The Katonah-Lewisboro Times 12.02.21

VOL. 4 NO. 19 Visit TapIntoKLT.net for the latest news. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

‘Tis the season BOE declines
town hall invite
Katonah and Lewisboro
The Katonah tree in all its glory held menorah and tree light- BY TOM BARTLEY gage in an actual dialogue and be-
ings on Sunday, Nov. 27. CONTRIBUTING WRITER gin to move forward together. ey
were given nearly two months’ no-
Turn to Page 6 for more e Katonah-Lewisboro school tice but have declined this invita-
photos. board will not attend a parent- tion.”
sponsored town hall this week-
PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSH EPSTEIN end meant to provide the kind of E orts to learn whether any
give-and-take that advocates for trustees would individually attend
special-needs students see as lack- the town hall were not successful.
ing at the board’s o cial meetings.
Special-needs students, many
An unsigned email last week of them autistic, attend KLSD
told the KLSD Special Education schools in what are called “self-
Advocacy group that the school contained” classrooms. Students in
board “will not be attending” the kindergarten through fth grade
town hall, scheduled to run from 4 from anywhere in the district are
to 5:30 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 5) at the taught in one of two classrooms
Katonah Presbyterian Church. at Increase Miller Elementary
School. Single classrooms are set
e message, sent to the advo- aside at both the middle school
cacy group by District Clerk Kim- and high school for students in
berly Monzon on Nov. 24, gave no those grades.
reason for the board’s declining the
invitation but noted that “multiple Parents and their supporters in
KLSD forums, structures, and the ad hoc advocacy group have
venues” were in place “to foster regularly attended school board
constructive community engage- meetings since last spring. In num-
ment.” bers ranging from a handful to
dozens, they’ve criticized KLSD’s
A spokesman for the advocacy handling of special-needs students,
group, Matthew Goglia, expressed spelling out speci c incidents they
disappointment in the seven- deem abusive and calling for a
member board’s wholesale boycott, number of changes in the district’s
saying in a statement: special-ed policy.

“We invited them in good faith SEE KSLD PAGE 2
to attend a town hall with us to en-

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 19 HONOR SOCIETY PRSRT STD
CLASSIFIEDS 18 US POSTAGE
LEISURE 17 JJHS students inducted
OPINION 8 pg 7 PAID
SPORTS 15
TOWN CROSSING 5 WEST CALDWELL, NJ
PERMIT #992

PAGE 2 THE KATONAH LEWISBORO TIMES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

The Staff KLSD us at the BOE meetings or munity through multiple Lewisboro
put this issue on the agenda.” KLSD forums, structures, Police
EDITORIAL TEAM FROM PAGE 1 and venues,” the board’s Blotter
BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER “ ey have refused to an- message reads. “ ese struc-
EDITOR: 914-302-5628 Among the requested re- swer emails substantively, tures are in place to foster e following items are from
[email protected] forms are a halt, at least for they have refused to create a constructive community
now, in physical restraint or di erent forum for commu- engagement, and we hope the Lewisboro Police Department
NICK TRUJILLO seclusion of students and the nication with us, and nally, to see you at an upcoming
REPORTER introduction of cameras into they have refused a di erent Principal’s Co ee or Learn- and are only a portion of the calls
the district’s four special- forum provided by us,” the ing Café.”
[email protected] needs classes. statement continued. “ ey to which the department responds.
do not seem to grasp that e parents, in their state-
ADVERTISING TEAM e group has also repeat- the abuse, physical restraints, ment, said neither of those Please be aware that these sum-
PAUL FORHAN edly expressed frustration and geographic segregation forums could “address the
with district and board poli- of disabled children are all issues we’ve brought to their marizations represent only one per-
(914) 806-3951 cies that restrict just how far critical civil rights viola- [board members’] attention.”
[email protected] elected and appointed o - tions.” spective. In most cases, attempts will
cials can go in discussing the “ e BOE’s dismissive-
BRUCE HELLER special-ed program. Both Sunday’s town hall invita- ness is truly appalling and not be made to contact the accused
(914) 486-7608 Board of Education (BOE) tion was seen by the parents embarrassing,” the parents’
[email protected] President Marjorie Schi as a way to encourage freer statement said. “Further- nor will pursuits be made to publish
and Superintendent Andrew dialogue. more, their routine reliance
LISA KAIN Selesnick have cited privacy on their attorneys, even in additional information or updates.
(201) 317-1139 concerns and other factors In turning down that in- simple matters of respond-
[email protected] as limiting their ability to vitation, the district’s email ing to parent emails, invites For those reasons, the names of those
CORINNE STANTON discuss issues raised by the said that school o cials and more questions regarding
(914) 760-7009 group. the advocates have a com- how our community’s tax involved are usually withheld.
[email protected] mon objective. “We share dollars are spent. We now
Special-needs advocates, your goal of making KLSD believe there is simply no HARASSMENT. Nov. 16,
JAY GUSSAK in their prepared statement a better place for all children other choice but to replace
(914) 299-4541 this week, rebuked the school and are always availing our- them one by one with each 4:30 p.m. – ree young chil-
[email protected] board, saying it has “refused selves of opportunities to be new election cycle.”
SHELLEY KILCOYNE to discuss these matters with the eyes and ears of our com- dren, whose ages were withheld
(914) 924-9122
[email protected] by police, told police that they

have been repeatedly harassed by

four high-school boys. e latest

incident took place at Lewisboro

Town Park. e young children

were playing basketball when the

harassment took place. A similar

incident took place a week prior,

when the high-school boys alleg-

PRODUCTION TEAM edly called the kids names, took
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL
their basketball, and chased them
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
PHOTOGRAPHER from the courts. e parents said

[email protected] they would bring it up with the

GABRIELLE BILIK school administration in an at-
DESIGNER
tempt to identify the high-school
[email protected]
boys.

