VOL. 6 NO. 38 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 23 CLASSIFIEDS 22 LEISURE 21 OBITUARIES 7 OPINION 8 TOWN CROSSING 2 SPORTS 16 Shining at States! pg 16 SWIMMING Visit News.HalsonMedia.com for the latest news. PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WEST CALDWELL, NJ PERMIT #992 Katonah-Lewisboro School District bus driver Carol Rivera Gaffey was recently named as the National Special-Needs School Bus Driver of the Year! Nora Beltran, supervisor of the District’s Transportation Department, nominated Gaffey for the award last spring. In her letter of nomination, Beltran highlighted Gaffey’s work with a nonverbal student to demonstrate how she goes the extra mile to care for students and ensure that each one has a positive experience on her bus. “She is the passenger’s voice,” said Maritza Valentin, national account manager for AMF-Bruns of America, who gave the award. “It is evident that her efforts have not only improved the student’s experience but also impacted her positively.” “It’s my pleasure,” said Gaffey to the audience of family, fellow bus drivers and district administrators as well as several of her passengers. “I love my job.” Going the KLSD driver Carol Rivera Gaffey with Supervisor of Transportation Nora Beltran and AMF-Bruns of America’s Maritza Valentin PHOTO COURTESY OF KLSD BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER A Bedford Hills man had to be pulled from his burning vehicle after he crashed while trying to evade police. Michael Miller, 51, is facing multiple charges in connection with the Friday, Dec. 1, incident which started around 9:30 a.m. when he sideswiped another car on the Saw Mill River Parkway in Hawthorne, police said. The other driver called police and gave them a description of the vehicle, which continued north on the parkway. A Westchester County police officer who was parked on Grant Road in Pleasantville spotted Miller’s Chevy Malibu, followed him, and tried to pull him over on Route 120 in New Castle. Miller refused to stop, police said. He then lost control a mile south of Reader’s Digest Road and flipped his car, which struck another vehicle before sliding off the road. Miller was thrown into the rear seat and was unconscious. Bedford Hills man faces charges after fiery crash extra mile SEE CRASH PAGE 15 HOPEMAZZOLA YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE HOPE Sales Vice President Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker cell: 914.714.0090 [email protected] hopemazzola.com MAZZOLA YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE HOPE 95 Katonah Ave | Katonah, NY 10536 Sunday, December 17 • 12-3 pm Join Us for some Holiday Ch r Come Tour this newly completed Modern Sanctuary. Set on 4 private acres, this 7,000 sf of gracious space showcases truly special fi nishes and a dramatic, beautiful retreat. Other showings by appointment $3,818,000 16 Hollow Ridge Road, Bedford Corners SCAN TO VISIT PROPERTY
The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Tom Walogorsky Editor: 914-302-5830 [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky 845-661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [email protected] Noah Elder Designer Bri Agosta Designer Haven Elder Designer EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines The Katonah-Lewisboro Times The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected] Location 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 Published Weekly by Halston Media, LLC ©2023 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC PAGE 2 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 While on a tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily, four travelers discovered they were from the same neighboring towns in Westchester. Pictured from left to right are Rosa Peysakh from Katonah, Galina Kanevsky from Yorktown Heights, and Ivelisse and Paul Forhan, also from Yorktown Heights. (Paul is also the Vice President of Advertising at Halston Media.) It certainly is a small world! It’s a small world after all! PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL FORHAN Coldwell Banker Realty Holiday Pajama Drive Thru Wednesday, Dec. 20 To benefit our neighbors at the Community Center of Northern Westchester. Please bring new pajamas sizes infant to adult XXXL. Donations accepted at Coldwell Banker at 202 Katonah Avenue in Katonah. Lewisboro Library 15 Main St, South Salem, NY 10590 Please register for programs by visiting www.lewisboro library.org It’s a Wonderful Life Friday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m. The library is hosting a production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” as a live radio play! The beloved holiday classic, immortalized on film by James Stewart and Donna Reed, is brought to life in a whole new way by Apple Tree Productions.The stage play is a onehour adaptation by Joe Landry, written to replicate a live radio show circa 1946, with the cast gathered around microphones and live sound effects. This production is suitable for all ages. In lieu of an admission fee, the library requests that attendees bring an item to donate to their collection box for the Community Center of Northern Westchester’s “Share the Warmth” Drive. The Community Center is seeking donations of new hats, gloves, socks and warm cozy blankets for children ages infant through 18 years. Let’s rally our community like the residents of Bedford Falls rally around George Bailey! Please register via the library website. Barbie movie screening On Monday, Dec. 18, at 1 p.m., the Library will be showing the summer blockbuster Barbie. Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans. TOWN CROSSING SEE CROSSING PAGE 7 DECEMBER SERVICES Saturday Dec 16 - 4:00PM • St. Paul’s Chapel Christmas Carol Sing Along Saturday Dec 16 - 5:00PM • St. Paul’s Chapel Advent 3 Eucharist Service with the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York Sunday Dec 17 - 9:30AM • St. John’s Church Advent 3 Eucharist Service & Children retelling the Christmas story in the Christmas Pageant Saturday Dec 23 - 5:00PM • St. Paul’s Chapel Advent 4 Eucharist Service Sunday Dec 24 - 9:30AM • St. John’s Church Morning Prayer & Advent 4 Sunday Dec 24 - 3:30PM • St. Paul’s Chapel Christmas Eve Service Sunday Dec 24 - 5:30PM • St. John’s Church Christmas Eve Service Saturday Dec 30 – 5:00PM • St. Paul’s Chapel Sunday Dec 31 – 9:30AM • St. John’s Church Eucharist Service Sunday Dec 31 – 5:00PM • St. John’s Church New Year’s Eve Evening Prayer & Outside Firepit Service > edwardjones.com | Member SIPMKT9811DA20Judi R McAnaw Financial Advisor 200 Business Park Dr, Suite 107 Armonk, NY 10504 914-669-5329Season’s greetings During this holiday season, we wish you all the best. > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC IRT-1948K-A New job, new retirement account options Changing jobs? Consider these 401(k) options: • Leave the money in your previous employer’s plan • Move it to your new employer’s plan • Roll it over to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) • Cash out the account subject to early withdrawal penalties We can talk through your financial goals and find the option that works best for you. Judi R McAnaw Financial Advisor Somers Financial Center 332 Route 100 Suite 300 Somers, NY 10589 914-669-5329 > edwNew job, new retirement account options Changing jobs? Consider these 401(k) options: • Leave the money in your previous employer’s plan • Move it to your new employer’s plan • Roll it over to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) • Cash out the account subject to early withdrawal penalties We can talk through your financial goals and find the option Judi R McAnaw Financial Advisor Somers Financial Center 332 Route 100 Suite 300 Somers, NY 10589 914-669-5329 > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC MKT-9811D-A 20516513 Judi R McAnaw Financial Advisor 200 Business Park Dr, Suite 107 Armonk, NY 10504 914-669-5329 Season’s greetings During this holiday season, we wish you all the best.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 3 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ CONTRIBUTING EDITOR After 49 days in captivity, Doron Katz-Asher and her two young daughters, Raz and Aviv—the niece and grandnieces of Mahopac resident Shaul Naor—were freed as part of the first group of hostages released by Hamas on Nov. 24. As previously reported by Halston Media, the Katz-Ashers were taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct. 7 during the Hamas terrorist attack that left more than 1,500 Israelis dead and more than 200 kidnapped. Naor’s sister, Efrat Naor Katz, (Katz-Asher’s mother) was killed in the attack. She would have turned 69 on Nov. 22. Her longtime partner Gadi Mosses disappeared and remains among the missing. “Our hearts are full of joy and thanks,” Naor told Halston Media on the day the news of the release broke. “From 9 a.m., I was following the news on Israeli TV and other media and getting updates from family members on social media too.” Naor said the trio went through medical evaluation by the military and were transferred to a hospital near Tel Aviv and reunited with their family. He said that his niece (along with his grandnieces) had been reunited with her husband Yoni Asher, and her sister, Lior. Naor shared an Israeli media report showing a picture of the family reunited in a hospital room. The report quoted a Facebook post by Doron’s husband, who said the children “don’t stop talking” about the ordeal. Asher called his wife “the hero of the whole story” who spent each night with “one eye open at night so they would not be separated.” “The body and souls of both of us are exhausted,” Asher said. “But right now that’s not what’s important, [that] story will be told. Right now, our brothers and sisters who are still being held captive are [what’s] important.” Naor said that after the release, more details emerged about the attack and the incident that killed his sister—who was being taken to Gaza in a tractor-drawn wagon with her daughter, grandchildren, and other hostages—when she died. Previously, it was believed that Efrat Naor Katz had been killed by her captors during an altercation on the wagon. But Naor said new information points to a Hamas rocket or mortar missing its intended target. “We now understand that a rocket or mortar fell short and exploded close to the [vehicle] carrying hostages [and] killed and injured both hostages and their captors,” Naor said on Sunday. “The explosion killed my sister. Some shrapnel also hit Doron in the back.” Those who survived the rocket attack were taken to Gaza. “For two weeks [Katz-Asher and her daughters] were held by civilians under fair conditions,” Naor said. “Then [they were] moved to another facility with just minimum means of survival until their release.” Naor said the children were physically healthy but traumatized by the ordeal. Doron is expected to recover from her wounds and can be seen walking on her own in a family reunion video footage shared with Halston Media. However, Naor said that she will still need treatment for the injuries she sustained in the rocket attack. “The shrapnel is still there,” he said. “The doctors are trying to decide now what kind of treatment she needs, but they wanted to give her time back with her family first.” Not all the news was as good for the family. Naor said Doron’s stepbrother David Katz is presumed dead, though his body has yet to be recovered. The fate of Mosses remains unknown. A day of terror, weeks of waiting Naor – who grew up in Israel, lived in Brooklyn, and had a summer home in Mahopac before moving to the area full-time a few years ago – was in Israel at the time of the attack. Like many Israelis accustomed to Hamas attacks, he didn’t realize anything outside the ordinary was happening at first. “It was very sketchy,” he said. “First of all, it was a holiday [and] Shabbat. A lot of people don’t even have their phones on in many religious communities.” Naor, observing the sabbath, was among those with his phone turned off. “People don’t turn the phone on unless it’s a specific emergency,” he explained. “But it takes a while [to get information]. And slowly, it started to come through. But it was very confusing.” The attacks, which started in the early morning, had been going on for hours by the time many Israelis became aware of them. “That was the situation till the afternoon,” he said. “A lot of people [under attack] were already in communication with their families. The attack started at 6:30 in the morning. They started with hundreds and hundreds of rockets in every direction just to confuse the Israeli army. The purpose, I guess, was to confuse the Iron Dome [defense] system. It was chaos. That was the main thing that Hamas wanted, so their forces could go through the border.” Messages from those under attack underscored the feeling of confusion and helplessness as people began to hear from loved ones under siege. Because war is a constant backdrop to life in Israel, there are warning systems, shelters, Local man’s relatives released by Hamas Niece and grandnieces freed in prisoner exchange Stills taken from a family video show Daron Katz-Asher (purple top) and her children reuniting with husband and sister. PHOTOS COURTESY SHAUL NAOR Stills taken from a family video show Daron Katz-Asher (purple top) and her children reuniting with husband and sister. Poster of the hostages were distributed at the Lake Mahopac Rotary Luncheon earlier this month. PHOTO: EMILE MENASCHÉ REGIONAL SEE HOSTAGES PAGE 14 HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS, LIFE & HEALTH 914-232-7750 www.forbesinsurance.com Stop By to See 4th Generation Kelly Raneri at CHARLES DEPARTMENT STORE or Visit www.charlesdeptstore.com 113 Katonah Ave • Katonah, NY 914-232-5200
