INSIDE THIS WEEK’S PAPER! VOL. 12 NO. 44 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 39 LEGAL NOTICES 35 LEISURE 29 OBITUARIES 32 OPINION 10 SPORTS 22 TOWN GREEN 4 BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA STAFF WRITER A Yorktown family of seven is trying to rebuild their lives after a Jan. 24 fire destroyed their home and killed two of their pets. With their house on Summit Road in Yorktown Heights rendered uninhabitable by the blaze–which took place while the family was visiting relatives in the Bronx–the community is rallying to help the Veloso/Cuevas family get back on its feet. The Town of Yorktown is accepting gift cards for the family at the supervisor’s office in Town Hall and is promoting a GoFundMe campaign organized on the family’s behalf. According to the GoFundMe page, created by fellow Yorktowner Francesca Cardillo, the family lost valuable and personal items as well as the medication for their 21-year-old daughter, Brianna, who is a type 1 diabetic. No people were injured in the fire. However, the family’s two cats did not survive; first responders GoFundMe launched for Yorktown family who lost home in fire Around 45 local firefighters responded to the Summit Street house fire COURTESY OF CROTON-ON-HUDSON FIRE DEPARTMENT The Veloso/Cuevas family lost their home in a January fire that killed their two cats. COURTESY GOFUNDME BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA AND EMILE MENASCHÉ STAFF WRITER AND EDITOR Yorktown will hold a special election on April 16 to fill the vacancy created by the sudden death of Supervisor Tom Diana last month. Republican Deputy Supervisor Ed Lachterman will face off against Diana’s November opponent, Democrat Jann Mirchandani. Both candidates were confirmed on Monday evening after meetings of their respective Yorktown party committees. In a text to Yorktown News after earning the Democratic endorsement, Mirchandani said she would be “focusing on the same issues as in the fall and pushing back against the characterization of me as a radical Democrat by the state Republican Party” which, she said, had accused her of being soft on the migrant crisis. “I want to quash the fearmongering and focus on solutions for local issues,” she said. In a press release following her party’s endorsement, Mirchandani said the key issues were “accountability, fiscal responsibility, and quality-of-life issues such as roads and sewers were the driving force of the campaign last year, and it resonated with 46 percent of the voters.” Yorktown will hold special election to fill Diana’s seat Lachterman to face Mirchandani in April vote SEE GOFUNDMEPAGE 19 SEE ELECTION PAGE 34 Yorktown Heights Received 4 offers in 48 hours. Contracts signed in 2 weeks $10,000 above list price! 914.419.6251 (m) Call or Text [email protected] Maureen-Connolly.com Client Focused ~ Results Driven 366 Underhill Avenue Yorktown Heights, NY Owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC In 2023, I Sold 22 Homes. That is Almost 2 Per Month, With Most Getting Multiple Offers. I Love My Job, and I Will Be With You Every Step Of The Way! Call Today For An Updated Market Analysis. Your Home May Be Worth More Than You Think!
PAGE 2 – YORKTOWN NEWS FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 ©2024 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Lower Hudson Valley Regional Office | 366 Underhill Avenue Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY Real Estate Salesperson | thehvlife.com I CAN PROVIDE A CONVENIENT ONE-STOP-SHOP EXPERIENCE No matter what your needs are, I have the tools and resources to guide you through every step of the buying and selling process including: • Exclusive Property Marketing • Mortgage Services • Closing and Title Services • Home Warranty • Relocation Services • Buyer Negotiation Strategies • Current Market Data • Commercial Services • Rental and Property Management • New Home Services “Nina” Niurka Rodriguez Call or Text 646.644.0099 (C) [email protected] ¡Yo Hablo Español! Visit My Website and never miss a thing in Westchester & The Hudson Valley. Contact Me Today and Let’s Get Started on Your Real Estate Journey!
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 3 TRUSTS & ESTATES • WILLS • PROBATE • ELDER LAW • GUARDIANSHIPS • REAL ESTATE LAW HONOR, INTEGRITY, LAW OFFICE OF COMPASSION, AND DIGNITY ANDRES D. GIL, PLLC 845.940.1110 Timely Professional Service Yorktown children and their families went to the John C. Hart Memorial Library on Saturday for Take Your Child to the Library Day, an initiative celebrating local libraries and all they have to offer to families and their children. Over 600 attendees enjoyed story time, crafts, and building with Legos. They also got to meet Pete the Cat and Izod, the library’s ‘PAWS to Read’ dog. Hart hosts hundreds on ‘Library Day’ for kids PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN C. HART MEMORIAL LIBRARY Marca McClenon, Charlie, Elizabeth, and Matt Slater with Pete the Cat Attendees meeting Izod Attendees getting ready to play Library Bingo Pete the Cat bringing smiles to library festivities A happy attendee with Pete the Cat Some of Yorktown’s kids playing games and doing crafts
PAGE 4 – YORKTOWN NEWS FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 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 ©2024 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] DESIGNERS Noah Elder Bri Agosta Haven Elder Jacob Elcer 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. Swing Dance Yorktown HS is hosting its annual swing dance concert this Saturday, Feb. 10, at the high school gym (snow date Feb. 11), with a professional dance lesson from 7-8 p.m. and live music and dancing from 8-10:30 p.m.. Swing dance attire is encouraged! There will be a dessert buffet, door prizes, and a raffle. $10 for seniors and students. $15 for adults. True Crime Fiction Writing Series Author and fiction writing teacher Kim Kovach is presenting a new five-week series called True Crime Fiction Writing via Zoom on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. starting on Feb. 28. The series is available through three local libraries, including John C. Hart. Investigation meets imagination for armchair detectives and true crime fans as Kovach introduces a true crime case each week. Participants can put a new spin on the facts by writing stories from different points of view–a neighbor, a co-worker, a witness, the victim, or the accused. The weekly program begins on Feb. 28 and continues on Wednesday evenings through March 27. This virtual five-week series is offered in cooperation with the Pound Ridge Library, the Lewisboro Library, and the John C. Hart Library. Registration is limited. Register online at yorktownlibrary.org. Stories and Snacks with Rabbi Sarah Join the Temple Beth Shalom community in Mahopac for Stories and Snacks with Rabbi Sarah, ideal for age groups 2-5 years old. Stories and Snacks will take place on the following Sundays at 11:30 a.m.: March 24, April 14, and May 19. f. Call 845-628- 6133 to register. Senior Committee Yorktown Senior Advisory Committee will meet Friday, Feb. 16, at 1 p.m., in the Yorktown Town Hall meeting room. Softball Umps Wanted Thinking of retiring from playing softball but want to stay close to the game? Want to make some extra money while still playing? Become an umpire in a local league and earn money while keeping in touch with your passion. Yorktown Sports Association needs umpires for modified and slowpitch adult leagues on Sunday mornings and/or weeknights, with a flexible schedule. Training is available. YSA has taken special pride in providing a safe, friendly, fun atmosphere for the past 50 years. For more info, email info@ysaleagues. com or call 914-962-8390, ext. 10. Donate Blood With supplies short, the New York Blood Center is holding blood multiple drives at Jefferson Valley Mall (650 Lee Blvd., Jefferson Valley), with upcoming dates on Monday, Feb. 19, and Monday, March 4 (booth noon-6 p.m.). Other Yorktown Heights drives include Wednesday, Feb. 14, 1:30-7:30 p.m., at Grace Lutheran Church, 3830 Gomer St.; Tuesday, Feb. 20, 1-7 p.m. at Somers Crystal Hall, 34 Hillandale Road.; and Thursday, Feb. 29, 3:30-8 p.m., at Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School’s Cafeteria A, 3401 Old Yorktown Road. Visit donate. nybc.org/donor/schedules for more information about these and other donation opportunities. Islamic Center Community Night Hudson Valley Islamic Community Center (3680 Lexington Ave., Mohegan Lake) holds its Community Night every Friday at 7 p.m. Dinner is served. All are welcome. The HVIC also has a monthly food pantry on the first TOWN GREEN SEE GREEN PAGE 19 914.455.2158 SpirelliElectric.com • [email protected] Specializing in residential & commercial services. Licenses in Westchester, Putnam CREATING CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE Family Owned—Over 40 Years Experience! $25 OFF Service Calls When You Present This Ad. New Customers Only. 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FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 5
PAGE 6 – YORKTOWN NEWS FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 Lakeland School District plans to increase spending on technology in 2024- 25 by around 6 percent, according to a budget workshop presented by Dr. Meryl Rubinstein at the district’s Feb. 1 school board meeting. The presentation, the second of four scheduled budget workshops scheduled before Lakeland’s May 7 budget public hearing and May 21 budget and trustee vote, focused on employee benefits, debt service, and technology. Speaking to the board, Rubenstein said investment in STEAM technology was a priority because of its importance to students. Key areas of spending will include replacing outdated Chromebooks, improving infrastructure, enhancing security and safety, and supporting new and ongoing instructional initiatives. Spending on technology is projected to increase by around 6 percent. The next workshop is scheduled for Thursday, March 7 at the district office and will focus on instructional and special education budgets. On Thursday, April 11, the board will meet to finalize the 2024-2025 educational plan and vote to adopt the budget. Family literacy lessons In her report to the board, Superintendent Dr. Karen Gagliardi noted the success of the district’s recently launched ELL Family Literacy Program, which kicked off late last month and will run through March. Gagliardi said 52 parents and 42 children had registered for the eight-week program, which is designed to support the district’s equity for all goals by offering resources to non-fluent English speakers. These include beginner English language instruction for adults, homework support and enrichment for schoolage children, and early education skills for kids aged two through five. The program, which is free for Lakeland families, is funded through a Title IIIA Immigrant Education grant. “The program is truly a highlight in our equity for all works supporting our district families and we are grateful we can provide it at no cost to our families or taxpayers,” Gagliardi said. 2024-25 Calendar The board also discussed a first draft of the 2024-2025 academic calendar, which, if approved, will include two weeks off the December holiday break, a day off before Thanksgiving, and will, based on a New York State Mandate, add Jan. 29, the Asian Lunar New Year. “We were able to get that in while keeping all of our instructional programs intact,” Gagliardi said, adding that the calendar had been reviewed by the bargaining units and PTA. “This is draft two and we feel pretty confident about it.” The school board also voted to adopt a workplace violence prevention policy mandated by the state of New York. Lakeland to boost STEAM tech budget We have revised the headline for the online version of our Jan. 11 article, “Lakeland officials refute ‘inappropriate content’ claims in viral video” after an email from an organization involved in sharing the video argued that the headline was inaccurate because Lakeland officials did acknowledge inappropriate content. The district did, however, call the video inaccurate. Therefore, the new headline is “’This is not accurate’ -- Lakeland Superintendent responds to viral video.” CORRECTION Photo Submissions Photos submitted to Yorktown News need to be high-resolution. Images that are submitted at a low resolution cannot be published. Submit photos to Yorktown News by the Thursday before the next publication date. Submissions can be emailed to [email protected] or mail it to Yorktown News, 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you’d like your photo returned. MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-HOUR PROBLEM GAMING HOTLINE: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369) Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com I-84 | Exit 36B I-87 | Exit 17 FORD BRONCO GIVEAWAY Earn Entries All Month Long! Saturday, February 24 • 10pm *Actual model and colors may vary.
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 7 Congratulations to Elizabeth Slater for reading 1,000 books before reaching kindergarten! The 4-year-old Yorktowner was recently recognized for completing John C. Hart Library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten challenge, part of a nationwide program to encourage literacy in youngsters from infancy and on. Kids can read the books on their own, but books read to infants and toddlers also count toward 1,000. The same book can be read multiple times; each reading counts as one book toward the total. Sources close to Elizabeth told Yorktown News her favorite character is Pete the Cat. To sign up a child for the challenge, head to the library and pick up a reading log. When 1,000 books are completed, the child will receive a certificate, a magnet and a photo recognizing their achievement. One for the books Elizabeth Slater was recognized by John C. Hart Memorial Library for reading 1,000 books by kindergarten. Matt, Kellie, Elizabeth, and Charlie Slater celebrate Elizabeth reading 1,000 books before kindergarten. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MATT SLATER Fordham University student Pia Garcia of Yorktown Heights was recently initiated into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Garcia is among approximately 25,000 students, faculty, professional staff, and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction. Other local students excelled at their respective colleges and universities as well. Here’s a rundown, listed alphabetically by school. Clarkson University Kaitlinn Alice Campana of Yorktown Heights, a freshman majoring in civil engineering, was named a Presidential Scholar for the Fall 2023 semester at Clarkson University. Presidential Scholars must achieve a minimum 3.80 grade-point average and carry at least 14 credit hours. John Philip Vespucci of Yorktown Heights, a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering, was named to the Dean’s list which requires Yorktown college students earn academic honors Pia Garcia named to Phi Kappa Phi honor society SEE HONORSPAGE 32
PAGE 8 – YORKTOWN NEWS FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR State Assemblyman Matt Slater has proposed legislation that would allow local law enforcement to charge drug dealers with a felony if the drugs they sell result in an overdose death. Known as the “Death By Dealer” bill, the measure (A.7985) would give local law enforcement agencies a prosecutorial tool already available on the federal level. Slater said the bill has bipartisan support and told Yorktown News that he hopes to see it come to the floor during this legislative session. “The escalating illicit use of fentanyl poses a growing threat, with those who peddle it and endanger others yet to face appropriate penalties,” Slater said in a press release. “Prosecutors have voiced concerns about cashless bail policies, highlighting the disruption it has caused in prosecuting these cases.” The bill received wide support during a roundtable discussion on the drug crisis that Slater hosted in Yorktown on Jan. 26. In the press release, Slater said the goal of the meeting–which included Congressman Mike Lawler, law enforcement, and prosecutors from Westchester and Putnam, Yorktown town officials, and local drug treatment and prevention advocates–was “to develop a comprehensive framework focused on prevention, treatment, recovery, and enforcement...to address immediate concerns while developing a longer-term strategy to fight the crisis.” Deaths caused by overdose have increased exponentially since the turn of the century. According to the National Institute for Health, opioid overdoses increased nearly sixfold from 1999 to 2021, when nearly 107,000 people died from using opioids in the U.S. Stemming the tide is becoming more challenging due to the deadly combination of fentanyl and technology that makes it easier for dealers to sell drugs. According to Slater, participants in the discussion reported a surge in dealers utilizing social media and online chat platforms to peddle fentanyl-laced narcotics into communities. Slater noted that drug overdose deaths reached “a staggering 300 people a day” in 2022. “We’ve received a lot of insight from those who are on the frontlines saving lives,” Slater proposes bill to hold drug dealers accountable for OD deaths ‘Death by Dealer’ bill has bipartisan support BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA STAFF WRITER A Yonkers man is facing criminal mischief and criminal obstruction of breathing charges after a domestic incident in Yorktown on Thursday, Jan. 25. Yorktown Police arrested Anthony Infelice, 40, on Jan. 29 after investigators say he allegedly grabbed a person by the neck affecting their ability to breathe. When the victim tried to call the police, Infelice allegedly took their phone to stop them. Infelice left the scene before police arrived, was subsequently contacted by Officer Schmelmer, and turned himself in at the Yorktown Police Department. He was arraigned before Judge Aviah Cohen-Pierson and was released on his own recognizance. A temporary order of protection was issued for the victim. Infelice is due back at the Yorktown Justice Court on Feb. 15. Yorktown cops charge man in domestic violence case Assemblyman Matt Slater holding a fentanyl crisis round table at the Yorktown Town Hall PHOTO: SOPHIA CASELNOVA SEE BILL PAGE 35 Refuse & Recycling Department • 2279 Crompond Road www.Yorktownny.org/refuserecycling Questions?: (914) 245-4438 TOWN OF YORKTOWN REVISED SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 19TH – 23RD REMINDER: Recyclables in Plastic Bags will not be collected! DUAL-STREAM RECYCLING COLLECTIONS: MONDAY COLLECTIONS WILL BE PICKED UP ON TUESDAY TUESDAY COLLECTIONS WILL BE PICKED UP ON WEDNESDAY All other collections will remain the same KITCHEN TRASH COLLECTIONS: MONDAY COLLECTIONS WILL BE PICKED UP ON TUESDAY TUESDAY COLLECTIONS WILL BE PICKED UP ON WEDNESDAY All other collections will remain the same fifffflffiffflffiflffifflffffifflffffifflff ff fffi ffl ff 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 Your to-do list doesn’t care if you’re under the weather. Balancing work and health is crucial. If sickness does sneak up on you, we’re right around the corner with fast, walk-in care to get you back to your to-do list. We focus on your health so you can focus on you, because nobody cares like family. We’re open every day with extended hours to fit your schedule. No appointments needed.
