewell to seniors Ella Dallow, SaraFina DiPaola, Jaiden Donovan, and Addela Florrentino. With another year in the books, Coach Mackenzie took time to reflect. “Losing the last game of the year is never easy. I reiterated to the girls after the game that this one game is not a reflection of our season,” said Mackenzie. “It is incredibly easy to hang our heads after suffering a tough loss, but the result does not identify them as athletes or who they are as people.” Mackenzie would also give special recognition to his outgoing upperclassman. “I was very fortunate to coach this group of girls,” Coach Mackenzie concluded. “We faced many challenges throughout the year, yet they held resilient and always made the best of situations. I want to give a special thank you to our seniors for all they have given to this program these last four years. It was not an easy journey for them through the COVID years as our numbers dwindled and we lost our JV team for two years. However, I believe because of their efforts on and off the court, their love for the game, and their involvement with our community and the youth basketball program, they inspired our younger athletes and left the program in a better place than they found it.” SEE SKIING PAGE 15 Get This Newspaper’s App On Your Phone Always Stay Informed About News Involving YOUR Town & Schools Android Scan Here iPhone Scan Here Get Our App!


March 14 - March 27, 2024 SPORTS North Salem News – Page 15 BY TOM WALOGORSKY EDITOR To say that Lili Valletta made the most of her time at North Salem High School might be an understatement. In addition to her leadership role as a captain of both the varsity soccer and lacrosse teams, she was also part of the Tigers squad that captured a section championship during a magical playoff run this past fall. Off the field, Lili serves as President of the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Club, a One Love ambassador, and gives back to the community by working at youth sports clinics. The next chapter in her story was set a year ago, as Valletta committed to play lacrosse at Villanova University during her junior year. North Salem News caught up with Lili to learn more about her goals for the upcoming lacrosse season, her role models, and her advice for younger athletes who might want to follow in her footsteps. How did you first get started playing lacrosse, and what do you enjoy the most about the game? I started playing lacrosse in kindergarten. Wendy Bucaj, a local mom, was my first coach. My love for the sport came from my love of competition. I value the friends I have been able to make the most out of everything I have learned from this game. What are your goals for your upcoming senior season? I am fortunate enough say this won’t be my last team competitively playing lacrosse. My goal is always to have fun. That’s why I love this sport so much, because I make it fun. Whenever I play, I always try to improve on my game IQ and skill. When I leave North Salem, I want to be able to say that I have helped inspire the youth in town to keep the lacrosse programs strong, as well as educate as many of them as I can about the sport and One Love. Who have been your biggest role model over the years, and what have you learned from them? Obviously, my parents. I learned so much from them like being openminded, never being too critical of myself, and how to show support. Also, Jane Fetterolf. She may not know this, but I looked up to her on the lacrosse field my whole life for her skill and her composure. What are your favorite memories from your athletic career at North Salem? The relationships made from both the soccer and lacrosse seasons, and cheering on my teammates. Homecoming and Salem Fest were always fun and full of school spirit. What is one thing about you that not many people may know? I love to talk but I’m not a very good storyteller. How did it feel to make your decision and commit to Villanova? Insane relief! It didn’t come without hard work. I committed to college before I could even drive a car, which put a lot of pressure on me. But I worked hard to get there. Are you excited for the fall? Very excited! I recently went on my official visit and got to meet the freshman girls. It was so nice and makes me super excited to be on campus. For a young athlete growing up in North Salem, what would you tell them about the experience of being a part of the lacrosse and soccer programs and why they should go out for those teams? The friendships you can make, forcing you to have time management skills, allowing you to have leadership roles that will help you in the future, and can bring you opportunities you might not have gotten without North Salem sports. Do you know a student-athlete that we should spotlight? Let us know at [email protected] Lax standout readies for senior season and Villanova Valletta helped lead Tigers soccer to a section title this fall. photos: ROB DIANTONIO Lili is captain of both North Salem’s soccer and lacrosse teams. Bysshe’s lead and stayed conservative at the sectionals. The right idea, Burkart assured, “A lot of people didn’t finish, but I was able to hang in there.” The strategy paying off, the states had him taking 28th in the slalom and 31st in the giant slalom. His swan song, Burkart is probably heading south for college. “They don’t do much skiing down there,” he joked. But winter will still have him skiing for the rest of his life, while the main lesson is firmly tucked away. “Skiing taught me to set goals for yourself and then work towards those goals. Because if you work hard enough and surround yourself with the right people, who have the same goals in mind, you can achieve them,” Burkart concluded. SKIING FROM PAGE 14 ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT LiliValletta 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah • (914) 232-3033 www.clarkassociatesfuneralhome.com • [email protected] DANIEL B. McMANUS ~ Proprietor • BRUCE E. REISDORF ~ Licensed Manager JOSEPH M. McMANUS ~ Director • RONALD P. 