Yorktown News 1.13.22

Vol. 10 No. 43 Visit TapIntoYorktown.net for the latest news. Thursday, January 13, 2022

the ice With three inches of ice coating Sparkle
Lake and a wind chill that barely reached
A few brave double digits, nobody would have blamed
souls take last weekend’s Polar Plunge participants if
the “Polar they got cold feet.

Plunge” into Instead, the elected o cials and town
Sparkle Lake on residents bravely submerged themselves in
Saturday, Jan. 8. the freezing waters on Saturday, Jan. 8, to
raise money for the Friends of Yorktown
PHOTO: BRIAN Parks & Recreation. e money—about
MARSCHHAUSER $2,000—will help the non-pro t organi-
zation “establish various subcommittees to
target parks and recreation activities that
have a high impact on the health and well-
ness of Yorktown residents.”

Among those participating in the rst-
ever Polar Plunge were Town Supervisor
Matt Slater, Councilman Sergio Esposito,
Councilwoman Luciana Haughwout, and
Parks and Rec Superintendent Jim Mar-
torano Jr.

e Yorktown Volunteer Fire Depart-
ment was on hand to break the ice and
make sure everything went smoothly. Chef
Rob on Wheels provided refreshments.

“ e great turnout by the public and very
generous pledges/sponsors ensured our suc-
cess,” said Bob Giordano, board member of
the Friends of Yorktown Parks and Recre-
ation.

Pledges/donations can still be sent via
Venmo @FYPR-1 (con rmation code
is 8843, if required). Checks can also be
mailed to:

Friends of Yorktown Parks and Recre-
ation

1795 Hunterbrook Road
Yorktown Heights, N.Y. 10598

Turn to pages 14-15 for more photos.

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 27
CLASSIFIEDS
LEGAL NOTICES 26
LEISURE
OBITUARIES 25
OPINION
SPORTS 21

22 BOYS BASKETBALL

8 Huskers support
17 teammate

pg 19

Page 2 – Yorktown News Thursday, January 13, 2022

The Staff Uncle Giuseppe’s plans to relocate in Yorktown

EDITORIAL TEAM After months of uncon rmed In 2021, plans revealed for the not respond to any of this newspa- useppe’s appeared before the York-
BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER rumors, Uncle Giuseppe’s is mak- Yorktown Green Shopping Cen- per’s requests for comment during town Planning Board on Monday,
EDITOR: 914-302-5628 ing public its plans to relocate a ter called for the long-vacant Food that time. Jan. 10. He said construction is be-
[email protected] quarter mile down the road in Yor- Emporium building to be lled by ing done to build an area in the rear
ktown Heights. a single grocery store tenant. Ever e grocery store’s existing lo- of the site for freezers and coolers,
VIM WILKINSON since, that tenant has been the cation at 380 Downing Drive is and to bring the building into
SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR Uncle Giuseppe’s, which has subject of rumors, many of which about 38,000 square feet. e Food compliance with the Americans
[email protected] eight grocery stores in New York accurately forecasted that Uncle Emporium building at 329 Down- with Disabilities Act.
and New Jersey, opened in York- Giuseppe’s would relocate to the ing Drive is 45,000, according to
ADVERTISING TEAM town in 2019,taking over the space larger space. Uncle Giuseppe’s did real-estate listings. e project is being carried out
PAUL FORHAN Turco’s operated for many years. separately from the Kmart reno-
A representative for Uncle Gi- vation. According to those plans,
(914) 806-3951 which have yet to be formally
[email protected] VIRTUAL proposed, Kmart would be demol-
ished and replaced with a retail/
BRUCE HELLER residential building that includes
(914) 486-7608 150 housing units. Unlike the
[email protected] Kmart project, Uncle Giuseppe’s
complies with the existing zoning
LISA KAIN and does not need to be reviewed
(201) 317-1139 under the recently approved York-
[email protected] town Heights Overlay District.
CORINNE STANTON
(914) 760-7009 Planning Board members said
[email protected] they no issues with the plan.

JAY GUSSAK –Brian Marschhauser
(914) 299-4541
[email protected] Yorktown
SHELLEY KILCOYNE Celebrating Character, Kindness & Thoughtful Service Police Blotter
(914) 924-9122
[email protected] Community Art Community Volunteerism with the The following items are from the
Creative Writing Inspirational Wall of Outstanding Yorktown Police Department.
PRODUCTION TEAM Inspire Kindness T-Shirt Showcase
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL Dance & Musical Young Volunteers DWI. Jan. 3, 9:42 p.m. – Arrest-
ed a 61-year-old Yorktown man.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Performances Yourself to Help Others with Charged with aggravated driv-
PHOTOGRAPHER Save A Life Resources ing while intoxicated (unclassi ed
With misdemeanor), leaving the scene of
[email protected] Organizations Offering Yorktown's Televised Annual a property damage auto accident
GABRIELLE BILIK Thoughtful Service Opportunities MLK Day of Service Ceremony at 6pm (tra c infraction), failure to main-
DESIGNER tain lane (tra c infraction), and
CALLING ALL... moved from lane unsafely (traf-
[email protected]
Artists Filmmakers c infraction). Accused of driving
EXECUTIVE TEAM Photographers Dancers through a fence at the BJ’s gas sta-
BRETT FREEMAN Writers tion. Car was later found on Route
CEO & PUBLISHER Musicians 132 near Salem Road, where it had
845-208-8151 crashed into an embankment.
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
[email protected] FALSE PERSONATION. Jan.
5, 2:04 p.m. – Arrested a 40-year-
Deadlines old Yorktown man. Charged with
false personal (Class B misde-
YORKTOWN NEWS DEADLINE meanor), second-degree aggravat-
THE DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS ed unlicensed operation (unclas-
si ed misdemeanor), unlicensed
AND EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS FOR operator (tra c infraction), and
following too closely (tra c infrac-
YORKTOWN NEWS IS THE THURSDAY tion). Accused of giving false name
BEFORE THE NEXT PUBLICATION DATE. and date of birth to the Yorktown
Police Department.
FOR MORE INFORMATION,
CALL BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER AT HARASSMENT. Jan. 8, 9:51
914-302-5628 OR EMAIL p.m. –Arrested a 23-year-old
[email protected]. Peekskill man. Charged with
second-degree aggravated harass-
Subscribe ment (Class A misdemeanor). Ac-
cused of calling and threatening a
TO REQUEST YORKTOWN NEWS woman.
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OR EMAIL [email protected].
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(ISSN 2329-8693) • Yorktown/Somers CORRECTION
PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY • Interfaith Council
HALSTON MEDIA, LLC AT In last week’s article about the
118 N. BEDFORD ROAD town allowing alcohol consump-
tion at four town parks, it was
SUITE 100 suggested that the law had al-
MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ready passed. However, a public
hearing must still be held. We
©2021 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC regret the error.

