Somers students VOL. 13 NO. 27 Visit TapIntoSomers.net for the latest news. BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 23 CLASSIFIEDS 22 ELEPHANT’S TRUNK 2 LEGAL NOTICES 22 LEISURE 19 OBITUARIES 7 OPINION 8 SPORTS 16 Paramount at Somers pg 3 FALL FEST! Through the Tusker Travels program, Somers students were able to travel to several exciting destinations around the globe! These journeys included a trip to Thailand this summer, where they stayed true to their hometown roots by visiting an elephant rescue center. See page 12 to read more about their globetrotting adventures! PHOTO COURTESY OF TUSKER TRAVELS BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Somers officials last week formally backed the philosophy behind 30X30, a global movement that aims to protect 30 percent of terrestrial and marine habitat by 2030. The initiative became official policy in the U.S. in 2021. Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul, predicting that 30X30 “will ensure we’re protecting our state for future generations,” signed legislation that sets a goal of “supporting and contributing to” national efforts to safeguard natural resources. The new state law will build on New York’s existing conservation efforts, she said. It requires the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation to develop strategies to achieve that goal while collaborating with “a broad group of stakeholders.” 30 X 30 Somers officials support conservation efforts see the world! SEE 30X30 PAGE 4 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 CamScanner
The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Tom Walogorsky Editor: 914-302-5830 [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 The Somers Record The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for The Somers Record is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected]. Subscribe To request The Somers Record 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 Somers, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Somers Record at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 (ISSN 2330-1597) Published Weekly by Halston Media, LLC at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2023 Halston Media, LLC PAGE 2 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 CoveCare Center 2023 Imagine Gala Friday, Nov. 3, from 6 to 10 p.m. CoveCare Center invites the community to attend its 2023 Imagine Gala at Salem Golf Club in North Salem. CoveCare Center provides mental health and substance use prevention and treatment services to adults, children, families, and seniors. All proceeds from the event directly benefit CoveCare Center’s programs and make it possible for the agency to continue to offer accessible and affordable services. At the event, CoveCare Center will be celebrating the career of Michael Piazza, Putnam County Commissioner of Social Services, Mental Health, and Youth Bureau, and presenting him with the Sid Gibson Imagine Award. The evening will include a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, and music by Tony T Entertainment featuring The City Express Band. An exciting silent auction will be held, including a host of valuable items, such as sports and entertainment tickets, vacation accommodations, gift baskets, and more. In addition, CoveCare Center will display their Giving Tree, which will give guests the opportunity to see the many programs and services their donation could impact. For more information, to purchase tickets, or become a sponsor to the event, please visit www.CoveCareCenter.org, or contact Development [email protected] St. Mary’s Parish 99 Valley Road in Katonah 1st Annual Family Oktoberfest Sunday, Oct. 8, from 12 to 4 p.m. A fundraiser to support the Parish Center! Featuring live music, games, food, and fun. To purchase tickets, visit www. stmarykatonah.com/oktoberfest Somers Library Foundation 11th Annual 5K Trail Run Sunday, Oct. 15 Run, Jog, or Walk for the Somers Library at Reis Park! Bring your friends and family to enjoy a morning in the park. The 5K Race starts at 9:30 a.m. followed by the 1-mile Family Fun Run at 10 a.m. The medal ceremony will be held at approximately 10:30 a.m. If running is not your thing - then come volunteer with the foundation! You can help set up the course, register the runners, hand out t-shirts, give out water, or just cheer on the runners. Proceeds from the race will be used to fund projects like the new Teen Area at the Somers Library. Come lend your support! Details can be found on the Somers Library Foundation website at www.somerslibrary foundation.org Somers Library Please register using the online calendar at www.somerslibrary.org to have access to online meetings. If virtual, you will receive an invitation prior to the start of the program. Programs are supported by the Friends of the Somers Library through patrons’ generous contributions. Energy Smart Homes Workshop Thursday, Oct. 12, from 7 to 8 p.m. Saving the planet one backyard at a time! Join in to learn about decarbonizing your home heating and cooling. Plan for the future to avoid a missed opportunity for heat pumps in your home and find out more about state, utility and Inflation Reduction Act incentives for the weatherization and electrification. Speakers include Sustainable Westchester’s Energy Smart Homes Installer Partners. This presentation is sponsored by Somers Energy Environment Committee. ELEPHANT’S TRUNK 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!
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 3 Diego, River, and Sam Hopkins Fall fun! The community got into the spirit of the season when the Paramount at Somers Rehabilitation & Nursing Center held their Fall Festival on Oct. 1! It was a beautiful day for autumn adventures, as everyone enjoyed an afternoon of rides, food, live music, and fun! For more information on The Paramount at Somers, please visit www.TheParamountRehab.com Marvin Guerra, Andrew Chacon, and Sal Garza of Mobile Pie Amanda Nish with Jack and Lilah Kira Capowski, Paramount director of nursing, filling in for Chef Anna at the Foodalicious food truck Jessica Ramlakh with Selena and Mason The Reisman and Moskowitz families Laurent Verard, Mike Goldberg, Brian Flemings, Andrew Fredrick, and James Burns of the Somers Volunteer Fire Department Paramount Director of Human Resources Anna Fiorenza and recruiter Beveral Mahraj PHOTOS: CAROL REIF FLOODS Can Happen TO ANYONE! Contact Us for Info on Flood Insurance HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS, LIFE & HEALTH 914-232-7750 www.forbesinsurance.com
PAGE 4 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 FUNERAL PREARRANGEMENT Both pre-payment and no-payment options Serving all Faiths since 1858 Cremations and Burials DANIEL B. McMANUS ~ Proprietor BRUCE E. REISDORF ~ Licensed Manager JOSEPH M. McMANUS ~ Director RONALD P. CERASO ~ Director www.clarkassociatesfuneralhome.com 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah • (914) 232-3033 • Only 1/4 mile from 684 exit 6. • Only 1 block from the Katonah Railroad station. • Less than 60 minutes from N.Y. City. • Parking facilities for over 100 cars • Monuments & inscriptions available. Prior to the Town Board’s vote Thursday, Sept. 7, on its own 30X30 resolution, Councilman Richard Clinchy emphasized that the move does not legally obligate the town to take any specific course of action. “It’s a statement of aspiration that says: ‘Here’s what Somers is about’,” he explained. Somers recently was recognized by the New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) for adopting NYStretch, a model code intended to help communities reach energy and climate goals. The resolution passed Thursday, Sept. 7, proclaims that Somers is committed to “work in tandem” with agencies and partners charged with implementing the state’s conservation goal. Michael Barnhart, president of the Somers Land Trust, a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving the town’s open space, and SLT members Jan Antonucci and Gail Simpson, attended the meeting via Zoom. The three are also members of the town’s Open Space Committee, which was credited Thursday with helping craft the resolution’s wording. The SLT this spring hosted an Arbor Day talk by Tony Hiss, author of “Rescuing the Planet: Protecting Half the Land to Heal the Earth.” He spoke about the importance of biodiversity. According to Hiss, Somers has – so far -- protected 5,843, or 28.3 percent, of its 20,583 acres. There’s been some debate over the exact definition of protected “open space,” but generally the SLT considers it to be land that’s “deed restricted and enforced,” Barnhart told the Town Board. He also pointed out that the SLT already partners with the state DEC and is a member of Hudson to Housatonic (H2H), an organization that advances the pace and practice of regional land protection and stewardship by collaborating across municipal and state boundaries within Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, and Fairfield (Ct.) counties. “I’m hoping that it (the resolution) becomes a model, and we can take it to that organization, which has connections all over Connecticut and New York,” Barnhart said, adding: “I think we have the potential to have an impact.” Clinchy said that, while researching the topic, he talked to the Association of Towns of the State of New York to see if it could provide any “samples” of similar resolutions passed by members. “They said: ‘No one has adopted one yet, so if you do, please send it to us and we will distribute it’,” the councilman said. The town’s Open Space Committee tracked an example down in Colorado and used it as a basis for its own draft resolution. Somers is located within an environmentally sensitive area that provides drinking water for New York City and other municipalities. In the resolution, the town promised to “redouble” its own land and water protection efforts and declared itself a state “30X30 conservation community.” Voting ‘yes’ were Councilmen Tom Garrity, Anthony Cirieco, and Clinchy, and Supervisor Robert Scorrano, who noted that the town could always “amend or rescind” the resolution if necessary. “So we’re still in a position of strength if we do this. We’re just telling the town, we’re in, this is our roadmap, our game plan,” Scorrano said, adding: “I think it’s a great initiative.” Councilman William Faulkner -- worried that the the town might be obligated to take specific actions and be stuck with the cost of implementing them -- abstained from the vote. “If we want to have a goal of 30, 35, or 40 percent in Somers, that’s fine for us to do, but I’m concerned about the unintended consequences,” he said, giving as an example, New York City’s establishing itself “as a sanctuary city” for immigrants, documented or otherwise. “That’s not working out so well for them right now,” Faulkner remarked, adding that he didn’t want to “assume” there’s no downside, cost-wise, to adopting the resolution. There’s no question that the town will be the recipient of many future proposals for development, Clinchy said. However, taking a stand now will give it a “philosophical and environmental framework” to use, he said. It would give developers a heads-up about what kind of town they are hoping to build in, just like the adoption of the NYStretch Code did, and would say “something to the people who are here and the people who will be here in the future,” he said. By protecting several hundred more acres, the town will place itself in the “vanguard” or “forefront” in New York, Clinchy said, adding that the argument for it was “compelling.” The resolution simply states that “it is our belief that this is a good thing, a good thing for our town,” he said. Clinchy recalled that the town had, several years ago, adopted a resolution supporting “Complete Streets,” an approach to planning, designing, building, operating, and maintaining streets that provides safe access to pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. “It did not require us to do anything, nor do we have to report on it; it’s what we aspire to,” he explained. WEIGHING THE POSSIBILITIES According to Barnhart, Somers could reach the magic “30X30” mark “relatively easily.” Lincoln Hall, a nonprofit organization that calls itself “a haven for today’s most vulnerable boys,” owns more than 450 acres in the Somers hamlet of Lincolndale. Should it ever “divest” itself of some of that land, and if somehow that acreage eventually wound up being protected, “in one blow we would hit 30 percent,” Barnhart said Thursday. Cirieco also brought up Stonewall Farm, a 750-acre estate and equestrian facility located on Mahopac Avenue, a designated 30X30 FROM PAGE 1 SEE 30X30 PAGE 20