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Page 16 – North Salem News LEISURE March 14 - March 27, 2024 To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! For puzzle solutions, please see theparamountrehab.com CLUES ACROSS 1. Chaps 5. Currently fashionable 9. Collision 11. More slim 13. European city 15. Implicitly 16. The side of something that is sheltered from the wind 17. The Mount Rushmore State 19. Gold or silver wire cord 21. Muscles along insects’ diaphragm 22. Trent Reznor’s band 23. Sweet juicy gritty-textured fruit 25. Broken branch 26. Indicates ten 27. Expression of annoyance 29. Brings together 31. Ancient city in Thrace 33. Sailors’ spirit 34. Looked into 36. Muckraking woman journalist Rheta 38. A type of cast 39. One’s responsibility 41. Where golfers begin 43. Make a mistake 44. Semitic Sun god 46. Ancient Italian-Greek colony 48. Beheaded 52. A place to stay 53. Unwise 54. Most supernatural 56. “Dennis” is a famous one 57. Ointments 58. Exam 59. Leaked blood CLUES DOWN 1. Baseball managers assemble it 2. Revised 3. Mountain is a popular kind 4. Takes to civil court 5. Pouches 6. A type of veil 7. Chants 8. Boston hoopster 9. Elongated appendage 10. Sailboat 11. 2017 Oscar-winning film 12. Actor Gosling 14. Monetary units 15. Assembly 18. Russian pop duo 20. Embellished with expressions 24. Infrequent 26. Temperature unit 28. Hydrophilic amino acid 30. Honk 32. Legislative body 34. Swinish 35. Russian assembly 37. Take over for 38. Put in advance 40. Satisfy 42. Felt 43. Dutch cheese 45. Witnesses 47. Strong insects 49. Gasteyer and de Armas are two 50. Ancient people of Scotland 51. Cheerless 55. Sick Gourmet Easter Buffet March 31, 2024 Breakfast Selections, Pasta Stations Assorted Hot Chaffers, Antipasto Station And Much More Prepared By The Finest European Trained Chefs Soda, Espresso, Cappuccino, Coffee And Tea Included Call Now For Reservations 845-628-6600 $70 Per Person $40 Kids Up To 12 Years Old Excludes Service & Tax Two-Hour Seating 12:30-1 Or 3:30-4 Enjoy An All You Can Eat Brunch/Dinner Buffet Indulge In An Array Of Hot And Cold Foods Fresh Fruit And Dessert Stations


March 14 - March 27, 2024 North Salem News – Page 17 It’s the “up to” part of the equation that’s important to note, said Wilson. That amount is intended to cover costs for 62 UPK students. PQ only has the physical space for 32. Therefore, the district doesn’t have access to the entire $329K, only to the amount that would cover costs for the number of kids it has. Martin estimated that at $5,312 per child that amounts to about $170,000. VanDerStuyf said that because of the state funding covering salaries for the certified teachers and paraprofessionals, as well as supplies and materials, there should be no direct impact on the 2024- 2025 school budget. Two other good things. Very little needs to be done to the PQ space in order to accommodate the new program and there will be no transportation costs because the students’ parents will be ferrying them back and forth. The second NYSED assignment that the district needs to complete is making sure at least 10 percent of the UPK program’s budget is directed toward a community-based organization. In order to meet this requirement, the Board of Education will form a steering committee to oversee so-called RFPs (Requests for Proposals) from these types of organizations. They will be thoroughly vetted before being engaged to administer the program. District administrators will retain oversight of UPK, since “they’re our students,” VanDerStuyf explained. The steering committee will also assist with the UPK placement lottery and enrollment processes and with obtaining final approval from the NYSED. Its main purpose is to “guide” the district while it’s fine-tuning things, explained VanDerStuyf, adding that everyone’s taking the lottery “very seriously knowing the high stakes that are involved.” The process will be well-documented and very transparent, the district promised. Once it’s complete, then the formal registration process will begin. That involves things such as verifying each child’s age and residence. The district will distribute UPK enrollment forms to families. Filling them out doesn’t mean they’re registered, just that they get assigned a number and are placed in the hopper, so to speak. VanDerStuyf ’s team has been picking the brains of nearby school districts that already offer UPK. Somers started theirs in 2022 school year with one classroom for half a school year. The program’s been such a success that it’s now up to four classrooms for a full year, he said. Another item on the “to-do” list is the submittal of the 2024- 2025 UPK application to the state. It might appear that – since it’s now March – that the district’s a bit tardy. But that’s not the case. The applications won’t