VOL. 12 NO. 39 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 CLASSIFIEDS 27 LEGAL NOTICES 25 LEISURE 24 OPINION 10 SPORTS 18 TOWN GREEN 4 Yorktown’s Electric Lights Parade pg 14 LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT! Visit TapIntoYorktown.net for the latest news. BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR After 49 days in captivity, Doron Katz-Asher and her two young daughters, Raz and Aviv—the niece and grandnieces of Mahopac resident Shaul Naor—were freed as part of the first group of hostages released by Hamas on Nov. 24. As previously reported in Mahopac News, the Katz-Ashers were taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz on Oct. 7 during the Hamas terrorist attack that left more than 1,500 Israelis dead and more than 200 kidnapped. Naor’s sister, Efrat Naor Katz, (Katz-Asher’s mother) was killed in the attack. She would have turned 69 on Nov. 22. Her longtime partner Gadi Mosses disappeared and remains among the missing. “Our hearts are full of joy and thanks,” Naor told Mahopac News on the day the news of the release broke. “From 9 a.m., I was following the news on Israeli TV and other media and getting updates from family members on social media too.” Naor said the trio went through medical evaluation by the military and were transferred to a hospital near Tel Aviv and reunited with their family. He said that his niece (along with his grandnieces) had been reunited with her husband Yoni Asher, and her sister, Lior. Naor shared an Israeli media report showing a picture of the family reunited in a hospital room. The report quoted a Facebook post by Doron’s husband, who said the children “don’t stop talking” about the ordeal. Asher called his wife “the hero of the whole story” who spent each night with “one eye open at Mahopac man’s relatives released by Hamas Niece and grandnieces set free in prisoner exchange with Israel Stills taken from a family video show Daron Katz-Asher (purple top) and her children reuniting with her husband and sister. COURTESY SHAUL NAOR BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA STAFF WRITER A Mohegan Lake man is facing charges for his alleged role in the 2021 fentanyl-related death of Mahopac man Brian Cobb, 37. Two federal charges against Perry Freeman, 37, were announced by the Southern District of New York (SDNY) on Monday, Dec. 4: one count of fentanyl distribution resulting in death – which carries a minimum of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison – and one count of illegally possessing ammunition as a convicted felon, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. According to prosecutors, Freeman (also known as Perry Darrell) sold Cobb drugs mixed with fentanyl on or around Nov. 10, 2021. Cobb was later found in a parked burning car after passing out with his foot on the gas pedal. The police found Cobb unconscious in the burning Ford Focus, which was in a Mohegan Lake parking lot minutes away from Freeman’s apartment on Lexington Avenue, prosecutors said. After firefighters put out the car fire, they pulled Cobb from the car; he was declared dead at the scene. Investigators later determined that the car caught fire after overheating because the gas pedal was depressed for an excessive period while the car was in park, leading to the engine sparking a fire that engulfed the vehicle. His body was burned in the fire. According to prosecutors, an autopsy by the Westchester County Medical Examiner’s Office found that Cobb had lethal levels of fentanyl and norfentanyl (a metabolite of fentanyl) in his blood. The ME also discovered a darkening of Cobb’s lungs, which indicated that he had inhaled smoke before he died. His cause of death was certified as both acute fentanyl intoxication and accidental. Mohegan man charged in 2021 fentanyl death Cops allege Mahopac man was an overdose victim SEE HOSTAGES PAGE 6 SEE ARREST PAGE 8
PAGE 2 – YORKTOWN NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 Periodicals Postage Paid at Somers, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Yorktown News at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 (ISSN 2329-8693) Published Weekly by Halston Media, LLC at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2023 Halston Media, LLC The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Emile Menasché Editor: 845-208-0774 [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky 845-661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [email protected] Noah Elder Designer Bri Agosta Designer Haven Elder Designer EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines Yorktown News The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for Yorktown News is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected]. Subscribe To request Yorktown News weekly delivery, call 845-208-8503 or email [email protected]. Subscriptions are complimentary for residents and businesses in the town. Out of town mail subscriptions are $150 per year for First Class Mail. BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA STAFF WRITER A 2022 lawsuit to overturn the Town Board’s approval of the Yorktown Heights overlay district was denied by the state Supreme Court late last month. The Planned Design District Overlay Law, which was approved in December 2021, laid out new zones for certain properties in Lake Osceola and Yorktown Heights to promote economic growth by encouraging mixed-use development. Filed in April of last year, an Article 78 lawsuit was brought by a local organization founded by Trish Sullivan-Rothberg, a former Town Board candidate. Also named as plaintiffs were neighboring residents Martha Dodenhoff, Susan and Steve Dolled, and Louise Fang. An Article 78 lawsuit under the State Environmental Quality Review Act lets plaintiffs sue to have an action invalidated if the court deems the environmental review process incomplete or inadequate. The plaintiffs challenged the legality of the district in Yorktown Heights but did not include the Osceola district in the suit. The suit argued that the overlay zone (and developments being considered within it) eroded the historic aspects of the Yorktown Heights hamlet. The developments, Underhill Farm at the intersection of Underhill Avenue and Route 118, as well as the Gardena Hotel, were both approved earlier this year. The lawsuit argued that the rezoning violated town law and that the Town Board failed to perform the necessary environmental review. It also said the town failed to consider the “cumulative impacts” of the rezoning before making its decision. The overlay zone was adopted during former supervisor (and current state assemblyman) Matt Slater’s tenure in town government. In ruling for the town, State Supreme Court Judge George Fufidio concluded that the overlay district complies with the State Environment Quality Review Act, and said the town had properly weighed its impact and challenged the notion that Yorktown should remain focused on low-density housing. “The dynamics of change are always at play and would seem to be even more so in an area so close to one of the world’s largest urban areas,” Fufidio wrote in his decision. “With that in mind, zoning schemes are not static, and while zoning laws do promote a developmental and systemic foundation when the winds of change shift, they are not meant to be a bulwark against any kind of change. “It is clear that his endeavor was undertaken to revitalize and modernize a flagging commercial district in Yorktown,” he added. “The town reasonably took into account the foreseeable needs of the community and was guided by the town’s Comprehensive Plan and sound zoning principles as well as by state and local laws with which they were in compliance and the whole plan was carried out in a proper, careful and reasonable manner. The past should not unnecessarily constrain the future.” The decision was praised by both Slater and current Supervisor Tom Diana. “The current and former members of the Town Board were thoughtful, deliberate, and respectful of all our obligations under the town’s Comprehensive Plan. We adopted this overlay zoning ordinance with the goal of bringing an economic rebirth to our business hamlets that have struggled for Court upholds Yorktown’s district overlay law SEE OVERLAY PAGE 9 I A F F ORGANIZED 28 1918FEB LOCAL 2956 LAKE MOHEGAN FIRE DISTRICT FIRE COMMISSIONER DECEMBER 12TH 6-9 P.M Yorktown Residents: Jefferson Valley Firehouse 500 Lee Blvd Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Cortlandt Manor Residents: Hollowbrook Firehouse 1130 Oregon Rd Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 3 BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA STAFF WRITER Santa turned the Albert A. Capellini Community and Cultural Center into his workshop this weekend as he sat for pictures, hot chocolate, cookies, and crafts with local families and children. This was the Yorktown Lions Club’s second annual Cocoa with Santa, and they said that this year’s turnout was even better than 2022. This year was also the first where a “Sensitive Santa” session was incorporated, which dedicated time to children and their families who experience sensory overload and/or children with disabilities. It was a success: One parent told organizers that this was the first time their child was able to have their photo taken with Santa. In addition to the family fun, there were raffles, non-perishable food collections, holiday vendors, and the ability to purchase a custom letter from Santa to be mailed to a child’s home. Although the cocoa is all gone, the letter-from-Santa program is still going on and will be available until Dec. 17. Those interested in having one sent to a child can visit yorktownlionsclub.com. Kids share cocoa and smiles with Santa Tristan, Abbie and Liam Haughwout with Santa Robby Del Balzo colors a masterpiece of a Christmas stocking. Jim and Denise Poulin are Santa’s best elves. Members of the Yorktown Lions gather around Santa making sure they’re on the “good” list. Lions Carol Lachterman and Tricy Cushner collecting food and toys. Christmastime means “The Nutcracker.” It’s a magical time of year for many dance studios. Excitement builds while students prepare to be in the annual holiday production. “The Nutcracker for Kids” at Dance for Joy is different from most versions. This production is narrated, and the ballet is condensed into one hour – a perfect length to keep kids of all ages enchanted from beginning to end. Saturdays are abuzz at Dance for Joy with rehearsals in every studio for all of November and most of December. Roles are being learned and refined, costumes fitted, and then finally it’s off to the theater! The joy of performing exudes from the stage, delighting all audiences. “Nutcracker for Kids!” performances will take place on Dec. 16 at 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., and on Dec. 17 at 5 p.m. at Yorktown Stage. Tickets can be purchased at 28257. danceticketing.com. Dance for Joy has been sharing the joy and magic of all things dance for 30 years. In addition to offering classes for ages 3 to adult, the studio also has the Dance for Joy Youth Ballet Company. Members consist of students from the school only, ranging from ages 12 to 18, which allows the group to have a variety of dancers with different levels of experience. The Youth Ballet Company performs at many free events throughout the year. Another way they provide a service to the local area is by playing a major part in putting together the studio’s annual “Nutcracker for Kids!” production. This article was prepared by Dance for Joy. Dance for Joy brings back ‘Nutcracker for Kids!’ Previous performance of the Nutcracker at Dance for Joy. PHOTO COURTESY OF DANCE FOR JOY PHOTOS: COURTESY OF YORKTOWN LIONS Law Office Of andres d. GiL, PLLC Honor, Integrity, Compassion, and Dignity Call Us Today At (845) 940-1110 ADG-LAW.com 973 Route 22, Suite 3, Brewster New York State Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business TRUST & ESTATES • WILLS • ELDER LAW • REAL ESTATE LAW OFFICE OF ANDRES D. GIL, PLLC Honor, Integrity, Compassion, and Dignity Call us today at (845) 940-1110 Scan here to visit my website
GOVERNMENT AT WORK Here is the schedule for upcoming town and school district meetings: PAGE 4 – YORKTOWN NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 Town Board Tuesday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall Board Room 363 Underhill Ave. Planning Board Monday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. Town Hall Board Room 363 Underhill Ave. Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Thursday, Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, 6:30 p.m. Town Hall Board Room 363 Underhill Ave. Recreation Commission Thursday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m. Town Hall 363 Underhill Ave. Conservation Board Wednesday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall Board Room 363 Underhill Ave. Board of Education Monday, Dec. 18, 7 p.m. (Year in review report) Mildred E. Strang Middle School cafeteria 2701 Crompond Road TOWN GREEN www.onmytoesdance.com 914.734.2838 [email protected] 3565 Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor NY 10567 Still Accepting New Students! With classes for ages 4 months- adult, schedule your FREE trial class and see why OMT was voted Best of Yorktown! Dancers must be registered by 1/1 in order to participate in our June 2024 recital! Blood Drives Both the New York Blood Center and the American Red Cross are warning of shortages in the blood supply and are seeking donations. Go to nybc.org or redcrossblood.org to make an appointment and learn more. Here are some options close to home. You can find more sites and dates on the respective organizations’ websites. New York Blood Center: Jefferson Valley Mall: Dec. 14, 12- 6 p.m.; Kennedy Catholic HS (54 Rt. 138, Somers): Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2:30 - 7 p.m.; Crystal Hall Community Center (34 Hillandale Road, Yorktown Heights): Wednesday, Dec 20. 1 - 7 p.m.; Putnam County FF and FOP (32 Gleneida Ave., Carmel Hamlet): Friday, Dec. 29, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. American Red Cross: John C. Hart Memorial Library (1130 E Main St., Shrub Oak): Tuesday, Dec. 12, 12 - 5 p.m.; Avalon Somers (Avalon Somers, 49 Clayton Blvd., Baldwin Place): Saturday, Dec. 16, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Repair Café On Saturday, Dec. 9, Sustainable Putnam will host Mahopac’s first Repair Café at the Mahopac Middle School between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Bring your broken, but beloved item to be fixed for free by volunteers. Yorktown residents are welcome. Keep your lamps, clocks, toasters, and more working and out of a landfill. Register at sustain ableputnam/repair-cafe or call 646-598-6560. Volunteers are also welcome. Islamic Center Community Night Hudson Valley Islamic Community Center (3680 Lexington Avenue, Mohegan Lake) holds its Community Night every Friday evening at 7 p.m. Dinner is served. All are welcome. The HVIC also has a monthly food pantry on the first Sunday of each month at the same location. For more information, call (914) 528-1626. Christmas Among Friends Amawalk Friends Meeting House, located at 2467 Quaker Church Road (near the corner of Route 35) in Yorktown Heights, will host an evening of silent worship, caroling, and refreshments on Dec. 24, from 4:30 p.m. Come with family and friends to gather around the wood stoves. Bring a flashlight. Senior Advisory Committee Meeting Yorktown’s next Senior Advisory Committee meeting will be held on Friday, Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. in the Yorktown Town hall. The Town of Yorktown Senior Advisory Committee is a non-political body, appointed by the town board to represent Yorktown’s seniors. Learn more at yorktownny.org/ bc/senior-advisory-committee. Menorah Lighting/ Laser Light Show. Sunday, Dec 10, 3 p.m. Complimentary hot latkes. Free 3D dreidel glasses with each show ticket. Followed by menorah lighting at the Devito running track near the Yorktown Stage at 4 p.m. Free donuts, hot coffee, and “Am Yisrael Chai!” silicone wristbands. For more information and to RSVP: www. ChabadYorktown.com, 914- 962-1111. Ladies Chanukah Party Thursday, Dec 14, 7 p.m. Enjoy the spirit of Chanukah and make your own exquisite Jewish star glass brooch or pendant. Am Yisrael Chai! Hot latkes, soup, and salad will be served. For more information and to RSVP: www.Chabad Yorktown.com, 914-962-1111.
