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Published by Halston Media, 2023-04-18 15:56:04

Mahopac News 04.20.2023

VOL. 14 NO. 10 THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 27 CLASSIFIEDS 26 LEGAL NOTICES 24 LEISURE 20 MAHOPAC MUSINGS 4 OPINION 8 SPORTS 18 Mahopac Lacrosse nets wins pg 17 LAX ATTACK! Visit TapIntoMahopac.net for the latest news. BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR With three seats open, four candidates have announced their candidacy as trustees on the Mahopac School District Board of Education. District Clerk Melody LaRocca on Tuesday pulled the names out of a hat to set the ballot order: Michael Mongon, incumbent Tanner McCracken, current board president Ben DiLullo, and Marsha Waldman.  e school board election and the public vote to approve on the adopted budget is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, May 16 at Mahopac High School Gym from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Tuesday evening (after Mahopac News went to press) the board was set to vote to adopt the budget presented by Superintendent Christine Tona and Interim Assistant Superintendent for Business  Christina Howe. At the board’s April 13 work meeting, Howe said that because New York State had yet to  nalize its budget the administration was still waiting Four to vie for School Board BY BOB DUMAS AND EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITORS Longtime incumbent Carmel Highway Superintendent Michael Simone has withdrawn his name from the Republican primary ballot for this June and will not seek another term. Simone’s decision, reportedly made for personal reasons, comes at an awkward time in the election cycle. Some Carmel Republicans have expressed shock and anger over the decision not to appoint a replacement for Simone to run against non-establishment candidate Gerard Ahler in the GOP primary this June.  is makes Ahler the presumptive winner of the o ce since the Democrats have not nominated a candidate for the fall election. Simone began his tenure as supervisor in 2000. Putnam County Election Commissioner Kelly Primavera con rmed that Simone  led the necessary paperwork earlier this month to o cially withdraw from the race. Simone, who was endorsed by the town’s Republican Committee in February, was con rmed as the committee’s endorsed candidate as recently as last week. Over the weekend, and again on Monday afternoon, Town GOP Committee Chair Stephen Baranowski had told Mahopac News the party expected to endorse a new candidate to replace Simone, but when asked for an update on Monday evening, Baranowski said “the committee took no action.” Subsequent requests for comment went unanswered. It is that statement—“the committee took no action”— that has some committee members angry.  ey say they weren’t consulted and that Baranowski made the decision on his own. Republican Committee member Antoinette De Bellis said the idea of Ahler running unopposed took her and other committee members by surprise. “I’ve been on the Republican Committee for 23 years,” De Bellis said, “and I have never seen anything like this at all. Now there is no primary for highway superintendent. We had time to  eld another candidate, but the chairman said it was too late. And now he’s not answering anybody’s phone calls.  e previous chairman, Anthony Scannapieco, would never have let this happen.” De Bellis said she and other committee members believe there was time to  eld and endorse a new candidate to run in the primary. “After Simone withdrew, anybody would have had seven days by Board of Election law to try to get enough signatures to get on the ballot,” she said. “Steve Baranowski said that he was going to interview two people on Monday. He interviewed no one. Nicole Barile Stern’s husband, Mike Stern, wanted to run, but Baranowski rejected that idea. “And then when it came to getting the candidate, it just falls on Gerard Ahler because he got his signatures and there is no other candidate now.” Barile Stern, also a member of the Carmel Republican Committee, called Baranowski’s actions an “appalling disregard for our organization’s process for selecting which candidates to endorse.” “[Simone] had  led a declination letter on April 12, [and] our current chair should have immediately noti ed committee members and initiated the process of seeking replacement candidates,” she said. “Instead, he made the decision to shut the members he serves out of the process and act unilaterally on behalf of the committee.” Barile Stern said Baranowski was disingenuous with prospective candidates to replace Simone, such as her husband, because he had already made a decision.  “Word travels fast in our town, and when community members began hearing that [Simone] would not be seeking re-election, several prospective candidates emerged,” she said. “ ey were told that their resumes would be reviewed by the Committee to Simone’s withdrawal sends GOP into turmoil Highway supervisor race takes an unexpected turn FILE PHOTO Mike Simone Visit TapIntoMahopac.net for the latest news. SEE SIMONE PAGE 4 SEE BOARD PAGE 23 P.O. Box 573, Brewster, NY 10509 PUTNAMSERVICEDOGS.ORG Questions? CALL US 917.449.5359 SCAN TO APPLY Become a volunteer PUPPY RAISER! Help us raise a pup like Benji for 6, 12 or 18 months! Recruit ad_Halston 22 4c.indd 1 10/25/22 7:38 PM


