GOVERNMENT AT WORK 7 HEALTH & WELLNESS 22 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 39 LEISURE 31 MAHOPAC MUSINGS 4 OPINION 10 SPORTS 24 Mahopac students show their talent. pg 20 ART HOP VOL. 14 NO. 51 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. APRIL 25 – MAY 8, 2024 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR Personnel from East Point Energy, the company behind a proposed Mahopac grid-scale battery energy storage system currently before the Carmel Planning Board, will hold an online forum open to the public on Wednesday, May 2 from 6:30-8 p.m. The forum can be accessed by phone at 833-858-0011 or online by visiting EastPointVirtualMeetings.com. The session will include information about the project, followed by a question-and-answer session open to the public. Meanwhile, Somers and Mahopac residents opposed to the battery farm have continued to raise the alarm about what they believe is a dangerous project that will hurt property values. Protesters lined Route 118 on Saturday, with another demonstration slated to take place on Saturday, April 27 from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Olympic Diner on Route 6. A Facebook group called “Stop the LITHIUM Battery Farm in our Backyards in Mahopac NY!!” (sic) had 2,700 members as of Sunday. Local residents have also continued to address concerns to public officials in both Somers and Carmel. (While the actual project is in Mahopac, it abuts a residential Somers neighborhood.) Mahopac’s Lauren Rosiland returned to the microphone for the third time in three meetings at the April 17 Carmel Town Board meeting and said she would continue to speak out. “You’re going to get pretty sick of seeing me at this podium,” Rosiland told the board, although the Town Board has no jurisdiction over the project; it is the purview of the Planning Board. “But I want to be clear, I will not rest until I know that my family, my neighbors, and our entire town are safe.” Rosiland said she never expected to find herself spending “days and nights researching the dangers associated with the proposed lithium battery energy storage system.” She contended that breaches in the containers would lead to soil and water contamination with “toxic lithium and other substances” and that the batteries also posed the risk of fire and explosions. Rosiland added that putting the project in the proposed lot at 24 Miller Road, which borders NYSEG powerlines but also the homes of Baldwin Place residents on Loundsbury Drive in Somers, would lead to “habitat loss, fragmentation, and destruction of an ecosystem” in an environmentally sensitive area which includes a watershed and tributaries that lead to local lakes and reservoirs. East Point project developer Will Frost and vice president of project development Tyler Cline told Halston Media that Online Q&A with ‘battery farm’ company set for May 2 Protesters line Route 118, demonstration planned for April 27 Protesters line Route 118 (Tomahawk Street) to protest a proposed energy storage project proposed for the land off of nearby Miller Road in Mahopac. PHOTO COURTESY OF FACEBOOK SEE BATTERY PAGE 7 RE/MAX Classic Realty 914-282-6440 [email protected] CALL NOW FOR YOUR FREE CONSULTATION HOMES ARE SELLING AT RECORD PRICES. Privately set, adjacent to 30-acres of protected watershed land, this large 4 BR, 3.5 Bath colonial boasts garage w/parking for 6 cars + workshop space! Other home features: 2-story marble entry, spectacular living room w/wall of windows, gourmet kitchen w/2 islands & SSTL appliances (cooktop, pot filler, 2 wall ovens, 2 dishwashers, wine cooler). Family room w/wood-burning fireplace. Outdoor living area w/patio, wood gazebo (ceiling fan, flat-screen TV, privacy screen), granite outdoor kitchen. 1st floor primary BR w/3 walk-in closets & jacuzzi bath. Library w/2nd fireplace (gas). 2 laundry rooms. Enormous unfinished bonus room (1,600 sq ft). Many more amenities throughout... $1,540,000 Call now! 914–282–6440 SECLUDED CUSTOM HOME W/GARAGE FOR CAR ENTHUSIAST! Are you wondering what your home is worth? Should you add on, or remodel? Buy smaller or larger? Please allow me to answer your questions. Call Today!
PAGE 2 – MAHOPAC NEWS APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 Locally Owned UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP NOW ACCEPTS COUPONS Rt 22 Brewster (across from Red Rooster), Rt 6 Carmel (Mobile Station) Rt 6 Mahopac (In front of Stop & Shop) Order Online @ baskinrobbins.com Offer valid on sausage, egg and cheese sandwich only. Excludes Specialty Donuts and Fancies. Price and participation may vary. Limited time offer. Exclusions and terms apply. ©2023 DD IP Holder LLC. Great deals on food with the purchase of a medium or larger coffee Terms apply. GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac EXP: 08/31/2024 GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac Off Any Breakfast Sandwich EXP: 08/31/2024 GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac Not valid on mobile app, or delivery orders. Limit one per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No meat or cheese substitutions. Excludes extra meat, egg and cheese, roasted tomatoes add-on, Omelet Bites, Dunkin’ Wraps, specialty hashbrowns and all Toast varieties. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Small Hot or Iced Latte excudes Signature and Chai Lattes EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Excludes Cold Brew & Nitro. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Non-dairy alternatives, flavors, cold foam, and Espresso Shots may be an additional charge. Espresso beverage offers exclude Signature Lattes and Specialty Lattes unless otherwise noted. Tea beverage offers exclude specialty teas unless otherwise noted. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Classic Donut With Purchase Of Any Beverage excludes Specialty Donut and Fancies EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Buy One Sundae Get One Free (of equal or lesser value) EXP: 08/31/2024 Offer not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Single Use Coupon. Limit one offer per customer per visit. No substitutions allowed. Customer must pay applicable tax. May not be combined with any other coupon, discount, or promotion. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. See store for details. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. ©2024 BR IP Holder, LLC.[Coupon_Requests_8.4.23.xlsx]Requests!$C$14:$P$24 Half Dozen Classic Donuts With Purchase Of 6 Donuts excludes Specialty Donut and Fancies Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. 99¢ $1.00 ÍÇvUzILz:8f<Î 99865390414490262470 FREE ÍÇt'ÅbnwQe%ZÎ 99840797667887496905 FREE ÍÇ|Z5BHduOE2Î 99925821344068854737 FREE ÍÇÅM>84)D`5iÎ 99974530242009366421 ÍÇ?CÇHqkOJLrÎ 99313599408175474244 Offer valid on sausage, egg and cheese sandwich only. Excludes Specialty Donuts and Fancies. Price and participation may vary. Limited time offer. Exclusions and terms apply. ©2023 DD IP Holder LLC. Great deals on food with the purchase of a medium or larger coffee Terms apply. GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac EXP: 08/31/2024 GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac Bagel With Cream Cheese Spread EXP: 08/31/2024 GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Half Dozen Donuts or 25 Munchkins® excludes Specialty Donut and Fancies EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. for 6 Bagels EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. for 2 Muffins EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Off Any Cake min. $15 cake purchase Offer not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Single Use Coupon. Limit one offer per customer per visit. No substitutions allowed. Customer must pay applicable tax. May not be combined with any other coupon, discount, or promotion. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. See store for details. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. ©2024 BR IP Holder, LLC.[Coupon_Requests_8.4.23.xlsx]Requests!$C$14:$P$24 $3.99 $1.00 ÍÇ4lA`x#P):CÎ 99207633648803480926 $3.99 ÍÇ12ÅqGIfb'QÎ 99171897813941706607 $2.00 ÍÇU{ÃÆBIAwÃ;Î 99539195983441338795 $3.00 ÍÇWO;L+s"u/ÃÎ 99554727441183028515 ÍÇ3D]Æ1,Ada/Î 99193661981712336865 Birthday & Holiday Cakes Numbers, Fun Shapes & Customized Donuts! Call to Order
APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 3 Neighbors helped neighbors on Saturday in an effort to beautify Mahopac for Earth Day. Clean-up efforts included the town-run “Shred-it” event at the Michael Geary Memorial Rink, a Lions Club event with Councilman Frank Lombard in the area around the firehouse at Croton Falls Road and Route 6, and some work along 6N and Chamber Park with scouts and MSA athletes led by Councilman Robert Kearns. Good clean fun! Mahopac residents of all ages help clean up town for Earth Day Councilman Robert Kearns and his son Grant show off some of the junk collected on Earth Day, including a bed frame and a rusty lamp post. PHOTO: EMILE MENASCHÉ Grant Kearns and Det. Danny Shea take some litter into custody along Route 6 PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT KEARNS Kids came out in big numbers to help keep their town clean. Here, they pose at Chamber Park with just a few of the trash bags they filled. PHOTO COURTTESY OF ROBERT KEARNS Mahopac students look sharp in their safety vests at the Lions/Leos Earth Day cleanup. PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANK LOMBARDI Maria Garcia and town confidential secretary Kevin Kernan (center) with Mahopac Troop 1 scouts Troy Garcia, Liam Mortimer, and Jozef Bachleda PHOTO: EMILE MENASCHÉ Councilman Frank Lombardi (third from left) and Mahopac Lions and Leos gathered at the Mahopac firehouse parking lot for Earth Day cleanup along Route 6 and Croton Falls Road. PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANK LOMBARDI TRUSTS & ESTATES • WILLS • PROBATE • ELDER LAW • GUARDIANSHIPS • REAL ESTATE LAW HONOR, INTEGRITY, LAW OFFICE OF COMPASSION, AND DIGNITY ANDRES D. GIL, PLLC 845.940.1110 Timely Professional Service
PAGE 4 – MAHOPAC NEWS APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Emile Menasché Editor: 845-208-0774 [email protected] Bob Dumas Editor at Large [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky 845-661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [email protected] DESIGN Bri Agosta Haven Elder Jacob Elder Noah Elder EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for Mahopac News is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Emile Menasché at 845-208-0774 or email [email protected]. Subscribe To request Mahopac News weekly delivery, call 845-208-8503 or email circulation@halstonmedia. com. Subscriptions are complimentary for residents and businesses in the town. Out of town mail subscriptions are $150 per year for First Class Mail. Periodicals Postage Paid at Mahopac, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mahopac News at 824 Route 6, Suite 4 • Mahopac, NY 10541 (ISSN 2330-1627) Published by Halston Media, LLC at 824 Route 6, Suite 4 • Mahopac, NY 10541 Main Office 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC MAHOPAC MUSINGS Food and Diaper Drive There will be a food and diaper drive for St. John’s Food Pantry on Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to noon, at Red Mills Convenience Center, 575 Route 6N, in Mahopac Falls. The event is sponsored by Councilman Frank Lombardi and Marianne Chaluisan of Back the Blue. Honor Vets, Earn Service Credit The Putnam County Veterans Service Agency is looking for volunteers to help install flags on the Row of Honor on the shoreline of Lake Gleneida along Gleneida Avenue on Saturday, May 18 in the Carmel Hamlet. The group will meet at 9 a.m. across from George’s Place. This is an excellent opportunity for any student looking to earn community service credits. Rotary/Garden Club Tree Planting A location has been chosen for the Eastern Redbud tree that will be planted in conjunction with the Rotary and the Garden Club of Lake Mahopac. The planting will take place on Arbor Day, April 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Red Mills Historic Park at 23 Hill St., Mahopac. The town’s Parks and Recreation Dept. will prepare the site, and Garden Club members will be on-site to spread the mulch and celebrate the planting. The public is invited. SEPTO Fundraiser and Awards The Mahopac Special Education Parent-Teacher Organization is holding a Ladies Night Out fundraiser on Friday, May 3, 4:30- 6:30 p.m., at The Brunch House, 55 Secor Road in Mahopac. The $50 cost includes a buffet dinner and unlimited wine. A cash bar is available. There are also raffles for prizes like designer handbags, jewelry, and salon-quality hair care products. RSVP by April 26 at [LINK]. The proceeds of the fundraiser go directly to help SEPTO continue efforts supporting special education, students, and staff of the Mahopac Central School District. Mahopac SEPTO’s”Together We Thrive” awards ceremony takes place on Friday, April 26, from 5-7 p.m. at Sycamore Park in Mahopac. “Over the years, Mahopac SEPTO has made it our mission to support the common goal of success for all of our teachers, staff, and students,” said Christine Buccinna of Mahopac SEPTO. “This special evening will be a celebration of all of the wonderful accomplishments of the nominated teachers, staff, and students of the Mahopac Central School District.” Garden Club Meeting The monthly meeting of the Lake Mahopac Garden Club will be held on Tuesday, May 7 at Airport Park. Participants are welcome and asked to bring their own lunch. The meeting begins at 11:30 a.m. The program presentation, at 1 p.m., will be “Floral Sphere.” The presenter is member and president Lynne Carney. Supplies will be provided. For information, visit lakemahopacgc.com. Teen Graphic Novel Book Club Meeting at Mahopac Library on the first Wednesday of each month, this group brings together teen graphic novel fans age 14-plus to discuss a book in depth and join together for an activity or craft related to the reading. This month’s meeting at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1 will focus on “Hungry Ghost” by Victoria Ying. Organizers recommend reading ahead and bringing a copy of the book to the discussion. Copies are available at the circulation desk unless specified otherwise. Register online at mahopaclibrary.org, or call (845)628-2009 ext.139. SEE MUSINGS PAGE 32 UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP Same Great Staff & Teachers NEW GROUP CLASSES Chamber Orchestra Rock Band Music Theory Art Classes INTRODUCING Kindermusik 18 MONTHS - 5 YEARS RETAIL - LESSONS REPAIRS - RENTALS 609 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • www.PutnamMusic.com SCAN FOR MORE INFO Get Started Today Call 845-621-2626 Monday - Thursday 10 - 8 Friday - 10 - 7 Saturday 9 - 5
APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 5 MAYO SUNDAY 5 551 ROUTE 6, MAHOPAC NY 10541 excelenciamexicana.com PLACE YOUR RESERVATIONS NOw! FREE! HATS + T-SHIRTS KARAOKE & LIVE MUSIC BY RON BLANCO DJ ON BLANCO DJ
PAGE 6 – MAHOPAC NEWS APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR An effort to overturn the Carmel Planning Board’s ruling that a plan to build a clay sporting course at a Mahopac gun wouldn’t have a negative impact on the environment has been denied by the state Supreme Court. The Somers Land Trust (SLT) had filed an Article 78 lawsuit that claimed shooting at the club had resulted in lead shot and broken clay pigeons on its property. SLT asserted that the lead had contaminated the soil and a stream on its property and had independent tests conducted to prove it. The SLT contended that the Planning Board never took that evidence into consideration when it declared that the club and its new sporting clays course would have no environmental impact. In the beginning The gun club, known as Willow Wood, is a private club originally founded in 1955 on 11 acres of land—eventually growing to 75— located in the hamlet of Mahopac, town of Carmel. In 2016, the Carmel Environmental Conservation Board issued a permit to the club to harvest approximately 20 acres of trees. After the land was cleared, Willow Wood briefly used it for a sporting clays course until the course was shut down in 2019 pending approval of an amended site plan application. It was at this time that Somers residents began complaining about excessive noise caused by the sporting clays course, exacerbated, they said, by the removal of the trees, which had provided a natural sound barrier. Proceedings before the Planning Board In December 2018, Willow Wood applied to the Carmel Planning Board for an amended site plan approval for the sporting clays course, something the club had failed to do before building it. Proceedings before the Planning Board extended from 2019 to 2023. The primary issue was the noise generated by the shooting at Willow Wood. Noise mitigation measures were adopted, and issues pertaining to noise mitigation are not currently an issue. The Planning Board also considered the potential environmental impact of the lead shot utilized at Willow Wood. To address the Planning Board’s concerns, Willow Wood developed an Environmental Stewardship Plan, and a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. After years of proceedings on Willow Wood’s application for an amended site plan approval for the sporting clays course, in May 2023, the Planning Board ruled that the new course would not have a “significant effect on the environment.” The board listed several reasons for its decision, including: · The course would not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts to stormwater conditions and surface water features. · The project is not located within a 100-year floodplain as designated by FEMA. · No wetlands are located on or in the vicinity of the sporting clay course. The project, the board said, would not result in any negative impacts on wetland resources. · Spent ammunition cartridges would be collected by shooters and deposited in trash bins provided at each shooting station. · The shooting course does not present any opportunity to adversely affect public safety, nor would it create a hazard to human health. The court’s ruling Despite SLT’s contention that it had been harmed by Willow Wood’s actions, state Supreme Court Judge Victor Grossman ruled that the organization lacked the standing it needed to bring an Article 78 action. “Standing” is a threshold requirement for a plaintiff seeking to challenge governmental action,” Grossman wrote in his 23-page decision. “In order to have standing to challenge a governmental agency’s compliance with the SEQRA, a party must demonstrate that it suffers “direct harm, an injury that is in some way different from the public at large” and that the harm falls within the ‘zone of interest.’” Grossman noted that SLT asserted its standing to challenge the negative declaration based on evidence that spent lead shot from Willow Wood had been found on Court rules against Somers Land Trust in Mahopac gun club case SEE GUN CLUB PAGE 7 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR A Mahopac man is facing up to 30 years in prison on charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and child pornography after federal prosecutors say they recovered thousands of images and videos from his electronic devices and cloud storage, some created as recently as March of this year. A federal indictment unsealed by Damian Williams, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) alleges that John Towers, 54, used his position as an employee at a “privately owned public park” to hide cameras and record “prepubescent minors in order to capture sexually explicit images” from at least as far back as July 2018. Towers is also accused of taking explicit cellphone images of a pre-pubescent girl in his residence as recently as March. “John Towers’s alleged disturbing conduct violated the public’s trust by placing hidden cameras in a public bathroom and using those cameras to capture sexually explicit images of children,” Williams wrote in a statement. “As [this] arrest shows, we will use every tool available to law enforcement to investigate and prosecute those alleged to have sexually exploited children.” The complaint against Towers was filed in federal court in the SDNY on April 17 and unsealed the following day. Mahopac News previously reported Towers’s arrest by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) in March. According to the SDNY, he was out on bail when he was taken into federal custody. The Sheriff’s Office investigator who testified in the federal affidavit has been part of an FBI task force since 2020. Prosecutors said that in February, investigators received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children detailing “Cybertips” from a cloud-based storage provider. Investigators found that 60 files of children engaging in “sexually explicit activity” were uploaded from a phone allegedly belonging Mahopac man faces federal child pornography charges Details emerge after previously reported arrest SEE CHARGES PAGE 33 Law Offices of Joseph J. Tock 963 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 TOCKLAW.COM • 845-628-8080 CRIMINAL DEFENSE/DWI • PERSONAL INJURY REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS LAW • WILLS, TRUSTS, ESTATES, PROBATE ‘ Professional & personable and delivered everything he promised. ~C.H.
