CLASSIFIEDS 31 GOVERNMENT AT WORK 2 LEGAL NOTICES 31 LEISURE 22 MAHOPAC MUSINGS 2 OPINION 10 SPORTS 19 YOUTH FOCUS 18 SPECIAL GRADUATION SECTION INSIDE! CONGRATULATIONS special supplement to July 3, 2024 Mahopac High School Class of 2024 VOL. 14 NO. 4 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. JULY 3 – JULY 24, 2024 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR With two energy-related public hearings on the agenda, the crowd at Town Hall spilled out into the lobby for the Carmel Town Board’s June 19 meeting as more than 200 Carmel and Somers residents packed the house to deliver one message: Stop the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project by Virginia-based East Point Energy. While that sentiment was technically beyond the scope of the hearings—which focused on whether the Town Board would impose a six-month moratorium on BESSes (sometimes known as “battery farms”) and another six-month on socalled solar farms, which also use batteries to store energy—it was the root cause of the turnout. Everyone who spoke supported the moratoriums, but many also said they wanted a longer pause or permanent ban on such projects. The moratoriums are designed to give the Town Board time to make zoning and Residents throw support behind BESS moratorium Public hearing draws hundreds of oral and written comments BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE For Donna Massaro, it was supposed to be just another warm summer day out on Lake Mahopac. Massaro, who owns the Freight House Café, grew up on the lake and has spent countless hours recreating on its waters. Last Sunday evening, June 23, Massaro along with three of her girlfriends and her dog Joey—a 65-pound pit bull—set off to do some paddle boarding. Then things went from calm and normal to a terrifying near-death experience in the blink of an eye. “We were halfway around Canopus Island when we heard thunder,” Massaro said. “But it was weird thunder. I don’t know how to explain it. It wasn’t normal.” The group decided to head back to shore. And then it began to rain. “It started to drizzle at first,” Massaro said. “And then the sky just opened up and there were these huge balls of rain and then these huge waves. I’ve never seen anything like it. It was like the ocean.” What Massaro and her friends didn’t realize at the time was they were caught in one of several microbursts—random pockets of violent weather that hit the area last Sunday knocking down trees and powerlines, blocking roads, and causing more than 1,000 homes throughout Putnam County to lose their power. The wind separated the women, but Massaro was able to find Joey and tried to get him back up on the board. “When I lifted him up we caught a wave and the board flipped in the air and hit me in the head and sort of suctioned me down to the water,” she said. “But what was really weird was I didn’t get a drop of water in my mouth or nose.” In the meantime, Massaro was beginning to panic trying to break the vacuum between the board and water’s surface that was holding her head in place. “I thought, what am I gonna do, where am I gonna go?” she said. “But I am ‘I’ve never seen anything like it...’ Carmel PD helps Donna Massaro escape violent storm on Lake Mahopac Mahopac resident Marie DeSimone literally wore her feelings by donning “9/11 gear” SEE BESS PAGE6 SEE MASSARO PAGE 24 Stunning custom home loaded w/extras! 4 BRs, 3.5 Baths (4,560 sq ft) Garage for 6 cars. Soaring ceilings in 2-story living room w/ spectacular wall-of-windows! Gourmet kitchen w/2 islands. First floor primary BR suite w/3 walk-in closets. Full basement w/10 ft ceilings. Outdoor living area w/ patio, gazebo, outdoor kitchen & much, much more! $1,540,000 Just Sold in Brewster! Georgian colonial in secluded setting! 5 BRs, 4.5 Baths (4,850 sq. ft) Spectacular details & amenities throughout - hardwood floors, dramatic 2-story entry, gourmet granite kitchen, family room w/ fireplace & double French doors to outdoor living area, modern living room, formal dining room, music room w/vaulted ceiling, luxurious primary suite w/spa bath. $1,848,000 Just Listed in Bedford! How may I help you? Call Today! Lawrence Zacks 914-282-6440 RE/MAX Classic Realty
The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Emile Menasché Editor: 845-208-0774 [email protected] Bob Dumas Editor at Large [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] DESIGN Bri Agosta Haven Elder Jacob Elder Noah Elder EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for Mahopac News is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Emile Menasché at 845-208-0774 or email [email protected]. Subscribe To request Mahopac News weekly delivery, call 845-208-8503 or email circulation@halstonmedia. com. Subscriptions are complimentary for residents and businesses in the town. Out of town mail subscriptions are $150 per year for First Class Mail. Periodicals Postage Paid at Mahopac, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mahopac News at 824 Route 6, Suite 4 • Mahopac, NY 10541 PAGE 2 – MAHOPAC NEWS (ISSN 2330-1627) Published by Halston Media, LLC at 824 Route 6, Suite 4 • Mahopac, NY 10541 Main Office 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 GOVERNMENT AT WORK Here is a look at the upcoming government meetings in town over the next two weeks: Town Board Wednesdays, July 10, 17, 7 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Planning Board Wednesday, July 24, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Environmental Conservation Board Thursday, July 18, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Thursday, July 25, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 60 McAlpin Ave. Recreation Advisory Committee Thursday, July 11, 7:30 p.m. Sycamore Park Sycamore Beach Hours With summer camp underway, the beach at Sycamore Park is open to town residents on weekdays from 3:30-6 p.m., and weekends 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fees are $8/day for adults, $7/day for youth ages 4-17, and $20/day for three or more family members. Seasonal permits are $100 for adults and nannies, $80 for youth, and $200 for families. Visitors can also rent boats. Sycamore Park is at 790 Long Pond Road in Mahopac. Learn more at carmelny.org/recreation. Fourth of July at Red Mills Park The annual Independence Day concert at Red Mills Historic Park (corner of Route 6N and Hill Street in Mahopac) will be held on July 4, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Norm Hathaway Band will perform patriotic and big band numbers. Revolutionary War reenactors will be on hand firing muskets and cannon. Free. Sunset Concert Series The Parks and Rec Dept.’s Sunset Concert Series is held on Thursday evenings throughout the summer at Chamber Park at 953 S. Lake Blvd. from 7-9 p.m. Upcoming shows July 11 - Patrick Perone Elvis Tribute and the Blue Suede Shoes Rockers: Classic rock & roll July 18 - Pablito Y Su Latin Show: Salsa, cumbia, and more Latin fusion July 24 - The Classics: Funk, soul and reggae Aug. 1 - Mike Risko Band: High-energy contemporary and classic rock Aug. 8 - 1/3 of Sophie Band: A new and funky take on music through the decades Fireman’s Carnival The Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department Annual Carnival will run from July 31-Aug. 4. As always the event kicks occ with a parade on the evening of July 31. New this year, the carnival will have earlier hours, opening earlier on Saturday and noon on Sunday. Enjoy the parade, carnival rides and games – and don’t forget to get the MVFD’s world-famous sausage and pepper wedges. This year’s raffle winner will be awarded a grand prize choice of an ATV or personal watercraft. The carnival is held on the grounds of the firehouse, 740 Route 6. MAHOPAC MUSINGS SEE MUSINGS PAGE 8 LOCATIONS: Baldwin Place • 44 Route 118 • (845) 628-7900 Croton Falls • 1 Center St • (914) 769-3206 Find out why Joe Ferone of Proper Service needs to be YOUR Go-To Automotive Service Center! YOUR FAMILY CAR CARE CENTER For over 100 years of combined auto experience, Joe Ferone and his sta of Proper Service have been serving the community, creating relationships and building a remarkable company with an amazing team JOE FERONE, owner of employees!
JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 3 Trusts • Wills • Estate Litigation • Probate • Elder Law Guardianships • Real Estate Law LAW OFFICE OF ANDRES D. GIL, PLLC 845.940.1110 973 Route 22, Suite 3, Brewster | Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Business HONOR, INTEGRITY, COMPASSION, AND DIGNITY • EST.2018 Timely Professional Service Scan Here to Visit My Website Splendid threads were the order of the day at the Mahopac senior prom on June 7. Steppin’ out in style! Misha Contractor and Samiksha Magallapalli Matching shoes on AJ Pratt and Brianna Hurd Juliana Greco and Casey Broadstetter Gianna Murtuge and Chris Sapienza step out of a 57 Chevy Jiledydi Merchan, Yin Chen, Tisana Bhandari and Emma Long Eliza Pereira and Jaden Graham Mahopac prom brings out the fashion PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL German Ventura and Taylor Martin Connor Flynn and Lexi LeBlanc
PAGE 4 – MAHOPAC NEWS JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 Parent charged in underaged drinking affair On Friday, June 21, at around 10:33 p.m., Carmel police responded to a residence on Cross Hill Road on a report of a large gathering with possible underage drinking. Upon arrival, officers observed teenagers in the street who then ran up the driveway to one of the homes where they then heard yelling and screaming. Approximately 200 teenagers in the backyard of the residence became aware of the police presence and ran to disperse. The homeowner of the residence was interviewed by police and was aware of the party and the underage drinking and stated to officers she didn’t believe it was a big deal. The homeowner was arrested and charged with first-degree unlawfully dealing with a child and released with a future court date. Man busted for menacing with a knife On Thursday, June 27, Carmel police officers were dispatched to Lake Plaza Shopping Center on Route 6 at approximately 4:30 p.m. for “a man menacing another male with a knife.” Sgt. Anderson arrived on the scene within one minute of the call and observed the suspect, Derick Klotz, standing in front of the victim’s vehicle, yelling and acting erratically. Anderson issued verbal commands to the suspect and quickly took him into custody and secured a knife. Witnesses and victims on the scene reported to police that as Klotz was crossing the street he threatened passersby with the knife and yelled threats at them. The victims included a couple with their 10-month-old child. Klotz was charged with fourthdegree criminal possession of a weapon, two counts of seconddegree menacing, endangering the welfare of a child, and firstdegree harassment. Klotz was issued an appearance ticket and released with a future court date. Police blotter 427 Birdsall Drive •Yorktown Heights, NY, 10598 [email protected] (914) 214-8322 • www.termonnstables.com The 8.7 acre, private property in Westchester County features two custom barns, multiple grass paddocks, dry lots, a 100’ x 180’ outdoor ring, an outdoor training track, and an equine swimming pond. Full-Care Board Private Lessons Horsemanship Classes Training Programs Monthly Clinics Summer Day Camp Birthday Parties Learn Or Improve Your Riding Skills. Develop Safe Horsemanship And A Strong Partnership With Your Horse. The Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department put out a brush fire that broke out behind a house Yonke Road on the afternoon of June 26. According to an MFVFD Facebook post, 1st Assistant Chief Tompkins arrived on the scene and located a brush fire, approximately 20 x 30 feet, in the woods behind a residence. “Brush truck 19-3-1 (brush truck) arrived ...and quickly extinguished the fire; 19-4-2 supplied water to 19-3-1 for a short period of time,” the post said. Mahopac Falls VFD was back in service by around 2 p.m. No injuries were reported. —Emile Menasché MFVFD stops brushfire MFVFD firefighters handle a brush fire. from spreading PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAHOPAC FALLS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPT.
JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 5 SUMMER OPEN HOUSE Maplewood at Danbury is excited to share our beautiful community with you. Come experience our boutique style living. We offer on-site nursing, seasonally inspired dining, a robust engagement calendar, and much more. Stop by for a guided tour and take home a taste of Maplewood. Enjoy a delicious take-home light lunch/dinner of soup, salad or sandwich. BEST OF SENIOR LIVING 2024 22 Hospital Avenue | Danbury, Connecticut | 203.744.8444 | MaplewoodAtDanbury.com RSVP By July 5th by scanning the QR code. If any questions, contact Diana Lopes at [email protected] or 203.744.8444. SUNDAY, JULY 7TH | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM WEDNESDAY, JULY 10TH | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
code changes in Carmel’s longawaited master plan that would restrict the size and location of any such systems. The board will vote on the moratorium at its July 10 meeting and is expected to approve a six-month pause, though some speakers urged the board to make the moratorium at least 12 months. While similar concerns were voiced about solar farms toward the end of the June 16 meeting, the BESS question dominated the proceedings, with nearly 50 people coming to the podium to urge the town to put the brakes on the East Point proposal, which calls for a 116-megawatt (116 million watts) storage system that would make Mahopac home to one of the largest battery farms on the East Coast. According to Andrew Campanelli, a lawyer representing 50 property owners opposed to the Miller Road project, East Point’s battery farm would be six times bigger than the currently largest BESS in New York State. “It’s commonly agreed by federal, state, and local governments that there is no safe way to maintain these facilities,” Campanelli said at the meeting while urging the Town Board to approve the moratorium. “The technology is too new and they simply don’t know how to stop them from going on fire.” The board left the public comment period open until June 30. Late last week, Supervisor Mike Cazzari said they’d received more than 115 written comments about the project, with the overwhelming majority supporting a moratorium or a permanent ban. At the meeting, Somers and Mahopac residents spoke about the potential harm the Miller Road BESS would bring. In addition to fire—which many believe would be beyond the capabilities of local volunteer agencies to fight—residents cited contamination of the water supply, radiation, noise, security risks of a largely unmanned facility, and the harm to property values. Somers resident Scott Maoriello said he was speaking for many at the meeting who had been wanting to put their opposition to the project on the record for months and called a six-month moratorium “way too short.” “We welcome the opportunity to speak here tonight against any battery energy storage systems being placed in Carmel,” Maoriello said. “We support this moratorium.” Maoriello said he was “deeply concerned because behind each of these proposed BESS systems is a foreign multibillion-dollar energy company, like East Point Energy out of Virginia owned by Equinor, a multi-billion dollar Norwegian oil company” while the land was controlled by “very wealthy and powerful local property owners.” “They’re willing to take all of the rewards, and we are forced to assume all of the risks,” he said, proposing a yearlong moratorium instead of the currently proposed six months. “Government and democracy in general takes time and patience,” he said. “And we want clear, thoughtful, and comprehensive legislation that bans any battery energy storage systems ever being put in our towns.” Lawyer Bill Coleman came to the podium representing the town of Somers. “The town of Somers is in favor of the moratorium,” Coleman said. “This type of facility does not belong in Carmel or Somers and a six-month moratorium is a critical first step. This is too serious a matter to move forward without a full understanding of the risks associated with these facilities, and we applaud your efforts to take a breath and thoughtfully consider the best path forward.” Mahopac resident Kathleen McKenzie called the proposed project “a money and power grab from a predatory foreign oil and gas company, the state of New York, and landowners, at the expense of our health, safety, and wellbeing.” PAGE 6 – MAHOPAC NEWS JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com WE ARE MOVING. As of July 1, 2024, come visit us at OUR NEW LOCATION 253 ROUTE 202 SOMERS, NY 10589 85 Myrtle Avenue, Mahopac, NY 10541 845-628-7500 • www.pineg rovecou ntrydayscho ol .com Certified by NYS Department of Education/NYS Department of Social Service • Infant (6weeks - 12 months) • Wobbler/Toddler (12-36 months) • Preschool (3-5 yrs) • Pre-K (older 4’s) • Before & After School (5-12 yrs) Now accepting CAMP REGISTRATION for Summer 2024! Now accepting CAMP REGISTRATION for Summer 2024! Progressive Animal Hospital What is the most common mismanaged condition that you see? THE ITCHY DOG! Is your pet... scratching • licking • chewing feet or having chronic skin infections? Stop treating the symptoms and find out the underlying cause with a simple blood test. Get your pet feeling better and stop the frequent trips to the vet. INDEPENDENTLY OWNED and OPERATED 268 route 202 l somers, ny 10589 914.248.6220 l progressive-vet.com Voted “Best of Somers” 2020-2023 Attorney Andrew Campanelli represents about 50 homeowners. He discussed and later submitted documents outlining strategies New York towns can use when dealing with energy storage systems. PHOTO EMILE MENASCHÉ BESS FROM PAGE 1 SEE BESS PAGE 7
JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 7 Perrone Family CHIROPRACTIC 925 Route 6 • Mahopac, NY 10541 • Tel: (845)628-3805 Serving the Mahopac Community for Over 25 Years We will take care of you like family. FOR A LIMITED TIME CALL US TODAY FOR DETAILS GET 10% OFF UP LOSE TO 40lbs IN 42 DAYS! AND OUR PROGRAM IF YOU WANT: Less Pain, to Feel Great, and Better Health... CALL US TODAY! We utilize many different types of therapy and treatment to get you feeling your best. Chiropractic • Massage Therapy • Acupuncture Spinal Decompression • Neurofeedback • Weight Loss Come indulge in scenic Lake Mahopac • New & Pre-owned Boats • Service & Repairs • Docking & Storage • Boating Accessories 1 Marina Dr. • Mahopac, NY • 845-628-2333 57 macdonaldmarineny.net MacDonaldMarineNY McKenzie, an RN, said the town needed to be “more transparent” and wanted “no more surprises.” “I request the town of Carmel create a task force of stakeholders which would also include representation of people who would live next to this impending doom from Mahopac and Somers,” including Somers Supervisor Robert Scorrano and local health officials. “I believe this will be a public health crisis, a nightmare, and I would like all our local health departments and hospitals to weigh in on this moratorium.” Reached late last week, Cazzari said the board is studying strategies used by other towns in the New York state to limit or ban BESSes and solar farms. “We found a task force on Long Island that released a draft report with notes and model law for their town and the surrounding communities,” Cazzari said. “The restrictions included nothing within 150 feet of a wetland, nothing in proximity wells, parks, bike paths, streams and tributaries, etc.” Carmel town historian Alicia Briley—whose roots in the area go back to pre-colonial times— said that while renewable energy is good, the size and location of the East Point BESS would be bad for the environment. “Everything affects our wildlife whether we realize it or not,” said Briley who used the Canada wildfires as an example. Among the concerns raised at the podium, fire was the word heard most often. Speakers discussed the challenges of fighting such fires, the potential unwillingness of neighboring volunteer departments to offer mutual aid for lithium-ion fires, the way that fires need to be left to burn, and more. Mahopac resident Lourdes Valley proposed an 18-month moratorium due to a lack of data about BESSes and said she had more than 25 years of developing battery-powered consumer products. “I know the risks,” she said. “How we vet these kinds of products is critical. It should be independent of any consultants used by the applicants as their advice to us poses a conflict of interest [in] what’s best for their business plans as opposed to the wellbeing of our community at large.” Valley said half of the fires at BESS facilities happen within the first two years of operation and noted that East Point fire safety expert Brian Fink had little experience with battery farm fires. “Mr. Fink claimed [East Point] conducted their own safety testing based on one container,” Valle said. “The sample size of this test was not compared to the total size of the proposed project.” Valle said Fink said the test showed a BESS fire was “probably similar” to an electric car fire and said it can take up to 36 hours for all the gasses to dissipate with a single car fire. “For perspective, an electric car battery has up to 50-100 kilowatts,” she said, adding that the 115-megawatt system “would be equivalent to 1,160 electric cars right in our backyards.” Although no one from East Point Energy spoke at the public hearing, Tyler Cline, vice president of project development, said company representatives were at the meeting and were aware of the opposition to their project. “East Point Energy attended the Carmel Town Board meeting on June 19 with the intent of listening to the community regarding the proposed moratorium on battery energy storage systems,” Cline said in a written response to questions about the meeting. “We appreciated the concerns raised by residents regarding these types of systems as well as the proposed Union Energy Center project. Similar to the feedback we’ve sought and received previously for this project from local stakeholders, we took note of what speakers had to say, ensuring community input is heard in our ongoing efforts to responsibly develop critical infrastructure that will support energy reliability and affordability for the region at large.” Asked whether East Point would consider abandoning the project in light of the local opposition, Cline said the company would wait to see what the Town Board decides on July 10. “Regarding the proposed moratorium on battery energy storage systems, we await the final decision from the Town Board next month and will reassess the next steps for the Union Energy Center project at that point in time,” Cline said. “We remain committed to continued engagement with local stakeholders for all of our projects to ensure delivery of a safe project that provides meaningful benefits to the local community and the region.” BESS FROM PAGE 6
PAGE 8 – MAHOPAC NEWS JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 Putnam County police agencies and STOP-DWI coordinators will participate in special efforts to bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving throughout the Fourth of July weekend. The statewide STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign will end on July 7. The Fourth of July extended weekend is historically a deadly period for impaired driving. Police said the iconic American holiday is also one of the deadliest holidays of the year due to impaired-driving crashes. The STOP-DWI July 4th High Visibility Engagement Campaign is one of many statewide initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The campaign also targets Memorial Day, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, the holiday season, Super Bowl weekend, and St. Patrick’s Day. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. Download the mobile app – “Have a Plan” and you will always be able to find a safe ride home at www.stopdwi.org/mobileapp. Article courtesy of Putnam County Sheriff ’s Office Putnam cops ramping up STOP-DWI campaign IAC Columbus Parade Fundraiser The Italian American Club of Mahopac is seeking to bring back the Columbus Day parade to Mahopac and celebrate Italian heritage at the Evening in the Piazza. As a fundraiser, it is selling raffle tickets for a boat ride and tour of Petra Island on Lake Mahopac and the Frank Lloyd Wright design house, a $300-valued prize for the winner and their guest. Seven winners will be drawn on Aug. 17, the night of The Evening in the Piazza, in Chamber Park. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Freight House Cafe, 609 Route 6, Mahopac, at every Italian American Club event, 141 Buckshollow Road, or by calling Giulio Cefaloni at (845) 745-2655 or Donna Massaro at (845) 628-1872. Visit our website or Facebook page for more information. For band sponsorships and tax-deductible parade donations, call Giulio at (845)745-2655. Putnam Land Trust Seeks Board Trustees the Putnam County Land Trust is seeking board members. Candidates are not required to be experts in the field but rather have an interest in the environment and a dedication to the mission of the land trust to “The protection of forests and wetlands, wildlife habitats and important water resources in and around Putnam County.” The trust envisions a healthy future for all, including access to safe drinking water, clean air, and opportunities to engage with nature and one another. In addition to preparing for and attending board meetings, trustees are encouraged to serve on one of the board committees. Currently, there are twoand three-year terms available. Those interested can email info@ putnamcountylandtrust.org or call 845 743 3187. Applications should be completed applications by June 15.. Consideration will be given to applications after that date if seats are available. Farmers Market The Carmel Farmers Market at Lake Mahopac is now open every Sunday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. through Oct. 20 at the Chamber Park, 953 S. Lake Blvd. Fresh produce and crafts - supporting local and regional farmers and artisans. Call 845-628-7888 for more info. Lifeguard Classes The Carmel Recreation and Parks Department is offering American Red Cross lifeguard classes. Lifeguard employment with the Rec Department is guaranteed upon passing the ARC course. Summer camp counselor and CIT positions are also available. Visit carmelny.org/recreation or call the recreation office at 845- 628-7888 for more information. Sycamore Park Summer Jobs The Carmel Recreation and Parks Department is hiring at Sycamore Park’s summer camp. Positions available include lifeguards (must pass training course for certification), camp maintenance (must be at least 18), leaders and counselors (must be 16 by June 30), and CIT— counselors in training, (must be 15 by June 30), CITs will earn community service credit. Visit carmelny.org/recreation or call the recreation office at 845- 628-7888 for more information. 