Mahopac News 12.30.21

VOL. 12 NO. 47 Visit TapIntoMahopac.net for the latest news. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

Notable stories of 2021

Another year has come and gone in Mahopac and it’s time to look back on 2021 and recap the most noteworthy stories of the past 12 months.
2021 was a year unlike any other, thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, which put us on rollercoaster ride with all the variant outbreaks and the debate over
masks and vacinations. And while Mahopac had its share of COVID issues in 2021, there was plenty of other memorable news as well. So, in no particular

order, here are the top notable stories from 2021:

Downtown revitalization
project revealed

Schools reopen fulltime Details of the downtown Mahopac
were revealed during a public work-
Mahopac students return to school in April for shop where residents were allowed to
fulltime in-person learning after spending most of observe and comment on three alter-
2020 remote learning from home due to the pan- native plans for a passive park, munic-
demic. ipal parking lot and other changes to
the business district. e project was
revealed to be made up of four parts:
1. Downtown Route 6N southside
sidewalk, lighting, and parking recon-

guration; 2. Redevelopment of ex-
isting Chamber Park and parking; 3.
Redevelopment of the new park and
newly acquired parcels and parking; 4.
Redevelopment of Cherry Lane as a
one-way street.

Farmers Market Girls win Section 1 SEE 2021 PAGE 22
returns softball crown

In March, it was an- In dramatic fashion, the Indians defeated
nounced that after debut- North Rockland, 1-0, in extra innings to
ing in 2019 and then being win the Section 1 title. It was the school’s
cancelled in 2020 due to
the pandemic, the Farmers rst-ever softball AA championship. It was
Market would return at a the perfect ending to what has been a sto-
new location—Chamber rybook run by the top-seeded Indians, who
Park—and be bigger and lost in the playo s in heartbreaking fashion
better than ever. It was. two years ago, only to have last year’s season
cancelled due to COVID.

SellYour Home forTOP DOLLAR CLASSIFIEDS 23
LEGAL NOTICES
with Mahopac’s Real Estate Specialist LEISURE 23
MAHOPAC MUSINGS
FREE OPINION 21
SPORTS
Home Evaluation 2 SPORTS
8
Anytime — No Cost or Obligation Gymnastics team remains
16 undefeated.
Call 845.628.4189
pg 18
MahopacHomeValues.com

CLASSIC REALTY Michael Trinchitella
LicensedAssociate Real Estate Broker

Visit: MahopacRealEstate.com
or Email: [email protected]

PAGE 2 MAHOPAC NEWS MAHOPAC MUSINGS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

The Staff Mahopac Library desk. is item is also available a Sustainable Art Exhibit,” to p.m. To be included in the virtu-

EDITORIAL TEAM Events as an eBook on Overdrive. For showcase mixed media work al exhibit, send one digital image
BOB DUMAS information visit www.mahopa- that combines disparate ele- of each entry submitted for the

EDITOR: 845-208-0774 Monday Evening Book clibrary.org, or call 845-628- ments and materials to create onsite show to mplgallerycom-
[email protected]
Group 2009, ext. 100. inspiring works of art. [email protected].
VIM WILKINSON
SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR Monday, Jan. 3, 6 p.m. is Reads at Reed e show, hosted in partner- ere is no fee to enter the
[email protected] adult book group meets on the
ship with Sustainable Putnam, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”exhibit,
ADVERTISING TEAM
PAUL FORHAN rst Monday of each month; will be installed in the ird and artists from the tristate area

(914) 806-3951 new members are always wel- e Reads at Reed Book Club Floor Gallery during the month (and beyond) are welcome to
[email protected]
come. We will meet in the ird will meet Tuesday, Jan, 4, at 4:30 of February 2022. A virtual pre- participate. e show will be on
BRUCE HELLER
(914) 486-7608 Floor Meeting Room (masks p.m. to discuss the book “Ameri- sentation of the entries will be display at the library from Feb.
[email protected]
required) to discuss “ e Sur- can Dirt,” by Jeanine Cummins. created in conjunction with the 4-26, 2022. For further informa-
LISA KAIN
(201) 317-1139 vivors” by Jane Harper. Pick up e meeting will be held via onsite show to be screened on tion, or to download an exhibit
[email protected]
CORINNE STANTON a copy of this book at the Li- Zoom and in-library. Contact the Library’s YouTube channel. prospectus, visit https://ma-
(914) 760-7009
[email protected] brary’s main desk, or call 845- email programs@carmellibrary. Call for entry requirements: hopaclibrary.org/art-exhibits/.