PAGE 4 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 Santa’s coming to town! The jolly old elf and his helpers will visit the Golden’s Bridge Firehouse on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 1 to 3 p.m., when the department hosts its annual “Children’s Curbside with Santa” holiday extravaganza. Bring the children and grandchildren! Have your cameras ready! Children – and adults, too – will get to take a picture with Santa, and all children will receive a special gift bag. Santa’s helpers and Golden’s Bridge firefighters will serve hot dogs, snacks, candy canes, and more to everyone in your car as you wait your turn to meet Santa. Everything is free. The popular decades-long tradition of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department hosting a children’s holiday party at the firehouse was changed to a curbside event during the pandemic. “Curbside with Santa” has become so popular that it is now the regular holiday event at the firehouse. “Out of necessity to keep everyone safe during the pandemic, we discovered this new and exciting way to provide the full Santa experience for kids of all ages who live in the Golden’s Bridge Fire District or attend Increase Miller Elementary School,” explained Steven Mines, a firefighter and vice president of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department, who is also chair of the Curbside with Santa event. “Families are rushing around at this time of the year, shopping and visiting friends and relatives, so they can bring their children to the firehouse to take a photo with Santa and be on their merry way within minutes. And where else are you served free hotdogs and snacks – and a gift bag – while waiting to meet Santa!” added Mines. For more information, call or text the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department community representative at 914-403-4072, or email [email protected]. Santa Claus is coming to town! Golden’s Bridge Firehouse to host curbside event State Senator Pete Harckham will be holding a special holiday food drive on Sunday, Dec. 17, from 12 to 2 p.m. in the entrance loop of Katonah Elementary School, located at 106 Huntville Road. This will be Harckham’s 16th food drive. Along with members of his team and a group of volunteers, the senator will be collecting food for the Community Center of Northern Westchester, which helps to feed some of the neediest members of the community, including many seniors. “Too many of our friends and neighbors are still troubled by economic uncertainty and food insecurity,” said Harckham. “We have seen a great amount of generosity so far, and hope that those who can will stop by with some food or bag of groceries and make a difference—right here in the Hudson Valley.” In the 15 prior food drives since March 2020, Harckham and volunteers have collected about 50,000 pounds of food items and over $12,000 in cash donations so far. Officials also note that this will be a “Drive-Thru, Drop Off ” event. No food will be distributed; it will only be collected. Volunteers will collect the food from the car. There is no need to get out of the vehicle. If you are interested in donating shelf-stable food, the items most needed include both nonperishable food and household goods, such as: Canned soup Canned fruit and vegetables Peanut butter and jelly / jam Pasta and rice Dried beans Pasta sauce Canned tuna Coffee and tea Condiments Baby food Juice boxes Toilet paper and paper towel rolls Health and beauty items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste) Article courtesy of the Office of Senator Pete Harckham. Sen. Harckham to hold food drive in Katonah Grades 6–12 with 5-day boarding for 9–12 in Katonah, NY harveyschool.org/apply Apply Now for 2024-25 Priority Deadline Jan. 15 Just steps away from the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, the Ronald McDonald House of the Greater Hudson Valley is a home-away-fromhome for families facing the emotional stress of caring for a medically fragile child, like Bella. Your support is crucial as we provide accomodations and meals for families during their most trying times. Help us this holiday season to achieve our goal of supporting 100 Nights of Hope. Make a donation today! 100 Nights of Hope Scan QR Code or visit www.rmh-ghv.org
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 5 Independently family built, owned & operated Proudly serving Westchester since 1964 Your Favorite Neighborhood Pizzeria - Eatery Bronx brick oven pizza, generous portions, authentic Italian comfort food — great family value. Thank you very much for your patronage & support! FAST DELIVERY! 914.232.1001 Open 7 Days! ORDER ONLINE TODAY! amorekatonah.com AMORE PIZZERIA • 914-232-1001 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Expires 1/30/24. $ 5OFF any order $35 or More AMORE PIZZERIA - LOGO CONCEPT // 2020 I TAL IA N KITCHEN est 1993 PIZZERIA OPEN IN KATONAH VILLAGE lunch | dinner | carry-out | catering Free Parking In Rear Of Pizzeria 22 Edgemont Road Katonah, NY 10536
PAGE 6 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 112 North County Center • Goldens Bridge, NY 10526 914-232-9012 • www.northcountycleaners.com Mon - Fri: 7am - 7pm • Sat: 8am - 5pm Tailoring • Repairs • Leather Cleaning • Drapes & Curtains Over 30 Years Experience Pick Up & Delivery for New Customers First Orders Only Mention Promo Code NCCT10 $10 OFF Weekly Delivery in your Area • All Dry Cleaning Done on Premises • Same Day Service (in-store drop off only) drop off by 10am 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 BY TOM BARTLEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER The Town of Bedford will spend some $37 million next year on police protection, road maintenance and all those other townwide services residents have come to expect from their local government. In return, homeowners will pay for those services at a rate of $42.12 for each $1,000 of their homes’ assessed value. That’s up $1.51 over this year but still well below the state-imposed cap on increases in the property tax. A home valued at $65,000 would see a $97.96 increase in the total tax bill, town officials said at a Dec. 5 budget presentation. After six months of department-head spending requests, public discussion and in-house resolution, of tentative and then preliminary draft budgets, the Town Board adopted the finally final 2024 budget in a 5-0 vote. “It has been a very challenging budget season,” Supervisor Ellen Calves said. No members of the public spoke at the required public hearing on Abraham Zambrano’s final budget as town comptroller. Zambrano, who will retire in February after eight years overseeing the town’s fiscal affairs, previewed the budget at the hearing. In his 25-minute overview, Zambrano outlined $37,193,065 in townwide services and another $9,113,940 in localized outlays for things like Katonah Memorial Park and the Bedford HillsKatonah sewer project. The budget, tax-cap-compliant, contains neither major spending initiatives nor cuts in essential services or layoffs. The total spending—$46,307,005— will rely on the town’s principal source of cash to finance its expenditures: $25,316,709 from property taxes levied on Bedford real estate. The 2024 levy represents a 3.86 percent increase over this year’s, or $43,242 under the Bedford-specific cap Albany put in place for next year. Tax-cap-compliant, the budget contains neither major spending initiatives nor cuts in essential services or layoffs. It arrives $43,242 under the Bedfordspecific levy cap Albany put in place for next year. In July, with inflation still running above 6 percent, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli announced the same 2 percent cap he’s now set for three consecutive years for all New York municipalities with a calendar-year budget. Allowances for growth in assessables and other factors push up final permitted increases for jurisdictions like Bedford, which wound up with a 4.01 percent permitted rise. The town’s chief budget architects operatives—Calves, Zambrano and Councilwoman Bobbi Bittker—produced that 3.86 percent levy increase. To keep budgets cap-compliant while maintaining services, they began last year to tap the town’s $10 million cash reserve, drawing out $500,000 for this year’s budget. Now, for 2024, the withdrawal has dropped, to $400,000, and is expected to keep declining. In a memo to the board, Zambrano called this year’s smaller figure “in line with the plan to reduce the appropriation of reserves by $100,000 a year until the allocation reaches the historic $200,000 level in 2026.” Other revenue streams—$365,000 in anticipated sales-tax receipts, for example, and $100,000 projected in Building and Planning Department fees—combined to add $16,053,695 to town coffers and balance the budget. Bedford adopts 2024 budget With new firefighting realities created by fast-evolving advances in environment-friendly technology, training in electric vehicle (EV), lithium-ion battery, and commercial charging station fires has become part of conventional emergency response exercises that Golden’s Bridge firefighters undergo throughout the year. Members of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department recently participated in a 3-hour advanced training and education course in critical response strategies, techniques and procedures in fires and emergencies involving lithium-ion batteries, EV commercial charging stations, and electric and alternative fuel vehicles. During the session, the certified course instructor was asked for his opinion on safety issues involving the EV commercial charging stations recently installed in the Golden’s Bridge shopping center. At the heart of the safety concerns of the Golden’s Bridge Fire District is the location of the EV charging stations. “We have expressed a number of concerns, but chief among them is that the EV commercial charging stations in the Golden’s Bridge shopping center are installed in an area that’s close in proximity to underground propane tanks that fuel the businesses in the shopping center,” said Fire Commissioner Edward Brancati, chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Golden’s Bridge Fire District. “We have to assume the installation of these EV charging stations is compliant with building department and all other applicable codes since it was approved by Town officials,” said Commissioner Brancati, “However, are existing codes current in addressing this fairly new and fastdeveloping EV charging infrastructure? Was the location of the propane tanks considered? Was the potential of storm-related conditions, such as downed trees toppling onto the charging stations, considered? When it comes to any type of construction and installation that could impact the safety and well-being of life and property, it’s always prudent and sensible for local municipalities to seek the input and opinion from local fire officials.” At the firefighter training session, the certified course instructor noted that while common sense should be the prevailing factor, that’s not always the case, and advised that Golden’s Bridge fire officials obtain a code review performed by Town officials of the charging stations installation. Officials of the Golden’s Bridge Fire District initially raised questions over the EV commercial charging stations and shared their safety concerns with Lewisboro town officials. As recently as last month, at the GBFD’s community day event at the firehouse, fire district officials again expressed their concerns to town officials in attendance. Golden’s Bridge Fire District raises concerns over EV charging stations SEE EV CHARGING PAGE 7