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 5 Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. Managing Member • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500 WHITE PLAINS • SOMERS • WWW.ESSLAWFIRM.COM • Asset Protection • Elder Law • Medicaid Applications (Nursing Home/Home Care) • Guardianships (Contested/Non-Contested) • Wills, Trusts & Estates Past Chair of Elder Law Section of NYS Bar Association “Super Lawyer” In Elder Law for 16 consecutive years CALL NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 914.948.1500 Do you know what steps you can take to avoid your estate going to probate? BY EMILE MENASCHE AND TOM WALOGORSKY EDITORS Last month, Halston Media sat down for an interview with State Senator Peter Harckham. Sen. Harckham offered his thoughts on a number of topics relevant to the 40th Senate District, including the approach to securing grants for municipalities, the recently passed “Save the Hudson” bill, and the ongoing effort to combat the opioid epidemic in our communities. Your district covers a purple area that is part red, part blue, and mixed in some places. How do you find working with these different constituencies? We work with every municipality, whether they’re represented by Democrats or Republicans. We give everybody the same amount of grant money. When I have discretionary grant money, we dole it out evenly. We just announced $2.1 million in electrification grants. Every municipality got the same $100,000, we try to be fair to everybody. We work with the first responders, and we work with the veterans. One of the promises we made when I was elected was we would do a coffee and conversation every month. We go to every town in the district, we rotate around, usually we do it at libraries, sometimes at town halls, depending on what the availability is. And so you know, there are towns that we know don’t vote for us. Carmel is not a town that votes for us. And yet we work very closely with [Carmel Town Supervisor] Mike Cazzari. We didn’t do well in Stony Point, but we’re spending a lot of time there. The day after the storm, we were over there with Jimmy Monahan, a supervisor in the police team surveying damage. Really, once Election Day is over, it doesn’t matter. We put in the same effort for everybody. Many of these communities are structured differently and have different levels of need. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. How do you find a balance and identify the key areas? One of the examples we’ll give is the number one promise I made when I was elected, that we’re going to fully fund Foundation Aid, because the Foundation Aid formula was inequitably applied. And so school districts like Peekskill and North Rockland were disproportionally underfunded. They were higher needs districts, and they have less property value. And so we set out to do that, we had a three-year plan two years ago, we brought everybody to 60%, then everybody to 80%. This year, we got everybody up to 100%. This year, the state education aid increased $86 million in my district. Since I’ve been in office, it’s been $186 million. So that’s $186 million going directly into the classrooms. And it’s $186 million less that the property taxpayers have to pay. You know, the state constitution says the state will provide sound education, every student, not property taxpayer. We’ve taken that seriously. In some communities, it’s property tax relief. In other communities, it’s more about being beneficial to the students. But even if there were school districts in our district that were almost near getting full Foundation Aid when we started, they were getting 3% more a year anyhow. So all our school districts have gotten more. It’s been 30% more in education funding to all our districts since we’ve been in. So that’s been a way that it’s helped everybody lift students and places like Peekskill in Ossining. But it also helps property taxpayers as well. Sometimes there seems to be a feeling of tension between local and state government, which is true of both parties. Given the size of the bureaucracy, how do you work through it to turn grants into practical funds that local governments can use? It’s how different people view government. On the Republican side, less regulation, less government. I think sometimes I’ve A conversation with Sen. Peter Harckham Emile Menasche, Tom Walogorsky, and Sen Peter Harckham discussing issues within the 40th Senate District. PHOTO COURTESY OF TOM STAUDTER SEE HARCKHAM PAGE 6
PAGE 6 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 DR. AMANDA WIECHERT, DMD & DR. FELICIA NICOLAS, DDS. 1855 COMMERCE STREET YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY 10598 (914) 302-7717 www.northeastdentalny.com [email protected] Dentistry with the personalized touch EXPERIENCE THE NORTHEAST DENTAL DIFFERENCE Long-time Yorktown dentist Dr. Amanda Wiechert founded Northeast Dental in 2014, with the idea that patients should be #1. We know that life can be hectic, and our team goes the extra mile to make patients’ care convenient, comfortable, and reliably high in quality. Somers Police Department 100 Primrose St. (Route 139) For questions, contact Kathy Cucchiarella [email protected] MEDICATION MEDICATION TAKEBACK TAKEBACK DAY DAY Somers Partners in Prevention cares about our community & the environment! heard from Republican colleagues that say, “oh, another mandate from the state.” Certainly, the communities that are in the New York City watershed, the restrictions that they have, and that goes back to my days as a County Legislator too, so I do understand those challenges. There are challenges in their opportunities. You know, New York City’s got money for infrastructure and New York State has money for infrastructure and other programs. But the state also loves to pass down mandates that then impact the flexibility of local governments and I get that tension. I think some of it is educating municipalities on how they make a competitive grant. It’s working with our first responders, and we now have new money at the state for the upgrades of fire houses. Because of all the new requirements, the engines are much longer and all our local fire houses have to expand. We now have money, which we put in the budget just for that process. And how do we educate our local first responders? I have discretionary grant money that I can help ambulance corps, first responders and fire departments. We’ve done over a million dollars for EMS and fire, over a million dollars for local police, police cars, license plate readers, radios, we get $200,000 to Westchester County Department of Corrections for transponders for the emergency buttons on the officers’ vests. Some of the grants are easier, because they just go through senate finance. But some of the other ones go through the consolidated funding application, which is a much trickier process. Those are competitive grants. A lot of this stuff was set up under Cuomo and to make everything a competition. And so the richer municipalities that can afford grant writers, they always do much better, as opposed to the poorer municipalities, the ones who need the help the most. That’s why we try to be as helpful as we can. After completing your first legislative session as chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, what would you count among your most important accomplishments? We were very busy. Number one locally was probably the “Save the Hudson” bill that the governor just signed. That was absolutely huge. It was really generated from the public. And when we found out that Holtec’s plan was to discharge, they weren’t doing anything that Entergy or Con Ed hadn’t done, or that any other nuclear plant in the country hadn’t done, for that matter. That was state of the industry. That’s how you get rid of the wastewater. And there are a couple plants upstate that do it. But then there was the outcry because the public never knew that this was standard operating procedure. And you saw the outcry in Massachusetts, you see the outcry in the Pacific with China, South Korea, and Japan. And it’s a notion that we’re just not going to allow our water bodies to be dumping grounds anymore. For industrial pollution, there is the notion that there are safe levels of pollution. And what the public is telling us now is that no level of pollution is acceptable. And we passed 63-0 in the Senate. We had every Republican on board with that. You can’t pass puppies and kittens in the Senate unanimously. So that was a big one. You are a member of both the committee for Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders and the Joint Senate Task Force on Opioids, Addiction & Overdose Prevention. What are some of the latest efforts to combat those issues in the district? It’s always been personal for me, I’m in long term recovery, and I could have been a statistic. Every time I get a call from a family that’s lost somebody, it’s heartbreaking. I don’t chair that committee anymore, but I’m still on the committee. We just passed Matthew’s Law this year, which will allow fentanyl test strips to be distributed in drugstores, the way we did with Naloxone years ago. Now they’re starting to sell Narcan in stores. Before, it had to be on standing prescriptive order. And that’s now what we’re doing with fentanyl test strips. A young fellow from Croton named Matthew passed away from an overdose and his sister wanted some meaning to come from that. So we worked with her and Assemblymember McDonald, on Matthew’s Law. So now fentanyl test strips will be available through standing order in pharmacies, and that’s so important because people are dying, not based on the traditional heroin overdose. They’re dying because of fentanyl poisoning. And so this is in the realm of harm reduction. Not everyone is ready for treatment. Not everyone is ready to stop. The