CLASSIFIEDS 39 ELEPHANT’S TRUNK 2 LEGAL NOTICES 39 LEISURE 38 OPINION 28 SPORTS 36 YOUTH FOCUS 35 VOL 14 NO. 16 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 HOPEMAZZOLA YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE HOPE Sales Vice President Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker cell: 914.714.0090 [email protected] hopemazzola.com 95 Katonah Ave | Katonah, NY 10536 10 Sycamore Terrace | Mahopac | $499,000 We’ll see you at the Lake! We just closed on this beautiful 3 BR home with lake rights, lake views & all the excitement of living here! Just Sold! 95 Katonah Ave | Katonah NY 10536 “ “ I had an amazing experience working with Hope to purchase my first home! She was knowledgeable, proactive, and always one step ahead in the process. From start to finish, she made everything smooth and stress-free, keeping me informed and ensuring that every detail was handled efficiently. Her expertise and dedication truly made a difference, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. If you’re looking for a realtor who knows their stuff and keeps things moving seamlessly, U Gotta Have Hope! — R.M. | Mahopac, NY #UGottaHaveHope IN THIS WEEK’S PAPER! McKenna Mullins standing tall on the podium. / PHOTO COURTESY OF VIN COLLINS Magnificent Mullins! Somers gymnast takes second at states BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Saturday, March 1, McKenna Mullins made her second appearance at the state gymnastics tournament and acknowledged how the past experience put her at ease. “It definitely made me feel much more comfortable,” said the Tusker, and the lack of nerves did not bode well for the rest of the competition. She took second on the vault (9.600), third on the uneven bars (9.6750), fourth on the floor (9.450), and fifth on the balance beam (9.700). A tally that had the senior finish second in the all-around competition (38.425) and sent her home with 11 medals. Of course, mastering the jitters isn’t all that had Mullins elevating. Including the two week lead up to the tournament, she said, “I practice four hours a day, six days a week.” Still, the gymnast had to idle on the long ride to Buffalo. “I slept, watched movies and hung out with the other Section One gymnasts,” said Mullins. The team practiced the next morning, and after dinner, they stuck the bedtime landing early. “We got back to the hotel, picked up our stuff, got ready for the next day and woke up at 6:30,” she recalled. Breakfast at 7:30, the day began on the floor, which allowed matters to settle. “Hitting the floor, putting your power into the routine helped alleviate the nerves,” Mullins revealed. The All-Stater also added a little something extra to her step. Mullins upped the difficulty level by incorporating a round off handspring and a one and a half twist. Down with the upgrade, she then got a good lift on the vault. “The first went well, the second went better,” said Mullins of her silver performance. She was on her own on the bars and having only one try to execute the Stiliana Nikolova was no easy task. “I know I have to catch it and catch it well for the routine to flow,” said Mullins. A 9.7 score said as much, and the mastery left her closing on the beam. A back handspring, back pike, said Mullins, “I had a slight wobble. But nothing major, and the rest of the routine was clean.” Done for the day, she graciously deferred to the champion, Grayson Gall. “She’s a very talented, highlevel gymnast and definitely deserved it,” said Mullins. As for the future, a spot on the William and Mary Gymnastics team is next. “I want to compete on the team and make an impact,” she asserted. But first she recognizes the imprint the sport left on her. “I learned you never give up.” A lesson that could have been learned in a less timeconsuming way, but Mullins has no regrets. “I’ve always had a love for the sport,” the gymnast concluded. “I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
PAGE 2 – THE SOMERS RECORD 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] DESIGNERS Bri Agosta Noah Elder Cara Formisano 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 Twice Monthly (Except for 3x Monthly in September and October). 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2025 Halston Media, LLC THESE PRICES ARE VALID WITH AD ONLY Happy St Patty’s Day! ALL COUPONS EXPIRE 3/23/25 Not to be combined with other offers. 20lb. Tank. $ 2.00 OFF PROPANE FILL-UP Expires 3/23/25 HAPPY DAD $ 17.99 12 Pack Cans PABST $ 22.99 30 Pack MILLER LITE $ 28.99 36 Pack W/ COUPON ONLY Expires 3/23/25 W/ COUPON ONLY Expires 3/23/25 W/ COUPON ONLY Expires 3/23/25 W/ COUPON ONLY Expires 3/23/25 W/ COUPON ONLY Expires 3/23/25 COORS LIGHT 36 Pack $ 28.99 BUD & BUD LIGHT $ 28.99 36 pack W/ COUPON ONLY Expires 3/23/25 W/ COUPON ONLY Expires 3/23/25 BEER • SODA • PROPANE • ICE • KEGS • LOTTO 376 RT 6 MAHOPAC • 845-628-3147 $ 22.99 NARRAGANSETT 30 Packs GARAGE BEER $ 24.99 24 Pack CASH FOR CANS & BOTTLES Mahopac Beverage is now a FULL REDEMPTION CENTER FOUNDERS $ 18.99 15 Pack W/ COUPON ONLY Expires 3/23/25 $ 2 OFF ANY CASE OF BEER 24 PACK OR LARGER 5 CASE LIMIT Not to be combined with any other offer. Coupon Expires 3/23/25 ELEPHANT’S TRUNK MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 Somers Volunteer Fire Department seeks new members In order to continue providing the invaluable emergency response services to the community, the Somers Volunteer Fire Department is looking for new members. The SVFD issued the following statement: “In order to maintain the fire and EMS services that we provide on a daily basis to the residents of Somers, we need additional help! With the growth of the town, there has been an increase in call volume each year. 2024 was another record-breaking year for the SVFD, responding to a total of 3,115 calls for service. That is up over 470 calls from 2023. Our members put countless hours of their own time to ensure services are provided to the Town of Somers. The Somers Volunteer Fire Department does not require prior training or experience. We are looking for committed volunteers who have the drive, passion, and the will to help others!” For more information about the Somers Volunteer Fire Department or to fill out a membership application, visit www.somersvfd.com Somers Department of Parks & Recreation Spring Programs For detailed program information, visit www.somersny. gov and click on “Parks and Rec” and then click on “Program Registration Site.” For any questions, call 914-232- 8442 or email [email protected] Summer Day Camp Counselor Positions Must be 16 by start of camp on June 30. Applications available online. Town of Somers Annual Egg Hunt Sunday, April 13, at 9 a.m. Sponsored by Somers Leos Club and Somers Parks and Recreation. Chabad of Yorktown www.chabadyorktown. com Family Purim Celebration Friday, March 14, at 5 p.m. Celebrating our scholars! A number of Somers students were recently honored for their outstanding academic performances at colleges across the country! Dean’s List College of the Holy Cross Lindsay Gill Victoria Szpynda Delaware Valley University Kelsey Collura Purchase College Claire Delasho Mitos Galeano Melissa Rosa Martins Karen Morales Catherina Viljoen Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Clemson University Stephanie Gillis Do you know a scholar you would like to recognize? Let us know at somersrecord@ halstonmedia.com SEE TRUNK PAGE 13
Your Neighbor THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 3 HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS, LIFE & HEALTH 914-232-7750 www.forbesinsurance.com JEFFERSON VALLEY SERVICE FOR ALL YOUR AUTO SERVICE NEEDS 214 E MAIN • 914-245-3333 MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 A conversation with Adam Stone Publisher opens up as The Examiner goes digital BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER “Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” - Mark Twain Ok, so scholars will sniff that those aren’t the exact words used by the literary giant after finding out that his obituary had been prematurely printed, but they seem to fit the bill here. Just because the final paper version of The Examiner News has rolled off the presses, that doesn’t mean that the media outlet’s – or its intrepid founder’s -- important contributions to community journalism – have come to an end. In fact, it and Adam Stone’s reporting, will live on online, continuing with the mission of providing readers with “professionally reported, fact-checked local news in their backyards,” the publisher/owner says. The last run took place in late January/early February. It was the newspaper group’s 908th week of publishing. The decision to go all digital was an incredibly tough one but unavoidably necessary due to the unsustainable economic -- and other -- realities of putting out four print editions a week, the 46-year-old Mount Kisco dad of two explains. Among those breaking-point factors were the continued shrinking of advertising dollars, the skyrocketing price of newsprint, and the effect of inflation on operating costs in general. As explained in his farewell to print, a “Stone’s Throw” essay, Stone “felt worn out by the grind of running a grueling race without a finish line, scraping and clawing to get by.” The transition’s human toll has been equally heartbreaking. Forced to let go of most of his “incredibly loyal, hardworking, and talented” staff, Stone plans to continue publishing his own reporting – as well as that of freelancers and interns -- on TheExaminerNews.com website. Stone holds onto the hope that – with digital ad revenue, support from paying members/subscribers, and some “pretty significant” annual donations – he can “build up a budget” that will allow Examiner Media not only to survive but evolve and thrive. It should be mentioned here that the fearless chief and a dedicated crew of reporters, editors, photographers, designers, and advertising folks have been faithfully burning the midnight oil for 17 years. Also helping steer the ship have been his dad, Peter, who he calls “history’s most underpaid chief financial officer” – and his sister, Laura Markowski, who was associate publisher. Besides his dad and sis, Stone credits his wife, Alyson, a schoolteacher; their two daughters, Maddie and Mia; and his wife’s folks, Sharon and Ken Foley, with helping him maintain his “equilibrium, despite the ceaseless professional stressors of managing print logistics.” ‘Old School’ Reporter A main buttress to the success of the operation had been its founding editor in chief and “old school” reporter, Martin Wilbur, who Stone fondly described as his “partner in journalistic crime” and The Examiner’s “heart and soul.” Praising him for his “unimpeachable integrity, strict sense of right and wrong and unbeatable work ethic,” Stone wrote: “Simply put, there would be no Examiner without Martin, and I’m forever grateful for his friendship and mentorship.” Wilbur was a reporter and an assistant editor, and Stone, a reporter, at The North County News, when the two met. The core group of journalists who helped start Examiner Media were former NCN staffers who left the Yorktown-based weekly in 2006 and 2007. When Stone reached out for help starting his new enterprise, Wilbur told him that he “didn’t have a great business sense but could definitely contribute towards the editorial side” of things. At first, Wilbur viewed his participation as a “part-time adventure.” But within months, it became clear that it was something much, much more. While there are tons of places where folks can get a sense of the world’s goings-on, there are fewer and fewer that can tell them about their own communities. Wilbur’s philosophy is simple: local newspapers should have “something for everyone.” That’s part of the reason that The Examiner News lasted. The other part of its success is the people who’d put in those 80-hour work weeks to deliver the goods. “We wanted to put out a good product. We didn’t take ourselves seriously, but we took our jobs seriously,” Wilbur said, adding “there’s nothing fancy about it. It’s showing up and showing up and showing up some more.” Makings of a Vocation After graduating from Hofstra in 2001 with a degree in journalism, Stone went on to become an awardwinning reporter, for The Journal News’ weeklies division, Yorktown’s North County News, The Times Herald-Record, and other media outlets. Stone’s duties included hiring and managing staff, setting priorities, running the day-to-day stuff, and guiding the outlet’s general editorial focus. Being in charge of the business side of things for nearly two decades took the native Long Islander away from his first calling – boots-on-theground reporting. An occasional essayist for the publications, Stone had more recently authored a well-regarded investigative series that delved into challenges in the health industry. Other columns offered insights into not only the “boundaries of established science” but the “spiritual realm and neardeath experiences.” “There was a whole series of topics that I covered that reminded me of – not just the type of journalism I love – but how I wanted to be spending my days, ideally,” he says, adding: “The truth of the matter is that this transition only gets me part of the way there in terms of really recapturing that passion.” Stone Shares Stone recently met up with Halston Media and reflected on the past, talked candidly about current circumstances, unveiled plans for a podcast, and expressed optimism Adam Stone launched The Examiner in 2007. / PHOTO CAROL REIF SEE STONE PAGE 26 It was a great run. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity.’ -Adam Stone
PAGE 4 – THE SOMERS RECORD Showroom - 3 Lovell Street • Somers, N.Y. Call 914-248-5800 * Financing for qualified buyers, on select purchases. See sales associate for assistance. HOURS: MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY 9AM-6PM, THURSDAY 9AM-8PM, SATURDAY 9AM-5PM, CLOSED SUNDAY www.appliancesalesplus.com Do you know the owners of any Big Box Stores? Likely not, but you know this person! The owner of Appliance Sales Plus, Karl Thimm! Karl and his appliance team are your local source right in your neighborhood for appliances, mattresses and more! Don’t make your next purchase from strangers or companies on the other side of the country! SHOP LOCAL AND SAVE! PRE-SEASON GRILL SALE! 12 Months Financing Available Ask for details. Spring is Coming! WEBER GRILLS RIGHT HERE! BUY NOW! We Have The Full Line of 2025 Weber Grills, Including Gas, Pellet, Griddle, Charcoal, Electric, Smokers and More! * Ask for details Delivery and Assembly Available!* MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 Members of “Stop Lithium Battery Storage Systems in Westchester/Putnam, NY!,” pose with Somers Town Board members and state Assemblyman Matt Slater. / PHOTO COURTESY OF FACEBOOK Residents celebrate victory over ‘battery farm’ project East Point Energy pulls permit application BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER The battle over a proposed battery farm may be over, but the war’s yet to be won, say the Somers folks who recently celebrated the project’s apparent demise. East Point Energy, the company that planned to build a 116-megawatt battery energy storage system in Carmel, has pulled its application for an interconnection permit, according to Assemblyman Matt Slater. Among the towns in 94th Assembly District Slater represents are Somers and Mahopac, the two communities that would have been the most impacted by the BESS. East Point’s application had been filed with the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), a nonprofit responsible for managing New York’s electric grid and wholesale electricity markets. Without connecting to the electric grid, there’s no point in a BESS project moving forward. East Point Energy, a subsidiary of the multinational corporation Equinor, did not return requests for comment last week. BESS don’t generate electricity, but simply store it and release it when needed. East Point had promoted the project as one that would support the state’s plan for a “cleaner, more efficient, and resilient electric grid.” At “peak output,” East Point said, the Mahopac BESS would be positioned to “discharge the electricity necessary to power tens of thousands of homes.” What Sparked It The Union Energy Center project was to have been built on 18 acres of a 95-acre lot off Miller and Union Valley Roads on the Somers-Mahopac border. The location was chosen because of its proximity to a NYSE&G substation and its transmission lines. Had the project come to be, it would have been nearly six times larger than the state’s biggest BESS complex, according to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). That was a very disconcerting thought to local residents, who had pointed to plant fires in Orange County, upstate, on Long Island, and, more recently, a massive blaze at a 300-megawatt lithium-ion battery installation in Moss Landing, Calif. They formed “Stop Lithium Battery Storage Systems in Westchester/ Putnam, NY!,” pleaded their case on social media and in the press, held rallies, planted yellow signs everywhere, wrote letters, showed up at town board meetings, hired an attorney, and rounded up support from state representatives and local elected officials such as Slater, state Sen. Pete Harckham, Somers Supervisor Robert Scorrano, and Carmel Supervisor Michael Cazzari. Last fall, the Carmel Town Board, after previously having imposed a sixmonth moratorium, passed a law that banned large-scale BESS installations but allowed smaller battery packages used at residences and businesses. Somers did not pursue a moratorium, but in October it amended its zoning code to declare that its definition of public utilities does not include BESS. Last week, members of the ad hoc SEE BESS PAGE 11
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PAGE 6 – THE SOMERS RECORD 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com Over 60 Years of Excellence CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE Softening. Filtering. Clean Water Solution. March into $pring $avings! $150 OFF INSTALLATION OF A SOFTENER 4 Heritage Hills Plaza, 202 Ctr. • Somers, NY 10589 914-277-4222 • www.somerssmiles.com A new generation of family dentistry CALL US & make your appointment TODAY! Somers Smiles celebrates Dental Assistants Recognition Week. We couldn’t do what we do without them! MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 Board of Ed welcomes Dr. Bronstein BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER The Somers Board of Education took a moment recently to not only celebrate the arrival of a new school superintendent but to emphasize the importance of togetherness. Before trustees voted unanimously at a special meeting on Feb. 25 to appoint Dr. Adam Bronstein, aka Dr. B, to the post, board president Amanda Kandel outlined the vigorous selection process. “The board truly worked as a team, with the common goal of finding the best leader to drive us forward,” she said. There were originally 40 plus hopefuls. That pool was winnowed down to eight candidates and then to three. To no one’s surprise, the final Alist was topped by Bronstein. The board didn’t make its decision in a vacuum either. It asked stakeholders – both inhouse and the school community – what types of “attributes” they would like the next superintendent to possess. That feedback was passed along to the district’s search firm and then used to establish five specifications. Boiled down, folks were looking for a leader who was “diplomatic, centered,” “savvy, visionary,” “thoughtful, measured,” “approachable,” and “courageous, trustworthy.” Kandel explained that’s why trustees felt that Bronstein was “an excellent fit” and would be someone capable of helping the district continue to move – as its motto says – “forward in excellence.” About Bronstein A resident of Mamaroneck, Bronstein and his wife, Lilliana, have two daughters, Adriana and Lucia. He’s held various roles within the Mount Pleasant School District for nearly a decade. Bronstein started out there as principal of Westlake Middle School, where he introduced the International Baccalaureate’s (IP’s) Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Community Project, a coding course, and a 5th- to 6th-grade transition seminar for students. He then became the district’s director of curriculum, instruction, and administrative services and then its assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction, and administrative services. Once at the district level, Bronstein initiated the development of an AP capstone experience in partnership with Westlake High School’s principal. As part of his most recent position, Bronstein “led the implementation of curricular initiatives, staff development, contract negotiations, and closely collaborated with the business office on budgeting,” the Somers school board said. And that’s not all. Somers’s new superintendent as a Fellow in the New York State Council of School Superintendents Future Superintendents Academy for the 2024-2025 cohort. Originally from Virginia, Bronstein studied Spanish language and literature at the University of León before going on to earn his bachelor of art’s degree in political science from the University of Virginia. He holds a master’s degree in elementary education and teaching from Pace University, a master’s in education administration and supervision from Fordham University, and a doctorate in educational leadership and administration, general from the University of Pennsylvania. His doctoral dissertation SEE BRONSTEIN PAGE 9 Bronstein with wife Lilliana and daughters Adriana and Lucia /PHOTO: CAROL REIF
THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 7 Align Your Smile, Elevate Your Health Straighter teeth lead to a healthier you. With our clear aligners and state-of-the-art orthodontic care, you can enjoy a better-looking smile while reducing your risk of gum disease and boosting oral health. At ProHEALTH Dental, we treat patients holistically, focusing on how oral health improves overall health, which is why we’re not your ordinary dentists. phdental.com Oral Surgery Orthodontics Endodontics Pediatrics Sleep General Cosmetic Dentistry Periodontics Implants Our Services: Orthodontics Office Locations: Astoria I Bay Shore I Garden City I Lake Success I Hoboken, NJ I Howard Beach Huntington I Long Island City I Mount Kisco I Oceanside I White Plains I Yonkers I Yorktown Heights Put Your Health Where Your Mouth Is™ and book an appointment today 855-PHD-CARE Affiliate of New Treatment* OFF New Treatment* $500OFF $500 *Not to be combined with any other offer. Expiration date is April 30, 2025 Includes free in-office whitening at the end of the treatment. MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025
PAGE 8 – THE SOMERS RECORD A C T I V E H O M E S F O R S A L E 1 2 2 0 % D E C R E A S E F R O M 2 0 2 4 S O M E R S M A R K E T U P D A T E F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 5 A V E R A G E S A L E P R I C E $ 8 8 8 , 0 0 8 H O M E S S O L D 1 5 2 0 % D E C R E A S E F R O M 2 0 2 4 7 % I N C R E A S E F R O M 2 0 2 4 S I N G L E F A M I L Y A C T I V E H O M E S F O R S A L E 1 5 6 7 % D E C R E A S E F R O M 2 0 2 4 A V E R A G E S A L E P R I C E $ 5 6 9 , 7 6 9 H O M E S S O L D 1 3 4 0 % D E C R E A S E F R O M 2 0 2 4 4 % D E C R E A S E C O N D O M I N I U M S F R O M 2 0 2 4 Source: OKMLS, single family & condominium, active, sold & average sale price, 01/01/2024 - 2/28/2024 as compared to 01/01/2025 - 2/28/2025, Somers school district. T H I N K I N G A B O U T S E L L I N G YO U R H O M E O R C O N D O ? I T ' S T H E P E R F E C T T I M E T O B E O N T H E M A R K E T. W E H AV E L O W I N V E N T O R Y A N D M A N Y B U Y E R S . P L E A S E F E E L F R E E T O C O N TA C T M E A N Y T I M E . I ' M H E R E T O H E L P. D O N N A O ' C O N N E L L A s s o c i a t e R e a l E s t a t e B r o k e r S o m e r s B r o k e r a g e M 9 1 4 . 2 6 3 . 9 1 0 8 O 9 1 4 . 2 7 7. 8 0 4 0 Ext. 3 3 4 D o c o n n e l l @ h o u l i h a n l a w r e n c e . c o m d o n n a o c o n n e l l . h o u l i h a n l a w r e n c e . c o m MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 PHOTO COURTESY OF SOMERS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT Responders race to the scene after car crashes into Mill Pond BY TOM WALOGORSKY EDITOR Just before 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, members of the Somers Volunteer Fire Department and EMS units were called to the scene after receiving reports of a driver trapped in their car after careening into Mill Pond. As responders arrived, the driver was able to free themself from the vehicle and was assessed by medical personnel. Members of the Yorktown Dive Team were called to the scene to help with the removal of the vehicle. Westchester County Police warn of ‘sheriff’s office’ scam BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Scam alert! According to the Westchester County Police Department, residents have been receiving calls from someone pretending to be a representative of the “Westchester County Sheriff’s Office.” There is NO such entity as the “Westchester County Sheriff’s Office.” The WCPD was created in 1979 through a merger of the then-sheriff’s department and the county parkway police. A variety of traditional “sheriff’s” functions are handled by the WCPD’s Civil Unit in White Plains. Again, if some claims to be from the “Westchester County Sheriff’s Office,” it’s a scam. The imposter – who is identifying himself as “Lt. Perry” at the moment – claims there is a warrant for the arrest of the person being contacted for “failure to appear for jury duty,” according to a WCPD spokesperson. The caller then asks for payment to supposedly resolve the issue. NO legit agency does things like this. The WCPD notes that the bad guys provide a phony phone number that leads to series of menu options for the “sheriff’s office.” Folks are advised to immediately hang up or to not return the call if they’ve gotten a voice mail. To advertise in The Somers Record, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email freeman@ halstonmedia.com.