Thursday, January 13, 2022 Yorktown News – Page 3

YORKTOWN ENJOYS A

snow day

Yorktown was blanketed with several inches of snow last weekend, and many
residents took advantage of the conditions by having some winter fun.

Our readers submitted their best snow photos to [email protected].

CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

Brynn enjoys her first-ever snow day!

Yorktown residents make an impressive snowman.

Gianna, Sofia, Lia and pup Brody enjoy the snow.

Ethan plays around with the snow after enjoying some sledding. Cara and Caden go sledding at St. Pat’s. Charlie and Elizabeth

Page 4 – Yorktown News Thursday, January 13, 2022

Inclusive playground at Granite Knolls moves forward

Town Board enters partnership to create sensory garden

BY NICK TRUJILLO tent ground temperatures above our community members, and anxiety through smells, such as age the installation of the fence
STAFF WRITER 35 degrees or warmer to allow it speaks to the underserved jasmine, peppermint, and laven- and will oversee the contractors
the glue to hold between the population,” said Jamie Collins, der, as well as lamb’s-ear, which that the SEPTAs have hired to
After receiving a $250,000 ground and the rubber mats the vice president of the Yorktown is soothing to the touch. Collins install the playground. e in-
state grant in 2019, the inclusive playground will be installed on. SEPTA. and Mandara presented many stallation is expected to take four
playground at Granite Knolls ideas for community involve- to ve weeks, depending on the
Park project brought excitement “I know when this project is e materials for the play- ment, including life skills pro- weather..
to the community as a space for done, it is going to be a quantum ground have already been pur- grams, annual veteran and senior
children of all abilities. Progress leap from what any other park chased with the $250,000 grant citizen gardening programs, I know when
stalled with the Covid-19 pan- in Westchester County has put and delivered to the town. Fur- involvement of local Scouts this project is
demic’s e ect on the global sup- together,” said Ana Mandara, ther materials for the fence and troops, community service op- done, it is going
ply chain and details that still vice president of the Lakeland planters are not covered by the portunities, yearly community to be a quantum
needed to be ironed out, but is SEPTA. “In all our presenta- grant, and Slater is hopeful the events, class trips, and a sensory leap from what
set to pick back up in 2022. tions that I’ve sat down and public-private partnership will wall designed by children of all any other park
spoken with multiple Fortune yield more grant funding to cov- abilities. in Westchester
At its Dec. 28 meeting, the 500 companies, I’ve introduced er the cost of required materials. County has put
Town Board passed a motion to them that we are at Gran- Town o cials met on the morn- “ e possibilities are truly
to enter a public-private part- ite Knolls putting together an ing of Jan. 10 to discuss the full endless and limitless,” Collins together.
nership with the Yorktown and adaptive playground attached to material list and whether or not said in September.
Lakeland Special Education the sensory garden.” the town would have to put out a –Ana Mandara
PTAs to create a sensory gar- bid to purchase them, said Slater. e town of Yorktown will Vice president,
den at the area where the play- Outlined in the partnership, purchase the materials for the Lakeland SEPTA
ground will be, and a planter phase one of the project will in- In a presentation to the board fence, mechanisms that connect
fence enclosure surrounding the clude the simultaneous installa- on Sept. 28, Collins and Man- planters to the fence, and com-
inclusive playground complete tion of the playground, the sur- dara spoke of their envisioned ponents of the gate. e SEP-
with benches and more plant- rounding fence, and the planters plans for the sensory garden. e TAs, working as a currently un-
ers. Both the board and repre- both on and around the fence. aim of the garden is to provide named non-pro t organization,
sentatives from the SEPTAs set Phase two of the project will a relaxing outdoor space spe- will be nancially responsible for
a target start date for March 15 focus on the sensory garden, the ci cally geared towards children the installation of the fencing,
and would like to have a grand aspect of the project sponsors are with developmental disabilities, the planters, and all the plants.
opening in time for the start of most excited about, according to veterans su ering from post-
the local school districts’ spring the SEPTA representatives. traumatic stress disorder, and se- Ray Michaels, a Mount Ver-
break, but the start of the instal- niors with cognitive disabilities. non-based playground equip-
lation will rely on having consis- “ e excitement comes in ment supplier who was con-
when we speak about the sen- e planters would contain tracted by the town for the
sory garden and how it bene ts plants that lower stress and playground materials, will man-

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Thursday, January 13, 2022 OPINION Yorktown News – Page 11

2022 is Sol also shines In “Come
Find Me,”
BY JOHN F MCMULLEN Sol is Spanish for sun. retire, whose daughter Christina program, and earning a Sol Miranda
YORKTOWN POET LAUREATE Local actor Sol (pro- (Cartagena) must prove herself as Master’s of Fine Arts in of Peekskill
nounced “sole”) Miranda is a person of color in a highly com- co-stars
e last two years shining brightly herself, starting petitive eld. eir dynamic raises eatre at University of with Victoria
have been a 2022 with California-San Diego, Cartagena,
national disaster great anticipa- questions Miranda quickly booked of TV’s
about identity, her rst professional role in “Gotham” and
Extreme Polarization “Batwoman.”

Pandemic tion. Friday, loss, and the a Seattle stage production

Deaths Jan. 14, in BRUCE damaged of Jose na Lopez’s Real Women she says,“but I have faith that
Tragedies particular, is THE BLOG communica- Have Curves, netting the bud- it’s going to happen soon.”In
Tornados highlighted on tion between ding thespian an Actors Equity
BRUCE
Mass Shootings her calendar. APAR two people union card. between acting gigs and audi-
Contested Election On that who love each Miranda moved to Peekskill tions, she keeps busy teaching,

Rioting date, Net- other but from Brooklyn 20 years to be in as an adjunct professor of acting

Yet not in my Town ix debuts struggle to convenient commuting distance at NYU in Manhattan and

“Archive 81,”a reconcile their of New York City, where she was CUNY’s Hostos Community

My town has had horror series in di erences.” busy auditioning everywhere, College in the Bronx.