goal is to keep people alive until they may be, and at least test what’s in what they think they might be using, then they can make an educated choice. We fund New York State harm reduction teams, but there are far too few of them. They do heroic work, they’re in tough areas, but there are far too few of them. So why not use the retail network that we have in pharmacies all over the state. And hopefully, we can get fentanyl test strips in more hands. Some people incorrectly assume that things like this enable drug use, but they don’t. People are going to use anyhow. We need to meet them where they are and try and keep them alive until such time that they may be ready for treatment. Our final question concerns the Local Journalism Sustainability Act, which would give tax credits to local newspapers. Has there been any traction on that legislation? We’re on that bill. I think we’ll know better when we get closer to session. There were the beginnings of a lot of conversations at the end of last year about that. Honestly, just with any bill, it’s about the activists and the squeaky wheel. The more noise all of you can make, the better it is. And your statewide associations can come up to Albany and know that it’s your building, you own it, you pay for it. We work for you. Come on up and see us and tell the other statewide folks go up and see your local legislators. To me, that’s incredibly impactful. We have folks come up for this issue for that issue. And I think it’s an incredible form of advocacy. So, I’ll keep working on it. But if you guys want to come up and get your colleagues to come up, you don’t have to be lobbyists to come up to Albany and talk to your local legislators. HARCKHAM FROM PAGE 5
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 7 Congratulations to Flo and Al Alessy, who recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary! The happy couple was married on May 25, 1968, and were most recently spotted at the Somers Women’s Club Tag sale on Oct. 1. Cheers to PHOTO: TOM WALOGORSKY Joseph Benedict Breen Joseph Benedict Breen passed away in Maplewood, Danbury CT, age 93, on September 23, 2023. Born in Elmhurst, NY, on June 28, 1930, he lived in Westchester County for 65 years. ig Joe Breen, as he was known to his friends, attended Regis High School, Holy Cross College, Fordham Law School and New York University Graduate School of Law. He joined Emmet, Marvin & Martin of 48 Wall Street — the firm founded by the famous Irish barrister, Thomas Addis Emmet, brother of the Irish patriot, Robert Emmet — in 1955. As managing partner, Joe was instrumental in the firm’s win in the leading case of In re Bank of New York, in which the New York State Court of Appeals established definitive guidelines for New York Stare trust investments. In 1976, he joined Huntoon, Paige & Company, specializing in government-backed mortgage securities (Ginnie Maes), and served as president of the NY Dealers Association. Later, he joined Merrill Lynch Huntoon Paige, as their chief counsel in its international real estate division. Son of Irish immigrants, Joseph was the youngest of the seven children of Joseph A. Breen and Catherine McTigue, and nephew of Mike McTigue, light heavyweight boxing champion of the world from 1923-25, Ireland’s first world champion. His six children remember getting boxing gloves at Christmas. Among Joe’s achievements, he played center forward on Regis High School’s basketball team, most notably winning the historic National School Boys’ Championship in 1948, proving to be the greatest basketball team of the small, prestigious, scholarship-based Catholic high school in New York City. They outwitted their opponents by speaking their plays in Latin. In later years, Joe would pull out his Regis yearbook and give a play-by-play account of the team’s greatest games. “Fabulous was the word for him,” wrote the editors of his college yearbook. “Wherever he went, the extraordinary was inevitable. Because of his rejuvenating spirit, the golden subtlety of his humor, his dramatic flair, his inexhaustible repertoire of poems and Irish ballads, any evening or weekend became an occasion if Joe was there.” Even into his late years Joe would regale gatherings with his word-perfect rendition of The Face on the Bar Room Floor. A proud veteran, he served as a captain with the U.S. Marine Corps and stayed loyal to the memory of those he knew who served in the Korean War. Joe was an avid golfer, tennis player, bridge player, and great admirer of the works Henry James. A dog lover, he is remembered walking along the streets of Ennis, County Clare, with his Irish Wolfhound during the few years he lived in Ireland. After his Jack Russells—Machusla and Annie—died, a little bit of him died, too. He is predeceased by the mother of his children, Christine O’Connell, and his son Stephen G. Breen, the death of whom affected him the rest of his life, and is survived by his children, Christine Williams of Co. Clare, Ireland,, Regis of Easton, MD, Joseph of Katonah, NY, Deirdre of Cranston, RI, and Sean of Seattle, WA, and by his second wife, Polly Breen, and his stepchildren, Billy and Lisa. He is predeceased by six sisters and is survived by 14 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and nephews & nieces, and by his loving partner of the last 13 years, Patty Gallin of Somers. OBITUARY 55 years! 2022 Source: OKMLS, 1/1/22-12/31/22, total dollar volume of single family homes and condominiums sold by Agent, Somers school district DONNA O’CONNELL AGENT IN SOMERS & HERITAGE HILLS # 1 DONNA O’CONNELL Associate Real Estate Broker M 914.263.9108 [email protected] donnaoconnell.houlihanlawrence.com If you have considered selling, the market is still strong with high buyer demand and low inventory. Many homes are still receiving multiple offers and are selling above list price. I would welcome the opportunity to provide you with a market analysis. Please feel free to contact me anytime. SOMERS BROKERAGE 104 VILLAGE SQUARE, SOMERS, NY PROUD TO BE THE
Opinion 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 The Somers Record or its affiliates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail at [email protected]. For more information, call the editor at 914-302-5830 Brett Freeman, Publisher Tom Walogorsky , Editor Tabitha Pearson Marshall, Creative Director Editorial Office: 914-302-5830 [email protected] PAGE 8 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 One of the humorous stories coming out of Washington recently – and we need some humor coming out of Washington – was the kerfuffle surrounding the change of dress code for the Senate. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer unilaterally changed the Senate’s 200- year traditional dress code, which required business attire on the Senate floor -- suit and tie for men and pants suits, skirts or dresses for women. The change was to accommodate Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. Sen. Fetterman’s sartorial choices for work were more appropriate for a pickup basketball game–high top sneakers, no socks, and basketball shorts topped off with a hoodie. He is 6-foot, 8-inches, so it is a good look for him– just not for the Senate floor. Not surprisingly, there was a spirited reaction from across the political spectrum. The brouhaha got me thinking about my own feelings about dressing up. I must admit that post-COVID, I own more sweatpants than dress pants. For me, wearing a belt seems like dressing up nowadays. That said, I still take my hat off when I go indoors. Seeing hats worn indoors by other guys, whether frontwards or backwards, wells up memories of my dad swatting me in the head for the same offense when I was a kid. Tradition and custom, I guess. We all are experiencing a coarsening of our culture. The elimination of dress codes may play just a small part in that coarsening, but it does play a role. We dress up for weddings and funerals, among other things, to acknowledge the significance of the event as well as show respect for those being married or buried. And to show respect for the families. Dressing up also shows our appreciation for those institutions that we revere; marriage, of course, being a central institution of our culture and society. Sharing common views about dress codes is something that brings us together; traditions we hold in common. Sadly, respect for public institutions is in decline, so holding on to traditions about dress codes might help stem the slide. If those who serve don’t show respect for the institution, why should we? Although I’m not a huge fan of dressing up, when I served on the school board and our town board, I felt it was important to dress up. When you and your fellow board members are responsible for tens of millions of tax dollars, the education of our kids, and the quality of the services local government delivers, constituents need to see that you take the job seriously. A judge or a doctor wearing a Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops doesn’t send the same signal that a white coat or black robe does. Despite the appeal for decorum, I am also a fan of business casual, which is becoming the workplace norm. There are notable exceptions, however, like law offices and banks where the jacket and tie are still expected. Comfortable clothes increase creativity and productivity. IQs could rise by a couple of points once the necktie is loosened. With so many people working from home, at least part of the time, there must be impacts at the office. Is it inconsistent to recognize an increasing role for casual dress while at the same time feeling that our institutions should hold the line on formality? Maybe, but I am not ready for flip flops on the Senate floor yet. There is a happy conclusion with the Senate dress code controversy, however. CNN reported that they “passed a resolution formalizing business attire as the proper dress code for the floor of the chamber by unanimous consent.” Just imagine, if they can pass a dress code with a unanimous vote, what else is possible? Senatorial sneakers and hoodie hubbub A Capitol fashion faux pas or a step towards a casual Congress? DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Town officials should keep their word Dear Editor, In a time as divisive as ours, when trust in government is at its lowest, and when we have no idea what future challenges we will face, the importance of willing volunteers to work for goals for the good of all can’t be overstated. It’s the attribute that forms the connective tissue of a community’s human infrastructure. That attribute was integral in one of Somers’ biggest achievements, the formation of the Angle Fly Preserve. The Angle Fly Preserve, with the Reynolds house at its entrance, is located on Rt. 139, down the hill from the Mount Zion Church and Reis Park. Try to imagine Somers without the it. Imagine the traffic congestion, the increased class size for your child – everything that would have resulted had homes and condos covered its 654 acres. But we were blessed with people in the Somers Land Trust who had a vision of what that land could be. After decades of work by the Somers Land Trust, and other town organizations and government – the stars aligned. There is no other way to describe how lucky we were to have the Angle Fly Preserve come to fruition! Community members rallied to help build the Preserve on volunteer workdays, which continue, and to show up en masse when there were special projects. In 2011, 150 residents worked for two weekends to construct the 30-foot bridge over a stream in the Preserve. Everyone who worked on the bridge had the opportunity to write their name on the underside of the planks that make up the walkway across the bridge. It felt great to affirm that “I helped build this.” That was the case again in 2013, when construction started to save the Reynolds house, built circa 1803. Years were spent researching, grant writing, planning, fund raising, organizing and soliciting donations of materials. Professionals, tradesmen, members of different Somers’ service organizations, private companies and other LETTERS SEE LETTERS PAGE 10
