VOL. 14 NO. 48 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. MARCH 14 – MARCH 27, 2024 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 39 LEGAL NOTICES 38 LEISURE 25 MAHOPAC MUSINGS 4 OPINION 10 SPORTS 18 The annual cancer fundraiser kicks off pg 7 RELAY FOR LIFE BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE The stalled Swan Cove project targeted for the Mahopac business district on Route 6N as part of a downtown renaissance received a shot in the arm last week in the form of federal funding, which town officials say will help get the plan back on track and ease the burden on taxpayers. Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) announced last week that municipalities in his congressional district will receive nearly $36 million in Community Project Funding for 17 projects in a bipartisan appropriations package. Lawler said the $35.9 million in funding for the work is more than quadruples the funding brought back by the 17th District in 2022. “The projects range from providing clean drinking water for tens of thousands of residents to repairing aging infrastructure and dams to expanding pedestrian safety and accessibility, and this funding will significantly improve the quality of life of residents across the Hudson Valley,” he noted. The Mahopac Downtown Redevelopment Clean Water Infrastructure Improvement Project received $2 million from the funding package. The money will be used to improve and expand public access to Lake Mahopac, which has been heavily impacted by stormwater runoff from the surrounding areas. The influx of funds should help solve a problem long plaguing plans to Town to get $2M in fed funding for Swan Cove project Towns in Lawler’s 17th District will receive nearly $36 million SEE SWAN COVE PAGE 5 The Northern WestchesterPutnam Saint Patrick’s Day Parade brought smiles to the heart of Mahopac on Sunday, with the March weather “lion” going on the lam long enough to let a big crowd enjoy the festivities in between rainstorms. As usual, there was plenty to catch the eye along the parade route, including John Fiumara, 6, and his brother Joey, 3, looking dapper in their green hats. For more parade photos, see the centerspread on page 20. PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL Cool hats for Saint Pat’s! RE/MAX Classic Realty 914-282-6440 [email protected] CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION ZACKS GETS YOU RECORD PRICES! Immaculate home, beautifully renovated by a craftsman! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. Granite center island eat-in kitchen. Huge deck w/gazebo overlooks large level yard, outdoor living area & pool. Incredible Canadian walnut hardwood floors. Crown moldings throughout. Updated bathrooms. All closets have wonderful built-ins. Finished lower level includes family room w/ fireplace, den & powder room. Over-sized heated 2-car garage. Solar panels save tons on electric costs, while a pellet stove reduces heating expenses! $750,000 RECORD PRICE — LISTED AND SOLD IN 3 DAYS! Are you wondering what your home is worth? Should you add on, or remodel? Buy smaller or larger? Please allow me to answer your questions. Call Today!
PAGE 2 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 Locally Owned UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP NOW ACCEPTS COUPONS Rt 22 Brewster (across from Red Rooster), Rt 6 Carmel (Mobile Station) Rt 6 Mahopac (In front of Stop & Shop) Order Online @ baskinrobbins.com Offer valid on sausage, egg and cheese sandwich only. Excludes Specialty Donuts and Fancies. Price and participation may vary. Limited time offer. Exclusions and terms apply. ©2023 DD IP Holder LLC. Great deals on food with the purchase of a medium or larger coffee Terms apply. 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Limit one per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No meat or cheese substitutions. Excludes extra meat, egg and cheese, roasted tomatoes add-on, Omelet Bites, Dunkin’ Wraps, specialty hashbrowns and all Toast varieties. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Small Hot or Iced Latte excudes Signature and Chai Lattes EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Excludes Cold Brew & Nitro. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Non-dairy alternatives, flavors, cold foam, and Espresso Shots may be an additional charge. Espresso beverage offers exclude Signature Lattes and Specialty Lattes unless otherwise noted. Tea beverage offers exclude specialty teas unless otherwise noted. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Classic Donut With Purchase Of Any Beverage excludes Specialty Donut and Fancies EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Buy One Sundae Get One Free (of equal or lesser value) EXP: 08/31/2024 Offer not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Single Use Coupon. Limit one offer per customer per visit. No substitutions allowed. Customer must pay applicable tax. May not be combined with any other coupon, discount, or promotion. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. See store for details. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. ©2024 BR IP Holder, LLC.[Coupon_Requests_8.4.23.xlsx]Requests!$C$14:$P$24 Half Dozen Classic Donuts With Purchase Of 6 Donuts excludes Specialty Donut and Fancies Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. 99¢ $1.00 ÍÇvUzILz:8f<Î 99865390414490262470 FREE ÍÇt'ÅbnwQe%ZÎ 99840797667887496905 FREE ÍÇ|Z5BHduOE2Î 99925821344068854737 FREE ÍÇÅM>84)D`5iÎ 99974530242009366421 ÍÇ?CÇHqkOJLrÎ 99313599408175474244 Offer valid on sausage, egg and cheese sandwich only. Excludes Specialty Donuts and Fancies. Price and participation may vary. Limited time offer. Exclusions and terms apply. ©2023 DD IP Holder LLC. Great deals on food with the purchase of a medium or larger coffee Terms apply. GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac EXP: 08/31/2024 GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac Bagel With Cream Cheese Spread EXP: 08/31/2024 GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Half Dozen Donuts or 25 Munchkins® excludes Specialty Donut and Fancies EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. for 6 Bagels EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. for 2 Muffins EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. 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MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 3 BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE After nearly 20 years at the helm, Jim Gilchrist has stepped down as the town of Carmel’s recreation director. Gilchrist officially retired on Feb. 29 and at last week’s Town Board meeting, Senior Recreation Leader Nina Kallmeyer was retroactively named the acting director of the Recreation and Parks Department. Gilchrist said he has had his eye on retirement for a while— he is 56 and became pensioneligible last year. But something happened last August that accelerated his plans a bit. He bought a New York Lottery Multiplier Money scratch-off ticket at the Route 6 Deli (Route 6 and Crane Road). It was a million-dollar winner. After all the required withholdings, Gilchrist netted $566,840. Suddenly, he could retire a little sooner than he anticipated. “That was a game changer,” he said. “I scratched it off when I got home. My wife thought it was a joke. My daughter came over and she confirmed it. Yes—winning the lottery played a role [in speeding up retirement].” But Gilchrist still wanted to see some important projects to fruition and tie up some loose ends to tie up before he was done. “There were a bunch of things that I wanted to button up before I left, like the playground at Airport Park,” he said. “I wanted to get us through another budget cycle and get that squared away.” Gilchrist, who grew up in Mahopac and graduated from Kennedy Catholic in Somers, said his wife retired a year ago and he wanted to give her a year to adjust before he joined her. Thanks to the lottery, he was able to pay off his children’s student loans and is now ready for the next chapter. After he got married, Gilchrist and his wife moved to the Carmel hamlet. They built a house in Mahopac in 1999. “I was brought up here ... lived in the Woodcrest Apartments across from the library,” he recalled. But Gilchrist began his career in recreation in Yonkers at the Mark Twain Swimming Pool Complex. He then worked for the town of Scarsdale before becoming Pound Ridge’s rec director for nine years. He came to the director’s post in Carmel in November 2004. “My wife is planning so many trips now,” he laughed. “We are getting ready to take a trip to Bermuda. And we have a motorhome and have a lot of trips planned for that.” While Gilchrist may be planning a lot of trips and adventuring, he said they are not moving away; he will still be available to the Recreation Department for consultations and advice. “This has been a wonderful place to work, and we are not going anywhere, we are staying right here. We love it,” he said. ‘Now is the time to have fun. We do a lot of traveling and recreating, so we said, let’s get out and enjoy ourselves.” Meanwhile, the reins have been turned over to Kallmayer, who has served as Gilchrist’s second in command for the past nine years. Gilchrist said the department is in good hands. “Nina is a very hard worker, and she will introduce a lot of new programs,” Gilchrist said. “She really rose to the occasion when we interviewed her for senior recreation leader.” Recreation director is a Civil Service job. Kallmayer took the exam back in October, but the results have not yet been released. In the meantime, the board has named her acting director effective March 1. She is the presumptive hire to take the job permanently if she passes the exam. “I can’t speak to what the Town Board will do, but for me personally, I think Nina has done a wonderful job [as senior rec leader],” said Town Supervisor Mike Cazzari. “She will bring some youth and fresh ideas to the job and a fresh set of eyes. I would definitely like to see her take the reins.” Kallmayer said it would be her dream job and she’s ready for the challenge, though she added that Gilchrist’s shoes will be very hard to fill. “I value his opinion so much,” she said. “He’s been here about 20 years and in recreation for 33 years. He told us that he would always be here for us if we needed him. And that’s what I love about recreation. Once you are in rec you are always in rec. And I am grateful the town has confidence in me, and we will continue Jim’s legacy and continue to offer even more events.” Kallmayer said growing up in Mahopac with all its waterways, parks and trails is what inspired her to go to school for recreation. “I was always fond of being outside in nature and on the lakes,” she said. “It was a huge influence on me. I grew up on Mahopac Point [so I was] on and in the lake all the time and it was a profound influence. (She created the Rec Dept.’s Lake Mahopac kayak program). I played MSA soccer, and I commend those coaches A changing of the guard Gilchrist retires from Rec Dept., Kallmeyer named acting director Jim Gilchrist (center) with Nina Kallmeyer and Supervisor Mike Cazzari at Gilchrist’s retirement party. PHOTO COURTESY MIKE CAZZARI Nina Kallmeyer helped launch the town’s kayaking program on Lake Mahopac and created the Witches Paddle for Halloween last year. PHOTOS COURTESY CARMEL DEPT. OF RECREATION AND PARKS 914-277-4424 • 440 Rt 22 North Salem, NY • www.theblazerpub.com CELEBRATING 531 YEARS! Feast like the Irish... Come Hungry, Leave Full! SEE RETIRE PAGE 30
The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Emile Menasché Editor: 845-208-0774 [email protected] Bob Dumas Editor at Large [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] DESIGN Noah Elder Bri Agosta Haven Elder Jacob Elder EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for Mahopac News is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Emile Menasché at 845-208-0774 or email [email protected]. Subscribe To request Mahopac News weekly delivery, call 845-208-8503 or email circulation@halstonmedia. com. Subscriptions are complimentary for residents and businesses in the town. Out of town mail subscriptions are $150 per year for First Class Mail. Periodicals Postage Paid at Mahopac, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mahopac News at 824 Route 6, Suite 4 • Mahopac, NY 10541 PAGE 4 – MAHOPAC NEWS (ISSN 2330-1627) Published by Halston Media, LLC at 824 Route 6, Suite 4 • Mahopac, NY 10541 Main Office 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC MAHOPAC MUSINGS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 Easter Egg Hunt The Carmel Recreation and Parks Department will hold its annual Egg Hunt at Airport Park on Saturday, March 23, in Mahopac. The hunt will start at noon sharp! Thousands of eggs filled with candy and prizes! The Lake Mahopac Rotary Club will serve lunch from 11 a.m. to noon. Free event for Carmel residents. For more information visit carmelny. org/recreation or call the Recreation office at 845-628-7888. Blood Drives The New York Blood Center is conducting the Sedran Family & Friends Give Back blood drive in memory of longtime Austin Road Elementary School nurse Teresa Sedran at the school (390 Austin Road, Mahopac) on Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. With supplies short, the New York Blood Center is also holding blood multiple drives at Jefferson Valley Mall (650 Lee Blvd., Jefferson Valley). Upcoming dates include the following Mondays from noon to 6 p.m.: March 18, April 1, and April 15. Other local NYBC drives include Monday, March 18, 1-7 p.m. at Crystal Hall Somers Community Center (34 Hillandale Road, Yorktown Heights), Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. at the Mohegan Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Corp., 1975 East Main Street, Lake Mohegan, and Tuesday, March 28, 1-7 p.m. at Club Fit, 600 Bank Road in Jefferson Valley. Visit donate.nybc.org/donor/ schedules for more information about these and other donation opportunities. SEPTO: Strike Up Some Fun! Join Mahopac SEPTO at Spin Bowls, 23 Old Router 6, Carmel, Sunday, March 24, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a fun day of bowling. The cost is $20 and includes 1 1/2 hours of bowling and shoes. Bumpers are available. Reserve a spot and pay by going to septo-bowlingcopycheddarup.com. San Giuseppe Mass in Italian The Italian American Club of Mahopac will sponsor a mass in Italian and English celebrating the Feast of San Giuseppe (St. Joseph) on Tuesday, March 19, at SEE MUSINGS PAGE 28 RED MILLS Convenience Center 575 Route 6N, Mahopac Falls • 845-628-9745 Mahopac Teachers, Students, School & Bus Garage Employees Buy One Egg Sandwich, Get 2nd HALF OFF Buy Lunch Sandwich, Get a Soda or Coffee FREE Happy Hour Coffee Check out our Coffee of the Month! Any Size 3-7pm Firewood Bundles Purchase your box of Coffee to go! Warm Up with Winter Breakfast Special Bacon egg & cheese Sausage egg & cheese and Ham egg & cheese $4.49 bacon egg cheese & hash browns $5.49 Try our Coffee Flavors of the Season! Come see our vintage candy shop Cold weather accessories! Salt and windshield wiper fluid. We have over 100 helium balloon choices! RED MILLS IS YOUR... Gas - Coffee - Grab and Go items LOTTO - Candy - Seasonal items Balloons - Snacks and Beverages.