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MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 “focused on the interpersonal characteristics and structural conditions that facilitate teacher collaboration.” Bronstein has spent more than 20 years in education. According to a bio supplied by the district, Bronstein’s career began in the Washington Heights section of northern Manhattan. He taught a 3rd grade bilingual class and also coached high school football – “imparting valuable life lessons to his students both in the classroom and on the field.” Bronstein was a teacher and a summer school director for the nonprofit organization Teach for America, his LinkedIn profile said. Bronstein was a 3rd-grade teacher in the White Plains City School District from 2004-2005. From 2007-2009, he was a summer high school principal for the Mamaroneck Union Free School District. Bronstein was also a summer school director within the New York City public schools system. He has also worked as a K-5 staff development coordinator, a 4th and 5th grade teacher, and a technology coach for the Pelham Public Schools. After he left in 2009, Bronstein became an assistant middle school principal for Ardsley Public Schools. He remained with that district until 2015. While at Ardsley, Bronstein designed a “studentcentered school mission across stakeholder groups,” his bio said. These roles have “equipped him with a vast array of skills and insights, Kandel said of the new schools chief. His experiences in teaching, coaching, administrative leadership, and academic research had “uniquely positioned him to address the evolving needs of students and educators alike,” she said, adding that “his focus on teacher collaboration and professional development underscores his belief in the power of collective effort to enhance student outcomes.” Word of the Day Collaboration was the theme of the day as each trustee welcomed Bronstein aboard. “Dr. B, you got my vote when you were talking about being a football coach in Washington Heights and the compassion and the rigor that you had, all in one. I just thought, ‘Wow, he’s somebody special.’ I think Somers is going to love you,” said Margaret DiLorenzo. “We can’t wait for you to come to all the football games and to work with you as a group, she added. DiLorenzo also praised the board as “incredible” and told colleagues that she felt “honored to be amongst all of you during this whole process.” Dominick DeMartino admitted that he thought the superintendent search was going to be a “long, drawnout process.” Bronstein was the first interviewee and “hit the top of everyone’s scorecard.” “That sort of made it an easy decision,” he said, adding that he was “glad to be part of it” and was looking forward to working forward to working with him “for a long time in the future.” Dr. Ifay Chang said trustees were literally spoiled for choice because of the number of excellent candidates on offer. “The process was good for the board, to learn about quality of leadership, what we’re looking for, how do we interact with the superintendent,” he said, pointing out that the current board is “young,” tenure-wise. “We really learned a lot,” Chang concluded. Trustee Patrick Varbero echoed that sentiment. “It was a long process, but a good process. We not only found the best that you could find, but we learned a lot about each other as a board,” he said, adding: “We made a lot of great decisions together.” Dr. Daryl Mundis agreed. “This experience really brought us together. A unanimous decision by the seven of us? Had we gone back in time three or four months, and realized that that would happen, I’m not sure many people in this community would have thought that the seven of us could unanimously agree on anything,” he said. Addressing Bronstein, Mundis said: “It’s really important that the community understands that the seven of us have come together to make this appointment, to have the faith in you to take our kids, our schools, forward together.” Mundis also hoped that “this is an opportunity to further cement a sense of community in Somers.” While all the candidates were “fantastic,” Bronstein really stood head and shoulders above the rest, said board vice president Chadwick Olsen. BRONSTEIN FROM PAGE 6 SEE BRONSTEIN PAGE 10 Trustees voted unanimously on Feb. 25 to appoint Dr. Adam Bronstein. / PHOTO: CAROL REIF
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Limited openings in all age groups! 2090 Crompond Road • Yorktown Heights For more information, call 914-962-5196, 914-642-3923 www.piedpiperschoolyorktown.com Family owned and operated • Owners always on premises SUMMER CAMP Where The Sun Always Shines! Monday June 30th to Friday August 22nd No Camp July 4th BLS, CPR, RIT First Aid, Epipen & Mat Certified 46 years and counting of fun in the sun! WHY PIED PIPER? • Groups based On Ability And Interest • Campers Pick Their Activities • You Pay Only For What You Need • Flexible Schedules & Ability To Switch Days Or Time • Children Do NOT Need To Be Potty Trained SWMondayLarge InFamily ownWEEWEEKWEEK 5: WEEK WE ARYou Pick The Weeks, You Pick The Times! WEEKLY THEMES: Week 1. USA Week 2. Camp Spirit Week Week 3. Disney Movies Week 4. Things That Fly Week 5. Super Heroes Week 6. Theater For All Week 7. Field Day All Week Week 8. Party Hardy Before School SUMMER CAMWhere the Sun Always ShMonday, June 28th - Friday, AugLarge Outdoor Play Yard, With 8 Fun StationLarge Indoor Air Conditioned Play Area, With 6 Fun IndFamily owned and operated — owners always on preWEEKLY THEMES: WEEK 1: Beach & Sea Shells WEEK 2: SupWEEK 3: Lego Land WEEK 4: Let’s Go To ThWEEK 5: Bubble Land WEEK 6: Take Me Out ToWEEK 7: Pied Piper’s Broadway WEEK 8: VacWE ARE BACK! 43 YEARS OAges 18 months to 11 years Multiple Large Outdoor Playgrounds, 8 Large Air-Conditioned Indoor Playrooms, Large Covered Outdoor Overhang For All Weather Play, Turf Field & Basketball Court & Ga Ga Ball Pit, Obie Interactive Projector MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 He wasn’t worried that the feeling wouldn’t be mutual. “Somers educators, administrators, community members, families, our children – you made it easy for us to sell Somers to Adam,” Olsen said, adding that he knew “whoever was going to come in was just really coming to a great place.” The search process began last year after then-Superintendent Dr. Raymond Blanche left to lead the Katonah-Lewisboro School District. Blanch had sought an extension of his five-year contract back in the spring. But, at the last minute, the item was pulled from the board’s agenda without explanation. It was never voted on. Harry LeFevre, who was the interim director of human resources and student services at the time, stepped in as interim superintendent. LeFevre applauded the board at the meeting for the “tremendous job” it had done during the search. Predicting that Bronstein is “going to be a wonderful, wonderful leader,” LeFevre said he felt “very comfortable” that when he left in June that he’ll be turning the position over to “a terrific administrator.” “That said, I don’t know if it’s a subliminal message, but I got the broken chair tonight,” he joked. Go Tuskers! Saying he was “extremely humbled to begin this journey together,” Bronstein thanked board members for their “heartfelt” words and LeFevre for his assistance in what he knows will be “a smooth transition” over the next few months. “I really look forward to our partnership,” he added. Bronstein also praised the faculty, staff, and administrators for what they do “each and every day to foster a passionate, engaging, and safe learning environment for our students.” He didn’t forget to acknowledge the folks who serve on the district’s PTAs, the Somers Education Foundation, its booster club, the Somers Tuskers Arts Rising Stars (STARS), and TEAM Tuskers, its mentoring program. “Your support for our students through innovative programming, mentoring, grants, and stellar athletics and performing arts programs, is crucial to our continued success as a district,” he said. Last, but not least, was Bronstein’s message to the district’s families and children. “The sacred connection between a child and their teacher is unparalleled, one that can provide a spark of curiosity for a future of infinite possibilities,” he said, adding: “It is my commitment that we will continue to preserve and nurture this important relationship.” Ever the teacher, Bronstein asked if there were any students in the crowd or any who may be watching from home. (Meetings are broadcast live from the SMS’s library.) “Maybe you can help me with this next part. Throughout my career, I’ve only had bird- and feline-based mascots. So, when I heard that I might have the chance to have a pachyderm-based mascot I got very excited and did a little bit of research about elephants,” he began before listing attributes of the world’s largest land animal that he skillfully paired with his vision for the future. Elephants are physically strong. “Together as a school system, we will continue to show strength through our unity.” Elephants communicate through both sound and body language. “Together we will continue to regularly communicate with our families about our students’ growth and achievements.” Elephants rely on social structures and have intense bonds with other elephants. “Together our faculty and staff will collaboratively sup port one another to make our schools even better.” Elephants are highly intelligent and exhibit problemsolving skills, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. “Together as Somers Central School District we will demonstrate all of these characteristics to develop scientists, mathematicians, engineers, writers, artists, athletes, and much more.” “Go Tuskers!,” the new schools chief cheered before joining the crowd for conversation and cookies. BRONSTEIN FROM PAGE 9 Christopher Platania, Daryl Mundis, Patrick Varbero, Adam Bronstein, Amanda Kandel, Chadwick Olsen, Ifay Chang, Dominick DeMartino, and Margaret DiLorenzo / PHOTO: CAROL REIF
group appeared before the Somers and the Carmel town boards to celebrate the news -- with one caveat: the pushback against certain of Albany’s green initiatives ain’t over as far as they’re concerned. “It’s great that we won. We did an amazing thing coming together as neighbors to fight this giant corporation, but we didn’t win the entire war because the state is hell-bent on pushing these things,” Somers resident Stephanie Azadian said of large-scale BESS, adding that New Yorkers “can’t afford” to stand down at this point. Strategy Addressing the Carmel Town Board at its March 5 meeting, Azadian drew its attention to a bill sponsored by state Sen. Brian Kavanagh (D-27th District) that would authorize the permitting – and the streamlining of the environmental review -- of standalone energy storage systems under the auspices of the state’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES). Many local leaders view this as a frontal attack on home rule. (The bill is still sitting with the state’s Energy and Telecommunications Committee. It wasn’t known at press time if the state Assembly had taken up similar proposed legislation.) Cited as one justification for its passage, the bill notes that the state has “set highly ambitious climate and renewable energy goals.” (The state Public Service Commission last year approved a new framework for the state’s goal of achieving a nation-leading six gigawatts of energy storage by 2030.) The bill pointed out that because energy storage permitting process “varies across local jurisdictions,” there is an “inconsistency” that discourages BESS and ultimately slows the state’s clean energy progress. Many local jurisdictions lack the personnel, funding, and/or expertise to handle permitting applications and safety reviews, it said, adding that to date more than 100 municipalities have imposed moratoria on energy storage, which has impacted at least 1,067 projects. The reason there’ve been so many bans, however temporary, is “that the people don’t want these things,” Azadian emphasized. By giving the ORES oversight, BESS “can be evaluated at the highest safety levels throughout their design, installation, and operation and in conjunction with the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code,” the bills reads. “I feel it’s imperative that we all make our voices heard, that we oppose this bill,” Azadian told Carmel officials. “It would really stink if all the work that we’ve done gets erased because the state is simply trying to come in and take control of things because there’s too many moratoriums in place,” she added. Carmel Town Councilman Frank Lombardi thanked Azadian and others for their efforts and urged everyone to “flood” Albany with calls and letters opposing the bill. “If it starts there, what else are we going to lose control of?” Councilman Robert Kearns asked. In a video posted on Instagram in last month, Cazzari extolled: “Victory for Mahopac! Assemblyman Matt Slater has confirmed East Point Energy rescinded its interconnectivity request for the 116kw BESS project. Huge thanks to everyone Stop the LITHIUM Battery Farm in our Backyards in Mahopac NY!!, our friends, and neighbors who spoke up. Together, we made a difference!” Cazzari told Azadian that he’d mailed her letter along with his to Lee Zeldin, new administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “And we’ll just keep doing that,” he said, adding: “President Trump, if you’re listening, may you’ll do something about this because (Gov. Kathy) Hochul is killing us.” Also speaking at the Carmel meeting was Somers resident Roland Ciafrone who thanked the board “for stepping up to the plate and helping THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 11 Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. MANAGING PARTNER • 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 18 consecutive years CALL NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 914.948.1500 When did you last update your last will and testament and power of attorney? MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 Neighbors on Lounsbury Drive gathered for a “watch party” for East Point’s Q&A session last year. / PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHELLE TREMBLAY BESS FROM PAGE 4 SEE BESS PAGE12