LOCKDOWN. Nov. 19, 2:55

p.m. – A substitute teacher at

EXECUTIVE TEAM John Jay Middle School mistak-
BRETT FREEMAN
CEO & PUBLISHER enly put his class in a lockdown,
845-208-8151
believing the lockdown drill at
[email protected]
the high school to be a real in-

cident. Four o cers responded

to the middle school and made

contact with the teacher.

Deadlines DOWNED POWER

THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES LINES. Nov. 22, 12:20 p.m. –
DEADLINE
While a tree crew was removing
THE DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS
dead trees from a Cross River
AND EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS IS THE
property, a tree split at the base
THURSDAY BEFORE THE NEXT
PUBLICATION DATE. and fell onto power lines. NY-

FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEG responded to repair the
CALL BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER AT
914-302-5628 OR EMAIL downed lines.

[email protected] VEHICLE ROLLOVER.

Location Nov. 22, 6:09 p.m. – Police re-

118 N. BEDFORD ROAD sponded to a report of a single-
SUITE 100
car crash on Route 35 in South
MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549
Salem. e driver told police that

he swerved to avoid something

in the roadway. e car swerved

left over the double yellow line,

then right into a ditch o the

roadway, and then back onto the

roadway, where the car rolled

over. e driver was taken by the

Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance

Corps to the hospital.

PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY DOG HIT BY CAR. Nov.
HALSTON MEDIA, LLC
26, 9:36 a.m. – A dog that was
©2021 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC
reported missing was found dead

in the driveway of a nearby South

Salem home. e homeowner

told police she must have acci-

dentally hit it when she backed

out of her garage. e owner of

the dog was located and noti ed.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021 YourNeighbor THE KATONAH LEWISBORO TIMES PAGE 3

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RICH PERLMAN

Rich Perlman camping
Rich Perlman hiking

Rich Perlman earns BSA’s Unit Leader Award of Merit

BY NICK TRUJILLO community. chael Kistner blazed a hiking trail at the built and it makes me feel really good

STAFF WRITER “It’s very gratifying to be recognized for Falcon Ridge Drive Nature Reserve in that, based on the opportunities that the

the thousands of hours that I volunteered Goldens Bridge, and Evan Kistner built troop gives the scouts to do good and

Rich Perlman has always had a love for in scouting,” Perlman said. “I’ve always and installed garden boxes at the Oak making a lasting pact on the community,

the outdoors, but his 25-year career as a loved the out- Ridge Coun- it gives me a good feeling.”

scout leader began involuntarily. When doors and I knew try Children’s Recipients of the award must be in a

he moved from Pleasantville to Katonah that I would be ‘She went to the rst Center in scouting leadership position for at least
with his family in 1996 and his sons came involved with my organizational meeting, Vista. In May, 18 months, be properly trained for the
home with Boy Scouts of America yers own boys, and I Tristan Galler role, have at least 60 percent of the unit’s

in their backpacks, he suggested that they gured I might came home and said, “I’ve got built and in- scouts advance once during the past 12
join. as well share my stalled raised months, cultivate a positive relationship
good news and bad news.
“I said to my wife, ‘It would be great if love of the out- bed planters at with the group’s chartered organization,

they would join, we’ll meet good people, doors with other e good news is they both Onatru Farm and project a positive image of scouting
they’ll meet good friends.’ She went to boys, and it just Park and Pre- in the community. With thousands of

the rst organizational meeting, came grew from there.” joined, and the bad news is serve, and in hours of service and multiple commu-
home and said ‘I’ve got good news and He added that you’re now a den leader.’ June, Michael nity-enhancing projects under his belt,
bad news. e good news is they both he did a “quick Murphy do- Perlman is overquali ed for the award.

joined, and the bad news is you’re now a tally” of his hours –Rich Perlman nated carts for Troop 154’s scoutmaster is not just an
lighting trans- instructor and leader; he also learns from
den leader,’” Perlman recalled. of service to the Goldens Bridge Cub Scout Den 154

After a quarter-century of service as scouts, and it to- portation and his scouting experience. e biggest les-

the leader of Goldens Bridge’s Cub Scout taled over 14,000 storage to A son Perlman said he has learned in his

Den 154 and, when his sons reached the hours over meet- Contemporary scouting career is, “Don’t sweat the small

age of 11, Boy Scout Troop 154, Perlman ings and events, which he said does not eater (ACT) in Ridge eld, Connecti- stu .

received the Unit Leader Award of Merit include “probably another few thousand cut. “I like to say on a bad day its chaos,

from Greater Hudson Valley Council hours” he has spent coordinating and “Scouts have done a lot of projects with and on it a good day its managed chaos,”

of BSA on June 7. In his time with Boy planning. the [Country Children’s Center], with Perlman said. “Being comfortable when

Scouts and Scouts BSA, he has mentored Four members of Troop 154 students three or four of their locations,” Perlman things don’t run exactly as they’re sup-

27 scouts into Eagle Scouts with projects achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the said. “I drive by the one on Route 35 and posed to is something that it took me a

focused on serving the Goldens Bridge past 14 months. In September 2020, Mi- I see the garden that one of the scouts while to get used to.”