Two years of civil Town which she can be seen in episodes whether for Latino or non- In the meantime, the rst order

Management 2, 4, and 5. LIFTING SPIRITS Latino roles.“I got great feedback of business is to nd a distribu-

opinion stated not invective On the same day,“Come Find e lm’s writer-director from casting directors and was tor so Come Find Me can nd

Respect between Republicans and Me,”an independent feature Daniel Poliner shares in a blog cast a couple of months after ar- its audience.“We have a couple

Democrats lm in which Miranda co-stars that he wrote the role expressly riving in New York City in 1995.” of angels working behind the

E ective communication about the with Victoria Cartagena of TV’s for Miranda.“I’d worked with her scenes to connect us,”she says.

Pandemic “Gotham”and “Batwoman,”starts a few times and was blown away DIVERSE ARTISTIC “I don’t believe I will ever have

Regular Virtual Town Meetings to streaming, as an entry in compe- the rst moment I met her,”he COMMUNITY this opportunity to star in a lm

inform citizens of issues tition at the Miami Jewish Film writes, adding,“She’s probably In addition to its favorable that is as beautiful and solid and

An orderly election process Festival. e lm premiered in best known as Dona Maria on geography, settling in northern heartfelt.”

September 2021 at the New York [Net ix comedy] ‘ e Unbreak- Westchester, says Miranda, was IG > @solmiranda11; @come-

In short Yorktown Latino Film Festival. able Kimmy Schmidt,’and I just a logical extension of having two findme_themovie

has been a model e lm’s synopsis says it knew if she were given a lead role young children at the time—Julia

for the state and country “follows a Latin mother and she would be incredible. And she and Michael.“We wanted to buy Bruce Apar is a writer and actor. is

let’s keep it that way daughter who are facing major was that and so much more—her a house with a little yard. I’m very March, he is appearing in the M&M

and hope they learn life changes and how their love spirit lifted the whole cast and happy here. It’s such a vibrant, Performing Arts production of Arthur

from us challenges and sustains them.” crew.” diverse, and artistic community.” Miller’s e Price at Lyndhurst in

21-NYPHVH-0082 Awareness Print-Half Page Ads_ e Yorktown News P6Happy New Year
Miranda plays Gloria,“a school After graduating from Uni- “I don’t see myself relying on Tarrytown. He can be reached at
acting as a full-time job just yet,” [email protected]; 914-275-6887.
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Page 12 – Yorktown News OPINION Thursday, January 13, 2022

Don’t Look Up

We’re all doomed

TOM GOES kind’s impending extinction to the media. As I mentioned earlier, I have been really a big complaint.
TO THE Don’t Look Up is powered by a pair a little hesitant to watch movies about
MOVIES impending disaster lately, considering APOCALYPSE NOW?
of excellent performances by DiCaprio we’re still in the midst of the ol’ global Despite being overstu ed and a little
TOM and Lawrence, with each playing their pandemic. However, sometimes you just
WALOGORSKY role perfectly as the absurdity of their have to lighten up and enjoy things for too long, I enjoyed Don’t Look Up. e
situation quickly develops. After the what they are. lm o ers a great cast, some legitimate
It would seem counterintuitive to be government’s apathy, the astronomers
watching a global disaster movie, Don’t Look Up derives its humor from laughs, and raises just enough questions
given that we have all basically been nd themselves as guests on a morning the fact that Mindy and Dibiasky are about how the people of 2022 would cope
living in one for the better part of two chat show where their proof of immi- seemingly two of only a handful of sane if an asteroid was about to wipe us out.
years. However, I am a rm believer that nent global disaster is overshadowed by people on the planet. With the comet At times, it straddles the line between
a sense of humor helps to get through the the relationship gossip surrounding pop set to destroy mankind in a matter of funny and alarming, which I believe was
hard times. is brings us to Don’t Look star Riley Bina (a perfectly cast Ariana months, the pair nd themselves mocked, the point all along. Give it a watch and
Up, a satirical (but often frighteningly ac- Grande). Exasperated and without Xanax, ignored, and even vili ed for trying to get decide for yourself. Don’t Look Up is cur-
curate) look at how modern society would Dibiasky explodes on live television and is the populace to listen to their scienti c rently streaming on Net ix and in select
handle impending doom. No spoilers, but promptly turned into an internet meme. theaters.
beware of corny disaster metaphors. Dr. Mindy, on the other hand, comes ndings. e lm steadily ratchets up the
across as attractive and a able, quickly absurdity to the point where those deny- Tom Walogorsky owns a telescope and is now
THE SKY IS FALLING earning the moniker of the country’s ing the comet’s existence simply exercise afraid to use it. Contact him at walogorsky@
Don’t Look Up opens with a pair of sexiest scientist and catching the eye their freedom to not look at the sky. halstonmedia.com
of the female host Brie Evantee (Cate
astronomers making the unwelcome Blanchett).  While I didn’t nd Don’t Look Up as
discovery of a comet the size of Mt. funny as some of McKay’s earlier lms, it
Everest on a collision course with Earth. SHOOTING STARS de nitely has its moments and also gives
Dr. Randall Mindy (Leonardo DiCaprio) e lm succeeds thanks to the eclectic the viewer an interesting perspective on
and Ph.D. candidate Kate Dibiasky ( Jen- the values of our society and how we react
nifer Lawrence) quickly alert NASA and cast of reliable performers. DiCaprio to disaster. e government, media prac-
are whisked to Washington for a meet- and Lawrence drive the lm as a pair of tices, iPhones, celebrity culture, and even
ing with President Janine Orlean (Meryl small-time scientists in over their heads. the notions of marriage and family are
Streep). Dr. Mindy hilariously combats panic explored throughout the movie’s runtime.
attacks before embracing his newfound
After a prolonged waiting period, celebrity, while Dibiasky approaches the DEEP IMPACT
President Orlean and her smarmy Chief situation with sharp sarcasm and gallows At two and half hours, the lm
of Sta son Jason ( Jonah Hill) inform humor (including setting a countdown
Mindy and Dibiasky that their plan to to Armageddon on her phone’s diet app). de nitely could have trimmed out a few
address the situation will be to simply Streep and Hill form an unusual but subplots without impacting the e ective-
“sit tight and assess.”Taking matters into e ective mother and son antagonist duo ness of the story. At heart, Don’t Look Up
their own hands, the duo decide to leak that you can’t help but love to hate. Di- is a movie about how our society would
the knowledge of the comet and man- rector Adam McKay (Anchorman, Step react to imminent annihilation. Packing
Brothers) is no stranger to comedies, and in minor characters tends to distract from
shows his range beyond the over-the-top the narrative a bit, but with a talented
slapstick of his earlier lms. supporting cast including Mark Rylance,
Ron Pearlman, and Tyler Perry, that isn’t

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Thursday, January 13, 2022 OPINION Yorktown News – Page 13

Happily
Ever
After

Question of the Week

Will FDR Park be used as a
Covid-19 testing site?

