VOL. 13 NO. XX Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. MONTH XX – MONTH XX, 2024 CLASSIFIEDS 39 LEGAL NOTICES 38 LEISURE 32 OBITUARIES 34 OPINION 12 SPORTS 25 TOWN GREEN 2 Marricco takes Section 1 crown pg 25 ALL-AROUND AWESOME! VOL. 13 NO. 19 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN Yorktown mourns the loss of Alice Roker The longtime Town Clerk died Feb. 10 at age 77 BY MIRANDA FERRANTE STAFF REPORTER For many—from town leaders to everyday residents—Alice Roker was the friendly face of Yorktown, a person always ready to help others and serve the community. The former Town Clerk, who held the role for 26 years, died on Feb. 10. She was 77. Roker is survived by her son, Gregory Bell, Courtney Roker Laga —the daughter she shared with her former husband Al Roker—her son-in-law Wesley Laga, and her granddaughter, Sky Clara. “My mom loved me and my brother dearly and was over the moon for my daughter Sky,” Courtney said. For current Town Clerk and close personal friend Diana Quast, Roker was not only a cherished friend but also a beacon of guidance, shaping the lives of many. “To know her was to be inspired, to be challenged, and to be loved unconditionally,” Quast said. “Beyond her wisdom, she was a true friend who celebrated your triumphs and held your hand through life’s storms.” Quast’s words represent just one of the many tributes that have poured in since Roker’s passing. People who knew her best remember a woman who loved fiercely, cared deeply, and was devoted to her family and friends. In a message to the community on Feb. 11, Supervisor Ed Lachterman said Roker’s passing is deeply felt across the town. “Her death is a loss for the community she loved and enthusiastically supported,” Lachterman said. Born Alice Bell in New York City on July 11, 1947, Roker “lived a life marked by professionalism, community service, and an unwavering dedication to her loved ones,” her obituary said. “Alice’s life was not solely defined by her professional achievements but also by her personal interests and the love she bestowed upon her family. She was an avid gardener, finding joy in the tranquility of nurturing growth and beauty within her surroundings,” her obituary said. “Above all, Alice cherished the time she SEE ROKERPAGE 34
PAGE 2 – YORKTOWN NEWS Periodicals Postage Paid at Somers, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Yorktown News at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 (ISSN 2329-8693) Published Twice Monthly (Except for 3x Monthly in September and October). 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2025 Halston Media, LLC The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Emile Menasché Editor: 845-208-0774 [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky 845-661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [email protected] DESIGNERS Bri Agosta Noah Elder Cara Formisano EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines Yorktown News The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for Yorktown News is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Emile Menasché at 845-208-0774 or email [email protected]. Subscribe To request Yorktown News weekly delivery, call 845-208-8503 or email [email protected]. Subscriptions are complimentary for residents and businesses in the town. Out of town mail subscriptions are $150 per year for First Class Mail. 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! Keep the lights on • GENERATORS • Outdoor Lighting • Smart Home Setup • Electric Car Chargers AND ALL OF YOUR ELECTRIC NEEDS! $25 OFF Service Calls When You Present This Ad. New Customers Only. at’s what our town is made of. 96 State Farm, Bloomington, IL George Lucciola, Agent 1885 Commerce Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Bus: 914-962-3030 [email protected] e Farm® has a long heritage of helping out e community. That’s why I’m proud to port Yorktown Youth Sports. to a better State® . Community starts with neighbors who care. That’s what our town is made of. 1201196 State Farm, Bloomington, IL George Lucciola, Agent 1885 Commerce Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Bus: 914-962-3030 [email protected] State Farm® has a long heritage of helping out in the community. That’s why I’m proud to support Yorktown Youth Sports. Get to a better State® . at our town is made of. State Farm, Bloomington, IL George Lucciola, Agent 1885 Commerce Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Bus: 914-962-3030 [email protected] as a long heritage of helping out nity. That’s why I’m proud to wn Youth Sports. r State® Community . starts with neighbors who care. That’s what our town is made of. 1201196 State Farm, Bloomington, IL George Lucciola, Agent 1885 Commerce Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Bus: 914-962-3030 [email protected] State Farm® has a long heritage of helping out in the community. That’s why I’m proud to support Yorktown Youth Sports. Get to a better State® . Community starts with neighbors who care. That’s what our town is made of. State Farm® has a long heritage of helping out in the community. That’s why I’m proud to support Yorktown Youth Sports. Get to a better State®. FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 TOWN GREEN Support Connection Support Connection, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that provides free, confidential support services and programs for people affected by various gynecological cancers, offering monthly support groups. Support Groups are offered on virtual platforms (Zoom or toll-free teleconference), making them accessible to women from the comfort of their homes, regardless of where they live. The organization does have a nationwide reach. All groups are open to new members as well as past participants. Advanced registration is required: call 914-962- 6402 or 800-532-4290 to register. Support Connection’s Peer Counselors are available for unlimited, one-on-one individual counseling and assistance via phone and email: call 800-532-4290 or submit an online request at supportconnection.org/contact-a-counselor. The following virtual support groups are scheduled for March 2025: Advanced Stage or Metastatic Breast Cancer Toll-Free Telephone Support Group: Monday, March 3, 7 p.m. Breast, Ovarian, & Gynecological Cancer Post-Treatment Support Group: Wednesday, March 5, 7 p.m. Breast Cancer Zoom Support Group: Monday, March 17, 7 p.m. (hybrid) Ovarian Cancer Toll-Free Telephone Support Group: Wednesday, March 12, 7 p.m. Breast, Ovarian, & Gynecological Cancer Support Group: Wednesday, March 26, 7 p.m. (hybrid) Blood Drives The American Red Cross (ARC-redcrossblood.org) and the New York Blood Center (NYBC, donate.nybc.org) report a critical need for blood donations. Here is an opportunity in the area: St. John the Evangelist Church: 221 East Lake Blvd., Mahopac - Monday, March 10, 1-7 p.m. Crystal Hall Somers Community Center: 34 Hillandale Rd, Yorktown Heights - Monday, March 17, 1-7 p.m. Jefferson Valley Mall: 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights - Monday, March 3 and Mon Pnw Boces Explore career opportunities with Union Apprenticeships at the Career and Technical Education Regional Union Information Event. Join PNW BOCES from 5-7 p.m. on April 2 at Walden Gym, located at 200 BOCES Drive in Yorktown Heights. Woman’s Resource Center The Putnam/Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center (WRC) works to create a safe, and supportive environment that provides free and confidential services and support to victims of violence. Providing access to resources, 40+ years of expertise in addressing the trauma of sexual abuse, domestic violence, interpersonal violence and advocating for gender equity in our community. nwrc.org Senior Nutrition Seniors 60 and older are invited to join for lunch at the Yorktown Senior Center (1974 Commerce Street in Yorktown Heights, room 16) for a chance to eat with friends and meet new people. Hot lunch is served in the Senior Center Monday - Friday at noon. Suggested donation is $3. Reservations are required at least one day in advance. Contact the Senior Center for more information or to make a reservation at 914-962-7447 (9 a.m.-2 p.m.). The monthly menu can be found at yorktownny.org/senior.
FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 3 A conversation with Adam Stone Publisher opens up as Examiner goes digital BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER “Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” - Mark Twain Ok, so scholars will sniff that those aren’t the exact words used by the literary giant after finding out that his obituary had been prematurely printed, but they seem to fit the bill here. Just because the final paper version of The Examiner News has rolled off the presses, that doesn’t mean that the media outlet’s – or its intrepid founder’s -- important contributions to community journalism – have come to an end. In fact, it and Adam Stone’s reporting, will live on online, continuing with the mission of providing readers with “professionally reported, fact-checked local news in their backyards,” the publisher/owner says. The last run took place in late January/early February. It was the newspaper group’s 908th week of publishing. The decision to go all digital was an incredibly tough one but unavoidably necessary due to the unsustainable economic -- and other -- realities of putting out four print editions a week, the 46-year-old Mount Kisco dad of two explains. Among those breaking-point factors were the continued shrinking of advertising dollars, the skyrocketing price of newsprint, and the effect of inflation on operating costs in general. As explained in his farewell to print, a “Stone’s Throw” essay, Stone “felt worn out by the grind of running a grueling race without a finish line, scraping and clawing to get by.” The transition’s human toll has been equally heartbreaking. Forced to let go most of his “incredibly loyal, hardworking, and talented” staff, Stone plans to continue publishing his own reporting – as well as that of freelancers and interns -- on TheExaminerNews.com website. Interns, although green, can be great assets for a newspaper, says Stone, who is grateful for the mentorship he enjoyed while in his early 20s. “I really feel the obligation to give back. It’s rewarding too; I learn a lot from our interns,” he added. When interviewing candidates, he asks them what their sensibilities and interests are, not only journalistically, but day-to-day. General assignment reporters can tackle almost any topic and write about it with “some level of authority,” but, in Stone’s educated opinion, “some of the best journalism is produced when the reporter is diving into a subject they care deeply about.” Stone holds onto the hope that – with digital ad revenue, support from paying members/subscribers, and some “pretty significant” annual donations – he can “build up a budget” that will allow Examiner Media not only to survive but evolve and thrive. It should be mentioned here that the fearless chief and a dedicated crew of reporters, editors, photographers, designers, and advertising folks have been faithfully burning the midnight oil for 17 years. Also helping steer the ship have been his dad, Peter, who he calls “history’s most underpaid chief financial officer” – and his sister, Laura Markowski, who was associate publisher. (Markowski was the Examiner’s “secret weapon” and the one responsible for keeping “The Little Engine That Could” on track. One of the reasons that the print version of The Examiner hung in there for so long was his family members’ willingness to “work for peanuts,” Stone jokes.) Besides his dad and sis, Stone credits his wife, Alyson, a schoolteacher; their two daughters, Maddie and Mia; and his wife’s folks, Sharon and Ken Foley, with helping him maintain his “equilibrium, despite the ceaseless professional stressors of managing print logistics.” ‘Old School’ Reporter A main buttress to the success of the operation had been its founding editor in chief and “old school” reporter, Martin Wilbur, who Stone fondly described as his “partner in journalistic crime” and The Examiner’s “heart and soul.” Praising him for his “unimpeachable integrity, strict sense of right and wrong and unbeatable work ethic,” Stone wrote: “Simply put, there would be no Examiner without Martin, and I’m forever grateful for his friendship and mentorship.” Brooklyn born and raised, Wilbur was a reporter and an assistant editor, and Stone, a reporter, at The North County News, when the two met. The core group of journalists who helped start Examiner Media were former NCN staffers who left the Yorktown-based weekly in 2006 and 2007. When Stone reached out for help starting his new enterprise, Wilbur told him that he “didn’t have a great business sense but could definitely contribute towards the editorial side” of things. At first, Wilbur viewed his participation as a “part-time adventure.” But within months, it became clear that it was something much, much more. While there are tons of places where folks can get a sense of the world’s goings-on, there are fewer and fewer that can tell them about their own communities. Whether it’s sports, government, education, the environment, businesses, arts and entertainment, human interest, health, fire/police, or politics; all topics are important. Wilbur’s philosophy is simple: local newspapers should have “something for everyone.” That’s part of the reason that The Examiner News lasted. The other part of its success is the people who’d put in those 80- hour work weeks to deliver the goods. “We wanted to put out a good product. We didn’t take ourselves seriously, but we took our jobs seriously,” Wilbur said, adding that the secret to being a good local reporter is to put the community first and yourself “second or third.” “There’s nothing fancy about it. It’s showing up and showing up and showing up some more,” he said. What was so frustrating during the pandemic was, while there was tons of news, there was “no place to show up.” Virtual coverage left many reporters feeling that they were losing that important sense of human connection with the community. By the time the world started opening back up, the economic damage had already been done and newspapers everywhere had to regroup in order to survive. If there was one bright side, it was that virtual reporting allowed The Examiner to continue doing its job with a smaller staff. “It was a great run. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity. While some of the weeks and the days were incredibly long, it was rewarding,” Wilbur said. Between The North County News and The Examiner, he’s been reporting and editing (and taking photographs) for nearly three decades. But it’s never gotten old. “I got to know a whole different range of communities and people. You never know exactly how the day is going to go. There are always new people to meet, things to learn, and experiences to have,” said Wilbur, who is now freelancing for The Examiner News as well as looking for new writing and other job opportunities. “Things change. It’s a fact of life. You adapt or try to as best you can,” he explained, adding that he hopes that The Examiner “continues to have a presence.” “It’s important to have as many (news) outlets as you can, in whatever form. At some point – after all the baby boomers are gone – all of it will be digital,” he predicted. “It’s just progress. As long as there are people and democracy and a free press, there will always be journalism and it will always be important,” Wilbur said. Makings of a Vocation After graduating from Hofstra University in 2001 with a degree in journalism, Stone went on to become an award-winning reporter, covering government, general interest, and sports beats for The Journal News’ weeklies division, Yorktown’s North County News, The Times Herald-Record, and other media outlets. Examiner News has also garnered accolades from the New York Press Association for its editorials, sports coverage, and news writing. Stone’s duties included hiring and managing staff, setting priorities, running the day-to-day stuff, and guiding the outlet’s general editorial focus. Being in charge of the business side of things for nearly two decades took the native Long Islander away from his first calling – boots-on-the-ground reporting. An occasional essayist for the publications, Stone had more recently authored a well-regarded investigative series that delved into challenges in the health industry. Other columns offered insights into not only the “boundaries of established science” but the “spiritual realm and neardeath experiences.” “There was a whole series of topics that I covered that reminded me of – not just the type of journalism I love – but how I wanted to be spending my days, ideally,” he says, adding: “The truth of the matter is that this transition only gets me part of the way there in terms of really recapturing that passion.” Stone Shares Stone recently met up with Halston Media at a local café where he reflected on the past, talked candidly about current circumstances, unveiled plans for a podcast, and expressed optimism about the future of the rebooted Examiner and of local journalism in general. It all began in 2007 when Stone – only 29 and a reporter with no practical business experience other than working one summer in his family’s candy factory in Brooklyn – was suddenly seized by a burning desire to own his own newspaper. He recalls sitting in his basement sketching out a “business plan” on a “tattered yellow legal pad.” When he told his loving spouse, AlySEE STONE PAGE 33 Adam Stone launched The Examiner in 2007.
PAGE 4 – YORKTOWN NEWS LENT SPECIALS 914-302-6390 1927 Commerce Street, Yorktown Heights, New York Menu available only on Fridays during Lent APPETIZERS Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato $10 Served with a Balsamic Reduction Battered Cauliflower $14 Tossed in any of our 30 wings flavors! Broccoli Bake $14 Fresh broccoli in a heavy cream based cheese s auce topped with cheddar cheese Broccoli and Cheese Potato Skins $13 Cheddar cheese, chopped broccoli and a side of sour cream Fried Pickles $10 Served with chipotle mayo Mozzarella Sticks $10 Served with marinara sauce Deep Fried Pretzels $10 Served with nacho cheese Mac & Cheese Bites $10 Served with ranch Cheese Quesadilla $10 Served with salsa and sour cream New England Clam Chowder $12 FISH ENTREÉS Louisiana Cajun Shrimp $15 8 jumbo shrimp served with chipotle mayo Old Bay Shrimp $15 8 jumbo shrimp served with chipotle mayo Fish & Chips $16 Served with fries, tartar sauce and a lemon wedge Fish Soft Shell Tacos $18 Battered fish with lettuce, chopped tomatoes, topped with tartar sauce served with fries Cajun Shrimp Entrée $20 8 grilled jumbo Cajun shrimp served with mixed vegetables and rice Cajun Salmon Entree $25 Cooked in a White Wine Sauce with Roasted Red Peppers, Capers and Mixed Vegetables, Served with Baked Potato or Rice SALADS Add Shrimp $8 Add Salmon $10 Add Crispy Cod $8 Cod Salad $16 Battered fish served over fresh mixed greens, tomato, onions, carrots, fresh bell peppers, and croutons with your choice of dressing House Salad $10 Mixed greens, tomatoes, carrots, onion, bell peppers, mozzarella cheese, crouton with your choice of dressings. Caesar Salad $10 SANDWICHES Cajun Cod Sandwich $16 Cajun flour battered fish served on a toasted wedge, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayo, served with fries Swiss-Mushroom Grilled Cheese $14 Texas toast with Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms, Russian dressing served with fries Caprese Grilled Cheese $15 Texas toast with fresh mozzarella, sliced tomato, lettuce, and pesto mayo served with fries Impossible Burger $15 Lettuce, tomato, onion, and chipotle mayo served with fries PASTA Penne Vodka $14 Meat free! Add Grilled Shrimp $8 GOVERNMENT AT WORK Zoning Board of Appeals Tuesday, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m. Town Hall, 363 Underhill Ave. Lakeland School Board Thursday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m. Thomas Jefferson Elementary School Yorktown School Board Monday, March 3, 7 p.m. Mildred E. Strang Middle School, 2701 Crompond Rd. Town Board Regular Meeting Tuesday, March 4, 7:30 p.m. Town Hall, 363 Underhill Ave. ABACA Tuesday, March 4, 7:30 p.m. Albert A. Capellini Community & Cultural Center, 1974 Commerce Street Community Housing Board Wednesday, March 5, 7 p.m. Albert A. Capellini Community & Cultural Center, 1974 Commerce Street New gun charge for convicted felon Yorktown man’s charge sheet includes endangering the welfare of a child BY MIRANDA FERRANTE STAFF REPORTER A felon with prior firearms convictions is facing new charges after he allegedly threatened another person with a loaded gun during a physical altercation. Antoine Michael Arnold, a 51-year-old Yorktown resident, was arrested on Feb. 12 following the incident at 250 Underhill Avenue. According to police, the firearm displayed during the altercation had both a defaced serial number and was unlawfully possessed. Police said the gun was also found in a location that endangered the welfare of a child. Arnold has been charged with four felonies: seconddegree criminal possession of a weapon, a class C felony; third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a defaced firearm, a class D felony; second-degree possession of a weapon, with intent to use, a class C felony; third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, previous conviction, a class D felony. He was also charged with menacing and endangering the welfare of a child, both class A misdemeanors. Arnold was arraigned at the Yorktown Justice Court and remanded to the Westchester County Department of Corrections. He appeared on Feb. 18 and was due back in court on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 25 (after this issue went to press). According to a Yorktown Police source, Arnold appears to have 11 previous convictions, six for felonies. The sources said four of the felony convictions were for violent felonies; out of the total of 11 convictions, four were for firearms offenses. If Arnold is found guilty, this would be his fifth firearms conviction. When asked for comment about Arnold’s most recent arrest, Chief of Police Robert Noble said that “any time that members of the Yorktown Police Department can take an illegally owned firearm off the streets, it’s a big win for us.” He added that the department finds it “deeply concerning that Mr. Arnold is alleged to have pointed a loaded firearm at another subject while involved in an argument. We also find it very troubling that the firearm, which had the serial number defaced, was recovered within the residence in which a very young child resides. “ The situation, Noble said is “an outstanding example of excellent police work, intelligently performed, by all members of the Yorktown Police Department on scene, who resolved this very serious incident in a safe and peaceful manner.” Supervisor Ed Lachterman blamed bail reform on Arnold being out of jail to commit his most recent alleged crime. Lachterman told Yorktown News that politicians in Albany “pay law enforcement lip service and largely ignore law enforcement concerns with the bail reform laws that were enacted in New York State,” adding that “law enforcement never received that seat at the table to discuss our concerns.” “How many times is Mr. Arnold going to be released from prison,” Lachterman said, “only to possess a firearm once again?”
YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 5 WINES & SPIRITS Sale prices valid February 27 through March 12. 379 Downing Drive • Yorktown Heights, NY • 914-962-3100 | SUBURBANWINES.COM Westchester’s Fine Wine & Spirits Destination Take us with you wherever you go! Download our Mobile App DONINI Pinot Grigio $10.97 GREY GOOSE Vodka $42.97 1.75L TITO’S Vodka $34.97 1.75L KETEL ONE Vodka $39.97 We are not responsible for typographical errors. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Sale prices are for store stock only. LOCAL DELIVERY RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR! GO TO SUBURBANWINES.COM Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-9pm Sun 10pm-5pm EVERYDAY LOW PRICES! LOW CALORIE & LOW SUGAR WINE Bright & Breezy Chardonnay . . . . $7 .99 Bright & Breezy Pinot Grigio . . . . $7 .99 Bright & Breezy Rose . . . . . . . . . . . $7 .99 Fitvine Cabernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16 .99 Bellissima Pinot Grigio . . . . . . . . . $17 .99 Bellissima Cabernet . . . . . . . . . . . . $17 .99 Bellissima Organic Sparkling . . . . $19 .99 Avaline Red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19 .99 Avaline Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19 .99 Avaline White . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19 .99 Aromo Sauvignon Blanc . . . . . . . . . $6 .99 Papi Sauvignon Blanc . . . . . . . . . . . .$7 .99 Oxford Landing Chardonnay . . . . . $8 .99 Vigneti Del Sole Montepulciano . . $8 .99 Indaba Chardonnay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8 .99 BEST BUYS & STAFF PICS Tons De Duorum Douro . . . . . . . $11 .99 Cuma Malbec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12 .99 Pot De Vin Rouge . . . . . . . . . . . . $13 .99 Oliver Lafont Cote Du Rhone Red . . . . . . . . . . . $13 .99 Handwerk Gruner Veltliner 1L $13 .99 UNDER $10 UNDER $20 SPIRITS SPECIALS Infuse Spirits Peach Vodka . . . . . .$17 .97 Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum 1L . . . . . $24 .97 Aviation Gin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26 .97 Linie Aquavit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26 .97 Blackwell Jamaican Rum . . . . . . . $26 .97 Rosie Maple Bacon Whiskey . . . $32 .97 Iron Smoke Bourbon . . . . . . . . . . . $40 .97 Isaac Bowman Port Bourbon . . . $42 .97 JACK DANIELS $52.97 CAVIT Pinot Grigio $13.97 SMIRNOFF Vodka $19.97 WOODBRIDGE Cabernet or Chardonnay $11.97 SURFSIDE $19.99 BOMBAY SAPPHIRE $46.97 JOSH CELLARS Cabernet Sauvignon $11.97 1.75L 1.75L 1.5L 8 pk Combo 1.75L 750 ml 1.75L 1.5L 1.5L FREE WINE TASTING! Bordeaux Tasting Saturday March 8th 1pm - 4pm Don’t miss our annual bordeaux show. Featuring treats from the right and left banks . Old world elegance at it’s finest. Underwood Pinot Gris . . . . . . . . $13 .99 Mary Taylor Bordeaux Blanc . . $14 .99 Marques De Caceres Rioja . . . . $16 .99 Wente Cabernet . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16 .99 Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17 .99 Man Family Shiraz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9 .99 Alverdi Pinot Grigio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9 .99 Colosi Rosso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9 .99 Le Petit Pinot Noir . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9 .99 Terranoble Chardonnay . . . . . . . . . . $9 .99 FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025
PAGE 6 – YORKTOWN NEWS 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com Over 60 Years of Excellence CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE Softening. Filtering. Clean Water Solution. March into $pring $avings! $150 OFF INSTALLATION OF A SOFTENER D A T E S WEEK 1 JULY 21-25 Boys & Girls 8-17 Years Old Camp Venue Woodlands Legacy Field 3100 Strang Blvd, Yorktown Heights NY, 10598 Admission $375 one week Registration Link www.yorktownsoccer.org More info 914-214-8118 Follow our social media @Yorktown_Soccer WEEK 2 JULY 28-AUGUST 1 $700 for both weeks Elite Soccer Camp with Gonçalo Verissimo from Portugal Time 9am- 3pm FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 Local parties choose candidates for town election Mirchandani to take on Lachterman for supervisor BY MIRANDA FERRANTE STAFF REPORTER Yorktown’s Republican and Democrat Committees have endorsed their candidates for this fall’s local election, which sees supervisor and two town board seats up for grabs along with town justice and the town’s two seats on the county legislature. The Yorktown Democratic Committee unanimously endorsed a slate of candidates for the roles of supervisor, town board, county legislature, and town justice. In a Feb. 17 press release, the committee named incumbent Westchester County Legislators Vedat Gashi and Colin Smith in their re-election bids. Jann Mirchandani got the nod for supervisor. She most recently challenged current Supervisor Ed Lachterman in a special election to finish the term if the late Supervisor Tom Diana. The committee also endorsed Lanny Gilbert and Michael Hickins for seats on the Town Board. “Our endorsed candidates have proven track records of public service and a deep commitment to our community’s values,” Peter Cleary, acting chair of the Yorktown Democratic Committee, said in the release. “Their unanimous endorsements reflect the confidence our committee has in their ability to serve the people of Yorktown and Westchester County.” The committee also endorsed Town Justice Aviah Cohen-Pierson for re-election. Yorktown GOP backs incumbents The Yorktown Republican Committee is endorsing four incumbent candidates for reelection. In announcing the picks, GOP Chairman Kevin Byrnes called all four “dedicated public servants.” In addition to backing Lachterman for reelection as town supervisor, the party endorsed Sergio Esposito and Luciana Haughwout for reelection to the Town Board and Dave Paganelli for reelection to Highway Superintendent. “The Yorktown Republican Party is excited to present this experienced incumbent team that we believe represents the best our community has to offer,” Byrnes said in the release. “Our ticket personifies strong leadership, private-sector success, and a community-first mindset. We believe that each candidate on the ticket has successfully addressed their campaign promises to protect taxpayers, tackle blight, and protect our community, and have earned our endorsement for reelection.” No primary challengers had come forward for either party as of press time. Gerarda Brown holds her newest grandchild, Michael Kenneth Andrew McDaniel. / PHOTO COURTESY OF GERARDA BROWN MILESTONES Gerada Brown welcomes 47th (!) grandchild Michael Kenneth Andrew McDaniel was Baptized at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Shrub Oak on Dec. 28, 2024. Michael is the 47th grandchild of Gerarda and the late Kenneth Brown. Gerarda’s parents, Ray and Emma Keating, also had 47 grandchildren.
YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 7 Hallocks Square, Yorktown Heights Catherine Duff-Poritzky Licensed Associate R.E. Broker M 914.960.5577 [email protected] 1857 Commerce Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Experience sells in any market. The CDP Team has been assisting sellers and buyers in Yorktown since 1987. Let us guide you to your next place in the world! Get in touch today. By Boniello Development, partnered with The Cathy Duff-Poritzky Team An upscale community of 23 luxury new construction homes priced from $799,000. Immediate occupancy available or time to customize. The CDP Team is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025
PAGE 8 – YORKTOWN NEWS 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 ‘ Mr. Tock had strong communication skills that ensured that I was well-informed and comfortable throughout the legal process. His dedication and diligence as my lawyer exhibited a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for my case. Outstanding work!’ ~Justin M. PHOTO COURTESY OF YHS BAND DIRECTOR EMILY KLUGA YHS bands to ‘swing’ into 16th annual dance concert BY MIRANDA FERRANTE STAFF REPORTER “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” If you use that classic Duke Ellington/Irving Mills tune—famously recorded by Elle Fitzgerald—as a philosophical guide, then March 1 will mean a very big thing in Yorktown, as the annual Swing Dance concert returns to the high school. What has become a local tradition started as an idea 16 years ago, when band director Emily Kluga introduced the idea of a swing dance concert as a one-time event. It has since “blossomed into a beloved YHS band tradition”—a night of music and dancing that people look forward to every year. Kluga told Yorktown News the 16th annual event, rescheduled to March from its original February date due to snow, is typically held to honor Black History Month. However, she noted that March is Music in Our Schools Month. “ “It will also work out well,” she said. Kluga said the concert is “a unique and effective method of teaching students jazz interpretation, jazz history, basic improvisation, and the history, pop culture, and musical icons of the Swing Era.” In the six-week unit, Kluga chose to highlight two musical greats for the young musicians to study: Duke Ellington and Count Basie. “Students are learning to play their most famous songs, listening to the original recordings to help interpret our arrangements,” Kluga said, adding that they’re also learning about the lives of Ellington and Basie “and their contributions to this uniquely American musical artform of jazz.” In this unit, sophomore Miles Fallon particularly enjoyed learning about the history and culture of jazz and applying that newfound knowledge to the classroom. “Something really valuable about the Swing Dance unit is how well it teaches us to love the music itself, and that love makes understanding it that much easier,” said Fallon, an alto saxophonist. “Like jazz musician Thelonius Monk once said, ‘You’ve got to dig it to DIG it, you dig?’” Come March 1, Fallon is looking forward to the group dance lesson and added that “being involved in the Yorktown community is one of the most important parts of being in the band program, and the swing dance provides ample opportunity to do so.” Throughout the unit, on Thursdays, Kluga said instead of rehearsing as usual, students spend time learning period social dances, like the jitterbug and the shim sham—a line dance. “Getting teenagers to dance together, in a structured way is always entertaining,” Kluga said. “Through social dance, students learn the etiquette of navigating each other’s personal space and to greet and thank each new partner.” Kluga said the students seem to have fun doing it. “In my 16 years teaching this unit, what begins as an awkward social situation always ends as a positive experience,” Kluga said, adding that the students come away with learning a few dance moves, which may come in handy down the line. Kluga said one key element in performing jazz music is “the ability to read ‘classical’ rhythmic notation—in which one beat is divided into two equal parts — but instead interpret the rhythmic notation in a ‘swing’ style — in which one beat is divided into three equal parts.” Swing is as much about “feel” as it is about reading the part as written. “By having the students put the rhythm in their feet and learn a bit of dancing, they are feeling the beat divided into three equal parts, [which helps them] successfully interpret their music in a swing style,” she said. What’s special about the concert is that it lets the students turn their lessons into action, playing the music as it was intended to be heard— as the fuel putting dancers in motion. Kluga said the dance wouldn’t be possible without the support of district administrators, the athletic department, and the First Nighters, the school’s parent booster group for the performing arts, for their unwavering dedication. “I am so proud of and grateful to the amazing team of people who work so tirelessly and creatively to make this event a success for our students,” Kluga said, acknowledging the parent planning committee, raffle team, community business sponsors, and community members like Paul Martin, who will share a display of World War II artifacts to honor those who served. The community connection also resonates with the students. “Our annual YHS Swing Dance Concert brings students and the community together, through the joy of music and the connection it creates through dance,” Hailey Otero, a senior and French horn player, said. Devin Robinson, a junior trumpet player, loves the music’s history and says the show puts it into the community. “Having a performance at the Swing Dance is an effective way to put our talents on display at an event that isn’t another one of our regular concerts,” he said. “Having people of all ages showing up to listen and dance to the music that we play really develops a sense of community between us and our audiences.” The 16th Annual Swing Dance Concert is open to all ages and will be held in the Yorktown High School gym on Saturday, March 1.
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PAGE 10 – YORKTOWN NEWS Celebrate Purim at Temple Beth Shalom! Thursday, March 13th 7-9p Megillah Reading Purim Celebration Sunday, March 16th 11a-1p Purim Carnival - Fun, Games & Prizes All Children Are Welcome Call 845.628.6133 or Scan below to Register 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] The Five Below at the Yorktown Green Shopping Center is now open. Walgreens officials cut a ribbon at their new store in Yorktown Heights on Thursday, Feb. 20. / PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN Yorktown welcomes Five Below, Walgreens BY MIRANDA FERRANTE STAFF REPORTER Yorktown has officially welcomed two new stores. Town officials joined Walgreens executives on Thursday, Feb. 20, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new store, located at 3320 Crompond Road (Route 202). The drugstore had a soft opening in early February. According to a release from the town, Supervisor Ed Lachterman said during the brief ceremony that Yorktown views corporate partners as “part of our team.” He added, “They took a dirt pile that was weeds and construction debris and turned it into one of the best Walgreens I’ve seen.” Councilman Sergio Esposito told Walgreens officials that Yorktown is “proud and fortunate to have you here” and is “invested” in the company’s success. The new Yorktown store joins more than 8,500 Walgreens locations across the country. Five Below comes to Town Green A new Five Below also opened its doors at Yorktown Green Shopping Center on Valentine’s Day. A press release from the town noted that the discount retailer “occupies part of the defunct Kmart store at the shopping center,” which is “undergoing a major revival.” The revitalization began in 2022 when Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace moved into a former Food Emporium that had been vacant for 10 years. T.J. Maxx opened in November of last year, and the craft store Michaels is expected to open in March. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Philadelphia, Five Below has nearly 1,700 stores across 43 states. Lachterman called its opening in Yorktown part of Town Green Shopping Center’s “exciting” transformation. “The arrival of Five Below at the Yorktown Green Shopping Center is another validation of Yorktown’s economic revival and our town’s growing attractiveness to national retailers and families,” Lachterman said, adding that the store “joins a lineup of exciting new businesses that are reinvigorating this key commercial hub and turning Yorktown Green into a vibrant destination for shopping, recreation, and community activity.”
