Yorktown News 12.21.2023

BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA STAFF WRITER You can say a lot about the year 2023 in Yorktown, but you can’t say it was uneventful. From a “trashy” drama (involving actual trash!) to a monster flood to an ATV attack, an important election, and much more, Yorktown residents lived through their share of newsworthy events. Here are some of the highlights. ATV ATTACK SENDS MAN TO HOSPITAL In August, a Yorktown man was hospitalized after a confrontation with a group of ATV riders at Hunterbrook Ballfield which led one of the riders to run at him with his vehicle. Police said Ed Moffett was hit by an ATV at “a high rate of speed” and sustained a severe leg injury as well as injuries to his head and chest. He was transported to the Westchester Medical Center by Advanced Life Support.  After getting to the Medical Center, he underwent emergency surgery to have his leg reconstructed. The rider, Kyle Frankild, was also SEE 2023 PAGE 8 Year in Review VOL. 12 NO. 41 CLASSIFIEDS 39 LEGAL NOTICES 36 LEISURE 34 OPINION 10 SPORTS 26 TOWN GREEN 4 HEALTH AND WELLNESS 22 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 The print edition of Yorktown News is taking a holiday break, but we’ll be back in your mailbox on Jan. 11. In the meantime, read all the latest news at News.HalstonMedia.com The ribbon cutting at the Par 3 golf course in Shrub Oak PHOTO: SOPHIA CASELNOVA Stills captured from the social media video reportedly posted by Kyle Frankild shows a rider tearing up a town park on his ATV. IMAGE COURTESY OF SUBMITTED. JV Mall (lower) PHOTO: COURTESY OF YORKTOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT

PAGE 2 – YORKTOWN NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024

BY EMILE MENASCHÉ  EDITOR On the eve of Thanksgiving, the Halston Media newsroom answered a call from a blocked number. Little did we know that it would lead to an exclusive inside look at what can be called... the Santa Claus Operation. As we and many other news outlets do every year, we had put in a request for an interview with Santa. Father Christmas, however, rarely talks directly to the media, and usually sticks to prepared remarks about who’s naughty and nice, the importance of reindeer, and his love for cookies. But this call was different. The elfin voice on the other end of the line confirmed our identity by asking us to verify a few facts they had on file (evidently, they really do know if you’re naughty or nice, and not just kids). After a pause, Saint Nick himself came on the line. “You have five minutes,” he said. “It’s my busy season.” Known by many names – Kris Kringle, Saint Nicholas and Santa are the most familiar in this country – Claus is at the center of one of the most challenging logistical operations in the history of the world; to get around the globe within 24 hours without being detected while delivering the right gifts to the right kids in the right places. “The mission has changed since I first started around 2,000 years ago,” Claus said. “Back then, the world’s population was smaller and more concentrated in Europe, Asia and Northern Africa.” According to researchers, the entire earth’s population was between 175 and 300 million people in the year 1 AD. By 1800, it was still 1 billion at most. The population of the United States was just 5.3 million. Today, the world population is 10 billion, with more than 300 million in the United States alone. “Not only were there fewer people, but there were fewer things,” Claus added. “We did dolls, animal figures, slingshots, balls, sometimes bows and arrows or spears, and parchment or books, and that was about it.” Timekeeping was also far less advanced in the early days, which gave Claus and his elves more time to deliver gifts. “Let’s be honest, people didn’t always know what day it was back then,” Claus said. “If we got the presents out around Christmas, that was fine. Children in those days had harder lives and most of them worked from an early age, so they were grateful to get anything.” So, how do Santa and his elves get everything done now? “I usually don’t talk about it publicly,” Claus said. “But so many people say it’s impossible that I think it’s time we explained a few things. “First,” Santa continued, “we do have magical powers – the traditional Santa abilities, and no I won’t go into too much detail there. But we also now rely on a combination of teamwork and technology.” While Santa himself declined to go into detail about the tech at the North Pole, an elf with knowledge of the operation said that the team at the workshop uses very sophisticated tools that are decades more advanced than anything available to man. “It’s powered by the magnetic poles,” the elf said. “It can track gift requests by location and then map the most efficient route to get the presents to everyone on time.” According to the elf, Santa began using the tech as early as the turn of the 20th century, when it was then about as powerful as the first home computers. “The tech you guys had in the 1980s, we had in the 1890s,” the elf said. “What you have now we had by 1970. We’re always way ahead. Part of the reason we get it is because we use it for good. It also gives the higher powers a chance to see it in action and prepare for the potential issues that may come up when regular humans get their hands on it.” According to the elf, Santa himself isn’t hands-on with the technology. “It’s Mrs. Claus who drives the development,” the elf revealed. “Santa is smart about a lot of things, but not computers. She’s the one who came up with the flight plan changes to let Santa cover north and south quicker.” While he may leave the tech to his wife, Santa himself “has almost no downtime,” the elf said. “One thing that really bothers him,” the elf said, “is when people say he only works one day a year. Do you know how many letters he gets? In how many languages? There are 4,000 written languages in the world. And even if most of the letters are [written in] common ones like English, Spanish, Chinese, French, and so forth, not all of them are. And even then… kids these days have terrible penmanship. Every letter he gets makes him happy and he insists on reading them personally, but it is time-consuming!” “I love getting the letters!” Santa insisted when asked about the demands on his time. “I especially love the handwritten ones.” But while he’s decidedly old school when it comes to correspondence, Santa – thanks to Mrs. Claus – is anything but traditional when it comes to making his deliveries. Contrary to popular belief, Santa doesn’t circle the globe in a straight line, the elf said. Instead, he flies north to south in a zigzag pattern, spending an average of one hour in each time zone. By speeding up over oceans, he can spend more time in the zones with more kids. “He heads out with the sleigh at a little before 11 over the North Pacific,” the elf said. “He basically heads south for an hour, delivers the presents, then comes back north in the next time zone for an hour, etc.” Asked why NORAD trackers only show Santa circling the globe from east to west, the elf paused before answering. “Look,” he said. “They detect what we want them to detect. If they saw how we really move, it would flip them out.” Another area where Team Santa is way more advanced than the human world is sustainable travel, a subject Claus himself was more than happy to discuss. “I laugh when people say: ‘Why doesn’t he use an airplane or a spaceship!’” Santa said. “Reindeer have a zero carbon footprint and any ‘pollution’ they do create is biodegradable.” Santa declined to say when and how he came to be carried by reindeer, but admits that he wouldn’t be able to get deliveries at today’s volume completed without them. “They’re very smart creatures,” he said. “They’re incredibly fast when they need to be, but have amazing control. You know how things go flying when a human stops a car short? Well, we fly around the world at incredible speeds and stop literally millions of times in one night, and we never lose a single present!” According to the elf, the reindeer possess another amazing THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 3 Law Office Of andres d. GiL, PLLC Honor, Integrity, Compassion, and Dignity Call Us Today At (845) 940-1110 ADG-LAW.com 973 Route 22, Suite 3, Brewster New York State Certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business TRUST & ESTATES • WILLS • ELDER LAW • REAL ESTATE LAW OFFICE OF ANDRES D. GIL, PLLC Honor, Integrity, Compassion, and Dignity Call us today at (845) 940-1110 Scan here to visit my website Around the world in 24 hours: How Santa gets it done Elf “X” offered Halston Media inside information on the Santa operation, photographed at an undisclosed location. PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL This Santa Claus flight plan, with keys to the sleigh, was shared with Halston Media and shows one possible route Father Christmas uses to deliver presents globally. PHOTO COURTESY ELF “X” SPECIAL REPORT SEE SANTA PAGE 35

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 ©2023 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] Noah Elder Designer Bri Agosta Designer Haven Elder Designer 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. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 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 Jerry A. Rocco Longtime Westchester County resident, Jerry A. Rocco, 98, passed away after a brief illness on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at the FDR Montrose VA Medical Center’s Veterans Nursing Facility.  Jerry was born in Manhattan on Sept. 2, 1925, and raised in Lodi, N.J. before moving to the Bronx until he joined the Navy in January 1944. He enlisted for a twoyear stint where was trained as a radio operator.  Jerry served on the LCS-88 (a.k.a. The Mighty Midgets) in the Pacific Theater which included participating in the Battle of Okinawa.  Jerry was honorably discharged in January 1946 and awarded the Asiatic Pacific One Star Ribbon, the Commendation One Star Ribbon, the American Theatre Ribbon, the Victory Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of War Campaign Ribbon.  Upon returning to New York after the war, Jerry returned to his field of training, which was a meat cutter/butcher.  Not long after that, using these skills, Jerry embarked on a 50-year sales career, with a primary concentration in the new home food plan industry.  In 1950, Jerry married Mary T. Byrne of Pelham, N.Y.  They had two children, Steven and David. After first living in Yonkers for 20 years, they moved to Mount Vernon for the next 18. In 1987, Jerry and Mary relocated to their dream house in Hopewell Junction, N.Y.  They were married for 43 years until Mary passed away in 1993 due to complications from pneumonia.  Jerry lived in Dutchess County until December 2020, when he was relocated to an assisted living facility in northern Westchester. When this arrangement became untenable because of Jerry’s failing health, he was admitted to the FDR Montrose VA Medical Center’s Veterans Nursing Facility, where he stayed until he passed due to complications from a major stroke.  Jerry is survived by his sons, Steven (AnnMarie) and David (Ruby) as well as seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also predeceased by his mother, Antoinette, his father, Antonio, his brothers Michael and Eugene, and his sister Nina Borrusso.  Arrangements were provided by McHoul Funeral Home in Hopewell Junction. OBITUARIES TOWN GREEN Blood Drives Both the New York Blood Center and the American Red Cross are warning of shortages in the blood supply and are seeking donations. Go to nybc.org or redcrossblood.org to make an appointment and learn more. Here are some options close to home. You can find more sites and dates on the respective organizations’ websites. New York Blood Center: Jefferson Valley Mall: Tuesday, Dec. 26, noon-6 p.m.; Monday, Jan 15, noon-6 p.m.; Putnam County FF and FOP (32 Gleneida Ave., Carmel Hamlet): Friday, Dec. 29, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; St. Joseph’s Church (95 Plum Brook Road, Somers): Thursday, Dec. 28, 3 p.m.-7:30 p.m. American Red Cross: Jefferson Valley Mall: Saturday, Jan. 6, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Islamic Center Community Night Hudson Valley Islamic Community Center (3680 Lexington Avenue, Mohegan Lake) holds its Community Night every Friday evening at 7 p.m. Dinner is served. All are welcome. The HVIC also has a monthly food pantry on the first Sunday of each month at the same location. For more information, call (914) 528-1626. Christmas Among Friends Amawalk Friends Meeting House, located at 2467 Quaker Church Road (near the corner of Route 35) in Yorktown Heights, will host an evening of silent worship, caroling, and refreshments on Dec. 24, from 4:30 p.m. Come with family and friends to gather around the wood stoves. Bring a flashlight. SEE GREEN PAGE 19

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 5 IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. Jilco Window Corp. 135 Mahopac Ave Granite Springs, NY 10527 914 248-6100 jilcowindow.com IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. Jilco Window Corp. 135 Mahopac Ave Granite Springs, NY 10527 914 248-6100 jilcowindow.com IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. 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PAGE 6 – YORKTOWN NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 HOURS: Sunday Closed Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat 10 AM–6 PM Thursday 10 AM–7 PM 1961 Commerce Street • Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 1-855-518-2436 CALL US TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT! Let us create a unique design that will make your kitchen dreams come true, creating a lifetime of memories . All of Us at Kitchen Headquarters Wish You a Very Happy Holiday and a Wonderful New Year BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR State Assemblyman Matt Slater spends most of his working life navigating the halls of power in Albany. But recently, the rep for Mahopac, Somers, and parts of Yorktown took on another mission entirely as an ensign in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “I’ve always believed deeply in the importance of service, something my mom has instilled in me since I was a kid,” Slater said. “I have a great mentor who encouraged me to look at the Navy Reserve Officer Development Program.” Slater considered all three branches of service but settled on the Navy because he found it to be the best fit for his abilities. He began the enrollment process in 2019. “It’s a direct commission process,” Slater said. “It’s actually the presidentially approved direct commission. So it took some time; plus COVID obviously slowed a lot of things down.” After his official swearing-in by Commander Steve Newhouse on Veterans Day in 2022, Slater enrolled in Officer Development School (ODS) at the War College in Newport, R.I. “It was just a phenomenal experience,” Salter said of his time in ODS. “They challenged us physically, they challenged us mentally, and they provided unique opportunities to push ourselves to new boundaries, which I found exhilarating.” Like others he met during his training, Slater, who holds a master’s degree in public administration, was able to draw upon his professional background and education. “I was with people who were doctors,” he said. “You do need that higher education to go into the Officer Development School Program. But there are so many ways to get involved in the armed forces.” As a reservist, Slater reports once a month for drill, usually to bases in the Bronx or New Jersey, and does a two-week active training stint once a year. After an extended training in Virginia last month, the assemblyman is next due to report sometime in January. “I’m a Supply Corps officer attached to an expeditionary cargo battalion,” he said. “I do logistics, making sure that our frontlines are getting the supplies that they need to be successful. We talk about ‘bullets, beans, and BandAids.’ We need to make sure that our sailors and soldiers are armed, fed, and have the medical equipment they need.” Now that he’s been reporting for duty, Slater said he’s been struck by the diversity among his fellow service members, which include people from all over the country and ranging in age from their early 20s to mid-50s. Not all of them are U.S. natives. “I would estimate that almost half of my unit are immigrants,” he said. “[People] who care so deeply about this country, who are so thankful for this country, that they are protecting this country. It’s amazing to see. “You really get to experience Slater reports for duty State assemblyman discusses serving in Navy Reserve PHOTOS COURTESY MATT SLATER Slater with ITCS Gregory P. Johnson during the khaki inspection. SEE SLATER PAGE 18