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 9 Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962 Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962 The summer of ’85 we spent touring England, Germany, Amsterdam and Austria. In London we visited the original Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, open since 1854. A trip to the London Zoo, Piccadilly Circus and Hyde Park were fascinating; but riding a double decker bus and shopping at Harrods, the seven-story department store, were thrilling. We learned the store was first opened as a grocery store in 1849. There we saw the “mod”- est of clothes and a food court to equal none. The next day we were able to view the changing of the guards at Windsor Castle, which is the largest inhabited castle in the world and the oldest in continuous occupation. The duty of the changing of the guards has been carried out since 1660. We also toured the Tower of London, where we viewed priceless jewels and crowns belonging to the British Royal family. Next stop on our journey was Berchtesgaden in Bavaria near the Austrian border. The waters were crisp and clear, the people were friendly and the food was outstanding. We were surprised to find that the hotels served meats and cheeses for breakfast. We enjoyed seeing the men wearing lederhosen, leather shorts with H-shaped suspenders. The women wore dirndl skirts, a full gathered skirt and apron and fitted bodice. Originally, the outfits were made to be worn by peasants. It is said that centuries ago if a woman wore her dirndl apron tied to the right, the woman was taken; tied to the left indicated she was single. We took a one-hour tour of the salt mines of Berchtesgaden. A miners train took us over 2,000 feet into the mountain while we were all dressed in authentic salt miners clothing. We then slid down a long, steep slide to an enormous salt deposit. A boat trip across the underground salt lake ensured a one-of-a-kind experience for us. Close by to that region we were able to visit Eagle’s Nest, Hitler’s mountain retreat. We were seeing history as we toured the simple, yet luxurious and spectacularly scenic lodge. It had been turned into a restaurant, but all the earmarks were there. The impeccable winding road up to the lodge and the solid gold elevator, which transported us into the rooms were surreal. It was a special glimpse into a part of Hitler’s life with Eva Braun. Onto Austria where in Salzberg we were able to see the very modest home of Mozart at No. 9 Getreidegasse, and where it has been preserved as a museum. Salzberg was a mesh of old and new, and fresh fruits and vegetables were in abundance along the streets of the beautiful old city. One of our favorite places to visit was Amsterdam, where we toured the home of Anne Frank. We were able to go into the secret annex where Anne and other family members hid for two years during WWII. By pushing a bookcase open, we entered a doorway into the small annex. What a unique and somber experience it was to also stand inside of Anne’s bedroom, where the peeling wallpapered walls displayed pictures of American movie stars and newspaper articles. Everything had been preserved. We found that Amsterdam was the perfect city for cycling and walking around the canals. We visited a clog maker and bought a pair for Kim, which I knew she would never wear, but I just didn’t want her to miss the experience. Hundreds of pairs of clogs hung from the ceiling for our choosing and we were able to watch as men worked the old machines. Sawdust was everywhere. Next a cheese farm where little boys in yellow clogs, hats, wide black pants and peasant shirts greeted us with plates of cheese for tasting. Rounds of cheese filled the shelves along the walls and I bought myself a round of edam to take back to the states. The beach town of Volendam was filled with fishing boats and my daughter was able to dress in the traditional garb of a school girl. Each and every door of the village houses was meticulously veneered to a high sheen and looked beautiful along the shore. The people who lived in that area took pride in the appearance of their homes. Within the city of Amsterdam, there were many canals with homes on either side. The city’s architecture was unique because the houses were built long and narrow. The wider the façade, the more one would pay in taxes, so they made up for that by building very long houses. Our second summer in Europe made us realize how much we loved traveling and we hoped to continue our journey through the years. Jo Ann Francella can be reached at [email protected]. Bon voyage – part deux JO ANN FRANCELLA JUST JO ANN Fun Facts by Jo Ann Amsterdam has 165 canals, and bicycling is a major mode of transportation.
PAGE 10 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 A RESPECTFUL APPROACH TO NAVIGATING FAMILY TRANSITIONS AND CONFLICT - Family, Elder and Divorce Mediation - Collaborative Divorce - Co-Parenting Plans - Pre-Nuptial and Marital Settlement Agreements ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION OFFERS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES - Privacy - A Voice in Decision Making - Preservation of Assets - Child Focused Options - Avoidance of Often Toxic and Costly Court Proceedings NEW LOCATION: 340 Route 202 • Suite M, Somers • 914-669-5224 www.margaretnicholson.com • [email protected] “I am honored to have been selected by my peers for Hudson Valley Magazine’s annual “Top Lawyers” publication. THE LAW & MEDIATION OFFICE OF Margaret A. Nicholson Free Half Hour Consultations Virtual Options Available volunteers showed up to help the non-profit Somers Land Trust and the town reclaim this part of Somers’ heritage. A verbal agreement among all parties involved was reached that the purpose for the house would be as a rented residence, perhaps for a town employee, or even as a caretaker’s cottage. This purpose was restated again in the April 8, 2021 issue of The Somers Record, (“Renovating Reynolds, Page 1), where Carol Reif reported, “The town plans to lease the house to a local person – perhaps a firefighter or other first responder – who, in exchange for a break on the rent, would help keep an eye on things.” The article continues, “Although the grounds are regularly patrolled, vandalism continues. Deterrence by having an on-site caretaker appears to have worked at Koegel Park, a 68-acre tract off Tomahawk Street, town officials say.” The Angle Fly Preserve is close to 10 times the size of Koegel Park. If there was a need for an ‘eyes-on’ resident at Koegel, the need is 10 times as great at the Angle Fly! So it is extremely upsetting, that after years of so much work, to read in The Somers Record on Sept 21, 2023, that the current town administration is poised to renege on the decade-long agreement of the purpose for the house, the catalyst for so much volunteer help. Reif reported: “‘While the SLT efforts to protect Angle Fly and other nature preserves in town are very much appreciated, using the Reynolds house for a private residence doesn’t make economic sense, and, besides, the town is in ‘dire’ need of public meeting space,’ he said.” What makes the most economic sense is designing for your purpose. As a small homestead, kept as true as possible to the original structure and in context of its historic origins, the Reynolds house fulfills that purpose, as well as being an ‘eyeson’ protector. It’s a two bedroom cottage, with a septic system and a well geared to that need, with only resident parking. As for the Supervisor’s comments that it could be used for educational programs for kids – it’s a nature preserve! There have been programs there for kids for years, including Eagle Scout and Girl Scout projects, and ongoing programs for Somers children. The programs all take place outside, not sitting in what’s supposed to be someone’s bedroom! The Reynolds house is a residence and was not designed, or fit to be, a public venue or for town business use. The town needs to define its specific needs, and then plan, budget and build for them. That’s their job and that’s what our tax dollars are for. It’s not what our volunteer help was for! The house as proposed will fulfill its purpose, and will generate rental income at the same time – an economic win. The Reynolds house is the capstone of the Angle Fly Preserve. The Town Board needs to stay true to the volunteers who took them at their word, and to honor the town’s pledge to create a residence and a watchful presence at the Angle Fly Preserve. -Anita Krusko Somers Reynolds House should be available for affordable housing Dear Editor, As a past member of the Somers Affordable Housing Board, we had always felt that the Reynolds House would be suitable for affordable housing (“Land swap at Angle Fly moves forward,” Sept. 21, Page 1). The fact that someone can live there and also keep an eye out for the damage that can occur when no one is paying attention is worth a lot; also, it will help make another home affordable. Please reconsider the Reynolds House and make it available for affordable housing. -Ellen B. Devey Somers LETTERS FROM PAGE 8 I bet if you asked any of my doctors what my real problem is, they would say that as a patient I don’t have any patience. To illustrate, I might be watching the news magazine, “Sunday Morning,” where in order to create a relaxing experience for the viewer, they might air a shot of an icicle slowly melting, dripping away for about five minutes. Because I’m so impatient, I would try to reach through the screen with a blow dryer and speed things up. Or, if I won tickets to a Bruce Springsteen concert and I am SO EXCITED throughout the first four hours of the show, the next two hours I start to get restless as darkness on the edge of town starts to turn to light. Anyway, I just want my doctors to cure me faster. I want a doctor whose motto is, “If I can’t deliver your baby in 30 minutes, it’s FREE!” I would take a magic elixir to restore my health, as long as it doesn’t contain gluten or lactose. But it’s time that heals all wounds, and who has time for that? The doctors aren’t in any hurry to find a substitute for time; as my health insurance continues to put their children through college, they continue to tell what to do to cure my latest afflictions, which is: nothing. Right now I’m in physical therapy for a broken Transcutaneously yours RICK MELÉN MAN OVERBOARD SEE MELEN PAGE 11