PAGE 2 – MAHOPAC NEWS THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023 VOL. 13 NO. 50 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 23 CLASSIFIEDS 22 LEGAL NOTICES 22 LEISURE 21 MAHOPAC MUSINGS 7 OPINION 8 SPORTS 16 Local Historian’s New Book on Indian Point pg 3 Visit TapIntoMahopac.net for the latest news. BY WHIT ANDERSON SPORTS EDITOR e Mahopac High School Varsity Cheer team are national champions. Greeted by classmates, parents, school o cials--and with an escort from area police and ­ re departments--the team got a wellearned heroes’ welcome on Jan. 23 upon its return from the National Cheer Association (NCA) High School Nationals in Dallas. On Sunday, after two routines that saw the Indians hit zero and accumulate a total score of 96.375, the ’Pac heard their name called as NCA title winners. Celebrations were already underway on Monday when the team bus was met by Carmel PD and the Putnam County Sheri’ ’s Department cars at the Westchester county line. As the police escort brought them home along Croton Falls Road, they were met along the way by Mahopac Fire Department and Mahopac Falls VFD trucks before pulling into the high school parking lot. Hundreds of parents and fans were waiting to give the team the recognition they deserved. Amongst those in attendance were District Superintendent Christine Tona, football coach Dominick DeMatteo, and athletic trainer Breanna Lape. “We are so incredibly proud of our Varsity Cheer Team and their winning performance in Dallas,” said Mahopac Schools Superintendent Christine Tona. Something to about! Mahopac cheer team takes NCA title cheer BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR As New York State’s deadline requiring public schools to stop using Native American names and symbols for sports team mascots draws closer, Mahopac School Superintendent Christine Tona has announced a plan to that will replace ‘Indians’ as the district’s nickname before the end of the school year. e more recently adopted arrowhead logo may also change, though its fate is less clear. Tona presented the plan at the school board’s Jan. 17 work meeting and distributed it online in the “Superintendent’s Message” email newsMahopac schools to say goodbye to ‘Indians’ District forms committee to choose mascot replacement options, students to vote May SEE MASCOT PAGE 4 Mahopac cheer team takes NCA title cheer SEECHEER PAGE 12 YOUR NEIGHBOR 914-282-6440 [email protected] ZACKS RE/MAX Classic Realty Services Provided Property Evaluation | Home Staging High Definition Photography | 3D/Virtual Tours Custom Digital Marketing | Five-Star Service Questions? Call Lawrence Zacks Today! 914-282-6440 Call for a FREE CONSULTATION Privately set on Cul-de-sac. Gorgeous renovation - nothing to do but move in... Stunning Granite Kitchen w/Smart Appliances & large Island w/Seating for 4. Beautiful Dining Area w/Cathedral Ceiling & large Bay Window overlooking the Water. Two expansive Decks for Entertaining. Full Walk-out Lower Level w/Dedicated Home Office, large Recreation/Exercise Room + Full Bath. New High Efficiency Heating & Cooling system. New Roof. Large Level Back Yard leads to the Lake... $524,000 LAWRENCE ZACKS, Winner of the 2021 Circle of Legends Award Window overlooking the Water. Two expansive Decks for Entertaining. Full RENOVATED MAHOPAC HOME WITH WATER VIEWS! Looking to move? We can help you relocate anywhere in the world! Scan me! RENTALS ALSO AVAILABLE: 3 BR Mahopac House: $3,350/month 3 BR Putnam Valley House: $3,250/month THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2023 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ As New York State’s deadline requiring public schools to stop using Native American names and symbols for sports team mascots draws closer, Mahopac School Superintendent Christine Tona has announced a plan to that will replace ‘Indians’ as the district’s nickname before the end of the school e more recently adopted arrowhead logo may also change, though its fate is less clear. Tona presented the plan at the school board’s Jan. 17 work meeting and distributed it online in the “Superintendent’s Message” email newsschools to say goodbye to ‘Indians’ District forms committee to choose mascot replacement options, students to vote May SEE MASCOT Call for a 914-282-6440 [email protected] ZACKS RE/MAX Classic Realty Services Provided Property Evaluation | Home Staging High Definition Photography | 3D/Virtual Tours Custom Digital Marketing | Five-Star Service FREE CONSULTATION As New York State’s deadline requiring public schools to stop using Native American names and symbols for sports team mascots draws closer, Mahopac School Superintendent Christine Tona has announced a plan to that will replace ‘Indians’ as the district’s nickname before the end of the school e more recently adopted arrowhead logo may also change, though its fate is less clear. Tona presented the plan at the school board’s Jan. 17 work meeting and distributed it online in the “Superintendent’s Message” email newscommittee to choose mascot replacement options, students to MASCOT 914-282-6440 [email protected] RE/MAX Classic Realty Property Evaluation | Home Staging High Definition Photography | 3D/Virtual Tours Custom Digital Marketing | Five-Star Service FREE CONSULTATION THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023 VOL. 14 NO. 3 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 27 CLASSIFIEDS 26 LEGAL NOTICES 24 LEISURE 21 MAHOPAC MUSINGS 4 OPINION 8 SPORTS 16 It’s snow, man! pg 14 FLAKING OUT Visit TapIntoMahopac.net for the latest news. BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR A man who broke into his ex’s Carmel home and attacked her boyfriend is going to jail. Putnam County DA Robert Tendy last week announced the conviction and sentencing of Jorge L. Sari-Tenesaca, who pleaded guilty in November to one count of ƒ rst-degree attempted burglary. Noting that it was Sari-Tenesaca’s second felony conviction, the district attorney’s o„ ce said the Westchester resident was sentenced in January to ƒ ve years in state prison with ƒ ve years of postrelease supervision and an eightyear full order of protection. Sari-Tenesca’s road to justice was a long one. It started in 2021 when he broke into a home inhabited by the mother of his children, her current partner, and the children. “Š e defendant entered the home through a kitchen window at approximately 1 a.m. after disabling the exterior security cameras and proceeded to physically attack the male resident in his bed,” the DA’s o„ ce said. Š e mother called 911 and Carmel police responded quickly, arresting SariTenasca at the scene. He was taken into custody, arraigned, and released. But then, according to the DA, “the defendant absconded for approximately 11 months until he was located and arrested on a warrant issued by the Putnam County Court after indictment.” Tendy thanked DA’s o„ ce criminal investigator Jaemie Caban, Carmel PD Detective Sgt. Brian Forde, and the Peekskill Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for helping bring Sari-Tenesca in to face Putnam County Judge Joseph Spo– ord. “When it comes to the safety of our Putnam County homeowners,” Tendy said, “we will engage all law enforcement agencies to ensure that the defendant is apprehended and brought to justice.” Š e case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Todd W. Carpenter. Man gets five years for Carmel break-in Convicted of breaking into ex’s house, attacking new partner BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR Putnam County is giving volunteer ƒ rst responders a tax break, and the Town of Carmel is likely to follow. Late last month, County Executive Kevin Byrne announced a new law that provides a 10 percent property tax exemption for volunteer ƒ reƒ ghters and volunteer ambulance workers. Passed by the Putnam County Legislature on Feb. 7, Byrne said he had supported state legislation allowing such provisions while a member of the New York State Assembly in 2022. Š e county law is one of several to be considered in the area, with both the Town of Carmel and the Mahopac School District scheduled to hold public hearings on similar measures this week. Town Supervisor Michael Cazzari said the town was planning to o– er the same break as the county: A 10 percent reduction in a home’s assessed value for volunteers with ƒ ve years or more of service. “Š is is all about attracting volunteers to the area,” Cazzari told Mahopac News. “Š ere’s a real crisis in recruiting volunteer ƒ rst responders because people can’t a– ord the cost of living around here. Giving a tax break is better than having to hire paid ƒ re and EMTs.” While the public hearing on the town’s tax break was scheduled for March 1 (after press time), Cazzari said the measure is likely to pass. “I don’t anticipate any objections,” he explained. Currently, Putnam County taxes property at a rate of around 3 percent per $1,000 in home assessment. Š e Town of Carmel’s rate is around 4.7 percent per $1,000. Other property taxes go to the local ƒ re districts, refuse Taxes lowered for first responders Volunteer fi refi ghters and EMS get 10 percent county tax break County Executive Kevin Byrne (seated, right, with legislative Chairman Paul Jonke) introduces a property tax exemption for volunteer EMS and fi refi ghters. SEE TAX PAGE 22 361 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 (845) 628-4100 SCAN ME Visit our Showroom for: Tile, Kitchen & Bath Cabinets, Counter Tops, Shower Doors samsceramic.com We Install Everything We Sell DEDICATED TO HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR 20 YEARS SPRING AHEAD WITH A NEW KITCHEN! THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2023 VOL. 13 NO. 49 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 27 CLASSIFIEDS 26 LEGAL NOTICES 24 LEISURE 20 MAHOPAC MUSINGS 22 OPINION 8 SPORTS 13 O cers Sworn In pg 12 Visit TapIntoMahopac.net for the latest news. BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR  e Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce announced its 2022 award winners this month. Businessperson of the Year Christine Picone of William Raveis Real Estate, Emerging Professional Stephanie Bellofatto of ServPro, and Justin Killian of Arlington Financial will receive their awards at a gala dinner on Tuesday, January 24 at the Putnam County Golf Course in Mahopac. Mahopac News caught up with them before the event. CHRISTINE PICONE When 2022 Businessperson of the Year Christine Picone of William Raveis Real Estate started her career, she probably never imagined she would be spending her working life helping people ‹ nd homes.  e longtime Mahopac resident was working as a bank teller when a customer told her about a job opening at the JeŽ erson Valley o ce of Houlihan-Lawrence Real Estate. “I reached out to the broker and started working as an o ce administrator shortly after,” Picone said. Eventually, her broker suggested she get her real estate license. “Even if I didn’t want to sell, it would be good for referrals and understanding the business better,” Picone explained. “So I took the course and got my license.” Still, for the next 10 or so years, Picone’s focus was administration, not selling. But after she took some time oŽ to have her second child, she decided to shift gears. “When I was ready to return to work, I decided to sell real estate instead of do admin,” she said. “Having a schedule that I could make myself while raising my two children was very important to me.” In sales, Picone gets to help families ‹ nd their most important asset. “I love helping my clients ‹ nd their dream home and navigate them through this di cult and stressful process,” she said. “ e most satisfying part of this job is seeing my clients happy to purchase their home--especially ‹ rst-time buyers. While 2022 was a busy year, Picone sees no signs of slowing down in 2023 and looks forward to continuing to serve the community through the chamber. “ is past May I was asked to serve on the Community Cares board of directors,” she said. “We are a local nonpro‹ t organization that helps local families in need who are going through a medical crisis. Also, this past December I was asked to sit on the Advisory Board of Directors for Putnam County Action Partnership.” Picone has chaired the Mahopac Street Festival and Carmel Street Fair for the past ‹ ve years and has Christine Picone named business person of the year Mahopac-Carmel Chamber also honors Stephanie Bellofatto and Justin Kilian COURTESY CHRISTINE PICONE Christine Picone SEE CHAMBER PAGE 4 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR After a months-long renovation to address air leaks that played havoc with temperatures inside the building, Mahopac Public Library will reopen its doors at 668 Route 6 on Monday, January 23.  e Book Barn is scheduled to reopen the following day. As the project neared completion, library director Michele Capozzella took Mahopac News on a tour accompanied by construction manager Allen Shelton of the Palombo Group and library trustees Eugene Boesch, John Battista, and Joseph Montuori. While most of the work, funded by a $3.1 million bond, will be invisible to patrons once the project is completed, Capozzella said Mahopac Library is heading home Main building gets set to reopen on January 23 SEE LIBRARY PAGE 3 PHOTO: EMILE MENASCHÉ Library director Michele Capozzella MAHOPAC FALLS VFD 17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults 1. Clip the short form on this page 2. Fill out the information. 3. Mail it to: P.O. Box 864, Mahopac, NY 10541 4. Or Visit or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com 5. Or Scan our QR Code to Subscribe. Please print your first and last names and address legibly, sign and date (all required to continue receiving your subscription to this newspaper). YES, I wish to receive a FREE 3-year subscription to The Katonah-Lewisboro Times. YES, I really enjoy The Katonah-Lewisboro Times, and I’d like to continue receiving it for 3 years, along with a monetary contribution this year. (Please print legibly.) First (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required. Please print legibly.) Last (Required) City: State: ZIP: Name: Signature: Email: Snowbird Dates (if applicable): Date: Phone: Address: (Optional) (Optional for TAPinto E-News) Checks payable to Halston Media LLC Please include this form in your envelope. 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 https://bit.ly/HalstonSubscribe OR Visit https://bit.ly/ HalstonSubscribe 2 TRACKS Please Subscribe— It’s FREE & it’s Easy! We Need Your Support To Continue The Paper THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 2023 It’s snow, man! pg 14 FLAKING OUT tack the male resident in his bed,” the DA’s o„ ce said. Š e mother called 911 and Carmel police responded quickly, arresting SariHe was taken into custody, arraigned, and released. But then, according to the DA, “the defendant absconded for approximately 11 months until he was located and arrested on a warrant issued by the Putnam County Court afTendy thanked DA’s o„ ce criminal investigator Jaemie Caban, Carmel PD Detective Sgt. Brian Forde, and the Peekskill Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for helping bring Sari-Tenesca in to face Putnam County Judge Joseph Spo– ord. “When it comes to the safety of our Putnam County homeowners,” Tendy said, “we will engage all law enforcement agencies to ensure that the defendant is apprehended and brought to justice.” Š e case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Todd W. Man gets five years for Carmel break-in Convicted of breaking into ex’s house, attacking new partner VOL. 13 NO. 49 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR  e Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce announced its 2022 award winners this month. Businessperson of the Year Christine Picone of William Raveis Real Estate, Emerging Professional Stephanie Bellofatto of ServPro, and Justin Killian of Arlington Financial will receive their awards at a gala dinner on Tuesday, January 24 at the Putnam County Golf Course in Mahopac. Mahopac News caught up with them before the event. CHRISTINE PICONE When 2022 Businessperson of she get her real estate license. “Even if I didn’t want to sell, it would be good for referrals and understanding the business better,” Picone exChristine Picone named business person of the year Mahopac-Carmel Chamber also honors Stephanie Bellofatto and Justin Kilian BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR After a months-long renovation to address air leaks that played havoc with temperatures inside the building, Mahopac Public Library will reopen its doors at 668 Route 6 on Monday, January 23.  e Book Barn is scheduled to reopen the following day. As the project neared completion, library director Michele Capozzella took Mahopac News on a tour accompanied by construction manager Allen Shelton of the Palombo Group and Mahopac Library is heading home Main building gets set to reopen on January 23 17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 VOL. 14 NO. 5 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 27 CLASSIFIEDS 26 LEGAL NOTICES 24 LEISURE 20 MAHOPAC MUSINGS 4 OBITUARIES 21 OPINION 8 SPORTS 16 ‘Pac girls earn kudos pg 16 HOOPS HONORS Visit TapIntoMahopac.net for the latest news.  e Stephen P. Driscoll Memorial Pipe Band marched along Route 6 on Sunday in what observers are calling the biggest Saint Patrick’s Day parade to hit Mahopac in years. From Gaelic footballers to Guatemalan dancers, this year’s parade was full of color and fun. See and read more about it on pages 14-15. Saint Pat is back! Mahopac parade draws big crowds PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE A new athletic ƒ eld being built in Mahopac by the county will put smiles on the faces of Gaelic football players and fans in the area, but neighbors who live close to the construction site are not thrilled with the chaos it’s brought to their street.  e ƒ eld in question is being built at 370 Austin Road, a piece of property that is wedged between Airport Park and the Putnam County Golf Course. Work on the project began in the summer of 2021 and Robert Sunshine, who lives at 350 Austin Road, said since then the noise has been untenable and there is a huge pile of dirt right next to his backyard which is visible from the street. He said he’s made several phone calls to the county but couldn’t ƒ nd any answers. “ ere is a mountain of dirt out there taller than the pyramids,” he said. “ ey never return my calls. I don’t know what is going on. It’s like they are sneaking around out there.” Sunshine said dump trucks ƒ lled with topsoil rumble Gaelic football project draws ire on Austin Road Residents question construction disruption and ‘pyramid’ of dirt PHOTO: EMILE MENASCHÉ Construction equipment is dwarfed by a “pyramid” of dirt behind the house at 350 Austin Road. SEE DIRT PAGE 6 LAWRENCE ZACKS 3+ Decades’ Experience Over 3,000 Families Helped Business Person of the Year Top 1% of Agents Worldwide Call Zacks Today for details! 914-282-6440 914-282-6440 [email protected] ZACKS RE/MAX Classic Realty Services Provided Property Evaluation | Home Staging High Definition Photography | 3D/Virtual Tours Custom Digital Marketing | Five-Star Service Call for a FREE CONSULTATION New Construction in Mahopac! Beautiful home in quiet, private community. 3 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths. Dynamic open floor plan, 14 ft. ceilings, huge center island Eat-In Kitchen, Living/Family Room w/Fireplace, Large Primary Bedroom w/Full Bath & huge Walk-In Closet. Oversized Deck. Stunning 4” Oak Hardwood Floors. Central A/C. Super efficient Spray Foam Insulation. 2-Car Garage and large separate Workshop! Call for details. $749,900 Please print your first and last names and address legibly, sign and date (all required to continue receiving your subscription to this newspaper). YES, I wish to receive a FREE 3-year subscription to Mahopac News YES, I really enjoy Mahopac News and I’d like to continue receiving it for 3 years, along with a monetary contribution this year. (Please print legibly.) First (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required. Please print legibly.) Last (Required) City: State: ZIP: Name: Signature: Email: Snowbird Dates (if applicable): Date: Phone: Address: (Optional for TAPinto E-News) (Optional) Mail to: P.O. Box 864 Mahopac, NY 10541 While we need your Full Support to keep this newspaper strong, we include the option for Basic Support because we don’t want financial reasons to get in the way of our readers receiving this newspaper. Basic Support vs. Full Support Basic Support Full Support $100 $50 $20 other or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com OR or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com Checks payable to Halston Media LLC. Please include this form in your envelope. Please include the following additional papers as part of this subscription: North Salem News The Somers Record Yorktown News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The Katonah-Lewisboro Times Since the founding of our country, the U.S. Postal Service offered reduced rates to newspapers. This is because the post office recognized that newspapers were an essential element for an informed electorate, which depended upon a healthy exchange of news, ideas, and opinions. For free newspapers to receive a postal discount, the post office requires that at least 50% of readers formally subscribe with their signature. Signatures are only valid for a limited amount of time. We are a small business and need all the support we can get. If you are able to include a monetary contribution with your signature, it is welcome and appreciated more than you can know. But please also recognize that basic support — a signature to request the paper — is also greatly appreciated. Our Mission: We aim to be the most trusted and respected source for hyper-local content. We want our subscribers to look forward to reading us every week. We want to inform, educate, entertain and inspire better than anyone else on a local level. Truly Grateful, Brett Freeman Publisher #


Your Neighbor THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 3 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR Historians may argue over who “discovered” America and when, but one thing is indisputable: millions of people discover America for themselves every year as immigrants. While they come from different places, speak different languages, and have different customs, they share one thing in common—the need to find their place and adapt to new surroundings. Miriam Yekutiel’s new novel, “Between Two Worlds,” tells one version of that story, one forged from personal experience after leaving Israel in the 1970s. Now living in Brewster, the horticulturist-turned-author’s American odyssey began in New York City’s Upper West Side long before gentrification turned it into a center of wealth. “People were afraid to come to visit me because it was a very unsafe place to live,” said Yekutiel, who completed the novel while part of the Mahopac Library Writers group. “They used to call it ‘the wild west of Manhattan.’ But then I lived in a very strange, unusual situation.” Born and raised in Israel, Yekutiel said she spoke almost no English when she completed her military service and came to the U.S. to study. She found a UWS apartment during a sanitation and maintenance strike in a building owned by “two Israelis who ignored the [rule] book.” They offered her an apartment rent-free in exchange for cleaning and acting as the superintendent. Other tenants, many of them fellow immigrants, also did work around the building in exchange for rent. She learned English from the tenant in charge of the elevators, who would sit with her and read aloud from The New York Post and Daily News. “There’s a chapter in my novel called ‘New Home’ that really tells that part of the story,” she said. “As an immigrant, that was the flavor of America that I first encountered.” While “Between Two Worlds” is based on her own experience of leaving Israel during a time of heightened terrorism and war, Yekutiel says the story is fictionalized and can apply to immigrants fleeing similar situations from anywhere in the world. “You can take it to another country where people emigrate from a war zone and get the same reaction, the same feeling,” she said. “Between Two Worlds” is actually Yekutiel’s third novel, but her first in English. “They were written in Hebrew,” she said of the earlier books. “I didn’t have the patience to translate into English, so I let them go. This book is actually a sequel of a book that was written in Hebrew.” Yekutiel said she began working on the book “five to seven years ago” but kept it in a drawer because she didn’t think it was good enough. A friend read it and encouraged her to continue, while the writer’s group at the library helped her get over the finish line. “They encouraged me to write, they encouraged me to publish,” she said. “They just helped me grow.” [Editor’s note: For another Mahopac connection, check out the front cover, designed by Mahopac News design director Tabitha Pearson Marshall.] Her involvement with the writer’s group began via the Mahopac Library’s Debi Feiman, who was in charge of Temple Beth Shalom’s newsletter and asked Yekutiel to write short stories about Jewish history and life in Israel. “When I joined the Mahopac Writer’s Group, I thought instead of translating [from Hebrew] I’d better write in English. And that’s how I wrote this book,” she said. “Today, I write only in English. “When you come to something emotional, it’s very hard to write in a language that you are not totally sufficient in,” she continued. “When you write a history, you can do that. If you write science fiction, you can do that. But when you come to the emotional behavior of human beings, the language has to be much richer.” Yekutiel eventually left the Upper West Side for the Bronx to study before moving to Putnam County in the early 2000s, where she ran an organic landscaping company called Green Surrounding. Though she has now closed her business, she is an active member of local garden clubs and gets ideas while working outside, writing first on an iPad and then doing the hard editing on a computer. She’s still a regular at the Mahopac Writers Group. With “Between Two Worlds” printed and available from Amazon (softback and Kindle) and at the Mahopac Public Library, Yekutiel has done anything but slow down. Her second English novel is now complete. “Tierra De La Paz” is a “whodunit thriller about the destruction of the Amazon Rainforest, but it all happens here, in upper Westchester,” she said. “I’m in the middle of the third book. In the meantime, I’m doing research for the fourth book.” Miriam Yekutiel is ‘Between Two Worlds’ Novelist gets an assist with new book from Mahopac Writers Group Miriam Yekutiel wrote “Between Two Worlds” while part of the Mahopac Library Writers group. The cover was designed by Mahopac News creative director Tabitha Pearson Marshall. Miriam Yekutiel PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL


The Sta EDITORIAL TEAM Emile Menasché Editor: 845-208-0774 [email protected] Bob Dumas Editor at Large [email protected] Whit Anderson Sports Editor [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky 845-661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [email protected] Noah Elder Designer Bri Agosta Designer Haven Elder Designer EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines Mahopac News The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for Mahopac News is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Emile Menasché at 845-208-0774 or email [email protected]. Subscribe To request Mahopac News weekly delivery, call 845-208-8503 or email [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. Periodicals Postage Paid at Mahopac, NY and at additional mailing o ices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mahopac News at 824 Route 6, Suite 4 • Mahopac, NY 10541 PAGE 4 – MAHOPAC NEWS THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 (ISSN 2330-1627) Published Weekly by Halston Media, LLC at 824 Route 6, Suite 4 • Mahopac, NY 10541 Main O ice 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2023 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC Fill Vacancies, but this turned out not to be the case, as [Baranowski] had already settled on his own hand-picked candidate without reviewing or interviewing the new applicants.”    Multiple calls to Baranowski seeking a response to the allegations were not returned by press time. Asked if she would now back Ahler, De Bellis said, “I cannot say that I’m going to support Ahler; I cannot say that I’m not. I just have to see what’s happening now because this is all news to us.  e committee was not told anything. We found out and we were all in shock.” Barile Stern said the Republican Committee has gone to great lengths to “root out the self-dealing and ethical misconduct that has plagued this organization for far too long. “We will not sit idly by and allow the old way of doing things to deter good people from stepping up to serve their community,” she said.  e circumstances around Simone’s withdrawal from the race remain unclear. Baranowski reported the change late last week and said Simone was withdrawing for personal reasons. He declined to o er any more details. Since last Friday, Mahopac News reached out to Simone on nearly 10 separate occasions, calling and texting his cell phone and calling the Highway Department o ces. As we go to press, we have not received a reply. Several sources said Simone intended to complete his term, which runs until the end of the year. But on Monday, Deputy Superintendent Michael Martin was listed as the department’s primary contact. A Monday call to the Highway Department produced no information about whether Simone had reported for work that day. Messages left with the sta were not returned. However, Simone is listed on the agenda for the April 19 Carmel Town Board meeting as the board addresses old and obsolete equipment. Last July, Simone resigned his trusteeship on the Mahopac Board of Education in the middle of a three-year term. At the time, he attributed his resignation to the time commitment required to serve on the board while functioning as highway superintendent. Simone’s former school board seat has remained vacant ever since. It is one of three seats to be contested in the school district’s elections on Tuesday, May 17. SIMONE FROM PAGE 1 Blood Drive  e New York Blood Center is sponsoring a blood drive at Mahopac High School on Wednesday, May 3, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. For more information or to schedule a donation, please visit donate.nybc.org. Book Barn Drop-in Donation Day On Saturday, April 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Friends of the Library invite you to donate your gently used books at the library’s Adult Garden. No appointment will be required. At all other times, donations are by appointment only. Call 845-628-2009 x143 to schedule your donation. Briscola Tournament  e Italian American Club of Mahopac invites you to its third annual Briscola tournament on Sunday, April 23.  e IAC of Mahopac is located at 141 Buckshollow Road. Dinner will be served at 1 p.m., and the tournament begins at 2 p.m. sharp. $80 per twoplayer team ($40 per player). Prizes will be awarded. Guests can attend for $20 (dinner only). Sign up by April 10. For more information, contact Joe Fierro (joseph erro@comcast. net) or Frank Fierro (frank erro1919@gmail. com). Proceeds bene t the IAC Handicap Project. For more information, visit italian americanclubofmahopac.org. Female Flag Football Summer female  ag football registration is open for women and youth. Games will take place on the Somers High School turf  eld on Tuesday (youth) and  ursday (adults) evenings.  ose interested can learn more by visiting clubs. bluesombrero.com/gridiron, emailing [email protected], or calling Gridiron Partners at 917-848-7780. Book Barn Special O er Until the end of April, buy 10 books at the Book Barn and receive one free book (excluding collectibles) or one free Book Barn tote bag. Hours are Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.;  ursday, 4 to 6:45 p.m.; and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.   PAC Spring Art Classes  e Putnam Arts Council in Mahopac is o ering classes in pottery/ceramics, watercolor, oils and acrylics, and pen and ink drawing.  e six-week classes will be starting throughout April.  e calendar includes a new Saturday evening studio art class, along with after-school and evening classes for kids and teens. Other o erings include Sunday clay wheel throwing pottery classes, a small pod clay hand-building workshop for family and friends on Saturday afternoons, a Sunday printmaking class, and a paint night workshop for kids and their chosen adult. To learn more, call 845.803.8622, email joyce@ putnamartscouncil.com, or visit putnam artscouncil.com. Mums for Mom’s Day? First Presbyterian Church at 411 Route 6N (at Secor Rd) in Mahopac will hold a Mother’s Day plant sale on Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.  e church is also sponsoring a Father’s Day Cookie Walk & Community Tag Sale on Saturday, June 17, (rain or shine). Vendors $25 in advance, $30 sale day; tables $10: Set up begins at 8 a.m. and the sale will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Earth Day Cleanup  e Mahopac Lions Club is organizing its annual Earth Day cleanup, which will take place on Saturday, April 22, from 10-12:30 p.m. MAHOPAC MUSINGS SEE MUSINGS PAGE 23 May 14, 2023 Mother’s Day Celebration Mother’s Day Enjoy all you can eat cruise-line brunch/dinner buffet Indulge in an array of hot and cold foods Two hour seating reservation times start 12:30-1 or 3:30-4 $60 per person • $40 kids up to 12 yrs old Excludes service & tax Reserve your table with family and friends ASAP • Call 845-628-6600 Valet Parking • 466 Rt 6 Mahopac, NY Breakfast selections, pasta station, assorted hot chaffers, antipasto station and much more— all prepared by the finest European trained chefs. Fruit and dessert stations made right from our in-house Bakery


THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 5 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR With some of New York’s brightest Republican stars on hand, incumbent Councilman Frank Lombardi o cially announced his candidacy at a fundraiser in Mahopac last  ursday. Former Congressman and N.Y. gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin, U.S. Congressman Mike Lawler, state Assemblyman Matt Slater, Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne and a cadre of Town of Carmel o cials were on hand to support Lombardi’s bid for reelection at Villa Barone Hilltop Manor. While Lombardi called the announcement his “o cial” bid for reelection, his candidacy has been widely known since he was endorsed by the local GOP in February. Speaking to roomful of Lombardi’s supporters, Zeldin, who lost to Democrat Kathy Hochul in the 2022 New York governor’s race by a narrower margin than many expected, called on fellow Republicans to campaign in historic Democratic strongholds, a tactic that many believe helped Lawler defeat Democrat incumbent Sean Patrick Maloney for Congress last year. Zeldin called on Republicans to talk about what they’re for instead of simply focusing on what they’re against.  ere has been recent speculation that Zeldin is considering a run for U.S. Senate in 2024 for the seat currently held by Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand.  e former congressman also praised Lombardi’s record on the town board and involvement in the community. “[He] has very proudly gotten involved in a whole host of local organizations,” Zeldin said. “And if you are to read his bio, he talks about all the di erent ways that he has never forgotten where he comes from.” While accusing Democrats of driving people out of New York State, Zeldin said the people of Putnam County were happy with the overwhelmingly Republican-led local government. “It’s pretty nice to be able to go to sleep knowing that your local [government], at least, is so well led.” With two seats on the board up for grabs, Lombardi and fellow incumbent Robert Schanil face a Republican primary challenge from political newcomer Robert Kearns, with three candidates  ghting two spots on the GOP ticket.  e Democrats have also announced a pair of candidates for Town Board: Kathleen Valletta and Jerome Mitchell. After thanking Zeldin and Lawler (whom he called a good friend to the Town of Carmel), Lombardi noted that former adversaries were on hand to support him and promised to continue to focus on  scal responsibility, low crime, and environmental issues. “I’ve drafted and sponsored legislation that helps our community, including mandating background checks for all town employees, especially those who deal with young children.” Lombardi said he also led the  ght to stop recreational marijuana from being sold in Putnam County. Councilman’s fundraiser draws GOP stars PHOTOS: SOPHIA CASELNOVA Carmel town councilman Frank Lombardi speaks at his April 13 fundraiser. Former U.S. congressman and GOP gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin addresses supporters at Frank Lombardi’s fundraiser. Representative Mike Lawler speaks at Frank Lombardi’s fundraiser. SEE LOMBARDI PAGE 23 EARLY DINNER SPECIAL HALF OFF MENU AVAILABLE* DAILY FROM 3-6PM (last order must be placed by 5:30pm) *UP TO 6PPL. MONDAY BURGER NIGHT BUY 1 BURGER - GET 1 FREE!* *OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE. AT THE BAR ONLY. AUGIE’S PRIME TIME DRINK SPECIALS & $8 APPETIZERS* 3-6pm at the bar & patio *CAN’T BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS, OPEN 7 DAYS / 3436 LEXINGTON AVE MOHEGAN LAKE, NY / 914.743.1357 WWW.AUGIESPRIMECUT.COM [email protected] *DINE-IN ONLY. PROMOTIONAL GIFT CARDS NOT VALID. VIEW OUR MENU!


PAGE 6 – MAHOPAC NEWS THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 Sunday- Thursday 12pm-10pm Friday & Saturday 12pm-12am thecarmelcigarvault.com//@thecarmelcigarvault Fromanold bank vaultto a luxury cigarlounge. Come relax&enjoy a cigar withus! The Carmel Cigar Vault 71GleneidaAvenue Carmel,NY10512 Hit and run chased down A driver had his car impounded and is facing a range of charges after allegedly trying to  ee the scene of an accident in Mahopac only to be chased down by his victim in the crash. According to Carmel PD, the accident occurred on the afternoon of April 2 near the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department  rehouse at the corner of Route 6 and Croton Falls Road. O cer Kloskowski reportedly arrived to  nd two vehicles involved in rear-end accident “when one of the operators attempted to  ee the scene,” police said. “ e second party involved… gave chase for approximately two miles until CPD was able to catch up to the vehicles on Colonial Drive.” Police say the driver attempting to  ee the scene had a suspended New York driver’s license. He was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation in the third degree and leaving the scene of an automobile accident. His vehicle was impounded. He is due to appear in town court on April 24. Guinea pig punch up A pair or Mahopac women are facing assault charges after getting into a physical  ght about a guinea pig. Police allege that the unnamed female roommates got into an argument on April 9 over the rodent (name withheld) and their verbal altercation allegedly escalated into violence. Of-  cers DeSantola and Kloskowski  broke up the  ght, and EMS transported both women to Putnam Hospital Center with minor injuries.  ey now face third degree assault charges and are due to appear in town court on an unspeci ed date. Two face DWI and drug charges Tra c stops on Route 6 led to DWI and drug charges on two separate occasions earlier this month, according to Carmel Police.  e  rst incident occurred just after midnight on April 4, when O cer Yaeger saw a black Ford Escape with “insuf-  cient plate lamps and an orange marker pole, bent and stuck on the mu er of the vehicle.” After stopping the car, Yaeger allegedly found that the female driver was under the in uence of alcohol. Once in custody, the driver was searched and found to have a small bag of cocaine in her possession. She was charged with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and a number of vehicle and traf-  c violations. She was due to appear in court on April 17.  e second incident occurred when police pulled over a driver near Mahopac Village Center in the early hours of April 5. After O cer Carol stopped the blue Toyota pickup truck, he determined that the driver was under the in uence of alcohol. A later search of the defendant allegedly led to the discovery of a small amount of cocaine in the man’s pocket, police said. He was a charged with misdemeanor aggravated DWI, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and a number of vehicle and tra c violations. He was due to appear in court on April 18. Domestic violence arrest A Mahopac man is facing charges for endangering the welfare of a child, reckless endangerment in the  second degree, and harassment after police received an April 9 call from a concerned citizen about a woman and two children who were “visibly upset” while sitting in a car parked at a local business. Responding to the scene, Sgt. Russo sand O cer Bambach found the victims in the parked car and determined that the woman had been physically assaulted by a male passenger, who had  ed before police arrived.  e man was found at a nearby home and taken into custody without incident, police said. He was released on his own recognizance and is due to appear in Carmel Town Court at an unspeci-  ed future date. Blotter entries edited from Carmel Police Department press release. Putnam County will hold a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-O Day for Putnam County residents on Saturday, May 6.  e Putnam County Department of Health and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are co-sponsoring the free event, scheduled from 8:30 am to 12:30 p.m., rain or shine, in the Canopus Beach Parking Lot at Fahnestock State Park in Kent. Pre-registration is required.  Improper storage or disposal of hazardous waste poses a health risk to residents and their families. For this reason, the HHW Drop-O Day event continues and is promoted as an opportunity for Putnam residents to safely dispose of toxic materials such as: household cleaners, pesticides, herbicides, oil-based and latex paints, solvents, thinners, mothballs, rodent poisons, gasoline, kerosene, etc. For a list of acceptable and non-acceptable items, along with a link to register, visit the health department website at putnamcountyny.com/health/ recycle/#HHWD.  ose who have di culty registering online can call 845-808-1390 for assistance.  All waste is subject to inspection and will only be accepted at the county’s discretion. If non-acceptable items are brought and are determined to present an immediate hazard to workers, residents or the environment, the county reserves the right to take the necessary safety measures for containment, the cost of which shall be the resident’s responsibility.  Courtesy Putnam County Dept. of Health Hazardous waste drop-o Police Blotter


THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 7 Open House /kennedycatholic @kennedygaels @kennedycatholic Register Follow Us Learn How to Join Our Class of 2027! Wednesday April 26 | 6pm - 8pm 6th-12th GRADE COLLEGE PREPARATORY EDUCATION All Grades Welcome! Traditional American Ideals Foundational Christian Values


Opinion BRETT FREEMAN, PUBLISHER EMILE MENACHÉ, EDITOR TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Editorial O ice: 845-208-0774 [email protected] 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2023 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those of Mahopac News or its a iliates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail at [email protected]. For more information, call the editor at 845-208-0774 PAGE 8 – MAHOPAC NEWS THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 Ahigh school diploma ought to be a contract — a guarantee — to our students that the Mahopac school system has equipped you with both educational knowledge and real world skills. And what better way of achieving this than supplying each and every student with personal  nancial literacy? Personal  nancial literacy is all about teaching students about money: the fundamentals of earning, spending, investing, home budgeting, credit card management, checking and savings accounts, doing taxes, leasing a car, buying a house — and even big-picture concepts such as career-planning, the costs of raising children and saving for retirement. Currently, Mahopac o ers a halfyear personal  nance elective (Course 02445) to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. From students who have completed this course, I only hear amazing feedback. I believe these concepts can be more than just an optional high school elective, but rather ingrained in the bedrock of our K-12 education system; that way, every student coming out of Mahopac possesses critical life skills that prepares them for the real world — no matter what path they take after high school. It is important to note that the  rst step for a student after graduation isn’t always college.  ere are many paths a talented, driven young adult can take. Life skills and personal  nance lessons should be guaranteed for all students by the K-12 public school system — not just for those who enter four-year college programs. E ective personal  nance management is 20% knowledge and 80% behavior. So, this ideal K-12 curriculum would teach money lessons to students, but — more importantly — it would also outline actionable plans for them to manage their personal  nances. Our kids are our future citizens, our future workers, our future leaders. We want them to be able to take their lives and their personal prosperity into their own hands.  is educational program would do just that. Why is this important? Studies show that these skills are lacking in young adults. A National Financial Educators Council report shows that 38% of individuals said their lack of  nancial literacy cost them at least $500 in 2022, including 15% who said it set them back by $10,000 or more. Additionally, a OnePoll survey displays that a whopping 89% of Americans agree that life would be much easier for them had they learned more practical skills in high school. I hear it all the time from former classmates: High school — and public education generally — needs to better encapsulate real world preparation. As a class of 2017 alum, I can  rmly say we enjoyed many aspects of the Mahopac educational experience. However, we can always strive to do better for the next generation of students. We are living in complex times, with a shifting economy, surging in ation and spiking cost-of-living. It is paramount that the next generation of Americans are armed with the life skills they need to navigate this increasingly complicated world.  ere Learning about money Path to success for each and every student TANNER MCCRACKEN SEEMCCRACKEN PAGE 9 Much has been written recently about the great exodus of New Yorkers to other states.   e data shows that Florida is the No. 1 destination for Empire State refugees. High taxes, crime and the high cost of housing are the most cited reasons for our neighbors pulling the ripcord and heading south. Although the phenomenon is real, like most things the truth is more complicated than it  rst appears. Although outmigration patterns grab headlines and the attention of academics, we don’t hear much from our elected o cials about whether it is a problem, and if it is, what can be done about it.  I had the pleasure of speaking with E.J. McMahon, the founder and a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Empire Center for Policy, a think tank based in Albany. McMahon is a subject matter expert on, among other things, New York migration data, having written extensively on the topic. For years, he has scoured the data coming from the IRS, the U.S. Census Bureau, and other organizations tracking our mobility. I don’t think he has looked at U-Haul data, but that may be the only source not covered in his research.  McMahon was quick to point out that there is more to the migration patterns than meets the  e problem with outmigration is real SEESCOTT PAGE 9 DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT GUEST COLUMNIST


THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 9 SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO! 845-600-8004 | www.bellmech.com with BELL! into $avings WHAT IS A HEAT PUMP? Heat pumps will help you find the perfect balance of comfort and savings all year round, while reducing your carbon footprint. These all-in-one heating and air conditioning systems optimize the temperature throughout your home to use less energy, and can save you up to 30% on your cooling and heating costs. Don’t miss your chance to lock in rebates and incentives today— VALUED UP TO 50% of your Heat Pump project while program funding lasts… CALL NOW TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY! $ 1,000 IN REBATES Heat Pump Hot Water Heater Call Us TODAY! 845-600-8004 UP TO EXP 4/30/23 Coupon must present at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offer. $ 115 INSTANT REBATE Duct Cleaning into $avings Spring eye. It is not quite as simple as it seems. New Yorkers heading for the exits have been going on for years. In the last 50 years, only six of those years have seen population growth relative to other states; so what has happened recently is the continuation of a trend. COVID caused a huge spike in outmigration from New York City, losing 360,000 in population, which accounts for the vast majority of the state’s loss of population. Over the past few years, New York State has lost half a million people. In Northern Westchester, including Bedford, North Salem, Mount Kisco, Somers and Lewisboro, all had similar drops from 2000-2022 of about 1%, which compares to the city’s 6.5% loss. Many of those leaving the city headed to Westchester, which lines up with my anecdotal experience. It seems like a lot of our new neighbors are from Brooklyn. Author P.J. O’Rourke used to joke that, like salmon, when New York City’s young professionals hit their 30s, they swim upstream to spawn.  ey may be in their 40s now, but the trend is there. Nobody complains since the value of homes have skyrocketed as a result. McMahon’s research shows that, although net migration patterns from NYC (when you consider both in and out migration) favor Florida, the leading destination for evacuees is New Jersey.  e Garden State, although not exactly a tax haven, does o er diverse housing stock and more a ordable rents. Jersey is Manhattan’s discount dormitory. Surprisingly, Connecticut is the leading destination for those leaving Westchester. Close friends of ours just left Bedford for Ridge eld, supporting that statistic.   e conventional wisdom is that it is predominantly older New Yorkers leading the charge out state, but that’s not the case. McMahon said that New York seems to hold on to its older residents compared to other states. He theorizes that it is because of subsidies for seniors like STAR and enhanced STAR that provide some tax relief, making it easier to stay relative to younger families.  eir lack of mobility adds to the housing crunch.  Have we reached a crisis with outmigration? Not yet.  e canary in the coal mine is real estate prices. If they start to fall, it will be a signal that pace will accelerate. If we get there, it will be too late. It’s time for those we elect at all levels in our state to take notice and o er solutions to stem the tide. SCOTT FROM PAGE 8 are loads of over-stimulating, attentionspan-killing, stress-and-depressioninducing social media content out there that is skewing expectations for kids. It matters now more than ever that teaching the lesson with regard to determining your own future, working hard, e ectively saving your money, and raising a family unlocks pure happiness. You may have read the headline that New York is one of the states that “requires personal  nance coursework,” but this is really not the case.  e truth is: New York State has lax requirements that considers a halfcredit, senior-year economics course adequate to personal  nancial literacy. Not to mention that formal instruction and lessons on individual  nance management is absent from the state’s K-8 social studies framework.  e good news is we can do this right here in Mahopac through e ective, holistic local initiatives.  at is why, as your board trustee, my top priority during the creation of the district’s  ve-year strategic plan has been and will continue to be ensuring a full-year course on personal  nancial literacy is a graduation requirement. And it can be more than just a required class in high school; I strongly believe we should embed these concepts throughout the curriculum, including instruction and programs from kindergarten to 12th grade. It cannot be overstated how important parents are in this process as well. Learning about money in school would guarantee these skills for every student. However, parents always play a vital role in setting their kids up for long-term success in their lives and careers. Formal lessons in high school would only further enhance this. Personal  nancial literacy in education is a must. It would greatly bene t students for years and years to come if we made it a staple of the Mahopac educational experience. I will continue to advocate for this dream to become a reality. Tanner McCracken is a trustee with the Mahopac Central School District Board of Education, and the opinions expressed re ect his own, and are not necessarily the view of his colleagues on the school board. MCCRACKEN FROM PAGE 8 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 Mahopac News or its affi liates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for verifi cation. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verifi ed or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail at mahopacnews@ halstonmedia.com. For more information, call the editor at 845-208-0774.


PAGE 10 – MAHOPAC NEWS THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 Dear Dr. Linda, I’m not a retired English teacher, nor do I profess to speak perfect English, but I can’t help noticing how so many kids, and adults as well, speak and write incorrectly, even the most highly educated. I remember spending hours in school diagramming sentences. I learned and still know when to use “I” as opposed to “me,” when to use “can” as opposed to “may,” when to use “good” as opposed to “well.”  ese are just three of the grammar mistakes that I hear daily at work and at home, even from my own kids. I don’t know why, but it really bothers me. Is it just me or do others notice this? -Karen Dear Karen, Yes, I notice it, too. In fact, I was watching the movie “Baby Boom” not long ago when Dianne Keaton’s character, a Harvard graduate, is asked how she is doing after living for a year in a small town in Vermont. She answers, “Good. I’m doing good.” (She may have been doing good in that small town, but in answer to the question, “How are you?” her answer technically should have been, “Well. I’m doing well.”) It’s happening all over and not just in the movies. In today’s world, if you ask most people how they feel, they’ll answer, “Good.” If they said, “I’m feeling well, thank you,” some would think they were speaking old English. Even so, we don’t send “Get Good” cards to people who are ill, do we? Why is this happening?  e amount of information and knowledge students are faced with learning has exploded, and things like grammar and music have taken a back seat. Is it still taught? Yes, but not with the same attention. To meet increasing demands on their time, teachers don’t have the luxury of dwelling on when to say “good” vs. “well” or “I” vs. “me.” Or “can” vs. “may.” HERE’S A QUICK QUIZ: 1. Please tell Jane and ________ (I or me) when you leave. 2. (Can or May) __________ I have a glass of water? 3. I feel ___________? (good or well)  e answer to number one is “me.”  e key to which is correct is technically whether the pronoun refers to the subject (I) or object (me) of the sentence. In normal speech, nobody would say, “She’s going to spend the night with I,” or “Me is going to the store.” When in doubt, a good rule of thumb for a sentence like this one is to drop “Jane” and then  ll in the blank, e.g., “Please tell _____ (I or me) when you leave.”  e rule for “can” and “may” is also pretty straightforward, but you have to stop and think about the meaning of the words. “Can” means you are capable of doing something, whereas “may” in this context means you’re asking permission. In No. 2 above, if you’re asking if it’s OK for you to have a glass of water, you should have answered, “May I have a glass of water?” whereas if you aren’t sure you are capable of swallowing it, you might ask, “Can I have a glass of water?”  e rule for the use of “good” and “well” can be more confusing because the two get used interchangeably a lot. However, “good” is an adjective, usually describing a noun or following a linking verb like “am” or “were” or other forms of the verb “be.” Ex: He is a good person. She was good to me. “Well” is almost always an adverb that modi es a verb, except for…when it describes a person’s health.  en, it’s an adjective. Ex: I did well on my math test, not poorly. She was sick last week, but she feels well today. Having said all of the above, remember that the English language, especially American English, isn’t set in cement. If it were, we’d still be saying words such as “thou” and “shall” in everyday conversation. New words appear in our dictionaries every day and di erent forms become acceptable over time. Like it or not, our language is dynamic and ever-evolving. As long as you understand what your kids are saying, no matter which words they choose, correct them if you like, but for the most part, sometimes we have to just relax and go with it. Be well, Dr. Linda If you want to learn more, contact Dr. Linda Silbert by visiting her website at StrongLearning.com.  Are students doing ‘well’? DR. LINDA SILBERT STRONG LEARNING Thank you Dear Editor,  e Senior Citizens of the Mahopacs, Inc. would like to say “thank you” to Dawn Pade of Red Mills Convenience Center for her continued support of the seniors. Dawn donated hand sanitizer, wipes and sprays and we were truly grateful! -Donna Proft President Senior Citizens of the Mahopacs, Inc. LETTER Hole 8 Pool Complex 1060 Oregon Road | Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567 (914) 734-1500 | [email protected] GolfHollowBrook.com Hole 18 Hole 11 Hole 12 Join Now for 2023 and Pay No Initiation! Join Hollow Brook... For You and Your Family. World-class golf on one of Westchester’s most spectacular golf courses. Tournaments and season-long competitions. Family activities... Couples Golf, Junior Golf, Pool and Social Events. From the moment you arrive at Hollow Brook Golf Club, you’ll know you’re in for something special. Contact us today to learn about our New Member Program.


THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 11 RED MILLS Convenience Center 575 Route 6N, Mahopac Falls • 845-628-9745 Mahopac Teachers, Students, School & Bus Garage Employees Buy One Egg Sandwich, Get 2nd HALF OFF Buy Lunch Sandwich, Get a Soda or Coffee FREE Happy Hour Coffee Check out our Coffee of the Month! Any Size 3-7pm Firewood Bundles Purchase your box of Coffee to go! Warm Up with Winter Breakfast Special Bacon egg & cheese Sausage egg & cheese and Ham egg & cheese $4.49 bacon egg cheese & hash browns $5.49 Try our Coffee Flavors of the Season! Come see our vintage candy shop Cold weather accessories! Salt and windshield wiper fluid. We have over 100 helium balloon choices! RED MILLS IS YOUR... Gas - Coffee - Grab and Go items LOTTO - Candy - Seasonal items Balloons - Snacks and Beverages. According to the most recent Pew Research Center survey that measured American attitudes toward various religious groups, Americans tend to feel more positively towards Jews than other religious groups.  e March 2023 survey found that, while 58% of Americans said they didn’t know enough about Jews to have an opinion, 35% thought of Jews favorably. Catholics came in second, at 30%, and Mormons came in last, at 15%.  ese  gures are consistent with a 2017 Pew survey that also found Americans felt more amiably toward Jews than other religious groups. Since Jews are seen positively when compared to other religious groups in this country – and make up only between 2.4% of the population – why do they face increasing amounts of hostility online and in real life?   In its year-end report, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) tabulated almost 4,000 antiSemitic incidents throughout the U.S. in 2022, a 36% increase from the previous year. It was the third time in the past  ve years that the year-end total has been the highest number ever recorded.  e increased number of incidents against Jews occurred in all major audit categories: antiSemitic harassment increased by 29%; anti-Semitic vandalism increased by 51%; and anti-Semitic assaults increased by 26%.  ere was also an average 53% increase in incidents at K-12 schools, on college campuses, and in neighborhoods housing Orthodox Jews. In addition, bomb threats toward Jewish institutions increased by 10%. Anti-Semitism, nowadays, has little to do with religion, but much to do with political positioning. It has become politically advantageous for both the extreme right and the extreme left to see Jews as having an oversize sphere of in uence on the economy and in the media, as well as wielding an unreasonable amount of power and in uence in government.  In addition, the scapegoating of Jews often becomes entangled with other hatreds – the browning of America and changes to the economic strata. Whether true or not, Jews are often seen as defenders of diversity, supporting individuals — people of color, Hispanic immigrants, and those who defy traditional gender norms — who seek to achieve parity in the face of an established social hierarchy.  Given that anti-Semitism is a growing problem, it is but one symptom of a society over owing with guns and awash in gun violence; splintered by sociopolitical divisions on both the right and the left; facing a surge in organized white supremacist propaganda; and encouraged by a social media environment that politicizes and monetizes extremism.  According to the FBI, hate crimes in general, reached their highest levels since the Bureau began collecting data in the early 1990s. From 2020 to 2021 — the last complete year of statistics, nationwide, hate crimes rose 31% across the board. Crimes against gay men rose 40%, and anti-Asian hate crimes rose 200%.  Mass shootings today are rampant and indiscriminate. Just 100 days into 2023, there have been 15 mass killings – shootings in which four or more people were killed, not including the shooter.  ere have been 14 school shootings this year that resulted in injuries or deaths. Schools and houses of worship across the country must hire armed guards and spend millions on security to ensure their students and worshippers a modicum of safety.  e emotional toll is staggering.  Add this to the reality that the public mental health system in this country is — to a substantial extent — underfunded and undervalued, leading to the conclusion that the conditions which breed hate in this country will not recede for some time to come.   And let’s not ignore the fact that we have a national political party in this country partial to the unbridled proliferation of guns. What can be done? Let’s start with smarter gun laws, better mental health services, more sensible social media policies and practices, and electing political leaders who, rather than tra cking in disinformation, division and hate, will  ght to make this country safer for all. Combatting hate BERNIE KOSBERG HERE AND NOW!


PAGE 12 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 PRESENTED & HOSTED BY: Sarah Altberg, Memory Care Director, Maplewood at Danbury, 22 Hospital Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810 Are you searching for answers regarding your loved one’s well-being? Join us for these events and learn about - memory impairment and the impact associated with the disease and how to connect with your loved one. RSVP By April 24th to Jennifer Burke-James at [email protected] or call 203.642.6002. WEDNESDAYS, 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM OR 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM APRIL 26TH | Through the Eyes of Dementia - A New Reality MAY 3RD | Communication with those with Dementia DEMENTIA WORKSHOP 2 WEEK SERIES Exclusively for Adult Children & Loved Ones 22 Hospital Avenue | Danbury, Connecticut | 203.744.8444 | MaplewoodAtDanbury.com I was extremely hesitant to fully embrace the digital age.  e  rst problem was its complexity. I struggled to  gure out how the heck to maneuver within this brave new world. I still  nd it di cult to do the simplest task, like virtually “signing” a document or, more basically, operating my multiple TV controllers.  e second issue is my concern about privacy, which was stoked years ago by a good friend. She claimed to have worked for the government. She warned me that I had no idea how dangerously vulnerable we are in this new digital age. I mentally  led away her warning as a modern version of the paranoia that led people many years ago to avoid banks while stu ng their life savings in a mattress.   Over time, after several friends’ Facebook accounts were hacked and after receiving bogus emails from relatives claiming to be stranded in distant lands and in need of funds to be wired immediately for bail or transportation or whatever, I began to reconsider the validity of my friend’s ominous warning.  en I read Nicole Perlroth’s brilliant book, “ is Is How  ey Tell Me  e World Ends.” Now I look at my mattress in a whole new light.  “ is Is How  ey Tell Me the World Ends” takes us on Perlroth’s amazing journey involving cyber weapons, underground markets and state-sanctioned cyber-attacks. She, like my old friend, sternly warns us of the West’s vulnerability in an increasingly interconnected digital world. Perlroth provides  rsthand accounts of interviews with cyber arms dealers, corporate security specialists, and even some of the nation’s top spies. She brings us, kicking and screaming, into her world of seedy underworld hackers and states exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities and waging war around the globe.  In short, this wonderful book, which is written like a spy novel, explores the world of cyber warfare.  e author methodically examines the history of cyber-attacks and the people behind them. To say it’s an eye opener is an understatement. An interesting example of cyber espionage is Russia’s merciless cyber attack on Ukraine in 2017. Ukraine, and its electricity, phones, internet, everything you can think of, was attacked, hacked and brought to its knees. What saved Ukraine from total cyber destruction was what makes our situation in the United States so perilous; they were not fully automated. We, on the other hand, have bought into the new age completely. As Perlroth so accurately states, “In the United States, though, convenience was everything; it still is. We were plugging anything we could into the internet, at a rate of 127 devices a second. We had bought into Silicon Valley’s promise of a frictionless society.  ere wasn’t a single area of our lives that wasn’t touched by the web. We could now control our entire lives, economy, and grid via a remote web control. And we had never paused to think that, along the way, we were creating the world’s largest attack surface.”  Our so called “attack surface” is extremely susceptible to an attack from what is known as “zero-days.” A zero-day is an e cient, deadly, and all-encompassing computer virus that, when released, can completely uncover virtually all information about the intended target. Your phone, your location, your bank account, your entire life can be exposed. For the past 20 years, the United States, utilizing classi cation levels and non-disclosure agreements, was viewed as the dominant hoarder of zero-days technology. Our government paid millions to hackers to keep fatal computer programs under control. But over time, says Perlroth, we lost  ese are scary times indeed JAMES MARTORANO MY PERSPECTIVE SEEMARTORANO PAGE 16


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A Sycamore Park table in memory of longtime Carmel Parks employee Fran Giovinazzi was dedicated earlier this month. Carmel Town Supervisor Michael Cazzari (standing, foreground) talks to former Parks Dept. chief Richard Gennaro and his life Lena. Others pictured include (from left, near the tree) Alice Benjamin, Lois Temple, Lorraine Hurlie and Harriet Penney. Seated front left are Tina Capozella, Vera Perrotta (in pink) Sonny Robitaille (in hat) and Brenda Robitaille (black shirt). Fran Giovinazzi and husband Dennis PAGE 14 MAHOPAC NEWS – THU One touch of a button sends help fast, 24/7. alone I’m nev Life Alert® is alway here for me. I’ve fallen and I can’t get up! ® Help at Home sends help fast, 24/7. with GPS! Help On-the-Go For a FREE b 1-800-40 Saving a Life EV 3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt MKT-5894N-A > edwardjones.com Tom Casey, ChFC®, CEPA®, AAMS™ Financial Advisor 163 Route 6 Mahopac, NY 10541 845-621-8647 How does your portfolio measure up? The Consumer’s Choice for Discount Heating Oil! SAVE WITH OUR LOW C.O.D. PRICES! • No Contracts or Commitments • Oil Burner & A/C Service/Tune-ups • Quality Heating Oil • Senior Citizen & Volume Discounts • Heating, Cooling & Generator Installations • Price Matching (Restrictions apply) Order online at: www.codoil.com CALL US TODAY AND SAVE! 914.737.7769 SAVE WITH OUR LOW C.O.D.


Family, friends and colleagues from the Carmel Recreation and Parks department came out to celebrate and remember the life of longtime colleague Fran Giovinazzi, who passed away in 2022. Carmel Town Supervisor was there to dedicate a table in her name. “ ere wasn’t a dry eye in the place,” said Carmela Spano Carmel Senior Citizen Coordinator who was mentored and befriended by Fran.  e table was one of two built in dedication to Fran by Michal Mazur as part of his Eagle Scout project. Remembering Fran Giovinazzi With extended family looking on, daughter Janine Storen, husband Dennis and son Anthony Giovinazzi sit at the table dedicated to Fran. Eagle Scout Michal Mazur PHOTOS COURTESY CARMELA SPANO URSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 PAGE 15 e ver ys brochure call: 04-9776 VERY 11 MINUTES Batteries Never Need Charging. SERIOUSLY FUN ROCK & ROLL! WITH NO OPTIONS AT FULGUM’S Saturday, April 22nd- 9:00PM 2151 Albany Post Rd, Montrose, NY (914) 737-0172 Service... Integrity... Compassion www.YorktownFuneralhome.com • (914) 962-0700 • [email protected] 945 East Main Street, Yorktown, NY 10588 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.


PAGE 16 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 For more information: visit lakemahopacrotary.org e-mail [email protected] • or call (914) 588-0394 online tickets available on www.eventbrite.com • Search for Lake Mahopac Rotary THIS AD DONATED BY MAHOPAC NEWS/HALSTON MEDIA GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Tickets $35 in advance • $40 at the door Purchase tickets at PCSB Bank (Mahopac), d’Berto’s Pizzeria & Rt 6 Deli  7PM Sponsored by Show Host Dave Hunter “Mr. Excitement” Bobby Brooks Wilson A TRIBUTE TO HIS FATHER— JACKIE WILSON “Higher and Higher” “Lonely Teardrops” “To Be Loved” “That’s Why” Oldies Show! A Rock&Roll The Lake Mahopac Rotary Club presents Also Featuring FRIDAY MAY 12TH The Chiclettes A Tribute to Female Artists Through the Decades Tickets $35 in advance • $40 at the door The Coasters “Yakety Yak” “Along Came Jones” “Charlie Brown” “Poison Ivy” MAHOPAC HIGH SCHOOL 421 BALDWIN PLACE RD control. Now “zero-days” are in the hands of hostile nations and mercenaries who couldn’t care less if your life savings are drained, your clean water is contaminated, or your nuclear plants melt down.  Why haven’t we been warned about zero-days? For years, Perlroth explains, intelligence agencies have rationalized that it was in our national interest to keep the danger on a clandestine level.  e government hoped it could neutralize the threat. Also, they didn’t want to cause mass panic. In Perlroth’s opinion, the government forgot how inextricably connected we all are. Digital vulnerability affects every one of us.  e barrier between the physical and digital is thin indeed. According to the experts, everything can be intercepted. EVERYTHING means your personal data, our intellectual property, our chemical factories, our nuclear plants, even our cyberweapons. Our infrastructure is completely virtualized and, as such, 100% vulnerable.  e potential for sabotage has never been greater than it is today.  What can we do?  e  rst step in solving a problem is recognizing that it exists. Perlroth argues that organizations are lax in taking the necessary steps to protect themselves and that the government needs to commit more resources into cyber defense. Addressing our digital predicament will involve di cult compromises to our national security, to our economy, to the daily conveniences we take for granted. She suggests that step two is to lock down the security code that protects our vital information. We must reinvent our internet security.  at reinvention would start with an understanding of why vulnerabilities exist in the  rst place. She says, “today, most software developers and companies still do the bare minimum, testing code only to make sure it works. Security engineers need to be brought in from the start to conduct sanity checks, to vet original code and any code borrowed from third parties.” Perlroth writes that, for step three, the United States must reestablish a national cybersecurity coordinator (which was foolishly and dangerously eliminated in 2018). It’s critical that someone in the White House is coordinating a national cybersecurity strategy and dealing directly with a government response to cyberattacks and cyber threats. And  nally, step four, we must pass laws with real teeth that mandate that companies substantially upgrade their internet protections. For example, it is essential that, in their critical infrastructure, companies refrain from using old, unsupported software; that they conduct regular penetration tests; that they don’t reuse manufacturers’ passwords, and that they turn on multifactor authentication.  I am now convinced that we will never be resistant to cyber-attacks, or foreign disinformation campaigns for that matter, unless we establish awareness and preparedness that we are far from achieving as of today. Our schools must provide our younger generation with the tools to navigate safely in the digital age. Our vital personal information and our ability to maintain our democracy hang in the balance. And while they’re at it, can someone teach me how to use all my TV remotes?  MARTORANO FROM PAGE 12 Happily Ever After