Occasionally, Yorktown News will fashion with state Sen. Peter Harck-
ask Town Supervisor Matt Slater a ham to open FDR Park as a regional
“Question of the Week.” If you have testing site, but it ultimately needs to
a question, email yorktownnews@ be approved by the governor’s o ce.
halstonmedia.com. We’re also working with Westchester
County Executive George Latimer and
At the end of December, Yorktown his administration.
asked Gov. Kathy Hochul to establish a
Covid-19 testing site at Franklin Dela- State o cials have declared the state
no Roosevelt State Park. park an emergency staging ground in
the past. After Tropical Storm Isaias,
Right now, it’s in the governor’s Con Edison used the park as a crew
hands. We’re working in a bipartisan dispatch site for power-line repairs.

Receiver of Taxes 914-962-5722 x212
363 Underhill Avenue 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Monday through Friday

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• TOWN OF YORKTOWN
We Provide Exceptional Direct Physical School Tax Bill for Year 2021-2022

Therapy to optimize each Patient’s Function The Second Half of the school taxes are due and must be paid no later than
and Quality of Life. January 31, 2022. (Last day to pay without penalty).

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •IAn•csc•uer•pa•tne•cde•! • • • Please note that only one (1) School Tax Bill is mailed to each resident. The bill was
mailed on August 30, 2021. Each bill has two perforated payment stubs located at the
New Location! 201 Veterans Road bottom of the statement which are to be used for payments. Please call the Tax Office if
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 (in Solaris) you have not received your bill.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Payment options:
➢ Payment in person:
914 962-1250 DirectPTNY.com Town Hall Hours 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Place in drop box in back of the Town Hall entrance.

➢ Payment by mail
Please be sure that all envelopes are postmarked by an official United States
Post Office no later than January 31, 2022.

➢ On-line check/credit card payments
Please refer to the “Tax Receiver” website at www.yorktownny.org to make
payments on-line.

Taxes must be postmarked no later than
January 31, 2022

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rsday, January 13, 2022 Page 15

Elected o cials and resi- PHOTOS: BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER
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Page 16 – Yorktown News Thursday, January 13, 2022

Yorktown sets record high Covid cases

BY NICK TRUJILLO intense, but I know our charac- of winter break on Dec. 23, the communicable than the prior the town held a distribution of
STAFF WRITER ter here in Yorktown is greater district has reported 349 positive versions of Covid,” Latimer said. KN95 masks at Yorktown High
and I know that we’re going to cases in its school community. “We didn’t know if it would or School, handing out “quite a
e Omicron variant of the overcome this.” wouldn’t be more severe, but we bunch” of bundles of masks,
Covid-19 virus has proven to Lakeland Central School knew that in it’s communica- Slater said.
be extremely transmissible with e number of hospitaliza- District is reporting 828 total bility, the fact that more people
a massive rise in cases and hos- tions and deaths in the county positive cases among its students would get it in absolute num- In a letter to Governor Kathy
pitalizations at the end of 2021 has risen with the surge in (644), teachers (104), and sta bers, even if the severity would Hochul dated Dec. 29, the Town
and record numbers of positive cases. On Dec. 3, Westchester (80) as of Jan. 10. be less, we would have more Board requested approval for
cases being reported around the reported 84 hospitalizations people by numbers who would Franklin D. Roosevelt State
world. from Covid-19. On Jan. 3, the e virus had been held in be compromised in their health Park to be used as a regional
county reported 444 hospital- check for much of 2021. Case and these things have turned out Covid testing site to make the
In the nal days of December izations. Yorktown’s number of numbers hit their lowest points in to be the case.” highly demanded tests readily
and early days of 2022, York- hospitalizations is unavailable June and July, allowing for a relax- available to the northern West-
town and Westchester County as the Westchester Department ation of mask mandates and social Westchester and Yorktown chester community.
have more than tripled their of Health does not report how distancing guidelines before rising have ramped up their e orts to
previous highs in case numbers many come speci cally from again with the spread of the Delta provide the community with “Patients are travelling from as
set last January. Yorktown has the town’s residents. Slater said variant in August and September. Covid tests, vaccines, booster far as Long Island in a desper-
blown past its previous high that 60 Westchester residents While the Omicron variant is shots, and masks. PCR tests ate attempt to get a test at our
of 545 active cases, reporting died from Covid infections in more transmissible, early studies are o ered at the Westchester local urgent care centers,” reads
2,119 active cases as of Jan. 10. December, compared to seven of the virus strain have shown that County Center and the North- the letter. “[FDR State Park]
Westchester County’s Covid-19 Covid-related deaths reported its e ects are less severe than its ern Westchester Hospital/ provides direct access o of the
dashboard is reporting 50,293 in November. e New York counterparts. Northwell Health Chappaqua Taconic Parkway allowing it to
cases as of Jan. 9, with thousands Times Covid tracker has report- Crossing location by appoint- service residents from multiple
of positive cases every day in the ed 84 deaths in the county over A report released by the Unit- ment only, and Yorktown held regions, and counties.”
new year and far surpassing its the last two weeks. ed Kingdom’s Health Security its 66th vaccine clinic on Jan. 6
previous peak of 11,500 cases in Agency on Dec. 31 states that at the Albert A. Capellini Com- Slater said the town is waiting
January of 2021. Yorktown’s schools have expe- those infected with Omicron are munity Center. for the governor’s approval to
rienced a similar spike in cases half as likely to need hospital- execute its plan for FDR State
“We don’t share this infor- as students returned from winter ization and one-third as likely to rough allotments from the Park and thanked all of York-
mation to fearmonger, we don’t break. On the New York State require emergency care as those state and county, Yorktown is town’s partners for their help in
share this information to scare Covid-19 report card, as of Jan. who contracted the Delta vari- o ering its businesses handouts combating Covid.
anybody, we share the informa- 10, the Yorktown Central School ant. Westchester County Execu- of KN95 masks at their request
tion just as a matter of facts,” District has reported 535 total tive George Latimer said that through a form on its website to “We’ve faced each challenge
said Town Supervisor Matt cases in students (432), teachers this was to be expected based on comply with New York’s mask together, and we’ve overcome
Slater. “I know the challenges (51), and sta (52) across all ve his conversations with the coun- mandate that was implemented them each time during this pan-
that we’re facing right now are schools this year. Since the start ty’s public health partners. on Dec. 10.  On New Year’s Eve, demic, and I know that we’re
going to get through this latest
“[It] was going to be more surge,” Slater said.