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 11 fifth metatarsal bone in my foot, and I could just kick myself for breaking it in the first place, but I’ll need to do it with one of my other four metatarsals. The therapist has me lie down on the table and assume a position with one of my feet under me, raising my body with the other foot outstretched. The sort of position you should make no assumptions about if you find somebody in. Then he spreads out a bunch of marbles on the floor and directs me to pick them up one at a time with my toes, and place them in a teacup. I’m distracted by the idea that this is going to result in a weird cup of tea, and the marbles go skittering across the floor. In an ironic twist, I’ve lost somebody else’s marbles. The physical therapy office is a good example of a place where I can injure a different part of my body while treating the part I’m trying to cure. I’m told to stand balanced on my bad foot for 30 seconds. The waving of my arms and leg like a drunken semaphore operator trying to land a plane was something I added myself, and I still almost fell into a mirror that they have perfectly positioned so that you can see the face you make when you’re about to crash into a mirror. It feels like a DWI field test, and I may be spending the evening in jail. The guy next to me is groaning, but that could be from my jokes. The therapist disappears into the back and I whisper to the guy, “PSST!” He looks alarmed that I might have sprung an air leak. “We’ve got to get the hell out of here- I think we’re about to get waterboarded.” The physical therapist returns and starts massaging my foot in the exact area where an orthopedic surgeon has inserted a large screw. In between my screams, he glibly says, “No pain, no gain.” “That explains my weight,” I say. He keeps working on my foot, unfazed. I yell, “ALL RIGHT, I’LL TALK!” But he says, “Talk? We were hoping you’d zip it for a few precious moments. Are you experiencing any pain right now? On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad is it?” He’s trying for a perfect 10 score like in the Olympics. “Be right back,” he says, and I turn to the guy with the bad shoulder. I say, “This is how it’s gonna go down: you create a diversion, and I’ll make a run for it.” “What about me?” “You’re right. We’ll need two diverse diversions, and the therapist can make a run for it.” The guy says, “Listen, I saw an episode of MacGyver where he escapes on a cart he makes out of a battery, rubber bands, a blender, and half of a suit of armor.” “Okay, now we’re getting somewhere. Do you have a battery?” “No.” Rubber bands?” “No.” “A blender?” “No.” “What about the suit of armor?” “I have that.” The therapist comes back and says, “Time for a little transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.” And before I have a chance to look up “transcutaneous,” he has me hooked up to something that looks like an EKG, only it’s pulsing electrical charges into my body. I say, “Are you going to charge me extra for charging me extra?” He turns it up to “tase,” and after 15 minutes says, “Okay, you’re done.” I would have settled for medium rare 10 minutes ago. Say hello at [email protected]. MELEN FROM PAGE 10 Dear Dr. Linda, Our fifth-grade son’s handwriting is horrible. We can’t read a word he writes, not even on homework assignments. He can’t read them either once he’s home. He only prints, and when he does, it looks like a chicken walked across the page. The school psychologist told us that he has dysgraphia, a writing disorder. She recommended that he be classified with a learning disability and be allowed to take notes on his laptop and use the computer to write all his papers. This means he’s never going to learn cursive, even though I think our school doesn’t teach it anymore anyway. Aren’t we doing him a great injustice not having him learn to write so people can read it? How’s he going to sign his name? Do you have any suggestions? -Caroline Dear Caroline, I happen to agree with you. Many teachers also agree with you. In fact, research has shown that students who write notes in cursive vs. printing and typing do better on tests and remember the material longer. Also, students like your son who have dysgraphia, seem to write neater and spell better when they write in cursive. Recently, in my tutoring practice, I introduced cursive writing to a third-grader and a seventhgrader, both of whom had severe dysgraphia. Not only did their handwriting improve and become more readable, but they were able to create stories and complete homework with greater ease. In both cases, their teachers picked up on it and encouraged them to write in cursive. Once it became second nature to them, their handwriting issues were no longer that much of an issue. What happened to these two children shouldn’t be a surprise. What researchers have found is that, “Both tracking and movement control require Cracking the cursive code Handwriting hurdles in the digital age DR. LINDA SILBERT STRONG LEARNING SEE DR. LINDA PAGE 14 C&A Auto Service Tireman’s - SINCE 1964 - Service At Its Best - Nationwide Warranty 287 Route 6 Mahopac, N.Y. 10541 845.628.8472 • 845.628.0808 www.caautoservice.com Now is the Best Time to Buy Tires! Up to $75 in store savings plus up to $200 in rebates. SALE RUNS OCT 9 TO OCT 21 WHEN YOU USE GOODYEAR CREDIT GET UP TO $100BACK + GET UP TO $100MORE ON A SET OF 4 GOODYEAR© OR KELLY TIRES By online or Mail-in rebate and paid by Goodyear Visa® Prepaid Card or Virtual Card on purchases made 10/1 though 12/31/2023. SELECT TIRES ONLY! October 1 KEEP MOVING AHEAD DECEMBER 31
PAGE 12 THE SOMERS RECORD – THEven abroad, Somers students are around elephants! Somers students visit IrelTuskeStudents taking in the sights on the Thailand trip. Students on the Ireland/Scotland trip. At the shipbuilding docks in Belfast where the Titanic was constructed. A rickshaw ride through the night market in Phitsanulok. PHOTOS COURTESY OF TUSKER TRAVELS One touch of a button sends help fast, 24/7. alone I’m nevLife Alert® is alwayhere for me. I’ve fallen and I can’t get up! ® Help at Home with GPS! Help On-the-Go For a FREE b1-800-40Saving a Life EVNMLS #60828 Registered Mortgage Broker NY & CT Banking Depts. All Loans Arranged through Third Party Providers. Call Us Today! 800-771-1071 YOUR LOCAL HOME MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS 914-277-4424 • 440 Rt 22 1013 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 - www.putcap.com North Salem, NY • www.theblazerpub.com CELEBRATING 521 YEARS! Enjoy the foods of fall!
HURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 PAGE 13 BY ANNA TIMONE CONTRIBUTING WRITER Thanks to an amazing program formed by a group of educators, Somers students now have the opportunity to see the world. Tusker Travels is a non-profit educational travel company founded by five Somers High School teachers, Mrs. Brooks, Mrs. Holder, Mrs. Lepkowski, Dr. Maelia and Ms. Timone. In 2023, Tusker Travels ran three trips abroad on three different continents. In February, they discovered Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. In April, they visited Ireland and Scotland, and this past summer they traveled to Thailand. In Ireland, our Tusker Travelers explored the city of Dublin where they were able to experience the Georgian Squares, O’Connell Street and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Next, they traveled to Belfast where they saw the shipbuilding docks where the Titanic was constructed. They also saw Belfast’s famous giant political murals which tell the history of Northern Ireland. In Scotland, students and teachers were able to explore Edinburgh and take a walking tour of the Royal Mile, walking through the Old Town. They saw many medieval buildings throughout the city and were also about to visit Edinburgh Castle. The young adventurers were able to take an excursion to Stirling and the Trossachs, and saw a sheepdog demonstration, Loch Katrine and Stirling Castle. Although they searched for the Loch Ness Monster, Nessie remained hidden, but they made memories that will last a lifetime! The trip to Thailand was one of the most exciting and different itineraries that Tusker Travels has enjoyed! Tour highlights included an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center and visiting local monks in Chiang Mai, an evening rickshaw ride through the night market in Phitsanulok, and the Erawan Waterfall and National Park in Kanchanabur. In Nakhon Sawan, they visited the Bo Ya Cave and saw the giant golden Buddha in the underground temple. And in Ratchaburi, they floated along the Damnoen Saduak floating market, purchasing local goods from their small boats. One of the highlights was the visit to Bangkok where students and chaperones visited the Wat Pho Temple of the Reclining Buddha, along with taking a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River and Thonburi klongs (canals). In past trips Tusker Travels has taken, students and chaperones have enjoyed local cuisine in every country, and students have embarked upon these educational travel experiences with the spirit of adventure, and the willingness to try new things! If you have a teenager with the desire to see the world, visit www.TuskerTravels.org to learn more about our upcoming educational travel opportunities! There will be two trips in 2024, a February trip to Spain and an April trip to Switzerland and Italy. The Spring Break trip is filled, but there are limited spots available on the Spain trip, whose fabulous itinerary includes Granada, Alhambra, a visit to a Moroccan tea house, Seville, Las Setas, a Flamenco evening, Córdoba, Madrid, the Prado Museum, Barcelona, and Park Güell. There are also spots available on the Spring Break 2025 trip to Paris and the Riviera. Highlights of this tour include Paris, the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, Versailles, a Seine River cruise, a TGV train ride to Avignon, the Palais des Papes, the Pont du Gard (Roman aqueduct), Les Bauxde-Provence, Arles, Monaco, Nice, the Promenade des Anglais and the Vieille Ville of Nice. For the trips to Spain and France, there are early enrollment discounts available to students enrolling prior to October 27, 2023. Student travelers must be in 9th thru 12th grade at time of travel, and we accept applications from Somers students as well as from students in nearby school districts. For more information, you can follow Tusker Travels Inc. on FaceBook, @tuskertravels on Instagram or visit www.TuskerTravels.org to see detailed itineraries and see how to start the application process. Come see the world with Tusker Travels! land, Scotland, and Thailand er Travels! ever ys brochure call: 04-9776 VERY 11 MINUTES Batteries Never Need Charging. TALENT SEARCH FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD LIFE-CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES! or Email: [email protected] Call: (914) 997-8000 Fax: (914) 940-4730 APPLY NOW! GO TO CMCS.ORG/CAREERS Visit our website for career listings. • Teacher (Birth-2) • Family Worker/Advocates • Home Visitors • Health Specialist/Nurse • Custodians • Cooks • Teachers on Study Plan • Health Nutrition & Safety • Social Worker • Education Specialist 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