BY MIRANDA FERRANTE STAFF REPORTER An intersection previously flagged as dangerous was the site of a rollover accident that sent a driver to the hospital earlier this month. The Yorktown Heights Volunteer Fire Department and Yorktown EMS responded to a reported vehicle rollover at the intersection of London Road and Quinlan Street on Feb. 15. In a Facebook post, the Yorktown Heights Volunteer Fire Department stated that firefighters arrived at the scene and found a multi-vehicle crash, with one vehicle overturned. “YHFD volunteers secured both vehicles, mitigated a fuel spill, and stood by for the tow to remove the vehicles and for an additional ambulance to arrive on scene.” According to YHFD, more than a dozen first responders were called to the scene; three victims were transported to a local trauma center by the Yorktown Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Empress Emergency Medical Services. Details about their injuries have not been released. At the Jan. 14 Town Board meeting, Highway Superintendent Dave Paganelli called the intersection of London Road and Quinlan Street “problematic” and stated that the Highway Department is conducting an active traffic study and enforcement at the location. As previously reported in Yorktown News, Paganelli has advocated for a four-way stop sign at the London Road/Quinlan Street intersection, which currently has stop signs on London but not on Quinlan. He has also urged the town to consider fourway stop signs at the intersection of Underhill Avenue and Hanover Street, citing the high number of accidents at both locations. Stop Signs The Yorktown Town Board, during its meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18 voted to install stop signs at five intersections. Residents were vocal about their support for the addition at the intersection of Underhill Avenue and Hanover Street. The addition of stop signs were approved for the following locations: • Hanover Street at the Northwest and Southeast corners at its intersection with Underhill Avenue • Colonial Street at the Northeast corner at its intersection with Granite Springs Road • Sycamore Road at its Northeast corner at the intersection with Shelia Court and the southwest corner at its intersection with Forest Court • Crescent Drive at the Southwest corner at its intersection with Larkspur Street • Larkspur Street at the Northeast and Southwest corners at its intersection with Crescent Drive YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 11 • Family owned & operated —Family member always on site • 45 years of experience educating area youth • Proven curriculum that prepares children for kindergarten • Structured education program • No nap-time unless requested by parents • Indoor climbing towers & fun, age-appropriate centers for socialization & cooperative play • Large outdoor overhang for year-round outdoor play • Large turf field, basketball court & outdoor play center • Live music, art, physical education & recitals • Obie Interactive Projector for afterschool program EST. 1979 For more information, call 914-962-5196, 914-642-3923 • www.piedpiperschoolyorktown.com 2025-2026 Enrollment Now open In-Person Tours Daily 10am/5pm Call Us To Schedule! Flexible Schedules 9-11:45am/12:15-3pm Full Days 9am-3 Daycare 8am-5pm Extended Care 6:45am-6pm A rollover accident at the intersection of London Road and Quinlan Street is the latest in a series of incidents leading the town to consider putting four-way stop signs at the site. / PHOTO COURTESY OF YHVFD Rollover crash occurs at intersection proposed for four-way stop Vape shops, water meters, and rates were back on the agenda at the Yorktown Town Board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18. The board decided to incorporate a suggestion from the county to include “senior citizen housing developments and medical buildings” in the list of locations that must be at least 1,500 feet away from vape or smoke shops. Additionally, Yorktown residents will likely face higher water rates if a proposal from the water department is approved on March 4. The board delayed voting to adopt the law, along with changes to the Master Fee Schedule until March 4 because it needed to tweak some language in the law such as the omission of the phrase “quarterly billing,” as water bills are sent to residents three times a year. Town Board holds vape shops, water meters and rates public hearings
PAGE 12 – YORKTOWN NEWS 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100 Mount Kisco, Ny 10549 ©2025 Halston Media, Llc Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those of Yorktown News or its affiliates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail at [email protected]. For more information, call the editor at 845-208-0774 Brett Freeman, Publisher Emile Menasché, Editor Tabitha Pearson Marshall, Creative Director Editorial Office: 845-208-0774 [email protected] The Bibas family’s home with Ariel and Kfir’s toys in the front yard, untouched over 16 months after the toddler, baby and his parents were kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023. The boys and their mother were murdered while being held captive in Gaza. / PHOTO: TALIA PIERSON Remnants of Life in Kibbutz Nir Oz Local high school junior visits site of unimaginable crime committed on Oct. 7, 2023 BY TALIA PIERSON GUEST COLUMNIST Last week, the bodies of an infant, a toddler, their mother and an elderly man returned to Israel after being held in Gaza for over 500 days. Just a day before they returned, I visited the community from which they were kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2023: Kibbutz Nir Oz. On the morning of Oct. 7, terrorists infiltrated Israeli communities, including Nir Oz, and a music festival, slaughtering, brutalizing and kidnapping men, women and children. The hardest hit kibbutz attack was Nir Oz (a kibbutz is a tight-knit, communal village in Israel). A small community of only around 400 before Oct. 7, Nir Oz lost one in four of its people that day. Walking through the kibbutz, I saw house after house either with bullet holes in the walls, burnt and in rubble, or - in one case - one that had completely collapsed after being set on fire. Now all that remains is the house’s safe room. Through the destruction, I saw remnants of life. Each toy, hammock hanging, pattern among the rubble and sukkah still up from the Jewish holiday 16 months earlier, told the story of a peaceful life once filled with happiness and love. Two houses stood out: those of the Bibas family and the Lifshitz family. Up until Oct. 7, the Bibas family - Shiri, Yarden, Ariel and Kfir - lived a simple, family-centered kibbutz life. Shiri and Yarden chose to raise their two red-headed boys in Nir Oz, the same kibbutz Shiri grew up in. Ariel, 4 years old on Oct. 7, loved Batman and dreamed of becoming a hero who could save people in danger. Kfir was only 9 months old on Oct. 7; he had just begun crawling. I could see pieces of this life as I stood outside the Bibas’s house. A soccer ball, little bikes for Ariel, a baby rocking chair for Kfir, small chairs that the boys would sit and play in and eventually grow out of, one tiny sock sitting on the couch that the terrorists had stood on to invade the house - all remain untouched over 500 days later. In a normal world, Ariel and Kfir would be growing up surrounded by the warmth of their parents and the Nir Oz community with their entire lives ahead of them. Instead, Yarden, Shiri, Ariel and Kfir were kidnapped on Oct. 7. Yarden survived captivity and was released a few weeks ago. Shiri, Ariel and Kfir, though, were brutally murdered a couple of days after being taken captive. Their bodies were held in Gaza up until this past Thursday, Feb. 20, when they were returned to Israel and their deaths were confirmed. Yarden will not get to watch his children grow up alongside Shiri. The life they were supposed to have was torn apart by unimaginable darkness and evil that morning. Oded Lifshitz, 83 years old, was a father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a resident of Nir Oz and one of the kibbutz’s founding members. He was a man of peace and an advocate Purim: Celebrate resilience and joy BY SARAH FREIDSON GUEST COLUMNIST Kids and adults in colorful costumes exchanging gifts of sweets? Festive celebrations filled with laughter and noise in the synagogue? The sound of people reading an ancient story while making a raucous noise whenever a certain villain’s name is mentioned? Welcome to Purim (pronounced poor-ihm), one of the most joyful and fun Jewish holidays. At first glance, Purim might seem like little more than a costumed party. In reality, it is a deeply meaningful celebration of survival, resilience and standing up against oppression—values that resonate far beyond the Jewish community. Purim commemorates events told in the biblical Book of Esther, taking place about 2,500 years ago. The story takes place in ancient Persia, where a Jewish woman named Esther unexpectedly becomes queen, while hiding her religious identity. When the king’s evil advisor, Haman, hatches a plot to exterminate the Jewish people, Esther—at great personal risk—reveals her Jewish identity to the king and persuades him to reverse the decree. Haman is ultimately defeated and the Jewish people are saved. On the surface, Purim is a classic tale of good triumphing over evil. But the holiday’s deeper themes are what give it lasting relevance: the importance of speaking out against injustice, the power of individual courage, and the resilience of a people who have faced threats throughout history. Purim celebrations are vibrant, community centered and joyful. On Purim, the Book of Esther, called the “Megillah,” which means scroll, is read out loud. Every time the villain Haman’s name is mentioned, the crowd erupts with noise. They boo, stomp their feet, and use noisemakers to symbolically blot out his name and evil legacy. Because the story of the Book of Esther involves hidden identities, dressing up in costumes is a beloved tradition. It’s also customary for people to send baskets of food and treats to friends and to give charity to the poor. This symbolizes that joy is meant to be shared. We also celebrate Purim with a carnival for kids. Games, face painting, a bouncy house - Temple Beth Shalom and other synagogues are filled with joyful kids in costumes, having a wonderful time. While Purim is a Jewish holiday, its message is universal. In a world where hate and discrimination still exist, Purim reminds us of the SEE PIERSON PAGE 14 SEE FREIDSON PAGE 18 FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025
YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 13 Selling Something? Looking To Buy Something? Having An Event? Reach Thousands of our Readers at a Low Cost! [email protected] Email: Russell Girolamo Jr. Owner & Principal Agent HOME AUTO BUSINESS LIFE Stephanie Girolamo Burke Agent Jennifer Thorp Agent Together, we can protect your future. protect what matters most Girolamo Insurance is a 60+ year family owned independent agency whose mission is to protect their clients’ most important assets by offering the products that best meet their needs. 914.962.9777 www.girolamoagency.com 253 Route 202 Somers, NY FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 OPINION Embracing life’s meaning When I was 19, I saw a Japanese film that changed my life. Although I didn’t realize it then, that shouldn’t be considered unusual. Japanese cinema has long been celebrated for its profound exploration of human existence, often encapsulating themes that resonate deeply with audiences across cultures. An important theme in many of these films can be found in the expression “Komorebi,” which literally refers to the interplay of sunlight and leaves. This concept also serves as a poetic metaphor for the beauty of life and its fleeting moments. In this column, I will delve into the themes embracing life’s meaning portrayed in three significant films spanning over 50 years: Akira Kurosawa’s film that changed my life, “Ikiru” (1952); Yojiro Takita’s “Departures” (2008) and Wim Wenders’ “Perfect Days” (2023). Each film offers a unique lens through which we can understand the importance of appreciating life’s transient beauty and the quest for purpose amidst the mundane. Ikiru: A search for meaning in the face of mortality In “Ikiru”, Kurosawa presents the poignant story of Kanji Watanabe, a bureaucrat who discovers he has terminal cancer. Faced with his impending death, Watanabe grapples with the realization that his life was largely unremarkable, spent in the monotony of government paperwork. The film explores an existential crisis that prompts him to seek meaning in his final days. Watanabe’s journey begins with despair. His illness initially brings him nothing but sadness and regret. However, as the story unfolds, Watanabe encounters individuals from different walks of life, each reflecting the vibrancy and fragility of existence. One of the most pivotal moments occurs when Watanabe dedicates his remaining time to building a playground for children in a desolate neighborhood. This act of creation becomes a powerful symbol of Watanabe’s transformation from being a man consumed by the fear of death to being one who actively engages with life and leaves a lasting impact on his community. Kurowsawa’s masterful direction emphasizes the concept of “Ikigai,” a Japanese term that signifies one’s reason for being. Throughout the film, Watanabe learns to appreciate the simple joys of life like the laughter of children and the warmth of human connection. Watanabe’s final moments, spent joyfully singing amidst the snow, serve as a testament to his newfound understanding of life’s beauty, encapsulating the essence of Komorebi. Departures: The beauty of life through acceptance of death Yojiro Takita’s “Departures” tells the story of Daigo Kobayashi, a cellist who returns to his hometown, after a failed music career, to find work. To his surprise, Daigo inadvertently becomes a Nokanshi, a traditional Japanese mortician. Initially embarrassed and uncertain, Daigo gradually comes to understand the dignity and significance of his role, ultimately embracing it as a means of connecting with the essence of life. Through his work, Daigo confronts the reality of death in a way that transcends grief. He learns to appreciate the beauty of life in its entirety, its joy and sorrow, and the inevitability of mortality. The process of preparing the deceased for their farewell allows Daigo to foster deep connections with grieving families, showcasing the film’s central theme: it is through the acceptance of death that one can truly embrace life. The film’s cinematography enhances this theme, beautifully capturing the changing seasons and the fleeting moments of joy and connection. Daigo’s evolving perception of his work reflects the broader theme of Komorebi. Just as sunlight filters through leaves, illuminating the forest floor, Daigo’s experiences clarify his understanding of life. His journey underscores the idea that facing mortality with grace and reverence can lead to a richer appreciation of life. Perfect Days: Finding joy in everyday moments Wim Wenders’ “Perfect Days” embodies the essence of finding meaning within the rhythm of daily life. The film follows Hirayama, a Tokyo toilet cleaner who leads a seemingly mundane existence yet finds profound beauty in his routine. Through his interactions with nature and the people around him, Hirayama cultivates a life filled with small pleasures: an exquisite meal; the beauty of cherry blossoms or simply turning a page in a book. Unlike Watanabe and Daigo, who confront existential crises, Hirayama represents a different approach: embracing life as it unfolds moment by moment. Wenders employs a meditative style, allowing viewers to experience the tranquility of Hirayama’s life. Each day brings rituals that celebrate simplicity, from his morning tea to the meticulous care he gives his job. This attention to detail and appreciation for the present resonates with the spirit of Komorebi, illustrating how the ordinary can be extraordinary if one chooses to embrace it fully. The film also highlights the beauty of human connection. Hirayama’s relationships are defined by warmth and kindness, whether through brief encounters with strangers or deeper connections with friends. The quiet moments shared with others reflect the significance of community and love. This movie does not have the action scenes we have come to expect from Western cinema. What it does have is a poignant reminder that we need to slow down and appreciate every moment. Toward the end of the film, one scene rang especially true for me. Hirayama is alone on the beach when he is approached by a gentleman he previously observed at a local bar. After a brief introduction, the stranger explains that he has terminal cancer and little time left. He tells Hirayama that one of his chief regrets is that he has so many unanswered questions and knows he will JAMES MARTORANO MY PERSPECTIVE SEE MARTORANO PAGE 15
PAGE 14 – YORKTOWN NEWS 925 Westchester Avenue Suite #115 White Plains, New York 10604 CALL TODAY! THE Construction Injury Lawyers Since 1979 We’ve got your back! We can help you get the money you need and deserve. Tomkiel & Tomkiel Attorneys At Law Third Generation Personal Injury Law Firm FREE CONSULTATION Se habla español (914)417-4770 [email protected] Tomkiel.com Injured at a construction site? OPINION FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 Businesses flock to Yorktown The Town of Yorktown is experiencing an economic boom with regard to the revitalization efforts of this Town Board and I am proud to announce the following tentative updates regarding our Yorktown’s Business Sector: Now open • Walgreens - Opened on Feb. 6. • Art N Soul - Grand opening was held on Feb. 2. • Five Below - Grand opening was held on Feb. 7, located in the Yorktown Green Plaza. Upcoming openings • LIBRI – a new coffee shop that will sell flowers as well as have books to read. A great concept and a great place – opening soon and located on Veterans and Commerce. • Michaels - Tentative grand opening in March, also in the Yorktown Green Plaza. • Miraggio’s - The beloved restaurant is returning with the original owner, tentatively opening late February to late March 2025, located in the Triangle Shopping Center. • Sportime Pickleball - Featuring 12 courts and party rooms, with a tentative opening in late August to early fall 2025 at the Yorktown Green Plaza. • Dunkin Donuts - Location on Route 202, with a grand opening date TBD; construction is currently underway. • French Baguette Company - Located in the BJ’s shopping center, grand opening date TBD. • Don Pablo: Spanish Style Restaurant - Tentative grand opening TBD, at The Old Yorktown Grill in the Yorktown Green Plaza. • Latin Fusion Restaurant – Replacing the old Baroso location with new management and new flare – grand opening to be determined • Latin Restaurant & Bar – Mohegan Lake • Rom & Noodles – located on Kear Street • Dumpling – Located on Kear St Future Developments • Triangle Shopping Center - Re-imagining planned to start in March or April 2025, which includes a complete modernization of the entire center. • ACME (Triangle) - A full interior remodel is on the horizon. Tentative prospects • The Turco’s building is considering subdividing into three separate establishments, including a plumbing showroom and a new restaurant. I look forward to bringing you more updates in the days, weeks and months ahead. Sergio Esposito is a member of the Yorktown Town Board. SERGIO ESPOSITO WORD ON THE STREET for Palestinian rights, driving Palestinians over the IsraelGaza border to receive medical treatment in Israel. Just across from the house of Oded and his wife, Yocheved, in Nir Oz, I saw Oded’s famous cactus garden. The beautiful garden he built stands directly across from the burnt remains and rubble of the Lifshitz’s house, a stark and heartbreaking contrast between the values Oded dedicated his life to and those that tore his and his family’s worlds apart that dark morning. Oded was also brutally murdered in captivity and held for over 500 days. Oded, Shiri, Ariel and Kfir were all kidnapped from their homes and murdered in cold blood. Their only “crime” was being Israeli. These are only a few of the horror stories of Oct. 7. Countless other families suffered horrific losses on Oct. 7 and each day since, and others are still waiting for their loved ones to return. Having witnessed the Bibas and Lifshitz stories, I have a responsibility to ensure that the world knows who they were and how their stories ended. May their memories forever be a blessing. Talia Pierson is a junior attending Yorktown High School. PIERSON FROM PAGE 12 Oded Lifshitz’s cactus garden. An advocate for peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, Lifshitz would drive Palestinians over the Israel-Gaza border to receive medical treatment. On Oct. 7, 2023, Lifshitz was kidnapped by Palestinian terrorists and later murdered. / PHOTO: TALIA PIERSON
YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 15 C Clark & Giordano | G Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Joseph Giordano Jr., Owner Centrally Located in the Heart of Yorktown 2104 Saw Mill River Road (Route 35, 118 & 202) Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Additional Location: Curry & Giordano Funeral Home, Peekskill 914.962.3333 www.clarkfh.com FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 OPINION die without resolving them. He gives a silly example: when two shadows are superimposed, does the initial shadow get darker? As ridiculous as his question is, I share his broader concern. As I approach my life’s final chapter, there are so many questions in a wide range of fields that I am frantically trying to answer. I have shared some of those queries with you in these columns. My takeaway, however, is that as elusive as answers may be, it is in the search for truth that I find meaning and purpose. In the final analysis, these three films have taught me important lessons. The most important are twofold. First, we should always be cognizant of life’s temporality and fragility. Second, the true measure of our lives is not the amount of power, money or notoriety we acquire but, rather, our appreciation of every moment and how our actions have helped others, making our world a better place in the process. MARTORANO FROM PAGE 13 Multifamily development would worsen traffic on Routes 6 and 6N Dear Editor, Allowing the development of multifamily dwellings of around 125 units would be an assault on the people in and near Jefferson Valley. An attorney of alleged significant local influence, in support of the project, was quoted as saying that traffic congestion is a “knee-jerk reaction.” Perhaps, but one based on solid fact. People who drive along Route 6 on any weekday afternoon have seen the miles-long traffic backup south of Baldwin Place grow along the scale from inconvenience to annoyance to exasperation to major problem. Development of additional units in this area would accelerate it to nightmare. Traffic on the area’s only other north-south route, 6N, has likewise seen a marked increase in traffic flow. It is easy to dismiss traffic congestion when one’s own home is miles away in a residential area, already fully zoning-compliant. In New York State’s document discussing zoning, it warns against “rezoning of a parcel of land to a use category different from the surrounding area, usually to benefit a single owner or a single development interest, when the change is other than part of a wellconsidered and comprehensive plan calculated to serve the general welfare of the community.” Developers and land owners are concerned with profit, without regard for the resulting degradation to the character of the community or residents’ quality of life. Our greatest defense against such incursions is our Town Board. The one acre residential zoning of the Navajo property has already been shrugged off by its current use, the allowance of a large commercial venture – a sports complex. We strongly urge the board to respect and protect the citizens of Jefferson Valley from this harmful new venture. -Nicholas Merriam, Jefferson Valley This is not democracy Dear Editor, Recently, a group of people tried to make an appointment at Congressman Lawler’s Carmel office to speak with a staffer. Repeated efforts to make that appointment were ignored. That is not democracy. So a large group of people gathered in front of the building that housed that office, exercising the Constitutional rights of freedom of assembly and freedom of speech. We sought entry to the building in order to drop off our notes to the congressman. That is democracy. At first, the group was blocked from entry by a large group of police officers, and was told to drop off all of the notes in a box in the lobby. That was not democracy. Eventually, people were let in, one by one, and allowed to put their notes on a table outside of Congressman Lawler’s office. The congressional staffer who was in the office refused to talk to anyone in the group. Here is what my note said: Congressman Lawler, You took an oath to the Constitution of the United States of America. You are not abiding by that oath. The Constitution calls for a balance of powers, with each branch of the government having the power to check each other, to limit their power so as not to have one branch be more powerful than the other, or produce a king or a dictator of this country. You are not checking the power of the President of the United States. Therefore, you are not abiding by your oath to the Constitution. As a congressman, you have the power over the Treasury. Only Congress has the power to approve and disburse federal funds. By your silence, you have ceded that power to an unelected person, Elon Musk, with the approval of President Trump. So what function do you have now? LETTER SEE LETTERS PAGE 16
PAGE 16 – YORKTOWN NEWS Update your kitchen today with a custom design solution! From cabinets, to countertops and floors, Let us design for you! We provide design plans with realistic working budget proposals! K I T C H E N S & B A THS, L L C . D E S I G N K I T C H E N S & B A THS, L L C . D E S I G N Mahopac, NY 914-523-8974 Schedule your in-home appointment to claim your FREE SINK (a $500 value) with any kitchen purchase dreamstylekitchensandbaths.com • e: [email protected] OPINION FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 You have no power over this president unless you and a lot of Republicans put a stop to this power grab. You are turning this country away from democracy and into autocracy. If you want to cut the budget, do it legally. Republicans have the power to do that. But don’t give up democracy in the meantime. Also, your co-sponsorship of the SAVE Act is an abomination. It is a form of a poll tax, as only those people with enough money and access to their birth records would be able to get passports and be able to vote. Passports are not cheap, you know. And you want to take away the right to vote from any woman whose identification does not match her birth name? Are you crazy? Do you know how many millions of women took on their husbands’ last names? I thought you were a proponent of women changing their names upon marriage. I’ve got news for you. My marriage record has my name misspelled. If I tried to use that record to get my passport, I would have been denied. Does that mean you would remove my right to vote? Is that the intention, to keep women from voting? This is insanity. You say you are bipartisan. So start representing all of your constituents. -Marcia Stone, Shrub Oak LETTERS FROM PAGE 15 Six more weeks of misery I s it a coincidence that Groundhog Day and the Super Bowl occur during the same week? Both signify the start of six more weeks of winter. Punxsutawney Phil emerges from his hole, sees his shadow, and we are sentenced to six more weeks of winter. Similarly, the Super Bowl marks the end of football and the beginning of a sports desert, which only ends with baseball’s Opening Day in April. Several snowstorms and single-digit temperatures have only added to the malaise. Sure, basketball and hockey are still going, but for many of us, they don’t quite scratch the same itch. This year, I swore I wasn’t going to watch the Super Bowl. Like the presidential election, the two finalists were not particularly popular. Needless to say, my Jets’ season ended early—for the 56th consecutive year. Another rebuilding season awaits. I did, however, manage to ruin it for Buffalo Bills fans by rooting for their team during the playoffs. My apologies for jinxing them. Our plans to go to the movies instead of watching got sidetracked when friends invited us over for the game. Being oldsters, we said we’d leave at halftime so we could be in bed by the fourth quarter. Since it was impossible for both teams to lose, the next best thing happened. Philadelphia routed the Chiefs, interrupting their “three-peat” and signaling the end of a mini-dynasty. I guess misery loves company. Maybe Taylor Swift will start dating a Jets player next year? Then there was the halftime show. What was that? Kendrick Lamar, one of hip-hop’s most influential rappers, put on a performance that left us shaking our heads, wondering what happened to Janet Jackson, Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga and Bruce Springsteen. Judging from the internet reaction, we were not alone. After the show, my thirtysomething son texted me a meme of an old man screaming at his TV during the performance. I figured, like me, he thought the show was a bust. When I replied, I learned he was actually making fun of me—he thought the show was wonderful. He explained all the inside jokes, nuance and symbolism, giving me—I guess—a better appreciation for it. Clearly, a massive generational divide was at work here. Can’t wait for next year. I’ll admit I probably spend too much time watching football. I need to find other hobbies because, as a Jets fan, the rewards are few and far between. But I do have some thoughts on how to make the game more entertaining. I’m told NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell regularly reads my columns. Well, I wasn’t actually told that, but he does live in Westchester, so I can only assume. It is in that spirit that I offer him some suggestions for NFL rule changes next season. Let’s change the dopey kickoff routine. The new “dynamic kickoff,” which requires 21 players to pose like statues while the kicker boots the ball into the end zone for a touchback, is a bust. A waste of time. Let’s move the kickoff back 20 yards so the ball lands in the field of play and is actually run back. Get rid of the “false start” penalty. They must call that 20 times a game, slowing things down immensely. If the defense can move, why not let the offense? It’s only fair. Fewer flags, more fun. Let one of the refs watch the game on TV like we do so they can reverse ridiculous calls on replay. There have been plenty of game-changing miscues that could have been corrected. Fans want to watch players play—they don’t pay to watch referees toss flags. Let them play. Roger, feel free to drop me a line if you have any questions. It’s only two months until the NFL Draft and one month until baseball’s Opening Day. This could be the year. Until then, stay warm. DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 17 Act now to lower your Flu/COVID risk Optum Medical Care 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. © 2025 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved. 1/25 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/MedicalCare/flu FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 OPINION Why counting on fingers is actually good for kids Dear Dr. Linda, I’m a first grade teacher and find that many of my students need to count on their fingers to do addition and subtraction. I don’t allow it. They need to learn their addition facts or they won’t be able to do addition or subtraction. They know the rule, but I find many of them hiding their hands under their desks so they can count on their fingers. I make a very big deal over this. I don’t want to embarrass them, but if I don’t insist, they will never learn their number facts. I tell them that only babies count on their fingers. One of my colleagues totally disagrees with me and lets her students count on their fingers. In fact, she thinks I’m a terrible teacher for doing this. Who’s right? Thanks. -Grace Dear Grace, I’m sorry to tell you, but your colleague is right. Not only is she right, but research backs her up. Recent research has shown that when children use their fingers, it helps them in learning and understanding arithmetic. Hand and finger related motions have been shown to stimulate different areas in the brain. Years ago, a fourth grade boy I was working with, who had severe dyscalculia, told me that the only way he could do arithmetic was by using his fingers. He was not able to visualize the quantity numbers represented without using his fingers. For some reason, over the years, actually over generations, counting on fingers was discouraged in most classes. This practice was probably not based on any research, but rather how the teacher was originally taught. It was taboo to be caught counting on your fingers. How many adults state that they are horrible in math? They could never do math. They have trouble with their checkbooks and anything else that requires math. A woman once told me that if she found herself at a house party where someone was selling things and she had to fill out an order form, she’d make up an excuse that she suddenly had to go home. She said she would go into a panic just like she did in first and second grade when she couldn’t do the math without using her fingers, and of course she was not allowed to use her fingers. Just like this woman, thousands of other children who were dependent on counting on their fingers were told that they could not by some well meaning but uninformed teacher. There are tutoring companies right now that don’t allow their students to use their fingers. It is amazing that so many teachers followed and still follow this practice without questioning it. Obviously, they want their students to visualize the math in their heads and that of course is the ultimate goal. However, for many children they first need to see the visual before being able to visualize it. It’s like telling a child who has never seen an apple to visualize an apple. A child can’t begin to visualize what numbers represent unless they understand numbers and understanding numbers is different for everyone. Research suggests that discouraging children from using their fingers to count may hinder their mathematical development. Encouraging young learners to use their fingers can not only aid in counting but also support brain development, helping them better understand math. This approach may even foster a greater appreciation for the subject and reduce fear or anxiety toward it. -Dr. Linda If you have a question to ask Dr. Linda about your child or a school-related situation, she can be reached at Linda@ stronglearning.com. DR. LINDA SILBERT STRONG LEARNING
PAGE 18 – YORKTOWN NEWS Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. MANAGING PARTNER • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500 • 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 18 consecutive years CALL NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 914.948.1500 WWW.ESSLAWFIRM.COM WHITE PLAINS • SOMERS Now Open: New Somers Office Location What steps have you taken to protect your life savings from the cost of long term care? OPINION FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 Happily Ever After power of bravery and unity. Esther’s story is not just about Jewish survival; it’s about standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. It is a celebration of hope, of turning fear into joy. Purim teaches us that laughter, fun and generosity are essential components of a full and meaningful life. All are welcome to celebrate Purim with Temple Beth Shalom at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 13, for the Megillah reading and at noon on Sunday, March 16. Rabbi Sarah Freidson serves the religious, educational and pastoral needs of Temple Beth Shalom, 760 Route 6, in Mahopac. A natural storyteller, she infuses her work with meaning and joy. Rabbi Sarah is passionate about teaching and making Jewish learning accessible to individuals of all backgrounds, levels and interests. For more information, call 845- 628-6133 or visit tbsmahopac.org. FREIDSON FROM PAGE 12 To advertise in Yorktown News, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected].
YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 19 I t never ceases to amaze me how many Powers of Attorney don’t permit the named agent(s) to take necessary steps to protect the life savings of the principal. The principal is the individual who creates the Power of Attorney and selects the agent(s) to act on the principal’s behalf. The principal also has the sole discretion to determine what powers should be granted to the agent(s) to handle the financial affairs of the principal. There are generally three commonly used Powers of Attorney 1 A “General” Power of Attorney is one that does not survive the subsequent incapacity and/or disability of the principal. 2 A “Durable” General Power of Attorney does survive the subsequent incapacity and/or disability of the principal, and is the type preferred by most attorneys. 3 A “Springing” Power of Attorney is one that becomes effective only upon the occurrence of an event specified in the Power of Attorney. For example, the Power of Attorney can be drafted so that it is not effective until my treating physician and a neurologist who has examined me determine that I am unable to handle my personal and financial affairs. I have never been a fan of the “Springing” Power of Attorney because determining whether the triggering event has occurred is a matter of interpretation and can be disputed.. There are other Powers of Attorney as well, such as a “Financial” or “Banking” Power of Attorney, which are on a form provided by the bank or financial/brokerage firm to its clients. These are forms that generally allow the agent(s) to access the accounts held at the bank or financial institution, only for the limited purpose of paying the bills of the client from the bank or brokerage account. However, they rarely contain any gifting powers, which are critical to protecting the principal’s life savings for either long-term care planning and/or estate tax planning purposes. On the other hand, a Durable General Power of Attorney that gives the agent(s) unlimited gifting powers; the power to create, amend and revoke trusts; and the power to engage in estate and Medicaid planning opens a world of possibilities, thereby allowing the agent(s) (without the need to seek court intervention in a Guardianship proceeding) the ability to take necessary steps to protect the principal’s life savings. Currently, under New York law, the statutory Power of Attorney short form allows the agent(s) to make gifts of up to $5,000 per person in a single year. However, there is a “Modifications” section in the statutory Power of Attorney short form that allows the gifting power to be modified and to permit gifting to the agent(s) and others of an unlimited amount, so long as doing so is in the best interest of the principal—for example, protecting the principal’s assets from the cost of long-term care and/or from New York and/or federal estate taxes. Additionally, the Modifications section of the Power of Attorney can provide the agent(s) the power to transfer assets to the principal’s spouse for Medicaid eligibility purposes or to execute documents such as an Assignment of Support, a Medicaid application, a Pooled Trust agreement to protect the principal’s income, and/or a Spousal Refusal form. In conclusion, not all Powers of Attorney are created equal. A Power of Attorney that handcuffs the agent(s) can often lead to an expensive and time-consuming Guardianship proceeding in the courts (which ultimately may not even allow the transfers to be made), and thus, prohibit the agent(s) from protecting the principal’s assets to the fullest extent possible. Anthony J. Enea is the managing attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP of White Plains, and Somers, NY. He focuses his practice on Wills, Trusts, Estates and Elder Law. Anthony is the Past Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA) and is the past Chair of the 50+ Section of the NYSBA. He is a Past President and Founding member of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Anthony is also the Immediate Past President of the Westchester County Bar Foundation and a Past President of the Westchester County Bar Association. He is also fluent in Italian. He can be reached at 914-948-1500 or at a.enea@ esslawfirm.com. The importance of a broadly-drafted Power of Attorney How the right legal document can protect your life savings ANTHONY J. ENEA GUEST CORNER Not all Powers of Attorney are created equal. A Power of Attorney that handcuffs the agent(s) can often lead to an expensive and time-consuming Guardianship proceeding in the courts.’ Anthony J. Enea, Managing Attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 FOCUS ON ELDER LAW
PAGE 20 YORKTOWN NEWS – FEBRUAService: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com Tag/Garage/Estate Sale? Call: 914-302-5628 or email [email protected] 25 words/5 papers/$55 total* *This is the cost for base ad. Additional add-ons are extra. Call us to place your upcoming sale in our Classifieds! Yorktown PD welcomes new hire, celebrates promotions BY MIRANDA FERRANTE STAFF REPORTER The Yorktown Police Department has welcomed Officer Vincent Giordano to its ranks, while Michael Vuoso has been promoted to sergeant. Matthew Racioppo has been named detective sergeant, and both Mark Rapisarda and Samuel Sansone II have been promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Chief of Police Robert Noble presented the officers at a Town Board meeting in early February. He commended them for their dedication to service and their unwavering commitment to the Yorktown community. “The promotions were well deserved,” Noble said. “The new addition is also well deserved.” The officers thanked their loved ones for their tireless support despite long and difficult hours and cited ties back to the local community—making them all the prouder to serve. Read more about the officers and the ceremony at news.halstonmedia.com/sections/police-and-fire/articles/yorktownpd-welcomes-new-hire-celebrates-promotions. Chief Robert Noble expressed pride in presenting recent promotions and a new assignment within the Yorktown Police Department during the Feb. 4 Town Board meeting. He highlighted that they all have local ties to Yorktown. Vincent Giordano, a new police officer ithe community that he was raised in, is administered the oath of office by TownClerk Diana Quast during the Feb. 4 Town Board meeting. Samuel Sansone was promoted to lieutenant.
