The Somers Record 03.28.2024

BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE A proposal to build a gridscale battery project in Mahopac has a group of Somers residents worried that the planned power-storage facility—colloquially known as a ‘battery farm’— would pose an existential threat to their safety and way of life. A grid-scale battery project is an energy storage system connected directly to an electric utility—in this case, NYSEG. The project would enable the utility to store electricity during off-peak hours and discharge the stored power during peak demand hours. The goal is to make the grid cleaner, more reliable, resilient, and affordable. “The security of the grid is at risk. There are a lot of vulnerabilities on the system,” said Scott Connuck, senior project developer for Charlottesville, Va.-based East Point Energy, which is proposing the project. “These sorts of projects help provide a lot of the reliability that is required.” The site plan has been before the Carmel Planning Board since last September and is winding its way through the process. A public hearing will eventually be held, probably in May, officials said. The project is proposed for a 95-acre parcel of woodland and wetland off Miller Road in Mahopac, which is near the NYSEG substation on Union Valley Road and also abuts the property of some Somers homeowners. In September, Connuck told the board that the project would be at the center of the property and would be “out of sight...out of mind.” However, residents of Lounsbury Drive in Baldwin Place contend that is not the case. They say the battery farm would actually be at the edge of the 95-acre lot and just 200 feet from their backyards. “That’s a lie,” said Michele Stuart of the claim that the battery farm would be in the middle of the property. “When I see a project like this, I cannot get my head around it. Besides the dollar, why would the placement of the plant be 200 feet from someone’s backyard with families and babies?” Stuart lives on Cornelius VOL. 13 NO. 43 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 ELEPHANT’S TRUNK 4 HEALTH AND WELLNESS 22 IN CASE YOU MISSED IT 39 LEISURE 29 LEGAL NOTICES 38 OBITUARIES 31 OPINION 12 SPORTS 26 SPRING FEATURE 8 YOUTH FOCUS 7 New Somers Restaurant pg 3 THE TORTILLA PROJECT A pair of Somers Science Research students earned top honors at last week’s Westchester Science and Engineering Fair awards ceremony. Angie Ayoubi and Maya Donnelly were each awarded a grand prize when their research was selected in the top 20 out of a field of nearly 750 projects. They will now travel to Los Angeles in May to present their work at Regeneron’s International Science & Engineering Fair! Somers scientists shine at WESEF Angie Ayoubi and Maya Donnelly PHOTO COURTESY OF SCSD Somers neighborhood up in arms over Mahopac battery farm plan Sparks are flying Baldwin Place homes can be seen from the parcel of land proposed as the site of a large scale battery farm in Mahopac. PHOTO: EMILE MENASCHÉ SEE BATTERY PAGE 28 Find Out What Your Home Might Be Worth. Scan QR for instant value Sales Vice President, Licensed Associate RE Broker [email protected] | hopemazzola.com 95 Katonah Avenue, Katonah, NY 10536 CELL: 914.714.0090 Follow us The Purveyor of the Finest Properties in Town #UGottaHaveHope

PAGE 2 – THE SOMERS RECORD MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 135 Mahopac Ave, Granite Springs, NY Jilco Window Corp. 914 248-6100 jilcowindow.com Contact Jilco for all your Andersen® Window needs!

MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 3 ‘Blessed and taco obsessed’ The Tortilla Project arrives in Somers Mitch Lanyi and Chris Reginella are bringing a unique culinary experience to the community. The menu features options including Birria tacos. PHOTOS: CAROL REIF BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Is a taco a sandwich, wrap, or something else altogether? Most foodies think of the staple of Mexican street food and cuisine as being in a category all its own. Made with soft, thin cornmeal or wheat pancakes known as tortillas, tacos are usually eaten hot with savory fillings such as beef, pork, fish, or veggies and zhuzhed up with onion, cilantro, and lime juice. Tacos are trending in the U.S., partly because of younger consumers’ demand for sustainable, environmentally friendly food choices. So it’s not terribly surprising that one promising entrepreneur is intent on taking the traditional treat in a whole new direction. As far as the culinary team behind The Tortilla Project, one of Somers’s newest goto food spots, is concerned, there literally are “no rules.” “If I put it on a tortilla, it’s a taco,” says North Salem native and resident Mitch Lanyi, who at 27 is likely the youngest restauranteur in town. The eatery was opened in late January at Somers Commons in a space previously occupied by Unwined, a wine bar and kitchen. Open six days a week for lunch and dinner, it offers a compact yet diverse menu of small plates, tacos, sides, and desserts. While Lanyi and chefs plan to change it up each season, customer favs that can be counted on all year round include arepas, deliciously crispy white cornmeal cakes popular in Columbia and Venezuela, which they serve “open faced” and loaded with chorizo, shrimp, corn, and tomatoes. While the recipes might not be “authentic,” the ingredients are, he says. One of the eatery’s most popular tacos is its own version of the American steak sandwich. It comes with arugula, aioli, pickled Fresno chilis, and crispy onions. “No where in any authentic tacorea/ taqueria in Mexico will you see this steak taco,” Lanyi promised. The house-made chips and guac are to die for too. “We sell a crazy amount of guacamole every day,” he said, noting that while other places might plunk in hot sauce, tomatoes, garlic, and “this and that” in their guac, The Tortilla Project’s version is “super basic.” Besides mashed avocadoes, the only things that go in it are onion, jalapeño peppers, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. “I don’t want to have to get crazy with ingredients and recipes in order to impress people. I’d rather just put out a simple, quality, and consistent product,” Lanyi said. Keeping things less complicated gives the cooks the chance to get more creative. Sides include street corn salad, yucca fries, and plantains with green sauce. If you still have room for dessert, there’s a coconut mango truffle, a plantain empanada with vanilla gelato, churros, and tres leches cake. A delicious rumor has it that a chocolate taco may be in the works, too. The team experimented with 50 or 60 dishes before landing on the current 24- item menu. “We either scrapped an idea right away or we tweaked it until we found what we liked,” he said. As someone who’s been happily cooking for family and friends all his life, Lanyi asked himself when figuring out the restaurant’s focus, “What do I like to eat that nobody else has? What would I cook for myself at home because I can’t go somewhere and buy it?” The location they chose is ideal because it sits at the confluence of Yorktown, Somers, and Mahopac. “If we were in any of those specific towns, we might not necessarily reach the same amount of people that we would here, being right in the middle,” Lanyi said. He and his business partners did the majority of the renovation work themselves, from painting the walls and building padded banquettes to hanging pretty (faux) plants lit by industrial-chic bulbs and installing new SEE TORTILLA PAGE 30 HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS, LIFE & HEALTH 914-232-7750 www.forbesinsurance.com When was the last time you reviewed your insurance? Call Us Today FOR A COMPLIMENTARY REVIEW!

