Katonah-Lewisboro Times 05.11.2023

VOL. 6 NO. 9 THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 29 CLASSIFIEDS 31 LEISURE 28 OPINION 10 TOWN CROSSING 2 SPORTS 23 Bedford Economics Alliance pg 30 COMMERCE Visit TapIntoKLT.net for the latest news. PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WEST CALDWELL, NJ PERMIT #992 BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE After nearly 17 years of living in the same home, Paul Black is being asked to leave. Black is 75 years old, and his family has roots in the Lewisboro community that go back nearly 150 years. He is a Vietnam War vet, an original member of the Lewisboro Police Department, and has been a member of the South Salem Fire Department for more than 50 years. In January 2007, Black moved into a house that is owned by the fi re department. “ff e place had a history of people abusing the home,” said Black’s brother, Stephen. “[Paul] made improvements at his expense. ff ey put signifi - cant money into it.” The long goodbye Longtime South Salem fi refi ghter, Army vet, being forced to move Paul Black PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL SEE BLACK PAGE 8 The most exciting equestrian experience. 740 acres of pure perfection is on the market. The epitome of luxury for horses and their owners. Scan for Video & Property Details

PAGE 2 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Tom Walogorsky Editor: 914-302-5830 [email protected] Whit Anderson Sports Editor [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky 845-661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [email protected] Noah Elder Designer Bri Agosta Designer Haven Elder Designer EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines The Katonah-Lewisboro Times The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected] Location 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY HALSTON MEDIA, LLC ©2023 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC NOW OPEN: NH44 Indian - Hartsdale COMING SOON:Jaipore Express - Briarcliff Manor LUNCH MON - THURS: 11:30am - 2:30pm SAT & SUN: 11:30am - 3:00pm DINNER MON - THURS: 5 - 9:30pm FRI & SAT: 5 - 10:00pm / SUN: 5 - 9pm CLOSED TUESDAY 280 ROUTE 22 l BREWSTER,NY CALL FOR RESERVATIONS! 845-277-3549 SUNDAY, MAY 14TH JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL BRUNCH & DINNER BUFFET 12:00 - 3:00 pm / 4:30 - 9:00 pm $ 40 per person Emiliana “Emi” Knauer of Katonah has been named the Valedictorian of fi e Harvey School’s Class of 2023. fi e Amherst College-bound senior earned the honor to address her classmates at commencement by capping her ff nal year as the top scholar of her class with a fouryear cumulative adjusted GPA of 4.23. Emi, who plans to study psychology at Amherst, has not only excelled in her academics but has fully immersed herself in campus life. She has performed in Harvey’s theater and dance productions, helped her varsity basketball team win this year’s Housatonic Valley Athletic League championship, and founded and led fi e Feminist Club. She is also an active member of the Westchester Youth Alliance, a committee of teens from area high schools who work to promote justice and understanding across the county’s diverse communities of faith, race and identity. Head of Upper School Phil Lazzaro offl ered high praise for the 2023 valedictorian. “Emi is an impressive student in the classroom, on the stage, and in the wider community,” Mr. Lazzaro said. “She represents our highest aspirations in the classroom and beyond, and I am proud to recognize Emi’s hard work and dedication.” One teacher who knows Emi well is English department chair Virginia Holmes. “Emi is one of the most impressive students that I’ve ever taught,” said Ms. Holmes who had Emi in Honors English class, on fi e Harvey School stage, and in her advisory group. “In this time, it has become abundantly clear that Emi is the paragon of scholarship, the embodiment of artistry, and the epitome of citizenship,” Ms Holmes said, adding, “Emi Knauer is truly a one-in-a-million student and person.” fi e Harvey School Commencement will be held fi ursday, June 8 at 10:30 a.m. in the Fenstermacher Athletic Center where 82 members of the Class of 2023 will receive their diplomas. Article courtesy of fi e Harvey School. Harvey names Katonah resident as 2023 Valedictorian Emi Knauer St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 68 Bedford Road, Katonah ANNUAL PLANT PATCH SALE May 11 thru 14, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Following a tradition of almost 30 years, St. Luke’s will hold its annual plant patch sale. fi is year’s offl ering will include annual ffi owers and native perennial plants, as well as vegetables and organic herbs. Proceeds from the sale help to fund St. Luke’s outreach programs. Author Talk At The Bedford Hills Historical Museum  fi ursday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. Join in for local author Susan Allport’s talk and slide show on “fi e Stone Walls of NY and New England.” fi is presentation will be held at the Museum, located in the lower level of the Bedford Town House in Bedford Hills. Hear about the historic stone walls traversing the woods and ff elds of our region, with discussions of why they were built and how. fi ese walls, when we come upon them, certainly cause us to ponder their provenance and the lives of those people who lived and farmed in Bedford many years before us. Copies of Allport’s Sermons in Stone will be on sale. Susan Allport is a writer and baker who lives in Pound Ridge. For more information, please contact  [email protected] or visit  http://www.bedfordhills historicalmuseum.org Muscoot Farm Sheep Shearing Event Sunday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Muscoot Farm’s sheep will get their spring haircut this Mother’s TOWN CROSSING SEE CROSSING PAGE 8

Your Neighbor Your Neighbor THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 3 HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS, LIFE & HEALTH 914-232-7750 www.forbesinsurance.com “A mother is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend.” —Unknown Wishing all our great Moms, a very Happy Mother’s Day! BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Constantine Mastromihalis began as a musician on the drums. A guitar then caught his eye, and after his father bought him the hardware, the youngster wavered on actually taking up the instrument. So Dad provided a push. “He told me it would be cool,” conveyed the sixth grader, and while it may be in the nature for kids to rebel, he would eventually render a very objective opinion on the subject. “It’s very cool,” said the John Jay Middle Schooler, “I love it.” fi e 11-year-old also sees beyond the surface appeal of lighting up his electric guitar. “fi e notes are like a puzzle,” he said. “It’s something that not a lot of people have the skill to do. So, people respect it.” Of course, he’s trying to learn from the best. Slash and David Gilmore among his inff uences, his performance to open the Lewisboro baseball season screamed his main man. “fi e way he plays the National Anthem is just crazy, he has such fast ffl ngers,” said Constantine of Jimi Hendrix. fi at said, he’s not really interested in dialing it down on an acoustic guitar. “I like adding effi ects to my sound,” Constantine explained. In turn, he gets his ffl ll at the School of Rock in Bedford, and aside from upping his game, Constantine has had many opportunities to play live. “I love it,” he said. “I get to move around, it’s just a lot of fun.” So is the learning that comes from being around other players and taking in the various styles. “It’s exciting to see what more there is with this instrument that other people do because everyone plays a diffi erent way,” he said. “And it’s just very interesting to play with new people.” At the same time, he certainly goes offi on his own, and to gear up to am, he slowly gets into the groove. “I do a very quick warm up and get my ffl ngers used to it,” said the strummer. “fi en I just rock out.” fi e notes rarely make it to a page, but original creation is deffl nitely part of the plan. “I just look for notes and try to put them together as best I can until I get something,” said Constantine. No doubt, he also lets others do the work and allows his mood to select the music he listens to. In a downturn, he goes for something soft, while on the upswing, he cranks the Metallica or Iron Maiden. But in general, he likes classic rockers such as the Beatles and the Stones and gets closer to the present day with Guns N’ Roses. Even so, the youngster isn’t getting carried away with big dreams of being a star. “fi at’s one in a million, but I feel it’s downtime,” he clariffl ed. “Something to do for fun.” So he keeps up with his studies, and his main interest doesn’t stray far from what drives him to excel as a musician. “I like math,” he asserted. “It’s a challenge.” Not the case for Constantine’s mom, who swells whenever his sound envelopes the room. “It makes me proud that he loves it, while he’s playing and he’s excelling,” said Eleni Mastromihalis. Dad, on the other hand, is more show than tell in his pride. “He plays the videos for everyone,” joked Mom. In the end, though, music provides an open-ended destination for the prodigy. In other words, the guitar talks to him and reveals a progress that is undeniable. “It’s telling me I’m going places,” he concluded. Constantine Mastromihalis John Jay middle schooler is going places with his guitar PHOTO: RICH MONETTI Mastromihalis performing at Opening Day for the Lewisboro Baseball Association.

PAGE 4 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 We Carry A Complete Line of BioGuard Pool Treatments BY TOM BARTLEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER In recent years, as words like remote learning, special needs, even the Indians nickname, came to dominate successive meetings of the Katonah-Lewisboro school board, the district’s approach to literacy— the fundamental skill that unlocks the door to all other academic achievement—was drawing criticism from a vocal but small group of concerned parents. Last week, the rest of the parents showed up.  So did the kids. In determined procession, two-dozen deep, they trouped to the microphone at the May 4 meeting of the KLSD board. On a night when the district’s $120 million proposed budget had its public hearing, taxpayers complained that their children were not being taught to read, that school off cials had not been responsive to their concerns and that, in too many cases, only private schooling—with a $70,000 price tag, long bus ride and tearful children—had been their reluctant solution.  One after another last week, they implored the district to create a literacy committee, a panel that would bring together not only parents and KLSD off cials but also outside experts to address what they call a failing reading program. “It doesn’t,” Rachel Kurth told the board, “seem like a very big ask.” District off cials, for their part, pointed to KLSD’s most recent English Language Arts test score, 75 percent, which was far higher than the statewide average. As for declining scores, School Superintendent Andrew Selesnick said, changes in the state’s standardized ELA testing made year-to-year comparisons misleading. Other nearby districts have established literacy committees—Bedford Central School District, for one—but they have not experienced signiffl cant improvement, he said. Asked in a Friday email why a literacy committee would not work in KLSD, Selesnick did not immediately respond. Meredith Black of Katonah said that even a 75 percent ELA average means “25 percent of our students in grades 3 through 8 are not proffl cient. ffi ey are not reading at grade level; they’re not developing mastery of the fundamental skills of reading.” In last week’s emotional confrontation, however, objective measures like test scores were frequently a distant consideration as parents described the pain and frustration Parental pressure mounts for literacy committee KATONAH-LEWISBORO SCHOOL DISTRICT SEE LITERACY PAGE 7

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 5 Transforming Ordinary To Extraordinary AL TISO p: (914)729-4485 e: [email protected] SCAPESBYAL.COM LANDSCAPE DESIGN • PLANTING • IRRIGATION MASONRY • LANDSCAPE LIGHTING FREE DIGITAL DESIGN with Consultation. SCHEDULE TODAY! Scan me for more info! BY TOM BARTLEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER Katonah-Lewisboro School District residents go to the polls next week to decide on a proposed $120 million budget and choose two new faces for the sevenmember school board. Two board candidates—Bill Swertfager, a Katonah businessman and the longtime coach of John Jay wrestlers, and Lorraine Gallagher of Pound Ridge, a lawyer and president of the John Jay Boosters Club—will be on the ballot. A third declared candidate, Samantha Hirsh of Goldens Bridge, an educator and the mother of an Increase Miller fi rst-grader, did not fi le petitions necessary to appear on the ballot and is asking voters to write-in her name. Voting will take place next Tuesday, May 16, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., at Katonah Elementary School, 106 Huntville Road, Katonah; Increase Miller ES, 186 Waccabuc Road (Route 138), Goldens Bridge; and Meadow Pond ES, 185 Smith Ridge Road, South Salem. A post card specifying each resident’s polling place was expected to be mailed to all registered voters. At $119,988,980, the proposed budget increases spending by $4,209,990, a 3.64 percent rise over this year and one of the largest hikes in years. But with better-than-expected state aid bolstering nontax district revenue, the budget’s $102,522,198 in property-tax collections, an increase of $1,573,008, or 1.56 percent, over 2022-23, is nevertheless almost a million dollars—$973,723—lower than Albany’s cap on property-tax increases. ff e levy translates into the tax rates that drive homeowners’ school-tax bill. While the tax burden is meant to be shared equally among residents of KLSD’s four towns, their tax rates are markedly diffl erent, reffi ecting disparate assessing practices. ff e adopted budget showed Lewisboro’s rate climbing by 0.11 percent for each $1,000 of assessed value; by 2.73 percent in Bedford; and 2.94 percent in Pound Ridge. In North Salem, the rate was expected to drop by 15.75 percent. At a state-required public hearing on the spending plan last week, district of- fi cials’ voices were the only ones heard. School Superintendent Andrew Selesnick said “lots of really terrifi c things [are] in the budget,” including $945,000 to pay for new stafl ng that “helps us to bring down class size.” Other major spending increases included health insurance, up $1.89 million; contractually obligated hikes ($1.35 million); and inffi ation’s toll ($459,725). KLSD readies for election, budget vote SEE KLSD PAGE 6