actually be available until later in the spring. Join the Family If necessary, the district could delay the program launch until next January without losing its place in the line for state funds. Besides getting their little ones ready for kindergarten, the program offers parents and other community members an opportunity to get more involved. That’s a big part of the district’s vision, which is to create something where more people become “part of the PQ family,” said Martin, promising that UPK will have its own section in PQ’s newsletter, “Tuesday Newsday.” The children will also be involved in other “fun stuff,” such as PQ’s Halloween Parade. Concerns Raised Trustee Carolyn Aversano expressed a few concerns. “I’m struggling. I just want to know that by committing to this (program) that we’re not creating financial hardships in the future,” she said. Asking for more fiscal analysis, she wondered what would happen if state funding ever disappears or tapers off. Aversano emphasized that she wasn’t questioning the value or necessity of UPK or ignoring the huge financial burden faced by parents who send their children to private pre-school programs. But, she said, trustees are tasked with “protecting and strengthening” the district’s current kindergarten through 12th Grade programs. “We have big challenges that we have to meet. I don’t want to be in a situation 10 years from now where we’re restricted in solving those problems or are solving them in mediocre ways because we’re, you know, tight,” Aversano said. VanDerStuyf assured her that concerns about money are always present, and that’s why the district uses entitlement or competitive grants only for “one-and-done” projects and not for ongoing programs. UPK funding is a completely PRE-K FROM PAGE 1 SEE PRE-K PAGE 18 The North Salem School District is set to offer a tuition-free Universal Pre-K program this fall. 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Page 18 – North Salem News March 14 - March 27, 2024 914.948.1500 This ad is donated by Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 $75 per person includes: 6:30 - 10 pm - Beer & Wine Open Bar 6:30 -7 pm - Appetizers 7 - 8 pm - Buffet dinner, dessert, soda/coffee 8 - 10 pm - 9 Comedians For tickets go to: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/b832fde8-d716-4a4f-af98-c73a84064a2a Or scan the QR code: CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. Sponsorships Available Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 COMEDIAN LINEUP CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 COMEDIAN LINEUP CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. great-nieces and nephews, and his beloved caretakers Minerva Rodriguez and Dora, Flory, and Margarita Morales. A graveside ceremony honoring his life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 3, at Sharon Gardens, Kensico Cemetery, at 273 Lakeview Ave. in Valhalla. Arrangements are being handled by Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah. A Shiva and celebration of his life will be held at his home, 2 Stephen Road, North Salem, from 1 – 7 p.m. following the graveside ceremony. “It’s going to be an Irish wake with whisky sours, cause that’s what our father liked,” said Nisa. A Life Well Lived Geller was born on Dec. 9, 1921, to the late Samuel and May Geller. A first-generation Jewish American, he joined the Signal Corps and the Committee to Defend America by Aiding the Allies. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Geller went off to basic training at Fort Dix, N.J., where, he once joked, he learned something “very important” — how to make a bed. He then trained as a radio repairman at Camp Crowder in Missouri. Geller was assigned to the new Army Air Corps and deployed to England. After the war ended, he manned a radio tower in allyoccupied Germany. Geller rose to the rank of corporal and was honorably discharged in 1946. After World War II, he studied journalism at Long Island University in Brooklyn and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, thanks to the G.I. Bill.   After graduating with his bachelor’s degree in journalism, he met Gloria Feldman. They were married on Oct. 7, 1956. The couple moved to Mount Kisco, where he got a job at the Patent Trader. He later became a writer and editor for the Bridgeport Post in Connecticut. He was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for a series of articles he wrote about the bicentennial. There were earlier stints at the New York World Telegram and the Bronx Times, as well. Geller’s writing garnered honors from both the New York Press Association and the New England Press Association. He was also a playwright and wrote the musical “Who Built the World” about the struggles of Irish immigrants. Geller once wrote a weekly column for North Salem News. He didn’t limit himself to just writing about politics, he also ran GELLER FROM PAGE 1 Geller celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by friends and family. PHOTO: CAROL REIF different animal, but if it should ever change, then “a collective decision would have to be made,” he said. While Aversano’s point was “valid,” VanDerStuyf didn’t feel that “not knowing the numbers” was a good enough reason to shelve the proposed program. Wilson didn’t think it was possible to completely eliminate “doubt from the table,” but agreed that addressing what-if scenarios is “a worthy conversation that we have to have publicly.” There was a time when kindergarten itself wasn’t mandatory, he noted, urging forward motion on the district’s part. “The flip side is we could not do this and analyze this forever and still not have the answers,” Wilson said, pointing out that the district has established that there’s a need and a want for UPK, that the state money is there, and that “with a fairly small shift” at PQ, the program could get rolling. “We can make a difference in the lives of citizens and kids this September. I think we should weigh that along with the uncertainties as well. Every year we think about it, we have another group of kids who didn’t get that opportunity,” he said. PRE-K FROM PAGE 17 SEE GELLER PAGE 19