PAGE 4 – THE SOMERS RECORD MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Tom Walogorsky Editor: 914-302-5830 [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky 845-661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [email protected] DESIGNERS Noah Elder Bri Agosta Haven Elder Jacob Elder EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines The Somers Record The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for The Somers Record is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected]. Subscribe To request The Somers Record weekly delivery, call 845-208-8503 or email [email protected]. Subscriptions are complimentary for residents and businesses in the town. Out of town mail subscriptions are $150 per year for First Class Mail. Periodicals Postage Paid at Somers, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Somers Record at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 (ISSN 2330-1597) Published Weekly by Halston Media, LLC at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 Halston Media, LLC PUBLIC DOCUMENT | OFFICIAL BUSINESS | Paid for by official funds authorized by the House of Representatives. lawler.house.gov/services WASHINGTON, DC OFFICE 1013 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515(202) 225-6506 PEARL RIVER OFFICE One Blue Hill Plaza, Third Floor, P.O. Box 1645, Pearl River, NY 10965 (845) 201-2060 CARMEL OFFICE 60 McAlpin Avenue, Mahopac, NY 10541 (845) 743-7130 January 31, 2024 House passes bipartisan tax bill that would expand child tax credit CONGRESSMAN MIKE LAWLER Fighting to deliver tax relief to Hudson Valley families. Congressman Lawler voted to pass a bipartisan increase to child tax credit Congressman Lawler is taking on both parties to deliver even more tax relief Congressman Lawler has consistently been a leader in the House pushing members of both parties to provide much-needed tax relief to Hudson Valley families. ELEPHANT’S TRUNK Somers Lions Club Community Service Scholarship Community Service scholarship applications are now being reviewed for Somers High School students who exhibit exemplary community service. Up to five $1500 scholarships are available. Applications are online at www. somerslionsclub.org. The deadline to apply is Monday, April 1. Pancake Breakfast Sunday, April 21, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join in for great food and fun! To be held at Somers High School. $10 per person donation. First responders, veterans, Scouts, and athletes under 12 and in uniform eat free! Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, sausages, Egg McLions, hash browns, yogurt, fruit, bagels, and beverages. Gluten free options will also be available. Featuring sensory stations, games, arts and crafts, as well as performances from Penny Lane Dancers (9:45 - 10:15 a.m.) and Dan Zlotnick (10 a.m. - 12 p.m.) This event raises much needed funds for people and community organizations in need. For advanced tickets, visit www.somerslionsclub.org. Somers Soars When Everyone Belongs Tuesday, April 30, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. An event to enhance a sense of belonging to all members of the Somers community, cohosted by the Town of Somers and the Somers Central School District. To be held in the Somers Middle School cafeteria. RSVP by emailing [email protected]. Town of Somers Department of Parks & Recreation Spring Programs 2024 Registration now available online. For detailed program information, visit www. somersny.com, click on “Parks and Rec” and then “Program Registration Site.” For any questions call 914-232-8442 or email [email protected] Adult Cornhole League The Department of Parks and Recreation with A1 Athletics is looking to start an adult corn hole league. Fore more information and team entry forms, please contact 914-232-8442 or email parks@ somersny.com Day Camp Positions Now accepting applications for Arts & Crafts Specialist and Counselor. To be a camp counselor, applicants need to be at least 16 years old by the start of camp, 7/1. Preference is given to applicants who are available to work the entire 6 weeks, Monday-Friday, 7/1- 8/9. To apply, go to www. somersny.com St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 331 Route 100, Somers Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, March 31, at 11:15 a.m. Children of all ages are invited to join in the outdoor fun, beginning at 11:15 a.m., following the Easter Service. Bring a basket to collect the goodies, and plan on a family photo op with the Easter Bunny!    All are welcome. Further information can be found at  www. slcsomers.org, on Facebook at SaintLukesSomers, or Instagram saintlukessomers.   SEE TRUNK PAGE 36

MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 5 SALAD California Cob ��������������������������������������������������������������������������$9�99 Romano, tomatoes, black olives, avocado, bacon, blue cheese, hard-boiled egg w/ grilled chicken add �������� $2�99 Somers Blackened Chicken ���������������������������������������� $12�99 romano, bell peppers & bean salsa, sweet onion, grape tomato, avocado Caesar Salad ���������������������������������������������������������������������������$9�99 romano, parmesan, croutons, zesty caesar w/ grilled chicken add �������� $2�99 House Salad ������������������������������������������������������������������������������$9�99 mixed greens, grape tomato, sweet onion, cucumber, bell peppers Greek ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$9�99 w/ grilled chicken add �������� $2�99 Romano, bell peppers, cucumber, onion, grape tomato, Kalamata olive & feta cheese SANDWICHES Pulled pork - bbq , slaw, cheddar �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$10�99 Beef Brisket – caramelized, onion, munster ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$11�99 California Chicken - lettuce, tomato, avocado, munster, honey mustard ���������������������������������������������������������������$10�99 Chicken Cutlet combo - roasted peppers, tomato, mozzarella, balsamic ���������������������������������������������������������������$10�99 Chicken, bacon, ranch - grilled chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, ranch �������������������������������������������������������������������$10�99 Mother Clucker – chicken cutlet, bacon, munster, russian ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$10�99 Philly - (beef or chicken) onions, peppers, melted american �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������$11�99 Ruben - (corn