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 7 SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO! ENJOY 0 DOWN, 0% FINANCING! FEDERAL & STATE INCENTIVES UP TO 30% AVAILABLE! SUPER SAVINGS on your Heat Pump project while program funding lasts... CALL NOW TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY! CALL US TODAY! ACT NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! LIMITED TIME OFFER UP TO INSTANT REBATE EXP 12/31/23 Please call or visit us online 845-600-8004 $ 8,000 AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS INSTANT REBATE EXP 12/31/23 Please call or visit us online 845-600-8004 $ 20,000 GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS UP TO EXCLUDES SERVICE CONTRACT • EXP 12/31/23 Coupon must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offer. $ 50 OFF ANY OF OUR SERVICES 845-600-8004 | www.bellmech.com Happy Holidays, from our family to yours! UP TO The fire district has received assurances that the Town Board would look into the GBFD’s safety concerns. With the increased use of lithium-ion and high-voltage batteries, and greater incidents of fires and mishaps involving these devices, elected officials and municipal agencies across the state are addressing public safety and implementing safeguards. The Westchester County Board of Legislators passed legislation signed into law this month by the county executive that bolsters safety regulations involving the sale and disposal of lithium-ion batteries. Although incident rates are higher for lithium-ion battery fires involving e-scooters and e-bikes when they are being charged, onethird of electric vehicle fires are linked to charging. The majority of all lithium-ion and high-voltage battery fires, according to fire prevention experts, are caused by overcharged, overheated, damaged, and improperly stored batteries. “Golden’s Bridge firefighters are highly trained and prepared for all potential scenarios. The safety of the public and our firefighters is always central to our questions, concerns and recommendations,” said Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief Albert Melillo, who noted that it could take as much as 20 times more water to extinguish an EV fire than the 1,000 gallons it typically takes to extinguish a conventional vehicle fire. “It is critical that we understand how EVs and commercial electric charging stations react under fire conditions. A car fire on a local road or I684, or in a garage, and a fire originating in a basement or a second-floor bedroom, could be more challenging than a conventional vehicle or structure fire due to the presence of lithium-ion and high-voltage batteries,” said Fire Chief Melillo, noting that these batteries are used in everything from lawn care equipment and power tools, to smart devices, laptops and children’s toys. The Golden’s Bridge fire chief said the National Fire Protection Association offers safety tips on the use of lithium-ion batteries with household devices – among them, avoid charging a device on a bed or sofa, and store batteries away from anything flammable. Most importantly, he said, whether an EV or a household or recreational device, avoid overcharging a battery and never keep a fully charged battery connected to a charging device or charging station. Article courtesy of Golden’s Bridge Fire Department. EV CHARGING FROM PAGE 6 William Vernel Carter William Vernel “Billy” Carter, 80, of Inwood, WV, passed away Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Hospice of the Panhandle. Mr. Carter was born in 1943, son of the late Roscoe and Susan Carter. He worked and retired from Worldwide Auto Manufacturing Plant. His wife, Mary Marshall Carter, whom he married on July 10, 1980, in Mount Kisco, preceded him in death in 2018. Surviving are daughters, Dolores Carter of Newark, NJ, Shawana Marshall of Inwood, WV, Valecia Goodnow of Baldwinsville, NY, Wanda Carter and Valarie Johnson both of Newark, NJ; sons, William Carter of Atlanta, GA and Charles Marshall of Danbury, CT; seventeen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Geraldine Brown of NC. Along with his parents and his wife, Mr. Carter was preceded in death by one brother. A memorial service was conducted on Saturday, December 9, at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel in Winchester, VA, with Darius Boles officiating. A tribute wall can be found at www.omps funeralhome.com OBITUARY Holiday Hours and Programs The Lewisboro Library will be closed on Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1. During the school holiday break, there will be programs for teens and children. On Wednesday, Dec. 27 there will be two sessions of “Snowflake Crafts,” at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., for children of all ages. Celebrate winter by making different snowflake crafts at stations set up in the children’s room – from simple snowflake decoration to beaded snowflake bracelets – there is an age-appropriate craft for all! At 3 p.m. that day, teens in middle and high school are invited to come make “No Bake Energy Bites.” On Friday, Dec. 29 at 2:30 p.m. the Library is hosting “Yoga for Toddlers to Age 5.” Join certified children’s yoga instructor Lindsay Fletcher for a fun way to share yoga with your little one. After a quick warm up, the group will read books and act it out in yoga poses, combining literacy and mindful movement. On Saturday, Dec. 30, at 10:30 a.m. families are invited to “Saturday Family Fun,” where they can create a “snowscapes” painting using foil, Q-Tip’s, cotton balls and tinsel. CROSSING FROM PAGE 2 SEE CROSSING PAGE 14
Opinion PAGE 8 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 2 TRACKS BRETT FREEMAN, PUBLISHER TOM WALOGORSKY, EDITOR TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Editorial Office: 914-302-5830 [email protected] Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those of Katonah-Lewisboro Times or its affiliates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail at [email protected]. For more information, call the editor at 914-302-5830 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2023 Halston Media, LLC When your team is on a fivegame losing streak and the weather forecast for Sunday is steady rain, finding a friend to use your other ticket to accompany you to the game is a challenge. The rejections took two forms. There was the “wow, that sounds like a great idea; let me check at home to see if we have any plans.” This was followed by, “sorry, I checked and it turns out we do have plans.” Those plans were probably to be someplace warm and dry on Sunday afternoon. The other approach was outright rejection tinged with a hint of disgust at your even making the suggestion of going to the game. It became clear if I was going to go to the game, I would be going alone. I decided, what the heck, I’d head out alone. I donned my rain gear and headed to the stadium. And except for the Jets losing another one, I had a great time. There were 30,000 empty seats to choose from, so I took my seat in the fourth row at the 50 yard line and enjoyed chatting up a few new friends, all of whom shared my same dysfunction and lacked the common sense to come in out of the rain. As I drove home alone, I listened to a podcast I follow called, “No Stupid Questions” hosted by author and psychologist Angela Duckworth. This episode was titled, “Is It Harder to Make New Friends As an Adult?” The podcast discussion touched on some interesting trends in American society related to friendship and friends. My football game snub notwithstanding, I feel very lucky to have several close friends. Not surprisingly, there is a strong correlation between having close friends and happiness. The Survey Center on American Life reports that the number of people who have 10 or more close friends dropped from 33% in 1990 to 13% now. The number of people reporting no close friends has skyrocketed during that same period from 2% in 1990 To 15% now. Women seem to fare a little better than men in the statistics. People in their 40s and beyond form fewer new friendships than those in their 20s and 30s. Earlier this year, Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called loneliness and isolation a public health epidemic. He said, “While the epidemic of loneliness and isolation is widespread and has profound consequences for our individual and collective health and well-being, there is a medicine hiding in plain sight: social connection.” As an empty-nester on the cusp of middle-age and whatever comes after it, there are fewer opportunities to make new connections. In the podcast, they discussed the maxim that there are friends for reasons, friends for seasons and friends for life. Friends for reasons are the friendships you make with your neighbors, workmates, etc. I think of friends for seasons as those friends drawn together due to our kids’ activities when they were at home, school, sports, clubs, etc. And then there are those lifelong friendships that stand the test of time. As an example, my wife still maintains tight relationships with a group of high school besties. Although they are scattered across the country, they have a decadeslong tradition of getting together for an annual girls weekend. There is a civic component to these new friends trends as well. In his bestselling book, “Bowling Alone,” Robert Putnam examines the declining participation in all kinds of community groups, churches, service organizations, softball leagues, etc. The increasing disconnectedness results in a decline in what he refers to as “social capital.” This trend may be a driver of our increased political polarization as well. Being a “joiner” is the easiest way to make new friends and be happier individually, but it also benefits your community by increasing social capital and building trust in one another and our institutions. So why not make a New Year’s resolution to join something new in 2024. Braving rain and rejection A solo adventure in friendship and social connection DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Holocaust survivor calls for Dan Welsh to apologize to Lewisboro’s Jewish residents Dear Editor, Lewisboro Councilman Dan Welsh’s recent actions at a pro-Palestinian rally in White Plains is a total affront to every Jew. His activities, which were posted to Facebook and have since been taken down, are offensive. As a Holocaust survivor and first-hand witness to the atrocities committed by the Nazis, and one who lost my entire family (mother, father and sister), I cannot and should not have to tolerate the bias and antisemitism exhibited by my elected official - an elected official who is supposed to represent all of his constituents and is responsible to act on their collective behalf. By his actions, he has failed in this regard. I implore the Lewisboro Town Board to take appropriate action and censure Welsh and demand he make a public apology to all Jews in Lewisboro. With great sadness, -Henri F. Wolfe Cross River LETTER BY COACH BILL SWERTFAGER GUEST COLUMNIST I have been fortunate enough to have coached and/or played a large variety of sports, including football, baseball, softball, ice hockey, swimming, track and field, golf, tennis, soccer and wrestling. I am a huge proponent of participating in sports, in general, to develop many of the qualities and attributes needed for a long, successful and meaningful life. I have dedicated much of my life to the sport of wrestling because I haven’t found any other activity that can better prepare kids for everything they will encounter in their lives. Over the years, my incredible coaching staff have understood that we are using wrestling as a vehicle, the best, most complete one, to teach kids how to be active, productive and successful in every aspect of their young lives. Wrestling builds character. There is no other sport where you go out to compete by yourself in front of your friends, family and teammates and battle in a warlike contest, with only the victor getting his hand raised in front of the crowd. It is a very humbling and personal experience that calls on every mental and physical resource you possess to endure, survive and grow from the experience. After decades of competing in and coaching wrestling, I still marvel at the amazing transformation in the confidence and self-esteem these young athletes develop over the course of a few years. I have had thousands of parents thank me and my staff for what wrestling has done for their child. Most of the gratitude centers around the following qualities: They have become self-motivated, they have developed a no-quit work ethic and they have learned to eat healthy and properly. Wrestling has taught them about dedication to attaining a dream, the courage to push on when they want to give up, but most importantly, to believe in themselves. Being able to defend yourself, anytime, anywhere, is a tremendous side benefit a wrestler develops. Word of warning: It is not wise to pick a fight with a wrestler. That is why almost 50% of the Navy Seals have a wrestling background, as well as the majority of successful UFC fighters. Wrestlers understand and are taught to only use the skills they have honed on the mat, if threatened. The good news is that they always have them at their disposal. I’ve heard many David and Goliath stories involving wrestlers that were provoked or threatened. The majority of wrestlers’ grades also improve during the season and beyond. Why? It seems counter to logic, but what I think happens is that wrestling fosters a culture of self-discipline and self-improvement. It doesn’t hurt that they are also very tired after practice, which has taken the edge off that Every kid should wrestle SEE SWERTFAGER PAGE 9
