VOL. 2 NO. 7 A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 FOX TRACKS 4 HEALTH & WELLNESS 26 LEISURE 31 OBITUARIES 32 OPINION 10 SPORTS 25 Scenes from SeptemberFest pg 20 COMMUNITY PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WEST CALDWELL, NJ PERMIT #992 BY TOM WALOGORSKY EDITOR As Mount Kisco residents look to November, they will be asked to cast their votes in several key races that will impact the future of our community. The race for Mayor will see Democratic nominee and current Deputy Mayor Lisa Abzun square off against former Mayor J. Michael Cindrich, who is running on the independent line. Also vying for trustee seats on the Village Board will be Democratic candidates Jean Farber and Karine Patiño, alongside Independant candidates Theresa Flora and Angie Garcia-Guerra. The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times offered all of the candidates the opportunity to explain in their own words their career accomplishments, their views on the most important issues within the community, and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Lisa Abzun Please outline your career, leadership and educational accomplishments. I’ve been working within the Mount Kisco community for over 30 years. Whether as a local business owner, an attorney, a parent volunteer, or as a community organization leader, I have been creating responsive solutions for Mount Kisco; solutions that keep the community thriving. I am one of the original organizers of the Kisco 5K Road Race/ Kids Fun Run creating an annual inclusive community event that promotes health, friendly competition and good cheer. I am a co-founder of the Mount Kisco Arts Council, a local nonprofit organization that has been Mount Kisco Election Guide 2023 Jean M. Farber Angie Garcia-Guerra Lisa Abzun J. Michael Cindrich SEE MOUNT KISCO PAGE 36 Theresa Flora Karine Patiño CamScanner
PAGE 2 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Mast Market was heavily damaged by a two-alarm fire that broke out just before midnight in Mount Kisco on Monday, Oct. 2. Located in the heart of the business district, the organic market and café was renowned for its house-roasted coffee, freshly milled flour, pastries, organic teas, and artisanal chocolate. Brothers Rick and Michael Mast opened Mast at 92 South Moger Ave. in 2019, taking over the space once occupied by Heller’s Shoes. They issued the following statement on Instagram. “Unfortunately we have some sad news: our beautiful Mt. Kisco space was destroyed in a fire last night. No one was hurt thankfully but our hearts are broken. It is devastating and only made bearable by the outpouring of your love and support. We are lost without you and thank you so so much. Just writing this makes me teary eyed. Thank you so much to the firefighters who risked their lives and prevented even worse destruction. You are heroes and friends. Meanwhile, our upper west side location is open for business and we are determined to get back on our feet, stronger than ever.” According to Mount Kisco Assistant Fire Chief Matt Hollis, the call came in as a commercial fire alarm. That underscores the importance of the devices, especially at night when a business might not be occupied, he said, adding that the fire might have gone unchecked until someone passing by smelled smoke or saw flames. Several decades ago, a fire took out a chunk of businesses right up the block under similar circumstances. So “it could have been a lot worse,” he added. It took firefighters about 40 minutes to contain the blaze, which did not spread to adjacent businesses and apartments. Residents who were evacuated got the okay to return to their homes. Firefighters were at the scene, however, for more than seven hours as they searched for hot spots and looked for possible flare-ups. About 70 firefighters, representing eight companies (Mount Kisco, Bedford Hills, Yorktown, Katonah, Chappaqua, Millwood, Valhalla, and Briarcliff), were at the scene. No civilians or firefighters were injured, Hollis said. Although the cause is under investigation, the fire appears to have started in the market’s storage area, the chief said. The Mast brothers were at the scene as well. “It’s just devastating when something like this happens to something you’ve put all that hard work into,” Hollis said. The Masts have a second retail operation on the Upper West Side in Manhattan. The market also sold sustainable kitchen essentials and cookbooks. Home and hospitality guru Martha Stewart blogged about Mast Market in 2019, saying she loves visiting local shops because “it’s inspiring to learn about other businesses and their specialties.” The Bedford resident especially enjoyed seeing how the chocolate was made, calling it “bean to bar.” The Masts were featured in season two of “Martha Cooks,” her show on the Roku channel. Calling them “capable, intelligent, scrappy, and resourceful” and an “important part of our business community,” Mayor Gina Picinich was confident that the Masts would recover. “Nothing will keep them down; they will find a way,” she added. Fire closes Mast Market Mast Market had been open since 2019. PHOTOS: TOM WALOGORSKY Thankfully, the business was not occupied at the time of the fire. Offering the Unique Flavors of Asian Cuisine MAKE A RESERVATION TODAY! 914-232-3900 tengdakatonah.com 286 Katonah Ave, Katonah Fall for Fabulous Flavors
OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 3 BY TOM WALOGORSKY EDITOR On November 7, Bedford voters will be tasked with filling two spots on the Town Board. Vying for seats will be incumbents Bobbi M. Bittker and Tom Catoliato who will be challenged by Don Scott and Mike Palladino. Bedford Supervisor Ellen Calves will be running unopposed for reelection. The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times offered the candidates the opportunity to explain in their own words their career accomplishments and qualifications, their views on the most important issues within the community, and what they hope to accomplish if elected. Bobbi M. Bittker Please outline your career, leadership and educational accomplishments. Education Brandeis University, BA Sociology Quinnipiac University School of Law, JD; Gratz College, MA Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Candidate Spring 2024 Career/Leadership Accomplishments Former Bedford Community Theatre Board Member/Co-Producer; Girl Scout Cadette Troop Leader Fox Lane Middle School Association Vice President Bet Torah Synagogue: Sisterhood President, Youth Commission Chair, Nursery School Board Chair, Executive Board Member Synagogue Board Member Mazzoni Center, Philadelphia, Board Member & Health Advisory Committee Member KBHVAC, EMT Current American Bar Association Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, founding member ABA Civil Rights and Social Justice Council Member ABA Human Rights Magazine Editorial Board Girl Scout Silver Award Mentor ADL Westchester Westchester County Bar Association Bedford Hills Womans Club TEDx Speaker, April 2023, “You Have the Power to Prevent Genocide” What are the most important issues facing the Bedford community, and why are you the most qualified to address them? The most important issues facing Bedford right now are affordability, continuing to build a vibrant economy, environmental preservation and storm preparedness, all while being strong fiscal managers. It’s a tall order, but I am most qualified to address these issues because I have honed experience in budgeting, financial management, creative problem solving, and community-building throughout my years dedicated to non-profit work, volunteerism, and public service. Building a vibrant economy requires a partnership between businesses and local organizations, solid infrastructure, and facilities that attract visitors to Town. We are connecting with businesses throughout town to meet their needs, and consistently attracting new businesses to Bedford. We have been supporting these efforts by improving cell service, upgrading sidewalks and sewers, and will soon break ground on the brand new inclusive playground. I was also instrumental in securing a Downtown Improvement Grant which will provide major economic revitalization support for the Bedford Hills hamlet. I work closely with the Town Comptroller to develop costsaving policies, and review town expenses bi-weekly to evaluate spending in every department and ensure that we are cautious with your tax dollars so we deliver the best services. With my Town Board colleagues, I adopted tax exemptions for seniors, veterans and first responders. As a former EMT, I understand public safety and am working closely with our Town Supervisor, Department of Public Works and the Bedford Police Department to fine tune our Emergency Operation Center and improve public communications. If elected, what will be your priorities? If re-elected, my top priorities will be to maintain the strong financial management which underscores our ability to continue providing high quality services and facilities for our residents; proactively investing in infrastructure like wireless facilities, roads and sewers which bolster our public safety and economic vitality; pursue more initiatives like our Buxton Gorge acquisition, that protect open space in Bedford; and adopt more policies and programs to help residents with affordability like the aforementioned tax exemptions and our partnership with Habitat for Humanity providing grants to moderate income residents to develop Alternate Dwelling Units. Thomas Catoliato Please list your career, leadership, and educational accomplishments. Career Partner – Fresh Meadow Chiller Associates, LLC, mechanical contracting and engineering firm. Primarily focused on design-build and mechanical prime projects. NY State Licensed Professional Engineer. U.S. Green Building Council LEED® Accredited Professional. Leadership Member of the Manhattan College Engineer’s Consulting Committee 2014-2018 NY Mechanical Contractor’s Association Youth Leadership Committee 2026 - current Town of Bedford Planning Board 2016-2022 Town of Bedford Mini-Master Plan Committee 2018-2020 Town of Bedford Town Board 2022-2023. Education B.S. Mechanical Engineering – Manhattan College M.B.A. Executive Management – St. John’s University Member – Pi Tau Sigma Mechanical Engineer’s Honor’s Society. What are the most important issues facing the Bedford community, and why are you the most qualified to address them? The most important issue facing our community is our Town’s budget/taxes. With the cost of not only personnel but goods purchased rising, we really have to look at how we are spending taxpayer money. Coupled with inflation that is still not at a rate we are accustomed to; it has added another layer of challenge to a Town Board’s task. I feel as though I am the most qualified to address these issues because this is exactly what I do in work life every day. Whether it is combing through local union CBA’s and sitting in their negotiation sessions, or it is looking at commodity pricing daily/weekly/monthly, my job is to bring projects in under budget. It is to look for the most efficient way to execute a contract and deliver the best product, goods and services to the end user. If elected, what will be your top priorities over the next year? My top priorities if elected will be to continue to minimize tax increase while driving economic sustainability and hamlet vitality. This starts with continuing the project to which Bedford has already untaken, for example, Bedford Hills and Katonah sewer projects Phase I and Phase II. It continues with looking at where our infrastructure needs improvement and creating a plan to improve it. This can come in the form of additional sewers in the hamlets, strategically placed wireless facilities for improved connectivity and safety and ensuring clean water for our Town. Mike Palladino Please list your career, leadership, and educational accomplishments. In addition to my robust involvement within the Bedford community (you can find a comprehensive list of my contributions at MikeForBedford.com), I offer a multifaceted and extensive professional background that uniquely equips me for the responsibilities at hand. I’ve spent the better part of my career in pivotal roles within early-stage growth startups as a performance marketer. This journey has cultivated in me a remarkable ability to adapt and excel in multifaceted environments, allowing me to wear various hats as the situation demands. My approach to problem-solving is characterized by my agility and efficiency, where I leverage these qualities to deliver effective solutions. I am wholeheartedly enthusiastic about bringing this dynamic skill set and experience to the Town Board, as I believe it will greatly contribute to the betterment of our community. What are the most important issues facing the Bedford community, and why are you the most qualified to address them? Over the past 2+ years, I’ve used my blog - accessible at MikeForBedford.com - as a platform to address the pressing challenges that Bedford faces. True effective governance, in my view, requires more than just attending Town Board meetings. It necessitates a commitment to diligent research undertaken in the time between these meetings - ensuring that decisions are well-informed and data-driven. Furthermore, it involves active and engaged participation in discussions, underscored by the courage to ask tough and necessary questions. My approach, shaped by both my military background and extensive experience in nurturing early-stage startups into mature, publicly-traded companies - revolves around the ethos of rolling up one’s sleeves and taking concrete, measured actions to deliver meaningful results. If elected, what will be your top priorities over the next year? While a comprehensive list of our goals and a wealth of ideas can be found on my website, my foremost priority from the outset will be Bedford Hills, a hamlet in dire need of a comprehensive, data-driven action plan. One that encompasses various essential elements including the formulation of metrics that can effectively evaluate and quantify our progress in addressing local issues. We must prioritize open and direct communication channels with the key stakeholders in Bedford Hills - this includes tenants (existing + potential), landlords and residents alike. And we must take a proactive stance in identifying and pursuing available grants (all of them!). Bedford Election Guide 2023 SEE BEDFORD PAGE 36
PAGE 4 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Tom Walogorsky Editor: 914-302-5830 [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky (845) 661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director Photographer [email protected] Noah Elder Designer Bri Agosta Designer Haven Elder Designer EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions is the Wednesday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected] Location 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 Published Monthly by Halston Media, LLC ©2023 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC fifffflffiflffflfflfl fffl fffl fffflfl ffl flffifflflfflflffiffiflfflfl fl fl fffl fflflfl fflffiflffflfflfflfl flflfflff flflffifflfflfl fflflffiflffi fflffifflffl fflfffflff ffifl Wolf Conservation Center HOWL-O-WEEN COSTUME AND DANCE PARTY Saturday, Oct. 28, from 7 to 11 p.m. Join in for a spectacular night of drinks, dinner, dancing, and dessert at Pound Ridge’s Conant Hall, all to benefit the Wolf Conservation Center! $125 per person includes drinks, dinner, dancing, and dessert. Costumes are strongly encouraged. This program is for adults 21 years old and over, pre-registration is required. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.nywolf. org or call 914-763-2373. The Bedford Blaze Friday, Oct. 27, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Presented by The Bedford Village Chowder and Marching Club. A drive-thru event full of glowing pumpkins, ghoulish decorations, and treats! To be held at Bedford Village Elementary School. $40 per family includes a pumpkin to carve (bring it back to be displayed during the drive-thru!). To learn more or purchase tickets, visit www. chowderandmarching.org. Prizes awarded to those who dare! Trick or Treat in Downtown Mount Kisco Saturday, Oct. 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. A fun-filled, safe afternoon of family trick or treating at many of the shops in downtown Mount Kisco. Come to So. Moger Ave. (by Chico’s) to pick up a treat bag, a piece of candy to get you started, and a map of participating businesses. Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry Fundraiser The Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry, a weekly choice pantry with a 32 year history, will hold a fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 15, from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Captain Lawrence Barrel House in Mount Kisco. Come enjoy suds, sliders and songs while supporting the incredible work of this predominantly volunteer run community mainstay. This past year saw a staggering increase in the number of guests - over 92,000 ‘person visits,’ 28% of which were children and 12% seniors. This is up 40% since last year. Food for over 1.2 million meals was provided, purchased at inflationary prices. There is no expectation of the need decreasing or prices of food falling. Individual tickets and sponsorships are available. Please visit www.mountkiscopantry.org or email outreach@mountkiscofood pantry.org for more information. Midcentury Modern in Westchester BUS TOUR OF HISTORIC POUND RIDGE HOMES Saturday, Oct. 14, at 1 p.m. Pound Ridge is home to a rich collection of midcentury modern dwellings, some even belonged to real-life mad men and women! Architects include Vuko Tashkovich, David Henken, Edward Larrabee Barnes, and Peter Blake - masters in their own right, who studied and worked under illustrious modernist designers including Frank Lloyd Wright, Eliot Noyes, John Johansen, Louis Kahn, Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer, and I.M. Pei. From the comfort of a charter bus, you will see and learn about a collection of some 20 of these homes, including several special interior stops. The bus will depart from the Pound FOX TRACKS SEE TRACKS PAGE 5
OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 5 Leading Mt. Kisco Forward OUR MISSION Our team is committed to strengthening the very attributes that make Mount Kisco exceptional, including its quality of life, affordability, and community involvement. To fulfill this mission, we focus on immediate needs while simultaneously advancing complex long-term projects. We aim to build on the great work that has already been done, while also preparing for the future. Our approach is simple: Listen, Learn, and Work. We are committed to communicating facts over fear, ensuring that the community is well-informed and engaged in the decisionmaking process. www.MKForward.com Paid for by Friends of Lisa, Jean and Karine Uniting our strengths Jean Farber For Trustee Lisa C. Abzun For Mayor Karine Patiño For Trustee VOTE ROW A ON NOV. 7 Or Vote Early Oct. 28 - Nov. 5 while preparing for the future! Forward Together-Avanzando Juntos Ridge area. Exact location details coming soon. This is a one-timeonly tour. Space is limited. For more information, visit www. histoury.org/historical-tour-calendar-and-tickets Bedford Music Festival Saturday, Oct. 14, at 3 p.m. The Wailers, the legendary Jamaican band, will headline the second annual Bedford Music Festival. The event, which is to take place on the historic grounds of John Jay Homestead, supports destination 39.3’s mission to showcase the beauty, vitality and diversity of Bedford and to promote greater-Bedford as a unique place to live, work, play and explore. Held in conjunction with “A Taste of Bedford”, where chefs from in and around Bedford will be showcasing their finest restaurant fare, the festival will also feature several popular food trucks and “Vendor Village” which features unique items and services from the best retailers across Bedford. Entrance to the Bedford Music Festival is free, aside from parking fees: $30/per vehicle in advance, $40/per vehicle day of event, $130/per vehicle for preferred parking with closer stage access. Doors open at 3 p.m. Opening acts kick off at 3:15 p.m. and will continue throughout the afternoon until the Wailers take the stage at 8 p.m. Food available for purchase from 3 to 9:30 p.m. Westchester Oratorio Society The Westchester Oratorio Society has begun its 26th season with rehearsals for the group’s fall concert featuring Bach: Cantata, BWV 706; Händel: Te Deum, HWV 280; Bach: Cantata, BWV 140 and Fauré: Cantique de Jean Racine, Op. 11. The concert will be on Saturday evening November 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the South Salem Presbyterian Church, with a dress rehearsal on Friday evening 11/17. The chorus will be accompanied by professional soloists and the WOS Baroque Orchestra. The concert is made possible with the support of the Westchester Community Foundation, a Division of the New York Community Trust. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Garden Room of the Katonah Village Library, 26 Bedford Rd. in Katonah, located a short walk from the Metro-North train station. Rehearsals in September are “open.” Potential new singers are invited to attend. For more information call or text 347 223 9503 or email wosinformation@ gmail.com or visit the group’s website at www.westchesteroratorio.org. Town of Bedford Veterans Committee 321 Bedford Road, Bedford Hills [email protected] VETERANS DAY It’s a long way off, but the committee has reserved the newly refurbished Bedford Hills Community House for a celebration on Saturday, Nov. 11. Planning is underway. Pound Ridge Library Located at 271 Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge, NY 10576. For more information, email info@poundridgelibrary. org or call 914-764-5085. To register for these events, visit the calendar at www.poundridgelibrary.org. “CREEPY & CRAWLY” WITH THE STAMFORD MUSEUM & NATURE CENTER Saturday, Oct. 14, at 1 p.m. Are animals like spiders and snakes really creepy or just misunderstood? Join us to learn about bats, spiders, snakes, and other animals who often get a bad rap! Meet some of these critters up close and personal and decide for yourself if they are creepy or cool! Please register on the library website. CHILDREN’S HALLOWEEN MAGIC SHOW Saturday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. Come in costume and celebrate Halloween a bit early, as “The Astonishing Andrew” puts on a spook-tacular magic show! Please stay afterwards for Halloween refreshments! Mt. Kisco Public Library Located at 100 Main St. For more information, visit www. mountkiscolibrary.org AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE NAVIGATOR Saturdays, Oct. 14, 21, and 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. By appointment only, a trained Navigator provided by the Westchester County Department of Health will be available to help with choosing and signing up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act and the NYS of Health Marketplace. Please call to make an appointment at 914-336-6935. Appointments available in English and Spanish. HALLOWEEN CUPCAKE WARS Saturday, Oct. 28, from 12 to 2 p.m. Decorate a Halloweenthemed cupcake to be judged, and the winner will take home a prize while enjoying their creation. For all ages. Chronic Pain Support Group Research tells us that 50 million Americans live with chronic pain, or pain that lasts most days or every day for three months or more. Of this group, 20 million experience high-impact chronic pain, or pain that interferes with basic functioning and activities of daily living. Pain is the number one reason that Americans access the health care system, and costs the nation up to $635 billion each year in medical treatments, disability payments, and lost productivity. Support groups provide a forum for those with pain to gain support and learn about ways TRACKS FROM PAGE 4 SEE TRACKS PAGE 33
PAGE 6 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 HOME FURNISHINGS • MATTRESSES • KIDS’ ROOMS • HOME OFFICE LIGHTING • WINDOW TREATMENTS • AREA RUGS • ART • HOME DECOR COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN SERVICES COLUMBUS DAY SALE BUY MORE, SAVE MORE INSTANT REBATES UP TO $2,500* OCTOBER 6TH THRU 15TH *Offer not valid on purchases of gift cards, previously purchased merchandise, clearance items, balances, special discounts, delivery charges, furniture protection, Ekornes, Hunter Douglas, American Leather, Gat Creek, BDI, and Serta. Other limitations may apply. See store for details. SHOWROOM: 230 RTE 117 BYPASS ROAD, BEDFORD HILLS, NY COUNTRYWILLOW.COM 914.241.7000 BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER When Agathe Assouline-Lichten was living in New York City and working in the luxury goods field, she used services like Blue Apron to help with the cooking. For these do it yourself meal preparation kits, she would often wonder about the final course. “People could get dinner in a box, why can’t they get dessert in a box,” she remembered. With her and the city’s sweet tooth neglected long enough, Assouline-Lichten did something about it. She created Red Velvet NYC, providing baking kits since 2015. Later, her move to Mount Kisco hasn’t changed the company tagline “Made in your own kitchen.” More than marketing, the margin of error has been removed. The ingredients are exactly measured in their self-contained plastic, and the easy-to-follow instructions do the rest. So, for example, Chocolate Cayenne Cookies are an easy rise. For your part, a baking sheet, three bowls, a whisk, a spatula and a wire rack are needed. Once gathered, you line the baking sheet with the parchment provided and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Then put the demerara sugar in a small bowl, and in a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil and an egg of your own providing. Next use a spatula to add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt and cayenne pepper, and on the stir, mold the dough together in the form of a ball. Time to downsize, the chef rolls about 18 golf ball sized balls and applies the demerara sugar. If the sugar doesn’t stick, add a little water, and the balls should glitter just fine. Almost there, set the cookies about two inches apart on the baking sheet and gently pat them down into discs. Within 8-10 minutes, your creations will form cracks. At that point, take them out of the oven, place on a wire rack to cool and the cookies taste best when eaten the same day, according to the paperwork. Not to worry, the pleasantries can also be well stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. But either way, the master chef reports that the cayenne pepper really puts a high step in customer approval. “They love the kick,” said the Katonah resident. Easy enough, why not just do it yourself? First of all, she cautions that baking is almost a science itself, which is less so in cooking. Adjustments of salt, pepper and spice can be done on the fly, while baking amounts to sticking the concoction in the oven and hoping all turns out well. “It comes down to, can you follow the directions and how precise can you be,” the Boston College grad revealed. Of course, trial and error may be within your timeframe, but ingredients can prove less flexible. Red Velvet provides premium quality staples, which can be hard to find. The gourmet goods can also be expensive and can go to waste since the amounts are not sold in increments of a singular recipe batch. One and done, the satisfaction of doing it yourself cannot be overlooked either. “People feel really empowered,” AssoulineLichten said. Assouline-Lichten also doesn’t think she’s going out on a limb when opining how a self-cooked meal impacts the taste buds. Made in your own kitchen Agathe Assouline-Lichten brings Red Velvet to Mount Kisco Red Velvet provides premium quality ingredients for their recipes. Agathe Assouline-Lichten started Red Velvet NYC in 2015. PHOTO: RICH MONETTI SEE RED VELVET PAGE 7
OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 7 “You actually think something tastes better when you’ve made it,” she asserted. The proof in the pudding, the same goes for a rich roster of kits that include Chocolate Truffles, Devil’s Food Cake, Apple Tartlets and Crème Brûlée. Around 100 to date, Red Velvet is attuned to its customer base. “They pretty much demand that we keep coming out with new recipes,” she said. On the other hand, her online client list is not yet clamoring for a storefront, and she’s not ready to go there either. At some point maybe, her love of dessert has never been in doubt. Her father a gourmet chef, there was plenty of cooking going on around her. No one baked, though, and she filled the void with help of her grandmother. “Me and my sister would get shipped off to France to spend the summer,” Assouline-Lichten remembered. “She was a big baker. So we would bake cookies, and that’s where it started.” Even so, Dad implored his daughter not to go into food service and strongly discouraged her from culinary school. Instead, she majored in Art History, worked in a few auction houses and went onto to get an MBA in hospitality in Switzerland. Returning to America, she took up in luxury goods, and NYC eventually brought her full circle. But there was never a 180 in terms of her passion, and she still cherishes the chance to help others celebrate life with the sweet stuff. Why not, she concluded, “Dessert is delicious.” For more info, visit www.redvelvetnyc.com RED VELVET FROM PAGE 6 V O TE F O R DON SC O T T FO R B E DFO R D T O W N C OUN C I L Local Roots, Committed to Bedford Don first moved to Bedford Village in 4th grade and his love for our community has only grown since. After graduating from Vanderbilt, Don returned to Katonah to raise his family and build a business. Proven Track Record on the Town Board Fiscal Responsibility: Held the line on taxes while maintaining a AAA bond rating. Infrastructure Investment: Increased investments in roads and town assets. Critical Road Paving: Fought to get I-684 paved, addressing safety and noise. Protecting Our Youth: Stopped the sale of vaping products in our hamlets. Supporting Community Groups: Reduced the fees paid for town services. V OTE FO R MIKE P A L LADIN O FO R B EDFO R D T O WN C OUNCIL A True Bedford Love Story Mike moved to Bedford in 2016 but has ties dating back over two decades including being a Camp Counselor at the Bedford Hills Day Camp where he entertained campers at the very same Community House that is now right outside his living room window. His first job out of college – a sports marketing firm on Adams Street – was where he met his now wife, Nell. Service Before Self Motivated by his profound engagement in the community, Mike seeks a Town Board seat to provide Bedford residents with enhanced representation and commitment. WE CAN DO BETTER MIKE PALLADINO & DON SCOTT FOR BEDFO R D T O W N BO A R D Don & Mike celebrating Flag Day 2023 at the Bedford Hills Community House. [email protected] 914-263-9681 www.MikeForBedford.com [email protected] 914-262-7697 www.DonForBedford.com “I come with a neighborly spirit, not a politician’s agenda.” -Mike Palladino Paid for by Bedford United 2023 BY TOM BARTLEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER Strict new security protocols, including visitor vetting and revamped student-pickup procedures, go into effect next week on the Fox Lane campus of Bedford’s high school and middle school. In the most visible of the changes beginning Oct. 16, security monitors stationed at the main entrance to the sprawling school grounds off Route 172 will screen everyone coming in. The other major change, revamping afternoon school bus routines, is expected to have little effect on parents’ pickup schedules, the Bedford Central School District’s Tom Cole told the school board late last month. The protocols, the school district said in a website posting, will allow more adults to supervise students during dismissal, create a safer driving environment for young drivers, allow access for emergency vehicles and create a more predictable bus flow and on-time departure. Cole, BCSD’s assistant superintendent for business and administrative services, thanked school and district emergency response teams and local police officials for their work in developing the new safety standards. In addition to adding “an extra layer of security,” the district said in its website posting, the new arrangement “pushes the first interactions with visitors outside of our buildings.” The new safety monitors—one for the high school, the other the middle school—will be deployed to “points of entry to the campus,” Cole told the school board’s Sept. 27 meeting. “They would be the first people to greet visitors to the campus.” A pair of electric vehicles will monitor the Fox Lane campus throughout the school day, the district said. It urged visitors to make an appointment before coming to campus. Parents and others could still get on campus without an appointment if they had legitimate reasons—to deliver a forgotten book, say, or pick up a student early—but they would first have to explain the purpose of their visit to the monitors. Under no circumstances will anyone be allowed to walk the track or enter the campus while school is in session or during athletic events. The district said it was taking that step for “the safety of our students and staff.” “We think these two electric vehicles will be here by Oct. 15—that’s the date we’re given right now—but we’d like to begin this protocol whether they arrive or not,” Cole said. “They’re not critical to this task but they are beneficial.” In response to a question, Cole told the school board he needed “additional data” to determine the cost of implementing the new protocols. “This will be discussed through the budgetary process as well,” he said, “so you’ll have an opportunity at that point [to examine those outlays].” Cole said revisions to the schedules of afternoon buses, once expected to be staggered and moving in multiple waves between the high school and middle school, have been altered and no longer significantly impact student pickup times. “We now believe that we’ll be able to do that in one wave and that that dismissal wave will take place much quicker than it currently does,” he said. “We do not believe that once this is finally implemented that there will be much of a change at all for parents picking up.” Schools introduce new security measures Officials examine district literacy BEDFORD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT SEE BCSD PAGE 35
PAGE 8 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. Managing Member • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500 WHITE PLAINS • SOMERS • WWW.ESSLAWFIRM.COM • Asset Protection • Elder Law • Medicaid Applications (Nursing Home/Home Care) • Guardianships (Contested/Non-Contested) • Wills, Trusts & Estates Past Chair of Elder Law Section of NYS Bar Association “Super Lawyer” In Elder Law for 16 consecutive years CALL NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 914.948.1500 Do you know what steps you can take to avoid your estate going to probate? BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER The head of the Mount Kisco Democratic Committee and his son are facing numerous felony charges in connection with allegedly forged primary election petitions. William Serratore, 59, and Carmelo Serratore, 24, were indicted and arrested last month, Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced on Sept. 13. Both pleaded not guilty at their arraignment in White Plains before acting state Supreme Court Justice Robert A. Neary. According to the indictment, William Serratore is accused of “forging and attesting to forged signatures” on three separate petitions collected between March 6 and April 7 for Tom Luzio’s mayoral campaign and filing those documents with the Westchester County Board of Elections. Carmelo Serratore was accused of the same thing, but only for one petition that was circulated on or about April 2. William Serratore was charged with 15 felony counts, including second-degree forgery, second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, and first-degree offering a false instrument for filing. Carmelo Serratore was charged with four felony counts including second-degree forgery and second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument. If found guilty of second-degree forgery and second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, the two men could face up to seven years in state prison. The charge of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing carries a maximum sentence of four years. “It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty,” the indictment’s announcement read. Senior Rockland Assistant District Attorney Rebecca McGee has been assigned to prosecute the case. A spokesperson for the Rockland DA said the investigation has drawn to a close and it’s not expected that anyone else will be charged in the case. Multiples attempts to reach William Serratore for comment were not successful. He has worked for Yonkers as its director of sustainability for about two years. When asked if the charges would affect Serratore’s job status, the mayor’s director of communications, Christina Gilmartin, issued the following statement. “We are aware of the charges brought against Bill. While the charges are in no relation to his work with the City of Yonkers or elections in our city, we will follow the case closely and determine whether disciplinary actions are warranted pending its outcome.” COLLATERAL DAMAGE? Luzio, a former Westchester County prosecutor, has not been accused of any wrongdoing. He told The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times last month that he had “cooperated fully” with the Rockland County DA’s investigation. That included testifying before a grand jury, he said. “I did so, in part, because I know the difference between guilty, not guilty, and innocent. I hope it’s now clear that I have done nothing wrong,” Luzio said. “Ms. Cerbone wrongfully linked me to another’s alleged actions. As a public official, this was highly unethical.” He was referring to incumbent Deputy Mayor Lisa (Cerbone) Abzun, who had challenged 82 signatures collected by the Serratores and claimed that at least 38 of those names were forged. Abzun has declined to respond to either the Serratore indictments or Luzio’s comments. Her application to invalidate the petitions was tossed out this spring on a technicality after the Westchester Board of Elections ruled it had been postmarked two days after the deadline. It never took up the merits of Abzun’s claims, which she backed up with affidavits from folks who claimed they’d never signed the petitions. (Abzun had reportedly weighed and ultimately rejected seeking an Article 78 proceeding that would have challenged the board’s actions.) A lawyer for Abzun subsequently asked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office to investigate certain signatures on petitions carried by the Serratores. Abzun bested Luzio, who’d been endorsed by the Democrats, in the mayoral primary by 63 votes. Luzio has repeatedly said that he feels that the controversy surrounding the allegations against the Serratores unfairly tarnished his personal reputation and may have been a factor in his loss in June. “As a potential witness, I knew not to discuss the investigation. For that reason, I became the headline of another person’s story,” Luzio said. “He (Serratore) has collected signatures on behalf of virtually every Democrat who has run for office for the past 20 plus Serratores face felony charges Forged petition signatures suspected SEE SERRATORES PAGE 33
OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 9 Celebrating Our 25year! Thank you to our valued customers & friends, who have become like family. We appreciate your loyalty & support over the years! TH 914-666-2348 • 914-864-0783 • 914-864-0784 69 S. Moger Ave. Mt. Kisco Open 7 days • oishiiasianfusion.com Rolling Up Anniversary Special With This Ad • Not Valid With Other Offers • EXP 11/15/23 10% OFF Any Dine-In Check BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER As far as Harry McCartney’s concerned, his official position as promoter of Mount Kisco’s past is history. McCartney notified the village in writing last month that he was stepping down both as its historian, a post he’d held for a dozen years, and as lead of the Mount Kisco Historic/Nature Trail Team, a local volunteer group. To him, the two roles are inextricably intertwined and although he will no longer hold those titles, McCartney said he remains committed to educating folks about the importance of nature and history. McCartney, who did not give a specific reason for his resignation in the Sept. 10 letter, asked the village to remove his contact information from its website. However, he told The Mount Kisco-Bedford Times later that he simply had had enough of what he views as insufficient support for the maintenance and expansion of the trail system on the village’s part. Back in the spring, the team asked the village to hire a dedicated part-time park ranger to patrol the trails and report on public safety, flood and fire risks, and other issues. According to a proposal made by team member Ralph Vigliotti, the ranger would be on duty 35 hours a week for six months of the year and be paid about $20 an hour. The bill for that would be between $18,000 and $20,000. The village instead decided to assign DPW staffers to walk the trails. That wouldn’t cost anything extra and they could do it yearround, it argued. McCartney said then that he doubted that the DPW folks would be able to take time away from performing their regular duties in order to patrol or know how to deal with people gathering, drinking, camping, or doing other unacceptable things. Mayor Gina Picinich noted then that if the DPW strategy didn’t pan out, then the village could always revisit things. Picinich told The Mt. KiscoBedford Times recently that the DPW was restructured to give certain staffers time to pick up trash, to report “natural barriers” such as downed trees and beaver dams, and to identify illegal activities and report them to the county police. This was in addition to the trails team’s work, she said. The last straw for McCartney, he claimed, was when the assistant village manager met with the DPW folks to work out the operations side of the plan and didn’t invite him. The team has also been pushing to expand its network of paths to connect green spaces in the village with trails in Leonard Park and the Marsh Sanctuary off South Bedford Road first and later to the Arthur W. Butler Memorial Sanctuary on Chestnut Ridge Road and Merestead, a historic property owned by the county. McCartney felt that Picinich had dismissed the plan without giving it sufficient consideration. Denying that there was a “‘no’ to expanding the trails,” the mayor explained this month: “We have to ensure that we can maintain what we currently have before looking at any expansion.” The only hard thumbs-down that McCartney got was to a proposal to create a hiking trail around Byram Lake, which is the village’s primary drinking water source, Picinich said. Declaring something as an official trail adds “extra liability” for the village, she explained, adding that the decision to nix the Byram Lake extension was made after discussions with the state Department of Environmental Conservation and a lot of consideration. Referring to the trail team’s request for a dedicated park ranger, Picinich said: “This was to be an ongoing and continuing conversation. We were putting other resources in place and we were making sure all of the existing resources were aligned appropriately.” Pointing out that the village added $200,000 to its public safety budget, Picinich said: “We can’t add more until we can ensure that every penny of it is being used for the benefit of the entire community.” Picinich “appreciates and values” all the work Harry has put in as historian and as someone who has led the trails team, but still thinks he’s “conflating” the two roles and that his “dissatisfaction with one McCartney resigns post as Mount Kisco historian McCartney with local officials at Mt. Kisco’s Washington rock. PHOTO: CAROL REIF SEE MCCARTNEY PAGE 34
PAGE 10 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 118 N, BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2023 Halston Media, LLC Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those of The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times 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]. I n the dynamic world of media, it’s essential to adapt, evolve and innovate to better serve our communities and partners. Today, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of our new website, Halston Media News. You can now access this site at news.halstonmedia.com (please note, “news” is in lieu of “www”). Why the Change? Our primary motivation is you, our readers. Since we launched The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times in 2022, it never had a dedicated website. Now, it has a prominent section on Halston Media News (joining its sister publications in Northern Westchester). This ensures that readers of this publication aren’t left in the digital dark and can access its content alongside our other offerings. This transition is a reflection of our commitment to our readers and advertisers. It’s about ensuring that every time you visit our site, you leave with more than you came for. It’s about making sure our advertisers see tangible results from their partnerships with us. And above all, it’s about staying true to our mission of delivering top-notch journalism while continuously adapting to the changing needs of our community. I invite you all to join us on this exciting journey. Announcing new website for our readers BRETT FREEMAN PUBLISHER’S MEMO I visited a Palestinian “refugee” camp during the spring semester of my junior year in college, back in the year 2000, when I attended Hebrew University in Jerusalem, the capital of Israel. At 20 years old, I knew very little about the history of the Arab-Israeli conflict, but as a young Jewish American with liberal sensitivities, I wanted to keep an open mind. That was a good thing, as I was able to observe Middle Eastern society without any sort of preconceived notions, much like an anthropologist. During the semester, I also spent time visiting Egypt, Turkey and Jordan. The accusation that Israel is an apartheid state is false. While the Jewish population itself is incredibly diverse, including Jews from Ethiopia, there are also Muslim and Christian Arabs with Israeli citizenship, many of whom are proud Israelis and even serve in the Israeli government. Just like America, it’s an imperfect society, filled with infighting and division. But that’s also what makes it an advanced democracy; infighting exists because it’s permitted. Many Americans may not understand this, but the Palestinians don’t live in Israel. They live in their own country, which has limited sovereignty due to the ongoing conflict. The Palestinian Authority is the governing authority in the West Bank and Hamas is the governing authority in the Gaza Strip. When I visited the “refugee” camp in the Gaza Strip, I of course had compassion for the families that I met, as they were living in squalor. But I didn’t quite understand why there were some Palestinians living in luxury while there were other Palestinians who were refugees inside their own territory. I learned that these Palestinian “refugees” were descendants of Arabs who lived in Israeli territory before Israel’s war for independence in 1948. In the Israeli Declaration of Independence signed on May 14, 1948, the authors called for “the Arab inhabitants of the State of Israel to preserve peace and participate in the upbuilding of the State on the basis of full and equal citizenship and due representation in all its provisional and permanent institutions.” There were about 160,000 Arab-Israelis who stayed, while Israel was attacked on all sides by its Arab neighbors. But anywhere from 472,000 to 650,000 Arabs fled their homes at the urging of the invading Arab militaries. The Arabs who fled their homes — the so-called “refugees,” — now live in Gaza, the West Bank and in neighboring Arab countries. It’s unclear how a refugee status can continue to exist for 75 years. In the years following Israel’s independence through 1972, neighboring Arab countries expelled 820,000 Jews, whose families also lived in the Middle East for centuries. You don’t hear of Jewish “refugees” because the Jewish immigrants from Arab countries, who were forced to flee their homes, were welcomed with open arms as they resettled in Israel as full citizens. This also shows that the notion that Israel consists of a bunch of white European colonists is false. There has been an uninterrupted Jewish presence in the Middle East since the days of the Old Testament, including in what is modernday Israel. Unfortunately, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, both undemocratic, corrupt organizations, have tragically used the “refugees” as political pawns and human shields since 1948. The “refugees” will continue to exist until Israel is conquered. My semester in Israel immediately preceded the Second Intifada, and tension was in the air. When I returned home to the States following my semester, the Second Intifada erupted soon I stand with Israel and I’m angry Sadly, prepare for American equivocation in the coming days BRETT FREEMAN PUBLISHER’S MEMO SEE FREEMAN PAGE 11
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Up to $1,000 Don’t miss out on this LIMITED-TIME OFFER Expires 10/20 thereafter, and many of the places I had frequented had been bombed. I ate almost daily in the cafeteria at Hebrew University, which was bombed by Hamas on July 31, 2002, killing nine people, including five American students. I had been to the Sbarro Pizzeria, which was blown up by a suicide bomber, who killed 16 people, including several children and a pregnant woman. Israel’s tourism minister was assassinated by terrorists at the hotel across the street from my dormitory. In the ensuing years, several Israeli prime ministers have made untold concessions, pretty much offering a sovereign state to the Palestinians, who have rejected the offer every time. Why? Because the one thing Israel won’t concede is its own annihilation. Last summer, my parents took my daughter to Israel, where she met several second and third cousins. I write this column one day after the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, and I’m sad and angry. I sit here writing this with tears welling up in my eyes, hoping our cousins are safe, but also wrapping my head around the fact that these Hamas terrorists wouldn’t have hesitated to pull the trigger and murder my then 13-year-old daughter. I take zero solace in President Biden’s solid statement in support of Israel last Saturday, as future events are all quite predictable. In the coming days, possibly by the time this newspaper hits mailboxes, the administration will start to equivocate as they see the bodies of Palestinian human shields paraded through the streets of Gaza. Emotions will take over as our short attention spans and most Americans’ total lack of historical knowledge will begin to dictate our response. We’ll start hearing administration officials call for the end to the “cycle of violence.” The administration will be shielded from criticism by organizations like the ADL (Anti-Defamation League), which long ago abandoned its fight against antiSemitism in favor of partisan posturing. Soon thereafter, the American foreign policy establishment will blame Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israel’s “right wing” for all the violence, and the United Nations will open investigations against Israel for alleged human rights abuses (even though Israel is the only country in the history of the world that warns its enemies before striking). All of this will transpire as surely as the day will dawn, and President Biden will again call for the resumption of the twostate solution. But nobody will ever identify what a Palestinian state ought to stand for. One state, Israel, will remain a multi-ethnic, multi-religious advanced democracy, which celebrates the human rights of women and the LGBTQ. The proposed state of Palestine will be none of these things. There will be no democracy, no rights for women, and like Nazi Germany before it, Palestine will insist on being Jew-free. The proposed Palestine will continue to murder gays and lesbians. And every American advocating for a state of Palestine will turn a blind eye to this hypocrisy. FREEMAN FROM PAGE 10 Former Mayor Cindrich endorsed by Democrats 14 times Dear Editor, In a July edition of another newspaper in the community, Lisa Abzun’s professional political consultant attacked former Mayor J. Michael Cindrich. Political operative Tony Marino is quoted as saying “the track record of our opponent (Cindrich) of being a Republican at one point, and a Democrat and an independent, I just think it creates a lot of confusion.” The only people who appear to be confused are Marino and Abzun. Mr. Cindrich has been a community volunteer since the early 1970s. His 10 years of service as the chairman of the Mount Kisco Zoning Board of Appeals protected the community, especially residential neighborhoods. His unblemished law enforcement career is a testimony to his character. He and his family have given at least 100 years of volunteer service to the Mount Kisco community. Contrary to political consultant Marino’s statement, Mount Kisco residents should not be confused, former Mayor Cindrich served our community with distinction. Twenty-one years as an elected official, trustee, deputy mayor and mayor. Recruited and endorsed by the Mount Kisco Democrat Committee 14 times, unanimously, no in-fighting, arguments or confusion. Mr. Cindrich has assembled a team that will focus on truth and transparency, the protection of our natural resources and responsible development. The team of Cindrich, Flora and Guerra will keep Mount Kisco safe and affordable for both young families and senior citizens to enjoy. Please visit the website mkvip.org for more information. -Robert Dagostino Lifelong Mount Kisco Resident Abzun, Farber and Patiño deserve our support Dear Editor, The team of Lisa Abzun, Jean Farber and Karine Patiño deserves our full LETTERS SEE LETTERSPAGE 12
PAGE 12 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OPINION OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 Embrace the Fall season with cozy flavors. Imagine drizzling a velvety Cinnamon Pear Balsamic Vinegar over a cozy spinach salad or infusing your roasted veggies with the rich, warm notes of our Wild Mushroom & Sage Olive Oil. We have 40+ olive oils and balsamic vinegars, plus salts, hot sauces, home decor and more! 914.232.7428 | phatoliveoil.com Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @phatoliveoil 87 Katonah Avenue, Katonah, NY 10536 support in the November election for Mount Kisco mayor and village trustees. They have the talents, experience and energy to work for our village. They understand and celebrate its strengths, including diversity of people, variety of housing, walkability, active community organizations and vibrant small businesses. They want to protect, build on and enhance these features. They realize that many issues are complex and decision making requires listening to everyone, including seeking out those that may not have the loudest voices. Good government involves good communication using a variety of means. Lisa, Jean, and Karine know each other, have worked together, and will continue to work well together. They are at different stages in their lives and careers. They have different personalities and their own perspectives and still maintain the approach in all their activities is to listen, learn and get to work for the Village of Mount Kisco. They recognize that addressing village matters may need assistance from county and state representatives and have established partnerships. The endorsement of the slate by Westchester County officials, and our NY State Senate and Assembly representatives demonstrates the respect Abzun-Farber-Patiño have earned. Lisa, Jean, and Karine know that most government actions involve process and procedure. There may not be perfect solutions. The challenge is understanding and, often, balancing distinct goals. They will strive to keep taxes and fees low. They are advocates for the residents of Mount Kisco, and are working to keep Mount Kisco a safe, diverse, multigenerational community. They will work to ensure walkways and streets are safe and inviting for people walking and people using cars, walkers, canes, bikes, scooters and perhaps things not yet in use. More generally, they are the team that will prepare for the future: what is now and what will be the critical elements of infrastructure for the village. This team will be prepared to investigate new challenges and find solutions. Please vote for Lisa Abzun for mayor and for Jean Farber and Karine Patiño for village trustees. -Jeanine Meyer Mount Kisco Abzun voted against several religious requests from churches and synagogues Dear Editor, As the November election comes close, a comparison of the facts proves why the Village Inclusive Party candidates are the clear choice for Mount Kisco residents. Mayoral candidate J. Michael Cindrich is a decorated law enforcement officer and a former Drug Enforcement Agent (DEA) and was assigned as a Special Agent in the DEA. Mayoral candidate Lisa Abzun spoke at a village board meeting on May 16, 2016, in favor of permitting drug paraphernalia being sold in Mt. Kisco. Michael Cindrich is not in favor of the selling of drug paraphernalia or marijuana cafes in the village. Mr. Cindrich is firmly against spot zoning. As a former chairperson of the Zoning Board (10 years), he is opposed to the rezoning of single family neighborhoods to allow for (non-state mandated) Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Mt. Kisco’s already overcrowded residential districts. Lisa Abzun favors these units and says she will go further and allow them in detached garages. (ADU work session 4/3/23). Michael Cindrich fought against the placement of a cell tower in Leonard Park. Lisa Abzun voted with Mayor Gina Picinich at a Board of Trustee Meeting 3/7/22 to “proceed with the alienation of parkland” and proceed with the placement of a cell tower in Leonard Park. At the Democratic primary debate on May 31, Ms. Abzun misrepresented the above motion and said the board voted “whether or not” to site a cell tower in the park. Ms. Abzun’s statement at that forum was not true. J. Michael Cindrich believes freedom of religion is a basic right. He is a long time parishioner of St. Francis Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He has a long time history of voting in favor of religious requests. Ms. Abzun voted against a request made by Inglesia Cristiana to speak at Kirby Plaza (9/8/22); Ms. Abzun voted against a request by Bet Torah to use the Branch brook for a short service (9/8/22); Ms. Abzun voted against a request from The Jewish Heritage Festival, a non-religious event (1/9/23); Ms. Abzun voted against the St. Francis of Assisi Good Friday Stations of the Cross Procession on 3/20/23. J. Michael Cindrich was mayor for 14 years, deputy mayor for four years and trustee for three years. He was and is truthful and transparent and always made decisions with the residents in mind and voted for what he thought was best for all Mt. Kisco taxpayers. Lisa Abzun made it very clear that she is NOT concerned about the majority of Mt. Kisco taxpayers. At a Village Board Meeting on April 30, 2022, Ms. Abzun stated: “This board is not to do what’s best for the majority of residents.” Mt. Kisco residents, you have been informed and the facts are very clear: Vote the VILLAGE INCLUSIVE PARTY: J. Michael Cindrich, Theresa Mazzaro-Flora and Angi Garcia-Guerra. -Mark Maffia Mount Kisco I value facts over fear Dear Editor, I’d like to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for the warm welcome my family and I have received LETTERS FROM PAGE 11 SEE LETTERSPAGE 14