JAY GUSSAK 628-2009, ext. 100 to schedule org with any questions. this exhibit it open to profes- For questions or clari cation,
(914) 299-4541
[email protected] a curbside pickup. e Survivors ‘Scavenger’ Artists sional artists 18 years of age or call 845-628-2009, ext. 108.
SHELLEY KILCOYNE is also available as an eBook and Sought for Exhibit older. Work must be hand-deliv-
(914) 924-9122 eAudiobook on Overdrive. ered, labeled and ready to hang. Native Bees: Our
[email protected] One person’s junk is often Un-stung Heroes
Flo Brandon Book Group ere is a limit of two entries per
PRODUCTION TEAM Friday, Jan. 7, 11 a.m. e Flo artist; entries must not exceed 36
TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL
Brandon Book Group meets on someone else’s treasure. inches with frame. Small three- Start 2022 with a buzz! Join
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
PHOTOGRAPHER the rst Friday of each month Many artists are scavengers of dimensional work that can be us on Jan, 5 at 7 p.m. for a Zoom

[email protected] at 11:00 am. New members are items that retain their beauty or placed in the ird Floor Gal- presentation with noted bee ex-
GABRIELLE BILIK
DESIGNER always welcome. is month provide creative inspiration even lery display case will be exhib- pert Tim Stanley as we explore

[email protected] the group will discuss “Born a after they have been discarded. ited if space permits. the world of native bees. ough

EXECUTIVE TEAM Crime: Stories from a South With this in mind, Mahopac Drop-o dates: Sunday, Jan. they are largely responsible for
BRETT FREEMAN
CEO & PUBLISHER African Childhood” by Trevor Public Library has announced 30, 1-4 p.m.; Monday, Jan. 31, keeping food on our tables, trees
845-208-8151
Noah. Pick up a copy of this a call for entries featuring the 1-5 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednes- in our landscape, and beauty in
[email protected]
item at the Library’s Circulation theme, “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: day, Feb. 1 and 2, 10 a.m. – 4 our gardens, they often go unno-
Deadlines
ticed and under-appreciated. We
MAHOPAC NEWS DEADLINE
THE DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS will discover little-known facts

AND EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS FOR about these insects. Spoiler alert!

MAHOPAC NEWS IS THE THURSDAY Did you know that New York is
BEFORE THE NEXT PUBLICATION DATE.
home to nearly 400 species of na-
FOR MORE INFORMATION,
CALL BOB DUMAS AT tive bees? at most of them have

845-208-0774 OR EMAIL absolutely no interest in stinging
[email protected].
you? at they have developed
Subscribe
unique techniques and relation-
TO REQUEST MAHOPAC NEWS
WEEKLY DELIVERY, CALL 845-208-8503 OR ships with native owers, making
EMAIL [email protected].
SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE COMPLIMENTARY FOR them indispensable pollinators?
RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES IN THE TOWN.
OUT OF TOWN MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE And that most of them pollinate
$150 PER YEAR FOR FIRST CLASS MAIL.
more e ciently than honeybees?
PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT
MAHOPAC, NY AND AT Ha We will discuss ways to help our
native pollinators including plant-
ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. ing owers, combating invasive
POSTMASTER: species and stopping the use of
harmful insecticides. Audiences
SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO will leave informed, delighted, and
MAHOPAC NEWS AT prepared to act on behalf of our
824 ROUTE 6, SUITE 4
MAHOPAC, NY 10541 native heroes.

MNeawhsopac is event is brought to you by

(ISSN 2330-1627) Putnam Pollinator Pathway, an
PUBLISHED WEEKLY BY
HALSTON MEDIA, LLC AT Ne Y initiative of Cornell Cooperative
824 ROUTE 6, SUITE 4 Extension of Putnam County
MAHOPAC, NY 10541 launched to encourage and
support habitat for native pol-
MAIN OFFICE linators. By joining the Putnam
118 N. BEDFORD ROAD Pollinator Pathway, individuals
and groups have committed to
SUITE 100 working together to establish a
MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549
©2021 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC corridor for pollinators spanning

the County and connecting with

other Pollinator Pathways across

the Northeast.

Registration cost: $0 - $25.

Amount is at participant’s dis-

cretion. Deadline for registra-

tion is Jan. 4, by 5 p.m. Registra-

from all of us at tion is required to receive Zoom
link. Register at http://putnam.
cce.cornell.edu/events for an

Law Offices of Joseph J. Tock evening of information and in-
spiration!

963 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • TOCKLAW.COM For more information call
Stefanie Hubert, Cornell Co-

operative Extension of Putnam

845-628-8080 Executive Director at 845-278-
6738 ext. 223, or email sh379@

cornell.edu.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021 MAHOPAC NEWS PAGE 3

A very special SEPTO Christmas

Mahopac SEPTO, the parent teacher organization child had the opportunity to share their Christmas list bers who helped organize the event for the students and

for special education in the Mahopac School District, with Santa, chat with him and have a picture taken. families.

sponsored its annual Visit with Santa on Dec. 5. Santa gave each child a special gift bag. Anyone interested in future events or in joining the

is year, the students’ visit with Santa was a drive-by Mahopac SEPTO thanked all the families that at- organization should email SEPTOMahopac@gmail.

meeting at the Fulmar Road Elementary School. Each tended the event, as well as its executive board mem- com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAHOPAC SCHOOL DISTRICT

Santa’s SEPTO Board with Dr. Greg Stowell (assistant superintendent for pupil personnel and educational Aiden and Maggie Fleming get some Santa time.
services), third from left, at Vist With Santa event

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAHOPAC SEPTO Kids shared their list with Santa. Santa and one of his reindeer pose with
Joseph Romano and Tommy Cusumano with Santa Kaylee and Caden Zakon.