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PAGE 4 THE KATONAH LEWISBORO TIMES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

LEWISBOROTOWN BOARD ‘It’s especially the young. We’re doing
this for them, obviously. We’ve messed
Officials pass climate resolution things up for them, so it’s up to us to

Outgoing board members honored try to do something about it.’

BY TOM BARTLEY elsewhere in the county and the introduction of new vectors for –Councilman Dan Welsh
CONTRIBUTING WRITER world. at broader perspec- infectious disease, species extinc- Town of Lewisboro
tive—ranging from a redlined tions and related threats to biodi-
Declaring “a climate emergen- Yonkers “neighborhood of color” versity, grave impacts on food and Welsh said. “It’s the women and perlative job in representing the
cy,” the Lewisboro Town Board to the Paris Climate Agree- water security, economic security,
called last week for a 40 percent ment to the United Nations and social-emotional wellbeing, children. at’s the people who people of the town of Lewis-
reduction in greenhouse-gas International Panel on Climate and these impacts have predict-
emissions by decade’s end. Change—cost the resolution ably come to threaten the very are already at various disadvan- boro,” Burdick said.
not only some residents’ support viability of life on earth.”
In a resolution embracing am- but also the vote of Councilman tages.” Parsons—whom Burdick, the
bitious environmental goals set Richard Sklarin. While he agreed Welsh sketched a number
by the state, the board also com- with the resolution’s local e orts, of environmental challenges “It’s especially the young,” he former Bedford supervisor, called
mitted itself to further cuts in Sklarin said, the document “goes wrought by climate change, in-
greenhouse-gas emissions of at well beyond what we need to do cluding devastating hurricanes said. “We’re doing this for them, a mentor—is stepping down af-
least 85 percent and “carbon neu- to recognize climate change and like Sandy, which ripped through
trality,” meaning net-zero car- have speci c town policies to ad- the area in 2012 and left an $8 obviously. We’ve messed things ter a decade as supervisor. “It was
bon-dioxide emissions. Both re- dress it.” billion cleanup and recovery in
ductions would be accomplished its wake. up for them, so it’s up to us to try Peter Parsons who took me under
by 2050. e resolution was written by
Councilman Dan Welsh, who is e collapse of the Gulf Stream to do something about it.” his wing,” Burdick said, recalling
Approved 4-1 at the Town director of the Westchester Pow- “is something you might think of
Board’s Nov. 22 meeting, the res- er program, an initiative of the as happening in a science- ction In considering the price tag the start of his seven-year tenure
olution follows a declaration in environmental coalition Sustain- disaster movie,” Welsh told the
October by the county Board of able Westchester. He said the lo- board. “But in fact, the signals for addressing climate change, at Bedford’s helm. Parsons, he
Legislators that a climate emer- cal resolution was “something the are already there. And we know
gency exists in Westchester. e county urged each municipality from history that as you get these Welsh noted, “People talk about said,“gave me tremendous advice.”
county board urged municipali- to take up…so that’s why we’re kinds of changes, which are tied
ties to make similar declarations here today.” to salinity and a bunch of things the cost of taking action [but] Crimmins, a rst-term board
locally. that are linked to climate change,
In the resolution, Welsh noted that you get radical changes in we’ve already incurred the cost of member who has been outspo-
At just under 1,000 words, that climate change “has caused the climate.”
Lewisboro’s resolution considers and continues to cause adverse inaction.” ken in her support for gay and
the impact of climate change lo- impacts on human health, the “ e people who get hurt are
cally but also discusses its impact the most vulnerable people,” minority rights, was defeated

BURDICK SALUTES TWO in November in her bid for re-

LEAVING BOARD election. Burdick applauded what

Democratic Assembly- he called Crimmins’“deep-seated

man Chris Burdick of Bedford sense of social justice.”

brought to the Town Board “I want to commend you for

meeting two proclamations, vot- your courage,” he said, “for the

ed in his chamber in Albany, that courage of your convictions, and

honor outgoing Supervisor Peter for your recognition that it’s not

Parsons and Councilwoman Jane always going to please everyone,

Crimmins. but that you continued to stand

Each of them “has done a su- on principle.”