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 9 Half Tray Full Tray Cheeseburger Sliders $50 $85 Chicken Fingers $50 $90 Mac n’ Cheese Bites $45 $95 Penne ala Vodka $45 $80 French Fries $30 $50 WINGS Served with celery, carrots, bleu cheese or ranch Half Tray Full Tray Bone-In Wings $70 $135 Boneless Wings $70 $135 FEBRUARY 11, 2024 BIG GAME PARTY JOIN US FOR THE SEASON FINALE $65.00 PER PERSON INCLUDES BUFFET DURING THE GAME - DRINK SPECIALS AND GIVEAWAYS If you can’t join us for our party let us cater your party. Call now and reserve your pick up time. WING FLAVORS: Mild, Medium, Hot, BBQ, Cajun BBQ, Spicy BBQ, Honey BBQ, Teriyaki, Spicy Teriyaki, Honey Sriracha, Sweet & Sour Chili, Garlic Parmesan, Spicy Garlic Parmesan, Hot Lemon Pepper, Mango Habenero, Kickin’ Bourbon, Cannon Ball BBQ, Buffalo Old Bay DRY RUBS- Jerk, Ranch, Cajun, Adobo, Old Bay, Salt & Pepper, Lemon Pepper, Chili Lime, Frank’s Red Hot, BBQ and OUR HOUSE FAVORITE - Louisiana Cajun Punisher’s Powder. (Please note trays of wings come with choice of 1 flavor, if you wish for more flavors, wings will come with no flavors, and flavors will be on the side. Additional $2.00 for eac h extra sauce) CALL TO TODAY 914-302-6390 TO PLACE YOUR ORDER FOR YOUR BIG GAME PARTY | 1927 COMMERCE STREET, YORKTOWN HEIGHTS Yorktown High School senior Matthew Yee was recently recognized as a BOCES Student of Distinction, an outstanding achievement that highlights his exceptional talent and dedication. Matthew, who is enrolled in the Animation and Motion Graphics program at the Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES Tech Center, received this well-deserved honor at Monday’s Yorktown Central School District Board of Education meeting. Described as a student with an unwavering passion for animation, Matthew has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep appreciation for the school environment. He excels in all areas of animation but shows exceptional skill and understanding of creating motion graphics. Matthew’s time at BOCES has allowed him to develop an impressive animation portfolio that he has used to apply for admission to various colleges. In addition to his animation interests, Matthew engages in various extracurricular activities. He serves as the chief editor of the Yorktown High School Soupstone Club, which organizes various art-related events throughout the school year and produces an art and literary magazine featuring the creative works of fellow students. Additionally, Matthew is a member of the Yorktown High School boys varsity volleyball team, the Yorktown High School National Honor Society, and participates in the Big Buddy program. Through this program, he mentors incoming freshmen, providing them with guidance and support throughout their first year of high school. Courtesy of Yorktown Central School District. YHS senior named BOCES Student of Distinction Yorktown High School senior Matthew Yee (center) with his certificate. COURTESY OF YCSD BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR With Yorktown Central School District voters set to go to the polls on Tuesday, Feb. 13, school superintendent Dr. Ron Hattar has emphasized the need to fund improvements to the schools, remedy overcrowded classrooms, and upgrade aging facilities. As reported in the Jan. 11 edition of Yorktown News, the district is putting two proposals before the voters. The first is a $46 million bond that officials say will bring no tax increase; the second would raise $11 million through what the district calls a “modest” tax hike. The second proposition will only go into effect if voters approve the first. If approved, district officials said the capital project is expected to break ground in 2025 and would add classrooms to YCSD’s elementary school buildings, modernize learning spaces, enhance its athletic facilities, and improve security. The project is expected to take five years to complete. School officials said the upgrades are necessary due to rising enrollment, changing educational needs, and the aging of many of the facilities. At the Board of Education’s Jan, 22 meeting, Hattar spent more than an hour outlining the project’s purpose and implementation. He cited both a projected increase in the student body and the age of some of the facilities as key reasons to approve the project. For the elementary schools, overcrowding is already a problem, Hattar said. “The needs center around having very little space for instruction, whether it’s small group instruction,” he explained while showing an image of cluttered classrooms, desks in hallways, and closet-sized spaces. “They’re undersized and, in some cases [insctruction areas] are in hallways.” Hattar makes final push for schools capital project Voters to go to the polls Feb. 13 Dr. Ron Hattar presents the capital bond project at the Board of Education meeting. PHOTO COURTESY OF YCSD/ YOUTUBE SEE YCSD PAGE 34
PAGE 10 – YORKTOWN NEWS FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those of 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 EMILE MENASCHÉ, EDITOR TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Editorial Office: (914) 302-5830 [email protected] Happily Ever After Have you ever wondered what Town Board members talk about during the 60- to 90-minute closed door executive sessions they have prior to opening the televised portion of their meetings? Especially as the New York State Open Meetings Law (OML) clearly specifies only eight topics that can legally be discussed in executive session, litigation and personnel being the two of the eight topics most frequently discussed. The other six topics deal with public safety, law enforcement, grading examinations, collective bargaining negotiations, and certain real estate issues. But how many litigation and personnel issues can there be that need to be discussed every week? How many lawsuits is the town involved in, either as a plaintiff or defendant? And why isn’t the Board adhering to the proper, and transparent, procedure for executive session agendas: identifying What are they talking about behind closed doors? SUSAN SIEGEL GUEST COUMNIST The Drug Crisis in New York, and around the world for that matter, is very real, very deadly and has ruined countless lives and countless families. Add in the fentanyl crisis along with the manufacturing of synthetic opioids and the problem has become next to insurmountable. But we must keep the faith, keep up the fight and never stand down. Joined by our friends and neighbors in Putnam County, on Jan. 26 I had the privilege to participate in a very important “Overdose & Fentanyl Crisis Roundtable” at Yorktown Town Hall, and I want to thank Assemblyman Matt Slater for organizing this extremely important meeting on this crisis. I also want to thank Deputy Supervisor and Yorktown Councilman Ed Lachterman for hosting this event in Finding hope during roundtable on drug crisis SERGIO ESPOSITO WORD ON THE STREET SEE SIEGEL PAGE 16 SEE ESPOSITOPAGE 11
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 OPINION YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 11 FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HOT WATER HEATER & GAS NEEDS 60 Years of Excellence 719 Rte. 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com TAKE $25 OFF YOUR NEXT SERVICE CALL! VALID ON CALLS OVER 1 HOUR. Happy Valentine’s Day! 650 Lee Blvd., Jefferson Valley Mall 914-719-3347 Winter School Break Open 7 Days 2/17 - 2/25 _ 2 Locations for For Fun! SWIFTIE PARTY FRI 2/16 • Taylor look a like contest • Friendship Bracelets • Karaoke etc. Weekday hours during winter school break COME AS YOUR FAVORITE TAYLOR ESPOSITO FROM PAGE 10 Yorktown. We were joined by a vast number of public officials and local law enforcement concerned with the issue. As I see it, we must be both diligent and vigilant if we are going to take on this monumental task. I am in full agreement, as all my colleagues stated, that we cannot arrest our way out of this multifaceted crisis. Many ideas were borne out of this roundtable; here are only but a significant few: • Focus on the dealers/smugglers and manufacturers of these synthetic opioids. • Remove the stigma for addicted users and get them help and support. • Shut down known/obvious smuggle points NOW. • Support legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Slater and Congressman Mike Lawler, who are boots on the ground and are fighting the good fight in Albany and Washington respectively. • Address the mental health issues associated with drug abuse. • Sponsor and pass sensible laws that untie the hands of law enforcement and allow alternatives to jail time for individuals arrested (who use) so they can get the help they need. • Utilize local organizations to educate our youth - organizations like Alliance for Safe Kids who do amazing work right here in Yorktown as well as amazing Putnam organizations such as Cove Care Center and The Prevention Council Of Putnam. • Secure government funding for organizations/hospitals that can affect change on the lives of those who have been afflicted by this dreadful disease. • Take action as humans/volunteer. New statistics show that most synthetic drugs are laced, to some degree, with fentanyl. This means that when one buys these illicit drugs off the street, the buyers are literally risking their lives. In fact, there have been reports in the main stream media that several lives have been lost just last week from fentanyl laced drugs. This crisis is so prevalent that I am sure there are countless others who were senselessly lost that we have not heard of. We need to take action and confront this crisis in the same way that it has manifested itself. We need a multifaceted approach to combat the issue. This approach must include legislation, education, enforcement and assistance for those who are suffering from this disease. Sergio Esposito is a Yorktown Town Councilman. I n my last column, I promised to present to you a second giant in the history of science, Dr. Katherine Freese. I want to introduce her to you not because she is a groundbreaking scientist, or a world traveling educator, or a renowned author, or a brilliant physicist, or an inspiration for anyone who wants to learn about the universe, but because she is all these things. If you read her book, “The Cosmic Cocktail,” or watch her lectures on YouTube (she has promised me an interview on my cable show, All About Town), you know that she begins each talk with this startling revelation: “It turns out that all the things made of ordinary atomic material (our bodies, the air, the walls, the stars and the planets) only make up 5% of the content of the universe. We’re trying to figure out what the rest-25% dark matter and 70% dark energy-are. I focus on dark matter. We think the best guess is that it is some new kind of particle that we have to identify, so I’m working on it from the theoretical side. People are also building underground detectors to look for it.” You may wonder how a brilliant scientist like Dr. Freese ended up devoting her professional career to exploring a topic as elusive and seemingly obscure as dark matter. She comes from a family of molecular biologists, so it’s not a surprise that scientific exploration is her life’s mission. Dr. Freese was, reportedly, only the second female at the time to major in physics at Princeton. Throughout her career, she has had to overcome institutional chauvinism, which made her work twice as hard as her male counterparts. Given her experience, it makes total sense that one of her career objectives is to inspire young girls to follow her example and choose a career in science. Her life is a testament to the principle that if you really put your mind to it, with hard work and perseverance, no one can prevent you from fulfilling your dreams. What has she accomplished in her career? Her achievements and awards would take a dozen of my columns to list. Most notably, she has been recognized as one of the 17 greatest female scientists of all time. I can’t recommend strongly enough that you pick up her autobiographical book, “The Cosmic Cocktail.” Despite her fame and innumerable accolades, she remains down to earth, humble, approachable, sincere and a great role model for any young person (especially a young girl) considering a career in science. But what is all this talk about dark matter and dark energy? Does it really make a difference in our lives? Why should we even explore these ideas? Dr. Freese would suggest that you can’t walk into any room in your home without seeing something that you use that is the result Understanding the Cosmos JAMES MARTORANO MY PERSPECTIVE SEE MARTORANOPAGE 12
PAGE 12 – YORKTOWN NEWS OPINION FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 LOCATIONS: Baldwin Place • 44 Route 118 • (845) 628-7900 Croton Falls • 1 Center St • (914) 769-3206 Find out why Joe Ferone of Proper Service needs to be YOUR Go-To Automotive Service Center! YOUR FAMILY CAR CARE CENTER For over 100 years of combined auto experience, Joe Ferone and his sta of Proper Service have been serving the community, creating relationships and building a remarkable company with an amazing team JOE FERONE, owner of employees! of scientific advancements. By exploring what the cosmos is made of, we advance our understanding of the universe and prepare ourselves for whatever fabulous changes our world will undergo in the future. Let’s talk about the focus of her work, dark matter. What is it and how do we know it exists? Dark matter, as the name suggests, refers to the invisible substance that pervades the universe and interacts with ordinary matter only through gravitational forces. Its existence was first proposed by Dr. Fritz Zwicky, who, in the 1930s, noticed discrepancies between the observed mass of galaxy clusters and the masses calculated based on visible matter alone. During the ensuing years, extensive research involving observational techniques such as gravitational lensing and the measurement of galactic rotational curves has confirmed beyond all doubt the presence of dark matter. According to Dr. Freese, dark matter is probably a new element whose properties are still somewhat elusive. It is clearly non-baryonic, meaning it does not consist of ordinary matter, which is comprised of protons and neutrons. Freese and most theoretical physicists believe that the best explanation is that dark matter is a WIMP (weakly interacting massive particles). WIMPS do not interact via electromagnetism and, thus, cannot be directly observed. Their existence has been verified in deep underground laboratories, such as the Large Underground Xenon (LUX). Millions, perhaps billions, of these particles are flowing through your body as you read this article. You may ask yourself, as a practical matter, what difference does it make? Plenty. Knowing that dark matter wields gravitational pull is critical to understanding the formation and dynamics of galaxies, galaxy clusters and even larger structures such as cosmic filaments. Without dark matter, the universe would be vastly different than the one we know, lacking the gravitational “glue” necessary for the formation of galaxies. Last month, I wrote about Father George Lemaitre, the Father of the Big Bang. His startling proposal in 1931 that the universe began with one universal singularity 14 plus billion years ago was revolutionary and startling at the time. In the 1960s, physicists found decisive evidence supporting his theory. They discovered a sea of radiation called the cosmic microwave background (CMB), which can only be explained by a universe that expands and cools. In the end, Lemaitre’s theory gained the universal acceptance that eluded the good father in his lifetime. However, with science’s new revelations about dark matter and dark energy, could it be time to revisit Lemaitre’s suggestion? Dr. Freese thinks so. She is quick to instruct us that the term big bang is misleading. There was no explosion in the beginning. One way to understand it is to think of the universe as a pot of boiling water. In one instant, over 14 billion years ago, its particles heated up, expanded, collapsed, and collided, everywhere. Thanks to brilliant scientists like Dr. Freese, over the years, the concept of the “big bang” has been replaced by a vision of multiple distinct “phase transitions,” each leaving its mark on the cosmos. Then in February 2023, Dr. Freese and her colleague Martin Winkler put forth their hypothesis that there must have been a second big bang. They proposed a “dark” bang, occurring soon after the original, that produced the particles and forces we now know as dark matter. According to Dr. Freese, “we assumed that there are two sectors of the universe… one that creates the particles of the standard model of particle physics…and one that creates dark matter.” Freese believes that the “dark big bang” happened within a month of the hot big bang and that the former created at least three different types of dark matter particles, all of which she somewhat humorously calls “weird.” As scientists learn more and more, new avenues of exploration are opened. It’s about time, when you consider that, concerning basic concepts like gravity, we haven’t gone much deeper than Isaac Newton did in the 17th century. The James Webb Space Telescope ( JWST), launched two years ago, caused immense excitement and profound interest in its revelations about the universe. It hasn’t disappointed. At the time that its first images were released, I wondered how photos from space could tell us so much. I discovered that the amazing pictures that the JWST is sending back to us provide invaluable information about density, elemental composition, size, mass, luminosity, star count, and metal composition. A detailed analysis of the shift of light to the red spectrum (redshift) literally tells scientists the time the universe formed. So far, the JWST has discovered at least six galaxies (and counting) other than our own. Wow! Scientifically speaking, these are exciting times. As information comes in, we are lucky that brilliant scientists like Dr. Katherine Freese are around to evaluate what we are discovering. As she has emphatically stated, “humans are driven to understand things and, in the process of doing that, we develop tools that make our survival better and make life better. Humans are explorers, and I put myself in that category. And while we’re at it, we’re also tool makers.” Thank you, Dr. Katherine Freese, for your brilliance and lifelong contributions to our understanding of our universe. Bravo! MARTORANO FROM PAGE 11
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 OPINION YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 13 Act now to lower your Flu/COVID risk Optum Medical Care, P.C. (“Optum Medical Care”) is a physician owned and led practice having complete authority for all medical decision-making and patient care through its physicians and other licensed professionals. Optum, through its owned management organizations, provides non-clinical administrative services to support Optum Medical Care and its physicians. Neither Optum nor its management companies employs, engages, or supervises physicians or other licensed professionals, or determines or sets the methods, standards, or conduct of the practice of medicine or health care provided by Optum Medical Care or by any of its licensed professionals. “Part of Optum” reflects that Optum Medical Care is part of Optum’s effort to support forward-thinking physician practices in helping their patients live healthier lives. Optum is a registered trademark of Optum, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other brand or product names are the property of their respective owners. Because we are continuously improving our products and services, Optum reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice. Optum is an equal opportunity employer. © 2024 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved. WF12832462 01/24 During the peak season for respiratory illnesses, the most effective way to reduce your risk of Flu and COVID-19 is by getting vaccinated. Be proactive about maintaining good health for yourself and your family. How do you know if it’s the Flu or COVID-19? Both are contagious and impact the respiratory system which can lead to severe illness. Some shared symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, and muscle aches. It is important to get tested for exact diagnosis and treatment. Who is at risk for Flu or COVID-19 complications? Those aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and adults with chronic health conditions who have been hospitalized are most at risk. Additionally, children under the age of 5, especially those under 2 years old, are also at a higher risk of facing severe complications. How do I keep myself and my family protected? To prevent illness from these two viruses, it is important to ensure that you are up to date on your vaccinations. Additionally, practicing general safety measures daily can be beneficial. These include regular handwashing, avoiding contact with individuals who are sick, and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you are already sick, refrain from contact with others. Importance of a primary care physician Having a primary care physician, and receiving regular preventive care, can assist in maintaining good health and detecting problems early on. Keep preventative care visits separate from those for sickness, injury, or routine care for ongoing medical conditions. Scan the QR code or visit optum.com/tri J an. 28 was effectively the last day of football season. The Chiefs bested the Ravens and the Forty Niners beat the Lions. What lies ahead is the Taylor Swift Super Bowl featuring hours of pregame hype, way too many commercials and an hourlong halftime show, making it almost impossible to watch for most football fans. It is an event not for football fans, but for everyone else. So we are at that depressing time of year when football is over and baseball season is still two months away. I thought I could at least fill the void by focusing on the presidential primaries for entertainment during the lull, but it looks like both contests were already decided before the process even got going. Is our system for picking presidents broken if 99% of the electorate won’t participate in picking a candidate for November? Probably. The primary system for amassing delegates in order to secure a major party’s endorsement is a relatively recent phenomenon. Most of the reforms in the presidential nomination process came after the tumultuous 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago. Party rules were changed to ensure the delegates to their national nominating convention were selected by primary voting rather than by party leaders at state conventions. Republicans followed suit. The idea was to let the people decide rather than “party bosses.” Like most reforms, there were unintended consequences. Only a small percentage of voters in each party participate in their respective primaries. Those voters are generally the activists and tend to be the most extreme in each of the parties. The characteristics and policy positions that make a candidate appealing to the most strident members of their party may not be helpful in a general election. The result is candidates that appeal to the base of the party, but not necessarily to those in the middle. Polarization among other things is the result. With 50 states, we have 50 different sets of rules for voting in a presidential primary. In most states, you must be a registered member of the party to participate in the primary. Approximately 20 states allow open primaries where a voter can participate in whichever primary they choose regardless of their party affiliation. Independents get to vote in those primaries. Open primaries are attractive because the inclusive electorate more closely resembles the general election, hence more appealing candidates could emerge from those states. Party leaders from both sides don’t like open primaries because they feel it dilutes the power of party membership. However, about 27% of the country identifies as Democrat and about the same percentage identifies as Republican. Forty-three percent identify as independent - a number that has been growing for years. If the goal is to select candidates that will fare well in the general election, why wouldn’t you want to know what independents think? Doesn’t that help build a coalition? Both parties are working hard to button up the primary cycle as quickly as possible, attempting to crown their respective nominees, shortcircuiting the entire process. I’d be a fan of cutting to the chase, perhaps, if the product was appealing. But in all likelihood, we will be getting a rematch of the 2020 election. Gallup reports that 70% of those surveyed said they won’t vote for either candidate. It doesn’t look like the system is working. The two party duopoly is not turning out a good product. They are weak institutions, which seem to want to follow the parade rather than lead it. As a recent piece in the Economist opined, “political parties do not plot or strategize anymore to anoint a candidate, at least not with much effect; they have instead become vehicles idling by the curbs of American life until the primaries approach, waiting for successful candidates to commandeer them.” There has been a lot of chatter recently about how each candidate covets a Taylor Swift endorsement, which could make the difference in a tight race. It’s quite possible she may know more about picking presidents than the major parties do. Look how good she’s been at picking football teams. On football and the Taylor Swift presidential sweepstakes DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Letters and Op-Ed Policy 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.