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 5 redevelop the Swan Cove area and boost downtown businesses and residents. The problem has been that the property where the town hopes to construct municipal parking and a pocket park, located next to Tompkins Bank where routes 6 and 6N intersect, suffers from extreme flooding every time there is a significant rainstorm. Since the parcel of land was purchased by the town from Tompkins Bank more than six years ago, the project has been hampered by an array of challenges besides flooding. The pandemic shut down the site for a while and the related disruption of the supply chain slowed things down and caused prices to rise. Then an old abandoned oil tank was discovered beneath the site, which had to be removed, slowing things down even more. Consequently, the loftier dreams the town originally had for the project have been somewhat tempered. Supervisor Mike Cazzari said the Swan Cove project will now be built in phases with the first phase focusing on flood mitigation. “We are currently in the last stages of design and running computer models to discover how much fill we need because we don’t want to disturb the flood plain,” he said. “That lot is like a bowl, and we need to raise up the middle of the bowl so water doesn’t fill the parking lot. Hopefully, we will have a design to present soon, although it will be a scaled-back design. We don’t have $8 million to throw at this, so the new design will not be as ambitious [as the ones the town commissioned several years ago].” The town also received $1.5 million in ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act)—COVID relief money from the federal government to put toward the project. “We can’t have anything there if it keeps on turning into a swamp,” Cazzari said. “This is Phase 1. So, we are so thankful for the $2 million [from the Community Project Funding]. It will save the taxpayers a lot.” On Tuesday, June 4, Mahopac Public Library will hold elections for three open seats on its Board of Trustees. Individuals interested in running for election to the Library Board must be residents of the Mahopac Central School District. Petitions for the nomination of candidates have been available at the library since Tuesday, March 5. The petitions must be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the district, shall state the name and residence of each signer, state the name and residence of the candidate, and must be filed with the Election Clerk of the Library no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, April 5. The election will be held onsite at Mahopac Public Library on Tuesday, June 4, from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. Three candidates, if elected, will each serve a three-year term on the board, beginning July 1. For further information, call 845-628-2009, ext. 100. Article courtesy Mahopac Public Library Library seeks candidates for Board of Trustees The Town of Carmel hopes a $2 million influx of federal funds from Congressman Mike Lawler will pay for flood mitigation at Swan Cove and allow downtown Mahpac development plans to move forward. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT BUCKLEY SWAN COVE FROM PAGE 1 845-628-3139 RESERVE NOW FOR: COMMUNIONS • GRADUATIONS BIRTHDAYS • PIG ROASTS • COUNTRY BBQS • CLAM BAKES • & MORE! We aren’t your average deli... we like to help you think outside the box for your sandwiches & catering! Call Crossroads Deli Today! www.mahopaccrossroadsdeli.com www.mahopaccrossroadsdeli.com 616 Rte 6 • Corner of Rte 6 & 6N • Mahopac, NY 10541 APPS: 16” Tomatoes & Fresh Mozzarella 16” Shrimp Cocktail 16” Honey & Goat Cheese Crustini with Strawberry & Arugula SALADS: Strawberries & Arugula with Feta – $40-$55 Spring Asparagus, Grape Tomatoes – $50-$65 with Almonds & Bleu Cheese SIDES: Spring Peas & Pancetta with Lemon Scented Cream Sauce Roasted Heirloom Carrots Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon & Onions 1/2 TRAYS: Leg of Lamb – $90 Roast Pork – $50 Glazed Ham – $50 Roast Sirloin - $150 Garlic Herb Roast Beef Tenderloin – $200 with Roasted Veggies (Feeds 10) Spend time with family—not the kitchen! Easter Catering Specials
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Sniff out sweet savings BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE In the wake of a governor’s report that concluded recent fires at grid-scale battery storage facilities in the region have caused no injuries or negative environmental impacts, a plan to develop such a facility in Mahopac has taken a step closer to the public hearing stage. Such facilities, where lithiumion batteries are stored in large metal containers in remote areas (sometimes called “battery farms”), are designed to reduce the strain on local power grids and help shorten the length and frequency of blackouts. Charlottesville, Va.-based East Point Energy was back before the Planning Board at its Feb. 28 meeting as the company seeks siteplan approval for a battery farm at 24 Miller Road. The governor’s Fire Safety Working Group’s report was at the fore of the discussion. Gov. Hochel commissioned the group in the wake of battery storage facility fires in Jefferson, Orange, and Suffolk counties last summer. “I was pleased to see them include in their package the initial findings from the governor’s Fire Safety Working Group,” said board member Bob Frenkel. “What I want to point out is that this working group is still a work in progress.” Frenkel noted that while the governor’s group concluded “there is no evidence of significant offsite migration of contaminants associated with the fires,” East Point Energy will need to adopt any code changes the group recommends before the site-plan approval process can move forward. “[The state] is inspecting all operational battery storage systems above 300 kilowatt in New York, which accounts for a majority of the battery systems in service across the state,” he said. “Inspections are expected to conclude by the second quarter of 2024. The goal is to revise the current evaluation checklist and best practices [and] to incorporate lessons learned from battery fires while enhancing emergency response measures. “So, if this gets to the approval stage, our [approval] resolution [must] specifically require any and all recommendations and requirements that come out of those inspections,” Frenkel added. Scott Connuck, senior project developer for East Point Energy, said his company has read the governor’s group’s conclusions and promised to follow all its recommendations and code changes once they are revealed. “The group came up with 15 recommendations about code changes in New York related to fire safety,” Connuck said. “We will adhere to all of those once they are implemented. Right now, they are in the draft stage so I expect there will be some tweaking and some changes but generally speaking, it will all make sense for this project.” Connuck said the code changes should be in place sometime in May, plenty of time to be incorporated into the Mahopac project, which wouldn’t break ground for another year to 18 months. “This report is consistent with other fire aftermath reports that we’ve seen across the country,” Connuck said. “There haven’t been many incidents but when they do occur, they’ve drawn the same conclusions and that is these projects can fail safely if properly designed and this one will be.” The entire approval process had been derailed slightly due to a delay in the SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act) report. “We are approaching the public hearing stage of this but there was a little bump in the road because of the SEQRA review— there was an agency that was omitted [from the application],” said Pat Cleary, the town’s planning consultant. “That agency has been added back in but now we have to wait another 30 days for SEQRA approval.” Cleary told the board that it can open a public hearing before SEQRA approval if it wants, but it can’t close the hearing until after the 30 days have lapsed and the review is complete. Town engineer Rich Franzetti noted that East Point Energy has been working with all the appropriate agencies and is obtaining the requisite permit for the project. “We have reached out to [the local fire departments] and done presentations to the Environmental Conservation Board,” explained Adam Thyberg, project landscape architect for Insite Engineering, which is designing the project. “We are having initial conversations with the DEC and Army Corps [of Engineers] and made initial contact with the DEP (NYC’s Department of Environmental Protection).” Both the board and the applicants said they were anxious to get to the public hearing stage and hear community feedback on the plan. “Is there any other background information we can provide— because we would like to be able to come to the next meeting and ask the board to schedule a public hearing,” Thyberg said. Cleary said so far East Point Energy and Insite have done a good job providing the documentation the town needed but there is still some work to be done. “They do need [to provide] further information on tree removal,” he told Thyberg. “You indicated areas of disturbance with the tree line. So, we need to know a little more about what’s coming down—species, size— that sort of thing, relating to our tree code. That is the last bit of technical information we need in order to give you an approval.” Battery storage project moves closer to public hearing State report: Fires at battery farms don’t present environmental danger
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 7 Potato Leek Soup Sautéed leeks, cream, & pureed potatoes Dublin Rolls House made corned beef & cabbage egg rolls Shepherd's Pie Ground beef & lamb, with root vegetables in hearty gravy topped with whipped potatoes Fish And Chips Beer battered cod, fresh potato chips, & a caper, red onion tartar sauce Corned Beef Sandwich House made corned beef on fresh rye bread with mustard & potato chips Corned Beef Dinner House made corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, & soda bread The MahOPAC Inn is proud to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day live music • dancing • drink deals • Irish specials 845-621-8710 | 927 SOUTH LAKE BLVD. | Mahopac , ny Sunday March 17 Newly renovated & new menu! ‘Relay for Life’ 2024 The candle lighting ceremony that closed out the 26th Relay for Life kickoff. The American Legion in Mahopac donated the space for the event. Kate Corsitto presents an award to survivor Gabby Sullivan, who raised almost $7,000 in 2023 and was awarded Top Participant. Team We’ve Got Rhythm For A Cure raised over $7,000 in 2023 and was awarded Top Team.. PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL Local representatives of the American Cancer Society and a big crowd of supporters gathered for the 2024 Mahopac Relay for Life kickoff event at the American Legion Hall on Feb. 29. The annual Cancer awareness/prevention/research fundraiser is one of the area’s rites of summer, with this year’s event scheduled for Saturday, June 1, at Mahopac High School. To learn how to donate, sponsor, or take part in the relay, visit bit.ly/mahopacrelay.
PAGE 8 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 With his parents looking on, local officials came together at Carmel’s March 6 Town Board meeting to salute Navy Serviceman Alex David Wolfsie, a Mahopac resident who died on duty while stationed in Guam a decade ago. Wolfsie was posthumously recognized for his service with a proclamation from the town and recognition from U.S. Congressman Mike Lawler, New York Assemblyman Matt Slater, County Executive Kevin Byrne, and the County Legislature. The family was also presented with a plaque from Mahopac resident Marianne Chaluisan on behalf of Back the Blue, a local local law enforcement support organization. Ray Callahan, the chaplain from Mahopac VFW 5491, led the packed room in a non-denominational VFW prayer for the fallen at the Carmel Volunteer Fire Department (where the March 6 meeting was held ). “Our departed comrade of the Navy no longer hears the sound of the waves or floats upon the bosom of the deep, no longer sails beneath peaceful skies, nor is driven before the angry storm,” Callahan read. “May each of us, when our voyages, battles of life and mission are over, find a welcome in that region of the blest where there is no more storm-tossed sea, nor scorching battlefield, nor dangerous skies.” Local vets, officials honor Serviceman Wolfsie and family Supervisor Mike Cazzari presents an honorary proclamation to John and Pat Wolfsie, Alex’s parents. PHOTOS: JENNA WALDMAN John and Pat Wolfsie, Alex’s parents, with Pat’s brother and his family Come celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with us! 14 Frances Kiernan Place & Rt 6 Carmel-Mahopac • 845-621-4222 northwoodinn.net OPEN Tues-Sun Lunch & Dinner Corned Beef & Cabbage Corned Beef Sandwich Fish-n-Chips Sunday March 17th $ 5 Guinness Pints ALL DAY Shot Specials Giveaways
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 9 BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE The Town Board, acting in its role as police commissioners, last week approved the hiring of a Yorktown man as a new officer in the Carmel PD. Chief Anthony Hoffmann announced the hiring of Justin Goldfine, a 2011 graduate of Walter Panas High School in the Lakeland School District at the board’s March 6 meeting. Hoffmann said Goldfine, a Yorktown resident, has an associate degree in computer forensics and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from SUNY Oneonta. “He joined the NYPD in 2019 and was assigned to the 50th Precinct in the Bronx,” Hoffmann told the board. “He joined the Beacon police force in Dutchess County in 2021, which is where he currently serves.” Hoffmann explained that as a currently serving officer, Goldfine would not require Academy training and would qualify for a field training assignment for a little more than a month and then be eligible for patrol “He should be ready in time for our busy summer season,” Hoffmann said. The board voted unanimously to appoint Goldfine to the position and Supervisor Mike Cazzari said he was happy to welcome him to the force. Carmel PD welcomes Yorktown resident to the force Supervisor Cazzari swears in Goldfine. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF CARMEL
Opinion BRETT FREEMAN, PUBLISHER EMILE MENASCHÉ, EDITOR TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Editorial Office: 845-208-0774 [email protected] 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC 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 Mahopac News or its affiliates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail at [email protected]. For more information, call the editor at 845-208-0774 PAGE 10 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 Happily Ever After EDITORIAL As objective and independent news writers and editors, we have an imperative to cover the issues most important to the people in Mahopac. Every day, our team is on the ground reporting on municipal and school news and uplifting the stories of community changemakers. But, amidst industry challenges, it is no longer unfathomable to picture a future when New York State is completely without local newspapers and other local news outlets. According to the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, 2-1/2 newspapers now close each week in the U.S. More than 3,000 newspapers have shuttered across the country since 2004, and New York has been particularly hard hit. In 2004, New York boasted 501 newspapers; today, it’s only 260. In 2022 alone, 30 newspapers closed across the state. A quarter of New York’s counties are news deserts-–down to their last newspaper. Orleans County recently became the first in the state to have none. These closures have also resulted in thousands of lost journalism and newsroomsupporting jobs. Local news matters. Studies show that when a community loses its source of local news, it experiences decreased voter turnout and civic engagement; increased municipal borrowing costs that lead to higher taxes; and decreased transparency among government and business officials, leading to increased waste, fraud and abuse. As newspapers shutter, communities become more polarized, leaving us stuck in a never-ending doom loop where we lose sight of our shared values. During this era of intense national partisanship, local news offers a path forward. The time to act is now. That is why Mahopac News has joined with over 150 other New York local newspapers to launch the Empire State Local News Coalition. The Empire State Local News Coalition, comprising both print and online local newspapers, is advocating for sound public policy that ensures the important work of local news organizations can continue in our state. Through our independent journalism, we aim to serve, inform, uplift and protect New Yorkers. Our coalition cares deeply about our local communities as well as the future of New York’s free press. However, market forces are making it nearly impossible for us to survive. So, together, we are sounding the alarm bell for our leaders in Albany to hear. At the heart of our advocacy is the Local Journalism Sustainability Act. Sponsored by NYS Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, with the bipartisan support of 55 co-sponsors, this bill provides tax credits to local news outlets for the employment of local news journalists. We want to thank Sen. Pete Harckham and Assemblyman Matt Slater for supporting this legislation. News organizations are incentivized to actually add jobs, returning reporters to many of the state’s newsrooms, which are becoming increasingly desolate. Importantly, the bill is also content neutral, meaning that any legitimate local news outlet--left, right, or in between--can benefit from this bill. The objectivity of the bill’s eligibility requirements means the legislation cannot be weaponized to penalize news organizations critical of government officials. As New York loses talented journalists, lawmakers must act to ensure the industry is allowed not only to survive, but also to thrive. Only local news outlets--with boots-on-the-ground journalists--can deliver the hyperlocal updates and investigations necessary to sustain a community’s civic and financial well-being. Imagine no stories about the Town Board meeting or the school budget debate. No pictures of your granddaughter’s first soccer goal. No obituary of your friendly (and eccentric) neighbor. No reporting to hold public officials to account. And no trusted institution to convene the community around a family in need. We need your help to save local news in New York. To get the Local Journalism Sustainability Act across the finish line, lawmakers need to hear from you about why our newspaper matters and why this bill is important to you. If you would like to help, reach out to Gov. Hochul and to Harckham and Slater (still helpful for the legislators to hear from you, even though they are already co-sponsors) to let them know you stand with local news. Imagine a future without local news New York must enact the Local Journalism Sustainability Act Support the New York Local Journalism Sustainability Act Contact Governor Kathy Hochul: 518- 474-8390 Contact Senator Pete Harckham: 518-455-2340 Contact Assemblyman Matt Slater: 518-455-5783 Our newspaper is a proud member of the Empire State Local News Coalition: support the coalition at SaveNYLocalNews. com.