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PAGE 22 – YORKTOWN NEWS You’re never far from care that feels like family. Our urgent and accessible care services means we’re here to help with whatever you need. With convenient extended hours 7 days a week and the option to “save your spot” to be seen, getting the care you need when you need it has never been easier. AFC Carmel (next to Starbucks) 1874B US 6 Carmel Hamlet, NY 10512 914.380.8588 afcurgentcare.com/carmel M-F: 8am-8pm, S-S: 8am-5pm AFC Yorktown (in the BJs Plaza) 3379 Crompond Rd Yorktown Heights, NY 914.930.5550 afcurgentcare.com/yorktown-heights M-F: 8am-8pm, S-S: 8am-5pm Progressive Animal Hospital INDEPENDENTLY OWNED and OPERATED Voted “Best of Somers” 2020-2023 CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY! 268 Route 202 l Somers, NY 10589 914.248.6220 www.progressive-vet.com CELEBRATE DENTAL MONTH – Give Your Pet the Gift of a Healthy Smile! Save on dental exams, cleanings, and treatments this month only! Your pet deserves it. Don’t miss out on this LIMITED TIME OFFER! ? Did you know? ? What adults should know about alcohol consumption after 50 Patients are asked several routine questions during annual wellness exams. Among those queries are a subsection of questions regarding alcohol consumption. Doctors ask these questions to identify how much alcohol their patients consume and how often they drink. It’s important that patients of all ages answer such questions honestly, and that includes men and women over 50. Binge drinking may not be a behavior people associate with individuals over 50, but this behavior is on the rise among aging men and women. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines binge drinking as a pattern of alcohol consumption that elevates an individual’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to 0.08 percent or higher. The NIAAA notes that such levels correspond to consuming five or more drinks (male) or four or more drinks (female) in a roughly two-hour period. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates that one in five adults between the ages of 60 and 64 and 12 percent of individuals age 65 and over report current binge drinking. Binge drinking trends among individuals 60 and over alarm public health officials. The NIAAA notes that older adults are vulnerable to various problems when drinking alcohol, which can lead to bad interactions among people taking medications and increase risk for various health ailments. Such a reality makes it worth aging adults’ time to learn some of the basics of alcohol consumption after 50. • Alcohol can exacerbate various medical conditions. Age is a notable risk factor for various medical conditions. For example, the National Institute on Aging notes that changes in the heart and blood vessels that occur naturally with age may increase a person’s risk of heart disease and related health problems. The NIAAA notes that adding alcohol to the mix as you age can worsen problems such as high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. Additional conditions that can be exacerbated by heavy drinking include diabetes, liver problems, osteoporosis and mood disorders. • Alcohol can interact with various medications. Prescription medications come with a lengthy rundown of warnings and instructions, which is enough to compel many people to avoid alcohol when taking such medicines. However, people may not be as careful with over-thecounter medications, even though the NIAAA warns that mixing alcohol with OTC medicines can be dangerous and even deadly. OTC medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, allergy medicines and sleeping pills can interact badly with alcohol. • Alcohol consumption should be limited to two drinks or less. As noted, a significant percentage of adults over 60 qualify as binge drinkers. That may alarm some older adults who do not feel as though they have a problem with alcohol but still meet the qualifications for binge drinking. Refraining from alcohol is arguably the safest option, but individuals over 50 who still like to enjoy a drink every now and then are urged to keep their consumption to two drinks or less in a day for men and one drink or less in a day for women. It’s important that individuals recognize they cannot save up drinking for one night of the week. So those who abstain six days a week cannot then consume between seven and 14 drinks on the day they drink. Such an approach is unhealthy, unsafe and potentially deadly. Adults over 50 are urged to learn about the ways alcohol affects aging bodies. More information is available at niaaa.nih.gov. According to the National Canine Cancer Foundation, certain dog breeds are more likely to develop cancer than others. The NCCF notes that data supports the notion that genetic characteristics contribute to higher rates of cancer, though more research is needed to understand precisely which factors are behind a greater cancer risk. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that Golden Retrievers, Boxers, Bernese Mountain Dogs and Rotweilers are more likely to develop cancer than other breeds. Cancer is a more notable threat to dogs, particular purebred canines, than some dog owners may recognize. In fact, the NCCF reports that 25 percent of all purebred dogs die of cancer. Those figures are even higher among purebreds that live beyond 10 years, as 45 percent of such dogs are likely to succumb to cancer. Advertise With Us Yorktown News is mailed to approximately 7,000 mailboxes on a bi-weekly basis. We offer our clients an ad design service. For more information, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected]. HEALTH & WELLNESS
YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 23 Care for Your Smile, Improve Your Health Bridging the gap between dentistry and medicine is crucial to living a healthier life. Our team offers routine cleanings and comprehensive exams, ensuring your oral and overall health are well-maintained. Keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth healthy is our passion. From general dentistry, including restorative and cosmetic procedures, to specialized treatments, choose ProHEALTH Dental for exceptional care you can trust. At ProHEALTH Dental, we treat patients holistically, focusing on how oral health improves overall health, which is why we’re not your ordinary dentists. phdental.com Oral Surgery Orthodontics Endodontics Pediatrics Sleep General Cosmetic Dentistry Periodontics Implants Our Services: General Dentistry Office Locations: Astoria I Bay Shore I Garden City I Lake Success I Hoboken, NJ I Howard Beach Huntington I Long Island City I Mount Kisco I Oceanside I White Plains I Yonkers I Yorktown Heights Put Your Health Where Your Mouth Is™ and book an appointment today 855-PHD-CARE Affiliate of FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 HEALTH & WELLNESS
PAGE 24 – YORKTOWN NEWS 17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults MEDICAL & SURGICAL EYE CARE 1825 COMMERCE STREET YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY 914.772.9983 phameye.com Looking Forward to seeing both • Medical Eye Exams • Cataract Surgery • Glaucoma Lasers and Implants • Dry Eyes Treatment • Botox 914.772.9983 Looking Forward to seeing both Familiar and New faces! FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 Children develop at a rapid pace. Kids’ bodies grow from the moment of birth until early adulthood. Children get taller, more dexterous and expand their knowledge by leaps and bounds as they grow up. Kids’ teeth also are developing over that time. Children’s teeth are at heightened risk for oral health issues during this delicate time of growth. If left untreated, dental issues can cause poor oral health. WebMD emphasizes that it is essential to keep baby teeth healthy for a child’s overall health and well-being, even though baby teeth are eventually replaced with permanent teeth. Many of the same conditions that affect adults also can contribute to issues with children’s oral health. Here is a look at some common concerns. Caries (cavities) Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or cavities, are caused when bacteria in the mouth metabolize sugar and produce acids that break down the teeth. Foods that stick to the teeth for a long time, such as candy, ice cream and milk, are more likely to cause decay. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 20 percent of children between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one decaying tooth. It is important for children to clean their teeth well, something adults will likely need to assist with to ensure tooth decay doesn’t occur. Bruxism Many children grind their teeth at night, which is called bruxism. This habit can damage the teeth and cause misaligned teeth, which affects the bite. Nightguards may be needed to prevent the issue. Addressing any stress that may be causing the grinding also may be necessary. Thumb sucking Sucking on fingers, pacifiers or toys gives young children emotional security and comfort. However, thumb sucking continuing beyond age 5 can affect permanent teeth when they start to erupt. This may force them out of alignment. Breaking the thumb-sucking habit can take time, and a child can wear dental appliances to prevent sucking. Over-retained primary teeth According to Hines Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, over-retained primary teeth refers to baby teeth that do not naturally fall out to make room for permanent teeth. This can lead to complications in the alignment of new teeth. In some instances, overretained teeth may need to be extracted to make room for adult teeth. Bite and alignment issues As permanent teeth come in, it may become evident that an orthodontist will be needed. Many pediatric dentists will refer children to orthodontists the moment they realize that orthodontic intervention is likely needed. Braces, palate expanders and other treatments might be prescribed so that older children can enjoy healthy, straight smiles. Parents can work together with dentists to ensure good pediatric oral health. The National Eye Institute reports that age-related macular degeneration, also known as “AMD,” is very common. The condition, which is a disease marked by blurred central vision caused by age-related damage to the macula, affects 11 million people in the United States. AMD also is a notable threat in Canada, where the organization Fighting Blindness Canada reports that 2.5 million Canadians have the condition. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in both nations, and adults over 50 should know that they’re more likely to develop the disease than other demographics. AMD is often detected during routine comprehensive dilated eye exams, which is one of many reasons why such tests should be part of anyone’s, but particularly aging adults’, wellness regimens. Common issues that affect kids’ dental health ? Did you know? ? Read Your Town’s Top News In-between Editions Visit News.HalstonMedia. com. Find your town or your favorite topic (i.e. sports or police) in the menu. You can also scan this QR code HEALTH & WELLNESS
FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 25 Lakeland/Panas took first at sectionals. / PHOTOS: EMRIN LECLAIR Lakeland’s Brianna Kowal Lakeland’s Olivia Marricco earned the tournament’s highest marks on the bar on her way to the Section 1 all-around crown. Anastasia Iannazzo, shown on the bar, qualified for the state championships on the vault. GYMNASTICS Olivia Marricco repeats as Section 1 all-around champ Lakeland wins Section title, sends two to states BY EMILE MENASCHÉ EDITOR For the third time in four years—and second season in a row—Lakeland’s Olivia Marricco is the Section 1 all-around gymnastic champion. Led by 2024 Westchester-Putnam Gymnast of the Year Marricco, Lakeland-Panas won the Section 1 title at Eclipse Gymnastics in Mahopac on Feb 11., Marricco earned high scores in the bar (9.875) and floor (9.775) on her way to the all-around title with a combined score of 38.325. Lakeland-Panas won the Section 1 team competition with a combined score of 173.425, topping Tappan Zee (171.95) and Mahopac (167.4). Lakeland’s Anastasia Iannazzo (36.325 in the all-around), earned a place on Section 1’s NYSPSAA team for the vault with a 9.000. Lakeland-Panas gymnasts Brianna Kowal (33.450), Keira Gallagher (32.275), Charlotte Bordes (31.525), Izzy Albano (30.650), and Lily Delio (30.200) also stepped up for all four events. The NYSPHSAA state championships are set to take place on Saturday, March 1, at Buffalo’s Clarence High School.
BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Lakeland senior Dan Hurley enjoyed a standout fouryear varsity wrestling career for Lakeland/Panas. Hurley, who competed at 285 pounds this winter, was 29-8 this season, including winning the Eric D’Agnese Memorial Tournament at Somers, on his way to amassing an 85-29 career record. During his time wrestling for the Rebels, he was named All-Section once and earned All-League honors three times. This season, he was one of the Rebels’ three captains, along with Bryan DePascale and Zach Morey. Hurley also played on Lakeland’s varsity football team for three years, at nose guard defensively and guard on offense. This past football season, he was named AllLeague. How old were you when you started wrestling and what got you started? I was 14, my eighth-grade year. I did Jiu Jitsu and it got me into wrestling. What was your favorite thing about being on the Lakeland/Panas wrestling team? The coaching and relationship between the team. What was your favorite team activity or pre- or postmatch ritual? Just to listen to music and get in the zone pre-match. What was your favorite music while warming up for a match? Deftones, Pantera, and things of that nature. Who has been your biggest role model? Coach (Dave) Bergen has been a great motivator to me and is one of the best people I’ve ever met. Tell us one thing about yourself that not a lot of people know. I can do a backflip. What do you plan to do after high school? Go to college and be a state trooper. What’s your favorite sports team? New York Giants. If you could pick one place to visit on vacation that you’ve never been to, where would you go? Hawaii. What would you say to a young athlete thinking about trying out for the Lakeland/ Panas wrestling team? Once you make the team, in order to progress, take advice from your coaches and teammates, and learn from your partners. PAGE 26 – YORKTOWN NEWS NOW SERVING! 3 Great Tastes under 1 roof 1992 Commerce St, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 mrsofteenathans.com (914) 588-5606 Come & visit today! Lakeland/Panas’ Dan Hurley works for the pin in a 285-pound match at the county meet. / PHOTO: ROB DIANTONIO ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT Rebel Wrestler Dan Hurley reflects on standout career FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025
SPORTS YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 27 BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Yorktown’s Ryan Duffy turned in a big-time performance, scoring a team high 16 points, to go along with 7 rebounds and 4 assists, in the second-seeded Huskers’ 50- 37 win against visiting No. 15 Carmel in the opening round of the Section 1 Class AA Tournament on Feb. 22. For Duffy, the performance was extra special because he was appreciative of just being out on the court. He was out a little more than a month due to injury, before returning to the lineup in a 48-45 home win against Rye, the No. 3 seed in the tournament, on Jan. 8. “It’s awesome. I love being out there,” Duffy said. “Before this season, I had never missed a game before for injury, so you just can’t take things for granted.” Yorktown coach Mark Pavella stressed the importance of Duffy’s presence on the team. “Having Ryan back in the lineup has been a big part of our success so far this season,” Pavella said. “His presence on defense, and his patience on offense to make the right play are just some of the reasons why he’s so important for our team.” Duffy helped Yorktown, the No. 13 ranked Class AA team in the state, to its ninth win in a row by scoring 7 points, on a 3-pointer and 2 field goals in the first quarter, which Yorktown led at the end of 9-8. “We wanted to get the ball inside in the beginning, playing inside out,” Duffy said. “The team just got me the ball inside and I was able to finish.” Yorktown (17-4) exploded for 18 points in the second quarter, to go up 27-18 at halftime. “After the first quarter, we knew that they were going to come out very physical,” Pavella said. “It just took us a quarter to ramp it up and be able to perform under that type of intensity. So I was proud of how our guys responded to their energy.” Leading the Huskers in the second quarter was 9 points from Kaden Gonzalez (14 points, 7 rebounds), coming on three treys. The key to those threes was just confidence,” Gonzalez said. “I started off with zero points in the first quarter but the atmosphere was insane. I was rushing (my shot), I just had to calm down and continue to play our brand of basketball. I knew my team had my back.” Carmel fought back, with a 3-pointer cutting Yorktown’s lead to 39-32 early in the fourth quarter. However, a hoop by Duffy after a timeout thwarted Carmel’s momentum. “That was off an inbounds play,” Duffy said. “It was great play call by coach, I just got the layup.” Duffy’s basket started a 7-0 Husker run. “We stayed collected, calm, and grinded it out,” Duffy said. “It was a tough game, intense, we just stayed composed.” Sander Stone (11 points) followed Duffy’s layup with a 3-pointer, giving Yorktown a 44-32 lead. “They were coming out doubling the first pass so we told the guys move the ball and he was confident,” Pavella said. “He’s a good 3-point shooter so he made the shot.” Gonzalez helped seal the game by going 2 for 2 at the charity stripe, giving Yorktown a 49-37 advantage. “I was thinking when I was at the line just to be calm and collected, just try and put the game away,” Gonzalez said. “We have a tough matchup Thursday against Greeley. We wanted to see them again. So hopefully we get back the game we lost earlier in the season.” That quarterfinal matchup against No. 7 Greeley is at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27 at Yorktown. The Huskers will be looking to avenge a 65-59 loss at Greeley on Jan. 4. “Last time our defense wasn’t as good as it is now,” Gonzalez said. “We just have to stay composed. Consistency is the key to everything. This week of practice is going to be long but we have to grind it out.” Aidan Flynn (4 points), Colin Worden (3 points), and Brian Hansen (2 points) also scored for Yorktown against Carmel. “It’s always nice to win a playoff game, it’s not easy in Double A to get these wins in the playoffs, so we are just excited to be moving on,” Pavella said. YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 27 BUYING ONLY 845-628-0362 WE WILL COME TO YOU! 54 WE BUY: YEARS! Gold • Sterling Silver Jewelry • Coins Paintings • Bronzes Clocks • Collectibles Antiques • ETC. Items for sale? Call us! 914-277-4424 440 Rt 22 • North Salem, NY www.theblazerpub.com CELEBRATING 521 YEARS! 52 CELEBRATING 521 YEARS! Happy St Patty’s Day! From our family to yours FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 Yorktown’s Kaden Gonzalez looks to finish through contact. Yorktown’s Sander Stone drives the baseline. / PHOTOS: ROB DIANTONIO BASKETBALL Duffy dominates in YHS playoff win Gonzalez and Stone shine as well
PAGE 28 – YORKTOWN NEWS SPORTS FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 Lakeland’s Liliana Aguirre drives to the basket against Fox Lane. Lakeland’s Riley Waters leads a break. The Hornets’ Sarah Devane fires a deep jumper. / PHOTOS: ROB DIANTONIO BASKETBALL Hornets fall to Foxes in sectionals Waters stands out to lead LHS BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER No. 12 Lakeland traveled to No. 5 Fox Lane in the opening round of the Section 1 Class AA Tournament on Feb. 22 and gave the Foxes a hard-fought game, being tied 19- 19 at halftime before falling 56-47. “Our defensive rebounding was really good in the first half,” Lakeland coach Mike Auerbach said. “It’s been a weakness for us at times recently and we knew if we were able to hold our own on the boards we could hang in the game. The overall team defense was good early. The effort and energy defensively has been there for us all season, giving us a chance against some of the better teams in the section.” Riley Waters (16 points) hit a three from the top of the key to put Lakeland up 22-21 early in the third quarter. “The shot clock was winding down and I got the ball passed to me,” Waters, a sophomore, said. “I looked at the clock and saw about two seconds so I made space with a cross over, pulling it back and hitting the shot to beat the buzzer.” Fox Lane, which also won at Lakeland 56-42 on Feb. 11, answered by outscoring Lakeland 19-10 in the third quarter, to go up 38-29 at the end of it. “We just wore down a little bit in the second half,” Auerbach said. “Fox Lane is a very solid veteran team. Being undersized against most of the better teams in the section, we have to expend so much energy defensively to guard the ball, rebound, be alert off the ball, etc. It’s difficult to maintain that for 32 minutes against a team like Fox Lane. They have two very good guards who usually do most of their scoring, but their balance offensively hurt us today.” Riley sliced Fox Lane’s lead to 39-33 in the fourth quarter with a trey. “Off a missed shot one of my teammates (Liliana Aguirre) hit the ball in my direction and the Fox Lane defense was trying to get the rebound, and I was left wide open in the corner,” Waters said. “We were down nine and cutting that lead gave us hope to stay in the game and gave a little momentum to keep the game close. It felt great. We got confidence to get a defensive stop and to make it a two-possession game.” Waters led Lakeland in the final stanza with 8 points, with a 3-pointer, a field goal, and 3 of 4 shooting from the foul line. “I felt like I needed to step up to give us a chance to win,” Waters said. “I felt like the defensive match-ups gave me a lot of opportunities to get to the basket. It helped me get high percentage shots and also get to the foul line.” A 3-pointer by Sarah Devane (8 points) gave Lakeland life with 45.2 seconds remaining, cutting the Foxes’ lead to 50-45 but it could get no closer in what was the end to a season of learning. “We are a very young team and this season gave a lot of our team an opportunity to grow as players and to understand the game at the varsity level,” Waters said. “This season we also learned how to play as a team and that will carry on to next year.” Amanda Franco (10 points), Aguirre (7 points), Emma Burke (3 points), Carina Cannizzaro (2 points), and Emily Hahn (1 point) also scored for Lakeland (9-12). “This was a very enjoyable first season for me with the girls,” Auerbach said. “They are a great group to be around on a daily basis. We had a ton of fun and improved basketball wise tremendously from start to finish. I told them after the game they should be proud of their efforts this year. We struggled the first month of the season, but really played well after the December break. “ Auerbach added that the team “had a challenging schedule especially for a young team, but we battled every game. We lose two great kids and teammates in Amanda Franco and Sarah Devane. They will be missed big time, but their impacts on our program will last for years to come. We did a lot this year as a program that will help us long term. The future is bright for us.”
YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 29 JUNK REMOVAL AND DUMPSTERS WE SPECIALIZE IN 8, 10, 12 & 15 YARD DUMPSTERS ON WHEELS & TRADITIONAL DUMPSTERS 10-40 YARD Michael Procopis • 914-703-2626 mvpjunkremoval.com • [email protected] FACTORY TRAINED SERVICE TECHNICIANS WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS OF COMMERCIAL & HOMEOWNER POWER EQUIPMENT EAST ROAD MOTORS 58 CAROLAN RD. EAST CARMEL, NY 10512 www.EASTROADMOTORS.com 845-225-3503 PICK-UP AND DELIVERY AVAILABLE email: [email protected] * LEAF BLOWERS * LAWN MOWERS * STRING TRIMMERS * CHAIN SAWS * SNOWBLOWERS * GENERATORS * QUADS * SNOWMOBILES SERVICE & REPAIR Put the joystick down, time to play ball “Dude, why are you sneakin’ up on me like that? I’m on a hot mic, dangit,” says the random teen-age boy deeply dialed into his NBA 2K25 video game, his back turned toward the parent who literally brought his chicken parm sandwich to the bedroom he’s been cornholed in since his eyes opened shortly before noon. “Bro, I’m bringing you your dinner, so shut your hot mic off before I…,” (well, you likely know the rest), says the random parent. Yeah, soft parenting is part of the problem; to that we must ALL confess. Nowadays, we treat our babies like they’re still babies, even though they drive to school now and mooch our credit cards dry. There’s not a boomer/millenial on earth who ever had their parents plate a two-course meal, bring it upstairs and say “mangia, buddy boy,” unless they had parents well ahead of the Charmin-soft curve. Between the addiction to video games and the unavoidable yearlong-or-more COVID layoffs, good portions of the youth of America are years behind in terms of social skills and athletic progression. I don’t need the ‘experts’ to confirm it. I’ve run youth basketball leagues in Putnam County for kids between fifth and ninth grade. We’re almost 10 weeks into our season now and kids still don’t know where and when to line up for foul shots, but I’ll throw some expert information at y’all just the same. They say: Excessive use of video games can lead to a deterioration of social skills, resulting in a worse quality of life. When individuals spend the majority of their time in front of screens playing games, they have fewer opportunities to hone their social and physical skills and may eventually struggle to keep up with those less inclined to waste hours on end with a joystick in their hands instead of an actual basketball. I see it every week. Kids palming basketballs like they see in video games, thinking they get the extra step and then turning sass on the refs when they get called for it. Kids that should know better, not knowing what 1-and-1 means at the foul line. Kids, not all of them, getting tossed a ball and not knowing what to do next. I’ve been working with young athletes in these rec league settings for more than 30 years now, and it’s the first time we cannot implement anything more than halfcourt pressure (grades 5/6) to avoid what would be utter chaos if we did. This spring and summer, I urge folks to force lil’ Johnny/Jenny to get away from the screen, to put the joystick down and call on friends to challenge one another like we did back in the day… to meet at Sycamore Park and hang there for hours on end, hooping, fishing, etc. Heck, when ‘Gen X’ (1965- 80) and ‘Millennials’ (1981-1996, roughly) were raised back in the day, they left the house on summer mornings by 10 a.m., actually called for friends, played a variety of sports/ a c t i v i t i e s (including f ishing), d r a n k w a - ter from the hose #ImagineThat, dipped into the nearest pool, then went back to playing sports/activities and didn’t think about stopping until you heard your dad’s first whistle; at which point you delayed hearing it and kept playing until the second whistle, which was more of a distress signal. We rushed home, slurped a quick meal (something like a medley of 80% ground chop meat, a jar of Ragu sauce and a can of mixed carrots and peas #Gross), and then begged to go back outside to play ringolevio in the hopes it led to truth or dare and a chance to smooch young Julie. None of that would be possible with a dreaded joystick in our hands, and none of us would trade those days in for anything. Correct me if I’m wrong. Ray Gallagher DIRECT RAYS FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025
PAGE 30 – YORKTOWN NEWS SPORTS BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER BYSNS Ice Hockey (12-9) BYSNS 5, Scarsdale 2 Friday, Feb. 21, Brewster Ice Arena No. 8 BYSNS (Brewster/ Yorktown/Somers/North Salem) earned sweet revenge with a 5-2 victory against No. 9 Scarsdale in the first round of the Section 1 Division 1 Tournament. “It meant so much to our team to win this one,” said BYSNS coach Ryan Langkafel. “We have lost to Scarsdale the last two years in the playoffs, so we were determined to not let that happen again.” Michael Bonelli scored with 7:42 left in the opening period, putting the Bisons up 1-0, off of an assist from AJ Jones before Scarsdale tied the game five minutes and 10 seconds later. Jones then put BYSNS up 2-1 with a goal, courtesy of an assist from Lucas Salvatore, with 15:32 left in the second period, then scored again, with another assist from Salvatore, with 2:27 remaining in the period, giving the Bisons a 3-1 advantage going into the third stanza. The first of Jones’ two goals was the 100th point of his varsity career. “He has been such an amazing player the last two years, he is so committed to the team and gives his heart and soul, he is very deserving of such a milestone,” Langkafel said of Jones. “I couldn’t be happier for such a great kid to earn that type of achievement. The fashion he did it in as well, helping the team win our playoff game, was a huge moment.” Salvatore also recorded his 100th career point on his first assist. “Lucas is an amazing allaround player with tremendous goals, scoring abilities, and passing abilities,” Langkafel said. “He sees the game at a very high level and is such a hard-working, respectful student-athlete and deserves this achievement. He is a team player that will do anything that it takes to win, so to be an ultimate competitor and to get this 100th point in his career is a big milestone.” Yorktown’s Ryan Dean, a junior forward, scored to extend the Bisons’ lead to 4-1, off assists from Jack Leavy and James Munoz, with 12:50 left in the game. Henry Rossi, from an assist by Dean, scored 47 seconds later to give BYSNS a 5-1 lead, which was too much of a mountain for Scarsdale to overcome. “After the first intermission, we were really happy with how we were playing, with a few tweaks, and tightening up some details, we were able to limit their offensive abilities and that launched our opportunities,” Langkafel said. “We did a great job getting pucks to the net relentlessly. It was a game of execution for us and our team did it with intensity and enjoyed competing.” Patrick Vaughn did the job in goal for the Bisons, recording 19 saves. Danny Luis, Hunter Gershen, Greg Marotta, Zyggi Nemzer, Carter Jacobetz, and Jack Madden are the other players from Yorktown on the Bisons along with Dean. Cortlandt Ice Hockey (3-17) Pawling 6, Cortlandt 0 Cortlandt’s Sean Mansfield made 23 saves in the Rebels’ 6-0 loss to Pawling in its season-finale. Lakeland Boys Basketball (11-11) Harrison 66, Lakeland 48 Monday, Feb. 17, Harrison High School Lakeland fell to Harrison 66-48 in its regular-season finale, led by Mike Lucia (13 points) and Oban Rader (11 points). Lakeland 63, Saunders 36 Thursday, Feb. 20, Lakeland High School No. 14 Lakeland recorded a 63-36 win in the out-bracket round of the Section 1 Class AA Tournament versus No. 19 Saunders. “I was pleased with how we played,” said Lakeland coach Shawn Sullivan. “We had four guys in double figures. The ball movement was fantastic.” Those four guys were Lucia (14 points), Anthony Attanasio (14 points), Rader (13 points, 8 rebounds), and Sergio Hormazabal (10 points). For seniors Attanasio, Rader, and Ferrante (8 rebounds, 2 points), all captains, and Hormazabal and Aaryn Sandhu, it was their final home game as Hornets. “It really means a lot to me and all the other seniors on the team,” Rader said. “You spend countless hours in your home gym and to win the last basketball game you play in it is special.” Attanasio concurred. “It meant a lot to me and the guys because we all put in so much work in practice for this team and it just feels good to win your last game at home,” Attanasio said. Lakeland got off to a 17- 12 first-quarter lead, led in the quarter by 6 points from Rader, all on field goals, and 5 points from Hormazabal, including a 3-pointer. “Both of us and the team knew that starting out hot would make the game easier,” Rader said. “Our teammates allowed me and him to start off as strongly as we PAGE 30 – YORKTOWN NEWS FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 The BYSNS’ Ryan Dean fires a shot in playoff win over Scarsdale. Jordan Millar of the BYNS controls the puck. / PHOTOS: ROB DIANTONIO Michael Bonelli looks to pass for the BYSNS. / PHOTOS: ROB DIANTONIO VARSITY ROUNDUP BYSNS and LHS win playoff games Yorktown’s White headed to states SEE VARSITY PAGE 31
SPORTS YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 31 BY MIKE SABINI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Yorktown junior Rocco Lore was on center stage at the Westchester County Center in White Plains in the Section 1 Division 1 Wrestling Tournament on Feb. 11 and Feb. 12, and he proved he could handle the white-hot spotlight that the historic building encompasses, by winning the sectional title in the 285-pound weight class. “To win a section title it means everything to me,” Lore said. “I’ve been working for this since I was a little kid in third grade that was brand new to the sport and grabbing this title has been my goal for a very, very, long time. So the fact that I was finally able to reach my goal, it almost doesn’t feel real and it’s one of the best feelings I’ve ever had, it’s basically indescribable.” Lore, who is 36-6 on the season, was bumped up from the 215-weight class for the postseason. “The adjustment wasn’t really anything special considering at club I’ll see 285s every day and last year I went with George (Gjergji) all season every day, so I know what it’s like to against the best of the best heavyweights and what I had to do to beat them,” Lore said. “That was stick to what I’m good at, because not one kid at 285 was on my skill level.” Lore will now make his second straight trip to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Division 1 Tournament, which will be held Friday, Feb. 28 and Saturday March 1, at the MVP Arena in Albany. Last season, Lore wrestled in the 215-pound class at the state tournament, going 2-2. “I’m really looking forward to the state tournament this year, but I’m going up there to really make some noise, a lot of guys go up to this tournament just happy to be there and not even thinking much about wrestling,” Lore said. “My goal is to place top three and to do that the key is going be just chip away at these big guys, because I won’t be able to run at all of them, and beat them with the big weight and size difference, so I’ll have to do damage in increments.” Sophomore Tyler Caricati (170) also earned All-Section honors with a second-place finish. “My goal in the sectionals was to place top four,” said Caricati, who finished the season 35-11. “Last year I didn’t make it to day two, I missed it by one match. Each year I try and raise the bar and set achievable goals for myself. I worked at keeping healthy and improving my skills each tournament. My coaches, workout partners, and the Empire Wrestling Club, were big supporters to me.” As a team, Yorktown (19-7) stood out as well, tallying 96 points, to finish in second to champion North Rockland (111.5 points). Mahopac (93.5), Tappan Zee (93), and Somers (90) rounded out the top five. “Placing second was really cool as a team because I don’t think our team has ever placed at sections before, so making history felt great,” Lore said. “However, we were able to do this because the intensity we picked up at the end up the season. We ended the season on a high note and each practice it felt like everyone in the room wanted it more. That’s how we were able to get second.” Two other Huskers earned All-Section honors, Luca Lore (101, fourth), who became the first seventh grader from Yorktown to do so, and sophomore Rowan Larsen (145, fifth). “I was so proud of us as a team,” Caricati said. “We all get along and support each other match by match. I knew if we all worked hard we would definitely be top three as a team. We have a talented group and I only expect next year to be better.” Lakeland/Panas Lakeland/Panas (13-7) had six guys qualify for the Section 1 Division 1 Tournament, including Matt Clyman, who earned All-Section honors by placing sixth in the 145-pound weight class. “It’s always great to have an athlete make it to day two of the sectional tournament,” Lakeland/Panas coach Dave Bergen said of Clyman, who completed his campaign with a 33-9 record. “It’s a nice way to finish this season and sets him up to be a contender next season. Matt is an extremely hard worker and this taste of success will just fuel his fire to improve for next year.” Nate Horowitz (101) and Dan Horowitz (116) both finished 2-2 in the tournament, each losing in the blood round, a series of matches that determine which wrestlers advance to the podium at the end of a tournament, leaving them just one match short of being All-Section. Brian DePascale (131), Dan Hurley (285), and Joe DeSantis (190) each went 1-2 in the tournament. “Overall, we did OK as a team,” Bergen said. “We qualified six guys which is great, three of them will return next year, which will bring great experience to the room and hopefully set us up to do even better next year.” Those returnees are Clyman, a junior, freshman Dan Horowitz, and eighth grader Nate Horowitz. YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 31 did by finding us and giving us open looks, and everyone continued to make shots throughout the game which allowed us to win.” After leading 27-20 at halftime, Lakeland took control of the game in the second half. “We really defended in the second half and took them out of the rhythm they were in at the end of the first half,” Sullivan said. “We pressed them and caused a lot of turnovers leading to transition points at the other end.” Attanasio hit a 3-pointer to finish an 11-0 run that put Lakeland up 38-22 in the third quarter. “It felt good to help my team build up the lead and the play kind of just happened, we were just playing basketball,” Attanasio said. “We knew we were the better team but we were playing slow in the first half so in the second half we tightened up and just played our game. That was big because after that we were able to control the game.” Joe LaPuerta (4 points), Anthony D’Errico (2 points), Aadi Sandu (2 points), and Anthony Ray (2 points) also scored for the Hornets with CC Savastano seeing court time as well for Lakeland. Rye 55, Lakeland 33 Saturday, Feb. 22, Rye High School Lakeland fell to No. 3 Rye 55-33 in the opening round of the Section 1 Class AA Tournament, led by Lucia (9 points) and Rader (6 rebounds). Yorktown Track and Field Section 1 State Qualifier Sunday, Feb. 23, Nike Track and Field Center at the Armory, New York City Yorktown’s Brian White finished in third place in the 55-meter dash (6.57 seconds) at the Section 1 State Qualifier, earning him a trip to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) championships, at 8:15 a.m. Saturday, March 8, at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex on Staten Island. “Brian capped a brilliant season by qualifying for the state championships,” said Yorktown coach Keith Smith. “That has been his goal all season and he delivered with a very close race in the finals.” White delivered in part because of his strong work ethic. “During the school break, it wasn’t much of a break, I took it as an opportunity to really get in the best sprinting shape possible,” White said. “I slimmed up a little bit and stayed away from fatty foods. Training wise, I tried to perfect my form and attempted to time everything out right with stretching and rest. Overall, I was in the best shape my body was able to be in for that week. I’m so honored and [feel] accomplished, knowing that I’m a New York State championship competitor.” Gabriel Iavarone also placed third in the high jump (5-foot-9). For the Yorktown girls, Isabelle Bevilacqua (sixth place, 300-meter dash, 42.7) and Isabelle Ngambo (seventh place, long jump, 15-2) stood out. Lakeland/Panas Track and Field Section 1 State Qualifier Sunday, Feb. 23, Nike Track and Field Center at the Armory, New York City Lily Day was fourth in the 1,500-meter run with a time of 4:43.28, which qualifies her for the states. Yorktown Girls Basketball (13-8) Yorktown 48, Gorton 13 Saturday, Feb. 22, Cross Hill Academy, Yonkers Ava Costello scored 9 points to lead No. 10 Yorktown to a 48-13 triumph against No. 7 Gorton in the opening round of the Section 1 Class AA Tournament. “It definitely means a lot to myself and Sofia Boucher to start off with such a dominant win,” Costello said. “We have really been leaving everything out there as seniors.” Yorktown led 15-2 at the end of the first quarter, 26-2 at halftime and cruised from there. “Our defense was strong against Gorton,” Costello said. “We were able to get steals, and push the ball, helping us get off to a lead in the first quarter and halftime.” Boucher, Addison Schluter, Sophia Morello, Siena Katzenberg, Kiera Mooney, Reilly Acosta, and Ava Ryan contributed to Yorktown’s offensive output as well with Kylie Costello and Erin Duffy also on the Huskers’ first-round roster. VARSITY FROM PAGE 30 Yorktown junior Rocco Lore won the 285-pound title at the Section 1 Division 1 Tournament. / PHOTO: ROB DIANTONIO WRESTLING Lore wins sectional title, headed to states; Huskers place second as as team Six Lakeland grapplers compete in sectionals
PAGE 32 – YORKTOWN NEWS CROSSWORD SUDOKU 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! CLUES ACROSS 1. Greek mythological figure 5. Small amount 8. Play a role 11. River in Georgia and Alabama 13. Water in the solid state 14. Ancient Greek sophist 15. Having a strong sharp smell or taste 16. Fleece 17. Writer/actress Dunham 18. Behave in a way that belittles 20. Comedienne Gasteyer 21. Zoroastrian concept of holy fire 22. Conceits 25. Slowed down 30. Nourishment 31. Midway between east and southeast 32. Fights 33. Comedienne Tyler 38. Standing operating procedure 41. Locks 43. Old 45. Song sung to one’s lover 47. Whale ship captain 49. Moved quickly on foot 50. Volcanic craters 55. Large musical instrument 56. Liquefied natural gas 57. Ethiopian town 59. Not closed 60. A team’s best pitcher 61. Spiritual leader of a Jewish congregation 62. Disfigure 63. Prefix denoting “in a” 64. Sleep CLUES DOWN 1. S. American plant 2. Soul and calypso song 3. Fruit of the service tree 4. Continent 5. Albania’s capital 6. Poisonous plant 7. Argues 8. Assists 9. Town in Galilee 10. Russian leader 12. Promotional materials 14. Wings 19. Not odd 23. Expression of creativity 24. Conceptualize 25. A digital tape recording of sound 26. Peyton’s little brother 27. Cost, insurance and freight (abbr.) 28. Difference in potential 29. Owner 34. I (German) 35. Chinese conception of poetry 36. The world of the dead 37. Sign language 39. Coincide 40. Religious observance 41. Confined condition (abbr.) 42. Polite interruption sound 44. Texas ballplayer 45. Type of sword 46. Abba __, Israeli politician 47. Basic unit of a chemical element 48. Native American people in California 51. Swiss river 52. Hebrew calendar month 53. Easily swindled person 54. One point south of southwest 58. Small island (British) For puzzle solutions, please see theparamountrehab.com NO NEWS... 1. Clip the short form on the page 2. Fill out the information. 3. Mail it to P.O. Box 864, Mahopac, NY 10541 4. Or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com 5. Or Scan our QR Code to Subscribe. We need you to subscribe. It’s FREE & It’s Easy! is NOT necessarily good news! # Please print your first and last names and address legibly, sign and date (all required to continue receiving your subscription to this newspaper). YES, I wish to receive a FREE 3-year subscription to Yorktown News YES, I really enjoy Yorktown News and I’d like to continue receiving it for 3 years, along with a monetary contribution this year. (Please print legibly.) First (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required. Please print legibly.) Last (Required) City: State: ZIP: Name: Signature: Email: Snowbird Dates (if applicable): Date: Phone: Address: (Optional for TAPinto E-News) (Optional) Mail to: P.O. Box 864 Mahopac, NY 10541 While we need your Full Support to keep this newspaper strong, we include the option for Basic Support because we don’t want financial reasons to get in the way of our readers receiving this newspaper. Basic Support vs. Full Support Basic Support Full Support $100 $50 $20 other or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com OR or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com Checks payable to Halston Media LLC. Please include this form in your envelope. Please include the following additional papers as part of this subscription: The Somers Record Mahopac News North Salem News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The Katonah-Lewisboro times FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025