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PAGE 14 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OPINION OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 Mount Kisco Bedford Times readers, contact us for all your real estate needs! McGrath Realty Inc 295 E MAIN STREET | MOUNT KISCO 914-666-7792 (O) McGRATH REALTY IS THE LEADING COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE FIRM IN THE HUDSON VALLEY FOR MORE THAN 60 YEARS! www.McGrathRealty.com BEDFORD GRAVEL & LANDSCAPE SUPPLY 27 Norm Ave., Mt. Kisco (next to Kohl’s) www.bedfordgravel.com 914-241-3851 FIREWOOD One Face Cord (Single Row 4’x8’) . . . $189 Two Face Cords ($187 each) . . . . . . . . $374 • Small amounts available for pick-up • Fatwood firestarter & kindling wood DEER FENCING, NETTING, POSTS & REPELLENT Gravel • Mulches • Topsoil • Fieldstone Serving the Area Since 1949 since moving to Mount Kisco two years ago. The support and camaraderie from our neighbors and fellow community members have been truly remarkable. Our decision to transition from the bustling city to the welcoming embrace of a smaller Westchester community like Mount Kisco was significant for our family. We were seeking refuge from the fast-paced urban life and aspired to be part of a community where our local leaders are genuinely committed to serving and making a tangible difference for all residents. Mount Kisco stood out to us for several compelling reasons: the diverse makeup of its residents, the excellence of its school system, the friendly and inclusive ambiance of the village, and the natural beauty that surrounds it, among other factors. My interest in delving into our community’s history and its political landscape has grown, and I’ve immersed myself in understanding the intricacies of Mount Kisco’s future. I’m supporting candidates who offer innovative solutions to our housing challenges, acknowledge the needs of our underserved populations, and provide strategies for improving our telecommunication infrastructure and pedestrian safety. I’m thankful for the local officials I’ve had the opportunity to connect with, and I hold deep appreciation for those who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the betterment of Mount Kisco. They’ve invested time in elucidating and educating our community about the intricacies of town hall operations, village matters and the policy-making process. As Election Day approaches, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to exercise my right to vote for these government officials who have personally impressed me with their commitment and involvement in our community. Their presence and sincere efforts to address residents’ needs have left a lasting impression on me. However, it’s disheartening to observe that within our community, there are individuals who primarily use their platforms to point fingers and air grievances without offering constructive solutions. I firmly believe in the importance of accountability and proactive engagement, rather than the spread of misinformation or baseless claims. As a resident and member of our Mount Kisco community, I value facts over fear. I stand alongside those who share the common goal of enhancing Mount Kisco and preserving the beauty of our collective home. Together, we can foster an environment that promotes positive change and tirelessly addresses the concerns and aspirations of all our community members. Let’s continue to collaborate, uplift each other, and work towards a brighter future for Mount Kisco and its wonderful community. -Jessica M. Colón Mt. Kisco Getting to the root of illegal behaviors Dear Editor, Contested elections are good for our community. Candidates must make their case to the voters. Voters, seeking to be discerning consumers of information, must parse through a barrage of conflicting messages. It is sometimes difficult to identify facts from political opinions, especially when the opinions are masked under the guise of “news and safety.” When I first ran for office in 2017, quality-of-life issues were front and center in our conversations. Concerns related to public inebriation, which often leads to other illegal behaviors, were prevalent in the village and required time and focus to resolve. Not long after I began my first term in office, the Board of Trustees increased fines for those who misuse conservation areas and green space. Helicopter observation identified areas for Westchester County Police night patrols through green spaces to identify violations. These actions did not break an existing cycle of issuing summonses, frequent no-shows at court and lack of legal consequences. Understanding a different approach was needed, the Board of Trustees added a Community Resource Officer (CRO) to the public safety budget. Part of this officer’s responsibility is to work with individuals, who are repeat offenders, with the goal of changing behaviors. The CRO identifies resources and works with the Westchester County Department of Mental Health. Plainclothes patrols were added to observe the public drinking (direct observation is necessary for issuing a summons) and ensure all officers are familiar with those who repeatedly exhibit these behaviors. They identified businesses that were selling alcohol outside of permitted hours and provided education on not selling to those who are inebriated. Seeking a way to increase accountability, in the summer of 2022, our CRO worked with the courts to create a community service program, which requires those who have violations to pick up trash and essentially clean the mess they created. Other programs are in the works to require court-ordered participation in addiction programs and the possibility of incarceration for those who refuse. Though deeply rooted, longterm problems are difficult to solve, we are slowly making progress. At a recent Board of Trustees meeting, CRO Ramirez shared details about his work and about crime in the village. He indicated that comparing 2017 data to 2022, crime in the village was down 12%. To compare the past and present and see further evidence of progress, please research the sad stories of Rene Perez, Jose Reyes Sanchez and Mario Coronado-Depaz, and the Lieto Drive encampments. These tragedies all occurred under the past administration. You will read about murders and encampments hidden in conservation areas several years ago. If the previous village government could have identified a solution then, or at any point over the past 20 years, we would not be dealing with these challenges today. Though the legal system makes these quality-of-life concerns extremely difficult to resolve, the current village government has approached it head-on. We must and will continue to seek new approaches, leverage police, county and community resources, and seek support from the courts to address these behaviors. We will continue to focus on repeat offenders to build upon the progress we have made to ensure the well-being and safety of all who live in our beautiful village. -Gina Picinich Mount Kisco Lack of transparency and village quality of life issues are a problem Dear Editor, In this election, the residents of Mount Kisco will have a choice as to who leads the village for the next two years. Current board members Lisa Abzun and Karine Patino are now running for mayor and trustee, respectively. The are joined by Jean Farber (for trustee). Mike Cindrich (for mayor), Theresa Mazzaro-Flora (for trustee) and Angie Garcia Guerra (for trustee) are all running on an independent party line. Both Abzun and Patino strongly support enacting a new village law (post election, of course), which would eliminate all single family zoning to allow multifamily housing. This threatens everyone’s home values and neighborhood quality of life - as well as overburdening our infrastructure and limited LETTERS FROM PAGE 12 SEE LETTERSPAGE 15
OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 OPINION THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 15 Brewster Brewster, , NY an NY and d Bethel, C Bethel, CT T Showrooms Showrooms On your project every day until completion... GUARANTEED! On your project every day until completion... GUARANTEED! 845-278-0070 845-278-0070 Southeastkitchenan Southeastkitchenandbdbath.com ath.com Celebrating 50 years LETTERS FROM PAGE 14 water supply. (Cindrich/Flora/ Guerra are all committed to safeguarding and preserving our residential neighborhoods). Both Abzun and Patino voted to site a 140-plus-foottall macro cell tower and lengthy access road in deed protected Leonard Park. The tower was to go on top of our historic disc golf course and scenic walking trails and in close proximity to the Memorial Pool and play areas. The village is believed to have spent upwards of $200,000 associated with this environmentally destructive endeavor. (Cindrich/ Flora/Guerra team were able to stop the desecration of our only park through their grassroots campaign “Save Leonard Park”). Both Abzun and Patino promote expanding cellular infrastructure throughout the village to include seven macro towers and 5G small cells dispersed into residential neighborhoods. This is being planned without any consideration for, or input from, the residents. One recent case in point was the granting of a setback variance allowing the placement of a cellular macro tower within 150 feet of a vulnerable population, Ability Beyond Disability, without legally required prior notification. That is unconscionable. (Cindrich/Flora/Guerra are committed to safe and responsible infrastructure placement, taking into account residents’ concerns). The Village Board has engaged in the practice of silencing free speech. They have displayed a lack of transparency, including a pattern of restricting public input and debate and conducting extensive village business behind closed doors in executive session. Their enforcement of an unlawful and unconstitutional newly enacted sign law leading up to the June Democratic mayoral primary helped ensure an Abzun victory over Tom Luzio. In another example, both Abzun and Patino used their positions on the Village Board (on 4/4/22) to launch a slanderous attack on a respected community member AFTER he called for an investigation into potential wrongdoing by village officials. (Cindrich was pivotal in exposing the village sign law scheme. The entire team has vowed to welcome public involvement). This Village Board has presided over a serious deterioration in quality of life. There has been a noticeable rise in crime and safety issues in Leonard Park and on our trails, as well as in the business district and train station areas. There has also been a proliferation of homeless men in the village who are living in our parks and playgrounds. Trustee Patino’s response to these quality of life issues is to blame it on social media: “It’s nothing new - what is new is access to information. I think we’re seeing it a lot more, but it’s not a new thing.” As a lifelong resident and former 30-year Mt. Kisco police officer, I have never seen it this bad. We should not accept this as the “new normal.” (Mike Cindrich’s career as a law enforcement leader and former mayor will greatly benefit the village as it works to improve quality of life issues). On Nov. 7 (early voting begins Oct. 28), vote for the people who are committed to changing Mount Kisco for the better: Mike Cindrich, Theresa Mazzaro-Flora (former nurse) and Angie Garcia Guerra (educator) on the Village Inclusive Party (VIP) line. -Louis Terlizzi Mount Kisco Editor’s Note: Don Scott is a candidate for Bedford Town Board. Why not ask your customers? Or in the case of town government, your constituents. As many of you know, I’m in a campaign running for a local town board seat. It’s not my first trip around the track in a local election. I’ve won a few and lost a few. Winning is a lot more fun. Every campaign is different though, which keeps it interesting. I enjoy the voter contact. A lot of babies to shake and hands to kiss, or is it the other way around? People are mostly friendly and receptive. The conversations generate lots of ideas about what town government can do to help improve our quality of life. This time around, I got the idea to collaborate with my running mate to create and publish a list called “101 Ideas for Bedford.” Although built with our community in mind, most of the items could apply to any town in our area. In fact, several ideas were borrowed from other towns. I never hesitate to steal an innovative idea regardless of where it comes from. One of the 101 ideas called “Senior Uber” recommends creating a point-to-point rideshare system for the town. It’s an idea that could be a fit for any community in our area. I started thinking about the idea when Westchester County started tinkering with the Bee-Line bus system, which has–to say the least–a light footprint up here in How about an on-demand ride share app for seniors? DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT SEE SCOTT PAGE 16
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AUTO BODY COLLISION SPECIALIST | EXPERT FRAME STRAIGHTENING | PROFESSIONAL COLOR MATCHING | ALL WORK GUARANTEED 24 Hour Lock-Out Service & Towing Available Phone: 845-628-0069 | Phone/Text Now: 914-727-9497 | Fax: 845-628-3745 | 381 Route 6 • Mahopac NY | proshopautobodynorth.com PROSHOPAUTOBODYNORTH SCOTT FROM PAGE 15 Editor’s Note: Bobbi M. Bittker is a candidate for re-election to the Bedford Town Board. Please also note that Bittker submitted this column before the tragic attack in Israel over the weekend, which is why it does not address the topic. I have to apologize for the Jewish calendar odds not being in your favor this year. For those of us who are Jewish, the High Holidays are days of reflection, synagogue services and family gatherings. But for non-Jews, I’ve been told they are highly anticipated days off from school and maybe even work, especially if they are attached to a weekend. This year, they fell on the weekend thanks to the luck of the draw that is the lunar calendar. There is an ancient custom that we practice during Rosh Hashanah called Tashlikh, where we gather as a community to symbolically cast our sins into a flowing water source, with the promise of doing better in the year to come. With optimism that two tashliks are better than one, I recently attended Chabad of Bedford’s ritual before heading over to Bet Torah’s, as I have for the last 30 years. When I moved to Katonah in 1993, one of my first tasks was to find a synagogue home. We settled on Bet Torah in Mount Kisco, where Rabbi Fine, their longtime clergyman, also served as the Jewish chaplain at the Women’s Correctional Facilities in Bedford. We soon made arrangements to marry there the next year, and spent three decades raising our children at Bet Torah. Aric plays softball with the Men’s Club and although they invited women to join the team, it’s far too early in the morning for me. I jumped in with both feet and chaired the Nursery School PTA, the Nursery School Board, the Youth Commission, and served on the Synagogue Board, the Religious School Board and as Sisterhood President. Aric and I were married in the Jewish month of Elul, which coincides with August. In Hebrew, Elul is an acronym for “Ani L’Dodi V’Dodi Li,” a popular verse from The Song Antisemitism is not dead BOBBI BITTKER GUEST COLUMNIST SEE BITTKERPAGE 18 the north country. Who rides the bus? Folks who don’t or can’t drive, I imagine. It must be hard – near impossible – getting around these parts without a car. But for many, that’s the reality and there aren’t many options if you need groceries, have a doctor’s appointment, or need to get to the train station or work if you don’t have a car. A couple of volunteer organizations provide some assistance getting seniors around the area: FISH - Friends in Service Helping, and RideConnect, a not-for-profit program of Family Services of Westchester. Both organizations are always looking for volunteer drivers, so the service must be scheduled well in advance. Neither group provides service to non-seniors in need of local transport. Cabs are spotty and Uber Service is inconsistent. Also, it’s expensive if you do that every day. The city of Peekskill may be onto something in this regard. Remember, never be afraid to steal an innovative idea. In partnership with Sustainable Westchester (a nonprofit consortium of local Westchester County governments facilitating sustainability solutions), Peekskill won a grant for a “micro-transit” pilot program. The service called Bee-Line on demand “will be the first fully electric on-demand transit service of its kind in Westchester County. It aims to expand access to convenient, sustainable and affordable transportation for Peekskill residents who live and work far from the existing local fixed route bus network.” The Transit tech company Via is providing the software for the new service. According to their press release, “Via’s intelligent algorithms will enable riders to book a ride to a location in the city, and then direct them to a ‘virtual bus stop’ within a short walking distance – allowing for quick, efficient shared trips that provide more flexibility than traditional public transit’s fixed routes and schedules.” The company is already serving over 500 communities in 35 countries, so they must be onto something. Something like that could work here. Towns should investigate forming a coalition to provide a local rides system to seniors and others in need of help. By using an app or calling a central number, this service could provide point-to-point service for appointments, shopping and connections to Metro North. As evidenced by the lack of bus ridership around here, trips don’t fall conveniently along the fixed route. Fewer and fewer Westchester County services make their way up here to the north country. Cutting Bee-Line service is just another example of the trend. Solving the transportation challenge, for seniors and others who can’t drive, is an opportunity for local leaders to craft a solution. That’s what local government is there for: to find local solutions to local problems. The suggestion box is a wonderful place to find some of those ideas and solutions.
OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 17 SeptemberFest 2023...Thank you for your support from the MOUNT KISCO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE! It Takes a Village! SEPTEMBERFEST 2023 PREMIER SPONSORS Northern Westchester Auto Body Optimum State Farm Insurance -The Christastie Agency Tribeca Pediatrics Bicycle World Dentistry for Children Hotel MTK Jag-One Physical Therapy CARNIVAL SPONSORS STREET FAIR PARTICIPANTS All Together Now Artisan Tech Bedford Community Church Beltran Keller Williams Realty Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester CLC Foundation Club Fit College Hunks Hauling Junk CT Face & Body Spa Curio Room Emergency Shelter Partnership Emi's Garden Examiner Media F45 Floor Coverings International Halston Media-Mount Kisco Bedford Times Hotel MTK Houlihan Lawrence Iglesia Emanuel Church Ivy Rehab Jag One Physical Therapy Jolie Jordan Kiscoclean La Luna Healing & Crystals Lexington Center for Recovery Lisa Abzun for Mayor Lit Landscapes Porch Home Pure Barre Purple Tulip Events Rainbow Alternative Healing Renewal by Andersen RMA Rochambeau Farm Sands Accessories Saw Mill Club ServPro of Northern Westchester Sons of the American Legion State Farm-The Mike Christastie Agency Sustainable Westchester The Hamlet The Katonah Classic Stage The Pulse Performing Arts Studio The Rewilding School Thomas Fox Catering & Party Rental Tompkins Community Bank Tribeca Pediatrics Village of Mount Kisco Village of Mount Kisco Dept of Public Works Weichert Signature Properties Westchester Dance Academy Westchester Family Church Westchester House & Home Westchester Psychic Whim Lorena's Juice Bar M&T Bank Maddy's Brows Massage Envy McGrath Realty, Inc. Miss Alessia’s Dance Studio Mount Kisco Chiropractic Mount Kisco Library Moses Taylor Ladies Auxiliary Mount Kisco Child Care Center Mount Kisco Conservation Advisory Council Mount Kisco Dental Group Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry Mount Kisco Volunteer Ambulance Corps Mount Kisco Volunteer Fire Dept Mount Kisco Gold & Silver Inc. Mount Kisco Historical Society Mount Kisco Village Inclusive Party Neighbors Link New York Dolls Northern Westchester Hospital Center Northwell Plastic Surgery oHHo Botanicals Optimum Ottino Chiropractic Paint Track PCSB Bank LEGOland Discovery Center Westchester Mount Kisco Child Care Center No Place Like Home Veterinary Care FOOD TRUCK FAVORITES Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream • Crafty ’Cue BBQ • Crafty Frites • Exit 4 Food Hall • Kisco Sweets & Treats • Leonard Park Wines & Spirits Mobile Pie • Road Grub • Tipsy Taco • Wrappers Delight A big shout out to the over 90+ community volunteers who helped make SeptemberFest 2023 possible. A special thank you to our ‘Fest Sponsors & participants.