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Thursday, January 13, 2022 Yorktown News – Page 17

BOYS BASKETBALL

Huskers’ comeback
falls short

Yorktown drops home
game to Somers

BY MIKE SABINI
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

When two rivals get together like Somers and host Justin Price
Yorktown did on Saturday, Jan. 8, a game isn’t over until takes the
it’s over. Somers
defender
at was the case as Somers entered the fourth quarter off the
with a 16-point lead before the Huskers made a frantic dribble.
comeback attempt, cutting that lead to two, but the Tusk-
ers held on for a 57-51 victory. PHOTOS: BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER
Eddie Brucaj backs down a Somers defender. Antoine Coles sets up the play.
“ e message was to ght for all 32 minutes; to not
give up,” said Yorktown coach Mark Pavella. “ e guys
continued to do that. We just have to play that way for
the entire game.”

Somers entered halftime with a 27-20 advantage, then
scored eight of the rst 10 points of the second half, to go
up 35-22.

Yorktown responded with back-to-back treys from Billy
Feeks (6 points) and Jack Prybylski (10 points, 7 rebounds),
followed by a eld goal from Justin Price (9 points, 7 re-
bounds, 4 assists), trimming Somers’ lead to 35-30.

e Huskers appeared to be in prime position to get
even closer when they played tough defense, forcing a
Somers’ miss. However, Somers was able to pick up a
loose rebound on the play and turn it into a 3-pointer.

at started an 11-0 run for the Tuskers that closed out
the third quarter, giving them a 46-30 lead at the end of it.

Somers continued to maintain the lead, as the visitors
were up 51-39 roughly midway through the fourth quar-
ter before the Huskers made their frantic comeback at-
tempt.

at comeback attempt started with Eddie Brucaj (20
points, 10 rebounds) making a basket and a free throw,
which started a wild 10-0 run.

“We were down by 12, so I was just trying to bring en-
ergy to the guys and give us a spark,” Brucaj said.

Brucaj’s plan worked as Yorktown’s Antoine Coles (6
points) continued the run by converting from downtown.
Prybylski followed by going to the charity stripe, making
1 of 2 foul shots.

en on the Huskers’ next possession, Prybylski con-
verted on a 3-pointer, which put Yorktown’s student body,
“ e Crop,” into a frenzy, with loud “Let’s Go Huskers”
chants emanating from it.

“ e ball was moving well,” Pavella said. “We were
playing together o ensively, and Jack shot it with con-

dence.”
Prybylski’s shot pulled Yorktown to within two of the
Somers’ lead, which led 51-49.
“We just brought the energy in the fourth quarter,” said
Brucaj, who scored 9 of his points in the nal quarter.
Like Pavella, Brucaj thought Prybylski, who scored 7
of his points in the fourth quarter, was sure of himself as
well.
“I know Jack,” Brucaj said. “He’s a great shooter. He
was just shooting with con dence today. I was getting
him the ball and he was making his shots.”
Somers responded by scoring six of the nal eight
points of the game to seal the victory.
Yorktown (4-5) fell to visiting John Jay-Cross River,
57-50, on ursday, Jan. 6, led by Brucaj (20 points, 14
rebounds), Feeks (14 points, 7 rebounds), and Tommy
Costello (7 points).

Page 18 – Yorktown News SPORTS Thursday, January 13, 2022

VARSITY ROUNDUP

Lakeland boys bowlers off to great start

Tornambe and Carter
each go 5-0 at Warwick

BY MIKE SABINI
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Lakeland Bowling

Cortlandt Lanes, Thursday, Jan. 6

BOYS 5 2

Lakeland 7, Briarcliff 0

Lakeland defeated Briarcli 7-0, led by Mike Anto-

nucci (251, 604), Austin Kara (235, 559), Chris Closi

(206, 559), JT Maccarrone (164, 267), and Joe Maskiell

(132, 262).

“Today we had a positive mindset going in and we kept

that energy throughout the entire series,” said Kara, a

sophomore captain.

e win against the Bears was a continuation of what

has been a very successful season so far for the Hornets.

“ e team and I have been putting in many hours prac-

ticing in the o -season in order to excel in the sport,”

Kara said. “Each and every one of us has improved tre-

mendously from our previous season.” PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE PALUMBO
Lakeland coach Joe Palumbo is very excited about the
Lakeland’s boys bowling team: (back row) Mike Antonucci, Chris Closi, JT Maccarrone, Dan McTiernan, Tyler Steimel,
start his squad has gotten o to and feels it get can get and Kyle Hickey; and (front row) Christian Romero. Not pictured: Austin Kara, Harrison Cohen, Zachary Cohen, Lorenzo
even better as the season goes along. Battista, and Joe Maskiell

“ ey are a nice group of kids that bowl well as a team,”

Palumbo said. “I’m able to balance playing time, getting against Newburgh’s Cooper Merli, the No. 8 ranked quarters.

more bowlers in the matches. ey can lean on each other wrestler in New York in their weight class. “We were moving the ball well and I got into a rhythm,”

when one is struggling. I can see them getting stronger as “I treat every match the same no matter who the wres- Mula said. “We knew going in they were going to be a

a team. It’s been fun.” tler is, but it did feel good,”Tornambe said. tough defensive team and we would have to move the ball

Bowling has been especially fun for Kara, who already Carter wrestled at 152 pounds. to get good looks.”

has vast experience as a bowler. “What enabled me to go 5-0 was I really took the time Led by 8 points from Mula and 7 points from Whyte-

“I have been bowling competitively ever since I was 8 to mentally prepare to wrestle this tournament and I un- Luciano in the third quarter, Lakeland outscored Lourdes

years old and have always had a passion for it,” Kara said. derstood what works for me and executed it,” Carter said. 23-19, which cut the Warriors’ lead to one, 55-54.

“I started o bowling with my dad in a summer league “It means a lot to go unbeaten at this tournament mainly Lakeland played as well it did in that quarter in part to

and that was when I knew I loved the sport.” because it is building my con dence when it comes time turning up its defensive intensity.