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Licenses in Westchester, Putnam CREATING CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE Family Owned—Over 40 Years Experience! $25 OFF Service Calls When You Present This Ad. New Customers Only. Keep the lights on. • GENERATORS • Outdoor Lighting • Smart Home Setup • Electric Car Chargers AND ALL OF YOUR ELECTRIC NEEDS! Get This Newspaper’s App On Your Phone Always Stay Informed About News Involving YOUR Town & Schools Android Scan Here iPhone Scan Here Get Our App! When I was a teen, my brother got me my first “real” job and I am sure he regretted that move until the day he died. Back in the ’70s, he was a vice president and head loan officer at the National Bank of Pawling, which is now Key Bank. He got me a summer job as a teller. I don’t think they keep data on such things, but I just may have been the worst teller in the history of banks. I enjoyed it. It wasn’t difficult work. You got to socialize all day long. But I stunk at it. Literally... as you will soon see. Besides providing friendly customer service, the most important thing a teller must do is balance the cashbox when your shift is over. You count the money before you start and again when you finish. The machine will tell you how much cash you took in and gave out. It should all balance. For me... it seldom did. I’d always have half the staff crawling all over my station, going over the machine tape, recounting the money, and crawling around on the floor looking for stray bills I might have dropped. It was embarrassing. It was the end of a long day and these poor people just wanted to go home. But Bob can’t count. My career in the banking industry was doomed early on. One day (this was when I was a senior in high school) the president of the bank called me in for a chat. He wanted to know if I was interested in banking and if I was going to pursue a business degree in college. Now, all these years later, I realize what I should have said was, “I don’t know yet, sir. I am still carefully weighing all my options... but it’s certainly something to consider.” But instead, what I said was: “Are you kidding me? Oh, my God, no!” Nonetheless, they kept bringing me back every summer. In 1976, the drinking age was 18. I turned 18 on July 15 and took advantage of it throughout that summer. Friday nights were as good a time as any to do it. The problem with that was my job as a bank teller required me to work on Saturday mornings. Had to get there by 8:30. One particular Saturday morning I was hungover. Now, to give you some perspective, this one would easily make the Top 10 Worst Hangovers in the History of Fermentation. I knew I was going to be sick the moment I pulled into the bank parking lot that morning. I was wearing a jacket and tie, so this was going to be a first. The plan was simple—go straight to the men’s room, get it over with, clean up, get some coffee, get to work, and tough it out until noon, when we closed. Unfortunately, the janitor was in the men’s room mopping when I got there. The ladies’ room was occupied. Yikes! Plan B – go to the vault, get my cashbox, take it to my station, and get set up. The janitor should be done by then. Ahh, but as they say, “Man plans, God laughs.” When I got to the vault, without warning, physiology took over, my stomach would not wait any longer, and the little metal room suddenly smelled like a dive bar. One of my teller co-workers walked in just then, saw my whipped-dog expression, and burst out laughing. She quickly regained her composure and led me to my station, got me coffee, and then got the janitor to take care of the mess in the vault. Other than that, the morning was uneventful, but I’ve never forgotten that incident. And I haven’t really told that story to anyone before, except maybe a few friends, for obvious reasons. It is true... as you get older you don’t care what people think anymore. It is weirdly liberating. I was never really “fired” by the bank, but on my last summer vacation home from college, I was told there were Working for a living SEE DUMAS PAGE 12 BOB DUMAS OUT OF MY HEAD
PAGE 12 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. Managing Member • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500 WHITE PLAINS • SOMERS • WWW.ESSLAWFIRM.COM • Asset Protection • Elder Law • Medicaid Applications (Nursing Home/Home Care) • Guardianships (Contested/Non-Contested) • Wills, Trusts & Estates Past Chair of Elder Law Section of NYS Bar Association “Super Lawyer” In Elder Law for 16 consecutive years CALL NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 914.948.1500 What steps have you taken to protect your life savings from the cost of long term care? no jobs available that year. But my brother came to the rescue once again. He wanted to know if I wanted a job working at a new hardware/lumber store that was opening in town. I knew as much about hardware as I did banking so I thought, sure, that sounds great! The store was owned by two of my former high school teachers who had decided to change careers. They went from molding young minds to selling molding. They made the right decision... trust me. I had had them as teachers. I thought the job would primarily be stocking shelves and waiting on customers. It was not. The first day they had me out in the warehouse working a forklift. I cannot stress strongly enough how bad this idea was. I had never worked a forklift before, but they acted as if it was just like riding a bike. They gave me a few quick lessons and left me to my own devices. But the forklift didn’t want to do anything I commanded it to do and it wasn’t too long before I had smashed up a few pallets of lawn fertilizer, spilling piles of the stuff all over the place. So obviously the next thing to have me do was use the forklift to load a flatbed truck with a bunch of cinder blocks and then drive them to a construction site. Somehow I got the blocks on the flatbed without any major disasters, but I had never driven a truck like that before. I am pretty sure you needed a certain type of driver’s license to do it. I just had a regular license and I only had that for a couple of years and was still trying to get better at parallel parking. (They teach parallel parking in driver’s ed, but to this day there is no record anywhere of anyone actually doing it successfully. Kind of like folding a fitted sheet.) I headed out to the construction site going about 8 mph the whole way. The site was about 50 yards off the road and you had to drive through an open field to get there. You followed the tracks that previous heavy vehicles had made. The problem was that the path was not level. It kind of tilted a little to the right because of the lay of the land. The tilt got more extreme as you got closer to the site and by the time I arrived, I was on about a 30-degree angle. The cinder blocks began to slide, busted through the straps, and half of them fell to the ground where they pulverized each other into literal cinders. Somehow, I was still not fired. However, my job description did change radically. Now I was stocking shelves and waiting on customers and life was as it should be. The only machine they would let me near is the cash register and I think I might have broken that too. So... I wasn’t good at the cushy office job where you wore a tie, and I was even more of a disaster at hard labor. What was I to do? Fortunately, I found a career where you spend half the day sitting at a desk with a typewriter, later a computer, and the other half driving around and trying to get people to talk to you when they would much rather gouge out their own eyes than do that. Now I just sit and type, type and sit. The world can breathe a collective sigh of relief that there are no more busted cinder blocks and no unbalanced cashboxes or stinky bank vaults. All of it has been traded for a painful lower back and a touch of carpal tunnel syndrome. That seems about right. DUMAS FROM PAGE 11 BY JEAN TOCK GUEST COLUMNIST My husband’s first word as a toddler was not “mama” or “dada.” It was “ball.” And shortly after that I am sure he was shouting “Let’s Go Mets!” The man owns 27 Mets T-shirts, 36 Mets baseball caps, seven official MLB jerseys, and well into the hundreds of baseball cards, autographs, bobbleheads and commemorative giveaways. He has had a partial season ticket plan for more than 40 years. He has attended playoffs and World Series games, albeit not many, since we are talking about the Mets. He has seen his favorite players retire and, sadly, he has seen some of them pass on to that heavenly dugout. He has seen Shea Stadium knocked down and Citifield constructed. So maybe you can imagine his dismay that the woman he fell in love with 30-some years ago still knows nothing about baseball. It is not for lack of trying. I listen — most of the time — when he explains plays or when he yells coaching advice at the TV, but I am not sure becoming a diehard baseball fan is a trait I can acquire. I think being a sports fan has to start at a young age for it to “take.” I do enjoy attending a game once or twice a season, but I have other things taking up space in my brain and there is no room left for the ever-changing rules of baseball. I will never understand how my husband remembers statistics, but apparently it is a genetic gift that he shares with our nephews. Chris and Andrew can recite Mets batting averages and can remember specific games with astounding precision right along with their uncle. One year my husband tried explaining to me the “neighborhood play.” It’s when a fielder catches the ball near second base and does not need to step on the base for the out if he is “in the neighborhood.” I spent the entire season asking “Was that the neighborhood play?” I asked so many times that he just stopped talking to me. For years I wore my car keys on What’s the Mendoza line again? SEE TOCK PAGE 13
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Check out our NEW WEBSITE! piedpiperschoolyorktown.com PIED PIPER FACILITY • Three Outdoor Playgrounds • A Turf Play Space • Half Court Basketball Space • Gaga Ball Pit • Covered Outdoor Patio Space & Playgroup • Skylights & Windows For Plenty Of Outdoor Lighting AFC Carmel (next to Starbucks) 1874B US 6, Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512 914.380.8588 afcurgentcare.com/carmel M-F: 8am-8pm, S-S: 8am-5pm We’re ready to see you. AFC Carmel is now open, and we’re proud to provide fast, accessible healthcare for the whole family. Our skilled team ensures you’ll receive the highest quality medical care, early or late, no appointment necessary. Stop by and meet your new medical team today! a Mets lanyard like a necklace and every time I would approach a cashier at a store they would inevitably strike up a baseball conversation. Then I was really stuck because unless my husband had just given me the highlights of the previous day’s game, I knew nothing. I would explain I am only a Mets fan by marriage but still, I felt like a fraud. I was masquerading as a Mets fan simply by wearing this giveaway from “Lanyard Night” at Citifield. I finally ditched the lanyard this year because it was too exhausting trying to come up with Mets chitchat for the cashiers at Stop & Shop. I was completely unaware of professional sports until I got to college. I, of course, knew professional sports existed and I knew the names of the teams. My dad always enjoyed Monday night football. (Go Cowboys.) But I had no real allegiance to or interest in any pro teams. At Penn State, which is located nearly halfway between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, I met lots of people from both cities who were fans in the truest sense of the word: fanatics. Their teams were an extension of their personalities. One of my best friends during freshman year was a girl from Pittsburgh who knew every detail about every hockey player for the Penguins. I had never even heard of the Pittsburgh Penguins. But I will always remember that Karen loves the Penguins. And then of course there was college football. I could not understand what was so remarkable about Penn State football. This was back when Joe Paterno was a god. As students, we could purchase season tickets at a very reasonable cost, which I did. Students were sold a single paper ticket that got hole-punched when they attended the game. Each year I went to one game and after that I sold the ticket, collecting a fee plus collateral to assure I got the ticket back for the remaining games. I sold each season ticket five times over. Maybe if I had actually attended the games, I would be more of a Penn State football fan. The college friends with whom I have stayed in touch are all true fans of the blue and white, and there I sit, unable to contribute to their conversation. Being a sports fan is a valuable trait. It enables you to talk to people with whom you may not have much else in common. My husband can chime in on sports conversations with complete strangers waiting in line at a deli. My daughter’s boyfriend can talk Giants football with absolutely anyone. Being a sports fan connects you to a larger community. According to a recent study, more than 60% of Americans identify as sports fans. Watching professional sports gives such an intense feeling of excitement that endorphins are released – those neurotransmitters that boost mood and relieve pain. You get the same feeling when you exercise, but if you can’t work out one day, it’s good to know you can watch your favorite team and get the same psychological benefit. I find it fascinating that half the sports fans who watch a game will watch their team lose. You probably would not watch a movie if you were told there was a 50% chance you would hate it. The movie’s story is never going to change, but your team may have a better day next time around. Sports fans always have hope. Maybe this is the year I become a baseball fan. I want to share in the excitement of the sports fan community. I don’t know if being a Mets fan will ever be a true part of my identity, but I do understand the appeal of community, camaraderie and loyalty. I’ll dig my Mets lanyard out of the trash if someone can get me to understand the neighborhood play. TOCK FROM PAGE 12 Locals share personal histories of Belden House Dear Editor, The Friends of Belden House recruitment drive garnered a rich assortment of Carmel residents, who on Feb. 20 at historic Reed Library, related their recollections of the life and times at the historic house spanning almost half a century. Several people shared their recollections of Belden House, including Wayne Mirko, a 1976 graduate of Carmel High School; Peter and Rosemary Gebhardt; Jean Rhuda, a 1961 graduate of the school; and Fred Swanson. They were filmed and interviewed by Carmel High School students KC Carboy and Giuliana Acierno, under the supervision of Robert Buccheri, history teacher and Revolutionary War re-enactor. Mirko discussed his experience as a DEP police officer responsible for the maintenance of and surveillance of the West Branch Reservoir. Rhuda shared memories of her mother caring for the children of supervisor Carl Hansen’s friends and family and her own free rein of the house, romping with the dog on the massive staircase, engrossed by the grandeur of Belden with massive fireplaces and even servants quarters. Swanson, a premier mechanic, met his future wife there in 1981, and he recalled his close association with Supervisor John Birrell and his daughter, Linda, who extended her skill as a horsewoman to students. Peter Gebhardt recalled the night sky lit up with the flames engulfing the garage, reducing it to dust and Rosemary’s heartfelt plea to save Belden House. The poise and professionalism exhibited by KC and Giuliana in both their interviewing and filming tasks should inspire in us confidence and pride that this generation will indeed acquit themselves admirably. Lastly, but certainly not least, I must commend Reed Library Director Donna Perolli and her staff, Holly Loughlin and Jody McBride, without whose cooperation this project could not have gone forward. The Carmel community is indeed fortunate that members of the educational system and library have collaborated with The Friends of Belden House in celebrating and memorializing recollections for generations to come to ponder and appreciate. -Ann Fanizzi Chair, Friends of Belden House LETTER
PAGE 14 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 LOCATIONS: Baldwin Place • 44 Route 118 • (845) 628-7900 Croton Falls • 1 Center St • (914) 769-3206 Find out why Joe Ferone of Proper Service needs to be YOUR Go-To Automotive Service Center! YOUR FAMILY CAR CARE CENTER For over 100 years of combined auto experience, Joe Ferone and his sta of Proper Service have been serving the community, creating relationships and building a remarkable company with an amazing team JOE FERONE, owner of employees! (914) 248-6220 Progressive-Vet.com 268 Route 202 • Somers, NY 10589 Does your pet need an Ultrasound or Echocardiogram? Say goodbye to long wait times and uncertainties! Introducing a revolutionary pet healthcare solution — QuickScan Pet Ultrasound! INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED SPEEDY DIAGNOSIS CONVENIENCE EXPERT ANALYSIS CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY PEACE OF MIND Your pet’s health matters to us, and with QuickScan Pet Ultrasound, we’re committed to providing the fastest and most reliable diagnostic service available. DON’T WAIT—give your pet the care they deserve with QuickScan Pet Ultrasound today! Dear Dr. Linda, My son is in the 10th grade. He is bright and works hard. He always does his homework and likes school, but still has a B average. He’ll get an A in a course and then a C in another. He goes to sleep around midnight every night because of homework and tests. Then gets up at 6 a.m. He doesn’t get home from school most days until after 5 p.m. because he’s doing some sport or is in some other after-school activity. I’ve encouraged the after-school activities and sports since he needs those things for his college applications. My husband thinks I’m causing the problem by pushing him into all these activities. He thinks his grades are simply a result of doing too much without enough sleep. What’s your opinion? -Elizabeth Dear Elizabeth, You’re both right. Yes, colleges do look for sports and other after-school activities, but if it’s hurting him physically and as a result his grades are dropping, then you need to decide which activities he would be willing to drop. It’s not necessary to pile on activities. College admission counselors look for continuity, leadership and interest. They’re not looking for a list of activities. I just worked with a girl who was exhausted because she was on the track team and also did dance plus several other activities. She had been dancing her whole life and loved it, but thought she also needed a sport for her applications. So she took up track. She hated track and wasn’t even a good runner. I suggested she drop track and continue dance. By changing her schedule, she had more time for schoolwork and wasn’t as tired. And yes, not getting enough sleep can definitely be part of the problem. Research has shown that a large number of our students suffer from sleep deprivation. In my own practice, I see student after student getting poor grades because they aren’t getting enough sleep. One high school girl, an excellent student, studied to the wee hours of the night and as a result needed to spend even more time studying because it took her so long to process what she was learning. She was caught in a vicious circle and was too tired to learn. A high school boy came to me for an 8 p.m. appointment and asked if I had something to help his headache. After talking to him for a while, I found out that he’d been up since 5 a.m. finishing his homework because he didn’t get home until 10 p.m. the night before. He was on the football team and then went to work after practice. He’d start his homework around 11 p.m., fall asleep and then get up at the crack of dawn to finish. He had good study skills and was bright, but was making himself sick. This lifestyle prevented him from learning and doing well in school. As for getting an A in one course and then a C in the other, often students are so focused on one subject, they don’t have the time or the energy to work on the other subject. I bet if your son drops some activities, does his homework earlier and sleeps more, his grades will improve. If not, find out if some of the courses are too difficult for him. It’s also possible he doesn’t know how to prepare for tests. He may be doing his homework, but not learning the material. -Dr. Linda Dr. Linda, along with her husband, Dr. Al, own Strong Learning Tutoring and Test Prep serving Westchester and Putnam counties for over 40 years. Strong Learning tutors students K-12 in any subject, in person or remotely. Drs. Linda and Al are also the authors of “Why Bad Grades Happen to Good Kids,” available on Amazon and at stronglearning. com. Is your child overbooked? DR. LINDA SILBERT STRONG LEARNING