4-H Fair Vendors Wanted The annual Putnam County Fair and 4-H Showcase will be held on Saturday, July 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Carmel. This event attracts thousands of individuals and families from the Hudson Valley and the tristate area. Putnam County and Cornell Cooperative Extension MUSINGS FROM PAGE 2 SEE MUSINGS PAGE 26 1-800-PROPANE *Offler expires 6/30/24 Tank installation special applies to standard installation of above-ground tank. Offler applies to new residential customers with a fuel service agreement, subject to credit approval. 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JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 9 Service... Integrity... Compassion Family owned and operated We began with a mission to celebrate life and serve families. There is much peace to be found here, and we invite you to find yours. Explore more. Take a tour. Read our story. Share in experiences. Anthony J. Guarino Family Owned & Operated 945 East Main Street • Shrub Oak, NY 10588 • (914) 962-0700 YorktownFuneralHome.com • [email protected] 914.455.2158 SpirelliElectric.com • [email protected] Specializing in residential & commercial services. Licenses in Westchester, Putnam CREATING CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE Family Owned—Over 40 Years Experience! Light up your summer • Outdoor Lighting • Smart Home Setup • Electric Car Chargers • GENERATORS AND ALL OF YOUR ELECTRIC NEEDS! $25 OFF Service Calls When You Present this Ad First Time Customers Only BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA STAFF REPORTER The town of Carmel will receive $2 million in federal funding to aid water quality improvements and help keep Lake Mahopac clean. Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) announced earlier this month there will be an investment of more than $10 million in infrastructure throughout Putnam County. The investment, which was included in the 2024 state budget, brings projects to every town in the county including sidewalk and pedestrian safety improvements, “A few months ago, we concluded the appropriations work on 2024’s federal spending,” Lawler said at a press conference at Carmel Town Hall in Mahopac on Thursday morning. “The two funding bills we passed that were signed into law included a combined $58 million in funding for our (17th) district.” The funds are going toward a variety of needs across the 17th District, including ensuring clean drinking water, mitigating flooding in several neighborhoods, revitalizing downtown communities, providing critical resources for local law enforcement, improving pedestrian safety, and creating good-paying, union jobs Joining Lawler at the Carmel Town Hall were County Executive Kevin Byrnes, Assemblyman Matt Slater, Carmel Supervisor Michael Cazzari, Putnam Valley Supervisor Jacqueline Annabi, Kent Supervisor Jaime McGlasson, Brewster Mayor James Shoeing, and County Legislator Erin Crowley. “Congressman Lawler got this done, he was the one who made the request,” said Byrne. “And we appreciate all the support, but we know that it really started with Congressman Mike Lawler making himself accessible, prioritizing Putnam County, and we could not be more grateful.” Cazzari said the $2 million will help make a difference in making sure Carmel’s drinking water stays clean and will also improve access to Lake Mahopac.” “These improvements are going to have a lasting, positive impact on the quality of impact on all the residents of the town of Carmel,” Cazarri said. Putnam Valley will receive $1.5 million for a new pump station for the Oregon Corners Sewer District, and Kent is slated to get $1.237 million for dam rehabilitation which will shore up and secure one of the dams along Lake Carmel. Carmel to get $2 million in fed funds for water quality upgrades Carmel Supervisor Mike Cazzari (at podium) thanks Congressman Lawler (second from left) for the $2 million in funding for the town’s water improvement. PHOTO: SOPHIA CASELNOVA Your ad could be here. Call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 to find out how.
Opinion BRETT FREEMAN, PUBLISHER EMILE MENASCHÉ, EDITOR TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Editorial Office: 845-208-0774 [email protected] 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those of Mahopac 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 845-208-0774 PAGE 10 – MAHOPAC NEWS JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 Suburban communities have been under assault by New York State and the federal government for several years now, and some of our Democrat legislators have outright embraced the effort. From 2008-2017, The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) worked to dissolve local zoning in seven Westchester communities, which they outrageously labeled “racist” for having single-family zoning, much of it a quarter acre. The feds, and the local elected leaders who bowed down to them, refused to acknowledge that local zoning determines where projects can be built in towns and villages, not who can live there. (It’s worth noting that Westchester is the most diverse county in New York State outside the five boroughs of New York City, something we can be proud of.) Then, in 2022, State Sen. Peter Harckham, one of HUD’s kowtowers, tried to pull another fast one on his constituents. Harckham sponsored legislation to effectively erase local zoning laws in Westchester and Putnam communities near train stations. Under Harckham’s bill, multi-family buildings could be erected as-of-right in quiet residential neighborhoods in Putnam and Westchester, threatening their resources, character and traffic patterns. Extraordinary organic blowback convinced Harckham to pull his measure. Now, Harckham is at it again, this time by working to give New York State authority over local communities in placing massive energy facilities. Harckham seems to believe that progressives in Albany, like him, know what’s better for our communities than we do. We only live here. I mention Harckham by name because he refused to use mine in an attack on me recently published in these pages. The subject was the proposal to build the largest battery farm in America in the Mahopac-Somers-Carmel area, which I and thousands of my neighbors adamantly oppose. That opposition caused Harckham to take a step back, this time saying he’s supporting a “temporary” moratorium on the project. We all know what “temporary” means in New York. Harckham and his progressive allies in Albany are making a habit of advancing projects against the will of everyday New Yorkers. The disastrous $15 Congestion Pricing Tax proposal, for example, which Harckham supports, just wasted more than half a billion dollars in taxpayer funds for license plate readers that will likely never be used. Gov. Hochul, with Harckham’s full support, buried congestion pricing in a budget bill to avoid public debate. Once again, they knew better, and it cost us. It doesn’t stop there: Also in 2022, Harckham threatened to cut off all state funding for local public schools with mascots he deemed offensive. He walked that one back, too. He also supported the natural gas ban on new residential construction in large swaths of the state. Albany knows better than new homeowners, it seems. Harckham knows better than car owners as well. Under a law he backed, all new vehicles in New York have to be electric by 2035, regardless of whether people want or can afford them. I won’t even go into his plan to bring socialized medicine to New York, other than to note that Harckham’s legislation would abolish private health insurance in the state and increase personal income tax rates from 6.65 percent to 18.3 percent for those earning $150,000 per year or more. Pete knows best, just as he did in legalizing marijuana without adequate safeguards in place. The result is thousands of illegal pot shops across the region selling completely unregulated products. I’m running for State Senate to represent the everyday, common-sense residents of Westchester, Putnam and Rockland who actually know a thing or two about their hometowns. Gina Arena is running for State Senate in New York’s 40th District, which includes parts of Westchester, Putnam and Rockland counties. Home rule protects us from Albany GINA ARENA GUEST COLUMNIST I f you live long enough (I guess I have), you can look back at the people who have flowed in and out of your life and divide those friendships into three categories: High school/college, work/professional, and, most importantly... habits. Sometimes you don’t realize what a profound impact a person has had on your life until you engage in a little solemn introspection, look back, and realize, hey, they weren’t that nuts after all. I met Jon in the summer before seventh grade, so I guess he falls under the high school category. He had a brother named Thom and always joked that Thom stole his “h.” My best friend, George, invited Jon to the neighborhood to hang out. (I’ve written about George before. As kids, we ran a lemonade stand together; as an adult he escaped the Twin Towers on 9/11.) Anyway, I wasn’t sure how I felt about this invitation. Who was this interloper? Well, let me tell you who he was. His dad had been named executive director of YMCA Holiday Hills Conference Center. The place was about 100 yards from my house. It featured a huge lake for swimming, fishing, boating and canoeing. It had six tennis courts and a couple of basketball courts. It had horses for riding and trails for hiking. In the winter, there were toboggan runs. Could a kid ask for a better place to grow up? Jon arrived for his visit and told us he and his family moved here from Potosi, Mo. Never heard of it? That’s OK. No one has. We thought the best way to invite Jon officially into the fold was to play a game of Wiffle ball. We went over the ground rules with him (hit it over the telephone wires that ran from the pole to the house and it’s a home run) and handed Jon the bat. He held it like it was some type of deadly viper poised to attack. He grabbed it by the handle but with his hands flip-flopped in the wrong places. I showed him the correct way and then he put the bat on his shoulder and stood directly on home plate (a Frisbee). I sighed. The telephone lines were in no danger that day. But Jon turned out to be an affable guy and smart as a whip, which I liked. We became fast friends and suddenly Holiday Hills with all its perks and amenities became my backyard. In the summer, I joined the tennis league, and in the winter, we went ice fishing on the lake using homemade rigs. What Jon lacked in athleticism and sports knowledge, he made up for with music. He was an accomplished piano player by ninth grade and played in the orchestra pit for most of the school’s musicals. While we were all rockin’ to Zeppelin, Floyd, and Tull, Jon was practicing Mozart and Chopin. This instantly made him more interesting. Up to that point, I’d never given much thought to politics. I was in eighth grade. I had no idea how any of it worked and didn’t really care. (Sometimes I miss those days.) But Jon did. And he was about to indoctrinate me. This was the early ’70s when the Vietnam War was raging pointlessly on. The battles for both civil rights and women’s rights were at the fore. People had been assassinated. Woodstock was happening. I didn’t know it then, but Jon’s parents were intellectual liberals and embodied every cliché conservatives hate about them (often referring to them pejoratively as the “elites”). Jon’s mom made granola from scratch. I had never seen the stuff before— homemade or otherwise—and it looked appalling to me. It looked like bird food. She also taught yoga classes... in the ’70s! She didn’t use goats though. Back then it was just the mat and the downward dog. Jon’s dad wore sports coats with leather patches on the elbows and smoked a pipe! (the perfect portrait of an elitist academic). And they even drove a Volvo! Damn hippies! The list of indignities goes on and on. Jon was the first one to clue me in on Nixon and his shenanigans. It led me to How granola and Volvos changed my life BOB DUMAS OUT OF MY HEAD SEE DUMAS PAGE 11
JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 11 Law Offices of Joseph J. Tock 963 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 TOCKLAW.COM • 845-628-8080 CRIMINAL DEFENSE/DWI • PERSONAL INJURY REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS LAW • WILLS, TRUSTS, ESTATES, PROBATE ‘ The collective background Joe & his team bring forth is that of expertise, dedication and compassion. ~C.K. Come See Us At Our New Location! PUTNAM WINDOW TINT AUTO , COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL WINDOW FILM Follow us on Instagram 1065 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • Paint protection film • Vehicle lettering • Full Service vehicle wraps • gift cards available Over 35 in Business Years DUMAS FROM PAGE 10 Hochul gives up on commuter tax Dear Editor, This past week we saw Gov. Hochul and Albany Democrats finally give up on the so-called “congestion pricing plan” they’ve been trying to shove down our throats. They abandoned their plan to charge drivers $15 to enter lower Manhattan. Before we start applauding this decision, however, there are a few questions worth asking. We can assume this decision wasn’t made because of the consistent opposition from first responders, small business owners and Rockland residents who have no reliable mass transit options for their commute into Manhattan. If this was done out of respect for them, Albany would have listened to them the first 20 times they raised this concern on the floor of the State Legislature, at numerous public hearings, and in the news. Could it be that Hochul and her friends are anxious about the 2024 election season and the consequences that races in the NY metro area will inevitably have on the national level? Another valid question: what was the cost to taxpayers for this 11th hour reversal? Congestion pricing was set to begin in a matter of weeks—how much have we all paid for the cameras, tolling software and endless bureaucracy? How much money was spent on “consultants,” private contractors, and senior-level advisors who paved the way for this plan? Who chose these people, and according to what criteria? Perhaps most importantly, who will be held accountable for this blatant waste of money? Some elected officials have consistently opposed this, including the Hudson Valley’s own Congressman Mike Lawler, who introduced legislation to withhold federal transportation funding from the MTA until congestion pricing was repealed. Other politicians agitated for this cash grab, like former Congressman Mondaire Jones and disgraced ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and now they try to rewrite the story. Voters know better and won’t fall for it. Oppose Jones’ and Hochul’s vain attempts to save their own skin. Support leaders like Lawler, who have been consistent on this issue from the start. -Gabrielle Smith Mahopac LETTER discover Woodward and Bernstein, the two Washington Post reporters who blew open the Watergate case, and inspired me to seek a career in journalism. Jon got me all hopped up about George McGovern, who was the Democrat running against Nixon in 1972. Our class held a mock presidential election. Nixon won 78-4. Jon, me, and our mutual friend Jennifer voted for McGovern. We never figured out who the fourth vote was from, but I like to think they are still out there fighting the good fight. Our little mock vote was emblematic of the actual election in which Nixon won in the greatest landslide in presidential history. McGovern only took one state— Massachusetts—and the District of Columbia. However, we (and probably that fourth voter too) took smug solace two years later when Nixon resigned in disgrace in the wake of the Watergate scandal. Jon wanted to get T-shirts made up that said, “Told You So!” Eventually, we graduated high school, and all went off to college. A few years later we reunited, and Jon told me he had some news to share. His news was that he had figured out he was gay. I wasn’t sure how to react at first. Growing up in a tiny town, he was the first gay guy I was actually aware of. (A few years later, that changed!) But the way I looked at it was like this: This was the same guy I’d known for 10 years. He was still smart, funny and engaging. Nothing had really changed. This new piece of information didn’t mean a damn thing. And why should it? And then it all kind of made sense to me. Jon was a very goodlooking guy. In high school, he had girls hanging all over him and never took advantage. He explained to me how difficult and confusing his journey of self-discovery had been. He wavered back and forth over his sexuality and what it should be, and it took a while for him to become comfortable with himself. His story moved me, and all these years later it continues to inform my position of LGBT rights and inclusivity. Jon was able to find a life partner and they’ve been together for nearly 40 years. He became an urban planner and did a lot of key work on Battery Park in New York City. (He loved/loves Manhattan!) We don’t stay in touch like we used to, but we do occasionally contact each other via Facebook. Now and then he will post a picture of a building because, I assume, he admires the architecture. He also, for some reason, likes to post pictures of birds. Things like herons and cranes. There is never any explanation. Just a picture of some random bird. Sometimes I will comment, “Nice bird.” He ignores me. Jon never preached to me, saying believe in this, believe in that. He just talked and I absorbed. All these years later I still embrace many of those same values, those same political points of view. Though I never owned one, I still kind of like Volvos. But as for granola? Oh, that’s a whole other story. Bob Dumas is editor at large for Halston Media. He has long grown weary of presidential politics but recently heard that organic granola could help with digestive issues. So, there’s that. You can write him at [email protected].
PAGE 12 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 Elder Law & Estate Planning A Tradition of Excellence in Elder Law Wills, Trusts & Estates | Estate Planning | Probates Elder Law, Medicaid Coordination & Estate Planning Attorneys We Make Home & Hospital Visits Contact the Team Today! (845) 621-8640 thefellergroup.com 625 Route 6, Mahopac NY 10541 FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HOT WATER HEATER & GAS NEEDS 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com Happy 4th of July! RED WHITE & BLUE SAVINGS! TAKE $100 OFF ANY WATER HEATER/WATER SOFTENER INSTALLATION. 1964-2024 60 Years of Excellence Dear Dr. Linda, Many years ago I was handed this fun quiz, “Matching Patriotic Song Lyrics to the Song.” I thought your readers would enjoy it as we approach the Fourth of July. It’s a great activity for the young and old. -Marlene H. Dear Marlene H., Thanks so much for sending me this great list of songs and lyrics. I’m not so sure how the young will do, but some middle agers and definitely seniors will have fun seeing how many songs they can match with their lyrics. Lyrics 1. “Stand beside her and guide her thru the night with a light from above.” 2. “Ev’ry heart beats true ‘neath the red, white and blue, where there’s never a boast or brag.” 3. “He has sounded from the trumpet that shall never call retreat, he is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment-seat” 4. “O’er the ramparts we watched, Were so gallantly streaming.” 5. “Sweet land of liberty” 6. “From the redwood forest, to the gulf stream waters. This land was made for you and me.” 7. “Father and I went down to camp, Along with Captain Gooding…” 8. “Where the deer and the antelope play…” 9. “For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties…” 10. “The red and white and starry blue Is freedom’s shield and hope.” Songs • “The Star-Bangled Banner” ____ • “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” ____ • “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” ____ • “America the Beautiful” ____ • “God Bless America” ____ • “Stars and Stripes Forever” ____ • “Yankee Doodle” ____ • “This Land is Your Land” ____ • “You’re a Grand Old Flag” ____ • “Home on the Range” ____ Answers: “The Star-Bangled Banner” (4), “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” (5), “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” (3), “America the Beautiful” (9), “God Bless America” (1), “Stars and Stripes Forever” (10), “Yankee Doodle” (7), “This Land is Your Land” (6), “You’re a Grand Old Flag” (2), “Home on the Range” (8) Happy Birthday America! -Dr. Linda Dr. Linda, along with her husband, Dr. Al, own Strong Learning Tutoring and Test Prep serving Westchester and Putnam counties for over 40 years. Strong Learning tutors students K-12 in any subject, in person or remotely. Drs. Linda and Al are also the authors of “Why Bad Grades Happen to Good Kids,” available on Amazon and at stronglearning.com. Take this patriotic quiz DR. LINDA SILBERT STRONG LEARNING At the start of his first year in private school, Pete Cormier, a skinny low man on the totem pole freshman, took a stand, closer to a leap of faith, for what he believed was right. His stand began at the Cormier dinner table in 1968. Pete complained to his father, the writer Robert Cormier, about being tasked to sell chocolates for a school fundraiser. His father, no lover of authority, gave him permission not to participate. For the next few years, in his spare time while working as a newspaper editor and columnist, the senior Cormier stayed up late turning his son’s unheralded act of defiance into a best seller, “The Chocolate War.” The book follows a smalltown high school freshman who refuses to sell candy for his school’s fundraiser. The aggrieved school headmaster then sets loose the hounds. By the end of the book, its idealistic hero is beaten, ostracized and left just as alone as ever. Published in 1974, the book found a wide audience with Pete Cormier’s lonely stand for freedom LORENZO GARO OF HUMAN INTEREST SEE GARO PAGE 13
JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 OPINION MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 13 Having some fun in the sun can be good for you, but it is important to protect yourself from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Overexposure to UV rays can cause irreversible damage to your skin, as well as increase your risk of skin cancer and certain eye conditions. Helpful Tips for UV Ray Protection Enjoy the sun safely and protect yourself from UV rays. For a full list of Optum providers, please scan the QR code visit our website at optum.com/medicalcare • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. • Seek shade whenever possible, especially between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. • Don’t go tanning, either in the sun or in a tanning bed. Instead, ask your provider about safe topical tanning agents. • Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, long pants and sunglasses that block UV rays. • Use a lip balm with sunscreen. Talk with your provider or dermatologist if you notice any moles or changes to your skin. Early detection is key to successfully treating skin cancer. Here are some important tips to shield your skin and eyes from UV Rays: Optum Medical Care, P.C. (“Optum Medical Care”) is a physician owned and led practice having complete authority for all medical decision-making and patient care through its physicians and other licensed professionals. Optum, through its owned management organizations, provides non-clinical administrative services to support Optum Medical Care and its physicians. Neither Optum nor its management companies employs, engages, or supervises physicians or other licensed professionals, or determines or sets the methods, standards, or conduct of the practice of medicine or health care provided by Optum Medical Care or by any of its licensed professionals. “Part of Optum” reflects that Optum Medical Care is part of Optum’s effort to support forward-thinking physician practices in helping their patients live healthier lives. Optum is a registered trademark of Optum, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other brand or product names are the property of their respective owners. Because we are continuously improving our products and services, Optum reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice. Optum is an equal opportunity employer. © 2024 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved. 06/24 young people who were already disenchanted with the Vietnam War and the way their elders were running the country. Many battles were being fought. Reproductive rights, civil and gay rights, but the most important battle, arguably the battle from which all human rights proceed from, was the one fought by Pete Cormier and the character in his father’s book: the right to question authority. “The Chocolate War” spurred book-ban challenges across the country. The book was condemned for its “locker room” language (I have heard far worse from soccer moms) and “depressing” tone. A teen stands up to authority and gets beat-up and chased out of school. The people who are supposed to protect him and be his friends attempt to destroy him. It is a depressing story and who knows how it ends? The Declaration of Independence does nothing but question and restrain authority. Its radical proposition, “all men are created equal,” is easily the most anti-authoritarian proclamation ever made and, of course, the bane of authoritarians large and small. In most cases, the book was reinstated. Cormier spent months responding to challenges. He invited interviews with educators and corresponded with critics on both sides. But in the late 1980s, a parent from Panama City, Fla., whose child attended Mowat Middle School, objected to the book’s “morbid” and “depressing” tone. The book was immediately pulled. This in return prompted a group of English teachers, who had spent years getting rid of outdated textbooks and were trying to find titles that would get their students interested in reading, to take a stand against book banning at their school. Then things got scary. A reporter covering the story found the front door to his house set ablaze, after publicly revealing that there were invalid signatures on the petition supporting the ban. The teachers all received death threats. After a class action lawsuit was filed, Mowat school officials slowly began restoring the banned titles. Book bans are only meaningful as symbols, especially today, when any 12-year-old can read a banned book just by pressing a few buttons. For me, in view of the polarized country we live in today, the most striking aspect of the Panama City story is the way threats of violence against public school educators, small town clerks, and many more, have become the norm. Silence only justifies the threats. Does it take that much courage for our leaders to speak out against political terrorism? Today, we celebrate freedom. We do it with armed guards, bomb-sniffing police dogs, and the vigilance required to live in a nation that, for all its freedoms, feels less safe than it ever has been. We once believed that nuclear weapons might end war once and for all, the consequences too devastating to even think about. Yet the entire world, every person in it, is being held hostage by them. Why can’t we learn that no amount of weaponry can keep us safe unless we first agree not to shoot each other? I know that makes no sense. It is like putting the cart before the horse. Or destroying ourselves before giving peace a try. Freedom means different things to different people. One person’s freedom is another’s prison. On the Fourth of July, I think of the Mayflower, not the ship, the pilgrims. Just as Pete Cormier, the schoolteachers at Mowat, county clerks, and many others, they were standing up to oppression, too. They must have had some boat ride, crossing the ocean with little more to guide them than the stars and their faith. It’s not a stockpile of nukes or the mightiest military in the world that keeps America free. It’s a ninth-grader questioning authority, public educators refusing to be stifled by politics, election officials risking their lives to preserve the vote. If they don’t disappear, neither will freedom. GARO FROM PAGE 12 What’s more American on the Fourth of July than flagwaving, fireworks, barbecue, and … movies! In that spirit of ‘76, I thought it would be appropriate to suggest some movies about our nation’s history and movies not about our history but take place on the Fourth of July. These 10 selections serve as a sampler of what’s out there, to whet your appetite. [Credit to Wikipedia, funboy.com and today.com for helping with my research.] Born on the Fourth of July (1989) A sprawling anti-war drama starring Tom Cruise that is adapted from the autobiography of Ron Kovic, a Vietnam veteran and wounded warrior who was paralyzed in battle becomes an outspoken and eloquent critic of the war after his exasperation in dealing with an unresponsive Veterans Administration. Harriet (2019) Featuring an Oscarnominated title performance by Cynthia Erivo, this bio-pic of the abolitionist Harriet Get in the spirit of ‘76 with a viewing party BRUCE APAR BRUCE THE BLOG SEE APAR PAGE 14