PAGE 14 – YORKTOWN NEWS OPINION FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 We see you here. The things you love doing are more than just passions. They’re what make you “you.” This is why at The Bristal, our expert team members dedicate their time, attention, and energy to creating customized social activities that ensure each resident continues being the unique person they are. And, in the process, create the one-of-a-kind community we are, too. Schedule your visit today and see for yourself. THE BRISTAL AT ARMONK | 914.266.3550 THE BRISTAL AT WHITE PLAINS | 914.485.7020 thebristal.com Licensed by the State Department of Health. Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies. Equal Housing Opportunity. Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care I have a cousin who suffers from a persecution complex. A textbook paranoid, he thought everyone was out to get him. (Looking back, I think now maybe they were.) He felt the local paper had done him wrong and they were looking to smear his reputation (he had none to begin with). I don’t remember the specific circumstances of what was written about him—this was the ’80s—but he was not happy at all. So, did he write an angry letter to the editor? Did he hire an attorney and sue for libel? No. He decided instead to start his own paper and put the other one out of business. Now, the poor guy couldn’t write a grocery list or spell CAT, even if you spotted him the C and the T, but righteous indignation is a powerful motivator, even if you’re misguided. He actually did it and printed a few issues. He was doing everything... reporting, photographing, selling ads. But he had such a prickly personality that being a salesman was a bit of a challenge for him. His paper folded pretty quickly. The average person has absolutely no idea what goes into owning and running a newspaper. It’s a business like anything else—you have to worry about things such as payroll, insurance, utilities, IT stuff, dealing with printer issues, post office issues, legal stuff and taxes. And within all that, you need to find specialized talents that can write, report, edit, photograph, have a working knowledge of journalistic styles, design ads, and lay out pages using a computer with the help of an array of complex programs. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. My cousin’s inclination would be the same as me walking into a bank and yelling, “You charged me a $40 overdraft fee when I bounced a check! Well, that does it... I’m starting my own bank!” When I was running the paper up in Pawling in the ‘80s, I would get calls all the time from people who told me they always wanted “to try writing” and asked if they could write for us. And when I asked, “Write what?” they inevitably didn’t exactly know. “I’d just always wanted to try it,” they’d explain. They had no experience, no education, and, apparently, no clue. But clearly, all they needed was some paper, a typewriter, and a willingness to try. Yet I needed five years of college and two degrees to get there, which wasn’t cheap. My parents were gonna be pissed. When I first got out of college, I needed a job as quickly as possible because I had student loans to pay off and beers to buy. I had a journalism degree but really had no idea how to get my foot in the door. So, I took a non-journalism job to keep the wolves at bay. Back then, one of the biggest employers in the region was the state-run Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center located in the little hamlet of Wingdale about eight miles north of Pawling. Both my parents worked there at one time or another. But in the ‘70s, the state decided it no longer wanted to warehouse psychiatric patients and set them free. The days of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” were over. So, the state converted the abandoned psychiatric center into a DFY facility. DFY stands for Division for Youth. While that may sound like some sort of patriotic youth organization, it definitely is not. DFY is the sister agency to the state Department of Corrections. It houses kids under the age of 18 who’ve committed serious felonies and were tried as adults. When they turn 18, if there is still time left on their sentence, they are sent off to big boy prison. So, at the former Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center, they put bars on the windows, keycard locks on the interior doors, and then wrapped the whole thing with a 12-foot-tall chain-link fence topped with some nasty-looking razor wire. They hired anyone with a college degree—no vetting, no background check, no psychiatric evaluation to make sure they were fit to work in such a place. So... they hired me. These weren’t hubcap stealers or shoplifters they were housing here—they were scary dudes who’d done some very bad things. We had one “kid” who was about 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds. The word about him was, “Don’t shoot him, you’ll really piss him off.” Not that we had guns. All we had was life insurance. Hiring people to work in a place like that without proper evaluation is a dicey game. It can attract some damaged people with delusional and/or sadistic tendencies... narcissistic bullies. But my first year there was uneventful. I worked the graveyard shift—from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. It was very quiet. Two of us would hang out in the office and once an hour we would walk the hallway of the dorm and peer through the windows in the doors with a flashlight to make sure the inmate (sorry... client) was still in his bed. They often were. It was when I got transferred to the day shift that things got weird. I was able to observe staff-client interaction up close and personal. You could tell pretty Adventures in newspapering BOB DUMAS OUT OF MY HEAD SEE DUMASPAGE 17
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 15 I regularly meet clients who have been retired for 10 to 15 years and, remarkably, have not had the time to implement an estate and/or elder law plan for themselves. I understand that retirees have busy lives: After all, traveling and playing golf, tennis, pickleball and bocce can be quite time-consuming! (Perhaps not as time-consuming as babysitting, chauffeuring around the grandkids, or arranging and attending doctor appointments, but still…) Yet, for the life of me, I just can’t understand why one would wait until their 80s to implement an elder law and/or estate plan. While implementing an estate plan at any age is better than not doing so at all, the risks and adverse consequences of waiting are significant. For example, delaying the execution of a Durable Power of Attorney with broad gifting provisions and a Health Care Proxy creates the possibility that if one has become incapacitated (mentally and/or physically) and is unable to make financial and personal decisions, they will need to have a Guardian appointed for them. A Guardianship proceeding must be commenced in the Supreme Court of the County where one resides in New York. It is expensive, time-consuming, and can be emotionally taxing for all parties involved, particularly if it ends up being contested. Ultimately, the person appointed as Guardian may still be unable to make the financial transactions necessary to protect the incapacitated person’s assets from the cost of long-term care (especially, if the objective is eligibility for Medicaid home care). This outcome can be easily avoided by executing a broadly drafted Durable Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy long before this could come to pass. The failure to be proactive also rears its ugly head if one has not implemented an elder law plan at least five years before requiring nursing home Medicaid and, once the new law is implemented in 2025 or 2026, at least two-and-a-half years before requiring Medicaid home care. If one waits until their late 70s and/ or 80s to execute and fund a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT), they are increasing the risk that they will need to privately pay for their care in a nursing home or at home, which could potentially dissipate their life savings. It is quite common in the New York metropolitan area for a nursing home to cost between $175,000 to $220,000 per year and for home care to run approximately $150,000 to $175,000 per year. For a person of modest means, this can be devastating. Even for the affluent, the risk of delaying implementation of an estate plan with estate tax planning techniques can be detrimental. This is especially true for New York residents who have estates greater than approximately $7 million in the year 2024, and thus, may be subject to New York’s onerous estate tax cliff. Additionally, while the Federal Estate and Gift Tax exemption will be $13.61 million per person in 2024, said exemption will sunset if it is not extended by Dec. 31, 2025, and on Jan. 1, 2026, it will be reduced to approximately $7 million per person. Moreover, the failure to utilize part or all of the Federal Gift Tax exemption before it sunsets, by gifting assets and implementing an estate tax plan, subjects one’s estate to the potential for significant estate taxes, with a combined Federal and New York estate tax rate of 49.9%. While being proactive is a great idea during any stage in life, the failure to do so when one has reached retirement age can be quite expensive. Anthony J. Enea is the managing attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP of White Plains, New York. He focuses his practice on Wills, Trusts, Estates and Elder Law. Anthony is the Past Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), and is the past Chair of the 50+ Section of the NYSBA. He is a Past President and Founding member of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Anthony is also the Immediate Past President of the Westchester County Bar Foundation and a Past President of the Westchester County Bar Association. He is also fluent in Italian. He can be reached at 914-948-1500 or at www.esslawfirm.com. ANTHONY J. ENEA GUEST CORNER FOCUS ON ELDER LAW Being proactive in retirement Risks for waiting to implement an estate plan are significant If one waits until their late 70s and/or 80s to execute and fund a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT), they are increasing the risk that they will need to privately pay for their care in a nursing home or at home, which could potentially dissipate their life savings.’ -Anthony J. Enea Managing attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP
PAGE 16 – YORKTOWN NEWS OPINION FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 made of. George Lucciola, Agent 1885 Commerce Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Bus: 914-962-3030 [email protected] elping out roud to ommunity tarts with ghbors who care. That’s what our town is made of. 1201196 State Farm, Bloomington, IL George Lucciola, Agent 1885 Commerce Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Bus: 914-962-3030 [email protected] State Farm® has a long heritage of helping out in the community. That’s why I’m proud to support Yorktown Youth Sports. Get to a better State® . e of. George Lucciola, Agent 1885 Commerce Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Bus: 914-962-3030 [email protected] g out o yho That’s what our town is made of. 1201196 State Farm, Bloomington, IL George Lucciola, Agent 1885 Commerce Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Bus: 914-962-3030 [email protected] State Farm® has a long heritage of helping out in the community. That’s why I’m proud to support Yorktown Youth Sports. Get to a better State® . Community starts with neighbors who care. That’s what our town is made of. State Farm® has a long heritage of helping out in the community. That’s why I’m proud to support Yorktown. Get to a better State®. BUYING ONLY 845-628-0362 WE WILL COME TO YOU! 53 WE BUY: YEARS! Gold • Sterling Silver Jewelry • Coins Paintings • Bronzes Clocks • Collectibles Antiques • ETC. Items for sale? Call us! Service... Integrity... Compassion Family owned and operated We began with a mission to celebrate life and serve families. There is much peace to be found here, and we invite you to find yours. Explore more. Take a tour. Read our story. Share in experiences. Anthony J. Guarino Family Owned & Operated 945 East Main Street • Shrub Oak, NY 10588 • (914) 962-0700 YorktownFuneralHome.com • [email protected] SIEGEL FROM PAGE 10 the specific litigation that will be discussed, e.g., Plaintiff X vs the Town of Yorktown? The same transparency concern applies to personnel discussions. Most personnel issues are about hiring. And most new employees are hired off an existing civil service list and are vetted by the town’s HR person before the Board makes the final decision. So how much time do Board members need to discuss personnel? When was the last time you heard a REAL discussion during an open Board meeting on a substantive topic? Plans for infrastructure improvements? The need for a new law, amending an existing law, or reviewing the text of a draft law? Energy saving initiatives for town owned property? It didn’t surprise me when a long-time Yorktown resident told me she stopped watching Board meetings because they were boring. I had to agree with her. Board meetings have become a series of proclamations, presentations (some having little to do with town issues), a litany of upcoming events, most of which are already listed on the town’s online calendar, a poet laureate, and then a series of routine resolutions that are voted on, typically without any explanation. All too often, the only interesting part of the meeting is Courtesy of the Floor when residents can speak on any issue for three minutes and, if they’re lucky, members of the Board will respond to their comments. Which makes me (and I hope you) all the more curious about what’s being said at those closed door executive sessions. But we can’t — and won’t — know until and unless a Board member decides to do the right thing. (When I was a councilwoman in 2015, I objected when the Board started to discuss an illegal topic. As I started to walk out of the room in protest, and talk to the press, the supervisor quickly ended the discussion.) Contrary to a popular misconception, executive session discussions are not confidential just because they’re conducted behind closed doors. A discussion is only confidential if it is explicitly considered confidential in a state or federal statute, such as the attorneyclient privilege when the town attorney is providing advice to the Town Board. But, because attorney-client advice is technically not part of an executive session, once the attorney ceases offering advice, the Board may not continue discussing a topic that would otherwise be illegal under the OML. Short of a Board member disclosing what was discussed during an executive session, there’s one other way the public can get a sense that a topic that should, by law, have been discussed in open session was probably discussed in an executive session. That’s by looking carefully at the resolutions the Board votes on. For example, the surprise resolution voted on, without any explanation or discussion, at the end of the May 9, 2023 Board meeting granting the Underhill Farm developer a generous tax break and which also committed the town to spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars towards the traffic improvements the developer had to commit to making in order to receive Planning Board approval. Or the more recent resolution, also without any explanation or discussion, to advertise a Request for Proposal for ad hoc outside engineering services. Services for what projects – and were these projects discussed in an executive session? And why couldn’t the town’s two staff engineers handle these projects? There’s one other executive session issue the Town Board needs to clarify: its 2024 meeting calendar. As approved at the Board’s Jan. 2 meeting, the calendar shows that each open meeting will be preceded by an executive session. But since executive sessions can only be held to discuss a limited number of topics, it’s difficult to understand how Board members knew on Jan. 2 what topics they would need to discuss in executive sessions in May, September or December. When previous Town Boards met before the start of the regular meeting, the meetings were open to the public and closed only when the Board needed to discuss one of the eight permitted executive session topics. This is a practice the current Board should follow — if it intends to comply with the OML and if it wants to honor its stated commitment to transparency.