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 15 A Guardianship Proceeding is not something that is typically commenced unless there is a true necessity. It is a last resort mechanism for when someone is no longer competent to make their own personal and financial decisions, and has not executed a sufficiently broad Durable General Power of Attorney and a Health Care Proxy. Here are six factors to consider prior to commencing and filing the proceeding: (1) Determine whether the Alleged Incapacitated Person (AIP) has executed a valid Durable General Power of Attorney (POA), Health Care Proxy (HCP), Living Will and HIPAA form. The existence of the aforestated advance directives may obviate the need for a Guardianship Proceeding if they are sufficiently broad enough to deal with the issues present in the particular case at hand. For example, in many instances a valid POA has been executed, but the POA is not sufficiently broad to address the AIP’s financial needs. There may be an immediate need for broad gifting powers for Medicaid and or estate planning purposes where the POA only permits gifting to specific people and in a limited dollar amount, such as $500 or less. (2) Review how title to the AIP’s assets is held. Does the AIP have assets in joint title with others? If so, can these assets be accessed by the joint title holder if the AIP is not able to make decisions as to his or her financial affairs? If so, a Guardianship Proceeding may not be necessary as to those assets. (3) Has the AIP executed a Last Will and Testament or an Inter Vivos Trust? If a Last Will or Inter Vivos Trust are in existence, it will be important to determine whether or not any proposed transfer or disposition of the AIP’s assets sought in the Guardianship Proceeding is consistent or inconsistent with the AIP’s wishes expressed therein. If a beneficiary(ies) under an existing Last Will or Trust is affected by a proposed transfer, he or she will be entitled to notice of the Proceeding and a right to be heard. (4) Prior to filing a Guardianship Proceeding, it is important to determine whether the powers the Guardians will seek will be of an “unlimited” or “definite” duration. Obviously, a critical factor as to the duration of the Guardianship will be whether there is a likelihood that the AIP will be able to handle his or her financial affairs at a later date. Additionally, it will be necessary to determine whether there are any specific or special powers over the person or property that the Guardian requires that are not enumerated as part of the standard powers provided for under the Mental Hygiene Law. For example, perhaps the Guardian needs the power to relocate the AIP to another state or wishes to make gifts or transfers of the AIP’s property. Such powers must be specifically granted to the Guardian, sometimes in a separate proceeding. (5) Does there exist the possibility that the Guardianship will be contested? The possibility that the Guardianship will be contested will have a significant and important impact on whether or not to commence the Proceeding. It is always a difficult decision to commence a Guardianship for one’s father or mother, but the decision is made significantly more difficult when the Petitioner knows or believes that mom, dad or a sibling will contest it. Voluntarily placing oneself into a litigious proceeding with a parent or a loved one may have significant consequences depending on the level of mental capacity of the AIP. (6) Is the appointment of a Temporary or Independent Guardian advisable? In cases where there exists a significant possibility for either personal or financial harm to the AIP because he or she is unable to handle his or her affairs, it may be advisable to request that the Petitioner(s) or an independent third party be appointed a Temporary Guardian pending the final determination of the Court. This is often utilized when there is an immediate need to marshal the AIP’s assets to prevent waste, dissipation or fraud, or where there is an immediate need for someone to handle the Alleged Incapacitated Person’s personal and financial affairs. Additionally, in a contested guardianship setting, an independent non-related third party may be appointed as the guardian of the AIP in a final order by the Court in order to avoid any parties to the matter from making decisions regarding the AIP, where they cannot come to an agreement as to what is in the AIP’s best interest and who should act as the Guardian long term. In conclusion, although the aforestated factors are not the only factors that one should consider prior to commencing a Guardianship, in my experience they are often the most important! Lauren C. Enea, Esq. is an Associate at Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP. She concentrates her practice on Wills, Trusts and Estates, Medicaid Planning, Special Needs Planning and Probate/Estate Administration. She believes that it is never too early or too late to start planning for your future and she enjoys working with individuals and families to ensure that their estate and long-term care plan best suits their needs. Ms. Enea is on the executive committee of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Elder Law and Special Needs Section and is also the Co-Editor of the NYSBA Elder Law and Special Needs Section Journal. She is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida. She can be reached at 914-948- 1500. Commencing a Guardianship Proceeding? Beforehand, consider these six factors under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law ‘It is always a difficult decision to commence a Guardianship for one’s father or mother, but the decision is made significantly more difficult when the Petitioner knows or believes that mom, dad or a sibling will contest it.’ -Lauren C. Enea, Esq. Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP LAUREN ENEA GUEST CORNER FOCUS ON ELDER LAW
PAGE 16 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 85 Myrtle Avenue, Mahopac, NY 10541 845-628-7500 • www.pineg rovecou ntrydayscho ol .com Certified by NYS Department of Education/NYS Department of Social Service • Infant (6weeks - 12 months) • Wobbler/Toddler (12-36 months) • Preschool (3-5 yrs) • Pre-K (older 4’s) • Before & After School (5-12 yrs) Now accepting CAMP REGISTRATION for Summer 2024! Now accepting CAMP REGISTRATION for Summer 2024! Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962 Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962 A friend of mine was waiting for his car at the car wash recently when he noticed a couple of customers grabbing their cars and heading out without visiting the tip box. He felt bad for the workers, so he left them $20 instead of his normal $5. His story got me thinking that tipping has become more complicated these days. At our local car wash–actually we have two of them across the street from one another–there’s a tip box where you drop off your car, another at the counter, and another where you pick up your car. Are you supposed to hit each one? Or should you pick your favorite? I tend to wait until the end to make sure the car looks OK before I tip. Then there is the problem of cash. I always used to lecture my kids about having a $20 bill handy since they never carry cash. I haven’t changed their behavior, but I think they have changed mine, since I seldom have cash in my pocket now. That lack of liquidity leads to embarrassment sometimes. I’m not sure everyone believes me when I tell them I’ll take care of them next time. Maybe those cheapskates at the car wash didn’t have any cash either. COVID changed tipping behavior for Americans. We were so excited when someone delivered something to our house, or had meals ready for pickup, we started tipping in places we never tipped before. I asked the proprietor of my favorite pizza place if tipping was prevalent for takeout orders. He said that most people tip for take-out. A dollar or two in the tip bucket or adding it to their check when they pay by credit card. Ten percent seems to be the norm. Seven in 10 Americans say tipping is expected in more places today than it was five years ago, according to the Pew Research Center. Point-of-sale systems have had an impact. Frequently, the cashier spins around an iPad with a suggestion about a tip. I’m generally a 10% tip in those situations, but what if it’s preselected at 15%. Pressure. And there’s always someone looking over your shoulder. I went to a liquor store recently and I was prompted for a tip at checkout. I guess that’s one of the new places they’re talking about in the survey. In the same survey, 92% reported that they “often or always” leave a tip at a sit-down restaurant. Only 24% leave a tip at Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts. Those establishments could probably help their employees’ income if they made tipping easy on their apps or when collecting by credit card. I was recently at a resort for a few days that had valet parking. They had some nifty software. You scanned your claim check and they immediately responded with how many minutes it would be until your car was out front. Next they asked “would you like to give a tip for the staff?” I was happy to take care of that with a couple of taps on my phone. Maybe servers and valets could carry their own scan code so we can tip them by phone. In some situations, it may make sense to tip early. I was heading off to one of my first business meetings at a fancy hotel in New Orleans. My father told me the first thing I should do when I got to the hotel was to find the concierge and introduce myself, tip $20, and let them know I would be there for the whole weekend. I followed his instructions. All of my prospects and competitors were milling around the hotel lobby as it became the prime networking space at the conference. Every time I walked by the concierge desk, prominently located in the lobby, I was greeted with “good morning Mr. Scott, how are you today?” It was a great PR investment for my 20 bucks. Although the tipping game has changed, it’s still important to take care of those who take care of us with a few shekels, whether in cash or digital form. New etiquette of modern tipping DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT BY MARGIE MAREK GUEST POET we sought knowledge from a tree bought what is free were taught about disease fought about peace caught mixed-message-fever negotiate, debate hard-ball, intimidate boundaries, barriers a line in the sand and resentment built WALLS consecrating halls until we unified the diversified concentrated the scattered with newfound devotion we focus only on what matters Margie Marek is a Mahopac resident and a member of various Somers Library writing and poetry groups. hocus-focus
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 17 Did you know National Sons Day was March 4? Neither did my wife Elyse and I. That’s OK. Every day should be Sons Day and Daughters Day and Parents Day and Caregivers Day... You get the drift. It’s been awhile since we spoke with our son Harrison. Or touched him. It’s been 21 years, to be exact. By sheer coincidence, Harrison’s third open-heart surgery had been scheduled for my birthday. We took it as a sign of good fortune heading our way. Talk about wishful thinking. Someone up there had other plans that outranked ours. Harrison took his leave the following day, March 21, 2003. We can’t touch him. But he continues to touch us every day – touch our hearts, touch our thoughts, touch our lives. And so it is with our family’s kindred spirits – those who also belong to the world’s most exclusive club nobody wants to join: parents who have lost children. The physical presence of a child – like our daughter Elissa – is in itself a family heirloom. Our progeny advance the lineage into future generations. When you lose a child, along with the absent physical presence, it creates a missing link in the bloodline. Living family members are diminished by the loss, but so are future generations. Turn on Your Lovelight For 11 years after Harrison’s death, until we sold our home, each night before turning in, I would go to his bedroom to quickly flick its ceiling light on and off. It was my way of letting my son know that, here or not, his light still shone brightly. If there were a song to accompany my memorial gesture, it could have been The Grateful Dead’s “Turn on Your Lovelight.” I turned on Harrison’s lovelight some 4,000 times. For the 15-plus years Harrison was here, we were blessed by his unique and joyful presence. To meet him was to marvel at his wit, his wisdom, his love of life, his prodigious sports knowledge – all the while braving the challenges that accompany being born with a rare dwarfism that stopped his growth at three feet and required open-heart surgeries at ages 5, 10 and 15. His effect on people knew no age limit. Whether 8 or 80, they saw in him a fortitude that touched them. And inspired them. For the 21 years he’s been gone, we continue to be blessed, by the comfort and compassion of community. It’s my belief when you lose a child, you gain the privilege of helping others in your child’s name. Harrison Apar Field of Dreams One way we sustain his presence is through the Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation, which benefits local recreation and education. We named the foundation after a ballfield the Town of Yorktown renamed in spring 2003, transforming Pinetree Field into Harrison Apar Field of Dreams. The renaming was the brainchild of Brendan Frail, a seventhgrader at the time, who led a town-wide drive to collect 1,200 signatures on a petition that was submitted to the Yorktown Parks and Recreation Commission. A bench at the field is dedicated to Brendan, who lost his life several years later. Thanks to the stewardship of the Yorktown Athletic Club and Yorktown’s Parks and Recreation Department, Harrison Apar Field of Dreams is embraced by the town as a testament to youth sports, where YAC stages it spring season opening day ceremony. And so it is that Harrison’s presence endures these two decades on. In a diary that we read after his passing, Harrison confidently wrote on the night before his surgery that he fully expected to “give my dad a refreshing birthday gift wrapped in flesh -- a son’s healthy heart.” The way I look at it, Harrison came through with flying colors on delivering his promise to me. It is a son’s gift that keeps on giving, not only on my birthday but every day – his larger-than-life spirit. As with the above-mentioned Grateful Dead song, there’s a song by The Moody Blues called “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” that poignantly evokes for me Harrison’s presence, and carries with it an enduring message of undying love and hope, not only for our family but for all those other members of the club none of us wanted to join… I know you’re out there somewhere Somewhere you can hear my voice I know I’ll find you somehow And somehow I’ll return again to you Bruce Apar is a writer, community volunteer and actor. He will appear in the Ariane One-Act Festival April 12-14 at Philipstown Depot Theatre in Garrison in “The Beauty of Numbers.” For more information, contact him at 914-275-6887 (text or voice) or [email protected]. Birthday presence We can’t touch those we’ve lost, but they continue to touch us BRUCE APAR BRUCE THE BLOG Getting enough good sleep is crucial to your health and well-being. As we recognize Sleep Awareness Month, daylight saving time begins, which can throw off our sleep patterns. Here are some tips on how to tackle sleep deprivation and commit to adopting better sleep practices. What are the signs of poor sleep? Some signs of poor sleep can include not feeling rested after the recommended amount of sleep, waking up during the night or experiencing symptoms of sleep disorders, including snoring, or gasping for air. How can sleep impact your health? Not getting enough sleep or regularly getting poor sleep may sometimes have a role in the development of chronic diseases that have had an increasingly common role in premature illness or death. Some conditions include obesity, depression, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. How can you improve your sleep habits? Talk to your medical provider if you are not getting quality sleep. Your doctor may be able to uncover any underlying conditions that may be causing your sleep issues. You can also adopt healthy sleep habits to improve your sleep and sleep duration such as staying physically active, ensuring that you have a dark and comfortable room to sleep in at night, avoiding screens before bedtime, and developing a consistent routine that is focused on going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Does sleep play a role in your overall health? Scan the QR code or visit optum.com/tri Optum Medical Care, P.C. (“Optum Medical Care”) is a physician owned and led practice having complete authority for all medical decision-making and patient care through its physicians and other licensed professionals. Optum, through its owned management organizations, provides non-clinical administrative services to support Optum Medical Care and its physicians. Neither Optum nor its management companies employs, engages, or supervises physicians or other licensed professionals, or determines or sets the methods, standards, or conduct of the practice of medicine or health care provided by Optum Medical Care or by any of its licensed professionals. “Part of Optum” reflects that Optum Medical Care is part of Optum’s effort to support forward-thinking physician practices in helping their patients live healthier lives. Optum is a registered trademark of Optum, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other brand or product names are the property of their respective owners. Because we are continuously improving our products and services, Optum reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice. Optum is an equal opportunity employer. © 2024 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved. 02/24