PAGE 12 – THE SOMERS RECORD Russell Girolamo Jr. Owner & Principal Agent HOME AUTO BUSINESS LIFE Stephanie Girolamo Burke Agent Jennifer Thorp Agent Together, we can protect your future. protect what matters most Girolamo Insurance is a 60+ year family owned independent agency whose mission is to protect their clients’ most important assets by offering the products that best meet their needs. 914.962.9777 www.girolamoagency.com 253 Route 202 Somers, NY Enjoy the Spring Season and Look your Best! •Precision Cuts • Sets • High-End Color • Highlights • Perms • Blow-Dry • Facial Waxing (914) 232-7070 Hours: Tues • Wed • Fri 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Thurs 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Sat 9:00 am - 4:30 pm We follow strict CDC guidelines. We pledge to keep everyone safe! MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 residents defeat” the BESS project. “Job well done,” he added. More Voices “This is a positive result for the community,” Slater told Halston Media last week. “It’s a reflection of strong grassroots leadership coupled with great partners in government who heard the people of Somers and Mahopac and fought to get the result our communities wanted.” However, now is not the time to rest on one’s laurels, Slater thought. “We have to be vigilant because of the changing landscape in Albany and we have to ensure that our communities remain the decision-makers when it comes to these projects,” he explained. Cornelius Lane resident Kevin O’Keefe told Halston Media last week that he’s thrilled that the East Point project “has been squashed.” A Republican who plans to run for Westchester County legislator in District 4, he claimed that the state is “trying to force these renewable energy projects down our throats” and doesn’t seem to care where they’re placed. Proud of his group’s achievement, O’Keefe noted that it’s been getting numerous requests for guidance about fighting BESS from other organizations from the region and across the country. “Our group was pretty much at the forefront of this thing; it set the standard,” he said. Calling it a “big uphill battle” on everyone’s part, Scorrano said he was also relieved that the Mahopac BESS project wasn’t going forward. One of the things that the town did was to hire a lawyer to advise it if things wound up in court. “We dug in our heels for our residents and their wellbeing,” Scorrano said, also pointing to the joint efforts of Carmel and Somers officials and civilians. “The really nice thing is that the people were heard” and that their elected officials reacted by going “to battle for them,” he added. Victory Lap Ciafrone and several other Somers folks reprised the love fest at the Somers Town Board meeting the following evening. (Ciafrone lives on Lounsbury Drive, less than 200 feet from where the BESS would have been.) “While this whole thing was going on, he was like a bulldog jumping on a chicken leg,” he said, referring to Slater, who was at the March 6 meeting to give the town an update on the goings-on in “Planet Albany.” Ciafrone also thanked U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler (R-17th CD), former state Senate candidate Gina Arena, a Republican from Somers, and Republican Robert Ortt, minority leader of the state Senate. Pointing to the board, he said: “All you folks up there need to be commended for your efforts in bringing this nightmare to an end.” (Councilman Tom Garrity was quick to point out that he had kept out of any discussions about the project because he is NYSE&G’s regional manager for government and community relations.) Cornelius Lane resident Michele Stuart had special praise for Scorrano. “Rob, I know you put this at the top of your to-do list. I think I speak for the people in this town who really didn’t know what was going on. You protected them,” she said. Also grateful for the help neighbor Paul Harold promised that his group wasn’t abandoning its mission or its hope for continued support. “Hopefully we’re going to continue going after this with the counties of Westchester and Putnam,” he said, adding with a laugh: “So, you may get a knock on the door one of these days.” Saying later that the project would have “destroyed” the neighborhood, Harold was in awe of how the fight brought everyone together. Guy Baker of Lounsbury Drive agreed that intervention from town officials had made a big difference, but also noted that it was the ordinary folks behind the grassroots effort that finally saved the day. “These guys right here are the ones that did everything. They need our applause,” he said, pointing to the group behind him. Scorrano returned the sentiment. The outcome could have been very different without the leadership, commitment, and “tenacity” displayed by the community,” he said, adding that “it just shows you what things can be accomplished in a small town when you have a group of people fighting for a cause they believe in.” Although he couldn’t talk about anything BESS related, Garrity did weigh in on the supervisor. “The passion with which he attacks things – to someone who’s been on the board going on 20 years – is incredibly refreshing,” he said, adding that Scorrano, who’s now serving his second two-year term, “doesn’t drop the ball on anything.” Garrity was also happy to see the board’s efforts recognized. “People sitting here so rarely get a ‘Good job,’” instead of, he said, a “What the heck are you doing?” Before resuming work on the regular agenda, board members posed with folks from the audience for a group victory picture. The win wouldn’t have been possible without Putnam and Westchester folks partnering up, said Azadian later, noting that, while great, it’s just a “starting point” and there’s “a lot more work that needs to be done.” “We won the battle but we still have to finish the war,” Azadian said. BESS FROM PAGE 11
THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 13 LOCATIONS: Baldwin Place • 44 Route 118 • (845) 628-7900 Croton Falls • 1 Center St • (914) 769-3206 Find out why Joe Ferone of Proper Service needs to be YOUR Go-To Automotive Service Center! YOUR FAMILY CAR CARE CENTER For over 100 years of combined auto experience, Joe Ferone and his sta of Proper Service have been serving the community, creating relationships and building a remarkable company with an amazing team JOE FERONE, owner of employees! MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 You’re Invited to a Grand Family Purim Party! Celebrate Purim with Chabad of Yorktown and family and friends! Featuring a delicious Shabbat-style dinner, magic, bubbles, snow cones, popcorn, cotton candy, and an animal show by Pee Wee the Magician. To be held the Elks Lodge at 590 Waverly Place in Yorktown. Celebrate Purim at Temple Beth Shalom Featuring a Megillah reading Purim celebration on Thursday, March 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. and a Purim carnival on Sunday, March 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with fun, games, and prizes! All children are welcome. To register, call 845-628-6133. Blood Drive Thursday, March 27, from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Give the gift of life! To be held at the Amawalk Firehouse at 1 Liberty Way in Amawalk. Walk-ins welcome. To make an appointment, visit www.nybc.org. Hudson Pickle Tuesdays at Prodigy Tuesdays, through March 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Featuring $13 open play for players age 60+. Courts will be leveled. To be held at Prodigy Athletic Center at 243 NY-100 in Somers. To sign up, call or text 917-941-6531, email marni@hudsonpickle. com, or via court reserve at prodigyathleticcenter.com Understanding Hunger and How You Can Help Did you know that one in three people in Westchester is food insecure? On Thursday, March 27, from 5 to 7 p.m., you can make a meaningful difference. Gain the tools and inspiration you need to get empowered and involved in the fight against hunger. Learn more about the hunger crisis, discover volunteer opportunities, and connect with organizations and others who are just as motivated to help. To be held at the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry at 300 E Main St. in Mount Kisco. To register, visit ww.volunteernewyork.org and search for ‘Understanding Hunger.’ First Church of Christ, Scientist 13 Bedford Rd. In Katonah Learn More about Mary Baker Eddy During National women’s History Month, celebrated in March, local Christian Science Reading Rooms will be featuring this remarkable woman. Mrs. Eddy established a sound basis for fair and balanced journalism during the 19th century, a time when women’s opportunities were severely limited. In the face of life’s challenges, she never gave up – in her own life facing and overcoming homelessness, poverty, divorce, and chronic poor health. Her desire to find freedom, purpose, and individual worth led to the discovery of a system of living and healing that she later recorded in her best-selling book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. Patricia Hulber, librarian for the Katonah Christian Science Reading Room, invites the community to discover the relevance of this 19th century woman during Women’s History Month. They welcome everyone to come and explore the life and ideas of Mary Baker Eddy in their Reading Room located at 13 Bedford Rd. In Katonah, open on Mondays and Fridays from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. For more information, call 914-232-3842 or email [email protected]. Westchester Oratorio Society www.westchesteroratorio. org. An Afternoon of Music Saturday, March 15, from 12 to 3 p.m. Support the Westchester Oratorio Society at An Afternoon of Music featuring the remarkable talent of soprano Heidi Engstrom accompanied on the piano by the Society’s Artistic Director, David Štech in the elegant setting of the Fellowship Hall of Saint Matthew’s Church, located at 382 Cantitoe Street in Bedford. A light lunch and dessert will be served. Tickets can be purchased through the group’s website. To RSVP or for more information, email wosinformation@ gmail.com. (Tickets: $45 per person, $80 per couple.) Hoop to Pack the Pantry for Everyone Sunday, March 16 The third annual Hoop to Pack the Pantry for Everyone 3-v-3 Basketball Tournament will be held at Robert E. Bell Middle School at 50 Center St. in Chappaqua. The event will raise money to purchase allergen-free food for the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry! 5th-8th grade grade will play from 12 to 2 p.m., and 9th & 11th grade will play from 3 to 6 p.m. For more information, visit packthepantryforeveryone.com Westchester Bluegrass Club www.westchesterblue - grassclub.com Lisa’s Pieces Saturday, March 15 Lisa Gutkin is a Grammy Award-winning violinist, singer, and composer, best known for her dynamic role in the acclaimed Klezmatics and her musical contributions to the Tony Award-winning play Indecent. Lisa’s rich musical journey has seen her seamlessly blend Klezmer, Celtic, and American folk traditions, creating performances that are both deeply moving and TRUNK FROM PAGE 2 SEE TRUNK PAGE15
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We are the name you trust for environmental needs Since 1998 DON’T GET CAUGHT WITH AN AGING OIL TANK! 914-302-6390 1927 Commerce Street, Yorktown Heights, New York MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 REGIONAL Bird flu outbreak reported at Lewisboro animal sanctuary BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER About 60 birds have either died or been euthanized after an outbreak of avian flu at an animal rescue and rehabilitation facility in Lewisboro. County health officials reported that Animal Nation’s farm sanctuary in the hamlet of South Salem has been closed to the public since the fall and that there is no risk to the general public. The nonprofit organization isn’t allowing any visitors onsite and has suspended volunteer duties. Only essential staff – wearing proper personal protective gear – are caring for the animals at present. That leaves about five people to handle all the caretaking duties. There usually about 55 people. “Every day is very busy. We’re all really tired and really sad,” said Animal Nation’s president and executive director, Patrick Moore. The county is monitoring the situation and supporting any staff member or other person who may have been exposed to the H5N1 virus. They will be tested if they become symptomatic. In a post on its Facebook page, Animal Nation said it was “sadly announcing (that) our farm sanctuary in Westchester County has been exposed to Avian Influenza (H5N1) like many other facilities.” It said it had taken numerous steps to protect the farm and that it’s probable that the birds had been exposed to infected wild birds, most likely Canada geese. The board of directors “acted swiftly once signs arose.” “It started out kind of slow and then, boom, rapid fire,” Moore said, adding that because they were already taking precautions, they were able to catch it quickly. The state Department of Agriculture was contacted for assistance and birds were tested the same day. The results were positive. Because of the outbreak, the sanctuary was placed on “strict quarantine” for at least 120 days. “This means no animal will enter or leave the property” and that only essential staff will be caring for the animals. Animal Nation is working closely with the state Department of Agriculture and the Westchester Department of Health and will “continue to assist wildlife at a separate location” through the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it said. Saying that it appreciated the county and the state’s assistance, Animal Nation also noted that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other health experts have “stated (that) the transmission of Avian Flu to humans is rare and of low incidence.” H5N1 is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in domestic birds and dairy cattle in the U.S. Raptors, waterfowl, and other aquatic birds have the highest risk for infection. Wild mammals such as fox and coyote that scavenge on bird carcasses are also at risk. Earlier this month, close to a dozen Canada geese found dead in a town park in Mount Pleasant tested positive for bird flu. In January, the body of another of the ubiquitous waterfowl was discovered at Green Chimneys, a farm and wildlife center in Brewster in Putnam County. It too tested positive. Another case was identified in a deceased Canada goose in New City in Rockland County. Bird flu killed 50 chickens and ducks on a farm in Ulster County. And a commercial duck farm -- the last of its kind on Long Island – was forced to euthanize more than 100,000 of the animals after bird flu was detected. Education is Key Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler continues to emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant and told folks that the best way to be protected “is to avoid contact with any sick or dying animals.” Health officials advise anyone who’s found a dead bird to follow state DEC guidelines for its safe disposal. They should wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection and avoid direct contact with the animal and its fluids. They need to keep children and pets away, use a shovel, and use soap and hot water to wash their hands and clothing immediately afterward. The carcass should be triple bagged in garbage or contractor bags and placed in an outdoor trash bin. Cases where multiple dead birds have been found in a single location should be SEE BIRD FLU PAGE 15
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 ‘ We had a wonderful, flawless experience working with Joe Tock and his professional staff during a very difficult time... I looked forward to our meetings as it was an atmosphere of true kindness and compassion. I highly recommend the Law Offices of Joseph J. Tock. ~Vanessa O. Celebrate Purim at Temple Beth Shalom! Thursday, March 13th 7-9p Megillah Reading Purim Celebration Sunday, March 16th 11a-1p Purim Carnival - Fun, Games & Prizes All Children Are Welcome Call 845.628.6133 or Scan below to Register MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 joyously uplifting. Her storytelling through music has captivated audiences worldwide. (6 p.m.: Doors Open, 6:30 p.m.: Open Mic, 7 to 8:30 p.m.: Show. $30 suggested donation.) Greg Cahill & Special Consensus Thursday, April 3 Greg Cahill, a Grammynominated banjo player, is a pillar of the bluegrass community and the driving force behind Special Consensus. Since founding the band in 1975, Cahill has led Special Consensus to international acclaim, blending traditional bluegrass with contemporary influences while maintaining a deep respect for the genre’s roots. (6 p.m.: Doors Open, 6:30 p.m.: Open Mic, 7 to 8:30 p.m.: Show. $30 suggested donation.) Putnam Chorale Presents Antonin Dvořák’s Stabat Materat Two Concerts in April The Putnam Chorale will perform Antonin Dvorak’s Stabat Mater oratorio at two concerts in late April, at the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church in Lagrangeville and at the St. James the Apostle Church in Carmel on April 25 and April 26 at 7:30 p.m., respectively. The Putnam Chorale, conducted by Maestro Jason C. Tramm, will perform this epic masterwork with its 70-member choir, four renowned vocal soloists, and a professional orchestra. Premiered in Prague in 1880, the Stabat Mater work played a crucial role in Dvorak’s international breakthrough as a composer. Advance sale tickets are available for adults, seniors and students at www.putnamchorale.org/next-event or purchased at the door. Children 12 and under are free. 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. Senior Monday Mondays, from 1 to 2 p.m. The library has programs aimed at seniors every Monday.. Programs can range between live piano performances, trivia games, crafts and even a comedy show! Shake Your Sillies Out! Tuesdays, from 10:30 to 11 a.m. TRUNK FROM PAGE 13 BIRDFLU FROM PAGE 14 SEE TRUNK PAGE 25 reported to the DEC. Animal Nation, like other rescue and rehab groups, has been overwhelmed with reports from concerned citizens as well as police and governmental agencies about everything from dead swans and geese to ducks and songbirds. (Whether all, or any of, these have been proven to be due to avian flu is unknown.) “This isn’t something that we’re used to,” Moore said of the volume of calls recently. The goal is to educate without unduly alarming anyone. All it can do is refer them back to the state DEC protocols. “We’re all trying to do the best we can,” Moore said. Symptoms Avian flu disease can present in a number of ways. These range from no or mild symptoms to moderate and severe -- and sometimes fatal -- ones. Mild signs and symptoms may include eye redness and irritation (conjunctivitis) -- the most predominant among U.S. cases; mild fever (a temperature of 100 F or feeling “feverish.” Fever may not always be present), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Grateful for Support Animal Nation said it’s been heartened by the “outpouring of love and support” from the community, volunteers, essential workers, and government agencies it’s gotten since its announcement in February. Still, these are stressful times. “When you’re living this it’s beyond sad, it’s scary,” Moore said.
BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Hundreds of people took to the streets in Mount Kisco recently to protest what they see as a direct attack on vital health care benefits. About 250 people crowded into Kirby Plaza on a blustery Saturday to denounce U.S. Representative Mike Lawler, who represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, for voting in late February for the House Republicans’ budget resolution that they claim will ultimately put Medicaid funding on the chopping block. The March 1 rally was put together by “Fight Lawler,” a group co-founded by Ann Starer of Scarsdale and Maureen Morrissey of Mount Kisco. Speaking were Starer, an attorney; Dee Volz, a 102-yearold Peekskill resident; Joe Mayhew, legislative/political coordinator for the Communication Workers of America Local 1103; tenant advocate and local Democratic Party leader Jessica Martinez of Peekskill; Beth Davidson, a Rockland County legislator who is hoping to oust Lawler; and Kevin McAvey, a health data strategist. State Assemblywoman and former Ossining town supervisor Dana Levenberg (D-95th AD) was unable to attend but sent along a written statement. Lawler Explains Following the Feb. 25 vote on the budget resolution, Lawler offered an explanation via Instagram. It starts with the process of negotiating a reconciliation bill and focuses on “several key provisions including securing our border, strengthening our military, reining in the size and scope of the federal government, and providing tax relief to millions of hardworking middle-class families,” he said. Lawler said in the video one of his top priorities has been to lift the cap on SALT (State And Local Tax) deductions. “This bill will allow us to do that,” he said, hitting back against opponents. “Democrats will tell you that it’s going to cut Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and take away your health care. They’re lying and nothing can be further from the truth,” Lawler said, promising to “stand up against efforts” to cut vital programs or take away benefits. “It’s very clear, with $36 trillion in debt and a $7 trillion budget we have to rein in the size and scope of government,” he added. In his Instagram post, Lawler vowed that he and his colleagues in Washington will “root out waste, fraud, and abuse wherever it exists within every agency and department as we work to right size the federal government, reduce the cost of living, bring down inflation and the cost of goods and services with it, and provide real and immediate tax relief to you and your families.” Promising to keep constituents “updated as the process unfolds,” he referred to the budget resolution vote as “just a first step in the long negotiation ahead.” According to political experts, “reconciliation” is a legislative process that limits debate time and suspends the Senate’s filibuster rule. This would allow a bill to pass the chamber with a simple majority of 51, rather than the usual 60, votes. Republicans are in control of the House and Senate, meaning they can deploy “reconciliation” to pass bills without any support from Democrats.” Committees are now drafting legislative language reflecting the budget resolution’s instructions. Voices Raised Lawler has broken his promise not to “vote for any bill that would cut even a penny of Medicaid,” Starer charged. “Lawler, who tries to convince people he’s a moderate, one who works across the aisle, is banking on us to listen to what he says but not to notice what he does,” Starer said. “Without adequate health care, people will die.” She noted that there are more than 145,000 people in the 17th CD who rely on Medicaid, half of them children. Starer’s daughter was diagnosed with cancer at 17. “The only silver lining was that she had access to life-saving medical care,” she said. Other families with kids in the pediatric cancer ward at the time were on Medicaid, “without which they would have had absolutely nowhere to go.” Starer’s group plans to host a “Town Hall” this month to further address the situation. “This (budget) bill is a game changer and one that we can’t allow to take effect,” she said. Volz is an active and engaged member of a senior living community in Peekskill thanks to her family’s help, plus financial support from her pension, Social Security, and Medicaid. “I’m so grateful for Medicaid. If it weren’t for Medicaid, I’d be lying down in the woods,” she said. Volz remembers “sitting around the radio every Saturday night to hear FDR originate Social Security.” “He said that none of us want to see our elderly neglected, ill, or poor,” she recalled, adding that everyone was thrilled and “proud of our nation for the move.” According to Mayhew, Medicaid cuts will affect everyone, regardless of whether they are receiving benefits. 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MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 Hundreds gathered in Kirby Plaza to speak out about health benefits. / PHOTO: CAROL REIF REGIONAL Taking it to the streets Protesters speak out about Medicaid, Musk SEE PROTESTS PAGE 17
reimburses just 70 percent of the cost of care in New York state health facilities. It’s argued that this shortfall puts pressure on health care providers and contributes to inequities in the system. Cuts will cause those rates to drop, but the number of Medicaid patients will stay the same. Hospitals will have to lay off staff to make up the difference, Mayhew said. They will also have to increase charges to private insurers, meaning folks will face larger co-pays. Small and rural hospitals may have to cut services or close altogether, forcing people to go farther for care, Mayhew said, asking listeners to “imagine having a heart attack, being loaded in an ambulance, and instead of going a few minutes to your local hospital, you’re now traveling a few hours.” According to McAvey, the program covers 80 million Americans, including 7 million in New York and more than 150,000 in Westchester, Putnam, and Rockland counties, he said. Around since 1965, the joint state and federal program that provides insurance to “our lowest income seniors in nursing homes, children and parents, pregnant women, and the disabled,” he said. Cutting funding will raise prices, reduce services, and restrict access to health care not only for folks on Medicaid but all 19 million residents in the state, according to McAvey, who claimed he’d “never seen a more brazen example of the cruelty of our nation’s clouded conscious than the bill Mr. Lawler allowed to pass last week in Congress.” “Fight Lawler” said its aim is to not only thwart the congressman’s 2026 re-election bid but squash his other reported political goal – becoming New York’s next governor. Levenberg couldn’t make the rally but sent along a letter that Morrissey read to the crowd. Accusing Lawler of employing “a very dishonest strategy,” Levenberg claimed that he and House Republicans were “gaslighting” the public and “pretending the vote they just took has nothing to do with Medicaid.” The argument that the word “Medicaid” wasn’t mentioned in the resolution doesn’t hold water, in her opinion. “He knows that an instruction to cut $880 billion from areas in the purview of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce IS an instruction to cut Medicaid unless they are also planning to cut Medicare and lying about that too. There’s nothing else they could be cutting in that area that would add up to that amount of money. Even if they cut everything else , they would not come close to $880 billion. And that number did not come out of thin air,” she wrote. Musk Targeted The event was comparable, numbers-wise, to one held earlier in front of a Tesla dealership in Mount Kisco that drew about 300 demonstrators. That Feb. 22 protest was among a growing number of demonstrations targeting Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a senior adviser to President Trump and the de facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency. A Trump initiative, DOGE was established by executive order and is tasked with reducing federal spending. The administration argues that cuts are necessary to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse. Critics say, however, that they could undermine critical services such as Medicaid. Among the homemade placards were ones that read: “Honk if you don’t trust Musk,” and “No one voted for Musk,” “Musk owns Lawler,” and “Boycott Tesla.” It was put together by a coalition of organizations in Putnam and Westchester counties, including Indivisible Putnam Progressives. Media outlets have reported that federal campaign finance records showed that America PAC, a super PAC started by Musk, poured millions into key 2024 congressional races – such as Lawler’s and U.S. Rep. Tom Kean of New Jersey -- in a bid to preserve the House’s Republican majority. Lawler’s campaign received $1.4 million from the PAC, Starer said. When asked to comment on that, and on the Tesla protest in Mount Kisco, Lawler’s chief of staff, Nate Soule responded: “For your reference, Congressman Lawler has not been the direct recipient of any funds from Elon Musk. No donations from Elon Musk to Mike’s campaign have been recorded by the FEC (Federal Election Commission) for the years of 2021-2025.” He declined to comment on the Tesla rally and later referred questions about the one held in Kirby Plaza to Lawler’s communication director, Ciro Riccardi. Riccardi sent the following statement to Halston Media on March 4. “Unfortunately, some in the media are trying to make Democrats protesting Republicans newsworthy -- it’s a disservice to journalism. Let me be clear: this bill has zero impact on access to health care or benefits for people who rely on Medicaid, Medicare, the VA, or Social Security.” Why Tesla? One of the protesters at the Tesla even said they weren’t targeting individual businesses, but Musk himself. Tesla was founded in 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. Musk became CEO in 2008. An estimated one-third of his fortune consists of Tesla stock, according to Westfair Online. He’s become synonymous with the name. Dan Stoller, one of the organizers, told News 12 that people “are just fed up with what Musk’s doing ... sort of a quiet coup, or not so quiet.” Protestor Julie Ruben echoed that. “We are losing our democracy in this country,” she told a reporter, adding: “No one, as far as I know, voted for Elon Musk.” On Feb. 11, 120 people marched outside Carmel Town Hall in Putnam County, where Lawler’s regional office is located. Demonstrations decrying potential spending cuts to federal programs include one held at the courthouse in White Plains and one outside of Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s Peekskill office. THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 17 17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults MARCH MADNESS FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED CALL TODAY (914) 455-2158 WWW.SPIRELLIELECTRIC.COM [email protected] • LANDSCAPE LIGHTING • POOL WIRING • EV CHARGERS • RING CAMERA LIGHTS • OUTDOOR RECEPTACLES • GENERATOR • TROUBLESHOOTING ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS! LICENSED & INSURED RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL $50 OFF YOUR NEXT SERVICE CALL WHEN YOU PRESENT THIS AD MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 Demonstrators outside the Tesla dealership in Mount Kisco on Feb. 22. / PHOTO: CAROL REIF PROTESTS FROM PAGE 16
CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Somers’ annual school budget cycle, which starts each July, is a long and arduous one. Before the spending plan can be adopted and presented to the public for a vote, revenue and expenditure projections have to be made, individual budgets for each of its four schools, departments, and district-wide things must be prepared, and input obtained from stakeholders such as faculty, staff, members of the Citizens Finance Committee, etc. Then there’s the phase where these insights are compiled, budget “desires” prioritized, and budget recommendations prepared. Once all the numbers are identified, the Board of Education adopts the preliminary budget and holds a public hearing. In May, voters get to say “yea” or “nay” on the plan and also to elect three school board trustees. (Members whose terms are up this June are Amanda Kandel (president), Chadwick Olsen (vice president), and Dr. Ifay Chang (trustee).) Also on the ballot will be a $63.9 million bond package to authorize districtwide projects, such safety and security enhancement, infrastructure improvements (parking, sidewalks, roofs), classroom and playground renovations, and HVAC and electrical system upgrades. The bond will be “tax neutral,” meaning that it won’t by itself increase taxes. That’s because debt for old bonds will be paid off and replaced with the new debt. But that’s not the end of it. The adopted budget has to be executed, then monitored, and finally, its data evaluated for use in the next year’s planning process. Then the whole thing starts all over again – sort of like the movie Groundhog Day. In January, the school board was given an overview of non-instruction costs. Earlier this month, it took a look at the nuts and bolts of the instructional side of things -- the funds allocated for teaching and learning materials, such as textbooks; technology, and teacher salaries. Making the presentation on Feb. 11, was Chris Platania, the district’s superintendent for business and operations. Providing details were building principals Katie Winter (Primrose Elementary School), Linda Belger (Somers Intermediate School), Jennifer Mangone (Somers Middle School), and Pete Rodrigues (Somers High School). The recommendations break down this way. Primrose Elementary School Salaries – for administrators, teachers, teaching assistants, and teacher aides – now totaling $8.7 million will rise slightly to $9 million. Equipment and supplies will go down a bit from $56,695 to $56,395. Service agreements and other contractual costs won’t change that much. This goround, they are $27,355; in 2025-2026, they’re projected at $29,955. In 2023-2024, the district updated its reading curriculum. This required the purchase of new textbooks and other materials. The bill came in at $138,160. But in 2024-2025, that shrunk to $33,700. The proposed budget calls for expenditures of $43,600. BOCES services will rise to $34,000 from the current $32,150. The grand total is $9,188,917, up from 2024- 2025’s $8,913,813. Primrose’s staff of 120 includes administrators, teachers, counselors, teacher aides and assistants, custodians, occupational/speech therapists, psychologists, librarians, and monitors. PAGE 18 – THE SOMERS RECORD C Clark & Giordano | G Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Joseph Giordano Jr., Owner Centrally Located in the Heart of Yorktown 2104 Saw Mill River Road (Route 35, 118 & 202) Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Additional Location: Curry & Giordano Funeral Home, Peekskill 914.962.3333 www.clarkfh.com PICK-UP & DELIVERY AVAILABLE WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS OF PORTABLE GENERATORS 845-225-3503 * LAWN MOWERS * CHAIN SAWS * TRIMMERS * TRACTORS * GENERATORS * MOTORCYCLES * ATV’S * AND MORE! FACTORY-TRAINED SERVICE TECHNICIANS EAST ROAD MOTORS 58 CAROLAN RD. EAST • CARMEL, NY www.EASTROADMOTORS.com MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 SOMERS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Board of Education hears budget presentations SEE BOE PAGE 19
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Activities and lessons include Colored in Character, St. Luke’s Food Pantry, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, and Valentine’s for Veterans. Opportunities for family and community engagement include PTA, SEPTA, and the No Place for Hate Committee. Somers Intermediate School In SIS’s proposed budget, funding for staff is anticipated to decrease to $9.4 million from the present $9.6 million. (SIS has 121 employees) That’s due, Platania explained, to retirements, a position that’s not being replaced, and the “reclassification of budget codes for some people.” Equipment and supplies are also going down, to $50,946 from $51,596, while service and other contractual costs will rise slightly to $31,304 from $29,804. Again, SIS’s textbooks costs were high in 2023-2024 -- $153,579. They’ve stabilized at $36,000 for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026. BOCES services will see an uptick from $30,200 to $30,500. The grand total for 2025- 2026 is $9,597,524, up from 2024-2025’s $9,818,147. SIS’s programs and services that fall under the heading of “21st Century Knowledge and Skills” include Fundations (3rd grade), Wit and Wisdom, Science 21, World Language Assessment, IXL Math and ELA, and DIBELS. It follows the same protocol for health and wellness as does PES, but also includes (because the kids are older here) digital citizenship. Global citizenship programs at SIS include Inclusive Schools Week, Be a Hero, Community Building, grade level givebacks, and participation with St. Luke’s Food Pantry, and United for the Troops. According to Belger, the percentage of SCSD students with “classified needs” has increased. “It used to be about 16 percent, now it’s 22 percent,” she said, adding that that reflects a statewide trend, the origins of which she was not certain. In order to meet those needs – and not have to send students out of district to other programs – Somers aims to maintain a certain student-to-teacher ratio, Belger said. “Hopefully, as they get older (and leave elementary school for middle school), they’ll have more skills and not need as much adult support,” she said. Somers Middle School Again, there were no “drastic” year-to-year changes foreseen in the SMS budget, Platania said. Salaries were expected to rise to $11 million from $10.6 million. Equipment and supplies were going down to $113,026 from $119,142. (SMS has 116 employees.) Service agreements and other contractual costs will go up to $112,750 from $98,078. That’s partly due to additional days being added for a student assistance counselor, he explained. Textbook costs will decrease to $15,430 from $18,743 and BOCES services will go up a tad to $11,087 from $10,087. The grand total for 2025- 2026 is $11,295,661, up from 2024-2025’s $10,901,967. SMS programs and services that fall under the heading of “21st Century Knowledge and Skills” include MYP (Middle Years Program) Unit Planning, Literacy – Science of Reading, WIN (What I Need) – Interventions and Enrichment, ALP (Advanced Learning Plan), a legal document that outlines education for gifted students; AIS ELA and Math, and Earth Science and Algebra Assessment. (AIS stands for Academic Intervention Services, which are supplemental instruction and support services for students who need help meeting state learning standards. ELA is an acronym for English Language Arts.) According to Mangone, next year’s biggest focus will be on so-called “pathways,” especially in the area of math. Information about course recommendations and other pathway related things, such as the “selection” process, will be on its ways to interested parents shortly, she promised. Social/emotional wellness offerings at SMS includes True North (a transitional support program), DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skills, counseling, and executive functioning. (DBT is intended to help adolescents manage difficult emotional situations, cope with stress, and to make better decisions.) Mangone also highlighted the school’s mentoring program, where 8th graders offer friendship, support, and advice to 6th graders. Available under the heading of “Global Citizenship” include MYP instruction and interdisciplinary works, Tusker Experience/Advisory, and Community Project Grade 8. The annual community project is part of the school’s MYP program. Students explore community needs and address them through service learning. It builds skills such as creativity and ingenuity. One of the things that students put their two cents in on recently or so was the pedestrian crossing on Route 202. This year, they’ve suggested installing a digital double-sided sign at SMA like the one that sits in front BOE FROM PAGE 18 SEE BOE PAGE 27
PAGE 20 THE SOMERS RECORD – MARWINTER SPORTS SENDOFF! Congratulations to all of Somers’ winter student-athletes for another fantastic season! Phil Santore PHOTO: RICH MONETTI Jordan Millar PHOTO; ROB DIANTONIO Kathryn Moesta / PHOTO COURTESY OF CORINNE MOESTA Benny Silk, Tyler Fazio, and Matthew Robles / PHOTO: RICH MONETTI Kareef Martin PHOTO: RICH MONETTI
RCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 PAGE 21 Kaitlin Gannon / PHOTO: TABBY PEARSON MARSHALL Kacey McCullough PHOTO: RICH MONETTI Mia Paulmeno PHOTO: RICH MONETTI The Somers High School wrestling team PHOTO: CHRIS BALL