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PAGE 6 – YORKTOWN NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 night so they would not be separated.” “The body and souls of both of us are exhausted,” Asher said. “But right now that’s not what’s important, [that] story will be told. Right now, our brothers and sisters who are still being held captive are [what’s] important.” Naor said that after the release, more details emerged about the attack and the incident that killed his sister—who was being taken to Gaza in a tractor-drawn wagon with her daughter, grandchildren, and other hostages—when she died. Previously, it was believed that Efrat Naor Katz had been killed by her captors during an altercation on the wagon. But Naor said new information points to a Hamas rocket or mortar missing its intended target. “We now understand that a rocket or mortar fell short and exploded close to the [vehicle] carrying hostages [and] killed and injured both hostages and their captors,” Naor said on Sunday. “The explosion killed my sister. Some shrapnel also hit Doron in the back.” Those who survived the rocket attack were taken to Gaza. “For two weeks [Katz-Asher and her daughters] were held by civilians under fair conditions,” Naor said. “Then [they were] moved to another facility with just minimum means of survival until their release.” Naor said the children were physically healthy but traumatized by the ordeal. Doron is expected to recover from her wounds and can be seen walking on her own in a family reunion video footage shared with Halston Media. However, Naor said that she will still need treatment for the injuries she sustained in the rocket attack. “The shrapnel is still there,” he said. “The doctors are trying to decide now what kind of treatment she needs, but they wanted to give her time back with her family first.” Not all the news was as good for the family. Naor said Doron’s stepbrother David Katz is presumed dead, though his body has yet to be recovered. The fate of Mosses remains unknown. A day of terror, weeks of waiting Naor – who grew up in Israel, lived in Brooklyn, and had a summer home in Mahopac before moving to the area full-time a few years ago – was in Israel at the time of the attack. Like many Israelis accustomed to Hamas attacks, he didn’t realize anything outside the ordinary was happening at first. “It was very sketchy,” he said. “First of all, it was a holiday [and] Shabbat. A lot of people don’t even have their phones on in many religious communities.” Naor, observing the sabbath, was among those with his phone turned off. “People don’t turn the phone on unless it’s a specific emergency,” he explained. “But it takes a while [to get information]. And slowly, it started to come through. But it was very confusing.” The attacks, which started in the early morning, had been going on for hours by the time many Israelis became aware of them. “That was the situation till the afternoon,” he said. “A lot of people [under attack] were already in communication with their families. The attack started at 6:30 in the morning. They started with hundreds and hundreds of rockets in every direction just to confuse the Israeli army. The purpose, I guess, was to confuse the Iron Dome [defense] system. It was chaos. That was the main thing that Hamas wanted, so their forces could go through the border.” Messages from those under attack underscored the feeling of confusion and helplessness as people began to hear from loved ones under siege. Because war is a constant backdrop to life in Israel, there are warning systems, shelters, and safe rooms, but none of them were designed for the massive door-to-door assault by Hamas. “A lot of people were communicating through their phones, even those who were locked in the safe rooms,” Naor said, adding that his sister, knowing his phone would be off for Shabbat, communicated with friends. “And her daughter was communicating with her husband [who had left the day before] and her friends. Everybody was communicating. People were saying ‘We’re locked up, we hear them.’” Naor said people hiding could hear the terrorists walking the streets and surrounding their homes, “trying to break into the houses, looting, shooting, trying to break into safe rooms.” With the attack happening on an unprecedented scale on the ground, Naor said he didn’t know his sister was missing until the following day. “By the afternoon, she wasn’t answering her phone, and we had no idea why. The next day we started to get a clearer idea [why] people were not answering. It was because [they could not]. I mean that nobody really knew [what was happening] – only the people on the ground over there knew; the public did not know anything. Of course, they just knew that people were not answering the phones; the army was not coming out with much information at that point. It took a few days for people to realize what really happened.” Over time, Naor came to learn that Efrat’s longtime boyfriend Mosses, 79, had also disappeared, evidently after leaving the safe room to try to reason with the Hamas attackers. “There’s a picture of him somewhere, being led away by two guys,” Naor said. “My sister, her daughter, and her two girls were rounded up with others from the kibbutz. And a bunch of them were put onto some kind of a farmer’s wagon pulled by a tractor. And they were going towards the Gaza border, which is maybe 10 minutes away by tractor.” When we first spoke in November, Naor believed his sister had died after an altercation on the wagon. He now knows that it was a failed rocket attack. “They said the survivors were rounded up again by the terrorists, put back in a wagon, and taken to Gaza,” he said. “And my sister was left in the field. That much is confirmed.” Naor said his sister was identified about a week after the attack by Israeli forces regaining control of the border. “They collected dozens and dozens of bodies, including terrorists... everybody,” Naor said. “She was identified through DNA and other means. And we were able to bury her.” While his niece and her daughters are now home safe, according to CNN, Israeli authorities believe that more than 136 hostages remain in Hamas custody. 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PAGE 8 – YORKTOWN NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 Attempted assault: On Nov. 27, a 51-year-old Yorktown man was arrested and charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, a class E felony, two counts of thirddegree criminal mischief, a class E felony, and third-degree attempted assault, a class B misdemeanor. Police said that on Nov. 21 at around 11:30 p.m., they responded to a report of a domestic dispute, and they conducted an investigation at the scene which revealed that the suspect allegedly took a woman’s cell phone and broke it by throwing it to the ground. The next morning, the police returned to the Yorktown residence for another report of a domestic dispute. The suspect allegedly broke another cell phone the same way as the day before, and also allegedly hit the woman in the head. He surrendered to Yorktown police on Nov. 27. He was remanded to Westchester County Jail and a temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim. The suspect is due back in court on Jan. 4. Illegal dumping: On Nov. 26, a 56-year-old Yorktown man was served a criminal summons for dumping, a town code violation. Police alleged that garbage was dumped on the side of Old Granite Springs Road on Nov. 2, They said they discovered a bag filled with household trash dumped in a wooded area on the side of the roadway. The suspect is due to appear in Yorktown Justice Court on Jan. 14. Menacing: A 51-year-old Yorktown man was arrested on Nov. 21 after police took a report of a past domestic incident at a Yorktown home. On Sept. 20, the suspect allegedly threatened the victim with a knife during an argument. He turned himself in voluntarily to Yorktown police and is due in the Yorktown Justice Court on Dec. 5. A temporary order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim. Shoplifting: A 31-year-old Yonkers woman was arrested on Nov. 21 and charged with two counts of petit larceny, and criminal possession of stolen property, both class A misdemeanors. At around 5:17 p.m., Yorktown police responded to Dick’s Sporting Goods at the Jefferson Valley Mall where workers said they observed a suspect from a previous theft at the store. It is alleged that this woman stole from the store on Nov. 13 as well as Nov. 21, concealing merchandise in a bag, passing registers, and making no attempt to pay for any of it. She was located in the mall where she was allegedly in possession of the stolen products. She was arrested, released on her own recognizance, and is due back at court on Dec. 7. Blotter courtesy of Yorktown Police Department POLICE BLOTTER Police linked Cobb to Freeman through Facebook messages between the two on the day of Cobb’s death, according to the official complaint. The messages appear to show the two discussing the sale of red bags of drugs. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said Cobb “died a horrific death shortly after taking the drugs” Freeman sold him and called the levels of drugs provided by Freeman “lethal.” Cobb worked as the parts manager at Nissan of Yorktown Heights and was passionate about drag racing, according to his obituary. He is survived by his parents George and Debbie Cobb, his brother George (Shannon), his niece Ella, his sister Christina, and his fiancé Kristin Barker. “This office will not rest until those who peddle this poison have been brought to justice,” Williams said. An official complaint against Freeman, written by James Hannigan, a Yorktown Police detective, and Federal Task Force officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), said the investigation was helped by a confidential informant who approached law enforcement and “offered to cooperate” against Freeman because he was selling drugs to someone they knew. On five different occasions from 2021 to 2022, the informant purchased “red bags” (heroin/fentanyl) from Freeman on behalf of law enforcement. The bags were given to police after each purchase and were tested by the Westchester County Department of Laboratories and Research, Division of Forensic Sciences. Each bag was found to contain heroin and fentanyl. Police said the transactions ranged from $40 to $120 and took place in Mohegan Lake and Cortlandt. After a February 2022 search warrant for Freeman’s apartment issued by Yorktown Justice Gary Raniolo, police found ammunition, red glassine envelopes similar to those used in the drug sales, a digital scale, and “what appeared to be drugs scattered throughout the apartment.” “Data doesn’t lie, and law enforcement continues to track fatal fentanyl poisonings to the person responsible,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III. “This arrest is an example of the DEA and our law enforcement partners’ efforts to thwart more drug poisonings and bring to justice those responsible for causing the most harm to our communities. “I commend the men and women of the Yorktown Police Department, the DEA’s Westchester Resident Office’s Tactical Diversion Squad, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their tenacious work on this investigation,” he added. Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble said the case serves as a positive illustration of local and federal law enforcement working together for a common goal. “It is good for our community to see their local police department request assistance from federal agencies like the DEA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and have it culminate with the arrest of an alleged dangerous drug dealer,” he said. “I commend the determination, intelligence, and teamwork demonstrated throughout this investigation. Yorktown is a law-and-order community. We’ll continue to work hard, share information, and work shoulder to shoulder on our streets with all of our partners in law enforcement to keep it that way.” ARREST FROM PAGE 1 914.455.2158 SpirelliElectric.com • [email protected] Specializing in residential & commercial services. 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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 9 BY BRETT FREEMAN PUBLISHER U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler (NY17) introduced a bill in Congress last Friday that would make it more affordable for veterans seeking healthcare. The Heroes Earned Affordable Lifts Act, or HEAL, will offer Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and local Veterans Service Agencies (VSAs) that provide rides to veterans for medical services the same travel reimbursements that veterans and caregivers receive. The HEAL Act also removes the deductible for beneficiary travel, which serves as a barrier to care. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the current deductible is $3 per one-way and $6 for a round trip, up to a maximum of $18 per month. The HEAL Act would also raise the mileage reimbursement rate for travel to approved health care appointments to 65.5 cents, equivalent to the mileage reimbursement rate for privately owned vehicles if no government-furnished automobile is available. The current mileage reimbursement rate is 41.5 cents. “The HEAL Act is a major step forward in improving access to healthcare for veterans in the Hudson Valley and across the country,” Lawler said. “Raising mileage reimbursement rates, getting rid of the deductible, and allowing VSOs and VSAs to qualify for reimbursement will help provide additional and affordable services to our heroes. “To those who have served our country selflessly, I say this - I will always have your backs, and this legislation is proof of that. By making access to healthcare easier and more affordable, our veterans can continue to get the quality care they deserve without breaking the bank getting there.” The bill’s introduction was well received locally. “The VA health care system is a lifeline that many of our country’s veterans rely on for their medical well-being, and our legislators need to continue to work diligently to ensure all our veterans can obtain affordable, reliable and effective healthcare through our VA system,” said Jonathan Schneider, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Mahopac-based accountant who owns Schneider Financial Group. “Thank you Congressman Lawler for introducing this valuable and needed legislation for our veterans.” Karl Rohde, director of the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency, was also effusive in his praise for the introduced bill. “Congressman Lawler has worked tirelessly to interface with our agency and to help provide additional support to the veterans of Putnam County,” Rohde said. “The HEAL Act is a critical piece of legislation that will make access to healthcare easier and more affordable for veterans in Putnam and across the Hudson Valley, while freeing up additional dollars to provide more services to our nation’s heroes.” Mark Woods, the director of Veteran Services at BRIDGES in West Nyack, said, “I’m thankful that Congressman Lawler is following up on his promises to his Veterans Advisory Board by introducing this legislation. “His commitment to those who have served this country is exemplary, and I look forward to seeing what other legislation Congressman Lawler has in store to help our veterans.” Lawler bill seeks to ‘HEAL’ veterans Proposed legislation would make it more affordable for veterans to travel for medical care years because of changes in the retail landscape,” Diana said in a prepared statement. “This overlay zoning is intended to position Yorktown businesses for success, and that’s where we are headed.” A statement from Slater’s office said that the overlay district was the “cornerstone” of his economic development plan while in the supervisor’s chair. It states it was also part of his Reboot Yorktown Task Force which convened after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The court’s ruling validates the great care we used to craft an economic development plan that will revitalize the Yorktown Heights business district,” Slater said. “The Overlay District law has been the key to attracting millions of dollars in new private investment in Yorktown Heights and it will continue to transform our town and grow the local commercial tax base.” John Ravitz, executive vice president and executive operating officer for the Business Council of Westchester (BCW) was quoted in the release stating, “The Business Council of Westchester recognized early on that then-Supervisor Slater was trying to think outside of the box and crafted an economic development approach that could be a model for local governments across the state and nation. “Matt’s approach will transform the Yorktown Heights Hamlet by making it more attractive to potential businesses and economic development projects. We applaud the court’s decision and are excited for Yorktown’s future,” Ravitz wrote. Approved Projects in Overlay District The approved Underhill Farm project is a mixed-use development consisting of 48 townhouses, a 32-unit 55-plus senior OVERLAY FROM PAGE 2 DR. AMANDA WIECHERT, DMD & DR. FELICIA NICOLAS, DDS. 1855 COMMERCE STREET YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY 10598 (914) 302-7717 www.northeastdentalny.com [email protected] Dentistry with the personalized touch EXPERIENCE THE NORTHEAST DENTAL DIFFERENCE Long-time Yorktown dentist Dr. Amanda Wiechert founded Northeast Dental in 2014, with the idea that patients should be #1. We know that life can be hectic, and our team goes the extra mile to make patients’ care convenient, comfortable, and reliably high in quality. SEE OVERLAY PAGE 26
118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2023 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 Yorktown 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 (914) 302-5830 Brett Freeman, Publisher Tom Walogorsky, Editor Tabitha Pearson Marshall, Creative Director Editorial Office: (914) 302-5830 [email protected] PAGE 10 – YORKTOWN NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 I didn’t know any Jews when I was growing up; at least not personally. Pawling didn’t have a large Jewish population—there was no congregation, and no synagogue in town. I knew we had two Jewish teachers—both science—in high school: Moe Rothberg and Judy Segal. My dad used to bowl in the same league as Mr. Rothberg. I knew these teachers were Jewish the same way I might know someone was Italian or someone was Irish. I never really thought about it much beyond that. I don’t have the demographic breakdown, but back then (and probably now) Pawling was a largely Catholic town. The St. John’s the Evangelist parish church was smack-dab at the center of the Village—it’s been there since the late 1800s, but nowadays, that’s right across from the CVS Pharmacy. There were/are plenty of Protestants around, too. The Methodist, Baptist and Episcopalian churches are all within a half-mile radius of St. John’s. But other than the aforementioned teachers, there were no Jews that I was aware of at the time. If someone in Pawling wanted to join a synagogue, they’d likely have to travel about 13 miles south to Brewster. After I received my two-year degree, at the age of 20, I transferred to the SUNY school up in Oswego. And apparently so did half the Jewish kids from western Long Island. They had something else in common—it seems just about all of them liked the Grateful Dead and played guitar... just like me! So, in about one week, I went from “I don’t know any Jewish people,” to “Just about everyone I know is Jewish.” I didn’t think of it like that at the time, only now as I look back. My senior year in college, I shared the top floor of a big old Victorian house with four other guys—all Jewish. I remember, just before the winter break, they bought me one of those cheesy predecorated tabletop Christmas trees and sang “Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer” with me as we sat around that dumb little thing. Later on, they told me they were going to make me an honorary Jew, even though I am pretty sure they didn’t have the authority to do that. I look back on those times as some of the best of my life. My first serious relationship was with a Jewish woman. It wasn’t planned or sought out; it was just serendipitous. We met through friends of friends—something like that. We liked each other a lot right away and began dating. We were aware of each other’s heritages, but with neither one of us being particularly religious, we didn’t talk about it all that much. That doesn’t mean that I didn’t absorb some stuff through osmosis over the time I was with her. I remember being invited to Passover Seder at her mom’s apartment. I have flashes of memories from that experience. I remember the centerpiece with the matza bread. I remember having a Cornish game hen at one point. (It was delicious.) I remember playing Hearts and being roundly criticized if I made a dumb play. And I remember meeting a small army of grey-headed relatives who grilled me like a sirloin. It felt like I was holding a press conference, and more than one question induced some serious eyebrow arching. And I also remember that as one of the best times of my life. When I moved to Los Angeles a few years later, my first serious relationship was with a former Jehovah’s Witness from Costa Rica. But my second one was with a Jewish woman—and that one has become one of the most significant and enduring relationships of my life. Again, the fact that she was Jewish (and from Long Island) was merely coincidental. She was my best friend’s sister. That is how I met her about 32 years ago. At first, she was just an acquaintance and then a friend and then it turned romantic. Then it quickly turned back to acquaintance and eventually back to friendship, and before long we were... well, you get the idea. Roller-coaster does not describe it. But here we are more than three decades later and 2,800 miles apart and An honorary Jew’s point of view BOB DUMAS OUT OF MY HEAD Zoning laws aren’t always perfect when they’re adopted. Words or phrases that seemed clear when written can, over time, be considered ambiguous and subject to different interpretations by town officials and developers. Or, it can become apparent that the law simply does not adequately address a key issue. When that happens, our town officials have three options for how to proceed. 1. Disagree with the developer and let the court decide what the disputed provisions of the law mean. 2. Amend the law to add the missing provision and/or clarify ambiguous provisions. 3. Do nothing. Wait for a possible lawsuit — or — intentionally leave the problematic provisions in place so that town officials can interpret them on a case by case basis in consultation with the developer. Ambiguous provisions in three zoning laws highlight the problem. Overlay law The recent Planning Board approval for the Underhill Farms development highlights the fact that the 2021 law lacks clear, unambiguous guidance on how to calculate a project’s density, i.e., how much can be built on the site. In lieu of calculating density based on units per acre, the law regulates a project’s Ambiguous zoning laws lead to unfair process SUSAN SIEGEL GUEST COUMNIST SEE DUMAS PAGE 11 SEE SIEGEL PAGE 12
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 OPINION YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 11 SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO VISIT ONE OF OUR SHOWROOMS TODAY! Your Bath. Your Kitchen. Your Home. 49 Route 138 Somers, NY 10589 M-Fr 9:30AM-4:30PM 914-232-2020 3372 Old Crompond Road Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 M-Sat 10AM-5PM 914-736-2468 (ACROSS FROM THE BJ’S SHOPPING CENTER) BESTPLG.COM $50 off $500 Minimum Purchase when Shipped Complete. Eligible at Yorktown and Somers showrooms only Show this Ad to Receive Discount. One per customer Expires 3/15/2024 we still speak on the phone at least once a week (some of these calls can last three-plus hours). We text a lot and will also drop the occasional meme or video to each other on Facebook IMs. She is 55 now, but told me she identifies as 39. Lately, she has expressed a bit of anxiety over what is happening in the Middle East, and, by causality, what has been happening in L.A. The city has seen an enormous uptick in pro-Palestinian demonstrations and sometimes subtle and sometimes blatant antisemitism. Someone spraypainted a swastika on a car in her apartment building’s garage. I told her, “Don’t worry...how is anyone going to even know you’re Jewish?” She said, “Bob, everyone here thinks I look and sound like Fran Drescher.” Oh, yeah. Good point. She used to like to go to the Matzo Ball, a big Jewish singles event held in major cities across the U.S. every Christmas Eve. She is not going this year. “I’m not going somewhere in a big city where there is a huge concentration of Jews all in one spot,” she told me with a nervous laugh. I hate that my friend must live her day-to-day life with anxiety and has had to change the way she makes decisions. And when I watch these college students and other Gen Zs march and protest “Israeli apartheid” and chant from the “river to the sea,” it makes me nauseous. Most of them couldn’t even name what river or what sea they were talking about. I am being told by some that it is my party—the Democrats—who are responsible for much of the anti-Israel sentiment we are seeing here these days. Well, I must have missed that meeting, but when you look at the polls it is hard to argue. But, as usual, it depends on what surveys you read. But saying no Democrats support Israel and are antisemitic is like saying all Republicans believe California forest fires are started by Jewish space lasers. Sometimes the fringe gets a little too much attention. Chuck Schumer, a Jewish Democratic senator from New York, recently led the pro-Israel rally that drew 250,000 to the National Mall in Washington. So, there’s that. What I think is at the heart of the matter is not so much party affiliation, but age. These moronic college kids protesting on campus don’t affiliate so much with a party—they probably don’t even know what that is. But if they do, they probably don’t like either party because both represent the white patriarchy. So, now they are just spewing outrage that is based on years of misinformation they’ve been pummeled with. And that begs the larger question... what the hell are we teaching these kids in high school history class? Do they teach about the Holocaust? Do they teach about the history of that region and that land now known as Israel? Sure as hell doesn’t seem like it. My friend in L.A. sent me a video clip of a young white American woman, dressed in a scanty crop top and tight cut-off jean shorts holding a placard and calling for the condemnation of Israel for its “atrocities.” My friend pointed out that if this young lady walked into Gaza dressed like that, she would either be killed or arrested. If arrested, she would then learn what an atrocity truly is. As for those rainbow flags that these same protesters like to wave around occasionally, try doing that in Gaza and see what happens. (BTW... The Boston Globe recently called Tel Aviv “one of the gayest cities on earth,” and the government just swore in its record number of six openly gay legislators). Pretty sure you won’t see that in the Hamas regime. Recently, someone derisively wrote that Israel is the “last outpost of Western civilization in the Middle East” ... like that’s a bad thing. Here are a few things Western civ has given us: Individual liberty, scientific inquiry, rule of law, religious freedom, women’s rights, human rights, democracy, trial by jury, and freedom of speech. All marginalized people live better lives today because of Western ideals, not in spite of them. We could use more Israels in the Middle East. In the Hamas-governed Gaza Strip, there are no laws against sexual harassment, domestic violence, homophobia, honor killings and child marriage. This is who these college protesters want to stand with. The women in Gaza would be fortunate to be colonized by just about anyone from the West. And that leads me to those who think the Jews colonized Israel. The Jews are without question the region’s ancestral people, but the land has been occupied by dozens of conquerors over the centuries, including the Romans, the Arabs, the Byzantines and the Ottomans. Israel was eventually created by a vote of the United Nations in 1947 with even Russia approving. Look at the countries around that region and ask how many Jews live there. Morocco? Egypt? Syria? At one point many of these countries had thriving Jewish communities. Today, it is close to zero. On the other hand, how many Arabs live in Israel? About 2 million, or about 20 percent of the population. Many are Muslim and some are Christian. And they are all allowed, by law, to run for public office if they wish. There may be some apartheid or ethnic cleansing going on over there, but it certainly isn’t Israel that’s doing it. And trust me when I say the Jews have never attempted to colonize anything. OK... maybe parts of Miami, but that’s it. DUMAS FROM PAGE 10