Sports PAGE 18 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 66 Miller Road, Mahopac 845-628-2050 www.mavistireofmahopac.com With This Coupon • Expires 5/31/24 $10.00OFF Synthetic Oil change (MOST CARS) 25%OFF 25 % OFF STRUTS & SHOCKS With This Coupon • Expires 5/31/24 CARING FOR YOUR CAR & OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 35 YEARS! The Friendly Mavis Team BY SKIP PEARLMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER It was a stellar run, with a heartbreaking ending, for the Mahopac HS boys basketball team, which saw the Pac put together the best regular season in school history (18- 2), before getting upset in the first round of the playoffs by Brewster, a 19 seed, and a team Mahopac had never lost to. “The (regular) season exceeded expectations,” coach Matt Calabro said. “We knew we had something early on. At 3-0, people were a little surprised, but we weren’t. I thought we were looking at a really good season. But (going into that final regular-season game at Somers) 18-1 – and only losing that one game by one point – that was wild. I think we overlooked Somers a little, then we got upset (in the playoffs) quickly. “But we knew we had something,” he went on. “And the kids were great. To have the best season in school history was a big deal, pretty cool. The ending… That’s hard for the kids to get past. But they’re starting to focus on the positives.” Senior forward and team captain Liam Scanlon earned All-Section and All-League honors, and was named the unanimous League MVP. Senior forward Daniel Dedvukaj was named All-Conference and All-League, and senior guard and captain Danny Koch earned All-League honors. Scanlon was the force that steered the ship. “He got better every year from freshman to varsity,“ Calabro said. “He’s a coach’s, dream, plays hard, dominated a lot of games, and had the highest motor in AA. It was so much fun to watch him play. He had a great year. “And Daniel worked his butt off,” Calabro added of Dedvukaj. “He had a bad injury his sophomore year, missed that year, and it went into his junior year as well. He wasn’t right until halfway through, it took time and work. He’s our most natural scorer. He averaged 15 points per game and 10 rebounds per game; I’m very proud of him. And Danny was also a coach’s dream. He just wants to win. He’ll play D1 lacrosse at St. John’s next year, and he was one of our better defenders. A hardnosed kid, and a pleasure to coach.“ Senior guard John Kearney was the team’s third captain and also had a strong season. “Another unselfish player,“ Calabro said. “He took the toughest assignment every night, he was our heart and soul - he held everyone accountable.“ Mahopac loses seven seniors to graduation, and Calabro said the team will look different next season. “We’re really looking forward to it,” he said. “We’ll have a young team, there will be a lot of learning, teaching, and improvement. That’s always fun… We’re all looking forward to it.” Scanlan, Dedvukaj, Koch take home postseason honors for Pac boys Mahopac closed the season at 18-3, after a first-round playoff loss to Brewster. Pac senior captain Danny Koch earned All-League honors. PHOTOS: SKIP PEARLMAN Pac senior Daniel Dedvukaj earned AllConference and AllLeague honors. Pac senior captain Liam Scanlon earned AllSection, All-League, and League MVP honors. BASKETBALL
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 SPORTS MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 19 Law Offices of Joseph J. Tock 963 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 TOCKLAW.COM • 845-628-8080 CRIMINAL DEFENSE/DWI • PERSONAL INJURY REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS LAW • WILLS, TRUSTS, ESTATES, PROBATE ‘ The collective background Joe & his team bring forth is that of expertise, dedication and compassion. ~C.K. www.summertrailsdaycamp.com CURRENTLY HIRING STAFF! CALL FOR A TOUR! 914.245.1776 BY SKIP PEARLMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER After an outstanding season that saw the Mahopac High School girls finish with 15 wins (15-7) – just one win shy of a Westchester County Center appearance – two Wolf Pac players took home postseason honors. Mahopac earned the No. 6 seed in the AA playoffs and opened the tournament with a win over Yorktown, but Mahopac faced the 3 seed in the quarterfinals, and couldn’t match Harrison’s firepower. “We played really well this year, after losing a big class of seniors,” coach Mairead Hynes said. “We had a lot of big shoes to fill, and our players rose to the occasion. I was really happy with the way the girls played throughout the season, and particularly toward the end – they did a really nice job.” Senior forward and captain Fiona O’Boyle was a presence in the paint, and led the Pac on the floor all season. She was named All-Conference and All-League, and sophomore guard Madysen Ford continued to improve her already strong game and earned AllLeague honors. “Fiona was a big presence for us down low,” Hynes said “She had big games for us at the end of the season, she was our main force (12 PPG), and she really helped us on the offensive end. “And for Mady, this year was kind of a preview of how great she can be,” Hynes added. “She gained way more confidence and was able to score in big moments for us. She definitely could have a big future.” Wolf Pac captains Adrianna Pranzo and Juliana Mangione also had strong seasons for Mahopac. “Those were our only three seniors, and they were all great leaders for our team,” Hynes said. “Juliana is a strong, defensive force, and Adrianna really stepped into the point guard role well. All three were very important to our success, and they’ll be missed.” With a strong, returning core, Hynes feels the team will be in a good position next winter. “We’ll return eight of 11 players, and I think we have a ton of potential,” Hynes said. “Our young players got a ton of experience, there was a big difference in their play from the beginning to the end. And it will only get better as they gain experience.” O’Boyle, Ford take home postseason honors for Mahopac girls Pac sophomore Madysen Ford earned All-League honors. PHOTOS: SKIP PEARLMAN Pac senior captain Fiona O’Boyle earned AllConference and All-League honors. BASKETBALL
PAGE 20 MAHOPAC NEWS – MARGet This Newspaper’s App On Your Phone Always Stay Informed About News Involving YOUR Town & Schools Android Scan Here iPhone Scan Here Get Our App! Mahopac ce‘Wearin’ O Grand Marshal Brendan McDonnell leads the way as the parade moves down Route 6. Lisa and Bill Siclari with Kyle and Cindy Austin Cub Scout Pack 371 roasts marshmallows over an “open fire” on their float. One-year-old Georgia Gallen watches the parade with her grandfather Richard Othmer. ‘The Old Faithfuls’ meet to enjoy the parade from the same spot every year.
Edward P. Maloney Memorial Pipe Band from Binghamton helped fill the air with the sound of bagpipes. CH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 PAGE 21 The Consumer’s Choice for Discount Heating Oil! SAVE WITH OUR LOW C.O.D. PRICES! • No Contracts or Commitments • Oil Burner & A/C Service/Tune-ups • Quality Heating Oil • Senior Citizen & Volume Discounts • Heating, Cooling & Generator Installations • Price Matching (Restrictions apply) Order online at: www.codoil.com CALL US TODAY AND SAVE! 914.737.7769 elebrates the the Green’ Mahopac Police Chief Anthony Hoffmann and Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble are all smiles after the parade. Natalie Dubrisingh, 4, with triplets Daniella, Mia, and Gianna, Muscarello, 7, watch the parade. PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL This crew was decked out for the parade. Members of Mahopac Girl Scouts Troop 1417 carry their banner along the parade route. The Northern Westchester-Putnam Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the largest in New York State, made its annual return to Mahopac on Sunday and lit up an otherwise gray March day with sights, sounds, and lots and lots of smiles. Led by Grand Marshal Brendan McDonnell, a longtime Carmel resident, the 47th annual parade stepped off near the intersection of Route 6 and Croton Falls Road and featured 70 organizations, including 12 bands. In all, more than 700 marchers paraded through a Mahopac packed with happy revelers – and everyone got to be Irish for at least one day.
PAGE 22 – MAHOPAC NEWS SPORTS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR Mahopac varsity gymnasts Anna Carinci and Lexie Castrataro concluded their strong seasons at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association gymnastics championship at Buffalo’s Clarence High School earlier this month as part of a strong Section 1 team that finished fourth, just 0.275 of a point shy of a medal. Carinci’s 7.900 was good for 33rd place on the balance beam; Castrataro (8.750) finished 23rd on the vault. “On the biggest stage of the year, both Lexie and Anna did very well,” said coach Vin Collins. “They both contributed to Section 1’s overall finish.” Collins said the two Wolf Pac gymnasts’ performances were especially impressive considering the strength of the statewide competition. “There is something to be said about ability and talent when you finish in the top half of all the athletes competing in your event, and they both did that,” Collins said, “Lexie had a strong vault and Anna had a solid beam routine. I know I’ve been saying it the whole year but I am proud of these two gymnasts!” Carinci and Castrataro rise to the occasion at State championships Mahopac’s Anna Carinci PHOTOS: CHRISTIAN MILES Mahopac’s Lexie Castrataro GYMNASTICS On the biggest stage of the year, both Lexi and Anna did very well. They both contributed to Section 1’s overall finish.” —Mahopac varsity coach Vin Collins. Perrone Family CHIROPRACTIC 925 Route 6 • Mahopac, NY 10541 • Tel: (845)628-3805 Serving the Mahopac Community for Over 25 Years We will take care of you like family. FOR A LIMITED TIME CALL US TODAY FOR DETAILS GET 10% OFF UP LOSE TO 40lbs IN 42 DAYS! AND OUR PROGRAM IF YOU WANT: Less Pain, to Feel Great, and Better Health... CALL US TODAY! We utilize many different types of therapy and treatment to get you feeling your best. Chiropractic • Massage Therapy • Acupuncture Spinal Decompression • Neurofeedback • Weight Loss Scan Here To Sign Up (It’s FREE!) Get YOUR Town’s Local News In Your Inbox Daily
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 SPORTS MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 23 FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM @MAHOPACSOCCER FOR THE LATEST NEWS! For More info visit mahopacsoccer.com KINDERGARTEN SOCCER...$60* IN-HOUSE 1ST-9TH GRADE...$100* STARTING APRIL 13th Coaches and volunteers needed at all levels Season set to start on April 13 for K-9th Grades Registration for Pre-K, Summer Camp & Travel Tryouts Coming Soon! MAHOPAC SOCCER SPRING REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! MAHOPAC SOCCER SPRING REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! *early bird pricing ends 2/2, registration closes 3/23 Rotary hoops fundraiser offers ‘nothing but net’ for charity Jaxon Carter, 6, AJ Puccio, 7, is a natural. Lincoln McCormick, 2, makes a shot in the Carmel Rotary’s annual basketball shootout fundraiser. Al Lotrecchiano, of the Carmel Rotary PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL Mike Lugo, of Lake Mahopac Rotary, tries to beat the basket record. The 17th annual Carmel Rotary Basketball Challenge took place on March 2 at Carmel High School, and it was another banner year for the popular fundraiser that has brought hundreds of thousands of much-needed dollars to local nonprofits. The goal this year was $70,000, and organizers said the money was more vital than ever in light of “increased demand for food, shelter, health services and education.”
PAGE 24 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 What’s in a name? For Mahopac Library’s Community Crafters, the two words in the name say it all: Members of the group, which meets every Wednesday at the Library, use their skills to serve both the local and wider communities by handcrafting things such as blankets, baby hats, and much much more. After two recent projects helping veterans and infants of families in need, the Community Crafters were recognized for their hard work with proclamations from the Town Board and Assemblyman Matt Slater. “These women are amazing and do so much good, mostly out of pocket and very few people know about the group and how many amazing projects they do for hospitals, nursing homes, baby showers for wives of deployed and especially for our veterans, both men and women,” said Theresa Griffin of the Mahopac VFW. Griffin turned to the group to help make blankets for veterans and alerted local officials that the Crafters deserved recognition. “I was asked to help with the project for blankets for women veterans living in a safe house after physical and mental abuse,” she said. “They had nothing. I brought it to the Crafters and instead of 25, we did 29. No project is too big if there is a need. The blankets, all 29 of them, were 40-by40 inches for a twin-size bed which takes longer to do than an Afghan. It really was a huge project. The veteran women received them last week and were thrilled. The letters we received back are heartbreaking.” The Crafters weren’t finished. They followed the blanket project by making 49 hats and hearts for NICU units, helped a Girl Scout with her Gold Star crochet project, and more. “It was a great day,” Griffin said of the ceremony at the Library attended by Supervisor Mike Cazzari and Councilman Frank Lombardi. “Everyone was happy for the recognition. Sometimes you just need that little pat on the back and recognition for a project well done.” Community Crafters recognized The Mahopac Community Crafters with Councilman Frank Lombardi, Supervisor Mike Cazzari, and Mahopac Library Director Michele Capozzella (standing at right) PHOTO COURTESY THERESA GRIFFIN 845-279-9555 • TankRemovalServices.com Before you place your home on the market, contact ENVIROSTAR about replacing your aging underground storage tank (UST). It is required by most insurance companies prior to insuring property. We replace above ground tanks as well! Call us today for a free estimate and evaluation of your current above ground tank. SPRING SPECIAL! $100 OFF IN-GROUND TANK REMOVAL With this coupon only. Coupon must be presented at the time of the estimate. Not to be combined with any other offers. Expires 4/30/24 FREE ESTIMATES WE WILL MATCH OUR COMPETITOR’S ADVERTISED OFFER! We are the name you trust for environmental needs Since 1998 DON’T GET CAUGHT WITH AN AGING OIL TANK! www.aonpt.com GOODROW BUILDING 862 Route 6 Mahopac NY 10541 (845) 208-0963 MILL POND OFFICES 293 Route 100 • Suite 107 Somers, NY 10589 (914) 276-2520 BREWSTER 3 Starr Ridge Road Brewster, NY 10509 (845) 279-9288 The Road To Recovery Starts Here
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 LEISURE MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 25 To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! For puzzle solutions, please see theparamountrehab.com CLUES ACROSS 1. Chaps 5. Currently fashionable 9. Collision 11. More slim 13. European city 15. Implicitly 16. The side of something that is sheltered from the wind 17. The Mount Rushmore State 19. Gold or silver wire cord 21. Muscles along insects’ diaphragm 22. Trent Reznor’s band 23. Sweet juicy gritty-textured fruit 25. Broken branch 26. Indicates ten 27. Expression of annoyance 29. Brings together 31. Ancient city in Thrace 33. Sailors’ spirit 34. Looked into 36. Muckraking woman journalist Rheta 38. A type of cast 39. One’s responsibility 41. Where golfers begin 43. Make a mistake 44. Semitic Sun god 46. Ancient Italian-Greek colony 48. Beheaded 52. A place to stay 53. Unwise 54. Most supernatural 56. “Dennis” is a famous one 57. Ointments 58. Exam 59. Leaked blood CLUES DOWN 1. Baseball managers assemble it 2. Revised 3. Mountain is a popular kind 4. Takes to civil court 5. Pouches 6. A type of veil 7. Chants 8. Boston hoopster 9. Elongated appendage 10. Sailboat 11. 2017 Oscar-winning film 12. Actor Gosling 14. Monetary units 15. Assembly 18. Russian pop duo 20. Embellished with expressions 24. Infrequent 26. Temperature unit 28. Hydrophilic amino acid 30. Honk 32. Legislative body 34. Swinish 35. Russian assembly 37. Take over for 38. Put in advance 40. Satisfy 42. Felt 43. Dutch cheese 45. Witnesses 47. Strong insects 49. Gasteyer and de Armas are two 50. Ancient people of Scotland 51. Cheerless 55. Sick PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF 02/29/24 St. Patrick’s Day presents the perfect opportunity to try authentic Irish cuisine as well as foods and beverages that have become associated strictly with the holiday (like green beer). It’s likely someone you know will be cooking corned beef and cabbage this St. Patrick’s Day. But what if you’re among those who just doesn’t fancy the salted and pickled flavoring of this familiar favorite? “Zesty Braised Beef with New Potatoes” isn’t exactly corned beef, but it can be a worthy alternative. It’s warm, filling and flavorful, and can be just the thing to eat on a chilly March day. What’s more, this rich beef can pair well with a dark stout like Guinness. Enjoy this recipe, courtesy of “The Healthy Slow Cooker” (Robert Rose) by Judith Finlayson. Zesty Braised Beef with New Potatoes Serves 8 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 ounces chunk pancetta, preferably hot pancetta, diced 2 pounds trimmed stewing beef, cut into 1-inch cubes and patted dry 2 onions, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns 1/2 cup dry white wine 2 cups chicken stock 2 pounds small new potatoes, scrubbed and thinly sliced (about 30 tiny ones) 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, dissolved in 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley leaves. 1. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Add pancetta and cook, stirring, until nicely browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker stoneware (3-1/2 to 5 quart). 2. Add beef to skillet, in batches, and cook, stirring until browned, about 4 minutes per batch. Transfer to stoneware as completed. 3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to pan. Add onions and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, salt and peppercorns and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add wine, bring to a boil and boil, stirring and scraping up brown bits from bottom of pan for 2 minutes. Add stock and potatoes and bring to a boil. Simmer for 2 minutes. 4. Transfer to stoneware. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until potatoes are tender. Stir in cayenne solution. Cover and cook on high for 10 minutes. Transfer to a server dish and garnish with parsley. Serve with a big platter of roasted carrots. Try a new meat and potatoes dish this St. Patrick’s Day