Kara, who has been on Lakeland’s squad since seventh for divisional and sectionals.” “We came out of the half with intense defense that

grade, couldn’t be happier with the start that he and his As for a personal highlight, it was being in control of helped the momentum swing in our favor,” Mula said.

team have gotten o to and the improvement it has made. the matches he wrestled in. Logan Shiland (12 points), Andrew Mendel (12

“Being captain of the team this season I am extremely “ e personal highlight of the day was knowing I’m points), Anthony Jennings (9 points) and Grady Leonard

proud,” Kara said. “With last season being most of our dominating my opponent and having the extra con - (2 points) also produced for the Hornets.

players’ rst year bowling, they have improved greatly and dence boost during the match,” Carter said. Lakeland/Panas Ice Hockey (7-2-1)

I’m happy we could come together to work as a team.” Lakeland Boys Basketball (6-3)
Dan McTiernan,Tyler Steimel, Kyle Hickey, Christian

Romero, Harrison Cohen, Zachary Cohen, and Lorenzo LAKELAND/PANAS 4, ETB 4

Battista are also members of this year’s Lakeland squad. LOURDES 81, LAKELAND 79 Saturday, Jan. 8 (The Ice Hutch, Mount Vernon)

Thursday, Jan. 6 (Our Lady of Lourdes High School) Normally a tie isn’t something any competitor in any

GIRLS 3 5 Lakeland went up to Our Lady of Lourdes in Pough- sport wants, but for Lakeland/Panas, their 4-4 tie against

Hen Hud 7, Lakeland 0 keepsie, always a tough place to play, and fell in a hard- Eastchester/Tuckahoe/Bronxville (ETB) was very satis-

Olivia McTiernan (115, 341), Jasmine Bashjawish fought contest to the Warriors, 81-79. fying.

(122, 318), Faith Rabadi (107, 277), Mikhaila Gordon “It was an outstanding e ort by our team on both sides at’s because of the way it came about. Joe Riggio,

(108, 266), and Evenise Montesano (72, 196) paced of the ball against a very good Lourdes team,” said Lake- with assists from Jack Jimenez (1G, 1A) and Fox Perelson

Lakeland in its 7-0 loss to Hendrick Hudson. land coach Steve Fallo. (2A), scored with just 44 seconds remaining in regulation,

Yorktown Wrestling (6-10) What made the e ort particularly impressive was earning the Rebels a tie after a scoreless overtime.
that it was the Hornets’ rst game in just more than two “It was huge for Joe, he is a very hard worker and his

weeks. Lakeland last played at Brewster on Dec. 21, de- hard work is why he got that opportunity,”said Lakeland/

WARWICK DUAL MEET TOURNAMENT feating the Bears 69-59. Panas coach Bart Mucci. “Our net was empty, so a 4 on 4

Saturday, Jan. 8 (Warwick High School) “It was so important to us as a team because we hon- became an advantage.”

Yorktown’s Joe Tornambe and Dillon Carter both estly couldn’t wait to get back on the court,” said Lake- Starring in goal for the Rebels was Aaron Hathaway,

stood out by each going 5-0 at the Warwick Dual Meet land’s Chris Whyte-Luciano. “We played hard and very who recorded 37 saves.

Tournament. well but it’s upsetting that we couldn’t get the win.” “Aaron was a rock back there, he was de nitely player

Tornambe said the amount of work he has put in en- Whyte-Luciano led Lakeland with 23 points, scoring of the game for both teams,” Mucci said.

abled him to go unbeaten at Warwick. at least four points in each quarter. Colin Cody (1G), Anthony Colasanti (1G), and Jack

“It felt good to go unbeaten today because I have cut “I shot as well as I did because of all of the work my DiBenedetto (1A) also produced for the Rebels.

down to 104 pounds and sacri ced many meals while team and I put in o the court, and my teammates nd- “Tonight was a gut check,” Mucci said. “Andrew

still managing my wrestling,” said Tornambe, the No. 3 ing me in the right spots,” Whyte-Luciano said. (Dzubak) was away for this one and we had a couple guys

ranked wrestler in the state in his weight class. David Mula was right behind Whyte-Luciano scor- banged up. I hate to tie but this one was a satisfying tie

Highlighting the day for Tornambe was his victory ing 21 points, registering 19 of them in the rst three because we overcame some adversity to get even.”

Thursday, January 13, 2022 SPORTS Yorktown News – Page 19

BOYS BASKETBALL

DeGennaro an inspiration to Huskers

BY MIKE SABINI at Blythedale I saw many kids who kid.” it is,” Charlie DeGennaro said. “I

CONTRIBUTING WRITER had it way worse than me, which To be a member of the York- enjoy being there and supporting

made me gain perspective and be town squad means the world to everyone. I’m really grateful to be a

Yorktown showed a lot of ght, appreciative for what I did have at DeGennaro. part of this team. I feel very lucky.”

almost wiping out a 16-point de - the time.” “I love this team. I grew up So do the rest of the Huskers.

cit, getting to within two points of e physical therapists helped watching this program and could “He’s a part of the team, just like

the lead, before falling to visiting DeGennaro to walk and the occu- not wait for my time,” DeGenn- any of the other guys who are on

rival Somers, 57-51, on Saturday, pational therapists help him with aro said. “ e team truly supports the oor,” Pavella said. “Everybody

Jan. 8. his arms and hands. DeGennaro me. I’m really appreciative for the matters. He helps us out daily in

It was appropriate that the says he feels great and is getting coaches and all of the players. I feel practice. He’s great to be around.

Huskers showed as much a ght stronger each day. special to be honored in that way e kids love being around him.

as they did, considering the inspi- “I’m very grateful for everything and to have so many people care He’s truly inspiring, not only to the

rational player they were honoring I have gained back; there’s still im- about me.” kids but the coaches as well.”

that day. provements that need to be made One of those players he watched Nick DeGennaro said that Yor-

at player is junior Charlie and I’m working for every bit of it,” was his older brother, 2016 York- ktown is a community of people

DeGennaro. He doesn’t get into PHOTO: MIKE SABINI DeGennaro said. town graduate Nick DeGennaro, who step up when one of its mem-
games for the Huskers, but he is an e coaching sta at Yorktown who starred at Western New Eng- bers needs it.
integral part of the team. Yorktown junior Charlie land College.
DeGennaro was honored at the was inspired by the way DeGenn- “Everybody has shown us how
In February 2020, he was diag- Huskers’ home game vs. Somers aro has fought and wanted to bring “My brother has battled through well-loved Charlie is,” Nick De-
nosed with Transverse Myelitis, on Jan. 8. awareness to his story. way more adversity than any Gennaro said. “Today is a perfect

which attacked his spinal cord. He “So, we were lucky enough to 14-year-old should have to deal example of that.”

spent four months as an inpatient pital sta kept him going. have him share his story to the with, and he’s done it without los- Charlie Strong

at Blythedale. “Especially the [physical thera- team,” said Yorktown coach Mark ing his spirit,” said Nick DeGenn-