March 14 - March 27, 2024 North Salem News – Page 19 for state Assembly in 1986. In 2011, Geller was inducted into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame. A commander of the North Salem American Legion Post 1866, Geller was heavily involved in local politics in Westchester County throughout his life, later becoming the head of the Westchester Democratic Committee for many years. He was deeply devoted to the Democratic Party and campaigned for numerous progressive causes and candidates. Geller was also a committed neighbor and was president of his neighborhood’s Candlewood Park Association for more than 20 years. He led the Memorial Day parade in North Salem for more than 30 years. Here’s what folks who knew and loved Herb had to say: Emily Siegel - North Salem Democratic Committee chair “Herb spent decades making a difference in county and local Democratic politics. We would not be where we are today without his tireless efforts. Well into his nineties, Herb was still canvassing. That speaks volumes about who he was. He will be missed.” Sgt. Andy Sandor - Adjutant for American Legion Post 1866 “I can’t not smile whenever I think of Herb. He was the nicest guy, a real old-time gentleman. He liked everybody. He got along with everybody.” Warren Lucas - North Salem Town Supervisor “Herb was a phenomenal person. He was involved in many different aspects of the community. I had a lot of respect for the man.” “He was just a nice, kind person. Always saw the best in everybody.” Peter Kamenstein - Deputy Town Supervisor “His presence will be sorely missed.” Anthony Bove - Candlewood Park Association “Herb was a perfect example for all of us to follow. A real family man, a loyal friend, and a person that everyone loved and respected. He was a person that everyone in Westchester County knew. He was the backbone of North Salem. I will miss him and be always grateful for being my friend. Love You Herb!” Donations Donations in Geller’s memory may be made to the Community Center of Northern Westchester, an organization committed to reducing hunger and providing resources for local communities. To donate, visit https://communitycenternw.give cloud.co/donatetoday Geller passed away on Thursday, Feb. 29. GELLER FROM PAGE 18 North Salem Democratic Committee Volunteers Wanted There are a few open seats on the town committee and the Democrats would love to have some new volunteers come forward. It’s a great way to meet new people and be involved in who and what shapes our community. If, on the other hand, you may be interested in serving on a town committee or board, it is suggested you keep an eye on the town’s website, northsalemny. org, and send an inquiry to the town clerk at mhlushko@ northsalemny.org. Vacancies are listed on the town website. Contact the group at PO Box 525, North Salem, NY 10560 or northsalemdemocratic [email protected] ROCK FROM PAGE 4 NO NEWS... 1. Clip the short form on the page 2. Fill out the information. 3. Mail it to P.O. Box 864, Mahopac, NY 10541 4. Or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com 5. Or Scan our QR Code to Subscribe. We need you to subscribe. It’s FREE & It’s Easy! is NOT necessarily good news! # Please print your first and last names and address legibly, sign and date (all required to continue receiving your subscription to this newspaper). YES, I wish to receive a FREE 3-year subscription to North Salem News YES, I really enjoy North Salem News and I’d like to continue receiving it for 3 years, along with a monetary contribution this year. (Please print legibly.) First (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required. Please print legibly.) Last (Required) City: State: ZIP: Name: Signature: Email: Snowbird Dates (if applicable): Date: Phone: Address: (Optional for TAPinto E-News) (Optional) Mail to: P.O. Box 864 Mahopac, NY 10541 While we need your Full Support to keep this newspaper strong, we include the option for Basic Support because we don’t want financial reasons to get in the way of our readers receiving this newspaper. Basic Support vs. Full Support Basic Support Full Support $100 $50 $20 other or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com OR or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com Checks payable to Halston Media LLC. Please include this form in your envelope. Please include the following additional papers as part of this subscription: The Somers Record Mahopac News Yorktown News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The Katonah-Lewisboro times PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF 02/29/24 To advertise in North Salem News, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected].