PAGE 26 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE Town planners have indicated they are likely to approve a plan to build two new commercial buildings and improve the aesthetics of the property located at 395 Route 6 if the applicants bolster some particular elements within the project. Brothers Nick and John Crecco, owners of DAG Route 6, LLC, are looking to construct a 10,000-square-foot contractor warehouse and a 3,240-squarefoot office space on 4.8 acres with frontages on both Buckshollow Road and Route 6. That property, which is adjacent to the bike trail, currently contains a 12,300-foot building with the Pawsitively Petastic doggy daycare and boarding business inside and an associated 14,000-squarefoot play space. Under the plan, the dog-boarding business and play area would remain. However, a 2,800-square-foot two-family dwelling would be removed to make room for the new construction. The proposed 10,000-squarefoot building would house “contractors and light manufacturers for storage, office, and general work use. Such contractors could include carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and contractors of other similar fields,” according to documents in the application. “Other potential tenants could be artisans/light manufacturers such as cabinet makers, wood workers, and other similar fields.” The smaller building would be used as office space for the Crecco’s business. In the application, Insite Engineering, the designer of the project, writes, “The main driver of the project is the construction of the two new buildings, but an additional benefit will be a significant improvement in the appearance of the south side (where the bike trail runs) of the site.” “I think the board is in favor of this project because it gives us an opportunity to clean up that place,” said Pat Cleary, town planning consultant. “I like to think everything we touch, that comes before the board, leaves better than it was. I am on the bike path a lot, and in some places, it doesn’t look good. It’s a junkyard with a lot of Dumpster storage, and a lot of old-truck storage. This [project] should be ‘wow’! I’m not asking you to spend a million bucks on it but it should leave us better looking than it does today.” Nick Grecco told Cleary and the board that he and his brother intended to do exactly that. “I think all the projects we’ve set our hands on in this community has left the public saying, ‘Oh, wow. That’s beautiful,” he told the board. “We are here for the long term. So, we do things for the benefit of the community as we have done for more than 24 years.” Cleary said the Creccos and Insite did a good job of providing answers to questions about the original application but there are still some details to clean up. “The primary element that they clarified was the type of tenant ‘Contractor condo’ gets closer to Planning Board approval Would clean up ‘junkyard’ look from the bike trail near Buckshollow Contact Us Mahopac News is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 845- 208-0774 or email [email protected]. This section along Buckshollow Road and the bike path may get a facelift if the Planning Board approves a plan currently before it. PHOTO COURTESY GOOGLE MAPS SEE JUNKYARD PAGE 27 Visit us at: 128 Route 52, Carmel Shari Zimmerman 845-621-2557 [email protected] Call for a FREE Quote today! RATES GOING UP? AWARD WINNER LIC. REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATE BROKER Grace Vinciguerra AFFORDABLE Dumpster Rentals! CIRONE CARTING 845-533-5262 Same-Day Roll-Off Container Delivery Available 10-yard • 12-yard • 15-yard 20-yard • 30-yard CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE cironeconstruction.com
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 27 The first-ever Putnam County Job Fair held earlier this mo nth was declared a huge success by it organizers On Wednesday, Feb. 7, the fair, held at the Bureau of Emergency Services in Carmel and organized by the county’s Personnel Department, was attended by more than 200 job seekers interested in working for the county. Ten county departments attended to discuss current and future vacancies in their respective offices. Attendees were able to meet department heads and employees of the departments, complete applications and submit resumes for both full-time and part-time positions. “This was an overwhelming success, especially for a firsttime event,” said County Executive Kevin Byrne. “We received a number of qualified applicants for key positions in county government. Hopefully, we can bring some folks on board and fill these vacancies. We’re always looking for new talent and there’s a lot of great career paths offered.” Virginia Redlon of the Personnel Department said they were elated by the turnout. “This was a big undertaking and we are so happy with the success of the event,” she said “We are so grateful to have the support of the County Executive’s Office and the attending departments. Everything came together perfectly.” Staff of the Personnel Department were on hand to walk individuals through the application and hiring processes, discuss civil service examinations and the professional and personal benefits of working for Putnam County Government. The Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center and several area volunteer fire departments were also recruiting at the Expo. With the success of the event, the county has already begun preparations to host another Career Expo in the fall, with plans to expand the number of employers present. For announcements and more information about job postings, visit putnamcountyny.com/personnel. Article courtesy of the County Executive’s Office Putnam County Career Expo draws hundreds First-ever county job fair lauded as ‘overwhelming success’ More than 200 jobseekers were drawn to the Expo. PHOTO COURTESY OF COUNTY EXECUTIVE’S OFFICE Make it to Musings Mahopac Musings is always on the lookout for community events, and we often find them by accident. If you have a fundraiser, drive for donations, non-profit class or performance, meet-up, or anything you think your neighbors would like to know about, submit it to us at [email protected] with “musings” in the subject line. We can’t guarantee that every submission will get in but we’ll do our best. 17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults Come See Us At Our New Location! PUTNAM WINDOW TINT AUTO , COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL WINDOW FILM Follow us on Instagram 1065 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • Paint protection film • Vehicle lettering • Full Service vehicle wraps • gift cards available Over 35 in Business Years Scan Here To Sign Up (It’s FREE!) Get YOUR Town’s Local News In Your Inbox Daily that will be in the building. They’ve excluded automobile repair and storage, which is good. That’s what they are doing there now and that’s the problem,” Cleary said, adding that he would still like the application to be more specific. “Contractors, artisans, plumbers – that is a lot,” he said. “You cast a broad net and that’s fine—they are all permitted uses. But if you have a better idea that could help us understand [that would] help.” The other major issue, Cleary noted, is the entrance near the bike trail off Buckshollow Road “They indicate that they were going to fill it in with some shrubs, but we’ll need more than that,” Cleary said. “As I’ve said, this is a site that has two frontages really. One frontage is defined by a bunch of giant swimming pools. The one we are more concerned about in this case is the bike path, which is the front door for a lot of these properties. [It’s] traditionally a back door but now it is becoming a front door, and maybe more people will be passing it on the bike path than on Route 6. So, we want to make sure it looks really, really good.” Adam Thyberg, a project landscape architect with Insite Engineering, said they will do a more detailed study of the existing trees. Cleary called it a “bit of a challenge “ due to the poor condition of some of the plants onsite. “If you plant something next to them, it gets diseased because of what it’s planted next to,” Clearly said, “So, I think some care needs to be taken.” Thyberg said the landscaping would be carefully planned. “We will definitely bulk up the planting plan and be specific and thoughtful about how we are going to screen that,” he said. “A project like this deserves a whole new landscape and screening,” Crecco added. “We are on the bike path ourselves and so are our kids.” Crecco said they can begin as soon as they get the green light. “Once this is ready to go, all [the junk] will be removed, we’ll go gung-ho and finish as soon as possible,” he said. The applicants still need some perfunctory variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals before the next step, which will be a public hearing. The board asked the contractors to present some artist renderings of the buildings and the bike path area at the hearing. JUNKYARD FROM PAGE 26
PAGE 28 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 Mahopac High School was shaken and stirred on Wednesday, March 6 when all of the school district’s academic bands – from grades four through 12 – converged for the musical mashup known as Band-o-Rama Mahopac school district band directors Rich Williams (high school), Mike Teglasi (middle school), and Steven Wands (elementary school) collaborated to present the seventh annual Bando-Rama concert at the Mahopac High School gymnasium. The concert included almost 400 band students performing to a packed, standing-room-only house. The evening started with the HS band students presenting short workshops to the elementary and middle school band students before the concerts got underway. For the concert portion of the event, each group performed one piece of music starting with ES Beginner Band, ES Second Year Band, MS Sixth Grade Band, MS Seventh Grade Band, MS Eighth Grade Band, HS Concert Band, and HS Symphonic Band. For the grand finale, all the bands performed a piece of music together. “It’s great to see so many Mahopac students involved in the Band Program!” Williams said. “There was an incredible amount of energy and excitement as the younger students got to witness where they are headed in the band program. The older students got a chance to remember where they started and the parents and audience members got to see and hear how the entire band program progresses from fourth grade to 12th grade.” Band-o-Rama put Mahopac in the groove Band-o-Rama featured Mahopac band students from grades four-12. PHOTO COURTESY OF MAHOPAC CSD/YOUTUBE 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s The Evangelist Church, 221 East Lake Blvd., Mahopac. All are welcome! Refreshments will be served in the Social Hall after mass. For more info, contact Linda Cefaloni at 914-82-4373. Library Events As always, Mahopac Library’s calendar is packed with events for kids and adults. Here are a few highlights: Bigfoot Experience: Wednesday, March 20 for kids ages 10 and up. Join producer and lead investigator Mike Familant as he shares his experiences researching and tracking down the truth behind North America’s most iconic cryptid, Bigfoot. Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Grassman, Skunk Ape, or Big Red Eye, whatever name you choose to call this large, bipedal hominid, Mike has probably tried to track it down. ARF (Animal Reading Friends): Kids grades K-5 can read to a certified therapy dog on Wednesday, March 27, from 6-7 p.m. (appointment necessary). Free Yoga for Adults: Classes start April 1. Learn about these programs and more at mahopaclibrary.org. ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ Lecture Carmel resident Dr. Michael Taub, retired professor of Jewish studies, will discuss the Eastern European background to the American “Fiddler on the Roof ” and other well-known theater and film works, like “Yentl” on Sunday, March 31, at 7 p.m. at Chabad of Putnam, 5 Fair Street in Carmel Hamlet. Dr. Taub’s lecture will compare what he knows about shtetl life and the stage/ screen portraits known by most Americans today. Coincidently, the Brewster Theater Co. is planning a “Fiddler” play for the current theater season. To RSVP visit PutnamChabad.org/RSVP or by all (845) 225-4770; Zoom link available upon request. Free Rabies Vax Clinic Attention Putnam residents! Bring your dogs, cats, and ferrets to a free rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m. to noon. Sponsored by the Putnam County Department of Health, the clinic is being held at Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park (Upper Park), 201 Gipsy Trail Road, Carmel, and is open to all Putnam County residents. Bring a photo ID as proof of Putnam County residency, as well as proof of prior rabies vaccination. Tags are not acceptable. If you do not have proof of prior rabies vaccination, your pet will receive a one-year rabies vaccine. Pets must be at least 12 weeks old. All dogs must be leashed and controlled. Any dog that may become aggressive must be muzzled. Cats and ferrets must be in carriers, top-loading carriers preferred, no harnesses. All animals must be supervised by an adult. For more information and directions, call the Putnam County Department of Health at 845-808-1390, ext.43160. MUSINGS FROM PAGE 4 SEE MUSINGS PAGE 30 Service... Integrity... Compassion Family owned and operated We began with a mission to celebrate life and serve families. There is much peace to be found here, and we invite you to find yours. Explore more. Take a tour. Read our story. Share in experiences. Anthony J. Guarino Family Owned & Operated 945 East Main Street • Shrub Oak, NY 10588 • (914) 962-0700 YorktownFuneralHome.com • [email protected]
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 29 Multi-instrumentalist PERFORMING ARTS SPOTLIGHT Cameron Dinsmore plans to major in music BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR Mahopac High School senior Cameron Dinsmore can cover a lot of musical territory. A singer and multi-instrumentalist who excels in a wide range of genres, Dinsmore plays flute and piccolo in the Jazz Band but is also adept on the sax (alto, tenor, and baritone), keyboards, and vocals. Playing since the age of 7, Dinsmore studies piano and flute outside of school and plans to major in music performance at the University of Connecticut. We caught up with her in the weeks leading up to Mahopac’s March 6 Band-O-Rama concert (which featured student musicians from grades 4-12) and the Pops Concert scheduled for March 13 (after we go to press). Visit News.HalstonMedia.com to read and hear more about those shows. Who are your main musical influences? Mr. [Richard] Williams (Mahopac HS’s band director), because he has always seen something in me that I have never seen in myself. I am confident that I wouldn’t have gotten where I am today without him. He has been, and always will be, my biggest role model. What makes playing in your ensemble special? What makes playing in my ensemble interesting is the continuous hard work we put in for a performance. Personally, I love to perform, so the night of a performance after days upon days of very hard work is an extremely rewarding feeling. What is the hardest piece you’ve ever had to learn? What’s your favorite piece to play? The hardest piece I’ve ever had to play is “Metroplex” by Robert Sheldon, and what made it hard for me were the continuous fast passages of notes. I have a disorder in my fingers that hinders my playing, but throughout the years I’ve continued and worked to accommodate for it. My favorite piece to play is “March of the Trolls” (Edvard Grieg) because my favorite thing is to be challenged, and it also had a really pretty flute solo, so as a flute player I was really excited. Pick the top five songs (Title/Artist) you would put on a mix tape. “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder “Little Bit” by Drake, Lykke Li “Locked Out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars “The Color Violet” by Tory Lanez “Hotel California” by The Eagles Cam Dinsmore PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL Gourmet Easter Buffet March 31, 2024 Breakfast Selections, Pasta Stations Assorted Hot Chaffers, Antipasto Station And Much More Prepared By The Finest European Trained Chefs Soda, Espresso, Cappuccino, Coffee And Tea Included Call Now For Reservations 845-628-6600 $70 Per Person $40 Kids Up To 12 Years Old Excludes Service & Tax Two-Hour Seating 12:30-1 Or 3:30-4 Enjoy An All You Can Eat Brunch/Dinner Buffet Indulge In An Array Of Hot And Cold Foods Fresh Fruit And Dessert Stations
PAGE 30 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 who showed me how to be a team player and grow and be part of a community. I joined the Girl Scouts and went on lots of camping trips. So, it is nice now to be on the other side and provide that for people and see those smiling faces. That has a huge impact on you. That’s what we live for.” Kallmeyer said there are already new things in store for 2024. There are plans to work with the Cappelletti family who produce the Psycho Circus haunted house on Mahopac Point each year to create a haunted trail Halloween experience at Sycamore Park. Also planned is a Halloween light parade in the Mahopac business district on South Lake Boulevard. “We are always open to new ideas and new programs,” she said. “Residents can reach out to us and let us know what they are looking for.” Kallmeyer’s long-term goals are even more ambitious. “The biggest thing I would like to see is a community center,” she said, noting the town already has designs for one. “Jim paved the way and we have plans ready to go and want to follow through with that. We need a place for seniors to meet, a place for the scouts and Rotary—maybe some pickleball courts.” Kallmeyer would also love to see an adventure course built into the parks throughout town. “I also want to keep building on the waterfront program, too,” she said. “We are a lake community—we should offer as many programs as we can... maybe kayak tours and motorized tours of the lake and showcase some of our most prized resources. I also want to get more people in the [Carmel] hamlet involved and make sure everyone is included.” Bob Buckley, who is a former chair of the town’s Recreation Advisory Committee, was part of the team that interviewed Kallmeyer nine years ago for the senior recreational leader job and said he and Gilchrist knew right away they had a winner. “Both of us by far thought she had a tremendous background and lots of energy,” he said. “I would love to see her get the job. She has proven herself over the years. She has introduced new programs and brings new energy to the town that we need, not just for the youth but the senior citizens as well. Her record speaks for itself. She’s met all expectations. She has big shoes to fill. Jim accomplished so much. He set the bar pretty high, but I think she is up to the task.” Now retired Recreation and Parks Director Jim Gilchrist after winning $1 million in the NY Lottery. PHOTO COURTESY NEW YORK STATE LOTTERY RETIRE FROM PAGE 3 Securities offered through Cantella & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Cantella and Co., Inc. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. 2023 was a CRAZY YEAR! 845-628-5400 SFGtaxes.com | [email protected] 824 Route 6, Suite 4 | Mahopac, NY 10541 We can help make your taxes less crazy. Help for Library’s in the Bag This March, make your Mahopac Library lucky by purchasing a Community Bag at Shop & Stop, Lake Plaza, 1001 US-6, Mahopac. For every $2.50 reusable bag purchased, Shop & Stop will give $1 to the Friends of the Library. Book Barn Special Offers The Book Barn is currently running a buy-one-get-one-free offer on Tom Clancy novels. Or buy 10 or more books and receive one free book (excluding collectibles) or one free Book Barn tote bag. Need a gift for an avid reader? The Book Barn has $10 gift cards for sale, redeemable for books in the lobby and the Book Barn. Hours are Tuesday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Wednesday, 10 a.m. - noon., Thursday, 4 - 6:45 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Stories and Snacks with Rabbi Sarah Temple Beth Shalom in Mahopac presents Stories and Snacks with Rabbi Sarah, ideal for age groups 2-5 years old. Stories and Snacks will take place on the following Sundays at 11:30 a.m.: March 24, April 14, and May 19. Call 845-628-6133 to register. MUSINGS FROM PAGE 28