beef, pastrami, or turkey) on rye, toasted w/ kraut & swiss, (russian or mustard�) ����������$11�99 Buffalo chicken – breaded cutlet, hot sauce, melted american, blue cheese ����������������������������������������������������������$10,99 Wedge or Pretzel Roll add $2�00 BURGERS House Burger 8 oz� ���������������������� $9�99 w/ cheese ����������������������������������������$10�99 w/ bacon & cheese ���������������������$11�99 w/ caramelize onion ���������������� $9�99 w/ chilli ��������������������������������������������������$11�99 Smokehouse: bacon, cheddar, BBQ sauce, onion ring ��������������$11�99 Piggy: bacon, bbq sauce, pulled pork ����������������������������������������������������� $13�99 Make it a deluxe add $3�50 lettuce, tomato, pickle, slaw DOGS Foot Long ����������������������������������������$7�99 w/ cheese ������������������������������������������$1�00 w/ kraut ���������������������������������������������$1�00 Deli Dog w/ slaw & sriracha �����������������������$8�99 FRENCH FRIES Fries ��������������������������SM $4�99 ������LG $5�99 Onion Rings ����������SM $5�99 ����� LG $7�99 Add cheese $1�00 STARTERS Mozzarella Sticks - Six w/ Marinara ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� $8�99 Chicken Tenders - Four s/w Fries — Honey Mustard or BBQ ��������������������������$9�99 Beef Chili w/ Cheddar ���������������������������������������������������������$6�99 Mac & Cheese ����������������������������������� SM: $4�50 �������� LG: $6�50 WINGS Six or 12 ������������������������������������������������ $8�99 ����������������������� $15�99 Hot – Mild – BBQ – Teriyaki – Garlic Parmesan Thai Chili - General Tsao w/ Blue Cheese or ranch SOMERS SUPER DELI AFTER DARK 4 - 8PM ordersomerssuperdeli.com 914-248-8975 * FREE DELIVERY ORDERS OVER $20 BOWLS Pulled Pork �����������������������������������������$12�99 Chicken Cutlet �������������������������������$12�99 Beef Brisket ���������������������������������� $15�99 Chicken Cutlet �������������������������������$12�99 Chilli ��������������������������������������������������������$12�99 Cheddar, chopped onion�������$12�99 all bowls have mashed potato, brown gravy, corn, shredded cheddar & jack cheese CHICKEN & RIBS Half chicken ������������������������������������ $5�99 Full chicken �������������������������������������$10�99 Half rack ribs ���������������������������������$11�99 Full rack ribs �����������������������������������$18�99 SIDES Mac & cheese * Vegetable Cream Spinach * Mashed potato * Mashed sweet potato * Stuffing ���������� Sm $4�50 ����� Lg $6�50 QUESADILLA S/W lettuce, salsa, guacamole, peppers, onions, lime cilantro Cheese ������������������������������������������������ $9�99 Chicken, ����������������������������������������������$12�99 Pulled pork ����������������������������������������$12�99 Beef Brisket, ����������������������������������$15 99 Chicken, bacon, ranch ����������� $13�99 Not Available Sunday • Mon - Sat 4 pm to 8 pm • 1 Lovell Street, Lincolndale

PAGE 6 – THE SOMERS RECORD MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. Managing Member • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500 WHITE PLAINS • SOMERS • WWW.ESSLAWFIRM.COM • Asset Protection • Elder Law • Medicaid Applications (Nursing Home/Home Care) • Guardianships (Contested/Non-Contested) • Wills, Trusts & Estates Past Chair of Elder Law Section of NYS Bar Association “Super Lawyer” In Elder Law for 16 consecutive years CALL NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 914.948.1500 When did you last update your last will and testament and power of attorney? Raymond J. Baker, Sr., Deputy Chief of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department, died unexpectedly in his sleep at his home on Saturday, March 9, 2024. He was 64 years old. From adolescence to his death, Baker’s time in the fire services as both a career and volunteer firefighter spanned more than fourand-a-half-decades. He retired in 2013 after a 33- year career with the Hartsdale Fire Department in the Town of Greenburgh in Westchester County. In addition to responding to thousands of fire alarms and other emergency calls as a firefighter, Baker was a certified bailout training officer and licensed to operate all of the department’s fire trucks. Trained and licensed in the electrical trade, Baker also served as the Hartsdale FD’s lead electrician charged with maintaining, repairing and replacing the hamlet’s alarm boxes. In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City, Baker joined hundreds of other firefighters at the World Trade Center site and also was stationed for a period of time supporting firehouses in The Bronx whose personnel were working in the recovery effort. Overlapping part of his full-time service with the Hartsdale FD was a decade as a volunteer with the Somers Fire Department – where from 2007 to 2017 he held several leadership and officer ranks, which included Lieutenant, Captain, Second and First Assistant Chief, and Fire Chief. Baker joined the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department in 2016 as a mutual aid member, reuniting in the fire services with the eldest of his two sons, Raymond Baker, Jr., who was already an active volunteer firefighter with the Golden’s Bridge FD, and who had previously served with his father when he joined the Somers FD at age 16. One of Baker’s proudest moments in his fire services career was serving alongside his son for the past eight years, and together rising through the ranks of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department – he as Deputy Chief and Baker Jr. as Fire Lieutenant. Baker Sr. became a full member of the Golden’s Bridge FD in 2017, and prior to his appointment to the Deputy Chief position, he served in other posts including as the department’s Certified Training Officer and Captain. Baker was always more than willing to share his lifetime of experience, expertise and knowledge about firefighting with his colleagues, especially newcomers and young members of the departments he served. He held numerous federal, state and county certifications in fire and emergency response – such as incident command, firefighter survival, essentials of firemanship, firefighter assist & search team tactics, passenger train emergency rescue, accident victim extrication, trench rescue, hazardous material incident command, national incident management system, national response plan, and many others. Baker was consistently among the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department’s most