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PAGE 8 – YORKTOWN NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 injured in the incident. He was arrested and initially charged with assault in the first degree, a Class B felony. According to the Yorktown Police Department, the ATV used in the attack was stolen in 2021 from Suffolk County, and Frankild was later charged with leaving the scene of a serious injury auto accident, criminal mischief in the third degree, and criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree; all Class E felonies.   The incident sparked major discussions at town board meetings, resulting in possible amendments to the town code regarding motor vehicles. FLOOD TRIGGERS STATE OF EMERGENCY A massive July rainstorm flooded large parts of Yorktown, causing millions of dollars in damage and triggering state of emergency declarations on the local, county, and state levels. Storm damage included overflowing streams and washouts on numerous roads; in some places, cars hit boulders that were washed into the roadway by the torrents of water. Many homes and businesses in the town were flooded. “It got so bad to the point where the Mohegan Fire Department lost a firetruck trying to respond to a scene and it was compromised by the high water on one of the roadways,” Supervisor Tom Diana said. TOWN TRASHES GARBAGE HAULER After months of pick-up disruptions from hauler Competitive Carting Corporation, the town severed its ties with the company in August. The final straw was the repossession of the company’s garbage trucks, which forced the town to find solutions for missed garbage pickups. In September, the town announced that CRP Sanitation of Cortlandt-Manor would be Yorktown’s new garbage hauler. “Clearly, we were at a breaking point,” said Supervisor Tom Diana. “As you can imagine, this is an intolerable situation, and the public has every right to be fed up, as I am along with the entire Town Board.” SCHOOL BUS IN HEAD-ON COLLISION A Yorktown school bus was involved in a head-on collision on Lake Road in New Castle, near the Yorktown border in April. The mini-bus, carrying five people, was hit by a Honda Accord occupied by four Fox Lane students, all four of whom ended up in Westchester Medical Center. Three of the four were treated for life-threatening injuries. On Jan. 2, Yorktown Police Lt. Kenneth Sgroi passed away at the age of 37, following a sudden illness. In a final showing of respect for his dedication and service to the department, Sgroi was posthumously promoted to the rank of captain. LINKS AT VALLEY FIELDS OPENS Tee time finally kicked off in Yorktown this past July with the grand opening of Links at Valley Fields Golf Course. It came after years of predicted opening dates, anticipation, and a change of concessionaires. The course in Shrub Oak has been under development since 2014 by RC Recreation Development, LLC. The town terminated its agreement with RC last fall and formed a new one with Yorktown Golf Group, the current concessionaires of the course. PLANE CRASHES IN SHRUB OAK A 66-year-old pilot on his way out of Westchester Airport was lucky to escape relatively unscathed when his single-engine plane crashed on the grounds of the Shrub Oak International School near Stony Street in June. Investigators believed the crash was caused by mechanical problems that affected the plane’s ability to maintain or gain altitude. The pilot, who was alone, suffered only minor injuries. “It was a decent ending to what could’ve been a tragic situation,” Supervisor Tom Diana said. “The pilot notified tower control that he was having difficulties with the aircraft and was looking for a large field to land. That field became the front field of the International School.” YORKTOWN NAMED AMERICA’S SAFEST TOWN Yorktown was named the safest small town in the United States by financial website MoneyGeek.com this June. The ranking was based on comparative crime statistics throughout the country and assessing their costs. The statistics for this analysis came from standardized crime stats from the FBI from 2021, the most recent year of available data.  “This is the result of the ‘help us, help you,’ mantra that we have adopted the past several years,” said Police Chief Robert Noble. “If you happen to come across a Yorktown police officer, please don’t be shy about engaging with them in casual conversation. We are the backbone of this community, and will continue to do our best to make Yorktown a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.” FISHING DERBY FUNDRAISER HELD IN HONOR OF JAKE ARCARA More than $21,000 was raised during the inaugural fundraiser in honor of Jake Arcara, a 28-yearold Yorktown highway worker who lost his life while on the job last year. Hundreds went to the Mohegan Colony Association Oak Street Beach on Mohegan Lake on Sept. 16 for a fishing derby called Jake’s Way. All proceeds from the derby went to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Arcara’s name.  GOP SWEEPS TOWN BOARD RACE One-party rule continued on the Yorktown Town Board with incumbents Tom Diana (supervisor) and Ed Lachterman (councilman) welcoming new councilman Patrick Murphy. Incumbent Town Clerk Diana Quast was the lone Democrat to win. Republican incumbent Lachterman will keep his seat on the board for another term after totaling 5,356 votes. Lachterman was joined by Patrick Murphy who racked up 5,291 votes. Quast another term after beating Jenna Lennox Belcastro 5,243 to 4,929. Incumbent democrats Vedat Gashi and Colin Smith both won reelection to the Westchester County Legislature. 2023 FROM PAGE 1 Additions • Renovations Kitchen/Bath • Windows/Doors Finished Basements Custom Cabinetry • Decks Int/Ext Remodeling Full-service home building, renovation & remodeling team you can trust for high quality craftsmanship. Call us for a FREE CONSULTATION and start planning your dream remodeling project TODAY! Experience the Difference 914 245 0244 www.sunrisecarpentry.com Happy Holidays! Here’s to a joyful holiday season.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 9 Come See Us At 87 Route 6, Baldwin Place, New York 10505 845-883-6132 WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU! MARKET FILL UP WITH TODAY! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR FROM ALL OF US AT CHESTNUT MARKET

118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2023 Halston Media, LLC Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those of 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 Menaché, Editor Tabitha Pearson Marshall, Creative Director Editorial Office: (914) 302-5830 [email protected] PAGE 10 – YORKTOWN NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 I was born in the wrong decade. Up through the 1990s, community newspaper publishers ran very profitable businesses. Around the year 2000, like many other businesses, the explosion of the Internet offered both challenges and opportunities to our industry.  Some have successfully navigated this change. But unfortunately, many community newspapers have become a statistic, as more than 130 newspapers have closed or merged this year alone, and our country is on track to lose a third of all newspapers since 2005. This newspaper and its parent company, Halston Media, will NOT become a statistic. But in order to avoid becoming a statistic, we need to innovate and not be bound by the way our industry has historically operated. I founded Halston Media in 2010 and quickly joined the New York Press Association (NYPA), our industry’s local trade organization. Ever since, I’ve been attending their annual conferences, where at 45 years old, I’m practically a baby among the publishers.  I’ve never seen a more anxietyriddled group of people, as our conversations always focus on discovering a magic formula to overcome the billions of advertising dollars gobbled up by Facebook and Google. Many of the publishers sing the blues each year, as they focus on small cost-cutting and/or small revenue-generating efforts to overcome what actually requires a total rethinking of the industry.  As they say, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Like my colleagues at NYPA, I’ve spent the better part of a decade focused on small changes, and some of those efforts have certainly been marginally successful. But up until now, I’ve avoided making larger changes out of fear of offending certain sacred cows. It’s a “supposed to” mentality that can lead to slow death and something that business leaders must avoid in order to survive.   One of these “supposed to” mentalities is the idea that we must publish a newspaper 52 weeks per year, without fail, even on weeks when doing so would mean losing money. And as the cost of newsprint has spiraled upward and postage rates have increased roughly 55% since 2010 (the first class stamp that cost 44 cents in 2010 will cost 68 cents in 2024), it costs us dramatically more to deliver a printed newspaper into your mailbox now than when we started. This is why, in 2024, this printed newspaper is going bi-weekly, or more precisely, 26 times annually. During historically slow advertising months, there may be two weeks between issues. For example, every year, we lose money by publishing the editions immediately following Christmas and immediately following New Year’s Day. So, if you look at the top of this page and see the date range of this edition, you’ll see that our next issue won’t hit your mailbox until Jan. 11.  On the flip side, leading up to the November election, we plan to publish several weeks in a row in order to cover election issues more fully, accommodating the demand from readers and advertisers. We will focus on journalism Every business has a finite set of resources and must decide how to invest its time and energy. It’s unsustainable for a business when resources aren’t aligned with revenue generation. Long term, it’ll lead to burnout, low quality and ultimately bankruptcy. Publishing a newspaper is very labor intensive, particularly for a small staff. Deadlines driven by printing and postal realities absorb 40-50% of our week. I’ve concluded, given our level of staffing, that we will better serve our readers and advertisers by focusing our efforts on activities that will lead to a higher quality product – superior and more timely local journalism – and, in turn, long-term sustainability.  This is why we revamped our website a few months ago. We went from five separate sites under the TAPinto brand to one regional site called Halston Media News (News.HalstonMedia.com). Our new website covers the news in eight towns and seven school districts. Readers can now both zero in on their own town but also easily see how other local towns are dealing with similar issues. By freeing up production and logistics-related time on a bi-weekly print schedule, we will be able to double down on our online journalism.  With our new approach, you will be able to read breaking news today instead of waiting a week to read about it. Strategic growth and no retreat Lest our competitors smell blood in the water, I assure our friends and enemies alike that this is no retreat.  We have spent nearly 14 years growing, and we don’t plan to stop growing. Additionally, the print newspaper will always remain a core product. Since 2010, we’ve launched five newspapers, including Mahopac News, The Somers Record, Yorktown News, North Salem News and The KatonahLewisboro Times. In March 2022, we launched Seasonal Highlights, a glossy marketing mailer, which is distributed to about 130,000 homes in four counties (including Fairfield County, Conn.). In May 2022, we launched a sixth newspaper called The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times (also covering Pound Ridge), which is distributed monthly to over 15,000 homes in three towns. And last month, we were selected to publish the exclusive monthly Heritage Hills Newsletter.  In addition to revamping our website, we launched a whole new service for our advertisers earlier this year called Halston Digital Agency, with a focus on helping local businesses navigate social media, Google and programmatic advertising, where we place the ads of local businesses on national websites. Halston Digital Agency also serves local businesses’ website design needs.  On our website, you may have noticed a video commercial for Appliance Sales Plus. We have also placed that same commercial on streaming TV, including channels such as Fox News, CBS News, AMC, MTV, ABC News and VH1, while utilizing streaming devices such as Roku, Apple TV, Vizio, Amazon and Google.   It’s a whole new world and everyone at Halston Media is committed to these exciting changes. We understand that some readers may be disappointed by the decrease in our newspaper frequency. We’ll be back in your mailbox on Jan. 11. In the meantime, you can find the latest news for your town at News.HalstonMedia.com. You’ll now be able to find even more news... and sooner... through this increased online focus.  We truly appreciate the community’s support, including our advertisers and readers.  We wish everyone a Merry Christmas. And to the Jewish community, we hope you had a Happy Hanukkah. To everyone, we wish you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! Thank you for supporting us over nearly 14 years. Here’s to the next 14 years!   BRETT FREEMAN PUBLISHER’S MEMO Halston Media’s strategic shift Embracing bi-weekly print publishing in the digital age We’ll be back in your mailbox on Jan. 11. In the meantime, you can find the latest news for your town at News. HalstonMedia. com.’ Click the QR code to read Yorktown News online.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 11 Yorktown News will be back in your mailbox on Jan. 11. Learn about our new 26x annual schedule for 2024 in this week’s Publisher’s Memo on Page 10. In-between print weeks, don’t forget to check out Yorktown News at: Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! Scan Me!