PAGE 14 – MAHOPAC NEWS OPINION JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 Tubman tracks her escape from slavery to her heroic liberation of hundreds of slaves via the Underground Railroad. Revolution (1985) If this British historical drama set in New York during the Revolutionary War is unfamiliar to you, it’s likely because it did a belly flop. Still, it’s included here for sentimental reasons – as a respectful tip of the hat to recently deceased Donald Sutherland and because it also stars Al Pacino, who’s always interesting to watch even when not much else around him is. National Treasure (2004) Watch Francis Ford Coppola’s nephew (Nicolas Cage) steal the Declaration of Independence in a “treasure hunt through American history that’s as educational as it is exhilarating.” [Funboy.com] Independence Day (1996) Starring amateur prizefighter Will Smith, this disaster movie about “aliens attacking Earth and humanity bandin together” is “the ultimate 4th of July barbecue but with spaceships and a much bigger budget.” [Funboy.com] Hamilton (2020) Yes, the Broadway phenomenon from LinManuel Miranda that features Alexander Hamilton and other founding fathers rapping also is a film on Disney +. Jaws (1975) This landmark summer blockbuster is directed by a 26-year-old prodigy named Steven Spielberg. The screen adaptation of Peter Benchley’s bestselling novel, which takes place on the Fourth of July, terrorized real-life beachgoers for years beyond its theatrical release. John Williams’s bone-chilling score features what is arguably the most recognizable main theme in Hollywood history. Even the iconic tagline struck fear in sunbathers: “Just when you thought it was safe to get back in the water.” Lincoln (2012) Steven Spielberg’s film, which follows the final four months of The Great Emancipator’s life, picked up a dozen Oscar nominations. Its heart and soul is the acting genius of Daniel Day-Lewis, whose uncanny portrayal of the 16th president earned the British thespian his third Best Actor triumph. Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) James Cagney’s unique stature in the pantheon of movie greats can be summed up by noting that the actor whose fame was built playing tough-asnails gangsters won the Best Actor Oscar as legendary song–and-dance man George M. Cohan (composer of numerous patriotic standards, such as “Your’re a Grand Old Flag” and “Over There”), who was born on the Fourth of July. 1776 (1972) It helps to be a Broadway musical fan to appreciate this light-hearted and quite tuneful take on the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but it also makes a serviceable American history lesson. Spoiler (not): the birth of our nation was fraught with political factions lurching at each other’s throats. Ah, yes. The more things change … APAR FROM PAGE 13
JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 FOCUS ON ELDER LAW For many years my clients would tell me that they regretted not having purchased longterm-care insurance (“LTCI”) when they were younger, could afford it and were insurable. While it is true that hindsight is 20-20, having LTCI does not guarantee you will have a need for it as you age. For example, you could pay the premium for a LTCI policy for 25-30 years and pass away in your 90s without ever having received the benefits from the LTCI policy. Unless one has purchased a hybrid LTCI policy (one which has both a death benefit and a longterm-care benefit), LTCI is a lot like having auto insurance. It is only useful if an individual goes into a nursing home, needs home health-aide assistance and is unable to perform two out of five activities of daily living. There is certainly a population of individuals that have this need and use their LTCI to its full extent, but there is also a large portion of LTCI policies purchased but never utilized. I can personally attest to this as both of my parents, with my encouragement, purchased LTCI over 20 years ago and religiously (but not happily) paid the premiums. My father is now 92 years of age and needs some limited assistance with activities of daily living. He is using his policy to assist with his care costs, but if the coverage is not used in full, which it likely will not be, the remaining benefits are lost. If you don’t use it, you lose it! Alternatively, if one purchases a hybrid policy (which combines the benefits of long-term care and life insurance into a single policy with a single monthly premium), if long term care benefits are needed, the death benefit can be used during the insured’s life to pay for same. Then, upon the insured’s passing, whatever amount of the death benefit remains is available to go to the beneficiaries named on the policy, like a traditional insurance policy. Far from a use it or lose it planning tool! Unfortunately, these hybrid policies were not an option when I assisted my parents in purchasing LTCI over 20 years ago and may be more expensive than traditional policies depending on the applicant’s age, health and insurability. In this day and age, I see the real value of a traditional LTCI policy when used as a buffer against the five-year look back created by a nonexempt transfer of assets for Medicaid eligibility purposes: also known as a gift. Consider this scenario: husband and wife transfer their home and/or non-retirement liquid assets to a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT), thus creating the five-year lookback period for nursing home Medicaid eligibility, and at or about the same time they purchase LTCI policies that will provide them with significant coverage during the five-year lookback period they created. Once the lookback period has expired and the assets in the MAPT are protected for Medicaid purposes, the husband and wife can (if they wish) stop paying the premiums on the LTCI and let the policy lapse. Since the assets transferred into the MAPT are now protected for Medicaid purposes, the husband and wife have now limited their exposure to the cost of long-term care and have also provided themselves with insurance coverage if they had become in need of nursing home coverage during the five-year look back period. Additionally, it should be noted that if one has a large IRA/401k and/ or Qualified Annuity, the face value of the retirement account is protected and not counted for Medicaid eligibility purposes. Medicaid will, however, count the required minimum distribution (RMD) as available income for eligibility purposes. As such, funding qualified retirement funds is another way of sheltering assets from the cost of care, as they are exempt for Medicaid purposes and the income they generate can be used to pay for the cost of care. The cost of long-term care is on the rise. The average cost of 24/7 home care and nursing home care is between $180,000 to $220,000 per year in Westchester and surrounding counties. As such, preparing for these future costs is imperative and requires one to be proactive and consider all options, including long-term-care insurance and transfer of assets for Medicaid purposes, in advance of one needing the care. As with many challenges in life, advance planning is critical! Anthony J. Enea is the managing attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP of White Plains, N.Y. 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 is also fluent in Italian. He can be reached at 914-948-1500 or at a.enea@ esslawfirm.com. Long-term-care insurance is not the only way to pay for the cost of long-term care! IMAGE: ADOBE STOCK ‘The average cost of 24/7 home care and nursing home care is between $180,000 to $220,000 per year in Westchester and surrounding counties.’ -Anthony J. Enea Managing Attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP ANTHONY J. ENEA GUEST CORNER MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 15
PAGE 16 MAHOPAC NEWS – JU17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults BUYING845-62WE WILL COWE BUY: Gold • Sterling SJewelry • CoinPaintings • BronClocks • CollectiAntiques • ETItems for saAWARD WINNER LIC. REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATE BROKER Grace Vinciguerra Leo Przymylski with his parents Stas and Vicki Morgan Hubbard and Delilah Vataj Calista Tsantakis, Emma, and KCorynne Lopez Caitlin FLuke Langtry Brianna Savino receives her certificate from her father, Adam Savino, Board of Education president. Moving u
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PAGE 18 – MAHOPAC NEWS YOUTH FOCUS JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 On Friday, June 14, Troop 2479 had their last meeting for the scouting year. They wanted to celebrate all the good they have put out for others in the year. Bella Cucina, an Italian specialty boutique on Route 6 in Mahopac, helped them celebrate. Their sandwich, The Spicy Italiano, was nicknamed, “The Bellas,” to honor the troop. The troop stopped by Bella Cucina to sample the sandwich and eat delicious Italian cookies. They quickly became friends with Jojo, the owner of the boutique. It was a great way to end the year and mangia! Article courtesy of Stacy Brigante A ‘tasteful’ end to the scouting year Troop 2479/ PHOTOS COURTESY OF STACY BRIGANTE The Lake Mahopac Rotary Club awarded four Mahopac High School students with scholarships this spring: Joe Luczkowski ($3,000), Christina Balzano ($1,000), Francesca Evangelista ($1,000) and Liam Scanlon ($5,000)—seen here with Rotary scholarship committee member Grace Vinciguerra—earned their awards by writing about their service to the community. The Rotary’s scholarships and other charitable donations are funded through events like the annual Oldies Show, the Corvette raffle, and more. Learn more at lakemahopacrotary.org. Rotary awards four with scholarships The Lake Mahopac Rotary scholarship winners Joe Luczkowski, Christina Balzano, Francesca Evangelista and Liam Scanlon with Rotary scholarship committee member Grace Vinciguerra. PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL Get great service & great rates. Get great service & great rates. You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor service. But I’m also here with surprisingly great rates for everyone. Call me for a quote to see how much you can save. You might be surprised. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm® underwriting requirements. Tim Beyrer, Agent 710 Route 6 Mahopac, NY 10541 Bus: 845-628-9100 ibdfh@fGet great service & great rates. You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor servBut I’m also here with surprisingly great rates for eCall me for a quote to see how much you can saveYou might be surprised. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm® underwriting requirTim Beyrer, Agent 710 Route 6 Mahopac, NY 10541 Bus: 845-628-9100 [email protected] State Farm Bloomington, IL 2001877 Get great service & great rates. You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor service. But I’m also here with surprisingly great rates for everyone. Call me for a quote to see how much you can save. You might be surprised. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm® underwriting requirements. Tim Beyrer, Agent 710 Route 6 Mahopac, NY 10541 Bus: 845-628-9100 [email protected] State Farm Bloomington, IL 2001877 Get great service & great rates. You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor service. But I’m also here with surprisingly great rates for everyone. Call me for a quote to see how much you can save. You might be surprised. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm® underwriting requirements. Tim Beyrer, Agent 710 Route 6 Mahopac, NY 10541 Bus: 845-628-9100 [email protected] You know I’m always here with Good Neighbor service. But I’m also here with surprisingly great rates for everyone. Call me for a quote to see how much you can save. You might be surprised. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Individual premiums will vary by customer. All applicants subject to State Farm® underwriting requirements.