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 OPINION YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 17 Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. Managing Member • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500 WHITE PLAINS • SOMERS • WWW.ESSLAWFIRM.COM • Asset Protection • Elder Law • Medicaid Applications (Nursing Home/Home Care) • Guardianships (Contested/Non-Contested) • Wills, Trusts & Estates Past Chair of Elder Law Section of NYS Bar Association “Super Lawyer” In Elder Law for 16 consecutive years CALL NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 914.948.1500 Do you know what steps you can take to avoid your estate going to probate? quickly the ones who were more suited to working security at a self-storage facility rather than with incarcerated disenfranchised youth. I am not going to go into it all just now, because it’s not what this particular column is about, but I (for reasons I still can’t figure out 45 years later) became a target of the administration. I began getting written up for petty things, and some things that were completely made up. I saw a memo on my boss’s desk that said, “Dumas must be out by July 20th.” That was when my probation was up, and I could join the union and basically become unfirable. Up until then, if they didn’t like the color of your socks, they could let you go without cause. I put in a request to get transferred back to the nightshift and they wrote me up again for that—insubordination. The writing was on the wall, and I was gone within a couple of weeks. Classic blessing in disguise. About a month later I landed my first reporting job and hit the ground running. After three years I made it to managing editor. Not long after, I started getting calls at the paper from former DFY coworkers who were still employed there. Bad things were happening, they told me. Inappropriate relationships between the clients and the female staff... staffers running drugs for clients between the Bronx and Wingdale... administrators being paid hush money to look the other way. Those workers began smuggling out copies of documents, logs, Polaroids and audio tapes. We’d meet late at night at the Triangle Diner—a local greasy spoon. Very skullduggery for so early in my career. It turned out to be a four-part story—front page, above the fold, banner headlines. They fought us... tried to say I was a disgruntled fired employee, that we obtained documents illegally, and that they’d been taped without their knowledge. There were veiled threats; there were blunt threats. But we published anyway and... Nothing ever happened. Crickets chirping. I called the news editor at The Poughkeepsie Journal—the big daily in the region at the time—and asked him if he’d seen our series on the DFY. He said he had and thought it was strong. He said they were thinking of doing something about it. I encouraged him to do that and offered him our box full of documents, pictures and stuff. We didn’t need it anymore. They came and got it (and gave us credit). The Poughkeepsie Journal’s four-part series began two weeks later. Not long after, the state then began its own investigation. There were resignations, firings and arrests resulting in a little national coverage. The place eventually closed. We won a New York State Press Association award for best reporting. Studies show that towns with a community newspaper have lower taxes. That’s because, with a newspaper nosing around all the time, folks are less inclined to get into any monkey business. I offer up the DFY story as an example of what a boots-on-the-ground community newspaper can do. Perhaps my cousin should have opened up his own bank. It probably would have been a lot easier. DUMAS FROM PAGE 14
PAGE 18 – YORKTOWN NEWS FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 Law Offices of Joseph J. Tock 963 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 TOCKLAW.COM • 800-869-8080 CRIMINAL DEFENSE/DWI • PERSONAL INJURY REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS LAW • WILLS, TRUSTS, ESTATES, PROBATE ‘ Strongly recommend TOCKLAW. They set expectations and deliver the desired outcome. ~P.C. Service: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com Two fun programs will help you experience the world without even leaving the comfort of your home, thanks to your local library. First on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. via Zoom, there’s Sacred Art of the Met: a free virtual tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art with author Patrick Bringley, who takes you over continents and across millennia, discussing sacred objects from five curatorial departments. On Feb.15, sign on to Zoom at 6:30 p.m. for Visiting US National Parks where you can take in the art of nature with travel expert Chris McCormack, and get an insider guide to visiting the US National Parks. Learn where to go, how to get there and some tips/apps to use along the way. Registration is required for both programs. Sign up for Hart’s monthly newsletter on our website (we have separate ones for children and adults) to learn all about what’s happening at the library. Library Calendar CALENDAR GUIDE: A – Adults; Y - Young Adults; C - Children. Visit the calendar page at Yorktownlibrary.org for more information. Register online unless listed as a drop-in program. Friday, Feb. 9 A - Mah Jongg (Drop-in). 12:30-3:30 p.m. A/Y - 1:1 Tech Help w/a Teen (Drop-in). 2:30-4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12 A - Mah Jongg (Drop-in). 10 a.m.-1 p.m. A - Sacred Art of The Met (Zoom). 7-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb 13 A - Medicare 1:1 Counseling (Drop-in). 10 a.m.-1 p.m. A/Y - 1:1 Tech Help w/a Teen (Drop-in). 2:30-4 p.m. C - Party with Langston: Storytime & Craft. 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14 A - It’s a Mystery to Me Book Club. 10-11 a.m. C - Stories & Rhymes w/ Ms.Terry (Drop-in). 10-10:30 a.m. A - Canasta (Drop-in). 12:30- 2:30 p.m. A - Valentine’s Cross Stitch Craft. 2-3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 A - Quilting & Needlework (Drop-in). 10 a.m.-12 p.m. A - Mostly Nonfiction Book Club. 2-3 p.m. C – Game On! (Drop-in). 4-5:30 p.m. C - Lego Free Build (Dropin). 5:30-6:30 p.m. A - Up All Night Book Club. 6:30-7:45 p.m. A - Visiting US National Parks (Zoom). 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16 A - Mah Jongg (Drop-in). 12:30-3:30 p.m. A/Y - 1:1 Tech Help w/a Teen (Drop-in). 2:30-4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 19 This library will be CLOSED for the federal holiday. Tuesday, Feb. 20 A/Y - 1:1 Tech Help w/a Teen (Drop-in). 2:30-4 p.m. C - Something, Someday: Storytime & Craft. 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21 C - Stories & Rhymes w/ Ms.Terry (Drop-in). 10-10:30 a.m. A - Canasta (Drop-in). 12:30- 2:30 p.m. C - The Hart Kids Book Club. 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 A - Quilting & Needlework (Drop-in). 10 a.m.-12 p.m. C – Game On! (Drop-in). 4-5:30 p.m. C - Lego Free Build (Dropin). 5:30-6:30 p.m. Hart Library Corner “Crafting with Books” program (January 17, 2024) PHOTO COURTESY OF HART LIBRARY
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 19 were able to rescue the family dog, Oden. According to the GoFundMe, the entire top floor of the house was destroyed, and water from efforts to fight the fire damaged much of the rest of the building. Organizers said the family’s insurance doesn’t cover temporary housing while their house is being rebuilt, nor will it pay to replace furniture, clothing, or other personal belongings. “Any donations are immensely appreciated,” the GoFundMe says. “Please keep this beautiful family in your prayers during their hard time, and thank you to all of the communities who have gone above and beyond already.” At press time, the campaign had received around half of the $70,000 target. The Yorktown Lions Club told Yorktown News it will donate $500 to the family directly, separate from the GoFundMe. According to Yorktown FD Chief Tim Mentrasti, approximately 45 firefighters responded to the scene. In addition to Yorktown FD, personnel from Mount Kisco and Croton-on-Hudson provided mutual aid. Mohegan and Somers fire departments covered the station during the fire. Mentrasti said the cause of the fire remains under investigation with Westchester County but is not deemed to be suspicious. To donate, to visit gofund.me/ ef84aa1e. GOFUNDME FROM PAGE 1 Starting our 44th year serving Yorktown children Family Owned And Operated, Owners Always On The Premises. WWW.PIEDPIPERSCHOOLYORKTOWN.COM 2090 Crompond Road - Yorktown Heights For more information call 914-962-5196 or 914-815-5281 PRESCHOOL • Ages 18 months to 5 years • Operating Hours 7am to 6pm • New York State Certified Curriculum • Before & After Care Available BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL ADVENTURES • Ages 18 months to 10 years • Large indoor and fenced in outdoor playgrounds • Homework Assistance • Bus Transportation Provided By The Yorktown School District • Food and drinks provided SUMMER CAMP • Ages 18 Months To 10 Years • Flexible Days, Weeks & Times • Indoor Air Conditioned Playground • Weekly Themes And Activities Including Sports, Arts & Crafts, Music, Cooking And Theatre. • Bls, Cpr, Rit First Aid, Epipen & Mat Certified Check out our new website. Call today and sign up for a tour. Our family can’t wait to meet your family! Enrollment Opens for 2024-25 on February 1st Sunday of each month at the same location. For more information, call 914-528- 1626. Food Pantry Resources Hudson Valley Islamic Community Center: 3680 Lexington Ave, Mohegan Lake, 914-528-1626. First Sunday of every month from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. HVICC distributes fresh vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat, breakfast products, etc. All are welcome. Hot coffee is available. Community Food Pantry at St Mary’s Mohegan Lake: 1836 East Main St. (Route 6), Mohegan Lake, 914-528-3972. Saturdays from 9-11 a.m., drive-through model. For more information, including donations: cfpstmarysmoheganlake.com First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown Food Pantry: 2880 Crompond Road (Route 202), Yorktown Heights, 914-245-2186. Second and fourth Saturday of each month from 9-11 a.m., drivethrough model. For more information, including donations, visit fpc yorktown.org/ mission/food-pantry. Westchester Adventist Church: 1243 Whitehill Road, Yorktown Heights, Fridays from noon to 2 p.m., drive-through model. Learn more at Westchester adventist.com. Yorktown Community (help inside the Albert A. Capellini Community & Cultural Center): 1974 Commerce St., Yorktown Heights, 914-962-1144. Third Wednesday of each month from 4:30-7 p.m., drive-through model. Yorktown residents only. Family Support and Education Group The Spotlight Family Support group holds twice-weekly Zoom meetings open to anyone struggling with the effects of addiction in a friend or loved one. Tuesdays 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., and Wednesdays 7-8 p.m. Visit yorktownny.org/community/spotlight-family -support-group for more. Love in Action Yorktown Love in Action is a nonprofit that helps Westchester and Putnam individuals and families who have fallen on hard times by providing them with the goods it receives through local donations and monthly monetary supporters. Love in Action’s 10,000-squarefoot warehouse is full of used furniture, clothing, toys, kitchenware, books, DVDs, tools, holiday decorations, home decor, and more, and is open daily. Visit Yorktown Love in Action at 1736 Front St. in Yorktown Heights for a treasure hunt through its selection of gently used goods, or to drop off a donation to help a neighbor. There are also opportunities to volunteer. Call 914-743-1314, email [email protected], or visit yorktownloveinaction.com/donations for more information. Trail Town Committee The Yorktown Trail Town Committee is a volunteer group that promotes Yorktown’s extensive network of trails. Comprised of local residents and business owners, the committee seeks to promote greater recreational, health, social, and economic benefits to its residents and visitors through parks and trails. Membership is free and open. The Committee meets monthly. Visit yorktowntrailtown. org or email yorktowntrailtown@gmail. com to learn more. Parks & Rec Winter Programs Yorktown’s Dept. of Parks and Recreation 2023-24 fall and winter catalog is now available, and registration for programs is open. To find the catalog and registration information, visit yorktownny.org/parksandrecreation/fall-winter2023-24-catalog and follow the links. (Note: hyphens after winter are part of the URL). Race Amity Join in for monthly discussions as we work to advance cross-racial and cross-cultural amity to impact the public discourse on race. Monthly meetings feature speakers, screenings, and presentations where discussions are aimed at educating one another on who we really are. Learn more at face book.com/RaceAmityofNorthernWestchesterandPutnam. GREEN FROM PAGE 4
YORKTOWN NEWS – FEBRUABrrrrring it! Polar plunge brings warm smiles Divers take a moment before running full speed into Sparkle Lake PHOTO: COURTESY OF YORKTOWN PARKS AND RECREATION First responders were on the scene in case of emergency. Fortunately, they weren’t needed. Memof thYorktPolicBeneAssoat thPlunPHOCOURTYORKTOWAND REC• No Contracts or Commitments • Oil Burner & A/C Service/Tune-ups • Quality Heating Oil • Senior Citizen & Volume Discounts • Heating, Cooling & Generator Installations • Price Matching (Restrictions apply) Order online at: www.codoil.com CALL US TODAY AND SAVE! 914.737.7769 (914) 248-6220 Progressive-Vet.com 268 Route 202 • Somers, NY 10589 Does your pet need an Ultrasound or Echocardiogram? Say goodbye to long wait times and uncertainties! Introducing a revolutionary pet healthcare solution — QuickScan Pet Ultrasound! INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED SPEEDY DIAGNOSIS CONVENIENCE EXPERT ANALYSIS CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY PEACE OF MIND Your pet’s health matters to us, and with QuickScan Pet Ultrasound, we’re committed to providing the fastest and most reliable diagnostic service available. DON’T WAIT—give your pet the care they deserve with QuickScan Pet Ultrasound today! Come See Us At Our New Location! PUTNAM WINDOW TINT AUTO , COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL WINDOW FILM Follow us on Instagram 1065 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • Paint protection film • Vehicle lettering • Full Service vehicle wraps • gift cards available Over 35 in Business Years PAGE 20
ARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA STAFF WRITER Some warm-hearted Yorktown citizens braved the frigid water of Sparkle Lake on Feb. 3 for a range of good causes in Yorktown’s third annual Polar Plunge. The Friends of Yorktown Parks and Recreation’s annual benefit looked a bit different this year as fundraising opportunities were opened up to local organizations. For a $10 entry fee, representatives were able to take the plunge and raise money through sponsorship for their favorite charities or nonprofits. The plunge originally scheduled for last month had been postponed out of respect for Supervisor Tom Diana, who died in early January. The event was dedicated to Diana’s memory. More than 30 people took to the plunge, twice as many as in 2023. “We had a great turnout of participants and divers this year,” said Bob Giordano, president of Friends of Yorktown Parks and Recreation. “The response from participants who didn’t even dive was amazing. We look forward to keeping this annual event going.” Tom Dunn, Joe Mazarella, Patrick Murphy, Callahan Gale, Jim Martorano, Kevin Ferri, and Scotty Ferri hanging out before the plunge Plungers prepare to take on the cold waters in style. Participants warm up in the Sparkle Lake Building. Plungers march toward to frigid waters of Sparkle Lake. mbers e town ce evolent ociation e Polar ge OTOS TESY OF WN PARKS CREATION The Consumer’s Choice for Discount Heating Oil! SAVE WITH OUR LOW C.O.D. PRICES! swww.summertrailsdaycamp.com CURRENTLY HIRING STAFF! CALL FOR A TOUR! 914.245.1776 FLORIST & GIFTS 2138 Crompond Rd. Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 “Quality Buyers Shop at Freyer’s” PHONE (914) 962-7484 FAX (914) 962-9027 www.freyersfiorist.com I Love You with Flowers from Say “Quality Buyers Shop at Freyer’s” (914)962-7484 www.freyersflorist.com PAGE 21
PAGE 22 – YORKTOWN NEWS FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Lakeland had already beaten sister school Walter Panas in the first game between the two teams back on Jan. 5 at Lakeland. However, the Hornets still had some unfinished business to take care of because last year they lost to Panas in the Vincent and Terry Giglio Memorial Scholarship Games. Lakeland took care of that business by winning at Panas on Feb. 3 in this year’s version of the Giglio Games, 62-36, led by the trio of Grady Leonard (18 points), Sean Perry (17 points), and Anthony Attanasio (15 points). “All three were aggressive to the basket and knocked down shots when they were open,” said Lakeland coach Steve Fallo. Getting revenge on last season’s loss to Panas was clearly on Perry’s mind. “This was a huge win for us, especially since we lost last year. We knew that we had to come out strong and get revenge from last season,” Perry said. Perry connected on three field goals and a foul shot to help Lakeland get off to a 14-10 first-quarter advantage. “I knew coming into this game that I had to take control over and control the flow of the game, get into my rhythm early so that I could get going and that would fuel my teammates, which would give us good energy,” Perry said. Leonard was clearly feeling that energy, as he registered two field goals and a 3-pointer in the opening quarter. “My teammates were able to make space and give me lanes to get into early, which allowed me to get off to a solid start,” Leonard said. “Everyone came out crashing the boards and getting to the basket so it really helped.” While Lakeland extended its lead to 26-19 at halftime, Perry thought he and his teammates could’ve played better. “Halftime was huge,” Perry said. “We knew we played a terrible first half and we knew we didn’t shoot the ball well and didn’t execute as we were supposed to, so we knew coming in (the second half) we had to do what we have to do and run the right plays.” Lakeland did just that, outscoring Panas 22-6 in a decisive third quarter. “Our defensive intensity caused turnovers and we converted on the offensive side,” Fallo said. Perry explained how defensively the Hornets were able to do it. “We knew they weren’t that strong handling the ball, so we knew if we applied pressure it could turn into offensive points,” Perry said. John Bartolotta (7 points), Logan Crilly (2 points), Gavin Morales (2 points), and Tyrone Mushatt (1 point) also scored for Lakeland. “Winning the Giglio Games means everything,” Leonard said. “It’s with kids we’ve grown up knowing and to win it our senior year makes it that much better.” The games, which began in 1991, are named after Vincent and Terry Giglio. Vincent was a teacher at Lakeland High School for 26 years, and a longtime football coach. Vincent later became the director of Health, Athletics, and Physical Education for the Lakeland School District. He and his wife Terry, were killed in an automobile accident on Feb. 18, 1990. The Vincent and Terry Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in their memory and is given to a Lakeland and Walter Panas student every year. “It’s always special to play in the Giglio Games because of the reason why we play, to remember Vince and Terry Giglio,” Fallo said. Lakeland fell to visiting Peekskill, the No. 2 team in Section 1 Class AA, 65-49 on Feb. 2, led by Perry (14 points), Leonard (8 points), and Tocci (8 points). The Hornets (7-11) hosted Rye on Jan. 29, falling to the Garnets 51-47, led by Bartolotta (17 points), Leonard (9 points), Tocci (8 points) and Attanasio (8 points). Lakeland boys win Giglio Games Trio leads Hornets to victory over Panas Lakeland’s boys basketball team after beating host Walter Panas 62-36 to win this year’s Giglio Games. PHOTO COURTESY DAN BELFI Lakeland’s Ryan Ahmed drives to the hoop. PHOTOS: ROB DIANTONIO Lakeland’s Sean Perry glides to the hoop. BOYS BASKETBALL
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 SPORTS YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 23 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 Coupon to Receive Discount. One per customer Expires 3/15/2024 BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER What makes the Vincent and Terry Giglio Memorial Scholarship Games between sister schools Lakeland and Walter Panas special is the relationship between everyone involved. “Giglio is such a great day of rival basketball,” said Lakeland coach Miranda Magnan. “Our girls have been friends with a lot of Panas’ girls since they were in elementary school. My whole coaching staff teaches at Panas. We are friends with the coaches and have good relationships with the Panas girls. When we aren’t battling against one another we are rooting for one another. The atmosphere is always electric and it’s just a lot of fun to be a part of.” One of those girls is Lakeland’s Ava Lugo. “It’s special because we are one of the only districts that I know have a split high school,” Lugo said. “I’ve played against some of the Panas’ girls in my AAU years as well and I love and respect them so much, especially as they’re defending state champs. It’s also a day the community gets together to watch us play. The gym was packed today and I love playing in front of big crowds.” Lugo was referring to the 2024 version of the Giglio Games on Feb. 3 at Panas. The Hornets gave the Panthers a great battle, but 22 points by Panas’ Cadence Nicholas, who scored her 1,000-career point in last year’s state Class A semifinal, led the No. 4 Class A ranked team in the state to a 55-45 win. “Cadence is a really good friend of mine so it’s always fun playing against her,” said Lakeland’s Nichole Ljuljic. “We both push each other every time we play and it’s always a good time. She truly is incredible.” Ljuljic held up her end of the bargain in this great rivalry, scoring 12 of her game-high 24 points in the second quarter, helping Lakeland outscore Panas 21-13 in the quarter, to go up 30-26 at halftime. “My shot just felt comfortable,” Ljuljic said. “I had the confidence to get the basketball or shoot a three anytime I was open. I had a good feeling it was going in.” Lugo helped get that halftime lead by scoring all of her 13 points in the opening half. “I felt great warming up and I was so excited for my last Giglio games before I graduated,” Lugo said. “My team got me the ball in space and my shot felt great.” Ljuljic thought it was big to be up at the half. “It was super important having the lead going into the half because it gave the energy to want to keep pushing forward,” Ljuljic said. Mangan said her team came ready to play. “We had high energy and intensity,” Mangan said. “We handled their press and played really well on the defensive end.” Panas rallied however, outscoring Lakeland 21-9 in the final quarter, with 10 of those points coming from Nicholas, to seal the win. “We hurt ourselves in the fourth quarter,” Mangan said. “We went on a long stretch where we didn’t score. Then Ljuljic and Lugo lead Hornets at Giglio Games Lakeland’s Nichole Ljuljic shoots over Jillian Cinquina and Kiara Williams. The Hornets’ Ava Lugo dribbles to the basket. PHOTOS: ROB DIANTONIO GIRLS BASKETBALL SEE BASKETBALL PAGE 27