active firefighters in terms of responding to emergency 911 calls – such as structure fires, vehicle accidents, brush fires, and storm-related and all other types of emergencies – participating in training drills and attending department meetings, and signing up to work special details and community events. He looked forward to fire prevention day every year at Increase Miller Elementary School – where he would give tours of the fire trucks to the students and talk about fire safety – and the annual community day event at the firehouse, where he would assist youngsters in operating a water hose to knock down pretend flames, always using the opportunity to encourage them to volunteer when they are old enough. “Ray Baker was the quintessential public servant. All he wanted to do was help people on the worst day of their life. He was a great firefighter and an even better human being,” said Fire Chief Albert Melillo of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department. “He could’ve spent his free time doing anything else, but because of his self-sacrifice and commitment to safeguarding others, he would come off shift from his career firefighting job and still find time to volunteer with the Somers Fire Department.” Community mourns the loss of Ray Baker Sr. Ray Baker always looked forward to the GBFD’s annual Community Day. PHOTO COURTESY OF GBFD SEE BAKER PAGE 32

MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 7 With the winter season concluded, the young athletes from Somers AYSO Region 95 are already looking ahead to spring! The American Youth Soccer Organization promotes “a game for kids, and a game for life!” Divisions range from the U4 playground level all the way to the teen league, with fun and competitive games taking place on local fields right here in Somers. The winter league recently wrapped up with a pizza party and medal ceremony, and registration is currently open for the spring season beginning on Saturday, April 6. Officials are also anxiously looking ahead to their full-week camp program being offered this summer from August 19 to 23, with half and full day options available for ages 4 through 14. For more information, visit www.ayso95.org Springing ahead with Somers AYSO Soccer PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOMERS AYSO SOCCER Is your child’s Scout Troop working on a community service project? Did their team bring home a championship? Is there a youth program you would like to recognize or an upcoming event we should know about? We want to hear from you! In this special section we aim to highlight the youth of our community, including sports, Scouting, and any other programs or events affiliated with the school district. Please send photos and story ideas to somersrecord@halstonmedia. com. Youth Focus is proudly sponsored by our friends at Bridgham Barr Orthodontics, located at 293 Route 100 in Somers. Learn more at www. bbosmiles.com Call for your FREE consultation today 293 Route 100 Suite 209 Somers, NY (914) 277-1111 www.BBOsmiles.com WE DON'T JUST CREATE AWESOME SMILES... WE INSPIRE THEM! Our friendly board-certified orthodontic specialists treat patients of all ages! We have an incredible team that works hard to make your braces/Invisalign experience amazing. DR. BRIDGHAM DR. BARR YOUTH FOCUS

BY SANDY LINDSEY OF THE EPOCH TIMES NEWSWIRE Spring is not only a time to get back in the garden with cool season crops, but depending on your gardening zone and the seasonal temperatures, it may be the only time to grow plants such as broccoli, cauliflower, and many lettuces before the arrival of peak summer heat. Some hearty plants, such as kale and Brussels sprouts, can even withstand an unexpected frost, but it’s best to be cautious. Some ways to extend the season include covering the soil with black plastic to warm it faster. Planting in a raised bed can also provide a few days’ or weeks’ head start, as the ambient air temperature will raise the above-ground soil temperature faster than the ground temp. Unexpected frosts do occur, so consider having some season extenders on hand just in case. These can range from floating row covers to a milk jug with the bottom cut out to create a free version of the traditional glass bell jar garden cloche. Be sure to tie the milk jug handle to a stake or otherwise secure it from blowing away in spring winds. Take off the cap during the day to prevent overheating and cap at night for snuggly protection. And whatever barrier is chosen, keep the leaves from touching the cover, or else the plant could freeze. March and April Faves Fifty degrees Fahrenheit is a magic number when it comes to early spring vegetables. Lettuce, mustard greens, Swiss chard, kale, collards, beets, carrots, turnips, cabbage, spinach, kohlrabi, cauliflower, onions, radish, and celery, to name just a few, can all be direct-seeded once the soil is above 50 degrees F. In fact, some vegetables even require a cooler temperature of 50 to 70 degrees F for best germination. The soil temperature should not be confused with air temperature. To get an accurate reading, an inexpensive soil probe can be purchased online, but an old kitchen thermometer that shows both hot and cold will also do the trick. Why an old thermometer? No one wants to spear a thermometer into a roast after it’s been in the ground. To get a further jumpstart on the process, seeds can be started six to eight weeks prior to planting out or purchased as seedlings from the local garden center. This works for many plants, including broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, peas, and spinach. However, root crops such as radish, beets, turnips, kohlrabi, and carrots prefer direct sowing, due to having a taproot that doesn’t like to be disturbed. Be sure to loosen the soil, as hard or compacted soil will stunt their growth. Avoid walking on wet soil, as this can lead to unintentional compaction. Speaking of wet soil, if the soil is too wet, seeds will rot, so it’s better to wait a few days to plant. If birds are showing an interest in the seeds or seedlings, consider using a row cover or milk jug cloche until the plants get larger. Speed Harvesting Depending on the variety, some spring radishes can be eaten in as little as 25 days, with the majority of them taking no longer than 40 days. The leaves of green onions can be added to cooking starting at roughly 30 days. Lettuce can be cut (and come again for more leaves) starting at roughly 45 days, as can spinach. Beets and broccoli can be ready in as little as 50 days or