North Salem News 07.08.21

North Salem’s only weekly newspaper mailed to every home and business.

Vol. 7 No. 16 Visit TapIntoNorthSalem.net for the latest news. Thursday, July 8, 2021

Coaching quarrel Arts Fest draws crowds
cleared up to Croton Falls

BY CAROL REIF 1,500 guests attend inaugural event
STAFF WRITER
BY CAROL REIF folks who pulled it all together: Libby
In response to a public outcry in re- STAFF WRITER Parker and Tom Christopher of Lift
Trucks; Jill Leary and Bracken Feldman,
gard to Andy Pelosi’s status as girls JV North Salem’s very rst ne arts festival owner and manager of Railroad Arts Stu-
got its baptism, if not in re, than in rain. dio respectively; and many volunteers.
soccer coach, Superintendent Dr. Ken-
e fact that o and on showers couldn’t It took a town to raise awareness about
neth Freeston explained the North Sa- keep the crowds away feels like proof that Croton Falls’ amenities.
there’s a real “hunger” for such events, said
lem Central School District’s obliga- organizers. Councilman Martin Aronchick and
Richard Brooker, of the duo Chick’s Can-
tion to New York State labor law in an According to Libby Parker of Lift dy Store, played guitar all afternoon. e
Trucks Gallery, the show drew close to folks from the Academy of Sacred Drama
interview last Friday. 1,500 people — more than three times the performed. e Lions Club donated their
number expected. speaker system.
Freeston categorically denied accusa-
Held in Croton Falls on Saturday, June Without the past e orts of other volun-
tions that the decision not to reappoint 26, it featured a potpourri of painters, pot- teers there wouldn’t have been such a nice
ters, sculptors, glassblowers, jewelry mak- green space to hold the fest.
Pelosi, a former school board trustee, as ers, milliners, wood-turners, musicians, and
purveyors of crystals and other goods for e gazebo was donated by the North
coach had anything to do with Pelosi’s creative spirits. Salem Open Land Foundation, which also
provided the manpower to plant shrubs
vote not to extend the superintendent’s e artists and artisans themselves were donated by Hardscrabble Farms.
thrilled with the turnout.
contract for another year. e mulch and topsoil had been donated
By all accounts fest visitors also contrib- by Hardscrabble Supply. Boy Scouts con-
Soccer parents, players and others JV soccer coach Andy Pelosi uted a lot of money to the nearby mom and structed the four raised ower beds there
teamed up ursday to confront the pops’ cash registers. for a pollinator garden.

Board of Education over what they wife, Lulu, on ursday, July 1. Rumor has it that the hamlet’s sidewalks e fence came from the Lions Club.
were packed and one eatery got so many e little park is only one piece in North
claimed was a lack of transparency and Lulu Pelosi, who goes by her name customers that it ran out of ice cream. Salem’s vision for bringing Croton Falls
back to the vibrant community it once was.
communication in the process. Luisa Kroll in her professional capac- It was just a short stroll from the com- According to Lucas, the town has been
muter parking lot to the fest site at Gazebo given a $125,000 grant to improve the
Pelosi, who decided this spring not ity, hadn’t intended to speak up at the Park. Fears about tra c overwhelming the
hamlet appear unfounded. SEE ARTS FEST PAGE 7
to seek a third term on the board, has meeting, but felt compelled to express
Supervisor Warren Lucas thanked the
coached girls JV soccer for two years. her frustration with the situation “on

He has been coaching elsewhere in the record.”

town for another dozen. Pelosi said she found it strange that

According to his supporters, Pelosi the bad news arrived while the district’s

was led to believe that his reappoint- athletic director, Denise Kiernan, and

ment was in the bag. Middle School/High School Principal

He had already undergone the man- Vincent DiGrandi, were both on vaca-

datory training — at his own expense tion.

— when he was informed by email that SEE PELOSI PAGE 6
that was no longer the case, said his

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BALANCED ROCK 2 EXPRESSIONS
BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 19
CLASSIFIEDS 18 Artists at work
LEGAL NOTICES 18 pg 10-11
LEISURE 17
OBITUARIES
OPINION 4
SPORTS 8
16