PAGE 24 – YORKTOWN NEWS SPORTS FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 Be Prepared. For Life. Strengthening our youth through Scouting. For more information check us out at Facebook or contact us at [email protected] Adventure Awaits! Join Troop 173 Yorktown! Troop 173 Yorktown— Enriching the lives of our youth through leadership, service to the community, and outdoor adventures. BSA Troop 173 Yorktown Serving the Community since 1965. 845-279-9555 • TankRemovalServices.com Before you place your home on the market, contact ENVIROSTAR about replacing your aging underground storage tank (UST). It is required by most insurance companies prior to insuring property. We replace above ground tanks as well! Call us today for a free estimate and evaluation of your current above ground tank. WINTER SPECIAL! $100 OFF IN-GROUND TANK REMOVAL With this coupon only. Coupon must be presented at the time of the estimate. Not to be combined with any other offers. Expires 3/31/24 FREE ESTIMATES WE WILL MATCH OUR COMPETITOR’S ADVERTISED OFFER! We are the name you trust for environmental needs Since 1998 DON’T GET CAUGHT WITH AN AGING OIL TANK! BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER The Somers combined gymnastics team (which includes members from Yorktown HS, John Jay, Hendrick Hudson, Ossining, and Pawling) closed out the regular season on Jan. 30 the same way it has for each of the last three years – with a win. The 183.35-141.65 victory vs. Scarsdale at Dynamic Gymnastics in Cortlandt meant another undefeated regular season for the Somers squad and featured some standout individual performers, including Yorktown’s Amelia Carozza, Arianna Gulli, and Ciara Burch. Carozza had a strong night in all four events, scoring above 9 in three of them – 9.35 on the floor, 9.20, on the bars, and 9.1 on the vault – to go with 8.1 on the beam. She identified a commonality for her performances. “My landings were good,” Carozza said. Fellow Husker Arianna Gulli did her best work on the beam. Her back handspring helped her to a 7.65. She said the key to success is not rushing through the routine. “I take a deep breath, and then, I do the skill,” said Gulli, who, as a freshman, is continuing to add to her skill set. “I want to put some of my new skills into routines,” she explained, listing a walk-over handspring and a Yurchenko among her goals. Yorktown’s Burch had a solid routine on the bars to score a 7.2 “It’s not that hard,” Burch explained. “You just need a lot of energy.” Yorktown gymnasts help Somers combined team finish the regular season undefeated Somers/Yorktown’s Amelia Carozza on beam at the Jan., 30 meet. Amelia earned a 7.75 on beam at Divisionals on Feb. 5, held at Eclipse Gymnastics Center in Mahopac. Somers/John Jay’s Kayla Cambareri on vault. Kayla earned a 9.2 on vault at Divisionals on Feb. 5. PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL GYMNASTICS SEE GYMNASTICSPAGE 25
Somers/Hen Hud’s Maggie Johannsen on vault FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 SPORTS YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 25 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 Somers/Yorktown’s Ciara Burch earned a 7.0 on bars in Divisionals on Feb., 5 held at Eclipse Gymnastics Center in Mahopac. PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL Somers/Yorktown’s Arianna Gulli recieved a 7.75 for her beam routine at Divisionals on Feb., 5 at Eclipse Gymnastics The high scorer of the night was Hed Hud’s Maggie Johannsen, who earned a 9.55 (floor), 9.75 (beam), 9.5 (bars), and a 9.4 on the vault, matched only by Ossining’s Nina Mori on the floor. John Jay’s Kayla Cambareri also competed in all four events. Her best score came on the beam (9.25) where she revealed a new wrinkle. “I put my back tuck in,” Cambareri said. “I’ve been [practicing] this for over a year and decided, it’s time.” With the postseason looming, Cambareri’s goal is a return to the States Championships in March. “I need to add a few more skills,” she said. Somers HS’s Kaitlin Gannon was strong on the vault with 8.05 “I’ve been sticking my landings,” Gannon explained. “You’ve got to balance your body and really feel it through your feet, and usually, it works.” With the regular season over, coach Teodora Cepoi said the team is going into the postseason looking relaxed and ready. “Everybody enjoyed today, and they looked like they were having more fun than usual,” Cepoi said. “I hope the spirit stays the same for the Divisionals and Sectionals.” GYMNASTICS FROM PAGE 24
PAGE 26 – YORKTOWN NEWS SPORTS FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Yorktown Wrestling (18-7) Somers/North Salem 43, Yorktown 24 Monday, Jan. 29, Somers High School Yorktown fell to Somers/North Salem 43-24, with Domenic DeBellis (101 pounds, decision 12- 11), Anthony Muscolino (160, pin), Tyler Caricati (170, decision 5-3), Rocco Lore (215, pin), and Mario Gulli (285, pin) earning wins for Yorktown. In an extra match, Pavel Lopez (116, pin), was victorious for the Huskers. Yorktown 50, Brewster 19 Tuesday, Jan. 30, Brewster High School Max Ofner (108 pounds, forfeit), Frank Scalera (116, major decision 15-3), Lopez (124, major decision 23-15), Julian Cuenca (131, forfeit), Rowan Larsen (138, pin), Nicolas Bucello (145, pin), Muscolino (152, pin), Caricati (170, pin), and George Gjergji (285, pin) all garnered victories in Yorktown’s 50-19 win against Brewster. The win clinched a share of the league title with Somers/North Salem, giving the Huskers backto-back titles. “It means a lot to me winning another league title, it shows the hard work that my teammates and I put in day in and day out,” Bucello said. “And to see that we won again proves it was worth it.” Divisionals Saturday, Feb. 3, Clarkstown South High School Gio Tornambe (101, first place), Cooper Constantine (101, second), Scalera (108, first), DeBellis (108, fourth), Larsen (131, second), Joe Tornambe (138, first), Bucello (145, first), Muscolino 152, third), Caricati (160, third), Ronan Forde (190, second), Lore (215, second), and Gjergji (285, second), all qualified for the Section 1 Division Tournament, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 10 and 11, at the Westchester County Center in White Plains. “It’s the first step of the postseason,” said Joe Tornambe, who won his third division title in a row. “I’m wrestling the best I ever have right now and I plan on continuing that. I’m doing everything right on and off the mat and it’s showing. I trust my coaching and the work I’ve put in. I’m prepared for what’s to come within the next few weeks and I’m excited for it.” Lakeland/Panas Wrestling (7-11) Lakeland/Panas 66, Peekskill 7 Tuesday, Jan. 30, Walter Panas High School Lakeland/Panas defeated Peekskill 66-7, getting wins from Dan Horowitz (101, forfeit), Owen McManus (108, forfeit), Matt Travis (116, forfeit), Steven Sommovigo (124, forfeit), Bryan DePascal (131, forfeit), Matt Clyman (138, pin), Mike Santoiemma (145, forfeit), Justin Alvarado (152, forfeit), Martin Ryzy (171, forfeit), Alex Ryzy (215, pin), and Dan Hurley (285, pin). Divisionals Saturday, Feb. 3, Horace Greeley High School Lakeland/Panas had six sectional qualifiers in Hurley (285, first), Dan Horowitz (101, second), DePascal (131, second), Alex Ryzy (190, second), Joe DeSantis (190, fourth), and Tim Mooney (160, fourth). “We had a good week of practice and the kids were excited to wrestle today,” said Lakeland/ Panas coach Dave Bergen. “They were feeling good with their strategy and fought really hard.” Cortlandt Ice Hockey (8-10) John Jay-CR 11, Cortlandt 1 Sunday, Jan. 28, Brewster Ice Arena Cortlandt’s Nate Garofalo (1G), Sean Mansfield (16 saves), and Brandon DiBenedetto (15 saves) got into the box score in John Jay-Cross River’s 11-1 win. Cortlandt 10, Mahopac 2 Saturday, Feb. 3, Brewster Ice Arena Jack Jimenez (4G, 2A), Jake DiBenedetto (3G), Sean Foley (1G, 1A), Ryan Rosenbaum (1G), Jason Piccirillo (1G), Nate Herbert (1A), Michael Alfinito (1A), Matt Lennox (1A), Carmine Cusma (1A), Mansfield (13 saves) and Brandon DiBenedetto (11 saves) led the Rebels to a 10-2 win versus Mahopac in the “Skate for Oban” game. Proceeds from the game’s bake sale, 50-50 raffles, and Chuck a Puck are going to Lakeland threesport (soccer, basketball, lacrosse) standout, junior Oban Rader, who has cancer. “It’s tough on the whole community,” said Cortlandt coach Bart Mucci. “When it comes to our athletes, we support each other as coaches. It goes without saying, that anything we can do to help, we will. This is what high-school sports is about, community.” Rader said that it really means a lot knowing that people in the community care and support him so much. “Having them do a fundraiser like this shows me that I’m not alone in my journey and have a lot of people who are there rooting for me,” Rader said. “I am very appreciative to the team and people behind this fundraiser and hope they know it really helps me keep pushing.” BYSNS Hockey (7-8-1) RCDS 6, BYSNS 3 Tuesday, Jan. 30, Rye Country Day School AJ Jones (1G, 1A), Lucas Salvatore (1G), James Munoz (1G), James Shea (1A), Jordan Millar (1A), and Dylan Weber (28 saves) led Brewster/Yorktown/Somers/ North Salem (BYSNS) in its 6-3 loss to the Rye Country Day School. BBDI 3, BYSNS 3 Wednesday, Jan. 31, Danbury Ice Arena Salvatore (2G), Jones (2A), Millar (1G. 2A), Matteo Guastadisegni (1A), Wolfgang Cook (1A), and Weber (37 saves) helped BYSNS tie Bethel/Brookfield/ Danbury/Immaculate (BBDI) 3-3. “It was a great game,” said BYSNS coach John Veteri. Yorktown Boys Basketball (15-2, 6-0) Yorktown 68, Greeley 40 Tuesday, Jan. 30, Yorktown High School Yorktown defeated visiting Horace Greeley 68-40 in a nonleague game, led by Brandon Montero (19 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists), Billy Feeks (15 points, 8 assists), Kaden Gonzalez (15 points), and Tommy Costello (10 points, 5 rebounds). Yorktown 49, John Jay-CR 31 Friday, Feb. 2, Yorktown High School Feeks (16 points), Justin Price (7 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals), and Joe Granitto (6 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals) propelled Yorktown to a 49-31 triumph versus John Jay-Cross River in a League E contest on its senior night. Price said it meant a lot to win on senior night. “To see some of the other kids who don’t get the chance to show how much they contribute to our team get a chance to go out and perform is amazing,” Price said. Local wrestlers excel at divisionals Rebels’ ice hockey supports Rader Rowan Larsen, seen here against Somers/North Salem, won by pin at 138 pounds at Brewster. PHOTO: RICH MONETTI VARSITY ROUNDUP SEE ROUNDUPPAGE 27 Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962 Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 SPORTS YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 27 we had a few turnovers that they were able to capitalize off of.” Amanda Franco (5 points) and Riley Waters (3 points) scored as well for Lakeland. “The Giglio games mean a lot, it’s for a great cause (scholarship fund) and the games are always close and fun,” Ljuljic said. “It has been an honor to play in them over these past five years.” Lakeland won against visiting John Jay-East Fishkill 60-54 on Jan. 31, with Waters (23 points), Lugo (19 points), and Ljuljic (15 points) leading the way for the Hornets. Lakeland (10-7) lost at Horace Greeley in overtime 53-46 on Jan. 29, led by Ljuljic (18 points) and Waters (12 points). BASKETBALL FROM PAGE 23 ROUNDUP FROM PAGE 26 “It really shows the hard work that they do every day. Knowing that we’ve all played together throughout our youth years makes this group even more special.” Price, Montero, Feeks, Costello, Granitto, Sean Coney, Troy Diaz, Drew Duncan, Garred Ferguson, and Owen Mooney (manager) were the seniors honored before the game. Yorktown Girls Basketball (7-8) Yorktown 57, Carmel 16 Monday, Jan. 29, Yorktown High School Kaitlyn Judge (15 points, 10 rebounds), Lexi Livadhi (10 points, 5 rebounds), and Ava Costello (10 points) led Yorktown to a 57-16 triumph against Carmel. Yorktown 56, Port Chester 37 Wednesday, Jan. 31, Port Chester High School Liv DelGaudio recorded career highs in both points (16) and rebounds (21) in Yorktown’s 56-37 win against Port Chester. “The ball movement was great which allowed me to get great looks at the rim and for the rebounds, it’s something I really take pride in and enjoy doing,” DelGaudio said. “Coach (Kristi Dini) also had a lot of confidence in me tonight and her plays were working. It felt great.” Judge led the Huskers with 22 points. Yorktown 49, John Jay-CR 33 Friday, Feb. 2, John Jay-Cross River High School Judge (30 points, 9 rebounds) and Livadhi (10 points, 10 rebounds) did the job in the Huskers’ 49-33 victory against John Jay-Cross River. Yorktown Girls Bowling (97-15) Yorktown 7, North Salem 0 Wednesday, Jan. 31 Kailey O’Connell (214, 538), Ciara O’Brien (184, 449), Esther-Anne Villamin (190, 438), Brianne Finnegan (131, 359), Sheridan Gorman (149, 283), and Akshyasree Ravi (93) helped Yorktown blank North Salem 7-0. Yorktown 7, Hen Hud 0 Thursday, Feb. 1 O’Brien (168, 431), Gorman (116, 317), Zoe Yau (152, 252), Finnegan (115), and Ravi (107) enabled Yorktown to clinch its second straight Northern Interscholastic Bowling League title with a 7-0 triumph against Hendrick Hudson. The Huskers will compete next in the Section 1 Tournament on Feb. 12 at Fishkill Bowl. “Winning the league means so much to the team and to this program as a whole,” O’Brien said. “Having these wins back-to-back is such a fulfilling feeling, knowing that our team’s dedication has paid off. I have high hopes for the rest of our season, and I feel as though a new foundation has been set for the future of Yorktown bowling.” Lakeland Girls Bowling (36-69) John Jay-CR/Brewster 7, Lakeland 0 Wednesday, Jan. 31 Lakeland fell to John Jay-Cross River/Brewster 7-0, led by Arielle Ascanio (159, 431), Danna Erraez (117, 278), Sophie Schreiner (105, 255), and Vielka Toxqui (90, 240). John Jay-CR/Brewster 4, Lakeland 3 Thursday, Feb. 1 Ascanio (134, 385), Kerry Pike (126, 344), Erraez (124, 302), and Schreiner (80, 211) produced for Lakeland in its 4-3 loss to John Jay-CR/Brewster. Yorktown Boys Bowling (73-39) Hen Hud 7, Yorktown 0 Wednesday, Jan. 31 Kevin Kirey (253, 606), Matthew Kirey (216, 599), Finn Larsen (214, 563), Joseph Mana (164, 289), Kyle Cavalieri (157, 243), and Dylan Katz (135, 266) scored for Yorktown in its 7-0 loss to Hendrick Hudson. Yorktown 7, Lakeland 0 Thursday, Feb. 1 Matthew Kirey (264, 656), Kevin Kirey (260, 647), Katz (246, 642), Larsen (205, 506), and Mana (194, 430) led Yorktown in its 7-0 triumph against Lakeland. Yorktown, which finished in second place in the NIBL, will compete in the Section 1 Tournament on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at Fishkill Bowl. “It means a lot to Yorktown, as the last time the boys just went to sectionals was 2016 and even way before for both the girls and the boys,” Matthew Kirey said. “Winning against Lakeland felt good, but at the same time we just wanted our average and not going for placement. For us, we are excited for both teams for Yorktown going to sectionals and hoping for the best.” Kara (221, 596), Mike Antonucci (213, 596), TJ Conti (191, 560), Vinny Benedetto (194, 525), and Keaton Wolf (170, 489) paced Lakeland. Lakeland Boys Bowling (61-51) Lakeland 7, Panas 0 Wednesday, Jan. 31 Kara (267, 688), Wolf (191, 489), Conti (182, 485), Antonucci (163, 454), Benedetto (208, 353), and Dan McTiernan (134) ignited Lakeland to a 7-0 sweep of sister school Walter Panas. “Our win over Panas came down to our ability to spare,” Kara said. “Panas had a decent second and third game but at the end they began to leave a lot of important frames open, giving us the chance to capitalize on their mistakes.” All bowling matches took place at Cortlandt Lanes. CHASE AWAY THE CHILL with WINTER REBATES from BELL! SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO! ENJOY 0 DOWN, 0% FINANCING! ACT NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! 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PAGE 28 – YORKTOWN NEWS SPORTS FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER To say Yorktown HS senior Matthew Kirey has been on a roll is an understatement. Now in his second season as the bowling team’s varsity captain, Kirey recently bowled a 299 for the Huskers (his high game for the varsity this season, to go along with a 752 series high) and is averaging 215, up from his strong 190 average as a junior. But while bowling a 299 to lead a crucial 7-0 team win vs. Peekskill is impressive, it’s not even Kirey’s best game of the year; he delivered a perfect 300 in Saturday league competition in January as well. Four days before your 299 vs. Peekskill, you bowled a perfect 300 in the Cortlandt Saturday Junior League. How were you able to accomplish that? The victory against Peekskill was crucial for us to secure a spot among the top four teams trying for sectionals. Every point mattered, and that win was a gamechanger. Achieving a perfect 300-game in bowling is a monumental feat, something many athletes spend their entire careers chasing. As I approached the front 9, a wave of nerves briefly swept over me, but I pushed through, determined not to let it affect my rhythm. However, as I reached the 10th and 11th strikes, some shots veered off target, forcing me to make quick adjustments. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, and the ball left the 9-pin standing. In bowling lore, leaving the 9-pin after a seemingly perfect shot is often seen as unlucky. Yet, I reminded myself that perfect games are elusive and that I’d already achieved one just the previous Saturday. While some may see it as choking or faltering under pressure, I view it as a learning experience, a moment to grow from and understand that everything happens for a reason. How old were you when you started bowling and what got you started? My journey in bowling began at the age of 10 when I eagerly joined a junior league, inspired by watching my dad bowl across Westchester since my early childhood. What is your favorite thing about being on the boys bowling team at Yorktown? Being part of a team holds immense importance to me. It’s a community where we support each other and share unforgettable experiences, learning personal growth along the way. Even on the toughest days, I cherished our trust, finding comfort and encouragement in our shared passion. What is your favorite team activity or pre-match or post-match ritual that you shared with your teammates? Our pre-match team dinners are a ritual, a time to bond and prepare for the challenges ahead. Who has been your biggest role model over the years and what have you learned from them? My father stands as my ultimate role model, instilling in me not just the techniques of bowling but also invaluable life lessons about resilience and learning from mistakes. Tell us one thing about yourself that not a lot of people know. Beyond the lanes, what people don’t know is that I have a passion for building and utilizing various software to create intricate models. Do you know what you want to study in college, what school, and do you plan to bowl in college? I want to study architecture in college. Schools like the New York Institute of Technology and New Jersey Institute of Technology have caught my eye, offering accredited programs in architecture while also allowing me to continue pursuing bowling competitively, especially at NJIT, where they have an intense bowling team. Who’s your favorite athlete? In the realm of professional bowling, Daren Tang reigns as my favorite athlete. His captivating videos have not only entertained me but also served as a wellspring of knowledge, offering insights into ball dynamics and lane-reading techniques. Yorktown bowling captain Matthew Kirey finds his lane Yorktown senior boys bowling captain Matthew Kirey PHOTO COURTESY OF GARY BRICKER ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT SEE KIREYPAGE 30 Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 $75 per person includes: 6:30 - 10 pm - Beer & Wine Open Bar 6:30 -7 pm - Appetizers 7 - 8 pm - Buffet dinner, dessert, soda/coffee 8 - 10 pm - 9 Comedians For tickets go to: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/b832fde8-d716-4a4f-af98-c73a84064a2a Or scan the QR code: CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. Sponsorships Available C Clark & Giordano | G Funeral Home Clark Funeral Home is now Under New Ownership Family Owned and Operated Joseph Giordano Jr., Owner/Yorktown Graduate and Resident Centrally Located in the Heart of Yorktown Oversized Chapel and Large Parking Lot 914.962.3333 • www.clarkfh.com 2104 Saw Mill River Road (Route 35, 118 & 202) • Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Additional Location: Curry & Giordano Funeral Home, Peekskill We look forward to serving and giving back to the community that has been our home for so many years.