shortly thereafter, with some varieties of cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, kohlrabi, and peas coming in at about 55 to 60 days. In the case of peas, in particular, harvest often to encourage more pod formation. These short timeframes allow for succession planting—particularly for root crops that are one-and-done. Radish is an excellent example, since new sowings can be made every two weeks until summer to ensure a continuous supply. Double Duty Companion planting can help maximize valuable garden (or raised bed or container) real estate while keeping pests away. The simplest way to start is with layers—combining a skyward-growing crop with root vegetables. One example is radishes or beets planted with shallowrooted lettuce. Not only will this combo make the most of the space, watering, and fertilizing, but root crops break up soil as the y g r o w, resulting in better aeration and water penetration, while the shallow roots of the lettuce won’t affect radish or beet growth. Onion sets planted amongst greens will have similar benefits. Another pair of spring “buddies” are peas vining up a trellis or other support, interplanted amongst greens. The lowgrowing plants shade and cool the pea roots, and help keep weeds down. The peas in turn add organic nitrogen to the soil, leading to lusher lettuce, spinach, and so forth. Always Thinking Ahead Once the garden is up and running, it’s time to start thinking about pre-sprouting late spring and summer crops indoors. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and summer squash are cheaper when started from seed, which also allows for a much larger Ready, set, spring! The best garden vegetables for an early start SEE GARDEN PAGE 10 PAGE 8 – THE SOMERS RECORD MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024

Spring is a time of year when change is in the air. Trees are budding, plants are flowering, and homes laden with dark or heavy fabrics and clutter could use some lightening up. Spring cleaning projects are popular this time of year as residents take inventory of their living spaces and aim to declutter, clean and increase efficiency. Some people find the prospect of getting organized overwhelming. Here are some tips that can help anyone master spring cleaning. • Create a plan. Make a checklist and establish a cleaning plan of attack. Focus on areas that are not regularly cleaned, as they probably need a little attention. • Assemble your cleaning kit. Spring cleaning can be slowed down considerably if you don’t have all of your equipment at the ready. Items to have on hand include an all-purpose cleaner, concentrated cleaner, microfiber cloths, paper towels, mop, vacuum, dusters, and a squeegee. Adjust your equipment based on the task at hand. • Curate your cleaning playlist. Create a playlist with songs that will get you moving and motivated to clean. • Work from top to bottom. Work efficiently by cleaning shelves, ceiling fans and other elevated items first, as dust and debris will trickle down and need to be cleaned next. • Purchase or rent a carpet cleaner. According to the experts at Clean That Up, carpets help filter indoor air by trapping debris and allergens. By deep cleaning carpets, homeowners can improve the indoor air quality of their homes. Use a carpet cleaner on a warm, dry day so that windows can be opened and cross breezes will help dry the damp rug. • Clean windows. Wash windows inside and out and utilize their screens to help brighten indoors spaces. • Deep clean the kitchen. Clean out and disinfect the refrigerator by wiping it down with warm water and baking soda or a vinegar-and-water solution. While in the kitchen, set the oven to the self-clean function so it becomes cleaner as well. • Homeowners also can focus on cleaning curtains (including shower curtains), steam-cleaning upholstery, removing clutter from closets, cleaning out the dryer vent and duct tubing, wiping inside kitchen drawers, and vacuuming under beds and other furniture. Spring cleaning can bring the revitalizing nature of this beloved time of year into your home. This article is from Metro Creative Connection. Spring cleaning tips and tricks Egg hunts are a traditional component of many people’s Easter celebrations. Children often delight in searching for eggs around the house or in the backyard. Egg hunts are so popular that they have become a component of many town-sponsored festivities. In fact, the White House hosts its annual Easter Egg Roll each year. There are many ways to make Easter egg hunts more enjoyable and productive for participants of all ages. Try these “eggcellent” ideas. • Designate a clear hunting area. Young children can grow frustrated searching for eggs in large areas. Set parameters for the search area that are manageable depending on the ages of the children participating. If you’ll be in a large yard or field, tape off the search area perimeter. • Vary the prizes. Candy, candy and more candy seems to be the name of the game on Easter. But too many sweets can lead to stomach aches for young Hop on these tips for a great Easter egg hunt SEE EGG HUNT PAGE 11 SPRING MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 9

selection than is normally available locally. Green Savvy Gardeners are some of the most innovative people on the planet. Here are some examples of their wonderfully budget-friendly tips and tricks. Newspaper Seed Pots: The ultimate biodegradable planter that can be set out directly in the garden, seed pots made from newspaper or other recyclable paper, allow for easy transplanting without disturbing a seedling’s roots, just like a peat pot, but without the cost. Tube Guides: Tiny seeds planted directly in the garden can easily be washed away by rain or even gentle watering. The solution is to cut up a toilet paper or paper towel tube into three-inch sections. Press halfway into the soil, and sow two seeds inside each (one is a spare) to keep them in the same general area until they sprout and root. DIY Seed Tape: Another way to sow small seeds is via a seed tape, but that’s an unnecessary expense. Instead, take a roll of twoply toilet paper, place the seeds on it at even intervals, fold over, and mist lightly with water to hold the seeds in place while planting. Millions of people embrace opportunities to get back in their gardens each spring, and they might be reaping more rewards from that activity than they realize. According to the American Institute of Stress, gardening sparks a level of creativity among enthusiasts, and that can help to alleviate stress by lowering levels of the hormone cortisol. In addition, authors of a 2022 study published in the journal Urban Forestry & Urban Greening concluded that gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic helped people cope with coronavirus-related stress through outdoor activity.  This article is from Metro Creative Connection. GARDEN FROM PAGE 8 Gardening offers more than a day in the sun SPRING PAGE 10 – THE SOMERS RECORD MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 We Carry A Complete Line of BioGuard Pool Treatments MY SEASONS REALTY LLC RICHARD DUTRA [email protected] PUTNAMREALESTATE.NET Serving Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess and Beyond Licensed Real Estate Broker 914-714-5609