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 OPINION THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 9 Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. Managing Member • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500 NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 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 Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! high energy adrenaline that kids get at night; so they have dinner, study and go to bed. They end up developing this productive, time management routine and continue using it after the season and beyond. Wresting is a whole body sport. When wrestlers train, they need to strengthen and develop every muscle group, because they will all come into play, all the while staying flexible and limber enough to perform and defend all the attacks and moves thrown at them. This is one of many reasons why wrestling is such a great sport to participate in if you want to be the best you can be at any other sport you may be involved with. It is the perfect cross training sport for all the fall and spring athletes. Kids should be encouraged to be playing multiple sports all the way through high school, but that is a subject for another day. Possibly the biggest benefit wrestlers can expect is to develop a mental toughness that is unequalled. It’s incredibly daunting to step out on that mat and put yourself on stage “solo” and compete in a winner take all, gladiator-like environment, especially when your opponent has more experience and is more skilled than you. It is a type of controlled survival experience that builds character real quick. The mental training, visualization, relaxation and goal-setting techniques we employ and work on daily set these kids up for success way beyond the time they hang up their wrestling gear. Presidents Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Eisenhower and six others…all wrestlers. Actors Tom Cruise, Ashton Kutcher, Vince Vaughn… wrestlers. Generals Norman Schwarzkopf and George Patton…wrestlers. NFL All-Pro’s Ray Lewis and Ronnie Lott…wrestlers. Musicians Ludacris and Garth Brooks….wrestlers. Sugar Ray Leonard and Larry Holmes…wrestlers. UFC Superstars Randy Couture and Brock Lesner….wrestlers. Novelist John Irving…wrestler. Nobel Prize winner Norman Borlaug…wrestler. Lots more where that came from. Suffice it to say, if you have endured the grind and punishing lessons that wrestlers put themselves through on a daily basis, there is a great likelihood of being highly successful, very humble and a productive, contributing member of our society. Like our great wrestling hero, Dan Gable, exclaimed, “Once you have wrestled, everything else in life is easy. Wrestling is training for the rest of your life.” Ready…Wrestle! Bill Swertfager is a trustee on the KatonahLewisboro Board of Education. Previously, he re-established the Youth, Middle School and High School John Jay wrestling program after a 10-year hiatus to become one of the most respected programs in New York State. SWERTFAGER FROM PAGE 8 ‘Wrestling builds character. There is no other sport where you go out to compete by yourself in front of your friends, family and teammates and battle in a warlike contest, with only the victor getting his hand raised in front of the crowd.’ I t is that time of year once again. Gift giving for me has become a chore and a challenge, because we all have so much stuff. No one seems to really need anything at all. A nice gesture is to give to a charity in someone’s name. That is often a welcomed idea. Unfortunately, then there is no surprise to open, and that is a wee bit sad. In order for you to understand the type of gift I am referring to, I probably need to introduce you to my family. Michael lives in Massachusetts with his wife and college age kids and is a lawyer. My daughter, Lynn, lives in Montana with her husband and children. She is a pediatrician there. One day, out of the blue, I got an email from my daughter just as Christmas was approaching. It said, and I quote: “Mom, just wanted you to know how grateful I am that you took us to the library so often and brought home stacks of books to read. ‘Harold and the Purple Crayon’ is still one of my favorites from back then. I’m confident that your reading to us, and in time encouraging us to read, helped to make us the people we became. I don’t know if the downstairs of the library is still the children’s section, but I remember it to be a warm, cozy, place and I loved the bronze colored drinking fountain just outside. Funny – the things you remember.” Here was my reply to my sweetheart of a daughter: “What a lovely note, Lynn. It brought back great memories for me too, along with some tears. I especially remember going to the library with Mike when we lived in Massachusetts. We would take out 20 books each week. One day the librarian stopped me and asked what I did with all those books. I was taken aback, because I thought she was accusing me of doing something inappropriate. Unexpected gifts MARILYN A. PELLINI MUSINGS: PAST AND PRESENT SEE PELLINI PAGE 13
PAGE 10 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES OPINION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 Your purchases help to support the Community Center of Northern Westchester, scholarships, local community, national and international projects Bedford Hills Memorial Park 60 Haines Rd Bedford Hills, NY Questions about this sale or information about becoming a Rotarian: [email protected] or call/text 917-270-3649 Best Trees in Town! Nov 25 thru Dec 24 Sat & Sun only 10 - 6 e BEDFORD-ARMONK ROTARY CHRISTMAS TREE Service Above Self & WREATH WHY DO WE ADVERTISE IN HALSTON MEDIA’S LOCAL NEWSPAPERS? TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL BRETT FREEMAN AT (845) 208-8151 “By promoting our business in Halston’s local newspapers, we have attracted many new customers and it has helped us stay connected to our existing clients. Readers love our monthly specials, and Halston’s staff is always there when we need them.” ~Mary & Ted Kugler Bee & Jay Plumbing & Heating Service: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com Happy Holidays! Happy Holidays! We humans tend to take some things for granted. Take local newspapers, for instance, like this one. We don’t consider what it would be like if we had no source of local news to keep us informed – shades of “It’s a Wonderful Life” – but we should consider it. We’ve all heard of the Sahara and the Mojave, but have you ever heard of a News Desert? These days, at a rather alarming rate, News Deserts are a thing in the journalism profession and they are a thing in U.S. communities to which the label applies. It means a well-populated geo-political area – for instance, a town or a county – in which there is not a single media company whose primary purpose is covering such hyperlocal and essential news as a town council meeting. If that sounds like a marginal concern, it is anything but. A News Desert can cost taxpayers dearly. The lesson of Bell Consider the object lesson of Bell, Calif. It’s a small community, with 25% of the populace below the poverty line. You’d never know it, though, from what had been the annual income of the town’s top elected official, whose base salary by 2010, built up over 17 years, reached $800,000, and whose total take-home per year was $1.5 million. Is it any wonder that homeowners in Bell paid higher property taxes than residents of Beverly Hills?! The town’s corrupt leadership eventually earned substantial prison terms and multimillion-dollar fines, but how on earth did they pull off such a grotesque grift for almost two decades? The Bell ringers’ reign of ripping off an unsuspecting citizenry picked up momentum right about the time Bell’s last newspaper went out of business in the mid-1990s. Coincidence? More like causeand-effect. Of course, the Bell story is extreme, but it also is a cautionary tale. As reported by Steven Waldman in the August 2023 issue of Atlantic Magazine, “On average, two newspapers close each week. Some 1,800 communities that used to have local news now don’t.” What does this have to do with you and your community, whether you’re a local business owner or a customer? For business owners who are not advertising in local media – which, by the way, includes sponsorship and other opportunities your Chamber of Commerce offers – you owe it to yourself to give it serious consideration. It’s the best way to reach current and future customers. Don’t rely solely on social media Many business owners are under the impression social media alone is a marketing solution. It emphatically is not. (I know of at least one seemingly robust local business that only used social media; it recently was forced to close.) It’s one way to keep your name in the game, but it is far from a panacea. And, unlike the professional, responsible content that is created and distributed by a media company like this newspaper or a Chamber of Commerce, many social media posts are infamously unreliable. They are rumor mills that create a less than credible sales environment. Advertising is not the only way to take advantage of news-driven print and digital marketing channels. If you have something of general value to say to the community of customers who are reached by local media, contact the editor. Strike up a relationship. Editors and their reporters always are looking for good content. One of the ways to leverage advertising is to also get your name and message in the editorial pages. As an Supporting local media is all our business ‘No news’ is terrible news BRUCE APAR BRUCE THE BLOG SEE APAR PAGE 12
With the holidays fast approaching and the possibility that the current Federal Estate and Gift Tax exemption will be reduced from $12.92 million per person for 2023 ($13.61 million for 2024) to approximately $6 million as of January 2026, the importance of deciding whether to make significant monetary and/or property gifts to one’s children, grandchildren and other loved ones or to a Trust for their benefit is significantly higher. For high net worth individuals, the potential loss of millions of dollars because of estate taxes is an important issue, especially if the opportunity to gift significant amounts is to expire in the near future. Thus, utilizing one’s exemption before Jan. 1, 2026, should be explored. Additionally, if one’s estate is near the New York Estate Tax exemption of $6,580,000 for 2023, utilizing one’s federal gift tax exemption is a valuable tool in reducing the possibility of an onerous New York Estate Tax as well. As to the issue of taxation of a gift, a donor can gift up to $17,000 per donee per year for the year 2023 ($18,000 per donee in 2024) free of any gift taxes. The donee/recipient of the gift is not taxed on the amount of the gift even if it is greater than $17,000. However, if the donor makes a gift in excess of $17,000 per donee this year, he or she is required to file a gift tax return by April 15 of the following year. The filing of a federal gift tax return does not mean that the donor will have to pay any gift taxes, as they will be able to apply their federal exemption for federal estate and gift taxes to the amount of any gift above the $17,000 per donee in any calendar year. For example, a single (non-married) donor makes a gift of $100,000 in the year 2023 to his son or daughter, $17,000 of the gift is tax free and $83,000 would be subtracted from the donor’s federal exemption amount of $12.92 million for Federal estate and gift taxes (available through 12/31/2023). If the donor is married, their spouse can join in on the gift and then reduce the taxable amount of the gift to $66,000, and only $17,000 would be subtracted from the lifetime exemption for each donor. It should be noted that New York does not have a gift tax. The existence of a large Federal estate and gift tax exemption, which expires on 12/31/2025 unless made permanent by law, creates a great opportunity for individuals to remove highly appreciating assets from their taxable estate. It is also a great way of reducing the assets one owns, which may be subject to one’s long-term care costs. Because the above stated exemption expires/sunsets, many affluent individuals are using the current exemption and the 2024 exemption to make significant gifts. They are also taking advantage of the IRS previously stating that they will not claw back into one’s taxable estate any gifts made before the exemption changes, if it is later reduced. The other issue that needs to be addressed by the donor is whether he or she wants the gift to the donee to be an outright gift that is free of any trust. This is a decision that often requires consideration of a number of factors, such as the age of the donee (child or adult), the ability of the donee to appropriately manage his or her financial affairs and whether or not the donee is financially responsible. The creation of an Irrevocable trust for the beneficiary is a prudent way of gifting and managing assets for a loved one. The trustee of the trust can be given the discretion to use the assets and income of the trust for the benefit of the trust beneficiary as delineated in the Trust. The trust can also specify the age the trust beneficiary is to receive the trust assets outright, and the trust can also have more than one beneficiary. The trust can also be for the lifetime of the beneficiary. Furthermore, if the creator of the Trust wishes to do so, they can be responsible for the payment of any income taxes on the interest and dividends the trust assets generate, thereby creating another mechanism to get assets out of the name of the Trust creator for tax purposes. Additionally, the assets transferred to the Irrevocable trust will be protected against any claims the beneficiary(ies) could have against them until the time the trust makes a distribution to them outright. Additionally, one can give the trustee(s) the authority to continue the trust beyond the set termination date if doing so is in the best interest of the beneficiary. The assets in the trust will also not be subject to equitable distribution claims in New York in the event the beneficiary gets divorced. Furthermore, if the beneficiary develops any disabilities during the term of the trust and the beneficiary needs any federal and/ or state aid, a properly drafted trust will allow the beneficiary(ies) share to be continued as a Special Needs Trust for the beneficiary, which will not impact their eligibility for any Federal and/or State programs. In conclusion, unless one is making a relatively small gift to a donee and there are no concerns as to the donee squandering or wasting said monies, an outright gift may not be appropriate. In most instances, the use of a trust to hold the gift is a much wiser option. Even the three wise men would have approved of it! Anthony J. Enea is the managing attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP of White Plains. He focuses his practice on Wills, Trusts, Estates and Elder Law. Anthony is the Past Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), and is the past Chair of the 50+ Section of the NYSBA. He is a Past President and Founding member of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Anthony is also the Immediate Past President of the Westchester County Bar Foundation and a Past President of the Westchester County Bar Association. He can be reached at 914-948-1500 or at esslawfirm.com. Lauren C. Enea, Esq. is a Senior 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 to ensure that their plan best suits their needs. Ms. Enea received a B.S. in Business Management from Quinnipiac University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and a J.D. from the Pace University School of Law, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida. She can be contacted at 914-948- 1500 or esslawfirm.com. Tis the season to consider gifting! ‘In most instances, the use of a trust to hold the gift is a much wiser option. Even the three wise men would have approved of it!’ -Anthony J. Enea and Lauren C. Enea Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP ANTHONY J. ENEA GUEST CORNER LAUREN ENEA GUEST CORNER & THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 11 FOCUS ON ELDER LAW
