VOL. 13 NO. 40 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 ELEPHANT’S TRUNK 2 LEGAL NOTICES 39 LEISURE 27 OBITUARIES 28 OPINION 10 SPORTS 22 Tuskers Shine at Sectionals pg 22 WINTER TRACK BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER When Cluxatawney Henrietta squawks, folks flock. The celebrity chicken once again drew a crowd of kiddos and kids at heart to Muscoot Farm in Somers on Friday, Feb.2, where -- to the delight of most (albeit to the dismay of the cold-loving contingent) -- she predicted an early spring by laying an egg. This is the sixth year in a row that the farm has hosted its own version of Groundhog Day. Unfortunately, it was the first time that it’s rained. But that’s OK; the festivities carried on indoors with activities for the little ones and snacks for all. Meanwhile, neither Punxsutawney Phil nor Staten Island Chuck saw their shadow, which in the first ‘Fowl’ weather! Muscoot meteorologist predicts early spring BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Fix. Our. Roads. A plethora of potholes is driving that demand made by Somers residents such as Donna Day and Christina Costa Rae. The two women recently went public with long-simmering frustrations over the condition of the many state thoroughfares that crisscross their town. They blame what they called the state Department of Transportation’s “band-aid approach” to repairs that seems to have turned Pothole Season into a year-round game of Dodge ‘Em. “This is the result of years of neglect,” charged Rae, adding that patching instead of repaving can create crops of craters posed to pop up all at once. She claimed that she’s had to fork over at least $2,500 to fix flattened tires and bent rims over the years. Day and Rae both said they’re not just concerned about property damage. “It’s a safety issue and we’re fed up,” asserted Day who said her two sons Road rage Somers speaks out against pothole problems SEE HENRIETTA PAGE 34 SEE POTHOLES PAGE 9 Muscoot Farm Director Jonathan Benjamin with Cluxatawney Henrietta PHOTO: CAROL REIF Bedford Corners l 5 BR l 5.1 BA l 7,200 sf l 4.02 Acres Crisp. Stylish. Refreshing. Step into the realm of modern luxury with this unparalleled new construction. Immerse yourself in the allure of stunning design, where every detail speaks of quality and sophistication. Truly a testament to architectural innovation on 4+ private acres in total harmony with the landscape. Call for your private viewing. Offered at $4,150,000 #UGottaHaveHope HOPEMAZZOLA YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE HOPE Sales Vice President Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker cell: 914.714.0090 [email protected] hopemazzola.com MAZZOLA YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE HOPE 95 Katonah Ave | Katonah, NY 10536 New Construction
PAGE 2 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Tom Walogorsky Editor: 914-302-5830 [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky 845-661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [email protected] DESIGNERS Noah Elder Bri Agosta Haven Elder Jacob Elder EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines The Somers Record The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for The Somers Record is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected]. Subscribe To request The Somers Record weekly delivery, call 845-208-8503 or email [email protected]. Subscriptions are complimentary for residents and businesses in the town. Out of town mail subscriptions are $150 per year for First Class Mail. Periodicals Postage Paid at Somers, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Somers Record at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 (ISSN 2330-1597) Published Weekly by Halston Media, LLC at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 Halston Media, LLC 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! A Message from Somers Youth Sports Organization SYSO is looking for new members! Sports play a crucial role in the development of our children, fostering teamwork, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle. To ensure the success of our youth sports programs we need your support through volunteering. With over a dozen sports programs and numerous committees supporting those programs, the need for volunteers has never been greater. Your decision and support are essential to the success of our SYSO programs. If interested, please visit www.somerssports.org and click the “Volunteer Today” link at the top of the page or email us at [email protected]. Most urgently, SYSO is looking for candidates for the Executive Board. On Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. at Van Tassel, an election will be held to fill open positions on the SYSO Executive Board (EB). The newly elected positions will serve for a term of two years. In accordance with the SYSO ByLaws, all proposed candidates must meet a few minimum requirements to serve on the EB: 1. SYSO member for a minimum of six months 2. SYSO on field or off field volunteer for two years 3. Comply with SYSO’s conflict of interest policy If interested, please email the SYSO Election Committee Chair at electioncommittee@ somerssports.org by Feb.12. If you ever wanted to get involved but haven’t, now is your chance. If you want to have a voice, the time is now. If you have what it takes to build on an already great organization that serves the young athletes of our community, please consider becoming a candidate. Somers Parks & Recreation Department Now Accepting Applications for Day Camp Counselors To be a camp counselor, applicants need to be at least 16 years old by the start of camp on July 1. Applicants available to work the entire 6 weeks of camp, (Mon.-Fri. 7/1 - 8/9) will be given preference. To apply, visit www.somersny.com. If you have any questions, please call the Recreation Department at (914) 232-8442. Somers Library Please register using the online calendar at www.somers library.org to have access to online meetings. If virtual, you will receive an invitation prior to the start of the program. Programs are supported by the Friends of the Somers Library through patrons’ generous contributions. Date with a Book for Adults and Teens Thru Feb. 29 Date with a book is the biggest trend on TikTok and Etsy right now. Come into the library and pick up a mystery book complete with treats. The book will be wrapped with a clue and genre listed to help you make a choice. The books will come from our newest publications. Registration is required, to be followed by a question form about your favorite types of books. Afterschool Craft Thursdays, Feb. 8, 15, & 29, at 4 p.m. Join the children’s librarians for a themed craft after school! Best for ages 4 and up but little ones are welcome! No registration needed. Teens Knit & Crochet for Charity Friday, Feb. 9, from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. Calling all teen knitters and crocheters! A local girl scout is organizing a project to make Loveys SEE TRUNK PAGE 4 ELEPHANT’S TRUNK
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 3 Your Neighbor HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS, LIFE & HEALTH 914-232-7750 www.forbesinsurance.com JEFFERSON VALLEY SERVICE FOR ALL YOUR AUTO SERVICE NEEDS 214 E MAIN • 914-245-3333 Evey Albert Silk happens at Somers art show One of the many colorful creations currently on display at Somers Library. Local silk painting students will display their work until Feb. 28. SEE EVEY PAGE 7 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Got the winter blues? Shake them off by strolling through a garden of brilliant greens, yellows, reds, oranges, purples, and pinks lovingly cultivated by local silk painting artist Evey Albert and her crop of current and past students. On display at the Somers Library is an exhibit of colorful creations that range from a whimsical pair of dinosaur paintings made for a little boy by his doting grandma and dramatic Isadora Duncan-esque scarves abloom with fire poppies, irises, lilacs, and oak leaves to wall hangings featuring a menagerie of critters such as octopuses, dragon flies, and koi and one-of-a-kind wearables such as a beach umbrella-splashed cover-up and a kimono covered with clematis. There are greeting cards, a beaded purse, and many abstract confections to be inspired by as well. Albert said she hopes that the energy and the vibrancy of the 45 works by 14 artists “makes people happy” and that they evoke a bit of spring. “It’s been a joy doing this. I’m so thrilled to have this show here. It’s just been a real highlight for me and my students too,” she added. The exhibit will be up until Feb. 28. A Life in the Arts A Heritage Hills resident since the late 1990s, Albert has been teaching and making art most of her life. She earned her undergrad degree in art education from Adelphi University on Long Island, where she grew up, and a master’s in museum education from Bank Street College of Education in Manhattan. After graduating college, she moved around the country a lot with her thenhusband, who was in the pharmaceutical biz. Albert’s taught in both private and public schools in places such as Madison, Wis., which she called “an incredible place” to work. It had a “fabulous” art center and a little radio station. More importantly, art was elevated by a collaboration between the local university and city and was very “important” to the community culture. “It was a lot of fun. It was probably one of my favorite jobs,” she recalled. Albert spent the last 20 years of her professional career with the Rippowam-Cisqua School in Bedford. She retired in 2016. She has other talents. Albert started taking voice lessons as a teen and music has remained a love of hers. She sang with the Philadelphia Lyric Opera Chorus for a while and is currently a member of Poperatic Entertainment. The group visits senior living communities such as The Osborn in Rye or The Ambassador in Scarsdale where it entertains residents with works from well-known operas and songs from The Great American Songbook – a loosely defined canon of significant 20th-century jazz standards, popular songs, and show tunes. The point is to do things that people know and can sing along with, Albert explained, adding that because music evokes emotions and memories, it can have therapeutic benefits for folks with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. “It’s a win-win because we’re happy to do it and they love it,” she said. Evey Albert has been teaching and creating art for most of her life. 45 works by 14 different arists are on display. PHOTOS: CAROL REIF
PAGE 4 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 CHASE AWAY THE CHILL with WINTER REBATES from BELL! SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO! ENJOY 0 DOWN, 0% FINANCING! ACT NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! LIMITED TIME OFFER 845-600-8004 | www.bellmech.com Heat pumps are a cleaner & healthier alternative to traditional heating & cooling systems. This all in one system will eliminate your need for fossil fuel and help you save thousands. Learn more about rebates & financing options! EXCLUDES SERVICE CONTRACT • EXP 2/29/24 Coupon must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offer. $50 OFF ANY OF OUR SERVICES SAVE THOUSANDS in Federal, State and Local Incentives on your new HEATPUMP PROJECT CALL US TODAY! (small blankets) for children in the hospital and their families to make them feel loved while going through trying times. You must have basic skills and be able to make a simple square. The library will provide yarn for the project but if you have size 8/ 5 mm needles for knitting or an H hook, please bring them along. This will be a fun time to hangout, craft and snack while earning volunteer time for charity work. (Virtual) Westchester LGBTQ History Project Monday, Feb. 12, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. There’s much to learn about the way LGBTQ+ people have impacted our county. Learn about LGBTQ+ heroes with ties to Westchester through an interactive presentation by The Westchester LGBTQ+ History Project founder Allee Manning. Test your knowledge of LGBTQ+ icons through a low-stakes trivia game, and find out how they’re connected to Westchester! Uncover unsung local heroes who have made national history! Day of Play with Ms. Kristi! Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 3:45 p.m. Join in each month for a fun make and play! Everyone will be making fun items such as playdoh, cloud dough and more. Afterwards everyone will play together with our creations! Ages 4-11. Library Book Group Friday, Feb. 16, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. “Horse,” by Geraldine Brooks. A discarded painting in a junk pile, a skeleton in the attic, and the greatest racehorse in American history. From these strands, a Pulitzer Prize winner braids a sweeping story of spirit, obsession and injustice across American history. Hybrid program, available to attend both in person and via Zoom. Snack Club: Winter Recess Edition: Cupid Crunch! Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m. Each month the children’s room will indulge in making and tasting delicious snacks and foods for our new snack club! This month everyone will be making Cupid Crunch! All materials will be provided. Space is limited, registration required. Ages 4 & up. College Essay Workshop Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 6 to p.m. A virtual presentation by Deborah Hardy of Guided Consulting. This workshop will assist students and families in understanding the common application components and the supplemental essays and provide examples and tips for the Process. It will also give you tips on writing that all important and rather daunting college essay. Deborah Hardy has helped many of our Somers students get into the colleges of their dreams. This is your chance to gain some of her wisdom. This is a free event. A number of Somers students have been recognized for their academic achievements during the fall semester at colleges across the country! Dean’s List College of Charleston Brendan Mcsweeney James Madison University Amanda Logel SUNY Cortland Edward Baranowski Melanie Cotrone Matt Horowitz Megan Spencer University of Delaware Juliana Clement Jade Creegan Nicole Fasone Natalie McMaster Rachael Menna Sabrina Somoza University of New Haven Jake Mohan University of Rhode Island Steven Bachas Codi Creegan Danny Haigh Michael Lulaj Paul Lulaj University of Scranton Krista Gallagher Jillian MacDonald Jay Creighton President’s List College of Charleston Georgia Nekos Do you know a student with an academic achievement you would like to recognize? Let us know at somersrecord@ halstonmedia.com and we would be happy to include them in our next print edition! Celebrating our scholars! TRUNK FROM PAGE 2 SEE TRUNK PAGE 35
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PAGE 6 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 BY TOM WALOGORSKY EDITOR On Saturday, Jan. 27, members of the Somers Volunteer Fire Department and Westchester County DES Hazardous Materials Team were called to the scene of a mercury spill at a residence on Lakeview Terrace. Around 7:30 p.m., responders arrived at the home where residents reported that a mercury thermometer had broken on the first floor bathroom. One of the inhabitants had tried to clean the material, resulting in potential contact with the substance. A SVFD hazmat tech entered first, utilizing an advanced detection meter which confirmed readings of mercury. Upon confirmation, members of the department exited to the residence. Members of the Westchester County hazmat team entered next, conducting a more thorough search that detected mercury in both the bathroom and kitchen areas. Members of both teams were able to stabilize the area to ensure there was no further danger. Six people and three pets were checked and cleared for potential exposure. The residents were displaced until a specially trained contractor could arrive to dispose of the mercury. Units were assisted at the scene by Westchester EMS and the Somers Police Department, and were on scene for approximately 4.5 hours. Mercury rising Hazmat teams handle toxic spill Members of the Westchester County DES Hazardous Materials Response Team were called in. A broken mercury thermometer caused a potentially dangerous situation. Residents were displaced until the material could be properly disposed of. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOMERS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT 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?