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 29 LEISURE To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! For puzzle solutions, please see theparamountrehab.com CLUES ACROSS 1. One point south of due east 4. Coagulated blood 8. Fortifying ditch 10. Devotee of Hinduism 11. Trunk of a tree 12. Bank note 13. Capital of Guam 15. Study again 16. Covered with hoarfrost 17. Opening 18. Legendary Rolling Stone 21. Stray 22. Computer storing system 23. Signal 24. Pitching statistic 25. Human being 26. Malaysian isthmus 27. The “Blonde Bombshell” 34. A gland 35. Bluish greens 36. Endangered 37. Three-dimensional 38. In a way, precipitated 39. God associated with dissolution 40. Blemished 41. Flow or leak slowly 42. Disco legends The Bee __ 43. Midway between south and southeast CLUES DOWN 1. A way to board 2. Get down 3. Highly seasoned sausage 4. First day of month 5. Eurasian shrubs 6. The organ that bears the ovules of a flower 7. Small lake 9. Belief 10. Sunrooms 12. Metric weight unit 14. Vasopressin 15. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! 17. One-time family room staple 19. Got back together 20. Anger 23. Sang merrily 24. Sea eagle 25. Military men 26. Kilo yard (abbr.) 27. Found in the sea 28. Protects from weather 29. Type of medicine 30. City along the Rhine 31. Animal disease 32. Martini ingredients 33. Get away 34. Lack of disunity 36. One-time European Commission officer PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF 01/25/24 It’s that much more fun when hosting or attending a game watch party for the Big Game, as food and fellow fans only add to the enjoyment of the competition on the field. Though many foods are at home during game watch parties, perhaps no dish is more associated with football than chicken wings. Wings make the ideal food when watching football, and this recipe for “Grilled Buffalo Wings” courtesy of cookbook author Katie Lee Biegel and The Food Network can make a delicious addition to your game day spread. Grill some wings for the Big Game Grilled Buffalo Wings Yields 6 to 8 servings 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 3 pounds whole chicken wings 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/3 cup hot sauce 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon honey Directions 1. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper and garlic powder. In a large bowl, toss the wings with the salt mixture to evenly coat. 2. Preheat a gas grill to medium heat (about 350 F). 3. Place the wings on the grill, crowding them together so that they are all touching (this goes against the conventional wisdom of giving meat room so it doesn’t steam; you want them to steam so they stay moist). Grill, flipping the wings every 5 minutes, for a total of 20 minutes of cooking. 4. In the meantime, heat the butter, hot sauce, vinegar, and honey in a saucepan over low heat and whisk to combine. 5. In a clean large bowl, toss the wings with the sauce. Turn the heat up on the grill to medium-high. Use tongs to remove the wings from the sauce and put them back on the grill until the skins crisp, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Put the wings back in the bowl with the sauce, toss and serve.
PAGE 30 – YORKTOWN NEWS FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 What is your favorite music to listen to while warming up for a match? I don’t really listen to music when on the lanes or warming up as I’m aware of what’s going around me. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? If I were to possess a superpower, teleportation would be my choice, facilitating swift travel without the constraint of time. If you could pick one place to visit on vacation that you’ve never been to, where would you go? Dreaming of vacation destinations, the Maldives, or the pristine beaches of Hawaii and the Caribbean attracts me, inspired in part by my father’s time in Cancun. What was your favorite food to eat before or after a match and what’s your favorite Yorktown eatery? After a grueling match, nothing replenishes me quite like a hearty plate of pasta with creamy tomato meat sauce, filling both my stomach and soul. In Yorktown, Pappous stands as my go-to eatery, boasting delectable Greek cuisine that has won my heart since I first arrived. What’s the go-to app on your phone and why? When it comes to unwinding, TikTok serves as my go-to app, offering endless entertainment and laughter, as technology evolves and AI becomes more prevalent. What would you say to a young athlete thinking about trying out for the Yorktown bowling team? I encourage any aspiring young athlete to consider joining the Yorktown bowling team. It’s a decision that not only promises fun and friendship but also opens doors to understanding and mastering the beautiful sport of bowling. Just as Yorktown has been there for me, it stands ready to embrace and support you on your journey. Kirey shows his form. PHOTO COURTESY OF GARY BRICKER KIREY FROM PAGE 28 a minimum 3.25 grade-point average while carrying at least 14 credit hours. The College of Saint Rose Emily Brady was named to the Dean’s list at The College of Saint Rose for the fall 2023 semester. Dean College Jason Wilson of Yorktown Heights has earned a place on Dean College’s president’s list for the Fall 2023 semester. Elmira College Brett Warden of Yorktown Heights was named to the dean’s list, which recognizes full-time undergraduate students who were registered for at least 12 computable credit hours and who earned a term grade point average of 3.6 or higher. Hofstra University Two local students made Hofstra’s dean’s list last fall: Olivia Howard of Yorktown Heights (class of 2024) and Michael Matusiak of Shrub Oak (class of 2026). Students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 during the semester to make Hofstra’s dean’s list. James Madison University Samantha Penneys of Yorktown Heights has been named to the president’s list at James Madison University for the fall 2023 semester. Students who earn president’s list honors must carry at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a GPA of 3.9 or above. Le Moyne College Debra Dobransky graduated from Le Moyne College in December with a BS in biology and was named to the fall 2023 dean’s list. Le Moyne College also named Yorktown Heights students Ashley Dobransky and Grace Scaglione to the list, which requires a GPA of 3.5 or above. Lehigh University Alyssa Albano of Yorktown Heights was named to Lehigh’s Fall 2023 dean’s list, which recognizes a GPA of 3.6 or better while carrying at least 12 hours of regularly graded courses. McDaniel College Kristin Linahan of Yorktown Heights has been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the McDaniel College fall 2023 dean’s list with highest honors. Highest honors are earned for a semester grade point average of 3.90 or higher, high honors for a grade point average of 3.70- 3.89, and honors for a 3.50-3.69 grade point average. Montclair State University Jade Gorman of Shrub Oak was named to the fall 2023 dean’s list, which goes to students earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Nazareth University Brendan Regan of Yorktown Heights was named to Nazareth University’s dean’s list. Students must have a GPA of 3.5 or above and complete 12 credit hours during the semester. Plymouth State Connor Phillips and Mason Phillips of Yorktown Heights were named to Plymouth State’s president’s list for carrying a GPA of at least 3.70 with 12 or more credit hours. Yorktown Heights’s Christine Aery was named to the school’s dean’s list (GPA between 3.5 and 3.69) last fall. Providence College Madeleine Halstead and Corinne Halstead were both named to the dean’s list at Providence. Full-time students must have a GPA of 3.55 or better, no grade lower than C, and no incompletes to qualify. Quinnipiac University Matthew Buchwald and Ashley Campise (with honors) of Mohegan Lake, Sophia Sommovigo of Shrub Oak and Shannan Harrison, Matthew Alduino, Vincent D’Errico, and Gianna Keller of Yorktown Heights were named to Quinnipiac’s dean’s list last fall. To qualify, students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 with no grade lower than C. Roger Williams University Shannon Appelle and Angie Garippa of Yorktown Heights, Sean Hickey and Cori Hickey of Mohegan Lake, and Riley McConnell of Shrub Oak were named to the Roger Williams University dean’s list for having a GPA of 3.4 or higher. Russell Sage College Yorktown Heights students Isabel Gomes and Isabella Vano earned a place on the Russell Sage dean’s list, which requires a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Siena College Yorktown Heights students Daniella Gerbasi and Francesca Gerbasi were named to Siena College’s president’s list for the fall semester, which requires a 3.9 grade point average or higher. Bobbie Cardea and Keira Flaherty, also of Yorktown Heights, made the college’sn’s list. Seton Hall University Yorktown Heights student Tyler Campobasso qualified for Seton Hall’s fall 2023 dean’s list, which honors undergraduate students completing all courses with a GPA of 3.4, with no grades lower than C. Springfield College Samantha Kayo of Mohegan Lake, Vincent Scialdone of Yorktown, and Gabriel Valentin of Yorktown Heights were named to Spring College’s dean’s list last fall, which requires a GPA of 3.5 or higher with at least 12 credits. SUNY Canton Noah A. McGill and Julia I. Morvillo, both of Yorktown Heights, were named to SUNY Canton’s dean’s list for full-time students, which requires a GPA between 3.25 and 3.74 during a single semester. Morvillo, a criminal investigation major, also received the Dr. Jonathan Gueverra Endowed Scholarship last fall. SUNY Cortland John Bowen, Matteo Cermele, and Hayley Teachout of Yorktown Heights, along with Philip Santini and Hailey Soliz of Mohegan Lake, were named to SUNY Cortland’s president’s list for earning a grade of A- or better in each of their classes while HONORS FROM PAGE 7 SEE HONORSPAGE 32 FRIDAY FEB. 16TH — 7:30 PM SHOWTIME! 1500 Baldwin Rd • Yorktown Heights, NY. • 914-962-9300
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 31 Read your local news online now! Scan Me!
PAGE 32 – YORKTOWN NEWS FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 Diane Callahan-Caro Diane Callahan-Caro of Brewster passed away on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, in Newark, N.J., at the age of 69. Diane was born on April 6, 1954, in Morristown, N.J., the daughter of the late John and Alice (Troche) Callahan. She graduated from Lakeland High School in 1972 and then received her bachelor’s degree from Briarcliff College. On Sept. 30, 1978, she married John Caro in Peekskill. They lived in Yorktown for 45 years where Diane had owned and operated a craft store, Romancing the Home, and a card store, Callahan’s Sports Cards. In 2015, they moved to Brewster. Diane was a cartographer and loved crafting of all kinds. Diane is survived by her husband John; daughter Megan Miller and her husband John Miller of Brewster; brother Brad Callahan of Tower Lakes, Ill., and grandchildren Adeline and Jackson. A memorial gathering will take place on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. with a memorial service starting at 4 p.m. at Beecher Funeral Home, 1 Putnam Ave, Brewster. The interment will be private. Contributions in Diane’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116, or the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St, New York, NY 10016-5337. OBITUARIES carrying a course load of 12 hours or more. SUNY Cortland dean’s list honorees include Christopher Macaluso of Jefferson Valley, Meghan Greenwald, Philip Santini, Hailey Soliz, and Jessica Spadafino of Mohegan Lake, and Jack Baker, John Bowen, Matteo Cermele, Lindsay Daubman, Brianna Garcia Avila, Rashel Garcia Avila, Samantha Graap, Maia Graf, Denisa Lajqi, Donika Lajqi, Paige Melagrano, Elaina Ornstein, Emily Piehler, Madison Riordan, Joshua Seligson, Amanda Sinishtaj, Hayley Teachout, and Jack Whalen of Yorktown Heights. SUNY New Paltz Elias Gonzalez and Steven Macaluso of Jefferson Valley, Erin Coyne, Claire Ducey, Alana Gonzalez, and Leara Morales of Mohegan Lake, Ava Paciariello, Chloe Rice, and Ashlyn Scaria of Shrub Oak, and Rabia Chaudhry, Adam Cichetti, Sophia DiFrancia, Alyssa Eustace, Mimi Feder, Lily Graber, Athena Holman, Basil Kuriakose, Sophia Maltzman, Robin Masterson, Emily McGovern, Marguerite Pugliese, Karina Scalisi, Amanda Woodard, and Christopher Zippelli of Yorktown Heights were named to the SUNY New Paltz dean’s list. The honor denotes a GPA of 3.3 or higher with a full course load, SUNY Oneonta Abigail Vesperman of Jefferson Valley was recognized with a goldlevel leadership milestone through the university’s Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program. Vesperman is studying Early Child/Childhood Education (B-6) at SUNY Oneonta. Conor Brandt, Jami Menzie, and Lindsey Townes of Yorktown Heights were all named to Oneonta’s provost’s list being full-time students with perfect 4.0 GPAs. Abigail Vesperman of Jefferson Valley, Ava Picardi of Mohegan Lake, and Yorktown Heights residents Aidan Boyle, Nick Burton, Juliana Cappelli, Kayla Foss, Danny Jennings, Katelin Mancusi, Antonio Sanabria, Marco Sancimino, and Taylor Teachout earned a place on Oneonta’s dean’s list as full-time students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Susquehanna University Thomas Garrity, of Yorktown Heights, was named to Susquehanna University’s dean’s list for the fall 2023 semester, which recognizes students who achieve a grade point average of 3.4 or higher. The University of Delaware Alyssa Gogola of Jefferson Valley, Sarah Cahill, Brianna Scalzo, Nicholas Sorrenti, Alana Valentino of Mohegan Lake, and Skylar Casucci, Emily Debenedictis, John Dehais, Daniela Dimirco, Matthew Guarini, Jenna Kaufman, Michaela Malvarosa, Sofia Portante, Nicholas Senatore, and Randy Serafin of Yorktown Heights were named to the University of Delaware’s dean’s list for posting GPA of 3.5 or higher. The University of Scranton Taylor N. Masarof, Linda K. Daly, Donovan W. Smith, and Carolina Dominguez of Yorktown Heights were named to the University of Scranton’s dean’s list, which requires a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Western New England University Joseph D’Alessio of Yorktown Heights was named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2023 semester for achieving a semester grade point average of 3.30 or higher. Worcester Polytechnic Institute Cameron Crane and Adrianna Tagayun, both from Yorktown Heights, were named to WPI’s dean’s list. Instead of GPA, WPI confers dean’s list status based on the amount of work completed at the A level in courses and projects. Information provided by Merit Pages News and/or the respective academic institutions. HONORS FROM PAGE 30 Glasses & Contact Lenses Cortlandt Town Center 3145 East Main Street Mohegan Lake, NY (845) 823-4063 * Valid only at the Mohegan Lake location. Cannot be combined with other discounts, coupon or insurance plans. See associate for details. Offer Expires 12/31/24 Coupon code: YTNEWS502510 Visit americasbest.com to book your eye exam. Show Love, Shop Small EVENT BUNDLE APPRECIATION OFFER Sign up for both the 2024 Spring Festival & Car Show (Sunday April 28th) and the 2024 Fall Festival & Car Show (Sunday October 13th) and receive $50 off the total registration price! visit yorktownchamber.org to register and to check out other space options! Offer ends March 1st CALLING ALL VENDORS!!