PAGE 18 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OPINION OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 BITTKER FROM PAGE 16 of Songs which means, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.” August is a popular month for Jewish weddings and Elul is also a month of spiritual preparation in anticipation of the High Holidays. In the Jewish community, this time of year is doubled-edged, however. There is joy, celebration and renewal. But there is a darker side. The days off, round challahs on store shelves, and throngs of worshippers bring unwanted attention to Jewish houses of worship. Anti-Semitism is not new and has had a recent resurgence. A 2022 audit by the Anti-Defamation League found that anti-Semitic incidents in the United States hit an “all time high” in 2021. In 2022, anti-Semitic incidents increased by 36%, and by another 10% in 2023. So we are continuing to hit all time highs. And that is a new low. Synagogues are budgeting funds for security that could otherwise be invested in education, philanthropy or programming. The NYS Division of Homeland Security allocated funds in its Non Profit Security Grant Program for this purpose. There is a Wikipedia page titled “List of Synagogue Shootings,” and there are 16 of them dating back to 1956. Six of them happened in the last five years. I seldom sit with my back to the door during services, and was always acutely aware of my children’s locations when we were separated, in case of such an emergency. Other parents told me they agonized over the same scenario. COVID’s virtual services were a relief because the threat of “danger while worshiping” was cut from the equation. Within three weeks of being sworn in as Bedford Councilwoman in 2020, I drafted a Resolution Against Antisemitism, cementing Bedford’s commitment to fight this scourge, after incidents that shook a Rockland community. This year, with other attorneys, I formed the American Bar Association Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism. We developed a curriculum for attorneys and laypeople called the 21-day Practice on Combating Anti-Semitism. This is only the beginning of our work. I am currently completing a Masters in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, and in April delivered a TEDx talk called “You Have the Power to Prevent Genocide” that has received over 1,000 views, a feat only 26% of 50,000 TEDx talks have reached. Together we can fight anti-Semitism. But we have to acknowledge it in all forms, regardless of where it originates on the political spectrum. So, check on your Jewish clergy and educator friends as we close out this fall holiday season. They are not OK. It is a months-long kind of “hell week” for them, due to the nature of their work, but also because of anti-Semitism and the ensuing security concerns. By the way, I checked the 2024 Jewish calendar. To my non-observing friends: you have a nice, long weekend coming next fall. Endorsing candidates running for public office used to be a standard practice in the media, notably by local newspapers. The trend in recent years, though, is that fewer and fewer media choose to endorse. As reported by journalism trade journal Editor & Publisher, by 1996, 70% of newspapers had exited the presidential endorsement game. When I served as publisher 15 years ago of a local newsweekly that historically had issued endorsements for local races, I came to the same conclusion that was pithily put forth by the periodical Mental Floss (.com): “With so many avenues available for voters to get to know the candidates, it seems rather quaint to think of anyone voting how an editor tells them to.” To glean some insight into how much impact, if any, that endorsements have on voters and on election outcomes, we went to Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) bot, named Bard. It tells us, for example, that endorsements can wield greater influence when candidates are less known. Another variable, logically, is the perceived credibility of the endorser in the eyes of the voter. INCONCLUSIVE RESULTS Academic analyses on the effect of endorsements, says Bard, produce inconclusive results. A University of Michigan study found that endorsed candidates stood a better chance of winning. More specifically, the University of California said that endorsements by unions significantly helped candidates vying for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. (A subset question we’ve heard is whether civil service Do you endorse endorsements? Own your own vote BRUCE APAR BRUCE THE BLOG SEE APARPAGE 19 Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com $20,000 CASH VAULT GIVEAWAY Friday, October 20 • 10pm Earn Entries Now! MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. 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OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 OPINION THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 19 2020 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are the registered service marks owned by the Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Licensed Real Estate Salesperson NY & CT Buying and Selling— I can make it happen! 338 Route 202 | Somers, NY 10589 Cell: (914) 424-5545 [email protected] | marcienolletti.com Quintessential horse property... located on one of the most bucolic roads in Westchester. This well-appointed farm includes a colonial farmhouse, 3 stall barn, paddocks and a riding arena on the NSBT. The home features hardwood floors throughout, chef’s kitchen with granite counters, custom cherry inset cabinetry, Miele and Viking appliances with sliding doors to a beautiful fieldstone patio. Picturesque views from every window, enjoy watching your horses while sipping a cup of tea. The spacious family room has a built-in wet bar with Viking beverage fridge. A warm fireplace found in the formal living room is the perfect spot on a chilly day. The barn is Amish built and has hot water, matted stalls with walk outs, matted aisle, tack room with washing machine, outdoor wash stall, hay loft and access to paddocks. Enjoy 1,082 acres of the Mountain Lakes Park across the road or kayaking on nearby Lake Mamanasco. Close to Ridgefield CT, shopping, schools, train and highways just 62 miles to NYC 212 Hunt Lane, North Salem offered $1,395,000 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms 2,670 sqft Marcie Nolletti unions, whose compensation is funded by taxpayers, should issue endorsements at all?) Research by the University of Chicago, reports Bard, concluded that newspaper endorsements “had no significant impact on the outcome of presidential elections.” The general consensus, via Bard, is that the value of endorsements varies according to circumstances. They mean more, supposedly, in local elections than in national, where the candidate has a low profile, and when the endorser is trusted by the voter. GO WITH YOUR GUT Of course, in the end, says Bard, it is the voter’s own political beliefs and values that determine to what degree endorsements make a difference in how each ballot is cast. Harking back to what Mental Floss opined about the rich trove of information available nowadays to assess candidates, we all should do as much research as practical in the interest of rendering the best-informed decision on who is most equipped to represent our interests. Some voters will place ideology above a candidate’s resume by reflexively voting party line. Others (notably non-affiliated independents, like yours truly, who do not subscribe to any political party) are more comfortable voting for the person, regardless of which political labels they wear. In that regard, it’s not an oversight when a candidate does not list their party affiliation on campaign materials; they’re logically looking for crossover votes by not pigeon-holing themselves. Whatever your process, your ballot does count. Whatever the election outcome, the right to vote is a gift too precious to squander. Whether or not endorsements from third parties influence how you cast your ballot, the truest path is to vote your conscience, not someone else’s. Bruce Apar is a writer, community volunteer and actor. He can be seen on stage Nov. 3-5 in the title role of stage play “Tuesdays with Morrie” in New Haven, Conn, at Powerhouse Theater (Town Players of New Canaan). For more information, contact him at 914-275-6887 (text or voice) or [email protected]. APAR FROM PAGE 18
PAGE 20 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – From Sept. 8 - 10, Mount Kisco’s bigCommerce, the weekeSceSepteBenjamin and Emma Nerenburg Skyar Duhaime Jaslyn Odum PHOTOS: ROB DISTASIO Jasper Champagne and Dorothy Botso
OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 PAGE 21 ggest block party returned at SeptemberFest! Presented by the Mount Kisco Chamber of end was full of music, food, rides, and bargains aplenty at the Street Fair! enes from emberFest! Gabrielson and the Blumenthal family PHOTO COURTESY OF CYNTHIA DAVID Moble Pie John Albanese, Nathaly Romero and Sam Cardillo
Is a private school the right choice for you? The advantages of a prep school education PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM COFFEY PHOTOGRAPHY & THE HARVEY SCHOOL PAGE 22 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE The advantages provided by a good education are obvious to most, but FutureLearn.com lists eight solid reasons to get one: creates stability during childhood, encourages childhood brain development, provides independence, offers job prospects, increases the likelihood of financial security, creates aspirations and goals, teaches life skills, and increases life spans. So, it makes sense that you’d want to choose the best education path available for your child, one with the best value. A private or preparatory school may offer what you are looking for—they present an array of benefits. “Independent schools...can maintain significantly smaller class sizes. The lower student-to-teacher ratio can lead to more individualized attention for students and increases the opportunities for students to develop meaningful relationships with their teachers,” said William J. Knauer, head of school for the Harvey School in Katonah. “As a result, students learn to advocate for themselves on the journey to becoming independent learners and thinkers.” Knauer says that the more personalized environment offered at independent schools also gives students access to a variety of opportunities so that they can pursue their interests and passions and discover new ideas and activities to explore. “At Harvey, we encourage families to partner with the school to better understand a student’s needs and interests and collaborate in creating opportunities and providing support for their academic, social, and emotional success and wellbeing,” he said. Father Mark Vaillancourt, president of John F. Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School in Somers, noted that a spiritual component to the educational experience is something you can also find at a private school. “Families seeking a full academic, social, athletic, and spiritual life for their children in a creative environment ought to seriously consider the private school options in their region,” he said. “Access to a program that seeks to cultivate the spiritual life of students is an invaluable resource for families for whom a valuescentric lifestyle is not only appealing but a priority. Our educators are invested, our administrators are experienced, and we are here to help the next generation of leaders become equipped to handle the challenges facing society.” Alexander Malecki, director of communications and marketing for Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle said choosing a private school is like choosing any other product—it is about value. “The benefits you look for are the same as when you look at a product, but this is your child’s future. What are you getting for the money?” he said. “It is a value proposition—the opportunities to grow and to develop. It’s no different than [choosing a] college. What school will put your child in a position to be successful? Where can they do it in a place that is safe and welcoming, and they can become leaders themselves?” Malecki said choosing a private school is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. There should be a “fit” between the student and the school. “It is important to find the right fit—a place where you are comfortable, but also a place where you are challenged,” he said. “It’s about setting high goals but [with schools] providing the resources to reach those goals. And to do that in partnership with the parents and students and then continue it past graduation.” PHOTO COURTESY OF IONA PREPARATORY SCHOOL PHOTO COURTESY OF KENNEDY CATHOLIC OPEN HOUSE SAT. OCT. 14 WHERE STUDENTS BECOME THEIR BEST SELVES. Grades 6–12 with 5-day boarding for 9–12 in Katonah, NY harveyschool.org/OpenHouse
OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 23 Open House /kennedycatholic @kennedygaels @kennedycatholic Register Follow Us Learn How to Join Our Class of 2028! Sunday October 15 | 1pm - 4pm Wednesday October 25 | 7pm 6th-12th GRADE COLLEGE PREPARATORY EDUCATION All Grades Welcome! Traditional American Ideals Foundational Christian Values kennedycatholic.org/admissions
PAGE 24 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 Is Your Son #IonaPrepared? OPEN HOUSES Schedule your visit today! GRADES 9 -12 Sun, Oct. 15, 12-3 pm Thu, Oct. 19, 6-8 pm GRADES PK-8 Thu, Oct. 26, 6-8 pm Iona Preparatory Upper School 255 Wilmot Road New Rochelle, NY 10804 (914) 600-6154 Iona Preparatory Lower School 173 Stratton Road New Rochelle, NY 10804 (914) 633-7744 @IonaPrep in/IonaPrep IonaPreparatory For more information, please email [email protected] IonaPrep.org/OpenHouse Gael‑for‑a‑Day visits start in October. Westchester’s only all-boys, prekindergarten through 12th grade Catholic school, Iona Preparatory has been preparing young men for success for more than 100 years. BY VIM WILKINSON EDITOR As high school juniors and seniors embark on the new school year, a daunting to-do list awaits both students and parents. To ensure a successful college planning process, it is crucial to enter this pivotal year well-prepared, knowing that the groundwork is laid long before the college application season arrives. It’s no secret that colleges and universities consider more than just grades during the admissions process. Factors like community service, extracurricular involvement, leadership, test scores, coursework, and more play integral roles. Many families wisely opt to engage education consultants to navigate this intricate journey, guiding students systematically toward their dream college admissions. Enter Guided Consulting, led by Dr. Deborah Hardy. This educational consulting firm specializes in providing a personalized approach, tailoring academic, career, and college planning based on each student’s unique interests. Guided Consulting was founded with the aim of streamlining the college counseling process, making it personalized and stress-free. Hudson Valley Living had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Hardy and her team, who have helped numerous students successfully navigate this intricate journey. What are some of the mistakes in the college planning process? We emphasize the importance of early preparation in high school to dispel misconceptions. To avoid mishaps in the college process, it’s essential to consider the following: · Engagement and Informed Decisions: Rather than relying on hearsay, engage directly with admissions representatives for accurate information. · Financial Commitment: Discuss the financial investment your family is willing to make in terms of college costs and the expected benefits. · Student-Centered Approach: Higher education should empower students to become independent and develop essential life skills. Imposing too many expectations can disrupt this journey. Regarding timing, what advice do you have for families to stay ahead? Beginning as early as possible is key, as self-awareness leads to better course selection, quality extracurricular involvement, and a clearer understanding of what defines the ideal college experience. Plan ahead to avoid falling behind! How does Guided Consulting assist families and students in achieving their goals throughout this journey? Each session focuses on a specific topic, guiding families and students through every step of the post-secondary process. Our goal is to reduce the emotional burden associated with this journey, ensuring a compassionate and supportive counseling experience. What is your most important advice for families embarking on this process? Detach from societal expectations, read the information thoroughly, maintain open communication, and set emotions aside. While no one can guarantee admission to any institution, let the student’s story be purposeful and genuine. College Planning Roadmap Insights from Guided Consulting Dr. Deborah Hardy, educational consultant and the owner of Guided Consulting Guided Consulting, LLC 900 South Lake Blvd., Suite 8 Mahopac 845-628-0726 guidedconsult.com Contact Us Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected].
OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 25 BY TOM WALOGORSKY EDITOR On Sept. 30, the Fox Lane Athletics Hall of Fame proudly inducted the Class of 2023 as part of the homecoming week festivities. The newest members included Coach Bill Broggy and Coach Matt Hillis, as well as Fox Lane studentathletes Michael Tomassi and Tim Panetta, and the players, managers, and coaches of the 2010 girls varsity lacrosse team. Bill Broggy was honored for his time at the helm of both Fox Lane’s football and girls lacrosse teams. As the coach of Foxes football, Broggy led the squad to 87 wins which included victories in the 2002 Stadium Systems Bowl Game, a Class A bowl game in 2003, and the Tony DeMatteo Bowl Game in 2004. He was also named New York Jets Coach of the Week in 2006, and led Fox Lane to the Section 1 Championship for the first time in school history in 2007. As the coach of girls lacrosse, Coach Broggy and the Foxes played in four Section 1 title games, coming away with a pair of victory in 2010 and 2012. The 2010 squad also made the first state championship appearance in FLHS history. Broggy retired in 2021. Baseball coach Matt Hillis has the distinction of holding the most wins in Fox Lane history, beginning in 2002 and amassing an overall record of 355-161. He earned league Coach of the Year honors eight times, as well as Section 1 Coach of the Year in 2003 and 2018. Under Coach Hillis, the Foxes captured 14 league titles, two Section 1 championships, and advanced to the state final four in 2003. A member of the FLHS Class of 2006, Michael Tomassi was recognized for his performance as a threesport athlete. As a part of Foxes soccer, Tomassi was named All-League three times, All-Section three times, and finished his high school career with 56 goals and 20 assists. On the basketball court, he earned AllSection honors twice, was a three-time All-League Selection, and led the Foxes to a Section 1 title in 2004 en route to the school’s first appearance in the state final four. As part of the FLHS baseball program, Tomassi was part of the squad that captured the league title and Section 1 championship and was also recognized as the FLHS Male Athlete of the Year in 2006. Tim Panetta was inducted in recognition of his contributions to FLHS baseball as part of the Class of 2009. He served as the Foxes’ starting catcher for five seasons, hitting 21 home runs, earning All-League honors three times, All-Section recognition twice, and helping to lead Fox Lane to a pair of league titles and the Section 1 championship in 2006. Finally, the Hall of Fame honored the coaches, managers, and players of the 2010 girls varsity lacrosse team. That year, Fox Lane enjoyed a 14-2 regular season record and a magical playoff run that ended with an appearance in the NYS Class B state championship game. Earning an induction were Head Coach Bill Broggy, Assistant Coach Bill Bates, and players Sammy Jo Tracy, Missy Terlizzi, Aly Dowey, Kailey O-Hagan, Sophia Ohler, Michelle Kowalski, Caroline Bowers, Nellie Mitchell, Kate Burbank, Lindsay Toppe, Lexi Cannon, Elizabeth Longo, Sydney Stern, Kerry Bretti, Faith Zimmel, Lily Kucharczyk, Lauren DiChiara, Alyssa Downs, Jenn Pollock, and Haley Scallon, as well as managers Amanda Jeffers and Everest Rainford. Fox Lane Hall of Fame inducts Class of 2023 With school back in session, our studentathletes hit the ground running! Go Foxes! The Foxes took on Scarsdale on Sept. 13. Fox Lane took part in the Somers field hockey tournament. Jacob Cormier Bruce Polanco Perez PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI The Foxes at the Somers Big Red Invitational. Fantastic Foxes! Fox Lane XC on the move!