PAGE 14 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 DR. LINDA FROM PAGE 11 Ahh… fall is here. It always feels like a fresh start. I’m not sure if that’s because last month was the start of a new school year and that felt like monumental change? Maybe it’s because it’s a season where things die off, preparing for new growth. Either way, I hope this year you truly fall. Fall completely in love with the things that matter most to you. Fall totally devoted to what you are called to. I hope you let everything that hinders you fall away and prepare yourself for the blessings that fall onto your path. Kim Stoll empowers others in providing positive habits in mindset, at home fitness and simple nutrition. Virtual support available. Reach her at [email protected]. Fall into positivity and purpose KIM STOLL GUEST CORNER Contact Us The Somers Record is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected]. NEW YORK HOMEOWNERS: HELP IS AVAILABLE EVEN IF YOU COULD PAY CASH ROOFING | SIDING | WINDOWS | DOORS & MORE! 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 888-254-6006 or visit NYProgramFunding.net NEED HELP WITH EXPENSIVE REPAIRS? WE MATCH YOU WITH FUNDING YOU CAN AFFORD. ...but it won’t last! Enrollment is only open during a limited time. Programs, appointments, and installations are first come, first serve. ACT NOW! Pick your play and order today! (Gasp!) Don’t have tickets? Don’t miss out! SEPT 28 - OCT 21 • 10 dierent shows to choose from • Matinee and evening shows • 9 Nyack stages LiveArtsInNyack.com For program details & tickets: 833-681-4800 ®NYSDED 914.455.2158 SpirelliElectric.com • [email protected] Specializing in residential & commercial services. Licenses in Westchester, Putnam CREATING CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE Family Owned—Over 40 Years Experience! $25 OFF Service Calls When You Present This Ad. New Customers Only. Keep the lights on. • GENERATORS • Outdoor Lighting • Smart Home Setup • Electric Car Chargers AND ALL OF YOUR ELECTRIC NEEDS! much more engagement of neural resources in producing cursive or related handwriting methods than in hand printing, because the movements are more complex and nuanced. Thus, learning cursive is a much greater neural activator, which in turn must engage much more neural circuitry than the less demanding printing” (Psychology Today, February 2015). In other words, writing in cursive engages more parts of the brain. It’s also easier for the dysgraphic child because each word is a unit unto itself—no picking up and putting down the writing instrument for each letter. This way the child doesn’t have to remember separate strokes, which means fewer reversals. By learning cursive, our children will also be able to read cursive, too. Think of how many of our old documents are in cursive—for example, The Declaration of Independence. But, the most important finding is that cursive writing, even printing, engages more neural paths than keyboarding. Because of that, children with dyslexia, a reading disability, also seem to do better when they learn to write in cursive. In fact, years and years ago, Anna Gillingham, one of the founders of the Orton-Gillingham methodology widely used to help dyslexic readers, advocated teaching cursive from the beginning of first grade. With this said, many argue that children with dysgraphia and dyslexia are better off not having to write at all and only use computers. Many teachers agree with this view. “Most teachers would agree that, aside from extended time, having access to a computer and all of its possibilities is probably the most significant accommodation a dyslexic student can leverage to improve academic performance” (Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity, 2016). There is no getting around the fact that the keyboard has opened up the world for dysgraphic and dyslexic children and adults. In short, I recommend that you teach your son both cursive writing and eventually keyboarding. This way he’ll have the best of both worlds. -Dr. Linda Dr. Linda, along with her husband, Dr. Al, own Strong Learning Tutoring and Test Prep serving Westchester and Putnam Counties for over 40 years. Strong Learning tutors students K-12 in any subject, in person or remotely. Drs. Linda and Al are also the authors of “Why Bad Grades Happen to Good Kids,” available on Amazon and at stronglearning. com.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 15 Law Offices of Joseph J. Tock 963 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 TOCKLAW.COM • 800-869-8080 CRIMINAL DEFENSE/DWI • PERSONAL INJURY REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS LAW • WILLS, TRUSTS, ESTATES, PROBATE ‘ Our family received outstanding service from Joe and his staff. They are accomplished and professional, yet accessible and friendly— a wonderful community resource that I would recommend to anyone. ~A.W. I t was quite a while ago, but I clearly remember television commercials in the 1950s lauding the benefits of cigarette smoking. At the time, my mom smoked. Her choice seemed acceptable given the list of experts willing to give their stamp of approval. Even when government scientists began to link smoking with lung cancer, the tobacco industry enlisted hired guns to debunk any such claim. What should have been a united front against an incredibly deadly public health hazard became a battle of experts. This pattern has been repeated many times since, most notably with the raging debate over climate change. For us the question remains: what should we do when we are confronted with dueling scientists? This is not a new problem. Plato confronted this issue concerning a medical dispute in The Charmides. He opined, “can anyone pursue the inquiry…unless she has knowledge of medicine?” In other words, it takes an expert to evaluate an expert. It reminds me of my decades at the Legal Aid Society. We trial lawyers were originally taught not to cross examine experts because we would get burned. I didn’t heed that advice and had substantial success challenging the methodology and conclusions of experts whose testimony was averse to my clients’ interest. My first step was to read everything I could get my hands on about the topic at hand. Inevitably, the scientist or technician on the stand had to utilize a device, which produced a reading of some type. I made it a practice to examine the operating manual of the device used to make sure that the test was run properly. You would be shocked at how many times the answer was a resounding no. All of us, inside and outside the courtroom, are faced with the conundrum of clashing experts. We want to know the truth, but who are we to believe? One expert says X and the other insists on Y. One says global warming is a real and present danger. The other says it’s a hoax. We can take the easy way out and latch on to the position that fits our already incorporated mindset (and ideology), or we can make a good faith effort to find out the truth. But how? One of my favorite philosophers, Alvin Goldman, has proposed an answer to our dilemma. Goldman proposed five criteria for figuring out whether to trust an expert’s conclusions. 1. Examine the arguments presented by the expert and her rivals. Occasionally, an argument is so weak that it doesn’t hold up to even the most superficial scrutiny, especially in politics where a candidate or elected official, claiming to be an expert, wishes to convince us that she (he) has a better idea than her (his) opponent. To begin with, most politicians are not more knowledgeable about say, economics, than the rest of us. Often, their proposition can be disregarded because of common sense or because they have taken a contradictory position in the past before a different audience. If, however, we are talking about a legitimate expert, we must advance to Goldman’s other points. 2. Look for evidence of agreement among other experts. Say your stove doesn’t work and you call in an electrician. She (he) tells you that your wiring is faulty and needs repair. You consult with nine more professionals and receive the same analysis from all but one. You would be foolish to not adhere to the advice of 90% of the experts consulted. Similarly, over 99% of scientists insisted that cigarette smoking was related to cancer. Tobacco companies were only able to employ less than 1%. The consensus was indisputable. 3. Look for independent evidence that the expert is, in fact, an expert in the relevant field. A Ph.D. in one field doesn’t make you an expert in other matters. My juris doctor doesn’t make me more knowledgeable than anyone else when it comes to vaccines, for example. Before I cross examined an expert on the witness stand, I researched their credentials, thoroughly including, if possible, their doctoral thesis. Often, they claimed things beyond their area of expertise. 4. Examine the potential bias of a witness. Were they bought and sold by a party of interest, say a pharmaceutical or tobacco company? In a famous study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the authors surveyed research on anti-cancer drugs and kept track of where funding for the research came from. The results were embarrassing. Thirty-eight percent of the studies sponsored by independent nizations (such as the federal government) yielded negative assessments of the efficacy of the tested drugs. Only 5% of studies sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry found that the drugs being tested didn’t work. 5. Examine the track record of the expert in question. We do this every day in our lives. We go to the same mechanic for our cars because, over the years, we developed trust in her (him). That trust is built on solid results. A word of caution is needed here, to avoid what is referred to as the “celebrity effect.” Just because someone is good at one thing doesn’t make them good at other things. Tom Selleck may be a good actor. If we were producing a television show, we may want to sign him up. But that doesn’t mean he has the slightest expertise in reverse mortgages. Goldman’s five step approach is not airtight. He acknowledges that. He, therefore, suggests we take a general approach known as “inference to the best explanation.” This methodology directs us to weigh all available evidence and then make an educated guess about where the truth lies. Often, an educated guess is all we have. In that case, the more educated the better. I know this requires us to do a little work, but isn’t the truth worth it? So, there you have it. Armed with Goldman’s approach, you are now hopefully able to critically evaluate expert testimony and make an informed decision whether to accept it or not. Good luck. Believe it or not JAMES MARTORANO MY PERSPECTIVE