Sports JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 19 66 Miller Road, Mahopac 845-628-2050 www.mavistireofmahopac.com With This Coupon • Expires 9/30/24 $10.00OFF Synthetic Oil change (MOST CARS) 25%OFF 25 % OFF STRUTS & SHOCKS With This Coupon • Expires 9/30/24 CARING FOR YOUR CAR & OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 35 YEARS! The Friendly Mavis Team BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER The Hudson Valley Summer Field Hockey League kicked off its 23rd season at Putnam Valley High School last week with Mahopac going 1-1 in early season action. Putnam Valley will host the first half of the season—which opened on June 26— due to the construction of a new track at Lakeland, with Lakeland hosting the second half of the league campaign, which ends on Aug. 1. The Wolf Pac fell to Lakeland Gold in Mahopac’s opener, 9-0, with Talia Salon busy in goal making 16 saves. Mahopac rebounded with a tight 2-1 win against Walter Panas, notching a goal in each half while holding Panas scoreless in the second in a tight defensive battle. Erin Harney scored both goals for the Wolf Pac, with Salon making three saves. The HVSFL has long offered local players a chance to hone their skills heading into the fall. “The league has lasted so long due to the support of local coaches and the desire of players to continue to play in the offseason to improve their game and get ready for the fall season,” said HVSFL director and founder, Lakeland coach Sharon Sarsen. The Lakeland coach should know: Her teams have won 23 sectional titles and 13 state championships. “Playing year-round in general is a key to success,” Sarsen said. “But this summer league in general and our 7v7 format allows players more touches on the ball and more individual offensive and defensive play. We also have great programs and players that participate each summer and provide daily challenges.” Mahopac coach Donna DiMaggio said the league gives the veterans a chance to stay sharp while helping younger players develop, something especially important with Mahopac’s relatively young varsity squad. “This year we have 15 involved with the summer league’s varsity program and another seven or eight with the JV program,” DiMaggio said. “Part of the issue for field hockey is there are not a lot of opportunities to play in the offseason compared to other sports. Coaches from our area have been trying to find opportunities for the girls to participate offseason and Mahopac has been part of the Hudson Valley league for years.” DiMaggio said the 7v7 format and free substitution for developing skills and teamwork. “It gives the kids time to play together and develop a rhythm and confidence in each other,” she said. “It’s also a chance for coaches to look at the kids and see what skills they need to work on and assess their fitness levels.” Youth focus New this summer is a youth division headed by Somers coach and Lakeland alumna Shannon Scavelli-Connolly, an All-American forward and three-time state champion as a Hornet who went on to a decorated career at the University of Michigan. “We have set up a tentative league with a few area teams for the fall with our youth programs,” Sarsen said of the youth division. “We need to give young players opportunities to compete and participate in field hockey in our area and this is a great way to do it. [Scavelli-Connolly] is taking the lead in that division and making it happen.” Scavelli-Connolly said there’s been a lot of interest from younger players. “This year we have athletes from all over the Hudson Valley on six youth teams, comprised of rising third through seventh graders,” Scavelli-Connolly said. “For so many field hockey players, the first time they pick up a stick is in middle school during tryouts for their modified team. The hope is that more and more young athletes will give field hockey a try during their elementary school years, like when kids say I played soccer or tball since I was 3 or 4 years old, our goal is that they can say the same about field hockey. I am grateful that Coach Sarsen added the youth division this year and we looking forward to having these young athletes play in fun and competitive games.” DiMaggio said the addition of a youth program will help her young squad come together. “We have a really young team,” the Mahopac coach said. “We lost 13 seniors two years ago. Last season was reloading, and now we have a lot of junior varsity kids playing on the varsity. They’re a great group of girls—very enthusiastic. We’re looking to improve and build the confidence in the kids heading into the fall.” Emile Menasché contributed to this story. Mahopac opens summer league season Erin Harney, seen in fall 2023 action, scored both goals in Mahopac’s win over Panas. PHOTO: SKIP PEARLMAN Talia Salon, seen in 2023 action, helped preserve Mahopac’s 2-1 win over Panas. PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL FIELD HOCKEY
PAGE 20 – MAHOPAC NEWS SPORTS JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 AFC Carmel (next to Starbucks) 1874B US 6, Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512 914.380.8588 | afcurgentcare.com/carmel M-F: 8am-8pm, S-S: 8am-5pm It’s time to get physical. Don’t forget your sports or pre-camp physicals. Bring the kiddos by AFC to ensure everyone is in good health for their good times. No appointment is necessary. Simply walk in or save your spot online. AFC Yorktown (in the BJs Plaza) 3379 Crompond Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY 914.930.5550 | afcurgentcare.com/yorktown-heights M-F: 8am-8pm, S-S: 8am-5pm $100 Camp or Sports Physical AFC Carmel (next to Starbucks) 1874B US 6, Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512 914.380.8588 | afcurgentcare.com/carmel M-F: 8am-8pm, S-S: 8am-5pm It’s time to get physical. Don’t forget your sports or pre-camp physicals. Bring the kiddos by AFC to ensure everyone is in good health for their good times. No appointment is necessary. Simply walk in or save your spot online. AFC Yorktown (in the BJs Plaza) 3379 Crompond Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY 914.930.5550 | afcurgentcare.com/yorktown-heights M-F: 8am-8pm, S-S: 8am-5pm $100 Camp or Sports Physical Four Mahopac High School studentathletes were named to their respective AllLeague and All-Seciton teams this spring, with 16 others earning All-League honors. Tyler Castrataro (baseball), Juliana Mangione (girls lacrosse), and flag football players Faith Poniros and Gianna Fava each earned All-League and All-Section status. The following athletes were named All-League: Softball: Ava Lichtenberger, Gianna Lafaro, Samantha Ereditario, Camryn Wilson Baseball: Tyler DeBrocky, Robert Dusovic, Vince Cataldo, Nate Mascoll Boys Lacrosse: Danny Koch, Danny Bosio Girls Lacrosse: Ashley Koch, Amanda Carey Flag football: Jules Greco, Frankie Bellanco Track & Field: Jake Luciano (discus), James Biolchini (400-meter hurdles) Mahopac studentathletes earn league, section honors Faith Poniros PHOTO: RICH MONETTI Tyler Castrataro PHOTO: EMILE MENASCHE Mahopac’s Juliana Mangione scored her 100th career goal last week. PHOTOS: SKIP PEARLMAN Gianna Fava SPORTS AWARDS SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 21
JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 SPORTS MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 21 AS LOW AS $159/MO You thought braces were expensive? You couldn’t be further from the truth. With our pay-three-way flexible financing options, your new smile can get started with no down payment. Your first monthly payment starts your treatment. Offer applies to new patients only. Discover the braces or clear aligners plan that works for you and see exactly how much it will cost before you ever spend a penny. Offer applies to new patients only. Does NOT include Xrays or Optical Scans BRACES AND CLEAR ALIGNERS FREEEXAM & CONSULT $249 VALUE $199 DOWN $500 OFF • Top 1% Diamond Plus Clear Aligners Provider • Same Day Appointments • Braces Metal & Clear • Clear Aligners • Accepts Insurance • NO REFERRAL NECESSARY CALL TODAY 845-459-8500 PutnamOrthodontics.com SCAN HERE TO BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULT! comprehensive treatment over 18 months. Pac senior captain Danny Koch (33) had four goals and one assist vs. Ardsley. PHOTO: SKIP PEARLMAN Pac sophomore Ashley Koch (10) scored her 50th career goal in a loss to Somers. PHOTO: SKIP PEARLMAN Robert Dusovic Tyler DeBrocky pitched a complete game two-hitter in Mahopac’s playoff loss to Eastchester. PHOTO: GALILEO SPIONE James Biolchini (right) with siblings Hayden and Biolchini PHOTO COURTESY OF PAC & FIELD/X
PAGE 22 – MAHOPAC NEWS LEISURE JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! For puzzle solutions, please see theparamountrehab.com CLUES ACROSS 1. Six (Spanish) 5. Invests in little enterprises 9. Large dung beetle 11. Gored 13. Partially paralyzed 15. Still a little wet 16. Legal field media company 17. Not working 19. 500 sheets of paper 21. Church structure 22. Sheep disease 23. Small drink of whiskey 25. Weaving tradition 26. Pestilence 27. Body part 29. Nabs 31. Places to stay 33. Witnesses 34. Looked for 36. Arranges 38. Political action committee 39. Middle eastern nation (alt. sp.) 41. Hair-like structure 43. Parts producer 44. Greek city 46. Subway dwellers 48. Norm from “Cheers” 52. Clean a floor 53. Vied for 54. Canned fish 56. Inspire with love 57. Sent down moisture 58. Wrest 59. Partner to carrots CLUES DOWN 1. Mounted 2. Assign 3. Wrath 4. Self-immolation by fire ritual 5. Parts of an organism 6. Person from England 7. Tropical plants of the pea family 8. Body part 9. Practice boxing 10. Containers 11. Contrary beliefs 12. Bleached 14. Pre-Islamic Egyptian 15. A group of similar things ordered one after another 18. Innermost spinal cord membranes 20. Cassava 24. A restaurant’s list of offerings 26. Annoy constantly 28. Orchestrate 30. Z Z Z 32. Astute 34. Highly decorated tea urn 35. Teach to behave 37. Endurance 38. Urinating 40. Barbie friend dolls 42. Repents 43. Man-eating giant 45. Jewish calendar month 47. Accelerated 49. Husband of Sita in Hindu 50. Lump of semiliquid substance 51. Lying in wait 55. Cease to exist 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 Mahopac News YES, I really enjoy Mahopac 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: North Salem News The Somers Record Yorktown News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The Katonah-Lewisboro times
JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 23 Fulmar Road Principal Gary Chadwick challenged his students and reaped the consequences. PHOTO COURTESY OF MCSD/FACEBOOK Fulmar Road Principal Gary Chadwick might say his students drove him up a wall last month, but his sticky situation was his mostly own fault after he issued a challenge to his students during this year’s One School One Book promotion this year. He told the kids that if they finished reading “Life According to Og the Frog,” he would allow himself to be duct taped to the wall... They did their part... and so this happened. You can see the video of Chadwick’s predicament at youtube.com/shorts/ ycaint5tO6c. The tale of the tape Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. Managing Member • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500 WHITE PLAINS • SOMERS • WWW.ESSLAWFIRM.COM • Asset Protection • Elder Law • Medicaid Applications (Nursing Home/Home Care) • Guardianships (Contested/Non-Contested) • Wills, Trusts & Estates Past Chair of Elder Law Section of NYS Bar Association “Super Lawyer” In Elder Law for 16 consecutive years CALL NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 914.948.1500 Do you know what steps you can take to avoid your estate going to probate?