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 7 Act now to lower your Flu/COVID risk 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. WF12832462 01/24 During the peak season for respiratory illnesses, the most effective way to reduce your risk of Flu and COVID-19 is by getting vaccinated. Be proactive about maintaining good health for yourself and your family. How do you know if it’s the Flu or COVID-19? Both are contagious and impact the respiratory system which can lead to severe illness. Some shared symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, and muscle aches. It is important to get tested for exact diagnosis and treatment. Who is at risk for Flu or COVID-19 complications? Those aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and adults with chronic health conditions who have been hospitalized are most at risk. Additionally, children under the age of 5, especially those under 2 years old, are also at a higher risk of facing severe complications. How do I keep myself and my family protected? To prevent illness from these two viruses, it is important to ensure that you are up to date on your vaccinations. Additionally, practicing general safety measures daily can be beneficial. These include regular handwashing, avoiding contact with individuals who are sick, and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you are already sick, refrain from contact with others. Importance of a primary care physician Having a primary care physician, and receiving regular preventive care, can assist in maintaining good health and detecting problems early on. Keep preventative care visits separate from those for sickness, injury, or routine care for ongoing medical conditions. Scan the QR code or visit optum.com/tri Colorful Career Albert’s extensive career enabled her to master many mediums, including ceramics, printmaking, and sculpture. But what speaks to her the most is silk painting. Albert loves the way light travels through the fabric, magically giving it the appearance of being illuminated from within. It reminds her of the vibrant hues that blown glass can achieve. As evidenced by the brilliant blue specs Albert sports, color is really her thing. Under certain conditions, silk gives off a shimmering optical effect. That’s attributed to the triangular prism-like structure of its fibers. The prisms reflect light at various angles, creating a subtle rainbow hue. “It almost looks alive,” Albert told a recent visitor to the show after admiring the way the pieces fluttered every time there was a slight breeze. Silk is comprised mostly of fibroin, a protein that certain types of insect larvae – ie. silkworms – secrete to make cocoons. Prized for its softness, silk looks delicate but is actually one of the strongest natural fibers in the world. And it’s warm, too, Albert said. Lest anyone shy away from wearing these wonderful pieces of art for fear of spilling schmutz on them, they can relax. Little mishaps can almost always be remedied, Albert claims. Dry cleaning was once thought the only way to go, but silk can be safely hand-washed with a mild detergent and, depending on the degree of risk one’s willing to take, cleaned in a washing machine. Use the delicate cycle and invest in a mesh bag that will keep silk items from getting tangled or snagged. When in doubt, consult the manufacturer’s label. Silk Happens Because of the physical space that silk painting requires, Albert only takes on six students at a time. Everybody gets their own table so they can spread out, which is important for keeping the fabric flat as they apply the various dyes and “resists,” which are substances such as wax or gutta that prevent colors from going where they shouldn’t. After a piece is finished, it’s wrapped in a little package of newsprint and placed in a pot where it’s steamed for several hours in order to “cure” the dye. Then it’s washed and ironed. The small class size also makes it easier for Albert to spend more time with beginners while also being able to be there for the more skilled folks excited about trying out new techniques. (Alas, her classes at present are for Heritage Hills residents only.) Just like first-time knitters who don’t start out with making a sweater, silk painting newbies usually start with something small and work their way up to more complicated projects as they gain confidence, Albert said. She’s had many students who’ve been with her a long time as well as one-offs curious about the art form. While almost every age group can paint on silk, Albert doesn’t recommend it for the very young. Normally children can do just about anything, she said, but silk painting is “a little more complicated given there’s dye and a lot of steps and techniques involved.” Her youngest student was around 15. Although surprisingly simple, the medium does require certain equipment and supplies. At minimum, you’ll need scissors, an applicator and pipette, pencil, freezer paper, small brushes, an iron, and stretcher bars and/or wooden frames. Albert gets all her goodies from Dharma Trading Co., a fiber arts business based in California. The cost of supplies that students use in class is included in a flat fee for the course, which is held once a week for four weeks at the Heritage Hills Activities Center. There are reference books and other materials available for inspirational purposes. A lover of botanical images, Albert researches artists and eras she admires and sketches out her project ideas on paper before committing them to silk. What about mistakes? Even the most talented, experienced, and steady-handed silk painter makes a boo-boo once in a while. But that’s part of the fun, said Albert. “If you are into perfection, you’re going to have some issues with this medium. Things happen … a lot. With silk, dye can bleed if there’s a break in the line of resist. It will end up in places you don’t want it to be. So, either you accept that and you’re OK with it, or you don’t,” she explained adding that there are sometimes ways to fix things. To Albert, a mistake here and there is OK because it “can take you in a different direction and turn something into a piece that maybe you didn’t think of initially.” Like with watercolors that move and change, dye can do “wonderful things.” Using techniques such as adding salt when the piece is still wet or covering the entire thing with dye, then wax, and crumbling, crushing, and then re-dying it can also be an aesthetic adventure. “All kinds of things can happen that you weren’t expecting. That’s the beauty of it,” she philosophized, advising silk painters to be “open to the changes.” Asked this reporter: “So, silk happens?” “Oh, yes. Silk happens,” Albert agreed. The Artists The artists whose works appear in the show are Albert, Julie Reifer, Jennifer Borrelli, Pat Rau, Sandra Toledo, Yvette Borrelli, Lenore Wittrock, Linda Frum, Barbara Gangemi, Susan Statkowski-Rivalsi, Sue Shea, Ellen Reiss, Cheryl Hochenberg, and Christa Curley. There is a price list available. Some pieces are not for sale. Rau and Reifer hung the show. Good to Know Albert can be reached by calling (914) 334-0761 (cell) or (914) 276-0737 (landline) or by emailing eveymusart@comcast. net. The Somers Library is located at 82 Primrose St. (Route 139) in Somers at Reis Park. For more information, call (914) 232-5717 or check out its website at www.somerslibrary.org. EVEY FROM PAGE 3
PAGE 8 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 155 Rt 202, Village Plaza, Lincolndale All varieties of wines and liquors (Next to J’s Quik Stop) 845-475-7574 • 914-248-6000 Mon-Sat open 9:30AM-9:30PM • Sun open 12PM-9PM HUGE SELECTION OF YOUR FAVORITE WINES & LIQUORS Free Local Delivery (on purchases of $90 or more) NOW OFFERING 15% OFF any 12 bottles of wine mix & match 10% OFF any 6 bottles of wine mix & match A Toast to Romance BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Mystery solved, armchair sleuths. Eagle-eyed TV fans might have detected that there was something awfully familiar about the setting for a production of the Peacock series “Poker Face.” And they were right. It was IBM’s former regional headquarters in Somers where scenes from the critically acclaimed comedy-drama were filmed in 2022. The tech colossus’s campus, located on Route 100, is renowned for its I.M. Pei-designed, glass pyramid-topped structures. IBM departed in 2017 leaving the town to ponder the fate of the 700-acre property. A proposal to open a private STEM school there never took off. Being computer-centric, it was an apropos spot to film “The Orpheus Syndrome,” the plot of which centers on mysterious deaths at a visual effects company. Episode 8 aired in January 2023. On set was Natasha Lyonne, who stars as Charlie Cale, a former cocktail waitress, poker hustler, and human lie detector running from a casino boss following a suspicious death. During her road trip across the U.S., Charlie encounters colorful characters and solves a whole bunch of murders. “The Orpheus Syndrome” episode also featured actors Nick Nolte, Cherry Jones, Luis Guzmán, Tim Russ, and Rowan Blanchard. Lyonne wrote – along with Alice Ju – and directed “Orpheus.” Westchester’s tourism folks proudly note that several shows filmed in the county garnered a total of 56 Primetime Emmy nominations and notched nine wins at the award ceremony broadcast on Fox on Monday, Jan. 15. Lyonne was nominated for “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series” for the 2023 season. She was up against Quinta Brunson (“Abbott Elementary”), Christina Applegate (“Dead to Me”), Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”), and Jenna Ortega (“Wednesday”). Brunson took home the winged statuette. The number of nominations and awards given to shows that filmed in Westchester was a “testament” to the county’s “growing prominence” as an entertainment industry hotspot. It’s “film-friendly” also propelled, they said, success in the Golden Globes, Critic’s Choice, and Directors, Producers, and Screen Actors Guild awards and nominations. That gives Westchester more than bragging rights, it helps boost the local economy, according to County Executive George Latimer. “The film industry’s impact on Westchester is undeniable. A driving force for investment, film production is a $1.1 billion sector in Westchester. It showcases our assets, creates jobs, supports local vendors, and attracts audiences here and around the world,” he said. HBO’s “Succession” swept awards this year, scoring six Emmys, including “Outstanding Drama” and “Best Writing in Drama for the show’s creator, Jesse Armstrong; four Golden Globes, and three Critic’s Choice Awards. The series is set in New York City and in locations around the world, but the production filmed several episodes in Westchester, including at Westchester County Airport in the “shocking” episode that centered on the death of family patriarch Logan Roy. Also pointing to the recent “numerous recognitions,” Westchester County Tourism & Film Director Natasha Caputo said that they prove that the county’s diverse locations “provide excellent backdrops for storytelling, exemplified by these numerous recognitions.” The film biz has grown steadily due to the efforts of the county’s tourism team. The office provides location guidance, offers technical visits, and facilitates the permit process, she pointed out, adding that that support “makes a big difference in choosing where to film, according to many industry professionals.” The long-running Amazon Prime show “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” filmed at Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle for its last season. The comedy earned two Emmy awards, for period makeup and cinematography. ‘Poker Face’ films in Somers, earns Emmy nominations Scenes were filmed at IBM’s former regional headquarters on Route 100. PHOTO COURTESY OF PEACOCK SEE POKER FACE PAGE 30
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 9 FRIDAY FEB. 16TH — 7:30 PM SHOWTIME! 1500 Baldwin Rd • Yorktown Heights, NY. • 914-962-9300 Dentistry with the personalized touch... We know that life can be hectic, and our team goes the extra mile to make patients’ care convenient, comfortable, and reliably high in quality. Kids Welcome! Dr. Amanda Wiechert, DMD Dr. Felicia Nicolas, DDS Drill-free dentistry for early cavities Ask us about the secret to a gag-free appointment Alternatives to fiuoride to treat and protect teeth Digital imaging & wellness scanning 1855 COMMERCE STREET YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY 10598 (914) 302-7717 northeastdentalny.com / [email protected] (914) 248-6220 Progressive-Vet.com 268 Route 202 • Somers, NY 10589 Does your pet need an Ultrasound or Echocardiogram? Say goodbye to long wait times and uncertainties! Introducing a revolutionary pet healthcare solution — QuickScan Pet Ultrasound! INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED SPEEDY DIAGNOSIS CONVENIENCE EXPERT ANALYSIS CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY PEACE OF MIND Your pet’s health matters to us, and with QuickScan Pet Ultrasound, we’re committed to providing the fastest and most reliable diagnostic service available. DON’T WAIT—give your pet the care they deserve with QuickScan Pet Ultrasound today! had barely escaped a head-on collision on Route 118 when a driver coming in the opposite direction swerved into their lane to avoid an enormous “crater.” “It’s so dangerous trying to spot the potholes that don’t look that deep and then having to make a split-second decision about which one to hit,” Rae said. “It’s a disaster waiting to happen.” Her biggest point? “Cars can be replaced; people can’t.” Day, an attorney who’s married to Rockland County Executive Ed Day, also brought up the issue of fiscal fairness. “We pay the highest taxes in the country and our roads look like war zones,” she asserted. DOT Responds In response to the uproar, DOT spokeswoman Heather Pillsworth issued the following statement: “The safety of the traveling public is always our top priority. NYSDOT maintenance crews work aggressively to address potholes as they develop.” It was accompanied by photos taken Thursday and posted on Twitter of DOT crews repairing potholes on Route 118, aka Tomahawk Street. According to the statement, the NYSDOT “fills over 1 million potholes across the state annually, depending upon pavement conditions and the variability of the weather.” The DOT advised motorists to call 1-800-768-4653 to report potholes on state-owned highways, including Interstate 684, which serves to connect highways in the New York City area to Interstate 84. I-684 is commonly used by motorists heading for destinations to the northeast, such as Danbury, Conn. Somers is in the DOT’s sprawling Region 8, which covers Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Orange, and Ulster counties. Town’s Hands Tied Everyone The Somers Record spoke to last week – including Day and Rae -- had nothing but nice things to say, however, about the way the town’s caring for its own byways. “Nick’s doing a fantastic job,” said town Supervisor Robert Scorrano of Highway Superintendent Nick DeVito and his hardworking crew. The town is contracted to plow certain state roads in the wintertime but is NOT allowed to repair or maintain them. “It would be so much easier if we could,” explained DeVito, pointing out that Somers “probably has double the average number of state roads” that other municipalities do. Folks might not realize it, but roads with numbers on them belong to the state. Think Routes 35, 100, 116, 118, 138, 139, and 202. That’s a significant amount of state roads for one community. “They take a beating. There’s a lot of traffic on them,” DeVito said. Having its hands tied makes the situation especially disheartening to the town when folks reach out with complaints about situations over which it has no control, both DeVito and Scorrano said. The Highway Department might get about 20 to 30 such calls or emails a day; the supervisor’s office racks up nearly a dozen. “Ninety percent are about insurance claims. Some people are just angry because a pothole POTHOLES FROM PAGE 1 SEE POTHOLES PAGE 32 Residents have reported damage to vehicles and near-misses with cars avoiding potholes. Some of the potholes are several inches deep. PHOTOS: TOM WALOGORSKY
PAGE 10 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 Opinion 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 The Somers Record or its affiliates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail at [email protected]. For more information, call the editor at 914-302-5830 BRETT FREEMAN, PUBLISHER TOM WALOGORSKY , EDITOR TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Editorial Office: 914-302-5830 [email protected] Happily Ever After Library answers to state, not town government Dear Editor, Feb. 2 was my last day as Director of the Somers Library. I am sad to be leaving such a wonderful place. It was my hope that when I began here three years ago that I would stay until I retired; it was not meant to be. Municipal libraries are challenging because they receive their money directly from the municipality. From there, it is the Director and the Library Board (who answer to New York State, not the municipality) who make the decisions about how the library is run, from what is spent on salaries to materials and operations. It is not uncommon for a municipality to not understand that the running of a library falls squarely on the Director and the Library Board as the laws are written. The current Library Board and I faced challenges throughout 2023 related to this issue. In a situation like this, municipal libraries have the option of going for a 414 vote. Chapter 414 of the laws of 1995 in New York State enable libraries of any type to put their budget up for a public vote, held on Election Day, to establish the municipal budget appropriation for the library. Should the vote pass, the municipality would fund the library at the approved level. If voters decide to pass a 414 vote, this would mean there would be a slight increase in the library tax. It does not mean that there would be a new tax created. LETTERS J an. 28 was effectively the last day of football season. The Chiefs bested the Ravens and the Forty Niners beat the Lions. What lies ahead is the Taylor Swift Super Bowl featuring hours of pregame hype, way too many commercials and an hour-long halftime show, making it almost impossible to watch for most football fans. It is an event not for football fans, but for everyone else. So we are at that depressing time of year when football is over and baseball season is still two months away. I thought I could at least fill the void by focusing on the presidential primaries for entertainment during the lull, but it looks like both contests were already decided before the process even got going. Is our system for picking presidents broken if 99% of the electorate won’t participate in picking a candidate for November? Probably. On football and the Taylor Swift presidential sweepstakes DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT SEE LETTERS PAGE 13 SEE SCOTT PAGE 12