Sports PAGE 16 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 BY JUSTIN CONTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Wednesday, Sept. 27, the Somers girls varsity volleyball team made their way to Yorktown High School to play a big league match against the Huskers. Somers, after suffering only their fourth set loss in the regular season, walked away with the win in four sets: 27-25, 12-25, 25-14, 25-20. Senior defensive specialist Mia Barlanti was put into the position of playing libero halfway through the game. “When Coach asked me to switch to libero against Yorktown, I was nervous but also excited for the challenge,” Barlanti said when asked about being thrown into a different position. “My mind was racing, but I channeled that excitement into positive energy.” Barlanti finished the game with four assists and six digs. With the rain canceling their game against Byram Hills on Friday, the Tuskers had a day of rest before another long day of volleyball at the John Jay Cross River tournament. Just a week ago, Somers walked into Walter Panas high school and went 14-0 in an impressive tournament win/ This weekend they looked to do it again. In their pool play, they took on Amity (CT), Ardsley, Mahopac, and Ridgefield (CT) in two-set games starting with a score of 4-4. This tournament was bigger than a potential trophy for one Somers player. Senior setter Reilly Pittman was a short 29 assists away from her 1000th career assist before 8 a.m. Saturday morning. Somers had started off with a split win against Ridgefield 25-13 and 18-25. The next game, they handed Mahopac a pair of losses 25-19 and 25-23. Pittman had no idea just how close she was to this historic milestone. During their game against Amity, Pittman had set her outside hitters, middles, and right sides to add one assist at a time to her total count. With just three assists to go, Pittman’s older sisters ran out of the gym to grab a few surprises to help commemorate this huge moment and she started to pick up on what she had been accomplishing the past four years. “I was excited for a little bit before but I knew I had to stay focused, so I really only thought about making it my best set yet,” she said. Assist number 998 and 999 had come and gone and all eyes were on number 5. “I really didn’t think about it much. I saw the balloons my family tried so hard to hide so I knew it was going to be soon.” With the pressure seeming to not get to her, it had come down to one. A free ball from Amity made its way over the net right to libero Taylor Luks. A perfect pass to Pittman gives her the ability to send a high and long set to outside hitter Caroline Conti who smashes the ball into the block of Amity’s front row sending it out of bounds. There it was. Assist number 1000 for Reilly Pittman. Her team and fans cheered as her family held up signs and four red balloons; a one and three zeros. Pittman records 1000th career assist Tuskers shine at JJCR tournament Senior Reilly Pittman celebrates with her family after surpassing 1000 assists during her varsity career Sophomore Alex Googel delivering a kill against Ardsley. PHOTOS: JUSTIN CONTI GIRLS VOLLEYBALL BY JUSTIN CONTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Monday, Oct. 2, the Somers boys varsity volleyball team hosted Carmel in a highly anticipated matchup. The Tuskers were 1-4 on the season going into this game. Carmel started the game off serving and they took an early and commanding 8-1 lead. The Tuskers may have started slow, but the team looked to each other for support and the confidence they needed in order to get themselves back in the game. “We feed off of energy. When we know we have to play better, we end up feeding off that and scoring,” said senior outside hitter Julian Chidester. With a series of serves from senior setter Christian Dotto combined with Chidester making crucial blocks against Carmel’s hitters, the Tuskers were able to tie the game up at 18. Burns was back up to serve after missing his first serve of the game which was unusual for the captain. “I was determined to not let it repeat,” he explained. He proceeded to find the back corner of the Rams’ court to take their first lead of the set. When Somers is serving on set point, the bench along with the fans fill the gym with the famous “We Will Rock You” stomp stomp clap. Somers switched the sides with a 25-20 win in set one. Set two started to look the same as set one with Carmel scoring multiple unanswered points. “We have a habit of starting off bad, but it seems whenever we’re down we pick up the momentum and come back,” Burns said of the slow starts Somers had in each set. The Tuskers came back by scoring five unanswered points before the score started to climb evenly for both teams until the score was in favor of Somers, 24-22. Carmel fought their way to tie it and forced a win-by-two situation in the second set. After a nailbiting 9-point exchange, Somers took the second set 30-28. Off to a hopeful start in set 3, Senior libero Alberto Cacho had a fantastic dig to keep the ball in play but didn’t quite have the height for the setter. Luckily, Burns was right where he needed to be and with lightning fast reflexes, he punched the ball up high and over the net and Somers was able to get a point. Somers was one set away from beating Carmel in straight sets but they went down 11-17. Somers only scored five more points in the Rams’ sweep-saving set three win with a score of 16-25. Tuskers fight for the win in four Senior outside hitter Ethan Burns PHOTO: JUSTIN CONTI BOYS VOLLEYBALL SEE TUSKERS PAGE 18 SEE VOLLEYBALL PAGE 17 66 Miller Road, Mahopac 845-628-2050 www.mavistireofmahopac.com With This Coupon • Expires 11/30/23 $10.00OFF Synthetic Oil change (MOST CARS) 25%OFF 25 % OFF STRUTS & SHOCKS With This Coupon • Expires 11/30/23 CARING FOR YOUR CAR & OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 35 YEARS! The Friendly Mavis Team
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 SPORTS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 17 COLLEGE COUNSELING ACADEMIC PLANNING • CAREER COACHING (845) 628-0726 • www.guidedconsult.com 900 South Lake Blvd., Suite 8 • Mahopac, NY 10541 EMPOWERING students’ critical thinking skills through academic, career, and post-secondary planning. College List • Essay & Supplemental Writing Resume Development • Application Completion Obtain ONGOING SUPPORT For A Detailed Process. Contact us TODAY 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 TAKE $25 OFF YOUR NEXT SERVICE CALL! VALID ON CALLS OVER 1 HOUR. EXPIRES 10/31/23 Fall Savings! BY VIM WILKINSON CONTRIBUTING WRITER The Yorktown-Somers Combined Swim & Dive Team launched their fall season with a bang through impressive performances in both league and non-league meets. Their league victories have been particularly impressive, starting with a triumph over Wappingers with a final score of 52- 42, followed by their win against Yonkers, where they clinched a huge victory by a 94- 75 margin. Head Coach Brittany Pisano is optimistic and excited about the team this year. “It is still early in the season, with several meets left,” said Pisano. “I am encouraged by the diverse and young talent this new team offers. Our toughest meets lie ahead of us and we’re ready for the challenge.” Team captains Julia Wilkinson and Sophie Tuncoglu, both Somers seniors, have consistently contributed valuable points to the team in their respective events. Tuncoglu won the 100-yard backstroke, the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays against Yonkers and took second in the 50- yard freestyle. “As captain, I hope to bring unity to the team and make sure everyone feels included and excited to come to practice every day,” said Tuncoglu. “My hope for the swim team is for everyone to work together and meet their goals. I want the team to feel connected and empowered in and out of the pool.” Wilkinson who is a two-time state qualifier, is hoping to continue her dominance in the section’s diving event as well as assist the team in the swimming events. The Cornell University commit recorded three first-place wins (1M diving, 200 medley relay, and 200 freestyle relay) and a second-place finish in the 100-yard freestyle. “I want to be able to contribute to the team the most I can in my final year,” said Wilkinson. “This year our team changed a lot with last year’s seniors graduating, and I didn’t anticipate how much new potential we had coming in. As captains, Sophie and I have really tried to bring the girls together and we have a lot of team spirit in our team. It’s exciting to see where we will go now.” The team’s younger swimmers have been equally instrumental in their success. Yorktown eighth-grader, Katie Kurth, the youngest among the team’s top performers, showcased her prowess in long-distance events. Kurth won the 200-yard freestyle and the 500-yard freestyle, demonstrating remarkable endurance. She also played a crucial role in the team’s first-place finish in the 400 freestyle relay. Yorktown freshman Ansley Edelman has been a rising star, making a significant impact on relay and individual events. She claimed first place in the 100-yard butterfly, the 200 freestyle and medley relays and a respectable third in the 100-yard breaststroke. With a combination of experienced leaders and promising young talent, the Yorktown-Somers Combined Swim & Dive Team has set the tone for what promises to be an exciting season. Yorktown-Somers squad starts strong Combined team downs Yonkers, Wappingers The Yorktown-Somers Combined Swim and Dive team at their home pool at Mildred E. Strang Middle School in Yorktown. PHOTO: VIM WILKINSON SWIMMING & DIVING Reilly Pittman had written her name into the history books of Somers varsity volleyball. Somers lost both games to Amity 20-25 and 17-25 and finished off pool play against Ardsley with another split finish. They lost set one 14-25 and won set two 25-21. They were put into the silver bracket playing the familiar Walter Panas in the semifinals. Shortly into the game, Somers middle blocker Alex Googel left the game with an apparent ankle injury after going up for a block attempt. The team rallied behind her and finished out the one-set game beating Walter Panas 25-18. In the finals, Somers took on Valhalla who they have also played and swept in their second game of the season. Conti, given another chance to face off against her old school, had a trio of line kills which fired up the Tuskers team. Somers beat Valhalla 25-18 and ended the historic day coming in first place in the silver bracket. The Tuskers are scheduled to play away at Brewster on Thursday, Oct. 5. VOLLEYBALL FROM PAGE 16