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 31 Mahopac Public Library is partnering with the Putnam County Historian’s Office in a new exhibit of more than 250 historic images, memorabilia items, and informational panels from the archives of lifelong Carmel resident and former publisher of The Putnam County Courier, Willitt C. Jewell. The exhibit opened on the Library’s Third Floor Gallery on March 4 and runs through April 11. In addition, the 20th Anniversary of the Mahopac Library building will be celebrated with historic library photos and information panels on display during the history exhibit. The public is invited to a reception on March 23 from noon to 2:00 p.m. in the Library’s Third Floor Gallery with special presentations and history talks. A 20th Anniversary of Mahopac Library Building presentation will be provided by Library Trustee, Eugene Boesch, at 12:30 p.m., and a local history talk provided by Putnam County Historian Jennifer Cassidy will be held at 1:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. Photos and information panels from Willitt C. Jewell’s Putnam County, a Collection of Local History, will be on exhibit in the Third Floor Gallery, Mahopac Public Library from March 4 through April 11, with the book available for purchase through the Putnam County Historian’s office. Article courtesy Mahopac Library Mahopac Library showcases local history with ‘Back in the Day’ exhibit Running through April 11, the show coincides with library building’s 20th anniversary celebration on March 23 This ice harvest scene is just one of the historical images currently on display at Mahopac Library PHOTO COURTESY MAHOPAC LIBRARY/FACEBOOK With Saint Patrick’s Day on the horizon, local, county, and state law enforcement agencies are launching a campaign to discourage impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel—and ramping up efforts to catch those who do. The STOP-DWI crackdown is part of a statewide program that goes into effect around various holidays that tend to see a rise in driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The campaign also goes into effect around the Super Bowl, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day/end of summer, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the holiday season. The upcoming STOP-DWI campaign will run from March 15-17, with N.Y. State Police joining the local agencies. “St. Patrick’s Day weekend is a notoriously deadly period for impaired driving due to the number of celebrations and drivers on the road,” said Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville. “New York State Police, County Sheriff, municipal law enforcement agencies, and STOP-DWI programs across the state will be participating in special engagement efforts to reduce the number of alcohol-related injuries and deaths.” Efforts like the STOPDWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. The sheriff encouraged people to use the “Have a Plan” mobile app to arrange a safe ride home before drinking: stopdwi.org/ mobileapp. Carmel PD to join STOP-DWI campaign this weekend PICK-UP & DELIVERY AVAILABLE WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS OF PORTABLE GENERATORS 845-225-3503 * LAWN MOWERS * CHAIN SAWS * TRIMMERS * TRACTORS * GENERATORS * MOTORCYCLES * ATV’S * AND MORE! FACTORY-TRAINED SERVICE TECHNICIANS EAST ROAD MOTORS 58 CAROLAN RD. EAST • CARMEL, NY www.EASTROADMOTORS.com P R E S E N T S T H E 2 0 2 4 ANNUAL GALA An Evening of Dinner, Dancing, and Great Company! A P R I L 5 , 2 0 2 4 7 P M - 1 1 P M V I L L A B A R O N E H I L L T O P M A N O R Open Bar, Seated Dinner, Raffles, & $10,000 Raffle Drawing FESTIVE OR BUSINESS CASUAL ATTIRE As a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit, this annual event supports essential resources for deployed American service members. MORE INFORMATION, TICKETS & SPONSORSHIP: www.UnitedForTheTroops.org P R E S E N T S T H E 2 0 2 4 NNUAL GALA Evening of Dinner, Dancing, and Great Company! R I L 5 , 2 0 2 4 7 P M - 1 1 P M A B A R O N E H I L L T O P M A N O R Open Bar, Seated Dinner, Raffles, & $10,000 Raffle Drawing STIVE OR BUSINESS CASUAL ATTIRE 100% volunteer-led nonprofit, this annual supports essential resources for deployed American service members. MORE INFORMATION, TICKETS & SPONSORSHIP: www.UnitedForTheTroops.org Share Your Milestones Let your neighbors know about the special moments in your life, whether it’s a birth, engagement, wedding or anniversary. Send us a photo and announcement at mahopacnews@ halstonmedia.com or mail it to Mahopac News, 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. There is no charge for this announcement. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you’d like your photo returned.
PAGE 32 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 Putnam County will be participating in early voting for the 2024 presidential primary election. There will be eight days when registered voters who are eligible to vote in the Primary will be able to cast their ballot prior to Primary Day. Putnam County will have two early voting sites: Putnam County Board of Elections 25 Old Route 6, Carmel North Highlands Fire House 504 Fishkill Road, Cold Spring If you are an eligible registered voter in Putnam County, you may vote at either site during the Early Voting times listed below. Voters must be registered in the political party holding the primary. Early voting dates and times are” Saturday, March 23: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 24: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday, March 25: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 27: 8:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday, March 29: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 30: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. There is no Early Voting on Sunday, March 31 Please Note: If you cast a ballot during Early Voting, you are then not eligible to vote on Presidential Primary Day. The results from Early Voting will be reported after 9 p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Poll sites are accessible to voters with physical disabilities. Voting by an absentee ballot is an additional option. For more information, visit putnamboe. com or contact the Putnam County Board of Elections at (845) 808-1300 or [email protected]. Article courtesy of Putnam County Election Commissioners Commissioners Catherine P. Croft and Kelly K. Primavera Putnam to offer early voting in the primary Town Board Wednesday, March 20, 7 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Planning Board Thursday, March 27, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Environmental Conservation Board Thursday, April 4, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Thursday, March 28, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Recreation Advisory Committee Thursday, April 4, 7:30 p.m. Rec Office Building - Sycamore Park Board of Education Thursday, March 14, 6 p.m. (work session) Falls School, 100 Myrtle Ave. Tuesday, March 19, 7 p.m. Mahopac High School, 421 Baldwin Place Road GOVERNMENT AT WORK Contact Us Mahopac News is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 845-208-0774 or email [email protected]. JUNK REMOVAL DUMPSTERS 3 DUMPSTER ON WHEELS 10,12,15,18 yd. 3 CONTAINERS 15, 20, 30 yd 3 JUNK REMOVAL Michael Procopis • [email protected] www.MVPJunkRemoval.com (914 703-2626 BUYING ONLY 845-628-0362 WE WILL COME TO YOU! 53 WE BUY: YEARS! Gold • Sterling Silver Jewelry • Coins Paintings • Bronzes Clocks • Collectibles Antiques • ETC. Items for sale? Call us! Service: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 33 In Case You Missed It The stories below were published on our website in-between print editions. Never miss another local story again by visiting News.HalstonMedia.com. Scan the QR codes in the summaries below to read the full story. Scan Here To Get The Top Local News Delivered To Your Inbox Daily. Smoke Shop Allegedly Sold Psychedelics A Route 6 smoke shop owner is facing felony charges for allegedly selling psilocybin mushroom products from his store, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Police say they recovered drugs and more than $50,000 in cash. Byrne Delivers State of the County County Executive Kevin Byrne delivered his State of the County annual report to the Putnam County Legislature on March 7, highlighting the county’s spending and policy priorities for the upcoming year. PHOTO COURTESY PUTNAM COUNTY/YOUTUBE
PAGE 34 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 The Putnam Arts Council’s 2024 Members Exhibition is scheduled to open on Saturday, March 16 from 2-5 p.m. The show will feature original fine art, completed within the past three years, and not previously exhibited in the PAC gallery space at the Belle Levine Art Center, 521 Kennicut Hill Road, Mahopac. The show runs through the end of the month and includes the following dates and times: Opening Reception and Meet the Artists: Saturday, March 16, 2-5 p.m. (Snow date: Sunday, March 24) Additional Gallery hours: Tuesday- Friday, 1-4 p.m., Sunday, March 24, 2-5 p.m, or by appointment. Closing: Saturday, March 30, 2-4 p.m. Closing Event Artist Talk: Saturday, March 30, 3-4 p.m. The Putnam Arts Council (PAC) is a not-for-profit arts service organization chartered in 1963 by the State of New York. PAC is the voice for the arts in Putnam County and maintains a leadership role in promoting, fostering, and perpetuating the visual, performing, and literary arts in the county and environs. Our programs include exhibitions, Art in Public Places, workshops in the visual and performing arts, a summer arts program, concerts, theatre performances, advocacy, technical assistance workshops, studio tours, and special events. As a county-wide arts service agency, the Putnam Arts Council extends its programming to reach constituents where they live and work and to provide support for the creative development of artists, students, and cultural organizations. Learn more at putnamartscouncil.com. Questions? Call 845-803- 8622 or email [email protected]. Interested artists can join at the drop-off or 24/7 on our website, putnam artscouncil.com. Article Courtesy Putnam Arts Council Putnam Arts Council holds ‘Members Show’ Danielle Rogers’ acrylic painting that will be at the Putnam Arts Council’s member show this Saturday, March 16. PHOTO COURTESY OF PUTNAM ARTS COUNCIL Saturday, March 23, 2024 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Austin Road Elementary School 3 WAYS TO REGISTER Blood Drive at Austin Road Sedran Family and Friends Give Back! Blood Drive in honor of Teresa Sedran Saturday, March 23, 2024 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Austin Road Elementary School To register, people have the option of scanning the QR Code below, clicking the link below, or calling 800-933-2566. https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/320877 (The red lines below are printed on the blood drive posters, so thought it was important to include.) Appointments are strongly encouraged, yet walk-ins will be accepted as capacity permits. Sedran Family and Friends Give Back! Blood Drive in honor of Teresa Sedran Scan here to register or visit https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/320877 or call 800-933-2566 Appointments are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins will be accepted as capacity permits. Please remember to eat, drink, and bring your donor ID card or ID with name and photo. Tuesday, March 19th from 5:30pm - 8:30pm Engage in Networking & Conversations with Attendees from Different Chambers! Brewster Chamber of Com merce All Roads Lead to Brewster $40/per person Please RSVP by March 11th - 845-628-5553 Members of any Chamber of Commerce are welcome to attend 983 US-6 - Lake Plaza Shopping Center in Mahopac
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 35 MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-HOUR PROBLEM GAMING HOTLINE: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369) Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com I-84 | Exit 36B I-87 | Exit 17 Earn Entries All Month Long! Friday, March 29 • 10pm & Sunday, March 31 • 4pm Double your luck with a chance to win a Chevy Colorado*! *Actual models and colors may vary. DOUBLE YOUR LUCK CHEVY COLORADO DRAWING Christopher Shields, who boasts a long career in federal law enforcement, has been named the new director of emergency management in the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services. Shields, bringing with him 20 years of experience as a special agent in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and six years as a U.S. Capitol Police special agent, steps into a pivotal role that has been vacant. Shields assumed his duties on Feb. 13, coinciding with a significant snowstorm that saw nearly a foot of snow in Putnam County. Shields jumped in and played a significant role working side-by-side with Emergency Services Commissioner Bob Lipton in managing the response efforts on his very first day. “We are fortunate to have someone of Christopher Shields’ caliber join our team,” said County Executive Kevin Byrne. “His extensive experience and immediate involvement in assisting with our recent snowstorm demonstrates his commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. His diverse emergency services background, including his time with the Capitol Police, will be invaluable to our team as it takes on new responsibilities and challenges in emergency management planning and response.” Sheriff Kevin McConville called Shields “a consummate professional with a deep understanding of emergency management.” “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him for many years, and his dedication to public safety is unmatched,” the sheriff said. “His appointment is a significant asset to Putnam County.” As the director of emergency management, Shields will play a critical role in ensuring the county is well-prepared to handle large-scale emergencies. This includes the development of a comprehensive emergency management plan and the activation and operation of the County Emergency Operations Center, which serves as the central hub for coordinating, communicating, and sharing resources during emergencies. Bureau of Emergency Services Commissioner Robert Lipton welcomed Shields, saying, “Christopher Shields brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role of Director of Emergency Management. His background in federal law enforcement and emergency response will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our county’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities.” Shields said he was honored to join the county as the director of emergency management. “My career in federal law enforcement has provided me with the skills and experience necessary to contribute to the safety and security of the community,” he said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with our dedicated emergency services team to ensure the county is well-prepared for any challenges that may arise.” Article courtesy of the County Executive’s Office Putnam County names new emergency management chief Christopher Shields
PAGE 36 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 Mahopac High School’s Lake Mahopac Interact Club is part of a network of Interact clubs across the country and around the world. There are 14911 Interact clubs in 145 countries. With the Lake Mahopac Rotary Club serving as its parent organization, Mahopac’s Interact Club performs community service regularly, whether it is recycling paper, running life-saving blood drives, or volunteering in the local community and internationally. Mahopac High School teachers Ms. Szilvia Tobak and Dr. Chris Perrone are the advisors. The group meets in room 235 on Tuesdays right after school. “If you are a Mahopac High School student, we welcome you to be a part of something bigger than yourself and join the Interact Club,” club leaders said. “Come help your community.” RYLA The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program (RYLA) is a five-day overnight leadership conference for high school sophomores sponsored by the Lake Mahopac Rotary Club and held at Mount Saint Mary College in July. “You develop your leadership skills through fun-filled activities, events, projects, and presentations from special guests!” organizers said. “At RYLA you’ll gain new confidence, skills, and friends in a positive environment like no other.” Students can learn more about the program and how to apply through their guidance counselor by contacting Dr. Perrone at 914- 329-4127. Learn more at lakemahopacrotary. org. Lake Mahopac Interact Club seeks members Rotary to host ‘Youth Leadership’ conference in July Front row: Michael Magaletti, Szilvia Tobak (advisor), Mia Panebianco, Jake Lauro, Vincent Margiotta, Dr. Chris Perrone (advisor); Middle row: Ashton Arias, Justin Chillogallli, Sean Mctaggart, Patrick Keevins (Mahopac HS principal), Michael Hennigan. Back row: Ashley Avila, Yadhira Tenenpaguay. PHOTO COURTESY LAKE MAHOPAC INTERACT CLUB 914.948.1500 This ad is donated by Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 $75 per person includes: 6:30 - 10 pm - Beer & Wine Open Bar 6:30 -7 pm - Appetizers 7 - 8 pm - Buffet dinner, dessert, soda/coffee 8 - 10 pm - 9 Comedians For tickets go to: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/b832fde8-d716-4a4f-af98-c73a84064a2a Or scan the QR code: CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. Sponsorships Available Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 COMEDIAN LINEUP CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 COMEDIAN LINEUP CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers.