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 11 Even though 2024 is already up and running, we still have some loose ends to tie up from 2023, and once we tie them up, hopefully they’ll stay put. Here are the stories that the fake news media wish they would have thought of first. Stanley insulated water cups become must-have commodity In 2023, the item most sought-after by people who go around seeking after stuff was the “Quencher,” a 40-ounce Thermos-like drinking flagon from the Stanley Brand drinking cup company, affectionately known as the “Stanley cup.” The huge stainless steel vessel is only slightly smaller than the Stanley Cup awarded to the winner of the NHL finals, but if you are ice skating and you happen to run out of ice, this gargantuan stein will hold enough to get you back home. The cup’s large capacity also makes it possible to travel in your car for extended periods without stopping, provided the capacity of your bladder is at all comparable. However, drinking 40 ounces of anything on a regular basis may be enough for family members to organize an intervention for you. Snake falls out of sky onto woman In Texas, a woman was treated at a hospital for wounds and abrasions after reporting that a snake fell onto her out of the sky and wrapped itself around her arm, whereupon a hawk swooped down and snatched it, in the process jerking her arm in directions that only hawks and snakes would consider normal. It appeared to be a living demonstration of the food chain in action; had an alert fox been wandering in the area, he might have attacked all three of them, moments before a mountain lion jumped out of nowhere and consumed the terrified tetrad, followed by a lawyer, who eats defendants like that for lunch every day in the courtroom. By the way, the next day the lawyer is bitten by a malaria-carrying mosquito but recovers, only to die after being stung by criticism. Newly-acquired four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers injures himself in first series with Jets The NFL’s New York Jets team traded for veteran star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who sustained a season-ending achilles tendon tear just four plays into the first game. This probably occurred right after someone optimistically said, “Wow, it’ll be so great to have a completely healthy Aaron Rogers for at least the next four minutes!” It was ironic news to opponents of the ten-time Pro Bowler, who spent his first 18 seasons looking for his achilles heel in the completely wrong place. It’s also eerily reminiscent of when Achilles himself was drafted into the Army of Agamemnon, and everyone said FINALLY, we have the bravest, strongest, ablest warrior who can throw a spear downfield for 40 yards with ZERO interceptions and we’ll finally win a battle, and look what happened. At least Aaron Rodgers damaged the tendon while earning millions of dollars playing a difficult and dangerous sport. By contrast, had it been me, I would have sustained the injury doing something embarrassing like practicing the Electric Slide before a mirror or taking a bath with my cat. Archaeologists discover that ancient people who came to Alaska from Siberia sometimes went back The earliest Native Americans who crossed the land that now rests underwater sometimes crossed back, according to a study published in Current Biology. This confirms what we know today, which is that promises of great pizza, reliable internet connections, readily available public toilets and convenient parking have gone largely unfulfilled. Making that passage is also much harder now that we installed the Bering Strait and got Mexico to pay for it. Police use man’s dog to save him from icy lake In a Lassie-like incident, a man who fell through the ice into a lake in Michigan was pulled out using a disc that was brought to him by his own dog, Ruby. The device, which ironically was shaped like a Frisbee, was attached to a rope, by which the officer and firefighter pulled the man to shore. It is not known whether they were then able to rescue the disc from the dog. My own pet, Gidget, while not technically a rescue dog, is extremely smart, and I’m sure she would have devised a plan by herself without any intervention from the fire department, as long as it involved a tennis ball, a cat, a block-and-tackle, a squeaky toy in the shape of a squirrel and cheese. It isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds, which is convenient because my dog won’t fetch very far. Well, that sums up the year 2023 in a nutshell, and judging from these items, it couldn’t be more apparent that that’s where nuts come from. 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PAGE 12 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 The primary system for amassing delegates in order to secure a major party’s endorsement is a relatively recent phenomenon. Most of the reforms in the presidential nomination process came after the tumultuous 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago. Party rules were changed to ensure the delegates to their national nominating convention were selected by primary voting rather than by party leaders at state conventions. Republicans followed suit. The idea was to let the people decide rather than “party bosses.” Like most reforms, there were unintended consequences. Only a small percentage of voters in each party participate in their respective primaries. Those voters are generally the activists and tend to be the most extreme in each of the parties. The characteristics and policy positions that make a candidate appealing to the most strident members of their party may not be helpful in a general election. The result is candidates that appeal to the base of the party, but not necessarily to those in the middle. Polarization among other things is the result. With 50 states, we have 50 different sets of rules for voting in a presidential primary. In most states, you must be a registered member of the party to participate in the primary. Approximately 20 states allow open primaries where a voter can participate in whichever primary they choose regardless of their party affiliation. Independents get to vote in those primaries. Open primaries are attractive because the inclusive electorate more closely resembles the general election, hence more appealing candidates could emerge from those states. Party leaders from both sides don’t like open primaries because they feel it dilutes the power of party membership. However, about 27% of the country identifies as Democrat and about the same percentage identifies as Republican. Forty-three percent identify as independent - a number that has been growing for years. If the goal is to select candidates that will fare well in the general election, why wouldn’t you want to know what independents think? Doesn’t that help build a coalition? Both parties are working hard to button up the primary cycle as quickly as possible, attempting to crown their respective nominees, shortcircuiting the entire process. I’d be a fan of cutting to the chase, perhaps, if the product was appealing. But in all likelihood, we will be getting a rematch of the 2020 election. Gallup reports that 70% of those surveyed said they won’t vote for either candidate. It doesn’t look like the system is working. The two party duopoly is not turning out a good product. They are weak institutions, which seem to want to follow the parade rather than lead it. As a recent piece in the Economist opined, “political parties do not plot or strategize anymore to anoint a candidate, at least not with much effect; they have instead become vehicles idling by the curbs of American life until the primaries approach, waiting for successful candidates to commandeer them.” There has been a lot of chatter recently about how each candidate covets a Taylor Swift endorsement, which could make the difference in a tight race. It’s quite possible she may know more about picking presidents than the major parties do. Look how good she’s been at picking football teams. SCOTT FROM PAGE 10 BY MARGIE MAREK GUEST POET the block of cheese wrote a poem sitting on its Asiago all day molding words like clay at night turns blue makes a tasty dip for a chicken wing or two brain melted nerves fried it wants to Brie something it knows how hard it tried in a cruel and lovely case of pareidolia it sees a face it recognized reaches for its mother falls into the jaws of another SNAP mouse-trap “so it goes”* knick-knack-paddy-whack give a dog a bone hi-ho-the-derry-o the cheese stands alone Margie Marek is a member of a writing and poetry group at the Somers Library. a Gouda-poem A C T I V E H O M E S F O R S A L E 1 6 3 6 % D E C R E A S E F R O M 2 0 2 2 S O M E R S M A R K E T U P D A T E D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 A V E R A G E S A L E P R I C E $ 7 6 2 , 4 7 7 H O M E S S O L D - F U L L Y E A R 1 3 5 1 9 % D E C R E A S E F R O M 2 0 2 2 L E S S T H A N 1 % D E C R E A S E F R O M 2 0 2 2 S I N G L E F A M I L Y A C T I V E H O M E S F O R S A L E 1 0 2 5 % I N C R E A S E F R O M 2 0 2 2 A V E R A G E S A L E P R I C E $ 5 7 6 , 8 5 3 H O M E S S O L D - F U L L Y E A R 1 1 1 2 9 % D E C R E A S E F R O M 2 0 2 2 9 % I N C R E A S E C O N D O M I N I U M S F R O M 2 0 2 2 Source: OKMLS, single family & condominium, active, sold & average sale price, 01/01/2023 - 12/31/2023 as compared to 01/01/2022 - 12/31/2022, Somers school district. T H I N K I N G A B O U T S E L L I N G YO U R H O M E O R C O N D O ? I T ' S T H E P E R F E C T T I M E T O B E O N T H E M A R K E T. W E H AV E L O W I N V E N T O R Y A N D M A N Y B U Y E R S . P L E A S E F E E L F R E E T O C O N TA C T M E A N Y T I M E . I ' M H E R E T O H E L P. D O N N A O ' C O N N E L L A s s o c i a t e R e a l E s t a t e B r o k e r S o m e r s B r o k e r a g e M 9 1 4 . 2 6 3 . 9 1 0 8 O 9 1 4 . 2 7 7. 8 0 4 0 Ext. 3 3 4 D o c o n n e l l @ h o u l i h a n l a w r e n c e . c o m d o n n a o c o n n e l l . h o u l i h a n l a w r e n c e . c o m
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 13 HUDSON DERMATOLOGY Hudson Dermatology’s Somers office is ready to offer you the best possible care. Our board-certified dermatologists and expertly trained medical providers use state of the art treatments and the latest equipment to keep your skin healthy and looking its best. We provide important checkups for skin cancer that can catch cancerous growths early, avoiding serious problems later. We can relieve unsightly, annoying conditions like rosacea, rashes, eczema and psoriasis, and remove warts and moles. And we provide Mohs surgery to remove skin cancers with minimum visible impact. In addition, we provide a full range of cosmetic services including Botox, fillers, lasers and peels, skillfully administered to keep you looking fresh, not fake. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Harishitha Mannam to our Somers office. With seven offices, we’re the Hudson Valley’s largest independent dermatology practice, committed to providing you with personal, expert care in a pleasant and private setting. Please call us today or visit our website for more information. 336 U.S. Route 202 Behind Somers Pharmacy 914 617 8950 www.hudsondermatology.com Better Care for Your Skin. The library’s building, staff and resources all cost money, but as a public library we may not discriminate or show bias toward anyone who wishes to use library services, including those who would be unable to pay for library use. Free, open access to information and services reflects not only our core values, but also the New York State Education law, which governs libraries. In short, free public libraries are a benefit to American democracy. If the Library Board approves going for a 414 vote, the residents of Somers will have the opportunity to show their support for the library in November. Working with this community has been a great experience and there is much that I will miss. Thank you for all of the support you have given me while I was here. With Kindest Regards, -Jennifer Daddio Past Director of the Somers Library Potholes are a ‘disaster waiting to happen’ Dear Editor, As both a resident and homeowner in Somers, I had to write to discuss my extreme frustration and concern about the state roads in this region. The roads, specifically Route 118/Tomahawk Street (the entire road, but especially the “The Preserve” neighborhood down to “Traditions 118” restaurant) and Route 202 (from Route 118 up toward Somers High School around the reservoir), are a complete disgrace and full of giant potholes. There are literally about 40-plus large potholes on Route 118 alone. This brings on a VERY dangerous situation with drivers swerving all around them and into the lanes of oncoming traffic to avoid them. It is a disaster waiting to happen. These roads have been in disrepair and ignored for years by New York State. Despite numerous complaints over the years, the state has only done little fixes with “filling” them with asphalt – only to have them “pop out” again at the next snowfall or flood. I myself have personally had two issues over the years with these potholes – which resulted in flat tires and cracked rims. It was more than $2,500 in damage between the two incidents. As a taxpayer already paying tons for taxes annually, I don’t think it is too much to demand safe roads to drive on in my community. I am now sick of waiting patiently for New York to fix these roads. Something must be done and it must be done promptly. A temporary “fill in” for now and then a full fix this spring or summer is beyond necessary! Our local and regional government officials need to strongly advocate for the town of Somers with this situation before a major accident occurs and either kills or injures someone. There are also many young and inexperienced drivers coming to and from the high school and it is unconscionable to keep Route 118 in this state of disrepair. I welcome our governmental officials to take a drive on Route 118 and they will quickly understand my safety concerns when they see these horrific potholes and the poor patchwork solutions that have been done over the years. I also strongly advise the residents of Somers to be persistent on this urgent matter and demand that our state roads be properly fixed once and for all. -Christina Rae Somers LETTERS FROM PAGE 10 Dear Dr. Linda, My husband and I had a conference with our daughter’s third-grade teacher and I’ve been upset ever since. She told us that Julie’s a lovely little girl and does well in school. She also added that all her scores are average. I asked what I could do to get her scores above average and she looked at me and said, “She’s fine.” Since kindergarten, I’ve been told that Julie’s a good student with average intelligence. Every year I ask what I should do to help her get above average and I always get the same answer, “She’s doing just fine.” My husband thinks I’m awful because I work with her all the time in hopes of making her above average. I don’t see anything wrong with trying to help her improve, and I’m scared that if I don’t push her, the school will do nothing and she won’t be able to get into a good college. -Caring and Concerned Mom Dear Caring and Concerned Mom, Every parent would like to be able to say that their child is above average. I think that there are some who would rather say that their child has a learning disability than to have them described as “average.” Our culture has a lot to do with that— consider the words of Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion: “Well, that’s the news from Lake Wobegon, where all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average.” When it comes to success, being average or above average in intelligence is only one standard of measurement. To succeed in or out of school, we need many other skills — organizational skills, time management skills, interpersonal relationship skills, perseverance, strategies for setting goals and working toward them. Embracing the unique brilliance of ‘average’ kids DR. LINDA SILBERT STRONG LEARNING SEE DR. LINDA PAGE 14
PAGE 14 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 I’ve worked with students who scored average on every intelligence test and still graduated from colleges and universities of note. I’ve also worked with students who scored in the gifted range, and yet never finished college or even applied to go. When we apply for jobs, if a college degree is required, that we graduated and in what academic area is far more important than the college(s) we attended. Unless one’s goal is to become a lawyer on Wall Street, it’s usually not important. There are countless examples of people who score high on intelligence tests who fail to achieve anything of note in the real world and even more examples of well-rounded, intellectually “average” people who break barriers athletically, artistically, musically and academically. Scoring in the average range on school intelligence tests is not only perfectly normal, but it’s perfectly wonderful, too. It’s finding our own unique niches in life that eventually leads to a happy and successful life. Let Julie know how very proud you are to be her mother just the way she is. Otherwise, because your focus is on changing her, you run a greater risk of communicating that she’s not good enough — not tall enough, not thin enough, not smart enough — when she is uniquely and wonderfully perfect. I expect your husband thinks so too. If your daughter enjoys reading, writing stories, or playing math games with you, then keep it up. There is nothing wrong with enriching her environment and spending time with her. But…if she resists the routine, stop and think about what you’re doing. Chances are your efforts are designed to make you feel better. Which means they have much more to do with your own self-esteem than hers. -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. DR. LINDA FROM PAGE 13 We see you here. The things you love doing are more than just passions. They’re what make you “you.” This is why at The Bristal, our expert team members dedicate their time, attention, and energy to creating customized social activities that ensure each resident continues being the unique person they are. And, in the process, create the one-of-a-kind community we are, too. Schedule your visit today and see for yourself. THE BRISTAL AT ARMONK | 914.306.8580 THE BRISTAL AT WHITE PLAINS | 914.594.5787 thebristal.com Licensed by the State Department of Health. Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies. Equal Housing Opportunity. Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 15 I regularly meet clients who have been retired for 10 to 15 years and, remarkably, have not had the time to implement an estate and/or elder law plan for themselves. I understand that retirees have busy lives: After all, traveling and playing golf, tennis, pickleball and bocce can be quite time-consuming! (Perhaps not as time-consuming as babysitting, chauffeuring around the grandkids, or arranging and attending doctor appointments, but still…) Yet, for the life of me, I just can’t understand why one would wait until their 80s to implement an elder law and/or estate plan. While implementing an estate plan at any age is better than not doing so at all, the risks and adverse consequences of waiting are significant. For example, delaying the execution of a Durable Power of Attorney with broad gifting provisions and a Health Care Proxy creates the possibility that if one has become incapacitated (mentally and/or physically) and is unable to make financial and personal decisions, they will need to have a Guardian appointed for them. A Guardianship proceeding must be commenced in the Supreme Court of the County where one resides in New York. It is expensive, time-consuming, and can be emotionally taxing for all parties involved, particularly if it ends up being contested. Ultimately, the person appointed as Guardian may still be unable to make the financial transactions necessary to protect the incapacitated person’s assets from the cost of long-term care (especially, if the objective is eligibility for Medicaid home care). This outcome can be easily avoided by executing a broadly drafted Durable Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy long before this could come to pass. The failure to be proactive also rears its ugly head if one has not implemented an elder law plan at least five years before requiring nursing home Medicaid and, once the new law is implemented in 2025 or 2026, at least two-and-a-half years before requiring Medicaid home care. If one waits until their late 70s and/ or 80s to execute and fund a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT), they are increasing the risk that they will need to privately pay for their care in a nursing home or at home, which could potentially dissipate their life savings. It is quite common in the New York metropolitan area for a nursing home to cost between $175,000 to $220,000 per year and for home care to run approximately $150,000 to $175,000 per year. For a person of modest means, this can be devastating. Even for the affluent, the risk of delaying implementation of an estate plan with estate tax planning techniques can be detrimental. This is especially true for New York residents who have estates greater than approximately $7 million in the year 2024, and thus, may be subject to New York’s onerous estate tax cliff. Additionally, while the Federal Estate and Gift Tax exemption will be $13.61 million per person in 2024, said exemption will sunset if it is not extended by Dec. 31, 2025, and on Jan. 1, 2026, it will be reduced to approximately $7 million per person. Moreover, the failure to utilize part or all of the Federal Gift Tax exemption before it sunsets, by gifting assets and implementing an estate tax plan, subjects one’s estate to the potential for significant estate taxes, with a combined Federal and New York estate tax rate of 49.9%. While being proactive is a great idea during any stage in life, the failure to do so when one has reached retirement age can be quite expensive. Anthony J. Enea is the managing attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP of White Plains, New York. 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 www.esslawfirm.com. ANTHONY J. ENEA GUEST CORNER FOCUS ON ELDER LAW Being proactive in retirement Risks for waiting to implement an estate plan are significant If one waits until their late 70s and/or 80s to execute and fund a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT), they are increasing the risk that they will need to privately pay for their care in a nursing home or at home, which could potentially dissipate their life savings.’ -Anthony J. Enea Managing attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP
PAGE 16 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 Starting our 44th year serving Yorktown children Family Owned And Operated, Owners Always On The Premises. WWW.PIEDPIPERSCHOOLYORKTOWN.COM 2090 Crompond Road - Yorktown Heights For more information call 914-962-5196 or 914-815-5281 PRESCHOOL • Ages 18 months to 5 years • Operating Hours 7am to 6pm • New York State Certified Curriculum • Before & After Care Available BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL ADVENTURES • Ages 18 months to 10 years • Large indoor and fenced in outdoor playgrounds • Homework Assistance • Bus Transportation Provided By The Yorktown School District • Food and drinks provided SUMMER CAMP • Ages 18 Months To 10 Years • Flexible Days, Weeks & Times • Indoor Air Conditioned Playground • Weekly Themes And Activities Including Sports, Arts & Crafts, Music, Cooking And Theatre. • Bls, Cpr, Rit First Aid, Epipen & Mat Certified Check out our new website. Call today and sign up for a tour. Our family can’t wait to meet your family! Enrollment Opens for 2024-25 on February 1st I n the twilight of my life, I have grown to appreciate, admire, respect and even envy those who have made a substantial contribution to our scientific understanding of the world. Progress has only occurred because of the imagination, fierce skepticism, intellectual honesty and, yes, courage of a very few great minds. Of course, there have been detours along the way. We once believed we were the center of the universe. Even after that was cleared up, cosmologists falsely proclaimed that the universe was static. Physicists incorrectly believed that there was nothing smaller than the fundamental particles that make up an atom. Plants could never communicate. DNA could not transmit heredity, etc. It has always been maverick investigators who ruthlessly try out new theories, forcing detractors to reconsider their cognitive biases. Often, they meet with considerable opposition, ridicule and even violence but, somehow, they persevere. And humanity is better off because of them. We all have heard of some of the shining stars in the constellation of great minds: Galileo, Darwin, Newton, Einstein. But, in the next couple of columns, I would like to introduce two who perhaps you have not heard of. The first, the subject of this column, died the same month I graduated high school. The second is alive and kicking and has graciously agreed to allow me to interview her. The prestigious British Association for the Advancement of Science celebrated its 100th anniversary in September 1931, at the famed Assembly Hall, near Westminster Alley. Thousands of scientists were in attendance. They had a lot to celebrate. In the previous century, biologists had discovered the power of evolution, geologists had made profound discoveries about the planet, physicists had detected electrons and protons, chemists had learned about how atoms bond, and cosmologists had discovered the vastness of an expanding universe. Anyone who was anyone in the scientific community attended the conference. There was a palpable air of superiority, given the sense that the heights of scientific knowledge had all but been reached. But that was about to be challenged, and then some. An unknown scientist wearing a black suit and a priest’s collar stepped up to the podium to address the prestigious crowd. Father Georges Lemaître, age 37, was not even listed in the original program. He had to be penciled in. Lemaître blew minds by suggesting that the expansion of the universe meant that the universe must have originated from a finite point in time. If the universe was expanding then, if you extrapolate back, inevitably you reach a point when the universe was packed together in an extremely dense state. Couple that idea with quantum mechanics and, in Lemaître’s mind, the conclusion that the physical universe initiated in a single particle, a primeval atom, was unavoidable. His conclusion marked the beginning of what later was derisively labeled The Big Bang. Who was this insane priest who dared to challenge the scientific status quo? Georges Lemaître was born in 1894 in Charleroi, Belgium. As a young man, his interests veered to both science and theology. He was a student at the Catholic University of Leuven when German troops poured across the Belgium border, plunging Europe and Lemaître into World War I. Lemaître ended up in trenches for months, fighting the Kaiser’s army. As fate would have it, he brought his physics books with him and read the works of French physicist Henri Poincaré, which changed the trajectory of his life. Lemaître continued, after the war, to pursue his two loves, getting ordained a priest but continuing his studies at Cambridge University with the esteemed Sir Arthur Eddington. By then, Albert Einstein had shaken the scientific community with his new theories and equations and established himself as a genius. For his part, Lemaître was fully immersed in his proposition that, not only was the universe expanding, but that galaxies were being pulled apart. Lemaître hoped to get Einstein’s approval of his ideas but, when they met in 1927, Lemaitre was crestfallen. The Great One made it known he hated Lemaître’s theories. Even when they shared a taxi, Einstein ignored him, considering him nothing more than an eccentric, misguided priest. Lemaître was undeterred by Einstein’s rejection. When his time came to address the British Association’s assembled throng in 1931, he did not hesitate to put forth his bold theory that the universe was produced by the disintegration of one tiny atom. In his later writings, he extrapolated that, “the evolution of the universe can be likened to a display of fireworks that has just ended: some few wisps, ashes and smoke. Standing on a well-chilled cinder, we see the fading of the suns and try to recall the vanished brilliance of the origin of the worlds.” After the shock of Lemaître’s declaration wore off, scientists around the world tried unsuccessfully to disprove it. Finally, in 1933, Einstein and Lemaître met again, this time in Pasadena, CA. After examining the existing data and listening to Lemaître speak, the Great One brought a huge smile to the priest’s face by declaring, “this is the most beautiful and satisfactory explanation of creation to which I have ever listened.” The camaraderie between the two men was evident as they then embarked on a speaking tour together. Even with Einstein’s approval, it took several years for Lemaître’s theory Tales of courage and brilliance JAMES MARTORANO MY PERSPECTIVE SEE MARTORANO PAGE 17
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 17 SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO VISIT ONE OF OUR SHOWROOMS TODAY! Your Bath. Your Kitchen. Your Home. 49 Route 138 Somers, NY 10589 M-Fr 9:30AM-4:30PM 914-232-2020 3372 Old Crompond Road Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 M-Sat 10AM-5PM 914-736-2468 (ACROSS FROM THE BJ’S SHOPPING CENTER) BESTPLG.COM $50 off $500 Minimum Purchase when Shipped Complete. Eligible at Yorktown and Somers showrooms only Show this Coupon to Receive Discount. One per customer Expires 3/15/2024 MARTORANO FROM PAGE 16 When I was 18, I thought I was a Communist and started writing communist poetry. With high hopes and dreams of immortality, I submitted a poem to an avant-garde magazine in San Francisco. A friend, Brenda, also a Commie, who came up with the poem’s title, “Worker Bees,” gave me the address. In those days it took nearly a week for a letter to go from one coast to the other. Finally, after almost two months of anxious waiting, came the reply. My hands shook as I tore the envelope open. The letter contained just three typed words: “You’re no Communist.” The rejection didn’t bother me as much as the arrogant reply. How did this person know that I wasn’t a Communist? Of course, I was a Communist! Brenda took the news worse than me, saying that “Worker Bees” was as good as anything Karl Marx ever wrote. We drank a bottle of her father’s good champagne to ease the sting of defeat. The bottle was nearly empty when Brenda had her revelation. “He must have been a Communist,” she said. I didn’t understand what she meant at first and Brenda wasn’t offering any clues. But then it suddenly hit me. A real Communist read my poem and found it inauthentic. Perhaps I wasn’t a Communist, after all. Perhaps Brenda wasn’t. We were both 18 and still learning how to be together. Any little thing, my jealousy, her moodiness, caused waves of hurt feelings and resentment. One day at the beach, we swam out to an empty raft and sat down, a little out of breath, with our backs pressed together. Up until that day, I had hidden my jealousy. But now that I didn’t have to look her in the eye, I asked Brenda why she had kept looking in the direction of some jerk wearing a skimpy blue bathing suit. She didn’t deny it. “Because he’s good-looking,” she said. “What would you like me to do? Walk around with my eyes closed?” She noted that my eyes had not been closed, either. It might have ruined the whole day. We could have had an argument and made all kinds of idle accusations. Instead, we had an honest moment. The biggest jerk at the beach that day was me. It was far easier to share our deepest thoughts and feelings, we both found, when we weren’t looking at each other’s faces. It became a fun thing to do, talking like two Buddha’s facing in different directions. We had one rule, though. One of us had to take the role of “examiner.” All the examiner was allowed to do was ask questions. One question always led to another question. We made progress. After we finished the bottle of champagne, Brenda insisted that we needed a session. She played the examiner. Her first question: “Why are you a Communist?” I was a Communist primarily because of the way poor people were exploited by rich people. Our government not only allowed it, but it also devised laws insuring it. Also, Richard Nixon was president, and I was beginning to see how con men and liars have held at least as much sway over the course of human events as honest people. I was angry. I am still angry. I cannot remember exactly what else we said that evening. Brenda kept asking question after question. I kept saying, “I don’t know.” We were both a little drunk. “Do you even know if you are a Communist?” Brenda finally asked. The truth finally came out. I didn’t even really know what a Communist was. We did it almost every day- usually with a glass or two of vino to loosen our tongues. One day, Brenda, in her role as the examiner, asked me if I loved her. I only wished that she could see the tears she put in my eyes. I am not the type who has trouble with the words. If anything, they come too easily. Didn’t she know that she was my sun, my rain, my blossom, my snow? She freed me from sin and showed me how high love could soar. I told her this and more. She listened for a while and asked if I would always feel the same. And then she fell asleep. My father was the happiest member of my family when I denounced Communism, my mother the wisest. She said, “What’s next?” About a year after the jealous incident at the beach, Brenda got involved with Scientology and an actor. It hurt, though I trusted her taste. But then I heard the sad news about her. She married rich. I was a teenage Communist to receive almost universal approval in the scientific community. But, as the evidence grew, so did the group’s reluctant acquiescence. You may wonder how a priest could propose a theory as controversial as Lemaître’s, seemingly in violation of his religion’s teachings. Lemaitre saw no such contradiction. He bifurcated his two loves with ease. Science, he believed, shows us the nature of the universe, while religion teaches us the way to salvation. Case closed. Georges Lemaître continued, until his death in 1966, to follow his priestly duties while focusing his brilliant mind on scientific endeavors like electronic computation of astrophysical problems. Georges Lemaître, The Father of the Big Bang, is forever remembered as a courageous, unrelentingly intellectually curious scientist on whose shoulders new generations of brilliant scientists stand. One of those scientists is the focus of my next column, Dr. Katherine Freese. Stay tuned. LORENZO GARO OF HUMAN INTEREST
PAGE 18 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 Source: OKMLS, 1/1/23-12/31/23, total dollar volume of single family homes and condominiums sold by Agent, Somers school district. DONNA O’CONNELL Associate Real Estate Broker M 914.263.9108 [email protected] donnaoconnell.houlihanlawrence.com SOMERS BROKERAGE · 104 VILLAGE SQUARE, SOMERS, NY 2023 AGENT IN SOMERS “Thanks to all of my clients for making me the #1 Real Estate Agent in Somers! Your trust made it happen. Let's keep turning keys and making dreams come true in 2024!” — Donna O’Connell BY ROY BECK GUEST COLUMNIST America’s business elites have used immigration as a tool to avoid hiring Black Americans for the past two centuries. This pattern of discrimination has depressed African Americans’ employment and wages -- and is a significant cause of persistent racial wealth gaps. The trend began before the Civil War. By the early 1800s, many Northern states had banned slavery and were home to substantial numbers of free Black workers. But starting in the 1820s, northern employers increasingly sought cheaper white immigrant workers from Europe -- which stalled Black economic momentum. After the Civil War, former slaves began migrating to northern states to staff the factories of a rapidly industrializing nation. This led to huge jumps in African American skills, incomes and even business ownership. Southern plantations and businesses despaired of their dwindling source of cheap labor. But by the 1880s, they were rescued by the grand political and economic bargaining that resulted in the Ellis Island-era “Great Wave of Immigration.” Each year over the next four decades, an average of nearly 600,000 immigrants flowed primarily into northern labor markets. That largely blocked the flow of Black workers from the South. In fact, many former slaves and their families moved back to the lower-wage South after they were displaced by desperate immigrants willing to accept low wages and appalling working conditions. By 1910, about 90% of all African Americans were still laboring as farm workers and household servants in the South. Finally, in 1924, public pressure -- including from notable Black leaders of the day like A. Philip Randolph and W. E. B. Du Bois -- forced Congress to drastically reduce annual immigration. The ensuing tightness in northern labor markets created demand for underemployed, underpaid southern workers. Some six million African Americans left the South during the Great Migration made possible by tighter labor markets. By the 1960s, the share of Black households that were considered middle class had expanded from two in 10 to seven in 10. But the economic boom didn’t last. Congress reopened mass migration in the 1960s, and -- just as before -- economic progress ceased for most Black Americans. In response, federal commissions in the 1970s called on Congress to reduce immigration, but lawmakers instead heeded the concerns of employer lobbies that expressed fears of “worker shortages.” Instead of viewing tight job markets as an opportunity to bring more Black Americans into the workforce and close racial wealth gaps, Congress chose to enable businesses to fill jobs with foreign workers. In the decades since, the U.S. government has offered lifetime work authorization to more than 30 million immigrants, not counting millions of foreign workers who have entered the country illegally. The United States doesn’t have a worker shortage. Approximately four in 10 working-age African Americans with only high school diplomas don’t have jobs. Many would jump at the chance to work, if recruited at fair wages and working conditions. For two centuries, the labor shortage myth has been used to justify immigration policies that disadvantage Black Americans. Today, the median household wealth of descendants of American slavery remains much less than that of recent immigrants -- and less than 15% that of the descendants of European immigrants and settlers. Given our history, claims of a “worker shortage” should put any racially sensitive American on high alert. Roy Beck is the sole founder and former president of the NumbersUSA Education and Research Foundation, and the author of Back of the Hiring Line: A 200-Year History of Immigration Surges, Employer Bias, and Depression of Black Wealth. This column originally appeared in the Washington Informer. ‘Worker shortage’ myth depresses black wealth BLACK HISTORY MONTH Editorial Submissions Press releases and photos should be submitted to The Somers Record by the Thursday before the next publication date. Submissons can be emailed to [email protected] or mail it to The Somers Record, 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you’d like your photo returned.