PAGE 12 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES OPINION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 advertiser, it’s a good bet that you will be given all due deference by the media company. Their welcoming your input is simply good business. The bottom line, by engaging more with your community’s local media, in terms of both advertising and editorial content, you’ll be doing your part to ensure your community doesn’t become a dreaded News Desert. Ask not for whom the story of “Bell” tolls. It tolls for all of us. Bruce Apar is a writer, community volunteer and actor. He is nominated in the Broadway World Regional Awards as Best Performer in a Play for his title role in “Tuesdays with Morrie.” Voting is open to the public at broadwayworld.com/rockland/voteregion.cfm. For more information, contact him at 914- 275-6887 (text or voice) or [email protected]. APAR FROM PAGE 10 Happily Ever After Dear Dr. Linda, I’m a sixth-grade English teacher. I’ve been teaching for 20 years. I believe in homework and always give my students what I consider is necessary. Lately, I’ve been giving more because there’s more material to cover and my students have to be prepared for the state tests. I give at least an hour of homework a night, and I think it’s necessary. However, I’ve had more complaints from parents than ever before. I’m annoyed that the parents have this power to tell me how much homework I should assign. I don’t want to be defensive, yet I think I’m right. What do you think? -Old Time Teacher Dear Old Time Teacher, Because there is more information kids need to know and more skills they need to master to be able to compete in this information-driven global economy, the amount of homework seems to have increased in the past few years. As the amount has increased, the effectiveness of homework as a way of reinforcing material discussed in class has decreased. More and more kids rush through piles of homework—not necessarily learning anything from it, not always completing it and not always handing it in. In order to meet demands from administrators, teachers are pressured to cover the specifics of an ever-expanding curriculum, which increases the need for homework, but the very same time constraints often make it impossible for most to even check if the homework is done correctly, much less go over the answers in class. For younger children, homework often curtails or displaces time to play, denying them valuable experiences that, like recess, help grow their bodies and minds. Guidelines for homework assignments 1. Ensure that homework is purposeful. If children, particularly older ones, perceive that homework is purposeful, they’re far more likely to buy into it and do it well. In my view, there are three main purposes of homework, which give rise to my “Three-Step Homework Plan” or “RAP”: • R=Review what was done in class in order to ensure comprehension. • A=Apply and practice exercises relating to the material covered during class. • P=Preview the material that will be covered in class the next day. Reviewing and applying what was done in class has been the main purpose of homework forever. Using homework time to preview is now coming into its own. It’s a brilliant way to help make learning easier and more efficient. Previewing is like a “sneak peek”—it allows students to see what will be covered the next day in class to help them get more out of the lesson. For example, imagine that you’re going to the opera. If you read a summary of it first, learn who the characters are, become somewhat familiar with the story, you’ll be more engaged in the opera and get way more out of it. 2. Ensure that the quality of your homework assignments is consistent with that of your classroom instruction. Students are quick to notice and react to “low-quality” homework, which we define as not fulfilling an obvious purpose. Examine the homework assignments you’ve given in the past and consider finding ways to “upgrade” any of them, if necessary. Here are a few suggestions: • If the textbook homework questions are poor quality or don’t relate to what you taught in class, don’t use them. Assign only those items that reinforce classroom exposure. • Supplement textbook items with quality homework questions or tasks that you borrow from other sources or create yourself. • When selecting items to include in your homework assignments, be sure to include some that require each level of thinking. Assembling great homework items requires an investment of time, but it is time well spent—once done, you’ll likely be able to use the assignments or simply add to them for many years to come. 3. Remember that homework quantity does not correlate to homework quality. Many teachers assign a considerable amount of homework, believing it demonstrates that they’ve covered the material required by the curriculum. But, homework isn’t about quantity. Homework is about helping children learn. Limit the number of items assigned to correspond with the realistically-assessed capacity of your students. 4. Be an ally with homework, not an adversary. You’ll be amazed how kids will learn to trust you once they perceive that you really are on their team. If you’re fair, assign homework that’s reasonable and valuable and care enough about them to review their work and provide the support they need, it will dramatically reduce the homework challenges you face. For older students, once you establish a trusting relationship, you can save valuable class time by simply providing your students with the answers and letting them come to you only if they have problems. (Those few who are inclined to cheat will do it anyway—the rest will be able to check that they’re doing the work correctly and will be able to get much more out of their homework sessions.) 5. Use the 10-minute rule. There is no set rule as to how much homework is the right amount, but remember to consider the age of your students and their not-yet-fullgrown capacities for attention and understanding. The 10-minute rule has proven reasonable in the past: Multiply the grade level by 10 minutes and that’s approximately the right amount of time children should have to spend doing all their homework each night. For example, Grade 1—10 minutes; Grade 4—40 minutes, Grade 12—120 minutes. This will vary considerably, depending on subjects, projects due, upcoming tests, etc., and may be slightly longer on weekends, as needed, to complete major projects or prepare for exams. If your students consistently take more time doing their homework night after night, give thought to modifying your assignments. Since you’re teaching sixth-grade, your students should have approximately an hour of homework. That includes homework from each teacher. If you’re giving an hour or more just from you, then you need to rethink what you’re doing. 6. Collaborate with colleagues. Middle and high school teachers often need to talk among themselves to keep informed about what’s being assigned in other subjects. If left to chance alone, there’ll be many times when there’s a homework bubble—that is, an unusually large amount of homework or tests that fall on the same day. This creates an untenable situation for kids that serves no useful purpose for anyone. By making your colleagues aware of when you plan to schedule major projects, an occasional massive homework assignment, or major tests, they may be able to adjust what they assign to balance the load on your mutual students. Work together. -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. Balancing homework and learning Expert advice for teachers on managing assignments DR. LINDA SILBERT STRONG LEARNING
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 OPINION THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 13 I answered as politely and thoughtfully as I could and finally said, ‘I read them to my son and many, many, times, but every single week we have to take out one of your copies of ‘Mop Top’ because it is his very favorite story.” Her reply was, “you must be a teacher.” I guess it was unusual for that time to be so invested in books. After my email back to Lynn, she spent some time searching out a presentable copy of “Mop Top” for one of Mike’s Christmas presents. The presentation of that gift got rave reviews, and I am sure the copy will be set aside for his future grandchildren. This scenario all started with my daughter, expressing her joy of books, the library, and my time invested in both, on her behalf. It brought me to a place where I thought differently about gifts. The gift can be a bright, spanking new, shiny car, a piece of jewelry to last a lifetime, that dream dress, a suave dinner at the spiffy new restaurant in New York City. Or, it can be a shared memory – one from long ago, and often times forgotten. It can be savored over and over, and puts chills down your spine as you think back to when it occurred. A warmth comes over you when you know how much this gift meant to the other person. So why not, this holiday season, share some of your fondest memories. Those gifts will be ever so small but oh, so personal! PELLINI FROM PAGE 9 Over the past few weeks, I have had the honor of attending several retirement parties of people I have known for years. That experience, coupled with my thoughts when I went through my retirement in 2021, made me wonder if it is possible to pinpoint the most significant and exciting moment in our professional careers. Our individual answers are unique to our own life’s course, but what about famous people? Can we, given the luxurious advantage of hindsight, answer this inquiry about some of the more renowned people in history? I think we can. Here goes: Albert Einstein, one of the most influential physicists in history, had a defining moment in 1905, when he published his theory of relativity. This revolutionary theory challenged Newtonian physics, presenting a new understanding of space, time and gravity. Einstein’s theory demonstrated that the laws of physics are not absolute and that they are dependent on the observer’s frame of reference. Einstein’s moment led to groundbreaking discoveries, such as the concept of spacetime and the famous equation E = mc 2, which revolutionized our understanding of energy and mass. Marie Curie, a pioneering physicist and chemist, had a significant moment in 1898, when she discovered polonium and radium. The discovery of two radioactive elements not only contributed to Curie’s scientific legacy, but it also led to the development of radiotherapy for cancer treatment. Curie’s work in radioactivity laid the foundation for modern nuclear treatments that continue to save lives today. For all her efforts, she became the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in 1903. Isaac Newton, one of history’s greatest scientists, experienced a crucial moment in the late 1660s, when he developed the concept of universal gravitation. As the story goes, Newton observed an apple falling to the ground, inspiring him to question why objects fall towards the Earth. This moment sparked Newton’s journey towards formulating the laws of motion and gravitation, which became cornerstones of classical mechanics. Newton’s work laid the foundation for future scientific advancements and established him as one of the most influential scientists of all time. Charles Darwin, a biologist and naturalist, had his most significant moment during his voyage aboard the HMS Beagle from 1831 to 1836. This expedition allowed Darwin to explore various ecosystems and observe a vast array of flora and fauna. It was during this journey that he began to develop his theory of natural selection. Darwin’s observations of different species and their adaptations led him to propose that all organisms share a common ancestor and evolve over time. Darwin’s book, “On the Origin of Species,” published in 1859, revolutionized biology and laid the way for modern evolutionary theory. Galileo Galilei, a mathematician, astronomer and physicist, had his critical moment in 1609, when he first turned his telescope towards the night sky. Galileo’s telescopic observations allowed him to make revolutionary discoveries, including the moons of Jupiter, the phases of Venus and the uneven surface of the moon. These observations provided evidence for the heliocentric model of the solar system, which challenged the prevailing geocentric view. Galileo’s work not only expanded our understanding of the universe, but also marked a significant shift towards empirical observation and experimentation in the field of science. Leaving the scientific realm, I suggest that our first President George Washington’s most significant moment was when he decided to step down after serving two terms. This act of voluntarily leaving power set a precedent for future presidents, establishing the principle of a peaceful transition of power. Washington’s decision solidified the values of democracy and the importance of limiting the concentration of power