its property, and evidence that lead in excess of EPA-acceptable levels had been detected in groundwater and soil samples taken from its property. However, the judge wrote, “In the Court’s view, SLT’s argument reflects a fundamental misconception of the scope of proceedings before the Planning Board. Willow Wood was in continuous operation as a shooting club from 1955 to the present day. Prior to the creation of the sporting clays course, most of the club’s shooting ranges were located to the east of the access road, in proximity to the wetland, and lead shot was directed toward the wetlands. Measures to prevent lead shot from landing in the wetland or on [SLT] property, to prevent spent lead shot from reaching the wetland via stormwater runoff, and to impede the dissolution of the lead in water, were first instituted in connection with the sporting clays course project. It is, therefore, hardly surprising that spent lead shot and elevated lead levels in soil and groundwater from Willow Wood’s decades-long shooting activity would be found on SLT property.” However, Grossman points out that the only matter before the Planning Board and the only matter to which the negative declaration is addressed was the proposed sporting clays course. “Lamentable as the environmental consequences of Willow Wood’s prior activity may be, those consequences [evidenced by spent shot and elevated lead levels on SLT property] were beyond the scope of the proceedings before the Planning Board and are irrelevant,” the judge concluded while dismissing the Article 78 action. The reaction Residents of Heritage Hills in Somers have been following neighboring SLT’s court case closely. Residents there contend that they too have found unacceptable levels of lead in their soil and water caused by the shooting at Willow Wood and they have independent test results to prove it. “We are incredibly disappointed with the decision,” said Jack Stein, president of Condo 22 in Heritage Hills, where most of the lead shot and broken clay pigeons have been found. “The Planning Board was told of high levels of lead found at Somers Land Trust and they should have stopped and said we need to take this seriously. “I am not disappointed in the judge— he could only go by the info he had,” he continued. “The tests [showed lead levels were] extremely high and that that was not considered was disappointing.” Stein said Condo 22 residents want Willow Wood to construct a chain-link fence with warning signs along the border of the properties. He said they have a group of volunteers who walk the network of trails near Willow Wood who keep their eyes and ears open to any new shooting. “We will not stand by and have them fire at Condo 22 from just 132 feet away,” the company was aware of concerns aired at recent Town Board meetings both in Mahopac and Somers and wanted to address those concerns via a direct online forum with the residents. “It’s an opportunity for us to get the word out and address any kind of questions that the community has, of which there have been several,” Cline said, adding that the company wanted “as many folks as possible [to join the virtual meeting] so we’re getting out factual information as best we can and have an opportunity to address questions and concerns.” According to a flyer promoting the virtual forum, the goal is to “provide the general public with information about the proposed energy storage system in Mahopac.” The flyer states it will be an opportunity to hear from company representatives and subject matter experts about the project, its status in the local permitting process, its impact on the local community, and how safety concerns are being addressed. While maintaining that the technology is safe and meets new federal standards, Cline said that East Point intends to work closely with local fire departments and is in it for the long haul. APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 7 GUN CLUB FROM PAGE 6 Town Board Wednesdays, May 1, 8, 7 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Planning Board Thursday, May 9, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Environmental Conservation Board Thursday, May 2, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Thursday, April 25, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Recreation Advisory Committee Thursday, May 2, 7:30 p.m. Rec Office Building - Sycamore Park Board of Education Thursday, May 23, 7 p.m. MMS Auditorium 421 Baldwin Place Road Protesters lines Route 118 (Tomahawk Street) PHOTOS COURTESY OF FACEBOOK BATTERY FROM PAGE 1 RED MILLS Convenience Center 575 Route 6N, Mahopac Falls • 845-628-9745 We have your grab and go items! OUR COOLERS ARE STOCKED! Your Favorite Cold Beverages & Poland Spring Cases of Water! Happy Spring! We are here if you need anything! Come see our vintage candy shop Mahopac Teachers, Students, School & Bus Garage Employees Buy One Egg Sandwich, Get 2nd HALF OFF Buy Lunch Sandwich, Get a Soda or Coffee FREE Happy Hour Coffee Ask About our coffee club Your 10th Cup is FREE! Any Size 3-7pm Purchase your box of Coffee to go! Buy 10, Get 1 FREE! Try our Coffee Flavors of the Season! Milkshakes & Smoothies $ 399 $ 1 00 OFF Sandwiches 3pm to 7pm We have over 100 helium balloon choices! 99¢ SEE GUN CLUB PAGE 33
PAGE 8 – MAHOPAC NEWS APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE A plan to build two new commercial buildings on a swath of land between Route 6 and Buckshollow Road, which town planners say would dramatically improve the site aesthetically, is ready to move to the public hearing stage of the site plan application. Brothers Nick and John Crecco, owners of DAG Route 6, LLC, are seeking to construct a 10,000-square-foot contractor warehouse and a 3,240-squarefoot office space on 4.8 acres with frontages on both Buckshollow and Route 6. That property, located at 395 Route 6, currently contains a 12,300-foot building with the Pawsitively Petastic doggy daycare and boarding business inside and an associated 14,000-squarefoot play space. Under the plan, the dog-boarding business and play area would remain. However, a 2,800-square-foot two-family dwelling would be removed to make room for the new construction. The plan not only calls for the construction of the new buildings, but would also remove dozens of old trash receptacles, abandoned cars, and other debris. The Creccos are purchasing the bordering Freight Liquidator property to ensure complete access and egress to the property via both Route 6 and Buckshollow Road. The 10,000-foot building would be divided into five units, sometimes referred to as “contractor condominiums.” The concept is to rent the units to those in the trade business, such as plumbers, electricians, and other contractors. It would not include automotive work of any kind. The idea is also to improve the view of the property from the adjacent Putnam Trailway bike path near Buckshollow Road with fencing and landscaping. At the Planning Board’s April 10 meeting, Adam Thyberg, a project landscape architect with Insite Engineering, the design firm overseeing the project, introduced artist renderings of what the building would look like. Town planning consultant Pat Cleary said the design of the buildings was appropriate but needed to be punched up a bit because it will take years before the landscaping and tree planting takes hold along the bike path. “These buildings are at the back of the property, but the back of the property is significantly important to us because it runs along the Trailway,” he said. “So, we asked the applicant to really pay attention ‘Contractor condo’ plan ready for public hearing Project would improve view from Putnam Trailway The proposed 10,000-squarefoot contractor warehouse IMAGE COURTESY OF CARMEL PLANNING DEPARTMENT SEE CONDO PAGE 36 Our Fences Include: Chain Link Aluminum Wood Vinyl Deer Fencing Railings scrfence.com | 914-302-2552 GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS. -Robert Frost See Our Great Selection of Styles & Colors! Material Also Available for DIY. 2013 Crompond Road Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 [email protected] Westchester’s Leading Fence Installer Proud To Be Locally Owned Building Superior Fences at Competitive Prices Proudly Partnered With AFA (American Fence Association) Get This Newspaper’s App On Your Phone Always Stay Informed About News Involving YOUR Town & Schools Android Scan Here iPhone Scan Here Get Our App!
APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 9 SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO! ENJOY 0 DOWN, 0% FINANCING! ACT NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! LIMITED TIME OFFER 845-600-8004 | www.bellmech.com Heat pumps are a cleaner and healthier alternative to traditional heating AND cooling systems. This all in one system will eliminate your need for fossil fuel and help you save thousands. Learn more about rebates & financing options! CALL US TODAY! Keep COOL $AVE THOU$ANDS in Federal, State and Local Incentives on your new HEATPUMP PROJECT EXCLUDES SERVICE CONTRACT • EXP 5/31/24 Coupon must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offer. $50 OFF ANY OF OUR SERVICES with REBATES from BELL! The Carmel Police Department has received two federal grants totaling more than $162,000 that will aid with officer wellness and mental health as well as supporting agency accreditation. The Carmel Police Department was the only law enforcement agency in New York State to receive these highly competitive grants from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS). The first grant, amounting to $49,656, is a product of the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA). These funds will be used to create comprehensive programs geared toward improving the physical and mental well-being of the department’s officers. Recognizing the demanding nature of police work, the program would aim to ensure that officers receive the support necessary for optimal health and resilience. “We firmly believe that a department prioritizing officer well-being is better equipped to deliver the highest standard of service to the community,” the department said in a prepared statement. The second grant, totaling $113,175, is dedicated to supporting law enforcement agencies that seek accreditation. The Carmel Police Department has been preparing to attain agency accreditation through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, a rigorous process only attained by 30 percent of New York law enforcement agencies. This grant will aid that effort to improve department policies, standards, accountability, training, community relations, and the continual enhancement of police services we provide to our town. The CPD statement went on to say that the funding signifies a significant stride for the department, affirming its pledge to “prioritize officer health and elevate our standards to better serve and engage with the community.” Article courtesy of Carmel PD Carmel PD receives grants for mental health programs Domestic Dispute Ends in Arrest On April 12, Carmel Police officers charged a 42-yearold Mahopac woman with second-degree felony assault, misdemeanor criminal possession of a weapon, and third-degree menacing, also a misdemeanor, after responding to a domestic dispute involving a man and woman. The woman allegedly struck the male in the chest with a collapsible metal baton, causing pain and injury. She was subsequently taken into custody and transported to police headquarters for processing. She was arraigned and issued a temporary order of protection by Carmel Justice Jacobellis and released on her own recognizance pending a future court appearance. Pawling Man Arrested for Drug Possession On April 7, Carmel police charged a 38-year-old Pawling resident with two counts of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class A misdemeanor, and one count of fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a class D felony. After being stopped for speeding, police discovered the man was in possession of cocaine, hallucinogenic mushrooms, and ketamine. He was subsequently taken into custody, processed, and released with an appearance ticket pending a future court date in the Carmel Justice Court. Nineteen-year-old Arrested for DWI On April 8, police charged a 19-year-old man from Mahopac with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated along with several traffic infractions, after Police say they observed the vehicle strike a curb and swerve on the roadway. He was taken into custody, processed, and released with an appearance ticket pending a future court date in the Carmel Justice Court. Article courtesy of the Carmel Police Department Police blotter
Opinion BRETT FREEMAN, PUBLISHER EMILE MENASCHÉ, EDITOR TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Editorial Office: 845-208-0774 [email protected] 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those of Mahopac News or its affiliates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail at [email protected]. For more information, call the editor at 845-208-0774 PAGE 10 – MAHOPAC NEWS APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 Happily Ever After The best way to ensure New Yorkers have an opportunity to prosper and make progress in their lives is by enacting a state budget that addresses their needs while strengthening our communities statewide. That’s what we accomplished when the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 State Budget was passed on April 20. We didn’t get everything we wanted, but we successfully fought to restore the Executive’s proposed steep cuts to vital programs and initiatives. This year we made prudent investments for today and tomorrow that will help children succeed in school and keep school taxes down, keep our roadways as safe as possible and protect our environment. Additionally, these investments and policies address concerns residents have regarding affordability and public safety. These investments, substantial as they are, are possible even as the budget delivers the lowest personal income tax rate for residents in over 70 years for New York’s middle class, which the state began to phase in six years ago. These tax savings simply mean New York’s hard-working families keep more of what they earn. The total spending for the FY2024-2025 State Budget is roughly $237 billion, and many of the initiatives in the new budget will have a strong and positive impact on the 40th Senate District (SD40), particularly in public safety, veterans, domestic violence and job creation. Our commitment to education in New York lifts students up while easing the burden on local taxpayers; it is an investment in the future health and well-being of more than our students—it supports our communities and our economy. Increasing state aid to local schools, helping to ensure a quality education regardless of zip code, benefits all of us. Since I first began to serve in the State Senate in 2019, state aid to SD40 schools has increased $208 million annually. In the new budget, the total amount of school aid in SD40 is $543.9 million, up $17.2 million (3.28%) from last year. Also, the budget includes a Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award increase—the first since 2000—from $500 to $1,000 and expanded eligibility. The budget investments in our roadways and public transportation prioritize the safety of commuters and residents statewide, as well as keep our avenues of commerce open for the delivery of goods and services. The State Legislature restored the Executive’s cuts to the Consolidated Local Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) for a total of $598.1 million, which includes $100 million in funding for local roadways. Also in the budget was a $50 million increase in Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM), including a $362K increase in State budget makes prudent investments for today and tomorrow S ince Democrats took control of both houses of the legislature and the Governor’s Office, New York State has increased its spending by $74 billion over the past six years. Meanwhile our state has led the nation in outmigration, ranked as having the highest taxes and the worst economic outlook of all 50 states. The 2024-2025 budget was an opportunity to recalibrate and correct course but sadly it was business as usual. While Gov. Hochul has been running around the state taking victory laps before the budget was even passed, notice how she avoids talking about property tax relief. That’s because nowhere in this ginormous and far reaching spending plan is any attempt to deliver property tax relief to an overworked and overtaxed state. So while Gov. Hochul is giving out high fives, she’s really giving taxpayers more of the same: the nation’s highest taxes and worst economic outlook. At least U-Haul will be pleased. As New Yorkers plan their exits to neighboring states, illegal immigrants will continue to be incentivized to come in thanks in large part to the continued sanctuary state policies that are now being funded by New York taxpayers. In this year’s budget, New York Democrats gave a $2.4 billion handout to pay for the ongoing migrant crisis fueled by New York’s sanctuary policies. Based on the debate I engaged in on the floor of the Assembly, our partners on the other side of the aisle have no idea how much we have already spent, plan on spending or even how many migrants are currently benefiting from taxpayer funded services. But this much is clear: this budget spends more on services to illegal immigrants than the investments made in childcare, mental health services or desperately needed state road repairs. Speaking of our state roads, my office hears more about the poor condition of our infrastructure than any other issue – and rightfully so. Earlier this year, I joined a bipartisan coalition of Hudson Valley state lawmakers to demand $400 million be included for state roads as part of this year’s budget. Despite overwhelming data (Hudson Valley being rated the worst state roads in New York State), advocacy by building and trades unions and a Democrat crafted state budget falls short Fails to address affordability, public safety & illegal immigration SEE HARCKHAM PAGE 12 SEE SLATER PAGE 12 SENATOR PETE HARCKHAM GUEST COLUMNIST ASSEMBLYMAN MATT SLATER GUEST COLUMNIST