PAGE 12 – YORKTOWN NEWS OPINION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 SUN, DEC 10, 3 PM YORKTOWN COMMUNITY CENTER ENTRANCE NEAR YORKTOWN STAGE TICKETS: $10 BEFORE DEC 7 / $15 AT THE DOOR COMPLIMENTARY HOT LATKES RSVP: WWW.CHABADYORKTOWN.COM BONUS: FREE 3D DREIDEL GLASSES WITH EACH SHOW TICKET! Followed by a Grand Public Menorah Lighting at the Devito running track near the Yorktown Stage @ PM Free Donuts, Hot Coffee, and “Am Yisrael Chai!” Silicone wristbands! B”H A Chanukah Prismatic Laser Light Show! Watch our local firefighters drop chocolate gelt... collect what you can! 4 Great care shouldn’t wait. 3379 Crompond Rd (in the BJs Plaza) Yorktown Heights NY 914.930.5550 afcurgentcare.com/yorktown-heights M-F: 8am-8pm, S-S: 8am-5pm At American Family Care, getting you better quickly is our number one priority. Our experienced team of medical providers is standing by and ready to treat you for just about anything that is making you sick. It’s nice to know that great health care is right around the corner from where you are, early or late, seven days a week. No appointment needed. allowed density by using the planning concept called Floor Area Ratio, or FAR: the square footage of all the proposed buildings on the site divided by the total lot size. But — as the Planning Board discovered — the zoning code has three different definitions of FAR, and, depending on which definition is used, the Underhill Farms plan exceeds the law’s maximum allowed FAR. The law is also not clear whether the square footage of wetlands should be included or excluded from the FAR calculation. The zoning code states — clearly — that wetlands should be excluded when calculating the FAR for multifamily developments. But, the Underhill Farms developer argued, successfully, that that provision did not apply to his project. Here again, the interpretation impacted whether the Underhill Farms plan exceeded the law’s maximum allowed FAR. Once the FAR calculation problem was raised in public, it was “resolved” behind closed doors in executive session. Neither the Planning Board or its attorney ever explained, in public, the legal basis for its ultimate decision. And the final FAR calculation was made AFTER the public hearing so there was no opportunity for the public to comment on it. (Note: The need for the Overlay Law to include guidelines for calculating the FAR was brought to the Town Board’s attention in 2021 when the law was being discussed. The comments were ignored.) What happens now? Has the Planning Board sent a memo to the Town Board asking our lawmakers to clarify the FAR provisions in the Overlay Law before the next overlay mixed use application is submitted? Has Councilman Sergio Esposito, the Town Board’s liaison to the Planning Board and who was present at the closed door FAR discussions, raised the issue with his colleagues on the Town Board? Recreation Fee Law The interpretation of the long-established recreation fee requirement also became a contentious issue during the Underhill Farms review process. The existing law requires developers of residential projects to either set aside a portion of the site for public passive or active recreation or pay a per unit recreation fee into a special trust fund. The decision how the requirement is to be satisfied is up to the Planning Board, although the Board does often seek a recommendation from the Recreation Commission. The Underhill Farms developer argued that according to his interpretation of the law, his site plan met the on-site recreation requirements; hence he was not obligated to pay a per unit fee. The Recreation Commission interpreted the law differently, however, and held that the on-site recreation did not meet the law’s requirements and that the developer should pay a per unit fee. And, after hearing the two interpretations, Councilwoman Luciana Haughwout, the Town Board’s liaison to the Recreation Commission, expressed concern about the law’s ambiguity. Ultimately, the Planning Board attorney sided with the developer that his proposed plan met the on-site requirements and that he did not have to pay a per unit fee. But there was no public discussion that explained the legal basis for the attorney’s decision. And although the developer agreed to make a “donation” to the town, the Planning Board’s approval resolution listed the “donation” as payment for the recreation fee. Solar Law In a previous column I called attention to the ambiguous language in the law regarding how solar panels needed to be “fully screened from adjacent residential properties, streets or roads on which it fronts or is visible from.” Since this ambiguity became apparent in May during a Planning Board public hearing, what, if anything, have the Planning Board and Town Board done to clarify the issue, both for the current application, but also for potential future solar applications? No one expects local laws to be perfect the first time around. That’s why there’s an amendment process. And why it’s reasonable to expect that once problems with one or more provisions of an existing law become apparent, our town officials will address those problems. But when our town officials do nothing and zoning laws are intentionally left ambiguous, the laws are ripe for closed door negotiations with developers, which can lead to uneven applications of the same laws. And a lack of fairness and transparency. Proposed senior center makes no sense I read the column, “Does the proposed senior center make sense?” (Nov. 9, Page 12) by Susan Siegel with interest. In a previous issue of the paper I saw a proposed plan for the senior center and wondered “what for?” Ms. Siegel has pointed out the many down sides for this project and as a senior citizen with plenty of “Common Sense” myself, the project makes no sense to me. Aside from benefiting the residents of Beaveridge and perhaps some developer interest, there is no upside. Spend the money on updating existing spaces, putting solar on appropriate town buildings and giving all of us a break in taxes. P.S. When will the town “train depot” see some action? $200,000 of our town taxes is sitting dormant. Don’t let the proposed senior center suffer the same fate. -Dianne Aronian Yorktown LETTER SIEGEL FROM PAGE 10
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 OPINION YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 13 Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. Managing Member • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500 NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM WHITE PLAINS • SOMERS • WWW.ESSLAWFIRM.COM • Asset Protection • Elder Law • Medicaid Applications (Nursing Home/Home Care) • Guardianships (Contested/Non-Contested) • Wills, Trusts & Estates Past Chair of Elder Law Section of NYS Bar Association “Super Lawyer” In Elder Law for 16 consecutive years Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! A good friend of mine recently remarked that he was “skeptical” when considering a recent politician’s actions. That comment reminded me of the age-old debate centered around the difference between skepticism and cynicism. In an age of misinformation, disinformation and out right lies, it is more important than ever to adopt an attitude of what I call “healthy skepticism.” Contrary to its popular use, skepticism, when approached with the correct mindset, is a valuable tool for critical thinking and inquiry. It requires having an open mind, questioning assumptions, and seeking evidence before forming beliefs or making decisions. A healthy skeptic understands the importance of gathering and evaluating reliable information, recognizing biases and being receptive to new perspectives. By embracing skepticism, individuals can make informed choices, avoid falling victim to misinformation and contribute to intellectual growth. In contrast, unbridled cynicism arises from a negative and pessimistic outlook, often accompanied by a lack of trust and a tendency to dismiss ideas or proposals without due consideration. Cynics may have a deep-seated skepticism, but instead of engaging with skepticism constructively, they adopt a dismissive and contemptuous approach toward any proposition or argument which doesn’t comport with their already embraced mindset. “Destructive cynics” tend to view the world through the lens of doubt, suspicion and contempt, which not only hampers their own personal growth and happiness, but also has detrimental effects on those around them. Another significant difference between healthy skepticism and destructive cynicism is their motivation. Skepticism is driven by a genuine desire to seek knowledge, appreciate complexities and improve one’s understanding of the world. Skeptics recognize the fallibility of human perception and are motivated to uncover truth and distinguish fact from fiction. They engage in critical analysis with the intention to arrive at a well-informed conclusion. On the other hand, cynics often display a sense of superiority and nihilism. They tend to derive satisfaction from tearing down ideas or beliefs without offering constructive alternatives. Their motivation is often rooted in a sense of disillusionment, bitterness or a need to protect themselves from disappointment. Destructive cynics often believe that they are protecting themselves from being fooled or manipulated; however, this mindset deprives them of the potential for growth and positive change. What exactly do I mean by skepticism? It is simply the act of keeping an open mind while at the same time, like a detective or a jury, looking closely at what credible evidence exists supporting or denying the proposed proposition. One of the most important contrasting aspects of skepticism vs. cynicism lies in the impact of skepticism and cynicism on personal wellbeing. Healthy skepticism encourages individuals to question, explore and adapt their beliefs based on credible evidence. It fosters intellectual humility, allowing room for personal growth and the correction of misconceptions. Skepticism can create a sense of curiosity and excitement, as individuals engage in continuous learning and self-improvement. This type of reasoned debate can be contrasted with cynicism, which, in its extreme form, undermines personal wellbeing. By adopting a cynical attitude, individuals distance themselves from potential opportunities, collaboration and constructive engagement with others. Instead of finding solutions or opening themselves to new possibilities, destructive cynics remain trapped in a negative spiral of unbridled skepticism, which isolates them from valuable insights and experiences. The constant suspicion and negativity associated with this brand of disparagement can also lead to increased stress, unhappiness and strained relationships. One of my main apprehensions about the effects of these two mindsets is their impact on society in general. Skepticism promotes critical discourse, like the types of spirited debates we were accustomed to seeing in Congress not too many years ago. In a healthy skeptical society, ideas are critically examined, claims are challenged and knowledge is constantly refined. This process drives progress, innovation and scientific advancements. Skeptical individuals engage in constructive debates, fostering an environment where evidence-based reasoning prevails over blind acceptance. It is this precise proposition that was the operating foundation of the thousands of town board meetings I attended during my two decades on the Yorktown Town Board. The town board, with the help of the public, would discuss, argue and reason through a myriad of proposals, and hopefully, in the process of analytic deliberation, come up with an appropriate resolution that has then withstood the test of informed critiques. However, today we are quickly approaching a society with entrenched polar positions. Cynicism rather than skepticism rules the day. It is my belief that a society plagued by such a destructive cynicism The importance of healthy skepticism JAMES MARTORANO MY PERSPECTIVE SEE MARTORANO PAGE 16
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PAGE 15 BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA STAFF WRITER Brightly lit holiday-themed floats brought some sparkle to Commerce Street and Veteran’s Road on Saturday during Yorktown’s annual Holiday Electric Lights Parade. The procession, which started on Front Street, was enjoyed by community members, local officials, families, and friends as they lined the roads to watch. The parade finished at Jack DeVito Veterans Memorial Field with the lighting of the town’s Christmas tree. In addition to the parade and tree lighting, there was a contest judging the floats, with Town Clerk Diana Quast and Parks and Recreation Commissioner Joe Falcone picking the winners. Winners Yorktown Service Award: Yorktown Grange Theme Award: The Hernandez Family with a Grinch-themed float Honorable Mention: Troop 2753 Runner Up for Theme Award: Total Transportation Youth Award: Star Struck Dance Academy Honorable Mention: Troop 1491, Honorable Mention: Troop 164 Twinkle Award: Eddie’s Yard Runner Up Twinkle Award: Amawalk Fire Department Honorable Mention Twinkle Award: Rose Contracting Judge’s Choice Award: Signs Ink Judge’s Choice Award: Eddie’s Yard Honorable Mention: Ossining Lawn Mower Honorable Mention: The Malone Family Grand Marshalls Choice: Plitnick Plumbing Randy Zapakin Service Memorial Award: Yorktown Highway Department with its float in honor of Jake Arcara Theresa DelVecchio, Cathy Granitto, Heather Baker, Beth Schierloh, Andrea Cane, and Linda Ferone gathered around the fire before the parade. d Daniel arade The Yorktown Highway Department dedicated a float in memory of former YHD worker Jake Arcara. The Grinch gets a ride into town from Total Transportation. PHIA CASELNOVA Rose Contracting gave Frosty the Snowman a lift. Owned and operated by two Registered Nurses with over 80 years of combined experience! Proudly Serving Putnam and Westchester Counties www.ecstaffingsolutions.com CALL US TODAY for a free phone evaluation! Route 202 Suite #3 Somers, NY 10589 914.265.4299 Dementia Care In-Home Evaluations Companion Care Respite Care Nursing Care 24 Hour Care Overwhelmed Caring For Your Loved One? Call us today! www.pleasantvillewellnessgroup.com CONTACT US 450 Manville Road, First Floor Pleasantville NY 10570 [email protected] 914-538-2438 PLEASANTVILLE WELLNESS GROUP offers compassionate and affordable care for whatever you or a loved one may be struggling with. Reach out today to find out how we can support you through your mental health journey. Services offered in person and online. Integrity... passion • (914) 962-0700 • [email protected] Yorktown, NY 10588 Family owned and operated RSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023