PAGE 6 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HOT WATER HEATER & GAS NEEDS 59 Years of Excellence Putnam & Westchester County’s Premier Plumbing Professionals Since 1964 719 Rte. 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com TAKE $25 OFF YOUR NEXT TUB/SHOWER CALL! MENTION AD FOR DISCOUNT. VALID ON CALLS OVER 1 HOUR. EXPIRES 6/30/23 FUNERAL PREARRANGEMENT Both pre-payment and no-payment options Serving all Faiths since 1858 Cremations and Burials DANIEL B. McMANUS ~ Proprietor BRUCE E. REISDORF ~ Licensed Manager JOSEPH M. McMANUS ~ Director RONALD P. CERASO ~ Director www.clarkassociatesfuneralhome.com 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah • (914) 232-3033 • Only 1/4 mile from 684 exit 6. • Only 1 block from the Katonah Railroad station. • Less than 60 minutes from N.Y. City. • Parking facilities for over 100 cars • Monuments & inscriptions available. SCHOOL BOARD With two incumbents—Dr. William Rifkin and Catharine Oestreicher—choosing not to seek re-election, Bill Swertfager and Lorraine Gallagher, as the only candidates to fi le nominating petitions to run, seemed certain to assume those vacant seats when the new academic year begins July 1. ff at’s still likely to be the case, but Samantha Hirsh’s 11th hour decision to run as a write-in candidate, will keep the outcome offl cially in doubt until votes are cast next week. BILL SWERTFAGER Bill Swertfager has made more news this school year than any incumbent trustee or candidate. His controversial ouster last fall after two decades as John Jay’s wrestling coach, over an anonymous complaint that has never been made public, triggered a furious community backlash. Since announcing his board candidacy in February, Swertfager has worked hard to move his brand beyond athletics, discussing hotbutton issues like literacy, specialneeds students and improving communication between KLSD offl cialdom and KLSD residents. “I know how to run and help run a large organization,” the owner of AIA Promotional Source in Katonah said at the May 4 school board meeting. “We need to do better and we must do better.” LORRAINE GALLAGHER Lorraine Gallagher was already well known as president of the John Jay Boosters Club before she—and scores of others—gave full-throated support last year to Swertfager as he sought to regain his coaching position. A lawyer and mother of three, the youngest a John Jay High School student, Gallagher told the May 4 board meeting that she supported calls for special committees on special education and literacy and wanted “to help resolve the friction” between district and residents. “I am running for all the people in our town that feel they have not been heard,” she said. “Communication between the administration, the board and the people who elect them is vital.” SAMANTHA HIRSH Samantha Hirsh will not be on the May 16 ballot when voters are choosing two KLSD trustees. But Hirsh, the assistant director of curriculum and instructional services at Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES, decided to enter the race “when I learned that there were two candidates running uncontested.” Hirsh says she is “uniquely qualifi ed” to serve on the school board and is asking voters to write-in her name. A member of Increase Miller’s Compact Team, she was a class parent for the past two years and serves on KLSD’s Equity and Racial Justice Committee. Hirsh had earlier been a mathematics teacher, including 3½ years as secondarymath coordinator in the Bedford Central School District. KLSD FROM PAGE 5 Promote Your Charity Send us a press release at [email protected], or give us a call at 914-302-5628.

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 7 they felt in trying to address their children’s lagging development as readers.  Erika Glick, a longtime critic of the district’s literacy program, joined with two other Katonah mothers—Black and Elizabeth McGoldrick—last month to launch a group that would press the district for reforms, especially formation of the literacy committee.  “I’ve been attending Board of Ed meetings for four years,” said Glick, whose two children struggled to read “despite being intellectually capable.” “I’ve been advocating for a literacy committee and have been met with resistance, rejection and, most frustratingly, inaction,” she said. “Unfortunately, it became clear that Katonah-Lewisboro didn’t know what they didn’t know.”  She enrolled Addison and Charlie in the Windward School in White Plains, which specializes in helping youngsters with reading problems. “ff eir needs were met and they began to succeed,” she said—and those young people proved it last week, stepping to the microphone to read statements to the board. So did Black’s daughter, Adelaide, a Windward 6th  grader, who told the board she had “felt stupid” as a struggling reader at Katonah Elementary School. Now, she’s on the Winward honor roll and “because I can read, I know I can do anything.”  Moms like Leigh Suresky and Allison Nied recalled their daughters’ tears as they struggled with literacy, what Nied, a pediatrician, calls “the foundation of everything.” Both girls wound up on the bus to Windward. Julie Creech’s son is going to Eagle Hill in Greenwich, another school specializing in reading help, and Creech wanted to know, “Why do children have to leave the district to learn how to read?”  Steven Schenfeld said he spent $300,000 to send his daughter to Windward, “which saved her life.” She’s now a dean’s list student at her university, he said. Schenfeld joined the advocates for a literacy committee, saying it would cost “zero dollars to create. What are we afraid of?” In the end, there was no move to form such a committee, with the superintendent saying the state’s standardized test scores were an “imperfect measure” and calling it a “disservice to say that test results are going down.” “Across New York State,” Selesnick said, “31 percent of students show as pro- ffl cient in ELA scores. . . . However, go back to 2009, it was 77 to 86 percent that were showing proffl cient [statewide].” In KLSD that same year, 95 to 96 percent were testing proffl cient. “ff en the state changed the test,” he said, making yearto-year comparisons a misleading measure. Selesnick reviewed years of positive ELA outcomes but conceded, “None of that takes away the pain that families expressed tonight; none of that changes our experience of listening to that; nothing changes the fact that we would want nothing more than to do the best we can for every single student. “We’re always working to do better. Always,” he said, but acknowledged, “I don’t think there’s anything I can say [tonight] that will have you all cheering.” LITERACY FROM PAGE 4 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 Do you know what the cost of your long-term care will be if you are not eligible for Medicaid? CALL NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 914.948.1500

PAGE 8 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 Mom agrees—we’re voted most popular burger in Westchester! Happy Mother’s Day! 914-277-4424 • 440 Rt 22 North Salem, NY • www.theblazerpub.com CELEBRA CELEBRA CELEBRA CELEBRATING 521 YEARS! Progressive Animal Hospital What is the most common mismanaged condition that you see? THE ITCHY DOG! Is your pet... scratching • licking • chewing feet or having chronic skin infections? Stop treating the symptoms and find out the underlying cause with a simple blood test. Get your pet feeling better and stop the frequent trips to the vet. INDEPENDENTLY OWNED and OPERATED 268 route 202 l somers, ny 10589 914.248.6220 l progressive-vet.com Voted “Best of Somers” 2020-2023 Since then, Black has signed a series of one-year leases for the home that is located just a short distance from the South Salem fi rehouse. But in February 2022, Black was told his next lease would only last until September, and then he would have to move. “I am being forced out and have to fi nd a new place to live,” Black said. “I have been looking for six months.” Black ignored the lease edict that said he had to vacate by September 2022 and continued to live on the premises. ff e fi re department took him to court, and last week, at his May 1 appearance before the judge, he consented to sign an agreement promising to be out by the end of August 2023. Black said that since he moved into the home, he’s never missed a rent payment and has kept the residence in good condition. “[Paul] is a vet with limited income and to fi nd another place in South Salem or Westchester County is diffl cult and looks to push some hardship on him,” his brother Stephen said. At the center of the matter is who the fi re department intended to live in the home. “ff e gist of this is that the house is for certifi ed interior fi refi ghters,” said South Salem Fire Department President Peter Hatlock. An interior fi refi ghter is someone who wears a heavy oxygen pack on their back (and mask) and goes inside burning buildings to fi ght the fi re. Certain conditions must be met to be certifi ed as an interior fi refi ghter. Black said that he used to be a certifi ed interior fi refi ghter, but he is no longer. However, he said, he remains an active member of the department, attends training sessions, and responds to emergency calls in a supportive role. Outside the fi re department, he continues to work at his job as a security consultant and goes to the gym three times a week. “When you get to a certain age, you shouldn’t be running into burning buildings,” Black said. “I was medically advised not to do it. If I am dumb enough to run into a burning building, psychologically I probably shouldn’t be [a fi refi ghter].” Black said that even though he couldn’t pass the interior fi re- fi ghter certifi cation, he says he always passed the annual physical mandated by the fi re department. “I’ve never not passed it,” he said. But all of that is moot, Black said, challenging Hatlock’s assertion that being a certifi ed fi re- fi ghter is a requirement to live in the house. “When I rented the house in 2007, the lease I signed had an addendum that had the qualifi - cations to live in that house,” he said. “It said I had to be an active fi reman in good standing. It didn’t mention anything about [being a certifi ed interior fi re- fi ghter]. None of the leases did. “I had a conversation with a member of the Real Estate Committee several years ago when I came offi of the interior fi refi ghter list and went into a support role,” he continued. “I asked, does it affect me living in the house? I was told that as long as I was a member in good standing, I could stay.” But Hatlock countered that Black was approached by members of the Real Estate Committee who told him he was no longer qualifi ed to live in the home. “We wanted to offi er it to another member,” Hatlock said. “It has been an ongoing negotiation. We are not isolating someone and throwing them out in the streets.” Told that because of his 50- plus years’ service to the fi re department and the town, as well as the fact that he is an Army vet, Black feels as though he is being disrespected and marginalized, Hatlock said, “I feel bad he is looking at it through that lens.” Currently, Black pays $1,200 a month plus utilities such as heating oil, and cable. He said he has reached out to elected offl cials on the state level and they have put in touch with veterans advocacy groups that could help him fi nd a new home. “I am looking very fervently for another residence; the cost is prohibitive,” he said. “If I was on the other side of the fence, I couldn’t morally allow this to happen to another [fi re department] member.” Black would like to remain in South Salem, though that may not be possible. But if he does, he said he still would like to remain a member in good standing with the fi re department. “I am fi nding it hard to walk away; I have great memories and great friends,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for what they do. I have held almost every position on both the fi refi ghting side and the business side. My entire life has revolved around the fi rehouse. I was there when the building was built. My roots are deep. I hope it won’t be uncomfortable.” BLACK FROM PAGE 1 Day, at its annual Sheep Shearing event. A professional shearer will shear a sheep every half hour beginning at 11 a.m. ff e family event will include wool-spinning demonstrations, wool vendors, children activities and the farm animals will be on view to visit during the event. ff e Farmers Market will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Event is free and will be held rain or shine. Dogs are not permitted. Muscoot Farm is located at 51 Route 100 in Katonah. For more information, visit muscootfarm.org or call (914) 864-7286. Chronic Pain Support Group Research tells us that 50 million Americans live with chronic pain, or pain that lasts most days or every day for three months or more. Of this group, 20 million experience high-impact chronic pain, or pain that interferes with basic functioning and activities of daily living. Pain is the  number one reason that Americans access the health care system, and costs the nation up to  $635 billion each year in medical treatments, disability payments, and lost productivity. Support groups provide a forum for those with pain to gain support and learn about ways to manage pain and progress from patient to person. ff is group takes place over Zoom every other week. For more information, please call Ted Bloch at 914-552-6281 or email him at tednbloch@ gmail.com. All conversations are kept strictly confi dential. CROSSING FROM PAGE 2