in one individual, ensuring the longevity of the nation’s democratic institutions. Abraham Lincoln, known for his leadership during the Civil War, faced his defining moment when he issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. The document declared that all slaves in territories rebelling against the Union would be forever free. The Emancipation Proclamation was a pivotal step towards abolishing slavery in the United States, transforming the Civil War from a conflict solely focused on preserving the Union to a struggle for human freedom and equality. Lincoln’s courageous act laid the groundwork for the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment, which officially abolished slavery nationwide. Among the many critical moments in Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s presidency, I would propose that perhaps the most important one took place in 1935 when he signed the Social Security Act into law. This landmark legislation created a system of social insurance, providing economic security for millions of elderly and unemployed Americans. The Social Security Act represented a fundamental shift in the role of the federal government, establishing its responsibility to protect citizens against poverty and ensuring their wellbeing. Roosevelt’s action, in my view, remains a testament to the power of government intervention in promoting social and economic equality. In 1964, Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law, outlawing racial segregation and discrimination in public places. This momentous event marked a turning point in the struggle for civil rights and equality in America. Through the Civil Rights Act, Johnson and his administration sought to address deep-rooted inequalities faced by African Americans, laying the foundation for future legislation such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Johnson’s commitment to combating racial injustice remains a significant milestone in American history. None of us will ever enjoy the level of acclaim of the scientists or presidents named above. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that each of our lives is important and valuable. Looking back on your professional life, can you point to a moment that stands head and shoulders above the rest in significance and meaning? For me, it was when I was first elected to the Yorktown Town Board in 1991. For the next 20 years, I had the honor of serving the town I love so dearly. I will always be indebted to the wonderful people of Yorktown for affording me what I consider the honor of a lifetime. But enough about me, what about you? The luxurious advantage of hindsight JAMES MARTORANO MY PERSPECTIVE
PAGE 14 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 BY TOM BARTLEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER Comptroller Abraham Zambrano is retiring after eight years at the center of Bedford finances. The veteran administrator gave notice last week, days after shepherding a $37 million town budget to adoption. In a meeting with Supervisor Ellen Calves on Friday, Dec. 8, Zambrano said, he disclosed his intention to step down in February. The search for a successor in the $120,00-a-year post will soon be underway, Calves said. Zambrano, who is 64 and a Somers resident, came to Bedford in 2016 after 14 years as village manager in Ossining and Croton-on-Hudson. His departure closes the book on a well-regarded tenure, marked by a string of budgets meeting tough tax-cap-era challenges, earning high marks in annual independent fiscalmanagement audits and prudently protecting Bedford’s coveted AAA bond rating. In September, Bedford 2030, the sustainability advocates, cited Zambrano’s “passion for environmental action” in naming him the month’s Community Climate Hero for his efforts in increasing the number of electric-vehicle chargers in the town. Zambrano to retire as Bedford comptroller and safe rooms, but none of them were designed for the massive door-to-door assault by Hamas. “A lot of people were communicating through their phones, even those who were locked in the safe rooms,” Naor said, adding that his sister, knowing his phone would be off for Shabbat, communicated with friends. “And her daughter was communicating with her husband [who had left the day before] and her friends. Everybody was communicating. People were saying ‘We’re locked up, we hear them.’” Naor said people hiding could hear the terrorists walking the streets and surrounding their homes, “trying to break into the houses, looting, shooting, trying to break into safe rooms.” With the attack happening on an unprecedented scale on the ground, Naor said he didn’t know his sister was missing until the following day. “By the afternoon, she wasn’t answering her phone, and we had no idea why. The next day we started to get a clearer idea [why] people were not answering. It was because [they could not]. I mean that nobody really knew [what was happening] – only the people on the ground over there knew; the public did not know anything. Of course, they just knew that people were not answering the phones; the army was not coming out with much information at that point. It took a few days for people to realize what really happened.” Over time, Naor came to learn that Efrat’s longtime boyfriend Mosses, 79, had also disappeared, evidently after leaving the safe room to try to reason with the Hamas attackers. “There’s a picture of him somewhere, being led away by two guys,” Naor said. “My sister, her daughter, and her two girls were rounded up with others from the kibbutz. And a bunch of them were put onto some kind of a farmer’s wagon pulled by a tractor. And they were going towards the Gaza border, which is maybe 10 minutes away by tractor.” When we first spoke in November, Naor believed his sister had died after an altercation on the wagon. He now knows that it was a failed rocket attack. “The said the survivors were rounded up again by the terrorists, put back in a wagon, and taken to Gaza,” he said. “And my sister was left in the field. That much is confirmed.” Naor said his sister was identified about a week after the attack by Israeli forces regaining control of the border. “They collected dozens and dozens of bodies, including terrorists... everybody,” Naor said. “She was identified through DNA and other means. And we were able to bury her.” While his niece and her daughters are now home safe, according to CNN, Israeli authorities believe that more than 136 hostages remain in Hamas custody. HOSTAGES FROM PAGE 3 St. Paul’s Chapel 313 Smith Ridge Road in Vista Community Sing Along Saturday, Dec. 16, at 4 p.m. Join in for a sing along at St. Paul’s Chapel. All are welcome! RideConnect Rideconnect has volunteers ready to help drive seniors to their medical appointments and assist with shopping. Services are free to seniors residing in Westchester and southern Putnam Counties. To request assistance call (914) 242-7433. 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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 15 (914) 372-7878 / WWW.PAWSCROSSEDNY.ORG 100 WAREHOUSE LANE SOUTH, ELMSFORD, NY 10523 "RESCUE ONE BY ONE UNTIL THERE ARE NONE" Our mission is to: At Paws Crossed, we believe that our mission is best fulfilled through rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, advocacy, collaboration and education. ADVERTISING SPACE PROVIDED BY ENEA, SCANLAN & SIRIGNANO, LLP An officer broke the windshield and was attempting to revive him when the car burst into flames. He was able to drag Miller to safety. Miller was taken to the Westchester County Medical Center. The officer was treated for smoke inhalation and a cut to his hand. The occupants of the other vehicle were a 33-year-old woman and her 7-year-old daughter. Both were taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation as a precaution, police said. Police searched Miller’s vehicle and reported finding a loaded handgun. He has been charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon; second-degree criminal contempt; fleeing an officer in a motor vehicle; and reckless driving. Miller was also issued summonses for speeding and leaving the scene of a property damage accident in connection with the Hawthorne incident. The criminal contempt charge was lodged because he is barred from possessing a firearm as a result of a pre-existing Order of Protection, police said. CRASH FROM PAGE 1 BY GAIL KRALJEVIC PRESIDENT, LEWISBORO SENIORS This summer, the Lewisboro Seniors held their annual lobster lunch under the gazebo at the South Salem Fire House. The lobster was delicious as you can imagine by the photos. As you can see, we have some happy seniors! This is an annual event that we all look forward to, with the lobster cooked on the premises. We also had corn and watermelon. Westfair Fish and Chips located in Westport, CT provided all the food. We spent hours eating, chatting, laughing and singing. What a fun day! For those of you who would like to join us next year, call Pam Veith at 914-232-6162 and become a member. Take advantage of the many outings we have during the year and the wonderful barbecues we host for our seniors. There is a nominal fee for trips and a reasonable fee for certain events; but let me say it is well worth it. A day of laughter is just what the doctor ordered. For example, we visited the Thimble Islands on July 20. The Thimble Islands are a chain of 365 islands in Stony Creek Harbor off the southeast coast of Branford, CT in Long Island Sound. Christine Svenningsen, who lives in Westchester, owns more than a third of the two-dozen inhabitable Thimbles. There is only one Thimble Island open to the public and that is Outer Island. A short ferry trip and you are there; ready to embark on your adventure. Each of the Thimble Islands is privately owned. Our tour was about an hour and we learned many things about the history of the different islands and who owns each of them, how they have trash picked up, and how they reach the mainland. Of course, we didn’t view all 365, getting to see abut 15 of the islands. The views were spectacular and the water was calm and peaceful. It was just a really spectacular day. But our experience did not end there. We were bused to a great restaurant known for their seafood, especially lobsters, called the Chowder Pot. We had salad, bread, lobster, potatoes, desserts and drinks. We were sure full after that meal! Don’t waste another minute sitting at home, join the Lewisboro Seniors by calling 914-232-6162. We are also looking for donations of crafting materials. Call Gail at 914-886-8749. One of the items we are looking for are pot holder looms. We are already planning for next years’ holiday sale that will be entirely senior made items. Time for lobster! Linda Mead and Jim Ready waiting for the ferry. Pam Veith enjoying a great lobster. THE LEWISBORO SENIORS
Sports PAGE 16 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Nov. 17, Jessie Crane, Lexi Hasko, Abbey Hehman, and Katie O’Donnell traveled to Rochester for the State Swim meet. A seven-hour ride, the mileage didn’t slow the girls, and proudly, they all came back with some extra luggage. The quartet took 14th in the 200 Freestyle relay, and Jessie Crane really weighed down the bus with medals for 6th place in the 200 freestyle and 7th in the 500 freestyle. The latter was the 5th time she qualified for the states. “I’m not really a sprinter,” said Crane. But the senior just about had to break out into a full trot to jump in the pool first for the relay team. Only six minutes in between, she was forced to adjust. “I have a whole routine before every race,” Crane said. “I mentally prepare and get warmed up. So I went from swimming a distance race to a sprint race.” The John Jay anchor, Crane aimed to keep up the kinetics. “We had great energy,” she said. “Lexi was third, and I tried to keep her momentum going and finish it off fast.” On the other end, Katie O’Donnell made the first splash for the team. “It was my best time of the year,” said the sophomore. In addition, her leg was treated as an official time. So even though she didn’t qualify individually after the sectionals, O’Donnell qualified for the states with her effort. Still, she was about the team. With two seniors and two first timers, O’Donnell enjoyed rooting the trio on after getting on dry land. “It was definitely a fun relay to watch,” said O’Donnell. “It was a good experience.” In the water next, Abbey Hehman actually got off to a good start on the way upstate. “Lexi found me on the bus ride,” said the 8th grader. “She sat with me, talked to me and hyped me up before the race.” Dialed in, Hehman held the team’s position and took pride in how far she’s gone this year. “It was a really big accomplishment,” Hehman said, and being around all the state’s fastest swimmers was “a cool experience,” the middle schooler added. Getting back as an individual is next year’s goal but Lexi Hasko has wrapped up her career. “I went to the states twice, and I had a pretty successful career,” said the senior. This round turned out to be the most memorable too. “We didn’t think the relay was going to make it this year,” she said. Going out senior year on a high note was special but her future prospects as a swimmer are unclear. “That’s up in the air,” Hasko said. As for Crane, college will “most likely” have her in the pool. But for now, the future biology or physics major can only go bittersweet. “It’s upsetting that this chapter has come to an end. But it’s been such a great experience to look back and I don’t have any regrets,” the swimmer concluded. John Jay swimmers shine at states Relay Team - Katie O’Donnell, Lexi Hasko, Jessie Crane and