PAGE 12 – YORKTOWN NEWS OPINION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 www.onmytoesdance.com 914.734.2838 [email protected] 3565 Crompond Road, Cortlandt Manor NY 10567 Still Accepting New Students! With classes for ages 4 months- adult, schedule your FREE trial class and see why OMT was voted Best of Yorktown! Dancers must be registered by 1/1 in order to participate in our June 2024 recital! Thanks to actor Bradley Cooper’s acclaimed biopic, “Maestro,” legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein is back on the podium these days. One of the more indelible images I have of the West Side Story composer is at a celebration of his 70th birthday at the 1988 Tanglewood Music Festival (viewable on YouTube). Swaddled in a proper gentleman’s formal frock and an artiste’s white silk scarf worthy of his theatrical flair, during the celebratory climax, Bernstein, seated in the audience, covers his face, with both hands slightly shaking, to forestall the tears that seem about to burst forth. His fragile emotional state in that moment comes from reveling in a stage full of elite musical talent that includes Larry Kert (the original Tony of West Side Story) and conductor Michael Tilson Thomas (his protégé and arguably a closer resemblance to Cooper than is Bernstein). They are singing the finale to one of Bernstein’s other musical theater classics, Candide. It’s based on the Voltaire satire about a young lad who starts off starryeyed, seeking an unattainably perfect world. Instead, through his misadventures around the globe, Candide comes to the hard-won realization that our lot in life is not to be a superhero or to be superrich, but to be self-sustaining, to be humble, to be kind to one another – to do our tiny little bit to make the world a better place by being a better person. It’s not complicated. Unless we muck it up. Work the land The song that brings Bernstein to the verge of tears, and encapsulates that philosophy, is “Make Our Garden Grow.” Garden in this context is a metaphor for the little plot of land each of us is given at birth to do with what we will. “Make Our Garden Grow” is a pristine and stirring paean to the simplicity and fulfillment of living a good and honest life. More than that we dare not ask, or assume. Heightening the song’s musical impact is that the final stanzas are sung a capella by a soaring choral ensemble. The only music in that portion is the heavenly sound of the singers.  When fully staged with all the glitter of a world-class orchestra and choir, as it was at Tanglewood for Bernstein, “Make Our Garden Grow” cannot help but stoke primal emotions in the listener. It is a musical expression of the essence of our existence. And it gets me every time. Clearly, as the YouTube video shows, it got to the 70-year-old Bernstein too, no doubt on many levels. He plausibly might have been considering his own mortality in that moment. Plus, he created the music. It’s his life’s work being celebrated as his life was heading toward its grand finale. (He passed two years later.) Making sense of life “Let us try, before we die, to make some sense of life.” Those are some lyrics from “Make Our Garden Grow,” by John La Touche, Richard Wilbur, Lillian Herman and Stephen Sondheim. This time of year, we are given to ambitious resolutions as a means of motivating ourselves to self-improvement. The simple sentiments of this song move me to suggest that each of us might stick to the same, very modest resolutions to ring in each year. We can make some sense of life by sticking to the basics in how we resolve to carry ourselves and how we treat others. Resolve to be the person who gets in the game of volunteering for youth sports instead of being the person who snipes from the sidelines. Little things like that. Resolve to be the person who is grateful you are able-bodied enough not to need a handicap spot, so you never presume to occupy that space needlessly. Little things like that. Resolve to be the person who recognizes everyone has a bad day now and then (including you), and so you resist the impulse to trash talk on social media about a restaurant experience, because you know that you’d be messing with someone’s livelihood. Little things like that. As we each tend to our own gardens so that they may flourish, it’s a worthy resolution each day, let alone each new year, to respect other people’s labor in growing their gardens, and to help them till the soil when and where we can, to the best of our abilities. And, most important, resolve to stay humble, recognizing each minute we’re here is a gift. Nobody owes us anything. We have to work to make life worthwhile. As we are reminded by the Leonard Bernstein song that caused its composer’s life to flash before his eyes …   We’re neither pure nor wise nor good We’ll do the best we know We’ll build our house and chop our wood And make our garden grow Bruce Apar is a writer, community volunteer and actor. He is nominated in the Broadway World Regional Awards as Best Performer in a Play for his title role in “Tuesdays with Morrie.” Voting is open to the public at broadwayworld.com/ rockland/voteregion.cfm. For more information, contact him at 914- 275-6887 (text or voice) or bapar@ me.com. Merry resolutions Making your garden grow BRUCE APAR BRUCE THE BLOG Congratulations to Halston Media columnist Bruce “The Blog” Apar on his nomination as Best Performer in a Play for the title role in “Tuesdays with Morrie.” Voting is open to the public through Dec. 31 at broadwayworld.com/rockland/voteregion. cfm or scan the QR code.  Congrats to Bruce ‘The Blog’ Apar Voting for ‘Best Performer in a Play’ open through Dec. 31 Scan the QR code to vote for Bruce Apar.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 OPINION YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 13 Your Family Car Care Center! LOCATIONS: Baldwin Place • 44 Route 118 • (845) 628-7900 Croton Falls • 1 Center St • (914) 769-3206 Visit us at www.ProperService.com For over 100 years of combined auto experience, Joe Ferone and his sta of Proper Service have been serving the community, creating releationships, and building a remarkable company with an amazing team of employees! Find out why Joe Ferone of Proper Service needs to be YOUR Go-To Automotive Service Center! BBrreewwsstteerr, , NNYY aannd d BBeetthheell,, CCT T Design Centers Design Centers On your project everyday until completion... GUARANTEED! On your project everyday until completion... GUARANTEED! 884455--227788--00007700 SSoouutthheeaassttkkiittcchheennaanndbdbaatthh..ccoomm Celebrating 50 years Sewers. Not a sexy topic. But an important one for ALL Yorktown taxpayers, whether or not you’re on sewers. That’s because sewers hold the key to new development. And, according to our Town Board, we need to encourage new development because new development will generate the additional tax revenue the town needs to pay for the services we expect our elected officials to deliver. But, over the past three years, the failure of town boards to address long standing infrastructure problems in the town’s two sewer districts is jeopardizing potential new developments that could add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the town’s coffers.  Yorktown has two sewer systems: the town-owned Hallocks Mill Sewer District that serves 3,800 properties; and 11 separate sewer districts that are part of the county’s Peekskill Sanitary Sewer District that serve 4,179 properties.  But, the Hallocks Mill sewage treatment plant is nearing its state permitted flow level and won’t be able to accommodate flows from new developments, like the redevelopment of the Yorktown Green Shopping Center, until the town can reduce the flow of stormwater entering the sewer system, referred to as an “infiltration and inflow” or “I&I” problem. The district also needs to upgrade aging pump stations constructed in the 1960s. And, the Peekskill District is under a 2019 Department of Environmental Conservation Consent Order to address its I&I problem. The failure to address that problem is already creating problems for the Toll Brothers’ plan to build 118 active adult condos on Catherine Street that would tie in to the Hunterbrook pump station and pay an estimated $1 million a year in town and Yorktown School District taxes. Peekskill District The 2019 Consent Order laid out a clear plan for addressing the I&I problem. But the plan hasn’t been implemented.  To date, the town has only complied with the first part of the Consent Order: it conducted a flow study of the entire district that identified the sub areas with the most serious I&I problem. Completed in August 2020, the study identified two priority areas: the Hunterbrook area off Route 202 and the area around the Farmwalk subdivision off Gomer Street. But the town has not complied with the next, and critical, phase of the Consent Order: implementing the October 2020 Work Plan that Why sewers impact EVERYONE’S taxes SUSAN SIEGEL GUEST COUMNIST SEE SIEGEL PAGE 14

PAGE 14 – YORKTOWN NEWS OPINION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 Huge Selection! Always the LOWEST price...PERIOD! 128 East Main Street • Mount Kisco, NY 10549 • 914-666-6100 www.atlanticappliance.com Air Conditioners, Ranges, Fridges, Washer/Dryers & more! Huge Selection! Always the LOWEST price...PERIOD! 50 Triangle Ctr • Yorktown Hts, NY 10598 • 914-962-2500 128 East Main Street • Mount Kisco, NY 10549 • 914-666-6100 www.atlanticappliance.com Ranges, Fridges, Washer/Dryers & more! From Our Family to Yours, A Very Happy and Healthy Holiday and Prosperous New Year! SIEGEL FROM PAGE 13 Governor should grant lifesaving holiday gift with approval of critical biomarker testing bill Dear Editor, Gov. Hochul could deliver a magical holiday gift to New Yorkers in the coming days by supporting a piece of legislation that was overwhelmingly approved by the state legislature. A.1673 was delivered to the Governor’s desk for final approval on Dec. 12. It would require health insurance plans and Medicaid to include financial relief for biomarker testing, ensuring that such tests are provided for the diagnosis, treatment, effective management or continuous monitoring of a patient’s illness or medical condition, as long as there is medical and scientific evidence supporting the use of these tests.  Biomarker testing has transformed how cancer is treated, which is why removing barriers to access these tests are a top priority for the American Cancer Society. In addition, biomarker testing is also supporting advances in other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases and organ transplants.  In fact, the Michael J. Fox Foundation announced earlier this year a major breakthrough for a Parkinson’s biomarker. This means we not only can provide early detection, but it is expected to usher in advanced treatments for this and other neurological diseases. I am proud to have helped build a bipartisan coalition along with Assemblymember Pam Hunter to get us to this point and proudly signed onto a letter to Gov. Hochul with 95 of my colleagues from every corner of New York State urging her to approve this legislation. Now it’s up to Gov. Hochul and I can think of no better holiday gift to New Yorkers than the prospect of a long and healthy life. -Assemblyman Matt Slater 94th District LETTER was supposed to locate the sources of the I&I problem in the two priority areas and provide recommendations for needed repairs or replacement. The work plan, which was supposed to be completed by May 2022, was also supposed to include an estimated cost for the anticipated repairs or replacement and an implementation schedule. Money appears to be the reason the work plan was never implemented. Or more specifically, the unwillingness of town boards to borrow to finance the plan, estimated to cost as much as $700,000. The borrowing would result in an increase in the sewer tax for all 11 sewer districts.   Instead, nothing was done. There’s no record that the town ever advertised for an engineering services to carry out the work plan. There’s no indication that the proposed tasks in the work plan were done. And town expense records show that from 2021 through Nov. 14, 2023, only $602 was spent on I&I work, although $95,000 was budgeted for 2021-2023. And there’s no money for I&I in the sewer districts’ 2024 budgets. Hallocks Mill District Little if anything has been done to address the district’s I&I problem. And it appears that nothing has been done for the pump station replacements. In December 2021, then-Supervisor Matt Slater proudly announced that the town had received a $5.7 million grant to upgrade four pump stations — with a start date in mid-2022. At the time, the town’s engineering consultant estimated the project would cost $7.2 million, meaning the town would have to borrow money to complete the project — which would mean an increase in Hallocks Mill sewer taxes.   To date, no plans have been announced to begin even the planning for at least one pump station. Given the delay, we need to know how long the grant money will be available. As for the I&I problem, of the $52,500 budgeted for I&I in 2022 and 2023, as of Nov. 14, only $14,470 has been spent. Only $10,000 was budgeted for 2024. What needs to be done in 2024 If the members of the Town Board want to encourage new development, they’ll need to get serious about addressing the infrastructure problems in both sewer districts. They just may need to “bite the bullet” and fund the projects that need to get done.  They also need to explain what was behind their surprise vote on Dec. 12 to advertise for ad hoc outside engineering services for “maintenance and capital improvement projects, and peer review of engineering aspects of private and public land development, among others.” (As the vote took place without any discussion, it’s safe to assume that the resolution was discussed beforehand in a closed session — which would be another example of a violation of the Open Meetings Law that requires discussions involving the expenditure of town funds to be conducted in open meetings.) What projects didn’t the board think the town’s two full time engineers could handle? And why select one firm to handle all special capital projects instead of hiring different firms with proven expertise for specific types of projects? In 2024, we need less talk and more action.

With the holidays fast approaching and the possibility that the current Federal Estate and Gift Tax exemption will be reduced from $12.92 million per person for 2023 ($13.61 million for 2024) to approximately $6 million as of January 2026, the importance of deciding whether to make significant monetary and/or property gifts to one’s children, grandchildren and other loved ones or to a Trust for their benefit is significantly higher. For high net worth individuals, the potential loss of millions of dollars because of estate taxes is an important issue, especially if the opportunity to gift significant amounts is to expire in the near future. Thus, utilizing one’s exemption before Jan. 1, 2026, should be explored. Additionally, if one’s estate is near the New York Estate Tax exemption of $6,580,000 for 2023, utilizing one’s federal gift tax exemption is a valuable tool in reducing the possibility of an onerous New York Estate Tax as well.   As to the issue of taxation of a gift, a donor can gift up to $17,000 per donee per year for the year 2023 ($18,000 per donee in 2024) free of any gift taxes. The donee/recipient of the gift is not taxed on the amount of the gift even if it is greater than $17,000. However, if the donor makes a gift in excess of $17,000 per donee this year, he or she is required to file a gift tax return by April 15 of the following year.  The filing of a federal gift tax return does not mean that the donor will have to pay any gift taxes, as they will be able to apply their federal exemption for federal estate and gift taxes to the amount of any gift above the $17,000 per donee in any calendar year. For example, a single (non-married) donor makes a gift of $100,000 in the year 2023 to his son or daughter, $17,000 of the gift is tax free and $83,000 would be subtracted from the donor’s federal exemption amount of $12.92 million for Federal estate and gift taxes (available through 12/31/2023). If the donor is married, their spouse can join in on the gift and then reduce the taxable amount of the gift to $66,000, and only $17,000 would be subtracted from the lifetime exemption for each donor. It should be noted that New York does not have a gift tax. The existence of a large Federal estate and gift tax exemption, which expires on 12/31/2025 unless made permanent by law, creates a great opportunity for individuals to remove highly appreciating assets from their taxable estate. It is also a great way of reducing the assets one owns, which may be subject to one’s long-term care costs. Because the above stated exemption expires/sunsets, many affluent individuals are using the current exemption and the 2024 exemption to make significant gifts. They are also taking advantage of the IRS previously stating that they will not claw back into one’s taxable estate any gifts made before the exemption changes, if it is later reduced.  The other issue that needs to be addressed by the donor is whether he or she wants the gift to the donee to be an outright gift that is free of any trust. This is a decision that often requires consideration of a number of factors, such as the age of the donee (child or adult), the ability of the donee to appropriately manage his or her financial affairs and whether or not the donee is financially responsible. The creation of an Irrevocable trust for the beneficiary is a prudent way of gifting and managing assets for a loved one. The trustee of the trust can be given the discretion to use the assets and income of the trust for the benefit of the trust beneficiary as delineated in the Trust. The trust can also specify the age the trust beneficiary is to receive the trust assets outright, and the trust can also have more than one beneficiary. The trust can also be for the lifetime of the beneficiary. Furthermore, if the creator of the Trust wishes to do so, they can be responsible for the payment of any income taxes on the interest and dividends the trust assets generate, thereby creating another mechanism to get assets out of the name of the Trust creator for tax purposes.  Additionally, the assets transferred to the Irrevocable trust will be protected against any claims the beneficiary(ies) could have against them until the time the trust makes a distribution to them outright. Additionally, one can give the trustee(s) the authority to continue the trust beyond the set termination date if doing so is in the best interest of the beneficiary. The assets in the trust will also not be subject to equitable distribution claims in New York in the event the beneficiary gets divorced. Furthermore, if the beneficiary develops any disabilities during the term of the trust and the beneficiary needs any federal and/ or state aid, a properly drafted trust will allow the beneficiary(ies) share to be continued as a Special Needs Trust for the beneficiary, which will not impact their eligibility for any Federal and/or State programs.  In conclusion, unless one is making a relatively small gift to a donee and there are no concerns as to the donee squandering or wasting said monies, an outright gift may not be appropriate. In most instances, the use of a trust to hold the gift is a much wiser option. Even the three wise men would have approved of it! Anthony J. Enea is the managing attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP of White Plains. He focuses his practice on Wills, Trusts, Estates and Elder Law. Anthony is the Past Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), and is the past Chair of the 50+ Section of the NYSBA. He is a Past President and Founding member of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Anthony is also the Immediate Past President of the Westchester County Bar Foundation and a Past President of the Westchester County Bar Association. He can be reached at 914-948-1500 or at esslawfirm.com. Lauren C. Enea, Esq. is a Senior 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 to ensure that their plan best suits their needs. Ms. Enea received a B.S. in Business Management from Quinnipiac University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and a J.D. from the Pace University School of Law, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She is admitted to practice law in New York and Florida. She can be contacted at 914-948- 1500 or esslawfirm.com.  Tis the season to consider gifting! ‘In most instances, the use of a trust to hold the gift is a much wiser option. Even the three wise men would have approved of it!’ -Anthony J. Enea and Lauren C. Enea Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP ANTHONY J. ENEA GUEST CORNER LAUREN ENEA GUEST CORNER & THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 FOCUS ON ELDER LAW YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 15