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 9 Seasonal Plants Potted Perennials Annuals & Vegetables 10”, 12” & Larger Hanging Baskets 914-232-3570 194 ROUTE 100 SOMERS, NY Jonathan Green Grass Seed Pottery, Insecticide Fruit Trees & Flowering Trees 1.5 MILES NORTH OF RTE 35 INTERSECTION ON ROUTE 100 MON - SAT 8-5 • SUN 8-4 Specializing in Complete Landscape Design & Installation Happy Mother’s Day Large Selection of Perennials! Summer Female Flag Football Under the lights REGISTRATION IS OPEN! WOMEN’S LEAGUE Thursdays Under the Lights Late June-August 7-9pm Visit us on Instagram and Facebook @gridironpartnersinc [email protected] 917-848-7780 Please visit our website to learn more and register Westchester Female Flag Football is powered by Gridiron Partners YOUTH LEAGUE Tuesdays Under the Lights Late June-August 7-9pm at the Somers High School main football turf clubs.bluesombrero.com/gridiron BY TOM BARTLEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER fi e Bedford Town Board has scheduled a public hearing next week on a plan to increase the size of its three permitting bodies by appointing so-called alternate members Under consideration since February, the proposed expansion calls for adding unpaid, nonvoting members to the town’s Wetlands Control Commission, Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals. If one of the ff ve voting members of these panels was absent or had a conffl ict of interest, the chair could, at its discretion, move the alternate into full-ffl edged service, including a vote. In an interview, ZBA Chair Peter Michaelis said he initially raised the idea with former Supervisor Chris Burdick, noting that alternates could ff ll such temporary vacancies.  Current Supervisor Ellen Calves embraced the proposal, Michaelis said, and brought his call for alternates to the Town Board’s attention earlier this year. Asked last week why the board did not simply move to expand the size of these key permitting bodies, Calves said, “We don’t need more members (and if we did, we’d need to add two more to keep an odd number so as not to end up with a tie vote).”  fi e proposal to be considered next week is seen as a way to ensure orderly succession. “We’d like to give people experience and training so that we have good candidates to ff ll positions when a vacancy arises,” Calves said. “fi e alternate system seems like a good way to bring in people who are interested, especially those who would like to serve in the future but perhaps are not ready for the level of commitment that a full member takes on.”  She said it was also important to keep applications before these boards moving forward, “so having an  alternate guarantees that meetings are not delayed or cancelled due to member absences.”  Since Bedford’s town code does not provide for the creation of such alternates, Town Attorney Eric Gordon advised the Town Board that it would have to establish positions for alternate board members through local law or ordinance. Bedford Board mulls alternate member appointment Advertising Deadline The advertising deadline for The Katonah-Lewisboro Times is the Thursday before the next publication date. Advertisements can be submitted by you as a cameraready PDF via email at [email protected]. We also offer our clients a free ad design service. For more information, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151.

Opinion PAGE 10 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 2 TRACKS 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 Katonah-Lewisboro Times 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 at [email protected]. For more information, call the editor at 914-302-5830 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2023 Halston Media, LLC Coach Bill is inclusive of kids with all abilities Dear Editor, With the Katonah-Lewisboro School District’s upcoming school board election, I would like to share my thoughts on one of the candidates, Bill Swertfager. Bill is genuine and true to his word. As a coach at KLSD, he has given everyone an opportunity, not just the best athletes in that sport. He works with each student athlete to improve their confidence and mental wellbeing, which helps them to flourish and succeed both on and off the field. One of the things that most impressed me is his inclusion and ability to work with kids with disabilities. He instills a confidence in them to feel comfortable to put themselves in the game, and he creates a friendly, positive environment for them to be included and part of the team. Growing up, I had a sibling with a disability, so this is something very close to my heart.   As a KLSD school board member, I think he will bring great perspective. -Allison Holm-Joergensen  Pound Ridge Samantha Hirsh brings the right ‘why’ to her school board candidacy Dear Editor,  Mark Twain once said, “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so,” and that axiom holds as true today as it ever has. As a lifelong educator, one of the things I have always emphasized to my students is that understanding the “why” of something really matters. Whether it’s choosing a learning strategy to utilize or picking an approach to solving a difficult equation, knowing “why” we are doing something is truly an essential component for understanding an issue.  Samantha Hirsh was the first educator to phrase that ideal to me in a way that truly resonated with me, and I and my students have benefitted from that advice from that day forward. Samantha brings decades of experience in the field of education to her candidacy for the KatonahLewisboro Board of Education, but more importantly she brings the right “why.” Samantha has dedicated her life to the field of education and ensuring that students have access to high quality educational experiences. From her days teaching and coaching lacrosse in the Bronx, to her work in transforming the math departments in multiple districts, to her most recent experiences working to help train educators throughout the region, Samantha has taken an approach that always keeps students at the center of her work, because that is her “why.” Seven years ago, when we first found out Samantha was pregnant with our daughter Charlotte, we scoured Westchester to find the community we wanted to raise our child in. When we found Katonah-Lewisboro, we knew we found our home. Part of that decision was based on the beauty of the location, but a larger reason revolved around the schools. As a parent of a first-grader at IMES, Samantha is inherently vested in the success of the district and committed to helping it thrive and grow in every way possible. Through her experience, her drive, her determination, commitment and openness, there is no more qualified candidate for school board than Samantha.   As a parent and resident who deeply cares about the continued success and growth of our district, I ask all of you to think about your “why,” and what type of school board candidate best addresses that. Is it platitudes or is it policies that would best serve all our shared goals to make KLSD the best district it can be? Boards of education matter, and the reasons people seek to serve, and what they can bring to the table matters. I for one want the most qualified individual to help guide our children’s future and I humbly submit that Samantha Hirsh is that person. Writing in Samantha Hirsh is more than just writing in a name and a vote for her, it’s making a statement that our children come before politics, and what we do and how the commitments we make in our lives matter.   Platitudes are easy, but the real work is done through the slow and difficult grind of policy, and crafting a culture that fosters communication, openness and growth. Samantha Hirsh is the candidate for KLSD school board who has dedicated her life to ensuring that all students have the best chance for success. Taking a chance on someone who doesn’t truly know what they don’t know (even if they think they are viewing things from an informed lens) is a serious gamble, and one that can have even more serious consequences. Our children deserve the best chance for success, and to me given the circumstances that choice is clear; Samantha Hirsh for KLSD.  -Michael Hirsh Spouse of candidate Swertfager and Gallagher are both great school board candidates Dear Editor, Our family has had the privilege of working with Bill Swertfager as a local business person and having him as our son’s coach. Bill is a class act. His professionalism and engagement make him a joy to work with. As a business owner, he has built a team that is responsive and kind to all of our business needs. He has the ability to unite people with varying opinions and abilities to attain goals. We have seen this first-hand with his organizational skills, pulling together both students and their entire families and friends to help put together tournaments, fundraisers and community service projects. His students learned not only to wrestle, but how to engage in their community, help their fellow students, and to become confident in all they do. Bill was one of the few in our district to see our son’s potential, to help him rise above his disability, and become the confident young man he now is. No doubt Bill has both the business savvy and the people skills to work with others to make KLSD a school district of distinction.  Our family has also had the privilege of getting to know Lorraine Gallagher. Lorraine tirelessly ran our Boosters Club and has lead countless successful fundraisers, raising much needed funds for our students and more importantly, raising school spirit. We have watched her run from sporting event to sporting event, coordinating parents and students for volunteering, taking photos of our LETTERS SEE LETTERS PAGE 11