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021 TOWN CROSSING THE KATONAH LEWISBORO TIMES PAGE 5

Peppermint Parade its re engine. Kids will receive a lovers, including Glenn Close, HOW TO USE GOOGLE presented in cooperation with the
candy cane and can take photo David Letterman, Dan Levy, DRIVE Ruth Keeler Memorial and Pound
e Katonah Peppermint Pa- with Santa. Visit vistafd.org for Vanessa Williams, and Tony Ridge Libraries. Please register for
rade will be held on Saturday, the schedule. Bennett. e foreword of the At 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, the the Zoom link at https://bit.ly/
Dec. 4. e event will begin at book was written by her father, library is o ering a virtual class on TedWrayArt.
10:30 a.m. with music at the ga- Vista FD Toys for Paul Sha er, the renowned mu- “How to Use Google Drive for
zebo, featuring Sarah Brown and Tots Drive sician, composer, musical direc- Extra Storage.” Google Drive is a MAKERSPACE ROBOTICS
Cate Lines. e parade will start tor, and bandleader. cloud-based storage solution that SESSIONS
at 11 a.m., with Santa riding e Vista Fire Department allows one to save les online and
through town. Elves from the will host its annual Toys for Toys Also on hand for the evening access them anywhere from any e Children’s Room now has a
Katonah Village Improvement drive from 9 to 5 p.m. Saturday, will be adoptable dogs courtesy smartphone, tablet, or computer. It MakerSpace Corner for children to
Society will hand out candy Dec. 4, at the rehouse (377 of A New Chance Animal Res- can be used on a computer or mo- work on crafts, technology and oth-
canes. Smith Road, South Salem). cue of Bedford Hills. e pre- bile device to securely upload les er creative endeavors. For Comput-
sentation, the latest installment and edit them online. Drive also er Science Week (Dec. 6-12), chil-
e event is being organized Drop o a new and un- of the school’s Cavalier Speaker makes it easy for others to edit and dren are invited to meet Dash, Dot
by KVIS and the Katonah wrapped toy to get a photo taken Series, will take place ursday, collaborate on les. Please visit the and Cue, the library’s coding robots.
Chamber of Commerce. with Santa Claus. e re de- Dec. 9, in the Walker Center for library website to register for the Sign up for a “Robotics Demo Ses-
partment will also o er tours of the Arts on the school’s Kato- Zoom link. sion” with Miss Marie between 11
Winter Wonderland its trucks and ambulances. ere nah campus at 7 p.m. Seating is a.m. and 5 p.m. Dec. 7 and Dec. 9.
Holiday Boutique will also be cookie decorating. limited. For more information BOOK ARTIST TED WRAY Sessions are by appointment only.
or to purchase tickets, visit: har- ON DEC. 6 Please contact Miss Marie at mna-
A Winter Wonderland Holi- ‘Puppy Guru’ to Talk veyschool.org/alumni/cavalier- [email protected] to schedule your
day Boutique will be held from at Harvey speakerseries. e library is co-sponsoring a appointment. No more than two
11 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, special virtual program with “Book children at a time.
at in Parking Lot 3 at Katonah Bedford native Victoria Lily Lewisboro Library Artist Ted Wray” at 7:30 p.m.
Elementary School. Celebrate Sha er will return to her high Monday, Dec. 6, via Zoom. Ted LIBRARY BOARD MEETS
and shop for the holiday season. school alma mater, the Harvey e Lewisboro Library is Wray works in the genre of book DEC. 8
School, to share her experiences located at 15 Main St., South sculpting. He will demonstrate
ere will be local vendors, chil- and expertise on animal rescue Salem. Register for programs at how books bound for the recycle e Lewisboro Library Board
dren’s activities, food trucks, and and puppy care and to discuss lewisborolibrary.org. e library bin or dusty shelf corners become of Trustees meets next at 7:30 p.m.
local entertainment. her recently released rst book, also has a YouTube channel. enlivened, multi-dimensional can- Wednesday, Dec. 8. Meetings are
“Pup Culture: Stories Tips, and vases in his hands. is program is open to the public.
Vista Candy Cane the Importance of Adopting a
Run Dog.” How to Make the Most of the Holidays
with Your Loved One
e Vista Fire Department A staunch advocate for animal
will host its annual Candy Cane rescue, the 2011 Harvey alum The holidays are purported to be
Run on Saturday, Dec. 11. Be- will be available following her the most wonderful time of the
tween 9 a.m. and noon, the re presentation to autograph her year, but for some older adults,
department will bring Santa book. It features contributions the holidays bring on feelings of
Claus around the community on from several celebrated dog- sadness. They may have recently
lost a friend or spouse and are
having difficulty coping with • Set the mood.
being alone. Older adults with • Walk down memory lane.
mobility issues or conditions like • Book a spa treatment.
Alzheimer’s disease and other • Make their favorite holiday recipe.
forms of dementia can feel isolated • Enjoy the moment.
when everyone is getting together • Discover how we can help your
for celebrations and family visits.
loved one make the most of life.
That’s why it’s important to help the
loved one in your life feel included
and participate in the festivities
in whatever way they can. Here
are some tips on how to make the
holidays merry and bright for older
family members:

• Focus on activities that most
interest them.

• Deck the halls together.

At Artis Senior Living, our personalized approach helps
residents engage and connect with others, and gives
them a renewed sense of self. To learn more, call
914-236-0870 or visit TheArtisWay.com/Lewisboro

Artis Senior Living of Briarcliff Manor:
553 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
Check out our other nearby communities in Chestnut Ridge and Somers.