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 19 The Somers Red Storm 12U baseball team will be going to the Cooperstown Dreams Park Summer Baseball Showcase in July. Last season, the team made it all the way to the championship game in the Greater Hudson Valley Baseball League (GHVBL) and came in second in their division. They are a group of hard working and passionate young men, and couldn’t be more excited to make the trip to Cooperstown to represent Somers and carry on this Red Storm tradition. The roster for this year’s team includes Gavin Brady, Luc Conti, Cole Dolan, Colin Evers, Cooper Fox, Ryan Giangrande, Connor Gilbert, Jasper Kim, Dean Klatsky, Matthew Raimondi, and Lucas Ruck. The Red Storm coaching staff includes Head Coach Mike Evers, John Conti, Jonathan Fox, Tom Giangrande, and Jason Klatsky. “Cooperstown is the pinnacle of the youth baseball experience,” explains Head Coach Mike Evers. “This group of boys has worked hard over the years to prepare themselves to compete against some of the best teams in the country. We look forward to representing the Somers community and will try our best to bring home the championship trophy! We truly appreciate any support businesses or community members can give towards our journey.” The team is currently fundraising to attend the tournament and would appreciates any support from Somers businesses and families! Currently, the team is running a “Grand Slam 50/50” raffle, as well as hosting a golf outing on May 6. They are currently looking for local sponsors and donations for the outing, including event, hole, and contest sponsors, donations for raffles and swag bags, and players to join in for a fun day which will include raffles, giveaways, food and drinks. To learn more or sign up, please visit www. redstormgolf.com. To contact the team with any questions, please fill out the “Contact Us” form on the website. Article courtesy of Dana Brady and Somers Red Storm. Somers Red Storm 12U team headed for Cooperstown Is your child’s Scout Troop working on a community service project? Did their team bring home a championship? Is there a youth program you would like to recognize or an upcoming event we should know about? We want to hear from you! In this special section we aim to highlight the youth of our community, including sports, Scouting, and any other programs or events affiliated with the school district. Please send photos and story ideas to [email protected]. Youth Focus is proudly sponsored by our friends at Bridgham Barr Orthodontics, located at 293 Route 100 in Somers. Learn more at www.bbosmiles.com The Red Storm are headed for the Cooperstown Dreams Park Summer Baseball Showcase in July. PHOTOS COURTESY OF JASON KLATSKY The Red Storm will compete against the top teams in the country this summer. Call for your FREE consultation today 293 Route 100 Suite 209 Somers, NY (914) 277-1111 www.BBOsmiles.com FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS VALENTINE'S DAY YOUR SMILE Flexible, interest-free financing available Braces and Invisalign for all ages Your hometown board-certified orthodontic specialists YOUTH FOCUS
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PAGE 22 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 Sports With the winter season ramping up, Somers’ student-athletes have their sights set on state qualifiers and postseason action. WINTER TRACK Section 1 Championships Sunday, Feb. 4 Tuskers track traveled to The Armory in Manhattan, standing out among tough competition from throughout the region at the Section 1 championships. The boys team put forth a total team effort, walking away as the Section 1 Class B runner up. Somers finished behind a strong Nanuet squad by only 11 points. “I can’t put into words how proud and happy I am for my team,” said Coach Mike Lacko. “I have so much love for this group, and this winter season will always be one to remember.” A number of Tuskers turned in standout performances on the day, including Andrew Fasone who ran a 35.50 300 meter dash, Arjun Ojha who turned in a 1:23.12 time in the 600 meter, and the 4x400 meter relay team, who ran a time of 3:28 despite all four members also participating in other events. The girls team also turned in a solid performance, finishing 4th overall on the day. Haylie Donovan continued her standout season by winning the 300 meter, and now sets her sights on qualifying for states. The distance team of Julia Duzynski, Brooke Fazio, Jess Masterson, and Mia Sandolo also continued their impressive year, with each member scoring at championship meets either individually or in relays. Chelsea Lewitt and Keira Cleary also scored in the 600 meter and relay events. “It’s been a great season, I’m proud of how well the girls have built up since last winter,” said Coach John Vegliante. The Tuskers will now look ahead to state qualifiers. BYSNS ICE HOCKEY (7-8-1) RCDS 6, BYSNS 3 Tuesday, Jan. 30, Rye Country Day School AJ Jones (1G, 1A), Lucas Salvatore (1G), James Munoz (1G), James Shea (1A), Jordan Millar (1A), and Dylan Weber (28 saves) led Brewster/Yorktown/Somers/ North Salem (BYSNS) in its 6-3 loss to the Rye Country Day School. BYSNS 3, BBDI 3 Wednesday, Jan. 31, Danbury Ice Arena Salvatore (2G), Jones (2A), Millar (1G. 2A), Matteo Guastadisegni (1A), Wolfgang Cook (1A), and Weber (37 saves) helped BYSNS tie Bethel/Brookfield/Danbury/ Immaculate (BBDI) 3-3. “It was a great game,” said BYSNS coach John Veteri. Mike Sabini and Tom Walogorsky contributed to this report. Tuskers track shines at sectionals The boys team finished as the Section 1 Class B runner up. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE LACKO VARSITY ROUNDUP BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Monday, Jan. 29, Somers faced Yorktown at the high school and at least a share of the league title was at stake for the Tuskers. A match that began with a hard fought 12-11 decision unfortunately didn’t go in favor of Loghan Dwyer. But the loss did not deter his teammates, and the 40 ensuing points really gave their coach something to hang his hat on. “It’s surreal and I’m proud,” said Coach Ron DiSanto after the 43-24 victory. “It’s also a relief with my 10th year of coaching, and we have our first league championship.” Of course, the match didn’t look like it would be so one-sided as Dwyer and Dominic Debellis battled it out. With takedowns, reversals and near falls all the way down to the wire, Dwyer thought that he had it and had more than his vantage point to claim victory. “I saw that I pinned him in the video,” said the 101-pounder. Nonetheless, he knows the nature of wrestling and sports. “The Ethan Steuber PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI Tuskers take league title WRESTLING versus Yorktown SEE WRESTLING PAGE 23 Derek Kuchinsky Ryan Ball 66 Miller Road, Mahopac 845-628-2050 www.mavistireofmahopac.com With This Coupon • Expires 3/31/24 $10.00OFF Synthetic Oil change (MOST CARS) 25%OFF 25 % OFF STRUTS & SHOCKS With This Coupon • Expires 3/31/24 CARING FOR YOUR CAR & OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 35 YEARS! The Friendly Mavis Team
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 SPORTS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 23 Law Offices of Joseph J. Tock 963 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 TOCKLAW.COM • 800-869-8080 CRIMINAL DEFENSE/DWI • PERSONAL INJURY REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS LAW • WILLS, TRUSTS, ESTATES, PROBATE ‘ Strongly recommend TOCKLAW. They set expectations and deliver the desired outcome. ~P.C. Now Accepting New Patients We Are In-Network With MetLife, Delta Dental, United HealthCare, Cigna PPO, and Ameritas PPO, and We Accept Other Insurances 914.277.3518 380 Route 202 at Junction of 116 (across from Heritage Hills) PaulHarbottle.com Excellence in Dentistry In Somers Since 1990 Paul D. Harbottle, DDS VOTED TOP DENTIST 2009-2019 by his Peers as featured in refs can’t see everything,” Dwyer took the omission in stride. Ethan Steuber wasn’t put off either. A double leg takedown to start, he did the heavy lifting. “You have to grab both legs and power through,” said the 108-pounder. A near fall was next, and after escaping on the standup to start the second, Steuber got the takedown and pinned with a cradle. Now 28-6 on the year, he was also coming off a pretty successful weekend at the Mahopac tournament. “I beat the Rockland County champ to reach the finals,” said the sophomore of his second-place finish. The lead got for good, Ryan Ball wasn’t letting up either way. “Just trying wipe out my kid,” he said, “That’s it.” 48 seconds in, he was done and acknowledged what the league championship means for the team. “We’re improving and accomplishing our goals,” said the 116-pounder. No reprieve anywhere in sight, Cal Ehrmann received a forfeit, and Derek Kuchinsky soon had six more. The 131-pounder got behind Julian Cuenca for a first period takedown, and after hitting a switch from the bottom in the second, Kuchinsky dropped the Husker with a half nelson pin at 1:26. A 24-3 lead, Liam Dwyer got a little payback for his brother. A takedown in the first, a reversal and a near fall in the second, and an escape and another takedown in the third gave the 138 pounder a 9-0 victory. The divisional and sectional rounds ahead, he’s going let the outcome hinge on what he can control. “I’m just going to work as hard as I can,” Dwyer clarified. Since he was wrestling up two weight classes, that goes without saying for Alex Wissa. “We have two 131 pounders, so I get pushed up,” said the 145-pounder. Colin Sheridan didn’t reap any reward, though. Wissa opened with a single leg takedown and after escaping to standing position, the senior’s recollection was a bit of a blur. “I don’t even know what happened. I tossed him. I was on my back for a second, rolled through and put him on his back,” said Wissa. There Sheridan stayed, and a 34-3 lead ushered in Robert Vrabel. He built a 5-0 second period lead over Nicolas Bucello and cleaned up with a double grapevine. “It’s a little hard to describe,” the senior joked. His pin with 14 seconds left in the second wasn’t, but Somers finally did fall at 160. An up and down match between Anthony Muscolino and Duke Rexhepi, the score stood 7-6 in the second and suddenly ended. Muscolino got control and pinned the Tusker at 1:06 of the second. A similar scenario played out at 170. Tyler Caricati and TJ Mauro struggled to a 4-3 third period score, so Mauro let his opponent to his feet. Hoping to get a tying takedown, the Tusker was not able, and the clock ran out on a 5-3 defeat. The match well in hand anyway, Justin Daniyan wasn’t ready to celebrate yet. “I still wanted to win my match,” the 190-pounder assured. A first period takedown, a couple of reversals and a near fall, the senior completed the Somers side of the scoresheet with an 8-1 victory. So the wrestling banner needing an adjustment, Vrabel relished being part of pulling the strings. “It feels like we made history,” the senior concluded. “I really couldn’t be more proud.” WRESTLING FROM PAGE 22 Loghan Dwyer PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI JP Hurley ‘It feels like we made history. I really couldn’t be more proud.’ Robert Vrabel
PAGE 24 – THE SOMERS RECORD SPORTS FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Jan. 30 the combined John Jay/Somers/Yorktown squad faced Scarsdale at Dynamic Gymnastics in Cortlandt and took the meet by a score of 183.35-141.65. The regular season completed, the postseason is just ahead. But John Jay’s Kayla Cambareri probably wasn’t alone in expressing a proud sentiment that is quite ready to look forward. “We are undefeated for the third straight season,” the sophomore extolled. Doing the all around, her best score came on the beam (9.25) and she revealed a new wrinkle. “I put my back tuck in,” said Cambareri. Not out of nowhere, the tumult she’s been practicing finally came due. “I’ve been doing this for over a year and decided, it’s time,” she revealed. The gymnast has similar plans on the bars. “I need to add a few more skills,” she said, and reaching the states again is the goal. The same goal for Amelia Carozza, she went all around too. She was 9.35 on the floor, 9.20 on the beam, 8.1 on the bars, 9.1 on the vault and identified a commonality for her performances. “My landings were good,” said the Yorktown Husker. Her classmate Arianna Gulli, on the other hand, was up in the air. Doing her back handspring on the beam was good for a 7.65 and hitting the maneuver is mostly a matter of pause. “I take a deep breath, and then, I do the skill,” said Gulli. Only a freshman, her goals are modest. “I want to put some of my new skills into routines,” said Gulli. The combined team would come in 1st with a score of 180.65, besting Clarkstown (170.35) and Wappingers (166.7). On vault, the springboard certainly facilitates liftoff, but Kaitlin Gannon credited her return to earth for the strides she’s made. “I’ve been sticking my landings,” said the Somers Tusker who had an 8.05. A process that requires the gymnast to remain in equilibrium as the centrifugal forces apply from head to toe. “You’ve got to balance your body and really feel it through your feet, and usually, it works,” Gannon explained. So another season over, the coach saw a looser team. “Everybody enjoyed today, and they looked like they were having more fun than usual,” said Coach Teodora Cepoi. And she’d like to see the good cheer carry over. “I hope the spirit stays the same for the divisionals and sectionals,” she concluded. The squad was back at it on Monday, Feb. 5 at the Division One championship at Eclipse Gymnastics in Mahopac. The combined team would finish in 1st with a score of 180.65, besting Clarkstown (170.35) and Wappingers (166.7). Gannon once again had a standout performance in the vault, earning a score of 8.05. Combined team completes third straight undefeated season Kaitlin Gannon, of the Somers combined team, earned an 8.05 for her vault. PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL Kayla Cambareri GYMNASTICS Everybody enjoyed today, and they looked like they were having more fun than usual.’ Coach Teodora Cepoi Point B Planning, LLC d/b/a/ AtwoB (“AtwoB”) is a registered investment adviser. A copy of AtwoB’s current written disclosure statement discussing AtwoB’s business operations, services, and fees is available at the SEC’s investment adviser public information website or from AtwoB upon written request. This article is for information only and should not be considered investment advice. Michael Tom CFP® CFA® • Jeff Wund • Todd Rebori, CFA® 23 Parkway, Second Floor • Katonah, NY 10536 STRESSED ABOUT TAXES? We’ll help you organize, strategize, and file. www.AtwoB.com • (914) 302-3233 PERSONAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT Financial Planning • Investment Management Income Tax Planning • Retirement Plan Services For Income Taxes email: [email protected] 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah • (914) 232-3033 www.clarkassociatesfuneralhome.com • [email protected] DANIEL B. McMANUS ~ Proprietor • BRUCE E. REISDORF ~ Licensed Manager JOSEPH M. McMANUS ~ Director • RONALD P. CERASO ~ Director • Only 1/4 mile from 684 exit 6. • Only 1 block from the Katonah Railroad Station. • Less than 60 minutes from N.Y. City. • Parking facilities for over 100 cars • Monuments & inscriptions available. FUNERAL PREARRANGEMENT Both pre-payment and no-payment options Serving all Faiths since 1858 • Cremations and Burials
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 SPORTS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 25 BY JUSTIN CONTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Girls varsity basketball team hosted their senior night on Jan. 31 against their league opponent Brewster Bears. The night started with the recognition for seniors on both teams, and the Tuskers taking pictures with their only senior, Lindsay McCullough. “I’ve had a strong connection with all the girls for all four years and I’ve enjoyed every second of it,” McCullough recalled of her time on the varsity basketball team. Starters for the Tuskers were Lindsay McCullough, Olivia Allegretti, Caitlin Mayfield, Sydney Ingraham, and Kacey McCullough. The referee tossed the ball up, and Brewster secured the first possession of the game. The Bears worked the ball around the paint, which was a common game plan for them throughout, and dished the ball in the paint for a contested shot. A miss led to a Tuskers rebound and they made their way to the opposite side of the court. Defense continued to be strong for both teams and Somers managed to put the first two points of the game on the board after an easy bucket from Mayfield who ended with five points. The Bears get themselves on the board with one of two made free throws and Somers answers back in similar fashion. Brewster draws another foul and misses both attempts. On the second miss, they were able to get an offensive rebound and a pass to the corner for their first three of the game. Somers took a commanding 10-4 lead going into the second quarter, but the Bears would not give up that easily. They opened the quarter scoring four points to cut the lead to two but Somers answered right back with a right side layup. The ball continued to go back and forth until Brewster got back within one possession of the Tuskers with the score 12-10. The Bears outscored the Tuskers 2-16 in the second quarter and finished scoring 10 unanswered points to go into the locker rooms with a 12-20 lead in enemy territory. The second half was underway and quickly after, Somers’ Kacey McCullough drew a foul and made both free throws. She finished the night with seven points. The Tuskers had a rough night with shots not falling. “All game we really just struggled scoring. Credit to Brewster they played a good 2-3 zone, we just didn’t hit any outside shots today,” said Coach Mallon on his recap from the game. Three of the four Tuskers three pointers came in the second half and Mayfield’s shot looked like it sparked a fire in the Tuskers. They also held the Bears to one three point shot through the eight minutes of the third quarter. The fourth quarter started with Brewster leading Somers 19-23. With the ball on the Bears half of the court, Somers kept moving the ball around the key and in and out of the paint looking for a shot. They were able to put up four shots after obtaining offensive boards but could not get any of them to go through. A Bears defensive rebound led to a quick breakaway and a fast two. Brewster continued to run up the score which forced Somers head coach Kevin Mallon to call a timeout and try to get his team to regroup. Ashley Kuchinsky pulled one beyond the arc and made her second three of the game, finishing the night with six points and bringing the score to 22 – 29 with the Bears still in the lead. With 45.7 seconds left, McCullough hit her only shot of the game, a three pointer from the right side. “It was just an off game but I’m sure we’ll bounce back tomorrow and have a better game and come out firing,” said McCullough. Somers tried working the clock in the final seconds fouling the Bears to hold them to free throws but the final buzzer rang and the Tuskers’ record went to 9-8 for the season. Tuskers fall short on Senior Night Lindsay McCullough high-fiving her teammates on Senior Night. PHOTO: JUSTIN CONTI GIRLS BASKETBALL Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 $75 per person includes: 6:30 - 10 pm - Beer & Wine Open Bar 6:30 -7 pm - Appetizers 7 - 8 pm - Buffet dinner, dessert, soda/coffee 8 - 10 pm - 9 Comedians For tickets go to: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/b832fde8-d716-4a4f-af98-c73a84064a2a Or scan the QR code: CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. Sponsorships Available Botox & Bubbly BOTOX SPECIALS, BUBBLY, GIVEAWAYS & PERMANENT JEWELRY JOIN US ON FEBRUARY 16th, 2024 4PM-8PM SOMERS SMILES 4 Heritage Hills 202 Center Somers, NY 10589