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 OPINION THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 11 athletes, and cheering our athletes along, even when her own children weren’t involved. Lorraine always fi nds the time, even with her busy work and family life, to go above and beyond for our students, whether stocking the concessions for sporting events, to even making egg sandwiches for our wrestlers at the crack of dawn. She is organized, eff cient, and intuitive to the needs of our students. We have no doubt she will be an asset to our school board.  -Jennifer Cipriano  Copia Home and Garden in South Salem Swertfager wants what is best for our kids Dear Editor, I have known Bill Swertfager for 35 years and I can tell you fi rst-hand the positive impact he has had on the youth in our community.  His focus has and will always be what is best for our children. For me and countless others, Bill has been a great role model and a positive inffi uence in building character the right way. He will continue his good work as a school board member to positively inffi uence the community through common sense, hard work and focus.   -Mike Bieber Katonah Swertfager sets big goals and achieves them Dear Editor, Bill Swertfager’s “focus and fi nish” approach while concentrating on key tasks until completed is unrivaled! His contagious, positive attitude and bubbling enthusiasm focuses like a laser on positive outcomes. He can “go with the ffi ow” and can switch gears as needed to act on opportunities as they present themselves. Bill is unquestionably action oriented and takes the approach that “if the ship doesn’t come in, he’ll swim out to meet it.” He has spent his entire career networking throughout the community, joining their clubs, socializing and making winning connections by volunteering (and really getting involved, even when he had to get his hands dirty) for worthy causes. Bill thinks big, sets big goals and focuses on achieving those goals.  Bill’s commitment to run for the Katonah-Lewisboro School District school board is simply an extrapolation of his sense of responsibility, as he not only can head up an organization, he has proven to being very efl ective at building winning teams and producing positive results!  -Chad Flayhan Waccabuc This district deserves Swertfager Dear Editor, I am thrilled to know that Bill Swertfager is a candidate for the Katonah-Lewisboro Board of Education. I cannot think of a better candidate who is more passionate and dedicated to this school district than Bill. I have seen Bill demonstrate that passion and dedication through years of coaching that has helped shape the lives of so many young men and women in this community. I believe Bill represents the fresh face needed on the school board.  e students and the taxpayers of this district deserve a school board that is fi scally responsible and attentive to their concerns.  ey deserve a school board that is willing to go beyond the obligatory public hearings to engage in open and honest dialogue on issues within the district. Bill is the candidate this district deserves. He is a man of integrity and determination. He is a successful businessman and a winning coach. Above all, he is a dedicated family man whose children grew up in the district. I know Bill will work hard to make Katonah-Lewisboro a top school district that all other districts will emulate.  -Cassandra DeLaMothe Cross River Coach Bill devoted time to the beginners Dear Editor, I worked with Bill Swertfager for 10 years as a volunteer assistant wrestling coach at Joh Jay High and Middle Schools.  Bill was head coach and built the wrestling program at John Jay into one of the most successful in the county, and was a driving force for all of Section 1 wrestling. What stood out was his dedication to building character and discipline in his athletes as well as excellent performance. But more importantly, he always gave more of his attention to those students who were beginners or were having trouble learning or mastering this diff cult sport. His goal was to have all of the team learn and improve and build confi dence in themselves.  e John Jay school system will be fortunate to have him on the school board to devote his dedication and drive to the overall school system. -Philip Petronis Former Volunteer Assistant Wrestling Coach Samantha Hirsh is a true educator Dear Editor,  As Samantha’s father, I’m very familiar with her strengths and suitability for a position on the Katonah-Lewisboro Board of Education.  She is not running for the board in furtherance of an abstract idea, political agenda or for power or position, but rather because she wants to make certain that her daughter, a fi rstgrader at IMES, and all children in the district, are afl orded the best education possible. Samantha is a “people person” who works well with all people no matter their background or status. She has dedicated her adult life and professional career to public education as a teacher, mentor, teacher leader, coach and administrator. She has taught math in schools as diverse as the inner city Lehman High School in the Bronx; the suburban Hommocks Middle School in Mamaroneck, and the ‘rural-suburban” school of Fox Lane in Bedford. She currently works as an administrator at Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES as assistant director for curriculum and instructional services, where she has been instrumental in obtaining signifi cant state grants for and developing and implementing and enhancing the educational process.  She has taught students who excel, as well as those who need extra help and guidance. While “in the trenches” teaching, she has taken students under her wing, mentored them through the years beyond her classroom, and assisted them and helped equip them to go to college or obtain productive fulfi lling careers. She is an “educator” LETTERS FROM PAGE 10 SEE LETTERS PAGE 12 Brewster, NY and Bethel, CT Showrooms On your project everyday until completion... GUARANTEED! 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PAGE 12 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES OPINION THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 in the true sense of the word, appreciating that there is more to education than just math class. A three season high school varsity and college athlete, Samantha took her passion for lacrosse and created and coached the fi rst girls lacrosse team at Lehman High School in the Bronx. She understands what motivates students as well as what teachers face on a daily basis. She is equally at home in the board room as she is on the sports fi eld, and while coaching you would see Samantha running up and down the sidelines coaching and supporting her girls. She believes that education should be multidimensional, work for all and give students the tools that they will need for a full and successful life. She is the perfect person for this opened position. -Barry A. Gutterman Proud parent and grandparent Swertfager is a natural fit for school board Dear Editor, I have known Bill Swertfager for over 50 years: as a schoolmate, a teammate, a father, a businessman, a coach and a great friend. He is a man of high-character and high-integrity who has dedicated his life to helping those around him improve their lives.  In particular, having lived in Lewisboro for 35 years, I have never seen a person give as much of himself to the youth of the community as Bill. He has worked tirelessly to coach, teach, mentor or assist every youth that has crossed his path, to become a better person, and always with great sensitivity to their particular needs, and always with great respect for each of them as individuals.  He has demonstrated by his actions that he is a natural fi t to become an outstanding member of the Katonah-Lewisboro Board of Education, and will give a level of commitment and dedication that few, if any, are willing to give. -John Corelli  South Salem                            Swertfager is a pillar of this community Dear Editor, I’ve known Bill Swertfager for well over a decade. Many times through the years we’ve had conversations about the Katonah-Lewsiboro School District, and I’ve always been impressed by his insights and thoughts on what we do well and what we can do better. He’s a good family man and a pillar of this community. I whole heartedly support Bill’s candidacy for school board.  -Anne Foray Katonah Swertfager has my vote Dear Editor, Bill Swertfager is a strong, kind, smart, get the job done, passionate leader! He has shown his remarkable leading skills and ability through his coaching!  Bill will be an amazing addition to the school board. His voice on the board is what so many of us parents have been waiting for! We need a strong, fair, logical thinking board member! Bill has the experience of his children going through this school district and also as an employee of the school district. He is super qualifi ed to fi ll the seat of a board member! Honest genuine people never need to convince others who they are! ffl eir reputation speaks for its self. Bill’s reputation not only speaks, but screams of who is!  He certainly has my vote!! -Rebecca Ferrer  South Salem ‘Big Bill’ will get it done Dear Editor, Many parents encouraged us to get our son involved with “Coach Bill’s” wrestling program when he was eligible. Initially, Bill’s personality and positive attitude was just a neighborhood legend we heard about. But after our son’s extraordinary experience wrestling, our family now affi ectionately refers to the legendary “Coach Bill” as “Big Bill.” “Big” because Bill goes big in all that he does. He sets lofty goals and plans to achieve them not only for himself but for all those around him. “Big” because just look at his winning record as a coach, his thriving local business and all of his community involvement. “Big” because he has a huge heart! Bill is extremely compassionate and determined to bring out the best in every student he coaches and the community at large through his unwavering support, teaching of positive life lessons, hard work, and commitment. What other coach works out daily side by side with their team at 6 a.m.? Bill states his only agenda in running for school board is “to make this the best school district in the nation.” I know fi rsthand that when Bill sets a goal, he achieves it by working efl ciently and effi ectively to make it happen. ffl e goal he has set is big, but I believe that “Big Bill” will get it done! Bill has my vote and I encourage you to give yours as well. -Karen Rossi South Salem Coach Bill is like a second father to my son Dear Editor, I have had the pleasure of knowing Bill Swertfager for over 13 years, and throughout this time, he has proven to be a sel ess, giving, and honest member of the Katonah-Lewisboro community. He has positively impacted hundreds of people’s lives both within and outside our town. Bill has been an exceptional coach and mentor to countless young athletes in our community through his involvement with the John Jay Wrestling Youth Program, which he founded, and the head varsity and junior varsity wrestling coach at John Jay High School. His track record as a coach is unmatched by any coach in the area. Bill has consistently sent his wrestlers to continue their wrestling careers at top universities in the country, including Princeton, Harvard, Cornell, Brown, Johns Hopkins, LETTERS FROM PAGE 11 SEE LETTERS PAGE 14 ROCK & ROLL WITH NO OPTIONS AT MOHANSIC GRILL Friday, May 12th- 7:30PM 1500 Baldwin Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 (914) 962-9300 Freelance Writer, Editor, and Content Producer Bill Bongiorno | (914) 533-7065 | [email protected] For All Your Writing Needs

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 OPINION THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 13 NORTHWELL HEALTH WALK AT WESTCHESTER Beneffiting Northern Westchester Hospital and Phelps Hospital Sunday, May 21, 2023 FDR State Park, Yorktown Heights, NY Opens 8:30am | Ceremony 9:45am | Walk at 10am northwellhealthwalk.com/westchester Contact: Amanda Hellerman [email protected] or (914) 242-8361 Enjoy a dog-friendly 2.5-mile path through the park plus: Games • Music • Giveaways • Tai chi • Chair yoga • E-bikes Mini horses • DIY Slime • Bubbles • Touch-a-truck + more Wheelchair accessible. No fee for children under 14. Sign up now for a fun-packed morning supporting compassionate, high-quality care in our community! Walk with us! One Walk. One Community. Editor’s Note: Don Scott is a candidate for Bedford Town Board. Out of fairness to everyone — especially to our readers — we invite the other three candidates listed on the ballot to submit weekly columns. Send them to [email protected]. Please keep to a 1,000-word limit. As some of my friends will tell you, I’m always ready to take the other side of an argument just to keep the discussion lively. It goes without saying, everyone tells you that you need to vote in your local school board election. With elections on the horizon next Tuesday, May 16, one wonders if your vote really matters. In recent years, budgets have passed by wide margins and many of the school board races have been uncontested. So why bother to vote? Clearly the “stay home, your vote doesn’t matter” vibe seems to be the majority position since turnout for these local school board races is abysmally low, usually about 20%. People say one thing about your vote mattering, but voter behavior would seem to say the opposite. Does your vote matter? It does, so 20% turnout is discouraging.  Here’s the argument for doing better. ff ere is no more responsive level of government than your school board. Some of our brave neighbors are stepping up for a sometimes thankless volunteer position that has more impact than the elected offl cials upstream from them in the food chain. What could be more impactful than shaping the education of our children? Yet as voters, we have our priorities backwards. Everybody gets jazzed about voting for president, senator and congressperson since turnout in those elections runs above 80%. Most of those same voters are no-shows at the local level even though our votes at the local level have so much more impact.  My wife and I raised our kids here. ff ey are in their 30s now and have moved away.  We have been voting on school board budgets and school board races since they were in preschool. It dawned on me that our district has spent over $2 billion during that time. Not a small sum. Our relationship with the schools has changed, since we have lost the connection of having kids in the district. ff e last time I checked, two out of three families who pay taxes to support our schools, like us, don’t have children in the district. Yet, they support the mission with their wallets. For us, casting a vote is an affl rmation of our engagement in the community and it sends a message to those elected that we are paying attention. Low voter turnout sends the opposite message.  New York, for all its ffi aws, has it right with our school board elections in that they are nonpartisan. With the partisan rancor nationally, it is nice to have these elections without subjecting the electorate to party labels. However, it seems as though that may be slowly changing. You get the feeling that the local parties are starting to exhibit some inffi uence behind the scenes. For many of you on the sidelines, who haven’t voted because you don’t feel up to speed on the issues, I ofl er a couple of strategies. First, pick up the last couple of issues of your local paper. You should  nd some decent coverage about how your local candidates compare along with the argument for the spending increase requested by your current board. Second, phone a friend. You have to know somebody you trust who follows this more closely than you. ff ey can  ll you in on the hot scoop and give you some guidance about casting your vote. Bottom line, the best way to hold your district leaders accountable is by casting your vote. High voter turnout in your community is a sign of pride and engagement. Get in the game. Vote next Tuesday. See you at the polls. Tuesday’s election is the most important one High voter turnout tells the school district that we’re paying attention DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT As my daughter and I were walking along the beach at our timeshare down in Florida, she suddenly blurted out, “I just wanted to tell you what a good mother you were.” I was shocked and taken aback, but certainly proud and grateful. I had had a recent cancer operation and was kind of worried about my longevity. Maybe it was said because of that scare for her too, or perhaps because I always peppered my kids with my philosophy – you did not come in a box with a plan, blueprint, or set of assembly instructions. I had to do the best I knew how and probably made a lot of mistakes. My second admonition was this: one half of what I did you will follow and emulate to the letter with your own kids. It is the A treat for Mom MARILYN A. PELLINI MUSINGS: PAST AND PRESENT SEE PELLINI PAGE 28

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 OPINION THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 14 1 DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 7/31/2023. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or entry/patio door, get one (1) window or entry/patio door 40% off, and 12 months $0 money down, $0 monthly payments, 0% interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 3/26/2023 and 7/31/2023. 40% off windows and entry/patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or entry/patio door in the order. Subject to credit approval. Interest is billed during the promotional period, but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid before the expiration of the promotional period. Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. CA License CLSB #1050316. Central CA License #1096271. License #RCE-50303. OR License #198571. WA License #RENEWAP877BM. WA License# RENEWAW856K6. All other license numbers available upon request. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. “Renewal by Andersen" and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of their respective owners. © 2023 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. RBA13228 Save on Windows and Doors! AND 40% OFF1 BUY ONE, GET ONE Minimum purchase of 4 – interest accrues from the date of purchase but is waived if paid in full within 12 months. $0 Money Down $0 Interest $0 Monthly Payments for 12 months1 866-944-1728 Call by July 31 to schedule your FREE consultation. LETTERS FROM PAGE 12 Bucknell, Trinity, and many others. They have proven themselves to succeed not only on the mat, but also academically and professionally. He has instilled virtues such as respect for others, the importance of giving back, and the significance of honesty and accountability in his athletes. The impact that Bill had on my son Conor was immeasurable, and he considers Bill his second father. In addition to being an outstanding coach, Bill is also a successful business person in our community. His business acumen and experience will enable him to bring a unique perspective to the KLSD Board of Education. I am confident that he will apply his knowledge and expertise to help the board run a fiscally responsible budget and improve the quality of the educational experience for all students. I fully endorse Bill as a candidate for the KLSD Board of Education. His commitment to others, his drive to be the best in whatever he is involved with, and his experience in coaching and business make him an ideal asset for the school district. -Brian Melbourne Waccabuc  Swertfager creates inclusive culture through his actions Dear Editor,  Bill Swertfager has my vote for the Katonah-Lewisboro School District Board of Education. Bill is a good person, a family man, a local business owner and has a deep understanding of the issues and opportunities within our district.  When I reflected upon Bill’s impact, I realized how many parallels there were between what he embodied as a coach and what I look for in the professionals I work with. He creates an engaging and inclusive culture though his words, but more importantly his actions. He epitomizes what a leader is by always focusing on what is best for the team or community. At the same time, his approach to supporting and developing each member of the team is tailored to the strengths and needs of that individual. Bill’s approach is that of a steward and someone who is focused on leaving the world in a better place than he found it. I feel very strongly that Bill is the exact type of person we need to help our school district put our kids in the best position to be successful as they go out into the world. I feel very strongly that the seven priorities he has outlined for our district, including fiscal responsibility, communicating openly with our community, focusing on the safety and security of students, meeting and exceeding the needs of our special services students, enhancing reading literacy, addressing mental health and supporting extra-curricular/enrichment activities are well thought out and key to the future of our students. His proven skills and abilities would be a tremendous asset to the KLSD. -Tom Condon Katonah