PAGE 16 – YORKTOWN NEWS OPINION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 DRY EYE IS A COMMON DISEASE, LEADING TO WATERY, IRRITATED, RED EYES & BLURRY VISION. ASK US ABOUT OPTILIGHT. NOW is the time to use your FSA! 20%OFF (NOT ELIGIBLE ON INSURANCE ORDERS) (FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT) a pair of glasses I want to wish all our readers the most joyous of holidays and a healthy and happy New Year. But before we start looking at 2024, let’s take a moment to enjoy 2023’s holiday season.  All my life I have been thoroughly immersed in celebrating Christmas, but I often wondered what it would be like to observe other holiday traditions. This year, I decided to dedicate my annual Christmas column to exploring what all our holiday customs have in common.  Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any other wonderful holiday, there are common themes of love, unity and gratitude. While these holidays have different origins, religious or cultural significance, and unique customs, they share a fundamental purpose of bringing people together and spreading joy during the festive season.  One of the prominent common denominators among these festive events is the emphasis on family and community. During all these celebrations, families and friends come together to share meals, exchange gifts and create lasting memories. It is a time when we prioritize relationships and cherish the bonds we have with loved ones. Whether it’s gathering around a Christmas tree, lighting the menorah, or participating in Kwanzaa’s daily ceremonies, the focus on unity and togetherness remains constant.  When I thought further about these holidays, I realized that another critical aspect of all of them is the spirit of giving and generosity. Christmas is characterized by giftgiving. People express their love and appreciation by presenting thoughtful presents to one another. Similarly, during Hanukkah, the custom of giving gelt (money) or small gifts reflects the importance of sharing and kindness. In Kwanzaa, the principle of Ujamaa (cooperative economics) encourages individuals to support local businesses and give meaningful presents that promote African heritage and culture. These acts of giving not only bring joy to recipients, but they also strengthen the bonds within communities.  As I examined these traditions further, it became evident that they all, in their symbols and rituals, promote common themes of continuity and tradition. Christmas trees, menorahs and Kwanzaa’s kinaras are symbols that hold deep meaning and represent the values and beliefs associated with the holidays. These symbolic elements serve as reminders of the past and connect individuals to their heritage and ancestors. Whether it’s the lighting of candles or the singing of carols, these rituals evoke a sense of comfort and familiarity, creating a shared experience across different cultures and religions.  I have always marveled at the gorgeous, brilliantly decorated Christmas trees which occupy a prominent place in so many living rooms this time of year. The more I thought about it, the more I appreciated that light and hope are common threads among holiday traditions. Christmas lights, Hanukkah candles and Kwanzaa’s central candle (Mishumaa Saba) all symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and the hope of a brighter future. In today’s world, where it often feels like there is rampant hate, conflict, war, suffering and uncertainty, these holidays serve as beacons of optimism, reminding us that we need to embrace positivity and spread joy in the face of adversity.  The final common denominators that I gleaned from my brief study of these holidays are the virtues of gratitude and reflection. Whether it is the Christmas tradition of giving thanks for the birth of Jesus Christ, the gratitude expressed during Hanukkah for the miracle of the oil, or the introspection and appreciation of African heritage during Kwanzaa, these celebrations encourage us to reflect on our blessings and express gratitude for what we have. This is a time to acknowledge the blessings of the past year, appreciate the present moment and look forward to a hopeful future.  These holidays bring us together, foster a sense of community and promote acts of kindness and generosity. They symbolize hope, continuity and the importance of maintaining traditions. Despite their unique origins and cultural differences, they share a universal message of spreading joy, embracing love and appreciating the blessings of life. And let’s not forget the lasting memories that are produced in the process.   For me, no holiday evokes stronger or more profound memories than Christmas. Given the one advantage that old age provides, perspective, I can look back and appreciate how thoughtful my parents were as they tried their hardest to give me lifelong joyous Christmas memories. Mom and Dad certainly succeeded. Etched permanently in my heart are the many Christmas mornings when my sister and I excitedly gathered around the Christmas tree to see what amazing gifts our parents had lovingly prepared for us. But the greatest gift of all was their unconditional love.  Finally, before the unsparingly swift pace of Father Time brings us hurtling into another year, I want to take a moment to give thanks to you, my readers, for taking the time to peruse these columns. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you happiness and joy this holiday season. Whichever holiday tradition you follow (or if you don’t follow one), may your heart be filled with love, a sense of gratitude and an appreciation for this wonderful gift called life. Happy Holidays.  What these wonderful holidays are all about JAMES MARTORANO MY PERSPECTIVE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 OPINION YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 17 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 $50 off $500 Minimum Purchase when Shipped Complete. Eligible at Yorktown and Somers showrooms only Show this Coupon to Receive Discount. One per customer Expires 3/15/2024 I love Christmas carols, which shouldn’t be too surprising for a priest unless I was Father Ebenezer Scrooge. Whether they be religious or not, I think I love them all: “Deck the Halls,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Silent Night,” “O Tannenbaum,” “Mele Kalikimaka,” “Feliz Navidad.” All of them have become synonymous with the joy of this season, almost to the point that they bring joy in themselves. And it’s not just the joy they bring: there’s a certain goodness and confidence that is brought out of us when we gather around to sing Christmas carols. While few of us would be qualified to lead the National Anthem before a big game, everyone is qualified to lead a cheerful holiday tune. Why are we so confident in singing Christmas Carols? I would propose the reason is summarized in the beautiful hymn, “O Holy Night.” In the first verse, the worldly problem of sin and divine solution of the newborn Savior are both outlined in a way that is as beautiful as it is simple: “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.” That line has always struck me, “and the soul felt its worth.” Any child psychologist will confirm that children do not merely need to be told their worth, but they must feel it: through words of affirmation, through touch, through supporting presence at a meaningless soccer game, in these ways children come to first know their worth through their parents’ clear expression of it. For centuries before the birth of Jesus, God the Father has been communicating our worth through creation, the prophets, and the mighty deeds He performed for His people; but we kept rejecting Him and His love, turning to sins that are beneath our dignity, beneath our worth. As the hymn sings, we and the rest of the world lay in sin and error, pining for something more. Then on one December night in Bethlehem over 20 centuries ago, God outdid Himself. When Jesus was born of a Virgin and laid in a manger it finally happened: the soul felt its worth. God’s response to sin and error was not to reject or condemn the world, but to save it. Jesus’ birth serves as a reminder to the whole world that God the Father has deemed us worthy of redemption and salvation; and dare I say it is the most comforting worth possible: I am not worthy of redemption because of anything I have done, but only because of the Father’s love for me. My worth is not earned, it is freely given. What great love God has for us. A love this strong now bids a response, an invitation which we are free to accept or reject. Rejecting this love is easy; we can simply return to the life of sin and error which we have lived; but how do we accept? Perhaps we can look to another Christmas carol, “The Little Drummer Boy,” for our answer. The little drummer boy is swept up amongst those who are journeying to pay homage to the newborn King; only the boy has no gift fit for a king, let alone the King of kings. So what does he give? “I played my drum for Him, I played my best for Him. Then He smiled at me…”  I know the song is about a fictitious percussionist, but picture the smile that Jesus gave this boy; with your mind’s eye envision the Newborn Savior giving you that same look – it’s a truly heartwarming image. This is the way God looks upon us when we return to Him in prayer, when we follow His commands, when we worship Him, and when we genuinely love our neighbor. How easily we forget that each and every day we have the opportunity to “play our best for Him.” When we treat each other with the love and mercy which God has given us, we “play our best for Him.” When we forgive as God has forgiven us, we “play our best for Him.” When we, specifically Catholics, commit ourselves to returning to Sunday Mass, we “play our best for Him.” How easily we return to those sins and errors that promise fulfillment but leave us pining for more. Yet how persistently God continues to make efforts to remind us of our soul’s worth. In this season of gift-giving, perhaps we can give Jesus the only gift He wants on His birthday: our best. After all, it was on His birthday that He gifted us the pleasant, and much needed, reminder of our worth. In this Christmas season, may we all recognize the worth of our souls, the eternal souls willed by God into existence and deemed worthy enough for the Almighty God to be born humbly in a stable in Bethlehem. Perhaps this Christmas season we may take the simple direction of one last Christmas hymn, often played loudly and triumphantly on Christmas morning, “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” How should we begin to come back to Jesus? Simple: “O come, let us adore Him: Christ the Lord!” May Christmas serve as a joyful reminder that we are all deemed worthy of His love, of redemption and of salvation. Merry Christmas to every soul that has been deemed worthy by Christ’s birth.  Fr. Matthew Breslin is a Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of New York, serving as Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph’s Church in Somers and Chaplain of Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School. Christmas carols and the ‘worth’ of our soul FR. MATTHEW BRESLIN GUEST COLUMNIST

PAGE 18 – YORKTOWN NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA STAFF WRITER Last weekend was the first time wood shim ornaments were left in honor of lost loved ones on the fence at Willow Park. The blank little pieces of wood zip-tied onto the fence at Willow Park at the corner of Curry Street and Tulip Street are for people to write the names of lost loved ones to “remember those we love during the holidays,” according to the flyer. People can add names until Jan.1. “This is a beautiful new pilot program we are doing for the holidays,” said Jim Martorano, Parks and Recreation superintendent. “We are happy to give people the opportunity to celebrate their lost loved ones over the holidays.” The idea for the ornament fence was proposed at the Recreation Commission meeting earlier this month by Yorktown resident Janet Muzzillo. “It’s a beautiful thing we’ve done, especially this time of year,” said Joe Falcone, Parks and Recreation commissioner. “The memories of loved ones are honored and kept with us during the holiday season.” Falcone said people are quickly taking to the fence, and more ornaments had already been added just a few days since the project started. People can bring their own permanent markers to write a message on an ornament that’s already placed on the fence. Ornaments at Willow Park carry messages and memories Parks Dept. holiday program lets residents honor those they’ve lost Janet Muzzillo, Jim Martorano, and Joe Falcone at Willow Park’s new memorial fence PHOTO: SOPHIA CASELNOVA that melting pot of America firsthand,” he continued. “And I think one of the things that is so rewarding about it is you’re all there for the same reason – because you believe in what we stand for, and you’re gonna fight for the principles that keep us free.” Slater believes his military training is also making him a more effective public servant. “There are many parallels with [my military training] and what I do on the civilian side, especially when it comes to things like the ethical requirements of an officer [and] the decision-making process,” said Salter, who often has to advocate in Albany to support veterans’ programs in his district. “It’s just a true honor to serve the country,” Slater said. “We follow in the footsteps of those before us. I think that the military has made some great strides in how we treat our soldiers and sailors. I was with a group of Vietnam veterans recently; they never got the welcome home they deserved. We need to make sure that their treatment never happens again. I think that the country recognizes that, and I know that our community recognizes that. “In our community, we have a great sense of pride and love for the armed forces and the individuals who serve,” he continued. “And I really attribute my decision to join the Navy Reserves to the core values of where we live and getting to know so many of our veterans and those who are currently serving. It really motivated me to be part of something bigger. I get chills thinking about it.” SLATER FROM PAGE 6 Join us for Mass on Christmas! The Catholic Churches of Yorktown St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Giandurco, Pastor 1377 E. Main St. Shrub Oak, NY 10588 www.seton-parish.org 914-528-3547 Masses at Seton: Christmas Eve: 4:00 Family Mass, 6:00, 8:00PM, Midnight in the Church Christmas Day: 7:00, 9:30, 11:00AM, and 12:30PM in the Church St. Patrick’s Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Giandurco, Pastor Main Church: 137 Moseman Rd. Stone Church: 188 Church Pl. Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 www.stpatricks-yorktown.org 914-962-5050 [email protected] Masses at St. Patrick: Christmas Eve: 4:00, 7:30, 11PM (Not Midnight) in Main Church and 5:00PM in Stone Church Christmas Day: 7:45, 9:15, 11:00AM, 12:30PM in Main Church. There are NO Masses in the Stone Church and NO 5 PM Mass on Christmas Day.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 19 Virtual Support Groups Support groups for women with breast and ovarian cancers have been transitioned to virtual platforms. Virtual groups are accessible to women from the comfort of their homes, regardless of where they live. All groups are open to new members as well as past participants. Advance registration is required by calling 914-962-6402 or 800-532-4290. Support Connection’s Peer Counselors are also available for individual counseling and assistance via phone and email. Call 800- 532-4290, or submit an online request at supportconnection. org RideConnect RideConnect has volunteers ready to help drive seniors to their medical appointments and assist with shopping. Services are free to seniors residing in Westchester and southern Putnam Counties. To request assistance call (914) 242-7433. Anyone wishing to volunteer for Rideconnect may do so by emailing Marietta Manoni at [email protected] Enjoy the Holidays with Library Perks Hart Library offers a number of perks and programs that are perfect for the holiday break. Here are some ways to make use of Hart Library’s free resources while taking time off to celebrate the holidays with loved ones; all you need is a Hart Library card.  Get Access to WiFi Anywhere Travelers can reserve one of our WiFi hotspots and stay connected while being away. Each hotspot kit comes with a helpful guide to set it up, and you can keep the device for up to two weeks. Call or visit the Adult Reference desk to reserve. Organize a Museum Trip Hart has free passes to museums in New York and Connecticut for the perfect day trip. The library’s newest pass for Hudson Valley MOCA even grants access to seven additional museums that are part of the Fairfield/Westchester Museum Alliance. Passes can be reserved up to 30 days in advance. Call or visit the Adult Reference desk to reserve. Stream Content 24/7 Take advantage of Hart’s digital resources to enjoy a variety of materials without leaving your home. Whether it’s e-books, audiobooks, TV series, or even movies, the library offers multiple searchable content platforms. Visit the “eLibrary” tab on Hart’s website, yorktownlibrary.org. Library Calendar Calndar Guide: A - Adults; Y - Young Adults; C - Children. Visit the calendar page of the library’s website for more information. Register online unless listed as a “drop-in” program. FRIDAY, DEC. 22 A - Mah Jongg (Drop-in). 12:30-3:30 p.m. A/Y - One-on-One Tech Help with a Teen (Drop-in). 2:30-4 p.m. SUNDAY, DEC. 24 The library will be CLOSED for the federal holiday. MONDAY, DEC. 25 The library will be CLOSED for the federal holiday. TUESDAY, DEC. 26 A/Y - One-on-One Tech Help with a Teen (Drop-in). 2:30-4 p.m.  WEDNESDAY, DEC. 27 C - Stories and Rhymes with Ms. Terry (Drop-in). 10-10:30 a.m.. A - Canasta (Drop-in). 12:30-2:30 p.m. A/Y/C - “Home Alone 2” movie. 4-6 p.m. THURSDAY, DEC. 28 A - Quilting & Needlework (Drop-in). 10 a.m.-12 p.m. C - Lego Free Build (Dropin). 5:30-6:30 p.m. FRIDAY, DEC. 29 A - Mah Jongg (Drop-in). 12:30-3:30 p.m. A/Y - One-on-One Tech Help with a Teen (Drop-in). 2:30-4 p.m. Town honors teen volunteers Hart Library’s Halloween Haunted House event was a huge success, thanks in no small part to the work of dozens of teen volunteers. Their work didn’t go unnoticed; the Town Board recently recognized them for their efforts. Pictured are just a few of the 70 teens that were involved. The library staff offered a big thanks to all who helped. Hart Library Corner Teen volunteers were recognized by the town for their help with Hart’s Haunted House this fall. PHOTO COURTESY HART LIBRARY GREEN FROM PAGE 4 MON-THURS: 4pm-9pm | Fri 4pm-10pm SAT: 12pm-10pm | Sun 12pm-8pm 715 Saw Mill River Road, Yorktown Heights (914) 962.4298 nadinesrestaurant.com we wish everyone a very Happy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year! We invite you to join us for a truly special Winter Season Dining Experience! Biergarten is open throughout the Winter Season! A Nadine's Favorite! MEDICAL & SURGICAL EYE CARE Looking Forward to seeing old, familiar and new faces! • Medical Eye Exams • Cataract Surgery • Glaucoma Lasers and Implants • Botox LanV.Pham,MD,PC PROUD TO ANNOUNCE WE ARE SEEING PATIENTS IN OUR NEW YORKTOWN OFFICE 1825 Commerce Street, 2nd floor, Yorktown Heights 914-772-9983 phameye.com