At the game on Saturday, every pists] and [occupational thera- Pavella. “We thought what a great aro. “And to see him honored, in Those interested in making
Husker player and coach wore pists]. ey believed in me as way to raise some money for the front of his basketball team and in a donation to the Blythedale
“Charlie Strong” t-shirts, as the much as I believed in myself,” De- Blythedale Children’s Hospital.” front of his school is super special.
Yorktown team made a nancial Gennaro said. “Being told I would He’s an awesome kid so he de- Children’s Hospital in
donation to the Blythedale Chil- never walk again made me more Yorktown senior captain Eddie serves it.” DeGennaro’s name can
dren’s Hospital in Valhalla in De- motivated to prove people wrong. Brucaj said DeGennaro’s story was send it through Venmo to @
Gennaro’s name. Once I started to see progress, I inspiration. Charlie DeGennaro said that he
always tries to be a positive in u- charliestrong22.
“He’s such a positive light,”Bru-

Once told he would never walk wanted more, which made me caj said. “He comes in every single ence and cheers on his teammates. If asked, the confirmation
again, DeGennaro said that sup- work even harder. Even how bad day and just brings positive vibes to “I am willing to help anybody code is 5414.
port from his family and the hos- my situation was at the time, being the team and helps us. He’s a great during practices no matter what

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Page 20 – Yorktown News SPORTS Thursday, January 13, 2022

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT – CONNOR MCGANNON

McGannon’s goal on mat is a sectional title

BY MIKE SABINI Lakeland/Panas’ Connor McGannon FILE PHOTO/ROB DIANTONIO listen to warming up for a match?
CONTRIBUTING WRITER I don’t usually listen to music be-
your teammates? What about Your dad Dennis has been self that not a lot of people know.
Lakeland/Panas’ 189-pounder I bench 315. fore a match. I think it’s important
Connor McGannon is one of the a personal pre-match or post- the team photographer for both Do you plan on continuing to to be able to hype yourself up in si-
four senior captains for the Rebels’ lence since that’s how it’s going to
wrestling squad, along with Spen- match ritual? football and wrestling.What wrestle in college?Tell us about be once the match starts.
cer Maja, Hunter Dagnino, and where you are going to school
Kevin Hickey. I used to watch a lot of Mike does that mean to have your and why you chose it. If you could have one super-
power, what would it be and why?
McGannon is coming o an Tyson boxing matches and some- father take pictures of your teams I have not yet chosen a college
All-League campaign as a junior, to attend but I do want to wrestle Telekinesis, so I could turn o
one that saw the Rebels win the thing that I noticed was how while playing varsity sports? wherever I decide to go. the lights without getting out of
league title.He has wrestled for the bed.
Lakeland/Panas’ varsity squad for sweaty he would be by the time I’m truly grateful to have such Do you know what you want
four seasons and its modi ed team to study in college? If yes, what If you could pick one place
for two years. he rst stepped onto the canvas. an involved father and I know that are you planning on studying and to visit on vacation that you’ve
why? never been to, where would you
One of the highlights of this Seeing that this is how an all-time he will always put his best foot for- go and why?
season for McGannon so far was I want to study aeronautical en-
going 4-0 in the Yorktown Dual great operated, I made sure to take ward with taking these pictures. gineering because it’s something I’d go to Switzerland because
Meet Tournament, helping the that genuinely interests me. I’ve heard it has the best mountains
Rebels win their pool and place note and always be basically drip- Who has been your biggest in the world to ski on.
second overall in the tournament. Who is your favorite profes-
ping with sweat by the time I step role model over the years and sional athlete and pro (or college) What is your favorite food to
He also went 3-0 in the Bernie sports team? eat before or after a match?
Miller Tournament at Rye. on the mat. what have you learned from
Tyreek Hill (athlete), the Giants I like to wrestle on an empty
During the fall, McGannon I encourage all my teammates them? (team) stomach but once that match is
played football for Lakeland’s var- over, I love to ll up on some nice
sity squad for two seasons as an of- to warm up to that extent as I have My biggest “role model” is my- What is your favorite music to chicken parm pizza.
fensive lineman and linebacker.
found success in it. self. I use the idea of “what if I was Best place to eat in Yorktown
How old were you when you and why?
started wrestling and what got Do you have any goals for your someone else’s role model” to drive
you started? Edwin’s. e food is great and
nal season for Lakeland/Panas? me and it forces me to hold myself the people are amazing.
As a kid, my cousins would al-
ways wrestle around with me and I have my heart set on winning a to a certain standard. What’s the go-to app on your
it was a ton of fun, so it wasn’t even phone and why?
a question for me to join the team section title this year. Tell us one thing about your-
in seventh grade. e Chipotle app. I have a prob-
lem.
What is your favorite thing
about being on the wrestling For a young athlete growing
team for Lakeland/Panas? up in the Lakeland district, what
would you tell them about the
ere is a unique bond between experience of being part of the
everyone on the team that I have wrestling team and why should
experienced every single year and they go out for the team?
it’s unlike any other sports team
I’ve been a part of. ere is nothing like this sport.
It is not for the weak-minded and
What is your favorite team if you can give yourself up to the
activity or pre-match or post- sport, the sport will give you so
match ritual that you shared with much in return.

It will give you con dence, ath-
leticism, a good physique, friends,
and a skill that you can nurture and
grow. Being on this team is some-
thing to take pride in.

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Thursday, January 13, 2022 LEISURE Yorktown News – Page 21

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5. Calendar month 26. Vulcanite 56. Genus of clams 17. Speak
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9. Related to medulla 53. Freedom from difficulty
oblongata 54. Widely used OS
10. European country 55. Many people pay it
11. Cola

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!