PAGE 26 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES HEALTH & WELLNESS OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 The Greens provides safety, comfort, and a loving home filled with laughter and joy. We are a small intimate assisted living community for your loved one with memory impairment. Discover The Greens at Greenwich Home is a Feeling [email protected] • thegreensatgreenwich.com Awarded the Best Practice for Resident Care by the Connecticut Assisted Living Association Schedule a Tour 203.531.5500 www.pleasantvillewellnessgroup.com CONTACT US 450 Manville Road, First Floor Pleasantville NY 10570 [email protected] 914-538-2438 PLEASANTVILLE WELLNESS GROUP offers compassionate and affordable care for whatever you or a loved one may be struggling with. Reach out today to find out how we can support you through your mental health journey. Services offered in person and online. BY MARIA SCAROS GUEST COLUMNIST My past, present and future can be seen in the objects carefully arranged in my home. My belongings and my longings are all here. Along the way, home balances the sacred part of my story. The bits and pieces of who I was, who I am and who I am becoming are rooted in my first home and have evolved in the homes I’ve made along the way. I am not unique in this. Home is a feeling for most of us. We know how hard it is at times to move on. How could we when we’ve heard that “home is where the heart is,” “home is where your mom is,” “home is where you hang your hat,” “home is where your story begins,” “there’s no place like home” and on and on? It was moving day over a year after my father died. My brother and I were moving mom out of the apartment where she raised all her children. My brother and I stood in what was our living room. It was stark, cold and echoed as we spoke as if the memories were floating all away. We were brokenhearted standing in the empty space. I felt I was abandoning all the people who came and went throughout the years I lived there. Once again, these are common feelings. They are feelings that ground us. These are the feelings many of us have when we move on. When someone has a memory impairment, those feelings remain. They are feelings of balance, safety, love, comfort and reassurance. These feelings are sought when home feels lost. The need to center oneself is never more important than when you feel so much is slipping away. One needs to find sacred ground; a place where there is no judgment and kindness prevails. When residents move into The Greens at Greenwich, they carry much of their home within them. They seek the essence of a safe space to “hang their hat,” feel their story can continue, and be embraced by people who will love them unconditionally. At The Greens at Greenwich, we know that there is no place like home and that more than anything else, home is a feeling. Maria Scaros is Executive Director at The Greens at Greenwich. For more information, visit www.thegreensatgreenwich. com, or call 203-531-5500. Home is the place I belong Residents of The Greens at Greenwich display the items that turn their new house into a home. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE GREENS AT GREENWICH
There are certainly numerous challenges facing those with disabilities and special needs. Whether a loved one has a physical disability, which impairs their ability to engage in the activities of daily living (i.e., walking, dressing, bathing, feeding and/or using the toilet), and/or prevents them from obtaining gainful employment, the question is often what steps can and/or should you be taking to protect them financially and/ or provide for their needs. This is also true if your loved one is a child and/or an adult with intellectual disabilities and cognitive impairments. The following is a general overview and summary of the steps you can take to assist and provide for them: 1. Become familiar with the state and/or federal programs they may be entitled to, depending on their finances and nature of disability. For example, are they eligible for Medicaid (nursing home/homecare) and/ or SSI (Supplemental Social Security Income), which have resource and income eligibility tests? Do they have a disability and a work history that would qualify them for Social Security Disability (SSD), which doesn’t have a financial test? 2. If a disabled person is over the age of 18 and has assets/ resources in their name, and/or they received an award or settlement, which disqualifies them for such programs as Medicaid and SSI, they have the option of creating and funding a “SelfSettled Special Needs Trust,” which will not impact their eligibility for said programs. The principal and/or income from such a trust can be utilized for their special and supplemental needs (those not covered by Medicaid/SSI and/or any other program they might be eligible for) without impacting their eligibility for said programs. The only downside of utilizing a “Self-Settled Special Needs Trust” is that upon the death of the trust beneficiary, the balance of the trust assets, if any, have to be first used to reimburse the government for services provided before they can be disbursed to the named final beneficiaries. 3. In addition to a “SelfSettled Special Needs Trust,” one should also investigate if there are other trusts that can be utilized to protect assets. For example, perhaps look into a Pooled Community Trust or an Irrevocable Medicaid Asset Protection Trust. Additionally, the use of an ABLE account might be an option. However, an ABLE account has a $100,000 limit if the disabled individual is receiving SSI or Medicaid. 4. If a family member and/ or friend wants to provide for a person with a disability either during their lifetime on upon their demise, they can create a “Third Party Special Needs Trust,” which can be funded with their assets while they are alive or upon their demise for the benefit of the special and supplemental needs of the disabled person. This trust is not funded with the assets of the disabled person. The advantage of this trust is that the principal and/or income of the trust used for the special and supplemental needs of the disabled person will not impact their eligibility for Medicaid/SSI and/or any other program they may be entitled to; and that upon the death of the trust beneficiary, the remaining trust principal and/or income can be distributed to anyone or any entity (charity) named by the trust’s creator without there being any payback to the state for the benefits they provided to the disabled beneficiary. 5. One other major concern and issue that needs to be addressed is whether the disabled person is able to make personal and financial decisions on their own or do they need a courtappointed guardian to make said decisions for them. If they are competent and have the intellectual ability to execute a Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, HIPAA form or other advance directive, the need for a guardian may be avoided. However, if they do not have the mental capacity to execute advance directives and are an adult (a person age 18 or older) who is intellectually or developmentally disabled, it may be necessary to seek the appointment of an Article 17-A guardian in the Surrogate’s Court of the county of their residence. Said guardian will have the authority to make personal and financial decision for the disabled person. This proceeding is to have someone with legal authority to make medical and financial decisions for the disabled individual. Finally, if an adult is physically and/or mentally incapacitated because of a medical condition (stroke, heart attack, ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s as an example) or because of an injury from an accident, medical malpractice or an act of violence, a Mental Hygiene Law Article 81 Guardianship proceeding in the Supreme Court of New York State in the county where they are present would be the appropriate proceeding. 6. If the person with a disability needs assistance at home with activities of daily living as identified above, then the option of applying for Medicaid homecare should be strongly considered. Presently, there is no look-back period for Medicaid homecare in New York. While the 30-month lookback is scheduled to be implemented on March 21, 2024, there is still uncertainty if it will. A five-year lookback still applies for Medicaid nursing home. Finally, as can be seen from the above, there are a multitude of issues that affect a disabled person and taking proactive steps to address them is advisable. Anthony J. Enea is the managing attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP of White Plains. He focuses his practice on Wills, Trusts, Estates and Elder Law. Anthony is the Past Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), and is the past Chair of the 50+ Section of the NYSBA. He is a Past President and Founding member of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Anthony is also the Immediate Past President of the Westchester County Bar Foundation and a Past President of the Westchester County Bar Association. He can be reached at 914-948-1500 or at esslawfirm. com. OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 HEALTH & WELLNESS THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 27 Planning for a disabled loved one’s future Lunch & Learn Series Held on the last Wednesday of each month, Lunch & Learn programs at Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP, shed light on a variety of important elder law and estate planning topics. The free educational program, held at the firm’s White Plains location, is open to the public – though space is limited. Those interested are encouraged to register early by calling 914- 948-1500 to reserve their spot. A light lunch and refreshments are included. Future programs include: October 25 Understanding the Implications of Gray Divorce: A divorce later in life often adds a level of complexity to the estate and tax plan process. Understand what potential complications may arise and how to address them – from division of assets and tax issues to estate and long-term care planning. Presented by Lauren C. Enea, Esq. ANTHONY J. ENEA GUEST CORNER
PAGE 28 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES HEALTH & WELLNESS OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 The garden outside Northwell Health Cancer Institute at Northern Westchester Hospital has a fresh new look thanks to a $35,000 grant from the Bedford Garden Club, a non-profit that supports the conservation and beautification of local gardens. The garden – which features eco-friendly, indigenous and sustainable plants, as well as new teak benches, tables and chairs – will be a place for cancer patients and staff to relax, rest and recharge. The project, spearheaded by Betsy Mitchell and Cecilia Wolfson (members of the garden club), has changed how the hospital looks at lawn care across its entire campus. The hospital plans to reduce the use of dyed mulches and to use indigenous, regional plantings that survive in the northeast climate. “We believe the Cancer Institute will help to restore the mental, social and spiritual health of our cancer patients, their families and staff,” said Derek Anderson, MPH, FACHE, executive director of NWH. “This beautiful eco-friendly and sustainable garden is a model program we hope to reproduce throughout our campus.” According to the Journal of Health and Caring Sciences, gardens have the potential to improve the quality of life for patients both physically and psychologically. “Like the process of healing gardening takes time and patience,” added Mitchell. This article was provided by Northwell Health. Bedford Garden Club donates $35k to hospital Betsy Mitchell and Cecilia Wolfson spearhead project for cancer institute The garden at the Northern Westchester Hospital Cancer Institute received a makeover this past summer thanks to the Bedford Garden Club. PHOTOS COURTESY OF NORTHWELL HEALTH Bedford Garden Club members Betsy Mitchell (right) and Cecilia Wolfson cut the ribbon along with hospital leadership to officially open the remodeled, eco-friendly garden at Northern Westchester Hospital Cancer Institute. We see you here. What’s our greatest asset at The Bristal Assisted Living communities? It’s the lifetime of interests and experiences you bring to it. After all, that’s what makes you special. A caring team that spends the time getting to know you so you can continue nurturing, sharing and exploring those interests? Well, that’s what makes us special, too. Schedule your visit today and see for yourself. THE BRISTAL AT ARMONK | 914.444.2636 THE BRISTAL AT WHITE PLAINS | 914.862.7667 thebristal.com Licensed by the State Department of Health. Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies. Equal Housing Opportunity. Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care
OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 HEALTH & WELLNESS THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 29 ADVERTORIAL BY VIM WILKINSON EDITOR With a mission to provide dedicated, personable and hands-on physical therapy rehabilitation to improve patients’ quality of life, Lize Lubbe Physical Therapy (LLPT) is helping and inspiring patients to achieve full and pain-free mobility through its premier physical therapy (PT) practice in the area. Lize Lubbe, the owner and physical therapist, founded LLPT to create an environment where her team could help each patient with an individualized approach to their treatment. Lubbe’s passion for PT inspired her to look beyond the patient’s immediate health challenges. As many may know, Lubbe’s popular monthly health column in The Katonah-Lewisboro Times and The Somers Record has quite a following as she shares valuable information and tips on a variety of health conditions, focusing on exercise and self-help tools that empower patients to take better control of their bodies. We are thrilled to include an interview with this inspiring physical therapist in this month’s issue of HVL. IN A NUTSHELL, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE PHYSICAL THERAPY AND WHAT IT DOES? Physical therapy focuses on improving quality of life through pain-free movement. Physical therapists are medically trained to evaluate a patient’s body and plan an individualize treatment plan. We use hands-on techniques, therapeutic modalities, guided exercise, and other movement techniques to help patients reach their full rehabilitation potential. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON CONDITIONS YOU TREAT? At LLPT’s main location, we focus mainly on acute conditions, post-surgery rehabilitation, arthritis, and neurological conditions like balance problems. At our Sports Studio in Apex Fitness, we treat all injuries and help patients get back in the game of pain-free physical activity. WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF PUTTING OFF TREATMENT WHEN THERE IS PAIN AND SOMETHING DOES NOT FEEL RIGHT? A light pain might become chronic or impact surrounding areas of the body if not treated. The sooner a pain is identified and treated, the quicker you can return to normal life without pain. Physical therapy helps through therapeutic evaluation, rehabilitation, and re-injury prevention. WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH LONG-TERM PAIN OR CHRONIC CONDITIONS THAT HAVE BEEN THERE FOR MANY YEARS? Physical therapy can help ease the cycle of pain if you have a chronic condition. If you suffer from long-term pain, physical therapy can guide you through informed evaluations to better understand its cause and with individualize treatment program re-store balance throughout your body. LIZE LUBBE PHYSICAL THERAPY Over the years, Lize has helped me recover successfully from surgery, injuries, and unexpected discomforts. Her vast knowledge and experience add a whole other dimension to the practice of physical therapy. She is compassionate, she listens, and she heals.” - LLPT patient from Katonah, N.Y. “ LIZE LUBBE PHYSICAL THERAPY Main Practice: • 892 Route 35 • Old Post Road Professional Bldg., 2nd Floor •Cross River, NY Studio-Sports practice: At Apex Fitness •20 N Salem Road, Cross River, N.Y. • 914-875-9430 • [email protected] • lizelubbept.com
PAGE 30 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES HEALTH & WELLNESS OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 Pleasantville Wellness Group is your community haven, providing compassionate care and support to patients of all ages and walks of life. Our team of licensed clinicians have a wide range of specialties to help you find the peace of mind and comfort that is eluding you. Whether you are struggling with an immediate challenge, working through past trauma, or trying to answer the larger questions of life, we are here to support you through the journey. We offer individual, group, and couples counseling so that you can find the therapeutic environment best suited for your unique needs. Our Team SERVICES CURRENTLY OFFERED: INDIVIDUAL, GROUP & FAMILY THERAPY www.pleasantvillewellnessgroup.com CONTACT US 450 Manville Road, First Floor Pleasantville NY 10570 [email protected] 914-538-2438 WE ALSO OFFER: Neuropsychological and Our Team Psychoeducational Testing Services Breast cancer is a cause for concern for millions of women. Each year about 264,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Canadian Cancer Society indicates around 28,600 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Globally, data from the World Health Organization indicates roughly 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. One of the more notable symptoms of breast cancer is the presence of a lump in the breast. Though not all lumps are malignant, it’s important that women learn about breast anatomy and lumps as part of their preventive health care routines. Mount Sinai says that breast lumps can occur at any age in both men and women. Hormonal changes can cause breast enlargement and lumps during puberty, and boys and girls may even be born with lumps from the estrogen received from their mothers. It is important to note that the vast majority of breast lumps are benign. The National Institutes of Health says 60 to 80 percent of all breast lumps are non-cancerous. The most common causes of breast lumps are fibroadenomas and fibrocystic changes. Fibroadenomas are small, smooth, moveable, painless round lumps that usually affect women who are at an age to have children, indicates the Merck Manual. They are non-cancerous and feel rubbery. Fibrocystic changes are painful, lumpy breasts. This benign condition does not increase a woman’s risk for breast cancer. Symptoms often are worse right before one’s menstrual period, and then improve after the period begins. Additional factors can contribute to the formation of lumps. Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs that likely go away on their own or may be aspirated to relieve pain. Complex cysts may need to be removed surgically. Sometimes cysts also may form in milk ducts throughout the breasts. Lumps also may be the result of injury. Blood can collect under the skin and form a type of lump called a hematoma. Other lumps may be traced to lipomas, which is a collection of fatty tissue or breast abscesses, which typically occur if a person is breastfeeding or has recently given birth. Additional causes of lumps can be discussed with a doctor. Though the majority of lumps are not a cause for concern, it is important for people to regularly feel their breasts to check for abnormalities. Doctors may recommend annual mammograms to women age 40 and older. In its earliest stages, breast cancer may produce little to no visible symptoms, but a mammogram may be able to catch something early on. This article is from Metro Creative Connection. What to know about breast lumps Breast cancer affects millions of women each year, but breast cancer also can be diagnosed in men. Each year in the United States, about 2,400 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Roughly 270 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year in Canada, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. Macmillan Cancer Support says men have a small amount of breast tissue behind their nipples, where breast cancer potentially can develop. Breast tissue in boys and girls is the same until puberty, when girls start to develop more. Signs of male breast cancer include a lump or swelling in the breast, redness or flaky skin in the breast, irritation or dimpling of the skin around the nipple, nipple discharge, or pulling in or pain of the nipple, states the CDC. Did you know?
OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 LEISURE THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 31 Ah, fall! The season when leaves decide to take a leap of faith, pumpkins are suddenly in everything (seriously, pumpkin toothpaste anyone?), and we all pretend to enjoy the cold just a little bit longer before winter makes us question our life choices. But fear not, dear readers! I have the perfect recipe to warm your souls. BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP Serves 4 INGREDIENTS 1 medium-sized butternut squash 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 3 cups vegetable broth 1/2 tsp nutmeg 1/2 cup heavy cream Salt and pepper to taste INSTRUCTIONS 1. Peel, seed, and dice the squash. 2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until it’s translucent. 3. Add the butternut squash pieces and stir for a few minutes. 4. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then let it simmer until the squash is soft. 5. Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If it’s too thick, you can add a bit more broth or some water. 6. Return the soup to the pot, add the nutmeg, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. 7. Serve hot. There you have it! A soup that’s perfect for fall and guaranteed to make you smile. Enjoy! for flavor Falling To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! For puzzle solutions, please see theparamountrehab.com CLUES ACROSS 1. Information 5. Seaport (abbr.) 8. Agricultural disease (abbr.) 11. Riding horses 13. Boxing’s GOAT 14. Hurt or discomfort 15. A small sharp knife to trim vegetables 16. A beaver builds one 17. Horizontal passage into a mine 18. Self-immolation by fire rituals 20. Chain bar with lots of games (abbr.) 21. Goo Goo Dolls’ hit 22. Agreeable 25. In an early way 30. In a way, struck 31. ItÕs there in the morning 32. County in the S. Pacific 33. Central Florida city 38. Numbers cruncher 41. Mexican beers 43. Lawyers say you can indict one 45. Capital of South Australia 47. Wings 49. Drug used to treat HIV/AIDS 50. Fencing sword 55. Capital of Qatar 56. Portable bed 57. Afflicted 59. Lying down 60. Midway between northeast and east 61. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation 62. Inflamed 63. Soviet Socialist Republic 64. Impudence CLUES DOWN 1. A way to fish 2. Greek mythological figure 3. Scarlett’s home 4. Assist 5. More doleful 6. Premeditated 7. Dish featuring minced food 8. San Diego ballplayer 9. Eight 10. Unwelcome picnic guests 12. Human gene 14. Bucket 19. Make full 23. Dirt 24. Person cited as ideal example 25. A part of (abbr.) 26. The 17th letter of the Greek alphabet 27. Very long period of time 28. Gas usage measurement 29. North American native people 34. It says “moo” 35. Folk singer Di Franco 36. Resinlike substance of certain insects 37. Residue 39. Grand homes 40. Popinjays 41. Man who behaves dishonorably 42. Figures 44. One who watches over children 45. Expressed pleasure 46. No longer living 47. Hebrew calendar month 48. Part of the ear 51. Swiss river 52. Prejudice 53. Italian Island 54. Resist authority (slang) 58. Criticize
PAGE 32 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 1 DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 10/31/2023. 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 $0 money down, $0 monthly payments, 0% interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 6/25/2023 and 10/31/2023. 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. Interest is billed during the promotional period, but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid before the expiration of the promotional period. Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered 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. CA License CLSB #1050316. Central CA License #1096271. License #RCE-50303. OR License #198571. WA License #RENEWAP877BM. WA License# RENEWAW856K6. All other license numbers available upon request. Some Renewal by Andersen locations are independently owned and operated. "Renewal by Andersen" and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. © 2023 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. This was delivered via your local newspaper. RBA13228 Save on Windows and Doors! AND 40% OFF1 BUY ONE, GET ONE Interest accrues from the date of purchase but is waived if paid in full within 12 months. Minimum purchase of 4. $0 Money Down $0 Interest $0 Monthly Payments for 12 months1 866-944-1728 Call by October 31 for your FREE consultation. Susan C. Graham Susan C. Graham of Somers, NY, died on Sunday, August 27, at Northern Westchester Hospital. She was born in Mount Kisco on August 29, 1940, to Arthur and Sarah MacPhee. She graduated from Fox Lane High School. Susan was a teacher’s aid in the Somers Central School District for 30 years. Susan was an active parishioner of St Joseph’s RC Church in Somers. She loved to attend her grandkids’ sporting events and play slots at the casino. She was the beloved wife of George for 63 years and the loving mother of Kim Wottle, George (wife Patrice) and Danny; devoted grandmother of Kaitlyn, John, Bryan, and Jake. Family and friends called at Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah on August 30. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church on August 31, with interment following at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Somers. Joseph Benedict Breen Joseph Benedict Breen passed away in Maplewood, Danbury CT, age 93, on September 23, 2023. Born in Elmhurst, NY, on June 28, 1930, he lived in Westchester County for 65 years. ig Joe Breen, as he was known to his friends, attended Regis High School, Holy Cross College, Fordham Law School and New York University Graduate School of Law. He joined Emmet, Marvin & Martin of 48 Wall Street — the firm founded by the famous Irish barrister, Thomas Addis Emmet, brother of the Irish patriot, Robert Emmet — in 1955. As managing partner, Joe was instrumental in the firm’s win in the leading case of In re Bank of New York, in which the New York State Court of Appeals established definitive guidelines for New York Stare trust investments. In 1976, he joined Huntoon, Paige & Company, specializing in government-backed mortgage securities (Ginnie Maes), and served as president of the NY Dealers Association. Later, he joined Merrill Lynch Huntoon Paige, as their chief counsel in its international real estate division. Son of Irish immigrants, Joseph was the youngest of the seven children of Joseph A. Breen and Catherine McTigue, and nephew of Mike McTigue, light heavyweight boxing champion of the world from 1923-25, Ireland’s first world champion. His six children remember getting boxing gloves at Christmas. Among Joe’s achievements, he played center forward on Regis High School’s basketball team, most notably winning the historic National School Boys’ Championship in 1948, proving to be the greatest basketball team of the small, prestigious, scholarship-based Catholic high school in New York City. They outwitted their opponents by speaking their plays in Latin. In later years, Joe would pull out his Regis yearbook and give a playby-play account of the team’s greatest games. “Fabulous was the word for him,” wrote the editors of his college yearbook. “Wherever he went, the extraordinary was inevitable. Because of his rejuvenating spirit, the golden subtlety of his humor, his dramatic flair, his inexhaustible repertoire of poems and Irish ballads, any evening or weekend became an occasion if Joe was there.” Even into his late years Joe would regale gatherings with his wordperfect rendition of The Face on the Bar Room Floor. A proud veteran, he served as a captain with the U.S. Marine Corps and stayed loyal to the memory of those he knew who served in the Korean War. Joe was an avid golfer, tennis player, bridge player, and great admirer of the works Henry James. A dog lover, he is remembered walking along the streets of Ennis, County Clare, with his Irish Wolfhound during the few years he lived in Ireland. After his Jack Russells—Machusla and Annie—died, a little bit of him died, too. He is predeceased by the mother of his children, Christine O’Connell, and his son Stephen G. Breen, the death of whom affected him the rest of his life, and is survived by his children, Christine Williams of Co. Clare, Ireland,, Regis of Easton, MD, Joseph of Katonah, NY, Deirdre of Cranston, RI, and Sean of Seattle, WA, and by his second wife, Polly Breen, and his stepchildren, Billy and Lisa. He is predeceased by six sisters and is survived by 14 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and nephews & nieces, and by his loving partner of the last 13 years, Patty Gallin of Somers. OBITUARIES
OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 33 years, including many of your current elected officials. None of those elected Democrats came to my defense during the campaign,” he also noted last month. Abzun’s primary bid had not initially been supported by the Democratic Committee. However, she had the backing of current Mayor Gina Picinich, who had appointed Abzun to the Village Board in 2021, and other prominent politicians such as state Sen. Pete Harckham and Westchester County Legislator Erika Pierce. (Abzun ran for, and won, a full two-year term last fall.) After the primary, the Democratic Committee announced that it was endorsing her in her run against former mayor Michael Cindrich, who is running on an independent line. Joining Abzun on Row A are incumbent Trustee Karine Patiño and former board member Jean Farber. Running with Cindrich on the Village Inclusive Party (VIP) line are political newcomers Theresa Mazzaro-Flora and Angie GarciaGuerra. The elections are Tuesday, Nov. 7. Early voting starts takes place from Oct. 28 to Nov. 5. CANDIDATE DEBATE KIBOSHED, TOWN HALL MEETING SET In other political news, a candidate’s debate scheduled to be hosted by the League of Women Voters of Northeast Westchester was abruptly cancelled with little explanation, leaving hopefuls to speculate about the reasons. Both the Cindrich and Abzun camps indicated that terms had been agreed to in July. Cindrich and Abzun had expected to participate in one 45-minute session, with a 15-minute break before the trustee hopefuls took the stage for an hour. The event had been scheduled for Oct. 3 at the Mount Kisco Library. Cindrich confirmed last week that the folks on the VIP ticket will instead be holding a “Town Hall” meeting/forum on Wednesday, Oct. 18, at the American Legion Post 136, 1 Legion Way, Mount Kisco, N.Y. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to write questions for the candidates on index cards, he said. It was a shock when the candidates received a one-line email in late August stating that the debate was no more. When they pressed for an explanation, they were told by the LWV that the event was nixed because there simply weren’t enough volunteers to handle all the political forums it’s been asked to sponsor. LWV-NW president Susan Ferris Rights sent the following explanation to Halston Media on Sept. 5: “The League of Women Voters of Northeast Westchester is disappointed but must cancel the candidate forum to be held on October 3rd for the Mount Kisco mayoral and village trustee races. The League has limited resources and volunteers and cannot provide candidate forums for every race that is requested. With the other candidate forums that are being held within the League’s geographic area, we cannot organize this one in an effective manner. We are disappointed that the public will not hear directly from the candidates in these races, but we encourage all to visit the League’s electronic voter guide at Vote411.org to find out more about all of the candidates on their ballot in November.” SERRATORES FROM PAGE 8 to manage pain and progress from patient to person. This group takes place over Zoom every other week. For more information, please call Ted Bloch at 914-552-6281 or email him at tednbloch@ gmail.com. All conversations are kept strictly confidential. Westchester Bluegrass Club www.westchesterbluegrassclub.com MARK COSGROVE AND GOOD MEDICINE Saturday, Oct. 21, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Mark Cosgrove’s distinctive, creative flatpicking sound has been heard all over the US and Europe, as well as in Australia and Japan. A lot of this exposure and travel is due to Mark’s association with Americana and roots music icon David Bromberg. In addition to touring with the Grammy nominated David Bromberg Quintet and Big Band, Mark had the great good fortune to be featured on the three most recent recordings of David’s, the latest of which, Big Road, reached Number One on Billboard’s Blues Chart for multiple weeks. The previous release, The Blues, The Whole Blues, And Nothing But The Blues, was selected by The Downbeat Magazine’s Critics Poll as 2017 Blues Album of the Year. In the Bromberg bands, Mark plays acoustic and electric guitar and mandolin, and sings harmony vocals. Doors open at 6 p.m., acoustic jam from 6 - 7:15, Open Mic 7:15 - 8, Mark Cosgrove and Good Medicine 8 - 9:30 p.m. Donation: $25. Please bring a small snack to share! Bedford Free Library Located at 32 Village Green, Bedford, NY 10506. For more information or to register for events, visit www.bedfordfreelibrary.org STORYTIME AT ROCHAMBEAU FARM Saturday, Oct. 14, at 11 a.m. Join Mrs. Crummy for a special Storytime at Rochambeau Farm! Pizza is available for purchase (cash only) Bring a blanket. Space is limited – no registration required. Rain or shine. To be held at Rochambeau Farm, 214 W Patent Rd, Mt Kisco, NY 10549. For more information, visit www. rochambeaufarmny.com TRACKS FROM PAGE 5 845-279-9555 • TankRemovalServices.com Before you place your home on the market, contact ENVIROSTAR about replacing your aging underground storage tank (UST). It is required by most insurance companies prior to insuring property. We replace above ground tanks as well! Call us today for a free estimate and evaluation of your current above ground tank. FALL SPECIAL! $100 OFF IN-GROUND TANK REMOVAL With this coupon only. Coupon must be presented at the time of the estimate. Not to be combined with any other offers. Expires 11/30/23 FREE ESTIMATES WE WILL MATCH OUR COMPETITOR’S ADVERTISED OFFER! We are the name you trust for environmental needs Since 1998 DON’T GET CAUGHT WITH AN AGING OIL TANK! SEE TRACKS PAGE 34
has led him to give up the other.” However, she respects his decision to resign. “(Harry) picked up his ball and went home. That is his choice. People get to volunteer in the way that they choose,” Picinich said. PROTOCOLS NEEDED Something else that stuck in McCartney’s craw was the lack of protocols for dealing with historic landmarks and artifacts. “Every other town does a historical assessment,” he claimed. This can result in situations like the village’s storage of dozens of water and sewer pipes on the grounds of a now long-gone summer boarding house on Kisco Mountain. Picinich said the village’s engineers reviewed the situation and determined that the pipes are secure and not in danger of hurting anything. “We explained and he (McCartney) disagreed,” she said. “The point is, it’s a quality-oflife issue,” McCartney said, adding that to him, protocols are a “no brainer.” HISTORIAN CANDIDATES SOUGHT In announcing McCartney’s resignation at the Village Board’s Sept. 18 meeting, Picinich thanked him “for his very long and wonderful service to our community as village historian” and said everyone wished “him great happiness in whatever he is pursuing at this time.” Anyone interested in the historian post was urged to contact the village manager’s office. The village historian is appointed by the mayor, with the Village Board’s authorization, and gets a small annual stipend. Candidates should have a “clear understanding” of the community’s history and be involved in organizations such as the historical society, Picinich said. Trustee Karen Schleimer praised McCartney for creating “outdoor classrooms” where he shared his vast knowledge of geology, nature, and history. “We think of him as the father of the Mount Kisco Trails System,” she said, noting that he and his team kept the trails cleared and tidy, led guided walks, worked with seniors, and provided history talks in the parks, the library, and the Boys and Girls Club. The six-trail system runs from Kisco Mountain to the Peninsula Wetlands and on to the Early Settlement/River walk, located on 17 acres between Lexington Avenue and Route 117. McCartney’s dream was to “open up natural historic areas to all,” Schleimer said, who smiled as she noted that he “enticed many of us, including me, wearing ballet flats, to join him on his walks.” “His contributions cannot be measured. He is irreplaceable,” she said. Saying the resignation had taken him by “surprise,” Mount Kisco Historical Society president Ralph Vigliotti said McCartney was “an integral part of the historical society on many levels.” “As the historian he supported me and vice versa. His knowledge of the history of the village is second to none and you can’t replace that,” he explained. McCartney also led downtown docent walks. Vigliotti said he could understand how folks might feel frustrated when proposals for additional trails didn’t pan out as expected. “We hoped to work with the village to make Mount Kisco more walkable. It’s not just about sidewalks,” he said, adding, somewhat philosophically, that the team is really in its “infancy” as an organization and “it takes time for people to realize what we have, embrace what we have, and figure out ways to do more.” Vigliotti noted that he wasn’t against having the DPW keep an eye on the trails, but still thought having a dedicated park ranger would have been better. County police have been very responsive whenever the team reported concerns about the trails, he said, adding: “We’re very lucky to have them here.” “Towns have lots of pieces in place to monitor public places. We were just asking for a little bit more and it wasn’t a lot of money,” Vigliotti said, noting that McCartney was responsible for a number of technologyrelated initiatives that helped bring the historical society into the 21st century and was also “a great recruiter of people.” McCartney’s departure “really puts us at a loss,” he said. McCartney has offered to mentor anyone who’s willing to step into the trail team position and/or the historian’s post so they can get “up to speed.” The bottom line is, he emphasized, is that volunteers are getting harder and harder to come by and initiatives such as the park ranger’s post should be supported whenever possible. “When a village pooh poohs something, it makes no sense,” McCartney said. PAGE 34 – THE MT. 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This is an advertisement placed on behalf of Erie Construction Mid-West, Inc (“Erie”). Offer terms and conditions may apply and the offer may not available in your area. If you call the number provided, you consent to being contacted by telephone, SMS text message, email, pre-recorded messages by Erie or its affi liates and service providers using automated technologies notwithstanding if you are on a DO NOT CALL list or register. Please review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use on homeservicescompliance. com. All rights reserved. License numbers available at eriemetalroofs.com/erie-licenses/. QR MADE IN THE U.S.A. 1.888.502.0937 FREE ESTIMATE Expires 9/30/2023 MCCARTNEY FROM PAGE 9 COFFEE & CONVERSATION Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. “Promoting inclusion for children with special needs in our community.” An opportunity for families to meet and connect. Facilitated by Artika Loganathan. Virtual Support Groups Support groups for women with breast and ovarian cancers have been transitioned to virtual platforms. Virtual groups are accessible to women from the comfort of their homes, regardless of where they live. All groups are open to new members as well as past participants. Advance registration is required by calling 914-962-6402 or 800-532-4290. Support Connection’s Peer Counselors are also available for individual counseling and assistance via phone and email. Call 800-532-4290, or submit an online request at supportconnection.org. TRACKS FROM PAGE 33
OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 35 LITERACY ADVANCES Acting at its Sept. 27 meeting, the school board approved fundamental changes in its approach to teaching youngsters how to read. It directed BCSD officials to present the board by next September with a recommendation for a curriculum aligned with the phonics-based “science of reading.” The district would jettison its current “balanced literacy” approach, which seeks to promote a passion for reading by exposing young people to a variety of books and teaching them how to figure out a word by reference to cues like pictures. Trustee Kristine Stoker presented a resolution drafted by the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Committee. It reads, “No later than June 30, 2024, the Board will be presented with a recommendation for curriculum(a) aligned in the Science of Reading. No later than September 2024, the curriculum(a) will be voted on for adoption and implemented and The Lucy Calkins and TCRWP Colleagues Units of Study will be eliminated from use at BCSD. Stoker has made literacy her mission. “All I’m trying to do,” she told the board in August, “is improve our literacy rates, which are 52 percent in our district. I don’t want that to go backwards.” But going forward has been a slow process. While the district was clearly committed to a wholesale change in how it teaches youngsters to read, myriad details have kept rapid progress frustratingly out of reach. Stoker offered a multipart resolution at the board’s Aug. 30 meeting. It asked the board to go on record in support of: Hiring a nationally recognized expert to oversee its instruction overhaul; Working with that expert to find the best evidence-based reading and writing curriculum; and, Piloting those curricula in the 2024-25 school year. That sparked an hour-long discussion of, among other things, bringing teachers up to speed “as fast as humanly possible” on the new approach to literacy instruction, replacing a system many have used for years. Even Lucy Calkins, the professor at Columbia’s Teachers College who popularized the balanced-literacy approach, says the vast majority of teachers “have never doubted that phonics is important to reading.” BCSD FROM PAGE 7 Students arrive at Fox Lane Middle School. Students at West Patent Elementary School hanging out with service dog Jacey. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BCSD Learning is fun at Bedford Village Elementary School! Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! VIKING LYNX MONOGRAM SUBZERO SCOTSMAN BERTAZZONI BOSCH BEST DCS GE MARVEL MIELE MAYTAG ELECTROLUX WHIPSPERKOOL FRIDGIDAIRE Trusted Repair That Will Stand the Test of Time Grills | Washers | Dryers | Refrigerators | Ovens | Ranges | Wine Coolers Serving Westchester County PH: 914.864.1252 6 Mark Mead Road • Cross River, NY 10518 Email: [email protected] www.appliancegenie.com AUTHORIZED SERVICE FOR VIKING, LYNX, FRIGIDAIRE NSB neil s berman mount kisco gold & silver inc 139 East Main Street We Buy: Coins/Currency Gold & Silver Jewelry diamonds Watches Coin expert Gold & Silver Bullion Dealer Appraiser 914-244-9500 bermanbuyscollectables.com BUYING ONLY 845-628-0362 WE WILL COME TO YOU! 52 YEARS! WE BUY: GOLD • STERLING SILVER • JEWELRY • COINS • PAINTINGS • BRONZES • CLOCKS • COLLECTIBLES • ANTIQUES • ETC. Items for sale? Call us! Honest and Reliable, 30+ years experience. Local Collector/Seller Putnam/Westchester/Orange/Dutchess and more Call or text: 917-699-2496 • email: [email protected] Hope to hear from you! Thanks! BUYING COMIC BOOK COLLECTIONS! TOP PRICES PAID! Back to school! Students across the Bedford Central School District have been busy learning a lot and having fun since they returned to the classroom last month! Events also included a gathering of faculty and staff during Superintendent’s Conference Day to get educators excited about the start of a new school year. SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 38