Page 2 – North Salem News BALANCED ROCK Thursday, July 8, 2021

North Salem under the tent, re depart- at 914-274-7206.  back a pocket constitution. Also,
please follow us daily on Face-
The Staff Historical Society ment burning house, games in North Salem book to keep up with Repub-
the eld, 19th century cloth- licans issues at @North Salem
Republicans. If you want to con-
EDITORIAL TEAM STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL ing display, and outstandingly Democratic tact us, please email us at north-
TOM WALOGORSKY Sunday, July 11 from 1 - 4 delicious strawberry shortcake. Committee [email protected]
EDITOR: 914-302-5830 In addition, learn more about
[email protected] p.m. Volunteers needed. ere are CONSTITUTION OLYMPICS
Join us on the grounds of e  Great Historic Lego Con- a few open seats on the town
ADVERTISING TEAM test. Learn how to build and committee and the Democrats A good knowledge of civics
PAUL FORHAN the White Elephant, 81 Keeler enter your local landmark. For would love to have some new
Lane, for an afternoon of fun: more information, email north- volunteers come forward. It’s a is the foundation to keeping our
(914) 806-3951 a mini horse petting zoo, pony salemhistoricalsociety@gmail. great way to meet new people
[email protected] rides from 2-3:30 p.m., crafts com or contact Cynthia Curtis and be involved in who and republic. How well do you know
what shapes our community. If,
BRUCE HELLER your Constitution? We will post
(914) 486-7608
[email protected] a daily question on our website

LISA KAIN at northsalemrepublican.com

(201) 317-1139 on the other hand, you may be asking a question concerning the

[email protected] interested in serving on a town Constitution. e answer should
CORINNE STANTON committee or board, we suggest
(914) 760-7009 you keep an eye on the town’s be emailed daily to northsalem-
website, northsalemny.org, and
[email protected] send an inquiry to the town [email protected]. e
JAY GUSSAK clerk, mhlushko@northsalemny.
org. Vacancies are listed on the persons with the most right an-
(914) 299-4541 town website. Contact us at P
[email protected] O Box 525, North Salem, NY swers will win nice prizes from

JENNIFER CONNELLY 1st to 4th places on August 1.
(917) 446-7757
[email protected] Ruth Keeler
Memorial Library
SHELLEY KILCOYNE 10560 or northsalemdemocrat-

(914) 924-9122 [email protected]. e Keeler Library is open
[email protected] for browsing, computer use, and
North Salem reading! For more information,
GABRIELLE BILIK Republican Town visit www.ruthkeelermemorial-
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/DESIGNER library.org

[email protected] Most of our programs are on
ZOOM. Send us an email if
PRODUCTION TEAM Committee you want to participate: keeler-
[email protected]. When you
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL email us, we will send you a link
CREATIVE DIRECTOR to click on, and a password to
enter.
ON YOUR JOB EVERYDAY UNTIL COMPLETION…PHOTOGRAPHER
[email protected]

CHRISTINA ROSE
ART DIRECTOR/

DIGITAL PRODUCTION MANAGER
ON YOUR JOB EVERYDAY UNTIL COMPLETION... FREE POCKET
GUARANTEED CONSTITUTIONS

ON YOUR JOB EVERYDAY UNTIL COMPLETION… e North Salem Republican
Town Committee is giving away

[email protected] GUARANTEED free United States Pocket Con- CONVERSATION WITH
stitutions to all donors starting LOCAL GARDENERS
EXECUTIVE TEAM this July to celebrate our Na-
BRETT FREEMAN tion’s founding. Calling all Re- Saturday, July 10 from 10 -11
CEO & PUBLISHER a.m.
845-208-8151 publicans, Conservatives, and
Meets monthly on the second
[email protected] Independents alike! If you want Saturday of the month. Bring
your questions and ideas to this
to support our outreach and like informal group of local expert
garden enthusiasts.
DOeandlliinnees www.southeastkitchenandbath.comTONBMTNOEHAFFWOROEONTORHDRDRARTEEELSHEOAMMHTDADHAGASOILTELLOEIOALRISNMNTRELRNEOSEEIIAONKMXNNFYLTORFMEOTSNPAWRHEUTURDSSABEBMA9IMWLDIASALI1CVI.ESSTTC4MIEASHODORIT-OENNIT3OMEIENTS,[email protected]. L#1HDGCIC1DTR190L91EOIO6C10O4E0L.1AL6#1DNwHGD1NwGI0RDwWCDRw2SE0OwEO6wBEO4E|A.A.6NsUsN1NoWNO0WWuR2SSEDtBBOO|hGSUUWOeOTARaRaERDDCsGsGSVttTDHkAAkRSCRESiVVitE.DHHtDcHS.EcESBE.hH..hBSTBO.OeRBBTOeRnEEBEERnWWWEEaRRETTEnaWWTLHRWndRLHRIHSOCEdbITOSSO.CLaEEbO#TEtT,L2a.OMhLEROC9t,#E.1Rh,,cTSCM28MNoR.,C59Tc0mNYS1Ho6,TS088Ym11N6065080115|Y00H69P|1588U1012|T069|00N31285|A|0479M358P4|8.487LU252I479C.T8|8200..7N#09308P8000AC.407077M00051457280L2I79C80. #00PomvP1T00aCu0oOo7tAN5rw7in0v61locnBeel05oryo.2ctmhdxaoCumor2dsnoie8emot,Sr9mrpamstleNoleeni:atmwottsreeittleohlmtRSab(hiNaeelelpaeScummcRobhn,TlaeisiNccCleaekrYnd)-/,
FOLLOW US SOCIAL KNITTING
Monday, July 12 from 11 a.m.