pretty strong, and I was able to push the board upward and hit me in the head and then it just flew away. “We were in a tornado. I swear,” she added. Joey had managed to swim up an old abandoned concrete ramp near the shoreline. One of Massaro’s friends came up behind her and pushed her in that direction. She got to the ramp and was able to crawl up the roughened surface, enduring cuts and scrapes and join her dog. “And then, just like that, the rain stopped and it began to clear,” Massaro said. “But we were trapped.” But the cavalry was on the way. Right at that moment, the Carmel Police Department’s marine unit was driving by. Massaro and Joey jumped back in the water and she began calling for help. Officers Vincent Serio and Anthony Bambach were on the marine water patrol when they heard Massaro’s cries. “We were conducting a check of the lake when we heard someone shouting for help,” Serio wrote in his report. “We located a person just off the rocky shoreline. She was flailing her arms and shouting for help.” Police closed in and cut the engines as they threw Massaro a line. Bambach grabbed the dog by the handle of its life vest and hoisted it into the boat. They guided Massaro to the stern of the boat and then deployed the boat’s ladder and helped her on board. Police Chief Anthony Hoffmann said having the dog in a life vest with a handle helped in the rescue. “The handles definitely made a difference,” Hoffmann said. “Always prioritize safety and be aware of weather conditions before heading out on the lake.” Massaro’s friends were safe at a dock a few homes down. “The cops came along just at the right time. I’m a lucky person,” she said. “If I didn’t have my lifejacket on you would be writing a different kind of story right now.” Safety Tips Carmel PD offered the following tips for safe recreation on the water If swimmers, kayakers, or paddle boarders are caught in a storm on a lake, here are important actions they can take to ensure safety: 1. Stay Calm: Remain calm and avoid panicking. Clear thinking is crucial in making safe decisions. 2. Assess the Situation: Quickly assess the severity of the storm and the available options for safety. 3. Head to Shore: If possible, immediately head towards the nearest shore. Get out of the water and seek shelter. 4. Use Safety Equipment: If you have a life jacket or personal flotation device, wear it immediately. 5. Avoid Tall Objects: Stay away from tall trees, cliffs, or metal objects which can attract lightning strikes. 6. Stay with Your Equipment: If you’re on a kayak or paddle board, stay with your craft unless it becomes unsafe (e.g., risk of capsizing). 7. Signal for Help: Use any signaling devices you have (whistle, flashlight, signaling mirror) to attract attention and signal your location. 8. Stay Low if in Water: If you’re swimming and can’t reach shore, stay low in the water to reduce exposure to wind and waves. 9. Communicate Your Location: If possible, use a cell phone (in a waterproof case) or a marine radio to call for help and communicate your location. 10. Wait for the Storm to Pass: Find a safe spot (if onshore) or a stable position (if in water) and wait for the storm to pass before attempting to move again. 11. Beware of Hypothermia: In cooler water temperatures, be aware of the risk of hypothermia. Try to keep as much of your body out of the water as possible to retain body heat. 12. Stay Together: If you’re in a group, stay together and support each other until the storm passes. 13. Learn from the Experience: After the storm has passed, reflect on what happened and discuss what could have been done differently to be better prepared for future outings. PAGE 24 – MAHOPAC NEWS JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 Securities offered through Cantella & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Cantella and Co., Inc. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. 845-628-5400 SFGtaxes.com | [email protected] 824 Route 6, Suite 4 | Mahopac, NY 10541 from other accountants and tax preparers is our ability to work with you not just on taxes, but on financials, college planning, divorce, retirement planning, changes in life planning... We don’t just process tax forms, we advise on how to handle your income and expenses in the future with personalized recommendations. We help you navigate the tax code, and in the end, help you set sound financial goals. What separates us Officer Vincent Serio pilots Carmel PD’s Lake Mahopac patrol boat. PHOTO COURTESY CARMEL PD/OFFICER BRIAN SILLERY Carmel PD rescued Donna Massaro and her dog Joey after a sudden storm knocked them off her paddleboard on Lake Mahopac. PHOTO COURTESY OF DONNA MASSARO MASSARO FROM PAGE 1
JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 25 BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE It was fast, and it was brutal. A violent storm passed very quickly through the area Sunday evening knocking down trees and powerlines, leaving hundreds of NYSEG customers without power, and forcing road closures on some of Carmel and Mahopac’s main thoroughfares. Unconfirmed reports say some of the worst damage was caused by microburst storms—small pockets of intense weather that can include wind speeds of up to 100 mph and damaging hail. Some have compared them to mini tornados Route 6N, between Secor Road and Parker Drive, was closed for several hours after a tree was toppled during the storm and landed on a vehicle. At approximately 7:20 p.m., Mahopac Falls Fire and EMS were dispatched to a “tree and wires down, with the tree on a car and occupants possibly injured.” However, the car’s three occupants were out of the vehicle when first responders arrived. Two patients declined treatment while a third was transported to Westchester Medical Center for evaluation. It was determined that the tree was struck by lightning, causing it to fall. Police closed Route 6N between Secor Road and Parker Drive and NYSEG was urgently requested. Unfortunately, due to the severe storm passing through, there was no immediate ETA on NYSEG’s arrival and the road remained closed for an extended time. The Mahopac Fire Department had its hands full as well with its own set of storm-related problems. Some of the areas affected included Croton Falls Road just into Westchester County where Croton Falls FD was operating on a toppled large tree with downed wires. Mahopac firefighters were also dealing with downed wires on Indian Hill Road where fallen trees on wires were causing issues. East Lovell Street also had a tree and wires down, as well as Russ Road and Lacona Road, where a tree fell on a residence. No injuries were reported. In a statement, MVFD said, “Please be patient with all the power outages in the area. NYSEG is handling issues as fast as it can. All our surrounding towns got hit hard as well and are handling similar incidents. Please stay clear of any downed power lines as they may still be energized and not showing with sparks or flame.” As of press time, the NYSEG outage website reports there were 1,866 customers in Putnam County rendered without power. About 390 of them are from Carmel/Mahopac. The website says the utility company is still assessing the damage and has not posted any estimated restoration times. Violent storm knocks out power, downs trees in Mahopac First responders scramble to cope with blocked roads RED MILLS Convenience Center 575 Route 6N, Mahopac Falls • 845-628-9745 We have your grab and go items! OUR COOLERS ARE STOCKED! Your Favorite Cold Beverages & Poland Spring Cases of Water! Congratulations Class of 2024 ! Come see our vintage candy shop Mahopac Teachers, Students, School & Bus Garage Employees Buy One Egg Sandwich, Get 2nd HALF OFF Buy Lunch Sandwich, Get a Soda or Coffee FREE Happy Hour Coffee Ask About our coffee club Your 10th Cup is FREE! Any Size 3-7pm Purchase your box of Coffee to go! Buy 10, Get 1 FREE! Try our Coffee Flavors of the Season! Milkshakes & Smoothies $ 399 $ 1 00 OFF Sandwiches 3pm to 7pm Wishing everyone 99¢ a Happy and Safe 4th of July!! We have over 100 helium balloon choices! A tree downed by a violent storm crushed a car and closed Route 6N for hours.
PAGE 26 – MAHOPAC NEWS JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 Reed Memorial Library (1733 US-6, Carmel Hamlet) is hosting free art, crafts, and exercise classes open to Mahopac residents and others this summer” Zumba Gold with Corrie Russinko (via Zoom): Mondays at 9:30 a.m., July 1- Sept. 30. The Art of Antique Bottle Collecting: Tuesday, July 9 at 11 a.m. Move Every Day (via Zoom): Fridays at 2 p.m. from July 12- Sept. 27. Adult Craft Rock Painting: Tuesday, July 16 at 2 p.m. Acrylic Paint Along with Sarah Miller Totten: Noon on July 17, 24, 31, and Aug. 7. Registration is required for all the above at carmellibrary.org/ calendar or call (845) 225-2439 for more information. Article courtesy of Reed Memorial Library Arts, crafts, and exercise classes come to Reed Library are seeking crafters and food trucks to showcase their offerings. They are looking for vendors who offer high-quality, unique, and engaging products and services that align with the values of the Fair and 4-H Showcase. Vendors who are passionate about their craft or food are encouraged to apply. For more information, call the Putnam County Parks Office at 845- 808-1994, or email parks@ putnam countyny.gov. Youth Police Academy Has your child shown interest in becoming a police officer? The Carmel Police Department is running its second annual Youth Academy this summer for town residents entering grades 6-8 in the 2024-25 school year. This six-day introduction to policing will take place from July 15-19 and July 22 and includes physical training, team-building exercises, and presentations by specialized units within the police department. Space is limited; students will be chosen based on a short essay: “Why I Want to Join the Police Academy.” The cost is $150. For more information, visit the town of Carmel website and select the Youth Academy tab. Food Pantry The food pantry at Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church is open every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Parish Social Hall, 221 East Lake Blvd. in Mahopac. Call 845-628-2006 or visit sjtemahopac.org/events/ food-pantry/20231110 for more information. Library Resource Help Looking for a job, working on a research project, or getting started with social media, email, or a new device? Have questions about Libby, Hoopla, or one of the Mahopac Library’s other digital platforms? Book a help appointment to meet one-on-one with a library staff member. They can help library patrons find and use information resources or address basic technology questions. Registration is required: Register online at mahopaclibrary.org, or call 845-628-2009, ext. 100. (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays in December from open to close.) Learn to Save a Life The Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services offers training in lifesaving skills from community professionals. Original and refresher basic life support (EMT) training is available. You can learn more and register for these courses at putnam countyny.com/life. For more information and directions, call 845-808-4000. Volunteer Drivers Needed Can you spare a little time to make a difference in the life of an older adult? RideConnect, a program of Family Services of Westchester, is an information, referral, and volunteer transportation program for adults ages 60-plus who can no longer drive. They seek volunteer drivers who are willing to provide occasional rides to older adult neighbors. These rides enable clients to remain active in their communities and to continue to lead fulfilling lives. Rides are typically to medical and dental appointments, grocery shopping, and other errands. Give the gift of mobility and independence. No minimum commitment. Match trips to your schedule. Rides can be set up by phone or online. Your family members, young and old, can ride along. For more information, go to ride connect westchester.org, call 914-242- 7433, or email [email protected]. Make it to Musings Mahopac Musings is always on the lookout for community events, and we often find them by accident. If you have a fundraiser, drive for donations, non-profit class or performance, meet-up, or anything you think your neighbors would like to know about, submit it to us at mahopacnews@halstonmedia. com with “musings” in the subject line. We can’t guarantee that every submission will get in but we’ll do our best. MUSINGS FROM PAGE 8 Add Value to Your Home We specialize in targeted home improvements — both big and small — to maximize your home’s value, comfort and beauty. • Bathroom Remodeling • Kitchen Remodeling • Durable Vinyl Siding • Room Additions • Add-a-Levels • • Replacement Windows • General Carpentry • Basement Finishing • Painting • Interior Trim • Handy Man • Sero’s Contracting When we’re done, there is nothing left to do. Licensed & Insured • Local References • Brewster, NY • 845-216-1955 • 845-279-6977 • [email protected]
JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 27 Visit us at: 128 Route 52, Carmel Shari Zimmerman 845-621-2557 [email protected] Call for a FREE Quote today! RATES GOING UP? Selling Something? Looking To Buy Something? Having An Event? Reach Thousands of our Readers at a Low Cost! [email protected] Email: Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in the Mahopac News Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-My Community Bulletin Board Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in the Mahopac News Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 toMy Community Bulletin Board Give us a call today! (914)393-5670 • MAHOPAC, NY WESTCHESTERK-9.COM • [email protected] WHAT’S NEW AT WESTCHESTER K-9? • Training Based Daycare • Pack Hikes/ Outings • One On One Training Sessions • Board & Train Programs Scan here for more info! (845) 309-9214 LISCENSED & FULLY INSURED COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL [email protected] Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in the Mahopac News Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! GREAT BEAR SEPTIC SERVICE We’re there when you need us. 845-621-0250 Give Us A Call Today! Summertime often means outdoor activities at the beach or pool. For lucky youngsters, it may also mean summer camp. To help ensure safe, injury-free vacation times for all Putnam residents and guests, preparations by Putnam County Department of Health span nearly five months of the year, culminating in the last weeks of June when camps are readying to open. “There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes,” explains associate public health sanitarian Marianne Burdick, who directs the health department’s efforts to inspect all of the more than two dozen summer camps in the county. The process starts in February, when the health department contacts camps about the safety plans that they must put together and return in early spring. “We review all the camps’ paperwork and lifeguard certifications,” Burdick said. “We make sure all counselor-to-camper ratios are appropriate, and that ‘buddy systems’ are understood and implemented effectively. When there are trips planned for campers, we require additional written documentation.” In these cases, plans must document the experience of trip leaders and their familiarity with the destinations. Permits are only issued to the camps after review of their plans and certifications, and any necessary pre-operational inspections are conducted.” These pre-operational camp inspections are one of the final steps, occurring late in the month of June before the camps are scheduled to open, soon after school ends. Inspections are comprehensive, and those at overnight camps especially so. “There are a wide range of activities that occur at camps,” Burdick said. “Some have high ropes, climbing walls, and archery activities. Each needs to be checked so to minimize any potential for injury.” Indoor facilities also require safety precautions, such as smoke alarms, and sleeping facilities and kitchens must undergo a thorough review and inspection. Beaches and pools are subject to inspections throughout the summer season on a regular basis. They receive a pre-operational inspection and two standard in-season checks. In addition to camps, there are nearly 35 beaches, and over 40 indoor and outdoor public pools, both, for a total of nearly 80 facilities that are monitored each summer. Water quality samples are collected by the health department’s fulltime public health sanitarians, along with additional seasonal environmental personnel who are necessary to manage the increased workload during the hot months. “ S a m p l e s are sent to an outside lab to test for fecal coliform bacteria,” Burdick said. This contaminant can increase in outdoor swimming areas, with the potential for sewer run-off, or pollution from goose droppings. Interim health commissioner Dr. Michael J. Nesheiwat said the water sampling program helps prevent sickness. “Sampling and testing the water is the only way we can limit what are referred to as ‘recreational water illnesses’ that people can contract from contaminated water,” Nesheiwat said. “Symptoms may include skin rashes, diarrhea, cough and congestion, and even ear and eye pain. Exposure occurs not only in pools and hot tubs, but also aquatic spray grounds, and natural water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and even oceans.” Harmful blue-green algae blooms, or “HABs” are another growing concern in local natural water bodies. Lately these have been causing beaches to close earlier in the season and more frequently as the season goes on. Associate public health sanitarian Brian Stevens, who oversees the beach program, said weather plays a role in HAB blooms. “They tend to occur in hot, rainy weather—especially in lakes with nutrient-rich water,” Stevens said. Heavy rains can increase the run-off from lawn fertilizers and cause the algae to bloom. Swimmers and waders are at higher risk, but boating and fishing should also be avoided in areas with blooms. Pets are especially vulnerable and must be kept out of and away from blue-green algae. “It’s unfortunate,” Stevens added. “But all contact with HABs should be avoided by both people and animals when blooms are present.” For more information, visit the Putnam County website at putnamcountyny.com, or find the Health Dept. on social media platforms Facebook, X and Instagram @PutnamHealthNY. Article courtesy of the Putnam County Health Dept. How Putnam health officials hope to make summer safer Public health sanitarian Emily Olenius inspects red rescue tubes, a key component to ensuring a safe waterfront. PHOTO COURTESY OF PUTNAM COUNTY HEALTH DEPT. Download the Halston Media News App Click on this QR code.
PAGE 28 – MAHOPAC NEWS JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 Upcoming events at Mahopac Library include an art show, movie nights, tech help, live music, book clubs, cooking, crafts, and more. Register online at mahopaclibrary.org, or call (845) 628-2009 ext.100 unless otherwise noted. July events and programs Wednesday, July 10, 4 p.m.: Teens Can Cook. With just a waffle maker and a few simple ingredients, teens 9grades 6-12) will learn how to make some tasty snacks. Register online or call (845) 628-2009 ext.139. Wednesday, July 10, 5 p.m.: Summer Anime Movie Night. The library is kicking off this summer old school with its “Anime You May Have Missed” summer series showing classic anime films that revolutionized Japanese and American movie and TV culture. Anime is made for young and old, and here’s a chance to see some classics on the big screen. The July 10 feature is “Akira” (1988). No Registration Required. Thursday, July 11, 2 p.m.: Adventures with Arts & Crafts for Teens. Express yourself with wearable art projects and other techniques while having some hands-on creative fun! Register for each week separately. Ages 15 and up. Register online or call (845) 628-2009 ext.139. Friday, July 12, 3 p.m.: Feast of Films. Nothing screams summer like horror movies! Teens (grades 8-12) can join for a frightfully fun double feature and pizza. The movies include “It Lives Inside” (2023) and “Drag Me to Hell” (2009), both rated PG-13. Teens must arrange transportation home from the library at 7:30 p.m. Register online or call (845) 628-2009 ext.139. Saturday, July 13, 1 p.m. Summer Concert Featuring Deni Bonet & Chris Flynn. Get ready for a thrilling performance by Deni Bonet and Chris Flynn, a New York-based American and folk-rock duo whose blend of voices, virtuoso violin, guitar, and humor have entertained and captivated audiences from Carnegie Hall all the way to the White House! This concert is generously funded by the Sylvia B. Henschel Trust. Monday, July 15, 5:30 p.m. Gathering of Gamers: Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tournament. Show off your Smash skills in our summer gaming tournament! This event is BYOC (bring your own controller). Winners will receive a prize. Teens will be disqualified for bad sportsmanship. For grades 6-12. Register online or call (845) 628-2009 ext.139. Tuesday, July 16, 1 p.m. Planting for Pollinators. Join Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Catherine Serreau-Thompson as she explores what pollination is and how plants attract pollinators with different flower colors, patterns, and shapes along with discussing plant selections that will attract and support pollinators in your garden. Thursday and Friday, July 18 and 19, 4 p.m. Graphic Novel Writing Workshop for Teens. Learn writing and sketching techniques to make your own graphic novel. For grades 6-12. All supplies are provided by the instructor. Register online or call (845)628-2009 ext.139. Wednesday, July 24, 5 p.m.: Summer Anime Movie Night. The library is kicking off this summer old school! The “Anime You May Have Missed” summer series features classic anime films that revolutionized Japanese and American movie and TV culture. Anime is made for young and old, so don’t miss out on seeing these classics on a big screen! The July 24 movie is “Angel’s Egg” (1985). Ages 15 and up. No Registration Required. Friday, July 26, 7 p.m.: Cryptid Adventure Scavenger Hunt. When Bigfoot came, he brought some friends who dropped their treasures! Look for clues with your team and find their treasures! Four teams will search for clues to reveal a password that will take them to the cryptid’s treasures. This is an after-hours event. Teens must arrange transportation home from the library at 8 p.m. For grades 6-12. Register online or call (845) 628-2009 ext.139. Tuesday, July 30, 6 p.m.: Intro to Medicare. Join John Bousquet from the Medicare Resource Group for an informational Medicare presentation. Learn about the different insurance options available, when to enroll, making changes, and more. Article courtesy of Mahopac Library Mahopac Library Lowdown Mahopac Library will show the classic Akira as part of its classic Anime series this month. IMAGE COURTESY OF GENEON [PIONEER] STUDIO
JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 MAHOPAC NEWS – PAGE 29 845-279-9555 • TankRemovalServices.com Before you place your home on the market, contact ENVIROSTAR about replacing your aging underground storage tank (UST). It is required by most insurance companies prior to insuring property. We replace above ground tanks as well! Call us today for a free estimate and evaluation of your current above ground tank. SUMMER SPECIAL! $100 OFF IN-GROUND TANK REMOVAL With this coupon only. Coupon must be presented at the time of the estimate. Not to be combined with any other offers. Expires 8/31/24 FREE ESTIMATES WE WILL MATCH OUR COMPETITOR’S ADVERTISED OFFER! We are the name you trust for environmental needs Since 1998 DON’T GET CAUGHT WITH AN AGING OIL TANK! MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-HOUR PROBLEM GAMING HOTLINE: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369) Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com I-84 | Exit 36B I-87 | Exit 17 Earn Entries All Month Long! Saturday, July 27 • 10pm *Actual model and color may vary. WIN A 2024 HONDA ACCORD John and Joseph Biondi, members of the MHS Class of 2024, have been named two of the recipients of the Circolo da Vinci scholarship awards. Circolo da Vinci, an Italian American organization in Yorktown, held its 42nd annual scholarship awards dinner on Wednesday, June 19, at Four Brothers Restaurant in Mahopac. Seven students were awarded scholarships of up to $1,500. The honorees are, from left, Christian Hembury (Carmel HS), Meghan Stewart (Yorktown HS), Ryan Pavone (Carmel HS) who received the James Hanbridge Memorial Scholarship, John Biondi (Mahopac HS), Joseph Biondi (Mahopac HS), Connor Reardon (Yorktown HS) who received the Thomas Dianna Memorial Scholarship and Mya Rendina (Yorktown HS). Founding member Robert Sassano was given the Da Vinci Award for his years of service to the organization. Article provided by Circolo da Vinci MHS grads receive Circolo da Vinci scholarships PHOTO COURTESY OF CIRCOLO DA VINCI Local students Samantha Cardinali, Ava Florez, Faith Maria Mahoskey, Kayla Merrill, Matthew Risley, Samantha Rosaforte, Cassidy Ryan, and Cassandra Sciarra gathered at Four Brothers restaurant in Mahopac to receive $500 scholarships from the Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce last month. Assemblyman Matt Slater and Carmel Town Councilman Robert Kearns were on hand to recognize the students along with members of the chamber. “The students were awarded not just for just their scholastic achievements, but for how they apply what they know, their persistence, and their potential to make a positive impact,” said Chamber President Christine Picone. “Thank you to committee chairwoman Ruth Ayala-Quezada and committee members Kelly Puccio and Pam Zacotinsky for their efforts in putting this event together.” Mahopac-Carmel Chamber awards scholarships PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREATER MAHOPAC-CARMEL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PAGE 30 – MAHOPAC NEWS JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024 Read Your Town’s Top News In-between Editions Visit News.HalstonMedia.com. Find your town or your favorite topic (i.e. sports or police) in the menu. You can also click on this QR code. Next stop...MMS Tori, Jenna, Adriana, Marley, Aurora, Katie, and Leah celebrate their graduation from fifth grade at Austin Road Elementary School. PHOTO COURTESY OF NATALIE SOKOL. ORDER ON OUR ONLINE STORE AND PICKUP LO CALLY! BEST PRICES IN THE AREA! PICKUP HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! www.american-arms.com [email protected] 1928 Commerce St, Suite C Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 NRA Basic Pistol/Personal Protection UTAH Concealed Firearms Course Private Lessons Permit Assistance Refuse To Be A Victim™ Group and Private Classes Gun Sales & Ammunition Gun Accessories FFL Services & Transfers 914-455-4210 AFFORDABLE Dumpster Rentals! CIRONE CARTING 845-533-5262 Same-Day Roll-Off Container Delivery Available 10-yard • 12-yard • 15-yard 20-yard • 30-yard CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE cironeconstruction.com
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PAGE 32 – MAHOPAC NEWS JULY 3 - JULY 24, 2024