PAGE 6 THE KATONAH LEWISBORO TIMES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOSH EPSTEIN

Singing some holiday songs at St. Luke’s

PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY GONCALVES

The tree and the menorah are lighted in Lewisboro.

Katonah, Lewisboro celebrate
the season
e Katonah and Lewisboro communities tion in future years with an annual “Holiday
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS BURDICK both kicked o the holiday season on Sunday Festival of Lights.” It will be held at a yet to be
with public menorah and tree lightings. identi ed location.
The menorah in Katonah is lighted on the first night of Hanukkah.
e town of Lewisboro held its ceremony on Also on Sunday, a celebration organized by
Main Street at 4:30 p.m. near the library/town the Katonah Chamber of Commerce was held
house. e town hopes to expand this celebra- at 6 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021 THE KATONAH LEWISBORO TIMES PAGE 7

93 at John Jay H.S. in National Honor Society

John Jay High School has in- • So a Noel DiLeo • Paige Martin
• Ayla Dollar • Meabh McGroary
ducted 93 members of the Class • Julia D’Urso • Hunter McKendry
• Ava Elghanayan • Alannah McMann
of 2022 into the National Honor • Flora Elghanayan • Katherine Mercer
• Zoe Eliades • Elizabeth Milliot
Society. • Dugan Ellin • Ines Nix
• Kiera Ellison • Spencer Nyitray
Dr. Steven Siciliano, the high • Zoey Alexandra Feldman • Emma Ofer
• Victoria Fenton • Haley Outwater
school principal, congratulated • Rayna Frantz • Caroline Panzirer
• Caty Galgano • Alyson Parker
the honorees in a ceremony in • Katrina Gallagher • Millie Peacock
• Claire Gaza • Daniella Picerni
the high school auditorium, say- • Reagan Georgi • Jessica Piechota
• Lorenna Graham • Nicole Romano
ing, “It is good to see all of you in • Lily Hodor • Ella Rust
• Jessica Kennedy • Nick Savastano
one setting.” e 2021 Induction • Ava Kersh • Seneca Schwartz
• William Kershner • Hudson Siegel
Ceremony of the John Jay High • Emily Kiefer • Christina Simmes
• Nathanael Kim • Alec Skrilo
School chapter of the National • Michaela Kirby • Abigail Stobin
• Samuel Knowlton • Olivia Stoll
Honor Society, an in-person event • Lucy Landzberg • Morgan Stumbo
• Claire Lasota • Douglas Styles
for the honorees, was also attend- • Tansey Lee • Aidan Summer
• Allison Longo • Jennifer Termine
ed by hundreds of family mem- • Krista Longo • Liam Tuohy
• Mariel Lovejoy • Olivia Van Etten
bers via live stream. PHOTO COURTESY OF KLSD • Andrew Lucassen • Alice van Wijnen
“Many individuals show prom- John Jay National Honor Society officers • Scott MacDonald • Kaitlyn Z Varriale
ise and enjoy excellence at mo- • Ethan Marcotullio • Kye Viall
• Delaney Martin • Alexandra Volkova
ments in time,” Siciliano said, chapter, said the students were • Kathleen Birmingham • Lawrence Martin • Stephanie Xenos

addressing the families watching being recognized for more than • Danielle Blachar

from home. “What distinguishes their scholarship. Noting that a • Caroline Boies

this group of students is the con- grade point average of 3.90 was • Martin Brandwein

sistency they have shown over a only one requirement they had to • Andrew Brown

sustained period.” meet, he said, “ ey all achieved • Ashley Buatte

e ceremony included o cers high grades while being leaders in • Andrew Butcher

of John Jay’s honor society chapter. extra-curricular activities and vol- • Nina Calves

President Kaitlyn Varriale, Vice unteering their time to perform • Camille Carey

President Alyson Parker, Secre- community service.” • Claire Ceremuga

tary Jessica Kennedy and Trea- e honorees are: • Shu-Min Chang

surer Amanda Albert each lighted • Amanda Albert • Ethan Coletta

a candle representing one of the • Carolina Bal • Ryan Corelli

society’s core values: scholarship, • Kyle Beame • Jesse David

leadership, service and character. • William Beame • Spencer Davis

Steven Zoeller, a teacher and • Zachary Bertin • Sophia DiFalco

advisor to the honor society • Julia Besterman • Drew DiGuglielmo

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Another type of immunotherapy, “adoptive cell depends on the type of cancer and how advanced it
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lab, and then eventually returned to your body to ght their way through the treatment of many different
off the cancer. types of cancers now. This is the cutting edge of
oncological care.
Next are “monoclonal antibodies,” which are immune-
system proteins produced in a lab. These antibodies are
designed to attach to speci c targets found on cancer
cells. Some monoclonal antibodies mark cancer cells so
they will be better seen and destroyed by the immune

PAGE 8 THE KATONAH LEWISBORO TIMES Opinion THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Cuddle up Good enough