Wishing all our readers and advertisers a

Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2022!

2
TRACKS

PAGE 4 MAHOPAC NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2021

Town Board throws support behind assisted-living plan

BY BOB DUMAS are necessary for the project to provide a ordable, quality hous- the increasing cost of construc- will ll an identi ed need in our
EDITOR achieve nancial feasibility. ing for seniors who can no longer tion materials, labor shortages, es- community for quality assisted-
live alone without assistance, but calating wages, tightening capital living housing and services for se-
Plans are in motion to build a e proposed three-story, who do not need continual skilled markets, supply chain di culties niors who can no longer live alone
152-bed assisted-living facility on 117,000-square-foot property, nursing care. In addition to pro- and increasingly stringent loan un- without assistance, but who do not
Seminary Road in Carmel and which already has Planning Board viding the local community with derwriting standards. To assist in need continual skilled nursing care.
the Town Board is recommending approval and the necessary per- access to high-quality assisted- overcoming these challenges, Fish- Moreover, the project will convert
the plan move forward. mits will o er a complete array living services, the project will also kill Realty seeks to access nancial a piece of vacant land into a vi-
of residential and assisted-living be an economic engine creating incentives and assistance from the brant business in our community
At the board’s Dec. 15 meeting, services including the provision of approximately 75 full-time- IDA, including mortgage-record- that creates construction jobs while
its members voted to approve a a Special Needs Assisted-Living ing and sales-tax exemption, as the [facility] is being built and full-
letter written by Supervisor Ken Residence (SNALR) memory- equivalent job positions, 250 well as a 10-year PILOT structure time employment positions once
Schmitt to William Nulk, chair care unit (32 beds) dedicated to construction jobs, and generate phasing to full taxation at a rate of its doors are open.
of the Putnam County Industrial serving residents with increasing more than $3 million of economic 10 percent per annum.
Development Agency (IDA), ex- dementia as well as high-acuity activity annually for local area “ e town of Carmel welcomes
pressing their support. residents who would remain in vendors and businesses supplying “[Fishkill Realty] con rmed to and supports the proposed project
the facility and “age in place.” goods and services to the project.” me that without IDA assistance and I strongly urge that IDA as-
Fishkill Realty GP LLC and its the project will not be feasible and sistance be provided to ensure that
managing member FilBen Group “ is type of senior housing is e COVID-19 pandemic cre- consequently is not likely to pro- it is developed in our community,”
LLC led an application with the sorely needed in our community,” ated nancial challenges for the ceed,” Schmitt wrote. “ e project he added.
IDA to access its programs that Schmitt wrote. “ is project will project. Impediments included

Seniors celebrate PHOTO COURTESY OF TINA CAPIZOLA
the holidays at
Four Brothers

e Senior Citizens Of Mahopac held their annual Holiday Party at
Four Brothers Restaurant on ursday Dec. 2. e group enjoyed some
delicious food and had great fun ushering in the holiday season.

100,000 Square Feet of Space Women’sOnlyFitnessArea
Month to Month Options Over 100 Classes Weekly
Steam Room, Sauna, Spa Free Nursery
Fitness Turf And Much More!

REMAINS A LUCRATIVE SELLER’S MARKET. Get back
THERE IS NO BETTER TIME TO SELL!
youtorself
WANT TO KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING
IN OUR LOCAL MARKET? JOIN NOW MOSRCEANINCFOODREMFAOTIRON
I am happy to email my Market Snapshot for your neighborhood, and Customize Your Offer
including homes that are for sale, in-contract and recent sold prices.
Please contact me for a complimentary market analysis of your home. 1FrHeeouNruFristenreyssfoCro4nasnudltautniodner 5$1G5uceasftePea-scsaessh

GIGI FINAN AND CHOOSE ONE:
1 Tra1dHitoiounraPleMrsaosnsaalgTerain1inTgenSneisssLioensson
Licensed as Geraldine Finan
Associate Real Estate Broker [email protected] | 914-250-2750

M.. Not to be combined with any other offers. New memberships only. Offer valid 12/17/21-1/17/22.
[email protected] Personal Training,Tennis Lesson or Massage must be redeemed 90 days from the join date.
GigiSellsNYHomes.com

YORKTOWN BROKERAGE EAST MAIN STREET ROUTE N , JEFFERSON VALLEY