PAGE 11 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 ‘Life without music would be a mistake.’ -Frederick Nietzsche I watched the coverage of the big Eras tour by Taylor Swift this past fall and winter with morbid fascination. I would see these huge football stadiums packed with adoring fans and parking lots filled with tween girls who didn’t have a ticket but wanted to hang out with their moms, drinking Vitamin water and exchanging friendship bracelets. Looking at all this Tayor Swift brew-ha-ha on my TV screen, three thoughts occurred to me: 1. I would rather have heat-tempered bamboo shoots driven under my fingernails than attend one of those things. 2. The day I’d go to a concert with a parent at my side is notice that the End of Days is neigh. 3. And last—these Eras shows reminded me of something, and it took me a while to put my finger on it. It reminded me of the Grateful Dead. That might seem like a bit of a reach, but if you think about it, the packed arenas, the unwavering (and, at times, disconcerting) fan devotion, and the dynamic social scene transpiring in the parking lots—that all could be from a Dead show. There are some major differences though. You didn’t see a lot of 13-year-old girls with their moms and aunts at a Dead show. While both acts provided ample opportunities to indulge in consumer-fueled aspirations, the stuff for sale in the parking lot of a Dead show was not licensed, or corporate sponsored, or FDA approved; it was usually made by a Dead Head—a tie-dyed T-shirt, a bumper sticker, falafels, grilled cheese sandwiches. These “vendors” would find a place in the parking lot and line up to hawk their wares. It was affectionately referred to as Shakedown Street, which is also the name of a Dead album. Generally, the police left them alone. Generally. They were just trying to raise enough money to buy a ticket for the next show in the next town. The Swifties aren’t able to do that. Selling a dozen falafels won’t get the job done anymore. They would probably have to sell a 2018 Subaru Outback to raise enough money for the next show. Dead shows celebrated the counterculture. Swift’s shows revel in the celebrity and the spectacle of it all. Taylor is the culture. Some Republicans think Taylor is secretly trying to help get Biden re-elected. I don’t know about that, but I will say no one ever accused any president of trying to enlist the Grateful Dead’s help to get elected. I am not trying to put Taylor down. She seems like a good person (despite accusations she indulges in Satanic rituals on stage). She is just working within the world she’s been handed by the 21st-century music industry. When the Dead started in the 1960s, unlike Taylor, there was no corporation anywhere that wanted to be associated with them. They kind of found their own way, groping along organically to eventual fame and (a little) fortune. It took them 20 years to even chart a Top 10 hit. I saw The Dead 48 times, which by Dead Head standards is actually pretty tame. My first show was in November 1978 at the Rochester War Memorial while I was attending college in Oswego. I saw a lot of shows during that period. But the one that sticks out the most was one in Syracuse— not so much for the actual concert but because we hitchhiked. If my parents had known, they would have gone Let there be songs to fill the air BOB DUMAS OUT OF MY HEAD SEE DUMAS PAGE 14
APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 12 FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HOT WATER HEATER & GAS NEEDS 60 Years of Excellence 719 Rte. 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com TAKE $50 OFF ANY DEWINTERIZATION— HOSEBIBS, POOL HOUSES AND OUTDOOR SHOWERS INTO ACTION! Spring FUN for the Whole Family! FOOD • VENDORS ENTERTAINMENT CARMEL Spring FAIR Has partnered with: The Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce brings you the annual Gleneida Ave. between Fair St. & Vink Dr. Sat. May 18th (Raindate Sun. May 19th) 12–4pm VENDORS WANTED! To sign up go to www.mahopaccarmelchamber.com or call 845-628-5553 HARCKHAM FROM PAGE 10 SLATER FROM PAGE 10 bipartisan coalition, Gov. Hochul simply refused to approve this desperately needed allocation. So when you hit a pothole on a state road, give Gov. Hochul a call and thank her at 518-474-8390. Now, despite these glaring omissions and disappointments, there were some positive measures that were included in this year’s budget. Personally, I was very pleased to see foundation aid fully restored for our public schools as well as avoiding Governor Hochul’s proposed cuts to the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program, which our local towns and villages rely on to pave local roads. The flat allocation is better than a cut but once again fails to acknowledge the escalating construction costs and will inevitably force our highway superintendents to do more with less. I was also pleased to see Democrats finally take some action regarding public safety. While I would have loved to have seen all of their pro-criminal policies rolled back, there were modest enhancements that do acknowledge the true state of affairs in communities across our state. Enhancing penalties for crimes against retail workers, implementing additional judicial safeguards and expanding hate crime offenses are great steps forward, but there is still a lot left on the table that will further improve public safety. And of course, despite three police officers being killed in the line of duty in the last month, absolutely nothing was done to enhance protections for our law enforcement officers. Another win that can be highlighted is cracking down on the illegal sale of cannabis. This is another topic where I worked with a bipartisan coalition in the Assembly to address. I am pleased to see both of our measures approved in the final budget, which will strengthen the enforcement authority of the Office of Cannabis Management to combat the thousands of unlicensed businesses selling cannabis illegally. The new measures will suspend correlating state licenses to sell lotto, cigarettes and alcohol, and more importantly, finally allow local law enforcement to act in accordance with local laws that our towns will be able to pass. Looking ahead, I will continue to work with my colleagues to pass common sense reforms that combat New York’s affordability crisis, enhance public safety and give everyone an opportunity to succeed. Assemblyman Matt Slater represents the 94th Assembly District, which includes parts of Putnam and Westchester counties, including the towns of Kent, Patterson, Putnam Valley, Carmel, Southeast, Somers and Yorktown, as well as the village of Brewster. SD40 to a total of $4.08 million, a 9.75% increase from the previous year. These funds will help maintain our infrastructure and support local vital services. Similarly, New York’s budget investments in environmental conservation will continue our work in protecting the environment and fighting climate change in the new state budget, which contains important funding for infrastructure to deliver drinking water to our communities. This year we restored clean water infrastructure funding to $500 million, included $400 million for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and directed $7.5 million to the Hudson River Estuary Management Program. There is more work to be done, and residents should know that we simply cannot put off making these necessary investments that will lead to a cleaner, more sustainable future for all of us. Our communities deserve the utmost support for their public safety professionals and programs. Protecting our residents day and night is perhaps the most important aspect of responsible governance, and the investments we made along these lines in this budget are key to upholding the law and fighting crime. Locally, this meant $3 million for Westchester County Parkway police initiative; statewide, there is funding to reduce and prevent gun violence, prosecute crimes of domestic violence and provide mental health services for schoolaged children. This new budget acknowledges the challenges we are facing, and the importance of safeguarding our residents as they seek opportunities to better their lives. New York State continues to prepare itself for the years ahead by making smart investments and finding solutions to support our residents and business owners. Sen. Pete Harckham represents the 40th Senate District, which includes the towns of Carmel, Kent, Patterson and Southeast, and the village of Brewster in Putnam County; the town of Stony Point in Rockland County; and the city of Peekskill, the towns of Bedford, Cortlandt, Lewisboro, New Castle, North Salem, Ossining, Somers and Yorktown, the town/village of Mount Kisco, and the villages of Briarcliff Manor, Buchanan, Croton-onHudson and Ossining in Westchester County. He is chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee. Gov. Hochul simply refused to approve this desperately needed allocation. So when you hit a pothole on a state road, give Gov. Hochul a call and thank her at 518-474-8390.’ -Assemblyman Matt Slater
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Someone got us to Fulton and dropped us just outside the Nestle’s chocolate factory. It smelled amazing. It was like walking through the middle of the world’s largest chocolate bar. (Sadly, that plant closed down a few decades ago.) Eventually, another motorist showed mercy, picked us up, and took us all the way back to campus. Here is what I remember most about that guy. He was very excited and animated. He liked telling stories and he had a thick accent I could not put my finger on. He sounded a little like the Wild and Crazy Guys from “Saturday Night Live.” He found out we were in college and told us about his son, who, much to his chagrin, dropped out of college to get married. “I tell him, you crazy,” he said. “I say to him, why buy a cow, when-a you can getta da milk for frreeeee!” It was the first time any of us had heard that expression. The fact that it was something a father told his son made it even more hysterical. It is amusing that I remember that moment more than anything about the actual show we just came from. But I do have plenty of amazing musical memories accumulated over the years that are on the forever playlist inside my mind’s radio. The instrumental interlude of “Eleanor Rigby” during one of Jerry Garcia’s guitar solos during a Jerry Garcia Band concert at Oswego still rings loudly. I was just discussing it the other day with an old college friend who was at that show with me. We both remember that so clearly... a 120-second guitar solo played nearly 45 years ago. Weird. The last Grateful Dead show I ever attended was in the summer of 1994 at Sam Boyd Stadium on the campus of UNLV. It was about 100 degrees out on that scorching Las Vegas afternoon. They had firehoses set up around the perimeter of the field and occasionally they would douse us with sprays of cool water. You’d get soaked but would be dry again in like 10 minutes. Garcia did not look well. His normally snow-white hair had taken on a sickly yellow hue. He was forgetting more lyrics than usual. About a year later, at the age of 54, he died. I was devastated. But I did get to see 48 shows, hear some amazing music and meet some fascinating people. And for that, I am Grateful. My musical tastes range well beyond the Grateful Dead and I’ve seen so many amazing shows over the years. I try to estimate how many shows, but that is nearly impossible. If I had to guess, I would say around 500... give or take. It seemed like Aerosmith concerts gave me the most difficult time. The first time I went to see them was at Wollman Rink in Central Park for the annual summerlong Dr. Pepper Summer Music Festival. It was general admission, so fans would line up outside the gate throughout the afternoon. We were walking through the Park, on our way to do just that. About 50 yards away, a city employee was mowing the lawn with this huge mower. He ran over some dirt and the mower kicked out a stone, which proceeded to streak across the lawn and nailed me right in the ankle. I went down like a Jenga tower when the wrong brick got pulled. The ankle swelled up like a giant marshmallow. But I would not be deterred. My friends put my arms around their shoulders and walked me the rest of the way. We took ice from the cooler and put it on the wound. Shots of tequila furtively sold to us by an Italian ice vendor helped ease the pain. At the show, I actually danced on my chair. The next day, x-rays showed the stone had chipped the ankle bone and I needed a boot. It was worth it, but apparently, the band wasn’t kidding when they sang, “Walk this way!” The second time I went to see Aerosmith they were supposed to play an outdoor show at Colt Park in Hartford. However, a hurricane was heading up the coast right toward us. It didn’t bother me and my friends, so we couldn’t figure out why it would bother anyone else. Nonetheless, we got to Colt Park and found out the show had been postponed for one day and moved to Springfield, Mass. We shrugged, said, “OK, where the hell is Springfield?” and then, without blinking, headed to Massachusetts and found us a rickety old motel room to rent. We were steadfast and resilient. Plus, we were 20, which makes being steadfast and resilient so much easier. Oh, I could regale you all day long with so many other stories about my adventures on the road going to concerts. But ya’ll already know way too much about me as it is. In the song “Ripple,” the Grateful Dead sings, “Let there be songs to fill the air...” I agree, and apparently so does God. Now, I do not go around quoting the Bible much, but in 1 Corinthians 14:15 (ESV), it says, “I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.” I can testify that through all those Dead shows, my mind was moved to sing... a lot. Bob Dumas is editor at large for Halston Media. He likes to rock ’n’ roll all night and “part of ” every day. Send him a note at [email protected]. DUMAS FROM PAGE 11
APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 15 The Associated Press recently ran a story about a man named Salvatore LoGrande and how a year after his death the Massachusetts Medicaid department filed a claim against his estate for $177,000 in order to recover their claims for Medicaid services and expenses provided on his behalf. Mr. LoGrande had been receiving care at home through the Medicaid home care program. When he applied for Medicaid, he was advised that his beloved home did not disqualify him from eligibility as it was exempt as his homestead, which was correct. Unfortunately, he was not advised that if the home was in his name alone at the time of his death, and thus a “probate” asset, that Medicaid could assert a lien/claim against any “probate” asset. The same would be true in New York State. For almost four decades, I have been counseling clients, especially those that cannot afford to pay for their care at home and/or in a nursing home without significantly depleting their life savings, to transfer said assets (non-IRA/non-Retirement) to an Irrevocable Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) and in some circumstances, depending on their age and finances, to a Revocable Living Trust. In New York, Medicaid can only enforce claims and liens against “probate” assets (assets in the decedent’s name alone on date of death) after a Medicaid recipient’s passing. Thus, whether one is single or married, if applying for Medicaid home care or nursing home care in the near future is even a remote possibility, then avoiding “probate” should be strongly considered. According to the Associated Press article, New York and Ohio are the two leading states in enforcing their claims/liens against a decedent’s estate. Unfortunately, many seniors believe that by having a Last Will & Testament they will avoid “probate” upon their demise. Sadly, this is not the case and if they die with assets (bank accounts, real property, condominiums, co-ops, stock, etc.) in their name alone, their Last Will and Testament is not valid and their named Executor has no access to their assets until the Will has been admitted to “probate” and accepted by the Court as a valid will issuing “Letters Testamentary” to the named Executor. Furthermore, because these assets are in the Decedent’s name alone, they are within reach of a Medicaid claim against the decedent’s estate. This can be devastating to a family who thought that the family home, for example, was protected. In conclusion, I do not believe there is any legitimate and valid reason to have a decedent’s estate go through “probate” if it can be avoided with an Irrevocable or Revocable Living Trust. This is especially important if Medicaid benefits have been received by the decedent during his or her life! Anthony J. Enea is the managing partner of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP of White Plains, New York. 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 is also fluent in Italian. He can be reached at 914-948-1500 or at [email protected]. FOCUS ON ELDER LAW ANTHONY J. ENEA GUEST CORNER States are targeting decedents’ estates! They are actively asserting Medicaid claims/liens According to the Associated Press article, New York and Ohio are the two leading states in enforcing their claims/ liens against a decedent’s estate.’ -Anthony J. Enea, managing partner Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP
PAGE 16 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 Installation to existing gas lines Safety check On-site tank requirement assessment New customer pricing Automatic delivery Budget payment plans Web portal and mobile app for easy account management 24/7/365 emergency service 1-800-PROPANE Mention Code: 3822 *Offer expires 4/30/2024. Tank installation special applies to standard installation of above-ground tank. Offer applies to new residential customers with a fuel service agreement, subject to credit approval. Customer is responsible for the removal of competitor’s tank. Not to be combined with any other offer or discount. Other restrictions may apply. Valid at participating location only. Call for details. LIMITED TIME OFFER 1-800-776-7263 SWITCH & SAVE! New Suburban Propane automatic delivery customers receive*: FREE PLUS I am an animal of depth, as opposed to Pip, who is an animal without depth. What I mean is that no dog, I am reasonably sure, has ever asked themself who they are or how they got here. No dog has ever contemplated, say, the void in their armpit or found nirvana, since they wouldn’t know what it was when they got there. That said, every time I take Pip for a walk along the trail, she somehow leads me there. I am not sure if Pip remembers being a puppy, but she awakens my childhood fancies. Everything comes and goes in a lightening change. Pip hits the trail like a small child let loose in a playground. She doesn’t know where to run first. Spring, as of this writing, is still just a tiny flowering. The bare treetops are silvery/white, then blinding white, then gold. They are noisy, telling a story that no one believes. A single blue bluebird cries for a mate. Squirrels try to remember where they hid last year’s acorns. Watery spring is a mud puddle. Pip finds it. Some of the red and white oak trees that we pass along the trail have been standing since the first settlers arrived. I think of them as living monuments. No, that makes no sense. You must be dead and known for something to be a monument. Trees are more like road signs that connect us to the past, the present and the future. And, in some respects, trees connect us to ourselves. The word “human” comes from the Latin “humas,” soil or earth. But our connection to trees is more than just compost. Trees have consciousness. The more we are aware of them, the more they are aware of us. It is time for a snack and a little meditation. For the uninitiated, the best way I can describe what’s supposed to happen during meditation is to describe a method that a member of my group uses. She plays her favorite music so low that she can barely hear it, but it doesn’t matter because when the music hits the chosen notes it sounds as if a full orchestra is playing. The music starts to play inside her. There is no “one” way to meditate. In the West, “mindful” meditation, or transcendental meditation has become popular. It works as a stress reliever, but it can also move mountains. In Eastern, non-dual traditions, the mountains are not just metaphorical. The mountains are veils that keep us from our truest selves, our Buddha natures. A veil, not a mountain, is the impediment. But I think that between Jesus and Buddha, the meaning is the same. I use whatever is available to help me meditate. Today, it is a white oak tree. Tomorrow it might be a tiny seed or the sky, a rain cloud. Pip is an advanced meditator. She sniffs the air in an awakened state, her nose twitching, eyes half-closed, no doubt in samadhi (no thought). “Pip,” I say, “Pippy, Pipster, Pipino, are they cooking French fries in Nebraska?” Pip and I tried a new trail that day, and it was getting late. I didn’t want to worry my brother, who is very protective of her. He gave me Pip when she was around 10 weeks old to cheer me up after my cat disappeared. Pip’s teeth were small but sharp. As a pup, if she were Happy trails with Pip Battery farm moratorium – Why not us? Dear Editor, Throughout NYS since early 2023, there has been a growing public health/safety concern in regard to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). In March 2023, the Southold Town Board approved a 12-month moratorium on BESS facilities. On March 29, 2024, they extended their widely supported moratorium for an additional 12 months. The Southampton Town Board enacted a sixmonth BESS moratorium in August 2023 and renewed it for an additional six months in February 2024. In October 2023, Brasher placed a 12-month moratorium on BESS facilities. In addition, numerous municipalities are drawing up their own regulations to govern this new technology of battery storage systems. Earlier this year, the “will of the people” won in Racquette Lake when the company, “National Grid,” scrapped plans for a battery energy storage facility. Despite contributing to cleaner energy, these battery systems are uniquely susceptible to extreme weather conditions, possibly causing environmental hazards. Lightning strikes, heavy rain, wildfires, and other weather events can all cause these batteries to malfunction. Lithium cells can experience thermal runaway, which causes them to release very hot flammable, toxic gases. In large storage systems, failure of one lithium cell can cascade to include hundreds of individual cells. The hot flammable gases can result in an explosion, or a very difficult fire to extinguish. It is now time that the Carmel Town Board explain why in early 2023 they did not consider a moratorium and they still are not considering a moratorium! The No. 1 responsibility of the Town Board is the safety and wellbeing of the residents and business owners. Write to the Carmel Town Board requesting a moratorium. It is the will of the people. -Joyce Lambert Mahopac LETTER LORENZO GARO OF HUMAN INTEREST SEE GARO PAGE 17
APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 17 Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. Managing Member • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500 WHITE PLAINS • SOMERS • WWW.ESSLAWFIRM.COM • Asset Protection • Elder Law • Medicaid Applications (Nursing Home/Home Care) • Guardianships (Contested/Non-Contested) • Wills, Trusts & Estates Past Chair of Elder Law Section of NYS Bar Association “Super Lawyer” In Elder Law for 16 consecutive years CALL NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 914.948.1500 Do you know what steps you can take to avoid your estate going to probate? human, they probably would have placed her in a straitjacket. She bit me three times… the first week. So, I did the sensible thing. I gave her back to my brother and have forever since been both guilty and exceedingly glad. Some dogs may lower blood pressure. Pip is about half Jack Russel terrier, half beagle. Anyone familiar with those breeds knows that beagles are bred for stubbornness, Jack Russels for tenacity. If Pip had a warning label, it would read: Consult your doctor if you have hypertension. This mutt may not be for you. I was not exactly sure which trail pointed the way home. Either was Pip. She didn’t care. If I led her into the wilderness, she would lay down by my side, content as ever. She has no idea how dumb I am. I prodded her to show me the way, but she looked confused. I am supposed to show her the way. But suddenly she sprinted ahead, straight as an arrow. I followed. Pip may not be an animal of depth, but at least she knows her way home. GARO FROM PAGE 16 Dear Dr. Linda, Is it too early to start to study for finals? Here’s why I ask. Last year my son waited until the last minute and it made the last few weeks in June a nightmare! I just don’t want it to happen again. Any advice? -Pat Dear Pat, It’s never too early! In fact, students who start preparing for finals weeks ahead have an advantage. Even though that’s hard for most teenagers to understand, it makes sense. Share the following with your son. To prepare for final exams, do the following: • Place the name of each exam on the date it will be given on your calendar. Be sure to specify if the exam is given in the morning or afternoon. • Then count the number of days, from today to the date of each exam on the calendar. From that number, deduct the number of days you will not be able to study. For example, every Sunday is booked up with sports or other activities, or June 5 is your recital, or June 9 is your cousin’s wedding. Don’t study then. It’s not realistic and if you start to prepare for tests early, there is no need to drag your books with you while you play ball or dance at the wedding. You can relax and have a good time because you planned ahead. No less will you ruin a great time, but you won’t learn that much. It’s been shown that studying for a test while multitasking lowers your grade and takes longer to learn the material. • Now that you have a realistic estimate of the number of days you have until your tests, put the number next to the test on your calendar. Ex: English, 40 days; Math, 38 days, etc. • Next, talk to your teachers to find out if they, or any other teachers, are having review sessions. Mark the dates on your calendar and make every effort to attend them. Then gather all the notes, handouts, whatever, that you have gathered throughout the year and put them all in one place, one notebook, one folder, one section of a file folder online. Organize them into topics and the topics into smaller chunks of three to five pieces of material you need to learn. Then learn each small chunk of material each day. In addition, review the material you learned on previous days. Use learning strategies that worked for you in the past. You need to practice everything you’re learning over and over again in order to move it into your long-term memory. Finally, if you suffer from one or all of what I call the three “tions”—disorganization, lack of motivation, procrastination, here’s some advice to help you succeed. Disorganized? If so, write everything down that you need to do. Yes, write it. You use more brain cells when you write. Then, next to each “to do” item, write the day and approximate time you’ll do it. This will get that overwhelmed feeling out of your head and onto a list. Follow the list, and you’ll stay on top. Unmotivated? If so, think about where you want to be in five or 10 years. Write down the short-term goals, the steps you must first accomplish in order to achieve your long-term goal. Refer to them regularly, but especially when you find yourself slipping. Inclined to procrastinate? If you always find something else to do rather than start preparing for your finals, find a study pal who doesn’t suffer from procrastination. By working with someone else, you’re more likely to succeed at getting your studying done. -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. Start studying for final exams NOW DR. LINDA SILBERT STRONG LEARNING
PAGE 18 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 BUYING ONLY 845-628-0362 WE WILL COME TO YOU! 53 WE BUY: YEARS! Gold • Sterling Silver Jewelry • Coins Paintings • Bronzes Clocks • Collectibles Antiques • ETC. Items for sale? Call us! Your One-Stop Shop for Deck Building Materials Mahopac Railroad Tie Experts in Deck Lumber 911 Route 6, Mahopac, NY • 845-628-8111 • www.decklumber.com DECKING & RAILING BY RABBI YEHUDA HEBER GUEST COLUMNIST Passover is celebrated by Jews every year, commemorating the anniversary of the Jewish nation’s miraculous Exodus from Egyptian slavery, as told in the Bible. This year, Passover began on the eve of Monday, April 22, and it ends the night of Tuesday, April 30. One of the principle practices of Passover is to refrain from eating products made of grain flour that have been allowed to rise, such as bread, cakes and cookies. Such products are referred to as “chametz - leavened.” Rather, we eat matzah, a large cracker made of flour and water that is baked so quickly, it does not have time to rise. There is a large variety of “kosher for Passover” products made with alternative flours. Why all this fuss about our food rising or not? Historically, the food the Israelites ate when they were finally freed from slavery in Egypt was matzah. They left in such a hurry that their dough did not have time to rise, thus turning into matzah. But symbolically, there is another message in the matzah. Chametz — grain that has fermented and bloated — represents that swelling of ego that enslaves the soul more than any external prison. The flat, unpretentious matzah represents the humility, self-effacement and commitment that are the ultimate liberators of the human spirit. When we live our lives with the attitude of “Chametz,” we are slaves to our egos. We hyper focus on what others think of us and how to impress them. We put all our energies towards making ourselves comfortable. We dare not do the difficult, for fear that it will disrupt our equilibrium. All of our decisions revolve around ourselves and our comfort zones. We are too big to apologize when we are wrong and too concerned with our self-image to do anything we deem to be below it, even if we know in our hearts that it may be right. Then there is the attitude of matzah. Matzah is flat and humble, not having risen. It represents humility rather than arrogance and self-preoccupation. It lives for a purpose higher than itself. It lives to make a difference. It lives to give to others. It is free from self-absorption and therefore free to act on and defend what it believes is right. It does not spend its time thinking about itself, rather, it spends its time thinking about what it can do for others. Who can it help? Which cause can it aid? It remains committed to its goal, despite the discomforts it may encounter. As we eat the matzah this year, may the symbolism of this ancient food become ingrained within us, guiding us to becoming the best version of ourselves! It is difficult to think of the Festival of Freedom for the Israelites without thinking of the horrible massacre that took place in Israel on Oct. 7 this past year. Our hearts are with the bereaved families, our prayers are for the wounded and the hostages who are still being held captive in Gaza. May they finally be freed. As we celebrate Passover this year, let us pray for true peace in the Middle East, and freedom from the reign of evil groups. For more details concerning the holiday of Passover, visit ChabadYorktown. com/Passover. Wishing you and yours a very Happy and Kosher Passover! Yehuda Heber is rabbi at the Yorktown Chabad. Passover reflections Embracing humility and seeking freedom amidst remembrance For the past seven years, my wife Stephanie has worked for our county in children’s support services. Her department works with foster children and their parents and helps with adoptions and related support services for adoptive and foster parents. Over the years, she has seen heartbreaking as well as heartwarming stories. The caseworkers in her office looking after their young charges are amazing people who have challenging assignments. Several of them were called to their profession after having been brought up in the foster care system themselves. A couple are also foster parents. As I’m sure you can imagine, her experiences have given us a much better appreciation for what we sometimes take for granted with our reasonably normal family life and gratitude for what we have. What we consider big problems pale by comparison to what many children have to endure. Stephanie’s father was orphaned as an infant in England a few years before the beginning of World War II. During the Blitz, his orphanage was evacuated to New York where he enrolled at Christopher Columbus High School in the Bronx. Counting our blessings A look at orphanages, foster system and two-parent homes DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT SEE SCOTT PAGE 19
APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 19 85 Myrtle Avenue, Mahopac, NY 10541 845-628-7500 • www.pineg rovecou ntrydayscho ol .com Certified by NYS Department of Education/NYS Department of Social Service • Infant (6weeks - 12 months) • Wobbler/Toddler (12-36 months) • Preschool (3-5 yrs) • Pre-K (older 4’s) • Before & After School (5-12 yrs) Now accepting CAMP REGISTRATION for Summer 2024! Now accepting CAMP REGISTRATION for Summer 2024! JUNK REMOVAL DUMPSTERS 3 DUMPSTER ON WHEELS 10,12,15,18 yd. 3 CONTAINERS 15, 20, 30 yd 3 JUNK REMOVAL Michael Procopis • [email protected] www.MVPJunkRemoval.com (914 703-2626 Scan Here To Sign Up (It’s FREE!) Get YOUR Town’s Local News In Your Inbox Daily SCOTT FROM PAGE 18 Through a twist of fate, he ended up at The Hill School in Pennsylvania where he met a classmate whose family eventually adopted him and supported him through college. He always referred to himself as the luckiest guy on the planet. Beginning in the 1950s, orphanages in this country have largely been replaced by foster care, which is probably an improvement. Still, children brought up in the system face enormous challenges. I recently picked up a book (OK, I didn’t pick it up, I downloaded it and listened to it) written by Rob Henderson titled, “Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class.” His story traces a harrowing childhood spent in seven different foster homes before middle school. After finally being adopted, his adoptive family splits up and his adoptive father cuts off his relationship with him. Robert Kim Henderson draws his first name from a biological father he never met, his middle name from a drug addicted mother that gave him up for adoption at the age of 3, and his last name from an estranged adoptive father. His upbringing is not the classic recipe for success. Nonetheless, after high school he joined the Air Force and began to get his life on track. He used the G.I. Bill to attend Yale University, where he excelled enough to be admitted to Oxford University, where he earned a Ph.D. in psychology. His insights about class, education and credentials are eye-opening and almost always supported by research and statistics. His success notwithstanding, only 6% of kids raised in foster homes go on to attend college compared with 62% to the population at large. He describes his first class at Yale of 20 kids, 18 of which came from two-parent homes. He observed that throughout his entire childhood, none of his friends ever came from a two-family home. None of his friends attended college. Three are in prison. And another was killed in a drug deal gone bad. Much of his postgraduate research has focused on the importance of a stable family life on success in higher education, career and earnings. Clearly, he is the exception to this rule. I was hoping to hear more from him about suggestions for reform of our current foster system. Maybe that’s in a future book. Because of my wife’s experiences at work, I was fascinated by his story and journey. It was a great reminder to appreciate what we have and to underscore the importance of family and to support those who aren’t quite so fortunate.