PAGE 22 – THE SOMERS RECORD 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 Serving the local area over 30 years ...for all your electrical needs! ALL TYPES OF GENERATORS • No job too big or small. • Commercial & residential. • Code violations. • (SAFETY FIRST!) Carbon & smoke detector installation & upgrades. • Hydronic electric heat (call for info). • Service upgrades. Fully licensed & insured Westchester & Putnam Office:914-248-5346 914-447-8780 Call or Text Email: [email protected] MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 On Saturday, March 15, the Westchester Bluegrass Club welcomes Grammywinning violinist, singer, and composer Lisa Gutkin with her dynamic quartet, Lisa’s Pieces. Known for her work with The Klezmatics and Broadway’s Indecent, Lisa weaves Klezmer, folk, and original compositions into a spellbinding performance filled with soulful fiddle playing, rich storytelling, and dazzling three-part harmonies. The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with a jam session, followed by an open mic at 6:30 p.m., leading into the main show from 7 to 8:30 p.m.. A $30 suggested donation helps support the music, and guests are welcome to BYOB and bring a small dish to share. Don’t miss this unforgettable night of music and community! Visit WestchesterBluegrassClub. com to RSVP and view the full schedule. Westchester Bluegrass Club to present Lisa’s Pieces WWE Hall-ofFamer Tony Atlas Tommy Dreamer Pro wrestlers come to MHS Rotary fundraiser to feature WWE Hall-of-Famer Tony Atlas and more The Lake Mahopac Rotary Club will host an afternoon of professional wrestling when East Coast Professional Wrestling (ECPW) comes to the Mahopac High School gymnasium on Saturday, April 5, at 3 p.m. The event will feature several well-known names in the sport, including WWE/ECW veteran Tommy Dreamer and WWE Hall of Famer Tony “Mr. USA” Atlas. The card also includes an ECPW Heavyweight Championship match. Atlas is set to team up with former WWE star Gino Caruso in a tag team championship match against the current titleholders, Captain Pain and Prince Akkanatan. In the main event, ECPW Heavyweight Champion Trey Felipe will defend his title against challenger Alex Reiman. The event, which is co-sponsored by Mahopac News and Stop & Shop District 327, is family-friendly, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Guardian Revival, a nonprofit organization that supports veterans and first responders. Event details • Date: Saturday, April 5 • Time: 3 p.m. • Location: Mahopac High School Gymnasium, 21 Baldwin Place Rd, Mahopac • Tickets: Ringside: $20 in advance, $25 at the door; General admission: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Tickets are available at PCSB Bank, Arthur Avenue Deli, Route 6 Deli, and online at ecpw1.com. Article courtesy of Lake Mahopac Rotary Club PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAKE MAHOPAC ROTARY
The Somers Middle School Drama Club is preparing to bring to life the classic Roald Dahl story Matilda, about a brilliant, book-loving, fiveyear-old girl who is also, at one point, a little bit magical. More than 100 students – 75 actors and 27 crew members – are rehearsing Matilda Jr., The Musical, which tells the story of how the title character survives her neglectful parents and challenges a tyrannical school headmistress. Along the way, the girl develops telekinetic powers. “She’s strong, and a good role model,” said sixth grader Elowyn Dawson, who will play Matilda in two of the four performances. She shares the role with seventh grader Michaela Gallo, and like their fellow thespians, they are enjoying the experience. “It’s really high-energy,” Michaela said. “I get to dance a lot, and I like to dance.” The annual musical is a highlight of the school year. Matilda Jr. was the popular choice for this year’s play, voted by the students after last year’s spring production, said music teacher Marie Williams, who directs the show. The other members of the production team are: Rachel Malara, music director; Rebecca Racioppo, choreographer; Cheryl Astrologo, producer; Ellen Bieber, assistant choreographer; and stage crew directors Rich Devito and Matt Lugo. Williams said the team often witness transformations in the students “Every year, we see kids take risks, step out of their comfort zones, and absolutely shine,” she said. The students also expand their perception of the world around them. Presenting plays “stimulates the imagination and creativity and helps develop a better understanding of human behavior and empathy with situations that might seem ‘different,’” according to the drama club’s mission statement. Eighth grader Olivia McGurk said she feels a change in herself when she plays the sweet-natured teacher Miss Honey. “When I step into Miss Honey, I feel much kinder,” she said. As the cast members have gotten to know their roles, even the two actors who portray the wicked headmistress Miss Trunchbull – like true thespians – find traits to identify with in their character. “She puts her whole personality into every word she speaks,” said eighth-grader Gianna Lopez, one of the Miss Trunchbulls. “She’s loud and strong and not afraid to be herself.” “You should definitely know the origin of your character and why she acts that way,” said eighth-grader Delia Eagleton, Gianna’s counterpart in the role. The S.T.A.R.S. booster club helps out, selling “hugs and kisses” at each performance which is a fund raiser for the club. Hugs and Kisses are a small bunch of Hershey’s Kisses with a note of encouragement for the performer, delivered immediately after the show. They are sold for $5. Performances will be March 20 and 21 at 7 p.m., and March 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at https://somersms.seatyourself.biz/ or via the attached QR code. Article courtesy of Somers Central School District. THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 23 GOODROW BUILDING 862 Route 6 • Mahopac NY 10541 (845) 208-0963 MILL POND OFFICES 293 Route 100 • Suite 107 Somers, NY 10589 (914) 276-2520 BREWSTER 3 Starr Ridge Road • Brewster, NY 10509 (845) 279-9288 www.aonpt.com The Road To Recovery Starts Here Elder Law & Estate Planning Wills, Trusts & Estates Small Business • Real Estate Matrimonial • Criminal Personal Injury • Commercial SOMERS • YONKERS Evening Appointments & Home Visits Tel: 914-964-6806 www.marralaw.com • [email protected] MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 More than 100 students are taking part in the production. Matilda Jr. was the popular choice for this year’s play, voted by the students. The annual musical is a highlight of the school year. Students rehearsing for the upcoming show. Tickets to Matilda Jr. can be purchased here! Somers Middle School to stage ‘Matilda Jr.’ March 20-22
BY MIRANDA FERRANTE STAFF REPORTER A Yorktown man is suing reality television star Kim Kardashian, claiming the influencer wrongly used his picture in an Instagram about a Texas death row inmate with the same first and last name. At the time of the post in February 2024, there was a long-term inmate named Ivan Abner Cantu awaiting execution in Huntsville Unit of Texas State Penitentiary after being convicted on the year 2000 killing of his cousin, James Mosqueda and Mosqueda’s girlfriend, Amy Kitchen. Until his death, Cantu maintained his innocence. His case became a cause for Amnesty International and celebrities and politicians, including Joaquin Castro, Julian Castro, Jane Fonda, Martin Sheen, and Kardashian, who claimed some of the evidence used to convict Cantu was questionable. But the photo posted by Kardashian on Instagram was of another Ivan Cantu— who is from Yorktown. Yorktown’s Cantu, meanwhile, reportedly realized his face was being used in place of the convict when relatives saw the viral post and reached out. According to the Independent, the incident moved him to issue a since deleted social media post of his own: “To all my friends and family, I am not getting executed, the 60-year-old Yorktown man is said to have posted on Facebook. “Some idiot who runs @kimkardashian used my pictures instead of Ivan ‘Abner’ Cantu.” A representative for Cantu’s New York-based law firm Sobo & Sobo said the firm filed its case in February on his behalf in Los Angeles Superior Court. The lawsuit accuses the reality star of libel, slander, and invasion of privacy, along with “false light”—using Cantu’s photograph in a “false and misleading way” that is “highly offensive to a reasonable person.” The firm said Kardashian’s actions harmed Cantu’s reputation and profession and caused severe emotional distress and anguish. In a media statement Kardashian’s representatives called the post a “simple mistake.” During a Feb. 20 press conference, Attorney Greg Sobo said Cantu is “a very private family man with two daughters.” At the time of the Instagram post, Sobo said, Cantu “was grieving a very private family loss,” adding that “as a result of the Kardashian abuse, Mr. Cantu’s privacy was destroyed at a most critical and sensitive time, and he has suffered very real trauma that will last a lifetime.” Sobo said Cantu initially did not want to litigate the issue but that “our several attempts to contact Kim Kardashian and her team have been ignored.” Cantu, according to Sobo, cannot comment on the ongoing litigation. According to the LinkedIn profile of Yorktown’s Cantu, he is a senior project manager for Oliver Agency at Morgan Stanley. The original social media post, attached to the lawsuit as evidence, shows a blackand-white photo of the Yorktown man with the text “The State will execute Ivan Cantu in 2 days” above the image, and “Please sign the petition to demand that Colin County DA Greg Willis request to withdraw the execution date” below the image, as well as a link to a moveon.org petition. Sobo’s law firm said the focus of the lawsuit is making social media a safer space. Kardashian’s post of Cantu was shared with her more than 350 million Instagram followers. Sobo & Sobo said the said in a Feb. 18 article on its website that her “post drew much criticism” online “because it falsely alleged that Cantu was a convicted murder on death row.” Sobo added that, too often, social media is “abused to bully the innocent, incite harm, and injure our communities.” He believes those who injure others using social media must “be held responsible” just as those who commit physical harm. “If anyone knows the power of social media, it is Kim Kardashian,” Sobo said. “Social media helped fuel her fame.” PAGE 24 – THE SOMERS RECORD JUNK REMOVAL AND DUMPSTERS WE SPECIALIZE IN 8, 10, 12 & 15 YARD DUMPSTERS ON WHEELS & TRADITIONAL DUMPSTERS 10-40 YARD Michael Procopis • 914-703-2626 mvpjunkremoval.com • [email protected] CHEVY HALSTON (B) 4.61”W X 6.05”H) Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com I-84 | Exit 36B I-87 | Exit 17 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) UP WINTO 500 FREE SLOT PLAY ENTRIES TO WINNEW A NEW MEMBERS NEW MEMBERS Friday, March 28 • 10pm *Actual model and color may vary. MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 Texas death row inmate Ivan Abner Cantu was executed by lethal injection on Feb. 28, 2024. Kim Kardashian mistakenly used an innocent Yorktown man’s picture with the same name in a post about Cantu. / PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE Yorktown man sues Kardashian over wrongful ID on Instagram Reality star confused innocent local man with a former Texas death row inmate
THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 25 Medicaid • Home Care & Nursing Home • Elder Law Wills, Trusts & Estates • Special Needs Planning Protecting your legacy, ensuring peace of mind. (845) 621-8640 • thefellergroup.com 572 Route 6 • Suite 103 • Mahopac, NY 10541 A Tradition of Excellence in Elder Law Elder Law, Medicaid Coordination & Estate Planning Attorneys Service... Integrity... Compassion Family owned and operated We began with a mission to celebrate life and serve families. There is much peace to be found here, and we invite you to find yours. Explore more. Take a tour. Read our story. Share in experiences. Anthony J. Guarino Family Owned & Operated 945 East Main Street • Shrub Oak, NY 10588 • (914) 962-0700 YorktownFuneralHome.com • [email protected] MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 Come children ages 18 – 48 months and get your body in gear to feel energized and have lots of fun with songs, musical instruments, stories and parachute fun! No registration required. Playdates at the Library Wednesdays, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Join in at the library for a playdate! They’ll have toys, arts and crafts (self-guided), books and music for children to enjoy while parents & guardians get a chance to meet and mingle. No registration required. Drop-In MahJong Club Mondays & Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Drop in to play MahJong with your neighbors. This is for anyone who loves the game, wants to meet new people, and have some fun. The library has some Mahjong sets, but players should try to bring their own. All are welcome, but enough knowledge to play unassisted is best. 4th & 5th Grade Book Club Wednesday, March 19, from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Students meet once a month after school to discuss a book that they’ve read in advance, make a craft or play a game. This club is led by Alan Briones. Children must be entering the grade they register for. Space is limited. Chinese MahJongg: Learn & Play Thursday, April 3, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. All levels are welcome to join. MahJong is a fun, exciting, and challenging tilebased game with a variety of versions. This event will focus on Chinese MahJong. New to the Chinese MahJong? Learn the basics of set up, play, and scoring. Are you a seasoned intermediate or advanced player? Get tips and tricks to take your game to the next level. Instructor: Ifay Chang. Registration required but walk-ins are also welcome. Briones Family Harmonies: An afternoon of song with the Briones Siblings Sunday, April 6, from 2 to 3 p.m. Back by popular demand, come to enjoy the talents of Somers Library Librarian Alan Briones and his siblings, Nadia and Julián, as they present a Voice and Guitar concert you won’t want to miss! They will perform a whole new program, with the same varied range of genres, including opera, jazz standards, and tangos, among others. This is a dropin program, no registration required. A Message from the Somers Energy Environment Committee We need you, the people of Somers, to help us make our town more energy efficient and sustainable in the 21st Century. This is a local grassroots effort, and we encourage all residents and businesses alike to get involved. We would appreciate your input. You may contact Committee Secretary Denise Schirmer at dschirmer@ somersny.com to collect your ideas, feedback, issues and questions about, the Energy Environment Committee, or in general about the greening of Somers. The Committee meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 7 p.m. As part of our longer-range climate protection efforts, the Energy Environment Committee will design, implement, and communicate a variety of measures that we can take to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. These measures will lead to lower energy use and reduced energy costs for residences and businesses while preserving our environment for generations to come. If you have a particular interest in energy efficiency at home or at work, efficient transportation, use of renewable energy technology, recycling and waste management, sustainable food, composting, green building and land use please join us and help us assess and communicate these important quality of life issues for our town, our families and most of all our children! A Message from Braver Angels Political leaders should be working together to fix our broken politics. But they aren’t even talking about reducing endless hyper-partisan fighting, even though we have solutions. Let’s say something so they do something – petition party leaders, elected officials, and candidates to detoxify politics and celebrate America with all of us – rather than each party by themselves. Sign our petition at www. braverangels.org/detox-politics/ and let’s make it clear to our leaders that the majority of us want our leaders to work together and get something done! Al-Anon Family Groups Has your life been affected by someone else’s drinking? 1 in 5 adults has been! Alanon is a support group for families and friends of alcoholics. For a list of meetings and more information about the program, go to www.westchesterputnamalanon.org, email info@ westchesterputnamalanon. org or call 914-946-1748. Somers Lions Club In 1966, the Somers Lions Club was chartered and has grown exponentially with dedicated men and women who volunteer their time, skills, and energy to make a difference in people’s lives, both in our community and for the charities we support. Lions can be found working on “hands-on” projects, fundraising, and running numerous community events in and around Somers. If you are in need of assistance, there is a good chance that the Lions can help. Visit www.somerslionsclub.org for more information. Follow on social media @somerslions. The Somers Lions would like to welcome its newest members and are proud to serve alongside you. TRUNK FROM PAGE 15
PAGE 26 – THE SOMERS RECORD 268 ROUTE 202 SOMERS, NY 10589 progressive-vet.com CELEBRATING 19 YEARS OF CARE, COMPASSION & COMMUNITY! CONVENTIONAL and HOLISTIC VETERINARY CARE We are proud to celebrate 19 years of serving our community and caring for your beloved pets. It has been an honor to be a trusted partner in your pet’s health journey, and we couldn’t have done it without you... FIRST EXAM www.summertrailsdaycamp.com CURRENTLY HIRING STAFF! CALL FOR A TOUR! 914.245.1776 MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 about the future of the rebooted Examiner and of local journalism in general. It all began in 2007 when Stone – only 29 and a reporter with no practical business experience other than working one summer in his family’s candy factory in Brooklyn – was suddenly seized by a burning desire to own his own newspaper. Inspired perhaps by his father, a self-made Hungarian immigrant who followed his own path and prospered after coming to the United States, Stone dug into his own pocket and spent a few hundred dollars to create a mockup and sold advertising around it. That revenue covered payroll and production costs. About 2,000 copies were printed. Initially, there were two papers – one that served Mount Kisco and the other, nearby Pleasantville. Examiner Media eventually sprouted four print editions -- The Examiner, The Northern Westchester Examiner, The Putnam Examiner, and The White Plains Examiner. In 2021, it launched a new digital newsletter/publication after snagging funding and support by winning a competition hosted by Substack Local, a program designed to bolster local journalism. Like other news outlets, Examiner Media has had to not only be resilient but creative and tenacious in order to stay afloat in an industry that’s slowly but surely coming apart at the seams. After coming through the Great Recession intact early in its history, it seemed as if The Examiner’s toughest challenges were in “the rearview mirror,” Stone recalled. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the newspaper group found itself facing yet another existential threat. Stone cut staff, consolidated content across editions, and held his nose and took a deep dive into the fundraising pool. Reader donations, journalism grants, and a loan helped keep the lights on. The Examiner is free but also has paid subscribers, aka Examiner + members. The set-up is not only a way for the community to support local journalism but a way for the outlet to deliver “extra value,” aka exclusive content and perks such as theater tickets, he said. Stone thinks of it this way: “The main reason you should or shouldn’t sign up for $79 a year is a referendum on whether you want to support high quality journalism or not.” From Probe to Podcast Stone started probing the health care industry after hearing from a reader concerned about the arrival of Optum Inc. The series eventually took on a life of its own and “broadened out well beyond” the newspaper’s coverage area. His reporting included allegations that Optum had improperly sought “reimbursements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through unsupported and misleading diagnosis codes.” Stone even managed to scoop the Wall Street Journal last year when he reported that that the U.S. Department of Justice had launched an anti-trust investigation into UnitedHealth Group Inc., a multinational, forprofit company specializing in health insurance (under the UnitedHealthcare brand) and health care services (as Optum). This past December, after the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson made headlines, Sean Cannon, a Peabody-winning podcast producer and journalist was doing some research when he came across The Examiner’s coverage of United Healthcare/Optum. He reached out to Stone via email, and they started talking. Cannon drove out from Kentucky to Mount Kisco where he met Stone and spent a weekend taping him for a new national podcast, to be named “Sick Care.” This preceded, Stone says, the crystallization of the newspaper’s “cash crisis.” Besides Cannon and Stone, the two others collaborating on the project are Jane Marie, an award-winning journalist known for her podcast, The Dream, which explored “the scourge” of multi-level marketing schemes; and Heather Schroering, a Columbia Journalism School-trained investigative journalist and producer who worked on the popular podcasts “Joe Exotic” and a season of “Dr. Death.” The first episode is expected to drop in March. Of course, the podcast has financial potential, but for now Stone is “focused on making a great product.” That kind of thinking harks back to the theory behind his once-fledgling media group. Maybe: If you build it, they will come? “I think that, with any creative endeavor, you don’t know whether it’s going to be a commercial success, but I’m confident it will be something that we’re proud of,” he says. Hindsight is 20/20 Regrets? There’ve been a few but -- with apologies to Ol’ Blue Eyes – too few to mention. When all the successes and failures are totted up, Stone’s still a dyed-in-the-wool newshound who just happened to have been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. He has no plans to throw in the towel no matter what the future brings. Stone says he feels so strongly about the importance of good local journalism that he’d gladly serve as a “passionate goodwill ambassador” for anyone self-sacrificing enough to carry that ink-stained banner forward. For someone like him, it can feel a little weird to be the interviewee and not the interviewer. So Stone had to pause to collect his thoughts before answering the question: “Was it all worth it?” “Always, because the good, the bad, the ugly – all those battle scars – make you stronger,” he responded. “There have been so many rewarding, great experiences along the way. As a reporter who started a business, I’m grateful to have had the chance to build and develop this other muscle, one that I might not otherwise have been inclined to work on.” So yes, taking that leap of faith back in 2007 was worth it. “Because of that, I think I’ve become not just a better journalist, but a better person,” Stone said. STONE FROM PAGE 3 The Examiner staff at the 10 year anniversary party. / PHOTOS COURTESY OF ADAM STONE Adam Stone with Examiner Editor-in-Chief Martin Wilbur
THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 27 Securities offered through Cantella & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Cantella and Co., Inc. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. 2024 was a CRAZY YEAR! 845-628-5400 SFGtaxes.com | [email protected] 824 Route 6, Suite 4 | Mahopac, NY 10541 We can help make your taxes less crazy. MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 of the high school. The idea is to provide information, raise awareness, and to encourage the public to attend activities, programs, and events. Opportunities for family and community engagement at SMS include groups such as the PTA (Parent Teacher Association), SEPTA (Special Education Parent Teacher Association), SEF (Somers Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization that raises funds for projects that enhance educational experiences for students and staff), the No Place for Hate Committee, and MYP Parent Night. Somers High School According to the proposed SHS budget were expected to rise to $5.1 million from $5 million. (SHS has 153 employees.) Equipment and supplies costs would go down a bit to $234,446 from $241,975 and the service agreements/ other contractual line would rise to $423,899 from $406,783. The district has budgeted $6,122 for textbooks this year; next year it expects to spend $12,330. A decline in the number of participants in BOCES’ career and technical education programs, will reduce that budget line to $610,891 from $755,420. The grand total for 2025- 2026 is $16,420,766, a teensy bit up from 2024-2025’s $16,412,464. Programs and services expand at the secondary school level. A sampling of SHS’s include its Advanced Placement Program, AI teacher training, dual enrollment courses, IB World Schools Diploma Programme (grades 11-12); MYP (grades 9-10), music ensembles, drama productions, “pathways” in engineering/biomedical sciences/sciences, and Tusker 101, a class for freshmen that helps them transition to high school. Also highlighted was the district’s “Project Lead the Way,” which offers students specialized STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) curriculums. Pointing out that the state Education Department is proposing changes in requirements for high school diplomas, Rodrigues told the board that the “word for the evening” was “pathways.” The state plan is based on the work of the state’s blueribbon committee on graduation measures. It began studying equity in schools in 2019. One of the things that will happen -- if it’s approved – is that by the fall of 2027, students will no longer be required to pass Regents exams in math, English, science, and social studies, to graduate. Because of federal requirements, the exams would still be offered but they would become just one of several ways students can demonstrate proficiency in those subjects. Other proposed “transformations” include the adoption of a new state “portrait of a graduate” and the re-definition of credits. The high school’s numerous programs and services will help students “find multiple pathways to receiving their graduation credentials,” Rodrigues said. Social/emotional wellness is supported at the high school level with things such as college admissions counseling and support, career workshops, academic support, expanded athletic offerings, and youth mental health first aid. Global citizenship is encouraged through internships, cultural and heritage celebrations, senior experiences, and the MYP 10th grade personal project (now in its pilot phase). Family and community engagement is supported by the PTA, SEPTA, SEF, booster clubs, parent events, and principal’s coffees. Special Education The proposed special education budget is expected to rise to $7.8 million from the current $6.6 million. Broken down, the proposed allocation for central office staff salaries will increase to $886,941 from $841,118; equipment and supplies to $59,400 from $44,550; service agreements and other contractual obligations to $891,337 from $660,820; out-of-district tuition to $3.2 million from $2.5 million; and BOCES services to $2.7 million from $2.5 million. The central office staff consists of a director, an assistant director, the chair of the Committee on Special Education, and four office assistants. Special education teacher salaries are included in the budgets for each individual school, Elconin said. Students with IEPs (Individual Education Programs) have conditions such as a learning disability, speech or language impairment, and/ or physical health issues that impact their education. Autism accounts for a certain percentage of IEPs assignments as do intellectual, emotional, and/or “other” disabilities. Related services include counseling, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. The “continuum of services” offered range from the “least restrictive” – access to consultant teachers, participation in a resource room program – to the “most restrictive” – special classes and out-of-district or residential placements. Out-of-district placements occur when the student’s needs cannot be met within the SCSD. Next Up The next budget planning session is set for March 25. The board will summarize the budget and adopt it on April 22. The public hearing will take place on May 6 and the vote itself is set for May 20. BOE FROM PAGE 19
Opinion 118 N, Bedford Road, Suite 100 Mount Kisco, NY 10549 ©2025 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 28 – THE SOMERS RECORD MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 Quit kicking the can down the road Reform Social Security now or saddle our kids with a fiscal time bomb The ballooning debt may be the greatest existential threat to American life as we know it. It is, without question, an unacceptable burden to leave to our children and grandchildren. Sure, DOGE is finding waste and cost-cutting opportunities. But they’re small change relative to the problem. And the budget numbers being discussed now by Republican Congressional leaders will just continue to pile on more debt. It’s time that our nation’s leaders face our fiscal disaster and stop kicking the can down the road. We have amassed a $36 trillion debt, and it just keeps growing. The deficit for the 2024 fiscal year ending Sept. 30 was $1.8 trillion, despite low unemployment and solid economic growth. Back when I was born in 1949, federal government debt stood at $253 billion, and the budget was balanced, despite recession. When I reached 21 in 1970, the debt stood reasonably at $371 billion, up 47% in 21 years. When the first presidential Baby Boomer, Bill Clinton, reached the White House in 1993, the debt totaled $4.4 trillion, growing moderately to $5.7 trillion by the end of his 8-year tenure. Since then, though, it has exploded, growing over 700% in 24 years. Both parties’ leaders insist on a hands-off policy regarding Social Security and Medicare. To achieve any real fiscal progress, though, we shouldn’t categorize any expense areas as offlimits from scrutiny and reform, except unfortunately for the surging interest expense on debt that must be paid. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, defense and interest, combined, accounted for 72% of total fiscal 2024 federal government spending, consuming all federal tax revenues. Without program changes, demographics and financial market realities will continue to drive those expense buckets up still further. KEN FREEMAN GUEST COLUMNIST SEE FREEMAN PAGE 29 ‘Show me your papers’ A dangerous demand with a dark history “First they came for the Communists, and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist…” On Feb. 18, in a highly unusual turn, a Westchester County Board of Legislators meeting made international news when Congressman Mike Lawler asked the board’s vice chair, Jose Alvarado, whether he was a citizen. Alvarado, who is Latino, asked what ID papers people like him should carry to protect themselves when confronted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His question reflected the real experiences and valid fears of our shared constituents. Still, some dismissed his question as a “political stunt.” The real stunt was Lawler’s tone-deaf reply, through which he hoped to belittle my colleague’s experience. As Americans, we cannot and must not normalize asking residents in our streets for their papers. As a Jew with family who survived the Holocaust, I understand that, even today, asking most Jews to show their “papers” to prove citizenship would provoke anger, outrage and fear. As a student of history, and a neighbor of our local Antioch Baptist Church, a historic Black church, I also know that for the African American community, the long shadow of having to provide “papers” in order to travel, to vote, or to do just about anything, has not yet left. As someone who advocates for the LGBTQ+ community, I know that issues regarding “papers” for our trans citizens are equally fraught, especially now. And, as someone who lives in and represents a community rich with Hispanic immigrants, I am acutely aware that our Hispanic residents, including our citizens, are living in fear. In this same moment, the “Powers that Be” in Washington, D.C. want to disenfranchise potentially millions of Americans by narrowing the list of acceptable “papers” needed to register to vote or even update their registration. For the vast majority of Americans, HR-22 or the socalled Save Act, would mean many, including married women and our veterans, who have risked their life ERIKA PIERCE GUEST COLUMNIST SEE PIERCE PAGE 29
OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 29 Neal L Sullivan, CPA Joanne Cerbino Edy Schupp 421 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 845-628-9604 • www.callsullivan.com BUSINESS • UMBRELLA HOME • AUTO Call Us Anytime for Multiple Quotes Professional Care For Your Home Including: HOME WATCH • KEY-HOLDER CONCIERGE • HANDYMAN ~ Certified, Bonded, Insured ~ 914-763-5671 [email protected] Scan here for more info! MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 % of Fiscal 2024 Federal Government Expense Social Security - 20% Medicare - 16% Medicaid - 9% Since Social Security is the largest single government expense category, let’s take a hard look at some ideas for that program, beginning with some historical perspective. Back in 1971-73, Congress increased Social Security payouts three years in a row: +10% in 1971, +20% in 1972 and +11% in 1973. Automatic annual increases based on the cost-of-living index were then authorized by Congress beginning in 1975. During that period, there were far fewer Social Security recipients and longevity was less than today, limiting the immediate financial impact. By 1977, though, recognizing U.S. demographic realities -- increasing longevity as well as the eventual surge in Social Security recipients due to the 1946-1965 baby boom -- the Congressional Budget Office sounded the alarm. Social Security’s out-of-balance actuarial situation was clear. Unfortunately, our leaders have consistently chosen to ignore the alarm and kick the can down the road for almost 50 years. Average U.S. Longevity (Years) 1960 - 69.7 1970 - 70.4 1980 - 73.3 1990 - 74.9 Millions of U.S. Births 1935 - 2.377 1940 - 2.559 1946 - 3.411 1950 - 3.632 The actuarial imbalance is now growing worse, as average longevity has increased significantly for higher versus lower income Americans, and that difference is widening. Those receiving larger Social Security payments on average are receiving those payments a lot longer than their less affluent countrymen. Average Longevity by Income & Gender Income Tier Bottom 1% Top 1% Here are ideas that I hope will provoke productive debate on this issue The Medicare funding model, both through working years and then as a recipient, provides some conceptual nourishment for Social Security. Just as employers and employees today each contribute 1.45% of one’s compensation to Medicare, with no cap on the amount of taxed compensation, why can’t the 6.2% Social Security rate paid by both employees and their employers be applied to one’s total compensation as well? Today employees and their employers pay the 6.2% Social Security rate on earned income up to $176,100. The CEO earning $10 million reaches his or her Social Security tax cap in the first week of the year! Building further on the Medicare model, its recipients must pay an income-related monthly adjusted amount (IRMAA) for Medicare B once their Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) exceeds a specific level ($106,000 for single filers and $212,000 for joint filers in 2025, based on 2023 income). A variation of that approach for Social Security might be to reduce the Social Security payout for the highest income retirees, perhaps beginning to lower Social Security payments at the same MAGI levels or even at somewhat higher levels. The payout reductions could be scaled up gradually as MAGI increases, just as IRMA Medicare B costs are scaled up gradually. Such changes would leave Social Security tax contribution unchanged for 94% of all Americans (those whose work compensation does not exceed the $176,100 Social Security tax cap) and payouts untouched for the 92% of Americans who currently do not pay the Medicare IRMAA supplemental charges. This would protect middle class Americans during their working years and then those recipients who need and have come to rely on this program to maintain their standard of living in retirement. These suggested changes would undoubtedly upset many of those impacted. Nobody likes to pay more taxes or to receive less benefits. I understand the argument that, based on what someone paid into the system during their working years, they feel entitled to get every dollar coming to them based on the current program model. But the widening longevity gap between upper- and lowerincome Americans means that today’s most affluent Americans are receiving a longevitydriven windfall. I also understand local residents’ high cost of living challenge, which Congressman Mike Lawler points to in arguing for an increase in the SALT (State and Local Tax) deductibility cap. Ideally, reform specifics could reflect regional cost of living differences, just as Medicare payments to healthcare providers differ geographically. Perhaps in high cost of living areas like the New York metro area, there might be a range of employment compensation above the current $176,100 cap that is exempt from the Social Security tax, with the tax then kicking in at an appropriately higher compensation level. Similarly, perhaps the IRMAA-inspired idea of Social Security benefit reductions for those enjoying higher retirement income might begin at a higher income level in high cost of living areas. Most importantly, today’s federal deficit situation and the growing debt are unsustainable. Somebody must eventually pay the piper. For those of us who have most enjoyed the fruits of the American opportunity, it’s time to step up and sustain that opportunity for our children and grandchildren, not shoulder them with an impossible financial burden. Kenneth Freeman was one of the founders of Halston Media. He earned his MBA from Harvard University and served in leadership roles with several Fortune 500 corporations throughout his career. He recently co-authored the book, “Building Wealth Through Venture Capital,” which can be found on Amazon. Defense - 14% Interest - 13% Combined - 72% 2000 - 76.5 2010 - 78.2 2020 - 78.8 1955 - 4.097 1960 - 4.258 1965 - 3.760 Men Women 72.7 87.3 78.8 88.9 FREEMAN FROM PAGE 28 to support our country, will be hard pressed to prove they belong. This “Save Act” purports to address illegal voting by non-citizens. You can visit the conservative Heritage Foundation’s website to see just how very little of that we have in this country. Even the most casual students of history know this is a well-worn tool used in many of the worst episodes of world history. It is a tool designed to frighten and subjugate. It is a tool used by those who want to promote xenophobia. On the “mild end” of potential outcomes, we see a depression in voter turnout and people retreating to their homes. On the worst end, we see fascism. Now, no elected official can have the lived experience of every population group they represent, no matter how much of a melting pot we may be. Congressman Lawler is not Jewish, not Black, not Hispanic and not LGBTQ. That is not the issue. The question is whether he stands up for those in his constituency who are. And further, as a duly elected representative to Congress, whether he stands willing to protect our shared democracy. If you are not familiar with Martin Niemoller’s famous quotation, the beginning is up top. It ends with a cautionary tale, very appropriate for our time. “Then they came for me. And there was no one left to speak out for me.” Erika Pierce is a resident of Bedford and a Westchester County Legislator from District 2. PIERCE FROM PAGE 28