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 15 Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in The Katonah-Lewisboro Times Bulletin Board and reach over 3,500 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! My Community Bulletin Board Service: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com BUYING ONLY 845-628-0362 WE WILL COME TO YOU! 52 YEARS! WE BUY: GOLD • STERLING SILVER • JEWELRY • COINS • PAINTINGS • BRONZES • CLOCKS • COLLECTIBLES • ANTIQUES • ETC. Items for sale? Call us! GOLD • SILVER • DIAMONDS WATCHES • COINS • FURS PAINTINGS • FULL ESTATES The Buying Service We simply pay more! Contact Barry 914-260-8783 [email protected] WE BUY Your business card could be here. Call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 to find out how. Honest and Reliable, 30+ years experience. Local Collector/Seller (Westchester/Putnam) Call or text: 917-699-2496 • email: [email protected] Hope to hear from you! Thanks! BUYING COMIC BOOK COLLECTIONS! TOP PRICES PAID! RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIC GENERATOR INSTALLATIONS LICENSED & INSURED NY & CT 914-763-5555 CHARLES GEORGE • POUND RIDGE, NY Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in The Katonah-Lewisboro Times Bulletin Board and reach over 3,500 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! AFFORDABLE Dumpster Rentals! CIRONE CARTING 845-533-5262 Find Out What Your Home Might Be Worth Scan for Instant Results John Buckley Licensed Associate Real Esate Broker c: 914.227.4201 e: [email protected] 95 Katonah Avenue | Katonah, NY 10536

PE 6 KNASROTES–HSY,A 1,20 G72 TR YLEF TRE t dig om olta n’secina edialply fndia ltred aitonn ut Ksc. Sonr tcal arts cocl de eo lry onuay, March 1,event featured dozens o olorfully cosm ne d nrfrom all over Westchester Cot l were studtot lt Rhaa,ho also performed. e folk dances, sg tes of origia, and the women a r w ought themoi were: · “Chanting for blessings”: Ast epu. ·ivthira Kali” (Kerala):  Latika Unni, Radhika Bahl, Litty mlayanthi Menon, Julie Asaripparambil, and Dianant“i Chindu” ald:ec nt,rCwu, Leah oa ao r b-,ndho. · “Ki(h ldc): Julia shAb ml, Aquena Joison, and Eizabeth Asari“r-na(r)A rt nMarie omas, Angeleena rc nyPnce, Aliza Vattakalam, and Riya Ae hg”t Punjab region): Latika Unni, RadhikaeSra rkSk saaiswal, Nithya Narayana, Tina Samuel, Akshitha Deepu, Arathi Shetty, and Dhilan Shetty. Culture & Tradition PHOTOS: CAROL REIF Westchester comes together for Indian dance display

AE T TBO E–HSY 1,17 2 TRACKS CORFSTAFF WRIT stdgm ymntsxindutnl pyfni ltur in Mounpoored by the local arts council and held at the town library on Sunday, March 19, the event featured dozens of colorfully costumed dancers and singers from all over Westchester County. All were students of the talented Radhika Bahl, who also performed. fi e folk dances, songs, their places of origin in India, and the women and girls who brought them to life were: · “Chanting for blessings”: Akshitha Deepu. · “fi iruvathira Kali” (Kerala):  Latika Unni, Radhika Bahl, Litty Samuel, Jayanthi Menon, Julie Asaripparambil, and Diana Bennett. · “Kavadi Chindu” (Tamil Nadu): Rebecca Bennette, Zara Chowllur, Leah fi omas, Ava Joy, Sarah Robin-Raju, and Sheara Eldho. · “Koli” (ffl sher folk dance): Julia Joseph, Anabel Samuel, Aquena Joison, and Elizabeth Asari. · “Garba-Dandia” (Gujarat): Ann Karottu, AnnMarie fi omas, Angeleena Prince, Annriya Prince, Aliza Vattakalam, and Riya Alex. · “Bhangra” (the Punjab region): Latika Unni, Radhika Bahl, Rakhee Sikriwal, Sarika Sunku, Sushma Jaiswal, Nithya Narayana, Tina Samuel, Akshitha Deepu, Arathi Shetty, and Dhilan Shetty. Culture & Tradition PHOTOS: CAROL REIF Westchester comes together for Indian dance display

PAGE 18 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows have returned to Westchester County’s beautiful horse country, May 9-14 and May 16-21, with a full schedule of world-class competition featuring many of the nation’s best horses and riders.  One of the premier stops on the nation’s hunter-jumper horse show circuit, the Spring Horse Shows host competitions for riders of all levels and ages, ranging from young children on ponies to Olympic veterans aboard their grand prix mounts. Many familiar faces return to Old Salem Farm each year to vie for top honors, including Olympic medalists such as Brewster resident McLain Ward (USA) and Rodrigo Pessoa (BRA).  “Last year was a great one for the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows as we took major steps forward in our ongoing efforts to be one of the finest horse show facilities in the country,” said Scott Hakim, owner and president of Old Salem Farm. “Spectators can get up close to all the action and watch Olympic riders like McLain Ward of the U.S., Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil, Daniel Bluman of Israel and so many more. It really is show jumping at its best!” The Spring Horse Shows’ Week 1 takes place May 9-14, with highlights including the Evergate Stables’ $40,000 Welcome Stake presented by JumpR App., $38,700 FEI 1.45m Jump-off, $10,000 Old Salem Farm Speed Derby and the $125,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix Presented by The Kincade Group. Week 2 competition follows, May 16-21, featuring the $65,000 Welcome Stake of North Salem, presented by The Kincade Group, $38,700 FEI 1.45m Jump-off and the $25,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby presented by Mane ‘n Tail before concluding on Sunday, May 21, with the $200,000 Empire State Grand Prix. The ambiance at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows is unlike any other venue in the country, with over-the-top hospitality and unique shopping offered along Old Salem’s popular Boutique Row. The Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows also feature a collection of local, gourmet food Spring Horse Shows return to North Salem Brewster resident and Olympic medalist McLain Ward will be one of the familiar faces returning to the Spring Horse Shows at Old Salem Farm in North Salem. Ward clears the last fence with the shortest time in the 2022 Grand Prix jumpoff. PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL OLD SALEM FARM SEE OLD SALEM PAGE 22 NORTH SALEM HORSE SHOW

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 NORTH SALEM HORSE SHOW THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 19 Lawton Adams Serving communities Throughout the tri-state region for over 80 years recycling: We accept clean concrete, blacktop, rock, stumps, logs, brush and leaves at our yard for recycling. Go green by keeping your recyclable construction debris out of landfills and by purchasing inexpensive, high quality, and approved recycled materials! construction materials: Sand, gravel, Item#4, Portland cement, re-bar, wire mesh, concrete block, filter fabric, silt fence, drainage pipe & fittings, plastic drywells, precast boxes & basins, and much more! Delivered or picked up at our yard. winter ice control products: Bulk & bagged rock salt, sand & salt mix, traction sand, bagged calcium chloride, bagged magnesium chloride and a variety of snow shovels & ice scrapers. Delivered or picked up at our yard. landscape materials: Topsoil, compost subsoil, clean dirt fill, hardwood mulch, Nutri-Peat, flagstone, wallstone, boulders, steppers & garden path stones, Jonathan Green grass seed, fertilizer, hand tolls, and much more! Delivered or picked up at our yard. Equestrian projects: Designs and installation of both commercial and private indoor and outdoor areas, grass or dry paddocks, grand prix and derby fields, tracks, ring maintenance, dust control, and a variety of quality footing (visit footingfirst.com for more details). 260 Route 100 • Somers, New York 10589 914 232-3275 LawtonAdams.com • lic WC2139-H89 VISIT: LAWTONADAMSCOM FOR OUR COMPREHENSIVE PRICE LIST INTRODUCING THE EQUESTRIAN BUFFER UNDERLAYMENT SYSTEM FROM The Equestrian Buffer Underlayment System (EBUS) consists of subterranean mats made of recycled rubber, which we install beneath our proprietary dust-free or water-dependent footings. EBUS efectively reduces concussion and vibration for the horse and rider in both indoor and outdoor arenas. Footingfirst.com - [email protected] 914.980.0123

PAGE 20 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 Over the years, the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows have offered a full schedule of worldclass competition for many of the nation’s best horses and riders, and this year is no exception. Learn more about some of the familiar faces competing in the Old Salem Farm International Arena:  MCLAIN WARD (USA) Continuing as Co-Chairman of the Spring Horse Shows for the second consecutive year, McLain Ward returns to Old Salem Farm as the defending champion in several highlight classes, including the shows’ culminating event, the $200,000 Empire State Grand Prix presented by The Kincade Group. He is a highly accomplished rider on the international stage, having competed in five Olympic Games (with two Gold and two Silver medals!), four FEI World Equestrian Games (with Gold, Silver and Bronze medals), two Pan American Games (with two Gold and one Silver medal) and 25 of the 28 FEI World Cup Finals since 1995. He was the 2017 FEI World Cup champion and is currently the World No. 4 ranked rider on the LONGINES FEI World Rankings.  GEORGINA BLOOMBERG (USA) As a young rider, North Salem resident Georgina Bloomberg earned four medals in her three appearances at the North American Young Riders’ Championships, and she has continued to be a major player for Team USA in the years since. She made her Nations Cup debut in 2005 in France, where she was a member of the all-female winning team; she made her first of two World Cup Final appearances that same year in Las Vegas, NV. She helped to clinch the win at the 2014 Furusiyya Nations Cup in Spain and later claimed the Team Bronze medal in her major games debut at the 2015 Pan American Games. A dedicated philanthropist and advocate for animal rescue, she shares her North Salem farm with her horses, dogs, goats, rabbits, mules and the endearing pig, Wilbur.  LILLIE KEENAN (USA) Lillie Keenan has been a competitive rider from a young age, making headlines early in her career for her successes in many events such as the 2007 USEF Pony Hunter National Championship, 2011 USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, 2012 North American Junior Equitation Championship, 2013 USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals and ASPCA Maclay Finals, and North American Junior and Young Riders Championships where she won individual and team Gold medals in 2013 after winning team Gold in 2012. Since then, she has represented the U.S. in international competition on several Nations Cup teams, including at the 2017 Dublin Horse Show where an all-female team claimed the prestigious Aga Khan Trophy for the first time. She has ridden on the U.S. team in the FEI Nations Cup Final in 2016 and 2021 and in the FEI World Championships in 2022. DANIEL BLUMAN (ISRAEL) Daniel Bluman first competed on the world stage under the Colombian flag, representing his home country for 12 years through two Olympic Games, two FEI World Equestrian Games and three Pan American Games. In 2017, he chose to represent Israel and has since added the 2018 World Equestrian Games, 2022 World Championship and 2023 FEI World Cup Final to his record. Among his grand prix wins are major events including the Rolex Grand Prix of Rome, the Hampton Classic Grand Prix (twice), and the FTI Wellington Finale. Outside the show ring, he and his wife Ariel recently created the “Ride the Future” program, helping to support riders who otherwise may not have the means to pursue a career in the sport.  RODRIGO PESSOA (BRAZIL) One of the most accomplished riders in show jumping history, Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa is another familiar face at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows with several top finishes during last year’s event. Pessoa has competed in six Olympic and FEI World Equestrian games each, securing several podium finishes including Individual Gold medals at the 2004 Olympics and 1998 World Equestrian Games. He has also brought home Team Gold medals from two of the three Pan American Games he’s attended and he’s competed in 13 FEI World Cup Finals, claiming three consecutive wins from 1998-2000. He is the only rider in history to win the World Cup championship three consecutive years. NAYEL NASSAR (EGYPT) Since winning his first FEI Grand Prix in 2011, Nayel Nassar has represented Egypt in three FEI World Cup Finals, the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games, and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics with several big grand prix victories along the way. He is a threetime winner of the HITS $1 million Grand Prix and is the only rider ever to win the Speed Challenge and 5* Grand Prix at the same Longines Masters event. He currently rides as part of the team at Evergate Stables, competing with several horses out of their California and Florida bases, and is a member of the Paris Panthers on the prestigious Global Champions League circuit. Who’s competing in the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows?  North Salem resident Georgina Bloomberg PHOTO COURTESY OF GEOFFREY TISCHMAN/ JUMP MEDIA COURTESY OF HIS OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE Daniel Bluman of Israel PHOTO COURTESY OF LILLIE BY FLYING CHANGES Lillie Keenan McLain Ward, from Brewster, riding Contagious PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL NORTH SALEM HORSE SHOW