According to the internet, hug- “You just need to be a good
enough mom.”
READING, ging a person or pet or stu ed Just good enough? GUEST
WRITING & animal can release the hormone Her words stopped this weary mom CORNER
CHOCOLATE oxytocin. Known as the “cuddle dead in her tracks.
KIM STOLL
KIM hormone,” oxytocin can reduce I don’t want to be just “good enough.”
KOVACH stress and boost heart health. I want to be amazing. Poised. Perfect. Not enough.
Hugging a stu ed animal can im- More than enough. So…
Everything I dreamed I would be as a Be good enough.
prove your overall mood, ensure a mom. Don’t hold yourself to unrealistic
expectations that no one can meet.
One of my favorite child- more restful sleep, reduce feelings is seasoned mom of four shared a Provide for your kids.
hood stu ed animals little more about her mom journey and Show up for you kids.
was a green and yellow of fear, and provide comfort for my heart started to understand. Love your kids.
physical pain. One survey reported In each stage, “good enough” will look
that 34 percent of adults still sleep In this social media/Pinterest per- di erent, but it will be just that.
fect world, we as moms are called to be Enough.
frog. Froggy was the perfect size with a soft stu ed animal each everything.
Kim Stoll empowers women to nd joy in
to hold and cuddle at bedtime. night. We are called to be ever present at every day and build a life they love through
home, have a successful career, be a positive habits in mindset, tness and smart
He had black and white eyes, a We know that over the last 20 master chef, beautiful decorator, PTO nutrition. Virtual coaching available.
president, be active, well dressed and [email protected]
large red smile and a yellow fabric months, adoptions of dogs and party hostess extraordinaire…

crown attached to the top of his cats and other furry pets increased I could keep going.
And keeping up with the perceived
head. dramatically. People found comfort perfect lives of those around us on social
media leaves us feeling:
Froggy held the place of honor in focusing on these living, breath- Undone.
Overwhelmed.
perched on top of my pillows after ing furry friends. But for those

I made my bed each morning individuals who cannot care for an

before going o to school. A well- actual pet, hugging a plush stu ed

traveled companion, I remember teddy bear, monkey, hedgehog,

bringing Froggy along on the koala, or sloth might do the trick.

airplane trip to Montreal, Canada, ese new weighted stu ed

for a family vacation. animals, some with aromatherapy,

At some point, my busy Mom can be therapeutic by bringing a

tossed Froggy into the washer and sense of comfort and security to

dryer. He was never the same. I ease loneliness, help heal from

recall arriving home from school trauma and remind us of happy Ho! Ho! Ho!

to see poor Froggy—his eyes childhood memories. December bring family events to
Bedford and beyond
wrinkled, his red mouth twisted, Stu ed animals can help in

and part of his fabric crown torn the grieving process, as well.

o in the laundering process. Several companies o er to sew

Over the years, Froggy moved special stu ed animals, decora-

with me from house to apartment tive pillows, or quilts made from

to condo. He sat in a wicker basket the clothing of a lost loved one.

collecting dust. At my last move, I Imagine the feeling of comfort

reluctantly bid farewell to Froggy. in pulling a special quilt around “Ho! Ho! Ho!” edition of I made Santa’s “nice” list this
“News & Notes.” year, so I can’t wait for the
But I still have the memories. your shoulders or holding tightly NEWS & “Peppermint Parade, Santa
NOTES Here is an event that Comes to Katonah” event pre-
Googling on the internet, I to a stu ed animal when you are caught my wonderful wife’s sented by the Katonah Cham-
MARK attention. “Sip, Shop, and ber of Commerce at 11 a.m.
discovered that stu ed animals feeling sad and can no longer JEFFERS Socialize,” sponsored by the Saturday, Dec. 4. After con-
Bedford Hills Neighborhood
are now marketed to adults. e embrace that missing loved one Welcome to “News & Association is set for 7-10 rming my name on his good
Notes,” where we p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, at the list, I promised my wife we
bene ts of hugging a soft stu ed this holiday season. look at the hap- Bedford Hills Train Station. would join the Holiday Stroll
penings here in Westchester Enjoy shopping at great local through downtown Katonah
animal can promote a calming Here’s another idea that you County… vendors, meet new people, all on Friday evening Dec. 10, for
while enjoying a glass of wine some holiday cheer, shopping,
e ect in this stressful world. Be- may want to try during your Just nished the holiday and light apps—sounds like a and community. Hope to see
decorating. Our reindeer lost plan to me. As far as I can tell, you all there!
sides being cute and furry, stu ed fall and winter nature walks. a few lights, our stockings by my wife is a professional sipper,
the chimney needed some care, shopper, and socializer. e Katonah Presbyterian
animals can help to lower anxiety. Last year, the Icelandic Forestry the manger scene lost a few Church High School Youth
sheep, and one of the wise men e Bedford Hills Tree Group is going on a Midnight
Not just for children anymore, Service encouraged people to go needed a bit of Elmer’s glue. Lighting is set for 5 p.m. Run on Dec. 17 to deliver
But otherwise, it’s good to go. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Bed- food, toiletries, and clothing to
adults and teens experiencing out and hug a tree. One forest Afterward, I poured myself a ford Hills Train Station. Come the homeless in NYC. It’s the
hot cocoa and wrote this week’s join your neighbors for singing, season of giving and the need
loneliness, isolation, and depres- ranger recommended hugging a snacks, and, of course, Santa.
SEE JEFFERS PAGE 13
sion may bene t from the physi- tree for ve minutes each day. “If Speaking of Santa, I think

cal sensation of holding tightly to you can give yourself ve minutes

a stu ed animal. of your day to hug a tree, it’s such

Studies show that if you hug a a wonderful feeling of relaxation

friend, family member, or pet for and then you’re ready for a new

twenty seconds, the e ect of that day and new challenges.” Need a

embrace can lower blood pressure hug?