PAGE 26 – THE SOMERS RECORD SPORTS FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HOT WATER HEATER & GAS NEEDS 60 Years of Excellence 719 Rte. 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com TAKE $25 OFF YOUR NEXT SERVICE CALL! VALID ON CALLS OVER 1 HOUR. Happy Valentine’s Day! 2 Old Tomahawk St. Suite 5 (Near Barnwood Grill/Traditions) A Gift Shop Born Out Of Love For Hand Crafted + Quality Goods Happy Valentine’s Day! Find unique gifts for the ones you love. Tues–Sat. 11-5 • CLOSED Sun & Mon 914-556-6006 | Somersgeneral.com BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER After going to Brewster on Wednesday Jan. 31 and putting on a 63-22 hurt on the Bears, the Tuskers hosted Saunders on Saturday morning and could have been thrown by the early rise. But Somers came out with their trunks swinging and didn’t miss a beat. The Tuskers scored the first ten points and went on to defeat the Blue Devils, 75-50. A three by Nate Cohen got Somers on the board and then the Tuskers worked the triangle. Brady Leitner found Mac Sullivan in the middle, and the attention drawn, the center hit Jacob Hauser for the layup. Up 5-0, Hauser and Cohen worked both ends next. Each getting steals, the dirty work put Cohen on the line for one and also yielded a coast to coast layup for the guard. Up to match his backcourt mate, Leitner shifted continents. Sullivan ripped the defensive board, spotted Leitner streaking, and the guard euro-stepped a layup for ten straight. Five minutes in, Saunders finally woke up in response. Jordan Russ stepped back and dropped a triple. No problem, Somers played small ball. Leitner shoveled into Hauser, and he went glass for a 12-3 lead. A conventional three-point play for Justin Andrade kept pace but not for long. Leitner leapt high for the steal, and after missing the layup, Cohen finished. Getting the tip in, the guard got things started again to regain a ten-point lead. Cohen ran down the defensive rebound in the corner, connected with Leitner across half court, and he caught Andrew Violante in stride with 2:35 left in the first. In counter, Russ drove into the paint. The ball popping up and in, Somers got the next bounce. Phil Santore picked up a loose ball, hit Leitner, and his fast break layup made it 19-8. Not ready to clock out, Andrade employed the larceny this time. He got the steal, drove the length and converted another conventional three-point play. Darius Mitchell added two more on a jumper, and a six-point deficit didn’t look so bad for the visitors. But Somers made sure their opponents didn’t get the wrong idea going into halftime. Leitner received in the corner, and his triple sent the Tuskers into the locker room with a 22-13 lead. Not interrupted by the down time, Leitner picked up where he left off. He took a kick out from Chris Spano, and lofting from downtown, Somers led 25-13. 6:20 left in the third, the teams kept the game in the 12-point range. For Somers, Violante got two from the line on his steal and fast break, and Santore popped a jumper and Russ got inside twice to match the Tusker output. Unfortunately for Saunders, there was no more keeping up, and it was mostly Cohen who served the home cooking. He hit two threes, fed Violante on the break, made a great pass over the top into Sullivan and went coast to coast for a 42-21 halftime lead. The writing on the wall, Cohen bolded the print in the third. He hit two more threes, and a 54-26 lead essentially completed the tale. Now 12-5 on the season, the road ahead is still pretty bumpy, according to James Loughran. “We are entering one of the biggest and toughest weeks of the season,” the coach assured. Byram Hills and Yorktown, a league championship is on the docket with a 4-1 record. Even so, Loughran believes the boys are ahead of the game no matter what. “I give these guys a lot of credit because at the beginning of the year everyone counted them out,” he concluded. “Losing three great starters from last year, we’ve had our ups and downs. But now they are finding themselves, and hopefully, we can keep this going.” Tuskers head into big week with two blowouts Brady Leitner PHOTO: RICH MONETTI BOYS BASKETBALL
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 LEISURE THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 27 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. One point south of due east 4. Coagulated blood 8. Fortifying ditch 10. Devotee of Hinduism 11. Trunk of a tree 12. Bank note 13. Capital of Guam 15. Study again 16. Covered with hoarfrost 17. Opening 18. Legendary Rolling Stone 21. Stray 22. Computer storing system 23. Signal 24. Pitching statistic 25. Human being 26. Malaysian isthmus 27. The “Blonde Bombshell” 34. A gland 35. Bluish greens 36. Endangered 37. Three-dimensional 38. In a way, precipitated 39. God associated with dissolution 40. Blemished 41. Flow or leak slowly 42. Disco legends The Bee __ 43. Midway between south and southeast CLUES DOWN 1. A way to board 2. Get down 3. Highly seasoned sausage 4. First day of month 5. Eurasian shrubs 6. The organ that bears the ovules of a flower 7. Small lake 9. Belief 10. Sunrooms 12. Metric weight unit 14. Vasopressin 15. Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! 17. One-time family room staple 19. Got back together 20. Anger 23. Sang merrily 24. Sea eagle 25. Military men 26. Kilo yard (abbr.) 27. Found in the sea 28. Protects from weather 29. Type of medicine 30. City along the Rhine 31. Animal disease 32. Martini ingredients 33. Get away 34. Lack of disunity 36. One-time European Commission officer PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF 01/25/24 It’s that much more fun when hosting or attending a game watch party for the Big Game, as food and fellow fans only add to the enjoyment of the competition on the field. Though many foods are at home during game watch parties, perhaps no dish is more associated with football than chicken wings. Wings make the ideal food when watching football, and this recipe for “Grilled Buffalo Wings” courtesy of cookbook author Katie Lee Biegel and The Food Network can make a delicious addition to your game day spread. Grill some wings for the Big Game Grilled Buffalo Wings Yields 6 to 8 servings 1 tablespoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 teaspoon garlic powder 3 pounds whole chicken wings 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/3 cup hot sauce 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon honey Directions 1. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper and garlic powder. In a large bowl, toss the wings with the salt mixture to evenly coat. 2. Preheat a gas grill to medium heat (about 350 F). 3. Place the wings on the grill, crowding them together so that they are all touching (this goes against the conventional wisdom of giving meat room so it doesn’t steam; you want them to steam so they stay moist). Grill, flipping the wings every 5 minutes, for a total of 20 minutes of cooking. 4. In the meantime, heat the butter, hot sauce, vinegar, and honey in a saucepan over low heat and whisk to combine. 5. In a clean large bowl, toss the wings with the sauce. Turn the heat up on the grill to medium-high. Use tongs to remove the wings from the sauce and put them back on the grill until the skins crisp, 1 to 2 minutes per side. Put the wings back in the bowl with the sauce, toss and serve.
PAGE 28 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-HOUR PROBLEM GAMING HOTLINE: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369) Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com I-84 | Exit 36B I-87 | Exit 17 FORD BRONCO GIVEAWAY Earn Entries All Month Long! Saturday, February 24 • 10pm *Actual model and colors may vary. C Clark & Giordano | G Funeral Home Clark Funeral Home is now Under New Ownership Family Owned and Operated Joseph Giordano Jr., Owner/Yorktown Graduate and Resident Centrally Located in the Heart of Yorktown Oversized Chapel and Large Parking Lot 914.962.3333 • www.clarkfh.com 2104 Saw Mill River Road (Route 35, 118 & 202) • Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Additional Location: Curry & Giordano Funeral Home, Peekskill We look forward to serving and giving back to the community that has been our home for so many years. Richard Cawley Apgar Richard (Rick) Cawley Apgar of Somers died peacefully at home on Saturday, January 20, 2024. He was 90. Rick was born in 1933 to Arthur D. Apgar and Jenevieve Clayton Apgar in Bisbee, AZ. Before settling in Somers, Rick lived in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Texas. He grew up in Scarsdale, NY where he met the love of his life Jillanne Demmon. After earning a degree in agriculture from SUNY Farmingdale, Jill and Rick married in 1955. In 1956 Rick was drafted into the Army with the 176th AA Missile Battalion. Later, Rick and Jill moved to Hawthorne, NY where they raised 4 children. A hard worker since childhood, Rick explored all aspects of the lawn and garden trade, including writing a weekly newspaper column and hosting a radio show. Eventually, he started Rick Apgar Sales Company where he used his vast experiences and connections to help farms, schools and agricultural businesses across the region thrive. He later purchased Mill River Supply, a garden store, and a few years later, a wholesale supplier, Metro Milorganite. After selling Metro, he continued working with his other two businesses until the day he died. For almost sixty years, Rick was an advocate and active volunteer for Cornell Cooperative Extension. He was a kind and gentle man loved by all. He never stopped being a fantastic father, brother and, “the best grandpa ever,” always sharing his love of the outdoors and other hobbies. Rick is predeceased by his wife Jill, his parents, his brother Bill Apgar, his grandson Brandon Cole and his great-grandson Julian. He is survived by his sister Gail, his brother Arthur, his children Keith Apgar (Sharon), Victoria Stahl (Michael Phillips), Scott Apgar (Jacqueline), Lesley (Lee) Apgar VonElm (Jay Bullard), his grandchildren Caroline Apgar, Kim Apgar, Stuart Jillson; Jeffrey MayStahl, Joseph John Stahl IV, Olivia Stahl, Jeff Stahl, Christopher Stahl; Richard Apgar II, Todd Apgar; Frankie VonElm, Kyle Von Elm, Cody VonElm, Lulu VonElm, Chelsie VonElm; and his greatgrandchildren Kellen May-Stahl, Julianna Garvin, Max VonElm, Otto VonElm, Sawyer Sandreuter and Kloe Sandreuter. Richard was as honest as the day is long, the kindest, friendliest man, always with a big smile on his face. He will be dearly missed. The family received friends on Thursday, January 25 at Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, January 26 at St. Joseph’s RC Church in Somers. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Cornell Cooperative Extension, 3 West Main Street Suite 112 Elmsford, NY 10523; https://westchester.cce.cornell. edu/ or One Tree Planted, https:// onetreeplanted.org/collections/ for-others/products/in-memory Francis Anthony Yozzo Francis “Frank” Anthony Yozzo, 83, of Somers, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 27, 1940, in Mount Kisco, to proud Parents, Rose and Joseph Yozzo. He was the youngest of 10 and loved his family dearly. He married June Stapleton Cory, on October 20, 1973. They had two daughters, Ashley and Alexis (Fortunato) Cambareri. For 55 years, Frank was the proud owner of Four Seasons Flower Shop. His generosity and kindness touched the hearts of many, reflecting his passion for his craft. He loved the town of Mount Kisco and was honored with the Citizen of the Year Award in 2015 for his dedication, hard work and integrity toward the community. Frank was pre-deceased by his beloved Parents, Rose and Joseph, along with his sisters Ann, Liz and Rose, and brothers Nicky, Victor and Joe. He is survived by his brother John (Vivian) Yozzo, and sisters Agnes and Maryann (Vito) Morreale. Frank will be remembered for his huge heart and undying love for his family, especially his grandchildren, Antonio, Frank and Carmela who will never forget Grandpa’s unconditional love. He was a loyal friend who touched everyone’s life with his warm smile, beautiful spirit and entertaining personality. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family, and he will be greatly missed. Family & Friends were invited to Cassidy-Flynn Funeral Directors in Mt. Kisco on Sunday January 28. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Frank on Monday, January 29, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mt. Kisco. Interment was private. Nicholas V. Cinquegrana Nicholas V. Cinquegrana of Brewster (a former Somers resident for over 30 years) passed away peacefully on January 25, 2024 at age 88. OBITUARIES SEE OBITUARIES PAGE 29
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 29 Nicholas was born September 14, 1935 in Brooklyn, son of the late Frank and Virginia (Longo) Cinquegrana. He served his country with honor in the Army. He worked as a Taper/Painter for Local 291 for many years before starting his own construction company. He is survived by his wife Autilia (Terry) Cinquegrana of Brewster. His daughter Virginia Gerry and her husband Arthur Gerry of Somers. His daughter Karen Capalbo of Somers, and his late son in law Lawrence. Granddaughter Victoria Gerry of Somers. His sister Angie Paccione of Leyland, N,C and Margret Trotta of Rockland County, NY. Family and friends were invited to the Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, January 30, at St. Joseph RC Church in Somers. A private interment followed. Colleen E. Westbrook Colleen E. Westbrook of Somers, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2024, at home at the age of 65. Colleen was born on May 9, 1958, in Worcester, MA, the daughter of the late Walter and Elizabeth (Tivenan) Westbrook. She grew up in Worcester and was raised by her Aunt Helen Tivenan. Colleen graduated from Doherty High School and went on to receive her undergraduate degree from Holy Cross in 1980. She continued her academic journey by graduating from Harvard Divinity School in 1982 and later from Yale Law School in 1994. Colleen practiced law at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York from 1994 until 2000. Subsequently she worked at law firms between 2000 to 2009. In 2009 she started her own firm where she dedicated herself until her retirement in 2023. Colleen resided in Brooklyn in the mid 1990’s, later moving to Lake Katonah in 2011. In 2016 she relocated to Somers. Beyond her professional achievements, Colleen was a woman of diverse passions and a compassionate heart. She found joy in scuba diving and travel. An art enthusiast, she explored and volunteered at various museums. She had a passion for gardening and botanical gardens. Colleen had a philanthropic spirit, regularly engaging in volunteer work and regularly thinking of others before herself. Colleen is survived by her son Joshua Correa and his partner Kathleen of Wallkill, NY, as well as close extended family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, February 1, at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Brewster. The interment was private. Calling hours took place on Wednesday, January 31, at Beecher Funeral Home in Brewster. In lieu of flowers please donate to New York Common Pantry at https://nycommonpantry.org/. Dr. Frank Gray Dr. Frank Gray of Somers, a man of esteemed education and devoted service, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2024, at the age of 87. Born on August 22, 1936, in Brooklyn, NY, to the late Samuel and Esther (Krassman) Gray, Frank’s life was a testament to his dedication to learning and leadership. Dr. Gray was a highly respected Superintendent of Schools for the Pleasantville Union Free School District (1983-1995) and former Assistant Superintendent for the Hyde Park Central School District (1972-1983). He was an alumnus of New York University, where he earned his PhD. Even after retirement, Frank continued to contribute by consulting and teaching at the Touro Medical College and was an interim superintendent for many different school districts. Frank was a lifelong learner and helped many people get their start in the field of education. His commitment to education has left a lasting impact on countless students and educators alike. Frank served in the United States Marine Corp and was Honorably Discharged in December 1966. He loved the arts and theater, going to Tanglewood and other music festivals and traveling. He is survived by many friends and a loving family, including his daughters, Pamela Gray-Crecco and Claudine Gray-Levine and son-in-laws, Michael Crecco and Aaron Levine. He was a doting grandfather to granddaughters, Samantha and Kayla Crecco and grandsons, Cameron and Brandon Levine. Frank’s grandchildren were his pride and joy and his rich legacy and kindness will continue to live on through them. Frank Gray’s life will be remembered for his deep love of family, his integrity and compassion, beautiful mind and his transformative influence on the lives he touched through his storied career in education. May his memory and rich experiences be a blessing to all that knew and loved him. A private memorial service will be held by the immediate family. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Cargain Funeral Homes, Inc., in Mahopac. OBITUARIES FROM PAGE 28 Elder Law Wills, Trusts & Estates Estate Planning Medicaid Applications Guardianships Probates Elder Law & Estate Planning A Tradition of Excellence in Elder Law (845) 621-8640 thefellergroup.com 625 Route 6, Mahopac NY 10541 We make home & hospital visits Contact the team today! (845) 621-8640 Be Prepared. For Life. Strengthening our youth through Scouting. For more information check us out at Facebook or contact us at [email protected] Adventure Awaits! Join Troop 173 Yorktown! Troop 173 Yorktown— Enriching the lives of our youth through leadership, service to the community, and outdoor adventures. BSA Troop 173 Yorktown Serving the Community since 1965.