PAGE 16 – YORKTOWN NEWS OPINION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 MARTORANO FROM PAGE 13 The United States Marine Corps (hereinafter “the Corps”) was founded by Capt. Samuel Nicholas on Nov. 10, 1775, in Philadelphia. My late husband, Art, was a proud Marine and his birthday was Nov. 25. The Corps is very near and dear to my heart. Art was stationed in New River, N.C., when we started dating after high school graduation in the mid 1950s. He told me he went to boot camp a 6’4” overweight kid and came back a physically fit proud Marine. I might add he was quite handsome in his dress blues! Through him, I saw firsthand this pride, the “Marine mentality” in action. The Corps influenced Art’s life in many ways. Whether he was pursuing a project to completion or dealing with the many health issues he faced later, Art met life head-on with courage, determination and strength. On a trip to California many years ago, we visited two of his buddies and their families—they hadn’t seen each other since 1961! I loved meeting them and hearing their stories about being in the Corps and their lives after; I could feel their pride in being Marines—you know, once a Marine, always a Marine! One Corps-related fact of life: you never saw Art Scheffer wearing scuffed shoes. I would watch mesmerized as he placed his 50-year old wood shoe shine box on top of a towel on the bed. Out came the paste polish, brushes and soft cloths. He would spend a good 45 minutes carefully applying the polish, brushing, buffing and shining his shoes; Art finished the job with a rousing “spit” polish, yes a real honestto-goodness “spit” polish. Those shoes wouldn’t dare have a left-over scuff! I once offered to launder the buffing cloths. “Oh, my God Ruthie! Never wash these cloths. Their “aging” is what shines my shoes!” A Marine honor guard was in attendance at Art’s funeral. When I was presented the folded American flag, I noticed how young the Marine was; however, he stood ramrod straight and proud, a true Marine like my Marine of years past. A few weeks after the funeral, I received a lovely phone call from one of Art’s surgeons. He said Art had been a very special person. In his opinion, the Marine mentality had carried him through some very difficult moments and that he fought hard right to the very end. “Most people would have given up long before,” he commented. As you know, in Art’s memory and for his fellow Marines, I proudly fly the American and Marine flags on my car. The few. The proud. Semper Fi, United States Marine Corps! The few! The proud! Semper Fi! will devolve to the point where constructive change is beyond its reach. Cynics reject ideas without proper evaluation or consideration, which obstructs progress and stifles innovation. This type of mindset fuels mistrust and undermines collective efforts for social, political and scientific advancement. Gone are any chance of cooperation or compromised problem solving. Instead, we are left with a culture of negativity and hatred. I would be remiss if I didn’t share with you my view that today’s present day rampant and extreme cynicism has little resemblance to the philosophical inclinations proposed by the so-called father of cynicism, Diogenes. He lived around the time of Alexander the Great (they died on the same day). Diogenes lived a simple existence, carrying all his possessions with him while sleeping in a barrel. But beyond his unkempt appearance, his wise analysis of society was to oppose with all his might hypocrisy. He treated all people the same way, whether they be simple folk or the high and mighty. Throngs followed him to listen to his wise pronouncements, as his reputation spread far and wide. It is said that Alexander the Great made a pilgrimage to see him. When they met, the great and powerful Alexander asked this unkempt philosopher, “what can I do for you?” Diogenes’ legendary response was “you can stop blocking my sunlight.” He advocated a simple life of honesty and skepticism. He would be aghast at how his philosophy of reasoned cynicism has been distorted in today’s world. Putting my defense of Diogenes aside, we all know that 2024 portends to be a year of important developments and decision making for our country. During these important times, it will be more important than ever that we approach all incoming so-called information with an air of healthy skepticism rather than closed-minded cynicism. Healthy skepticism, when approached constructively, promotes critical thinking, personal growth and societal progress. And boy, can we use all three right now. RUTHANN SCHEFFER WHAT WAS I THINKING? 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Dear Dr. Linda, Our daughter, Maggie, invited us to drive with her family to our son’s for Thanksgiving dinner, which is five hours away. We thought it would be great to be together. Big mistake! Our daughter decided that screen time was off limits during the trip. She wanted us to spend quality time together. To tell you the truth, the quality family time got so unpleasant that at one point my wife and I were considering taking a plane, train or renting another car to get home. Any suggestions for our next holiday car trip to our other daughters for Christmas? She lives six hours away and Maggie already told us that we’ll go with them again. How do we tell her thanks, but no thanks! By the way, we understand that too much screen time can be dangerous, but isn’t a long car trip the perfect time for screen time? Happy Holidays, -Grandma and Grandpa Dear Grandma and Grandpa, Maggie’s intentions are good, but not necessarily realistic. Depending on your grandchildren’s ages and personalities, it would be difficult to find activities that everyone would enjoy for five hours. In fact, trapped five hours together in a car is difficult for anyone at any age. So, how did families years ago, before smartphones and movies in the car, manage long car trips? Their mindset was different. Children knew that they were going to play games together such as “20 Questions” or “I Spy.” They knew that it was a time they all sang together or shared funny family stories. In other words, everyone got in the car with a similar plan. They knew what to expect. Was the car trip always a wonderful family experience? No. Sometimes, it was awful. Everyone was arguing and the kids were poking and pushing each other until someone ended up crying. Even though most family trips begin with the same good intentions – it doesn’t always happen. To try to have the best family trip, the No. 1 rule is to plan ahead. Besides planning what clothes you’ll be taking, where to eat, how long to drive before stopping to stretch, be sure to take time out to plan what everyone will be doing in the car during those long hours. Sit down as a family and talk about the trip. Ask the children what they want to do on the trip. If grandparents are going along, be sure they put in their two cents. For example, does everyone want the trip to be “alone time” where everyone is sitting with headphones or earbuds and playing their own video games or watching their own movie? Or does everyone want a family car trip of singing together and playing games? Write down all the suggestions and talk about them. Compromise. For example, if everyone decides that part of the trip should be playing on smartphones or watching a movie, talk about the length of time that will be spent doing so. Also, talk about the fact that they may have to stop in the middle of a game or movie to go eat. Talk about the fact that they may have to finish the game or movie later in the trip. Talk about how each one will deal with that. In other words, the key is what I call the “3 Cs”—communicate, compromise and cooperate. These are three of the most important life skills you can teach your children. And one of the best family activities where you can practice these 3 Cs is to go on a family trip together. When parents argue, “It’s my car so here are the rules,” as Maggie did, or “When I’m paying for the trip, I decide,” (also referred to as the golden handcuffs), the consequences in the future may not turn out that great. Kids go along with everything up to a point. But if the experience isn’t that positive, or if it’s downright unpleasant, they may not want to go on trips with you when they’re older. Bottom line? Whether there’s screen time or no screen time isn’t really the issue. The issue is that Maggie planned how everyone would behave in the car because that’s what she wanted. If you want everyone, young and old, to get through a long car trip, without too many negative repercussions, then everyone has to be part of the planning. Happy planning, -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. Forget about ‘My way or the highway’ DR. LINDA SILBERT STRONG LEARNING To advertise in Yorktown News, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected].
PAGE 18 – YORKTOWN NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Last winter was a season to remember for both Lakeland and Yorktown as each team ventured to the holy grail of local hoops, the Westchester County Center in White Plains, home to the Section 1 semifinals and finals, with both squads reaching the Class A semis. For Lakeland, it was its first postseason trip to the county center since 2009, and for Yorktown, since 2017. The crosstown rivals started the season on Dec. 1 with Lakeland coming from behind to beat the Huskers at Yorktown HS (see the game report on page 19). Here’s a look at the season ahead. Lakeland Lakeland coach Steve Fallo is looking forward to his 10th season coaching the Hornets but reflected back on his team’s historic run to the County Center. “It was great for us and for every team that made it,” Fallo said. “Playing at the County Center is a tremendous experience for any basketball team.” Looking to lead the Hornets back there this season are its top returning players, all seniors, 6-foot-3 All-League guard Grady Leonard, 6-3 forward/ center Logan Crilly, and 5-9 guard Sean Perry. “I expect them to lead by example on and off the court,” Fallo said. “After graduating four senior starters, it will be very important from this new class of seniors to set the example for the younger players on how to compete and work hard.” Joining the above in the senior class are all guards, 5-10 John Bartolotta, 5-9 Ryan Tocci, 6-foot Ryan Ahmed, 5-11 Robert Pagliaro, and 5-9 Gavin Morales. Oban Rader, a 6-3 forward, 5-10 forward Nick Ferrante, 5-9 guard Anthony Attanasio, 6-foot guard Ovidio Rodriguez, and 6-4 center/ forward Aaryan Sandhu are the Hornets’ juniors. Lakeland is coming off a season where it finished 20-3, shared the league title with sister school Walter Panas, and will look to do at least as well this time around. “As always our goal is to compete,” Fallo said. “Whether that be in practice or in a game, we expect our players to work hard and to push each other to get better every day.” Yorktown Yorktown sixth-year coach Mark Pavella looks back at last season fondly. “Making the County Center last year was a great experience for our team, and it was great to be able to play on that stage,” said Pavella, whose team finished 17-6 a year ago. “We are looking forward to a new and exciting journey this season and are happy to be back on the court improving each day.” Helping the Huskers navigate that journey will be their senior captains, 6-foot All-Section guard Bill Feeks and 6-2 All-League guard Justin Price. “I expect both captains to provide leadership both on the court and off the court,” Pavella said. “They both understand the expectations and know what it takes to be successful at the varsity level.” Brandon Montero (6-2 All-Section senior forward), Kaden Gonzalez (6-3 All-League junior guard), Joe Granitto (6-foot senior forward), Sean Coney (5- 10 senior guard), Troy Diaz (6-2 senior forward), Tommy Costello (6-foot senior guard), and Ryan Duffy (6-5 junior forward) are the Huskers’ other returnees. “We expect the entire team to show up each day with a positive attitude and willingness to work and be coached,” Pavella said of his returnees. Sander Stone (6-2 junior guard), Ty Travis (5-11 junior guard), Drew Duncan (6-6 senior center), Brian Hansen (6-2 junior forward), Phil Harbolic (6-1 junior guard), David Marasevic (6-3 junior guard) and Garred Ferguson (6-1 senior forward) are Yorktown’s newcomers. “As a team our main focus right now Locals look to repeat last season’s successes Yorktown’s Billy Feeks attempts to score inside last season at the Westchester County Center. BASKETBALL SEE BASKETBALL PAGE 19 Lakeland’s Sean Perry gets off a shot in traffic as Yorktown’s Justin Price defends. PHOTOS: ROB DIANTONIO Lakeland’s Logan Crilly looks to get a shot off as Yorktown’s Ryan Duffy defends. The Hornets’ Grady Leonard looks to get off a shot in traffic against Somers a season ago.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 SPORTS YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 19 BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Lakeland’s Dec. 1 season opener may have started with a whimper, but it ended with a bang as Lakeland turned around a 26-12 halftime deficit with some smothering D and a 40-point second half offensive outburst. Lights-out shooting in the third quarter by Ryan Tocci, clutch foul shooting in the final stanza by Sean Perry, and great defense, ignited the Hornets to a 52-44 win. This came with Lakeland missing three of its players, including All-League guard Grady Leonard, who didn’t play because of a leg injury. “It’s a huge win, especially without Grady being with us, but guys stepped up, played their role, and helped us pull it out,” Perry said. Lakeland coach Steve Fallo was very proud of his team’s effort. “These kids believe in what we are preaching to them,” Fallo said. “Our philosophy starts with the defense. That was a tremendous defensive effort by these kids and that is why we won the game. It was doing the right things on the defensive end, being aggressive, and rebounding the ball.” Yorktown coach Mark Pavella acknowledged the Hornets’ defensive prowess. “It was tough to come by points tonight,” Pavella said. “They played good defense and we weren’t hitting our shots. Credit to them, they came hard, ready to play, like they always do.” Lakeland just listened to its coaches at halftime. “In the first half, they (coaches) said that we weren’t hitting shots,” Perry said. “Coach (Fallo) said that our offense would come eventually, run, slice, wheel, cut. Coach told me that our defense would help us win the game and on offense, when I get the ball, just go, have my head down and drive, make a move and finish, and that’s what I did.” Lakeland outscored Yorktown 24-9 in the third quarter, taking a 36-35 lead at the end of the period. Tocci scored 11 of his team-high 17 points in that quarter, including three 3-pointers. “We just continued to execute the plays that we had, faith in are offense and my teammates got me good shots,” Tocci said. Tocci hit his fourth trey in the final quarter, putting Lakeland up 43-35 with 6:22 to go in the game. Yorktown never got closer than four points after