and reduce stress. Stu ed animals

can work the same way. e tactile Kim Kovach has never

sensation of touching the soft fab- owned a stu ed koala. www.

ric is similar to stroking a pet’s fur. kimkovachwrites.com

BRETT FREEMAN, PUBLISHER 2 Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views
BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER, EDITOR TRACKS and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR of Katonah-Lewisboro Times or its affiliates. Submissions must include a
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For more information, call the editor at (914) 302-5628

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021 OPINION THE KATONAH LEWISBORO TIMES PAGE 9

LETTERS

Town Board is designated for municipality use as were elected and assigned to do. coldness toward their children. implementation of Operation T4
needs to clean up per the NYSDEC.
Lewisboro first Carol Cernak During this time, parents had in 1939, all physicians, nurses and
roughout this time, I presented
To the editor, photographic evidence of tractor- Manager,Farvue Farm few options since their children had midwives were forced to report
is past week, after rst trailers depositing massive logs
at the site and the dust and noise to authorities all newborns and
postponing a hearing on the 2022 created from the heavy equip- children under the age of 3 who
budget which is still to be adopted, ment chipping and processing. I showed signs of mental or physical
the “lame duck”Lewisboro Town also presented regulations from disability. is program eventu-
Board then devoted the bulk of its the NYSDEC showing how the ally expanded to children as old as
meeting to adopting a global warm- piles of material should be properly 17.Parents were required to send
ing “Emergency Declaration”and maintained and checked to make no legal right to a public education.
setting a framework for a local plan sure they do not burst into ames ere were no therapies or activities
of action to help stem the acidi ca- from the heat of their natural decay.
tion of our oceans, the destruction Speaking upWforhen it comes to your to-dofor them. e parents were shunned
of the Gulfstream, and to ght “new Despite all of this, I was not
vectors for infectious disease, heat taken seriously until the excavation special eduation as the perceived cause of their chil-
islands within historically ‘redlined’ and destruction of vegetation along
neighborhood of color in Yonkers, the edge of the cemetery exposed list, put your future first.dren’s disabilities.Doctors advised
and an intergenerational transfer of to visitors the heavy equipment and
wealth,”and to preserve “the very massive piles of mulch festering just students mothers to put their children in
viability of life on earth.” beyond the gravestones. A mulch
re can last for weeks. Even today, To the editor, institutions, forget about them, and their children to special chil-
Kudos to them for expressing no silt barriers or other stormwater www19eihtI4rehne0nsaotthutfhhtteeiersnUiomruncc.gohiMthnielsddtoihdrtSeelWhentrie’a6erstwd0seseswtth,,ropefe,rgTJarbodeeremiepooalonaangtbttnsnuhefaoafieleusietldellWnttdsisysdcowheactfiohonnoahn,onodvneeuedurfmpigeouatathnnrircogorhutsnnotepiashtfladtithecoecurtscrnfeecni.otytthkhaocwteiuwldos,delooeir.serciIcaunulmdeostosydtocsrionkttuon’ehtvefitdfehiotguiuaahsnrvswaoseesr,rtaorcytiutbtortlt.eroytyeyooitidi-tmnooryflode,udpafidntmu,rh’sotuorihaorvswreuewsaridyfisrraEdNttcs.rsnhteta.wdihazoltdaeihmrEwebe-nereunengdg,wtciaepn.noaInoinrriuiceanldsandgcptlrtsorueowfcagelte-rhirvaeeem.
concern for solving this critical is- control devices have been put in t“oirfsemmfriagdteiearrgantnaoolrswmisaowrmmaTgstsh”dooauanneadfidtoltgnostelhdndeoetirhranoellaacuuTgkt-rtooahiiacfinnolkWEtnshwu,idhsroociclpoentooeuto.hnInutetnrrttgsyGi,aatiuehtecacrwmttoikatoaswyn,neyywvoc,oewatnousiuotwtnrherortrtgrfihisEbaeeenlecdtatwnyyIocatoiirusauderslrtifimEnaStdeEadEwntLhEcaatTiraaTdroEluRnSd 300,000
sue. However, given their poor track place. Jones finaJoncnieasl afidnvainscoiraltoaddavyis.or today. PAGE 14
record right here at home, I found
their priorities to be appalling. Operations slowed down for the MKT-9811B-AJudi R McAnawSF93SJ3uoo1in42mmda-R6ineeRc6J9S.S3Forrussii931oouan,Mdmm42F-tlaN5ei-iAnee6cRnY3Rc1rr6dAoa20ss9FS3S.i19unvaM,9n00Fit31-oolicN5nesia5ncAmmi42S3oYaa81waAdu-2rlnnee6091Rvni9Ccctrr0069SJS3F.ioasiesseua5ii31oo9unSoaw,nld83mm24Fta-urCltN59e0i-iineee6RnteAR3Y0ecrrr6on1assdi29tu3anM,01eFvt-9l0cN5er00iincA0si3Ya15Ad2Sonl018vn9curC00i9asiia5teSowle8nurC9ti3teeen0Mwrt30ewe0mrw0b.eedrwMeSIadePrmCwdbjaoerMnwrMwdeSejwwsoImmP.wcwnCbo.ebe.emesderd.wrcSwoIaSPrmIaCdPrjCdonjoesn.ceosm.com
fall, but even now, board members FAP-1966D-A
It has been more than 18 months and highway employees continue to S ers Cust Framing & Gi s
since I warned the board that a deal make con icting statements about FAP-1966D-A
they had quietly made (without the site. Last month, the town an-
proper disclosure or bidding) with nounced a plan to give away some FAP-1966D-A
an outside contractor had turned of the material to local contractors
the area of the salt dome into a large to lessen the overcrowding, only
portable commercial tree processing to reverse themselves a few days
operation serving various commu- later. Just a few weeks ago as heavy
nities outside of the town. Residen- equipment worked on top of the
tially zoned with historic homes pile steam from the heat caused by
and churches, two historic farms, the core biodegrading could be seen
a nature preserve, and the Town rising. Even now, an operation that
Cemetery, the area’s run-o leads allegedly even surprised some board
to a large, critical state wetland. e members with its size remains
simple agreement was intended shrouded in secrecy.
to create a barter system where
the contractor would process the Addressing global warming is
town’s trees for free in exchange for urgent, but I look to our elected
processing an unspeci ed amount o cials in Albany and Washington
of its own waste products. Instead, it to take the lead. Meanwhile, like
led to an operation of a commercial my neighbors at Oakridge and in
processing and storage facility of our lake communities and schools,
thousands of cubic yards of wood I look to our Town Board and
chips and giant piles of waste trees the NYSDEC as our rst line of
from throughout the county, which defense to help protect our drinking
water and our local environment.
I look to them to do the job they