The interior of a home may be where homeowners and their families spend the majority of their time, and there’s no denying that a well-planned interior goes a long way toward making a house a home. However, the exterior of a home, including its landscaping, can serve as a source of pride and catch the eye of prospective buyers when the home hits the market. It’s easy to walk past a home with an eye-catching exterior and assume the homeowner has a green thumb or has spent lots of time and money working on the landscaping. Though that may be true, oftentimes it’s the simplest strategies that make all the difference. Homeowners can keep these strategies in mind as they look to transform the exterior of their homes. • Dress up the walkway. A longer walkway can give guests a strong first impression of a home and won’t break the bank. Create new planting beds and plant bright plants and flowers along each side of the walkway. If it’s necessary and within budget, lengthen the walkway to create the feel of a more grandiose entryway. • Make things more symmetrical. A messy landscape can give a poor first impression, even if the area features some beautiful plants. In such instances, a little effort to make things more symmetrical, with equal parts grass and vegetation, can create a cleaner, more inviting look. • Mulch your flower and tree beds. Mulch is a relatively inexpensive but effective way to add aesthetic appeal to a landscape. Freshly mulched beds beneath trees and flowers creates a clean and organized look, and the mulch also serves a practical purpose, as it reduces weed growth and helps the soil retain moisture so plants stay healthy and look better throughout the warmer months when rainfall may not be steady or significant. • Plant shade trees. Shade trees can be especially useful when selling a home. The shade provided by trees can shield grass from blistering summer sun, potentially helping it stay green. A lush green lawn appeals to buyers and gives the impression the home has been well maintained. In addition, shade trees can be used to create the look of a backyard oasis. A well-placed bench beneath a large shade tree can entice buyers who want a relaxing spot to enjoy warm summer days outdoors without getting a sunburn. • Consider maintenance. The more exotic an exterior landscape is, the more maintenance it’s likely to require. Lawn and garden enthusiasts may not be turned off by landscape features that require steady maintenance, but homeowners who don’t have much time for such work should keep things simple. A poorly maintained landscape, even if it includes exotic plants and elaborate designs, will adversely affect curb appeal. Another feather in the cap of low-maintenance landscape features is they could prove more appealing to prospective buyers, who may view elaborate, exotic landscaping as a lot of extra work they won’t want to do. Some simple landscaping strategies can help homeowners transform their home exteriors without requiring a significant investment of time or money. Simple landscaping strategies that can transform a home’s exterior Easter celebrants. Instead, mix and match the prizes contained in the eggs. Candy can be in some, money in others, and perhaps small toys in a few eggs. Another clever idea is to mix the egg hunt with charades. Put charade prompts in some eggs so that kids have to act out what they read inside for added fun. • Special privilege egg. Hide one egg that gives the finder the opportunity for a special honor. It may include getting the first slice of the holiday ham or being able to choose a movie that the entire family watches together after dinner. • Label eggs for equity. When there are children across a wide range of ages, label the eggs with the children’s names or utilize a color-coded system to ensure that everyone has an equal shot at finding eggs. • Keep a master list. It can be hard to remember where each egg is hidden, so keep a running list of where they are or take photos with a phone of the hiding spots. This way you’re not left to discover a chocolate-filled egg teeming with ants come summertime. • Make custom baskets. Children will need something to carry their eggs. Prior to the egg hunt, let them decorate bags or baskets with Easter trinkets for custom creations. Easter egg hunts are a time-honored tradition. The opportunities for fun are endless when families plan accordingly. This article is from Metro Creative Connection. EGG HUNT FROM PAGE 9 SPRING MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 11 #1 Agent CB Katonah / Bedford 2023 Global Luxury Certified | INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT’S ELITE 2023 Top 2% CB Internationally | INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE 2022 Lic Real Estate Salesperson CT & NY Coldwell Banker Realty Direct (914) 393-8361 [email protected] pattyhinkleyrealestate.com Real Estate Done Right! It was such a pleasure working with the sellers during this transaction! 39 Deerfield Rd Katonah 10536 Patty Hinkley Lic Real Estate Salesperson CT & NY Coldwell Banker Realty Direct (914) 393-8361 hklb2023 Closed Volume: $15,868,898 # of Transactions: 42 CT & NY REAL ESTATE Scan to visit my website Follow me on instagram: @pattyhinkley_ realestate PATTY HINKLEY 2023 MARKET STATS Starting 2024 with the sale of 6 Lois Lane Katonah, NY Represented both the seller & buyer. Looking forward to helping you or someone you know with any real estate need you may have in 2024! @pattyhinkley_ realestate SOLD for 50K over asking! Patty Hinkley

