VOL. 12 NO. 46 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. MARCH 14 – MARCH 27, 2024 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 38 CLASSIFIEDS 36 LEGAL NOTICES 35 LEISURE 30 OPINION 10 SPORTS 22 TOWN GREEN 4 Yorktown skiers stand out pg 22 HOT ON THE HILL BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA STAFF WRITER Campaign season for the April 16 special election officially kicked off in Yorktown last weekend as candidates Jann Mirchandani (D) and Deputy Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman (R) begin their quest for the supervisor’s job. Mirchandani, who ran for supervisor in the 2023 election, was joined at her campaign kickoff by Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg (D) and community members showing their support. “I am focused on breaking the one-party rule in Yorktown to ensure robust discussions on the issues that matter to taxpayers; transparency and ethics, responsible development, and transitioning to clean energy,” Mirchandani said. “We lack diversity of perspectives on the board and, as Albert Einstein said, we can’t solve problems using the same thinking that created them.” Mirchandani moved to Yorktown about 20 years ago with her husband and two children, who both graduated from Yorktown High School. Mirchandani, who is also a small business owner for more than 25 years, is an advocate for nonprofits and small businesses in the community. She serves on the executive board of the Greater Hudson Valley Council Boy Scouts of America (BSA) as the council commissioner; the first woman in this role. In the past, she was on the merger task force responsible for completing a feasibility study and working to oversee the merger between the Westchester–Putnam Council BSA and the Hudson Valley Council BSA. She is also on the board of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce and is an active member of the Business Council of Westchester, the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce, and the Association of Development Officers. Lachterman, who has been on the Town Board for eight years, cut the ribbon at his headquarters on Saturday at 952 East Main Street in Shrub Oak. He was joined by community members, fellow members of the Town Board, and former state Sen.Terrence Murphy. Lachterman has been a Yorktown resident for around 30 years, is a small business owner, and has served as a councilman since 2015. A member of many organizations in town, Lachterman is a charter member and former adjutant of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 1009, and a past board member of Yorktown Against Heroin. He’s also a member and was a two-term past president of the Yorktown Lions. He was also a charter member of the Yorktown Civilian Emergency Response Team (CERT), has partnered with the Alliance for Safe Kids (ASK), The Harrison Apar Foundation, My Brother Vinny, United for The Troops, the Westchester Alzheimer’s Association, the ALS Foundation, and the Lustgarten Foundation. “It was so great to see so many volunteers come out for the opening of our headquarters,” said Lachterman. “We are running a campaign based on experience, vision, and accomplishments. These three things make me uniquely qualified to take over as a supervisor of Yorktown.” Supervisor special election campaign kicks off Ed Lachterman (center) with supporters at his headquarters ribbon cutting PHOTOS: SOPHIA CASELNOVA Jann Mirchandani speaking at her campaign grand opening Read interviews with both candidates on page 6. Owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC. .*Per OneKeyMLS 1/1/23-12/31/23 Happy Thanksgiving Real Estate Salesperson [email protected] |www.DeborahGlatz.com 366 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Capture the Momentum Of The Spring Season When You Sell Your Home Quickly With a Dedicated, Top Professional By Your Side. Contact Me Today! 2023 Top Producer-Yorktown Heights Office International President's Circle Award Winner Ranked Among Top 1% of All Agents in Westchester & Putman Counties Deborah Glatz Call or Text 845-206-1215 (m)
PAGE 2 – YORKTOWN NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 PUBLIC SERVICE Jann is a seasoned entrepreneur and community leader with decades of business and executive board experience. Her leadership roles in various community organizations, including as the first female Council Commissioner for the Boy Scouts of America, demonstrate her dedication to enhancing the Yorktown’s infrastructure and economic vitality. If elected Town Supervisor Jann will: • End one-party, closed door meetings • Invest excess fund balance in critical infrastructure improvements • Protect our environment • Keep taxes low through tough oversight of town expenses Paid for by Friends of Jann Mirchandani Special Election: April 16 Early Voting: April 6-14 Find your polling place here: citizenparticipation.westchestergov.com/find-polling-place jann4yorktown.com jannmirchandani4yorktown mirchandani4yorktown Not self service Jann is focused on Jann MIRCHANDANI for yorktown supervisor
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 3 by Kiara R. Thomas CONTRIBUTING WRITER Shrub Oak native Nadia Briones grew up studying the art of arias. But these days, the 2013 Lakeland High School grad and classically trained singer spends more time immersed in the science of anatomy as a student at the New York Medical College (NYMC) School of Medicine. With a musical ear attuned to harmony and rhythm, and hands adept at healing touch (she’s also a licensed massage therapist), Briones is about to finish her first year at NYMC, where she’s training for a career devoted to compassionate care and holistic well-being. Briones has always had a gift for music. Born into a musical family, she began singing at the age of five. She has explored various genres throughout her life, including classical, jazz, and – inspired by a connection to her Argentinian roots – tango. Her introduction to formal musical training was with the Taconic Opera, a Croton-based company that was then looking for children to join its chorus. She would eventually perform regularly with the New York City Opera and The Metropolitan Opera, enjoying a decade-long career. Choosing a favorite performance is difficult for Briones; however, she says portraying Lucia from Gaetano Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” and singing in Jimmy López’s “Bel Canto” rank among her most memorable experiences. “I just look back and think of how much fun I had performing,” Briones said. “I loved music production and the whole performance environment.” Briones, a coloratura soprano, went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance at the Hartt School of Music in West Hartford. During a study-abroad trip singing opera in Milan, Italy, her passion for the arts collided with her interest in the sciences when a friend introduced her to the tech startup Bright Line Eating. “The idea of people struggling with food and eating intrigued me,” she said. “I can’t really explain where it came from, but we’ve all encountered our own struggles with our bodies and eating healthily.” After piquing her curiosity, the startup marked her first venture into the sciences, as she worked remotely in customer service, research, and IT. After graduating college, Briones came back to New York and continued her work with Bright Line Eating. She also renewed her involvement with the Taconic Opera, where she helped start a summer program for young adults. While she also had performances in between, she started feeling the work-from-home blues, long before it became the norm in the years of the pandemic. “Even though I was grateful that I had a job that allowed me a lot of flexibility [with Bright Line], I missed human connection,” she said. While looking for a way to find that connection, she found an advertisement for the Finger Lakes School of Massage. She took a leap of faith and went to orientation. Briones ran into a family friend who was a massage therapist and encouraged her to make a career change. “This was a really fun and meaningful way of interacting with a body that I had never thought about,” Briones said. Without formal science training, massage therapy was Briones’ first exposure to the study of anatomy; she said it was a pivotal moment in her life. “My teachers said, ‘You don’t belong here. You belong somewhere where you can really study this stuff in an advanced way,’” she recalled. At first, Briones shrugged off suggestions by her teacher and mentor that she pursue a science-based career. But that started to change after her massage therapy program was invited by NYMC to explore the anatomy lab. One of her teachers asked Briones if she could see herself working there; at first, she dismissed the suggestion as “ridiculous.” Yet a few years later, she would be in that same lab studying anatomy with the same professors she met during her tour. After working at an athletic center providing massage therapy for Olympic weightlifters, Briones realized she wanted to advance her knowledge in healthcare. She said the familiarity and “homeyness” of NYMC made her choice of medical school easy. With a guitar in hand and a certification in massage therapy, Briones, who expects to graduate from NYMC in 2027, brings a unique perspective to medicine. “I love music,” she said. “Music is medicine for my soul. But I will say that something I love in particular is performing. Connecting with an audience and telling a story.” As a School of Medicine student senator, she is helping to organize a public speaking workshop in April with NYMC’s Phillip Capozzi, M.D., Library to teach students ways to engage, convince, and present in front of an audience. She says she was inspired by her undergraduate studies in performance and saw the need for students to master the art of communication in the medical field. “I’ve been a student nonstop almost since I was born,” said Briones, who still finds time to sing as a member of the choir Choral Chameleon along with some smaller local community choirs and occasional performances with the Taconic Opera and the Hudson River Opera. “I know it’s early in my medical education, but I fantasize about all the different specialties I could pursue. It’s hard to choose one now, but I can see myself happily being a physician knowing that my scope would end at the depths of the field and not the width.” As for how music and medicine continue to coexist in her life, Briones said that while the stage and the surgery are very different places, they inspire her in similar ways. “I find that medicine and music share so many elements actually,” she said. “One thing that links music and medicine for me is my love of learning. My parents showed me that knowledge and education are the most valuable things you can acquire. No one can take education away from you. I also happen to just love both fields so much, and I find a deep sense of fulfillment by immersing myself in them. When I was young, I used to worry a lot about how to make different aspects of my life ‘fit together, and someone close to me assured me: ‘If you’re ever worried that you can’t find the connection between two distant aspects of your life, then remember that you are that connection.’” Article courtesy New York Medical College/edited by Yorktown News From Mozart to medical school How Yorktown opera singer Nadia Briones discovered a passion for healing Nadia Briones (right) in performance PHOTOS COURTESY NEW YORK MEDICAL COLLEGE TRUSTS & ESTATES • WILLS • PROBATE • ELDER LAW • GUARDIANSHIPS • REAL ESTATE LAW HONOR, INTEGRITY, LAW OFFICE OF COMPASSION, AND DIGNITY ANDRES D. GIL, PLLC 845.940.1110 Timely Professional Service
PAGE 4 – YORKTOWN NEWS Periodicals Postage Paid at Somers, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Yorktown News at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 (ISSN 2329-8693) Published Weekly by Halston Media, LLC at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 Halston Media, LLC The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Emile Menasché Editor: 845-208-0774 [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky 845-661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [email protected] DESIGNERS Noah Elder Bri Agosta Haven Elder Jacob Elder EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines Yorktown News The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for Yorktown News is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected]. Subscribe To request Yorktown News weekly delivery, call 845-208-8503 or email [email protected]. Subscriptions are complimentary for residents and businesses in the town. Out of town mail subscriptions are $150 per year for First Class Mail. MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 TOWN GREEN Senior Advisory Committee The Yorktown Senior Advisory Committee meeting will take place at Town Hall on Friday, March 15, at 1 p.m.. All seniors are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served thanks to New York Presbyterian Hospital. Learn more at yorktownny. org/bc/senior-advisory-committee. St. Andrew’s Easter Egg Hunt and Services St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 2405 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, is holding its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 23, beginning at 1:00 p.m. “This event is free to all. Come join the fun!” Additionally, St. Andrew’s announced its Holy Week services. “All are welcome!” Palm Sunday, March 24, 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.; Maundy Thursday, March 28, 7:00 p.m.; Good Friday, March 29, 7:00 p.m.; Easter, March 31, 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m Purim Celebrations Chabad of Yorktown (2629 Old Yorktown Rd., Yorktown Heights) is hosting a Purim Ladies Hamantash Bake on Wednesday, March 20, at 7 p.m. “Lots of fillings to choose from! Gluten-free dough option. Share the love by gifting some of your creations to family or friends.” $25 cover. The Chabad’s Community Pancake Purim Celebration takes place on Sunday, March 24, at 10 a.m. at the Yorktown Community & Cultural Center, 1974 Commerce St. in Yorktown. (Entrance near Yorktown Stage.) “Hear the Megillah! Pancakes, waffles, cheese blintzes and more! Purim crafts! Balloon sculptures! Fantastic Bubble Magic Show by popular entertainer Jay Jay! Come in costume and get a prize!” Learn more and RSVP at chabadyorktown.com Seton Easter Egg Hunt Benefit The Denet and Grieve families are partnering with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish to hold their 17th Annual Easter Egg Hunt to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital on Saturday, March 23 at Seton, at Seton Parish, 1377 East Main St., Shrub Oak. The event will include $5 and $10 raffles, an egg hunt with more than 20,000 eggs stuffed with candy and prizes, snacks, games, crafts, the Easter Bunny, and more. Remember to bring your baskets for the hunt! Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Admission is $20 per family; pay at the door or at fundraising.stjude. org/goto/easteregghunt2024. All money raised goes to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For more information contact: [email protected] or [email protected]. American Legion Open House The American Legion is celebrating its 105th birthday on Friday, March 15, and Post#1009 is holding an open house in Yorktown from 4-7 p.m. Come meet your local veterans and see memorabilia from WWII, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam era. You will get a chance to hear firsthand what they endured during those times. There will be refreshments, exhibits, and more! Post #1009 is at 235 Veterans Road in Yorktown Heights. Call 914-962-2843 for more information. Pancake Breakfast Come celebrate New York’s Maple Weekend at the Yorktown Grange on Saturday, March 16 at 9 a.m., and Sunday, Sunday, March 24, at 11:45 a.m. Cost is $25. Learn more at yorktowngrangefair.org. at’s what our town is made of. 96 State Farm, Bloomington, IL George Lucciola, Agent 1885 Commerce Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Bus: 914-962-3030 [email protected] e Farm® has a long heritage of helping out e community. That’s why I’m proud to port Yorktown Youth Sports. to a better State® . Community starts with neighbors who care. That’s what our town is made of. 1201196 State Farm, Bloomington, IL George Lucciola, Agent 1885 Commerce Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Bus: 914-962-3030 [email protected] State Farm® has a long heritage of helping out in the community. That’s why I’m proud to support Yorktown Youth Sports. Get to a better State® . at our town is made of. State Farm, Bloomington, IL George Lucciola, Agent 1885 Commerce Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Bus: 914-962-3030 [email protected] as a long heritage of helping out nity. That’s why I’m proud to wn Youth Sports. r State® Community . starts with neighbors who care. That’s what our town is made of. 1201196 State Farm, Bloomington, IL George Lucciola, Agent 1885 Commerce Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Bus: 914-962-3030 [email protected] State Farm® has a long heritage of helping out in the community. That’s why I’m proud to support Yorktown Youth Sports. Get to a better State® . Community starts with neighbors who care. That’s what our town is made of. State Farm® has a long heritage of helping out in the community. That’s why I’m proud to support Yorktown. Get to a better State®. 914.455.2158 SpirelliElectric.com • [email protected] Specializing in residential & commercial services. Licenses in Westchester, Putnam CREATING CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE Family Owned—Over 40 Years Experience! $25 OFF Service Calls When You Present This Ad. New Customers Only. Keep the lights on. • GENERATORS • Outdoor Lighting • Smart Home Setup • Electric Car Chargers AND ALL OF YOUR ELECTRIC NEEDS! SEE TOWN GREEN PAGE 28
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 5
PAGE 6 – YORKTOWN NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 BY JIM MARTORANO CONTRIBUTING WRITER Due to the tragic and sudden death of Supervisor Tom Diana, Yorktown will hold a special election on April 16 to determine who will serve the remaining year and one-half years of his term. Acting Supervisor Ed Lachterman, a two-term Republican councilman who was just reelected to a third term, will face off against Democrat Jann Mirchandani, who had lost to Tom Diana last November for the position of supervisor. I had a chance to sit down with both candidates to learn about who they are and let Yorktown News readers know where they stand on the issues. Tell us a little bit about yourselves. Ed Lalchterman: I am a 30-year resident of Yorktown and I have served eight years as town councilman, one of those as deputy supervisor for Tom Diana. I have been the acting supervisor since Tom’s untimely passing on Jan. 5. I have been the liaison for multiple town volunteer boards, and I have served in officer/board positions with the Yorktown Lions Club, Sons of the American Legion, Chamber of Commerce and Yorktown Against Heroin. Jann Mirchandani: I have owned a certified woman-owned business for 25 years, providing digital marketing and communications services for small businesses and nonprofits. In that capacity, I’ve cultivated a wide network throughout Yorktown and Westchester County. I’ve helped hundreds of businesses succeed in my professional capacity and through mentorship programs, business incubators, business councils and Chambers of Commerce. I have served on nonprofit executive boards for 35 years, from small grassroots nonprofits to larger, regional organizations, managing a variety of complex issues. I am the first female council commissioner of the Greater Hudson Valley Boy Scouts of America and in that capacity led a merger of districts that has since become the national model. I was involved in opening our membership to young women which has helped our Council to grow membership at a time when many other Councils - and many membership organizations more broadly – have seen shrinking membership. I founded a STEM program for young women in Westchester and New York City to prepare them for the jobs of the future. I am a graduate of the Leadership Westchester Program where I honed my skills as an effective, inclusive leader. My husband and I raised our two children in Yorktown; they are both graduates of Yorktown High School. I am a triathlete and love to knit. Given the tragic event that led to this election and the fact that you both just finished a grueling campaign last November, how are you able to cope with having to run again so soon? EL: Part of my coping mechanism is to immerse myself in work. In this particular loss of a dear friend, I can direct my grief at completing the vision that Tom and I had worked on for the past three years. Lachterman, Mirchandani discuss the issues Campaigns gear up for supervisor special election in April Deputy Supervisor Ed Lachterman Jann Mirchandani PHOTO COURTESY OF THOMPSON & BENDER SEE CANDIDATES PAGE 8 WE’RE NOT YOUR ORDINARY DENTISTS. Affiliate of Astoria | Bay Shore | Garden City | Hoboken | Howard Beach Huntington | Lake Success | Long Island City | Mt. Kisco | Oceanside White Plains | Yonkers | Yorktown Heights Put Your Health Where Your Mouth Is™ and book an appointment today, call 914-770-8555 For more information: CareMount Dental is now ProHealth Dental. ProHEALTH Dental proudly announces a groundbreaking affiliation with Northwell Health. Northwell is New York State’s largest health care provider, with more than 900 locations. ProHEALTH Dental has a network of 16 state-of-the-art dental offices throughout the NY Metro Area. Together, we will treat patients holistically, focusing on how oral health improves overall health. phdental.com Oral Surgery General Pediatrics Orthodontics Endodontics Sleep Cosmetic Dentistry Periodontics Implants
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 7 ©2024 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. *Per OneKeyMLS 1/1/2000-1/29/24 Land Sales, Total Transactions. Lower Hudson Valley Regional Office | 366 Underhill Avenue Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Thomas Santore 845.590.5488 (c) Associate Real Estate Broker [email protected] Realestatesallhere.com Celebrating 26 Years in Real Estate! #1 Land Seller For More Than 20 Years In Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess Counties! I welcome the opportunity to sit down with you and review comparison data and to providing insights into what you can expect to receive for your land in today's market. Contact Me Today to Start the Conversation. “Real Estate From the Ground Up” LOW INVENTORY MEANS INCREASED BUYER DEMAND FOR YOUR VACANT LAND. Don't miss out on this opportunity to capitalize on the current market conditions. Let's discuss how we can maximize the value of your property and achieve your goals.