that. “It wasn’t forced to me or anything, we just got the best shot in the offense,” Tocci said. “We just trust in our guys that’s what’s going to happen. I trust anyone else to do that too.” Perry (14 points, 3 assists) went 6 of 6 from the foul line in the fourth quarter, with four of those coming late in the game to seal the victory. “I knew that if I made those free throws, I knew that we could put it away,” Perry said. “We played well defensively all game, we talked, communicated on the switches. Our defense helped us win this game. They fouled us, we went to the free-throw line, made our free throws like we do in practice, and closed it out.” Yorktown played its best in the second quarter, outscoring Lakeland in it 15-2, where Brandon Montero (13 rebounds) scored 9 of his game-high 19 points. “We were making the extra pass, we were playing with some flow, we were getting out in transition,” Pavella said. Ryan Ahmed (12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists), Logan Crilly (3 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists), John Bartolotta (6 rebounds, 3 assists), Anthony Attanasio (5 points) and Gavin Morales (1 points) all helped the Hornets win. “Every single guy who went in this game, gave an effort defensively and helped us on the offensive end,” Fallo said. “I mean we were down 14 at the half. This team said, we are going to go out there and win the third quarter. That was the big thing, win the third quarter. Winning the third quarter, our confidence level went up and you can see it kind of deflated them. And that’s a really good basketball team on the other side.” Kaden Gonzalez (11 points, 8 rebounds), Justin Price (6 points, 8 rebounds), Ryan Duffy (6 points), and Billy Feeks (2 points) contributed to Yorktown’s effort. “We have to defend better, that’s a priority,” Pavella said. “We are going to start there, in practice again, and continue to work each day.” Hornets win at Yorktown Defense keys opening-night comeback BASKETBALL BASKETBALL FROM PAGE 18 is getting each other ready to play in our season opener,” Pavella said. “We are looking to take one day at a time, and when sectional playoffs roll around we want to be playing our best team basketball.” One of the scheduling highlights is the Charlie Strong game, named after former Husker Charlie DeGennaro, who graduated in June. In February of 2020, DeGennaro was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis, which attacked his spinal cord. He spent four months as an inpatient at Blythedale Children’s Hospital. “Our third annual Charlie Strong Game is an opportunity for our community to come together and recognize the work, attitude, and determination of both Charlie DeGennaro and the Blythedale Children’s Hospital staff,” Pavella said. “Each year the event has continued to grow, and we look forward to seeing the Yorktown community come out and support a great cause on Jan. 12 (vs. Brewster).” 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) GAMBLING PROBLEM? SCAN CODE OR CALL 877-8-HOPENY OR TEXT HOPENY (467369). MUST BE 21 OR OVER TO GAMBLE. *STANDARD MESSAGE RATES APPLY. Sign Up For A Genting Rewards Card Today! *Terms and conditions apply. 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PAGE 20 – YORKTOWN NEWS SPORTS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER LAKELAND GIRLS BASKETBALL (2-0) Lakeland 52, Putnam Valley 33 Wednesday, Nov. 29, Lakeland High School Lakeland started its season with a 52-33 win against Putnam Valley. “We just always work together as a team and try to make each other better at the end of the day,” said Lakeland’s Nichole Ljuljic. “I know as a captain I am going to try my best every single time to push everyone.” Ljuljic (19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals) converted on 5 of 6 free-throw attempts to end the first half, putting the Hornets up 19-18 at halftime. Two 3-pointers, including one at the end of the third quarter by Ava Lugo (10 points, 6 rebounds), helped give Lakeland a 36-28 advantage. “With the score being so low (at halftime) and everything, I feel like I didn’t put my all out on the court in the first half, I just wanted to show them what I got in the second half,” Lugo said. A coast-to-coast basket by Ljuljic was another third-quarter highlight. “I always like to play fast,” Ljuljic said. “So when I got the ball, and I saw the lane, I didn’t want to hesitate. So I just tried to run as fast as I could, get to open space, go into the contact, get my layup, motivate the team, and put that fire under everybody to feel the same kind of energy that I was feeling.” Ignited by a stifling defense, Lakeland sealed the win by outscoring Putnam Valley 16-5 in the fourth quarter. “We just realized we needed to stop fouling and move our feet, and play just as a team, because fouls don’t get us anywhere,” Lugo said. “That’s what we just did defensively.” Grace Hahn (8 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks), and Riley Waters, Amanda Franco, and Sarah Devane, who scored 5 points apiece, also contributed to the win. “It’s always exciting to win the home opener, the girls came out with intensity and a lot of energy,” said Lakeland coach Miranda Mangan. “We struggled a little bit in the second quarter. We came out in the second half and defense is what won us this game tonight. The girls played incredible defense. We finally started getting it going on offense a little bit, so we are proud of them.” Lakeland 41, John Jay-CR 30 Friday, Dec. 1, Lakeland High School Ljuljic (11 points), Lugo (11 points), Waters (9 points), Hahn (4 points), Franco (3 points), and Devane (3 points) led Lakeland to a 41-30 win vs. John Jay-Cross River. COLLEGE SIGNINGS Signing their National Letters of Intent (NLI) to play lacrosse in college at the Division 1 level on Nov. 27 were Lakeland students Jack Jimenez (UMass-Lowell) and Isabel Kocaj (Fairfield University), who play for the Lakeland/Panas boys and girls lacrosse squads. “It felt amazing, I couldn’t be happier,” said Jimenez. “I committed over the summer and I was looking forward to signing day so I can officially become a Riverhawk. Playing lacrosse in college was my ultimate goal and I am blessed and grateful to be able to say I have the chance to play at the highest level. I am so excited for what the spring season holds and I can’t wait to be back on the field again.” Kocaj said that it meant a lot sign with Fairfield. “It’s my future school and I couldn’t be more excited for the next four years of my academic and athletic career there,” Kocaj said. “It feels so surreal to be able to completely commit and now just have the opportunity to enjoy my senior year, focus on keeping my good grades and ending my high-school career on a high note.” Girls lacrosse players who signed commitment letters to play at the Division 3 level were Ashley Glass (Manhattanville College, Lakeland) and Kaitlyn Wilkowski (University of Rochester, Walter Panas). Other boys lacrosse players to sign NLIs to play Division 1 were Cayden Turner (Iona University, Panas) and KC Bryan (Dartmouth University, Panas); signing commitment letters to play Division 3 were Lakeland’s Will Moore (SUNY-Geneseo), Bubba Baumeister (Lasell University), Zack Magarelli (Eastern Connecticut State University), Michael Ahlstedt (SUNY-Plattsburgh), and Riley Sand (Kean University). Also signing commitment letters to play in Division 3 were Lakeland girls soccer players Kellie Sullivan (Harwick College) and Keira O’Grady (Lebanon Valley), and Lakeland field hockey player Emily Yazzetti (Dean College). YORKTOWN WRESTLING (5-0) Mike Nardone Wrestling Tournament Saturday, Dec. 2, Ossining High School Yorktown went 5-0 and won the Mike Nardone Wrestling Tournament for the second year in a row by defeating Ossining 42-36 in the championship round. “It meant a lot to start this year off strong in Ossining,” said Yorktown’s Joe Tornambe, who won all five matches by pin at 145 pounds. “To win two years in a row is pretty cool.” Gio Tornambe (4-0, 108), Colin Sheridan (3-0, 145), Max Ofner (2-1, 101), Cooper Constantine (1-0, 108), Frank Scalera (3-1, 116), Julian Cuenca (2-3, 124), Pavel Lopez (1-2, 124), Rowan Larsen (4-1, 131), Nicolas Bucello (4-1, 138), Anthony Muscolino (2-2, 152), Nick Duran (1-3, 152), Tyler Caricati (2- 3, 160), Jason Lauriola (2-3, 190, 2 pins, including the final, first year wrestling), Rocco Lore (4-1, 215, lost to No. 1 wrestler in the state, but pinned the small school section champ), and George Gjergji (4-1, 285) got into the winners’ circle for Yorktown. “We were able to win this tournament because we are implementing what we do in practice into our matches instead of just focusing on winning,” Joe Tornambe said. “We have set very high goals this year that we think are attainable. Everyone is very motivated to get better each and every time they step on the mat.” YORKTOWN TRACK AND FIELD Big Chill Relays Saturday, Dec. 2, Yorktown High School Makayla Winslow (first, 55-meter hurdles, 19.59 seconds), Grace McCann (first, 1,500-meter run, 5:26.24), Hope Fisher (tied for first, high jump, 4 feet, 6 inches), Reileigh McEnroe (second, 55-meter-dash, 7.93), Emily Pierro (second, 300-meter dash, 47.44), Pierro, Amanda Linahan, Winslow, McEnroe (800-meter relay, second, 1:57.16), Phoebe Banner, Katie Fox, Allie Harrison, Grace McCann, (3,200-meter relay, second, 12:04.39), Mia Chee (third, 55-meter hurdles, 11.56), Banner (third, 1,500-meter run, LHS girls hoops open with 2 wins L/P duo signs NLI; YHS wins tourney Lakeland’s Nichole Ljuljic fires a three from the wing. The Hornets’ Sarah Devane makes her move past John Jay’s Jane Brennan. Lakeland’s Amanda Franco heads for the hoop. PHOTOS: ROB DIANTONIO Lakeland’s Riley Waters attacks the basket in win over John Jay-Cross River. VARSITY ROUNDUP SEE ROUNDUP PAGE 21
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 SPORTS YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 21 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 Yorktown News YES, I really enjoy Yorktown News and I’d like to continue receiving it for 3 years, along with a monetary contribution this year. (Please print legibly.) First (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required. Please print legibly.) Last (Required) City: State: ZIP: Name: Signature: Email: Snowbird Dates (if applicable): Date: Phone: Address: (Optional for TAPinto E-News) (Optional) Mail to: P.O. Box 864 Mahopac, NY 10541 While we need your Full Support to keep this newspaper strong, we include the option for Basic Support because we don’t want financial reasons to get in the way of our readers receiving this newspaper. Basic Support vs. Full Support Basic Support Full Support $100 $50 $20 other or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com OR or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com Checks payable to Halston Media LLC. Please include this form in your envelope. Please include the following additional papers as part of this subscription: The Somers Record Mahopac News North Salem News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The Katonah-Lewisboro times third, 5:47.94), Priscilla Berlis (third, shot put, 24-8), and Chee, Harrison, Fisher, Rose Fox (1,600-meter relay, third, 5:11.98) produced for the Yorktown girls in the Big Chill Relays. Brian White (first, 55-meter dash, 6.80), Michael Ryan (first, 55-meter hurdles, 8.75), Jake Wilson (first, shot put, 42-4.25), White, Jayden Tyndal, Tristen Duranti, Joe Carucci (800-meter relay, second, 1:36.51), Carucci (third, long jump, 18-8), and Nicholas Erickson (third, long jump, 36-5.5) did the job for the boys. “This was our the 35th Annual running of the Big Chill Relays and it will go down as one of the best,” said Yorktown coach Keith Smith. “The weather was perfect and it set the stage for a lot of great performances. The girls and boys had a great opening meet and I am looking forward to the rest of the season. We have a great group of seniors and a talented group of underclassmen. It was a great day all- around.” LAKELAND BOYS BOWLING (12-2) Lakeland 5, Yorktown 2 Wednesday, Nov. 29, Cortlandt Lanes Lakeland opened the season with a 5-2 victory against Yorktown, led by Austin Kara (240, 660), Keaton Wolf (214, 568), Mike Antonucci (193, 536), Dan McTiernan (158, 464), and Vinny Benedetto (163, 439). “The boys game was very close all three games,” said Lakeland coach Joe Palumbo. “Austin had to strike out in the 10th of the first game to win by four pins. The total pin difference was eight pins.” Kevin Kirey (245, 668), Matthew Kirey (222, 626), Finn Larsen (206, 528), Joseph Mana (159, 438), and Kyle Cavalieri (148, 399) paced Yorktown (2-5). Lakeland 7, Peekskill 0 Thursday, Nov. 30, Cortlandt Lanes TJ Conti (167, 477), Kara (267, 466), Antonucci (209, 392), Zachary Kristensen (119, 219), Danny Parks (109, 209), Sergio Hormazabal (109, 202), Wolf (177), and Chris Gittelson (161) helped the Hornets garner a 7-0 victory versus Peekskill. YORKTOWN GIRLS BOWLING (7-0) Yorktown 7, Lakeland 0 Wednesday, Nov. 29, Cortlandt Lanes Yorktown started the defense of its league title with a 7-0 triumph versus Lakeland, with Kailey O’Connell (171, 470), Esther Villamin 148, 422), Sheridan Gorman (152, 348), Ciara O’Brien (133, 343), Akshyasree Ravi (112, 221) and Breanne Finnegan (87) propelling the Huskers to the win. “It’s a fantastic start for the season and I’m so proud of my whole team,” O’Connell said. “It’s always good to start on the right foot and I can say we all certainly did that. Yorktown girls bowling has a bright season ahead, I can feel it.” Arielle Ascanio (105, 295), Vielka Toxqui (76, 150), Danna Erraez (75, 145), and Jovana Sedek (61, 115) led Lakeland. LAKELAND GIRLS BOWLING (7-7) Lakeland 7, Peekskill 0 Thursday, Nov. 30, Cortlandt Lanes Kerry Pike (171, 426), Ascanio (117, 334), Erraez (98, 277), Toxqui (87, 253), Sophie Schreiner (112, 181), and Sedek (66) ignited Lakeland to a 7-0 win against Peekskill. BYSNS ICE HOCKEY (0-1) Byram Hills 6, BYSNS 3 Friday, Dec. 1, Brewster Ice Arena BYSNS (Brewster/Yorktown/Somers/North Salem) fell to Byram Hills 6-3 in its season opener, led by Dylan Weber (34 saves), AJ Jones (1G, 2A), Matteo Guastadisegni (1G), Lucas Salvatore (1G), Brady Janec (1A), and Jordan Miller (1A). ROUNDUP FROM PAGE 20 LHS Girls Bowling-Hornet girls bowlers (from left) Arielle Ascanio, Sophie Schreiner, Vielka Toxqui, Danna Erraez, and Jovana Sedek on opening day Nov. 29 at Cortlandt Lanes. PHOTOS COURTESY JOE PALUMBO -Yorktown wrestlers after winning Mike Nardone Wrestling Tournament in Ossining on Dec. 2. PHOTO COURTESY MARLA TORNAMBE LHS Boys Bowling-Lakeland boys bowlers Dan McTiernan, Mike Antonucci. Austin Kara, Vinny Benedetto, and Keaton Wolf after their 5-2 opening-day win vs. Yorktown on Nov. 29.