How oatmeal does a body good

Many adults are familiar with vari- (LDL), or “bad,” cholesterol. It’s worth

ous remedies to mitigate symptoms and noting that many people add ber-rich

shorten the duration of the common cold. fruits and berries to their oatmeal, which

A bowl of chicken soup, a little extra sleep can help lower cholesterol even further.

and tea with honey can help people feel

better as they confront cold symptoms like OATMEAL AND BLOOD SUGAR

runny nose and sore throat. A review published in the journal Nu-

Oatmeal is another popular cold rem- trición Hospitilaria in 2015 found that

edy, but a piping hot bowl of ground oats eating foods that contained beta-glucans

can bene t the body even when it’s not could help lower blood glucose levels in

battling a cold. people with diabetes. at makes oatmeal

an especially valuable dietary choice for

OATMEAL AND GUT HEALTH individuals with diabetes, many of whom

Beta-glucan is a soluble ber found in also must make an e ort to lower levels of

oatmeal that prevents constipation and LDL in their bodies.

promotes regular bowel movements. Ac-

cording to Amy Goodson, MS, RD, OATMEAL AND CONTROLLING

CSSD, LD, author of e Sports Nutri- WEIGHT

tion Playbook, beta-glucan ber has been A lling, healthy breakfast can help in-

linked to healthy gut bacteria. Healthy gut dividuals avoid the kind of snacking that

bacteria can reduce the likelihood indi- can contribute to unwanted weight gain.

viduals will experience issues with diges- e ber content in oatmeal helps people

tion after eating and can lower the risk for feel fuller longer, reducing the likelihood

in ammation and chronic disease. that they’ll reach for potentially unhealthy

snacks throughout the day. at can make

OATMEAL AND CHOLESTEROL it easier to lose weight and keep the

WebMD notes that the beta-glucan in pounds o over the long haul. indicates that a 1⁄2 cup serving oatmeal fective cold remedy. However, the nutri-

oatmeal can help individuals lower their contains 13 grams of protein, 52 grams of tional value of oatmeal makes it a worthy

cholesterol. e soluble ber in oatmeal OATMEAL AND NUTRIENTS carbohydrates and eight grams total ber. addition to individuals’ diets whether they

reduces the absorption of cholesterol into Oatmeal is among the most nutrient- In addition, the USDA notes that oatmeal have a cold or not.

the bloodstream, a property the Mayo dense breakfast foods a person can eat. is a great source of bene cial minerals like

Clinic reports can help individuals lower e United States Department of Ag- magnesium and potassium. is article was provided by Metro Creative

their levels of low-density lipoprotein riculture’s National Nutrient Database Oatmeal is widely recognized as an ef- Connection.

Page 22 – Yorktown News Thursday, January 13, 2022

OBITUARIES

was a dedicated and hardworking and will be deeply missed. She was a graduate of Our Lady of ey married in 1986 in Poland

employee of Turco’s in Yorktown In lieu of owers, memorial Victory High School. and after immigrating to the Unit-

Heights for many years and even- contributions may be made to the Together with spouse John ed States, they raised two daugh-

tually DeCicco’s in Katonah. Glioblastoma Foundation (glio- Focarile, with whom she shared ters,Ada and Magda,in New York.

Jack is survived by his partner blastomafoundation.org) a more than 30-year commit- Ryszard was a loving husband,

Maria Doerr; his children Jack ment, Renee settled in Yorktown father, son, brother, and uncle.

(Susan), Justin (Anna), Dylan, Heights. Her greatest pride and He attended Warsaw School of

Cassidy and Valerie; and by his deepest joy was her daughter Gi- Economics and graduated from

grandchildren Angelo, Isabella, anna Angelina Focarile. Renee Hunter College in New York. Ad-

Gabriella, Michael and Justin. He lived sel essly and loved her family ditionally, he obtained a master’s in

is also survived by his sisters Rose ercely. She is survived by spouse, teaching from the School of Edu-

(Nick) DiGuglielmo and Franc- John; daughter, Gianna; mother cation at Mercy College.

Giacomo ‘Jack’ esca (Walter) Braun; and his sister- Beatrice Giu rida (Marchi) and Ryszard dedicated his life to
in-law Annette; and by his nieces father John Giu rida, Sr.; broth- helping others. He worked tire-

Repole and nephews Philip, Dominick, ers, John Giu rida, Jr. and Stephan lessly in the Polish and Slavic Cen-
Jack, Charles, Anthony, Walter, Giu rida; and niece and nephew ter helping the Polish American

It is with great sadness that we Francine,Michael,Joan,and Tonia. Christina and John Giu rida. immigrant community with social

announce the passing of a longtime Jack was predeceased by his wife Ryszard Kozicz and cultural services including
Su ern resident Giacomo “Jack” Andrea, son Angelo, sisters Olga housing and legal issues. He also

Repole. Jack passed away at Cal- Caruso and Marie Mione and Renee Giuffrida pursued a teaching career in high
vary Hospital after courageously brother Philip. Ryszard Kozicz died suddenly in school mathematics before dedi-

ghting brain cancer on Nov. 5, Jack fought until the very end his sleep on Jan. 1, in his home in cating himself full time to raising

2021. He was 71 years old. of his battle and in uenced many An angel gained her wings Sat- Yorktown Heights. He was 58. his two daughters and taking care

Born and raised in Staten Island, lives around him. He truly was de- urday, Jan. 1, when Renee Louisa Ryszard Kozicz was born in of his family.

he was the son of the late Anto- voted to his family, many friends, Giu rida passed peacefully to Poland on May 3, 1963, to Anna Ryszard had an incredibly bril-

nina and Angelo Repole. Since he and ones he held most dear. Jack heaven. She was 53. Born Dec. 21, and Kazimierz Kozicz. Ryszard liant mind and was passionate

was 12 years of age, Jack was deep- went too soon and will be in our 1968,in Bronxville,Renee lived life met the love of his life, Dr. Izabela about mathematics, reading, cur-

rooted in the produce industry. He hearts forever. He is now at peace passionately and without regret. Kozicz, while still in high school. rent events, and trading stocks.

Ryszard was kind, caring, loving,

and had an exceptional sense of

humor. He above all loved spend-

ing time with his family, joking

around, and teaching his children.

He will be dearly remembered and

2021 was a missed by all who knew him.
CRAZY YEAR! He is survived by his mother

Anna, his wife Izabela, daughters,
Ada and Magda,and siblings,Jerzy
and Ewa and their families.

His funeral services were held
on ursday, Jan. 6. In lieu of ow-

ers, anyone wishing to support the

family in this di cult time, please

make a donation to the Coali-

tion for the Homeless (coalition-

forthehomeless.org) in Ryszard’s

memory.

We can help make your taxes less crazy.

845-628-5400 Michael S. Bellotti

SFGtaxes.com | [email protected] Michael S. Bellotti, a resident of
Yorktown Heights, passed away
824 Route 6, Suite 4 | Mahopac, NY 10541 Dec. 26, at the age of 73 years. He
was born on Oct. 7, 1948, in the
Securities o ered through Cantella & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Cantella and Co., Inc. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. Bronx.
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
Michael served proudly in the
accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. United States Army.He is a retired
custodial foreman for the NYC
Board of Education.

He is survived by his wife Mau-
reen and two sons, Michael J. and
Matthew S.Bellotti.He is also sur-
vived by his two brothers, Anthony
John Bellotti (Angela) and Richard

SEE OBITUARIES PAGE 24