PAGE 8 – YORKTOWN NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 JM: Like the rest of the Yorktown community, I was saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. We both worked hard last year campaigning for supervisor, but he was always kind and respectful. There was never an event that we attended where he didn’t come up and say hello and chat a bit. That being said, the issues that were important last year haven’t changed. We have a one-party board that does not reflect the will or make-up of the residents of Yorktown. Resolutions are passed without meaningful public discourse. We have a bloated fund balance without any plans for investing in our future and moving critical infrastructure projects forward. There is a lack of will when it comes to transitioning to more sustainable energy sources and protecting our environment. What do you think are the major issues in this election? EL: There is one major central issue that needs be looked at—experience. I have always felt that if you want to run for public office, you should spend some time working with the volunteer boards and learning about the way the town works. As for the supervisor’s position, you are the CEO and CFO of the town. It is not the type of position that you can bring someone with no municipal experience to. The next pressing issue will be the cutting of state funds to programs like CHIPS, in which the town will need to make up the difference while dealing with increasing insurance rates and a need to properly compensate our employees in an inflationary environment while controlling taxes. I also want to add that the sewer infrastructure is a pressing priority. I am working with our team to expand Hallocks Mills and we are looking at a project that would help to [bring] sewer service to the Lake Osceola area. JM: Transparency and representation. Our current board does not reflect Yorktown. Residents have been very clear that they feel they are not being heard on a variety of issues. I want to ensure that there are meaningful, robust discussions on the issues that impact residential taxpayers. The reform of the Ethics Law ensuring residents have a clear understanding of potential conflicts of interest has been dragging on for far too long. And the proposed changes the board just put forward actually function to weaken the law. I believe residents deserve more from our elected officials. Fiscal responsibility. We have a fund balance well over the recommended levels with no plans to invest that money in critical infrastructure projects. That is not prudent fiscal planning. We have a 485-b tax exemption law on the books that shifts the tax burden for commercial development onto residential taxpayers. Projects that would have moved forward, with or without the exemption, like Lowe’s or Optum, are still given these exemptions costing taxpayers more than $300,000 in just the last few years. I would ensure tough oversight of town expenses to keep taxes low and invest in our future by using excess fund balance and state and federal grant money to stretch every penny. Environmental responsibility. We are falling further and further behind neighboring communities when it comes to environmental issues. Westchester Magazine just rated Yorktown among the least green towns in Westchester-15th out of 20. Croton-on-Hudson is currently building a solar canopy system at the train station which will power both local homes and municipal facilities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save the town money. We need to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Are there any final thoughts you would like to leave with the voters? EL: I have been working for eight years to keep Yorktown moving forward with a balance of progress with preservation. I would be honored to be elected to continue working for Yorktown as supervisor. JM: For those who want to better understand my experience and qualifications for stepping into this very big job, I again go back to my decades of public service on various executive boards, working on impactful change on issues from education business development to building the next generation of leaders. In these roles, I’ve had to make tough decisions to deal with a variety of complex issues. I have always focused on a collaborative approach to issues, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard—a method I believe is essential to effective problem-solving and strategic planning. My approach is grounded in practicality and pragmatism, and I look forward to using that mindset to usher in a new era for Yorktown. I encourage everyone to learn more about me at Jann4Yorktown.com. I would like to thank both candidates for taking the time out of their busy schedules to answer my questions. CANDIDATES FROM PAGE 6 Promote Your Charity Send us a press release at [email protected], or give us a call at 914-302-5628. We see you here. The things you love doing are more than just passions. They’re what make you “you.” This is why at The Bristal, our expert team members dedicate their time, attention, and energy to creating customized social activities that ensure each resident continues being the unique person they are. And, in the process, create the one-of-a-kind community we are, too. Schedule your visit today and see for yourself. THE BRISTAL AT ARMONK | 914.266.3550 THE BRISTAL AT WHITE PLAINS | 914.485.7020 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
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 9
118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 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 Yorktown News 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 EMILE MENASCHÉ, EDITOR TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Editorial Office: (914) 302-5830 [email protected] PAGE 10 – YORKTOWN NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 EDITORIAL As objective and independent news writers and editors, we have an imperative to cover the issues most important to the people in Yorktown. Every day, our team is on the ground reporting on municipal and school news and uplifting the stories of community changemakers. But, amidst industry challenges, it is no longer unfathomable to picture a future when New York State is completely without local newspapers and other local news outlets. According to the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, 2-1/2 newspapers now close each week in the U.S. More than 3,000 newspapers have shuttered across the country since 2004, and New York has been particularly hard hit. In 2004, New York boasted 501 newspapers; today, it’s only 260. In 2022 alone, 30 newspapers closed across the state. A quarter of New York’s counties are news deserts-–down to their last newspaper. Orleans County recently became the first in the state to have none. These closures have also resulted in thousands of lost journalism and newsroom-supporting jobs. Local news matters. Studies show that when a community loses its source of local news, it experiences decreased voter turnout and civic engagement; increased municipal borrowing costs that lead to higher taxes; and decreased transparency among government and business officials, leading to increased waste, fraud and abuse. As newspapers shutter, communities become more polarized, leaving us stuck in a never-ending doom loop where we lose sight of our shared values. During this era of intense national partisanship, local news offers a path forward. The time to act is now. That is why Yorktown News has joined with over 150 other New York local newspapers to launch the Empire State Local News Coalition. The Empire State Local News Coalition, comprising both print and online local newspapers, is advocating for sound public policy that ensures the important work of local news organizations can continue in our state. Through our independent journalism, we aim to serve, inform, uplift and protect New Yorkers. Our coalition cares deeply about our local communities as well as the future of New York’s free press. However, market forces are making it nearly impossible for us to survive. So, together, we are sounding the alarm bell for our leaders in Albany to hear. At the heart of our advocacy is the Local Journalism Sustainability Act. Sponsored by NYS Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, with the bipartisan support of 55 co-sponsors, this bill provides tax credits to local news outlets for the employment of local news journalists. We want to thank Sen. Pete Harckham, Assemblyman Matt Slater and Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg for supporting this legislation. News organizations are incentivized to actually add jobs, returning reporters to many of the state’s newsrooms, which are becoming increasingly desolate. Importantly, the bill is also content neutral, meaning that any legitimate local news outlet--left, right, or in between--can benefit from this bill. The objectivity of the bill’s eligibility requirements means the legislation cannot be weaponized to penalize news organizations critical of government officials. As New York loses talented journalists, lawmakers must act to ensure the industry is allowed not only to survive, but also to thrive. Only local news outlets--with boots-on-the-ground journalists--can deliver the hyperlocal updates and investigations necessary to sustain a community’s civic and financial well-being. Imagine no stories about the Town Board meeting or the school budget debate. No pictures of your granddaughter’s first soccer goal. No obituary of your friendly (and eccentric) neighbor. No reporting to hold public officials to account. And no trusted institution to convene the community around a family in need. We need your help to save local news in New York. To get the Local Journalism Sustainability Act across the finish line, lawmakers need to hear from you about why our newspaper matters and why this bill is important to you. If you would like to help, reach out to Gov. Hochul and to Harckham, Slater and Levenberg (still helpful for the legislators to hear from you, even though they are already co-sponsors) to let them know you stand with local news. Imagine a future without local news New York must enact the Local Journalism Sustainability Act Support the New York Local Journalism Sustainability Act Contact Governor Kathy Hochul: 518- 474-8390 Contact Senator Pete Harckham: 518-455-2340 Contact Assemblyman Matt Slater: 518-455-5783 Contact Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg: 518-455-5348 Our newspaper is a proud member of the Empire State Local News Coalition: support the coalition at SaveNYLocalNews.com. After doing nothing for three years, the Town Board is finally getting around to addressing the deficiencies in the town’s ethics law. A public hearing on proposed amendments is scheduled for March 19. The problem, though, is that in the name of strengthening the law, the amendments actually weaken it. Weakens independence of Ethics Board It goes without saying that to be meaningful, an Ethics Board must be independent of the elected officials on the Town Board. However, the Board’s proposed amendments actually make the Ethics Board less independent by increasing the role of the town attorney, a position beholden to the elected Town Board. To start, the proposed amendments require the town attorney’s participation in Ethics Board investigations of complaints. This is a clear conflict of interest as complaints often target town officials, which the town attorney represents. Additionally, the Town Board’s amendments do not include two key provisions recommended by the Ethics Board itself: eliminating the provision that requires the town attorney to be an ex officio member of the Ethics Board, and adding a provision that allows the Ethics Board to request, if needed, the services of an outside attorney to assist in an investigation. Weakens what is considered a violation of the Ethics Law The current Ethics Law makes it clear that a town official or employee may not participate in any decision or take any official action regarding a matter than could confer a direct or indirect material benefit to himself, a family member or private organization in which he has an interest. In the proposed amendments, the word “indirect” is deleted. What this means is that a Town Board member could vote to award a contract to a company that employs a family member, e.g., a parent or an uncle, or waive a town fee for a private organization when the family member was on that organization’s board. Weakens scope of Ethics Board investigations Another amendment in the Town Board’s proposal adds a provision that limits the Ethics Board’s ability to conduct a thorough investigation. It does this by limiting the Board to investigate only the specific matter raised in the complaint — even when it becomes Town Board considers weakening the ethics law SUSAN SIEGEL GUEST COLUMNIST SEE SIEGEL PAGE 11
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 OPINION YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 11 apparent to the Board during the investigation that there is a clear pattern of similar alleged violations. Weakens the First Amendment right to free speech An additional proposed amendment makes it a violation for a town official or employee to disclose confidential information, yet there is no definition of what constitutes “confidential information” within the law itself. Just because the Town Board says something is confidential doesn’t make it so. On this issue, the courts have held that information is confidential only when a state, federal or local law says it is. And there are more problems with the proposed local law. How violations of the Law are made public Remember 2021 when the Town Board announced the surprise resignation of a Planning Board member? No reason was cited for the resignation, nor was there any mention of the Ethics Board finding that this same person had violated the Ethics Law. Only after the report was leaked to the press did the public learn that the Planning Board member who resigned was the same person named in the Ethics Board report. This is unacceptable. The Ethics Board’s diligence over many months investigating the complaint, as well as writing a final report, deserved acknowledgement at the very least. Yet the Town Board saw fit to sweep the report under the rug. With the 2021 “leakgate” incident in mind, one of the Town Board’s proposed amendments would require that 60 days after the Board receives a report about a violation of the Ethics Law from the Ethics Board, it would be required to “announce” the Ethics Board opinion, but in doing so it could, at its discretion, redact the name and identifying information within the report. While requiring the Board to disclose the Ethics Board’s report is positive, the Board’s ability not to disclose the full nature of the violation as well as the name of the offender is a critical negative. Investigations that drag on an on The amendments fail to include time guidelines for the completion of an investigation. In 2018, I filed a simple straightforward complaint with a clear fact pattern; it took the Ethics Board over a year before it delivered its final report. Failure to communicate The Town Board’s amendments fail to include a requirement that the Ethics Board notify the complainant of the result of the investigation. Certainly, the individual that stepped forward to alert the authorities regarding suspected violations deserves, at the very least, notification of the matter’s conclusion. This omission is especially important given the loopholes cited above regarding what the Town Board must make public. Penalties for violating the law The current law states that the Town shall warn, censure or reprimand any person who violates the ethics law and may suspend without pay or remove from office or employment any nonelected Town official or employee who violates the law. “Shall” is not the same as “may.” “Shall” implies a requirement to act accordingly. But if the censure or reprimand is given behind closed doors, there is no accountability for the public or the original complainant. It may as well have not happened at all. Remember the 2021 incident. What should happen next? Given the many defects with the proposed local law, the Town Board should close the public hearing, reject the local law, go back to the drawing board and come back with a revised local law that strengthens, not weakens, the existing ethics law. A copy of the Town’s proposed local law is available online on the Town Clerk’s page. But note that the text only includes what is being changed. You’ll need to refer to the existing ethics law to make sense of the changes. SIEGEL FROM PAGE 10 BY STEVE RICHMAN & PETER DOLAN GUEST COLUMNISTS Let’s do it right — the first time. If the Town Board is going to pass a local law in response to the horrific ATV accident that happened last August, it needs to pass a law that actually fixes the problem. Not a “feel good” law that looks good on paper but is unenforceable because it doesn’t make sense. And that’s the problem with the proposed ATV/e-bike law that’s the subject of a public hearing on March 19 at Town Hall, starting at 7:30 p.m. Mark your calendar. You’ll want to attend this important hearing. To its credit, the Town Board acted relatively quickly after the accident and released a draft ATV/e-bike law in October. But the draft law was heavily criticized as unworkable by residents familiar with ATVs and e-bikes, including members of the Yorktown Trail Town Committee (YTTC) and New York New Jersey Trail Conference (NYNYTC) whose volunteers help build and maintain many of the town’s trails. (When the NYNJTC raised the ATV problem in 2021, its concerns were ignored; it took the horrific accident to get the Board’s attention.) As a result of the public comments, the town attorney was sent back to the drawing board. But the town’s revised draft (“Draft 2”) that will How to fix the ATV/ e-bike problem Proposed law conflicts with state and is unenforceable SEE ATV PAGE 16 THE VALLEY EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday March 23, 2024 Jefferson Valley Mall 11:30 am 2 egg hunts happening, both indoors; one toddler friendly and one for the older kids! FREE EVENT! Games! Crafts! Easter Bunny pictures available for purchase!