PAGE 20 The Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department gave Santa and Mrs. Claus a ride to visit some kids in the Lakeland School District earlier this month to share some candy canes and smiles. Santa said everyone he met along the way was on his nice list. Yes We Cane! YORKTOWN NEWS - THURSDAY, DECCameron Vasquez, 10, and Brooklynn DiPippo, 12 PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL Layla Martinez, 4, and Alyssa Hudson Trenhole, 9 mos., with poppop Kevin Moriarty David and Marilee Wright ON YOUR INSTALLATION 50% OFF Limited Time O1.855.492.60FREE ESTIMAEBefore Make the smart awhen tacklinNew orders only. Does not include material costs. Cannot be combinemay apply. This is an advertisement placed on behalf of Erie Constructhe offer may not available in your area. If you call the number providemail, pre-recorded messages by Erie or its affiliates and service proviNOT CALL list or register. Please review our Privacy Policy and Terms numbers available at eriemetalroofs.com/erie-licenses/. Up to Season’s Greetings from our Family and staff to yours. We wish you a Joyous Holiday Season and a Healthy New Year. Service Integrity Compassion www.YorktownFuneralhome.com (914) 962-0700 • [email protected] Family owned and operated 945 East Main Street, Yorktown, NY 10588 Combining the best of modern medicine with proven holistic methods. (914) 248-6220 / Progressive-vet.com 268 Route 202 Somers, NY

PAGE 21 AJ 9, and Lily Mariconda, 6 and their mom were excited to see the Clauses. Holden, 3, and Olivia Love, 5 ran to give Santa and Mrs. Claus huge hugs. Abby Oldis, 5, shakes Santa’s hand. A baby dreams of his first Christmas while being held by Santa and Mrs. Claus. CEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 Offer! SAVE! TAKE AN ADDITIONAL Additional savings for military, health workers and fi rst responders 10% OFF MADE IN THE U.S.A. 084 ATE Expires 12/31/2023 After and ONLY CHOICE ng your roof! ed with any other offer. Minimum purchase required. Other restrictions ction Mid-West, Inc (“Erie”). Offer terms and conditions may apply and ded, you consent to being contacted by telephone, SMS text message, ders using automated technologies notwithstanding if you are on a DO of Use on homeservicescompliance.com. All rights reserved. License Service: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com The Consumer’s Choice for Discount Heating Oil! SAVE WITH OUR LOW C.O.D. PRICES! • No Contracts or Commitments • Oil Burner & A/C Service/Tune-ups • Quality Heating Oil • Senior Citizen & Volume Discounts • Heating, Cooling & Generator Installations • Price Matching (Restrictions apply) Order online at: www.codoil.com CALL US TODAY AND SAVE! 914.737.7769

PAGE 22 – YORKTOWN NEWS HEALTH & WELLNESS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 Winter is synonymous with the holidays, snow and, of course, the common cold. Though colds are not exclusive to winter, they tend to be more common in the colder months of the year, when people typically spend more time indoors, making it easier for cold viruses to spread from one person to another. As cold season hits full swing, it’s important to recognize that the common cold is not always behind those uncomfortable coughs and sniffles. Respiratory syncytial virus, often referred to as RSV, is a serious respiratory virus that produces symptoms similar to those associated with the common cold. Some basic knowledge of RSV can ensure people seek the treatment they need to overcome it. What is RSV? The Mayo Clinic reports that RSV is a virus that infects the lungs and respiratory tract. Though RSV may not be as familiar as the common cold, perhaps it’s more familiar than many people realize, as the Mayo Clinic indicates most children have been infected with the virus by the time they’re 2 years old. The American Lung Association reports that RSV is so common among children because they so frequently come into physical contact with other kids. When is RSV most likely to occur? According to the ALA, the peak season for RSV is fall through spring. However, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment notes that RSV infections rose sharply in summer 2021. Though that spike was likely due to a relaxation of coronavirus restrictions, it underscores that RSV can strike in summer, even if it’s less likely to spread during times of year when people tend to spend more time outdoors. What are the symptoms of RSV? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that people infected with RSV typically exhibit symptoms within four to six days of infection. Such symptoms, which usually appear in stages and not all at once, may include: • Runny nose • Decrease in appetite • Coughing • Sneezing • Fever • Wheezing Young infants with RSV may be irritable, less active and experience breathing difficulties. The ALA notes that RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in all infants, so symptoms should be taken seriously and brought to the attention of a child’s pediatrician immediately. The ALA also notes that symptoms like difficulty breathing, not drinking enough, decreased activity, nasal flaring and bluish lips and fingernails require urgent care. How is RSV managed? The CDC notes that antiviral medication is not typically part of a treatment for RSV, as most infections go away within a week or two without intervention. Symptoms such as fever and pain can be managed with over-thecounter fever reducers and pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (the CDC notes that aspirin should never be given to children). Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and speaking with a physician prior to taking something or giving a child something to treat RSV is recommended. Is there an RSV vaccination? The CDC recommends immunization for those most at risk of serious illness from RSV. High-risk groups include infants, toddlers and adults age 60 and older. Parents and older adults are urged to speak to their child’s doctors and their own physicians about RSV vaccination. RSV symptoms mirror those of the common cold, but the virus can be more serious than that. More information is available at cdc.gov and lung.org.   This article is from Metro Creative Connection. What to know about RSV

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 23 P U T N AM RIDG E 46 Mt. Ebo Road North | Brewster, NY 10509 | Phone 845.278.3636 V I S I T US A T WW W. P U T N A M RIDG E . C O M S C H E D U L E Y O U R T O U R T O Y A D SHORT TERM REHABILITATION, IN-HOUSE DIALYSIS, MEMORY AND LONG TERM CARE O UR S P E CIA L T I E S PUTNAM RIDGE A TRADITION OF caring, A LEGACY OF . P U T N AM RIDG E 46 Mt. Ebo Road North | Brewster, NY 10509 | Phone 845.278.3636 V I S I T US A T WW W. P U T N A M RIDG E . C O M S C H E D U L E Y O U R T O U R T O Y A D SHORT TERM REHABILITATION, IN-HOUSE DIALYSIS, MEMORY AND LONG TERM CARE O UR S P E CIA L T I E S PUTNAM RIDGE A TRADITION OF caring, A LEGACY OF . P U T N AM RIDG E 46 Mt. Ebo Road North | Brewster, NY 10509 | Phone 845.278.3636 V I S I T US A T WW W. P U T N A M RIDG E . C O M S C H E D U L E Y O U R T O U R T O Y A D SHORT TERM REHABILITATION, IN-HOUSE DIALYSIS, MEMORY AND LONG TERM CARE O UR S P E CIA L T I E S PUTNAM RIDGE A TRADITION OF caring, A LEGACY OF . P U T N AM RIDG E 46 Mt. Ebo Road North | Brewster, NY 10509 | Phone 845.278.3636 V I S I T US A T WW W. P U T N A M RIDG E . C O M S C H E D U L E Y O U R T O U R T O Y A D SHORT TERM REHABILITATION, IN-HOUSE DIALYSIS, MEMORY AND LONG TERM CARE O UR S P E CIA L T I E S PUTNAM RIDGE A TRADITION OF caring, A LEGACY OF . P U T N AM RIDG E 46 Mt. Ebo Road North | Brewster, NY 10509 | Phone 845.278.3636 V I S I T US A T WW W. P U T N A M RIDG E . C O M S C H E D U L E Y O U R T O U R T O Y A D SHORT TERM REHABILITATION, IN-HOUSE DIALYSIS, MEMORY AND LONG TERM CARE O UR S P E CIA L T I E S A TRADITION OF caring, A LEGACY OF Happy Holidays FROM YOUR FAMILY AT PUTNAM RIDGE.

PAGE 24 – YORKTOWN NEWS HEALTH & WELLNESS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 Dental health should be a priority at any age, and is especially important for children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than half of children between the ages of 6 and 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their primary teeth. Also, more than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one permanent tooth. Cavities and other oral health conditions, such as periodontal diseases, are largely preventable with proper oral hygiene. Parents know that getting children — especially young ones — to care for their teeth in the correct manner may require some help and then reinforcement throughout the developmental years. However, there are ways to make dental care a more engaging activity for youngsters. Use plaque-disclosing tablets Show children just where they may need to direct more brushing effort with plaque-disclosing tablets. These tablets use foodgrade coloring in them, which sticks to areas with plaque accumulation. After chewing the tablets and the child smiles, he or she will see the spots where efforts need to be ramped up. This can be a fun lesson as children will likely enjoy seeing their teeth covered in the tablet color. Flavored toothpastes and mouthwashes Mint reigns supreme in oral health products as the dominant flavor, but not all children are enamored with that flavor. Most oral care products geared toward the younger set come in different flavors like bubble gum and berry. Kids can take active roles in their oral health by choosing the flavored products they prefer to use. Electronic toothbrushes Children may enjoy using electronic toothbrushes because they are easy to maneuver and can even seem like a toy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, electric toothbrushes generally are considered more effective at removing plaque and keeping teeth clean. That benefits kids and adults because it potentially means fewer painful visits with the dentist. Make it a competition Children love games and healthy competition between peers and siblings. Offer a prize (non-sugary, of course) to children who brush and floss daily for the required times. Extra points can be awarded for every dental wellness check that comes back with a glowing report. Make smart food choices Engage children in lessons and choices about which foods are good for oral health and which may be poor. Sticky foods or those with a lot of sugary content should only be occasional treats. The entire family can work together to plan meals around foods that are good for the teeth and gums, such as crunchy veggies, leafy greens, high-calcium dairy products and fatty fish. Practice on pets Pets need clean teeth, too. Children may enjoy not only brushing their own teeth, but learning how to keep their companion animals’ mouths healthy with brushing and care. Various strategies can increase the chances that kids engage with oral hygiene practices early on.  This article is from Metro Creative Connection. How to get kids more engaged in their dental health Contact Us Yorktown News is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected]. NO FEE Are You Planning On Retiring Soon? Make an INFORMED DECISION 914-330-5252 [email protected] Angela Asadi Licensed Agent MEDICARE MADE SIMPLE! I CAN HELP! 17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults One touch of a button sends help fast, 24/7. alone I’m never Life Alert® is always here for me. I’ve fallen and I can’t get up! ® Help at Home with GPS! Help On-the-Go For a FREE brochure call: 1-800-404-9776 Saving a Life EVERY 11 MINUTES Batteries Never Need Charging.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 HEALTH & WELLNESS YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 25 Great care shouldn’t wait. 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 At American Family Care, getting you better quickly is our number one priority. Our experienced team of medical providers is standing by and ready to treat you for just about anything that is making you sick. It’s nice to know that great health care is right around the corner from where you are, early or late, seven days a week. No appointment needed. DR. AMANDA WIECHERT, DMD & DR. FELICIA NICOLAS, DDS. 1855 COMMERCE STREET YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY 10598 (914) 302-7717 www.northeastdentalny.com [email protected] Dentistry with the personalized touch EXPERIENCE THE NORTHEAST DENTAL DIFFERENCE Long-time Yorktown dentist Dr. Amanda Wiechert founded Northeast Dental in 2014, with the idea that patients should be #1. We know that life can be hectic, and our team goes the extra mile to make patients’ care convenient, comfortable, and reliably high in quality. After COVID-19 waylaid sports participation and other activities, young athletes have returned to competitive athletics in droves.  The most recent data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association says 37 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 12 played team sports on a regular basis in 2021. At the highest point in 2008, 45 percent were involved in sports. According to various youth sports participation surveys, including those from the Aspen Institute and TeamSnap, children between the ages of 6 and 18 spend an average of 16.6 hours each week playing sports. With so much time devoted to sports participation, everyone involved can take steps to ensure that young athletes are safe and healthy during practice and play.  • Encourage rest. Pushing the body to the brink without routine rest is a recipe for injury. Rest provides recovery time for muscles and joints as well as the mind. Athletes can aim for at least one day off from the sport per week. After the season ends, children can take an extended break before beginning a new sport. • Eat balanced meals. Families can plan balanced meals that will provide the nutrition young athletes need to fuel their bodies. With increased physical activity comes a need to eat more. The International Olympic Committee says nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium and iron are essential but often lacking in youths with restrictive diets. A young athlete should eat plenty of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, protein and vegetables. • Encourage variety. MedlinePlus reports that many young athletes are engaging in “single-sport specialization” early on, focusing only on one sport, even during off seasons. Repetitive use of joints, bones and muscles for these sports can cause various injuries. To prevent that, young athletes should participate in a variety of sports and training exercises. • Wear the right gear. Athletes always should wear the safety gear required for the sport they’re playing. This may include eye protection, helmets and more. • Discourage young athletes from playing through pain. Pressing on through pain or an injury is a recipe for damage that could keep a player out for the season or even permanently. Young athletes shouldn’t try to be heroes and play through pain. • Alleviate mental pressure on athletes. Many young athletes throw themselves entirely into sports, perhaps at the expense of having more well-rounded childhoods. The National Federation of State High School Associations says only around 2 percent of high school athletes are awarded some form of athletic scholarship to compete in college, and fewer than 2 percent of NCAA student athletes go on to play professionally. Putting all of one’s eggs in the sports basket can contribute to anxiety that stems from pressure to succeed. Keep the emphasis on fun so young athletes don’t feel pressured. • Avoid performance-enhancing substances. Caffeine, anabolic steroids, steroid precursors, creatine and stimulants are substances athletes use to boost performance. They can cause many health issues and even lead to addiction. Young athletes can take many steps to stay healthy without affecting how much they enjoy the thrill of competition.  This article is from Metro Creative Connection. How to keep young athletes healthy 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.