PAGE 18 – THE SOMERS RECORD SPORTS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 BOYS SOCCER Somers 2, Yorktown 1 Wednesday, Sept. 27 The Tuskers picked up a huge win on home turf over rival Yorktown. Once again leading the charge for Somers was senior Brady Leitner who netted both goals off assists from Lucas Arbelaez and Nate Cohan. Matt D’Ippolito was sharp in goal, including a pair of sensational saves in the second frame to keep the Tuskers on top. GIRLS SOCCER Somers 5, Mahopac 1 Tuesday, Sept. 26 The Tuskers started strong, taking a 2-0 lead into the half on a pair of goals by junior Julia Arbelaez. Tiana Righetti, Annie Maguire and Adrianna Cooke also scored, with Jordan McMorrow chipping in an assist in the big Somers win. Somers 4, John Jay-Cross River 1 Thursday, Sept. 28 Somers stayed unbeaten on the road two days later, with Arbelaez (2 goals, 1 assist), Lindsay Ulaj (1 goal, 1 assist), Cooke (1 goal), and Maguire (2 assists) leading the charge. FIELD HOCKEY Somers 3, Rye Neck 0 Tuesday, Sept. 26 The Tuskers picked up a big home win on the strength of goals from Nicole Mack, Charlotte Carroll, and Campbell Sternberg. Julia McCartin (2 assists) and Julia Vecciarelli (1 assist) also got in on the action. Somers 2, Panas 0 Wednesday, Sept. 27 The squad kept the momentum rolling on Senior Night, with Vecciarelli and Sternberg finding the back of the net for another Tusker win. FOOTBALL Somers 21, Harrison 0 Saturday, Sept. 30 The Tuskers were sharp on the road, clamping down on Harrison for the shutout win. QB Mac Sullivan passed for 204 yards and rushed for all three Somers scores, but the defense stole the show. James Balancia and Miguel Iglesias each nabbed an interception, and Nick Conti added 11 tackles. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Somers 3, Yorktown 1 Wednesday, Sept. 27 The squad went on the road and came away with a solid win over the Huskers, 27-25, 12-25, 25-14, 25-20. Reilly Pittman (29 assists, 9 digs, 5 kills, 2 aces, 1.5 blocks), Caroline Conti (12 kills, 2 aces, 4.5 blocks, 1 assist, 1 dig), and Taylor Luks (11 digs) all had a standout day for Somers. Chris Smajlaj contributed to the boys soccer section of this article. Tuskers win rivalry game over Yorktown Girls soccer stays unbeaten Joseph Gherardi PHOTO: CHRIS SMAJLAJ VARSITY ROUNDUP Set four was a strong one for the Tuskers. “I like that the team doesn’t count on one person to boost them up, we work together and celebrate together,” Burns said about how they work together to get the job done. Despite starting off down one point to four, they carry each other through every point. Chidester delivered a pass up to Dotto which gave him all the time he needed to place a long and perfectly placed set for Burns to swing at the ball as hard as he possibly could. The ball bouncing off of Carmel’s court made a thundering clap and it fired up the Tuskers as they took a 16-13 lead with a victory in sight. Another strong kill from senior right side Seth Cheung which bounced off Carmel’s block sending it straight down put Somers 3 points away from their second win of the season. Burns was up to serve with the team rallying behind him. He nails three straight aces and wins the game for the Tuskers 25-16. The Tuskers are back at home against Walter Panas on Thursday, Oct. 5. TUSKERS FROM PAGE 16
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 LEISURE THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 19 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. Flat tableland with steep edges 5. Byproduct of fire 10. Talked 12. Unique skill 14. Unembarrassed 16. Where teenagers go 18. Boxing’s GOAT 19. Used to anoint 20. Reproductive structure found in rust fungi 22. Auburn great Newton 23. Some are for Christmas 25. Dried, split pulses 26. Self 27. Where to get your mail 28. High schoolers’ test 30. Flightless bird 31. Expectorated 33. Practice of misrepresenting the truth 35. Type of patch 37. French river 38. Told on 40. Hillside 41. Peyton’s little brother 42. Soviet Socialist Republic 44. Progressive country musician 45. Witness 48. Brews 50. Yellowish-brown 52. Arctic explorers (abbr.) 53. Mexican agave 55. Type of “cast” 56. Popular breakfast food 57. Atomic #52 58. Position north or south of the equator 63. Gadget 65. Another recording 66. Irregular bulges in cell membranes 67. Dark brown CLUES DOWN 1. Licensed for Wall Street 2. Partner to flow 3. A very large body of water 4. Accumulate on the surface of 5. Central cores of stems 6. Angry 7. Spanish stew: __ podrida 8. Fastened with a pin 9. On your way: __ route 10. Soviet labor camp system 11. Enmities 13. B complex vitamin 15. Go quickly 17. Toast 18. A team’s best pitcher 21. Philly culinary specialty 23. Small child 24. Unhappy 27. Trims away 29. Full of tears 32. Touch softly 34. Former OSS 35. A person’s chest 36. Came from behind 39. Fall back 40. Nellie __, journalist 43. A part of a river where the current is very fast 44. Weather 46. Sports broadcaster Ian 47. Electroencephalograph 49. Phenyl salicylate 51. Web of Things 54. Ship goods as cargo 59. The bill in a restaurant 60. Young female 61. OJ trial judge 62. One’s grandmother 64. West Siberian river Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com $20,000 CASH VAULT GIVEAWAY Friday, October 20 • 10pm Earn Entries Now! MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-HOUR PROBLEM GAMING HOTLINE: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369) 1st Place: $15,000 Cash 2nd – 6th Place: $1,000 Cash WE SPECIALIZE IN 8, 10, 12 & 15 YARD DUMPSTERS ON WHEELS & TRADITIONAL DUMPSTERS 10-40 YARD RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CLEAN-OUTS
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It’s FREE & It’s Easy! is NOT necessarily good news! # Please print your first and last names and address legibly, sign and date (all required to continue receiving your subscription to this newspaper). YES, I wish to receive a FREE 3-year subscription to The Somers Record YES, I really enjoy The Somers Record 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 Mahopac News Yorktown News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The Katonah-Lewisboro times “scenic road” in Granite Springs. It’s owned by Barry K. Schwartz, the co-founder of Calvin Klein Inc. and former chair and CEO of the New York Racing Association. The largest privately owned property in Westchester, Stonewall’s been on the market for $100 million for the last few years. Cirieco wondered if some of its open space could be factored into the town’s 30 percent. It’s “not protected,” Barnhart responded. Stonewall enjoys an agricultural tax exemption, but parts are zoned for commercial and residential uses. The Somers Land Trust would love to see Stonewall live on in its current state, not only because of the farm’s value as a natural habitat, but for its historical significance. The folks in charge of marketing the property have said that it’s possible that parts of it could be developed for housing or commercial purposes. However, they’ve said, whatever happens still has to conform to local zoning rules and regulations and that the town could ultimately “benefit” from development in terms of parkland or conservation easements. Then there’s the thorny topic of what’s to become of the former IBM campus on Route 100. AT 720 acres, it’s one of the biggest commercial properties in town, the other being PepsiCo’s former headquarters on Route 35. Both are owned by Mexican telecommunications magnate Carlos Slim Helú. Last year, Helú’s One P Way LLC managed to secure a significant reduction in the PepsiCo site’s tax assessment and is currently seeking similar relief for the IBM property. A private STEAM school had been proposed at the old IBM property just prior to the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. That plan seems to have petered out, but local land conservationists are still worried about the property’s being carved up for housing. RESOLUTION HIGHLIGHTS The resolution drew attention to environmental crises such as “the dangerous warming of the climate, the loss of vast amounts of natural habitat, and the extinction of plant and animal species at an increasingly alarming rate.” According to the resolution, weather disasters have cost the state and federal governments an estimated $37.3 billion over the last decade. Those responses are expected to amount to an additional $55 billion by 2029. Maintaining a healthy environment is “crucial” to mitigating those impacts and to protecting biodiversity, it read. The state’s own criteria also include prioritizing the protection of water sources and wetlands, providing corridors for wildlife movements, and increasing outdoor access, which is important to human health. These are goals that Somers itself has “pursued for many years in protecting its unique landscape and semi-rural character,” the resolution states. 30X30 FROM PAGE 4
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Plus over 40 regional and specialty networks included. NFL, College Football, MLB, NBA, NHL, Golf and more. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918 ATTORNEY AUTO DONATIONS HEALTH HOME IMPROVEMENT MISCELLANEOUS PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF 9/28/23 To advertise in The Somers Record, call Brett Freeman at 845-208- 8151 or email [email protected]. 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 6746 Selfrige Street, LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 9/25/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Malinda Khayat, 81 Marlborough Rd., Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510. General Purpose Old Horse Farm, LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 9/7/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 25 Lake St., 5J, White Plains, NY 10603. General Purpose NOA CT Properties LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 8/17/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Orges Gjinaj, 90 Amsterdam Ave., Hawthorne, NY 10532. General Purpose 1 Edward Street LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 8/29/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 518 N. State Rd., Briarcliff, NY 10510. General Purpose Luciano Stefano Development LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 8/29/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Harfenist Kraut & Perlstein LLP, 2975 Westchester Ave., Ste. 415, Purchase, NY 10577. General Purpose Siberia 24 LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 9/6/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 342 N. Main St., Port Chester, NY 10573. General Purpose 1832 Commerce, LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 7/25/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 81 Virginia Ave., Dunmont, NJ 07628. General Purpose Wessy LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 8/31/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Elahe Ohebshalom, 490 Bleeker Ave., Apt. 3H, Mamaroneck, NY 10543. General Purpose 51 Grove Street Realty, LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 7/26/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Lynn Scott, P.O. Box 204, Mt. Kisco, NY 10545. General Purpose Prime Nation Records LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 7/31/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Howard Johnson, 18 North Bond St., Apt. 1D, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550. General Purpose 27 New Street Realty LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 8/2/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to SMSM Accounting Services, 1075 Central park Ave., Ste. 206, Scarsdale, NY 10583. General Purpose Notice of Formation of LMR ASSOCIATES LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023- 09-01. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to LMR ASSOCIATES LLC: PO Box 26 Croton Falls NY 10519. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Notice of Formation of GoTheDistance. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023- 08-17. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Danielle Santoro: 237 Hayward street Yonkers NY 10704. 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PAGE 24 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 HAPPY HOUR! Daily from 4-6 and again from 9-11 on Thurs., Fri and Saturday nights. OUTDOOR PATIO Enjoy Dining on our Heated Covered Patio Offer expires 12/1/23 Offer expires 12/1/23