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021 Sports THE KATONAH LEWISBORO TIMES PAGE 15

BOWLING

John Jay ready to compete
ton, Connor Leska-Kent, and man, Amelia Maiorana, Kiera
BY RICH MONETTI
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Owen Morabito are all return- Ellison, and Stephanie Halsey

Last year, the boys and girls ing, while the Wolves will wel- are all returning, and Feldman
bowling team had pretty good
seasons. e girls took second come back Angelo Sinapi from will likely be the team’s anchor.
in the regionals and the boys
won the crown. Even so, Coach his tenure two years ago. “Zoey learned how to hook
Paul Plutzker has modest goals
for 2022. e primary shoes they will the ball, and she’s been able

“I want them to be com- need to ll are those of CJ Pol- to show a lot of improvement
petitive against the really good
teams and even if they’re not worth, and Plutzker sees Les- since she started,”Plutzker said.
doing well in a match, we want
to stay focused,” he said. “Be- ka-Kent stepping in. In support, Ava Feldman
cause it doesn’t always come
down to winning and losing, it “Connor has shown a lot of keeps it in the family as an in-
comes down to doing the best
you can.” improvement each year, and I coming freshman, and Aurelia

Plutzker also tempers last think he’s going to have a solid Brummel is new to the team
year’s regional success on the
boy’s side with a dose of Co- season,” said the coach. “I think as a sophomore. So, the team Jack Lawton
vid-19 reality. Zoey Feldman
he’s going to take the role of should still be able to at least
“ e fact that we were
champs has a little to do with anchor.” keep things status quo from last
the year it was,” he said. “I’m
not taking anything away from Of course, all hands are on year, according to Plutzker.
the boys team, but I think some
of the competition was a little deck, and the Wolves can also “ ey were by far the best
shorthanded.”
see a future in three newcom- team. I don’t know what the
Either way, the boys will
lace up four deep. Jack Law- ers. Alex Federice and Denis competition is like this year, but

Zapson are freshmen on the I feel like we should be in com-

rise, and Ethan Lewitt is ready petition for the league title,” he

to roll as a sophomore. said.

at said, Plutzker knows e face-to-face, lane-to-

that Lakeland remembers their lane action of Covid-free re-

loss in the regional nals and strictions will make this season

are de nitely coming to play. all the more interesting.

“ ey have a lot of kids and “ ere’s a lot of motivation

a lot of good bowlers,” he said. to do well when they see the

“ ey’re going to be our sti est other team doing well,” Plutz-

competition.” ker said. “It keeps the bowlers

On the girls side, the Wolves focused because you’re always FILE PHOTOS/RICH MONETTI

are top-heavy, too. Zoey Feld- trying to stay close.”

GIRLS SWIMMING

Wolves
compete
at states
At the state competition in
The relay team of Ashley Piacentino, Jesse Crane, Marisol Tan, and Lexi Riolo FILE PHOTO Ithaca on Nov. 19 and 20, the
John Jay swim team closed
their season, with several
Wolves making themselves
heard. Ashley Piacentino took
13th in 100 Freestyle and the
members of the 200 Freestyle
Relay nished in 13th place.
Marisol Tan, Rachele Bach-
mann, Jessica Crane, and Pia-
centino all took home a rib-
bon in the relay and did their
community proud.