- 12 p.m.
Bring your projects and ideas

for an hour of chatting and knit-
ting. Send us an email and we
will send you an invitation. Led
by Cathleen Sulli.

Location We Carry A Complete Line of TEEN BOOK GROUP
BioGuard Pool Treatments Tuesday, July 13 from 7 - 8
PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT
SOMERS, NY AND AT p.m.
e next book will be “Cin-
ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.
der” by Marissa Meyer. e li-
POSTMASTER: brary has copies to check out.
SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO We talk about the progression of
the book, as well as play a game
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Thursday, July 8, 2021 North Salem News – Page 3

Kith and kiln

Former North Salem residents
set up shop in Somers

BY CAROL REIF is 47; the youngest set, 19.)

STAFF WRITER ere are also six grandchildren and an-

other on the way.

Anthony and Lisa Laurenzano are all Lisa was never lacking for babysitters

red up about their new family enterprise, while the twins were infants.

e Little House of Ceramics. e older siblings took over bottle and

e local couple held a grand opening diaper duty at night, so she could rest.

for the bright and cheerful paint your own “For the rst four months, I was o

pottery place earlier this month. from 9 at night to 6 the next morning,”

e Laurenzanos, who have worked to- she said, gratefully.

gether in the elevator industry for decades, Now Amanda will be returning the fa-

were looking around for another joint vor by helping to run the studio with big

project. (Having moved to Somers in the sis Michelle LaLuna. Other relatives are PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA LAURENZANO

late 1980s, they lived in North Salem be- pitching in as well. Anthony and Lisa Laurenzano, owners of The Little House of Ceramics.
fore coming back.) Like with every new endeavor, it takes

When they found out that a “perfect” time to build a customer base, but Little

space within minutes of their home was House seems to have gotten o to a very

available, they pounced. good start.

eir timing has been spot on as well. e studio’s only been open since Satur-

As things opened back up after a long day, June 5, but already it’s seeing regular

pandemic pause on communal activities, customers and its summer “camp” spots

folks were looking for a creative outlet for lled up so rapidly that it had to add ses-

both themselves and their kids now that sions.

school’s out for the summer. Among the other o erings — which

In a way, the studio’s an extension of the will grow and evolve with the biz — are

growing Laurenzano clan. Ladies’ Nights, children’s parties, and se-

e Bronx natives, who tied the knot nior specials.

25 years ago, are the heads of a big, happy Besides ceramics, there will be sand art,

tribe of seven grown children. tie-dyeing, beading, and other crafts and

Anthony brought three o spring (Dee- activities.

na, Michelle and Christine) to the mar- Little House is also contemplating al-

riage; Lisa contributed two (Nicholas and lowing parents to drop o their kids on

Michael) and together they had the twins, Saturday afternoons. ere won’t be any

Amanda and Anthony Jr. ( e oldest child “sitting” fees, just a charge for the materi-

als the little artists use, Lisa said. L.J. LaLuna and daughter Brielle having fun The Little House of Ceramics is a true

Because this year’s been tough — nan- in the studio. family affair.

cially and in many other ways — for folks,

the Laurenzanos are committed to keep- from their garage, Lisa’s thinking of taking Oh, and if Lisa could live in Legoland,

ing prices down and Little House acces- it up again. In her spare time, she loves to she would.

sible to all. (A one-week “camp” session is do paint-by-number art and other decora- e Laurenzanos envision Little House

$100, quite reasonable for the area.) tive things. as a warm and friendly place where in-

Paint and clay are apparently in An- Other fun facts? dividuals will want to hang out and local

thony’s DNA. Anthony is a rabid fan of magic and an groups might meet.

His mom had a ceramics studio — amateur purveyor of the art. His specialty “We want to treat everyone like our

complete with a kiln — in her home and is card tricks. He also hosts poker nights family,” Lisa said.

his dad made the bisqueware molds and and is hooked on car shows.

mixed the glazes by hand. (Little House’s Musically talented, Anthony taught GOOD TO KNOW

kiln is located o -site.) himself the piano, guitar, and drums. Little House is located at 380 Route

Daughter Deena likes to draw. Lisa teaches religion to second-graders 202 in Somers.