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Lachterman, who was appointed deputy supervisor by Diana and has been functioning in the supervisor’s role since Diana’s death, was reelected to the Town Board in November.’ “ It is with great pleasure that I have accepted the nomination of the Yorktown Republican Town Committee to run for the office of supervisor. I have worked on the Town Board for eight years and feel that I have the experience needed to take over after the tragic loss of Tom Diana,” he said. “It is the last way I would ever want to become the supervisor of the town of Yorktown, but it is a humbling honor to know that the Yorktown Republican Committee feels I am the best choice.” Both candidates have a little more than two months to make their respective cases to the people of Yorktown. At a special meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 31, the Town Board unanimously decided to conduct the election in April instead of waiting until November’s general election. The board could have appointed someone to become acting supervisor but chose to put the matter to the voters instead. “The people of Yorktown want to choose their leadership, otherwise it would be easy to just appoint someone,” Lachterman said at the meeting. “Whether you agree with me or not, I believe in rights and the rights of the people, and it’s our responsibility to follow through with that, especially if it’s a local law. There’s nothing more democratic than an election. You need to honor the will of the people when you sit up here.” The timeline falls within the parameters of a 2014 town law that allows the town board to call for a special election within 30 days of a vacancy opening. This vote must take place no fewer than 60 days (and not more than 90 days) from the date the board decides to call the special election; otherwise, it must coincide with the November election. If a current member of the board wins and becomes supervisor, the board could then appoint someone to fill the vacancy or could put that seat before the voters in November. During a public comment period before the vote to set the special election date, Yorktown Democratic Chair Mark Lieberman questioned the timing and wondered why the board decided not to hold the local election at the same time as the presidential primary on April 2, which is expected to bring a high turnout. Speaking to Yorktown News after the meeting, Lieberman said holding two separate elections weeks apart was inconvenient for voters and more costly for local taxpayers. “I think the town would have been better served to have the special election for supervisor to coincide with the primary election on April 2 to save the residents time and save the taxpayers money,” Lieberman said. “Since there’s a presidential primary on April 2, there would probably be higher turnout as well.” However, Town Clerk Diana Quast said that New York State law does not allow a special election for local office to take place on the same day as a primary. Board votes to compensate Lachterman Lachterman, who became deputy supervisor when Diana ascended to supervisor in January 2023, has been assuming the full-time responsibilities of supervisor since Diana’s passing. The board voted to increase Lachterman’s compensation by $111,390 per year, adding to his $25,080 annual salary as a board member. PAGE 34 – YORKTOWN NEWS FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 Hattar pointed out a projected picture of a music space that is separated by a curtain from a lunchroom. “Our teachers do a great job of making these conditions work,” he said. “We commend them for their professionalism and their commitment to our students. But we certainly have to think ‘Can we do better?’ And if we can do better, we ought to do better.” Hattar added that Mildred E. Strang Middle School was in dire need of upgrades. “The building is old,” Hattar said. “The building is dated. The building is in need of repair.” Hattar said the building was wellmaintained but “is old and it’s showing its age.” Hattar said the proposed upgrades were designed to make the middle school more engaging and inviting to its 800 students. “Can we improve on the lighting, can we warm up the place a little bit so that our children can have this experience that’s a little more receptive?” he said of the MESMS cafeteria. Hattar said the majority of the MESMS classrooms needed new cabinetry, as well. “This proposal would address that,” Hattar said. Hattar went on to explain improvements to the high school, athletic fields, and more. The full presentation is available on the Yorktown CSD’s YouTube channel. A final information session was scheduled for this 7 p.m. evening (Thursday, Feb. 8) at the MESMS cafeteria. YCSD FROM PAGE 9 ELECTION FROM PAGE 1 Jann Mirchandani Ed Lachterman Conveniently located at: 34 Hillandale Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY Accommodates up to 120 people Ample Parking Handicap Accessible Full Kitchen Changeable LED Lighting Stereo System, Free Wi-Fi 3 Cable TVs, Full Stage Separate Suite with Fireplace
Slater said of the meeting. “We are committed to translating this feedback into action. Together, in a bipartisan spirit, we will tackle this issue, recognizing that it’s not about politics—it’s about lives.” According to Slater, recovery advocates saw a decline of up to 50 percent in treatment court participation “due to the lack of leverage provided by bail in these situations.” If signed into law, Slater said his bipartisan “Death by Dealer” bill will give local officials an authority already available to federal prosecutors – to categorize the actions of dealers leading to an individual’s death as a Class A felony. “This measure serves as a compelling deterrent, making dealers reconsider before jeopardizing another person’s life,” Slater’s statement said. “It is critically important that we not only deal with treatment, recovery, education, and prevention but we also deal with enforcement,” Lawler said. “We need to go after those dealing, trafficking, distributing, and manufacturing fentanyl and hold them accountable.” Local police and prosecutors said the bill, if, passed, would could save lives. Putnam County District Attorney Bob Tendy said the bill deserved support and called it “the beginning of taking back and bringing back common sense,” while Carmel Police Chief Anthony Hoffmann called the bill “a great first step” and praised Slater for “fighting the good fight.” Yorktown Police Chief Robert Noble cited a recent example where the law would have allowed a drug dealer to be held a c c o u n t a b l e for an overdose death in Yorktown. “Due to the outstanding work of our department, we were able to make an arrest recently of a dealer providing fentanyl-laced drugs resulting in the death of another person,” Noble said. “But we had to go to federal prosecutors with those charges because there is no vehicle in New York State to allow us to prosecute on a local level.” Noble said the discussion left him “optimistic that things are going to get done.” “We cannot arrest our way out of this,” Yorktown Deputy Supervisor Ed Lachterman said. “But what we can do is make sure that we arrest the root cause. This law would give us the ability to go after the people who are intentionally murdering our citizens.” FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 35 BILL FROM PAGE 9 Death due to opioid overdose have rising exponentially since 1999. COURTESY NIH flditiAdtiithYktNBlltiBddh7000USPSdlidddkCll8452088151td!My Community Bulletin Board 3565 Crompond Road • Suite 202 • Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567 Office: 914.736.9230 ext 107 Direct: 914.788.4549 Cell: 914.659.2051 Fax: 914.930.1111 [email protected] www.asapmortgageinc.com Douglas C. Petri Branch Manager NMLS# 39875 Registered Mortgage Broker - NYS Department of Financial Services. CT - Mortgage Broker Only. Not A Mortgage Lender or Mortgage Correspondent Lender. Mortgage Broker Licensed in Florida. Licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities. All loans arranged through 3rd party providers. 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PICKUP HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! www.american-arms.com [email protected] 1928 Commerce St, Suite C Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 NRA Basic Pistol/Personal Protection UTAH Concealed Firearms Course Private Lessons Permit Assistance Refuse To Be A Victim™ Group and Private Classes Gun Sales & Ammunition Gun Accessories FFL Services & Transfers 914-455-4210 NOTICE TO BIDDERS The Board of Education of the Yorktown Central School District (“District”) hereby invites the submission of sealed Bids from reputable and qualified SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES for furnishing student transportation services in the Yorktown Central School District for a five-year period (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025, to July 1, 2028 - June 30, 2029). Bid Documents are available on the District website. Bids will be received until February 28, 2024 at 10:00 AM EST, at the Yorktown Central School District Central Office located at 2725 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598-3129, at which time all Bids will be publicly opened. Bids will not be accepted that are sent by facsimile or by electronic mail. The pre-Bid meeting will take place in-person and virtually via a video conference meeting on February 15, 2024 at 10:00 AM EST, at the Yorktown Central School District Central Office located at 2725 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598-3129. Individuals interested in participating in the pre-Bid meeting must request to participate via email to Christopher Wojciechowski of Transportation Advisory Services, at [email protected]. Registration for the pre-Bid meeting should be received no later than the close of business at 5:00 PM EST on February 14, 2024. Registered participants will receive a link to the Teams video via an email invitation. All prospective contractors are strongly encouraged to attend the inperson or virtual pre-bid conference, but it is not a mandatory meeting. Bids will remain firm for a period of 45 days following the date of the opening and shall thereafter remain firm unless the Bidder provides written notice to the Yorktown Central School District Business Office, attention to Lisa Sanfilippo at [email protected] that the Bid has been withdrawn. Three separate and independent Bids shall be submitted for operating programs: one for regular daily Home-to-School transportation; one for the provision of Field and Sports Trips services; and one for Summer Home-to-School transportation services. The District reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any immaterial irregularity in the bid process if, in the District’s sole discretion, it is in the best interest of the District. Bidder shall be required to furnish, at their own expense and with the Bid submission, a Bid Bond or certified check in the amount of 10 percent (10%) of the first year calculated gross annual contract amount for the fiveyear period for each operating Bid being submitted. The surety company issuing the Bid Bond must be rated as an “A” carrier (Excellent) or better in the current edition of A.M. Best’s Insurance Guide. A single Bid Bond or a certified check can be provided in the total amount of the Bid(s) being submitted. The Bid Bond or certified check will be deposited with the Yorktown Central School District as a guarantee that the Contract will be signed and delivered by the Bidder, and in default of this, the amount of such check or Bid Bond shall be retained for use of the Yorktown Central School District as liquidated damages on account of such default. A performance bond in a sum equal to 100% of the annual amount of the operating Contract(s) awarded is required. The Bidder must submit proof of ability to be bonded with the Bid. Proof must be in the form of a consent of surety from a surety company, or an agent authorized to bind the insurance company, guaranteeing coverage consistent with what is specified. Yvette Segal District Clerk Yorktown Central School District
PAGE 36 – YORKTOWN NEWS FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 SEE LEGALSPAGE 38 NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING YORKTOWN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, IN THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Education of the Yorktown Central School District, in the County of Westchester, New York, adopted on December 18, 2023, a Special District Meeting of the qualified voters of said School District will be held on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024 from 7:00 o’clock A.M. to 9:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) in the Library of the French Hill School, Yorktown Heights, New York, for the purpose of voting upon the following two Bond Propositions: BOND PROPOSITION #1 RESOLVED: (a) That the Board of Education of the Yorktown Central School District, in the County of Westchester, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to construct improvements and alterations to various District school buildings and/or sites, (the “Project”), substantially as described in a plan prepared by the District with the assistance of Arris Contracting Company, Inc. and MEMASI, (the “Plan”), which Plan is on file and available for public inspection at the office of the District Clerk; such Project to include the construction of building additions to provide for new classroom space; interior reconstruction and space reconfiguration; main entrance security upgrades; multi-purpose turf field construction; site lighting; and the replacement of lockers, windows, doors, flooring and an elevator; the foregoing to include the original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus and ancillary or related site, demolition and other work required in connection therewith; and to expend therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof, an amount not to exceed the estimated total cost of $45,995,000; provided that the detailed costs of the components of the Project as set forth in the Plan may be reallocated among such components if the Board of Education shall determine that such reallocation is in the best interests of the District and no material change shall be made in the scope of the Project; (b) that the amount of $6,000,000 from the District’s “Buildings and Facilities Improvement Reserve Fund”, approved and amended by the voters on May 16, 2017 and May 17, 2022, is hereby authorized to be expended from such fund to pay for a portion of the cost of the Project; and (c) that a tax is hereby voted in the aggregate amount of not to exceed $39,995,000 to finance the balance of said estimated total cost, such tax to be levied by and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as may be determined by said Board of Education, and that in anticipation of said tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $39,995,000 and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable. BOND PROPOSITION #2 RESOLVED: (a) THAT IN THE EVENT BOND PROPOSITION #1 IS APPROVED, the Board of Education of the Yorktown Central School District, in the County of Westchester, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to construct additional improvements and alterations to various District school buildings and/or sites, (the “Project”), substantially as described in a plan prepared by the District with the assistance of Arris Contracting Company, Inc. and MEMASI, (the “Plan”), which Plan is on file and available for public inspection at the office of the District Clerk; such Project to include the construction of a new multi-purpose turf field, athletic field lighting, scoreboard and a concessions and restroom facility; sidewalk and pavement improvements; cafeteria and kitchen renovation; and the acquisition and/or installation of an emergency generator; the foregoing to include the original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus and ancillary or related site, demolition and other work required in connection therewith; and to expend therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof, an amount not to exceed the estimated total cost of $10,950,000; provided that the detailed costs of the components of the Project as set forth in the Plan may be reallocated among such components if the Board of Education shall determine that such reallocation is in the best interests of the District and no material change shall be made in the scope of the Project; (b) that a tax is hereby voted in the aggregate amount of not to exceed $10,950,000 to finance said estimated total cost, such tax to be levied by and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as may be determined by said Board of Education, and that in anticipation of said tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $10,950,000 and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable; and (c) that if this Bond Proposition #2 is approved, it shall become effective only in the event that Bond Proposition #1 is approved. Such Bond Propositions shall appear on the ballots used for voting at said Special District Meeting in substantially the following condensed forms: BOND PROPOSITION #1 YES NO RESOLVED: (a) That the Board of Education of the Yorktown Central School District, in the County of Westchester, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to construct improvements and alterations to various District school buildings and/or sites, substantially as described in a plan prepared by the District with the assistance of Arris Contracting Company, Inc. and MEMASI, and to expend therefor an amount not to exceed the estimated total cost of $45,995,000; (b) that the amount of $6,000,000 from the District’s “Buildings and Facilities Improvement Reserve Fund”, approved and amended by the voters on May 16, 2017 and May 17, 2022, is hereby authorized to be expended from such fund to pay for a portion of said estimated total cost; and (c) that a tax is hereby voted in the aggregate amount of not to exceed $39,995,000 to finance the balance of said estimated total cost, such tax to be levied by and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as may be determined by said Board of Education, and that in anticipation of said tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $39,995,000 and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable. BOND PROPOSITION #2 YES NO RESOLVED: (a) THAT IN THE EVENT BOND PROPOSITION #1 IS APPROVED, the Board of Education of the Yorktown Central School District, in the County of Westchester, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to construct additional improvements and alterations to various District school buildings and/or sites, substantially as described in a plan prepared by the District with the assistance of Arris Contracting Company, Inc. and MEMASI, and to expend therefor an amount not to exceed the estimated total cost of $10,950,000; (b) that a tax is hereby voted in the aggregate amount of not to exceed $10,950,000 to finance said estimated total cost, such tax to be levied by and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as may be determined by said Board of Education, and that in anticipation of said tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $10,950,000 and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable; and (c) that if this Bond Proposition #2 is approved, it shall become effective only in the event that Bond Proposition #1 is approved. The voting will be conducted by ballot or voting machines as provided in the Education Law and the polls will remain open from 7:00 o’clock A.M. to 9:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) and as much longer as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their ballots. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law or pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law. If a voter has previously registered pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law in the Yorktown Central School District and has voted at an annual or special district meeting in such district within the last four (4) calendar years, he or she is eligible to vote at said Special District Meeting. If a voter is registered and eligible to vote under Article 5 of the Election Law, he or she is also eligible to vote at said Special District Meeting. All other persons who wish to vote must register. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that voter registration is ongoing in the office of the District Clerk and that any person entitled to have their name placed upon the register may register on any school day at the Administration Office of the District, 2725 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, New York between the hours of 8:30 o’clock A.M. and 3:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) up until five (5) days before said Special District Meeting at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such register of voters, provided that he or she is known or proven to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at said Special District Meeting for which the register is prepared. LEGAL NOTICES
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 37 AVISO DE REUNIÓN ESPECIAL DEL DISTRITODISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL DE YORKTOWN, EN EL CONDADO DE WESTCHESTER, NUEVA YORK POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con una resolución de la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de Yorktown, en el Condado de Westchester, Nueva York, adoptada el 18 de diciembre de 2023, se llevará a cabo una Reunión Especial del Distrito de los votantes calificados de dicho Distrito Escolar el MARTES, 13 DE FEBRERO DE 2024 de 7:00 a.m. a 9:00 p.m. (hora prevaleciente) en la Biblioteca de la Escuela French Hill, Yorktown Heights, Nueva York, con el propósito de votar sobre las siguientes dos Proposiciones de Bonos: PROPUESTA DE BONOS #1 RESUELTO: (a) Que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de Yorktown, en el Condado de Westchester, Nueva York (el "Distrito"), está autorizada por la presente a construir mejoras y alteraciones a varios edificios y/o sitios escolares del Distrito, (el "Proyecto"), sustancialmente como se describe en un plan preparado por el Distrito con la asistencia de Arris Contracting Company, Inc. y MEMASI, (el "Plan"), cuyo Plan está archivado y disponible para inspección pública en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito; dicho proyecto incluirá la construcción de adiciones al edificio para proporcionar un nuevo espacio para las aulas; interior reconstrucción y reconfiguración del espacio; mejoras en la seguridad de la entrada principal; construcción de campos de césped multiusos; iluminación del sitio; y la sustitución de taquillas, ventanas, puertas, suelos y ascensor; lo anterior incluye el mobiliario, el equipo, la maquinaria, los aparatos y el sitio auxiliar o relacionado, la demolición y otros trabajos necesarios en relación con los mismos; y gastar para ello, incluidos los gastos preliminares y los gastos incidentales a él y a su financiación, una suma que no exceda del costo total estimado de 45.995.000 dólares; siempre que los costes detallados de los componentes del Proyecto, según lo establecido en el Plan, puede ser reasignado entre dichos componentes si el Consejo de Educación determina que dicha reasignación es en el mejor interés del Distrito y no se realizará ningún cambio sustancial en el alcance del Proyecto; (b) que la cantidad de $6,000,000 del "Fondo de Reserva para Mejoras de Edificios e Instalaciones" del Distrito, aprobada y enmendada por los votantes el 16 de mayo de 2017 y el 17 de mayo de 2022, está autorizada a ser gastada de dicho fondo para pagar una parte del costo del Proyecto; y (c) que por la presente se vota un impuesto por un monto total que no exceda de $39,995,000 para financiar el saldo de dicho costo total estimado, dicho impuesto será recaudado y recaudado en cuotas en los años y en los montos que determine dicha Junta de Educación, y que en anticipación de dicho impuesto, por la presente se autoriza la emisión de bonos del Distrito por un monto total de capital que no exceda los $39,995,000 y por la presente se vota un impuesto para pagar los intereses de dichos bonos a medida que los mismos venzan y sean pagaderos. PROPUESTA DE BONOS #2 RESUELTO: (a) QUE EN CASO DE QUE SE APRUEBE LA PROPOSICIÓN DE BONOS #1, la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de Yorktown, en el Condado de Westchester, Nueva York (el "Distrito"), está autorizada por la presente a construir mejoras y alteraciones adicionales a varios edificios y/o sitios escolares del Distrito, (el "Proyecto"), sustancialmente como se describe en un plan preparado por el Distrito con la asistencia de Arris Contracting Company, Inc. y MEMASI, (el "Plan"), cuyo Plan está archivado y disponible para inspección pública en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito; proyecto para incluir la construcción de un nuevo campo de césped multiusos, iluminación del campo deportivo, marcador y una instalación de concesiones y baños; mejoras en aceras y pavimentos; renovación de cafetería y cocina; y la adquisición y/o instalación de un generador de emergencia; lo anterior incluye el mobiliario, el equipo, la maquinaria, los aparatos y el sitio auxiliar o relacionado, la