PAGE 12 – YORKTOWN NEWS OPINION MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 Did you know National Sons Day was March 4? Neither did my wife Elyse and I. That’s OK. Every day should be Sons Day and Daughters Day and Parents Day and Caregivers Day... You get the drift. It’s been awhile since we spoke with our son Harrison. Or touched him. It’s been 21 years, to be exact. By sheer coincidence, Harrison’s third open-heart surgery had been scheduled for my birthday. We took it as a sign of good fortune heading our way. Talk about wishful thinking. Someone up there had other plans that outranked ours. Harrison took his leave the following day, March 21, 2003. We can’t touch him. But he continues to touch us every day – touch our hearts, touch our thoughts, touch our lives. And so it is with our family’s kindred spirits – those who also belong to the world’s most exclusive club nobody wants to join: parents who have lost children. The physical presence of a child – like our daughter Elissa – is in itself a family heirloom. Our progeny advance the lineage into future generations. When you lose a child, along with the absent physical presence, it creates a missing link in the bloodline. Living family members are diminished by the loss, but so are future generations. Turn on Your Lovelight For 11 years after Harrison’s death, until we sold our home, each night before turning in, I would go to his bedroom to quickly flick its ceiling light on and off. It was my way of letting my son know that, here or not, his light still shone brightly. If there were a song to accompany my memorial gesture, it could have been The Grateful Dead’s “Turn on Your Lovelight.” I turned on Harrison’s lovelight some 4,000 times. For the 15-plus years Harrison was here, we were blessed by his unique and joyful presence. To meet him was to marvel at his wit, his wisdom, his love of life, his prodigious sports knowledge – all the while braving the challenges that accompany being born with a rare dwarfism that stopped his growth at three feet and required open-heart surgeries at ages 5, 10 and 15. His effect on people knew no age limit. Whether 8 or 80, they saw in him a fortitude that touched them. And inspired them. For the 21 years he’s been gone, we continue to be blessed, by the comfort and compassion of community. It’s my belief when you lose a child, you gain the privilege of helping others in your child’s name. Harrison Apar Field of Dreams One way we sustain his presence is through the Harrison Apar Field of Dreams Foundation, which benefits local recreation and education. We named the foundation after a ballfield the Town of Yorktown renamed in spring 2003, transforming Pinetree Field into Harrison Apar Field of Dreams. The renaming was the brainchild of Brendan Frail, a seventh-grader at the time, who led a town-wide drive to collect 1,200 signatures on a petition that was submitted to the Yorktown Parks and Recreation Commission. A bench at the field is dedicated to Brendan, who lost his life several years later. Thanks to the stewardship of the Yorktown Athletic Club and Yorktown’s Parks and Recreation Department, Harrison Apar Field of Dreams is embraced by the town as a testament to youth sports, where YAC stages its spring season opening day ceremony. Birthday presence We can’t touch those we’ve lost, but they continue to touch us Despite being born with dwarfism, Harrison Apar played baseball and basketball in the Yorktown Athletic Club, and umpired on the ballfield that later would be named for him. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRUCE APAR BRUCE APAR BRUCE THE BLOG SEE APARPAGE 14
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 13 The Roman Catholic Churches of Yorktown Holy Week and Easter Schedule 2024 REJOICE! St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church 1377 East Main St. Shrub Oak, NY 10588 914-528-3547 www.seton-parish.org email: [email protected] Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Giandurco, Pastor PALM SUNDAY Saturday, March 23 Easter Egg Hunt 10:30 AM 4:00—5:30 PM Confessions 5:30 PM Vigil Mass Sunday, March 24: 7:00, 9:30 AM 11:00 AM, and 12:30 PM HOLY THURSDAY – March 28 Tenebrae 9:00 AM (Solemn Office of Readings and Morning Prayer) Confession following Tenebrae 9:30 AM Mass of the Lord’s Supper 6:00 PM Eucharistic Repository 7:00 PM—Midnight in the Chapel GOOD FRIDAY – March 29 Tenebrae - 9:00 AM Stations of the Cross - Noon Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion Reading of the Passion, Solemn Intercessions, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion 3:00 PM Confessions available after 3:00 PM service 7:00 PM - Stations of the Cross only HOLY SATURDAY – March 30 Tenebrae - 9:00 AM Blessing of Easter Foods 10:00 AM – Auditorium Easter Vigil Blessing of the New Fire, Service of Light, Solemn Liturgy of the Word, Easter Sacraments 9:00 PM – (2 hour Mass) The only Mass today EASTER SUNDAY – March 31 7:00, 9:30, 11:00 AM & 12:30 PM No Confessions on Easter Sunday Easter Monday April 1 7:00 and 9:00 AM Daily Mass Reconciliation Monday, March 25 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6:00-9:00 PM Confession available in every parish Eucharistic Adoration during these hours St. Patrick’ s Church 137 Moseman Road Yorktown Hts., NY 10598 914-962-5050 www.stpatricks-yorktown.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/StPatricksParish Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Giandurco, Pastor PALM SUNDAY Saturday, March 23 3:00-5:00PM Confessions Main Church 5:15 PM Vigil Mass- Main Church Sunday, March 24 Main Church: 7:30AM, 9:15 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:45 & 5:00 PM Stone Church: 9:45 AM Reconciliation Monday, March 25 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6:00-9:00 PM Confession available in every parish Confessions Wednesday, March 27 12 Noon and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Last Confessions before Easter HOLY THURSDAY – March 28 Tenebrae (Solemn Office of Readings and Morning Prayer) 10:00 AM – Stone Church Mass of the Lord’s Supper Followed by Solemn Procession to the Repository 8:30 PM – Main Church Altar of Repose open until midnight GOOD FRIDAY – March 29 Tenebrae - 10:00 AM – Stone Church Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion Reading of the Passion, Solemn Intercessions, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion 3:00 PM – Main Church 7:30 pm – Stations of the Cross only -Main Church HOLY SATURDAY – March 30 Tenebrae - 10:00 AM – Stone Church Blessing of Easter Foods 11:00 AM – Stone Church Easter Vigil Blessing of the New Fire, Service of Light, Solemn Liturgy of the Word, Easter Sacraments 5:30 PM – Main Church (2 hour Mass) The only Mass today EASTER SUNDAY – March 31 Main Church Masses 7:30, 9:15, 11:00 AM & 12:45 PM Stone Church Masses 9:45 AM and 12:00 Noon No 5:00 pm Mass on Easter Sunday Easter Monday, April 1 - 9:00 AM Mass only and NO Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Please check times carefully, as some times have changed from previous years. The Roman Catholic Churches of Yorktown Holy Week and Easter Schedule 2024 REJOICE! St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church 1377 East Main St. Shrub Oak, NY 10588 914-528-3547 www.seton-parish.org email: [email protected] Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Giandurco, Pastor PALM SUNDAY Saturday, March 23 Easter Egg Hunt 10:30 AM 4:00—5:30 PM Confessions 5:30 PM Vigil Mass Sunday, March 24: 7:00, 9:30 AM 11:00 AM, and 12:30 PM HOLY THURSDAY – March 28 Tenebrae 9:00 AM (Solemn Office of Readings and Morning Prayer) Confession following Tenebrae 9:30 AM Mass of the Lord’s Supper 6:00 PM Eucharistic Repository 7:00 PM—Midnight in the Chapel GOOD FRIDAY – March 29 Tenebrae - 9:00 AM Stations of the Cross - Noon Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion Reading of the Passion, Solemn Intercessions, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion 3:00 PM Confessions available after 3:00 PM service 7:00 PM - Stations of the Cross only HOLY SATURDAY – March 30 Tenebrae - 9:00 AM Blessing of Easter Foods 10:00 AM – Auditorium Easter Vigil Blessing of the New Fire, Service of Light, Solemn Liturgy of the Word, Easter Sacraments 9:00 PM – (2 hour Mass) The only Mass today EASTER SUNDAY – March 31 7:00, 9:30, 11:00 AM & 12:30 PM No Confessions on Easter Sunday Easter Monday April 1 7:00 and 9:00 AM Daily Mass Reconciliation Monday, March 25 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6:00-9:00 PM Confession available in every parish Eucharistic Adoration during these hours St. Patrick’ s Church 137 Moseman Road Yorktown Hts., NY 10598 914-962-5050 www.stpatricks-yorktown.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/StPatricksParish Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Giandurco, Pastor PALM SUNDAY Saturday, March 23 3:00-5:00PM Confessions Main Church 5:15 PM Vigil Mass- Main Church Sunday, March 24 Main Church: 7:30AM, 9:15 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:45 & 5:00 PM Stone Church: 9:45 AM Reconciliation Monday, March 25 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6:00-9:00 PM Confession available in every parish Confessions Wednesday, March 27 12 Noon and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Last Confessions before Easter HOLY THURSDAY – March 28 Tenebrae (Solemn Office of Readings and Morning Prayer) 10:00 AM – Stone Church Mass of the Lord’s Supper Followed by Solemn Procession to the Repository 8:30 PM – Main Church Altar of Repose open until midnight GOOD FRIDAY – March 29 Tenebrae - 10:00 AM – Stone Church Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion Reading of the Passion, Solemn Intercessions, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion 3:00 PM – Main Church 7:30 pm – Stations of the Cross only -Main Church HOLY SATURDAY – March 30 Tenebrae - 10:00 AM – Stone Church Blessing of Easter Foods 11:00 AM – Stone Church Easter Vigil Blessing of the New Fire, Service of Light, Solemn Liturgy of the Word, Easter Sacraments 5:30 PM – Main Church (2 hour Mass) The only Mass today EASTER SUNDAY – March 31 Main Church Masses 7:30, 9:15, 11:00 AM & 12:45 PM Stone Church Masses 9:45 AM and 12:00 Noon No 5:00 pm Mass on Easter Sunday Easter Monday, April 1 - 9:00 AM Mass only and NO Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Please check times carefully, as some times have changed from previous years. The Roman Catholic Churches of Yorktown Holy Week and Easter Schedule 2024 REJOICE! St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church 1377 East Main St. Shrub Oak, NY 10588 914-528-3547 www.seton-parish.org email: [email protected] Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Giandurco, Pastor PALM SUNDAY Saturday, March 23 Easter Egg Hunt 10:30 AM 4:00—5:30 PM Confessions 5:30 PM Vigil Mass Sunday, March 24: 7:00, 9:30 AM 11:00 AM, and 12:30 PM HOLY THURSDAY – March 28 Tenebrae 9:00 AM (Solemn Office of Readings and Morning Prayer) Confession following Tenebrae 9:30 AM Mass of the Lord’s Supper 6:00 PM Eucharistic Repository 7:00 PM—Midnight in the Chapel GOOD FRIDAY – March 29 Tenebrae - 9:00 AM Stations of the Cross - Noon Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion Reading of the Passion, Solemn Intercessions, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion 3:00 PM Confessions available after 3:00 PM service 7:00 PM - Stations of the Cross only HOLY SATURDAY – March 30 Tenebrae - 9:00 AM Blessing of Easter Foods 10:00 AM – Auditorium Easter Vigil Blessing of the New Fire, Service of Light, Solemn Liturgy of the Word, Easter Sacraments 9:00 PM – (2 hour Mass) The only Mass today EASTER SUNDAY – March 31 7:00, 9:30, 11:00 AM & 12:30 PM No Confessions on Easter Sunday Easter Monday April 1 7:00 and 9:00 AM Daily Mass Reconciliation Monday, March 25 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6:00-9:00 PM Confession available in every parish Eucharistic Adoration during these hours St. Patrick’ s Church 137 Moseman Road Yorktown Hts., NY 10598 914-962-5050 www.stpatricks-yorktown.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/StPatricksParish Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Giandurco, Pastor PALM SUNDAY Saturday, March 23 3:00-5:00PM Confessions Main Church 5:15 PM Vigil Mass- Main Church Sunday, March 24 Main Church: 7:30AM, 9:15 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:45 & 5:00 PM Stone Church: 9:45 AM Reconciliation Monday, March 25 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6:00-9:00 PM Confession available in every parish Confessions Wednesday, March 27 12 Noon and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Last Confessions before Easter HOLY THURSDAY – March 28 Tenebrae (Solemn Office of Readings and Morning Prayer) 10:00 AM – Stone Church Mass of the Lord’s Supper Followed by Solemn Procession to the Repository 8:30 PM – Main Church Altar of Repose open until midnight GOOD FRIDAY – March 29 Tenebrae - 10:00 AM – Stone Church Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion Reading of the Passion, Solemn Intercessions, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion 3:00 PM – Main Church 7:30 pm – Stations of the Cross only -Main Church HOLY SATURDAY – March 30 Tenebrae - 10:00 AM – Stone Church Blessing of Easter Foods 11:00 AM – Stone Church Easter Vigil Blessing of the New Fire, Service of Light, Solemn Liturgy of the Word, Easter Sacraments 5:30 PM – Main Church (2 hour Mass) The only Mass today EASTER SUNDAY – March 31 Main Church Masses 7:30, 9:15, 11:00 AM & 12:45 PM Stone Church Masses 9:45 AM and 12:00 Noon No 5:00 pm Mass on Easter Sunday Easter Monday, April 1 - 9:00 AM Mass only and NO Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Please check times carefully, as some times have changed from previous years. The Roman Catholic Churches of Yorktown Holy Week and Easter Schedule 2024 REJOICE! St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church 1377 East Main St. Shrub Oak, NY 10588 914-528-3547 www.seton-parish.org email: [email protected] Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Giandurco, Pastor PALM SUNDAY Saturday, March 23 Easter Egg Hunt 10:30 AM 4:00—5:30 PM Confessions 5:30 PM Vigil Mass Sunday, March 24: 7:00, 9:30 AM 11:00 AM, and 12:30 PM HOLY THURSDAY – March 28 Tenebrae 9:00 AM (Solemn Office of Readings and Morning Prayer) Confession following Tenebrae 9:30 AM Mass of the Lord’s Supper 6:00 PM Eucharistic Repository 7:00 PM—Midnight in the Chapel GOOD FRIDAY – March 29 Tenebrae - 9:00 AM Stations of the Cross - Noon Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion Reading of the Passion, Solemn Intercessions, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion 3:00 PM Confessions available after 3:00 PM service 7:00 PM - Stations of the Cross only HOLY SATURDAY – March 30 Tenebrae - 9:00 AM Blessing of Easter Foods 10:00 AM – Auditorium Easter Vigil Blessing of the New Fire, Service of Light, Solemn Liturgy of the Word, Easter Sacraments 9:00 PM – (2 hour Mass) The only Mass today EASTER SUNDAY – March 31 7:00, 9:30, 11:00 AM & 12:30 PM No Confessions on Easter Sunday Easter Monday April 1 7:00 and 9:00 AM Daily Mass Reconciliation Monday, March 25 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6:00-9:00 PM Confession available in every parish Eucharistic Adoration during these hours St. Patrick’ s Church 137 Moseman Road Yorktown Hts., NY 10598 914-962-5050 www.stpatricks-yorktown.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/StPatricksParish Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Giandurco, Pastor PALM SUNDAY Saturday, March 23 3:00-5:00PM Confessions Main Church 5:15 PM Vigil Mass- Main Church Sunday, March 24 Main Church: 7:30AM, 9:15 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:45 & 5:00 PM Stone Church: 9:45 AM Reconciliation Monday, March 25 2:00 - 4:00 PM and 6:00-9:00 PM Confession available in every parish Confessions Wednesday, March 27 12 Noon and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM Last Confessions before Easter HOLY THURSDAY – March 28 Tenebrae (Solemn Office of Readings and Morning Prayer) 10:00 AM – Stone Church Mass of the Lord’s Supper Followed by Solemn Procession to the Repository 8:30 PM – Main Church Altar of Repose open until midnight GOOD FRIDAY – March 29 Tenebrae - 10:00 AM – Stone Church Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion Reading of the Passion, Solemn Intercessions, Veneration of the Cross and Holy Communion 3:00 PM – Main Church 7:30 pm – Stations of the Cross only -Main Church HOLY SATURDAY – March 30 Tenebrae - 10:00 AM – Stone Church Blessing of Easter Foods 11:00 AM – Stone Church Easter Vigil Blessing of the New Fire, Service of Light, Solemn Liturgy of the Word, Easter Sacraments 5:30 PM – Main Church (2 hour Mass) The only Mass today EASTER SUNDAY – March 31 Main Church Masses 7:30, 9:15, 11:00 AM & 12:45 PM Stone Church Masses 9:45 AM and 12:00 Noon No 5:00 pm Mass on Easter Sunday Easter Monday, April 1 - 9:00 AM Mass only and NO Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament Please check times carefully, as some times have changed from previous years.
PAGE 14 – YORKTOWN NEWS OPINION MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO VISIT ONE OF OUR SHOWROOMS TODAY! Your Bath. Your Kitchen. Your Home. 49 Route 138 Somers, NY 10589 M-Fr 9:30AM-4:30PM 914-232-2020 3372 Old Crompond Road Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 M-Sat 10AM-5PM 914-736-2468 (ACROSS FROM THE BJ’S SHOPPING CENTER) BESTPLG.COM $100 off $1,000 Minimum Purchase when Shipped Complete. Eligible at Yorktown and Somers showrooms only Show this Coupon to Receive Discount. One per customer Expires 5/15/24 And so it is that Harrison’s presence endures these two decades on. In a diary that we read after his passing, Harrison confidently wrote on the night before his surgery that he fully expected to “give my dad a refreshing birthday gift wrapped in flesh -- a son’s healthy heart.” The way I look at it, Harrison came through with flying colors on delivering his promise to me. It is a son’s gift that keeps on giving, not only on my birthday but every day – his larger-than-life spirit. As with the above-mentioned Grateful Dead song, there’s a song by The Moody Blues called “I Know You’re Out There Somewhere” that poignantly evokes for me Harrison’s presence, and carries with it an enduring message of undying love and hope, not only for our family but for all those other members of the club none of us wanted to join… I know you’re out there somewhere Somewhere you can hear my voice I know I’ll find you somehow And somehow I’ll return again to you Bruce Apar is a writer, community volunteer and actor. He will appear in the Ariane One-Act Festival April 12-14 at Philipstown Depot Theatre in Garrison in “The Beauty of Numbers.” For more information, contact him at 914-275- 6887 (text or voice) or [email protected]. APAR FROM PAGE 12 I t wasn’t until my 70s that I fully comprehended the truly schizophrenic nature of physics. All my life I had assumed things predictably followed the staid laws of a Newtonian universe. Then I learned about quantum mechanics, and it blew my mind. One of the most bizarre principles of quantum mechanics, which immediately caught my imagination, is the idea of quantum entanglement. Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon in quantum mechanics where two particles become “connected” in such a way that the state of one particle is dependent on the state of another particle, regardless of the distance between them. Their separation could be 10 feet or 10 million miles but, whatever it is, these particles remain dancing partners. In the spring of 1935, Albert Einstein wrote an important paper highlighting his objections to quantum mechanics. In it he indicated his dislike for what he considered the bizarre idea of quantum entanglement, calling it “spooky action at a distance.” His distaste centered around the fact that quantum entanglement violates the precious laws of “classical physics.” The whole idea, for Einstein, was especially unseemly because the concept included the idea that this interaction between two entities traveled faster than the speed of light, violating one of Einstein’s most cherished beliefs that nothing can move faster than the speed of light. As I read Einstein’s objections in his 1935 paper, I believe he was suggesting that, in the future, we will have a more accurate concept of the universe than had been presented by the defenders of quantum mechanics. But, to the extent that he questioned the validity of quantum mechanics and quantum entanglement in the process, Einstein was mistaken. Interestingly, he and Niels Bohr, a brilliant Danish physicist, conducted a series of well attended and globally reported on debates about the truth or falsehood of quantum mechanics. Most people believe that Bohr won the debates as Einstein continued to debunk the entire concept. But time will prove Einstein wrong. Not long after Einstein’s death, in the 1960s, physicist John Bell proposed a series of experiments to test the entanglement concept. These tests confirmed beyond all doubt that entangled particles do indeed exhibit correlated behavior, even when separated by large distances. This discovery has had profound implications for our understanding of the nature of reality. It has led to several exciting developments in quantum technology. Quantum computing, medical devices of all shapes and sizes including MRI machines, new and better televisions, and countless other items we use and take for granted owe their existence to the quantum revolution. As bizarre as quantum entanglement is, my award for the most far out theory goes to the quantum concept of string theory. String theory is a yet unproven theoretical framework in physics that seeks to unify the fundamental forces of nature. According to its advocates, all particles are, on the subatomic level, tiny vibrating strings with different vibrational modes corresponding to different particles and forces. These strings exist at a higher-dimensional space-time than we can perceive, and their interactions give rise to all the phenomena we observe in the universe. String theorists imagine over 10 dimensions, giving me a headache to even ponder. Considering these two concepts, the thought dawned on me: What are we left with if we try to combine the The tantalizing frontier of modern physics JAMES MARTORANO MY PERSPECTIVE SEE MARTORANO PAGE 17