PAGE 22 – YORKTOWN NEWS SPORTS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 DiBenedetto wins first game; Jimenez leads Cortlandt Rebels to victory Rebel goalie Sean Mansfield, seen here last season, made 38 saves at the Guy Matthews Thanksgiving Invitational. PHOTOS: ROB DIANTONIO Cortlandt’s Jack Jimenez, in action a season ago, scored the game-winner in a 3-2 triumph vs. Mount Pleasant. ICE HOCKEY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Cortlandt opened up its season as it usually does in the Guy Matthews Thanksgiving Invitational Hockey Tournament at the Ebersole Ice Rink in White Plains. One reason why the Rebels like to open up the season in that tournament is because it gives their coach Bart Mucci a chance to look at his young players against good competition. One example is goaltender Brandon DiBenedetto, who made 16 saves in a comefrom-behind 3-2 victory against Mount Pleasant in a playoff rematch on Nov. 24, with the Rebels also winning the postseason contest last season 4-3. For DiBenedetto, it was his first game as a varsity goalie. “It was a big win for Brandon, his first win as a freshman,” said Rebel coach Bart Mucci. The win was also the first of the season for the Rebels, after losing to Rye Town/ Harrison 8-5 in their opening game of the tournament two days earlier. “It feels great,” Mucci said of the win. “The kids worked really hard. It’s always good to get that first win.” Cortlandt’s Jack Jimenez (2G, 1A) led the way offensively against Mount Pleasant. His first goal, off assists from Sean Foley and Jason Piccirillo, cut the Ice Cats’ lead to 2-1 toward the end of the first period. “Our freshman goaltender Brandon DiBenedetto’s solid goaltending gave us the chance to stay in the game early,” Jimenez said. “It was very important for us to get that first one, especially in the first period to shift the momentum our way.” After a scoreless second period, Nate Garofalo, off assists from Jimenez and Foley, tied the game at 2-2 in the third stanza, with Jimenez later scoring an unassisted goal for the game-winner. “That goal was the result of our team’s resilience and constant pressure in the offensive zone,” Jimenez said. “We could feel the momentum building on our side.” The win was a good one for the Rebels. “After a tough loss on Wednesday it felt good to come back and get our first win,” Jimenez said. “I cannot take credit for the win, our team played their hearts out and I could not ask for a better group of players to play with. We are a very young team and we have some great players. I believe we will have a very successful season ahead of us.” Against Rye Town/Harrison, the Rebels trailed 4-1 at the end of the first period. “It wasn’t the start we wanted, but the kids played hard,” Mucci said. “We saw a lot of good things, obviously we needed to get a few more shots on goal.” The Rebels did that in the second period with three goals, tying the game at 4-4. “In the second period, we just said let’s concentrate on covering in the defensive end; we can’t score more than one at a time,” Mucci said. “The kids did better at that, and we took advantage of our chances.” The Titans answered by outscoring the Rebels 4-1 in the third period to secure the win. Jimenez (1G, 2A), Dominik Kulan (1G), Nate Herbert (1G), Foley (1G), Jake DiBenedetto (1G), Aidan Dzubak (1A), Garofalo (1A), Piccirillo (1A), and Sean Mansfield (25 saves) produced for the Rebels against Rye Town/Harrison. “We just loved being back at it,” said Mucci about the team’s opener vs. the Titans. Cortlandt (2-1) finished the tournament with a 9-2 triumph over White Plains on Nov. 26, led by Jimenez (2G, 2A), Jake DiBenedetto (2G, 1A), Foley (2G, 1A), Piccirillo (1G, 2A), Kulan (1G, 1A), Dzubak (1G), Garofalo (1A), John Gannon (1A), Dylan Marthalar (1A), Brandon DiBenedetto (25 saves), and Mansfield (13 saves). “It was a great effort,” Mucci said of the win. “It was a great tournament, awesome way to start the season.” Cortlandt improved to 3-1 by defeating Horace Greeley 8-6 on Dec. 1 at the Brewster Ice Arena. “It was a big league win,” Mucci said. Foley (4G, 1A), Jimenez (1G, 3A), Garofalo (1G, 3A), Curry (1G, 1A), Dzubak (1G), Jake DiBenedetto (1A), Gannon (1A), Mansfield (15 saves), and Brandon DiBenedetto (15 saves) help propel the Rebels to their third straight win.
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PAGE 24 – YORKTOWN NEWS LEISURE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! For puzzle solutions, please see theparamountrehab.com CLUES ACROSS 1. Spiritual leaders 7. Salt 13. Fortified wine 14. Edible mollusk 16. It begins with them 17. A way to compare 19. Governmentt lawyer 20. Back parts 22. 8th month (abbr.) 23. Very willing 25. __ ex machina 26. Satisfies 28. Quebec river 29. A doctrine 30. Popular pickup truck 31. Dekagram 33. Naturally occurring solid material 34. Company officer 36. Villains 38. Cricket frogs 40. German founder of psychology 41. Endured 43. A female domestic 44. A “place” to avoid 45. Cigarette (slang) 47. Canadian politician Josephine 48. French ballet/acting dynasty 51. Employee stock ownership plan 53. Belonging to the bottom 55. Sound 56. Yankees’ slugger Judge 58. Dickens character 59. More wise 60. Flash memory card 61. Exposing human vice or folly to ridicule 64. Atomic #79 65. Longtime Braves pitcher Julio 67. Humor 69. Shawl 70. Preliminary assessment of patients CLUES DOWN 1. Animal disease 2. Commercial 3. Craft supply 4. Storage units 5. Investment vehicle 6. Colorado Heisman winner 7. In a way, sank 8. Post-birth brain damage (abbr.) 9. Lay about 10. Intestinal 11. The opposite of yes 12. Caused to be loved 13. Messianic in Islamic eschatology 15. Showing since conviction 18. Not safe 21. The number above the line in a fraction 24. Yard invader 26. Pouch 27. Swedish krona 30. Start anew 32. While white or yellow flower 35. Fourteen 37. Graphical user interface 38. Up-to-date on the news 39. Campaigns 42. Touch softly 43. “Boardwalk Empire” actress Gretchen 46. Violent seizure of property 47. One who supports the Pope 49. Anxiety 50. Body fluid 52. Phony person 54. Title of respect 55. Chilean city 57. City in central Japan 59. Silk garment 62. Draw from 63. Automobile 66. Man 68. Legal bigwig (abbr.) BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER LAKELAND FOOTBALL Grady Leonard (All-Section, AllLeague), Kyle Gallagher (All-Section, All-League), Sean Perry (All-Section, AllLeague), Anthony Farroni (All-Conference, All-League), DJ Brody (All-Conference, All-League), Luca Sancimino (All-League). YORKTOWN FOOTBALL Jake Wilson (All-Section, All-League, Class A North Offensive Lineman of the Year), Ryan Vogel (All-Section, AllLeague), Tommy Costello (All-Conference, All-League), Kaden Gonzalez (All- Conference, All-League), Chris Constantine (All-Conference, All-League), Conor Duncan (All-Conference, AllLeague), Dylan DelVecchio (All-League), Andrew Weissman (All-League), Ryan Cane (All-League), Jack Ferone (AllLeague), Matthew Cicinelli (All-League). LAKELAND FIELD HOCKEY (Section 1 Class B Champions, League Champions) Bella Basulto (All-State, All-Section, All-League), Emma Numme (All-State, All-Section, All-League), Gabby Santini (All-State, All-Section, All-League), Emily Yazzetti (All-State, All-Section, AllLeague), Keira Gallagher (All-Section, All-League), Charlotte Sabert (All-Section Honorable Mention, All-League), Gianni Santini (All-Section Honorable Mention, All-League), Anna Lemma (All-League), Maeve Dineen-Herzog (All-League), Jenna Yazzetti (All-League Honorable Mention). YORKTOWN FIELD HOCKEY Lily Diaz (All-Section, All-League), Katie Taormina (All-Section Honorable Mention, All-League), Annie Durante (All-Section Honorable Mention, AllLeague), Sammy Robustelli (All-League), Brie Gaccino (All-League). LAKELAND BOYS SOCCER Connor Daly (All-Section, All-League), Silvio Ahmataj (All-Section, All-League), Arjun Parambath (All-Section Honorable Mention, All-League), Oban Rader (AllLeague), Jake Pepaj (All-League), Anthony Abbondanza (All-League), Matt Cumbal (All-League). YORKTOWN BOYS SOCCER Nick Varela (All-Section, All-League), Ricky Tiberii (All-Section Honorable Mention, All-League), Joe Granitto (AllLeague) Antonio Frucco (All-League). LAKELAND GIRLS SOCCER (League Champions) Kayleigh Mula (All-Section, AllLeague, League MVP), Kellie Sullivan (All-Section, All-League), Grace Hahn (All-League), Caroline Leonard (AllLeague), Samantha Del Ponte (AllLeague), Caroline Daly (All-League), Gianna Pace (All-League), Victoria Caiazzo (All-League), Shawn Sullivan (League Coach of the Year). YORKTOWN GIRLS SOCCER Kaitlyn Judge (All-Section and AllLeague), Ciara O’Brien (All-Section, All-League), Peyton Case (All-Section Honorable Mention, All-League), Liv DelGaudio (All-League), Izy Walling (All-League), Cait Mulvihill (AllLeague). LAKELAND GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Emma Dedushaj (All-Section, AllLeague), Kelly Mallon (All-Section, All-League), Bella Sommovigo (AllConference, All-League), Sofia Cruz (All-League). YORKTOWN GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Scarlett Segal (All-Conference, AllLeague). LAKELAND BOYS VOLLEYBALL Lucas Cruz (All-League), Kris Domenic (All-League). YORKTOWN BOYS VOLLEYBALL Justin Sek (All-Section, All-League), Jack Brunner (All-League), Tommy Vano (All-League). LAKELAND/PANAS BOYS CROSS COUNTRY Bobby Mayclim (All-State, All-Section, All-County, All-League), Evan Wiesen (All-League), Kaare Numme (AllLeague), Trent Patane (All-League), TJ Smith (All-League), Vincent Evola (AllLeague). YORKTOWN BOYS CROSS COUNTRY Jason Muroski (All-League). LAKELAND/PANAS GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY (League Champions) Lily Day (All-Section, All-County, All-League). YORKTOWN GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY Grace McCann (All-League), Phoebe Banner (All-League). Hornets, Rebels, Huskers earn honors FALL AWARDS
Hart Library corner THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 25 This week’s Library Corner includes a special program for kids, a blood drive, a tree lighting, a trustee meeting (Dec. 13) and plenty of activities for children and adults. Traveling Lantern comes to Shrub Oak On Saturday, Dec. 16 at 10:30 a.m., Hart Library is offering a special theater program for children (ages 6 and up) and their families; “The Story of Scrooge,” presented by the Traveling Lantern Theater Company. In this classic tale of a miser’s redemption, Ebenezer Scrooge is a nasty, mean, snarling old geezer with no care for anything other than his money. His one and only friend visits him as a ghost and starts him on a journey that melts his icy heart and teaches him the joys of caring for and giving to others. Registration is required. Please register each child and adult separately online. The mission of Traveling Lantern is “to bring great stories to children, to draw them into an active theater experience, to excite their minds, and to tickle their imaginations.” Blood drive On Tuesday, Dec. 12, noon-5 p.m. The American Red Cross will be on hand to take blood donations. Register for a time slot online at: redcrossblood.org (use keyword HART to find our available times). Calendar Guide: A – Adults; Y - Young Adults; C - Children. Visit the calendar page at yorktownlibrary.com for more information. Register online unless listed as a “drop-in” program. Library Calendar FRIDAY, DEC. 8 C - Music and Movement with Lori Cohen (Drop-in). 11- 11:45a.m. A - Mah Jongg (Drop-in). 12:30- 3:30 p.m. A/Y - One-on-one Tech Help with a Teen (Drop-in). 2:30-4 p.m. SATURDAY, DEC. 9 TOWN OF YORKTOWN HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING (located at the library). 6:30 p.m. Rain Date: Sunday, Dec. 10. MONDAY, DEC. 11 A - Mah Jongg (Drop-in). 10 a.m.-1 p.m. C - Rock and Roll for Little Ones (Drop-in). 10:30-11 a.m. C - PAWS to Read with Izod. 5:30-6:30 p.m. A - Earring Making Workshop. 6-7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, DEC. 12 A - Red Cross Blood Drive. 12-5 p.m. A/Y - One-on-one Tech Help with a Teen (Drop-in). 2:30-4 p.m. C - Music and Movement with Lori Cohen (Drop-in). 6-6:45 p.m. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 13 A - It’s a Mystery to Me Book Club. 10-11 a.m. C - Stories and Rhymes with Ms. Terry (Drop-in). 10-10:30 a.m. A - Canasta (Drop-in). 12:30- 2:30 p.m. A - Bigfoot Sightings in New York and Connecticut. 6-7:30 p.m. Trustee Meeting: 6:30-8 p.m. All are welcome. THURSDAY, DEC. 14 A - Quilting & Needlework (Drop-in). 10 a.m.-12 p.m. A - Holiday Wreath Arranging. 5:30-7:30 p.m. C - Lego Free Build (Drop-in). 5:30-6:30 p.m. A - Up All Night Book Club. 6:30-8 p.m. FRIDAY, DEC. 15 C - Music and Movement with Lori Cohen (Drop-in). 11-11:45 a.m. A - Mah Jongg (Drop-in). 12:30- 3:30 p.m. A/Y - One-on-one Tech Help with a Teen (Drop-in). 2:30-4 p.m. SATURDAY, DEC. 16 C - The Story of Ebenezer Scrooge. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Hours and info Library Hours: MondayThursday 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday noon-4 p.m. (914) 245-5262; reference@ yorktownlibrary.org website: yorktownlibrary.org EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER! Promo Code: 285 FREE GUTTER ALIGNMENT + FREE GUTTER CLEANING* CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE 1-855-478-9473 Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST CLOG-FREE GUTTERS FOREVER **Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., an Equal Housing Lender. 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Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN); Rider kinds B438/B439 (GA: B439B). 