PAGE 12 – THE SOMERS RECORD MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 Opinion 914-277-4424 • 440 Rt 22 North Salem, NY • www.theblazerpub.com CELEBRATING 531 YEARS! From Winter Chill to Spring Thrill! There’s a somewhat common joke about how much money a priest makes: the priesthood might not pay much, but the benefits are eternal! It’s a pretty easy joke to “get”: it’s the hope that, as a priest, I might not have a lot of *stuff* here in this life – I won’t drive the nicest car, have the nicest clothes, go on the nicest vacations, nor have my chance of fame or fortune – but God will reward me for that. What I give up here, I will earn in Heaven. However, this is pretty far from the truth: Heaven is not a wage I will earn simply by putting in my years here of being a man of the cloth. In fact, Heaven is something none of us can earn; from the pope to the pauper, from the holiest nun to the queen of vulgarity, none of us is qualified to get into Heaven by our own merits. Entrance into Heaven is not a wage, it is a gift. Wages and gifts are opposites. Wages are earned, while gifts are given; wages are necessary, gifts are free; wages are demanded by justice, gifts are chosen out of love. Wages are based on a contract, “If you do this, then you will get that,” while a true gift has no strings attached. The reality is we don’t deserve God, His mercy, Heaven or salvation. If we’re being blunt, due to our sinfulness, we really deserve death, pain and suffering. However, on that first Easter Sunday nearly 2,000 years ago, we were freely given the greatest gift of all: eternal life. St. Paul said it well in his Letter to the Romans, “The wage of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). That’s what makes the Easter celebration so revolutionary: the heart of the Christian claim is that the greatest debt of them all – our sinfulness – has been paid off by the very One to Whom we owed such a debt. We were indebted to God, and yet we were also freed by God. This is not a loan that we must pay back over time, nor a paycheck that is to be earned, but a free gift from the Father through His own Son, Jesus Christ. Not all gifts that are given, however, are used. Just because someone gives me tickets to a New York Yankees game doesn’t mean I actually attended the game, but only that I can attend the game (though feel free to give me such a gift: I’ll use them!) This gift from Jesus is similar: we’ve been gifted entrance into Heaven, but we must accept the invitation and make the proper preparations. This is done by rejecting evil, following the laws Jesus and His Church have given, asking for forgiveness when we stumble, and constantly responding “yes” to His invitation to live a life of closeness to Him. If it seems hard to get into Heaven, we might not be wrong; but we might also be overthinking it. We can think of Jesus’ simple invitation in the Gospels, “Let the children come to Me, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these,” and again, “you must acquire the heart of a child to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” Perhaps the secret to entrance into Heaven really is as simple as being like a child accepting a birthday gift from their parents: a child does nothing to earn his or her birthday gifts except by being born so many years ago. Easter is the time when we have been reborn by Jesus’ Passion, Death and Resurrection: we died with Him, and we rose to a new life with Him. It’s almost like a new birthday! And we have been given the greatest re-birthday gift imaginable. This Easter, let’s remember that we can never earn our way into Heaven, but thankfully we don’t have to earn anything, we just need to accept the gift. Heaven is something I could never earn no matter how hard I try, so – quite literally – thank God He gave it to me. Happy Easter to all of us who got the greatest gift of all time. Fr. Matthew Breslin is a Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of New York, serving as Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph’s Church in Somers and Chaplain of Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School. Easter: A time of free gifts, not earned wages FR. MATTHEW BRESLIN GUEST COLUMNIST Benjamin Franklin once famously wrote, “be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.” Franklin always struck me as a worldly guy and his idea of self-improvement is definitely something to strive for. Plus, he appears on currency. To go head-to-head with our vices, my wife Maggie and I recently embarked on a 21-day sugar detox. I’ll bet Benjamin Franklin never went three weeks without a piece of candy. I don’t consider myself to have much of a sweet tooth. Don’t misunderstand. I enjoy sugary snacks as much as the next person, with a particular penchant for peanut butter pretzels and mint chocolate chip ice cream. (Maggie insists that’s just frozen toothpaste, but no marriage is perfect.) Ben Franklin never faced Girl Scout cookies Our eye-opening 21-day sugar detox TOM WALOGORSKY TOM’S TAKE SEE WALOGORSKY PAGE 13

MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 13 “A Hidden Gem…” –Westchester Magazine 100 Route 202 • Lincolndale, NY 10540 • (914) 245-5588 www.anglebrookgc.com • [email protected] Be a Member for a Day, Book Your Event Today! For All Your Catering Needs Banquets, Receptions & Golf Outings Birthdays, Anniversaries, & Graduations Small & Large Conference Rooms Spectacular Setting with Fine & Casual Dining Options Reduced Membership Rates Private club available for non-member functions Now Accepting New Patients We Are In-Network With MetLife, Delta Dental, United HealthCare, Cigna PPO, and Ameritas PPO, and We Accept Other Insurances 914.277.3518 380 Route 202 at Junction of 116 (across from Heritage Hills) PaulHarbottle.com Excellence in Dentistry In Somers Since 1990 Paul D. Harbottle, DDS VOTED TOP DENTIST 2009-2019 by his Peers as featured in If I can take or leave the cookies and candy, a 21-day sugar detox should be easy, right? Wrong. The problem with three weeks off the sugar wagon is not avoiding the cakes and pies. The real difficulty comes when you realize that sugar is in EVERYTHING. Hidden Figures Don’t believe me? Go have a look at the nutritional information of anything in your cupboard or refrigerator. Sugar molecules are anything ending in “ose” (dextrose, fructose, glucose, lactose, maltose and sucrose). This makes for a lengthy list of “no” foods, including any bread and refined carbohydrates, sauces and condiments, and all types of fruit with natural sugars. Even things like skim milk, peanuts and my beloved Costco rotisserie chicken were now forbidden. Basically, the list of “yes” foods included all meat and fish, vegetables and a handful of “limit foods,” including certain types of beans