PAGE 30 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 This year’s winners also include the Hulu murder mystery, “Only Murders in the Building,” which filmed at the Westchester County Records Center. The series received an Emmy for outstanding production design and a Critic’s Choice Award for acting for star Meryl Streep. Also notably, Alchemy Post Sound, a post-production sound studio in Peekskill took home a Creative Arts Emmy for its sound editing work on FX’s “The Bear.” Besides “Poker Face,” productions filmed in Westchester that earned award nominations this season include: · “The Watcher” (Netflix), filmed at a private home and country club in Rye. · “FBI: Most Wanted” (CBS), films regularly and extensively throughout Westchester. · “The Other Two” (HBO), filmed at Haven Studios NY in Mount Vernon. · “White House Plumbers” (HBO), filmed in the Michaelian Building in White Plains, Purchase College, Wykagyl Country Club in New Rochelle; and the Belvedere Estate in Tarrytown. · “The Gilded Age” (HBO), filmed at Lyndhurst, Glenview Mansion/Hudson River Museum, Manhattanville College, Jacob Purdy House, Pace University, and more · “Maestro” (Netflix) filmed in Rye. · “The Crowded Room” (Apple TV+), filmed at Untermyer Park and Gardens in Yonkers and downtown Hastings-on-Hudson. Location manager for “FBI: Most Wanted” Mike Hartel said: “They understand our needs and pave the way for successful filming.” The county “provides a wide range of looks and plenty of space to park trucks and equipment, set up complicated shoots, and establish base camps,” he said, adding: “Whether I need a traditional English garden, a Florida marina, a suburban home, or a wooded area, I know that Westchester has a location and facilitators to make filming as easy as possible.” “The Gilded Age” director Michael Engler agreed. “We love shooting in Westchester. When we go up there, everyone enjoys it and stays for a few days ... People are extremely friendly and gracious … creating a sense of community.” The Director’s Guild and Producer’s Guild Awards take place on Feb. 10 and 25, respectively. The SAG Awards are set for Feb. 23. Cherry Jones as Laura in “Poker Face” Luis Guzmán starring alongside Natasha Lyonne PHOTOS COURTESY OF PEACOCK POKER FACE FROM PAGE 8 Neal L Sullivan, CPA Joanne Cerbino Edy Schupp 421 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 845-628-9604 • www.callsullivan.com BUSINESS • UMBRELLA HOME • AUTO Call Us Anytime for Multiple Quotes 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. WINTER 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 3/31/24 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! Show Love, Shop Small EVENT BUNDLE APPRECIATION OFFER Sign up for both the 2024 Spring Festival & Car Show (Sunday April 28th) and the 2024 Fall Festival & Car Show (Sunday October 13th) and receive $50 off the total registration price! visit yorktownchamber.org to register and to check out other space options! Offer ends March 1st CALLING ALL VENDORS!!
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 31 Scan Me! Read your local news online now!
blew up their tire,” DeVito said, adding: “There’s a disconnect between what’s a state road and what’s a local road.” The scariest part about potholes is that they’re a “safety hazard” because motorists are driving in and out of their lanes to avoid them, he said. Runoff is an issue as well. With the kind of rain this region has been having of late, aging drainage systems have been overstressed and water can literally pour off roads and onto private properties. Certain homes along Route 118 have been seriously damaged by flooding, noted DeVito, who also said that the water table’s the highest he’s seen in years. The environmental impacts of potholed roads shouldn’t be forgotten, Scorrano said, pointing to a stretch of Route 202 that skirts the Amawalk Reservoir, one of 12 in New York City’s Croton Water Supply System. It has to be heavily treated during the winter because road salt doesn’t have a smooth surface to cling to. “The (highway) trucks bounce over all the puddles” created by potholes, he explained. Salty runoff isn’t good for drinking water, for aquatic life, or for recreation for that matter. The reservoir is a favorite fishing spot. Squeaky Wheels None of this is new news to either local officials and or state representatives Assemblyman Matt Slater (R/C-Yorktown) and Sen. Pete Harckham (D-Lewisboro), who both say they’ve been on the NYSDOT’s case for what seems like forever. Slater represents the 94th Assembly District and is a member of the state’s Committee on Transportation. Harckham represents the 40th Senate District. On Jan. 17, Slater met with Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez to discuss his district’s needs. The meeting was “productive” he wrote later that month, telling Dominguez that he appreciated her “recognition of the dangerous condition of state roads in the Town of Somers and the commitment you made to invest in them.” In that Jan. 29 letter – which was co-signed by Scorrano -- Slater reminded the transit chief that, after consulting with town officials, he’d sent other correspondence “highlighting the desperate need to resurface Route 202 between Routes 118 and 139, Route 118 and Route 35.” “State roads are the main arteries through Somers connecting motorists to Putnam County and the I-684 corridor. Improving these thoroughfares is critically important from a safety and quality of life standpoint,” he emphasized. “On behalf of Somers Supervisor Rob Scorrano, Highway Superintendent Nick DeVito, and the residents of Somers, we appreciate your attention and assistance on this important matter,” the letter concluded. Promising to keep the pressure on, Scorrano said the town’s goal is to “keep advocating for our residents and (to) get more state money to resolve these issues.” “The squeaky wheel gets the grease,” he added. Slater noted that a not-as-yetmade-public transportation report found that more than half of state roads in the Hudson Valley region were rated “fair or poor.” On top of that, the condition of 47 percent of state bridges and culverts in the Hudson Valley was rated “fair or poor,” he said. “It’s very clear that New York State has been systematically underfunding infrastructure in the Hudson Valley,” said the lawmaker, who claimed he’d been “banging the drum” about lousy road conditions in his district – especially in Somers – since last March. PAGE 32 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 914.455.2158 SpirelliElectric.com • [email protected] Specializing in residential & commercial services. Licenses in Westchester, Putnam CREATING CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE Family Owned—Over 40 Years Experience! $25 OFF Service Calls When You Present This Ad. New Customers Only. Keep the lights on. • GENERATORS • Outdoor Lighting • Smart Home Setup • Electric Car Chargers AND ALL OF YOUR ELECTRIC NEEDS! Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962 Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962 17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults POTHOLES FROM PAGE 9 SEE POTHOLES PAGE 33 SHAKE, RATTLE, AND ROLL According to the NYSDOT, potholes are formed primarily due to infiltration of water into pavements through surface cracks. Cold weather causes the water to freeze, creating a bulge in the pavement. When the temperature warms above freezing, the pavement surface retreats to its original level. These freeze-thaw cycles weaken paving materials and give birth to the dreaded pothole. As the process repeats itself, potholes get deeper, wider, and more numerous. Heavy traffic can also contribute to the creation of new potholes and the worsening of existing ones.
According to Slater, complicating matters is a proposal in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2025 executive budget to cut $60 million from a separate pot of state money known as CHIPS, aka the Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program. The NYSDOT says that CHIPS was established in 1981 in order to provide funds to municipalities to support the construction and repair of highways, bridges, highway-railroad crossings, and other facilities that aren’t in the state’s highway system. Also determined to resolve the pothole problem, Harckham’s said he’s been battling for the addition of another $2 billion to the state’s Capital Plan. Part of the intent is to address the condition of state roads in his district. He’s asking for a full repaving of the worst stretch of Route 118 and also of portions of Route 202 in Somers. “The number one complaint we hear in our office is the condition of state roads,” said the senator, who drives on those roads himself. As far as the governor’s proposed cuts in CHIPS moola goes: “We’re fighting to restore that money.” “We’ll push back on that, and my feeling is that we’ll be successful,” Harckham promised. One Voice Everyone seemed to agree that it will take a unified approach to solve the pothole problem. Next month, DeVito will join other highway superintendents and crews from every corner of the state as they descend on Albany as part of “Local Roads are Essential,” an advocacy campaign jointly run by the NYS Association of County Highway Superintendents and the NYS Association of Town Superintendents of Highways, Inc. Currently president of the Westchester/Putnam Association of Highway Superintendents, he just was elected to the NYSATSH’s 10-member executive board. The area he’ll represent stretches all the way from Long Island to Orange County. DeVito said his brand-new post gets him “a seat at the table” where he can better battle for transportation funding. He had three Zoom calls with lawmakers just this past Friday. “Westchester is like an afterthought; money tends to go to New York City and upstate,” he explained. “Hopefully this translates to dollars for the town.” Kicking and Screaming Although Day specifically called out Democrats Hochul and Harckham in a recent appearance on a local TV news channel, the Republican insists her cry for help isn’t politically motivated. As a concerned citizen, her only goal is to get a “response” from elected officials, Day said, adding: “All we want is for it to get done.” She urged both local leaders and state representatives to “kick and scream” until it is. Rae posted a sample letter on the Somers Parents Facebook page that similarly frustrated folks could send directly to Slater’s and Harckham’s websites. The addresses are: https://nyassembly.gov/mem/MattSlater/contact/ https://www.nysenate.gov/senators/ pete-harckham/contact Rae also feels a sense of urgency about dangerous road conditions. She’s especially worried on behalf of “young and inexperienced” drivers using Route 118 to travel back and forth from Somers High School. Raising awareness and speaking with one voice is critically important, she said. “We as a community really need to come together to make sure everyone’s doing what they can,” Rae said. “I’m not looking to blame anybody; I’m looking to get the problem fixed.” FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 33 Despite recent DOT repairs, numerous large potholes still line Somers roadways. PHOTOS: TOM WALOGORSKY Local officials have been in contact with the NYSDOT to repair the damaged roadways. ‘Our roads look like war zones.’ Donna Day POTHOLES FROM PAGE 32
PAGE 34 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 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. 2023 was a CRAZY YEAR! 845-628-5400 SFGtaxes.com | [email protected] 824 Route 6, Suite 4 | Mahopac, NY 10541 We can help make your taxes less crazy. furry forecaster’s case is unusual. Phil’s stats tend toward six more weeks of winter. Before making the big reveal, Farm Director Jonathon Benjamin read a poem he had “found” that morning in the poultry barn. “Luckily, being at the farm for 16 years, I can actually read chicken scratch,” he joked, making everyone laugh. “When I opened the letter, I knew right away today wouldn’t be ordinary, no I knew it would be an eggs-citing day./The barnyard listened, the animals drew near as Henrietta foretold with a forecast sincere./Hear me dear friends with feathers so bright, spring is approaching, banishing winter’s night./ Her wings flapped and danced in the breeze as she shared her forecast with grace and with ease./The ducks quacked in joy; the cows mooed with glee. Even the rooster crowed perched on a tree./Henrietta’s clucks, a melody so sweet announced the arrival of springtime’s heartbeat. The sunbeams caressed the farm with warm light as nature awakened from its slumber so tight./ Blossoms unfurled with colors anew thanks to Henrietta and her feathery view.” He then reached inside Henrietta’s special pen and pulled out an egg. Team Spring waved their signs and cheered. Some on Team Winter looked glum, but others happily conceded to the winning weather. Henrietta is a Salmon Faverolle, which is a French breed of chicken known as barnyard comedians. They’re said to be curious to the point of nosiness, enthusiastic about most things, and very talkative. So, the famed fowl took it in stride as a bunch of tots lined up to stroke her feathers or pose for pictures, only occasionally letting out a cluck or two. “Cluxatawney Henrietta continues to rise to the challenge as our weather predicting animal as we don’t have a groundhog on the farm. She gives groundhogs across the country a run for their money every year!” Benjamin crowed. Of course, as with any important gathering, there had to be a few speeches. The annual event has put this “great, great farm on the map,” declared Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins. Formally called the Alfred B. DeBello Muscoot farm, the 20th-century interpretive farm/ museum on Route 100 is part of the Westchester County parks system. County Executive George Latimer couldn’t attend the ceremony Friday, but he sent along the following statement: “Cluxatawney Henrietta has become synonymous with Groundhog Day in Westchester County. The anticipation every year of our hometown hen predicting the weather is unmatched.” Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor agreed. “Muscoot Farm’s Groundhog Day celebration has become one of the County’s most popular traditions and is fun for residents of all ages to participate in,” she said in a statement. Peter Tartaglia, first deputy commissioner of the county’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation, was on hand to applaud all the folks behind Muscoot’s successes. He too was proud of the star chicken’s contributions. “We all know that … technically … it’s Groundhog Day, but here at Muscoot Farm, it’s Hen Day. And the smartest of them all is Cluxatawney Henrietta,” he said, pointing out that “groundhogs don’t lay eggs and anyone can see their shadow.” County Legislators Vedat Gashi and Erika Lang Pierce, both big fans of the farm, called it a “gem” and an “awesome resource for residents of Westchester County.” Besides the ongoing educational programs and camps it offers, Muscoot hosts special events such as the upcoming Winter Fest, farmers markets, and maple sugaring. Pierce’s children were both campers and camp staffers at Muscoot, she said, calling the park “one of my favorite places in this world.” A lot of hard work went into that day’s celebration, she pointed out. “Jonathon interviewed other barnyard residents who might be interested in taking on this challenge. He interviewed sheep. He interviewed cows. I don’t know what that might of looked like, but it might have been scary. There was one clear winner, for Westchester County, and as far as I’m concerned, for the entire country. And that was Henrietta here.” HENRIETTA FROM PAGE 1 Everyone enjoying the day at Muscoot Farm Mary Benjamin PHOTOS: CAROL REIF Joan Ackerman and Molly Keane
FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 35 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] Look your best for Valentine’s Day! •Precision Cuts • Sets • High-End Color • Highlights • Perms • Blow-Dry • Facial Waxing (914) 232-7070 Hours: Tues • Wed • Fri 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Thurs 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Sat 9:00 am - 4:30 pm We follow strict CDC guidelines. We pledge to keep everyone safe! Service: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com Travel Presentation: Our Renowned US National Parks Thursday, Feb. 29, from 7 to 8 p.m. Join in virtually for an aweinspiring evening, as the Mount Kisco, New Rochelle, and Somers Public Libraries proudly present a captivating public speaking program on our US National Parks. Immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of America’s most cherished natural treasures through a journey led by professional traveler, Chris McCormack. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to delve into the natural wonders that define the soul of America and how you can go see it for yourself, affordably. Free Square Dancing Fun Nights Monday, Feb. 12, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Singles, couples, and families welcome! To be held at the Katonah Methodist Church Parish Hall at 44 Edgemont Road in Katonah. For more information, visit www.friendlysquares.com Temple Beth Shalom 760 Rte 6 in Mahopac, www. tbsmahopac.org, Stories and Snacks with Rabbi Sarah Join in at Temple Beth Shalom in Mahopac for Stories and Snacks with Rabbi Sarah on the following dates: Sunday, March 24 at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 14 at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, May 19 at 11:30 a.m. Ideal for age groups 2-5 years old. Please call 845-628-6133 to register. Somers BSA Troop 376 Weekly meeting Most Tuesdays, from 7 - 8:30 p.m.at the Somers Middle School Cafeteria. Embark on a journey that your son will remember and benefit from for a lifetime! There is no youth program quite like Scouts BSA, which offers leadership development, teaches citizenship and responsibility, embeds useful outdoor survival skills, can spark career interests, and boasts exciting activities that few outside of Scouting have the opportunity to experience. Celebrating 30 years in Somers, Troop 376 is sponsored by the Somers Lions Club and proudly offers a well-balanced “AdultGuided, Youth-Led” program that includes activities for all skill levels and interests. As a slightly smaller Troop, Scouts enjoy ample opportunities for direct involvement and leadership, as well as a significant voice in suggesting future troop activities. Camping trips, day hikes, family-friendly activities like bowling nights and ropes courses, community service projects, annual “high adventure” excursions, and visits to historic destinations like Gettysburg are just some of the activities you can look forward to with Troop 376. To learn more, email Somers [email protected] and visit www.SomersTroop376.org. Somers BSA Troop 228 Weekly meeting Mondays, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the Amawalk Firehouse Give your son the tools to develop his confidence, leadership skills, and interest in community service while experiencing the outdoor adventures of Scouting. Discover the natural wonders of New York State, whether canoeing in the Adirondacks, hiking the Appalachian trail, or camping at one of our State Parks. Excursions for all ages and levels of experience. Scouts explore their personal interests through over 135 merit badges. Troop 228 is sponsored by the Somers Volunteer Fire Department. We are proud citizens and actively give back to Somers through community service and environmental conservation projects. To find out more, email us at somerstroop228@ gmail.com or visit our website at Troop228somers.com. CoveCare Center Virtual Trivia Night Thursday, Mar. 7, at 6:30 p.m. Get your friends together and host a Trivia Party! Join in for a fun night of virtual trivia and laughs to support the programs and services of CoveCare Center! Prizes will be awarded to the first place team, and beat team name. Teams of up to 10 will compete through 4 rounds of trivia (8 questions per round). A surprise “Google proof ” final round to keep it interesting (name that tune, cross word puzzle, etc.) All team participants are encouraged to gather in one location and sign on to the event together. Host a trivia party! Reservations are for teams of up to 10 at $25/per person. If you don’t have a team, they will find one for you! TRUNK FROM PAGE 4 SEE TRUNK PAGE 38 ELEPHANT’S TRUNK
PAGE 36 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 Conveniently located at: 34 Hillandale Rd., Yorktown Heights, NY Accommodates up to 120 people Ample Parking Handicap Accessible Full Kitchen Changeable LED Lighting Stereo System, Free Wi-Fi 3 Cable TVs, Full Stage Separate Suite with Fireplace BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Two New Jersey businessmen are facing federal charges in connection with the bombing of a private residence in Bedford Hills, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Bedford police were called to the McLain Street home near the Mount Kisco border around 7 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, to investigate a report of a suspicious fire. The fire was contained and there were no injuries or property damage reported. Two days later, police arrested Damjan Stanivukovic, 52, of Closter, and Vladamir Radunovic, 47, of Pompton Lakes, and charged them with one count of unlawful possession of a destructive device and one count of conspiracy to commit stalking apiece. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the defendants are accused of exploding a “homemade destructive device” in the driveway of someone with whom they had had a “contentious business relationship.” Recovered from the scene was a box that bore Stanivukovic’s name and address, as well as a 2.5-gallon can of gasoline, firework tubing, and firework residue, the complaint said. The complaint also charges that the victim had later that same day gotten a text message that read: “Knock knock, show up and what do you think is next. This is your final warning.” Stanivukovic, the owner of a contracting company, is involved in a long-running legal dispute with the victim, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Around the time that text message was sent, the cellphone associated with that particular phone number was located in the vicinity of Stanivukovic’s business address and the black Jeep Grand Cherokee that was allegedly used to transport the bomb, it added. Seized from Stanivukovic’s home – among other things – were multiple loaded firearms, gas canisters and fireworks matching those allegedly used to make the device, and a book titled “Make Fireworks and Explosives at Home -- The Ultimate Instruction Manual for Beginners and Pyrotechnicians to Build Firecrackers, Fireworks and Explosives from Scratch,” the complaint said. (According to authorities, Radunovic was staying with Stanivukovic.) The two defendants were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik and held without bail. The charge of unlawful possession of a destructive device carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. If found guilty of conspiracy to commit stalking, the defendants could also face five years behind bars. The U.S. Attorney’s Office noted that the statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and were provided for informational purposes only. Any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the judge. District Attorney Damian Williams praised the investigative efforts of the FBI’s Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), the Bedford Police Department, the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, and the Closter, N.J., Police Department. Pointing out that the suspects were “in custody” just two days after the incident, Williams emphasized Tuesday, Jan. 16, that “the career prosecutors of this office and our law enforcement partners stand ready to act around the clock when our communities are threatened.” “This case is a testament to the critical and effective work that our interagency collaborations accomplish on a daily basis. We have no tolerance for violence in the Southern District of New York,” he added. Bedford Police Chief Melvin Padilla agreed, saying: “The safety and security of our residents is our primary focus, and thanks to the diligent work of our detectives and the cooperation and assistance from our federal partners, the defendants were quickly identified and apprehended.” Also weighing in was FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith. “Damjan Stanivukovic and Vladamir Radunovic allegedly tried to resolve a contentious business relationship with threats of violence and a homemade bomb. While business deals aren’t always successful, neither are overt acts of violence that bring forth federal charges,” he said, adding: “Thankfully, in this case, no one was injured. The FBI will continue to ensure that anyone willing to solve personal grievances with threats and attempts of violence are punished to the fullest extent in the criminal justice system.” Said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo: “Perpetuating violence against others, under any context, is unacceptable behavior. The men and women of ATF NY Hudson Valley Field Office will continue to work alongside our partners at FBI and Bedford Police to address acts of violence in our communities.” Terrance Raynor, acting commissioner of the county’s Department of Public Safety, also commended all the agencies involved in the case “for their skillful and effective collaboration in bringing this investigation to a swift conclusion.” “This is yet another example of the value and importance of multi-agency partnerships, which help us keep Westchester safe,” he added. The prosecution is being handled by the White Plains division of the U.S. Attorney Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Wheelock is in charge of the prosecution. The allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. NJ men arrested in Bedford Hills bombing
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PAGE 38 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 Mulligans are available at $30 per pack of 3. Limit of one (3) pack per team, rounds 1-3 only (cannot be used in the final round). If you are registering team members in addition to yourself, please email [email protected] with your team members’ names and email addresses. As a nonprofit organization, CoveCare Center relies on your support to continue to provide the programs and services that our community so desperately needs. They have continued to experience a steady rise in services for those struggling with mental health and substance use issues, especially in our youth and senior populations. To learn more, visit https:// covecarecenter.org/covecarevirtual-trivia-night-2024/ Somers Library Foundation Needs You Are you a passionate supporter of the Somers Library and looking for a way to help improve the services and capabilities? The Somers Library Foundation is looking for new board members. There are lots of opportunities to use your talents and build new skills. Send the foundation an email at [email protected]. Watch the Somers Library Foundation website (https://somerslibrary foundation.org) for details on upcoming meet and greet events to learn more about the Foundation and what it means to be a board member of the board. Somers Lions Club In 1966, the Somers Lions Club was chartered and has grown exponentially with dedicated men and women who volunteer their time, skills, and energy to make a difference in people’s lives, both in our community and for the charities we support. Lions can be found working on “hands-on” projects, fundraising, and running numerous community events in and around Somers. If you are in need of assistance, there is a good chance that the Lions can help. Visit www.somerslionsclub.org for more information. Follow on social media @somerslions. The Somers Lions would like to welcome its newest members and are proud to serve alongside you. TEAM Tuskers Mentors Sought for Intermediate & Middle School Program TEAM Tuskers Mentoring is looking for adults interested in spending time with a 3rdthrough 8th-grade student at their school for the upcoming school year. The commitment is to spend 1 hour a week, every week with a student and make a difference in their life. You will develop a relationship and help open new lines of communication while playing games, doing puzzles, or just chatting. Please consider volunteering for this great program. A child will benefit from spending time with you! For more information, visit somersschools.org/Page/7356 or call 914-481-2716. Virtual Support Groups Support groups for women with breast and ovarian cancers have been transitioned to virtual platforms. Virtual groups are accessible to women from the comfort of their homes, regardless of where they live. All groups are open to new members as well as past participants. Advance registration is required by calling 914-962-6402 or 800- 532-4290. Support Connection’s Peer Counselors are also available for individual counseling and assistance via phone and email. Call 800-532-4290, or submit an online request at supportconnection.org Somers PTA Council Spirit Wear Sale The Somers PTA Council is selling Somers Spirit wear. The store is open year-round and items ship to your home. Promo codes are available on the website. Visit our store at teamlocker. squadlocker.com/#/lockers/ somers-pta-council-store Race Amity of Northern Westchester & Putnam We welcome you to join us for monthly discussions as we work to advance cross-racial and cross-cultural amity. Monthly events feature speakers, screenings, and presentations, followed by discussions. Many meetings are hybrid (in person and on Zoom). Find us on Facebook or contact raceamitynwp@gmail. com. RideConnect RideConnect has volunteers ready to help drive seniors to their medical appointments and assist with shopping. Services are free to seniors residing in Westchester and southern Putnam Counties. To request assistance call 914-242-7433. Anyone wishing to volunteer for Rideconnect may do so by emailing Marietta Manoni at [email protected] A Message from The Friends of the Somers Library The Friends of the Somers Library is dedicated to supporting and enriching the Somers Library. Over the years, the library has played an essential role in the Town of Somers by providing access to knowledge, fostering literacy, and serving as a gathering place for residents of all ages. Our organization has been working to fund the library’s resources and programs. We have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that the library has on our community, and we are committed to ensuring its continued success. To that end, we are reaching out to you to request your support in our mission. The financial support of town residents has played a pivotal role in the growth and improvement of the Somers Library over the years, and we are grateful for the continued dedication. Your generous donations have enabled us to: TRUNK FROM PAGE 35 SEE TRUNK PAGE 39 ELEPHANT’S TRUNK My Community Bulletin Board Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in The Somers Record Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! 845-278-7312 ALL FUEL CO. 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FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 39 Enhance Educational Programs: Through your support, we’ve been able to offer engaging and educational programs for children, teens, and adults, including author talks, workshops, and live events. Improve Facilities: Your contributions have helped us make vital improvements to the library ensuring a comfortable and welcoming environment for all visitors. Promote Involvement: Your donations have enabled us to launch initiatives aimed at community involvement in our town, including summer reading programs for children and educational programs for adults. As we look ahead, we are eager to expand our offerings. To achieve these goals, we kindly ask for your continued financial support. To make on online donation, please visit the library’s website at www. somerslibrary.org and click on the “support” tab in the menu. Follow the prompts to the Friends of the Somers Library. To donate in person, there are membership flyers available at the front desk of the library that you can fill out and leave with one of the librarians. If you received one of our mailings, you can send a check in the envelope provided. Your donation, will make a significant difference in helping us fulfill our mission. Donating to the Friends of the Somers Library is an investment in the future of our town. TRUNK FROM PAGE 38 Photo Submissions Photos submitted to The Somers Record need to be high-resolution. Images that are submitted at a low resolution cannot be published. Submit photos to The Somers Record by the Thursday before the next publication date. Submissons can be emailed to somersrecord@halstonmedia. com or mail it to The Somers Record, 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you’d like your photo returned. ELEPHANT’S TRUNK Check out our Facebook & Twitter pages! 845-225-7777 • www.puthumane.org Open 7 days a week from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Winona This little girl was found outdoors. About 4 y/o, she’s dainty, enjoys snuggling, and easily engages with staff. She has some special needs; please ask Stacy for more information. In the prime of her life, this 6 y/o girl has the lean agile form and energy of a youngster, and her run is more of a glide, beautiful to behold. Observant and curious, sweet and soulful, she’s also very shy and will need you to bring her out of her shell. When she knows you, she’s a trusting and loving companion. Lucie THIS AD WAS GENEROUSLY DONATED BY HALSTON MEDIA. 68 Old Rt. 6, Carmel PUBLIC NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Somers, Westchester County, New York will conduct a Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 7:30 P.M. at the Somers Town House, 335 Route 202, Somers, New York, 10589 on the application of 3 Narcissus Drive, LLC for six Variances. The property included in this application is located in an R-10 Residential District at 3 Narcissus Drive, Mahopac and is known and shown on the Town Tax Map as Section: 5.15, Block: 1 Lot: 64. All persons having any interest in the application are invited to attend and will be given an opportunity to be heard. For questions, email [email protected]. BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS VICTOR CANNISTRA CHAIRMAN Denise Schirmer, Secretary February 1, 2024 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 The Somers Record YES, I really enjoy The Somers Record 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 Mahopac News Yorktown News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The Katonah-Lewisboro times
PAGE 40 – THE SOMERS RECORD FEBRUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 28, 2024 S O M E R S B R O K E R AG E | 10 4 V I L L AG E S Q UA R E , S O M E R S , N Y 105 8 9 | 914. 27 7.8 0 4 0 C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S T O O U R E N T I R E T E A M O F R E A L E S T A T E P R O F E S S I O N A L S F O R M A K I N G T H E H O U L I H A N L A W R E N C E S O M E R S O F F I C E THE #1 REAL ESTATE OFFICE IN SOMERS & HERITAGE HILLS Source: OKMLS, 1/1/23-12/31/23, total dollar volume of single family homes and condominiums sold by office, Somers school district DONNA O’CONNELL Associate Real Estate Broker Platinum Award Brokerage Top Producer LIN CRISPINELLI Associate Real Estate Broker Platinum Award ANNPAULINE CREAMER Associate Real Estate Broker Platinum Award TERESA CHANG Associate Real Estate Broker Gold Award CHRISTINE MACDONALD Real Estate Salesperson Platinum Award MARY WARD Real Estate Salesperson Gold Award LUCILLE C. ETTERE Associate Real Estate Broker Platinum Award C. J. NADLER Real Estate Salesperson Silver Award GARY PARKER Real Estate Salesperson Silver Award LYNN CONWAY Associate Real Estate Broker Silver Award CATHY WEISSMAN Real Estate Salesperson Silver Award CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023 AWARD WINNERS