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 21 PERFECTLY DESIGNED SANCTUARY Welcome to this private park like sanctuary set on over 10 acres of fully fenced property with direct access to the NS bridle trails. Winner of the Pinnacle award for best restoration/renovation the home is masterfully designed. Enjoy an open concept living space, including a chef's kitchen with custom cabinetry, island, appliances and granite counters. Beautiful hardwood flooring throughout the home including two bedrooms on the main floor. Spectacular views out every window. Private main suite on the second floor with a Juliet balcony overlooking a serene babbling brook. New automatic entry gate, fencing, 36'x48' 1 1/2 story barn and run in barn. Everything completed with new landscaping and new seed for all the paddocks. The home features Geothermal for maximum efficiency with an automatic generator for the home. Everything thought of to move you and your fourlegged friends in. Close to world renown horse farms for competing and training. Come check out this one-of-a-kind property. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Not intended as a solicitation if your property is already listed by another broker. Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2023 Coldwell Banker® Realty. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Price upon request 577 GRANT RD, NORTH SALEM, NY 10560 MARCIE NOLLETTI REALTOR® M: 914.424.5545 [email protected] MarcieNolletti.com 338 Route 202 Somers, NY 10589 2020 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage 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 the registered service marks owned by the Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Price upon request. Welcome to this private park like sanctuary set on over 10 acres of fully fenced property with direct access to the NS bridle trails. Winner of the Pinnacle award for best restoration/renovation the home is masterfully designed. Enjoy an open concept living space, including a chef’s kitchen with custom cabinetry, island, appliances and granite counters. Beautiful hardwood flooring throughout the home including two bedrooms on the main floor. Spectacular views out every window. Private main suite on the second floor with a Juliet balcony overlooking a serene babbling brook. New automatic entry gate, fencing, 36’x48’ 1 1/2 story barn and run in barn. Everything completed with new landscaping and new seed for all the paddocks. The home features Geothermal for maximum efficiency with an automatic generator for the home. Everything thought of to move you and your four-legged friends in. Close to world renown horse farms for competing and training. Come check out this one-of-a-kind property. Marcie Nolletti Licensed Real Estate Salesperson NY & CT Buying and Selling— I can make it happen! 338 Route 202 | Somers, NY 10589 Cell: (914) 424-5545 [email protected] | marcienolletti.com NORTH SALEM HORSE SHOW

ofi erings and family-friendly activities including pony rides, face painting, dog adoptions each Saturday and more. From Welcome Wednesday to Fiesta Friday and Family Fun Weekends presented by Halston Media, the publisher of this newspaper, every day is special at the Spring Horse Shows!  OLD SALEM FARM WILL UNVEIL A REVITALIZED VENDOR AREA FOR EVEN MORE UNIQUE SHOPPING OPPORTUNITIES  Old Salem caters not only to the comfort of the people visiting the historic facility, but also to the horses competing onsite, providing top-notch care alongside sponsors such as the HEART Equine Ambulance, which will provide tours during the Spring Horse Shows. HEART provides state-of-the-art emergency transportation services for injured or ill horses while preserving their health, safety and dignity as athletes, much like their human partners in the ring.  ffl e incredible action starts daily at 8 a.m. with classes running in three rings simultaneously throughout the day before ffi nishing at approximately 5 p.m. A full schedule can be found at OldSalemFarm.net/our-events/. Admission to the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows is free! OLD SALEM FROM PAGE 18 PHOTO COURTESY OF RANDOLPHPR Old Salem Farm will unveil a revitalized vendor area for even more unique shopping opportunities. PAGE 22 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows May 9-21 www.OldSalemFarm.net • 190 June Rd. North Salem, NY Week 1 (May 9-14) Highlights: • Evergate Stables $40,000 Welcome Stake • $38,700 FEI 1.45m Jump-off • $10,000 Old Salem Farm Speed Derby • $125,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix Week 2 (May 16-21) Highlights: • $65,000 Welcome Stake of North Salem • $38,700 FEI 1.45m Jump-off • $25,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby • $200,000 Empire State Grand Prix Over-the-top hospitality and unique shopping experiences! Kids’ Activities • Pony Rides • Face Painting & More! ADMISSION IS FREE THE WORLD’S BEST right in everyone’s own backyard! NORTH SALEM HORSE SHOW

Sports THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 23 BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER In the last two years, John Jay has fought out victories over Somers in the Section 1 finals, and the history had the Wolves honed in on Wednesday, May 3, at Contest Field. “A big game,” said Annabel Brennan. “We definitely wanted to show up.” Somers did strut in first, though. But the early 2-0 Tusker lead was not as important as who was the last to leave.  John Jay scored the next five goals and held the door open as Somers exited with a 13-9 defeat. The day starting with Teagan Ryan, who scored both goals, and barely two minutes had come off the clock. Somers was not done with the early dominance either. Jocelyn Klein received a pass right into front, and Molly Gallagher was left to stand tall. Nonetheless, she refused to shrink, reaching up to turned the tables.  Jordan Kauftheil got the ball up field, and the Wolves got down to business. Of course, there was no rush - until there was. Mia Puccio suddenly broke from inside a herd of Tuskers, and like she was big game hunting, Amelia Ingles pulled the trigger on her teammate’s stride. Puccio went low at 20:15, and no stopping the pack, the 2-1 game was soon tied. Nothing fancy this time, Brennan got whacked trying to scoop a loose ball, and she made easy work on the penalty shot at 16:10.  Kauftheil did the same when she picked off a Somers centering pass into the crease, and the Tuskers began to enter the rearview. Nicole DiNapoli would do the honors at 13:11.  She broke from the morass, and even though Inglis was on the mark, DiNapoli’s 4’10 standing can make the attacker’s moves hard to spot from the stands. An obvious disadvantage, the junior has simply made the necessary adjustments.   “All my coaches have worked with me to figure out my own game and my own strengths,” said DiNapoli. No fluke either, she was back 40 seconds later. Only this time, JoJo Degl dumped a pass in, and DiNapoli went overhand for a 4-2 game. One more goal to come in the run, JoJo Degl’s draw brought out a familiar face that John Jay is going to miss. Puccio snatched the ball from the air, and the middie’s look typically rejoiced all the room to run. “She gets a glow in her eyes,” beamed Brennan. Puccio got the ball ahead and was rewarded.  Around the perimeter, Shannon Nolan was not above getting a little underhanded to gain the advantage.  Slyly hovering around the goal line, she dropped her stick, flipped the ball up, and Puccio gladly participated in the deceit. She received and easily found the goal at 11:45. Now, Somers was ready to answer back. Teagan Ryan scored on an assist from Mia Parisi at 7:10, and then the Tuskers went on the fast break after a John Jay turnover. The ball getting ahead to Mia Paulmeno, she found some space and hit Lauren McCartin on the run. A perfect lead, the tall Tusker made due and closed the score to 5-4. That left it to the Wolves to turn defense into offense. This time, Puccio thwarted the pass in front, and Degl cruised the wind in her sails.  All the way upfield, she ran into an angry herd and drew the penalty. No problem, the sophomore made it a 6-4 game at 3:27, and that closed the scoring for the half.  Undeterred, the Tuskers came out with their ivory sharpened. They forced a turnover at midfield, and Molly Fink’s swing from the left beat Gallagher at 24:26.  A big mistake, it turned out. The Wolves scored five straight, and the run began when Brennan was the one with the glint on Degl’s draw. The senior secured the ball, John Jay set up and she eventually took it upon herself to send Somers the message.  Brennan willed her way through the defense and unleashed for a 7-5 lead. Still, the attacker made sure to point out her resolve never goes unassisted - especially with Puccio’s boundless energy.   “I will hear her behind me, ‘let’s go, let’s go,’ and then I’m like yeah, yeah” the senior conveyed.  In keeping, Brennen had the next three goals, Puccio assisted twice, and to complete the run, DiNapoli really did disappear.  Completely surrounded in the land of the giants, the attacker received from Inglis, and helping her tally goal three was old hat for the freshman. “I’m used to seeing where she is,” assured the playmaker.  Somers did get the next two goals, but Inglis assisted again, and the Degl goal sealed the deal for another victory over the crosstown rival. John Jay then beat Mamaroneck 14-7 at home on Saturday (5/6). John Jay makes statement vs. Tuskers Mary Murphy (left) Mia Puccio Nicole DiNapoli Annabel Brennan (right) PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI GIRLS LACROSSE

PAGE 24 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES SPORTS THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Despite their 3-9 start, Yorktown did not wait long to get going at Contest Field on Wednesday, May 3. The Huskers came out swinging and jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first. Still, John Jay was not put off and answered with a run in the second. But Yorktown kept hitting, and while the Wolves continued to battle back, the girls just could not get over the top. A 6-5 game in the fourth, Yorktown got two more in the sixth, and John Jay never got any closer in the 8-5 defeat.  The beginning made it look like Riley Foote might cruise the day, though. She got the first two batters, but a walk to Eva Des - tito opened the first door. A double by Bella Gomes brought in the first run, and Julia Centofanti’s single made it a 2-0 game. The impetus for John Jay then came on Adrianna Albano’s low throw to first on a Maya Nelsen ground ball to short. Safe, Laney Daly tripled to right and cut the lead in half. But another two-out rally seemed immi - nent when Katie Piehler doubled Alyssa Mc - Creary to third. Instead, Foote dialed in and got Vittoria Milizia to fly to center. In turn, Kate Brown matched her fellow eighth grader on the mound in the top of the second. A zero on four batters, she got some breathing room in the third. Gomes smoked a grounder down the third base line with one out, and after a walk to Sophia Reilly, Mc - Creary drove in run three with a single. Up to the task in the bottom, Carys Cooper doubled to right to put on the hurt after Foote drew a two-out walk. Bella Barry then tied the game on a double down the third base line. Unable to capture the lead, the two-out rally didn’t deter Yorktown. An infield hit by Piehler, and a one-out walk to Milizia set the table. Destito went deep to center with a tworun double, but a fielded grounder to Maya Nelsen seemed to end the inning. Thinking the play was a force, she stepped on the bag and started to walk off. So Reilly reached first, and the runner scored for a 6-3 game. DelMoro clapping her third baseman on nonetheless, Cooper got Reilly trying to steal second, and the offense took the cue in the bottom of the fourth. A one-out walk to Brenna Doherty got the rally started, and Amanda Kelly followed with a single. Run - ners on first and second, Nelsen’s slow roller in the third base hole had Albano thinking she had a better shot at the lead runner.   The flip late, and John Jay had the bases loaded. Deja Vu again, Daly singled for a 6-5 game. Even so, Nelsen got caught off second, and Cooper’s strike out ended the inning. The pitchers then took over in the fifth and the score remained status quo until the sixth. Unfortunately, one got away from Foote, and the last rally ensued. Milizia was hit, Destito followed with a single, and Centofanti’s clutch two-out double drove in two. No reply this time, John Jay only managed a walk over two innings and went down in defeat. The Wolves then fell to Hen Hud 3-2 on Monday (5/1) and 2-1 to Brewster on Thurs - day (5/4). Wolves come up short to Huskers PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI Amanda Kelley Bella Barry Carys Cooper Laney Daly SOFTBALL