Lisa was into all sorts of arts and crafts at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. For more information, call (914) 617-

PHOTOS: CAROL REIF when she was growing up. Making doll- She can ride a motorcycle (although she 8661, email  thelittlehouseofceramics@
Joseph Rao and Frankie Pipps choosing houses was a favorite hobby, and after hasn’t done that lately), and loves the TV gmail.com, or check out its website, www.
colors.
recently digging out some of her supplies crime-drama NCIS. thelittlehouseofceramics.com

4 West Cross Street

Croton Falls, NY 10519

Secure Your Future with Carminucci Today Joseph Burger
Licensed Agent

Page 4 – North Salem News Thursday, July 8, 2021

OBITUARIES Open Land Foundation
announces Race for Open Space
Joseph Bryson
BY CAROL REIF and help it preserve and protect open spaces,
Joseph ‘Joe Getty’ Bryson, STAFF WRITER trails, and meadows. Currently, it owns close to
a lifelong resident of Croton 900 acres of land.
Falls, NY, died peacefully with Sit. Stay. Run!
his family and friends by his Canines and their human companions will Its mission is to establish areas “free from ex-
side on June 26, 2021. He was have a barking good time this fall while help- ploitation, development, and deterioration” by
76 years old. ing support a good cause. “maintaining the environmental and the eco-
logical integrity of the area.”
Born on February 14, 1945, e North Salem Open Land Foundation is
son of the late Mary (Boo) hosting its rst-ever Race for Open Space with Folks are invited to “super-charge” their sup-
Bryson. At the age of 14, Joe the aim of raising funds for conservation, says port by adding a fundraising goal, forming a
dropped out of school to be director Amanda Dickerson. team, inviting friends and family, and posting
the primary caretaker for his about the race on their social media pages.
mother. In 1985, Joe met the e family- and a dog-friendly event, set
love of his life, Elizabeth Ann for Sunday, Sept. 12, takes place at Baxter Pre- e foundation aims to raise $20,000
(Bond) Morley. After 32 years serve, one of many properties NSOLF man- through fees, sponsorships, and donations.
of adventure together, they ages. (Rain date is Sunday, Sept. 19)
were nally married on May Among the con rmed sponsors are Hay-
26, 2017.  e nonpro t decided to include pups as elds, Old Salem Farm, Evergate Stables,
a way of raising awareness about the impor- Sotheby’s, Monomoy Farm LLC, NSBTA,
Joe was the owner/operator tance of keeping them on the leash, especially Meccanic Shop, Keeler Hill Farm, Hogan and
of Joe’s Auto Service Inc., in North Salem, never o cially retiring. He in environmentally sensitive areas like Baxter Rossi, and the Ridge eld Running Company.
was the jack of all trades; he was a mechanic, the tow truck driver and where bobolinks come to mate and nest in its According to Dickerson, NSOLF usually
even pumped the gas if needed. Joe loved cars, especially antiques and tall grasses. raises money through galas and concerts.
classics. He enjoyed his time in the pit at the Danbury Races. Joe was But the pandemic put the kibosh on large
a mentor to all, and a second father to many. Joe had a great sense of Fear not, bird lovers, by September the bob- gatherings last year, so the foundation thought
humor and always did things his way. olinks will be heading back South after having an outdoor venue such as the scavenger hunts
done their reproductive duty. hosted by the Ruth Keeler Memorial Library
Joe is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth, his stepdaughter, whom would be just the ticket.
he raised as his own; Charmaine B. McCleave and her husband Rob- Runners can choose either 2.5K or 5K One thing events like this always need is
ert E. Weizenecker of New Fair eld, CT, and his grandsons; Oliver, courses. e entire race takes place on trails at more volunteers, she said last week.
Trevor, and Rowen. Joe leaves behind many friends who cherished the preserve, so folks should prepare for an un-
him. He will be missed by many. even terrain, Dickerson said. To sign up, email [email protected]. e
register for the race, visit the group’s Facebook
A service was held on Tuesday, July 6, at Beecher Funeral Home in Entry fees are $35 for adults; $15 for chil- page and click on the link provided. For more
Brewster, followed by a private cremation.  dren under 18; and $10 for dogs. All partici- information, visit www.nsolf.org or call (914)
pants — with the exception of Fido — will get 669-5860.
In lieu of owers, please consider donations in his memory to the a T-shirt.
Croton Falls Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, 1 Sun Valley Drive
Croton Falls, NY 10519 All the money raised will bene t NSOLF