PAGE 26 – YORKTOWN NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Sometimes an early message in a game can have a lasting effect. That was the case when Yorktown hosted Fox Lane on Dec. 15, when an emphatic one-handed dunk by Brandon Montero (20 points, 8 rebounds) electrified Yorktown’s student body, “The Crop,” giving the Huskers a 4-2 lead, and sent a strong message on their way to a 51-28 victory. “It’s very important (to send that message early),” Montero said. “To help my team to get started off on the right foot is very important. If we work as a team, we will be tough to beat. I did it for them, that’s who I always do it for, my team, they believe in me. They trust me to set the tone for them and I did tonight.” Yorktown coach Mark Pavella, like everyone else in the gym, marveled at Montero’s ability to get up and slam it home. “To start a game with a dunk like that, I don’t know if we’ve seen something like that in a long time here,” Pavella said. “His athleticism makes him pretty special.” While Montero has the explosiveness to make great individual plays, he also has the ability to set up others. “He knows how to make a play but also get his teammates involved,” said Yorktown’s Kaden Gonzalez, who scored 13 points. It was a rematch of last year’s Section 1 Class A quarterfinal, which Yorktown won at home Montero slam sends a winning message Keynote dunk makes ‘The Crop’ go crazy Brandon Montero Justin Price Kaden Gonzalez The Huskers’ bench celebrates in Yorktown’s game against Alexander Hamilton. PHOTOS COURTESY SARAH QUARTO BASKETBALL SEE BASKETBALL PAGE 27

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 SPORTS YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 27 64-62 to clinch its first postseason berth at the Westchester County Center in White Plains since 2017. Gonzalez put the Huskers up 22-9 in the second quarter with a 3-pointer, giving credit to one of his teammates for finding him. “It was a pass from Justin Price on a baseline out of bounds and I just shot it,” Gonzalez said. Yorktown led 26-15 at halftime and built on its lead in the third quarter, when two baskets by Gonzalez gave the Huskers a 37- 21 advantage. “It was big because we knew we needed to continue to keep up the momentum, so they wouldn’t get back in the game,” Gonzalez said. Montero ended the third quarter with a resounding block of a 3-point attempt in the corner by the visitors, just like he did a season ago on the final play of the game against Fox Lane, which sealed Yorktown’s trip to the County Center. “It felt good,” Montero said. “I had the crowd behind me, everyone was screaming. It was one of the best feelings. I just jumped, gave it all I got, and just blocked it.” Montero’s jumper in the fourth quarter started a 10-0 run to finish the game. “He was just locked in,” Pavella said of Montero. “He wasn’t forcing anything. He was playing within the offense and he is such a great athlete. So when he plays that way, he is tough to guard.” The win extended Yorktown’s winning streak to four. The streak started on Dec. 8 with a 68-61 victory at Mount Vernon, winners of 34 sectional crowns and 13 state titles. “That really built up our confidence because we know Mount Vernon is one of the top teams we would ever see,” Montero said. “We just knew if we could beat them, we could beat anybody. Mount Vernon is one of the more physical teams in the section and they are in Triple A (Yorktown is Double A). We knew we could beat them and we did.” Price (6 points), Tommy Costello (6 points), Joe Granitto (2 points), Ryan Duffy (2 points), and Garred Ferguson (2 points) also produced offensively for a Husker squad that also worked hard on the defensive end. “We played team defense,” Pavella said. “Guys communicated and they executed the game plan on the defensive end. That was important.” Yorktown began the week with a 54-38 triumph against visiting Clarkstown South on Dec. 11, led by Gonzalez (29 points), Montero (17 points, 8 rebounds), and Duffy (5 points, 9 rebounds). The Huskers (4-1) also hosted and defeated Alexander Hamilton 59-38 on Dec. 13, paced by Montero (22 points, 5 rebounds), Gonzalez (8 points, 7 rebounds), and Price (6 points, 7 assists). BASKETBALL FROM PAGE 26 Yorktown’s cheer squad pumps up the crowd in the Huskers’ home win over Alexander Hamilton. PHOTO COURTESY SARAH QUARTO Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. Managing Member • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500 NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 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 Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

PAGE 28 – YORKTOWN NEWS SPORTS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER YORKTOWN GIRLS BASKETBALL (2-1) Yorktown 36, Fox Lane 26 Friday, Dec. 15, Yorktown High School Yorktown won its home opener by defeating Fox Lane 36-26. “It felt amazing, it’s definitely the best way to start the season at home,” said Yorktown’s Kaitlyn Judge, who tallied 14 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and drew 3 charges. Yorktown coach Kristi Dini said the team works on defensive positioning and that can lead to drawing offensive fouls. “She (Judge) did a great job,” Dini said. Ava Costello (10 points) assisted Lexi Livadhi (6 points) on a buzzer-beater jumper that gave Yorktown a 17-10 halftime advantage. “I saw her across the court,” Costello said. “We are very good at connecting with each other, and I was just able to get it to her.” A 3-pointer by Judge from the left corner put the Huskers up 24- 20 at the end of the third quarter. “We talked about running our plays a lot more to get open looks,” Judge said. “It was a great screen by Liv DelGaudio, and I was just wide open for the 3-pointer.” Judge connected again on another trey to score the first points of the fourth quarter, giving Yorktown a 27-20 lead. “We started off the fourth quarter very hot,” Judge said. “We got into the groove, and we just held the lead from there.” Costello registered her own 3-pointer to put Yorktown up 32-22; the Huskers never looked back. Husker girls win; LHS girls 4-0 YHS wrestlers, bowlers victorious Husker Blera Gashi looks to pass against Fox Lane. PHOTO COURTESY SARAH QUARTO VARSITY ROUNDUP SEE ROUNDUP PAGE 29 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. Consult with us for Pre-Planning arrangements Serving All Faiths ~ Ample Parking ~ ~ Modern Chapels ~ ~ Burial & Cremation Services ~ Serving the Yorktown Area Since 1955 914.962.3333 2104 Saw Mill River Road (Route 35, 118 & 202) Yorktown Heights NY 10598 www.clarkfh.com Clark & Giordano FUNERAL HOME Season’s Greetings from our family to yours.

“I had a great screen by Liv DelGuadio and I was wide open for the three,” Costello said. “The crowd went crazy; it felt amazing.” DelGaudio (11 rebounds, 3 points) and Sofia Boucher (3 points) also produced for Yorktown. “Winning the home opener means a lot,” Costello said. “We definitely worked very hard for this in practice. We push each other and help each other.” LAKELAND GIRLS BASKETBALL (4-0) Lakeland 47, Byram Hills 37 Tuesday, Dec. 12, Byram Hills High School Lakeland’s Nichole Ljuljic and Ava Lugo registered 11 points apiece, while Riley Waters (10 points), Sarah Devane (9 points, 7 rebounds), and Grace Hahn (9 rebounds) also produced in the Hornets’ 47-37 victory against Byram Hills. “We always stress sharing the ball and finding the open player,” Lugo said. “We continuously try to find each other if we can come up with a turnover and start a fast break. We have a lot of girls who can score.” LAKELAND BOYS BASKETBALL (3-4) Lakeland 41, Tappan Zee 37 Tuesday, Dec. 12, Tappan Zee High School Lakeland defeated Tappan Zee 41- 37, led by Logan Crilly (10 points, 7 rebounds), Ryan Tocci (8 points), Grady Leonard (7 points), and Sean Perry (6 points). The game marked the return of Leonard, an All-League player a year ago, who missed the first four games due to a leg injury. “It was pretty huge for that to be my first game back,” said Leonard. “They won the states (Class A) last year and we had a tough weekend at our tournament (in Suffern). However, we got our guys back, all came in, played hard and we were able to bounce back and get a huge win.” Roosevelt 66, Lakeland 58 Thursday, Dec. 14, Lakeland High School Leonard (16 points), Perry (11 points), Ryan Ahmed (9 points), and Crilly (7 points) led Lakeland in its 66-58 loss to Roosevelt. Mahopac 50, Lakeland 37 Saturday, Dec. 16, Mahopac High School Perry (10 points) and Leonard, Attanasio and Bartolotta, with 5 points each, paced the Hornets in their 50-37 loss to Mahopac. CORTLANDT ICE HOCKEY (5-2) Cortlandt 8, Monroe-Woodbury 2 Monday, Dec. 11, Ice Time Sports Complex, Newburgh Sean Foley (3G), Jack Jimenez (1G, 1A), Aiden Dzubak (2A), Dylan Marthalar (1G), Micheal Alfinito (1G), Ryan Rosenbaum (1G), Nick Curry (1G), Jason Piccirillo (1A), Sean Mansfield (started, 6 saves, 0 goals), and Brandon DiBenedetto (8 saves, 2 goals) led Cortlandt to an 8-2 triumph over Monroe-Woodbury. “The key to the victory was our unrelenting motor,” Jimenez said. “We got off to a great start scoring in under a minute and we made it a point to continue the offensive pressure all throughout the game. We were missing a few kids due to injury and we were asking a lot from our underclassmen and they delivered big for us.” Byram Hills 5, Cortlandt 4 (OT) Friday, Dec. 15, Brewster Ice Arena Nate Garofalo (2G), Curry (2G, 1A), Jimenez (2A), Foley (2A), Mansfield (14 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 SPORTS YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 29 FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HOT WATER HEATER & GAS NEEDS 59 Years of Excellence Putnam & Westchester County’s Premier Plumbing Professionals Since 1964 719 Rte. 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com TAKE $25 OFF YOUR NEXT SERVICE CALL! VALID ON CALLS OVER 1 HOUR. EXPIRES 1/31/24 May you have a Happy & Prosperous New Year! Starting our 44th year serving Yorktown children Family Owned And Operated, Owners Always On The Premises. WWW.PIEDPIPERSCHOOLYORKTOWN.COM 2090 Crompond Road - Yorktown Heights For more information call 914-962-5196 or 914-815-5281 PRESCHOOL • Ages 18 months to 5 years • Operating Hours 7am to 6pm • New York State Certified Curriculum • Before & After Care Available BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL ADVENTURES • Ages 18 months to 10 years • Large indoor and fenced in outdoor playgrounds • Homework Assistance • Bus Transportation Provided By The Yorktown School District • Food and drinks provided Happy Holidays from the Pied Piper Family! Enrollment Opens Feb 1st For The 2024-2025 School Year SUMMER CAMP • Ages 18 Months To 10 Years • Flexible Days, Weeks & Times • Indoor Air Conditioned Playground • Weekly Themes And Activities Including Sports, Arts & Crafts, Music, Cooking And Theatre. • Bls, Cpr, Rit First Aid, Epipen & Mat Certified Check out our new website. Call today and sign up for a tour. Our family can’t wait to meet your family! ROUNDUP FROM PAGE 28 SEE ROUNDUP PAGE 31 Husker Kaitlyn Judge dribbles past a Fox Lane defender. PHOTOS COURTESY SARAH QUARTO Lexi Livadhi gets high up on the opening tip versus Fox Lane.