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GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac EXP: 08/31/2024 GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac Off Any Breakfast Sandwich EXP: 08/31/2024 GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac Not valid on mobile app, or delivery orders. 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Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Half Dozen Donuts or 25 Munchkins® excludes Specialty Donut and Fancies EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. for 6 Bagels EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. for 2 Muffins EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Off Any Cake min. $15 cake purchase Offer not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Single Use Coupon. Limit one offer per customer per visit. No substitutions allowed. Customer must pay applicable tax. May not be combined with any other coupon, discount, or promotion. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. See store for details. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. ©2024 BR IP Holder, LLC.[Coupon_Requests_8.4.23.xlsx]Requests!$C$14:$P$24 $1.00 $3.99 ÍÇ4lA`x#P):CÎ 99207633648803480926 $3.99 ÍÇ12ÅqGIfb'QÎ 99171897813941706607 $2.00 ÍÇU{ÃÆBIAwÃ;Î 99539195983441338795 $3.00 ÍÇWO;L+s"u/ÃÎ 99554727441183028515 ÍÇ3D]Æ1,Ada/Î 99193661981712336865 Birthday & Holiday Cakes Numbers, Fun Shapes & Customized Donuts! Call to Order HAPPY HOUR! Daily from 4-6 and again from 9-11 on Thurs., Fri and Saturday nights. OUTDOOR PATIO Enjoy Dining on our Heated Covered Patio Offer expires 3/1/24 Offer expires 3/1/24 BREWSTER PAINT & DECORATING CENTER Family Owned and Operated Since 1989 38 ARGONNE RD • BREWSTER, NEW YORK 10509 $10 OFF Call today and let us make sure you get the best paint and advice to get your project done right. Hurry, this exclusive offer ends 06/01/2024. Offer valid for $10 off retailer’s suggested retail price per gallon of up to five (5) gallons of Benjamin Moore® premium products. Excludes Aura®. Redeemable only at participating retailers. Limit one per customer. Products may vary from store to store. Subject to availability. Retailer reserves the right to cancel this offer at any time without notice. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer expires 06/01/2024. ©2021 Benjamin Moore & Co. Arborcoat, Aura, ben, Benjamin Moore, Gennex, Regal, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. 7/21 845-279-7686 WWW.BREWSTERPAINTANDDECORATING.COM HOURS: Mon-Fri 6am - 5:30pm Sat 6:30am - 4pm Spring 2024 • Zone 5 Visit Our New Showroom! BrewsterPaint-frontCVR-SH-Z5-0324.indd 1 3/6/24 9:58 AM Reach up to 125,000 Homes 125,000 Homes in the Community’s Premiere Marketing Magazine Only LOCAL Advertisements (No National Ad Distractions) GLOSSY On Every Page Choose Any Target Among FIVE 25,000 MAILED ZONES Work With a Local Sales Team That Will Talk Up Your Business in the Community! Attention Business Owners SAVE UP TO $100 on your first ad! Call Pam Zacotinsky Today at 845-661-0748 for details or For more information, visit www.HalstonMedia.com. Scan Here to Get In Touch— Mention Seasonal Highlights to Save up to $100!


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