Abbey Hehman PHOTO: SUZANNE GUZIEC SWIMMING BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER The start of any new season always means the old reliables graduate, and holes are left to fill. The John Jay/Somers/Yorktown gymnastics team is no different, but head coach Teodora Cepoi is taking the losses in stride. “We have other kids coming up,” she said, and so far the results prove it’s not simply a coach being optimistic. First, the girls beat Lakeland/ Panas by 4 tenths of a point, and on Dec. 7, the team defeated Suffern by a score of 176.15 - 123.55. One of those new contributors is Arianna Gulli. The Yorktown gymnast felt best about her performance on the beam. “I stuck all my landings and didn’t fall,” she said. Good for a 7.5, Gulli had no problem settling for a 7.1 on the floor either. “My one and a half was good and so was my tumbling,” said the freshman. On the speaker, Heart of Courage helped provide the necessary lift and soften the blows. “I like that the song is dramatic,” she said. “That fits my personality.” Kayla Cambareri, on the other hand, stood more lighthearted on the floor with her Irish jig sounding song. “I like how action packed it is and lets me show off my skills,” said the John Jay gymnast. She scored an 8.85. But she was most pleased with her (9.0) performance on vault and the improvements so far. “I landed more upright then I usually do,” said the sophomore. “Compared to last year, I think my vault is getting there.” The same seems true for Amelia Carozza on beams. A 9.15, she still had measured praise for her showing. “I stepped all my skills, and I thought it was a clean routine,” said the Yorktown student. Then on the floor, the gymnast doubled down. Another 9.15, she felt her performance was also pretty unblemished but fell short when gravity took over. “I need to clean up sticking my landings,” said the junior. In the other direction, Kaitlin Gannon made the most of her springboard. “I executed very well today,” said the Somers gymnast of her 8.05 on vault. The sophomore still hopes to improve on her landing too, but her coach likes what she sees so far. “She’s clean and very graceful,” said Cepoi. The three-time Olympic medalist would know. A teammate of Nadia Comăneci in 1976, the years have not slowed her passion for the sport. “I’m still ready to go,” her eyes put a concluding exclamation point on another day for herself and the girls. Combined team already in stride Kayla Cambareri GYMNASTICS
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PAGE 18 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES SPORTS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER After losing their first two games, John Jay fell behind Fox Lane 1-0 on Tuesday Dec. 5, and then went down two men on the power play. But the way the game begins doesn’t necessarily signify how it will end, according to Coach John McKeon. “It’s all about staying composed, getting your feet wet and getting adjusted to the game speed,” the first year coach said, and his sentiment definitely proved true. John Jay evened the game up and went on to an easy 12-3 victory. 11 players graduating from last year, it’s a whole new look. “A lot of the guys on the team are really young and on the smaller side. But they are really good players,” said McKeon, who graduated from John Jay in 2018. Fortunately, there’s still a few holdovers from last year and two of them made their presence felt. The hats a-flyin, Brendan Asta had five goals and Colman Rice had four. Asta would get the Wolves on the board first. With Hank Heanon scoring at 8:13 for Fox Lane, John Jay went on the attack. They got the puck into the zone, kept the pressure on and refusing to give up the possession, Asta got the wraparound to tie the game at 7:27. Even so, John Jay got hit with back to back penalties and were down five to three for almost two full minutes. But Erin Samuelson and the defense held, and the boost really put the offense in stride. First Ryan Hasapis sent a cross ice pass to James DeNoia, and he pulled the trigger to give John Jay the lead. 1:38 left in the first, the Wolves were far from done in the first. Off the face-off, Rice got the puck ahead to Hasapis, and he came one on one with the goalie. An easy move and the forward had a goal to go along with his assist. Just nine seconds coming off the clock, John Jay went on the power play a few seconds later. The clock looked like it would get the better of the advantage anyway. But Kenny Irving fed DeNoia in the waning seconds, and he scored with one second remaining in the period. A 4-1 game, it was Fox Lane that would have the best chance in the early going of the second. Ryan Goldstein got free on the breakaway, but Samuelson clipped Fox’s tail for one of her 21 saves. So Rice got into the scoring act. Kenny Irving fed Rice, he swooped cross ice and gave John Jay a 5-1 lead at 8:13. John Jay didn’t need an equal amount of skaters to score either. On the Fox Lane power play, Asta held the puck to the right of the goal, and Rice eventually came free out front. Easy pickins, the shooter found the back of the net at 4:44. Not done yet, the duo teamed up again 43 seconds later. Irving got the steal in center ice, and getting it ahead, Rice put the puck in on rewind for a 7-1 lead. Nonetheless, Fox Lane stayed on point and gave Samuelson the business. She gave it right back and turned the sustained sequence into nothing for the Foxes. Heanon would not be denied, though. He picked up the puck on the right, and on the breakaway, beat Samuelson on the short side at 2:36. Now 7-2, Rice made sure Samuelson didn’t have to stew for not much more than a minute. He set up in the crease, took DeNoia’s pass and made punching in sound easy. “It’s just staying with it, playing some offense and scoring some goals,” Rice said. His final goal of the afternoon with 52 seconds left in the second, he passed most of the scoring duties to Asta. The sophomore had a third period hat trick and made not much bother about the outburst. “I just battled hard and played fast,” Asta clarified. The coach, on the other hand, put more to the tally of his two stars. “They make everyone on the team better,” McKeon concluded. John Jay gets in the win column Tops Fox Lane 12-3 Erin Samuelson stands tall PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI Ryan Hasapis in the lead HOCKEY BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Dec. 6, John Jay watched Rye score 13 straight points to open a ten point second quarter lead. Still, John Jay fought back and closed to 20- 17, but ultimately, Rye was too much for the young Wolves team. The Garnets went on a 21-4 third quarter run and easily walked away with a 50-26 win. The game did start with promise, though. Sela Halaifonua grabbed a defensive rebound, John Jay passed around the perimeter, and Jane Brennan dropped a three to open the scoring. Then Rye showed up on the inside and out. Annie Toulouse scored a lay up on Stella Maresca’s inbound, Paige Tepedino hit a short jumper, and after Meredith Kenny got a half court steal, Maresca converted the fast break layup. A 6-3 game now, Maresca added a triple, and with the clock running down on the period, Piper Tenney stepped into a deuce at the top of the key. A very kind bounce, she made no apology when the ball dropped for an eight point lead. The Garnets got two more when Tenney rolled to the hoop from down low, while nothing was falling for John Jay. That is until Brooke Habinowski found herself open in the corner. No hesitation, the senior let loose and started a mini run for the Wolves. Facing a full court press, Halaifonua got the ball across to Habinowski and she immediately spotted Charlotte Omin for an open layup. Habinowski wasn’t done yet either. First, she got the offensive rebound on Jaimie Bartley-Cohen’s miss, fed to Halaifonua, and she swished a short baseline jumper. Then Halaifonua got the steal, ran the break and Habinowski scored one from the line on the fast break foul. Down only two at 5:27, John Jay was unfortunately put back in their place by Molly Kennedy. She hit two straight threes and gave Rye a 19-11 lead. John Jay kept at it nonetheless. Habinowski and Brennan each scored one from the line, and after Bartley-Cohen’s rebound secured the last possession of the half, the Wolves got some heart stopping heroics. Wolves fall to Rye 50-26 Natalie Ellrodt PHOTO: RICH MONETTI GIRLS BASKETBALL SEE BASKETBALL PAGE 21
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 SPORTS THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 19 BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER The John Jay 5/6 Football team played a series of heartbreakers this year and unfortunately lost them all. But the Wolves still finished 5-4, and Coach Jim D’Elisa made sure to recognize the most overlooked group on any football team. Andrew Hamborsky, Liam Wesley, Connor Sable and Hugo Samanich, said D’Elisa of his offensive line, “They’re the ones who don’t come off the field. We have a lot of stars on offense that can run the ball and throw the ball. But none of it works unless the offensive line does their job.” Of course most of them did double duty on the defensive line and help in the secondary from Caiden Cambareri, Jack Wund and Colin Kazanecki left a mark on opposing teams. “Our defense was the strong part of our team and kept us in every game,” said the coach. Included among them and also a two way player was Liana DiMatteo. “Being the only girl on the team is a tough thing,” said D’Elisa, “She stuck with it, and she made some of the biggest plays we had all year. She had a pick 6, one of our best touchdown runs and a few sacks.” Then on the other side of the ball he starts under center. “The quarterback has so much on his shoulders, and Austin Bickler is in the huddle, knows the plays and knows where everyone is going,” he assured. At it since third grade, the coach glows with his player’s development. “He’s a great kid, and we’re lucky to have him as our quarterback,” said D’Elisa. Further back, John Jay kept opponents off kilter with a mix of thunder and lightning. Mikey DeVeau is our speed back to the outside, and Jack D’Elisa is the one who pounds it up the middle,” he clarified. Either way, they are both heads up when it comes to finding the openings. “You need to know where those linebackers are crashing the holes, and if they are sending the blitz. So you have a split second to make the decision,” he said. “So a lot of it is instinct.” The biggest game on the schedule is always second nature too. “We always enjoy playing Put Valley. We shut them out for the second year in a row. That was the game Liana had her big touchdown run,” said D’Elisa. A home game, the crowd was into it. So not a close game but the most fun.” One more year on the docket, all the coaches will be back, and there’s a specific metric that measures any season’s success, according to the coach. “I consider it a winning season when I see every kid return,” said D’Elisa. Given the past, the chances foretell well and so do the prospects for even more wins. “Year after year, they get better,” he concluded with pride. John Jay caps off successful season BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Anyone who plays or watches high school sports knows how the biggest elephant in the room hangs a cloud over the entire landscape. “We simply don’t have a pool of officials to fill all the games on the schedule,” clarified John Jay AD Christian McCarthy. During the fall season, the soccer field saw the largest omission. Pointing to the retirement of officials, a new generation is not forthcoming. “The pool is not being replenished on the back end,” he said. The main reason shouldn’t be a surprise. “If you go to the games, you see the reaction that officials get from the fans, and even the players in certain sports. I just don’t think they feel it’s worthwhile for them,” he said. So John Jay staff, coaches and administration are doing what they can from their corner of section one. One level begins with the players. “We work hard with our kids to ensure they are respectful, and that they are representing John Jay,” he said. “That sports are an extension of the school day. So we expect them to be part of a culture that does not allow for that type of bad behavior.” As for what happens in the stands, the overwhelming majority remaining in line isn’t enough to alleviate the issue. “Ninety percent of the fans are just fine, and they are there to enjoy the game. But the ten percenters do impact the officials, the coaches, the players and the other spectators,” assured McCarthy. From there, the first step means fans have to be aware when they are out of line. “When I talk to spectators, they often get caught up in the moment,” he said. “Then they realize and don’t feel great about their behavior.” So simply kicking fans out of the arena is probably not productive. “The goal is that they are aware, and then move forward,” said the AD. “So it’s not repetitive behavior.” That said, The chaperons aren’t there to be bouncers. “They are there to identify a problem. So if they need to have a conversation, they do or turn it over to myself or one of the sight supervisors,” said McCarthy. Official channels thus in gear, he’s also certain that it takes a village. “The most powerful solution is for peers to speak up (in the stands),” McCarthy reasoned. Unfortunately not all districts are trying to build the right culture. “We often go to places, and it’s brutal. There’s certain schools, it’s really not fun going to play there because the behavior goes unaddressed,” he lamented. So without a unified front, the lacking pool of new officials is making its point, and the impact proceeds on multiple levels. The first occurs below the varsity level. Section One is on a schedule that must be met because of the postseason. As a result, officials are then drawn away from the lower levels to the higher. In turn, JV or freshman games revert to scrimmages. Officials deal with referee shortage SEE REFEREE PAGE 21 FOOTBALL 5/6 team PHOTO COURTESY OF AMBER YARTER RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL GENERATOR INSTALLATIONS 914-763-5555 CHARLES GEORGE • POUND RIDGE, NY • LICENSED & INSURED NY & CT ELECTRIC 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah • (914) 232-3033 www.clarkassociatesfuneralhome.com • [email protected] DANIEL B. McMANUS ~ Proprietor • BRUCE E. REISDORF ~ Licensed Manager JOSEPH M. McMANUS ~ Director • RONALD P. 