PAGE 30 – YORKTOWN NEWS SPORTS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 BY BRETT FREEMAN PUBLISHER The Yorktown Athletic Club dominated at the Nighthawk Classic wrestling tournament in Newtown, Conn., this past Sunday. Their 8U Co-Ed division placed first as a team against 17 other teams. The 8U Co-Ed grapplers who took home the gold were Christiano Jaramillo, Declan Flanagan, James Murray, Liam McCormack and Nikolas Martinez. In the 10U Co-Ed division, Lorenzo Palmiotto came in first place and Marcelo Carazo came in third. In the 12U Co-Ed division, placing first were Jace McCormack, Rocco Maraglino and Vincenzo Maraglino. Cristian Martinez came in second place and Nicco Palmiotto came in third. Husker youth dominate at Nighthawk wrestling tourney 8U Co-Ed division places first Christiano Jaramillo, who took first place for the Huskers, pinned his opponent, Tyr Wallin, of Amity Spartan Youth. Declan Flanagan, who took home for the gold for Yorktown, pinned his opponent, Callum Carl, of Newtown. Christiano Jaramillo takes home the gold for Yorktown. Vincenzo Maraglino, who won the gold for Yorktown, pinned his opponent, Finn Mattes of GPS. PHOTOS: BRETT FREEMAN Marcelo Carazo, who brought home the bronze, pinned his opponent, Isla Kiney of Newtown.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 SPORTS YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 31 saves), and DiBenedetto (25 saves) led the Rebels in their 5-4 overtime loss to Byram Hills. BYSNS ICE HOCKEY (1-4) Pawling 9, BYSNS 4 Monday, Dec. 11, Tirrell Ice Rink, Pawling Matteo Guastadisegni (2G), James Munoz (1G), AJ Jones (1G, 2A), Wolfgang Cook (1A), Jordan Millar (1A), and Dylan Weber (21 saves) paced BYSNS in its 9-4 loss to Pawling. BYSNS 10, Carmel 2 Friday, Dec. 15, Brewster Ice Arena Brewster/Yorktown/Somers/ North Salem (BYSNS) defeated Carmel 10-2 for its first victory of the season. “We won the small battles and stayed out of the penalty box tonight,” said Bisons’ coach John Veteri. “We worked all week long on that.” Lucas Salvatore (4G, 3A), Jones (2G, 2A), Munoz (1G,1A), Kaden Krempler (2A), Sam Cucinell (1G), Greg Marotta (1G), Ryan Dean (1G), Millar (1A), Paul Rienzi (1A), Jack Lukse (1A), Henry Rossi (1A), and Weber (13 saves) led BYSNS. YORKTOWN WRESTLING (11-0) Section 1 Dual Meet Tournament Thursday, Dec. 14, Yorktown High School No. 1 Yorktown started the New York State Section 1 Dual Meet Tournament by defeating No. 32 Port Chester 63-12 in the opening round, with pins from Cooper Constantine (101 pounds), Gio Tornambe (108), Frank Scalera II (116), Rowan Larsen (131), Nicolas Bucello (138), Joe Tornambe (145), Tyler Caricati (160), Ronan Forde (190), Roco Lore (215), and George Gjergji (285) with Anthony Muscolino (152) recording a major decision (10-2). Yorktown then beat No. 17 John Jay-East Fishkill 39-27 in the round of 16. “Nick Bucello had a good pin, Rocco Lore had a momentumchanging pin, and Cooper Constantine, at 101, an eighth grader, had the match-clinching pin after being down to start,” said Yorktown coach Dr. Jimmy Kaishian of the match against John JayEast Fishkill. LAKELAND/PANAS WRESTLING (4-7) Section 1 Dual Meet Tournament Thursday, Dec. 14, Horace Greeley High School No. 27 Lakeland/Panas fell to No. 6 Clarkstown North 39-27 in the opening round of the tourney before rebounding by defeating No. 22 Horace Greeley 37-30 in the consolation match. Joey Puglisi (forfeit, 101), Dan Horowitz (108, 6-4 OT), Alex Ryzy (pin, 190), Valentin Araujo (pin, 215), and Dan Hurley (pin, 285) recorded wins against Clarkstown North. Puglisi (forfeit, 101), Horowitz (pin, 108), Matt Travis (pin, 116), Zach Morey (pin, 170), Ryzy (pin, 190), Araujo (pin, 215), and Hurley (3-1 decision, 285) earned victories versus Greeley. Clarkstown North Tournament Saturday, Dec. 16, Clarkstown North High School Lakeland/Panas defeated John Jay-Cross River 36-33 and fell to Wallkill (48-24), Warwick (38-30), West Islip (48-30), and Clarkstown North (54-24) in the Clarkstown North Tournament. Hurley (5-0 and team MVP, 285), Horowitz (4-1, 101), Travis (3-2, 116), Thomas Mekuto (2-2, 152), Ryzy (3-1, 190), and Araujo (3-1, 215), stood out. “Overall I thought we fought hard against some good teams,” said Lakeland/Panas coach Dave Bergen. “We don’t have a lot of experience, but the team competed with heart and that’s huge.” (All bowling at Cortlandt Lanes) LAKELAND BOYS BOWLING (19-9) Hen Hud 7, Lakeland 0 Thursday, Dec. 14 Lakeland fell to Hendrick Hudson 7-0, with Austin Kara (237, 608), Keaton Wolf (179, 495), Mike Antonucci (167, 471), Vinny Benedetto (168, 456), TJ Conti (127, 244), and Dan McTiernan (123) leading the Hornets. YORKTOWN BOYS BOWLING (23-12) Yorktown 7, Somers 0 Wednesday, Dec. 13 Matthew Kirey (190, 1070), Dylan Katz (238, 533), Kyle Cavalieri (148, 383), and Matt Morello (122, 312) helped Yorktown blank Somers 7-0. “Beating our rivals Somers, is something important for me as captain and our team showing true encouragement even if one of our best players was out,” Kirey said. “We try our hardest even when we have to change our lineup at the last minute. That’s what makes us a team that can comeback when times are tough. That’s what Yorktown is about.” Yorktown 7, Greeley 0 Thursday, Dec. 14 Yorktown beat Horace Greeley 7-0, led by Kirey (260, 659), Joseph Mana (208, 497), Finn Larsen (180, 497), Katz (157, 440), and Morello (120, 317). LAKELAND GIRLS BOWLING (7-21) Hen Hud 7, Lakeland 0 Thursday, Dec. 14 Kerry Pike (155, 430), Danna Erraez (119, 301), Sophie Schreiner (112, 278), Arielle Ascanio (96, 276), Jovana Sedek (81, 152), and Mia Butler (149) paced Lakeland in its 7-0 defeat to Hendrick Hudson. YORKTOWN GIRLS BOWLING (33-2) Yorktown 7, Peekskill 0 Wednesday, Dec. 13 Kailey O’Connell (213, 597), Esther Villamin (140, 380), Ciara O’Brien (137, 333), Sheridan Gorman (106, 204), Akshyasree Ravi (82, 153), Zoe Yau (113), and Brianne Finnegan (75) ignited the Huskers to a 7-0 win versus Peekskill. “Honestly we were just having fun,” O’Connell said. “We weren’t putting any pressure on ourselves and clearly it worked in our benefit.” Yorktown 7, Greeley 0 Thursday, Dec. 14 O’Connell (196, 555), Villamin (144, 385), Finnegan (144, 352), O’Brien (99, 261), Ravi (86, 172), and Yau (105) propelled Yorktown to a 7-0 win against Horace Greeley.  Yorktown’s Sofia Boucher at the line versus Fox Lane. PHOTO COURTESY SARAH QUARTO ROUNDUP FROM PAGE 29 WHY DO WE ADVERTISE IN HALSTON MEDIA’S LOCAL NEWSPAPERS? TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL BRETT FREEMAN AT (845) 208-8151 We’ve advertised with Halston newspapers since the beginning because we know they connect us to the communities we serve. We view our ads as an extension of word-of- mouth advertising; they have definitely played a role in our continued success with both new and returning families. -Jamie Sirkin 914.455.2158 Summer Trails Day Camp & Baseball Camp 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!

PAGE 32 – YORKTOWN NEWS SPORTS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 Yorktown and Lakeland gymnasts contributed to solid performances for their respective combined squads last week, with Lakeland/Panas/Putnam Valley (LPPV) outscoring Scarsdale on Thursday and Somers/John Jay/ Yorktown (SJJY) topping Tappan Zee the following day. The meets were held at Dynamic Gymnastics in Mohegan Lake, which serves as home turf for both local teams. LPPV LPPV outscored Scarsdale 180.35 – 158.55 with a strong display of consistency. “This was the second meet of the season and we scored over 180.3 points,” said LPPV head coach Sorin Cepoi. “We had a couple of mistakes but nothing to worry about. I’m sure we can fix it and raise the score in the future. The battle with Somers [SJJY] is going to be close and interesting.” Team captain Olivia Marricco set the tone. “Marricco led the team with a wonderful performance, scoring a 37.95 at the end of the meet,” Cepoi said. “We’re looking forward to a great season, and hopefully most of the LPPV athletes will qualify for the state tournament.” SJJY On Friday, SJJY’s172.85 - 160.20 win over Tappan Zee demonstrated the squad’s willingness to reach beyond its comfort zone. “The team did great last Friday,” said SJJY coach Teodora Cepoi. “We had a couple of mistakes because we tried new skills and some new combinations to get our start value of the routines higher.” With Nina Mori absent because of illness, her teammates stepped up. “Maggie Johannsen had a great performance, as did Amelia Carozza,” Cepoi said. “The newcomers on the team performed better than expected. I was very proud of their performances and am looking forward to the new season.” Local gymnasts find winning form Olivia Marricco performs her bars routine for Lakeland/Panas/ Putnam Valley. Amelia Corozza stepped up in S/ JJ/Y’s win against Tappan Zee. PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL GYMNASTICS 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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 SPORTS YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 33 9am-4pm THESE PRICES ARE VALID WITH AD ONLY BEER & SODA Not to be combined with other offers. 20lb. Tank. Expires 12/31/23 $ 2.00 OFF PROPANE FILL-UP ANY CASE OF BEER 24 PACK OR LARGER 5 CASE LIMIT Not to be combined with any other offer. SALE ENDS 12/31/23 $ 2.00 OFF LAGUNITAS $ 16.99 12 pack $ 28.99 HEINEKEN $ 17.99 COORS LIGHT 12 Pack BUD & BUD LIGHT $ 22.9924 Pack Bottles $ 17.99 20 Pack COORS LIGHT & BANQUET PERONI $ 18.99 12 Pack BUD & BUD LIGHT $ 28.99 36 Pack 36 Pack $ 18.99 HAPPY DAD HARD SELTZER MILLER LITE $ 28.99 36 Pack PABST $ 22.99 30 Pack 12 Pack Open Christmas Eve 376 RT 6 MAHOPAC CASH FOR CANS & BOTTLES HUDSON VALLEY BEVERAGE IS NOW A FULL REDEMPTION CENTER GET FULL 5¢ VALUE PER BOTTLE OR CAN BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Lakeland’s Connor Daly has enjoyed a stellar varsity soccer career, where he played mainly at the center-midfield position. Daly, a captain as a senior this fall, was a four-year varsity starter who used his versatility to shine in both attacking and defensive midfield roles. Those skills earned Daly All-Section and All-League honors in his junior and senior seasons; as a sophomore, he was named AllLeague. How old were you when you started playing soccer and what got you started? I was around 5. I started playing soccer because growing up I was always surrounded by the game. My dad was a soccer coach and my two older sisters played soccer. When I started to get into sports it was only natural for soccer to be my go-to, as my entire family was passionate about the game. What was your favorite thing about being on the soccer team at Lakeland? It was being able to hang out and compete alongside my teammates. What was your favorite team activity or pregame or postgame ritual that you shared with your teammates? They were the team bondings at my house and my teammate Anthony’s (Abbondanza) house. I had a lot of fun with the guys as we played small-sided soccer tournaments and volleyball tournaments. Who has been your biggest role model over the years and what have you learned from them? I’ve never really developed a role model, but I have learned a lot about the importance of work ethic and perseverance from my teammates and coaches. Tell us one thing about yourself that not a lot of people know. I do track and field and participate in the triple jump, high jump, and 400-meter relay. Do you know what you want to study in college, what school, and do you plan to continue to play soccer in college? I plan on studying finance or economics in college. I do want to continue to play soccer in college, however I am currently undecided about what college I will be attending. Name your favorite athlete/ sports team. Lionel Messi (currently with Inter Miami) and Manchester United If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? I would want to be able to teleport so I could travel and get places really quickly. If you could pick one place to visit on vacation that you’ve never been to, where would you go and why? I would pick Italy because of the food and historical landmarks.  What was your favorite food to eat before and after a game? What’s your favorite Yorktown eatery? My favorite food to eat before a game is a grilled chicken sandwich, my favorite food after a game is Mac and Cheese. My favorite place to eat is Benvenuto’s II because I love their pizza and chicken dishes. What’s the go-to app on your phone? Snapchat because I talk to a lot of my friends through Snapchat. What would you say to a young athlete thinking about trying out for the Lakeland boys soccer team? To absolutely try out because Lakeland soccer creates so many memories and friendships, and has been something I looked forward to for the past four years. Lakeland captain shined in the midfield Lakeland’s Connor Daly had a stellar career for the Hornets. PHOTOS: ROB DIANTONIO ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT connor DALY