demolición y otros trabajos necesarios en relación con los mismos; y gastar para ello, incluidos los gastos preliminares y los gastos incidentales a él y a su financiación, una suma que no exceda del costo total estimado de 10.950.000 dólares; siempre que los costos detallados de los componentes del Proyecto, según lo establecido en el Plan, pueden ser reasignados entre dichos componentes si el Consejo de Educación determina que dicha reasignación es en el mejor interés del Distrito y no se hará ningún cambio sustancial en el alcance del Proyecto; (b) que por la presente se vota un impuesto por un monto total que no exceda los $10,950,000 para financiar dicho costo total estimado, dicho impuesto será recaudado y recaudado en cuotas en los años y en los montos que determine dicha Junta de Educación, y que en anticipación de dicho impuesto, por la presente se autoriza la emisión de bonos del Distrito por el monto total del capital que no exceda los $10,950,000 y Por la presente se vota un impuesto para pagar los intereses de dichos bonos a medida que los mismos venzan y sean pagaderos; y (c) que si se aprueba esta Proposición de Bonos #2, entrará en vigencia solo en el caso de que se apruebe la Proposición de Bonos #1. Dichas Proposiciones de Bonos aparecerán en las boletas utilizadas para votar en dicha Reunión de Distrito Especial en sustancialmente las siguientes formas condensadas: PROPUESTA DE BONOS #1 SÍ NO RESUELTO: (a) Que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de Yorktown, en el Condado de Westchester, Nueva York (el "Distrito"), está autorizada por la presente a construir mejoras y alteraciones a varios edificios y/o sitios escolares del Distrito, sustancialmente como se describe en un plan preparado por el Distrito con la asistencia de Arris Contracting Company, Inc. y MEMASI, y gastar en ello una suma que no exceda del costo total estimado de 45.995.000 dólares; (b) que la cantidad de $6,000,000 del "Fondo de Reserva para Mejoras de Edificios e Instalaciones" del Distrito, aprobada y enmendada por los votantes el 16 de mayo de 2017 y el 17 de mayo de 2022, se autoriza a gastar de dicho fondo para pagar una parte de dicho costo total estimado; y (c) que por la presente se vota un impuesto por un monto total que no exceda los $39,995,000 para financiar el saldo de dicho costo total estimado, dicho impuesto se impondrá y recaudará en cuotas en los años y en los montos que determine dicha Junta de Educación, y que en anticipación de dicho impuesto, Por la presente se autoriza la emisión de bonos del Distrito por un monto principal total que no exceda los $39,995,000 y por la presente se vota un impuesto pagar los intereses de dichos bonos a medida que los mismos venzan y sean pagaderos. PROPUESTA DE BONOS #2 SÍ NO RESUELTO: (a) QUE EN CASO DE QUE SE APRUEBE LA PROPOSICIÓN DE BONOS #1, la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de Yorktown, en el Condado de Westchester, Nueva York (el "Distrito"), está autorizada por la presente a construir mejoras y alteraciones adicionales a varios edificios y/o sitios escolares del Distrito, sustancialmente como se describe en un plan preparado por el Distrito con la asistencia de Arris Contracting Company, Inc. y MEMASI, y gastar en ello una cantidad que no exceda el costo total estimado de $10,950,000; (b) que por la presente se vota un impuesto por un monto total que no exceda los $10,950,000 para financiar dicho costo total estimado, dicho impuesto será recaudado y recaudado en cuotas en los años y en las cantidades que pueda determinar dicha Junta de Educación, y que en anticipación de dicho impuesto, por la presente se autoriza la emisión de bonos del Distrito por el monto total del capital que no exceda los $10,950,000 y por la presente se vota un impuesto para pagar los intereses de dichos bonos como el mismo serán exigibles y exigibles; y (c) que si se aprueba esta Proposición de Bonos #2, entrará en vigencia solo en el caso de que se apruebe la Proposición de Bonos #1. La votación se llevará a cabo mediante papeletas o máquinas de votación según lo dispuesto en la Ley de Educación y las urnas permanecerán abiertas desde las 7:00 a.m. hasta las 9:00 p.m. (hora prevaleciente) y tanto tiempo como sea necesario para permitir que los votantes presentes emitan su voto. ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que se requiere el registro personal de los votantes, ya sea de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación o de conformidad con el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral. Si un votante se ha registrado previamente de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación en el Distrito Escolar Central de Yorktown y ha votado en una reunión anual o especial del distrito en dicho distrito dentro de los últimos cuatro (4) años calendario, él o ella es elegible para votar en dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito. Si un votante está registrado y es elegible para votar bajo el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral, él o ella también es elegible para votar en dicha Reunión Especial de Distrito. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben registrarse. ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que el registro de votantes está en curso en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito y que cualquier persona con derecho a que su nombre se coloque en el registro puede registrarse en cualquier día escolar en la Oficina de Administración del Distrito, 2725 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, Nueva York entre las 8:30 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m. (hora prevaleciente) hasta cinco (5) días antes de dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito, momento en el que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre sea incluido en dicho registro de votantes, siempre que se sepa o se demuestre que tiene derecho a votar en ese momento o en lo sucesivo en dicha Reunión de Distrito Especial para la cual se prepara el registro. LEGAL NOTICES SEE LEGALSPAGE 38
PAGE 38 – YORKTOWN NEWS FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the register prepared pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law, including the names of military voters who submitted valid military voter registrations, will be filed in the Office of the Clerk, in the District Office at 2725 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, New York, and that the same will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 3:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on each of the five (5) days prior to and including the day set for said Special District Meeting, except Sunday and on Saturday, February 10, 2024, by prior appointment only. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the Yorktown Central School District by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, by mail to District Clerk, Yorktown Central School District, 2725 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, Telephone 914-243-8000, Ext. 18529 or email: [email protected]. The request for the registration application may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the registration application by either mail, fax or email. Military voter registration application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 o’clock P.M. on January 19, 2024. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the Yorktown Central School District, may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk in person, by mail to District Clerk, Yorktown Central School District, 2725 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, Telephone 914-243-8000, Ext. 18529 or email: [email protected]. In such request, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application and military ballot by mail, fax or email. A military voter must return the original military ballot application by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at the address above. In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 o’clock P.M., on January 19, 2024. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a non-military ballot application under Section 2018-a of the Education Law. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, a military voter’s original military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the Office of the District Clerk at 2725 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, New York, 11530. Military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk before the close of polls on February 13, 2024 showing a cancellation mark of the United States Postal Service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or received not later than 5:00 o’clock P.M. on February 13, 2024 and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before said Special District Meeting. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that applications for early mail ballots and absentee ballots will be available at the Office of the District Clerk, Administration Building, 2725 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, New York for eligible residents after January 14, 2024 between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 3:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time), Monday through Friday, except holidays. In accordance with Education Law Section 2018-a and Section 2018-e, such completed application for absentee ballot or early mail ballot must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before said Special District Meeting if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before said Special District Meeting, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or the voter’s authorized agent(s) set forth in the early mail voter ballot application or absentee ballot application at the District Clerk’s Office. Absentee ballots and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 o’clock P.M., (Prevailing Time), on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a list of persons to whom early mail ballots and absentee ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the office of the District Clerk on and after Thursday, February 8, 2024 between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 3:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on weekdays prior to the day set for said Special District Meeting and on February 13, 2024, the day set for said Special District Meeting. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such list, file a written challenge of the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such list, stating the reasons for such challenge. Any such written challenge shall be transmitted by the District Clerk or a designee of the Board of Education to the inspectors of election on the date set for said Special District Meeting. A challenge to an absentee ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an early mail ballot and a challenge to an early mail ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an absentee ballot. Only qualified voters who are registered to vote will be permitted to vote. BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION Dated: December 18, 2023 Yvette Segal District Clerk ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que el registro preparado de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación, incluidos los nombres de los votantes militares que presentaron registros válidos de votantes militares, se presentará en la Oficina del Secretario, en la Oficina del Distrito en 2725 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, Nueva York, y que el mismo estará abierto para la inspección de cualquier votante calificado del Distrito entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 3:00 a.m. P.M. (Hora prevaleciente) en cada uno de los cinco (5) días anteriores e incluyendo el día establecido para dicha Reunión Especial de Distrito, excepto el domingo y el sábado 10 de febrero de 2024, solo con cita previa. ADEMÁS, SE DA AVISO de que los votantes militares que no están registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de Yorktown solicitando y devolviendo una solicitud de registro al Secretario del Distrito en persona, por correo al Secretario del Distrito, Distrito Escolar Central de Yorktown, 2725 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, Teléfono 914-243-8000, Ext. 18529 o correo electrónico: [email protected]. La solicitud de la solicitud de registro puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar para recibir la solicitud de registro por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Los formularios de solicitud de registro de votantes militares deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 19 de enero de 2024. ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que los votantes militares que son votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de Yorktown, pueden solicitar una solicitud para una boleta militar del Secretario del Distrito en persona, por correo al Secretario del Distrito, Distrito Escolar Central de Yorktown, 2725 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, Teléfono 914- 243-8000, Ext. 18529 o correo electrónico: [email protected]. En dicha solicitud, el votante militar puede indicar su preferencia por recibir la solicitud y la boleta militar por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Un votante militar debe devolver la solicitud original de boleta militar por correo o en persona a la oficina del Secretario de Distrito a la dirección anterior. Para que un votante militar reciba una boleta militar, se debe recibir una solicitud válida de boleta militar en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 19 de enero de 2024. Las solicitudes de boletas militares recibidas de acuerdo con lo anterior se procesarán de la misma manera que una solicitud de boleta no militar según la Sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación. ADEMÁS, SE DA AVISO DE QUE la boleta militar original de un votante militar debe devolverse por correo o en persona a la Oficina del Secretario de Distrito en 2725 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, Nueva York, 11530. Las boletas militares serán escrutadas si son recibidas por el Secretario de Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el 13 de febrero de 2024 mostrando una marca de cancelación del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o mostrando un endoso fechado de recepción por otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o recibido a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 13 de febrero de 2024 y firmado y fechado por el votante militar y un testigo del mismo, con una fecha que se determina que no es posterior al día anterior a dicha Reunión Especial de Distrito. ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que las solicitudes de boletas anticipadas por correo y boletas de voto en ausencia estarán disponibles en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, Edificio de Administración, 2725 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, Nueva York para los residentes elegibles después del 14 de enero de 2024 entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m. (hora prevaleciente), de lunes a viernes, excepto los días festivos. De acuerdo con la Sección 2018-a y la Sección 2018-e de la Ley de Educación, dicha solicitud completa de boleta de voto ausente o boleta de voto anticipado por correo debe ser recibida por el Secretario del Distrito al menos siete días antes de dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito si la boleta se va a enviar por correo al votante, o el día antes de dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito. si la boleta debe entregarse personalmente al votante o a los agentes autorizados del votante establecidos en la solicitud de boleta de votante por correo anticipado o la solicitud de boleta de voto en ausencia en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito. Las boletas de voto ausente y las boletas anticipadas por correo deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. (hora prevaleciente) del martes 13 de febrero de 2024. ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que una lista de personas a las que se emiten boletas anticipadas por correo y boletas de voto en ausencia estará disponible para inspección para los votantes calificados del Distrito en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a partir del jueves 8 de febrero de 2024 entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m. (hora prevaleciente) en días laborables anteriores al día establecido para dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito y el 13 de febrero, 2024, día fijado para dicha Reunión Especial de Distrito. Cualquier elector calificado podrá, tras examinar dicha lista, presentar una impugnación por escrito de las calificaciones como votante de cualquier persona cuyo nombre aparezca en dicha lista, indicando las razones de dicha impugnación. Cualquier impugnación por escrito será transmitida por el Secretario del Distrito o una persona designada por la Junta de Educación a los inspectores electorales en la fecha fijada para dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito. No se puede hacer una impugnación a una boleta de voto en ausencia sobre la base de que el votante debería haber solicitado una boleta de voto por correo anticipado y no se puede hacer una impugnación a una boleta de voto por correo anticipado sobre la base de que el votante debería haber solicitado una boleta de voto en ausencia. Solo los votantes calificados que estén registrados para votar podrán votar. POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN Fechado: 18 de diciembre de 2023 Yvette Segal Secretario de Distrito LEGAL NOTICES LEGALS FROM PAGE 36 LEGALS FROM PAGE 37
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 39 BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA STAFF WRITER After being together for 24 years, Danielle and Joe Giordano decided to begin a new chapter in their lives and have taken over Clark Funeral Home on Saw Mill River Road. Joe, a fourth-generation funeral director, dreamt of owning his own funeral home and is happy to now have one in Yorktown, the town he grew up in, where he can serve his community and local businesses. He said that he and his family have been welcomed “above and beyond” since Clark turned into the Clark & Giordano Funeral Home. They even received calls from community members who said they were happy that Yorktowners took over the business. As Joe works with the families who come in, Danielle handles the behind-the-scenes business tasks such as marketing, advertising, accounting, all of the books, bills, and payroll. This is right up her alley, she said; she majored in math in college and has a background in crunching numbers in the corporate world. She said her experience helps the business because “Joe can focus on the important things like making sure the families that come to us are taken care of to the best of his ability without distraction or fighting priorities.” The couple first started their business partnership in 2018 when they opened their first funeral home, Curry & Giordano Funeral Home Inc., in Peekskill. Joe decided to purchase his own funeral home when the couple was eight months pregnant with their first daughter. When asked about what makes their partnership work so well, both said that they think it’s because of how long they have known each other and everything they’ve been through. They first met in fifth grade at Crompond Elementary School when Joe moved up from the Bronx. He says from the moment he saw her when he entered the room, he wanted her to be in his life. Eight years later, they started dating in their junior year at YHS and have been together ever since. “By the time we became business owners, we had learned how to get through a lot of different situations together,” Joe said. “Now, in our present-day working relationship, we essentially have two different jobs. Of course, they overlap, but we don’t have to butt heads often. “I truly believe that we both believe in each other and can count on each other and work well together in life and in business because we believe that if we do it together, whatever it may be, we can get through anything,” he added. The high school sweethearts now have two daughters, Viviana (5) and Emmie (3), who also spend time at the family business. Danielle said they have desks and toys upstairs where they can play. A family business through and through. Big things are in store for the building and operation of the business, according to Joe. One change they are looking to incorporate in the future is only accommodating one family at a time on a given day so they can use the main chapel. He also wants to have upgrades made to the building to be able to offer people options within the space. Joe was born into this line of business and finds great honor in continuing a legacy. He is one of 10 funeral directors in the family. In 1925, his great-grandfather started his funeral home business in Harlem. The business eventually moved to the Bronx and still exists today. His grandfather and father are both funeral directors as well. “This isn’t a business, it’s a life,” Joe said. “I’m responsible for helping people as best as I can and I was taught by my dad. I strive to be like him every day. This isn’t my business, it’s my life and it matters.” Joe and Danielle find it very important to personalize their services to make sure they suit what the families want, need, and picture for their loved one’s funeral rather than give them a traditional experience. “We want to provide everybody options to do it their way,” Joe said. While Joe was raised in this industry, Danielle got into it because of her husband. She says she enjoys it a hundred times more than working in the corporate world, pointing out that she loves they can do it together and loves what it teaches their kids; the importance of helping others. “I am truly honored that he has brought me on this journey with him,” she said. Danielle deeply admires her husband for his work. “Hands down, no question, what makes our business unique is Joe,” she said. “What really sets him apart is that he genuinely cares about the families he’s helping. He treats every family as if they were his own. The service he provides, the proprietary learnings from his father, and generations of funeral directors, are incomparable in this industry. “When you entrust in Joe, you are in the best of hands,” she added. Danielle noted that Clark Funeral Home was always a staple in town and that she remembers driving past the iconic building when her family headed into town to go shopping at Caldor or have pizza at Lucy’s. “It would be pretty amazing to continue the legacy that Clark Funeral Home started in town, and we’d be so honored to carry this out for another 50 years,” she said. A changing of the guard Longtime Yorktown couple take over Clark Funeral Home Clark & Giordano Funeral Home PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANIELLE GIORDANO Joe and Danielle Giordano with their daughters Emmie and Viviana Notice is hereby given that an alcohol beverage license NA0267-23-109864, pending, has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, cider, and wine at retail in a Bar/Tavern, under the Alcohol Beverage Control Law at 8 BROADWAY VALHALLA, New York 10595- OnPremises Consumption Liquor License for ROC BOARDS LLC/ dba ROC BOARDS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Yorktown on Thursday, February 22ND, 2024 at 6:30 P.M. or as soon thereafter as is practicable in the Town Board Room, Town Hall, 363 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, New York as follows: DAMIANO #01/24 Property Address: 756 Hanover Section 59.11, Block 1, Lot 19 This is an application for a special use permit for a NEW accessory apartment that requires a special use permit as per 300-38 of the Town Zoning Code. BERLOW #02/24 Property Address: 3535 Crompond Rd Section 36.05, Block 1, Lot 14 This is an application for a special use permit for a new child fitness and before and after school program that requires a special use permit as per 300-53 of the Town Zoning Code. SINDACO #03/24 Property Address: 2300 Crompond Rd Section 37.09, Block 1, Lot 59 This is an application for a renewal of a special use permit for a child day care, Little Red School House, that requires a special use permit as per 300-53 of the Town Zoning Code. SINDACO #04/24 Property Address: 322 Kear Street Section 37.18, Block 2, Lot 51 This is an application for a renewal of a special use permit for a child day care, Little Red School House, that requires a special use permit as per 300-53 of the Town Zoning Code. LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Education of the Lakeland Central School District will hold a public hearing on the 15th day of February, 2024, at 7:00 P.M., at Lincoln-Titus Elementary School, 10 Lincoln Avenue, Crompond, NY 10517, for the purpose of discussion of the proposed appropriation of the additional sum of up to $680,000 from the District’s repair reserve fund for the purpose of repairing the irrigation, drainage and stormwater systems, and related repairs and improvements, at the athletic fields at Lakeland Copper Beech Middle School, which repairs are of a type not recurring annually or at shorter intervals. DATED: February 8, 2024 LYNN COSENZA DISTRICT CLERK
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