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PAGE 20 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES SPORTS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 BY WES ADAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER We see them on our daily commutes, those hardy, reliable runners, joggers, and walkers who can be glimpsed churning through a workout alongside this or that stretch of road most mornings as we flash by at 40 mph. On my weekday commute from Katonah to Brewster, I often spot one such athlete near that tangled intersection of four busy roads, a rail line, and a river just west of Croton Falls. In spite of the constant traffic where 202 hits 22, it is an idyllic spot, overhung with trees on all sides yet offering a good peek-a-boo view to the north of the babbling East Branch Croton River. Here I see occasional fishermen with poles and waders slipping through the trees down to their favorite spots. Here also I see a silver-haired, mustached runner, usually chugging southbound with a placid yet determined expression. This week I stopped and introduced myself. His name is Lorin Woolfe and he lives in Somers. On the basis of my flimsy press credentials (flashing him a link to a previous column for this paper on my phone screen) he kindly agreed to give me his contact info so we could chat later. And then he waved goodbye and carried on down Route 202. Lorin, whose age is on the golden side of 60, has been running since high school. “I did the two-mile run, which was considered the ‘distance’ run for the guys who had more endurance than speed.” He came back to running in his thirties. “I realized you can’t stay in shape as easily then as when you’re in high school.” Why running? “It is a great form of exercise, keeps me in good external and internal shape.” Over the years, his doctors have been impressed. But for Lorin it’s about more than earning gold stars at his annual physical. “I like the ‘runner’s high’ when those endorphins start percolating through the system. Once I’ve run and had my shower, my body is loose in all the right places and tight in all the right places and I’m energized for my work day. I’m a psychotherapist.” He likes his very regular 3-mile route. “The shoulders on the road are nice and wide.” He also likes the fact that following the same path day in and day out puts him in regular communion with his neighbors. “I get honks or waves from people I know, like friends, clients, and the guys Roadside runner Local jogger Lorin Woolfe inspires morning motorists Lorin on a foggy morning. SEE RUNNER PAGE 21 Contact Us The Katonah-Lewisboro Times is located at 118 N Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected]. THE RUNAROUND Lorin Woolfe PHOTOS: WES ADAMS ROCK & ROLL WITH NO OPTIONS AT MOHANSIC GRILL Saturday, December 16th- 7:30PM 1500 Baldwin Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY (914) 962-9300 NEW YORK HOMEOWNERS: HELP IS AVAILABLE EVEN IF YOU COULD PAY CASH ROOFING | SIDING | WINDOWS | DOORS & MORE! Approved applications will have the work completed by a quality repair crew provided by: HOMEOWNER FUNDING. Not affiliated with State or Gov Programs. Contractor License: NY: #2719-h14 888-254-6006 or visit NYProgramFunding.net NEED HELP WITH EXPENSIVE REPAIRS? WE MATCH YOU WITH FUNDING YOU CAN AFFORD. ...but it won’t last! Enrollment is only open during a limited time. Programs, appointments, and installations are first come, first serve. ACT NOW! from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Call to get your FREE Information Kit 1-855-225-1434 dental50plus.com/nypress Includes the Participating (in GA: Designated) Providers and Preventive Benefits Rider. Product not available in all states. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN); Rider kinds B438/B439 (GA: B439B). 6255 DENTAL Insurance
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 21 LEISURE 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. Mimic 4. Payroll firm 7. Perform in a play 10. Opine: __ philosophical 11. Crony 12. Political action committee 13. 1991 Wimbledon winner 15. Affirmative 16. Exclamation of disgust 19. Action of connecting 21. A way to calm 23. Especially fine or decorative clothing 24. Walked proudly 25. Group of people related through male heir 26. Supplemented with difficulty 27. Soft touch 30. Erases 34. Spanish river 35. A princess can detect it 36. Clouds of gas 41. A way to get through 45. Part of a book 46. Southwestern US state 47. Fields where rice is grown 50. Area in Ghana 54. Sayings 55. Involve deeply 56. Compels to act 57. “Ignore all rules” 59. Indoor entertainment space 60. Born of 61. Back muscle 62. Sea dweller 63. Tools that resemble an axe 64. Prefix denoting class or kind 65. Tooth caregiver CLUES DOWN 1. Inspiring 2. Put into a box 3. Breathes out 4. Pacify 5. Patriotic society for women 6. Fell down 7. Clothing 8. Dishwasher detergent brand 9. Former French republic 13. Single lens reflex 14. Men’s fashion accessory 17. Consumed 18. Marry 20. __ up: intensifies 22. Body of water 27. People of southern Benin 28. Decorate a cake with frosting 29. Snag 31. Yearly tonnage (abbr.) 32. Records brain activity (abbr.) 33. Car mechanics group 37. Brought up to snuff 38. __ faire: Economic approach 39. Phil __, former CIA 40. Affixed 41. Period of adolescence 42. Substance 43. Danced 44. Baked without its shell 47. Parts per billion (abbr.) 48. Satisfaction 49. Balkans river 51. Christmas carols 52. Partner to tonic 53. “The Godfather” character Johnny 58. Swiss river First losing competitive juice, the omission causes a double duty that hurts the players even more. “It forces coaches to serve in both roles at the same time, which keeps them from being effective in both. Coaches should be coaching, and if they have to referee then they can’t provide student athletes with proper feedback,” said McCarthy. The problem then moves up the line. Once refs are certified, experience and ratings have them move up the ranks. So with the shortage, officials are forced into service that isn’t commensurate with their standing. “So then you have officials who are developing and are put into tough scenarios in order to get varsity games in,” said McCarthy. All the deficiencies, sometimes the criticisms land at his door, but no district or director has a say. “We don’t have any authority. Officiating is a service provided to the section,” he said. “There’s no role for the athletic directors.” So while recruiting efforts are in place, all John Jay and other responsible districts can do is to take care of their part of the problem. “We’re trying as athletic directors to change the culture of sport as much as possible,” McCarthy concluded. REFEREE FROM PAGE 19 BASKETBALL FROM PAGE 18 RUNNER FROM PAGE 20 who service my garage door. I also get the occasional honk or wave from a stranger. One woman rolled down her window and shouted, ‘You’re amazing!’ She was about my age with about the same amount of gray hair, so I guess to her anyone with that amount of gray hair who can run long distances is amazing.” Most of us onlookers might admire Lorin for his daily fortitude, but for him his proudest running achievement to date is completing the NYC Marathon – twice. “The first time I did it in four hours and one minute. Of course I had to do another one the next year to break four hours, which I did in 3:53.” Since the clock is running down on 2023 and the starting line of a new year is now in sight, I asked Lorin if he had any running resolutions for the coming year. I like that he is keeping it short and simple: “Continue three miles a day at least four times a week and occasionally do a five-miler.” In other words, we commuters can count on this reliable roadside athlete to continue inspiring us in the weeks and months ahead. Natalie Ellrodt took the inbound next to the scorers table with 2.8 seconds remaining, and Halaifonua got sprung on the pick from the backcourt. In the know, Ellrodt led Halaifonua, and she got the layup at the buzzer. A 20-15 game at the half, John Jay continued the momentum. Halaifonua inbounded to Brennan, and she hit Ellrodt in the corner. Plenty of room, Ellrodt launched and nothing but net made it 20-17. A turnover next for Rye, the rim was not as kind for Ellrodt on the change of possession. Another open jumper, the three and tie game looked true, but clanked off the back of the rim. Rye wasn’t very forgiving either. Kathleen Denvir responded with a three, Phoebe Greto hit a pull up jumper and so did Maresca. 30-19, the Wolves did have one last gasp of great teamwork. From the back court, Ellrodt hit Bartley-Cohen on the run, and she made a perfect bounce pass to Amanda Riolo. Open for the layup, the lead was cut to 11. Not nearly enough, Rye closed the quarter with nine straight points, and there was no overcoming the 20 point lead. John Jay is now 0-2 on the season. Sela Halaifonua PHOTO: RICH MONETTI
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 23 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 The Katonah-Lewisboro Times YES, I really enjoy The Katonah-Lewisboro Times 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 Mahopac News 2 TRACKS Who knows where the time goes? We’ve reached the end of another year, so it’s appropriate to reflect on the nature of time and how it affects us. And time certainly is a key element in the pursuit of your financial goals. As an investor, time can be your greatest ally. If you hold some investments for the long term, you could achieve an impressive cumulative growth in value. Furthermore, if you keep adding shares to these investments, possibly through a dividend reinvestment plan, you could attain “growth on growth” through the power of compounding. Of course, when you own equity investments, you will experience market fluctuations, but in general, the longer you hold these investments, the more you can reduce the effects of market volatility. But you also need to consider aspects of time in these contexts: • Checking progress on achieving goals – When you establish a goal, such as saving for a child’s education or your own retirement, you know the end date of when you’ll need the money, but it’s also important to mark your progress along the way. So, each year, see how far along you are in meeting your goal. If you’re falling behind, you may need to adjust your investment mix. • Choosing an appropriate strategy – The time needed to achieve a goal should drive your investment strategy for that goal. For example, when you are saving for a retirement that won’t happen for three or four decades, you will need to invest for growth by placing a reasonable percentage of equities and equity-based investments in your portfolio, based on your comfort with the various types of risk, including interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. You will experience some bumps along the way — keep in mind that the value of investments will fluctuate and the loss of some or all principal is possible — but you likely have time to overcome the “down” periods. On the other hand, when you are saving for a short-term goal, such as a vacation or a new car or a wedding, you’ll want a set amount of money available precisely when you need it. In this case, you may need to sacrifice some growth potential for investments whose principal value won’t fluctuate, such as certificates of deposit (CDs) and bonds. Keep in mind, though, that when you’re investing for long- and short-term goals, it doesn’t have to be just one strategy or the other. You can save for retirement with primarily growth vehicles but still have room in your portfolio for shorterterm instruments. And even when you’re specifically investing for some short-term goal, you can’t forget about your need to save and invest for retirement. And here’s one final point about the relationship between time and investing: Your risk tolerance can, and probably will, change over the years. As you near retirement, you may feel the need to adjust your portfolio toward a more conservative approach. That’s because you may want to consolidate any gains you might have achieved while also recognizing that you simply have less time to bounce back from down markets. Still, even in retirement, you’ll need some growth potential in your portfolio to help you stay ahead of inflation. When you invest, one of your biggest considerations is time — so use it wisely. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Financial Advisor, Judi McAnaw, a resident of Katonah. She has an office at 200 Business Park Drive, Suite 107, in Armonk. Judi can be reached at 914-669-5329. Time: A key element of investing ...in general, the longer you hold these investments, the more you can reduce the effects of market volatility.’ -Judi McAnaw Edward Jones Financial Advisor JUDI MCANAW GUEST CORNER
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