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 15 A Guardianship Proceeding is not something that is typically commenced unless there is a true necessity. It is a last resort mechanism for when someone is no longer competent to make their own personal and financial decisions, and has not executed a sufficiently broad Durable General Power of Attorney and a Health Care Proxy. Here are six factors to consider prior to commencing and filing the proceeding: (1) Determine whether the Alleged Incapacitated Person (AIP) has executed a valid Durable General Power of Attorney (POA), Health Care Proxy (HCP), Living Will and HIPAA form. The existence of the aforestated advance directives may obviate the need for a Guardianship Proceeding if they are sufficiently broad enough to deal with the issues present in the particular case at hand. For example, in many instances a valid POA has been executed, but the POA is not sufficiently broad to address the AIP’s financial needs. There may be an immediate need for broad gifting powers for Medicaid and or estate planning purposes where the POA only permits gifting to specific people and in a limited dollar amount, such as $500 or less. (2) Review how title to the AIP’s assets is held. Does the AIP have assets in joint title with others? If so, can these assets be accessed by the joint title holder if the AIP is not able to make decisions as to his or her financial affairs? If so, a Guardianship Proceeding may not be necessary as to those assets. (3) Has the AIP executed a Last Will and Testament or an Inter Vivos Trust? If a Last Will or Inter Vivos Trust are in existence, it will be important to determine whether or not any proposed transfer or disposition of the AIP’s assets sought in the Guardianship Proceeding is consistent or inconsistent with the AIP’s wishes expressed therein. If a beneficiary(ies) under an existing Last Will or Trust is affected by a proposed transfer, he or she will be entitled to notice of the Proceeding and a right to be heard. (4) Prior to filing a Guardianship Proceeding, it is important to determine whether the powers the Guardians will seek will be of an “unlimited” or “definite” duration. Obviously, a critical factor as to the duration of the Guardianship will be whether there is a likelihood that the AIP will be able to handle his or her financial affairs at a later date. Additionally, it will be necessary to determine whether there are any specific or special powers over the person or property that the Guardian requires that are not enumerated as part of the standard powers provided for under the Mental Hygiene Law. For example, perhaps the Guardian needs the power to relocate the AIP to another state or wishes to make gifts or transfers of the AIP’s property. Such powers must be specifically granted to the Guardian, sometimes in a separate proceeding. (5) Does there exist the possibility that the Guardianship will be contested? The possibility that the Guardianship will be contested will have a significant and important impact on whether or not to commence the Proceeding. It is always a difficult decision to commence a Guardianship for one’s father or mother, but the decision is made significantly more difficult when the Petitioner knows or believes that mom, dad or a sibling will contest it. Voluntarily placing oneself into a litigious proceeding with a parent or a loved one may have significant consequences depending on the level of mental capacity of the AIP. (6) Is the appointment of a Temporary or Independent Guardian advisable? In cases where there exists a significant possibility for either personal or financial harm to the AIP because he or she is unable to handle his or her affairs, it may be advisable to request that the Petitioner(s) or an independent third party be appointed a Temporary Guardian pending the final determination of the Court. This is often utilized when there is an immediate need to marshal the AIP’s assets to prevent waste, dissipation or fraud, or where there is an immediate need for someone to handle the Alleged Incapacitated Person’s personal and financial affairs. Additionally, in a contested guardianship setting, an independent non-related third party may be appointed as the guardian of the AIP in a final order by the Court in order to avoid any parties to the matter from making decisions regarding the AIP, where they cannot come to an agreement as to what is in the AIP’s best interest and who should act as the Guardian long term. In conclusion, although the aforestated factors are not the only factors that one should consider prior to commencing a Guardianship, in my experience they are often the most important! Lauren C. Enea, Esq. is an Associate at Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP. She concentrates her practice on Wills, Trusts and Estates, Medicaid Planning, Special Needs Planning and Probate/Estate Administration. She believes that it is never too early or too late to start planning for your future and she enjoys working with individuals and families to ensure that their estate and long-term care plan best suits their needs. Ms. Enea is on the executive committee of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) Elder Law and Special Needs Section and is also the Co-Editor of the NYSBA Elder Law and Special Needs Section Journal. She is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida. She can be reached at 914-948- 1500. Commencing a Guardianship Proceeding? Beforehand, consider these six factors under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law ‘It is always a difficult decision to commence a Guardianship for one’s father or mother, but the decision is made significantly more difficult when the Petitioner knows or believes that mom, dad or a sibling will contest it.’ -Lauren C. Enea, Esq. Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP LAUREN ENEA GUEST CORNER FOCUS ON ELDER LAW
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 OPINION YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 16 LOCATIONS: Baldwin Place • 44 Route 118 • (845) 628-7900 Croton Falls • 1 Center St • (914) 769-3206 Find out why Joe Ferone of Proper Service needs to be YOUR Go-To Automotive Service Center! YOUR FAMILY CAR CARE CENTER For over 100 years of combined auto experience, Joe Ferone and his sta of Proper Service have been serving the community, creating relationships and building a remarkable company with an amazing team JOE FERONE, owner of employees! Scan Here To Sign Up (It’s FREE!) Get YOUR Town’s Local News In Your Inbox Daily be subject to the March 19 hearing retains much of the same unworkable text. A copy of the proposed law is available on the town’s website under “Pending legislation” on the Town Clerk’s page. The major problem at the heart of the proposed law is that it retains the same unworkable definitions used in the first draft: “Unregistered self-propelled vehicles” and “Limited-use off-road vehicles.” Both definitions are unworkable because they: • Lump ATVs and e-bikes together despite their many differences. ATVs are used off road in town parks and on trails while e-bikes are used primarily on town roads, although mountain bikes that can be e-bikes can safely be used on town trails. • Are based, incorrectly, on “registration” and “licensing” instead of where the vehicles are used. By focusing only on “unregistered” vehicles, the law doesn’t prohibit “registered” self-propelled vehicles, aka ATVs, from being used in town parks and trails. New York Vehicle & Traffic law requires all ATVs to be registered, thus the draft law, as written, does not cover their usage. Also, the definition of “unregistered” includes e-bikes, although e-bikes can’t be registered. • Conflict with the NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law. Unlike ATVs, which cannot be operated on public roads, state law allows e-bikes to be operated on roads and streets. And many localities are encouraging e-bike usage as alternative transportation in addition to potential health benefits. If the proposed law’s definitions governing ATVs and e-bikes are unworkable, then the law’s provisions regulating their use are meaningless. The law becomes unenforceable. What use is a law that can’t be enforced? In January, a working group of knowledgeable YTTC and NYNJTC members submitted a suggested revised ATV/ebike law to the Town Board together with the suggestion that the Board create an ad hoc committee composed of involved parties to draft a more effective law prior to scheduling a public hearing. The suggested law differed from the town’s flawed version in three major respects: 1. To more effectively address the ATV problem on the town’s trails, it suggested a new definition of “off road vehicles” and linked its definition to New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law that has different definitions and regulations for different types of self-propelled vehicles. 2. It prohibited off road vehicles from all public and town owned property. 3. It included a totally separate section for regulating e-bikes. And instead of the town’s proposed law that would have permitted e-bikes only where posted signs permitted their use, the YTTC/NYNJTC version permitted their use in all places except where signs specifically prohibited them. We never heard back from anyone in the town. It goes without saying that continuing to allow ATV use on town property presents a multitude of serious problems for residents as well as for the town. For residents who enjoy the town’s parks and trails, fast moving ATVs present a constant — and serious — safety problem. For residents who live near those parks and trails, ATVs are an unwelcome invasion of their peaceful quality of life. For the town, allowing ATV use in town parks and trails, and on town roads leading to those places, presents an ongoing potentially costly liability problem as well as the costly damage to town property. On March 19, tell the Town Board to reject the proposed local law and go back to the drawing board. If our elected officials are serious about fixing the ATV/ e-bike problem, they should do it right — the first time. Steve Richman is a member of the Yorktown Trail Town Committee and Westchester Cycle Club and Peter Dolan is a member of the New York New Jersey Trail Conference. ATV FROM PAGE 11 To advertise in Yorktown News, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected].
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 OPINION YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 17 Getting enough good sleep is crucial to your health and well-being. As we recognize Sleep Awareness Month, daylight saving time begins, which can throw off our sleep patterns. Here are some tips on how to tackle sleep deprivation and commit to adopting better sleep practices. What are the signs of poor sleep? Some signs of poor sleep can include not feeling rested after the recommended amount of sleep, waking up during the night or experiencing symptoms of sleep disorders, including snoring, or gasping for air. How can sleep impact your health? Not getting enough sleep or regularly getting poor sleep may sometimes have a role in the development of chronic diseases that have had an increasingly common role in premature illness or death. Some conditions include obesity, depression, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. How can you improve your sleep habits? Talk to your medical provider if you are not getting quality sleep. Your doctor may be able to uncover any underlying conditions that may be causing your sleep issues. You can also adopt healthy sleep habits to improve your sleep and sleep duration such as staying physically active, ensuring that you have a dark and comfortable room to sleep in at night, avoiding screens before bedtime, and developing a consistent routine that is focused on going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Does sleep play a role in your overall health? Scan the QR code or visit optum.com/tri Optum Medical Care, P.C. (“Optum Medical Care”) is a physician owned and led practice having complete authority for all medical decision-making and patient care through its physicians and other licensed professionals. Optum, through its owned management organizations, provides non-clinical administrative services to support Optum Medical Care and its physicians. Neither Optum nor its management companies employs, engages, or supervises physicians or other licensed professionals, or determines or sets the methods, standards, or conduct of the practice of medicine or health care provided by Optum Medical Care or by any of its licensed professionals. “Part of Optum” reflects that Optum Medical Care is part of Optum’s effort to support forward-thinking physician practices in helping their patients live healthier lives. Optum is a registered trademark of Optum, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other brand or product names are the property of their respective owners. Because we are continuously improving our products and services, Optum reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice. Optum is an equal opportunity employer. © 2024 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved. 02/24 concepts of entanglement with string theory? In this context, entanglement would be understood as the result of these strings being connected in some underlying higher-dimensional space. Just as entangled particles here on earth exhibit correlated behavior, entangled strings in this higher-dimensional space would exhibit similar correlated behavior. This suggests that entanglement may be a manifestation of the fundamental interconnectedness of all things in the universe, as predicted by string theory. Wow. Now I really have a headache, but wait, there’s more. Some researchers go even further by positing that entanglement may be a key mechanism for the quantum gravity effects of string theory. Gravity is the least understood of the four fundamental forces of nature. Katherine Freese, the renown theoretical physicist, and a favorite of this author, often laments the fact that we really don’t know much more about gravity than Newton did. Putting that aside for the moment, reconciling it with the other forces within the framework of quantum mechanics has been a long-standing challenge in theoretical physics. By studying how entangled strings interact with each other, we may be able to gain new insights into the nature of gravity and its role in shaping the fabric of space-time. Additionally, the concept of entanglement may have implications for the holographic principle, another key idea in theoretic physics that suggests that information contained in a volume of space can be encoded on its boundary. In the framework of string theory, entangled strings could act as the underlying mechanism for the holographic encoding, with the information stored in their correlations across space. Much of today’s science fiction, in books and movies, dabbles in these concepts. There is no doubt that quantum entanglement provides a fascinating window into the hidden interconnectedness of the universe, shedding light on the nature of reality at its most fundamental level. By exploring the implications of entanglement with the framework of string theory, we may be able to uncover new insights into the nature of space, time and the forces that govern the cosmos. Quantum entanglement, with its implications for string theory, represents a tantalizing frontier in modern physics, offering new avenues for exploration and discovery. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of entanglement and its connections to fundamental theories of the universe, we may ultimately gain a deeper understanding of the nature of reality itself. MARTORANO FROM PAGE 14 State funds support illegal immigrants at the expense of our roads Dear Editor, Carol Reif ’s article, “Proposed highway funding cuts rile reps and local officials” (Feb. 29, Page 7) was comprehensive in what it said. It included a breakdown of Gov. Hochul’s executive budget in a segment called “HOCHUL’S HIGHLIGHTS.” What it didn’t state was that the loss in funding to the suburbs was necessitated by Hochul’s decision to give an extra $2.5 billion to New York City to pay for housing, food, etc., for people unlawfully in the country. In essence, the Governor is supporting those who are in this country and state illegally at the expense of law abiding citizens of the U.S. and New York State. -Jay Kopstein Yorktown Heights Mirchandani will work across the aisle Dear Editor, Jann Mirchandani is the best candidate for Yorktown Supervisor in the upcoming special election on Tuesday, April 16. As a successful businesswoman, the Council Commissioner on the Executive Committee of the Greater Hudson Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America, a board member of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce (HVGCC) and a longtime community leader and marathon runner, she is the only candidate that embodies strength, fortitude, tenacity, a fine attention to detail, financial expertise and who will work collaboratively across the aisle for every single Yorktown citizen. Let’s take this opportunity to expand the Town Board and bring a much-needed voice into Yorktown’s leadership. The Yorktown Town Board has been virtually the same for the last 10 years; isn’t it time for an update? Vote for Jann Mirchandani on Tuesday, April 16, for Yorktown Supervisor and elect an expertly qualified and a proven leader that is ready to serve all the people of Yorktown. -Jennie Sunshine Yorktown Resident Lachterman has a proven track record Dear Editor, I am writing to emphasize the importance of active participation in the upcoming elections on April 16. This is crucial to the growth and progress of our community, and it is vital that we all exercise our right to vote. In these challenging times, we need a leader who not only understands the needs of our community, but also has the experience and knowledge to address them effectively. Ed Lachterman is the candidate LETTERS SEE LETTERSPAGE 18
PAGE 18 – YORKTOWN NEWS OPINION MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 CALL TODAY and sign up for a tour! 914-962-5196 or 914-815-5281 2090 Crompond Road - Yorktown Heights PRESCHOOL • Ages 18 Mons – 5 Yrs • Operating Hours 7am – 6pm • New York State Certified Curriculum • Before & After Care Available • 1/2 Day Students Welcome • Whole School Live Music Twice Per Day • Individualized Classroom Art Class Three Times Per Week • Physical Education Classes Four Times Per Week • Pre-K Field Trips To Stuarts’ Apple Farm, Muscoot Farm, East Coast Sport Complex, John C. Hart Library, Uncle Giuseppe’s • Special Presenters BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL ADVENTURES • Ages 18 Mos To 10 Yrs • Large Indoor & Fenced-In Outdoor Playgrounds • Homework Assistance • Bus Transportation Provided By The Yorktown School District • Food & Drinks Provided Starting our 44th year serving Yorktown children Family Owned And Operated, Owners Always On The Premises. Check out our NEW WEBSITE! piedpiperschoolyorktown.com PIED PIPER FACILITY • Three Outdoor Playgrounds • A Turf Play Space • Half Court Basketball Space • Gaga Ball Pit • Covered Outdoor Patio Space & Playgroup • Skylights & Windows For Plenty Of Outdoor Lighting LETTERS FROM PAGE 17 who embodies these qualities. His extensive experience and proven track record make him the ideal choice for the position. While suggestions may bring forth new ideas, it is experience that brings real solutions. Ed Lachterman has the expertise to navigate the complexities of our community’s challenges and implement effective strategies. By voting for Ed, we are ensuring that our community’s interests are represented by someone who has a deep understanding of the issues we face. Your vote matters. It is a powerful tool that can shape the future of our community. I urge you to join me in supporting Ed Lachterman on April 16. Together, let’s make a difference and choose a leader who will prioritize the needs of our community and work tirelessly to bring about positive change. Thank you for your time and consideration. Let’s come together and make our voices heard. Vote for Ed Lachterman, a candidate with experience over suggestion. -Robert F Hutton Yorktown Ex-candidate challenges misconceived public service qualifications Dear Editor, Jann Mirchandani is a candidate with genuine experience and a comprehensive plan to address Yorktown’s pressing issues. Jann’s Plan will leverage the excess fund balance for infrastructure repairs, promises to collaborate with developers on mindful development in town, addresses the climate crisis through renewable energy initiatives and fortifies ethics laws for increased governmental transparency and accountability. But most importantly, Jann will end one-party rule on the Town Board and give a voice to the unrepresented residents of Yorktown. On April 16, Yorktown will hold a special election to fill the Supervisor’s seat vacated by the untimely passing of Tom Diana. I implore voters to focus on substance rather than superficial arguments. Recent discussions about experience and attendance at Town Board meetings bring to mind my own campaign for Councilman last November. Similar criticisms were leveled against me, emphasizing the misguided notion that holding office or meeting attendance alone qualifies someone for public service. This argument seeks to divert attention from real issues. Despite lacking solutions for critical town issues such as crumbling infrastructure, weak ethics laws, misaligned development, and a scarcity of renewable energy, this board persists in scrutinizing the type of experience people have as if they were all born elected officials. I can say with certainty that not one current board member has been an elected official their whole life. Additionally, meeting attendance should not be a gauge of understanding, especially when sessions are accessible through various mediums and can be consumed regularly and often. I would also argue that the current Town Board’s meetings are devoid of any substance and attendance is futile. Resolutions are passed unanimously without explanation, and the Courtesy of the Floor is manipulated to control narratives without allowing speakers the chance to respond or clarify. As Albert Einstein once eloquently stated, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” I urge voters to join me in supporting Jann Mirchandani this April 16 for real solutions, fresh ideas, an end to one-party rule, and a brighter future for Yorktown. -Steve Shaw Former Candidate for Town Board Lachterman is a leader in combating food insecurity Dear Editor, I am writing to highlight the exceptional leadership of Ed Lachterman, particularly in addressing the critical issue of food insecurity in our community. His involvement with our local pantry, alongside the late supervisor Tom Diana, has been instrumental in raising awareness and making a significant impact. Ed Lachterman’s commitment to combating food insecurity is evident through his hands-on approach and active involvement. He has consistently demonstrated his dedication to leading from the front, working alongside volunteers and community members to address this pressing issue. Under Ed’s leadership, our pantry has experienced a turning point in terms of awareness and support from the town. His collaboration with the late supervisor Tom Diana brought much-needed attention to the issue of food insecurity and inspired others to join the cause. Through their efforts, the town received a heightened level of awareness regarding food insecurity, resulting in increased donations, volunteer participation and community support. Ed’s ability to mobilize resources and engage the community has been instrumental in making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by food insecurity. Furthermore, Ed’s compassionate and empathetic approach has created an environment of inclusivity and support within our community. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that no one goes hungry, fostering a sense of unity and compassion among residents. I am confident that Ed Lachterman’s leadership in addressing food insecurity will continue to make a positive impact in our community. His dedication, alongside the late supervisor Tom Diana, has been transformative, and I believe their efforts should be recognized and celebrated. -Hector Rivera NYPD Retired Detective 27 Years and Manager for Montefiore Medical Center Off-site Properties SEE LETTERSPAGE 19