PAGE 34 – YORKTOWN NEWS LEISURE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 Last weekend Yorktown’s own Jessica Lynn came home for Christmas with a pair of sellout shows at the Paramount Theater in Peekskill The show, “Jessica Lynn: A Very Merry Country Christmas” was enjoyed by all ages and included young dancers from area dance companies. Lynn also collected for Toys for Tots and was given recognition for her support from the Marines. Tickets will be going on sale for next year soon. Follow her on social media at @jessicalynnmusic. Jessica Lynn sells out the Paramount Jessica Lynn singing at the Paramount Theater in Peekskill PHOTO: CORINNE STANTON 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. Droops 5. Subatomic particle 10. Not in danger 14. Nursemaid 15. Black band worn in mourning 16. Long song in opera 17. Edible seed of a Philippine tree 18. Chicago political family 19. Pursues pleasure from one place to another 20. Appetizer 22. Hill (Celtic) 23. Simple shoe 24. Songs to one you love 27. Secret activities 30. Upset 31. Popular hot drink 32. Body art (slang) 35. Fired 37. Blood relation 38. Identical 39. Porticos 40. Partner to cheese 41. Type of sword 42. Enough (archaic) 43. Surface layer of ground 44. Cotton fabric woven like satin 45. Choose for a post 46. Father 47. Tell on 48. Indian title of respect 49. Fonts 52. Fencing sword 55. Mock 56. Vaccine developer 60. Atmosphere surrounding a person or place 61. Marten with a short tail 63. Chinese temple 64. Invests in little enterprises 65. Popular cut of meat 66. Charity 67. Iron-containing compound 68. River in Northern Europe 69. One point east of southeast CLUES DOWN 1. Exhausts 2. Genus of fish related to gars 3. Impudent behavior 4. Adherents to Islam 5. They come after A 6. Spoke 7. Room to receive guests 8. About opera 9. End-blown flute 10. Heroic tales 11. Member of a Semitic people 12. Dog’s name 13. Opposite of west 21. Political divisions in ancient Greece 23. Ocean 25. Cool! 26. Young woman about to enter society 27. One from central Caucasus 28. Indian city 29. A way to serve ice cream 32. Emaciation 33. Escort aircraft carrier 34. Italian city 36. Mythical settler of Kansas 37. Unhappy 38. High schoolers’ test 40. Measured in pace 41. Satisfies 43. Gullible person 44. Enclosed space 46. Substance used to color something 47. Shirt type 49. Discover by investigation 50. __-Castell, makers of pens 51. Semitic Sun god 52. Grads wear one 53. French river 54. Part of a cap 57. Digestive fluid 58. Metrical foot 59. Body part 61. Very fast airplane 62. Supplement with difficulty

power, revealed here for the first time. “They can change shape but only when they want to,” he said. “They absolutely love to make themselves look like a fire engine! If you see Santa on a fire truck, chances are it’s one of the reindeer shapeshifting.” Another important change, Claus told us, is the variety of toys and gifts available now compared to earlier times. Again, Mrs. Claus plays an important role. According to the elf, Mrs. C has set up a massive intelligence network that combines data mining with human and elvish operatives on the ground all over the world. “One thing people don’t realize is that we’re not all based at the North Pole,” the elf said. “There’s a core team up there and we elves all train up North and return every couple of years, but we’re really everywhere. “We also have a lot of humans working with us, though they may not realize it,” the Elf added. “When you see humans do coat drives, Toys for Tots, food pantries, even just helping out, they’re part of our team. That part of the job happens all year. As Santa says, we can’t make people do these things, it has to come from inside them. But he does try to lead by example and then hope they continue giving after the holidays.” The global intelligence network also helps Santa source the gifts before Christmas. Claus himself declined to comment when asked if the elves made toys in his workshop. But according to the insider elf, it’s been a combination of elf-building and acquiring from commercial vendors for about a century. “We realized with advertising that kids would want specific brands, so we had to get those,” the elf said. “Fortunately, our worldwide network is good at getting us the right games and toys that each generation of kids wants.” As for how he knows whether kids are naughty or nice, Santa said it’s really not that complicated. “Most kids are basically nice, even if they’re naughty sometimes,” he said. “So we don’t need to detect the nice ones, we assume they are all nice. If someone is naughty enough to not get a present, it shows up on our system loud and clear. But it has to be really naughty, like being cruel to animals or hurting people on purpose.” What about nice kids who don’t get the present they want? “That’s a complicated one,” Santa admitted. “We try to balance between what a kid wants and what is the right gift. And sometimes, we just miss. Sometimes they get what they think they want and discover it’s not what they wanted after all. “And sometimes, there are things we can’t control that mean a kid doesn’t get the present he or she wants,” he continued. “But in those cases, we hope they discover that the thing itself isn’t the point, but the gift of giving.” “Our job isn’t really to deliver gifts, but to create a love for giving,” Santa said. “Remember, I go back to the days when a kid might get one ball or rag doll or some sweets and be happy to have that, and I see kids all over the world who don’t have much and don’t ask for much. Knowing someone is out here giving them a gift, hopefully opens their heart so when they get older, they can pass that along. That’s really what we do.” Santa has been on the job for at least 2,000 years and sees no sign of slowing down. He declined to discuss his age, but said he has no plans to retire. Asked what he thinks about whether people believe in him or not, Santa offered a hearty “Hoho-ho, Merry Christmas!” and said he had to get back to work. Later, the anonymous elf offered a final bit of insight. “Listen, Santa is way more than the guy in the red suit,” the elf said. “He’s a symbol of Christmas, but he isn’t just for Christmas or Christians – he works for everybody, and 99 percent of the time, no one knows it’s him making a gift happen. He works through people way more often than he flies around the world. But those trips are important because he’s showing how to give without asking for anything in return. “As for believing in him, Santa is here as long as people believe in the idea of him,” the elf added. “The philosopher Rene Descartes once said: ‘I think, therefore I am.’ Ideas have power and they’re immortal. People might think they can outgrow Santa to replace Santa, but they never do. Santa Claus came to town a long time ago and he’s here to stay.” THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 35 Come See Us At Our New Location! 1065 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 Paint protection film, Vehicle lettering & Full Service vehicle wraps 1065 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 The Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce Makes A Great GIFT! PUTNAM WINDOW TINT HAS MOVED! Over 35 in Business Years AUTO , COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL WINDOW FILM Follow us on Instagram A copy of Santa’s passport obtained by Halston media; it still uses the Robert Nast portrait from the 19th Century. PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL This 13th-century portrait of Saint Nicholas is said to be Mrs. Claus’s favorite picture of her husband. SANTA FROM PAGE 3

PAGE 36 – YORKTOWN NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 To advertise in Yorktown News, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected]. TOWN OF YORKTOWN REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES NOTICE IS HERE GIVEN, that sealed proposals will be received by the Town Clerk, Town of Yorktown, Westchester County, NY until 10:00 A.M. on January 5, 2024 at Town Hall, 363 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 for engineering services companies and the like to submit proposals for the performance of ad-hoc engineering services for the Town.   Copies of the Request for Proposal Documents will be available in the office of the Town Clerk located at said Town Hall or on the Town’s website, www.yorktownny.org under “Bids and RFPs” or on BidNet Direct at www.bidnetdirect.com. All completed proposals must be labeled “RFP: Engineering Services” and must be accompanied with an executed non-collusive bidding certificate and disclosure of relationships to the Town. The proposer 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 proposer assumes the responsibility for having bids in on the day, time, and place specified above. The Town reserves the right to waive any informalities in the proposals, to reject any or all proposals, and reserves the right to accept that proposal which it deems most favorable to the interests of the Town of Yorktown. If mailed, sealed proposals must be addressed in care of the Town Clerk at the above address. DIANA L. QUAST, TOWN CLERK TOWN OF YORKTOWN MASTER MUNICIPAL CLERK NOTICE TO BIDDERS USED CHEVROLET TAHOE OR EQUIVALENT YORKTOWN BUILDING MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids will be received by the Town Clerk, Town of Yorktown, Westchester County, NY until 10:00 A.M. on January 5, 2024 at the Town Hall, 363 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 for the purchase of a used Chevy Tahoe, or equivalent, for the Yorktown Building Maintenance Department. Specifications may be obtained at the Office of the Town Clerk, 363 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 during regular business hours, also on the Town’s website at www.yorktownny.org., or on BidNet Direct (www.bidnetdirect.com).  All bids must be accompanied by a Non Collusive Bidding Certification. All sealed bids must be received in the Office of the Town Clerk, 363 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, NY no later than 10:00 a.m. on January 5, 2024 and marked “Bid:  Purchase of Used Chevy Tahoe or Equivalent.” The Town of Yorktown reserves the right to waive any informalities in the proposals, to reject any or all proposals and reserves the right to accept that proposal which it deems most favorable to the interests of the Town of Yorktown.  DIANA L. QUAST, TOWN CLERK MASTER MUNICIPAL CLERK TOWN OF YORKTOWN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWN OF YORKTOWN NOTICE IS HERE GIVEN that a public hearing will be convened by the Town Board of the Town of Yorktown, Westchester County, New York on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at the Town Hall, 363 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598 at 7:30 o’clock PM, or as soon thereafter as the same can be heard, to consider the Underhill Farm Landmark Application submitted by the Yorktown Heritage Preservation Commission on October 19, 2023 requesting that the Underhill Farm property located at 370 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598 be a designated landmark in the Town of Yorktown. A copy of said application is on file in the office of the Town Clerk, at the said Town Hall, where the same may be inspected during regular office hours or on the Town Clerk’s webpage at www.yorktownny.org/townclerk under “Pending Projects.” All persons in interest and citizens shall be heard at the public hearing to be held as aforesaid.                                                                                                 DIANA L. QUAST, TOWN CLERK MASTER MUNICIPAL CLERK TOWN OF YORKTOWN Notice of Formation of D & E Guest Reality Management LLC.. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023-09-15. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to D & E Guest Reality Management LLC.: 79-81 Main Street, P.O. Box 1100 ground floor Yonkers NY 10702. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Notice of Formation of D&D Vele Home Solutions, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023- 10-22. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Alba Illescas: 1230 E Main Street Shrub Oak NY 10588. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Notice of Formation of O'Callaghan Brothers, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2002-01-02. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to A.J. O'Callaghan: 2 Hilltop Dr. Port Chester NY 10579. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Notice of Formation of 622 Harrison Ave, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023- 10-22. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Alba Illescas: 1230 E Main Street Shrub Oak NY 10588. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Notice of Formation of 174 Route 22, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2023-10-22. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Alba Illescas: 1230 E Main Street Shrub Oak NY 10588. Purpose: Any lawful purpose Chosen Realty, LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 7/18/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 167 Phyllis Ct, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. General Purpose For complete sale details: www.201howellave.com 800-536-1401, Ext. 111 Town of Riverhead Surplus Real Estate Auction ONLINE ONLY EVENT 60+ parcels available: Lots, Acreage, Homes, Commercial Properties 201 Howell Ave., Riverhead, NY 11901 Online auctions closing daily | www.auctionsinternational.com Property Address: ** Action Required ** To participate in this online only auction, please visit our website and complete the “Online Bidder Registration Packet”. Bidder Packet Due By: Friday, December 22ND, 2023, 4PM. Online Auction Closing Begins: Wednesday, December 27TH, 2023, 10AM Auctions_Intnl_Riverhead_2x2.crtr - Page 1 - Composite from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Call to get your FREE Information Kit 1-855-225-1434 dental50plus.com/nypress Includes the Participating (in GA: Designated) Providers and Preventive Benefits Rider. Product not available in all states. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN); Rider kinds B438/B439 (GA: B439B). 6255 DENTAL Insurance State assemblymen Matt Slater and Anil Beephan are proposing legislation that would require the state’s Public Service Commission (PSC) to hold inperson public hearings in territories where they are considering rate hikes. In a press release, the two Republican legislators said ratepayers have expressed concerns and frustration at paying some of the highest rates in the nation “but feel cut out of the decision-making process.” They cited a recent New York State Electric and Gas rate case where there was no in-person hearing “despite a formal request from Slater and Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne.” Public input was allowed only through teleconferences or hearings in Albany, with none being conducted in the Hudson Valley, the legislators said.   “Ratepayers deserve to be part of the process when Albany bureaucrats are deliberating on raising rates,” Salter said. “The Public Service Commission’s refusal to hold an in-person public hearing is unacceptable and must change. Transparency is paramount especially now as New Yorkers continue to face an affordability crisis. With this new legislation, I hope to see greater transparency and accountability so families, seniors, and small businesses are not blindsided with high utility bills.” Beephan added that residents have a right to know what they’re paying for and why. “We cannot overlook the fundamental right of ratepayers to be heard and informed,” Beephan said. “By requiring the Public Service Commission to host in-person public hearings within the impacted service territory, we are taking a vital step toward ensuring a fair, transparent, and accountable process for all.” Article courtesy of Assemblyman Slater’s Office Slater calls for hearings before utility rate hikes To advertise in Yorktown News, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected].

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PAGE 38 – YORKTOWN NEWS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com 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) Friday, December 29 • 10pm Earn Entries All Month Long! *Actual model and colors may vary. SANTA’S ELECTRIC SURPRISE Win A New Tesla!* Refuse & Recycling Department • 2279 Crompond Road www.Yorktownny.org/refuserecycling Questions?: (914) 245-4438 TOWN OF YORKTOWN REVISED SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 25TH – 29TH REMINDER: Recyclables in Plastic Bags will not be collected! DUAL-STREAM RECYCLING COLLECTIONS: MONDAY COLLECTIONS WILL BE PICKED UP ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26TH TUESDAY COLLECTIONS WILL BE PICKED UP ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27TH All other collections will remain the same KITCHEN TRASH COLLECTIONS: MONDAY COLLECTIONS WILL BE PICKED UP ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26TH TUESDAY COLLECTIONS WILL BE PICKED UP ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27TH All other collections will remain the same fifffflffiffflffiflffifflffffifflffffifflffflff  fffi fl ff The Yorktown High School staged its fall show “Play On!” for two days last month at the Ralph Napolitano Auditorium. Bringing laughs to the Yorktown community, the three-act comedy was about a theater group trying to put on a play despite its author continuously revising the script.  Cast included: Abraham Marron as Jerry Dunbar Isabella Baker as Louise Peary Kailey O’Connell as Aggie Manville Evan Menocal as Henry Benish/Lord Dudley Selma Lyons as Polly Benish/ Lady Margaret Michelle Tsentides as Marla “Smitty” Smity/Doris John Mahanna as Saul Watson/Dr. Rex Forbes Gregory Dalietos as Billy Carewe/Stephen Sellers Annabella Newberger as Violet. Imbry/Diana Lassiter Stella Amenn as Phyllis Montague Yorktown gets its ‘Play On!’ COURTESY OF YORKTOWN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

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