PAGE 20 MAHOPAC NEWS – APMahopac students are putting their talent on display at the annual Mahopac School District Art Show, which opened last week and runs through May 7 at two venues: Mahopac Library (for works by students in K-5) and the Putnam Arts Council’s Belle Levine Center (for pieces by middle and high school students). We were on hand for the opening day “Art Hop” and were overwhelmed by the number and variety of artistic media and styles. Here are just a few examples. A Mahopac elementary school art student gets a lift from his number one fan at the Mahopac Library. PHOTO COURTESY OF MAHOPAC CSD A ’Pac of talent! Rileigh Jackson, freshman PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL Scan Here (It’s FGet YOURLocal In Your InAWARD WINNER LIC. REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATE BROKER Grace Vinciguerra Come See Us At Our New Location! PUTNAM WINDOW TINT AUTO , COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL WINDOW FILM Follow us on Instagram 1065 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • Paint protection film • Vehicle lettering • Full Service vehicle wraps • gift cards available Over 35 in Business Years
PRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 PAGE 21 Sevina Kissoon, junior Lakeview fifth grader Amelie Castillo looks on as her mom points to her ceramic sculpture at Mahopac Library. PHOTO: EMILE MENASCHE !Junior Jordanna Palombo Jayden Kennedy, Victoria Backiel, junior, with freshman her pencil drawing. Katherine Kennedy, a freshman, with her two-point perspective piece done in colored pencil on black. Derek Bowen, eighth grade, with his creation To Sign Up REE!) R Town’s News nbox Daily www.summertrailsdaycamp.com CURRENTLY HIRING STAFF! CALL FOR A TOUR! 914.245.1776 Come indulge in scenic Lake Mahopac • New & Pre-owned Boats • Service & Repairs • Docking & Storage • Boating Accessories 1 Marina Dr. • Mahopac, NY • 845-628-2333 57 macdonaldmarineny.net MacDonaldMarineNY
PAGE 22 – MAHOPAC NEWS HEALTH & WELLNESS APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 Perrone Family CHIROPRACTIC 925 Route 6 • Mahopac, NY 10541 • Tel: (845)628-3805 Serving the Mahopac Community for Over 25 Years We will take care of you like family. perronechiro.com [email protected] Less Pain • Feel Great • Better Health CALL US TODAY! CHIROPRACTIC • MASSAGE THERAPY • ACUPUNCTURE SPINAL DECOMPRESSION • NEUROFEEDBACK • WEIGHT LOSS In Pain? We Can Help! 17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults There is enough information out there to realize that long periods of improper sitting can cause health issues, and even be life threatening over time. According to the Mayo Clinic, long term sitting is a contributory factor to obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease and cancer. That is the short list. Let’s go back to our distant ancestors to start to understand this problem. According to an article in the National Academy of Science Journal (PNAS), “sedentary time in hunter-gatherers is often spent in postures like squatting.” There was also more floor sitting but not for long periods. Many years later, we evolved into a society that encourages long periods of sitting in chairs. Even though our bodies are constantly trying to adapt to regular sitting, it is adversely affecting our health. How does it affect your health? Longterm sitting lessens activity. Our bodies are designed in a way that activity is vital to maintaining your health. Lack of movement from sitting can throw off blood sugar levels, contributing to diabetes. Sitting for long periods can also increase stress, which can contribute to a plethora of health issues. It also restricts blood flow in the legs through compression, which can cause blood clots. Long-term sitting can alter posture and put stresses on the spine, which can cause microtrauma. This can create damage to the spine and intervertebral discs, leading to pain, arthritis, and disc herniations. It also overstretches some muscles and weakens others, leading to imbalances. Poor posture causes chest and abdomen compression, which makes it more difficult for the heart to pump and digestive organs to work efficiently. That same compression can cause decreased lung efficiency, affecting oxygen intake into the lungs and ultimately decreasing your energy. What can we do about it? Get up! You should be sitting no longer than 30-40 minutes at a time, according to Hospital for Special Surgery (I suggest 20 minutes if possible.) Sit-stand desks can be very helpful. These are desks that go up and down, allowing you to work in a sitting or standing position. Therefore, you can change your position regularly while still working. Practice proper posture when sitting in a chair. Feet should be on the floor, knees at 90 degrees and back relatively straight with support at your lumbar spine. But again, limit time in this position if possible. Sitting on the floor daily can also be helpful. It helps stretch and work different muscles as well as changes the pressures on the joints. It also has been shown to help decrease falls. Sitting on an exercise ball is another way to be kind to your body. Shifting around when sitting on an exercise ball and regularly shifting around works muscles and redistributes pressures on joints. Squatting (no weights) is great for developing muscle balance coordination and strength as well as stretching certain muscles. This is for advanced people and only for very short periods, so you do not overwork your knees. Stretching, especially hips, shoulders and spine can counteract the effects of sitting. Get out of your chair and exercise. Make sure you start slow and build up. If you do not know what to do, speak to your healthcare provider or trainer. The act of sitting is not a health problem, but the length of time and position that you are in is the issue. Bottom line, we were not designed to sit long periods, especially in bad postural positions. As a chiropractor, I understand how important it is for people to address this issue to live healthier lives. Unfortunately, I could not write about every aspect of this subject in this short article. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me. Please start making changes today to take better care of your body. It will make you healthier, but it also may save your life. Dr. Chris Perrone, DC, has been in practice for 29 years and has extensive experience in treating sports, spinal and muscle injuries. He is presently practicing at Perrone Family Chiropractic, 925 Route 6, in Mahopac. He can be reached at 845-628-3805. Is sitting really the new smoking? DR. CHRIS PERRONE GUEST CORNER Advertise With Us When you advertise with Mahopac News, you are reaching thousands of households and businesses throughout Mahopac, Mahopac Falls and portions of Carmel. To advertise or to place a classified, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected].
APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 HEALTH & WELLNESS MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 23 AFC Carmel (next to Starbucks) 1874B US 6, Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512 914.380.8588 afcurgentcare.com/carmel M-F: 8am-8pm, S-S: 8am-5pm Don’t let allergies slow you down. We’re open seven days a week with short wait times and flexible hours, ready to provide you and your family with quality seasonal allergy treatment. We can help you spend less time sniffling, and more time doing what you love. Elder Law Wills, Trusts & Estates Estate Planning Medicaid Applications Guardianships Probates Elder Law & Estate Planning A Tradition of Excellence in Elder Law (845) 621-8640 thefellergroup.com 625 Route 6, Mahopac NY 10541 We make home & hospital visits Contact the team today! (845) 621-8640 Nursing home owners have had enough... and you should take notice. For decades, elder care attorneys and nursing home business offices maintained an uneasy peace. Both groups attempted to achieve a balance – acknowledging the reality that a family was trying not to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars while competently securing a Medicaid solution for costs of care. Today, that peace is starting to fray. With costs soaring, nursing home operators are wary of Medicaid planning that originated out of their control. Delays in pick-up dates, penalties, denials and miscommunications have caused nursing homes to take a financial hit. Nursing homes are increasingly demanding control over the entire process before a resident can transition smoothly into their new living arrangement. While that is a logical reaction, the increased pressure on families simultaneously dealing with an ill loved one and the complex legal landscape for longterm care is a recipe for disaster. Experienced professionals on both sides of the process have a shared language and shorthand that can dispense with most issues quickly and efficiently. Each side having their own representation ensures that consideration is given to all agendas. Removing these buffers, limiting proper advocacy and forcing families to deal directly with the nursing home will create more difficulties. What should be the primary focus — a loved one’s care during a period of decline — is often overshadowed by the overwhelming financial obligations associated with nursing home care. A hospital patient’s discharge to a rehabilitation facility begins a health insurance odyssey that can test even the most hardy souls. Medicare will cover the first 20 days at 100%. For the next 80 days, Medicare covers 80%. The remaining 20% is either covered by a supplemental insurance such as AARP or Blue Cross/ Blue Shield, or Medicaid or private pay. If a patient shows measurable progress, they can reach their full 100 days under this Medicare system. If a patient does not show progress, Medicare coverage could end early, leaving both the family and the facility scrambling. Medicare appeals may extend the care a few more days, but the next decision is the big one. Is your loved one able to come home or not? If home care is not an option, then a ticking clock becomes the soundtrack of the Medicaid nursing home process. A Medicaid application will cover costs up to three months prior to the filing date, if the applicant was otherwise financially eligible. If financial eligibility has not been attained during this health crisis, then the services of an elder law attorney may be necessary. Without proper guidance, moving money and spending down assets could cause unexpected tax and estate issues, as well as Medicaid issues. For the nursing home, each day that eligibility is delayed, the resident is potentially accruing a private pay bill that can reach five figures very quickly. Seasoned elder care practitioners understand the frustrations that are leading to the changes in Medicaid coordination. These same practitioners also know that cooperation breeds better results than divisiveness. When a loved one suffers a health setback, it is time to seek professional elder care support. Families employing proper representation and planning can more easily traverse the changing Medicaid approach being pursued by nursing homes. Call The Feller Group. P.C. at 845-621- 8640 to schedule your free no obligation case evaluation. The Feller Group is a multi-disciplinary law practice specializing in elder law, estate planning and business advisement. This article was written by Alan D. Feller, Esq. For more information, visit thefellergroup.com. Medicaid warnings: changing seasons Nursing homes push for control in planning process amid rising costs IMAGE GENERATED BY DALL-E ALAN D. FELLER, ESQ. GUEST CORNER
Sports PAGE 24 – MAHOPAC NEWS APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 66 Miller Road, Mahopac 845-628-2050 www.mavistireofmahopac.com With This Coupon • Expires 5/31/24 $10.00OFF Synthetic Oil change (MOST CARS) 25%OFF 25 % OFF STRUTS & SHOCKS With This Coupon • Expires 5/31/24 CARING FOR YOUR CAR & OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 35 YEARS! The Friendly Mavis Team BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR Tyler Castrataro’s two-run homer in the top of the seventh inning on Monday wasn’t quite a walk-off—Mahopac still had to hold Yorktown scoreless in the bottom of the frame for the 7-6 win—but it gave the Wolf Pac the kind of comeback victory teams point to when they have big seasons. After getting blanked in the top of the first, Mahopac (6-2-1) fell into a Husker-sized hole in the bottom of the inning thanks to some sloppy play behind starter Tyler DeBrocky. Two walks, a passed back, a bunt single, and a pair of tworun errors gave Yorktown a 5-0 advantage. “The first inning was very tough for us,” coach Anthony Nappi said. “Our defense has been fantastic all year. Leading into Yorktown, we had four errors on the season. In the first, we had two errors that helped propel them to five quick runs.” In the top of the second, third baseman Robert Dusovic got some redemption for his error with a two-out solo homer to center to make the score 5-1. Shortstop Castrataro would have his own moment to make amends later in the game DeBrocky (4 IP, 6 runs, 2 earned) allowed just one more run, which came in the third after a leadoff walk and a wild pitch put AJ Solla on second with nobody out. Joseph Carucci reached on a fielder’s choice (Solla out at third), stole second, and scored on Cole Haddock’s single to right to make it 6-1. “Tyler DeBrocky absolutely battled around [the first-inning errors], and picked up his teammates to keep them at that score for as long as he could,” Nappi said. DeBrocky’s doggedness would pay off when the Wolf Pac exploded for four runs in the top of the fifth—with some help from his bat (1-4, 2 RBIs). DJ DeMatteo was hit by a pitch with one out and reached second on a wild pitch. After Casey Brandstetter lined to center to make it two outs, Nate Mascoll (2-3, 2 runs, RBI) doubled DeMatteo home. Castrataro singled to drive in Mascoll to make it 6-3. Vince Cataldo’s single put runners on the corners before a Drew Lichtenberger walk loaded the bases. DeBrocky (1-4, 2 RBIs) singled to drive in Castrataro and Cataldo to make it 6-5 and set up the last-inning heroics. “We talk about it all the time, that getting 21 outs against us has to be a grueling task, and we for sure made that true yesterday,” Nappi said. “Guys all over the lineup battled—like Nate Mascoll and Robert Dusovic. We broke through when we scored four runs in the fifth, all of them with two outs.” Chris Sapienza came in for DeBrocky and pitched 2.1 scoreless innings for the win, but there was plenty of drama to come. Mascoll led off the sevenths with a single and stole second before Castrataro unloaded his two-run shot to left. But before the Wolf Pac could celebrate, they had to get through a rocky bottom of the inning. After a pair of walks put runners on first and second with one out, Jovani Segarra came in to relive Sapienza. A fielder’s choice and Wolf Pac comes roaring back Castrataro’s last-inning homer completes comeback from five runs down Nick Tardio fires to first in Mahopac’s comeback win against Yorktown on Monday. PHOTO: SARAH QUARTO Tyler DeBrocky battled on the mound and came up big with the bat in Mahopac’s comeback win over Yorktown on Monday. Nate Mascoll went 2-3 with a double, 2 runs and an RBI against Yorktown. PHOTOS COURTESY OF GIL MCMAHON BASEBALL SEE BASEBALL PAGE 25
APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 SPORTS MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 25 While spring brings on warmer temperatures, longer days, and blooming foliage, it can also bring on seasonal allergies. With preventative measures and treatment, people can find ways to lessen bothersome allergy symptoms. What causes seasonal allergies? When the body’s immune system reacts to something in the environment, seasonal allergies can develop. They usually occur during spring/summer due to the presence of specific types of vegetation (e.g., trees, flowers, grass). What are some of the common symptoms of seasonal allergies? Common symptoms of allergies include itchy/watery eyes, runny nose, congestion and sneezing. Asthma attacks may also occur in people who suffer from asthma and in those who are triggered by pollen. How can you prevent/lessen your allergy symptoms? Some common treatments for allergies include taking oral antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids. Reducing exposure to allergens/avoiding allergen triggers can also greatly reduce allergy symptoms. The CDC recommends: • Avoid touching your eyes while outside • Wash your hands when you go back inside • Keep windows closed during pollen season • Use high-efficiency filters in your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system Changing seasons brings woes for those suffering from allergies Scan the QR code or visit east.optum.com Optum Medical Care, P.C. (“Optum Medical Care”) is a physician owned and led practice having complete authority for all medical decision-making and patient care through its physicians and other licensed professionals. Optum, through its owned management organizations, provides non-clinical administrative services to support Optum Medical Care and its physicians. Neither Optum nor its management companies employs, engages, or supervises physicians or other licensed professionals, or determines or sets the methods, standards, or conduct of the practice of medicine or health care provided by Optum Medical Care or by any of its licensed professionals. “Part of Optum” reflects that Optum Medical Care is part of Optum’s effort to support forward-thinking physician practices in helping their patients live healthier lives. Optum is a registered trademark of Optum, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other brand or product names are the property of their respective owners. Because we are continuously improving our products and services, Optum reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice. Optum is an equal opportunity employer. © 2024 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved. 04/24 another walk loaded the bases with two outs before Alex Ornstein lined out to Mascoll to end it. Afterward, Nappi said experience really helped in a “real gut check” win. “Chris Sapienza and Jovani Segarra gave us important relief innings that were in high-pressure situations to help us shut the door, and obviously Tyler Castrataro gave us the exclamation point with a 2-run homer to give us the lead in the seventh,” the coach said. “That’s the beauty of having so many returners— they’re tested.” Mahopac was scheduled to travel to Ketcham on Wednesday (April 24) and to Carmel on Friday (April 26) before hosting Brewster on Saturday and then Carmel on Tuesday, April 30. BASEBALL FROM PAGE 24 Tyler Castrataro rounds third with a low-five awating after hitting a go-ahead 2-0 home to complete Mahopac’s comeback from 5-0 down with a 7-6 win over Yorktown. PHOTOS COURTESY OF GIL MCMAHON DJ DeMatteo got Mahopac’s fifth-inning rally going,
PAGE 26 – MAHOPAC NEWS SPORTS APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR If early season success is any sign of things to come, Mahopac varsity softball may be on its way to a strong run into the postseason. Led by the battery of seniors Ava Litchenberger on the mound and Gianna Lafaro behind the plate, the Wolf Pac jumped out to a 5-0 start (including a no-hitter) before suffering their first loss to John Jay East Fishkill on the road Monday, 8-5. That defeat, however, is the first blemish on a season that began with shutout wins against Fox Lane (3-0) and Horace Greely (a no-hit 14-0 crushing), with Litchenberger giving up one hit and one walk over the two games while striking out 27. The Pac showed they could win a tighter contest at home against John Jay CR on April 15, with Litchenberger finally giving up her first runs of the season despite 13 Ks in the 4-2 victory. Catcher Lofaro (who was hitting .625 with 4 doubles and 7 RBIs for the season as of Monday) drove in two against John Jay. “We played a lot of small ball and used that to our advantage against John Jay,” coach Julia Walpole said afterward. “It being only our third game we’re still trying to work out some kinks. Overall, I think we are a little bit stronger as a team each day we step on the field. These girls are eager to learn and get better at their game each day.” Two stellar defensive plays in the outfield helped Mahopac seal the win, including a catch in the gap by Emily Biagini that saved at least one run with the score still tied 1-1 in the top of the fifth. “Emily Biagini, with the game on the line, made an outstanding play in left field,” Walpole said. “She tracked the ball back perfectly and was able to hold two runners on base which could have potentially been detrimental. We were able to carry over the excitement of that play as momentum to finish strong.” Mahopac would grind out three runs in the bottom of the inning after bunts by Biagini, Samantha Ereditrio, and Camdyn Wilson loaded the bases. Isabella Genovese’s sac fly scored Biagini and advanced Ereditrio and Wilson before Lafaro’s double drove them in. John Jay scored in the top of the sixth to make it 4-2, but the defense again played a role when right fielder Ereditrio’s throw put John Jay’s Templeton into a rundown. “Sam as a freshman is a threat defensively and on the bases,” Walpole said. “She has a cannon of an arm in right field. Our catcher (Lofaro) and pitcher (Lichtenberger) captains were both involved in that rundown play and managed to keep their cool and execute.” Mahopac then went on the road for a solid win over Kennedy Catholic, 7-0, on a wet Wednesday, April 17. “Our bats finally came alive and girls were feeling good despite the cold and rainy conditions,” Walpole said. Centerfielder Genovese drove Mahopac softball continues its strong start Suffers first loss of the season to John Jay East Fishkill Ava Lichtenberger goes into the windup against John Jay. PHOTOS: EMILE MENASCHE Catcher Giana Lafaro is hitting over .600 in early-season action. SOFTBALL SEE SOFTBALL PAGE 27 The Creationby Joseph Haydn ADULTS $25 STUDENTS/SENIORS $20 Children under 12 FREE TICKETS: putnamchorale.org or at the door featuring the Putnam Chorale, orchestra, and soloists: MARIA BREA • SOPRANO VALERIAN RUMINSKI • BASS BLAKE FREIDMAN • TENOR jason tramm music director 845.520.7574 MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-HOUR PROBLEM GAMING HOTLINE: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369) Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com I-84 | Exit 36B I-87 | Exit 17 Earn Entries All Month Long! Saturday, April 27 • 10pm Win A 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4-Door Sport S! *Actual models and colors may vary. JEEP WRANGLER GIVEAWAY
APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 SPORTS in three, with Lafaro and Lichtenberger (1- 2, BB, 2 runs scored) adding RBIs. Wilson reached all four times up with 2 hits, 2 walks, and 2 runs. Eredtrio and Alex Weiss also scored. Lichtenberger dominated on the mound allowing just a hit and a walk while racking up 9 strikeouts. “We are feeling excited with our record being 5-0 going into next week,” Walpole said before the loss to John Jay EF. “We will be facing some competitive teams coming up, so the girls have been gearing up for that. All of our wins thus far have been all-around team efforts. If Ava continues to dominate on the mound and our lineup has solid atbats, our team will be hard to beat.” A strong throw from right fielder Samantha Ereditario led to a crucial rundown play against John Jay. PHOTOS: EMILE MENASCHE Ava Lichtenberger’s early season dominance included a no hitter and a two 1-hitters. Second baseman Emma Behun get ready to take some cuts against John Jay. SOFTBALL FROM PAGE 26 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 27 www.aonpt.com GOODROW BUILDING 862 Route 6 Mahopac NY 10541 (845) 208-0963 MILL POND OFFICES 293 Route 100 • Suite 107 Somers, NY 10589 (914) 276-2520 BREWSTER 3 Starr Ridge Road Brewster, NY 10509 (845) 279-9288 The Road To Recovery Starts Here
PAGE 28 – MAHOPAC NEWS SPORTS APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR Five wins in a row; five games without allowing their opponents a point. The Mahopac varsity flag football (8-2) team is proving to be a very stingy bunch. Perhaps nothing illustrates the Wolf Pac’s recent dominance more than the fact that their 14-0 road win at Carmel on Saturday was the closest scoreline in a string of shutouts that included Yonkers (47-0), Hendrick Hudson (18-0), Horace Greeley (31- 0), and Poughkeepsie (72-0). Here’s another stat: Since losing to Scarsdale 20-0 on April 8, the Wolf Pac has outscored their opponents 182-0. Quarterback Faith Poniros put up some monster offensive numbers over the stretch, with 367 yards passing and 8 passing touchdowns. She also rushed for 388 yards, 5 TDs, and 4 extrapoint conversions and contributed on defense (20 tackles, 2 INTs including one for a touchdown) and special teams, averaging 38 yards per punt. Gianna Fava compiled 323 total yards and 7 TDs over the five games, while Jules Greco (25 tackles, 23 for losses), Gianna Dolan (11 catches for 145 yards with 2 TDs) and Frankie Bellanco (13 tackles, 10 for losses) also shined on the stat sheet over the week. Poniros went 10-16 for 80 yards and 1 TD against Hen Hud, along with 70 yards and a touchdown on the ground to go with her seven tackles. Fava had 119 total yards with five catches, and two tackles Garofalo passed for a touchdown, and Dolan had three catches and a touchdown to go with five tackles. Jules Greco, Bellanco, and Isabella Fava were defensive standouts. Coach Matt Deiana said the Hen Hud game demonstrated how the defense set the table for the Mahopac offense. “The girls came out and forced a three-and-out right away,” Deiana said. “Our first play from scrimmage was 59 yards to the 1 by Gianna Fava and finished with a rushing TD by Faith Poniros. “We played lockdown defense all night with great pressure and tackling near the line of scrimmage,” the coach said. While the defense smothered Hen Hud, the Wolf Pac seemed to be able to score almost at will. “Poniros and Gianna Fava led us out of the backfield all night,” Deiana said about the Hen Hud game. “Poniros ran the offense smoothly and finished with 150 total yards and 2 touchdowns. Gianna finished with nine total touches leading to an amazing 119 yards weaving all through the defense and scoring a touchdown. We finished off the game with a nice touchdown pass from Maria Garofalo to Gianna Dolan.” The road game against Carmel proved to be a tougher test, but one where the team showed it could grind out a result too. “We started off very sluggish on offense but played great defense throughout,” Deiana said. “Our defensive group has a ton of speed and toughness and they fly around to the ball at all times. A Gianna Dolan interception led to great field position, which sparked our first score—a rushing TD by Jules Greco followed by a passing conversion from Faith Poniros to Gianna Fava. “Our defense stepped up again with an interception by Faith Poniros followed by a passing touchdown from her to Gianna Fava,”Deiana said. Mahopac was next scheduled to host Ossining on Friday, April 26, at 6:30 p.m., followed by what Deiana calls “a big league game” at Brewster on Monday, April 29 at 4:30 p.m. Wolf Pac zeros in on success Mahopac outscores opponents 182-0 during winning streak Nicole Martin PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL FLAG FOOTBALL 914.455.2158 SpirelliElectric.com • [email protected] Specializing in residential & commercial services. Licenses in Westchester, Putnam CREATING CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE Family Owned—Over 40 Years Experience! Light up your summer • Outdoor Lighting • Smart Home Setup • Electric Car Chargers • GENERATORS AND ALL OF YOUR ELECTRIC NEEDS! $25 OFF Service Calls When You Present this Ad First Time Customers Only
APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 SPORTS MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 29 CoveCare Center Please come out to support our community-based mental health and substance use services! 2024 Annual Team Spelling Bee May 15th, 5:30 PM Network & Team Build! Fun and fundraising for a great cause - 3 Team trophies awarded! Our Bee is the perfect networking and team-building event. Groups work together to correctly spell challenging words advancing through more difficult rounds as the night goes on. To SPONSOR/REGISTER, visit the link below or scan the QR code: covecarecenter.org/2024-spelling-bee/ Centennial Golf Club, Carmel NY $50 per person dinner included SPONSORS NEEDED! - Special Thanks to Our Sponsors - PICK-UP & DELIVERY AVAILABLE WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS OF PORTABLE GENERATORS 845-225-3503 * LAWN MOWERS * CHAIN SAWS * TRIMMERS * TRACTORS * GENERATORS * MOTORCYCLES * ATV’S * AND MORE! FACTORY-TRAINED SERVICE TECHNICIANS EAST ROAD MOTORS 58 CAROLAN RD. EAST • CARMEL, NY www.EASTROADMOTORS.com BY SKIP PEARLMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER A tight 12-11 home loss to Lakeland/Panas on Friday capped off a tough stretch for the Mahopac girls lacrosse team, which also fell to Somers, Wappingers, and Hendrick Hudson despite some outstanding individual performances. Sophomore Ashley Koch notched her 50th goal in the Wolf Pac’s loss to Somers on Wednesday, April 17. The Tuskers came out on fire, dropping seven goals in the net in the first quarter to take over the game in what turned out to be a 21-10 victory over the Wolf Pac. After falling behind 7-2 in an opening quarter controlled by Somers (4-3), Mahopac had a strong second quarter, scoring four goals to Somers’ four, and went into the break trailing, 11-6. But Somers went on another run in the third, scoring five goals, while their defense limited the Pac to one. “We came out in the second quarter with intensity and energy,” Mahopac coach Amanda Frederick said. “But we need that for the entire game. That’s something that will come in time.” Frederick pointed to some areas in which her team needs to improve. “We need to be better at passing and draw control,” she said. “Those things were not clicking for us today. When we have possession, we can score. The other pieces will come in time.” Koch led Mahopac with a hat trick and added an assist, sophomore Gianna Cirelli scored twice and handed out three assists, senior Adrianna Pranzo had two goals and two assists, freshman Gianna DeVito had a goal and an assist, and senior Juliana Mangione and freshman Shay Massett each had one goal. Sophomore keeper Amanda Carey made seven saves in net for Mahopac. Koch recorded her 50th career goal early in the game. “For her to have 50 goals at this point is very impressive,” Frederick said. “It’s a huge accomplishment, we’re only halfway through the season, so there’s a lot left she can add. She’s one of our strongest and most reliable players. “Sophomore Jisella Izzi also stood out,” Frederick added. “We had her on their best girl, and she held her to three goals - which was super impressive. Amanda Carey has made big improvements in goal, and Pranzo and Cirelli both did a really nice job for us.” The loss came in the middle of a tough stretch for the Wolf Pac, which dropped a 15-10 decision to Wappingers on Thursday, April 11 after falling to Hen Hud the prior Monday 20-10. Against Wappinger at RCK High School, Mangione tallied a career-high six goals and added four ground balls. Koch came up with a pair of goals, and Erin Harney and DeVito each scored once. Carey stopped seven shots on goal. The prior Monday at Hen Hud, the Pac trailed 10-6 at the break but got outplayed in the second half. DeVito led the Pac with five goals, Mangione added two, and Harney, Koch, and Pranzo each scored. Koch had two assists, and Harney had one. “Against Hen Hud, we were playing well, and then some of the calls went against us, and at Sophomore Koch scores 50th goal Wolf Pac struggles despite strong individual performances Pac sophomore Ashley Koch (10) scored her 50th career goal in a loss to Somers. PHOTO: SKIP PEARLMAN GIRLS LACROSSE SEE LACROSSE PAGE 30
PAGE 30 – MAHOPAC NEWS SPORTS APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 NO NEWS... 1. Clip the short form on the page 2. Fill out the information. 3. Mail it to P.O. Box 864, Mahopac, NY 10541 4. Or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com 5. Or Scan our QR Code to Subscribe. We need you to subscribe. It’s FREE & It’s Easy! is NOT necessarily good news! # Please print your first and last names and address legibly, sign and date (all required to continue receiving your subscription to this newspaper). YES, I wish to receive a FREE 3-year subscription to Mahopac News YES, I really enjoy Mahopac News and I’d like to continue receiving it for 3 years, along with a monetary contribution this year. (Please print legibly.) First (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required. Please print legibly.) Last (Required) City: State: ZIP: Name: Signature: Email: Snowbird Dates (if applicable): Date: Phone: Address: (Optional for TAPinto E-News) (Optional) Mail to: P.O. Box 864 Mahopac, NY 10541 While we need your Full Support to keep this newspaper strong, we include the option for Basic Support because we don’t want financial reasons to get in the way of our readers receiving this newspaper. Basic Support vs. Full Support Basic Support Full Support $100 $50 $20 other or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com OR or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com Checks payable to Halston Media LLC. Please include this form in your envelope. Please include the following additional papers as part of this subscription: North Salem News The Somers Record Yorktown News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The Katonah-Lewisboro times some point, the girls got frustrated with it,” Frederick said. “We ended up giving up a lot more than we would have liked. “At Wappinger, we went in confident,” the coach added. “I thought we were evenly matched. In the third, we scored three consecutive goals to get it to 11-9, but we couldn’t get closer. But I couldn’t have been any happier with the girls’ play. We controlled draws in the fourth quarter, but we couldn’t get it back.” Frederick said Mangione, and a few younger players, have been a force. “She’s been phenomenal,” she said of Mangione. “She uses her speed and gets around defenders. Koch has also been a huge help, her awareness on the field has been impeccable. And Gianna DeVito has been a key for us on offense, she makes great passes and plays. She’s been huge.” Mahopac was scheduled to host Carmel on Tuesday (April 23) at 6 p.m. LACROSSE FROM PAGE 29 Pac keeper Amanda Carey (25) stops a point-blank vs. Somers PHOTO: SKIP PEARLMAN
APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 LEISURE MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 31 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. Excessively theatrical actors 5. Footwear 10. A way to disfigure 14. Exchange rate 15. Hawaiian wreaths 16. North-central Indian city 17. Bungle 18. Extremely angry 19. A short note of what’s owed 20. Criminal organization 22. Mimic 23. Try to grab 24. U.S.-born individuals 27. Some are covert 30. Order of the British Empire 31. Don’t know when yet 32. Payment (abbr.) 35. Winged angelic being 37. Variety of Chinese 38. A way to be anxious 39. Famed wrestler Hulk 40. Partner to cheese 41. Slang for sergeant 42. Canadian flyers 43. Actress Ryan 44. Highly unpleasant vapor 45. Body part 46. Halfway 47. Cool! 48. Consume 49. Salts 52. Upper bract of a floret of grass 55. Housepet 56. Cavalry-sword 60. Symbol of a nation 61. Frocks 63. Used to carry food 64. Portuguese folk song 65. Sharp mountain ridge 66. Ireland 67. Where golfers begin 68. Greek mythological sorceress 69. Fluid suspensions CLUES DOWN 1. “Mad Men” leading man 2. Water (Spanish) 3. Annoy 4. Bulgarian capital 5. Japanese title 6. Capital of Zimbabwe 7. Giraffe 8. A mixture of substances 9. Midway between south and southeast 10. Staffs 11. Turkish title 12. Type of acid 13. Thin, flat strip of wood 21. Russian river 23. Ribonucleic acid 25. Partner to flow 26. Airborne (abbr.) 27. Earthy pigment 28. Genus of earless seals 29. “Key to the Highway” bluesman 32. By or in itself 33. Hot fluid below the earth’s surface 34. Partner to trick 36. British Air Aces 37. Ammunition 38. Supervises flying 40. Health care for the aged 41. Flanks 43. Millimeters 44. Where wrestlers perform 46. Not around 47. Flightless bird 49. Bell-shaped flowers of the lily family 50. Expressed concern for 51. Satisfies 52. Flew off! 53. Wings 54. Load a ship 57. Vigor 58. British title 59. Whiskeys 61. __ Adams: founding father 62. Body of wate PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF 4/11/24 On lazy weekend mornings or when entertaining a crowd, it may be more fitting to serve brunch rather than breakfast or lunch. Brunch enables guests or family members to sleep in a little later. Plus the filling combination of menu items can keep people satisfied until dinner later on in the evening. The recipes for “Farmhouse Skillet” from “Lord Honey Traditional Southern Recipes with a Country Bling Twist” (Pelican Publishing) by Chef Jason Smith, puts together a blend of savory ingredients into an egg casserole that can be a winner on any brunch table. Cheese egg and casserole — a brunch staple Farmhouse Skillet Serves 8-10 1 pound bacon, diced 2 cups cubed cooked ham 1/2 pound breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled 1 small purple onion, diced 1/2 red bell pepper, diced 1/2 yellow bell pepper diced 10 eggs, beaten 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 20-ounce package frozen shredded hash browns, or tater tots, thawed Salt and ground black pepper to taste 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese Preheat oven to 350 F. In a very large cast-iron skillet (12-inch or larger), over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Then add the ham and sausage and stir. Add the onions and peppers, and sauté for 5 minutes, always stirring. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs and heavy cream. Stir the hash browns into the skillet, and add salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, until hash browns start to brown. Remove from heat. Add the egg mixture, top with cheese, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
PAGE 32 – MAHOPAC NEWS APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 Paul Moutal The one-of-a-kind Paul Moutal passed away on Sunday, March 24, after a five-year battle with cancer. Paul took on cancer like he took on everything else: with strength, optimism, and a sense of humor that helped the many people who cared for him feel that it would be okay while he shouldered so much pain. Paul, a jack of all trades, made the most of his 67 years. As a teenager, he started his own lawn-mowing business, excelled at multiple sports, and was a lovable rascal at school. Paul graduated from Mahopac High School and received his BA in history from Hobart College. He studied abroad in college and loved traveling with trips to Europe, Mexico, Granada, and Nicaragua (and a clandestine trip to Cuba). Paul went on to own four successful businesses, including a bookstore and restaurant in Winooski, Vt. He lived in the Burlington area for 20 years where he formed so many wonderful, forever friendships. For the last 20 years, Paul owned a general contracting company in Maine—a business that flourished because of his creative personality and his ability to lead with respect and friendship. Paul was a warm and fun-loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, friend, and coach. Paul was married to Maryane, his best friend and business partner, for over 30 years. Paul’s children, Hannah and Harper, were the center of his world and he filled their lives with love and joy. Paul spent countless hours coaching his kids and their friends in basketball, baseball, football, and soccer, and he loved every minute of it. Above all, seeing his children grow into the adults they are today was his proudest achievement. To honor Paul, say hello to a stranger, do something nice for someone, and show appreciation to people who work in the trades. There will be a celebration for Paul on Saturday, April 27, from 2-5 p.m. at the Grange Hall, 47 Pleasant Street, Topsham, Me. Roland A. Colasante Roland A. Colasante, a longtime resident of Mahopac, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024, at the age of 82. He was born in Yonkers on Jan. 17, 1942, the son of Rolando and Loretta (Ceru) Colasante. Roland earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Brooklyn Polytech. He retired from IBM as a computer engineer in 2016. He worked out of both the Fishkill, N.Y. facility and the Kitchawan facility in Yorktown Heights. Roland was a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist Church in Mahopac for 56 years. On May 15, 1966, he married Bonnie Christensen at St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church in Yonkers. In addition to his wife Bonnie, he is survived by his children and their spouses, Lori Betancourt (Rick); Dana Castrataro (James); Tami Meaney (Brian); and Craig Colasante (Danielle). He had a special relationship with his 11 grandchildren who called him Papa, Michaela (Kris), Ryan, Cooper, Brenna, Jamison, Tyler, Quinn, Lexie, Peyton, Delaney, and Mason. Roland was predeceased by his sister, Joan Kuss. Family was most important to Roland, and he instilled the importance of family, love, and respect in his family. He looked forward every year to spending time at the lake and renting a home with his entire family on the Jersey Shore. In the end, his wife Bonnie took amazing care of Roland getting him home for a month until he was recently hospitalized. In his spare time, Roland enjoyed growing a large garden, riding his tractor, many bowling leagues, and supporting the NY Giants and NY Rangers. He also had a great love for dogs raising many litters of Lhasa apsos while his kids were growing up. We love you and will miss you so much, Papa! A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on April 19 at St. James the Apostle Church, Carmel. The interment was at Ballard-Barrett Cemetery, Mahopac Falls. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Roland to the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation at www.nationalmssociety.org. OBITUARIES MUSINGS FROM PAGE 4 Career Coaching Experienced career coach Diamond Mullings will be at Mahopac Public Library to offer free career coaching on Friday, May 3, with separate sessions at 4:45 and 5:45 p.m.. Priority will be given to Mahopac Central School District residents. This program was made possible with Friends of the Mahopac Library funds. Register online at mahopaclibrary.org, or call (845)628-2009 ext.100. Laser Tag for Teens ZTAG next-level laser tag for grades 6-12 is coming to Mahopac Library on Friday, May 3 at 7 p.m. Players will wear a hitech bracelet that lets them TAG other players nearby using infrared light. This is an after-hours event, which takes place Teens must arrange transportation home from the library at 8:30 SEE MUSINGS PAGE 36 Securities offered through Cantella & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Cantella and Co., Inc. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. 845-628-5400 SFGtaxes.com | [email protected] 824 Route 6, Suite 4 | Mahopac, NY 10541 from other accountants and tax preparers is our ability to work with you not just on taxes, but on financials, college planning, divorce, retirement planning, changes in life planning... We don’t just process tax forms, we advise on how to handle your income and expenses in the future with personalized recommendations. We help you navigate the tax code, and in the end, help you set sound financial goals. What separates us
APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 33 he said. “We have undeniable evidence they were shooting onto our property. “We will call the police,” he continued. “We have had long conversations with an inspector for the Westchester County DA’s office, but they said that there is nothing they can do until something happens.” Stein said Condo 22 is still planning its next move and is keeping an eye on what the Somers Land Trust might do next. “We are waiting to see if [SLT] might do something under the federal Clean Water Act,” he said. But, Stein says, the onus for Condo 22 and the SLT’s predicament falls directly on the Carmel Planning Board. “They are like Larry, Moe, and Curly over there,” he said. “They see nothing, they hear nothing. They have never asked any intelligent questions.” Stein said that now with the additional targets provided by the sporting clays course, shooting will increase dramatically, although he notes that the club hasn’t seemed to utilize its clay shooting course yet even though it’s been approved. “[The gun club] has been there 70 years and they have every right to be there another 70,” he said. “But there could be at any given time as many as 8000 [shots] per day when regular targets and the new course are running at the same time. It boils down to they are the most inconsiderate neighbors in the world.” Graeme Cooper, a Somers resident who lives near the gun club has been complaining about the noise the club generates for years. says the damage done to the environment by the gun club is far worse than the noise issue. He has been collaborating with the Condo 22 residents to find a course of action. “Someone somewhere is drinking lead from the gun club,” he said. “Once it gets into the ground, it can go anywhere and it is making its way to the drinking water of New York City.” The Condo 22 group has reached out to local elected officials for help, including Assemblyman Matt Slater and Sen. Pete Harckham. Harckham even met with the group and told them he would reach out to the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). But, Cooper says, the DEC has been unsettlingly quiet on the issue. “The DEC has been notified numerous times, by numerous politicians and residents alike, about the lead issues in the wetlands but has refused to act to date. Why has this gone nowhere?” Cooper wondered. “If the DEC does not have jurisdiction to act on this, then who does? Why hasn’t anyone done anything? Why aren’t they testing, why aren’t they taking samples? Dozens and dozens have called and there is no reaction. That is disconcerting at best. Who else should we call—the EPA?” GUN CLUB FROM PAGE 7 to Tower on or around Dec. 11 and 12, 2023. After Towers’ phone was linked to the storage provider, investigators obtained a search warrant from a Putnam County judge in March. “Following the execution of a search warrant at Towers’s residence, law enforcement recovered a hard drive that was found to contain over 800 videos of females, including prepubescent females, using a bathroom,” the Southern District’s press release states. “Approximately 78 of the videos had file names that included the term ‘yung.’” Prosecutors said Towers also had DVDs “containing video files he downloaded from the internet depicting prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit activity.” He was first arrested on March 29 and charged in Carmel Town Court with two counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child less than 17 years old, three counts of possessing an obscene sexual performance by a child, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child. But the investigation continued after Towers’ March arrest. Investigators said they found thousands of images and videos on Towers’s storage devices, including more than 6,000 uploaded to cloud storage. Some of these files included hidden camera video taken in a bathroom at a park where Towers worked. According to the affidavit, Towers worked at the park, which has not been identified, from 2004-24. Prosecutors said Towers used a hidden cell phone as well as so-called “spy cams” to record videos in the bathroom, sometimes using multiple cameras at the same time. According to the affidavit, Towers also had sexually explicit digital files of minors in an encrypted folder on his phone, with GPS data showing that they were created in Towers’ residence. The affidavit said these images were taken in March of this year. The affidavit said Towers initially denied any knowledge of child pornography before admitting to investigators that he did look at it. He also initially denied any knowledge of hidden cameras but later told investigators that he had hidden a cell phone camera to record an adult woman in the bathroom. Investigators said they recovered 10 spy cameras along with other electronics from Towers’s residence, including three cameras disguised as pens and one that looks like a button. They also found around 20 DVDs and “numerous computers.” Federal prosecutors have charged Towers with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, and one count of possession of child pornography, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Williams praised the efforts of the FBI, the Putnam County District Attorney’s Office, and the Putnam County Sherriff’s Office for their role in the investigation. No court date has been announced at the time of writing. 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PAGE 34 – MAHOPAC NEWS APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 For more info visit CommunityCares.org or call our office at: 845-621-CARE (2273) COME ONECOME ALL to our annual event! Its time for the Community Cares MAY 9TH 6pm - 10pm Putnam Golf Course Music Provided By LittleBlack Party! Dress Black $50 Entry tickets • $70 BFF tickets Includes Entry Ticket, 5 Raffle Tickets & Swag Bag! $450 Group Rate 10-Pack of Entry Ticket * must be purchased as a bundle fundraiser Tickets $40 in advance • $45 at the door Purchase tickets at PCSB Bank (Mahopac), d’Berto’s Pizzeria, Arthur Avenue Deli & Rt 6 Deli Featuring “Mr. Entertainment” Bobby Brooks Wilson A Rock & Soul The Lake Mahopac Rotary Club presents Spectacular! The Trammps Disco Inferno The Chiclettes A Tribute to Female Artists Elvis Tribute Artist Richie Santa BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND... A TRIBUTE TO HIS FATHER — JACKIE WILSON Higher and Higher Lonely Teardrops To Be Loved That’s Why Show Host Dave Hunter from Oldies WGNY GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! online tickets available on eventbrite.com Search for Lake Mahopac Rotary FRIDAY MAY 10TH Mahopac High School 421 Baldwin Place Rd, Mahopac 7PM On Saturday, April 13, Mahopac Cub Scout Pack 271, sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church of Mahopac, held their annual Pinewood Derby at Austin Road Elementary School. A great time was had by all as the pack members raced their individualized cars. At the event, Mahopac Boy Scout Troop 371, sponsored by the VFW of Mahopac, did a “good turn” by assisting with refreshment sales. Article courtesy of Pack 271 Scouts get rolling! Camilo (Lion Cub), Gabriel (Lion Cub), Frankie (Tiger Cub), and Logan (Tiger Cub) take a break from racing! AJ and Victor from Troop 371 lend a hand with refreshment sales. PHOTO COURTESY OF DR. MARIA RIVERA
APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 35 AFFORDABLE Dumpster Rentals! CIRONE CARTING 845-533-5262 Same-Day Roll-Off Container Delivery Available 10-yard • 12-yard • 15-yard 20-yard • 30-yard CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE cironeconstruction.com Progressive Animal Hospital What is the most common mismanaged condition that you see? THE ITCHY DOG! Is your pet... scratching • licking • chewing feet or having chronic skin infections? Stop treating the symptoms and find out the underlying cause with a simple blood test. Get your pet feeling better and stop the frequent trips to the vet. INDEPENDENTLY OWNED and OPERATED 268 route 202 l somers, ny 10589 914.248.6220 l progressive-vet.com Voted “Best of Somers” 2020-2023 Visit us at: 128 Route 52, Carmel Shari Zimmerman 845-621-2557 [email protected] Call for a FREE Quote today! RATES GOING UP? Get This Newspaper’s App On Your Phone Always Stay Informed About News Involving YOUR Town & Schools Android Scan Here iPhone Scan Here Get Our App! Contact Us Mahopac News is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 845-208-0774 or email [email protected]. On April 12, Mahopac’s Cub Scout Pack 371 had its Blue and Gold dinner at the Mahopac Volunteer Firehouse. This annual event is where the fifth graders in the pack (known as Webelos) “cross over” to a Scout troop. In this case, Webelos Belle Carey and Max Centofonti earned their Arrow of Light and crossed over to Mahopac’s Scout Troop 371. Many other scouts also received awards, including Belle Carey, Max Centofonti, Greyson Turri, and Asher Turri, who earned the NOVA Award for learning a detailed introduction to STEAM. Teddy Padilla was excited to earn an award for being a top performer for Pack 371’s chocolate fundraiser effort. Special thanks to Pack 371’s Committee Chair Tom Carey, Cubmaster Kyle Jones, the Mahopac Volunteer Fire House, and the Arthur Avenue Deli in Mahopac. Article courtesy of Christopher Giuliani Pack 371 holds Blue and Gold dinner Pack 371 members and adult leaders Belle Carey and Max Centofonti (inside) with Troop 371 scouts Davin Barksdale and Madelynn Behrendt (outside) Asher Turri, Greyson Turri, Belle Carey and Max Centofonti receive the NOVA award. Teddy Padilla earned an award for chocolate fundraiser sales. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTOPHER GIULIANI
PAGE 36 – MAHOPAC NEWS APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 to the landscaping and screening along that area. There is some scrubby growth down there right now and a chain-link fence. “But the applicant has done quite a good job of doing what they can in the area that they have,” Cleary continued. “The entire perimeter of that property will have 6- to 10-foot evergreens and they will grow larger than that.” But until that happens, Cleary said, the new buildings are mostly exposed, and its plain façade could use more style. “It is an industrial building and not the most attractive industrial building,” he said. “In the area above the [garage] doors there is just a blank void. It would be useful if there were some horizontal architectural elements to break up that massive thing and soften the view. “Eventually, those evergreens will grow and you probably won’t see much of the building, but for about 10 years you are going to,” Cleary added. Thyberg said he would talk to the project’s architect, and they would add more detailing to the building. If approved, the Creccos would be responsible in perpetuity for replacing any of the new trees or landscaping should something die. “The space there now is a mess, and this [plan] clearly cleans it up and would also provide contractor space for local guys,” Cleary said. “It’s a good use for the property. It clears up the problem.” Planning Board Chair Craig Paeprer agreed, saying this was a good step toward improving the look of the town. “We have to start somewhere to clean up the town and any project that comes in front of us should look nicer when it leaves,” he said. “And this is a good opportunity. This is an improvement. This could be one of the nicer industrial buildings. Two required variances for the project have been approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals, so Paeprer said the next step will be to schedule a public hearing for the project. Several people in the audience who wished to speak and Planning Board attorney Joe Charbeneau said they didn’t have to wait for the public hearing to share their thoughts. “In addition to the public hearing the board does accept written comment,” he said. “You are free to email Rose Trombetta, the planning board secretary, and all that correspondence gets forwarded to the board. “Just because we are not in a public hearing tonight doesn’t mean you are not permitted from accessing the board vis-à-vis the written comment,” Charbeneau added. “And we do read them.” Though the public hearing has not been officially scheduled, the next Planning Board meeting is Wednesday, April 24, at 7 p.m. CONDO FROM PAGE 8 The view from the bike path with the new landscaping IMAGE COURTESY OF CARMEL PLANNING DEPARTMENT MUSINGS FROM PAGE 32 SEE MUSINGS PAGE 38 Service: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com The Consumer’s Choice for Discount Heating Oil! 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Local Collector/Seller Putnam/Westchester/Orange/Dutchess and more Call or text: 917-699-2496 • email: [email protected] Hope to hear from you! Thanks! BUYING COMIC BOOK COLLECTIONS! TOP PRICES PAID! 914-245-2060 YorktownGardenSupply.com Topsoil Stone Mulch Sand 3311 Gomer Street Yorktown, NY 10598 Has your style changed? Your furniture just needs a face-lift. UPHOLSTERY CUSTOM FURNITURE DESIGN 64 Gleneida Ave • Carmel, NY 10512 914.584.3839 [email protected] p.m. Register online at mahopaclibrary.org or call (845) 628- 2009 ext.139. English for Spanish Speakers Conversational English for Spanish-Speaking Adults classes at Mahopac Library let attendees practice English in a relaxed environment, make new friends, and build confidence! This is a three-week session beginning on Tuesday, May 7. Register online at mahopaclibrary.org or call (845) 628-2009 ext.100 PAC Kids/Teens Summer Classes The Putnam Arts Council has announced its summer clay arts and visual arts programs for kids and teens. Register early as classes are limited to 12 students and fill early. Register at www. putnamartscouncil.com Student memberships are $15 for 12 months. Clay Arts Program for kids 6-10 with Melissa Rossow Each Clay Arts Program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-noon for two weeks Four days: July 9, 11, 16, 18 - $140/$135 PAC member Four days: July 30, August 1, 6 and 8 - $140/$135 PAC member Four days: Aug. 20, 22, 27, and 29 - $140/$135 PAC member Pre-teen Thursdays for kids 8-10 Drawing and Painting for Kids with Rosalie Marcus This is a class for young children about learning how to use the basic tools for drawing and painting and having a fun time while they’re doing it! Four Thursdays, 5:30-7 p.m. July 11, 18, 25 and Aug. 1 $95/$90 PAC members Teen Fridays for ages 11-18 Clay Arts with Melissa Rossow Build sculptures, decorative and functional pieces. Open to teens of all levels. Four Fridays 6-8 p.m. Session 1: July 12, 19, 26, Aug.
APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 37 Add Value to Your Home We specialize in targeted home improvements — both big and small — to maximize your home’s value, comfort and beauty. • Bathroom Remodeling • Kitchen Remodeling • Durable Vinyl Siding • Room Additions • Add-a-Levels • • Replacement Windows • General Carpentry • Basement Finishing • Painting • Interior Trim • Handy Man • Sero’s Contracting When we’re done, there is nothing left to do. Licensed & Insured • Local References • Brewster, NY • 845-216-1955 • 845-279-6977 • [email protected] BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR With a lineup that ranges from disco hitmakers the Trammps (“Disco Inferno”) to jumpsuit-era Elvis tribute artist Richie Santa, the Lake Mahopac Rotary Club’s annual “Rock and Soul Spectacular will take place Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m. at Mahopac High School. Longtime member Robert Upchurch of the Trammps told Mahopac News the band loves coming to local audiences. “We’re looking forward to being back in the area,” Upchurch said. “We love the audiences.” Upchurch said the band’s signature vocal blend is about every member knowing his role and staying in this vocal range, something he learned singing in church and in soul groups before the Trammps rode the wave of the early 1970s Philadelphia sound to stardom. Their first success came with a remake of Judy Garland’s 1943 hit “Zing Went the Strings of My Heart,” which reached No. 17 on the R&B charts and No. 43 on the pop charts in 1972, By 1975 the band was one of the country’s hottest R&B and disco acts thanks to hits like “Hold Back the Night” and “Where the Happy People Go” but the song they’re best remembered for is 1977’s “Disco Inferno,” which appeared on the “Saturday Night Fever” soundtrack, leading to a Grammy for the band. Upchurch said performing at Mahopac High School is a chance to educate as well as entertain. “Work within your vocal range,” he said when asked how he would advise young singers. “If you’re a high tenor, be a high tenor, a second tenor, focus on being the best at that, same with baritone and bass.” Santa, a longtime Elvis tribute artist (don’t call them Elvis impersonators) said he connects most with “jumpsuit era” Elvis from the late 1960s to the early ’70s when the King was delivering hits like “Viva Las Vegas” and “Suspicious Minds.” “There’s so many ways you can play the role of Elvis,” Santa said. “There’s 1950s Elvis when he was doing rockabilly or his later stuff.” For information, go to lakemahopacrotary.org. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com, search for Lake Mahopac Rotary, and from local merchants. Read more of our interviews with Santa and Upchurch at news. halstonmedia.com. Trammps join lineup for Rotary oldies show Lineup features Elvis tribute artist Richie Santa, Bobby Brooks Wilson, and more Elvis tribute artist Richie Santa PHOTO COURTESY OF RICHIE SANTA The Trammps COURTESTY OF THE TRAMMPS
PAGE 38 – MAHOPAC NEWS APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 MUSINGS FROM PAGE 36 WHY DO WE ADVERTISE IN HALSTON MEDIA’S TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL BRETT FREEMAN AT (845) 208-8151 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS? “The saying goes, “shop local.” There is nothing like the local paper in the town you live in and love. My clients enjoy seeing the updated real estate news. We are blessed to still have a local newspaper delivered to our homes. Yorktown News is where you find everything about Yorktown: the good, the bad and the news.” Douglas Dill Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker Houlihan Lawrence Yorktown 914.671.7730 ORDER ON OUR ONLINE STORE AND PICKUP LO CALLY! BEST PRICES IN THE AREA! PICKUP HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! www.american-arms.com [email protected] 1928 Commerce St, Suite C Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 NRA Basic Pistol/Personal Protection UTAH Concealed Firearms Course Private Lessons Permit Assistance Refuse To Be A Victim™ Group and Private Classes Gun Sales & Ammunition Gun Accessories FFL Services & Transfers 914-455-4210 Service... Integrity... Compassion Family owned and operated We began with a mission to celebrate life and serve families. There is much peace to be found here, and we invite you to find yours. Explore more. Take a tour. Read our story. Share in experiences. Anthony J. Guarino Family Owned & Operated 945 East Main Street • Shrub Oak, NY 10588 • (914) 962-0700 YorktownFuneralHome.com • [email protected] 2 (four weeks) Session 2: Aug., 16, 23, 30 (four weeks) $110/$105 PAC members per session Drawing/Painting/Anime with Rosalie Marcus This class will be an open studio where each student works on their own art projects, whether it is anime or traditional drawing and painting. July 12, 19, 26 and Aug. 2 $110/$105 PAC members Call 845.803.8622 for more info. Blood Drive The Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department and Relay For Life of Mahopac will host their fourth annual blood drive in memory of their dear friend, Ellen Pryzmylski, on Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Mahopac firehouse at 741 Route 6. Help celebrate Ellen’s life and help the New York Blood Center by donating blood, you will truly be giving the gift of life. Call 800-933-2566 to sign up. Book Barn Special Offers Buy 10 or more books and receive one free book (excluding collectibles) or one free Book Barn tote bag. Need a gift for an avid reader? The Book Barn has $10 gift cards for sale, redeemable for books in the lobby and the Book Barn. Hours are Tuesday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Wednesday, 10 a.m. - noon., Thursday, 4 - 6:45 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Spelling Bee Cover Care Centers Annual Team Spelling Bee fundraiser is set for Wednesday, May 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the Centennial Golf Club in Carmel. The entry fee of $50/player for this “fun fundraiser” helps support the communitybased mental health and substance use services of CoveCare Center. Three team trophies will be awarded. To sponsor or register, visit the link covecarecenter. org/2024-spelling-bee. Youth Police Academy Has your child shown interest in becoming a police officer? The Carmel Police Department is running its second annual Youth Academy this summer for town residents entering grades 6-8 in the 2024-2025 school year. This six-day introduction to policing will take place from July 15-19 and July 22 and includes physical training, team-building exercises, and presentations by specialized units within the police department. Space is limited; students will be chosen based on a short essay: “Why I Want to Join the Police Academy.” Cost is $150. For more information, visit the Town of Carmel website and select the Youth Academy tab. PAC Spring Classes Putnam Arts Council, 521 Kennicut Hill Road, Mahopac, is currently accepting registration for spring classes in the arts including six-week and one-day workshops; classes and workshops are offered throughout April. Offerings include watercolor, oils and acrylics, pottery, and mixed media. Classes are offered afternoons, evenings, and weekends. One weekend option for adults - treat yourself to a Saturday night out and try your hand at hand-building (clay) in our Sip and Spin Workshop; an evening of fun in the pottery studio where you will create a project or two from a slab of clay while enjoying light refreshments and beverages. Groups are most welcome; a maximum of eight. Affordable classes for kids, teens, and adults. Small classes offer individual attention in a relaxed atmosphere where creativity is the goal. Visit www.putnamartscouncil.com for details on fees, and instructors, and to register.
APRIL 25 - MAY 8, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 39 In Case You Missed It The stories below were published on our website in-between print editions. Never miss another local story again by visiting News.HalstonMedia.com. Scan the QR codes in the summaries below to read the full story. Scan Here To Get The Top Local News Delivered To Your Inbox Daily. Scam Alert The New York State Police are warning that scammers have been reported posing as state troopers and demanding money. Sculpture Garden to Return A grant to Carmel Recreation and Parks will help fund the Red Mills Park Sculpture Garden, which is set to go up in May A Not So Great Train Robbery The bike path through Mahopac was once a train line that saw a locomotive stolen in the early 1970s. Something to Bark Home About Carmel PD K9 Officer Pietro was awarded “Case of the Year” for 2023 by the U.S. Police Canine Association Region 7 after finding a burglar hiding under a bed in Mahopac. IMAGE COURTESY OF PUTNAM COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPT. EMILE MENASCHÉ COURTESY OF BRIAN VANGOR Sheriff Ramps Up Safety Measures With the escalating hostilities in the Middle East and the extensive aerial attack Iran conducted against Israel recently, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office is undertaking proactive measures.
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