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 OPINION YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 19 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 What steps have you taken to protect your life savings from the cost of long term care? What happened to ‘Never hesitate to call us?’ Dear Editor, Several months ago, I saw a tractor trailer parked on the access road adjacent to Route 6 in Jefferson Valley for several days. As a concerned citizen thinking something could be wrong, I called the Yorktown Police Department to report this. Unfortunately, I felt that they ignored my concern and I felt dismissed. They said that a local resident was parking there and rushed me off the phone.” In “Homeowners interrupt Yorktown burglary” (Feb. 29, Page 1), the Yorktown Police Department is quoted as saying, “We remind the public to never hesitate to call us with any observation that seems to be suspicious in nature. Neighbor helping neighbor, and in turn helping law enforcement, will help keep our communities safe.” What happened to “never hesitate to call us...”? The purpose of this letter is not to bash the Yorktown Police Department, but to make them aware that the answer I received was totally inappropriate. In the meantime, we have observed up to five tractor trailers and assorted cabs parked on this access road. Why? What has happened to beautifying our town? If this is, indeed, a local resident or residents who drive tractor trailers (thank you for what you do), do they have permission to park there? Driving along Route 6 makes it feel like we are living near a truck stop off an interstate - NOT beautiful! Is there any reason why these trucks cannot be parked on the far corner of the parking lot of the Jefferson Valley Mall, where they are less visible? Where did they park before?? Looking for a little clarification about overnight parking and what to do when residents see something that looks suspicious. -Maria Hughes Yorktown Mirchandani committed to transparency Dear Editor, As the special election for Yorktown Supervisor on April 16 approaches, it’s crucial for residents to consider who will lead our community with vision, integrity and dedication. In my view, Jann Mirchandani stands out as the most qualified candidate for this important role. Jann Mirchandani brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the table. With a background in business management and community service, Mirchandani understands the complexities of our town’s needs and possesses the skills necessary to address them effectively. One of the key reasons why Mirchandani is the best choice for Yorktown Supervisor is her unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in government. She has pledged to work closely with residents, listen to their concerns and ensure that their voices are heard in decision-making processes. This commitment to openness and accessibility is essential for fostering trust and engagement within our community. Furthermore, Mirchandani has outlined a comprehensive plan to tackle critical issues facing Yorktown, including infrastructure improvements, economic development and environmental sustainability. Her forward-thinking approach prioritizes long-term planning and responsible stewardship of our resources, ensuring that Yorktown remains a vibrant and thriving place to live for generations to come. In addition to her professional qualifications, Mirchandani has a proven track record of service to our community. Whether through volunteering with local organizations or advocating for positive change, she has demonstrated her dedication to making Yorktown a better place for all its residents. In contrast to other candidates, Mirchandani offers a fresh perspective and a pragmatic approach to governance. She understands the importance of collaboration and consensus-building in achieving meaningful results, and she is committed to working tirelessly on behalf of all Yorktown residents, regardless of party affiliation. In conclusion, I urge my fellow residents to cast their vote for Jann Mirchandani in the upcoming special election for Yorktown Supervisor. With her experience, integrity and passion for service, she is the best choice to lead our community forward. -Anne (Nancy) Fleurat Yorktown Thankful to Lachterman for his public service Dear Editor, Now is the time for Yorktown to rally behind Ed Lachterman for Supervisor. As we stand on the shoulders of visionaries who have laid the groundwork for beautiful projects, it is crucial that we have a leader who can execute these plans effectively. Ed Lachterman is the candidate who can listen to the community’s needs and ensure a sustainable future for all residents. Let’s come together and support Ed Lachterman for a brighter tomorrow. I am excited to thank Ed Lachterman for his endless public service. Ed Lachterman is a strong leader who possesses unparalleled management expertise, established relationships with government agencies, and a proven track record of effectively addressing complex issues, especially infrastructure needs. It also highlights Ed Lachterman’s ability to listen to the community’s needs and execute beneficial projects for a sustainable future. Overall, Ed Lachterman is a visionary leader who is well-equipped to lead Yorktown to prosperity. Sincerely, Cherie Frechette LETTERS FROM PAGE 18
The Yorktown High School Dance Company’s “An Evening of Dance” got into full swing with two stellar performances late last month with a stunning array of 18 meticulously choreographed dances. “The event not only provided a platform for showcasing Yorktown High School and its students but also fostered a sense of unity and pride among the dancers, faculty, and the community at large,” said Yorktown Councilman Sergio Esposito. “It reinforced the importance of supporting the arts in education and beyond, highlighting their role in enriching lives and fostering creativity.” With everyone working hard onstage and behind the scenes, the cast and crew (in black) took a break to pose for a group photo. Pictured are: Row 1 (top): Micheal Peralta, Troy Diaz, Owen Mooney, Joe Granitto, Brandon Montero, Matt Paglino, Drew Duncan, Erik Hanson, Gregory Dalietos, PAGE 20 YORKTOWN NEWS – MARBUYING845-62WE WILL COWE BUY: Gold • Sterling SJewelry • CoinPaintings • BronClocks • CollectiAntiques • ETItems for saCome See Us At Our New Location! PUTNAM WINDOW TINT AUTO , COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL WINDOW FILM Follow us on Instagram 1065 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • Paint protection film • Vehicle lettering • Full Service vehicle wraps • gift cards available Over 35 in Business Years AFFORDABLE Dumpster Rentals! CIRONE CARTING 845-533-5262 Same-Day Roll-Off Container Delivery Available 10-yard • 12-yard • 15-yard 20-yard • 30-yard CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE cironeconstruction.com ‘Evening Yorktown Dance Company PHOTOS: SERGIO ESPOSITO is a night to
John Desiderio, Justin Price, Charley, Billy Feeks, Aiden Lajqi, Tommy Vano; Row 2: Joshua Weiner, Kirsten Scmutzer, Ava Salveggi, Bailey Ralls, Gianna Almonte, Kaitlyn Lopez, Grace Floryshak, Maddie Forbes, advisor Justin Wingenroth; Row 3: Kimberly Lemus, Julia Campanaro, Carly McGirr, Madelyn Galbert, Meghan Stewart, Allie Cortese, Katey Imperato, Ava Scolarino, Justin Wingenroth; Row 4: Elizabeth Desvarieux, Ash Pozzuto, Hailey Otero, Gianna Debrino, Madison Brady, Anna Horlacher, Sarina Dedvukaj, Emily Barbuscia, Ava Peragallo, Maryssa Cavallo, Marina Bowen, Bottom Row., Metzi Zecena, Mya Alexandre, Serena Zimmerman, Riley Grieve, Ava Lerman, Eva Valdivieso, Adriana Grosso, Dylan Silverman, Adriana Torrieri, Lindsay McGirr, Ava McCloat, and Jackson Jacobs. Names shown as provided by the Yorktown High School Dance Company RCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 PAGE 21 G ONLY 8-0362 OME TO YOU! 53 YEARS! Silver ns nzes bles C. le? Call us! www.summertrailsdaycamp.com CURRENTLY HIRING STAFF! CALL FOR A TOUR! 914.245.1776 Get This Newspaper’s App On Your Phone Always Stay Informed About News Involving YOUR Town & Schools Android Scan Here iPhone Scan Here Get Our App! of Dance’ o remember
PAGE 22 – YORKTOWN NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Yorktown has a great skiing tradition, but this past season was especially a solid one for Huskers on the slopes. “This season we had the strongest varsity team we’ve fielded in the past decade or so,” said Yorktown coach Wendy Nufer. “I had been looking forward to this winter for the past couple years, knowing that many of our top racers would be in their prime, competing as seniors for their fourth or fifth varsity winter season. All of our athletes’ success this winter can be attributed to those years of dedication and hard work they’ve put into their time on the varsity ski team.” During the regular season, Yorktown’s boys A team placed second in the league. The Huskers narrowly missed first place by 3 seconds in its combined team score to suffer its only loss of the regular season, which came against the powerhouse combined team of John Jay-North SalemSomers. Yorktown girls also skied well. “Individually, the girls A team members performed well all season, but the team was not able to score in league races due to being one member shy of the minimum number required to score as a team,” Nufer said. At the sectional championships, Yorktown’s boys placed fourth overall, being edged out of third place by Rye (by 1 second) and second place by Greeley, (by 3 seconds). Yorktown girls placed 11th at the sectionals. Individually for the boys in the sectionals, Reilly Doller placed 14th overall, Brandon Zhong was 19th, and Cameron O’Brien finished 21st. On the girls’ side, Lara Villard, who trains with the Huskers but races as an independent for Lakeland (which doesn’t have a team,) placed 23rd. Yorktown’s All-League boys skiers were O’Brien (senior captain, fifth year on team), Connor Reardon (senior captain, fifth year), James Callaghan, (senior captain, fifth year), Doller (senior, fifth year), Brandon Zhong, (junior, third year), Joseph Longo (junior, third year) and Jack Mooney (sophomore, first year). Michael Chitu (junior, third year), Matthew Pilot (junior, second year), Ryan Donnelly (sophomore, third year), Andrew Callaghan, (sophomore, second year), Gavin Appelle (sophomore, first year), Charlie Zhong (freshman, second year), Eamon Hansel, (freshman second year), Andrew Bartolini, (freshman, second year), and Kevin Huang, (freshman first year) were also important members of this year’s Huskers’ boys squad. All-League honorees Madelon Gorman (senior captain, fourth year), Sofia Lam (senior, captain, fourth year), and Villard (junior, third year) along with Samantha Forte (freshman, second year), and Cameron Parise (freshman, second year) make up Yorktown’s girls squad. “What our Yorktown ski racers accomplished this year during both the regular and postseason periods was truly amazing, given the stiff competition we faced,” Nufer said. “Virtually all of our opponents at the top of the field either race for six months out of each year, as members of USSA ski racing teams fielded by ski resorts in the tri-state area, or they’ve spent one or more past school years attending a ski academy in New England. In contrast, our Yorktown athletes learn all their racing technique and many of the skiing fundamentals during January and February of each school year while they compete on the varsity ski team.” Of course, the downside of having a strong team with so many seniors is graduation. But Nufer believes the younger Huskers give Yorktown the potential for another successful season next year. “We’ll be losing two of our girls, (Gorman and Lam) and four of our boys (O’Brien, Reardon, Callaghan, and Doller) to graduation this spring,” Nufer said. “However, we do have some strong ninth, 10th, and 11thgrade racers who competed and improved considerably this year, and who will be returning next season, on a mission to continue Yorktown’s legacy of some 30-40 years of being strong competitors in the field of Section 1 ski racing. Huskers skiers close out a strong season YHS squad ‘strongest in the past decade’ Yorktown’s varsity skiing team at Thunder Ridge. PHOTO COURTESY KELLY O’ROURKE PILOT Yorktown All-League skier Madelon Gorman racing at Thunder Ridge. PHOTO COURTESY CRAIG SPERRY Husker All-League skier James Callaghan racing at Thunder Ridge. SKIING
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 SPORTS YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 23 BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Lakeland senior captain Austin Kara had the opportunity of a lifetime when he competed at the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHAA) Tournament at AMF Strike N Spare Lanes in Syracuse March 8-10. Suffice it to say, he didn’t waste the opportunity, finishing 13th (244, 1,307, 217.83). “It meant a lot to me since it’s my last year,” Kara said of his performance. “I’m really happy to finish on a good note.” Lakeland coach Joe Palumbo couldn’t have been happier with Kara’s performance. “It’s been great to have Austin compete at states this year as a senior,” Palumbo said. “I’ve had him on the team since seventh grade. It’s been great to see him improve over the years. I’m real proud of him.” Kara said he got plenty of help, enabling him to have the day that he did. “Through the first games I was having trouble but with my teammates and coaches supporting me and helping me, I was able to find my spot pretty quickly and was more confident on my spares,” Kara said. Palumbo outlined some of the keys to Kara’s success. “He had a great day on the lanes today on sports shot oil pattern, and it was great to see him finish his high school bowling career with great scores,” Palumbo said. “One thing about Austin is he’s very consistent about hitting his mark every time. That has helped him improve so much over the year.” Yorktown coach Steve Veteri was equally as proud of his two girls bowlers, senior captain Kailey O’Connell (51st, 204, 1,015, 169.17) and senior Esther-Anne Villamin (63rd, 168, 833, 138.83), who also competed at the state tournament. “It was a great accomplishment for both of the girls,” Veteri said. “It all started with both teams (Yorktown boys and girls) qualifying for sectionals for the first time together since 2013.” For O’Connell, it was her second consecutive trip to states. “It was really important to me to compete again,” O’Connell said. “Especially as a senior it would be kind of disappointing if I made it last year and not this year so I’m definitely proud of myself.” Having Villamin with her made this trip to Syracuse more enjoyable. “I had overall a much better time,” O’Connell said. “I had a friend who I could just talk to and joke around with which also made bowling less stressful. The two of us helped out each other a lot both with our throws and in the mental game.” For Villamin, it was her first trip to states and she was grateful to have the opportunity to make it. “It was a great honor to be part of the Section 1 team, and it was a very fun experience,” Villamin said. “I was also happy to have an opportunity to represent Yorktown’s bowling team as well.” Villamin was equally as excited about making the trip upstate with O’Connell. “Competing in the state tournament alongside my teammate, Kailey O’Connell, was one of the main reasons why the experience was fun,” Villamin said. “Her support, guidance, and introduction to new friends significantly contributed to the enjoyment and success of the event in my opinion. Without her, the experience wouldn’t have been as fulfilling.” Lakeland’s Kara excels at states YHS duo O’Connell and Villamin find their lane Austin-Lakeland assistant coach Jess Norton, Hornet senior captain Austin Kara, and LHS head coach Joe Palumbo. PHOTO COURTESY OF GLEN KARA Yorktown senior captain Kailey O’Connell (left) and Husker senior Esther-Anne Villamin before leaving for states. PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE VETERI BOWLING with REBATES from BELL! SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO! ENJOY 0 DOWN, 0% FINANCING! ACT NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! LIMITED TIME OFFER 845-600-8004 | www.bellmech.com Heat pumps are a cleaner & healthier alternative to traditional heating & cooling systems. This all in one system will eliminate your need for fossil fuel and help you save thousands. Learn more about rebates & financing options! EXCLUDES SERVICE CONTRACT • EXP 4/30/24 Coupon must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offer. $50 OFF ANY OF OUR SERVICES SAVE THOUSANDS in Federal, State and Local Incentives on your new HEATPUMP PROJECT CALL US TODAY! Sniff out sweet savings
PAGE 24 – YORKTOWN NEWS SPORTS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 Lakeland gymnast Olivia Marricco delivered a stellar performance at the ultracompetitive New York State Public High School Athletic Association gymnastics championship at Buffalo’s Clarence High School earlier this month. Marricco finished tied for sixth on the uneven bars and tied for fifth on floor exercise to help the Section 1 team finish fourth overall, just 0.275 of a point shy of a medal. A Statement at the States Glasses & Contact Lenses Cortlandt Town Center 3145 East Main Street Mohegan Lake, NY (845) 823-4063 * Valid only at the Mohegan Lake location. Cannot be combined with other discounts, coupon or insurance plans. See associate for details. Offer Expires 12/31/24 Coupon code: YTNEWS502510 Visit americasbest.com to book your eye exam. Lakeland’s Olivia Marricco competed in all four events and came in sixth in the all around. PHOTOS: CHRISTIAN MILES
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 SPORTS YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 25 719 Rte. 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com 60 Years of Excellence CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE Softening. Filtering. Clean Water Solution. March into $pring $avings! $150 OFF INSTALLATION OF A SOFTENER 3379 Crompond Rd (in the BJs Plaza) Yorktown Heights, NY 914.930.5550 afcurgentcare.com/yorktown-heights M-F: 8am-8pm, S-S: 8am-5pm Your to-do list doesn’t care if you’re under the weather. Balancing work and health is crucial. If sickness does sneak up on you, we’re right around the corner with fast, walk-in care to get you back to your to-do list. We focus on your health so you can focus on you, because nobody cares like family. We’re open every day with extended hours to fit your schedule. No appointments needed. BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Yorktown senior boys basketball guard Brandon Montero enjoyed a stellar two-year run that saw him being named AllSection, All-Conference, and All-League in both his senior and junior campaigns. Montero, who averaged 16 points and 8 rebounds a game this past season, led the Huskers (20-3, 8-0) to back-to-back postseason appearances at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, including this year when the Huskers won the League 2E title. It was just Yorktown’s third outright league title since 1990. How old were you when you started playing basketball and what got you started? Thirteen. My parents one day drove me to a surprise practice and I fell in love with the sport. What was your favorite thing about being on the boys basketball team at Yorktown? The brotherhood and energy my teammates bring. What was your favorite team activity or pre/post-game ritual? After most of the games, our team goes to McDonald’s and just hangs out, and eats with the students. Who has been your biggest role model over the years and what have you learned from them? My mom. She raised me to respect others and pushes me to be the best I can be. Tell us one thing about yourself that not a lot of people know. I’m left-handed but shoot with my right. Do you know what you want to study in college and do you plan to play basketball? I plan to study criminology in college and play basketball too. Name your favorite athlete/ sports team? My favorite athlete is Patrick Mahomes and my favorite team is the Milwaukee Bucks. What was your favorite music to listen to while warming up for a game? I like listening to Lil Baby before a game. If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? Teleport, because I can be anywhere at any time. If you could pick one place to visit on vacation that you’ve never been to, where would you go and why? I would love to visit Dubai. I heard it’s amazing. What was your favorite food to eat before or after a game, and what’s your favorite Yorktown eatery? I love to eat BBQ ribs after the game, my mom makes them. My favorite Yorktown spot is Heavy Bear Deli. What’s the go-to app on your phone and why? Message app; I get a lot of texts during the day. What would you say to a young athlete thinking about trying out for the Yorktown boys basketball team? Never play for the name on the back, always play for the name on the front. All-star guard Brandon Montero on being a Husker Brandon Montero was on the money all season for Yorktown. PHOTO: BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER. ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT
PAGE 26 – YORKTOWN NEWS SPORTS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962 Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962 Scan Here To Sign Up (It’s FREE!) Get YOUR Town’s Local News In Your Inbox Daily BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER When Mike Rescigno, nicknamed “House” coached the Huskers, he always preached that Yorktown football is family. Ironically, family is why he stepped away in 2019, after 15 seasons, 100 victories, and a trip to the state Class A finals in 2017. “My son came up in the ranks at Arlington as a player, so I stepped away from coaching at Yorktown for that reason, mostly to stay in the dad role and got lucky enough to coach him as well,” said Rescigno, who is a physical education teacher at Yorktown. Rescigno was the Arlington offensive coordinator for the last four years, including this past season, which saw his son Michael shine at quarterback and be named the Section 1 Class AA Offensive Back of the Year. He will play in college at SUNYCortland. “It’s been awesome, it was a blessing,” Rescigno said of coaching his son. “The hardest thing for me to ever do was to step away from Yorktown but it was a nobrainer because family is important to me and I got to be a part of what he is doing. That was one of the best experiences I could ever ask for as a dad, let alone as a coach. That was pretty special, to watch him excel the way he did.” Equally a no-brainer was to say yes when he was asked if he wanted to coach Yorktown’s firstever girls flag football squad this spring, which is scheduled to open its season at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 23 at Clarkstown. “It was an exciting idea because as a teacher I have a pretty good relationship with a lot of the girls in our school through my classes and things like that,” Rescigno said. “I thought it would be something cool to do. When it comes to football, girls have been deprived of that opportunity for too long and now that it is here, it’s an exciting place to be.” The job is perfect off the field as well because the schedule allows him to coach while also giving him time to see his daughter Sophia, a freshman at Arlington, play soccer, basketball, and lacrosse. “When it was time to take the job, I said there are some things that are mandatory for me,” Rescigno said. “It’s always about the right people, getting the right people to put in front of kids, and being able to be there for my family. So I wanted to make sure those things were in place because we have to be able to do the right job for the kids, I have to be able to do the right thing for my family, and this is the perfect situation where I can do both.” Those right people are assistant coaches Jeff Cerar, Yorktown’s defensive coordinator during the fall on the gridiron, and Mike Nardone, who has been an assistant coach for the Yorktown boys basketball squad that made it to the postseason at the Westchester County Center in White Plains the last two years, winning the League 2E title this winter. “Jeff is a guy who I hired as a young buck when he was just hired at Yorktown,” Rescigno said. “I took Jeff on and I guess I would use the word, groomed him as a coach and now he’s in a place where he is an expert on football. So for me, I wanted to make sure I got another football guy in there. Then, another young man that is going to be helping me is (former Yorktown Athletic Director) Fio Nardone’s son, Mike Nardone. Again, we talk about family, he might as well be like family to me. I watched him come through the ranks at Yorktown as a student, and now watching him as a teacher, he’s everything you want as a coach. Energetic, bright, young, he’s going to be a star. Just like Jeff has come into his own as a star, Mike Nardone is going to be a star too.” Rescigno back on Yorktown sideline “House” is excited to coach the girls Mike Rescigno with his players after Yorktown won the Section 1 Class A football title in 2017. PHOTO COURTESY @CASTNERPHOTO FLAG FOOTBALL
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 SPORTS YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 27 914.948.1500 This ad is donated by Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 $75 per person includes: 6:30 - 10 pm - Beer & Wine Open Bar 6:30 -7 pm - Appetizers 7 - 8 pm - Buffet dinner, dessert, soda/coffee 8 - 10 pm - 9 Comedians For tickets go to: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/b832fde8-d716-4a4f-af98-c73a84064a2a Or scan the QR code: CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. Sponsorships Available Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 COMEDIAN LINEUP CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 COMEDIAN LINEUP CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Lakeland and Yorktown student-athletes once again stood out in basketball, wrestling, ice hockey, track and field, skiing, and bowling, earning well-deserved awards. Lakeland Boys Basketball Grady Leonard (All-Conference, AllLeague), Sean Perry (All-Conference, All-League), John Bartolotta (AllLeague). Yorktown Boys Basketball (League 2E Champions) Kaden Gonzalez (All-Section, AllConference, All-League), Billy Feeks (All-Section, All-Conference, AllLeague), Brandon Montero (All-Section, All-Conference, All-League), Justin Price (All-Conference, All-League, Section 1 Class AA All-Tournament Team). Lakeland Girls Basketball Nichole Ljuljic (All-Section, AllLeague), Ava Lugo (All-Conference, All-League). Yorktown Girls Basketball Kaitlyn Judge (All-Conference, AllLeague), Lexi Livadhi (All-League). Lakeland/Panas Wrestling Alex Ryzy (All-Section, All-League), Dan Hurley (All-Section, All-League), Steven Sommovigo (All-League), Dan Horowitz (All-League), Matt Clyman (All-League Honorable Mention), Bryan DePascale (All-League Honorable Mention). Yorktown Wrestling (Section I Division 1 Dual Meet Tournament champions, Co-League champions) Joe Tornambe (All-State, All-Section, All-League), Rocco Lore (All-Section, All-League), Gio Tornambe (All-Section, All-League), George Gjergji (AllSection, All-League), Cooper Constantine (All-League Honorable Mention), Ronan Forde (All-League Honorable Mention). BYSNS (Brewster/Yorktown/ Somers/North Salem) Ice Hockey (Howard Kosel Team Sportsmanship Award) Lucas Salvatore (All-League), AJ Jones (All-League), Dylan Weber (All-League Honorable Mention), Micheal Bonelli (All-League Honorable Mention), Matteo Guastadisegni (All-League Honorable Mention). Cortlandt Ice Hockey Jack Jimenez (All-Section, AllLeague), Sean Foley (All-League Honorable Mention), Jason Piccirillo (AllLeague Honorable Mention) Nate Garofalo (All-League Honorable Mention). Lakeland/Panas Boys Track and Field All-League: Angel Cuevas, Jack Maja, Bobby Mayclim, Sohum Aggarwal, Evan Weissen, Nicholas Grabe, William Pike. Lakeland/Panas Girls Track And Field (League Champions) All-League: Kailey Burdett, Layla Collazo, Alana Myke, Emily Healy, Ondine Gourdon-Luckenbill, Nichelle Clough, Yayira Vassell, Hannah Arbid, Riley Scott. Yorktown Boys Track and Field (League Champions) All-League: Joseph Carucci, Tristen Duranti, Marcello Silvestro, Jayden Tyndal, Brian White, Jake Wilson. Yorktown Girls Track and Field Jane Hanson (All-County, AllLeague), Isabelle Bevilacqua (AllLeague), Grace McCann (All-League), Reileigh McEnroe (All-League) Emily Pierro (All-League), Marina Toumanios (All-League), Makayla Winslow (All-League). Yorktown Boys Skiing All-League-Reilly Dollar, Cameron O’Brien, Connor Reardon, James Callaghan, Brandon Zhong, Joseph Longo, Jack Mooney. Yorktown Girls Skiing All-League-Madelon Gorman, Sofia Lam, Lara Villard (Lakeland student). Lakeland Boys Bowling Austin Kara (All-Section, All-League), Mike Antonucci (All-League). Lakeland Girls Bowling Kerry Pike (All-League). Yorktown Boys Bowling Matthew Kirey (All-Section, AllLeague), Kevin Kirey (All-Section, AllLeague). Yorktown Girls Bowling (League Champions) Kailey O’Connell (All-Section, AllLeague), Ciara O’Brien (All-League), Esther-Anne Villamin (All-League). Hornets and Huskers recognized for excellence WINTER SPORTS AWARDS
PAGE 28 – YORKTOWN NEWS SPORTS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Steve Fallo has been Lakeland’s long-time girls volleyball, girls and boys basketball, and softball coach but he is stepping down from the latter after 31 seasons, two Section 1 Class A titles in 2017 and 2021, and 327 career wins. “I retired from teaching on Dec. 31 and I decided it would be a good time to take off coaching in the spring and start to travel a little bit,” said Fallo, who was a special education teacher at Lakeland for 41 years. Most of those years coaching softball were with Joe Chiara. “Every year that Joe and I coached together it was both of us as the head coach,” Fallo said. “Every decision we made was discussed and thought out together. Joe was one of the best at calling a game for our pitchers and helped our catchers learn how to call a softball game. He was so dedicated as a coach, always trying to make our players the best they could be. It was so much fun coaching with him for all those years. It is something I will always remember and cherish.” Coaching Lakeland’s softball squad this spring is Danielle Fiore. “Working with the players and coaching with Danielle, game day was always something I looked forward to,” Fallo said. “This team is a good group who have been together the last couple of years. They are young and have a lot of potential. “Danielle has been my assistant coach for the last five years and before that she was our JV coach for four years,” Fallo said. “She also is a Lakeland grad who played for us from 2000-2004. She has been a big part of Lakeland softball. As a varsity coach, Danielle will bring out the best in her players. She loves the game and is dedicated to having her team ready every game. She is a fierce competitor and will instill a work ethic and competitiveness in all her players.” Fallo will remain the girls volleyball coach, entering his 39th year this fall, and boys basketball boss, which he will coach for a 10th season next winter. Before lerading the boys, he coached girls hoops for 26 years, which included Section 1 Class B titles in 1987-88 and 1988-89, a state Class A title in 2006-07, and state Class A finalist in 2009-10. Fallo has won 100 games in boys basketball, 369 in girls hoops, and 375 games in girls volleyball, including the 2022 Section 1 Class A title. “When you are doing something you love to do it does not feel like work,” said Fallo on coaching three sports. “Also, to be married to the right person who supports what you do helps tremendously.” Fallo has lived in the Lakeland school district for 34 years, which has made it a lot easier to coach in all three seasons and not miss being with his family. “All four of my children graduated from Lakeland High School, which made it easier to watch them play,” Fallo said. “I also had the opportunity to coach them. I couldn’t have asked for a better situation.” What’s the biggest challenge when coaching multiple sports? “There is no downtime between seasons,” Fallo said. What he enjoys most about coaching sports in three different seasons is being around Lakeland’s student-athletes. “It is so rewarding and fun,” Fallo said. “Watching them grow and mature into young men and women is special. I love the competition and always look forward to practice and, especially, game day. After teaching all day it’s a nice outlet to look forward to. Also, I have had the pleasure and good fortune of coaching with and against some outstanding coaches.” Fallo said he enjoys coaching all three sports, but asked to name a favorite, he chose basketball “Especially the last few years, being able to coach with my sons Will and Tim,” he explained, with Tim also coaching volleyball. “Coaching with them and Bill Casey has been a great experience, especially towards the end of my coaching career.” Fallo said that he is proud of not only the coaches his sons have become but also the young men that they have developed into. “It’s so special to watch how they teach and interact with our players and other coaches,” Fallo said. “They really love to coach and want to give back to the school they graduated from.” Standing out in all three sports for Fallo was 2007 Lakeland graduate Sarah Schum (Benischek), a member of the 2006-2007 state basketball championship squad, who registered 1,000 plus points and 500 plus assists. “Sarah was a special player and person,” Fallo said. “I was very lucky to have coached her in all three sports. She was a coach’s dream player. Not only was she skilled in all three sports, but she made everyone around her better. She was the coach on the court or field when she played. She knew where everyone was supposed to be and was ready for any situation. Sarah also became an outstanding high school volleyball and basketball coach.” Lakeland’s Fallo steps away from softball after 31 years ‘Coach for all seasons’ to continue with hoops and volleyball Lakeland’s coach for all seasons, Steve Fallo, with assistants Tim Fallo, Bill Casey, and Will Fallo. PHOTO: ROB DIANTONIO flditiAdtiithYktNBlltiBddh7000USPSdlidddkCll8452088151td!My Community Bulletin Board 3565 Crompond Road • Suite 202 • Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567 Office: 914.736.9230 ext 107 Direct: 914.788.4549 Cell: 914.659.2051 Fax: 914.930.1111 [email protected] www.asapmortgageinc.com Douglas C. Petri Branch Manager NMLS# 39875 Registered Mortgage Broker - NYS Department of Financial Services. CT - Mortgage Broker Only. 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Other local NYBC drives include Monday, March 18, 1 - 7 p.m. at Crystal Hall Somers Community Center (34 Hillandale Road, Yorktown Heights), Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Mohegan Volunteer Fire & Ambulance Corp., 1975 East Main Street, Lake Mohegan, and Tuesday, March 28, 1 - 7 p.m. at Club Fit, 600 Bank Road in Jefferson Valley. Visit donate.nybc.org/donor/ schedules for more information about these and other donation opportunities. TOWN GREEN FROM PAGE 4
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 SPORTS YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 29 845-279-9555 • 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. SPRING 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 4/30/24 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! C Clark & Giordano | G Funeral Home Clark Funeral Home is now Under New Ownership Family Owned and Operated Joseph Giordano Jr., Owner/Yorktown Graduate and Resident Centrally Located in the Heart of Yorktown Oversized Chapel and Large Parking Lot 914.962.3333 • www.clarkfh.com 2104 Saw Mill River Road (Route 35, 118 & 202) • Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Additional Location: Curry & Giordano Funeral Home, Peekskill We look forward to serving and giving back to the community that has been our home for so many years. BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER After five seasons, John Veteri has stepped down from coaching the combined Brewster/Yorktown/Somers/ North Salem (BYSNS) hockey team. Veteri coached for a total of 13 seasons, starting with the Somers/North Salem (SNS) Sabers modified squad in 2011- 12. He did that for two seasons, and then in 2013-14, he took over as the head varsity coach of the Sabers. “In the 2018-19 season, we started practicing but ended up not going through with the season due to lack of numbers,” Veteri said. “In 2019-20, that is when the BYSNS merger happened.” Veteri, who teaches adapted physical education at both Pequenakonck Elementary School and North Salem Middle/High School, decided to give up coaching because of his dedication to his family. “I have been blessed with three beautiful children and they are getting to the age where they are involved with sports, activities, and I wanted to be there for them,” Veteri said. “I am grateful to my wife for the support over the years. I am looking forward to being just dad and then probably coach my kids in whatever sports they choose to play.” Veteri said that the thing he will miss most about coaching is the players. “I really enjoyed getting to know students from multiple schools around the area,” Veteri said. “Being able to bring a group of hockey players together from rival schools in other sports was something special. I am thankful for the support of the athletic directors and the parents over the years.” One of those players is junior captain and defenseman Michael Bonelli, who attends North Salem High School. “I enjoyed his attitude towards the game the most,” said Bonelli, who earned All-League Honorable Mention honors this past season. “His ability to radiate what it meant to be a BYSN, always wanting to win but also being fair, always understanding what his players had going on.” Bonelli said that Veteri was a great inspiration to everyone on and off the ice. “He always had our backs and was always there to help us learn and improve our skills,” said Bonelli, who played two years for Veteri. “He helped us learn life lessons that will contribute to our success in the future, all while being a great guy with lots of stories.” Veteri said that coaching high-school hockey is something he had dreamed of doing since graduating college. “Being able to fulfill my dream only two years after graduating college and then staying for 13 years is a proud moment for myself,” Veteri said. “Coaching high-school hockey wasn’t just about the wins or losses for me. It was about connecting with players and having them learn from their experiences through hockey, to take with them as they graduate and move on into the real world.” For Veteri, there were plenty of moments as coach that he looks fondly back on. “I am proud to be able to coach against some of the best coaches/teams in New York state, proud of being able to say that my teams were named Howard Kosel Team Sportsmanship award winners multiple times throughout my tenure and to see how the players, parents, and hockey community rallied around me and my family after my father passed away,” Veteri said. “To be able to continue to donate to Blythedale Children’s Hospital over the past two seasons in honor of my father has been my proudest moment of all.” Veteri steps down as coach of BYSNS hockey Veteri started his coaching career with the Somers/ North Salem Sabers. PHOTO: SKIP PEARLMAN
PAGE 30 – YORKTOWN NEWS LEISURE MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 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. Chaps 5. Currently fashionable 9. Collision 11. More slim 13. European city 15. Implicitly 16. The side of something that is sheltered from the wind 17. The Mount Rushmore State 19. Gold or silver wire cord 21. Muscles along insects’ diaphragm 22. Trent Reznor’s band 23. Sweet juicy gritty-textured fruit 25. Broken branch 26. Indicates ten 27. Expression of annoyance 29. Brings together 31. Ancient city in Thrace 33. Sailors’ spirit 34. Looked into 36. Muckraking woman journalist Rheta 38. A type of cast 39. One’s responsibility 41. Where golfers begin 43. Make a mistake 44. Semitic Sun god 46. Ancient Italian-Greek colony 48. Beheaded 52. A place to stay 53. Unwise 54. Most supernatural 56. “Dennis” is a famous one 57. Ointments 58. Exam 59. Leaked blood CLUES DOWN 1. Baseball managers assemble it 2. Revised 3. Mountain is a popular kind 4. Takes to civil court 5. Pouches 6. A type of veil 7. Chants 8. Boston hoopster 9. Elongated appendage 10. Sailboat 11. 2017 Oscar-winning film 12. Actor Gosling 14. Monetary units 15. Assembly 18. Russian pop duo 20. Embellished with expressions 24. Infrequent 26. Temperature unit 28. Hydrophilic amino acid 30. Honk 32. Legislative body 34. Swinish 35. Russian assembly 37. Take over for 38. Put in advance 40. Satisfy 42. Felt 43. Dutch cheese 45. Witnesses 47. Strong insects 49. Gasteyer and de Armas are two 50. Ancient people of Scotland 51. Cheerless 55. Sick Gourmet Easter Buffet March 31, 2024 Breakfast Selections, Pasta Stations Assorted Hot Chaffers, Antipasto Station And Much More Prepared By The Finest European Trained Chefs Soda, Espresso, Cappuccino, Coffee And Tea Included Call Now For Reservations 845-628-6600 $70 Per Person $40 Kids Up To 12 Years Old Excludes Service & Tax Two-Hour Seating 12:30-1 Or 3:30-4 Enjoy An All You Can Eat Brunch/Dinner Buffet Indulge In An Array Of Hot And Cold Foods Fresh Fruit And Dessert Stations
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 31 BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA STAFF WRITER After the sudden and tragic death of Supervisor Tom Diana earlier this year, Yorktown officials have been considering ways to honor his memory. At its March 5 meeting, the Town Board decided to rename a section of East Main Street in Shrub Oak and rename Granite Knolls Sports and Recreation Complex after him. The decision came after the board considered Town Hall, Barger Street, or Stony Street as options for honoring the lifetime Yorktown resident and former business owner, police officer, town councilman, and deputy supervisor who was beginning his first full term as supervisor when he died in January. In the end, Town officials decided that renaming a section of East Main Street in Shrub Oak would be most fitting. Diana often described himself as an “Oakie from Shrub Oakie” and took pride in the events held outside the John C. Hart Memorial Library, including the Veteran’s Day parade, the WWII Memorial, and the Shrub Oak Christmas Tree Lighting. Before deciding on the actual wording of the road name, town officials said they will seek input from Diana’s widow, Donna. The decision will then be relayed to the Highway Department. Ideas discussed at the meeting included “Tom Diana Way” and “Supervisor Tom Diana Memorial Highway.” In addition to renaming a section of East Main Street, the Town plans to recognize Diana’s support of Yorktown’s parks by renaming the Granite Knolls complex on Stoney Street in his honor. The effort began on Jan. 10, when Town Clerk Diana Quast sent a request to the Parks and Recreation Commission to rename the complex in Diana’s honor, citing his passion for the project that includes athletic fields, racquet courts, a walking track, and access to local trails. Over the last two months, volunteers gathered petition signatures for the name change and racked up over 1,100, according to one of the volunteers at the meeting. The new name for the complex was discussed at the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on March 7. According to Matthew Talbert, chair of the Yorktown Recreation Commission, the new name for the park will be “Tom Diana Park at Granite Knolls Sports and Recreation Complex.” Town to rename Shrub Oak street and park for Tom Diana Tom Diana (center) with his wife Donna walking down East Main Street in Shrub Oak. The town plans to rename a section of the roadway in his honor. PHOTO: SOPHIA CASELNOVA Josephine Conklin Josephine Conklin of Flagler Beach, Fla., formerly of Mohegan Lake, passed away on Feb. 1, 2024. She was born on April 16, 1936, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She was the eighth of nine children born to Willam and Rosanna McMullan. At the age of 17, Josephine left Belfast and moved to New York, where she met and married the love of her life, John Conklin. In 2006, they left New York for a new retirement adventure in Florida. They enjoyed traveling, including trips to Israel to visit the Holy Land, Ireland, Spain, the Caribbean and many other destinations. They were married for 61 years when John passed in 2020. Josephine was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her beloved children Kathleen (Michael) Corrao and John (Lisa) Conklin, cherished grandchildren: Michael (Sara), Brendan, Brian, & LeeAnn Corrao, Shane (Rachel), and Conor (Helena) Strong, Meaghan (Sean) Matuszewski, Christopher, Taylor, Stephanie and Kelly Conklin, and great-grandchildren: Madeleine, Ivy & Damian Corrao, Cecily Strong, Evelyn and the newest Matuszewski, arriving this summer. She is predeceased by her husband John, daughter Maureen Strong and grandson Ciaran Strong. A Mass of Christian burial was held Feb. 17, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. Interment was at Assumption Cemetery. Marsha A. Berman Marsha A. Berman, 72, of Somers, formerly of Yorktown Heights, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Marsha was born in The Bronx to the late William and Gloria Gabel. She was raised in The Bronx and graduated from Christopher Columbus High School in 1969. She then attended Herbert H. Lehman College, graduating OBITUARIES SEE OBITUARIES PAGE 35 Law Offices of Joseph J. Tock 963 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 TOCKLAW.COM • 800-869-8080 CRIMINAL DEFENSE/DWI • PERSONAL INJURY REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS LAW • WILLS, TRUSTS, ESTATES, PROBATE ‘ The collective background Joe & his team bring forth is that of expertise, dedication and compassion. ~C.K.