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 SPORTS THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 25 BY RICH MONETTI John Jay geared up for the Somers Invitational on Saturday, May 6. Time flying and another track season winding down, Coach Dave Bradford has seen the kids compete, improve and strive as a team. But dropping times and accumulating medals is not the driving force behind the program’s model of track and field. “It’s their friendships that are going to be the lasting part of this,” Bradford assured. Exemplifying the sentiment are Lucas Mongiello and Andy Condon. “I usually stay on his right shoulder, and he does the same for me,” said Mongiello. “It helps us pace through the race so we can get it done.” On this day, though, Mongiello came out firing on all cylinders, and his running mate stayed in the rearview. “I might have to talk to him about that,” joked Condon. But Condon was not exactly left hanging in the 1500 meter. The sophomore’s 11:00.80 was a 15-second improvement over his personal best. “We went out a lot faster,” he said. Still, he was feeling the burn after only one lap, but the horizon keeps him going. “I know I cannot step off that track,” Condon asserted. Mongiello got pretty gassed too and was not helped by the announcement that there were only two laps to go. “They were running two races,” the sophomore explained, and he had to double down to finish. A 17-second improvement anyway, Mongiello thought he would eventually fall back with his friend. But the wind was really at his back.   “I kept up the pace,” he clarified, and cruised in at 10:56.10. The time left the runner a fifth-place finish in Class B, and for good measure, Condon took the sixth spot. The duo is not sure whether they will qualify for next weekend’s Loucks Games, but they were not the only Wolves to ring up a personal best. Emma Barniv was 13 seconds faster than her previous PB in the 3000 meter. “I was really set on getting a PR, so that helped motivate me all week,” said the freshman after her 11:57.70. More importantly, she’s completely onboard with Bradford’s communityminded outlook. “I feel like the team draws the best group of people,” she said. “I have the sweetest friends, and I love running.” Lily O’Shaughnessy didn’t necessarily feel the amore in the final turn of the 400 meter. “My legs were super tired,” she admitted. From there, she went on automatic pilot, and the final straightaway was still good enough for second place in her heat. The first time in an invitational 400, the girls coach praised the 1.10.14 finish that her runner put together. “She ran pretty solidly,” said Suzanne Guziec, and a 10th place in Class B provided the proof. Grace Kenny didn’t break into pieces either in her 1500 meter race.   “She ran a super smart race,” said Bradford, and he felt confident the a second place (5:21.69) finish will earn a berth next week.  A spot she firmly occupies behind one Sloan Wasserman (who took the weekend off with plenty of qualifying time to her credit). Maybe not so easy for a senior stuck behind a freshman, but Bradford has no worries. “What’s her name,” the coach countered, “Her name is Grace.” A big sister to Sloan and all the kids, Bradford took pride in knowing Kenny is with the program. “She helps everyone keep things in perspective,” he beamed.  Of course, Kenny can speak for herself, and didn’t hold back in terms of Wasserman. “She is so good, and I’m really proud of her.”  She knows the time is short, nonetheless, and has no rush to get ahead of herself. “I’m just hoping to qualify, continue to enjoy my senior season, and spend time with my teammates,” she concluded. JJ Track shows community Runs at Somers Invitational Andy Condon PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI Grace Kenny Lily O’Shaughnessy Lucas Mongiello TRACK & FIELD

PAGE 26 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES SPORTS THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 BY WES ADAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER We runners often head out the door for a workout in order to forget the hassles and anxieties of our day, at least for a little while. But on Monday, May 29, let’s forget about forgetting. Let’s run to remember, at the 44th edition of the Memorial Day Races in South Salem.  Whether you choose the ff ve or ten-kilometer run/walk option, or the Challenge option of doing both, you will be joining ranks with thousands of participants at Memorial Day races from coast-to-coast, running or walking in remembrance of those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. armed forces.   You will also be racing to remember area families served by the Hudson Valley chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, this year’s charity partner. Alzheimer’s affl ects over six million Americans, causing the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities. Created in 2002, the Hudson Valley chapter serves Westchester, Putnam, and ff ve other counties.  Disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, the South Salem Races are returning in 2023 after a four-year hiatus. Organized once again by the South Salem Presbyterian Church, the village’s hilltop landmark for well over two centuries, the races represent just one of many ways this small but mighty congregation is dedicated to serving the community at large.  “Our doors never close; we are always there for our neighbors,” says Reverend Mark Salmon, who came out of retirement and moved from Florida to take up a part-time role as SSPC’s minister just months before the global shutdown. It’s the smallest congregation he’s worked with, “but the most energized and vibrant,” he says.   ffi e race will also be raising funds for general maintenance of the church, helping it to continue in its role as a facility used by many in the community at large. ffi e church has shared its space in the recent past with Catholic and Jewish congregations, supports a Scout troop, and is well known for its historical graveyard, the ff nal resting place for over four hundred local citizens, including twenty-seven of the forty-ff ve known South Salem veterans of the Revolutionary War.   Among the headstones decorated with a bronze Revolutionary War marker, you can ff nd names such as ffi addeus Rockwell, Benajah Gilbert, Ebenezer Wood, and Sylvenus Ferris. Sketches of their lives can be found in ffi eodore Langdon Van Norden’s 1927 book, South Salem Soldiers and Sailors. For instance, Sylvenus Ferris served at Ticonderoga and Crown Point, and later became an innkeeper in Lewisboro. ffi e author also reports that Sylvenus’s intrepid wife annually rode on horseback to New York City with “saddlebags ff lled with knitted stockings,” to sell for ample goods to bring back. Equally intrepid is sixteen-yearold Brooke Habinowski, this year’s director of the South Salem Races. “Brooke is a powerhouse,” says Reverend Salmon, “a great athlete and the ideal person to get the event restarted.”  In recent years, the races became something of a victim of their own success. “Organizing it grew into a very stress-inducing event for some of our parishioners,” Brooke says, “and now a new generation is taking up the challenge with community support.”  ffi anks to her mom, Rebekah Habinowski, a longtime veteran race director, Brooke brings years of experience with the race and a deep affl ection for it. “I have been running it since I was in the womb, and every year that I can remember.” Mom is proud to see her daughter taking the helm, but not surprised: “We have always volunteered for the races since Brooke was in the nursery and always said she was in training to be race director some day. 2023 is her year to shine!”  One of Brooke’s biggest challenges this year is one most race directors can only dream about: Finding room for all their sponsors on the shirt. “We have thirty-eight sponsors from our wonderful community this year, the most we have had in over thirteen years,” says Brooke.  ffi e registration fee is $35 for the 5K, $40 for the 10K, and $50 for those undertaking the challenge of doing the 10K and 5K back-to-back. ffi e courses are USATF-certiff ed, following hilly, winding roads north of the village, and ff nish in front of the Lewisboro Library. ffi e route offers many views of Lake Truesdale, where you can debate whether to stop and catch your breath as you enjoy the scenery, or put your head down, dig deep, and keep chasing after that person in front of you.   Although he will not be running, Reverend Salmon will be at the lead in both races in his Yankeemobile, as his customized 2021 Mazda Miata is known. ffi e races will take place, rain or shine, with the 10K starting at 8 a.m., the 5K at 9:30, and a onemile fun run for kiddos at 10:45. Registration link: events.elitefeats.com/23salem. Racing to remember Upcoming Memorial Day Races After a four-year break, the South Salem Races return in 2023. At the 2010 South Salem Memorial Day Races, fouryear-old Brooke Habinowski (#870), this year’s race director, participated in the Pee Wee race with her mom, Rebekah (left). PHOTO COURTESY OF REBEKAH HABINOWSKI In his customized Yankeemobile pace car, Reverend Mark Salmon will be driving at the front of the races this year. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK SALMON PHOTO COURTESY OF WES ADAMS Headstones at the South Salem Presbyterian Church graveyard, including two Revolutionary War veterans. THE RUNAROUND

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 SPORTS THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 27 BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER John Jay ended last season by falling short of playing in the team sectional tournament. So the ground strokes that Coach Paul Crivelli wanted his team to hit were pretty basic. “We started the season with a goal of building character, respect, and a love for the sport of tennis,” he said, and the results now speak for themselves.  After splitting the first two matches, the Wolves then won seven in a row, which included a home sweep of Arlington on Monday, May 1. Done first was Matthew Marchini, and his 6-0, 6-0 victory was filled with resolve. “I brought tons of determination,” said the freshman.  The same goes for his off season. A self described “exercise kid,” he entered high school stronger and is sure the improvement shows. “It’s allowed me to get more spin and strength on the ball, and means more foot movement,” Marchini clarified. He also has a better head on his shoulders. “Last year, I felt I didn’t have as much strategy as I do this year, and it’s working out better.” At the same time, it never hurts to upgrade a serve. In the off season, he improved by watching the pros and putting his delivery on the grind on his own time. On the other hand, his volley still needs work. “I feel that’s a little bit of a weak spot in my game,” Marchini admitted. An understatement for Dylan Scott, he does not even attempt to include a serve and volley in his game. But he more than makes up for the omission by wearing his opponents down from the baseline.  The proof not only in the score, he sees it in the changeover. “They want longer breaks in between,” Scott revealed. Of course, when the lag takes place in point, he cannot help being amused. “It’s kind of funny.” But on this day, the long rallies also wore down his opponent’s mental state - especially after Scott fell behind 4-1 in the second set. “I slowly got in his head, and he started whacking balls everywhere,” the junior said following his 6-2, 6-4 victory. It’s also add-in for Scott in terms of his mettle. “I’m more mentally tough,” he said, and the singles player is not sure that he would have overcome this type of deficit last year.  An attribute that Crivelli is seeing from all his singles players. “They have led by example, fighting back in many of their matches,” said the coach. Even so, Jordan Fiderer didn’t have to worry in his 6-1, 6-3 victory, and the high point of his game led the way.   “My first serve was going in, and that made my games easier by conserving energy,” said the senior. Otherwise, he went in trying to put away short angle balls, and hopes the team is on serve to reach Team Sectionals this year. Adding another Marchini will not hurt their chances either. “Our eighth grader, Johnny Marchini, continues to impress with a 8-1 record,” said Crivelli.  That includes his 6-2, 6-3 victory, and for a second time, age and size didn’t matter. Beating his six foot, senior opponent, Johnny knew the score going in. “Short balls,” said Marchini, “He usually hits them out.” Scouting report aside, the middle schooler didn’t overthink his approach. “I just wanted to be consistent, not overhit, and put good top spin on the ball,” Johnny said. As for who gets the top billing at home, the younger brother didn’t hesitate. “I usually beat him,” he assured. His brother was not quite in agreement, but the discrepancy is obviously a bigger problem for Section 1. They are not the only tandems opponents have to worry about, though. “Colin Baird-Taylor, Will Fenton, Andrew Glass, Ben Wysmuller, William Cranstoun, Ian Rhodes, and Guillaume Pestie have also done a great job contributing to our success with big wins in our doubles matches,” said Crivelli. “And Chaz Thea and Devon Kislin have become a great duo - playing some high-energy tennis.” In keeping, Will Fenton and Ben Wysmuller won 6-2, 6-1 and Ian Rhodes and Guillaume Pestie 6-1, 6-1, while the synergy of Colin Baird-Taylor and Devon Kislin didn’t just play out on the scoreboard. “It’s a really good time playing with him,” said Baird-Taylor. Still, they were not just there to yuck it up. “Their volleys were a little bit dodgy, so we aimed right at their net players,” said Kislin. A 6-1, 6-4 victory resulted, and Crivelli has more straight sets on his mind.   “We hope to continue our winning streak as we begin the second half to our season,” he concluded. Wolves continue to serve Dylan Scott PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI Guillaume Pestie Jordan Fiderer Matthew Marchini TENNIS