SDTAAHVTEEE SATURDAY / JULY 31ST / 10AM–2PM

THE NEW WITH OUR: Fosters of breeding dogs NEEDED!
BOUTIQUE,
ST. JAMES SILENT AUCTION, Brood and stud dogs ensure the future of all our programs. They are
QUILT RAFFLE, vital to our work – and the volunteers who take them into their homes
WHITE ELEPHANT, are crucial members of the Guiding Eyes family.
COUNTRY KITCHEN, Please consider volunteering!
& BBQ GRILL
For more details and requirements:
62ND AUCTIONSILENT
WEBSITE: GuidingEyes.org
& MARKET We’re back with many of EMAIL: [email protected]
your favorites and a twist PHONE: 845-230-6431
on the auction!

DONATE YOUR TREASURES!

BOX UP YOUR GOODIES. We are accepting
auction quality items, small furniture, collectibles, garden
& hand tools, jewelry, and white elephant treasures.

DROP OFFS AT ST. JAMES: 296 Titicus Road,
North Salem. Wednesdays: 7-9pm and
Saturdays: 9am-noon

FOR MORE DETAILS:
914-669-5563 / [email protected]

PLEASE ONLY DONATE ITEMS IN GOOD CONDITION.
No electronics, upholstered furniture or appliances.

COMMUNITY TAG SALE / VENDOR SPACES AVAILABLE

Be a part of our big day, sell your products, treasures & crafts!
15 spaces available, $35 ea.
Sign up: stjamesns.com

Thursday, July 8, 2021 North Salem News – Page 5

Florida man faces exploitation charges in North Salem

BY CAROL REIF tivity with the minor. guilty, he would receive between enforcement to investigate and Gudis, working jointly with the
STAFF WRITER Nunez was charged in North 10 years and life in prison. prosecute those alleged to have New York State Police.
sexually exploited children.”
A Florida man is facing alle- Salem Town Court with third- e investigation is ongoing. e federal prosecution is be-
gations that he sexually exploit- degree rape and endangering the “ is case underlines the ur- It began as an investigation in ing handled by the White Plains
ed a North Salem teen, federal welfare of a child. gent need for law enforcement the Special Prosecutions Divi- Division of the U.S. Attorney’s
authorities said. to continue its e orts to protect sion Child Abuse Bureau of the O ce. Assistant United States
e Westchester County Dis- children from those who prey on Westchester County District Attorney Marcia S. Cohen is in
Christopher Nunez, 26, of trict Attorney’s O ce will be them,” Strauss said, promising to Attorney’s O ce by Assistant charge of the prosecution.
Miami, was arrested last month prosecuting these charges. use “every tool available to law District Attorney Charlotte
and charged with “persuading,
inducing, enticing, and coercing e FBI believes that Nunez
a 15-year-old minor to engage may have chatted – and possibly
in sexual activity,” according to had contact – with other victims.
Audrey Strauss, U.S. attorney
for the Southern District of Sweeney asked people to
New York. note Nunez’s alleged user-
name “PLMV23” and to call
e case was announced by 1-800-CALL-FBI, or visit
Strauss; Westchester County www.tips.fbi.gov if they recog-
District Attorney Miriam E. nize it.
Rocah; and William F. Sweeney
Jr., assistant director-in-charge “Parents and guardians are the
of the New York O ce of the rst line of defense in keeping
Federal Bureau of Investigation. sexual predators from getting ac-
cess to children,” he said, urging
e complaint was led in them to “pay attention to what
White Plains Federal Court and your children are doing online.”
unsealed on Friday, June 4. He advised that parents ask
questions about who their kids
It states that last spring, are talking to and to make sure
Nunez communicated online they know how to use the secu-
with the teen, who he persuaded rity features on all their devices.
to meet up for sex. “A conversation with a child
today may protect them from a
e suspect used various so- trauma that will last a lifetime,”
cial media platforms to chat he said.
with the teen, including Discord According to Rocah, the case
and Snapchat, using the name highlights the “dangers present
“PLMV23.” online that can turn very real for
minors in Westchester and else-
e complaint alleges that in where.”
late April or early May, he trav- Nunez was arraigned in Mi-
eled from Miami to Westchester ami Federal Court. If found
where he engaged in sexual ac-

Republican Town
Committee Announces
Constitution Olympics

The North Salem RTC will be holding an online
“Constitution Olympics,” asking residents: How
well do you know your Constitution? To celebrate
America’s founding document, there will be a
daily question posted to the RTC’s website at
northsalemrepublican.com. The answer should
be emailed to northsalemrepublicans@gmail.
com. The persons with the most right answers

will win prizes on August 1.

Your business card
could be here.

Call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 to find out how.