son, about this grand scheme, she was like “Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Stone said, adding: “I think she thought it was going to be a side hustle, hobby-type thing.” Inspired perhaps by his father, a self-made Hungarian immigrant who followed his own path and prospered after coming to the United States six decades ago, Stone dug into his own pocket and spent a few hundred dollars to create a mockup. He then sold advertising around it. That revenue covered payroll and production costs. About 2,000 copies were printed. Initially, there were two papers – one that served Mount Kisco and the other, nearby Pleasantville. (It helped that he lived in the former community and that his in-laws had deep roots in the latter.) Those strong connections, coupled with the fact that The Patent Trader’s demise had left a marked void in the marketplace, convinced Stone this it was time to take a giant leap. (The Patent Trader folded in 2007 after 50 years of covering northern Westchester. Full disclosure: This reporter worked for the PT as a reporter and editor in Mount Kisco in the late 1970s to early 1980s.) “I knew that – just from the standpoint of the product itself, also from a readership standpoint – it would be popular right out of the gate because it would be fulfilling a real need and desire for professionally reported, factchecked news,” he said. Examiner Media eventually sprouted four print editions -- The Examiner, The Northern Westchester Examiner, The Putnam Examiner, and The White Plains Examiner. In the summer of 2021, it launched a new digital newsletter/publication after snagging funding and support by winning a competition hosted by Substack Local, a program designed to bolster local journalism. Like other news outlets, Examiner Media has had to not only to be resilient but creative and tenacious in order to stay afloat in an industry that’s slowly but surely coming apart at the seams. When dailies started biting the dust right and left, it was print weeklies that bravely stepped up to fill in the void. Now – thanks to the internet -- even they are struggling to make ends meet. After coming through the Great Recession intact early in its history, it seemed as if The Examiner’s toughest challenges were in “the rearview mirror,” Stone recalled. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the newspaper group found itself facing yet another existential threat. Stone cut staff, consolidated content across editions, and held his nose and took a deep dive into the fundraising pool. Reader donations, journalism grants, and a loan helped keep the lights on. A paywall was considered but discarded as not having enough financial “horsepower” to do the job on its own. The Examiner is free but also has paid subscribers, aka Examiner + members. The set-up is not only a way for the community to support local journalism but a way for the outlet to deliver “extra value,” aka exclusive content and perks such as theater tickets, he said. Stone thinks of it this way: “The main reason you should or shouldn’t sign up for $79 a year is a referendum on whether you want to support high quality journalism or not.” From Probe to Podcast Stone started probing the health care industry after hearing from a reader concerned about the arrival of Optum Inc. Shortly after that first column hit the streets, Stone began receiving “an endless stream of unsolicited tips and suggestions.” The series eventually took on a life of its own and “broadened out well beyond” the newspaper’s coverage area. “Just given the nature of the internet and social media, the story really reached all corners of the county, so a lot of leads came -- not just from Westchester or Putnam, or even Dutchess or Long Island -- but from across the country,” Stone says. His reporting included allegations that Optum had improperly sought “reimbursements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through unsupported and misleading diagnosis codes.” Stone even managed to scoop the Wall Street Journal last year when he reported that that the U.S. Department of Justice had launched an anti-trust investigation into UnitedHealth Group Inc., a multinational, for-profit company specializing in health insurance (under the UnitedHealthcare brand) and health care services (as Optum). His online article appeared on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. The paper version came out the next day. The WSJ mentioned Stone’s reporting in their own piece on Tuesday, Feb. 27. This past December, after the brutal murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan made headlines, Sean Cannon, a Peabody-winning podcast producer and journalist based in Louisville was doing some research when he came across The Examiner’s coverage of United Healthcare/ Optum. He reached out to Stone via email, who, although he gets lots, figured that this one was something “not to ignore.” They started talking. Cannon drove out from Kentucky to Mount Kisco where he met Stone at a local hotel and spent a weekend taping him for a new national podcast, to be named “Sick Care.” This preceded, Stone says, the crystallization of the newspaper’s “cash crisis.” YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 33 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! STONE FROM PAGE 3 FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 SEE STONE PAGE 35
After graduating from UCLA, she built a distinguished career as a journalist over 16-plus years with NBC at its corporate headquarters in New York. She rose from the position of secretary to become an Emmy Award-winning producer and became the coproducer of WNBC’s “Live at Five,” a position New York magazine called “one of the most powerful in local news.” She won an Emmy for “Anatomy of a Murder,” an investigative report with Chuck Scarborough, and earned a New York Broadcasters Association award for “Broadway, the Fabulous Invalid.” During her time with WNBC-TV, she also taught broadcast consumer journalism at the New School for Social Research, alongside her newsroom colleague Benita Feurey. It was the journalist’s insight into people’s everyday lives she forged in local TV news that sparked Roker’s desire to serve the community directly in local government. In 1989, she was elected as Yorktown’s town clerk, a position “she held with honor and diligence” for a quartercentury, before becoming a councilwoman, serving from 2018-21. Along the way, Roker broke barriers in Yorktown as the first Black person elected to local office. Her election also marked the first time in the town’s history that a Democrat won an election for town clerk. “The residents of Yorktown were lucky to have her as their elected representative for over 30 years, she lit up every room with her smile and always knew how to make people laugh and feel comfortable,” Quast said. “She treated everyone with respect and compassion. To paraphrase a quote by author H. Jackson Brown, Alice earned her success based on service to others, not at the expense of others.” In a statement posted to Facebook on Feb. 11, Jann Mirchandani, the chair of the Yorktown Democratic Committee, said, Roker was “more than just our Town Clerk—she was a trailblazer who transformed how local government served its citizens.” Over her decades of service to Yorktown, Roker also held the role of interim town supervisor from October to December 2007. In addition to her elected positions, Roker served on numerous committees and community and county boards including the ethics committee, among many others. She implemented many innovations, one of which included live Town Board broadcasts in 2008. She was president of the Yorktown Rotary Club and Westchester County Town and City Clerks Association. Her involvement continued after she left elective office, notably as town historian, a title she held until her death. She co-authored “Images of America Yorktown,” and helped to revitalize the Yorktown Museum at the Albert A. Cappellini Community & Cultural Center on Commerce Street. Colleagues remember her as a staunch advocate, committed to preserving and sharing the community’s heritage. While she had many achievements along the way, one of the most significant was that she secured nearly $500,000 in grants. At a Town Board Meeting just before her passing, Lachterman announced the official naming of the Archives and Records Center as “The Alice E. Roker Archives and Records Center” in honor of PAGE 34 – YORKTOWN NEWS Michael Charles Muldoon was born on December 7, 1929, to Michael Christopher Muldoon and Lillian Moynahan Muldoon in the Bronx, NY. He gently, peacefully passed away on February 8, 2025, at his home in Yorktown Heights, NY. Michael started early on in a life of sacrifice, service, and selfless industry. He helped his family navigate the harsh climate of The Great Depression in the various boroughs of New York City by forgoing after school sports, activities, and time with his friends. He instead began working as a shoe shiner, in a zipper factory, and as a delivery boy to earn a few precious pennies. He started working at the age of eleven. Drafted into the Army soon after graduating from Gorton High School, he proudly served the country he loved, becoming a Medic and serving in Germany during the Korean War. Upon returning to the U.S., he began working as a Sheet Metal Worker (AKA Tin Knocker). On a blind date deviously created by his brother, John Muldoon, and the bewitching Betty Benjamin (soon to be husband and wife), Michael’s eyes were opened by the comely debutante, Veronica O’Connor. Best friends Fred Benjamin and Mary Donohue were certainly not innocent in this nefarious plot. The group, joined by Jerry Bender and Dave Scobel, frolicked into the wee hours of the morning until hearing, “The kitchen is closed,” ended the night’s revelry. Michael and Veronica (known to their friends as Mickey and Ronnie) married at Holy Name Church in Manhattan on June 9, 1956; an epic love affair that lasted for more than 68 years. On their very first anniversary, they were delighted to welcome a beautiful baby girl, Marianne Muldoon. Veronica, Michael, and Kathleen soon followed, which increased their happiness.The industrious and selfless child of the Depression developed into a dedicated, loving family man. During the holiday season, after 8 hours toiling in construction, he would take on a second job at the luxury department store, Gimbels, in order for his children to experience the joys of Christmas that were missing in his childhood. Having lived in cosmopolitan Yonkers and exclusive Lake Ronkonkoma, Mickey and Ronnie elected to buy a house in beautiful, bucolic Yorktown Heights. From there, they had the pleasure of traveling to England, Saratoga Springs, Washington D.C., seaside New Jersey, Lake Oscawana, Mexico, Florida, Italy, Cape Cod, Long Island, and numerous Civil War Sites (a particular interest). Also, the Muldoon family, including their children and spouses, had the opportunity to embark from County Westchester to visit the quaint villages of their ancestors in Counties Galway, Cork, and Mayo in Ireland. An avid sports enthusiast, Mickey enjoyed bowling, swimming, golfing, walking, softball, and tennis, as well as rooting passionately for the NY Yankees and NY Giants. He was an active member of the Sheet Metal Workers, Local #38 for more than 70 years, as well as a member of the Irish American Social Club of Westchester/Putnam. His faith and dedication led him to become a Eucharist Minister at St. Patrick’s Church in Yorktown Heights; serving Yorktown as well as ministering to those unable to attend services in their homes, nursing facilities, and at the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. A self-taught financier, he was able to accomplish something virtually unheard of on Wall Street: He made money in the stock market and had fun doing it. His investment acumen enabled him to become a generous benefactor to his family and friends and a legendary tipper. An extraordinary accomplishment from the child in hand-me-down clothes who labored for the returns of glass bottles and walked to school in second hand shoes. Known for his easy smile, warmth, and sense of humor, popular with family, neighbors, and friends, devoted to the love of his life, Ronnie, and unabashedly proud of his four children and five grandchildren, he made the world a better place during the 95 years he inhabited it, leaving countless wonderful memories. He is survived by his wife: Veronica Josephine Muldoon; children: Marianne Muldoon, Veronica Shankland, Michael J. Muldoon, and Kathleen Muldoon; their spouses: Charles Roberts, Melinda O’Brien, and Vincent Viaggio; grandchildren: James Shankland and his spouse Michelle Shankland, Connor Forte, Declan Forte, Kileen Forte, and Liam Roberts and many nephews, nieces and their children, all of whom he adored. Michael Charles Muldoon December 7, 1929 - February 8, 2025 OBITUARY spent with her friends, sharing in laughter and creating memories that would last a lifetime.” It was 1999 in Saratoga Springs at a New York State Town Clerks Association Meeting when Quast first met Roker. “She had a way of seeing potential in others that even they couldn’t see in themselves,” Quast said. “She always had a listening ear, a thoughtful word, and a genuine desire to help you become the best version of yourself.” Quast said Roker was instrumental in shaping her into not only the town clerk she is today but also the person that she has become— teaching her the “importance of service to others” and encouraging her “to be compassionate and forgiving.” Roker was more than just a “great public servant,” to Quast—she was her “best friend and my mentor.” Quast said Roker taught her the importance of kindness and empathy and had a passion for educating the youth about Yorktown’s history. “She loved this community with all her heart,” Quast said. From journalist to public servant Before her career in elected office in Yorktown, Roker spent nearly two decades in the media. ROKER FROM PAGE 1 FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 Diana Quast, current Yorktown Town Clerk, with her mentor and close friend, Alice Roker. / PHOTO COURTESY OF DIANA QUAST SEE ROKERPAGE 35
her lasting contributions to the town. During that Feb. 4 meeting, Chief of Police Robert Noble spoke about Roker and acknowledged her support for the department. He recalled how she used her leadership skills and political connections to ultimately secure access to the Mobile Health Crisis Team for Westchester County law enforcement agencies. “I’ll always remember Alice for her big smile, her even bigger laugh, and for her kindness,” Noble told Yorktown News after her death. “She was a great friend to the Yorktown Police Department for many years.” Noble said that Roker always showed support and confidence in him, a kindness he would never forget. He also said that in 2017, Roker was “instrumental” in nominating him for the Yorktown Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow recognition. “She was a friend to all, a Yorktown icon, and will be missed very much,” Noble said. Lachterman said he first came to know Roker while she was serving as town clerk—starting a long friendship full of mutual respect. Roker also played a role in some of Lachterman’s most important milestones. “Not only did she swear me in when I was first elected as a councilman, but she signed my marriage license,” Lachterman said. After that, Lachterman, a Republican, said it was a pleasure to serve alongside Roker on the Town Board. “While we were in opposite parties, I found her to be sensible, reasonable, and willing to compromise,” he said. With Roker, “there was never a question as to her determination to put the best interests of the residents first,” Lachterman added. “Even after she retired from elected office, Alice offered sound guidance to me and many others.” Lachterman, on behalf of the town, extended condolences to the Roker family, and thanked them “for sharing this special woman with all of us.” As a gesture of respect, he ordered flags in town to be flown at half-staff in her memory. “May Alice Roker rest in peace,” Lachterman said. Assemblyman and former Supervisor Matt Slater told Yorktown News that Roker’s passing has deeply saddened him and his family. Slater said working with Roker as a member of the Town Board “was and always will be a great honor.” “Alice taught me many lessons about our town, how to be a principled leader, and of the importance of public service,” Slater said. “Our hearts go out to Alice’s family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know her. Thank you for sharing her with our community for so many years.” Current Highway Superintendent Dave Paganelli told Yorktown News when he was elected to the Town Board back in 2011, Roker was a reliable source of helpful advice and information. “As Town Clerk, Alice had invaluable knowledge of municipal law and protocols that I would need to know when making decisions,” Paganelli said, adding that Roker “was the epitome of an elected official and never failed to provide a moral compass for all newly elected officials to follow.” Roker was laid to rest on Feb. 15 in an emotional service that drew together family, friends, local leaders, and community members. Senator Pete Harckham, in a Facebook post about the service, shared pictures of many who were in attendance to pay respects to Roker. “She was a dedicated public servant who gave so much to the Yorktown community through her decades of service in town government,” Harckham wrote. “She was an inspiration to many and will be dearly missed.” At the Feb. 18 Town Board meeting, Lachterman read the proclamation the board presented to Roker’s family at the service. He called Feb. 15 “a very sad day” but said it was a “celebration” of a beautiful life. Lachterman said Roker will be “sorely missed” but added that her “spirit will be part of Yorktown” long into the future. While Roker’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, her spirit and legacy will continue. “Though she is gone, the impact she made will live on,” Quast said. “Those who were privileged to know her carry her spirit in the kindness we show, the courage we embrace, and the pursuit of our dreams.” FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 35 ROKER FROM PAGE 34 Albert N. Schell, Jr., born on March 29, 1933, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025, at his residence in Ridgefield, CT. He was 91 years old. In addition to his beloved wife of almost 61 years, Dinah Buckhout Schell, Al is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Ann (Betsy) Garti, her husband Christopher James, their children Caroline Mary and Griffin Albert, his son James Albert Schell, his wife Jacqueline Beth, and their children, Henry James, Greyson Theodore and Charles William. He was pre-deceased by his oldest son Richard Stanton Schell, who, with his wife Christiane, had a son Spencer Mead Schell (and wife Kait) and a daughter Jillian Magee Schell. Al was born in Aliquippa, PA, to Albert N. Schell, Sr., and his wife Ruth Keck Schell. He was one of six children and pre-deceased by his older brothers James and William Schell, and sister Mary Musgrave, and has two younger sisters, Suzanne Urda, of Blue Bell, PA and Carol Collins of Port Townsend, WA. Affectionately known as Uncle Bud, Pop-Pop and Big Guy, Al attended Hopewell High School and graduated from Mercersburg Academy in Mercersburg, PA, which he attended on a full scholarship. He then went on to Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) in Pittsburgh, PA, where he earned a Civil Engineering degree and was a starting member of the Varsity football team. Following his college graduation, he served our country as a naval officer and pilot, stationed in Sanford, FL and on the USS Randolph in the Mediterranean Sea. Following his honorable discharge, he took a job in the tri-state area working as a salesman for Armco, where he met Dinah Buckhout, and after 3 months, they married on May 16, 1964, at Whippoorwill Country Club in Armonk, NY. Last year, they returned to the club to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Al lived a wonderfully full life. He and his wife, Dinah, raised their 3 children in Katonah and Waccabuc, NY. They enjoyed travelling to their vacation home on Lake Rescue in Ludlow, VT where they skied, went boating, gathered for lobster nights and told ghost stories on the lake with family and friends, dating back to1962. He and his wife also had the good fortune of building homes in Charlestown, Rhode Island and then Grantham, New Hampshire, and purchased a home on Sanibel Island, Florida when they retired, becoming “snowbirds”. Al served several years as a board member at the Village Savings Bank, was active in the Katonah Rotary Club, housing 2 foreign exchange students for a time, and supported both Katonah and South Salem’s Presbyterian Church. His work career, after 40 active years as President of Fair-Chester Builders, Inc. in Pleasantville, NY, ended in 1997 when he retired. Al enjoyed golfing, fly-fishing, hunting, vegetable gardening, travelling, and flying his plane while in Florida. One year, he flew Dinah and their two small dogs from Florida to New Hampshire, only to hear from his wife following that trip, “Never again, Albert!” Al will always be known for his hard work ethic, kind-heartedness, vigor, humility, and generosity. He was truly a gentle giant to all who knew him. May he rest in peace eternally. A celebration of his life will be planned at a future time. Albert N. Schell Jr. March 29, 1933 – February 8, 2025 OBITUARY Promote Your Charity: Email your press release to [email protected], or give us a call at 845-208-0774