Sports THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 17 66 Miller Road, Mahopac 845-628-2050 www.mavistireofmahopac.com With This Coupon • Expires 4/30/23 $10.00OFF Synthetic Oil change (MOST CARS) 25%OFF 25 % OFF STRUTS & SHOCKS With This Coupon • Expires 4/30/23 CARING FOR YOUR CAR & OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 35 YEARS! The Friendly Mavis Team BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Friday, Apr. 14, Mahopac hosted Somers for an afternoon shootout of boys lacrosse. A back and forth a air, the outcome hinged on whoever scored last, and with 2:06 left, the script rang true. Danny Koch in the starring role, he got the goal and Mahopac exited with an exciting 8-7 victory. Somers did begin the scoring, though. After Mahopac turned the ball over at mid eld, Miguel Iglesias picked the ball up on the bounce and caught Grayden Carr above the crease. All alone, Carr made easy pickings of  omas Jacobellis for a 1-0 lead at 9:13.  e teams then trading turnovers, Chris Morris took the errant bouncer, and Mahopac went on the attack. Unfortunately, Koch’s spin move into space had Landon Pepe standing tall and making the save with eight minutes left in the period. Another missed shot gave Somers the ball, and once again, the teams coughed it up in succession.  e third go around forced by William Brann gave Mahopac possession, and his pass ahead had the Indians ready to make their mark. Gavin Viglucci reached high in the middle of the  eld, and stream rolling down the  eld, there was no stopping his freight train to the goal.  A 1-1 tie at 4:10, the turnovers continued, but Keenan Nolan’s stick work would allow Mahopac to make the most of this round of miscues. Extricating the ball, the Indians got it ahead, and Danny Koch’s 360 drew in the defender. Viglucci left open, Koch got him the ball and a 2-1 lead was had. 56 seconds to go, a false start gave Mahopac the draw, and the Indians built a 3-1 lead without a moment to spare. After Koch whipped the ball over the crossbar with eight seconds left, he set up behind and forced his way forward. Drawing a crowd, he dumped into Ryan Geoghegan, and proving size does not matter, the feisty attacker went underhand at the buzzer.  Still, Somers came right out of the gate, and the lane Mason Kelly spied de nitely tested Jacobellis. Even so, the Mahopac goalie employed his catcher, and his guys were o .  e o ense patiently worked the four corners until Koch had enough of holding back.  e mid elder juked his defender and whizzed a sidearm past Pepe. 9:16 left in the half, Chris Morris kept his team on a roll. Winning the draw, the ball eventually came to Degnan, and he found the net from 10 yards out with 8:20 left in the half. Of course, Somers was not ready to get back on Route 118 yet. Down four goals, the Tuskers called time, won the draw and Iglesias rushed down the right. An open lane, he went overhead and made it a 5-2 game at 7:21. A run also seemed imminent when the pass came right in front of Jacobellis. But Brann broke up the play and kept the Tuskers at bay.   Back the other way, Pepe did not have such good luck. Viglucci’s projectile from the right caught the goaltenders stick, bounced up, and after the back spin rolled the ball o the post, a furious scramble ensued. To the liking of Geoghegan, he deferred picking up,  ipped the rubber from inside the morass and the net  nally located the ball to the home crowd’s delight.  e Indians did lose the chance to pile on, though.    After Jacobellis made a great save with his catcher, he threw long down eld and Somers had the pick.  Down the sideline, the ball went behind, and Nick Newman teed o from the left.  Converting for a 6-3 game, teams went into intermission after ticking o the remaining 2:22. Maybe chilling the o enses, the score stayed the same more than halfway through the third, and Pepe certainly did his part. Making a point-blank saves and sti ing the rebound, Somers looked like they would get away unscathed.  Sorry, another turnover and Mahopac was back on the run. More like a fast break, Liam Dodd moved down the center of the  eld, passed right to Degnan, and Geoghegan breached the empty net.  But the commanding 7-3 lead turned out to not be so authoritative.  Mason Kelly and two William Sullivan goals closed the third, and it was a game. More than that, Kelly scored 59 seconds into the fourth, and Mahopac was left in a lurch.  Neither goalie was, though, and both kept the game status quo.  at is until Somers was whistled in the Mahopac end, and possession set up the Indians for the decider. Four minutes to go, Mahopac was in no rush. But when a pass inside to Michael Rettberg did not connect, the patience looked for naught. Instead, Koch pounced on the loose ball, swung over the middle, and Pepe had no chance against the sidearm.  2:05 to kill, Somers won the draw, but gave up possession after being whistled on the goal line.   en getting the ball up eld, Mahopac was run out of bounds, and 49 seconds still remained. Fortunately, Jacobellis registered a point blank save, and his long heave down  eld secured the victory. ‘Pac takes thriller over Somers Michael Rettberg (right) PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI Ryan Geoghegan BOYS LACROSSE


PAGE 18 – MAHOPAC NEWS SPORTS THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 For today, retirement and every moment in between. Michael A. Bucci Financial Advisor Tier 4 Planning A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. 203.302.6744 41 W. Putnam Ave. Greenwich, CT 06830 [email protected] Tier4planning.com CA Insurance #0M83870 The Confident Retirement approach is not a guarantee of future financial results. The initial Confident Retirement conversation provides an overview of financial planning concepts. You will not receive written analysis and/or recommendations. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC., a registered investment adviser. © 2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. (05/19) Confident Retirement approach Tier 4 planning isn’t about getting a new 403(b) or buying financial products. It’s about becoming educated and empowered around the events and decisions in your personal financial life. It’s about being prepared. Maybe it’s time. Call me today for your initial Confident Retirement conversation. NEW YORK HOMEOWNERS: YOU MAY *QUALIFY THROUGH NEW RELIEF PROGRAMS! HELP IS AVAILABLE EVEN IF YOU COULD PAY CASH Qualify Today: 800-944-9393 or visit NYProgramFunding.org to see if you *qualify Do you need a New Roof and Help paying for it? Do you need Energy Efficient Windows & Help paying for it? Approved applications will have the work completed by a quality repair crew provided by: HOMEOWNER FUNDING. Not affiliated with State or Gov Programs. Contractor License: NY: #2719-h14 *Enrollment is only open during a limited time. Programs, appointments, and installations are on a first come, first serve basis in your area. Any leaking, visible damage, or roof age, may *qualify you! Drafty windows, energy cost too high, you may *qualify! BY SKIP PEARLMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER  e Indians girls’ lacrosse team picked up a feel-good, 17-4 victory over Arlington last  ursday (4/13) at home, and thought they were on their way to another one Monday (4/17) at Mamaroneck. But the Tigers erased a 6-4 halftime de cit, and out-scored the Indians 6-1 in the second half to earn a 10-7 victory.  Juliana Mangione had a hattrick for Mahopac, Erin Harney added two goals, Katie Watts had a goal and one assist, Riley Massett had a goal, and Ashley Koch had one assist. Amanda Carey had eight saves in net for the Indians.  “We dominated the  rst half, we had intensity, and were ready for a solid win,”  Indians coach Christina D’Amore said. “Instead, we came home with a loss.  ey made adjustments in the second half, and we could not get our shots o .  ey also got a lot of eight-meter calls…  ey de nitely had more scoring opportunities in the second.” “It just did not go our way in the second half,”  D’Amore added. “Adrianna Pranzo really worked hard for us, and Juliana and Hannah came up with big goals. Our defense also did well communicating.”   e Indians (2-4) were in control from the start last  ursday at home against the Admirals, with Hannah Harney, Massett and Watts all scoring three goals. Mangione had two goals and one assist, Grace Gaine scored twice, Pranzo and Brooke Plath each had a goal, and Hannah Harney and Watts each had one assist. Carey had  ve saves in net for Mahopac.   “We went in needing a win, after a loss to Fox Lane,” D’Amore said. “ e girls were pumped and played together as a unit. Carey did a nice job in goal, Hannah Harney did a good job getting ‘Pac girls rip Admirals Slip in second half vs. ‘Pac Mamaroneck  freshman Ashley Koch moves the ball. PHOTOS: SKIP PEARLMAN Indians senior captain Riley Massett celebrates one of her three goals vs. Arlington. GIRLS LACROSSE SEE LACROSSE PAGE 19


THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 SPORTS MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 19 the ball moving, and Massett and Watts dominated on the attack end. Our defense also played very well.”  Mahopac was set to visit Clarkstown North Wednesday (4/19) at 4:30 p.m., and hosts Brewster next Wednesday (4/26) at 4:30 p.m.  LACROSSE FROM PAGE 18 Admirals defenders collide trying to cover Mahopac’s Erin Harney. Adrianna Pranzo (14), Katie Watts (5), Shaylah Hennessy (19), Hannah Harney (20) and the Indians overwhelmed Arlington last week at home. Indians junior captain Juliana Mangione looks for a shot vs. Arlington. Junior Adrianna Pranzo looks for an opening down the sideline. 692 RTE 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 | 845-628-5553 [email protected] | www.mahopaccarmelchamber.com OUR PARTNERS: SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS! Gleneida Avenue between Fair Street and Vink Drive 11am to 4pm FOOD • VENDORS • ENTERTAINMENT SPRING FAIR The Greater Mahopac Carmel Chamber of Commerce CARMEL May 20th 11am to 4pm, Saturday, May 20th, 2023 Rain Date: May 27th, 2023 TIMESThe Putnam County and Summer Female Flag Football Under the lights REGISTRATION IS OPEN! WOMEN’S LEAGUE Thursdays Under the Lights Late June-August 7-9pm Visit us on Instagram and Facebook @gridironpartnersinc [email protected] 917-848-7780 Please visit our website to learn more and register Westchester Female Flag Football is powered by Gridiron Partners YOUTH LEAGUE Tuesdays Under the Lights Late June-August 7-9pm at the Somers High School main football turf clubs.bluesombrero.com/gridiron


PAGE 20 – MAHOPAC NEWS LEISURE THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! For puzzle solutions, please see theparamountrehab.com CLUES ACROSS 1. Dylan and Marley are two 5. Makes healthy 10 The Who’s “O’Riley” 14. Side sheltered from wind 15. Flat-bottomed sailboats 16. Egyptian supreme god 17. Advice 18. Mass of small, loose stones 19. Online learning services provider 20. “Lords” in Northwest Semitic languages 22. Of she 23. A place to relax 24. Critical and mocking 27. Consumed 30. You get one in summer 31. Bath 32. Luxury automaker 35. Spiders spin one 37. Guy (slang) 38. Greek personification of Earth 39. Large instruments 40. Domestic cattle genus 41. Appetizer 42. Oil group 43. Where to put groceries 44. Speak incessantly 45. Popular color 46. A place to sleep 47. Make fun of 48. Former CIA 49. Salts 52. Bleated 55. Never sleeps 56. Sword 60. Water (Spanish) 61. Cyprinids 63. “Dark Knight” actor Christian 64. Fictional demon 65. Old World lizard 66. The content of cognition 67. Makes a mistake 68. A way to make wet 69. Tide CLUES DOWN 1. One-liner 2. Evergreen genus 3. College in Rome 4. Prevents from seeing 5. Cycles/second 6. Mischievous child 7. Less common 8. Honorably retired 9. Midway between south and southeast 10. A confusion of voices and other sounds 11. Bony fish genus 12. Type of pear 13. Egyptian cross 21. Satisfies 23. Founder of Babism 25. Bar bill 26. Chicago ballplayer 27. Performer 28. Hairpiece 29. Partner to flowed 32. Aircraft formation 33. You have 3 per day 34. Goes into 36. College athletic organization 37. Wet, muddy ground 38. Talk 40. Witty conversation 41. Gurus 43. “French Price of __ Air” 44. Sports equipment 46. Try to get 47. Flower cluster 49. Sea dwellers 50. Palmlike subtropical plant 51. Polio vaccine developer 52. Baseball’s Ruth 53. Gelatinous substance 54. Hungarian violinist Leopold 57. Offered 58. Ancient Greek City 59. A way to derive 61. Touch lightly 62. Witnessed 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 Do you understand the difference between an irrevocable and a revocable trust? CALL NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 914.948.1500


THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 21 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR To say there have been many unexpected turns in Bobby Brooks Wilson’s musical journey would be an understatement.  e man known as Mister Entertainment for his high-energy performances may have felt music in his soul from an early age, but Brooks Wilson didn’t realize just how deeply it was embedded in his DNA until well into adulthood when he discovered he was the son of the late soul music icon and Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall-of-Famer Jackie Wilson (1934-84). Brooks Wilson will headline the Lake Mahopac Rotary Club’s Oldies Night show at Mahopac High School on May 12, along with the Chiclettes and the Coasters, backed by the Coda Band. Raised in a foster home, Bobby Brooks Wilson’s introduction to music was through church and the country music his foster mother played around the house. “ e beginning was gospel,” Brooks Wilson told Mahopac News. “I was raised in a Southern Baptist home. My mother, who raised me, was a devout Christian, and she would play gospel, like the Soul Stirrers, Sam Cooke’s group, the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, and so forth. Plus, she was heavily into country music, so I would hear Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, and Ray Charles.” Brooks Wilson began singing in church and, as he grew older, also discovered R&B and soul artists like Stevie Wonder, Ben E. King, Otis Redding, and others. “I knew I could do what those guys were doing,” Wilson said. “I knew I wanted to be a singer. But when I graduated from high school, I went to college, got engaged and got married, I put music behind me and joined the Navy because I wanted to have a solid foundation to take care of my new wife and child.” Brooks Wilson, who was trained as an electronics engineer and specialist in nuclear weapons in the service, left the Navy on a medical discharge while stationed at Pearl Harbor. Although he had jobs waiting in the nuclear industry, he said he “got pushed back into music” after friends persuaded him to sing at a karaoke bar. By chance, Peter Hernandez, father of Bruno Mars, heard him singing and o ered him a gig as part of Hernandez’s doo-wop group, the Lovenotes. “Once I joined Bruno’s father’s group, that was the end of it,” Brooks Wilson said. “I knew that was where I was supposed to be. And I grew up.  at’s where I learned about my lineage to Jackie Wilson.” Life in the group was demanding—Brook Wilson compares it to boot camp—but he says he was given the training to mold his talent into professional ability. Starting out as a background singer, he was eventually given a featured role singing a medley of Jackie Wilson songs, still unaware that the legendary artist was his biological father. “I didn’t know who Jackie Wilson was [at the time],” he said. Eventually, his characterization of Wilson would get the attention of another artist/impresario on the oldies circuit, Paul Revere Dick of Paul Revere and the Raiders.  at connection led to a residency performing the role of Jackie Wilson in Atlantic City—and would help the younger Wilson reclaim his heritage. “While I was there, [classic soul group] the Four Tops were in the building doing corporate shows,” Brooks Wilson said.  e Tops had been watching him—then still known as Bobby Brooks— on and o stage and invited him to visit them. “When I got there, they asked if I was always in character as Jackie Wilson and I said no,” Brook Wilson recalled. “One of them said I had to be family, that I moved just like him.  ey started questioning me about my parents, and I was like ‘I don’t know, my parents. I know my mother’s name. But I don’t really know her and I don’t know my father’s name.’” Brooks Wilson said someone asked, “Are you being Bobby right now or Jackie? Because we think that you’re on stage 24/7 because you’re always Jackie. We’ve been watching you for a week!’ “ at was the beginning,” he added.  e connection with the Four Tops would bring Brooks Wilson into contact with others who knew Jackie Wilson, and Bobby’s Bobby Brooks Wilson’s soul DNA How an oldies show star discovered his musical heritage SEE WILSON PAGE 23 Your Family Car Care Center! LOCATIONS: Baldwin Place • 44 Route 118 • (845) 628-7900 Croton Falls • 1 Center St • (914) 769-3206 Visit us at www.ProperService.com For over 100 years of combined auto experience, Joe Ferone and his sta of Proper Service have been serving the community, creating releationships, and building a remarkable company with an amazing team of employees! Find out why Joe Ferone of Proper Service needs to be YOUR Go-To Automotive Service Center!


 e New York State Sheri s’ Institute’s annual Honorary Membership drive has begun across New York State.  Putnam County Sheri Kevin McConville states that Honorary Membership invitations will be arriving in randomly selected mailboxes across Putnam County over the next two weeks. Sheri s’ Institute Honorary Membership dues help to support the Institute’s robust programming for youth and sheri s’ o ces which include the Sheri s’ Summer Camp, crime victim services, annual scholarship program, and education, training, and awards programs for personnel.  e Sheri s’ Summer Camp is the Institute’s  agship program located on Keuka Lake. Each summer, 840 economically challenged children from across New York State participate under the direct guidance of sheri s and o ce personnel who volunteer their time to help make the camp a success.   e Sheri s’ Summer Camp provides an opportunity to bring children together with deputy sheri s in a positive and meaningful environment.  e week-long camp directly bene ts children in our own local communities who otherwise would not have the opportunity to participate in a summer camp experience.  e Putnam County Sheri ’s O ce selects children from our local communities who bene t through the camp’s summer recreation activities which are designed to teach an understanding of, and respect for, our laws and the men and women who enforce them.  e strong camper-to-counselor ratio allows for individual attention with an emphasis on the development of self-esteem. “ e Putnam Sheri ’s O ce is proud to support the Sheri s’ Institute and the excellent work they do in supporting our youth and personnel.  e incredible summer camp experience and educational and training opportunities provided by the Institute are invaluable assets to our county residents and sheri ’s o ce,” McConville said. “We encourage anyone who is interested to become an Honorary Member and help support these great programs.” In addition to the Summer Camp, the Sheri s’ Institute also provides an annual scholarship to each New York State community college’s criminal justice program.  is scholarship program is designed to help attract the best and the brightest to the criminal justice vocation. If you are an individual who would like to become an Honorary Member and did not receive a letter in the mail, please visit sheri sinstitute.org. Your contribution is greatly appreciated and helps support youth, crime victims, and law enforcement in our local community through the Institute’s programs. Established in 1979, the Sheri s’ Institute is a not-for-pro t corporation and tax-exempt organization. Contributions to the Institute are tax deductible, and the Institute is registered with the New York State Attomey General’s Charities Bureau. Neither the Putnam Sherift’s Of-  ce nor the Institute solicits donations or memberships via telephone. For more information about the New York State Sheri s’ Institute Summer Camp and other important programs, visit sheri sinstitute.org Courtesy of the Putnam County Sheri ’s O ce PAGE 22 – MAHOPAC NEWS THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 Sheri ’s Institute annual fund drive begins Donations help pay for scholarships, cadet camps, victim services and more PHOTO: CORINNE STANTON Putnam County Sheriff’s cadets washed cars at Mahopac Fire House to raise money for summer camp. $150 OFF INSTALLATION OF A SOFTENER MENTION AD FOR DISCOUNT EXPIRES 5/31/23 $150 OFF INSTALLATION OF A SOFTENER MENTION AD FOR DISCOUNT EXPIRES 5/31/23 FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HOT WATER HEATER & GAS NEEDS 59 Years of Excellence Putnam & Westchester County’s Premier Plumbing Professionals Since 1964 719 Rte. 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com FEEL THE DIFFERENCE LUXURIOUS, SOFTENED WATER BRINGS TO YOUR FAMILY PICK-UP & DELIVERY AVAILABLE WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS OF PORTABLE GENERATORS 845-225-3503 * LAWN MOWERS * CHAIN SAWS * TRIMMERS * TRACTORS * GENERATORS * MOTORCYCLES * ATV’S * AND MORE! PICK-UP & DELIVERY FACTORY-TRAINED SERVICE TECHNICIANS EAST ROAD MOTORS 58 CAROLAN RD. EAST • CARMEL, NY www.EASTROADMOTORS.com EAST ROAD MOTORS


The goal is to beautify our neighborhood and offer double community service hours to all middle and high school student participants (minimum of five hours). Participants will meet at Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department at 741 Route 6 in Mahopac. Lunch will be served afterward. Learn more at mahopaclions [email protected]. Tenor Coming to MCB Church World-renowned tenor David Phelps will perform at the Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Carmel Hamlet on May 26 in his only Northeast performance until the fall. MCB Church is located at 76 Gleneida Ave. Learn more at mcbchurch.online. Rec Advisory Committee Members Needed The Carmel Town Board is looking for interested and qualified people to fill two vacancies on the town’s Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee. Anyone interested in joining the committee should send a letter of interest along with the resume to the Recreation and Parks Department office by May 5. Address your submission to the attention of Jim Gilchrist, Director, Town of Carmel Recreation and Parks Department at Sycamore Park: 790 Long Pond Road in Mahopac. You can also fax 845-628-2820 or e-mail [email protected]. Anime Club Mahopac Library will hold a Teen Anime Club event on Wednesday, March 29 at 4 p.m. Join other teens aged 14-plus after school to watch anime, play board or card games, share your art, talk manga, and hang with friends. Teens are welcome to bring their own board/ card games, as well as food and drink. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, contact Youth Services at 845-628-2009, ext. 139. Oldies Show The Lake Mahopac Rotary Club has announced the lineup for its ninth annual Oldies Show to be held on Mother’s Day weekend, Friday, May 12, at Mahopac High School auditorium. “Mr. Entertainment” Bobby Brooks Wilson will headline with a high-energy tribute to his father, soul legend Jackie Wilson. The three-time Grammy winner will share the bill with girl group the Chiclettes and Carl Gardner’s Coasters. Tickets are $35 in advance ($40 night of event), and are currently available at eventbrite.com (search Lake Mahopac Rotary Club) and are also on sale locally at PCSB Bank (Mahopac Branch), Route 6 Deli and d’Berto’s Pizzeria. Rental Arrears Help Volunteer residents of Putnam Progressives, in partnership with the Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, can help local tenants with rent debt, or in “rental arrears,” get money from New York’s ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program). These volunteers will be at the Gilead Presbyterian Church, 9 Church St., Carmel, 1-8 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 1-5 p.m. on Mondays. Renters from Putnam County are encouraged to come; volunteers can check your qualifications for money aid and apply you for rent relief. To be able to apply, bring papers that show your personal identity; rental amount; residency; income; and, if you have one, Social Security number. You can also apply for utility aid. If you want this, then also bring a utility bill. Questions? Call a rent relief volunteer at 817-382-7549 or 845-418-5740. THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 23 “We were right,” Lombardi said. “We will never allow that in our town, as long as I’m here.” Lombardi also credited Town Supervisor Michael Cazzari and councilmen Robert Schanil and Stephen Baranowski for helping to stop illegal dumping in the area. (Like Lombardi and Schanil, Cazzari faces a primary challenges this June.) He vowed to continue to focus on quality of life issues. “I’ve learned over the years, that sometimes the right decision might not always be popular, and you may lose a friend or two,” Lombardi concluded. “But at the end of the day, I believe it is always happening in the best interest of all 37,000 residents of the town of Carmel.” LOMBARDI FROM PAGE 5 on final state aid figures. Also at that meeting, a proposal by president Ben DiLullo to reduce the board to seven members was rejected, with board members McCracken, Lucy Massafra, and Jonathan Schneider saying it would reduce representation. While not dismissing the idea completely, David Furfaro noted that the interest in joining the board was now higher than it had been in years when it was difficult to fill seats. No changes to the size of the board would be able to take place before 2024 at the earliest. Mahopac News will cover the four candidates in more depth as the election approaches. BOARD FROM PAGE 1 WILSON FROM PAGE 21 MUSINGS FROM PAGE 4 biological mother. Songwriter Billy Davis (famous for writing Cocal-Cola commercials among other things), became a mentor and was convinced that Jackie Wilson was indeed Bobby Brooks’ father. “I said, dude, ‘I don’t know he’s my father,’” Brooks Wilson said. “And he goes: ‘He’s your dad.’” Today, Brooks Wilson has firmly embraced his father’s legacy while also forging a musical identity of his own as a songwriter. And while he creates original house music, he values the opportunity to entertain and educate at oldies shows in local venues like Mahopac High School. “For older listeners, these songs remind them of their youth,” Wilson said. “And for young people, we get to teach them something about where the music came from.” For tickets and more information about the show, visit lakemahopacrotary.org. Securities offered through Cantella & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Cantella and Co., Inc. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. 845-628-5400 SFGtaxes.com | [email protected] 824 Route 6, Suite 4 | Mahopac, NY 10541 from other accountants and tax preparers is our ability to work with you not just on taxes, but on financials, college planning, divorce, retirement planning, changes in life planning... We don’t just process tax forms, we advise on how to handle your income and expenses in the future with personalized recommendations. We help you navigate the tax code, and in the end, help you set sound financial goals. What separates us