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Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Half Dozen Donuts or 25 Munchkins® excludes Specialty Donut and Fancies EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. for 6 Bagels EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. for 2 Muffins EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Off Any Cake min. $15 cake purchase Offer not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Single Use Coupon. Limit one offer per customer per visit. No substitutions allowed. Customer must pay applicable tax. May not be combined with any other coupon, discount, or promotion. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. See store for details. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. ©2024 BR IP Holder, LLC.[Coupon_Requests_8.4.23.xlsx]Requests!$C$14:$P$24 $1.00 $3.99 ÍÇ4lA`x#P):CÎ 99207633648803480926 $3.99 ÍÇ12ÅqGIfb'QÎ 99171897813941706607 $2.00 ÍÇU{ÃÆBIAwÃ;Î 99539195983441338795 $3.00 ÍÇWO;L+s"u/ÃÎ 99554727441183028515 ÍÇ3D]Æ1,Ada/Î 99193661981712336865 Birthday & Holiday Cakes Numbers, Fun Shapes & Customized Donuts! Call to Order HAPPY HOUR! Daily from 4-6 and again from 9-11 on Thurs., Fri and Saturday nights. OUTDOOR PATIO Enjoy Dining on our Heated Covered Patio Offer expires 3/1/24 Offer expires 3/1/24 BREWSTER PAINT & DECORATING CENTER Family Owned and Operated Since 1989 38 ARGONNE RD • BREWSTER, NEW YORK 10509 $10 OFF Call today and let us make sure you get the best paint and advice to get your project done right. Hurry, this exclusive offer ends 06/01/2024. Offer valid for $10 off retailer’s suggested retail price per gallon of up to five (5) gallons of Benjamin Moore® premium products. Excludes Aura®. Redeemable only at participating retailers. Limit one per customer. Products may vary from store to store. Subject to availability. Retailer reserves the right to cancel this offer at any time without notice. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer expires 06/01/2024. ©2021 Benjamin Moore & Co. Arborcoat, Aura, ben, Benjamin Moore, Gennex, Regal, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. 7/21 845-279-7686 WWW.BREWSTERPAINTANDDECORATING.COM HOURS: Mon-Fri 6am - 5:30pm Sat 6:30am - 4pm Spring 2024 • Zone 5 Visit Our New Showroom! BrewsterPaint-frontCVR-SH-Z5-0324.indd 1 3/6/24 9:58 AM Reach up to 125,000 Homes 125,000 Homes in the Community’s Premiere Marketing Magazine Only LOCAL Advertisements (No National Ad Distractions) GLOSSY On Every Page Choose Any Target Among FIVE 25,000 MAILED ZONES Work With a Local Sales Team That Will Talk Up Your Business in the Community! Attention Business Owners SAVE UP TO $100 on your first ad! Call Pam Zacotinsky Today at 845-661-0748 for details or For more information, visit www.HalstonMedia.com. Scan Here to Get In Touch— Mention Seasonal Highlights to Save up to $100!
PAGE 38 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 Mildred Ann ‘Millie’ Limitone Mildred Ann “Millie” Limitone of Mahopac, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the age of 87. She was born in Port Washington, N.Y. on Sept. 30, 1936, the daughter of Charles and Lillian Holder Wilkinson. Millie was well-loved by everyone who knew her. A middle child of many siblings, she grew up poor but was strong, independent, smart, and beautiful. She worked as everything from dress saleswoman to telephone operator to secretary to model. After her husband Charles died suddenly when she was only 36, she went back to work and became a customer service manager to support her family. After marrying Rocco, she settled into retirement and enjoyed their home, traveling, and spending most of her time with family. Millie dedicated her life to her kids and grandchildren. She was adored by both of her children and they remained a close family. Millie was a happy, generous woman with a razor sharp wit and an unyielding desire to live life. She will be deeply missed by her kids and everyone who knew her. Her passing leaves a space that can never be filled, but the memories she created will stay with everyone who loved her so deeply. She survived many tragedies and illnesses, yet they never stopped her incredible spirit and zest for life. She was, in the words of her children, the strongest, most amazing woman they ever knew. Her legacy is one of kindness, strength, and grace. She is survived by her daughter Angela K. Calise and son Charles A. Calise and grandchildren Samantha, Natalie, Autumn, and Liam, and her greatgranddaughter, Aria. Millie is also survived by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husbands Charles A. Calise and Rocco D. Limitone, and her siblings, Robert (Bobby), Charles (Buddy), Carol, Harry, Laura, Evelyn, Beverly, Gail, and Floyd. Following private cremation, a prayer service was held at Smith Funeral Home in Mahopac on March 15 at 7:30. Dominick V. DeRobertis Dominick V. DeRobertis of Mahopac, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was born on Nov. 21, 1938, in the Bronx, to the late Vincent and Carmela (Ferrara) DeRobertis. Dominick was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was the beloved husband of Theresa (Ruggiero), with whom he shared 63 years of devoted marriage. Dominick was a loving father to his sons, Vincent and his wife Lynn, Dominick and his wife Marianne, and his daughter Donna and her husband Kevin King. He was also a proud grandfather to his granddaughters Kathryn, Danielle, Nicole DeRobertis, and Devin and Kerrianne King, who will miss him dearly. Dominick was predeceased by his brother, Frank, and is survived by his brother, Robert. His commitment and dedication to his family was unwavering. For more than 40 years, Dominick was a highly skilled aircraft mechanic, respected for his expertise with corporate jets. His colleagues knew him as the man who could fix anything; there was no challenge too great for his capable hands. Dominick’s dedication to his craft extended beyond the hangar as he was an active member of the Westchester Aircraft Maintenance Association, where he shared his knowledge and passion with others in the field. His work was not just a job but a calling; he always looked for ways he could help others, often making repairs at home and in his children’s homes. As an Air Force Veteran, Dominick proudly held the rank of airman 2nd class, a period of his life that instilled values he carried with him always. Above all, Dominick’s greatest joy was his family. He was a man who put his loved ones first, always making time for family gatherings, celebrations, and the everyday moments that knit a family together. His presence was a source of comfort and joy, and his guidance was sought after by all who knew him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 14 at St. John The Evangelist Church, also in Mahopac. Interment will follow at Raymond Hill Cemetery. The family would like to thank the extraordinary staff at Danbury Hospital for their kindness and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Dominick’s memory to the Danbury Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice. ORDER ON OUR ONLINE STORE AND PICKUP LO CALLY! BEST PRICES IN THE AREA! PICKUP HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! www.american-arms.com [email protected] 1928 Commerce St, Suite C Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 NRA Basic Pistol/Personal Protection UTAH Concealed Firearms Course Private Lessons Permit Assistance Refuse To Be A Victim™ Group and Private Classes Gun Sales & Ammunition Gun Accessories FFL Services & Transfers 914-455-4210 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING, ELECTION AND REGISTRATION OF VOTERS OF THE MAHOPAC PUBLIC LIBRARY NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of the qualified voters of Mahopac Public Library, being the qualified voters of the Mahopac Central School District, Towns of Carmel and Putnam Valley, New York (“School District”), will be held at Mahopac Public Library, 668 Route 6, Mahopac, New York, on Monday, the 3rd day of June, 2024, at 7:00 pm. NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the annual Election of Trustees and Budget Vote will be held at Mahopac Public Library, 668 Route 6, Mahopac, New York, on Tuesday, the 4th day of June, 2024, between the hours of 7:00 am and 9:00 pm for the purpose of: voting on the statement of estimated expenses for the 2024- 2025 fiscal year (the Budget); 1. electing three (3) members to the Board of Trustees. Petitions for the nomination of candidates must be directed to the Election Clerk of Mahopac Public Library, must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the School District, shall state the name and the residence of each signer and state the name and residence of the candidate, and must be filed with the Election Clerk in the Library at 668 Route 6 no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, April 5, 2024. NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a copy of the statement of amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for Library purposes, exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any qualified voter during the seven (7) days immediately preceding the Annual Meeting, except Sunday or holidays, at the Library address above between the hours of 10:00 am and 5:00 pm. 2. NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that those residents of the School District who registered at the 2023 Annual Meeting and Election of the School District or who previously registered or voted in any annual or special district meeting or election during the four (4) calendar years prior to this year need not re-register. Also, any resident of the Mahopac Central School District, otherwise qualified to vote, who is currently registered with the Board of Elections of Putnam County under the provisions of the Election Law, shall be entitled to vote without further registration. NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law. Qualified voters may register for said Annual Meeting, Election of Trustees and Budget Vote of the Mahopac Public Library at the School District Clerk’s Office, 179 East Lake Blvd. Mahopac, New York on weekdays between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. to 4:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) up to and including Thursday, May 30, 2024. NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the Register prepared pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the office of the Election Clerk of Mahopac Public Library and that same will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the School District between the hours of 10:00 am and 5:00 pm on each of the five (5) days prior to and the day set for the meeting or election, except Sunday, or holidays. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a qualified military voter who is not currently registered can request a military personal registration form during the same times and at the same locations as listed above. Additionally, qualified military voters can contact the Election Clerk to indicate their preference to receive a personal registration application via mail, facsimile or electronic mail. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that qualified military voters may request a military absentee ballot application from the Election Clerk via email or access it on the Library website, and may indicate their preference to receive a military absentee ballot application via mail, facsimile or electronic mail. Absentee ballots for military voters shall be administered in accordance with the provisions of Section 2018-d of the Education Law and Part 122 of the Commissioner’s Regulations. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that applications for absentee ballots for the Annual Meeting, Election of Trustees and Budget Vote may be applied for at the office of the Election Clerk at the Mahopac Public Library. If the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, the completed application must be received by the Election Clerk no later than Tuesday, May 28, 2024. If the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter, the completed application must be received by the Election Clerk no later than 5:00 pm on Monday, June 3, 2024. Also, that a list of all persons to whom absentee ballots have been issued will be available at said office of the Election Clerk of the Mahopac Public Library on each of five (5) days prior to the election, except Sunday, or holidays, and that such list will also be posted at the polling place at the election of Trustees. By order of the Board of Trustees of THE MAHOPAC PUBLIC LIBRARY 668 Route 6 Mahopac, New York 10541 Michele Capozzella, Election Clerk OBITUARIES
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 39 AFC Urgent Care, the second largest privately owned operator of urgent care and accessible primary care facilities in the country, opened its doors earlier this month in Carmel. More than 100 community members, dignitaries and business leaders welcomed the new health care provider at their ribbon cutting and enjoyed tours of the new state of the art center. “I am looking forward to being more involved with our patients, their families and our greater Carmel community,” said Dr. Rajesh Gupta, the center’s medical director. “Developing relationships, building stronger ties with the community and serving a town where urgent care is not as accessible are the main reasons I am doing this.” Gupta also expressed a commitment to caring for the veterans in the community, accepting Tricare, the veterans’ health insurance plan. The center will have an onsite lab and X-Ray equipment and offer general urgent care needs, pre-employment exams, drug testing, breath alcohol tests, sports and school physicals, pre-surgical physicals and vaccinations. AFC is open seven days a week at its convenient location, 1874B Route 6, in Putnam Plaza (next to Starbucks), in Carmel, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with no appointment necessary. “On behalf of the Greater Mahopac Carmel Chamber of Commerce, we welcome AFC Urgent Care to our community,” said Christine Picone, chairwoman of the chamber. “We believe Dr. Gupta and Seema Gupta will provide the residents with a great resource for quality care when they need it.” Assemblyman Matt Slater, who emceed the event, stated, “AFC Urgent Care is a tremendous community partner who puts patients first. The Town of Carmel and Putnam County will benefit greatly from this expansion of quality healthcare led by Dr Rajesh Gupta.” AFC Urgent Care Carmel will accept most insurance, including Medicaid and Medicare, as well as affordable cash and credit card rates for self-pay patients. AFC Urgent Care opens doors in Carmel Dr. Rajesh Gupta and AFC Urgent Care Administrator Seema Gupta celebrating the grand opening of their Carmel location with Assemblyman Matt Slater, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne, Chamber Chairwoman Christine Picone, Town Supervisor Mike Cazzari and other members of the community. PHOTO COURTESY OF KELLIE SLATER NO NEWS... 1. Clip the short form on the page 2. Fill out the information. 3. Mail it to P.O. Box 864, Mahopac, NY 10541 4. Or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com 5. Or Scan our QR Code to Subscribe. We need you to subscribe. It’s FREE & It’s Easy! is NOT necessarily good news! # Please print your first and last names and address legibly, sign and date (all required to continue receiving your subscription to this newspaper). YES, I wish to receive a FREE 3-year subscription to Mahopac News YES, I really enjoy Mahopac News and I’d like to continue receiving it for 3 years, along with a monetary contribution this year. (Please print legibly.) First (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required. Please print legibly.) Last (Required) City: State: ZIP: Name: Signature: Email: Snowbird Dates (if applicable): Date: Phone: Address: (Optional for TAPinto E-News) (Optional) Mail to: P.O. Box 864 Mahopac, NY 10541 While we need your Full Support to keep this newspaper strong, we include the option for Basic Support because we don’t want financial reasons to get in the way of our readers receiving this newspaper. Basic Support vs. Full Support Basic Support Full Support $100 $50 $20 other or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com OR or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com Checks payable to Halston Media LLC. Please include this form in your envelope. Please include the following additional papers as part of this subscription: North Salem News The Somers Record Yorktown News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The Katonah-Lewisboro times FOR SALE FINE, LIKE NEW FURNITURE: * Empire style Sofa, 76" long * Round, 5 ft. Dining Table, w leaves * Wood King Size Bed frame (No matt.) Sold our House! 914 232 3896
PAGE 40 – MAHOPAC NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024