PAGE 36 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 Don Scott Please outline your career, leadership and educational accomplishments. I have a deep and diverse background in community leadership and service. My previous roles include five years of service on the Town Board, presidency of the KLSD School Board, and tenure as Katonah Fire Commissioner, among others. I’ve been actively involved in multiple town committees, including Wetlands, Communications, Todd’s Pond, and currently chair the Traffic Safety committee. Additionally, I serve as an officer of KVIS and on the Friends of Stepping Stones Committee. You can find a comprehensive list of my involvement at donforbedford.com. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Business Administration from Vanderbilt University, and professionally, I run my own legal marketing firm based in Katonah. What are the most important issues facing the Bedford community, and why are you the most qualified to address them? The challenges facing our community are diverse and require an experienced hand. As the only Medicare-eligible candidate, in addition to a few gray hairs, I bring valuable life experience and wisdom to the Board. Enhancing the quality of life in our community involves paying attention to the details that make a difference. This includes maintaining clean, safe streets, fostering vibrant hamlets, and preserving our beautiful parks. I’m committed to utilizing my extensive community involvement to make Bedford even better. For a glimpse of some collaborative ideas, please visit mikeanddoncan.com for our “101 Ideas for Bedford.” If elected, what will be your priorities? My top priorities in the coming year will focus on two critical areas. First, we must address the pressing issue of vacant spaces in our hamlets, especially in Bedford Hills. While it’s encouraging that the county has allocated funds to help us develop a plan, we can’t afford to wait. Immediate, actionable steps are needed to revitalize our hamlets. The time to act is now. Second, we must get our Board back on track with goal setting and planning. Substantial resources were invested in updating our master plan in 2020, but progress has stalled without explanation. It is a shame that the work product of the scores of community members is withering on the vine. I am committed to reigniting this process and infusing it with a sense of urgency. Completing this work is vital, and I’m determined to drive progress in planning and other crucial areas. I can’t wait to get started. BEDFORD FROM PAGE 3 WHY DO WE ADVERTISE IN HALSTON MEDIA’S TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL BRETT FREEMAN AT (845) 208-8151 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS? “As the owner of a new local small business, it is important that I spend my money wisely and get the most bang for my buck when it comes to marketing. Halston Media has made local advertising easy and effective. Their prices are reasonable and they will even help you design your ads. Communication with them has been a breeze as they are always available when you need them. I have grown my patient base significantly through my advertisements in the Somers Record. If you’re looking to grow your business, look no further than Halston Media.” - Frank Turchioe DC Somers Sport and Spine bringing artists and the community together for close to 10 years. I am also an active member of the Emergency Shelter Partnership and of Latino Providers - both of these organizations work across local communities to share information and provide resources to underserved populations, those living with short term food and shelter insecurity and all working to help provide solutions to improved access with regard to community mental health services. My background and life experiences are as diverse as the Village I serve. I am a local business person with a small landscaping company, a freelance analyst in the field of secondary data research, an artist, a Reiki practitioner and a percussionist. In 1992, I received my Juris Doctor degree from Pace University School of Law and counseled clients locally, leaving the practice in 2003 to raise my children. As Deputy Mayor, I have been able to draw on my legal background to parse through complex issues, to create and pass local legislation, and to advocate for all of Mount Kisco’s voices. What are the most important issues facing the Mount Kisco community, and why are you the most qualified to address them? Pedestrian safety is extremely important in our community. Mount Kisco is a walking community, and we also live with some of the highest trafficked roads in the area. I have been dedicated to creating an enhanced pedestrian-oriented Village that places safety first. I have been working with law enforcement and continuing with clear communication with State and County stakeholders to address safety issues that support the pedestrian experience. I have been advocating for and I am proud to have voted on going forward with a Village-wide Complete Streets study that will address pedestrian safety and traffic calming solutions. This study will be a comprehensive document that will assist the Village in obtaining grant funding for implementing the short- and long-term plans and recommendations that are developed. The nationally recognized Complete Streets is an approach to planning, designing and maintaining built environments that enable safe, convenient and comfortable access for all users of all ages and abilities regardless of their mode of transportation. I encourage visiting smartgrowthamerica.org to find out more. The Complete Streets study will be instrumental in informing future Village decision-making. As a community we must acknowledge the need for comprehensive telecommunications infrastructure so that emergency services and healthcare providers, schools, residents, and businesses can use all opportunities afforded by 21st century technologies. There continues to be areas within Mount Kisco where people do not have cellular service in their homes. This is an issue that goes to the heart of health, safety and welfare. I am committed to moving Mount Kisco forward responsibly so we all stay safe and connected. This requires accurate data from reliable sources, thus creating sound strategy and implementation of solutions particular to Mount Kisco that create access for all. If elected, what will be your priorities? I will advocate for responsible creation of housing that is financially reachable for more people, especially those working in public education, healthcare and those raising families, those in the community for whom it is important to age in place, persons living with disabilities and volunteer emergency service providers. I am looking toward a future of flexible, accessible, multi-generational and multicultural community spaces that are sustainable and reflect the fabric of experiences of all who live in the Village. I am not merely a candidate; I am a dedicated community member with a history of service and advocacy in Mount Kisco. Having grown up in the Village, and raising my own family here, my eyes are firmly set on a vision of the future that includes everyone, leading with empathy, respect, and understanding. I acknowledge that the Village has diverse perspectives and differing viewpoints. To govern well and to be an effective leader requires civil dialogue and reflection, calm and reasoned consideration of complex issues and competing positions. Seeking out expert advice, relying on accurate information, and applying best practices - this has been the hallmark of my public service as Deputy Mayor and this will be my guiding principle going forward should I be elected as Mayor of Mount Kisco on Nov. 7. J. Michael Cindrich Please outline your career, leadership and educational accomplishments. J. Michael Cindrich is the most qualified to serve as mayor of Mount Kisco based on past accomplishments, education and knowledge of the community. Accomplishments Completed the renovation & restoration of Kirby Plaza, that had been neglected for several decades. Constructed a new, expanded library, incorporating energy efficient technology. Led the community through the worst economic depression in over 70 years, with no reduction in services. This was accomplished by incorporated effective and efficient methods, in providing services to our community. Infrastructure Improvement Designed and completed several flood mitigation projects, to reduce flooding within the community. Expanded the sanitary sewer systems, to protect the environment. Rebuilt tens of thousands of feet of sanitary sewer lines, storm drainage and water mains. Designed and completed the reconstruction of several streets, including repaving, re-curbing and drainage work. Byram Lake Rehabilitated and repaired the Byram Lake Sluiceway. Designing and rehabilitated the Byram Lake Dam. First Mayor in the history of Mount Kisco to protect the Byram Lake Water Shed Area, by acquiring 30 acres of environmentally sensitive property, boarding Byram Lake. This was accomplished at minimal cost to the taxpayers, through an intermunicipal agreement with the Town of North Castle, who MOUNT KISCO FROM PAGE 1 SEE MOUNT KISCO PAGE 37
OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 37 helped fund the acquisition, (worthy to note the agreement was made possible by the strong personal relationships Mayor Cindrich developed with his contemporaries on the North Castle Town Board). Economic and Community Development Worked with developers to attached high-end successful businesses, including Lexus of Mount Kisco, Testla and Saw Mill East. Worked closely with Northern Westchester Hospital (Northwell) in the expansion of the hospital, the cancer treatment center, the state of the art emergency room and expanded surgical suites and the much needed parking structure. Increased recreational opportunities, with the rehabilitation and construction of the Ray Wall Athletic Field and the Fox Park Playground. Most notable, was the construction of the multi-purpose soccer and lacrosse field at 333 N. Bedford Road. Currently building a new DPW facility to protect expensive equipment and enhance the ability of our highways crews to perform their duties. Protecting taxpayer dollars Mayor Cindrich personally negotiated with Westchester County to bring 21st century community policing to Mount Kisco at a cost savings of over $1 million dollars a year. The community and our schools are safer with more officers patrolling, and the availability of specialized services, and the use of enhanced technology. Worked with the Mount Kisco Fire Department Chiefs and Commissioner in developing a plan to renovate the fire department infrastructure and bring our firehouses into compliance with OSHA, ADA and public safety work rules. Financial The financial condition of Mount Kisco under Mayor Cindrich is exceptional. The Bond rating has increased three times to the highest rating available to a community of Mount Kisco’s size. We have provided for future projects with substantial capital reserves both in the general fund and designated funds. What are the most important issues facing the Mount Kisco community? If elected, what will be your priorities? Property taxes and debt. Protection of residential zoning districts from the intrusion of incompatible use such as accessory dwelling units. Public safety Traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular Water Supply Jean M. Farber Please outline your career, leadership and educational accomplishments. Served Mount Kisco as Village Trustee for 10 years and as Deputy Mayor for 3 years. New York State Democratic Committee Woman for 93rd Assembly for 14 years. Founding Member of the Mount Kisco Arts Council. Current member and Treasurer of the Mount Kisco Historical Society. Vice president of Glassbury Court Homeowner’s Association Board of Directors since 2007. Member of Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce and the local League of Women Voters serving on the executive board. Local businesswoman and Associate Real Estate Broker. Former Village Board Liaison to the Italian American Club, Memorial Day Parade Committee, Historical Society and the Arts Council. Currently, member of the Mount Kisco Village Board of Assessment Review and the Mount Kisco Citizen representative on the Westchester County CDAG, Community Development Advisory Group developing Block Grants. Instrumental in relocating the Mount Kisco Historical Society from the basement of Village Hall to the current permanent home at 40 Green Street. Education B.A. degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Florida. Post Baccalaureate Program at Sarah Lawrence College. Awards and Accomplishments Italian American Club of Northern Westchester Woman of the Year in 2019. 2022 Woman of Distinction Award given by Assemblymember Chris Burdick in his first year of honoring local Women in the Community for their service. Jean Farber Day in Westchester County declared by Legislator Kitley Covill for outstanding Public Service (December 20, 2020) Jean Farber Day in Mount Kisco proclaimed by Mayor Gina Picinich for the Italian American Club Woman of the Year honor (October 16, 2019). What are the most important issues facing the Mount Kisco community, and why are you the most qualified to address them? Priorities include advancing quality of life, traffic, parking and walkability projects; delivering the resources and support to our law enforcement to keep our village safe. I am dedicated to maintaining fiscal responsibility and bringing community involvement to life while supporting our infrastructure and protecting our environment. Every year that I was a member of the Village Board, our annual budget was consistently below the maximum increase suggested by Albany. I have experience, knowledge and common sense. I show up! I am a trusted and valued voice who dedicates the time needed to generate results. If elected, what will be your priorities? I value making consensus…bringing opposite viewpoints to a workable compromise. I envision Mount Kisco as an inclusive, sustainable and multi-generational community, dedicated to the wellbeing of all its residents. I will focus on traffic and transportation, infrastructure, environmental stewardship, economic development, and fiscal responsibility. Mount Kisco has a remarkable history, and it is my intention that together we can make an extraordinary future. MOUNT KISCO FROM PAGE 36 SEE MOUNT KISCO PAGE 38 BEFORE LeafFilter AFTER LeafFilter 1-844-469-0236 CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST THE NATION’S G U T T E R G U A R 1 D2 CLOG-FREE GUTTERS FOREVER **Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., an Equal Housing Lender. 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PAGE 38 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 Theresa Flora Please outline your career, leadership and educational accomplishments. Staff Nurse at a 30 bed neurosurgery/ vascular unit - Albert Einstein Hospital (May 1983 - May 1985) Charge Nurse at a 42 bed surgical/dialysis unit - Westchester Square Hospital (June 1985 - July 1987) Level 4 Clinical Resource Nurse in a 28 Post Surgical Unit - Phelps Memorial Hospital (September 1987 - October 1991) Preschool Teacher for 2-year-old class - Saw Mill Club Preschool (September 1998 - May 2001) Preschool Nurse/Camp Nurse - Saw Mill Club (September 1998 - May 2002) Administrative Assistant - Saw Mill Club (May 2001 - May 2002) Health Aide/Substitute RN - Westorchard Elementary School (September 2002 - December 2003) Health Aide/Substitute RN - Westorchard Elementary School (September 2009 - May 2011) Education Bachelor of Science-Nursing - College of Mount Saint Vincent Licenses and Certifications NY State Professional Nursing License CPR/Defibrillator Epipen administration Awards “Nurse of Distinction” - Phelps Memorial Hospital 1989 Memberships Save Leonard Park task force leader. Mt. Kisco Historical Society. Mt. Kisco Trail Team. Team RWB NYC International Run Streak Association: #39 Women’s Active List Family Husband Joe, 20 year Navy Seabee (retired) 5 children What are the most important issues facing the Mount Kisco community, and why are you the most qualified to address them? The preservation of residential zoning districts; single family neighborhoods. I am AGAINST the Accessory Dwelling Unit Legislation. Keeping property taxes and our debt under control. Protection of parkland and green space. Expansion and enhancement of our trails. Pedestrian safety measures. Public safety and quality of life issues. Maintenance of our roads. Safe and responsible placement of cellular infrastructure. Clean streets and sidewalks. Protection of free speech. Financial disclosure for political candidates. Truth and transparency. I am well qualified to be a Trustee because I’m a good communicator/listener, I know how to organize, rally and lead people for a good cause (Save Leonard Park). I’m organized, forthright, accessible, and patient. Most importantly I’m an independent thinker, and I respect and welcome different opinions which are important problem-solving strategies. Angie Garcia-Guerra Please outline your career, leadership and educational accomplishments. I am an educator who is currently a home educator to my 9-year-old. I was a classroom teacher for over 11 years, and I worked throughout the state beginning in NYC and ending in Westchester County. I was a mentor teacher at my last assignment. I have worked with children for over 20 years. I have volunteered at various Children’s Educational Programs, a Women’s Shelter and with Habitat for Humanity. I am currently on the Climate Smart Committee with the Village of Mount Kisco. I have a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College, Master of Education in Elementary Education from PACE University and a Master of Education in English from CUNY Lehman College. What are the most important issues facing the Mount Kisco community, and why are you the most qualified to address them? Some of the most important issues are protecting our limited green space, safeguarding our zoning to keep our singlefamily neighborhoods, our current traffic and pedestrian safety and future cellular infrastructure. I would work with all necessary groups in order to work to resolve these issues which would include but limited to our village boards and include all of our residents. If elected, what will be your priorities? If elected my top priorities would be protecting our green spaces, protecting our single-family zoning, working on traffic and pedestrian safety and responsible cellular infrastructure within the village. Karine Patiño Please list your career, leadership, and educational accomplishments. I am a proud daughter of Ecuadorian immigrants, my parents made Mount Kisco “home” over 45 years ago. I obtained a BA in Political Science at Pace University and my JD from Pace Law School. I was a student attorney for the competitive and distinguished Immigration Justice Clinic at John Jay Legal Services. Since 2017, I have been a staff attorney at the Putnam County Legal Aid Society, Inc. In Nov ‘16, I served as Library Trustee in MK for 3 years. I was appointed by County Executive Latimer, to the WC Police Reform and Reinvention Task Force and served from June ‘19 to February ‘21; I was part of the Community Engagement working group. I served throughout ‘22 on the WC Hispanic Advisory Board, I was appointed by CE Latimer. In Sept ‘22, Assemblymember Burdick appointed me to the first-ever Inclusion Advisory Committee. What are the most important issues facing the Mount Kisco community, and why are you the most qualified to address them? Ensuring smart financial investment, continuing to update infrastructure and delivering essential services - all without overburdening taxpayers. I listen and engage by meeting people where they are. Lived experience is expert knowledge. I learn about each issue, whether it’s research, attending relevant programming and conferences, etc. I work on applying what I learn to the diverse needs of the community for a better quality of life and brighter future. I excel at collaborating constructively with individuals who hold differing opinions, fostering productive dialogue, and seeking common ground to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. It’s important to prioritize effective solutions, focusing solely on what is best for our constituents and the future of the Village. If elected, what will be your top priorities over the next year? Finalize wireless communications infrastructure code. Identify opportunities for the creation of accessible housing. Completing updates to the notification code to ensure all community members are properly informed. Any process must consider our present community and must plan for a changing climate; we must include sustainability and resiliency measures in all our plans. Running for re-election is not about me; it’s about us, our community, and our shared future. It has been an incredible honor to serve you, and I am deeply committed to continuing this journey. Together, we’ve achieved progress, addressed challenges, and made our community stronger. But there’s still work to be done, and I believe that by working together, we can achieve even greater things. MOUNT KISCO FROM PAGE 37 Welcome back to Mount Kisco Elementary School! Students at Pound Ridge Elementary were all smiles. Students at Bedford Hills Elementary hard at work. Principals addressing staff during Superintendent’s Conference Day. Back to school! PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 Celebrating the start of senior year at Fox Lane High School! PHOTOS COURTESY OF BCSD
OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 39 Now you can read all about your town AND the region! Scan Me!
PAGE 40 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OCTOBER 12 - NOVEMBER 16, 2023 We work with everyone to help them achieve the American dream. We are looking forward to providing you *Integrity Service Love.* fie team at Weichert Realtors, Signature Properties is committed topromoting fair housing, cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion of all. DOROTHY BOTSOE ABR, AHWD, BA, C2EX, CBR, CDEI, CIPS, CRB, CRS, e-PRO, GRI, ITI, PSA, RENE, SFR, SRES, SRS 2020 NYS Association of Realtors Realtor of the Year l 2019 Lawrence B Caldwell RPAC Award Recipient 2017 HGAR President l 2012 HGAR Realtor of the Year l 2007 NYS WCR Member of the Year Platinum RPAC, HOF Member l RPAC President’s Circle member If your property is currently listed, this is not intended as a solicitation. LOOKING FOR A HARD WORKING REALTOR? Independently Owned and Operated Weichert Realtors Signature Properties.com Real Estate Broker, New York O: 1-914-846-0408 M: 1-914-359-0368 275 E. Main Street • Mt. Kis co, NY 105 49 [email protected] / Weichertsignatureproperties.com CALL US NOW! 914-846-0408 We are your Hometown Realtors