PAGE 32 – YORKTOWN NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR George Whalen started playing trumpet at age 9 and, judging by the sheer number of ensembles he takes part in today, the instrument is rarely out of his hands – unless it’s replaced by handbells, a tennis racquet, or a ping-pong paddle. With graduation on the horizon, the Yorktown High School senior and Wind Ensemble president hopes to show his appreciation for everything he’s learned as a music student by becoming a music educator when he heads off to college next fall. We caught up recently to discuss his musical journey and future goals. What do you plan to do after you graduate from high school? I’m currently auditioning for colleges in the field of music education. If I could have any ideal job, I’d like to be a high school band teacher helping students become better musicians themselves. My top college at the moment is SUNY Potsdam in the Crane School of Music and I will hear back if I am accepted after my audition near the end of this month. Who is your main musical influence? My dad is the one who truly gave me the spark of passion for music. He was my first band teacher, and he showed me what was possible with an aspiration to teach others and still continue bettering yourself in your music. What’s fun about playing trumpet and what makes it challenging? I’d say my absolute favorite thing about playing the trumpet in the band – or symphony, pit orchestra, jazz band, wind ensemble, etc. – is the people. I’ve made friends through playing my instrument that are more genuine and exciting than any I’ve made through any other experience. It’s a community that only grows stronger and closer as time goes on and memories are made. What makes it challenging for me is the time commitment. Mastering a craft is a neverending challenge and I’ll never be perfect, but I have to spend hours every day to make sure I can perform in all of my ensembles. I have learned though that anything in music gives back what you put into it. I spend a lot of time working to make sure everything runs smoothly in the program, and I take time to work on solos to make sure my improvisation in jazz band is always getting better. But all of that time and effort pays off just as much. What do you do when you’re not either studying or playing your horn? In my free time, I play handbells for Katonah Presbyterian Church, where I am an experienced member of the KCR group. We have made a name for ourselves playing in various events such as the Annual English Handbell Festival at Riverside Church or the International Handbell Symposium. I also play varsity Tennis where I’ve learned a lot and have fun playing ping pong with friends after school. I also of course love to listen to music when I get the chance. What songs would be on your “Top 5” playlist? My top five songs at the moment are, in no particular order: “Mas, Que Nada!” by Jorge Ben Jor, “Valentine” by Laufey, “A Sunday Kind of Love” by Etta James, “Beleza Pula” by Masayoshi Takanaka, and “Summertime” by Charlie Parker. Trumpeter George Whalen hits the high notes Yorktown HS student George Whalen hopes to study music education after graduation. PHOTO COURTESY GEORGE WHALEN PERFORMING ARTS SPOTLIGHT Get This Newspaper’s App On Your Phone Always Stay Informed About News Involving YOUR Town & Schools Android Scan Here iPhone Scan Here Get Our App! Service... Integrity... Compassion Family owned and operated We began with a mission to celebrate life and serve families. There is much peace to be found here, and we invite you to find yours. Explore more. Take a tour. Read our story. Share in experiences. Anthony J. Guarino Family Owned & Operated 945 East Main Street • Shrub Oak, NY 10588 • (914) 962-0700 YorktownFuneralHome.com • [email protected] ORDER ON OUR ONLINE STORE AND PICKUP LO CALLY! BEST PRICES IN THE AREA! PICKUP HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! www.american-arms.com [email protected] 1928 Commerce St, Suite C Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 NRA Basic Pistol/Personal Protection UTAH Concealed Firearms Course Private Lessons Permit Assistance Refuse To Be A Victim™ Group and Private Classes Gun Sales & Ammunition Gun Accessories FFL Services & Transfers 914-455-4210
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 33 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR Annabelle Newberger’s journey to the musical theater stage began as far back as she can remember. “I started performing as soon as I was old enough to talk,” said Newberger, who played Belle in Yorktown High School’s staging of “Beauty and the Beast” on March 8 and 9. “There are countless videos of me performing impromptu concerts for anyone who would listen.” Before she heads off to Cornell University this fall, Newberger – who serves as president of the school Drama Club and the choir – has a packed schedule. We caught up with her in between rehearsals. You said you started performing at a very young age. What do you remember about those days? Each performance included elaborate costumes, props, and music. I even tried my hand at songwriting, although my passionate and intensely emotional cover of “This Little Light of Mine” about my grape-flavored Capri-Sun never fully took off. Performing helped me channel my energy into something positive that I loved, so I stuck with it. I didn’t really start acting until my debut as Peter Pan No. 2, of 11, in a fifth-grade KJK production of “Peter Pan.” I may have been one of many, but I like to think I made the part my own. Do you plan to continue after high school? I love it too much to give it up. I have already begun looking into various theater and choral organizations at Cornell University, where I will be attending this fall. The Melodramatics Theatre Company is a studentrun non-profit theater arts organization where students direct, write, and perform plays and musicals every semester, and I hope to join next year. I have also looked into different choral and acapella groups. My dream is to go to Broadway, but for the next four years, the Risley Theater will be my home. What inspires you? My inspirations are constantly evolving, but obviously, singers and songwriters like Noah Kahan and Olivia Rodrigo have influenced my voice and style. I also definitely pull inspiration from theater stars like Renee Rapp, Ben Platt, Lea Michele, Jordan Fisher, and Alex Newell for performances and auditions. They sing with such passion, emotion, and raw talent, and they spend every day doing what I want to do. I have also had several great teachers in Yorktown who have encouraged me, guided me, and created opportunities for self-discovery. One to definitely note would be my choir teacher, Mrs. Stock, who constantly helps me improve, provides me with incredible opportunities, and inspires me daily to continue to live musically. What makes performing exciting for you? I absolutely love the theater and am not afraid to embrace my inner Rachel Berry. It’s such an incredible community of people, and I have always felt at home on stage. As president of the Drama Club and choir, I hope to bring that sense of community to my peers and share my love for theater with those around me. The musicals and dramas are the perfect opportunity to make friends, and without them, I may have never met some of my closest friends, or “stage sisters.” I like the challenge of learning a new song, scene, or opt-up. The stage is a second home for singer/actor Annabelle Newberger Cross over to reliable propane delivery! New Suburban Propane automatic delivery customers receive*: FREE Installation to existing gas lines Safety check On-site tank requirement assessment New customer pricing Automatic delivery Budget payment plans Web portal and mobile app for easy account management 24/7/365 emergency service PLUS 1-800-PROPANE Mention Code: 3822 *Offer expires 4/30/2024. Tank installation special applies to standard installation of above-ground tank. 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PAGE 34 – YORKTOWN NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-HOUR PROBLEM GAMING HOTLINE: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369) Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com I-84 | Exit 36B I-87 | Exit 17 Earn Entries All Month Long! Friday, March 29 • 10pm & Sunday, March 31 • 4pm Double your luck with a chance to win a Chevy Colorado*! *Actual models and colors may vary. DOUBLE YOUR LUCK CHEVY COLORADO DRAWING P R E S E N T S T H E 2 0 2 4 ANNUAL GALA An Evening of Dinner, Dancing, and Great Company! A P R I L 5 , 2 0 2 4 7 P M - 1 1 P M V I L L A B A R O N E H I L L T O P M A N O R Open Bar, Seated Dinner, Raffles, & $10,000 Raffle Drawing FESTIVE OR BUSINESS CASUAL ATTIRE As a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit, this annual event supports essential resources for deployed American service members. MORE INFORMATION, TICKETS & SPONSORSHIP: www.UnitedForTheTroops.org P R E S E N T S T H E 2 0 2 4 ANNUAL GALA An Evening of Dinner, Dancing, and Great Company! A P R I L 5 , 2 0 2 4 7 P M - 1 1 P M V I L L A B A R O N E H I L L T O P M A N O R Open Bar, Seated Dinner, Raffles, & $10,000 Raffle Drawing FESTIVE OR BUSINESS CASUAL ATTIRE As a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit, this annual event supports essential resources for deployed American service members. MORE INFORMATION, TICKETS & SPONSORSHIP: www.UnitedForTheTroops.org Hart Library Corner Learn About “DrumHand Mindfulness” with Ernesto Families are invited to join in on Saturday, March 16 at 10:30 a.m. to participate in Hart’s drumming and singing program, “DrumHand Mindfulness,” presented by Song and Beat Inc. With the guidance of Song and Beat teaching artist Ernesto, children and parents will play African drums and percussion while learning to sing calland-response. The instruments will be there waiting for you. No registration is required. Calendar Highlights A – Adults; Y - Young Adults; C - Children. Find more information at Hart’s online calendar page. Register online unless listed as a “drop-in” program. Saturday, March 16 C - Song and Beat Inc. DrumHand Mindfulness: (Drop-in). 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, March 18 C - PAWS to Read with Izod. 5:30-6:30 p.m. A - Adventures of an Eclipse Chaser with Joe Rao (Zoom). 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 19 C - Planting Stories: Storytime & Craft. 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 20 A - Cactus Rock Garden Craft. 3-4 p.m. C - The Hart Kids Book Club. 4-5 p.m. A - Hands-on Workshop on Native Seed Propagation. 6-7 p.m. A - Mary McLeod Bethune Council House (Zoom). 7-8 p.m. A - True Crime Fiction Writing (Zoom). 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21 A - Mostly Nonfiction Book Club. 2-3 p.m. A/C - Parent Child Chess. 6:30-7:30 p.m. A - Up All Night Book Club. 6:30-7:45 p.m. Saturday, March 23 C - Saturday Rock and Roll for Little Ones (Drop-in). 10:30-11:15 a.m. Tuesday, March 26 A - Chair Yoga with Lisa. 1-2 p.m. C - She Persisted: Storytime and Craft. 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, March 27 A - Doppelgängers with Barry Pirro. 6-7:30 p.m. A - True Crime Fiction Writing (Zoom). 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28 A - Crafting with Books. 6-7:30 p.m. A/C - Parent-Child Chess. 6:30-7:30 p.m. April 3 Is Library Giving Day Library Giving Day is nationally recognized and is the time to help support your local library. With this support, libraries can continue to provide programs for the community to enjoy. Last year, Hart Library delivered nearly 1,000 free programs to over 25,000 residents of all ages. To learn more and donate, visit yorktownlibrary.org/ library-giving-day. Hours and Contacts Library Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 12-4 p.m. (914) 245-5262; [email protected], website: yorktownlibrary.org PHOTO COURTESY HART LIBRARY
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 35 with a BA in Psychology. She met Robert Berman in 1970 and they never looked back, building a beautiful life together. Marsha worked in the medical field for much of her career, including for over 20 years managing a medical office in Yorktown Heights, welcoming patients with her warmth and compassion. She retired in order to more fully direct that warmth and compassion to her family when it was most needed. Her professional contributions were eclipsed by her dedication to her family, as a wife and mother. Marsha is the beloved wife of Robert Berman and is the loving mother of Brad (Diana Castaldini) of New Rochelle, NY, and David (Vanessa) of Burlington, VT. She is the devoted grandmother of Noah, Samara, Andrew, Alana and Hazel, a role she relished. Marsha is the sister of Larry Gabel, of Canton, MA and is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Throughout her life, Marsha brimmed with altruism. She found contentment and fulfillment through the happiness and health of those closest to her. The family will hold a private service. OBITUARIES FROM PAGE 31 Advertising Deadline The advertising deadline for Yorktown News is the Thursday before the next publication date. Advertisements can be submitted by you as a camera-ready PDF via email at [email protected]. We also offer our clients a free ad design service. For more information, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151. NOTICE TO BIDDERS LAKELAND CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BID #1-25 TRUCK & BUS PARTS The Board of Education of Lakeland Central School District invites the submission of sealed bids for the following: BID #1-25 TRUCK & BUS PARTS – Thursday, April 11, 2024 @ 2:00 PM. Bids will be accepted until the time and date listed above at the Business Office of Lakeland Schools, Administration Building, 1086 East Main Street, Shrub Oak, NY 10588, Attn: Peter DiResta, at which time and place the bids will be publicly opened. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained at www.lakelandschools.org or in the Business Office, Lakeland CSD, 1086 East Main Street, Shrub Oak, NY 10588. The Board of Education reserves the right to accept or reject any part of/or all of any bids and to award contracts by entire parts, groups, sections or combinations. By: Ruth Luis Interim School Business Administrator Lakeland Central School District 1086 East Main Street Shrub Oak, New York 10588 The Consumer’s Choice for Discount Heating Oil! SAVE WITH OUR LOW C.O.D. 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Capellini Community & Cultural Center Gym, 1974 Commerce Street, Yorktown, NY 10598 (please enter from the Veterans Road entrance to the back of the building) and the Jefferson Village Annex, 3500 Hill Boulevard, Yorktown, NY 10598. Deadline for Voter Registration: March 23, 2024 (last day application must be received by the Board of Election) Deadline for Absentee / Early Mail Ballot Application: March 23, 2024 (last day application must be received by the Board of Election) Special Election (Supervisor – Unexpired Term) – Tuesday, April 16, 2024 Early Voting Dates & Times: • • Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. • Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. • Monday, April 8, 2024 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. • Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. • Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. • Thursday, April 11, 2024 from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. • Friday, April 12, 2024 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. • Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. • Sunday, April 14, 2024 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Early Voting Locations: Albert A. Capellini Community & Cultural Center Gym, 1974 Commerce Street, Yorktown, NY 10598 (please enter from the Veterans Road entrance to the back of the building) and the Jefferson Village Annex, 3500 Hill Boulevard, Yorktown, NY 10598. Deadline for Voter Registration: April 6, 2024 (last day application must be received by the Board of Election) Deadline for Absentee / Early Mail Ballot Application: April 6, 2024 (last day application must be received by the Board of Election) OTHER ELECTION DATES • June 25, 2024 – Federal, State, and Local Primary Election November 5, 2024 – General Election If you have any questions, please visit the Westchester County Board of Elections on the web at https://citizenparticipation.westchestergov.com or call (914)995-5700. You may also contact the Town Clerk’s office at (914)962-8152 or [email protected]. DIANA L. QUAST, TOWN CLERK MASTER MUNICIPAL CLERK TOWN OF YORKTOWN • PUBLIC NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Planning Board of the Town of Yorktown in Town Hall, 363 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598 on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 7:00 pm or as soon thereafter as possible on the following matter: Application of Nikolla Grishaj for preliminary approval of an 11 lot subdivision with submitted plans titled, “Site Plan prepared for Nikolla Grishaj,” prepared by Site Design Consultants, dated May 7, 2021, and last revised February 29, 2024. It is proposed to subdivide an 8.07 acre parcel in the R1-20 zone into 10 single-family residential lots and 1 conservation lot by extending High Point Drive and connecting to South Shelley Street. The site is located at 3319 Stony Street, Yorktown Heights, also known as Section 16.17, Block 2, Lot 77 on the Town of Yorktown Tax Map. The above listed site plan may be viewed on the Town’s website: http://www.yorktownny.org/planning/public-hearings. Please do not hesitate to call the Planning Department at 914-962-6565 with questions or for more information. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED in the above matter may appear before the Board in person, by agent, or attorney and will be heard before any final determination is made. Comments may also be sent by mail to the Planning Department at 1974 Commerce Street, Room 222, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 or by email to [email protected]. BY ORDER OF THE PLANNING BOARD OF THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN, NEW YORK RICHARD FON CHAIRPERSON