6255 DENTAL Insurance NOTICE TO PROPOSERS LAKELAND CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT The Board of Education of Lakeland Central School District invites the submission of sealed Proposals for PROPOSAL#12-20-2023 UNIVERSAL PREKINDERGARTEN (UPK) SERVICES, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2023 AT 11:00 A.M. Proposals will be accepted until the time and date listed above at the Business Office of Lakeland Schools, Administration Building, 1086 East Main Street, Shrub Oak, NY 10588 Attn: Peter DiResta. Specifications and Proposal forms may be obtained at www.lakelandschools.org or in the Business Office, Lakeland Administration Building, 1086 East Main Street, Shrub Oak, NY 10588. The Board of Education reserves the right to accept or reject any part of/or all of any Proposals and to award contracts by entire parts, groups, sections or combinations. By: Ruth Luis, Interim School Business Administrator LAKELAND CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT 1086 E. Main Street Shrub Oak, New York 10588 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS BID #10-24 SITE WORK – LAKELAND COPPER BEECH MIDDLE SCHOOL NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that sealed Bids, in duplicate, are sought and requested by the Board of Education, Lakeland Central School District (hereinafter called "Owner"), for the Restoration of the Natural Turf Fields at the Lakeland-Copper Beech Middle School. Bids are requested for the following Contract: SITE WORK CONTRACT (SC-1) in accordance with the Drawings, Project Manual (including Conditions of the Contract and Specifications), and other Bidding and Contract Documents prepared by: Tetra Tech Engineers, Architects & Landscape Architects, P.C. d/b/a Tetra Tech Architects & Engineers 10 Brown Road Ithaca, New York 14850 A non-mandatory pre bid conference for potential Bidders and other interested parties will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, 9:00 AM at the Main Office of the Lakeland-Copper Beech Middle School, 3401 Old Yorktown Road, Route 132, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598. Sealed Bids will be received by the Owner until 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Lakeland Central School District, District Office, 1086 East Main Street, Shrub Oak, New York 10588 Attn: Peter DiResta at which time bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. For the convenience of potential Bidders and other interested parties, the Bidding Documents may be examined at the following locations: Eastern Contractors Association, Inc., 6 Airline Drive, Colonie, NY 12205 Mohawk Valley Builders Exchange, 10 Main Street, Suite 202, Whitesboro, NY 13492 Northern New York Builders Exchange, 22074 Fabco Road, Watertown, New York 13601 The Builders Exchange of the Southern Tier, Inc.-East, 15 Belden Street, Binghamton, New York 13903 Construction Exchange of Buffalo & Western NY, 2660 William Street, Cheektowaga, NY 14227 Rochester Builders Exchange, 180 Linden Oaks, Suite 100, Rochester, NY 14625 Syracuse Builders Exchange, 6563 Ridings Rd., Syracuse, NY 13206 McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, c/o Dataflow, 2215 Central Ave, Schenectady NY 12304 Southern Tier Builders Association, 65 E. Main. St., Falconer, NY 14733 Complete digital sets of Bidding Documents, drawings and specifications, may be obtained online as a download at tetratechaeprojectplanroom.com 'public projects’ for a non-refundable fee of $49.00 (Forty-Nine Dollars). Complete hard copy sets of Bidding Documents, drawings and specifications, may be obtained online at tetratechaeprojectplanroom.com ‘public projects’. Checks shall be made payable to Lakeland Central School District in the sum of $100.00 (One Hundred Dollars) for each set of documents. Mail checks to Lohrius Blueprint, 226 Newtown Road, Plainview, New York 11803. Plan deposit is refundable in accordance with the terms in the Instructions to Bidders to all submitting bids. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs (either by providing FedEX/UPS account number or being charged a flat rate by the printer). Please note REV tetratechaeprojectplanroom.com is the designated location and means for distributing and obtaining all bid package information, electronic or hard copy. Only those Contract Documents obtained in this manner will enable a prospective bidder to be identified as a registered plan holder. The Provider takes no responsibility for the completeness of Contract Documents obtained from other sources. Contract Documents obtained from other sources may not be accurate or may not contain addenda that may have been issued. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders, regardless of receiving electronic or hard copy Bid Documents, via email and will be available at tetratechaeprojectplanroom.com. Registered plan holders who have paid for hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with REV for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda. As bid security, each Bid shall be accompanied by a certified check or Bid Bond made payable to the Owner, in accordance with the amounts and terms described in the Instructions to Bidders. The Owner requires Bids comply with bidding requirements indicated in the Instructions to Bidders. The Owner may, at its discretion, waive informalities in Bids, but is not obligated to do so, nor does it represent that it will do so. The Owner also reserves the right to reject any and all Bids. The Owner will not waive informalities which would give one Bidder substantial advantage or benefit not enjoyed by all affected Bidders. Bids may not be withdrawn before 45 days following the Bid opening thereof, unless an error is claimed by the Bidder in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders.
PAGE 26 – YORKTOWN NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2023 LEGAL NOTICES FINANCING AVAILABLE WITH APPROVED CREDIT Call today and receive a FREE SHOWER PACKAGE PLUS $1600 OFF With purchase of a new Safe Step Walk-In Tub. Not applicable with any previous walk-in tub purchase. Offer available while supplies last. No cash value. Must present offer at time of purchase. CSLB 1082165 NSCB 0082999 0083445 1-855-916-5473 ON YOUR INSTALLATION 50% OFF Limited Time Offer! SAVE! TAKE AN ADDITIONAL Additional savings for military, health workers and fi rst responders 10% OFF MADE IN THE U.S.A. 1.855.492.6084 FREE ESTIMATE Expires 12/31/2023 Before After Make the smart and ONLY CHOICE when tackling your roof! New orders only. Does not include material costs. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Minimum purchase required. Other restrictions may apply. This is an advertisement placed on behalf of Erie Construction Mid-West, Inc (“Erie”). Offer terms and conditions may apply and the offer may not available in your area. If you call the number provided, you consent to being contacted by telephone, SMS text message, email, pre-recorded messages by Erie or its affiliates and service providers using automated technologies notwithstanding if you are on a DO NOT CALL list or register. Please review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use on homeservicescompliance.com. All rights reserved. License numbers available at eriemetalroofs.com/erie-licenses/. Up to One touch of a button sends help fast, 24/7. alone I’m never Life Alert® is always here for me. I’ve fallen and I can’t get up! ® Help at Home with GPS! Help On-the-Go For a FREE brochure call: 1-800-404-9776 Saving a Life EVERY 11 MINUTES Batteries Never Need Charging. Chosen Realty, LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 7/18/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 167 Phyllis Ct, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. General Purpose NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received by the Secretary of the Yorktown Heights Fire District, Town of Yorktown, Westchester County, NY until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at the Secretary’s Office, 334 Underhill Ave. 4B, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 for snowplowing contract for the year 2024. For specifications contact the Secretary’s office Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by phone, 914-962-5561 ext. 2, or email [email protected]. Bids will be opened December 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Station #2 Firehouse, Locksley Road, Yorktown Heights, NY. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail. Whether sent by mail or means of personal delivery, the bidder assumes the responsibility for having the bids in at the time and the place specified above. The Board of Fire Commissioners reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to accept that bid which is deemed most favorable to the interests of the Yorktown Heights Fire District. Jeanmarie Klaus Secretary/Treasurer Yorktown Heights Fire District 914-962-5561 ext. 2 Notice of Formation of D & E Guest Reality Management LLC.. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023-09-15. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to D & E Guest Reality Management LLC.: 79-81 Main Street, P.O. Box 1100 ground floor Yonkers NY 10702. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Notice of Formation of D&D Vele Home Solutions, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023- 10-22. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Alba Illescas: 1230 E Main Street Shrub Oak NY 10588. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Notice of Formation of 8TH Notch ABA LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023-08-03. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to United States Corporation Agents, INC.: 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202 Brooklyn NY 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Notice of Formation of O'Callaghan Brothers, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2002-01-02. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to A.J. O'Callaghan: 2 Hilltop Dr. Port Chester NY 10579. Purpose: Any lawful purpose NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received by the Secretary of the Yorktown Heights Fire District, Town of Yorktown, Westchester County, NY until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at the Secretary’s Office, 334 Underhill Ave. 4B, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 for the delivery of heating oil and On Road Diesel, #2 fuel oil, and a yearly service contract for the year 2024. For specifications, contact the Secretary’s office Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by phone, 914-962-5561 ext. 2, or email [email protected]. Bids will be opened December 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Station #2 Firehouse, Locksley Road, Yorktown Heights, NY. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail. Whether sent by mail or means of personal delivery, the bidder assumes the responsibility for having the bids in at the time and the place specified above. The Board of Fire Commissioners reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to accept that bid which is deemed most favorable to the interests of the Yorktown Heights Fire District. Jeanmarie Klaus Secretary/Treasurer Yorktown Heights Fire District 914-962-5561 ext. 2 Notice of Formation of 622 Harrison Ave, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023- 10-22. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Alba Illescas: 1230 E Main Street Shrub Oak NY 10588. Purpose: Any lawful purpose NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the sealed bids will be received by the Secretary of the Yorktown Heights Fire District, town of Yorktown, Westchester County, New York, until 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the Secretary’s Office, Joseph F. Eaton CPA, 334 Underhill Ave 4B, Yorktown Heights, NY, for the cleaning maintenance of Station #2, Locksley Road & Station #3, Kitchawan Road, for the year 2024. For specifications, contact the Secretary’s office Monday through Thursday, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by phone, 914-962-5561 ext. 2, or email [email protected]. CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE, INCLUDING WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION, MUST BE INCLUDED WITH THE BID. Bids will be opened December 19, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. at the Locksley Road Firehouse. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail. Whether sent by mail or means of personal delivery, the bidder assumes the responsibility for having the bids in at the time and the place specified above. The Board of Fire Commissioners reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to accept that bid which is deemed most favorable to the interests of the Yorktown Heights Fire District. Jeanmarie Klaus Secretary/Treasurer Yorktown Heights Fire District 914-962-5561 ext 2 Notice of Formation of 174 Route 22, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023-10-22. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Alba Illescas: 1230 E Main Street Shrub Oak NY 10588. Purpose: Any lawful purpose To advertise in Yorktown News, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected]. restricted condominium building, and a mixed-use building consisting of 68 apartments and 15,600 square feet of retail/office space that includes 8,100 square foot of new retail space in addition to the reuse of the Underhill Farmhouse. Additionally, the Town Board approved an agreement with the developer, Underhill Soundview LLC, that will deliver full reconstruction of the intersection at Route 118 and Underhill Avenue. The developer committed $225,000 to the town to fund improvements to public parks and over $625,000 toward the estimated $1.2 million intersection costs. The Gardena Hotel, according to the approved site plans, is a three-story, 18-room hotel that is slated for the corner of Veterans Road and Commerce Street. It will feature a café, a rooftop bar and grill, and off-street parking. OVERLAY FROM PAGE 9
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