PAGE 28 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES LEISURE THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! For puzzle solutions, please see theparamountrehab.com CLUES ACROSS 1. Midway between south and southeast 4. Fathers 9. Wine grape 14. Al Bundy’s wife 15. Organic compound 16. Venezuelan state 17. Interest term 18. Experts 20. Central cores of stems 22. Smooth and glossy 23. One-time S. Korean city 24. One from Damascus 28. Short message at the end of an email 29. It cools your home 30. Oh, God! 31. Intestinal pouches 33. Men 37. Popular English soccer team (abbr.) 38. Former CIA 39. Arrange in steps 41. A baglike structure in a plant or animal 42. The Great Lake State 43. Dog-__: to mark a page 44. Stop moving 46. Ancient Dead Sea region 49. Of I 50. Clerical vestment 51. Songs sung to a lover 55. Charges 58. Popular design program manufacturer 59. Where to park a boat 60. One who values reason 64. Slang for cigarette 65. Sailboats 66. Actress Zellweger 67. Screen material 68. Country music legend Haggard 69. Puts together in time 70. When you hope to arrive CLUES DOWN 1. An involuntary and abnormal muscular contraction 2. Philly’s rail service 3. Leaves a place 4. No longer be a part in 5. Guitar players use them 6. Cease to exist 7. General’s assistant (abbr.) 8. Shaking of the earth 9. Strong winds 10. For each one 11. A bog 12. The creation of beautiful or significant things 13. Affirmative 19. Pie _ __ mode 21. Nonclerical 24. Inspirational football player Hamlin 25. Learning environment 26. Khoikhoi peoples 27. Bring out or develop 31. Shows up 32. Theatrical device 34. Loads 35. Popular Hollywood alien 36. Distinguishes 40. College dorm worker 41. Secondary or explanatory title 45. Resembling wings 47. One who delivers a speech 48. In the middle 52. Loop with a running knot 53. Airborne (abbr.) 54. Beloveds 56. Ordain 57. Breed of small cattle 59. Very small period of time (abbr.) 60. Revolutions per minute 61. They __ 62. Longtime ESPN anchor Bob 63. A place to stay PELLINI FROM PAGE 13 stufi fond memories are built upon. ff e other half you will be thinking – I cannot believe that overprotective, clueless, mother of mine could have said or did (whatever). It will be in that exact proportion with the children you raise too. So, be a whole lot more accepting and forgiving of the woman who raised you. As Mother’s Day approaches, do not forget a card, candy, ffl owers, gifts, dinner out, or all of the above if you can manage it for your wonderful, happy, funny, hard-working, and caring Mom. One year I got, from my little ones, a hand-colored picture of a princess telephone. I still have both the picture and the phone, and every time I lift the receiver I think of them. Someone was listening, because I had mentioned how cute I thought these phones were and what little space they took up. I can still see my children’s bright, shiny, and proud faces as I unrolled the picture they had drawn, followed by opening the box with the telephone. ff ere was another Mother’s Day of note too. My two kids, Mike and Lynn, had begged to grow strawberries. We tried! We earnestly tried! No matter how we enclosed the plants, some little animal got in there and ate them. ff ere was one, lone, large, ripe, red strawberry on the plants that Mother’s Day. ff e children and their dad prepared breakfast in bed for me. ff ey plopped the big, luscious, berry right on top of my pancakes. ff e fl rst thing I did, of course, was take my knife and cut the berry into four pieces, as I could see their mouths watering. “A bite for all of us,” I insisted. No strawberry ever tasted sweeter!

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 29 Yorktown Chamber of Commerce 2010 Organization of the Year November 29, 1987-March 21, 2003 MAY WE STAND AS TALL AS HE DID in memory of Our 20th Year Proudly Supporting Community Recreation and Education HARRISON APAR Standing three feet tall due to a rare dwarfism, as a featured speaker at his middle school graduation, Harrison told classmates... ‘Dreams Do Not Come Easily, But If You Stretch Enough, Nothing Is Out of Reach’ Facebook.com/HarrisonAparFoundation [email protected] • 914.275.6887 P.O. Box 1383, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit incorporated in the State of New York I f you’ve done any estate planning, or even if you’re just familiar with it, you probably know the basics — that is, a comprehensive estate plan can help you pass on assets to your family while also achieving other goals, such as designating someone to take care of your affairs if you become unable to do so. But you may not know about some other estate-planning issues that could prove important in your life:  • Power of attorney for students – Children heading off to college may be considered legal adults in many states. Consequently, you, as a parent, may not have any control over medical treatment if your child faces a sudden, serious illness or is involved in an accident. Instead, a doctor who doesn’t know your child or your family may decide on a course of action of which you might not approve. To help prevent this, you may want to have your college student sign a medical power of attorney form, which will allow you to make decisions on your child’s behalf if doctors don’t think your child can make those choices. You might also want to combine the medical power of attorney with an advance health care directive or living will, which lets you specify actions you do or don’t want to happen. In any case, consult with your legal advisor before taking any of these steps. • Community property versus common law – Not all states treat married couples’ possessions equally. If you live in a community property state, the property you acquire during your marriage is generally considered to be owned in equal halves by each spouse, with some exceptions. But if you live in a common law state, the property you obtain while you’re married is not automatically owned by both spouses. In these states, if you buy some property, you own it, unless you decide to put it in the name of yourself and your spouse.  This doesn’t necessarily mean, however, that your spouse has no rights, because common law states typically have rules that guard surviving spouses from being disinherited. But here’s the key point: If you move from a community property state to a common law state, or vice versa, you might not want to assume that your and your spouse’s property ownership situations will remain the same. Consequently, if you do move, you may want to consult an estate-planning attorney in your new state to determine where you stand. • Pet trusts – You always strive to take good care of your pets. But what might happen to them if you become incapacitated in some way? Unless you have a close family member or friend who’s willing to take over care for your pet, you might want to consider setting up a pet trust, which can take effect either during your lifetime or after you pass away. A trustee typically will make payments to the caregiver you’ve designated for your pet, with payments continuing for the pet’s lifetime or a set number of years. Again, an estate-planning attorney can help you with this arrangement. Estate planning certainly involves the big-picture issue of leaving a legacy to the next generation. But the issues we’ve discussed can also be meaningful to you, so you’ll want to address them properly.  This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Financial Advisor, Judi McAnaw, a resident of Katonah. She has an office at 200 Business Park Drive, Suite 107, in Armonk. Judi can be reached at 914- 669-5329.     Some ‘did-you-knows’ about estate plans Children heading off to college may be considered legal adults in many states. Consequently, you, as a parent, may not have any control over medical treatment if your child faces a sudden, serious illness or is involved in an accident.’ -Judi McAnaw Edward Jones Financial Advisor JUDI MCANAW GUEST CORNER

PAGE 30 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 BY TOM BARTLEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER Stressing the power of connecting and collaboration in commerce,  best-selling  author and investor Fran Hauser helped last week to launch the Bedford Economic Alliance, a town-wide effort to support local business. “Every significant milestone I’ve achieved can be attributed to people opening doors for me, making introductions,” she told  more than 100 people  at the alliance’s kickoff  event last Thursday, May 4, in the Bedford Hills Community House. Hauser, the evening’s keynote speaker, also led a panel of five local business leaders in a discussion of networking, marketing and even small-town-style philanthropy. Supervisor Ellen Calves opened the hour-long program, welcoming attendees and inviting  all  of Bedford’s business owners to complete a feedback survey (www.surveymonkey.com/r/NMK9QJV) asking what they’d like to see from  the  alliance and how they might want to be involved. “In addition to the work the Town Board has been doing to understand and address the needs of businesses and property owners,” she said later. “The survey results will further inform the kinds of events, marketing, education and collaborations that businesses need to be successful and serve the community.” But Calves reminded her audience that it was up to business owners to act on the survey’s results. “It’s not really a top-down exercise here,” she said. “What we’re doing is creating opportunities and seeing where it goes.”   Hauser, author of “The Myth of the Nice Girl” and other careeroriented works, set the collaborative tone early, recalling her days growing up in Mount Kisco as her parents worked cooperatively with fellow immigrants, turning hopeful startups into thriving enterprises. “I watched, over and over, how so many of these businesses flourished because of the power of community,” she said. “Because they leaned on each other, they were happy to share opportunities.” Setting a brisk agenda, Hauser explored the varied experiences of her panelists: Casey Carter, the jeweler whose Bijou of Katonah has been a hamlet fixture for a decade; Jason Charles, owner of Bazodee Street Foods in Bedford Hills; Marialisa Zywotchenko, owner and president of Cyprus Contracting in Katonah, which designs and builds custom living spaces; and Cori Estrow, a founder, and Mike Leibowitz, the CEO, of Country Willow, the Bedford Hills furniture and accessories store. In response to Hauser’s prompting on collaboration, Carter, who is also the Katonah Chamber of Commerce president, recalled how a mutually beneficial business relationship blossomed simply because a local jewelry designer stopped by, hoping to “get her brand off the ground.” “I fell in love with her jewelry,” Carter said. “It was something I didn’t have in my store; it really filled a void.” Now, with her collection on display at Bijou functions, Carter said, it’s attracted as many as 150 people to his store.    Jason Charles and his colorful  Bazodee Street Foods truck have become familiar sights at the Bedford Hills pool, where he expects to set up shop this season as well. He and his wife, Natalie, both natives of Trinidad, launched Bazodee in June 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. “The truck stops here!” Charles announced, and found the community embraced them, keeping the family on a seven-days-a-week schedule. Still, Charles said, his daughter has found time to collect used shoes for donation to those in need.   That strong sense of community—not just the opportunities it presents but the philanthropy it inspires—came up often in the panel discussion.  Giving back,  Zywotchenko said, is what “I’m really passionate about. And I really don’t feel like I’ve ever done it to drive business for my firm. It comes from my heart.” So, she’s donated Cyprus’ design-and-build skills to worthy endeavors. “We did a handicapped bathroom for Ronald McDonald House,” Zywotchenko said. “We built a deck for someone going through chemotherapy. My husband and I are both cancer survivors, so that was important to us.”  Never done for recognition, she said, “It’s almost like it’s our responsibility.” As Country Willow’s Leibowitz noted, their neighborhood store is not a “multinational, corporate entity that’s just in it for the money.” “It’s not about the recognition,” he said, “it’s about being able to give something back.” Hauser, the panel facilitator, pointed out that collaboration “has resulted in something different for each of you.” And for Estrow, who launched Country Willow with her husband, the late Roy Estrow, more than 25 years ago, the quest for potential collaborators goes on. Enjoying a view of gathered entrepreneurs from her seat on the Community House stage last week, she said, “I love looking around this room and hope that maybe some people will be interested in collaborating with us on some level.” Hauser encouraged her panelists and the business leaders in attendance to rely on each other. “You have access to an incredible community of business owners,” she said. “You have access to each other.” Bedford Economic Alliance launches Keynoter Fran Hauser, left, talks with panelists Casey Carter, Jason Charles, Marialisa Zywotchenko, Cori Estrow and Mike Leibowitz. PHOTOS: TOM BARTLEY

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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF 05/04/2023 EVENTS Contact Us The Katonah-Lewisboro Times is located at 118 N Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected]. Check out our Facebook & Twitter pages! 845-225-7777 • www.puthumane.org Open 7 days a week from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Rocky Rocky is 13 years old and had been adopted from PHS when he was a kitten. Things in his home changed forcing his family to bring Rocky to the shelter. He is devastated and does not understand what he’s doing in a cage. We need to find a home quickly to get the senior boy out of the cage and into a home, loved by the next family who will never let him go! Bella recently arrived at PHS after her owner passed away. She’s six years old and was used to going everywhere with him. He used to take her on trains and subways. Wherever he went, Bella was by his side. She’s hoping there’s another family out there who will want her to be as big of a part of their life as she was her Dad’s. 845-225-7777 • www.puthumane.org Bella THIS AD WAS GENEROUSLY DONATED BY HALSTON MEDIA. 68 Old Rt. 6, Carmel www.pleasantvillewellnessgroup.com CONTACT US 450 Manville Road, First Floor Pleasantville NY 10570 [email protected] (call) 914-769-1586 (text) 845-260-2797 PLEASANTVILLE WELLNESS GROUP offers compassionate and affordable care for whatever you or a loved one may be struggling with. Reach out today to find out how we can support you through your mental health journey. Services offered in person and online.

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