Celebrate Read Across America Day Read Across America Day was first launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) to promote a love of reading, as reading is an important skill for success in both school and life. Children of all ages and their families are welcome to visit the library on Monday, March 3 at 4:30 p.m. for a special “Community Reader” story-time. This year’s readers include Town Supervisor Ed Lachterman, Police Chief Robert Noble, and Highway Superintendent Dave Paganelli. The afternoon will also have meet-and-greets with Pete the Cat and Leonardo (of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), plus a crafting station. No registration is required. Program Highlights A – Adults; Y - Young Adults; C - Children. Please visit the calendar page of the Hart Library website for more information. Register online unless listed as a “drop-in” program. Saturday, March 1 C/Y/A - Family Game Day (Drop-in). 1-4 p.m. Art Reception: Dan Munkus. 2-4 p.m. Monday, March 3 C/A - Read Across America Day (Drop-in). 4:30-5:30 p.m. C - Paws to Read With Izod. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 4 A - Managing Your Career in Changing Times. 10-11:30 a.m. A - Hart Book Club. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5 A - Hart Book Club. 2-3 p.m. C - Art Club! (Drop-in). 4-6 p.m. Y - Dungeons and Dragons After School Club. 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday, March 6 A/Y - Drawing Club (Dropin). 6-7:30 p.m. C/A - Parent/Child Chess. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 8 A - Guitar Lessons for Seniors. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. C/Y/A - Spanglish Hangout Group: Carnaval Celebration (Drop-in). 1-4 p.m. Monday, March 10 A/Y - Earring Making. 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 11 A - Managing Your Career in Changing Times. 10-11:30 a.m. C - St. Patrick’s Day Storytime & Craft. 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12 A - It’s a Mystery to Me Book Club. 10-11:30 a.m. A - Seed Starting Workshop. 3-4:30 p.m. C - Paws to Read with MacKenzie. 6-7 p.m. Thursday, March 13 Y - After School Video Gaming for Teens (Drop-in). 2:30- 6:00 p.m. C/A - Parent/Child Chess. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Weekly Drop-In Programs Mah Jongg (A): Mondays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. & Fridays 12:30-2:30 p.m. Toddler Story Time (C): Tuesdays 10-10:30 a.m. Medicare 1:1 Counseling (A): 2nd & 4th Tuesday 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Teen Tech Help (A/Y): Tuesdays & Fridays 3-5 p.m. Music & Movement (C): Tuesdays 6-6:45 p.m. & Fridays 11-11:45 a.m. Bouncing Babies (C): Wednesdays 10:30-11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Canasta (A): Wednesdays 12:30-2:30 p.m. Exploring Emotions (C): Thursdays 10:30-11 a.m. Quilting & Needlework (A): Thursdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Game On! (C): Thursdays 4-5:30 p.m. Lego Free Build (C): Thursdays 5:30-6:30 p.m. Upcoming Meetings Friends of the Library: Tuesday March 11 at 11:30 a.m. Library Trustee Meeting: Wednesday March 19 at 6 p.m. All are welcome! PAGE 36 – YORKTOWN NEWS HALSTON (B) 4.61”W X 6.05”H) Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com I-84 | Exit 36B I-87 | Exit 17 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) WIN A NEW GMC Friday, February 28 • 10pm Earn Entries All Month Long! *Actual model and color may vary. March 16, 2025 1:00PM - 4:00PM Read Across America Day, 2024 / PHOTO COURTESY OF HART LIBRARY FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 Hart Library Corner
YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 37 INCREASE REFERRALS AND NAME RECOGNITION. Advertise in the Yorktown News Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! My Community Bulletin Board REVERSE MORTGAGES IS IT THE RIGHT CHOICE? Get the Facts from a local Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional (CRMP) Mario L. Martirano 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE! Call today for more information and free analysis (914)420-1950 Mario L. 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Your business card could be here. Call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 to find out how. FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025 STONE FROM PAGE 33 Besides Cannon and Stone, the two others collaborating on the project are Jane Marie, an award-winning journalist known for her podcast, The Dream, which explored “the scourge” of multi-level marketing schemes; and Heather Schroering, a Columbia Journalism School-trained investigative journalist and producer who worked on the popular podcasts “Joe Exotic” and a season of “Dr. Death.” The first episode is expected to drop in March. Of course, the podcast has financial potential, but for now Stone is “focused on making a great product.” That kind of thinking harks back to the theory behind his once-fledgling media group. Maybe: If you build it, they will come? “I think that, with any creative endeavor, you don’t know whether it’s going to be a commercial success, but I’m confident it will be something that we’re proud of,” he says. Hindsight is 20/20 Regrets? There’ve been a few but -- with apologies to Ol’ Blue Eyes – too few to mention. When all the successes and failures are totted up, Stone’s still a dyed-in-the-wool newshound who just happened to have been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. He has no plans to throw in the towel no matter what the future brings. Stone says he feels so strongly about the importance of good local journalism that he’d gladly serve as a “passionate goodwill ambassador” for anyone self-sacrificing enough to carry that ink-stained banner forward. For someone like him, it can feel a little weird to be the interviewee and not the interviewer. So Stone had to pause to collect his thoughts before answering the question: “Was it all worth it?” “Always, because the good, the bad, the ugly – all those battle scars – make you stronger,” he responded. “There have been so many rewarding, great experiences along the way. As a reporter who started a business, I’m grateful to have had the chance to build and develop this other muscle, one that I might not otherwise have been inclined to work on.” So yes, taking that leap of faith back in 2007 was worth it. “Because of that, I think I’ve become not just a better journalist, but a better person,” Stone said. Yorktown Leos collects hundreds of cereal boxes for the needy / PHOTO COURTESY OF YORKTOWN LEOS CLUB FACEBOOK Yorktowners donate over 600 boxes of cereal to food pantry BY MIRANDA FERRANTE STAFF REPORTER Local community members have donated over 600 boxes of cereal to the Community Food Pantry at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Mohegan Lake, aiming to support those in Yorktown facing food insecurity. The Food Pantry at St. Mary’s is an interfaith, communitybased nonprofit service organization staffed by volunteers. Its mission is to provide supplemental food to families and individuals in the Mohegan Lake and greater Yorktown-Cortlandt area. Yorktown resident Sarah Wilson shared during the Feb. 18 Town Board meeting that Grace Lutheran Church members contributed more than 400 boxes, while the Yorktown Leos Club exceeded their goal of 100 boxes, collecting over 200. “Thank you to everyone who donated to this wonderful cause and thank you to Yorktown High Schools’ National Honor Society for partnering with us and helping this drive be highly successful,” a Facebook post from the Yorktown Leos Club said. “With both of our efforts combined, we were able to help our community in an amazing way.” In a press release from January, when the cereal drive launched, Supervisor Ed Lachterman said that cereal is a “staple food” for all meals, particularly for those in need. “It’s a great way to help our community.”
PAGE 38 – YORKTOWN NEWS PUBLIC NOTICE To: All Persons Subject Matter: Public Access to Yorktown Heights Fire District Records Authority: Public Officers Law Article 6, Freedom of Information Law Date: January 14, 2025 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT the Freedom of Information Law gives every person the right of access to certain public records created and/or maintained by the Yorktown Heights Fire District. The YORKTOWN HEIGHTS FIRE DISTRICT has adopted Regulations governing when, where and how you can see and secure a copy of the Fire District records available to the public under this Statute. According to these Regulations, records can be requested, seen and copied at the offices maintained by the Record Access Office of the YORKTOWN HEIGHTS FIRE DISTRICT, Jeanmarie Klaus, District Secretary, at 334 Underhill Avenue Suite 4B, Yorktown Heights, New York (914) 962- 5561 ext. 2. The Records Access Officer will provide you with a copy of these Regulations and help you to exercise your right to access. If you are denied access to a record, you may appeal pursuant the Statute and Regulations directly to the Board of Fire Commissioners by contacting Commissioner Charles Moseman, Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the YORKTOWN HEIGHTS FIRE DISTRICT, at 334 Underhill Avenue Suite 4B, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598. PUBLIC NOTICE RESOLVED that the regular meeting dates for 2025 of the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Yorktown Heights Fire District shall meet at Station #2, Locksley Road, on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m., except for the month of December which will be held the third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm, and as otherwise prescribed by law, and in the event a regular meeting date falls on a holiday, then the meeting shall be held the next succeeding evening, or on such other date as may be determined, and be it FURTHER RESOLVED that special meetings shall be called and held in conformance with Section 62 of the Town Law and Article 7 of the Public Officers Law. In providing this notice we are complying with Article 7 of the Public Officers Law relating to open meetings. Jeanmarie Klaus Secretary Yorktown Heights Fire District NOTICE OF FORMATION OF J. DIEGO & GRANDSONS ELECTRIC, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with State Secretary of NY (SSNY) on 10/04/2024. Office Location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. Notice is hereby given that J Diego & Grandsons Electric, LLC, a limited liability company, has been duly formed under the laws of the State of NY. SSNY should mail process to 2926 Hickory St, Yorktown Hts, NY 10598 Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice of Formation of UREDA LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/30/2024. NY office location: Westchester County. SSNY has been designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. The post office to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is 7 Pheasant Run Road, Pleasantville, NY 10570. Purpose / character of LLC: Any lawful purpose. Notice of Formation of Veteran Builder Consultants LLC, Articles of Organization filed with SSNY on October 1, 2024, Office Location: Westchester County, SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Gregory Esposito, 1740 Old Logging Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. Purpose: any lawful purpose. Notice of Formation of Tech4Sure LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 07/16/2024. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to 1870 Baldwin Rd Unit 62 Yorktown Heights - NY-10598 Purpose: any lawful purpose. Notice of Formation of DAYLIGHT MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY, PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 11/15/24. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Anna Beepat, 625 Lafayette Avenue, Mount Vernon, New York 10552. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. Notice of Formation of Rebecca Gibbons, Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/03/2024. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 600 Mamaroneck Avenue Suite 400, Harrison, NY 10528. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice of Formation of The Sco Consulting Group LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 9/27/24. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to PO Box 1, Millwood, NY 10546. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. Name of LLC: Simrose Real Estate Holdings LLC. Arts. of Org. filed NY Sec. of State 12/20/2024. Princ. off. loc.: Westchester Cty. Sec. of State designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. Sec. of State shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, c/o Simona Rosen; Simrose Real Estate Holdings LLC, 1975 Crompond Rd, Cortlandt Manor NY 10567, Attn: Simona Rosen. Purpose: Any legal purpose. Notice of Formation of Pines Bridge Realty, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 01/06/2025. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Ernest Tartaglione, 11 Legion Dr, Valhalla, NY 10595. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. Notice of Formation of Lario Works, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/08/2024. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Hilario Cruz Sanchez, 11 Fisher Ave APT 1J, White Plains, NY 10601. Purpose: any lawful act or activity. Notice of formation of Maga Properties, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with secretary of state of NY (SSNY) on 01/24/2019. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC), upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Maga Properties LLC, 23 Cynthia rd. Cortlandt Manor NY 10567. Purpose: any lawful act. Notice of formation of ACT Electric LLC. Articles of Organization filed with secretary of state of NY (SSNY) on 01/22/2023. Office location: Westcester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC), upon whom process againts it may be served. SSNY should mail process to ACT Electric LLC, 23 Cynthia rd. Cortlandt Manor NY 10567. Purpose: any lawful act. Notices of formation of Olympus Droneworks LLC. Articles of organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/28/24. Office location Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom Process may be served and shall mail copy of Process to 7 Horton Drive Yorktown Heights NY 10598. Purpose: any lawful act. Notice of Formation of Patriot Can Cleaners LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/17/2025. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Patriot Can Cleaners, LLC, 2305 Sultana Dr, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. Purpose: any lawful purpose. Notice of Formation of Ironclad Initiatives LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/20/25. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to 8 Justin Court, Cortlandt Manor NY 10567: Any lawful purpose. Notice of Formation of Katonah Firehouse, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12-06-21. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process 120 Exchange Street, Portland, ME 04101. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. LEGAL NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. Name: Next Stop Solutions, LLC. Application for Authority was filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on: January 26th, 2025. Office location: 28 Primrose Ave, Mount Vernon, New York 10552. County: Westchester County, NY. SSNY has been designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the limited liability company at: Next Stop Solutions, LLC, 28 Primrose Ave, Mount Vernon, New York 10552. Purpose: For any marketing strategies purpose. Name of LLC: JJL BROTHERS HOME IMPROVEMENT LLC. Arts. of Org. filed NY Sec. of State 11/30/2024 Princ. off. loc.: Westchester Cty. Sec. of State designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. Sec. of State shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, c/o Jorge Loja Cornejo; JJL BROTHERS HOME IMPROVEMENT LLC , 1975 Crompond Rd, Cortlandt Manor NY 10567, Attn: Jorge Loja Cornejo Purpose: All legal services." PUBLIC NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Planning Board of the Town of Yorktown in Town Hall, 363 Underhill Avenue, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598 on Monday, February 24, 2025 at 7:00 pm or as soon thereafter as possible on the following matter: Application of 401 E Main Street, LLC for approval of a site plan with submitted plan titled, “401 E Main Street,” prepared by Hildenbrand Engineering, last revised January 24, 2025. The applicant has proposed to redevelop the property with a 1,440 square foot two-story building with associated parking, landscaping, and stormwater improvements. The site is located at the address 401 East Main Street, Jefferson Valley, NY 10535, also known as Section 6.17, Block 1, Lots 42 & 44 on the Town of Yorktown Tax Map. The parcels are 0.38 acres in the CC, Country Commercial zoning district. If any interested members of the public would like to provide comments on this application, written comments can be provided to the Board by mail sent to the Planning Department at 1974 Commerce Street, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 or by email before the meeting to [email protected]. The above listed site plan may be viewed on the Town’s website at: http://www.yorktownny.gov/plann ing/public-hearings. BY ORDER OF THE PLANNING BOARD OF THE TOWN OF YORKTOWN, NEW YORK RICHARD FON CHAIRPERSON Let Us Know About Your Athlete’s Accomplishments Coaches and parent volunteers should send an email to sports@ halstonmedia.com. We aim to give coverage to all athletes, but we need your help. We welcome high resolution photo submissions, write-ups and any information that will help us publish a great section for the community. The sports deadline is the Sunday before the next publication. All youth and recreational sports items should also be submitted to the same e-mail address by the Sunday before the next publication date. Submit a Classified Have a Help Wanted? Selling something? Looking for something? Contact us at classifieds@ halstonmedia.com.
YORKTOWN NEWS – PAGE 39 Looking To Hire? Help Wanted? Reach Thousands of our Readers at a Low Cost! [email protected] or Call: 914-302-5628 Email: ORDER ON OUR ONLINE STORE AND PICKUP LO CALLY! BEST PRICES IN THE AREA! PICKUP HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY! www.american-arms.com [email protected] 1928 Commerce St, Suite C Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 NRA Basic Pistol/Personal Protection UTAH Concealed Firearms Course Private Lessons Permit Assistance Refuse To Be A Victim™ Group and Private Classes Gun Sales & Ammunition Gun Accessories FFL Services & Transfers 914-455-4210 CLASSIFIEDS Cement Masons’/ Cement Finishers’ Recruit Apprentices Bronx, NY (February 14, 2025) - Northeast District Council of the OPCMIC apprenticeship, will conduct a recruitment from April 28, 2025 through May 17, 2023 Cement Mason or Cement Finisher apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today. Applications must be completed on site at the OPCMIA Apprenticeship office, 1406 Blondell Ave, Bronx, NY 10461, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, during the recruitment period. All applications must be filled out on the premises. This is a limitedapplication recruitment. Only 100 applications will be distributed, on a first-come, first-serve basis. The recruitment will be offered for 3 weeks or until 100 applications have been issued, whichever comes first. The Committee requires that applicants: Must be at least 18 years old. Proof will be required after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship. • Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED). • Must pass a physical agility test by scoring at least 28 out of 35 possible points. • Must have reliable transportation to and from job sites and required classes at the approved school. • Must pass a drug screening, at the expense of the sponsor, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship. • Must provide DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, if applicable, after selection and prior to enrollment in apprenticeship program. • For further information, applicants should contact OPCMIA apprenticeship fund at (516) 775-2280. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: https://dol.ny.gov/career-centers). Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities. CASH PAID FOR ALL JEWELRY! Estate Jewelry Costume Jewelry Handbags Watches Perfumes Vintage Clothing Books Furs Religious Medals CAROL: 914-261-6464 IN-HOME PHYSICAL THERAPY High Quality 1:1 skilled physical therapy care for individuals presenting with spinal and extremity injuries, pre or post-surgery, gait/balance impairments, vestibular pathology, neurological disorders, arthritis and many other associated conditions. Call/Text: Russell Zeiss PT, DPT, Cert. MDT, Cert. 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PAGE 40 – YORKTOWN NEWS Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2024 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logos are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Deborah Glatz 845.206.1215 (m) Real Estate Salesperson | [email protected] | DeborahGlatz.com 2025 Top Producer Coldwell Banker Yorktown Heights Office International President’s Circle Award Winner COMING SOON in Yorktown Heights! Boasting numerous custom interior features, this meticulous Raised Ranch offers both comfort and style. Enjoy an oversized deck perfect for entertaining, along with a fenced backyard ideal for relaxation. Located on a cul-de-sac, it's conveniently close to everything. This home has it all—don’t miss out! If you or anyone you know may be interested in this home, contact me today to schedule a viewing and make this dream home yours! Lower Hudson Valley Regional Office 366 Underhill Ave., Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 3 Bedrooms | 2 Full Baths | Set on .55 Acres | Oversized Deck FEBRUARY 27, 2025 - MARCH 12, 2025