PAGE 30 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION Selling Something? Looking To Buy Something? Having An Event? Reach Thousands of our Readers at a Low Cost! [email protected] Email: NO OPTIONS debut AT GLEASON’S HIBERNATION IS OFFICIALLY OVER Saturday, March 15th- 9:00PM Civilized American Dining 23 S Division St, Peekskill, NY 10566 (914) 402-1950 NO OPTIONS MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 We won the lithium battery farm fight Dear Editor, One year ago, one of my neighbors stumbled across a small posted sign located at 24 Miller Road in Mahopac. Within several hours of researching, it was discovered that a large scale lithium battery facility was being proposed 200 feet from our homes. Neighbors quickly came together and formed a plan of action to fight this with everything we had! We drew up a petition, obtained an attorney, created a Facebook group, ordered lawn signs, attended many many board meetings, contacted every local elected official, held rallies and did tons and tons of research on lithium battery storage facilities. The more we researched, the more we learned about how dangerous these facilities truly were and the health risk to us and our families. We knew we had to keep fighting! And that’s what we did... for a full year... and here we are, one year later and we are happy to announce that at this time the energy company has rescinded its applications and the proposal is no longer on the table!! WE WON!!! A huge thank you to everyone who worked so hard and never gave up, you know who you are! This is a perfect example of the quote, “It takes a village,” and an amazing village is exactly what we have! Special thanks to the many elected officials who stood by us, visited our homes, wrote letters and supported us from the start. What you’ve done for us will not be forgotten! -Lisa Vanga, Baldwin place Electricity cost increases are ‘outrageous’ Dear Editor, It sometimes feels like the needs of the consumer are totally ignored while the CEOs of companies that provide services continue to enrich themselves. Such is the case at NYSEG and Con Edison, where the outrageous increases in charges to the homeowner for electricity are causing hardships. I recently received a bill from NYSEG and my charges were two times what they were the same month last year. Yes, it was a few degrees colder this January compared to last January, but that clearly did not account for doubling my energy bill. The rates have dramatically increased! I live in a community where most of the residents are in their golden years and are on fixed incomes. An increase like this is untenable for many. There is something wrong with our system when older residents have to put on sweaters, fleeces and heavy socks while indoors while the CEOs of these companies rake in tens of millions of dollars a year. I recently attended a meeting and our County Executive responded to a question from the audience about these outrageous electricity bills and said they were working on it. He added that with the additional expenses that the utilitiy companies recently had spent, they had to take care of their bottom line. Oh really? So a monopolistic entity is taking advantage of the consumer? Hmmm! It is my understanding that the Public Service Commission negotiates with the utility companies and the rates are set as a result of that negotiation. How about if the PSC just said “No!”? Maybe they just don’t grant an increase because the burden on the consumer is too much. According to figures published by the Energy Policy Council , the CEO of Avangrid, the parent company for NYSEG, was paid $10.7 million in 2023. The CEO of Con Edison was paid $16.7 million for the same period. I may be wrong, but I don’t think the people in those two households are putting on sweaters, fleeces and heavy socks this winter while indoors. Something needs to be done and if we continue to accept this as the new norm, we are in deep trouble. Where are our representatives who were elected to keep us safe and warm? Is anybody home? -Frank Tomasulo, Somers LETTERS Survival of the half-wittest Ever since the devastating wildfires that held California hostage for weeks, there has been much chatter about what you should take with you in the event that you have to quickly leave your home, not knowing if you’ll return. In a doomsday scenario, I’ve always been trained to do one thing before all else: panic. After a reasonable amount of time running around like a chicken with its head cut off, you need to quickly gather the things that are most important to salvage. You should have your important papers located in one place, hopefully in a fireproof lockbox. Birth certificates, passports, insurance papers, deeds and the combination to the lockbox. Consider taking sentimental things that you can’t replace. Many older photographs aren’t in digital form, so take an inventory of the pictures where you look better than everyone else. Keep your expensive jewelry together, hidden in a place where you’ll never find it in a million years. It might not be the expensive items that you take; I have an ugly tennis trophy that I hold onto to remind myself that I was once the only person who signed up for a tennis tournament, and when I grab it on my way out the door, my wife will say, “Well, at least that thing is finally out of the house.” Be practical. Remember the “one year” rule: If you haven’t used that 20-piece bar set in over a year, maybe it’s about time you dusted it off. Keep your wits about you. If you see a sign that says “Break in Case of Emergency,” it’s very good advice. Emergencies can be stressful, so take a 20-minute breather. CHANGE YOUR SMOKE ALARM BATTERIES! I can’t stress this enough, especially now that some states are doing away with Daylight Savings Time, which was when you used to be reminded to replace them. Instead, pick something else you do twice a year, like intending to clean your garage. A good flashlight is essential. One that has six or seven different modes, so that if you keep pressing the button, you can come up with a beam that’s not too bright, but not too dim, and flashes to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive.” It couldn’t do any harm to stick a Swiss army knife into the kit. There’s a lot of useful stuff on it, like a toothpick and tweezers, and some stuff that maybe is superfluous, knives and saws, and the like. If you see two people in a dire situation, who are you going to rescue first, the one with spinach in their teeth and eyebrows that look like the Amazon jungle? There are commercially made emergency backpacks that contain all sorts of useful items that you may not have thought about. A whistle, for instance, that you can blow if you’re in a life-threatening situation. Someone a mile away might hear it and say, “Jesus, that’s annoying.” A foldable shovel, in case you have to clear your car out of a snow squall, or perhaps dig a latrine. A latrine should be at least two feet deep, and at least RICK MELÉN MAN OVERBOARD SEE MELEN PAGE 32
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Established 1979 Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer WESTCHESTER 914-277-4229 • PUTNAM 845-278-2575 AS FEATURED ON FREE ESTIMATES AND FREE INSTALLATION DISCOUNTED BLINDS & SHADES VERTICAL-MINI BLINDS-SILHOUETTE SHUTTERS-WOOD BLINDS-VIGNETTE LUMINETTES-ROMAN BLINDS-VALANCES Shades Above the Rest for Home & Office SAVE AN ADDITIONAL $25 PER BLIND! www.westrockwindowdesigns.com Somers Resident COUPON MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 Musk’s DOGE slashes fat But entitlements are still the elephant The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE for short, has been causing lots of chatter lately. The new agency, led by the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, is on a mission to streamline the federal budget to get our country’s fiscal house in order. Government efficiency sounds like an obvious oxymoron, but it is a noble goal that is modestly popular if recent polls are to be trusted. A recent Economist/YouGov poll found that 42% view the department favorably and 38% unfavorably. What’s not to like about the concept? Assemble a team of nerd geniuses and apply cutting-edge AI and software to the federal government to streamline operations and cut fraud, waste and abuse. Trimming the fat of excess personnel in government bureaucracies is something that has been done in the private sector since the beginning of capitalism, whenever that was. I’m a fan of the concept, but the execution has been less than perfect. I wasn’t familiar with the Silicon Valley phrase “move fast and break things” until DOGE got started, but that is part of the process, evidently. Less chaos, more transparency, and a dash of compassion would improve the popularity of the program. So far, $100 billion in cuts have been identified, mostly from layoffs and the elimination of programs and contracts. Musk has set a target of $1 trillion by the end of October. The current federal budget is over $7 trillion, so a hundred billion dollars is a drop in the bucket. Without targeting the major drivers of the budget, his work is merely rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, when it comes to federal budget expenditures, are Medicaid and Medicare, Social Security, defense spending and interest on our rapidly growing debt. According to the Peterson Foundation, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid account for nearly 75 percent of mandatory spending. For the first time in our history, interest payments on our $36 trillion debt will soon exceed our total defense spending. There was a time when fiscally sensible politicians from both sides of the aisle would talk about the debt, the deficit and getting our fiscal house in order. But now, not so much. Any politician who hints at reforming these entitlement programs is immediately eviscerated and kicked to the curb. I just cashed my third Social Security check, so part of this budget discussion has become personal. As a friend of mine observed, “Getting that monthly check was like picking up another retainer client.” It’s a good feeling. But without changes, Social Security will be broke in 10 years. Since my current plans are to live longer than 10 years, I’m an advocate for reform. In 2010, President Obama did what any leader in a tough spot does—he formed a blue-ribbon advisory panel to give recommendations. He formed the SimpsonBowles Commission, formally known as the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. Their objective was to submit their final report to Congress for an up-ordown vote as long as they received 14 yes votes from the 18 commission members. They received 11. It failed. Since then, there hasn’t been much talk of fiscal reform. The commission’s recommendations for saving Social Security were fairly straightforward. • Gradually raise the retirement age. • Eliminate the income cap on Social Security taxes (currently set at $150,000). • Implement means testing, similar to Medicare, to reduce benefits for highnet-worth retirees. We could also adopt Australia’s model and allow payroll deductions to be invested in private accounts with actual returns— because right now, there’s no return on your Social Security taxes. When it comes to Social Security, the problem isn’t knowing what to do—the solutions are straightforward. What’s missing is the political will to take the first step. Although DOGE has its challenges, maybe it can be the conversation starter we need, provided both sides are willing to engage. At the very least, DOGE could start the conversation—if both sides are willing to have it. Isn’t that the least we should expect? DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
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Teach a man to fish, and after he wastes a whole day not catching anything, he’ll be angry that he didn’t take the fish instead. Another thing to consider is a crankoperated portable radio. Could you really call it “surviving” without the Yankees? A first aid kit is important to have with you at all times. I don’t know why there is not a second or third aid kit available for people like me, who are NOT punctual at all but still want to be able to weigh in with some helpful hints regarding lifesaving techniques. For example, in the event of a snake bite, I arrive at the scene about 20 minutes after the paramedics, and I feel I can still help but I need some questions answered quickly: “Okay. Where is the snake that’s allegedly been bitten?” Hopefully the crisis will abate, and you’ll be able to return to your home unscathed. But in the process, you will have made some valuable discoveries about the things that are really important to you. It’s better to make those difficult decisions before they are actually necessary, than to regret them after the fact. Was it more important to take your grandmother’s ring, even though it’s not worth much, or the box of Wheaties with Michael Jordan’s picture on it, SIGNED by Michael Jordan (yes, I really do have that)?! Your Grandmother is not going to like my answer, but in my defense, if we run out of food, how is that ring going to taste? Join Rick and No Options for their debut performance at Gleason’s in Peekskill, Saturday, March 15, at 9 p.m.! Say hello at rlife8@hotmail. com. MELEN FROM PAGE 30 Beyond the IQ score How to help your child succeed in school and in life Dear Dr. Linda, I’m writing this with tears in my eyes. My wife and I just came back from a meeting with a child psychologist. We went to her because our first-grader Jenny is struggling with all of school. The psychologist showed us her IQ and it was 83. She basically told us that even though Jenny is an adorable and sweet little girl, she will always struggle in school. Our hearts break because Jenny tries so hard and wants to succeed. What do we do? -Kevin Dear Kevin, To begin with, you need to understand something about the number on an IQ test. It is an average of a set of scores a person receives on individual subtests. Let’s say that there are 10 subtests on the IQ test Jenny was given. She may have scored in the average or above average range on eight of the tests, but on the other two, she scored in the very poor range. When the 10 subtests are averaged together, the tests in the very poor range will lower her general score. Therefore, the one number giving you Jenny’s IQ is not what you need to focus on. You need to ask the evaluator to see each subtest. This way you’ll learn in which areas Jenny is strong and in which areas Jenny is weak so that you can help her succeed. Secondly, you can wipe away yours tears because IQ is just one factor in a child’s success in school. Basic mental ability is only one factor for school success and beyond. Two other factors play important roles. I call my three-part success model “MOM.” Mental ability is the first M. The O stands for organization. Many children classified as gifted in terms of basic mental ability fail because they’re disorganized. These children come home from school with the assignment but forget the book. Or have the book but can’t find the assignment. They keep getting zeros because of missing homework. The second M in MOM stands for motivation. Lots of children with a high IQ DR. LINDA SILBERT STRONG LEARNING SEE DR. LINDA PAGE 33
OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 33 1 DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 4/30/2025. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or entry/patio door, get one (1) window or entry/patio door 40% off, and 12 months no money down, no monthly payments, no interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 2/1/2025 and 4/30/2025. Additional $200 off your purchase, minimum purchase of 4, taken after initial discount(s), when you purchase by 4/30/2025. 40% off windows and entry/ patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or entry/patio door in the order. Subject to credit approval. 12-month Promo Period: while no payments are due, interest accrues but is waived if the loan is paid in full before the Promo Period expires. Any unpaid balance owed after the Promo Period, plus accrued interest, will be paid in installments based on the terms disclosed in the customer’s loan agreement. Financing is provided by various financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. Available at participating locations and offer applies throughout the service area. See your local Renewal by Andersen location for details. License numbers available at renewalbyandersen.com/license. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. “Renewal by Andersen" and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of their respective owners. © 2025 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. RBA14301 Save on Windows and Doors! Minimum purchase of 4 – interest accrues from the date of purchase but is waived if paid in full within 12 months. Affordable Financing! NO Money Down, NO Monthly Payments, NO Interest for 12 months 40 1 % OFF Buy One, Get One YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE1 Take an Extra $ 200OFF AND AND ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS1 866-944-1728 Call by April 30 to schedule your FREE consultation. MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 fail in school because they’re not motivated. Parents spend their lives thinking of strategies they can use to motivate these kids. They ground their children, bribe them, or take things away until the grades go up. These strategies rarely help and end up creating an angry and continually unmotivated child. One father I know told his son he’d buy him a sports car if he’d get all As. When he got all A’s, the son got the sports car and then nearly failed the next year. The motivation to succeed had disappeared. Motivation comes from within. Some kids are motivated to do well in school and others aren’t. Your daughter will do just fine if she has a positive feeling of self-worth, which comes from you. Children’s selfesteem depends on how they think their parents feel about them. If Jenny thinks you believe she can’t succeed, her feeling of self-worth will drop. She’ll struggle even more. If she feels you think she’s great and are proud of her, she’ll succeed. This is true for children whatever their IQ. Try these suggestions: • Be sure Jenny is receiving the appropriate education. All children deserve an education based on their needs. Meet with her teachers, the school psychologist, counselor or social worker, and the principal. Have her tested for learning disabilities. Ask that she be placed in special classes to help her succeed at her level of ability. • Listen to Jenny. If she complains she doesn’t understand what the teacher says, ask her to be more specific. Avoid statements like, “That’s because you weren’t listening,” or “Don’t worry about it. That’s too hard for you.” Once you know what she’s missing, you can help her or ask the teacher for clarification. • Engage Jenny in learning. Talk with her about what she’s learning. Have conversations. Relate what she’s learning to concrete examples she’ll understand. Encourage her to draw pictures of what she’s learning. Make learning fun and interesting. Play learning games. If the level seems too high, teach her at a lower level. Best wishes for a happy, successful rest of the school year. -Dr. Linda DR. LINDA FROM PAGE 32
PAGE 34 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION NO NEWS... 1. Clip the short form on the page 2. Fill out the information. 3. Mail it to P.O. Box 864, Mahopac, NY 10541 4. Or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com 5. Or Scan our QR Code to Subscribe. We need you to subscribe. It’s FREE & It’s Easy! is NOT necessarily good news! # Please print your first and last names and address legibly, sign and date (all required to continue receiving your subscription to this newspaper). YES, I wish to receive a FREE 3-year subscription to 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 MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 Tax cuts vs. public service employees The tough choice facing Congressman Lawler BY JARED R. FRANCIS GUEST COLUMNIST Congressman Mike Lawler has some big decisions to make in the next few months. In addition to mulling a potential gubernatorial run, Rep. Lawler will play a key role in negotiations over the upcoming budget and spending bills. To maintain his moderate image, he’ll need to prove he can stand up to his party’s unwavering commitment to cutting taxes on the wealthy at the expense of fiscal responsibility and the best interests of his constituents. A key aspect of President Trump’s remake of the GOP is their abandoning of the party’s ongoing attempts to cut Medicare and Social Security. However, this commitment has always been in tension with their desire to continually slash taxes for the wealthiest Americans and corporations. In 2017, Republicans threaded this needle by passing a deficit-financed tax bill. At the time, inflation and interest rates were low, and the economy was still recovering from the Great Recession, so the rationale for this approach had some logic to it. Today’s economy is different, yet Republicans still prioritize tax cuts without a plan to pay for them. Don’t be fooled by the actions of Elon Musk and his team at DOGE—the real drivers of federal spending are our military, health care and retirement programs, and neither political party has an appetite for major reforms in these areas. This brings us back to Rep. Lawler and his colleagues in the House. Much attention has been paid to the cap on SALT—a result of the 2017 tax cut bill—that has negatively impacted New Yorkers. New York Congressional Republicans failed to get their GOP colleagues on board with providing relief to New Yorkers, and it remains to be seen if they’ll be successful in this round of negotiations. Now, Republicans are targeting domestic programs to offset tax cuts, many of which will harm Lawler’s constituents. A recent memo from the Republican-controlled House Ways and Means Committee identified the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF) as a target for dramatic cuts in their upcoming budget. Established during the Bush administration, PSLF incentivizes Americans to pursue public service careers by offering student loan forgiveness after 10 years of payments. Currently, teachers, law enforcement officers, health care professionals and other public servants are eligible to receive this forgiveness, as long as they remain committed to careers in public service. Many of these jobs require advanced education, and with today’s affordability crisis, PSLF is essential to keeping talented professionals in public service instead of losing them to more lucrative private sector jobs. The proposed cuts to the PSLF program would be a disaster for communities like Yorktown. According to recent data, in Yorktown where I live, over 30% of Yorktown residents work in education, health care or public safety. In 2023, New Yorkers were overrepresented among PSLF recipients relative to national trends. Meanwhile, other data suggest that school districts, health care facilities and other public service agencies are struggling to attract and retain talent. An essential part of making our communities and government work is not just ensuring that they operate efficiently, but also ensuring that the nurse who sees your sick mom is experienced, that the people who keep us safe are able to provide for their families, and that our teachers can afford to live in the communities they serve. Newly confirmed Education Secretary Linda McMahon pledged to continue implementing PSLF as is because “it’s the law,” but her statements should give little comfort to public servants, as Congressional Republicans have made it clear that they intend to change the law as part of their efforts to offset the costs of cutting taxes on wealthy Americans. I reached out to Rep. Lawler’s office to see if he would fight to protect the PSLF program. Unfortunately, the letter I received from his office made no mention of PSLF or how the proposed cuts to the program would impact his constituents. Rep. Lawler’s eyes may be turning towards Albany, but first, he must prove he can stand up for the communities in his district. Jared Francis is a Yorktown resident and a school district administrator in New York City.
THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 35 Call for your FREE consultation today 293 Route 100 Suite 209 Somers, NY (914) 277-1111 www.BBOsmiles.com WE DON'T JUST CREATE AWESOME SMILES... WE INSPIRE THEM! Our friendly board-certified orthodontic specialists treat patients of all ages! We have an incredible team that works hard to make your braces/Invisalign experience amazing. DR. BRIDGHAM DR. BARR MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 YOUTH FOCUS Is your child’s Scout Troop working on a community service project? Did their team bring home a championship? Is there a youth program you would like to recognize or an upcoming event we should know about? We want to hear from you! In this special section we aim to highlight the youth of our community, including sports, Scouting, and any other programs or events affiliated with the school district. Please send photos and story ideas to [email protected]. Youth Focus is proudly sponsored by our friends at Bridgham Barr Orthodontics, located at 293 Route 100 in Somers. Learn more at www.bbosmiles.com Members of Somers High School’s new Computer Science Club. / PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI Gianni Bernardi and Giuseppe Arena Somers Computer Science Club aims to inform and grow BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Giuseppe Arena has been taking apart computers since he was four years old. “I love modifying things, making games run like new and altering things,” said the Somers High School Junior. “It’s fun.” So he figured there must be like minded students among him and over lunch one day he did something about it. Sitting down with Gianni Bernardi, the duo put the inspiration in play by starting the Somers Computer Science Club in January. Now every week at lunch five to ten kids gather to take a byte or two out of the digital world. Still in the early stages, Arena and Bernardi lead the discussion on topics like the makeup of computers, the future of AI, and his favorite topic, Cyber Security. “I do like informing people of what they should and shouldn’t be cautious about online,” Arena said. So on one side, there’s phishing, scam calls and dangerous links to side step, while on the other, sleep shouldn’t be lost over the glut of security hysteria. “There’s a lot of misinformation,” he said, and getting together means growing awareness. Of course, Bernardi is on board and does so with software in mind. His area of disinformation : Artificial Intelligence. AI, a buzz word the media throws around, he acknowledges the advances made, and the crucial role the emerging technology represents. But humans will always be needed to innovate. “As it stands, a computer can’t build something that hasn’t been done before,” said the junior. Good programmers aren’t going to lose their jobs either, and while programs do exist to assist coders, Bernardi prefers taking care of the nitty gritty himself. And he knuckles down with good reason. “I think it’s like magic. How someone can start with an idea, sit down, work out the math, and then at the end of the day, you end up with a tool that can be used.” The proof coming on the scroll of right answers across the screen, the moment amounts to a drug that he doesn’t want to stop taking. “It’s the most rewarding feeling in the world,” Bernardi revealed. “I spend a lot of my time trying to chase that high.” On the other hand, Bernardi is finding a lot of students are not interested in that type of inebriation. “After taking our AP computer science class, they are fed up, and are like, nah I’m good,” he joked. Still, the class is where most of the club members come from, and engagement keeps them coming back. “We have created a space to answer questions and share ideas,” said Bernardi. The founders provide an important baseline, though. “We both have our own unique strengths. So we can teach people a lot,” said Arena. Unfortunately, the club is not in position to be a springboard to actual projects. The interest in that type of effort does not exist yet, according to Bernardi. Even so, he’s proud of the foundation that has been laid and where the bedrock will lead. “Our hope is to establish a platform where the next me and Giuseppe will be able to hit the ground running,” he concluded. Follow them on Instagram at somerscompsciclub We have created a space to answer questions and share ideas.’ Gianni Bernardi
Sports PAGE 36 – THE SOMERS RECORD MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 WRESTLING Ball takes 6th at states BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER After taking second in the Section One Tournament, Ryan Ball qualified for his third consecutive appearance at the State Wrestling Championships in Albany. Success by any measure, the junior’s motivation for the two-day affair was partly driven by failure and a defining photo. “My mom took a picture at the states last year of me in my uniform. Standing in front of that empty podium, it haunted me all the last offseason,” Ball revealed. “So that was my goal. To get on that podium somewhere and tell myself and the rest of the state that I am a worthy AllState wrestler.” On Feb. 28 and March 1, the Tusker made good. He reached the semis and finished the tournament in 6th place. Of course, he had to get ready, and while studying plenty of film, Ball didn’t just kick back with the remote. Getting his endurance up, he said, “I needed to train differently and have a mindset where you feel you can dominate and push through no matter who your opponent is or the situation.” The number two seed was the first to fall prey when Ball pinned Jacob Hanlon of Averill Park at 2:57. One down, Brayden Kellison of Williamsville North was next, and a 15-11 decision meant the final four for the Tusker. On a roll, Ball still had no illusions. “Every kid is a hammer,” he assured, and the reality goes even when the last matchup went your way. The 131-pounder beat Matthew McDermott in the tournament last year and revealed the problem. “Any time you wrestle someone more than once, the mystery is gone,” said Ball. So he wasn’t feeling super confident. “My mindset wasn’t great, and during the match, I didn’t work as hard as I should have. I felt down on myself, and questioning why I was there,” Ball said. Matthew McDermott took advantage, and Ball made a tactical mistake early. “I stuck my head somewhere that he could lock a cradle,” lamented the grappler. In 50 seconds the match was over, and then there was carryover in the subsequent rounds. “I just tried to wrestle and stay focused. But when I lost the semi-final match, that really stuck with me, because I let the opportunity slip.” The result was what he calls a semi-slide. “Where you win the quarterfinal match, then lose the semifinals and then lose the fifth and sixth place match,” he said. Of course, the lesson here was self-explanatory. “My mindset needs to be stronger, because sometimes when facing state-ranked or nationally ranked kids, I overthink it,” Ball explained. “So instead of worrying, I just need to wrestle.” Ball also expressed the long view of the learning curve. “Losses are part of the journey, and you learn to reflect on them, push through and work even harder toward your goal,” Ball clarified. Just as important, Ball remembered to take stock. “I was proud of myself. All the tough training, sessions with my dad, the times cutting weight, running on the treadmill and doing extra privates with my coach - it all felt worth it,” Ball assured. Always left to go out there by himself like every wrestler, Ball understands his success is not a solo act and puts his dad at the top of the list. “He always helps me, pushes me and introduced me to the sport of wrestling. ‘The family business,’ he’s also the money man who makes sure I get all my privates, private camps and competitions. Plus, he has sacrificed a lot of his personal time and quit coaching high school wrestling, which he loved,” Ball said. Dad wasn’t the only one in the house making a difference either. Aside from “washing thousands of pounds of dirty laundry,” keeping track of his schedule and preparing all the snacks and meals, mom keeps him positive and is a constant no matter the outcome. “She’s always there with a hug and a kiss,” the grateful son beamed. One more, his sister played the crucial, covert part that every wrestler needs. “Kaylee - she helps me sneak food when I need it - even when I’m not supposed to eat,” big brother joked. His biggest cheerleader breaking protocol, Ball still had plenty of support among the local wrestling establishment. Empire Wrestling Academy and KD Trained provided the outside instruction, while the four-month season had Somers in the lead. “Thank you to Coach Ron DiSanto, Andrew Gross and Marc Hattem for providing everything I need to be a successful wrestler and a positive role model for the Somers Wrestling Program,” said Ball. The All-Stater also wanted to thank youth coach Tom Mauro and Roman Catalino for bringing him up as an eighth grader. Not done, the biggest contingent is hard to miss and speaks loudly in one voice, according to the wrestler. “The Somers Wrestling family - the athletes and all the parents who have supported me, have my back and loved me unconditionally,” concluded Ball. “I hope I can continue to make you proud.” Somers hopes to learn from final four defeat BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Saturday March 8, Somers suited up for the semifinals of the Tri County Basketball League at the House of Sports in Ardsley, after earning the berth with a 59-54 victory over New Castle the week before. “We were locked in,” said Ryan McDonough, and the turn had the ball moving, the defense syncing and the shots falling down. But Mount Vernon on the Saturday bracket was another matter. “This game we played scared,” said Dylan Violante, and the 55-30 defeat showed the fear. So did the size, speed and strength of the Knights. “We’re not used to it,” conceded Ryan McDonough . Still, the game began on the level, and Chris Colin started where he left off in the quarterfinals. Turning a steal in the final minute into a fast break basket that sealed the victory, the center hit a jumper in the paint, and after Ty Urgo scored a layup, Colin got inside for a 6-6 game with 3:40 left in the first. Time out for Mount Vernon, Robert Johnson calmly responded with a triple, but Owen Gannon drew a charge to slow the works for Somers. Unfortunately, the Tuskers countered with a turnover and Jace Emanuel’s jumper in the paint set Somers up for their last gasp. Colin received inside from Gannon and the big’s postup made it 11-8. 47 second left in the first, Mt Vernon Ball made his third consecutive appearance at the state championships in Albany. / PHOTOS: CHRIS BALL SEE BASKETBALL PAGE 37 Dean Klatsky / PHOTO: RICH MONETTI
MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 SPORTS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 37 PHOTO COURTESY OF SOMERS TUSKERS BOOSTER CLUB Top Tusker toss! Congratulations to Chuck Sullivan who recently took home the New York State championship in the Weight Throw event! Sullivan tossed for a personal best of 73’9”, setting a new Section One record in the process. TRACK & FIELD Welcome to ‘The Whip,’ a lash across Halston-area schools Welcome to ‘The Whip,’ which takes a deep dive into some of the student athletes and sports programs at the local high schools covered within the Halston Media Group, including Mahopac, Yorktown, Somers, John Jay, North Salem and Fox Lane. There have been many student athletes who have opened our eyes since the start of school last September, but Yorktown senior Kaden Gonzalez, a two-sport AllSection sensation, is, indeed, a rare breed. Gonzo, among the finest quarterbacks in Husker history last fall, recently propelled Yorktown – as the Huskers’ go-to guard – to its third straight Section 1 Final 4 hoops appearance at the fabled Westchester County where the Huskers were denied – by Rye – a chance to win their first Section 1 championship since 1971. Gonzalez, the league MVP, finished with a team-high 18 points in his final varsity game. “Kaden makes everyone around him better,” Husker hoop Coach Mark Pavella said of Gonzalez, who averaged 19.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.5 APG and 1.3 steals on the year. “He has elevated his game each season. He is a leader who has the respect of his teammates. Whenever the moment was big, he always stepped up and played his best. We will miss coaching him, and look forward to following his future in college.” Thanks for the memories, Gonzo. Sidenote: Husker senior teammate Ryan Duffy was recently named to the Section 1 Court of Excellence for achievements on and off the court. He was also joined by Lakeland senior standout Oban Rader. Somers, by its lofty standards, didn’t have a monster winter campaign, but they did see Section 1 champion Haylie Donovan blaze a personal best 38.85 in the 300-meter race at the Section 1 girls’ track and field finals, which was more than enough to qualify for the state tournament while running the fifth best time in Section 1 history. “Haylie is truly one of a kind, and we couldn’t be prouder,” Somers Coach Micahel Lacko said. Tusker Kiera Cleary joined her at states in the 600 after placing second overall at 1:37. Additionally, Somers junior grappler Ryan Ball, as driven as they come, took sixth place at the NYS wrestling championships and now knows what he needs to work on and get atop the podium in 2026. Here’s the thing about Somers: Don’t put it past the Tuskers – with the 2025 reclassification of classes – to challenge for the Section 1 Class C boys’ lacrosse championship with Notre Damebound Somers senior Miguel Iglesias firing from all angles. ‘Iggy’ is a special talent, and he has a surplus of capable teammates to challenge the likes of John Jay CR, reigning champion Rye and the rest of Class C this spring. Lacrosse season can’t come quick enough, just ask twotime reigning Section 1 Class B champion Yorktown and 2024 Class C finalist John Jay CR. Before we move on to spring, though, we must recognize the fact that the Mahopac girls’ hoops team reached the Section 1 Class AA semifinals at the County Center before falling to stateranked (No.1) Walter Panas last Tuesday. The fact that the youthful Wolf Pac hung with the 2023 state champion and 2024 state runner-up Panthers through halftime is all one needs to know about their future. Despite losing senior stalwart Caily Salon, who led by both example and excellence as an absolute monster in the paint, the Wolf Pac have a mega-bright future should they put the work in and find a fixture to replace Salon. “Caily had a great, breakthrough year,” Mahopac Coach Jason Conklin said of his leader, who averaged 17.5 PPG and 9 RPG. “She has been someone we know we can go to for offense any given night and has been a great team leader and captain.” Based on what just happened this winter, it’s impossible to ignore Fox Lane senior grappler Alex Berisha, who was recently crowned the NYSPHSAA 215-pound champion. This is a kid you can’t help but root for, according to Coach Anthony ‘A-Rod’ Rodrigues. “Alex is a great leader, selfless and patient, willing to help anyone,” the coach said. “Never a single day of drama, always in a good mood, whether winning or losing, he never wavered, and he’s a tireless worker.” A three-year captain, the Fox Lane standout completed a 22-2 senior season, winning his third Section 1 title before the state crown, and then recently secured the Con Ed Award for excellence in and out of the classroom, so yeah these are fast times at Fox Lane High for the amiable Berisha… On a tremendously sad note, Yorktown senior Rocco Lore and his family have been to hell and back in recent days. Not only did Rocco and his brothers lose their dad in late Feb., but Rocco, a two-sport sensation who had qualified for the NYSPHSAA wrestling tournament as the 285-pound Section 1 champ, was recently admitted to the hospital and is currently in the ICU battling a serious and yet undiagnosed illness with complications from a chest infection that held him out of the state tournament. Folks have stepped up in Yorktown, like they always do, to take care of their own and a GoFundMe page has been set up at Fundraiser by Dominick Ricciardi : Help Support The Lore Boys. On yet another sad note, Drew Boniface, a multi-sport student-athlete at John Jay High School, was recently involved in a ski accident that resulted in a devastating spinal cord injury, which has left him hospitalized and labeled as quadriplegic. Please help the family out if possible at Fundraiser by For Drew Boniface : Help Fund Drew’s Recovery. Sorry to end on such sad notes, but I hope you enjoyed reading the initial version of ‘The Whip’ as much as I enjoyed composing it. Ray Gallagher DIRECT RAYS Chris Colin / PHOTO: RICH MONETTI began putting the screws by applying the full court press. “There were big guys all over the court,” lamented Gannon. Somers was unable to keep their offense moving, and Mount Vernon showed no mercy with all the ensuing turnovers. The Knights scored the next 18 points, and all the seventh graders could do was look back on the difficulties that the pressure created. “We really got to move the ball better and have our heads up,” said Gannon. Nonetheless, the onslaught did not negate the long lead up, according to Coach Chris Violante. “This is the best season we’ve had,” said Violante. 13-2 and the final four in the AA bracket, he credits the kids for leading the coaching staff. “They’re competitors. They really want to win. It really makes us - Jason Klatsky, me and Mike Evers - put in our best effort. So we can get them to the next level of success,” asserted Violante. Of course, the loss was not the ending he and the team wanted, but defeat can still serve as a teacher. “Hopefully, it makes them hungry so they want to come back next year, get back to the final four and win a championship,” Violante concluded. BASKETBALL FROM PAGE 36
PAGE 38 – THE SOMERS RECORD LEISURE CROSSWORD SUDOKU 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! CLUES ACROSS 1. Take heed 5. One’s superior 9. Prepped meat 11. Tighten anew 13. Type of textile fiber 15. Animalistic 16. When you hope to get somewhere 17. Offender 19. Former NYC mayor Ed 21. Type of cryptocurrency 22. Mauna __, Hawaiian volcano 23. Herring-like fish 25. Popular PBS program 26. Congressman (abbr.) 27. Flightless Australian birds 29. Defrosted 31. Prior Yankee sensation Kevin 33. Nasal mucus 34. Some are southern 36. A place to construct 38. Popular beer brand 39. Shouts of farewell 41. Network of nerves 43. Make a mistake 44. Showed old movie 46. Body parts 48. A divisor 52. Congressional investigatory body 53. Papers 54. Most unnatural 56. Judge the worth of something 57. Makes sounds while sleeping 58. Which 59. Hungarian Violinist CLUES DOWN 1. Pages 2. Head pain 3. A loud utterance 4. Large brown seaweed 5. Hulu’s chef Carmine 6. Greek mountain 7. Made final 8. Bar 9. Tai subgroup 10. What you eat 11. Teaches again 12. Small constellation 14. Type of berry 15. Cows fattened for meat 18. A way to hoof it 20. Exaggerated a role 24. About two 26. Long upholstered seat 28. What employees earn 30. Fiber from a coconut husk 32. Digits 34. Polish by rubbing 35. Liquid body substances 37. Furniture with open shelves 38. Edible part of a chicken 40. Satisfy 42. Tool used to remove 43. Icelandic poems 45. Swiss village 47. Drunks 49. Evergreen plant genus 50. Light precipitation 51. Ribosomal ribonucleic acid 55. An informal debt instrument For puzzle solutions, please see theparamountrehab.com MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 Warm up with a good breakfast Breakfast has long been touted as the most important meal of the day. After individuals spend several hours sleeping, breakfast refuels their bodies and prepares them to tackle the day ahead. People on the go may not have a lot of time to enjoy breakfast, which means they may grab something quick and not always so healthy. But a filling, hot breakfast provides enough sustenance and nutrients to last until lunch. Such is the case with “Green Chile Breakfast Burritos” from “Taste of Home Healthy Cooking Cookbook” (RDA Enthusiast Brands, LLC) by the Taste of Home Kitchens. Green Chile Breakfast Burritos Makes 6 servings • 6 eggs • 3 egg whites • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced • Dash cayenne pepper • 4 breakfast turkey sausage links, casings removed • 3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend • 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles, drained • 6 whole wheat tortillas (8 inches), warmed • 6 tablespoons salsa 1. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, egg whites, jalapeño and cayenne; set aside. 2. Crumble sausage into a large skillet; cook over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain. Push sausage to the sides of pan. Pour egg mixture into center of pan. Cook and stir until set. Sprinkle with cheese and chiles. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand until cheese is melted. 3. Place 1/3 cup mixture off center on each tortilla. Fold sides and end over filling; roll up. Top with salsa.
CLASSIFIEDS PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF 02/27/25 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 39 Tag/Garage/Estate Sale? Call: 914-302-5628 or email [email protected] 25 words/5 papers/$55 total* *This is the cost for base ad. Additional add-ons are extra. Call us to place your upcoming sale in our Classifieds! Looking To Hire? Help Wanted? Reach Thousands of our Readers at a Low Cost! [email protected] or Call: 914-302-5628 Email: MARCH 13, 2025 - MARCH 26, 2025 CASH PAID FOR ALL JEWELRY! Estate Jewelry Costume Jewelry Handbags Watches Perfumes Vintage Clothing Books Furs Religious Medals CAROL: 914-261-6464 PUBLIC NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Somers, Westchester County, New York will conduct a Public Hearing on March 18, 2025 at 7:30 P.M. at the Somers Town House, 335 Route 202, Somers, New York, 10589 on the application of Aurora Montesano for a Special Exception Use Permit. The property included in this application is located in an R-80 Residential District at 2682 Route 35, Katonah and is known and shown on the Town Tax Map as Section: 37.20, Block: 1, Lot: 4. All persons having any interest in the application are invited to attend and will be given an opportunity to be heard. Application details can be found at www.somersny.com under Meetings and Agendas. BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VICTOR CANNISTRA, CHAIRMAN Denise Schirmer, Secretary March 6, 2025 PUBLIC NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Somers, Westchester County, New York will conduct a Public Hearing on March 18, 2025 at 7:30 P.M. at the Somers Town House, 335 Route 202, Somers, New York, 10589 on the application of Teresa Casola for a Special Exception Use Permit. The property included in this application is located in an R-80 Residential District at 12 Hageman Court, Katonah and is known and shown on the Town Tax Map as Section: 48.09, Block: 1, Lot: 19. All persons having any interest in the application are invited to attend and will be given an opportunity to be heard. Application details can be found at www.somersny.com under Meetings and Agendas. BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VICTOR CANNISTRA, CHAIRMAN Denise Schirmer, Secretary March 6, 2025 Notice of Formation of Don’t Fret Productions, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 2/18/25. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom processes may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Pete Scholes, 260 Jay St., Katonah, NY, 10536. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. Notice of Formation of Hometown Hackers LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 11/08/2024. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to THE LLC 20 PINE RD BEDFORD HILLS, NY 10507. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. Notice of Formation of Lantern Path Solutions, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with NY Secy of State (SSNY) on 1/6/25. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 79 Harris Rd, Katonah, NY 10536. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of Formation of APATZ INVESTORS LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 1/08/25. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 16 Eastview Drive, Valhalla, NY 10595. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. Notice of Formation of GLD3, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 04/20/2006. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to CT Corporate System 111 Eight Ave, New York, NY 10011. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. NOTICE OF FORMATION OF Nola Scott and Co. LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/11/22. Offc. loc: WESTCHESTER Cty. SSNY desig. agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC to 91 Coligni Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10801. Purpose: any lawful activity. Notice of the formation of Gypsy Soul Tours, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/2/2025. Office Location, Westchester County. SSNY designated as an agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Gypsy Soul Tours, LLC, 53 Church Street, Bedford Hills, NY 10507. Purpose: any lawful purpose. Notice of Formation of Lighthouse Property Ventures, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 1/2/25. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Lighthouse Property Ventures, 310 Palisades Boulevard, Sleepy Hollow NY 10591. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. Notice of Formation of Wogies Katonah, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/30/24. 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 156 Katonah Ave, Katonah NY 10536. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice of Formation of Words by Ferg, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/23/2024. 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 Words by Ferg, LLC, 5 High Meadows Road, Mount Kisco, NY, 10549. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 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