PAGE 24 – MAHOPAC NEWS LEGAL NOTICES THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 SEE LEGALS PAGE 25 JJJ Curanaj, LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 10/13/2022. Cty: Putnam. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Joseph A. Scutieri, Esq., Attorney at Law, 445 Hamilton Ave., Ste. 1102, White Plains, NY 10601. General Purpose Hortontown Rd LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/23/2023. Cty: Putnam. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 1 Blueberry Ln., Putnam Valley, NY 10579. General Purpose F. S. E. Realty LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 3/9/2023. Cty: Putnam. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Damiano Zito, 15 Fawn Dr., Mahopac, NY 10541. General Purpose LLC FORMATION NOTIFICATIONS Advertise With Us When you advertise with Mahopac News, you are reaching thousands of households and businesses throughout Mahopac, Mahopac Falls and portions of Carmel. To advertise or to place a classified, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected]. LEGAL NOTICE By the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Carmel pursuant to Section 267 Town Law, notice is hereby given that a hearing will be held on: APRIL 27, 2023 – 7:30 P.M. To hear the following applications: HOLD OVER APPLICATIONS: 1. Application of OSCAR CHAVEZ & GIOVANNA TORANZO for a Variation of Section 156-15 seeking a Variance for permission to build addition to kitchen (south side of house).  The property is located at 710 South Lake Blvd., Mahopac NY and is known as Tax Map #75.11-2-15. Code Requires/Allows Provided Variance Required 15’ side 13.77’ 1.23’ NEW APPLICATIONS: 2. Application of FRANK SCHMIDT for a Variation of Section 156-15 seeking an Area Variance for permission to retain two sheds.  The property is located at 50 Steiner Drive, Mahopac NY and is known as Tax Map #64.9- 1-8. Code Requires/Allows Provided Variance Required Shed 1:  10’ Side 1’ 9’ Shed 2:  10’ Rear 8’ 2’ 3. Application of LIONEL RIVERA for a Variation of Section 156-15 seeking an Area Variance for permission to build a front mudroom addition, portico and steps.  The property is located at 13 Hillside Place, Carmel NY and is known as Tax Map #44.15-2-15 Code Requires/Allows Provided Variance Required 40’ Side 38’ 2’ 4. Application of PHILLIP LEPORE for a Variation of Section 156-15 seeking an Area Variance for permission to construct shed.  The property is located at 28 Crosshill Road, Mahopac NY and is known as Tax Map #74.42-1-69. Code Requires/Allows Provided Variance Required 10’ Side 2’ 8’ 10’ Rear 2.1’ 7.9’ 5. Application of MICHAEL MADSEN for a Variation of Section 156-15 seeking an Area Variance for permission to replace existing deck and add portion.  The property is located at 26 Boniello Drive, Mahopac NY and is known as Tax Map #85.12-2-13. Code Requires/Allows Provided Variance Required 15’ Side 8’ 7’ 6. Application of C.TORRES/K.SANTANA for a Variation of Section 156-15 seeking an Area Variance for permission to retain deck.  The property is located at 258 Topland Road, Mahopac NY and is known as Tax Map #63.82-1-5. Code Requires/Allows Provided Variance Required 15’ Side – South 4’ 11’ 15’ Side – North 13’ 2’ LEGAL NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received at the Office of the Town Clerk, Town of Carmel, 60 McAlpin, Mahopac, New York 10541, until 11:00 AM on May 24, 2023 at which time all bids will be publicly opened, read and recorded by the Town Clerk for the following: CONTRACT #C290 CHEMICAL AND DIATOMACEOUS EARTH SUPPLY FOR TOWN OF CARMEL WATER AND SEWER DISTRICTS All bidders must comply with Section 103(a) and 103(d) of the General Municipal Law relating to non-collusive bidding and waiver of immunity against criminal prosecution. In order to be eligible to bid on this project, specifications must be obtained directly from the Office of the Town Clerk, at the above address, beginning April 20, 2023 between the hours of 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Bid envelope shall be marked “BID” plus bid title and number. The Town Board of the Town of Carmel reserves the right to reject any and all bids and abandon the proposal or may reject all bids and re-advertise at a future date. By Order of the Town Board of the Town of Carmel Ann Spofford, Town Clerk Notice of Formation of LC Anderson International Consulting, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2022- 03-11. Office location: Putnam County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to L. C. Anderson: 9 Tamarack Rd Mahopac NY 10541. Purpose: Any lawful purpose NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Notice of Formation of BeeDub Properties LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023- 04-03. Office location: Putnam County. SSNY designated as agent of upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to LLC: 87 Ressique St. Carmel NY 10512. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Notice of Formation of Road Is My Home Transport LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023-03-13. Office location: Putnam County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Secretary of State of NY: 141 E Lake Blvd K3 Mahopac NY 10541. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Notice of Formation of NightScapes LLC. Arts of Org. filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/18/2023. Office Location: Putnam County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company LLC (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Brian K. Kretzschmar: 3 Pike Place Mahopac, New York 10541. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. ON YOUR INSTALLATION 60% OFF Limited Time Offer! SAVE! TAKE AN ADDITIONAL Additional savings for military, health workers and fi rst responders 10% OFF New orders only. Does not include material costs. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Minimum purchase required. Other restrictions may apply. This is an advertisement placed on behalf of Erie Construction Mid-West, Inc (“Erie”). Offer terms and conditions may apply and the offer may not available in your area. If you call the number provided, you consent to being contacted by telephone, SMS text message, email, pre-recorded messages by Erie or its affiliates and service providers using automated technologies notwithstanding if you are on a DO NOT CALL list or register. Please review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use on homeservicescompliance.com. All rights reserved. License numbers available at eriemetalroofs.com/licenses/ MADE IN THE U.S.A. New orders only. Does not include material costs. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Minimum purchase required. Other restrictions may apply. This is an advertisement placed on behalf of Erie Construction Mid-West, Inc (“Erie”). Offer terms and 1.855.492.6084 FREE ESTIMATE Expires 6/30/2023 Before After Make the smart and ONLY CHOICE when tackling your roof! Contact Us Mahopac News is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 845-208-0774 or email [email protected].


THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 25 7. Application of DAVID & EVELYN SANTANA for a Variation of Section 156-20 seeking an Area  Variance for permission to retain existing 52” fence in front and 6’ high on sides as well as Driveway Gates.  The property is located at 467 Bullet Hole Road, Mahopac NY and is known as Tax Map #64.6-1-2 Code Requires/Allows Provided Variance Required 4’ Fence Front Yard 52” across front of house and 6’ along driveway & adjacent to easterly property & 6’ Driveway Gate 4” along front and 2’ along driveway & easterly property line 8. Application of MITCHELL & LAUREN KARPF for a Variation of Section 156-20 seeking an Area Variance for permission to retain 6’ fence in front yard.  The property is located at 19 Woodland Road, Mahopac NY and is known as Tax Map #75.7-1-18.2. Code Requires/Allows Provided Variance Required 4’ Fence in Front Yard 6’ Fence 2’ variance 9. Application of FABIAN PANI for a Variation of Section 156-20 seeking a Variance for permission to retain 6’ fence in front.  The property is located at 112 Stillwater Road, Mahopac NY and is known as Tax Map #75.17- 1-52. Code Requires/Allows Provided Variance Required 4’ fence in front yard 6’ 2’ 10. Application of ROBERT SORENSEN for a Variation of Section 156-20 seeking a Variance for permission to construct fence along front/side of corner lot.  The property is located at 1 Fabbri Court, Mahopac NY and is known as Tax Map #75.13-1-22. Code Requires/Allows Provided Variance Required 4’ tall fence in front yard 6’ fence along Rt. 6N 2’ Fence Variance MISCELLANEOUS: MINUTES: • February 23, 2023 • March 23, 2023 By Order of the Chairman, John Maxwell LEGAL NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received at the Office of the Town Clerk, Town of Carmel, 60 McAlpin, Mahopac, New York 10541, until 11:00 AM on May 24, 2023 at which time all bids will be publicly opened, read and recorded by the Town Clerk for the following: CONTRACT #C290 CHEMICAL AND DIATOMACEOUS EARTH SUPPLY FOR TOWN OF CARMEL WATER AND SEWER DISTRICTS All bidders must comply with Section 103(a) and 103(d) of the General Municipal Law relating to non-collusive bidding and waiver of immunity against criminal prosecution. In order to be eligible to bid on this project, specifications must be obtained directly from the Office of the Town Clerk, at the above address, beginning April 20, 2023 between the hours of 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Bid envelope shall be marked “BID” plus bid title and number. The Town Board of the Town of Carmel reserves the right to reject any and all bids and abandon the proposal or may reject all bids and re-advertise at a future date. By Order of the Town Board of the Town of Carmel Ann Spofford, Town Clerk REQUEST A FREE QUOTE CALL NOW BEFORE THE NEXT POWER OUTAGE (877) 516-1160 Prepare for power outages today WITH A HOME STANDBY GENERATOR $0 MONEY DOWN + LOW MONTHLY PAYMENT OPTIONS Contact a Generac dealer for full terms and conditions *To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions. FREE 7-Year Extended Warranty* – A $695 Value! Take advantage of the new 30% Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) with PWRcell, Generac’s fully-integrated solar + battery storage system. PWRcell will help you save money on your electric bill and be prepared for utility power outages. Plus it’s compatible with most existing solar arrays. Now’s the Right Time SAVE 30% WITH THE SOLAR TAX CREDIT^ Call to request a free quote! (888) 871-0194 Purchase a PWRcell and Receive a Free Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced – valued at over $189!* *Scan the QR code for promo terms and conditions. ^Consult your tax or legal professional for information regarding eligibility requirements for tax credits. Solar panels sold separately. FINANCING AVAILABLE WITH APPROVED CREDIT Call today and receive a FREE SHOWER PACKAGE PLUS $1600 OFF With purchase of a new Safe Step Walk-In Tub. Not applicable with any previous walk-in tub purchase. Offer available while supplies last. No cash value. Must present offer at time of purchase. CSLB 1082165 NSCB 0082999 0083445 1-855-916-5473 LEGALS FROM PAGE 24 Advertise With Us When you advertise with Mahopac News, you are reaching thousands of households and businesses throughout Mahopac, Mahopac Falls and portions of Carmel. To advertise or to place a classified, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected]. LEGAL NOTICES


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Submissions can be emailed to mahopacnews@ halstonmedia.com or mail it to Mahopac News, 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you’d like your photo returned.


THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 27 Yorktown Chamber of Commerce 2010 Organization of the Year November 29, 1987-March 21, 2003 MAY WE STAND AS TALL AS HE DID in memory of Our 20th Year Proudly Supporting Community Recreation and Education HARRISON APAR Standing three feet tall due to a rare dwarfism, as a featured speaker at his middle school graduation, Harrison told classmates... ‘Dreams Do Not Come Easily, But If You Stretch Enough, Nothing Is Out of Reach’ Facebook.com/HarrisonAparFoundation [email protected] • 914.275.6887 P.O. Box 1383, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit incorporated in the State of New York WHY DO WE ADVERTISE IN HALSTON MEDIA’S LOCAL NEWSPAPERS? TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL BRETT FREEMAN AT (845) 208-8151 “We couldn’t imagine our business without it. Halston’s people are fabulous to work with; our advertising in Halston papers has given us considerable name recognition for our office and our agents and has driven traffic to our web site.” ~Zef Camaj Branch Manager / Houlihan Lawrence Yorktown Owners Danielle Puma Whitmarsh and Kerry Prior-Puleo holding a 20- year cupcake display celebrating this milestone. A gathering for their employees was held at The Blue Taco Restaurant in Mahopac. PHOTO: CORINNE STANTON A 2018 survey of more than 1,000 hiring managers and human resources professionals revealed some surprising things about modern hiring practices.  e survey, conducted by  e Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder, provided a wealth of insight about the hiring process, including some of the unusual things people have done in interviews. Asked to share the most unusual things candidates have done during interviews, employers and hiring managers indicated job seekers had asked for a cocktail, broke out in song in the middle of an interview, asked to taste an interviewer’s co ee, and even wore a costume of Darth Vader to an interview.  ough many of those replies undoubtedly elicited a laugh (and likely some shock), they indicate that many people aren’t entirely sure about how to act during a job interview. Most professionals probably don’t need to be told to avoid asking for a cocktail or to leave their costumes at home when leaving for an interview, but some might not know to avoid certain topics. Others may simply venture into uncomfortable conversational territory due to nerves.  ough there might not be a formula for a successful interview, if there were, it might include avoiding these four topics. 1. Negative experiences about current or past employers: Positivity should reign supreme during a job interview, so candidates should avoid any negative comments about a current or past employer. Such comments give interviewers the impression that a candidate could be di cult to work with. Negative comments about an employer also suggest a candidate is unprofessional. 2. Politics: Whether it’s o ce politics or the goings-on in the political arena, this topic should not make it into a job interview. Politics understandably bring out a passion in many people, but candidates should emphasize their passion for the opportunity at hand and not their enthusiasm for a particular politician or political party during a job interview. 3. Personal life: Hiring managers and in fact anyone conducting a job interview is legally obligated to avoid topics that could be interpreted as discriminatory. Candidates who bring up their personal life in an interview could be putting interviewers in an awkward position, which may ultimately a ect their impressions of the person being interviewed. Candidates can do their candidacy and their interviewers a favor by avoiding discussions of their personal life during an interview. 4. Salary: Bringing up salary might not be as big a red  ag as political opinions or negative comments about past employers, but it’s best to wait until the interviewer broaches the topic. Asking about salary before the interviewer brings it up could give the impression that a candidate is only interested in the money and not the opportunity.  Successful interviewing is a skill that candidates can cultivate. Knowing which topics to avoid during an interview is an important part of that cultivation process.   is article is from Metro Creative Connection. 4 topics to avoid during a job interview Congrats on the milestone! Party Sta ng Inc. in Mahopac celebrated 20 years in the business! To learn more, visit partysta nginc.com


PAGE 28 – MAHOPAC NEWS THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023


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