PAGE 36 – YORKTOWN NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 FOR SALE FINE, LIKE NEW FURNITURE: * Empire style Sofa, 76" long * Round, 5 ft. Dining Table, w leaves * Wood King Size Bed frame (No matt.) Sold our House! 914 232 3896 NOTICE The bond resolution, a summary of which is published herewith, has been adopted on March 4, 2024, and the validity of the obligations authorized by such bond resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which Yorktown Central School District, in the County of Westchester, New York, is not authorized to expend money or if the provisions of law which should have been complied with as of the date of publication of this Notice were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the publication of this Notice, or such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the constitution. YVETTE SEGAL District Clerk BOND RESOLUTION OF YORKTOWN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, NEW YORK, ADOPTED MARCH 4, 2024, AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL IMPROVEMENTS AND ALTERATIONS TO VARIOUS DISTRICT SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND/OR SITES; STATING THE ESTIMATED TOTAL COST THEREOF IS $10,950,000; APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT THEREFOR; AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $10,950,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID DISTRICT TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION. Objects or purposes: the construction of additional improvements and alterations to various District school buildings and/or sites. Amounts of Obligations to be Issued $10,950,000 Period of Probable Usefulness: thirty (30) years A complete copy of the bond resolution summarized above shall be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the office of the District Clerk, Yorktown Central School District, 2725 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, New York. Dated: March 4, 2024 Yorktown Heights, New York NOTICE The bond resolution, a summary of which is published herewith, has been adopted on March 4, 2024, and the validity of the obligations authorized by such bond resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which Yorktown Central School District, in the County of Westchester, New York, is not authorized to expend money or if the provisions of law which should have been complied with as of the date of publication of this Notice were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the publication of this Notice, or such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the constitution. YVETTE SEGAL District Clerk BOND RESOLUTION OF YORKTOWN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, NEW YORK, ADOPTED MARCH 4, 2024, AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS AND ALTERATIONS TO VARIOUS DISTRICT SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND/OR SITES; STATING THE ESTIMATED TOTAL COST THEREOF IS $45,995,000; APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT THEREFOR, INCLUDING $6,000,000 FROM THE DISTRICT’S BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES IMPROVEMENT RESERVE FUND HERETOFORE APPROVED BY THE VOTERS ON MAY 16, 2017 AND AMENDED ON MAY 17, 2022; AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $39,995,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID DISTRICT TO FINANCE THE BALANCE OF SAID APPROPRIATION. Objects or purposes: the construction of improvements and alterations to various District school buildings and/or sites. Amounts of Obligations to be Issued $39,995,000 Period of Probable Usefulness: thirty (30) years A complete copy of the bond resolution summarized above shall be available for public inspection during normal business hours at the office of the District Clerk, Yorktown Central School District, 2725 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, New York. Dated: March 4, 2024 Yorktown Heights, New York PUBLIC NOTICE Notice Is Here Given, that the Town Board of the Town of Yorktown will hold a Town Board Meeting on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. at the Town Hall, 363 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown, NY 10598. 27 Pine Design LLC filed Articles of Organization with the New York Department of State on 12/15/2023. Office location: Westchester County. The New York Secretary of State is designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served and is directed to forward service of process to 27 Pines Bridge Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. Notice of Formation of Kandoo Ventures LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 12/13/2023. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Kandoo Ventures LLC 3 Consulate Dr. IG, Tuckahoe, NY 10707. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. Notice of Formation of Suave Media, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 1/19/24. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Suave Media Attn: Legal, 43 E Ridge Lane, Mount Kisco, New York 10549. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. Notice of Formation of N.B. Painting, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with SSNY on 2/19/24. Office Location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Nicholas Bologna, 20 Sassinoro Boulevard, Cortlandt Manor, New York 10567. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE IS HERE GIVEN that sealed bids will be received by the Town Clerk of the Town of Yorktown, Westchester County, NY until 10:00 AM on Friday, April 12, 2024 at the Town Hall, 363 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 for Rehabilitation of Pickleball Courts at Granite Knolls Park. All completed proposals must be labeled “Bid: Rehabilitation of Pickleball Courts” and must be accompanied with an executed non-collusive bidding certificate. Specifications may be obtained at the office of the Town Clerk at said Town Hall, 363 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 during regular office hours, as well as on the Town’s website, www.yorktownny.org under “Bids and RFPs,” or on BidNet Direct, www.bidnetdirect.com. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail or in the handling of mail by the employees of the Town of Yorktown. Whether sent by mail or means of personal delivery, the bidder assumes the responsibility for having bids in on the day, time, and place specified above. If mailed, sealed proposals must be addressed in care of the Town Clerk at the above address. The Town Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to accept that bid which it deems most favorable to the interests of the Town of Yorktown. No bidder may withdraw his bid within sixty (60) days after the actual date of the opening thereof. DIANA L. QUAST, TOWN CLERK MASTER MUNICIPAL CLERK TOWN OF YORKTOWN PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF 02/29/24
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 37 Ultimate Pools & Custom Pool Liners Free On-Site Estimates FREE ROBOT or YEAR SUPPLY OF CHEMICALS Sales & Installation thelinerspecialistsny.com 1214 RT 52 • Carmel, NY 10512 (845) 225-4124 • [email protected] TM Openings • Closings • Vinyl Pool Renovations • Safety Covers (With the purchase of an in-stock Ultimate Pool. Must mention this Ad. Expires 5/1/24) Locally Owned UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP NOW ACCEPTS COUPONS Rt 22 Brewster (across from Red Rooster), Rt 6 Carmel Rt 6 Mahopac (Mobile Station) (In front of Stop & Shop) Order Online @ baskinrobbins.com Excludes Specialty Donuts and Fancies. Price and participation may vary. Offer valid on sausage, egg and cheese sandwich only. Limited time offer. Exclusions and terms apply. ©2023 DD IP Holder LLC. Great deals on food with the purchase of a medium or larger coffee Terms apply. GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac EXP: 08/31/2024 GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac Off Any Breakfast Sandwich EXP: 08/31/2024 GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac Not valid on mobile app, or delivery orders. Limit one per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No meat or cheese substitutions. Excludes extra meat, egg and cheese, roasted tomatoes add-on, Omelet Bites, Dunkin’ Wraps, specialty hashbrowns and all Toast varieties. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Small Hot or Iced Latte excudes Signature and Chai Lattes EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Excludes Cold Brew & Nitro. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Non-dairy alternatives, flavors, cold foam, and Espresso Shots may be an additional charge. Espresso beverage offers exclude Signature Lattes and Specialty Lattes unless otherwise noted. Tea beverage offers exclude specialty teas unless otherwise noted. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Classic Donut With Purchase Of Any Beverage excludes Specialty Donut and Fancies EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Buy One Sundae Get One Free (of equal or lesser value) EXP: 08/31/2024 Offer not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Single Use Coupon. Limit one offer per customer per visit. No substitutions allowed. Customer must pay applicable tax. May not be combined with any other coupon, discount, or promotion. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. See store for details. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. ©2024 BR IP Holder, LLC.[Coupon_Requests_8.4.23.xlsx]Requests!$C$14:$P$24 Half Dozen Classic Donuts With Purchase Of 6 Donuts excludes Specialty Donut and Fancies Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. $1.00 99¢ ÍÇvUzILz:8f<Î 99865390414490262470 FREE ÍÇt'ÅbnwQe%ZÎ 99840797667887496905 FREE ÍÇ|Z5BHduOE2Î 99925821344068854737 FREE ÍÇÅM>84)D`5iÎ 99974530242009366421 ÍÇ?CÇHqkOJLrÎ 99313599408175474244 Excludes Specialty Donuts and Fancies. Price and participation may vary. Offer valid on sausage, egg and cheese sandwich only. Limited time offer. Exclusions and terms apply. ©2023 DD IP Holder LLC. Great deals on food with the purchase of a medium or larger coffee Terms apply. GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac EXP: 08/31/2024 GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac Bagel With Cream Cheese Spread EXP: 08/31/2024 GOOD AT 118 Rt 22, Patterson 325 Rt 100, Somers 111A Independent Way, Brewster 1 Starr Ridge Rd, Brewster 1583 Rt 22, Brewster 1090 Rt 52, Carmel 1863 Rt 6, Carmel 969 Rt 6, Mahopac Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Half Dozen Donuts or 25 Munchkins® excludes Specialty Donut and Fancies EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. for 6 Bagels EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. for 2 Muffins EXP: 08/31/2024 Not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Offer must be presented at the time of order. Shop must retain coupon. May not be combined with other offers or promotions. No substitutions. Excludes fancies, specialty donuts/bagels, donut kits, avocado spread, Pancake Wake-Up Wraps®, and all Toast varieties. Consumer must pay applicable tax. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. Off Any Cake min. $15 cake purchase Offer not valid on mobile app or delivery orders. Single Use Coupon. Limit one offer per customer per visit. No substitutions allowed. Customer must pay applicable tax. May not be combined with any other coupon, discount, or promotion. Void if copied, transferred, sold or prohibited by law. Internet distribution strictly prohibited. See store for details. Cash Value 1/20 of 1c. ©2024 BR IP Holder, LLC.[Coupon_Requests_8.4.23.xlsx]Requests!$C$14:$P$24 $1.00 $3.99 ÍÇ4lA`x#P):CÎ 99207633648803480926 $3.99 ÍÇ12ÅqGIfb'QÎ 99171897813941706607 $2.00 ÍÇU{ÃÆBIAwÃ;Î 99539195983441338795 $3.00 ÍÇWO;L+s"u/ÃÎ 99554727441183028515 ÍÇ3D]Æ1,Ada/Î 99193661981712336865 Birthday & Holiday Cakes Numbers, Fun Shapes & Customized Donuts! Call to Order HAPPY HOUR! Daily from 4-6 and again from 9-11 on Thurs., Fri and Saturday nights. OUTDOOR PATIO Enjoy Dining on our Heated Covered Patio Offer expires 3/1/24 Offer expires 3/1/24 BREWSTER PAINT & DECORATING CENTER Family Owned and Operated Since 1989 38 ARGONNE RD • BREWSTER, NEW YORK 10509 $10 OFF Call today and let us make sure you get the best paint and advice to get your project done right. Hurry, this exclusive offer ends 06/01/2024. Offer valid for $10 off retailer’s suggested retail price per gallon of up to five (5) gallons of Benjamin Moore® premium products. Excludes Aura®. Redeemable only at participating retailers. Limit one per customer. Products may vary from store to store. Subject to availability. Retailer reserves the right to cancel this offer at any time without notice. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer expires 06/01/2024. ©2021 Benjamin Moore & Co. Arborcoat, Aura, ben, Benjamin Moore, Gennex, Regal, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. 7/21 845-279-7686 WWW.BREWSTERPAINTANDDECORATING.COM HOURS: Mon-Fri 6am - 5:30pm Sat 6:30am - 4pm Spring 2024 • Zone 5 Visit Our New Showroom! BrewsterPaint-frontCVR-SH-Z5-0324.indd 1 3/6/24 9:58 AM Reach up to 125,000 Homes 125,000 Homes in the Community’s Premiere Marketing Magazine Only LOCAL Advertisements (No National Ad Distractions) GLOSSY On Every Page Choose Any Target Among FIVE 25,000 MAILED ZONES Work With a Local Sales Team That Will Talk Up Your Business in the Community! Attention Business Owners SAVE UP TO $100 on your first ad! Call Pam Zacotinsky Today at 845-661-0748 for details or For more information, visit www.HalstonMedia.com. Scan Here to Get In Touch— Mention Seasonal Highlights to Save up to $100!
PAGE 38 – YORKTOWN NEWS BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 Yorktown sushi lovers have a new destination now that X Sushi Express has opened at 1925 Commerce St., in Yorktown Heights. Open seven days a week, the restaurant offers everything from sushi and sashimi to maki. The restaurateur says there’s “something delicious to satisfy everyone’s taste at Sushi Express.” “Thank you everyone for the opportunity to come to Yorktown,” said owner Jack Xiao, who has been in the food industry for over a decade. “It’s a great place to be and I’m sure more business will come to the area.” Xiao also owns Wild Fusion in Mohegan Lake and Flame Asian Bistro in the Jefferson Valley Mall. To view their extensive menu, visit xsushiexpress. com. -By Sophia Caselnova New sushi eatery opens in Heights Hamlet X Sushi Express owner Jack Xiao cuts the ribbon at the restaurant’s grand opening with the help of Deputy Supervisor Ed Lachterman. PHOTO COURTESY OF SERGIO ESPOSITO Loco Cantina, a bar and taqueria, has opened at 370 Downing Drive in Yorktown Heights, bringing a variety of Mexican food to town. “It’s an authentic Mexican restaurant, and it’s a family restaurant as well,” said Karla Priego, a manager and owner of the restaurant. “Tacos... you can’t go wrong with tacos. We have chicken, steak, shrimp, carnitas, al pastor, you name it, we have it.” The family also owns another restaurant in Putnam Valley. To view their extensive menu, visit lococantinany.com. -By Sophia Caselnova Officials go loco for new Mexican restaurant Local officials and community members gathered for the ribbon cutting at Loco Cantina. PHOTO: SOPHIA CASELNOVA NO NEWS... 1. Clip the short form on the page 2. Fill out the information. 3. Mail it to P.O. Box 864, Mahopac, NY 10541 4. Or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com 5. Or Scan our QR Code to Subscribe. We need you to subscribe. It’s FREE & It’s Easy! is NOT necessarily good news! # Please print your first and last names and address legibly, sign and date (all required to continue receiving your subscription to this newspaper). YES, I wish to receive a FREE 3-year subscription to Yorktown News YES, I really enjoy Yorktown News and I’d like to continue receiving it for 3 years, along with a monetary contribution this year. (Please print legibly.) First (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required. Please print legibly.) Last (Required) City: State: ZIP: Name: Signature: Email: Snowbird Dates (if applicable): Date: Phone: Address: (Optional for TAPinto E-News) (Optional) Mail to: P.O. Box 864 Mahopac, NY 10541 While we need your Full Support to keep this newspaper strong, we include the option for Basic Support because we don’t want financial reasons to get in the way of our readers receiving this newspaper. Basic Support vs. Full Support Basic Support Full Support $100 $50 $20 other or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com OR or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com Checks payable to Halston Media LLC. Please include this form in your envelope. Please include the following additional papers as part of this subscription: The Somers Record Mahopac News North Salem News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The Katonah-Lewisboro times
MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 39 In Case You Missed It Scan Here To Get The Top Local News Delivered To Your Inbox Daily. The stories below were published on our website in-between print editions. Never miss another local story again by visiting News.HalstonMedia.com. Scan the QR codes in the summaries below to read the full story. Phone Fraud Bust A Yorktown resident was taken for more than $60,000 in a phone scam in which a Bronx man pretended the victim’s granddaughter was in trouble. Police arranged a sting to bring the scammer to justice. Yorktown Targets Smoke Shops In the wake of a recent bust at a Yorktown vape shop that allegedly sold cannabis to minors, the Town Board is considering stricter laws to set a moratorium to restrict new smoke shops from opening in town. New Turf Woodlands Legacy Field on Strang Boulevard got some much-needed new turf last week. The project has been over a decade in the making ATV and Ethics Laws The Yorktown Town Board will hold public hearing about proposed changes to its ethics and ATV laws on Tuesday, March 19. Learn more about the proposed changes at News.HalstonMedia.com. Detective Sergeant Mark Rapisarda, Detective James Hannigan, and Officer Colin Houlihan with the cannabis products they recovered through their investigation PHOTO: SOPHIA CASELNOVA Town officials cut the ribbon at the new turf at Woodlands Legacy Field PHOTO: COURTESY OF TOWN OF YORKTOWN
PAGE 40 – YORKTOWN NEWS MARCH 14 - MARCH 27, 2024 CONGR ATUL ATIONS Houlihan Lawrence is proud to recognize our exceptional local sales professionals for 2023. SALES AWARDS GIGI FINAN Associate Real Estate Broker Platinum Award DOUGLAS DILL Associate Real Estate Broker Platinum Award JOHN KINCART Associate Real Estate Broker Top Producer l Platinum Award YORKTOWN BROKER AGE | 703 EA ST MAIN STREET | JEFFERSON VALLEY, NY 10535 | 914.962.4900 NADIA VAN HAUWAERT Associate Real Estate Broker Gold Award SHARI BESTERMAN Associate Real Estate Broker Gold Award KATHLEEN O’DRISCOLL Associate Real Estate Broker Gold Award LISA DA ROS Real Estate Salesperson Gold Award BARBARA SAWIN Real Estate Salesperson Gold Award LORI SHEEHY Associate Real Estate Broker Silver Award MAGDALENA KONKOLA Associate Real Estate Broker Gold Award SOCCORSA GARGANO Associate Real Estate Broker Silver Award LIZABETA NDREU Real Estate Salesperson Silver Award ELSA FERREIRA Associate Real Estate Broker Gold Award PATRICIA D’A L E S I O Associate Real Estate Broker Silver Award ELIZABETH FINNEGAN Associate Real Estate Broker Gold Award MARGHERITA ECCLESTON Associate Real Estate Broker Silver Award DIANE RYAN Associate Real Estate Broker Gold Award RAYMOND MAGNANI Real Estate Salesperson Gold Award STEVE FRATTAROLA Associate Real Estate Broker Silver Award MARIBEL ILLESCAS Real Estate Salesperson Gold Award LISA BUCOLO Associate Real Estate Broker Gold Award MARIA MAKAJ Real Estate Salesperson Silver Award FATIMA CANDIOTTI Associate Real Estate Broker Silver Award BARBARA J. NICOTRA-BURRONI Real Estate Salesperson Gold Award DONNA KING Associate Real Estate Broker Silver Award ANDREA MICCARELLI Real Estate Salesperson Gold Award