and one green apple a day. If nothing else, doing a detox for a few weeks is eyeopening to how much sugar is in everything we consume on a daily basis. Battle Plan For anyone who might be inspired by this column to undertake a sugar detox, I can say that your best chance to succeed comes from proper planning. Maggie and I made meal prep and bulk shopping a top priority and were able to set ourselves up for grumpy, sugar-free success each week. We would cook mass quantities of vegetables and chicken on Sunday, which would prepare us nicely once the hectic work week began. The detox also challenged us to go outside the box with menu planning and not rely on some of the familiar comfort foods that we all fall back on once life gets busy. I also discovered that casting aside the idea of traditional breakfasts in favor of grilled chicken and veggies was helpful to get me over the longing for my usual bowl of cereal in the morning. Once we got over the hump of the first few days, replacing my normal pretzel rods with mixed nuts for a go-to snack and avoiding late night cravings while working became much easier. Temptation still reared its ugly head from time to time, especially when we attended a minor league hockey game and realized that our options from the snack bar were severely limited. (“I’ll have two delicious bottles of water, please.”) With only a few days remaining, a friend presented me with a box of Girl Scout cookies. He was understandably confused when I politely screamed at him. Nobody said this would be easy. How Sweet It Is The clock ran out on sugar detox just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, and Maggie and I celebrated our success with corned beef and cabbage with a side of her delicious soda bread (with double the sugar in the recipe for good measure). I’ll admit that the next day was a bit of a shock to the digestive system since we followed up three weeks of healthy eating with a feast of sugary carbs and fatty meat. What happened to the good old college days when I could subsist on a diet of pizza and keg beer and bounce back without a problem? Nobody tells you these things about getting older. Things have since evened out in our house, and we have stuck to our plan to follow up the sugar detox with continued healthier (but slightly less strict) eating habits. And I still have yet to break into the Girl Scout cookies. I think Ben Franklin would be proud. Tom Walogorsky thinks $100 could buy a lot of mint chocolate chip ice cream. Contact him at [email protected]. WALOGORSKY FROM PAGE 12 Contact Us The Somers Record is located at 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected].

PAGE 14 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 www.summertrailsdaycamp.com CURRENTLY HIRING STAFF! CALL FOR A TOUR! 914.245.1776 The Vacation Therapists® We Plan You Relax Frank Bastone, Chief Vacation Therapist®️ [email protected] 845-669-6149 Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962 Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962 Did you catch the Oscars a couple weeks ago? Whenever I watch those speeches, I just end up embarrassed for the human race at the things people say when they’re finally given the chance to say something that a professional writer didn’t write for them. Of course, there’s NO excuse for the speeches that professional writers give. I picture the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to be made up of intellectual types with glasses in caps and gowns and bow ties and comfortable shoes, who were previously in a think tank and miraculously escaped from it. People I might refer to as Academia Nuts. Don’t try to get up on stage and fool people like that. Maybe you caught the “Barbenheimer” double feature, but that’s not the only twin bill you could have seen. Just among this year’s Best Picture nominees, you could have seen “Poor- Fiction,” “Anatomy of a- Moon,” “Past- overs” or “Killers of- Interest.” I watched some of the presentation ceremony so that I could report back to you. You can tell a lot about people just by whom they thank. “I’d like to thank my Mom and Dad for getting me into acting: When I was younger they used to ask me if I knew who got into the liquor cabinet and I acted like I knew nothing about it. And the rest is history! And that’s also why I failed history!” Some people thank God, even though they’ve been up for the same award twice before, and God either did not see the performance, or thought it lackluster. The ones who thank God probably prayed that they would win. “God, do you think you could help me win the Oscar this year? It’s my third time nominated and I’ve been very good this year. And I hope I’m not confusing you with Santa Claus.” “WELL, WHAT ABOUT WORLD HUNGER AND PEACE ON EARTH? WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY A PRAYER FOR THOSE AS WELL?” “Yes, yes, of course. I don’t want you to spend a lot of time on my Oscar. If you could fit it in say, between the the wisdom for me to make good decisions for my children and the Giants making the playoffs, that would be great.” One of the Oscar winners this year said in her speech this year that she was preparing to become a professional singer, and her Mom told her to instead try out for the theater. Which is so much nicer than your Mom telling you that you’re a lousy singer. Some actors try to get political and take whatever side they think might get the most applause. “I am SO not in favor of people who are AGAINST the possibility of the NON-existence of a LACK of abundance of climate change! AND YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE! (rousing ovation).” I’m not even sure who we were never not. One award winner thanked his entertainment lawyer, which are two terms I never really pictured as coexisting right next to one another. Also, nobody who won an Oscar thanked their production design team. “I’m not thanking them. Every time I suggested something they made a scene.” Many celebrities thank their publicist, those tireless workers without whom actors and actresses might enjoy a little privacy. “I’d like to thank my publicist for stepping in and pulling me away from Bill Clinton just before I said something dumb that would have found its way into the papers and everyone would have remembered. My publicist saved my stupidity from going public.” I’d rather hear a speech by Oscar himself and let him say where he got his name, since no one can verify exactly where it originated. “I’d like to thank everyone for coming out The envelope, please RICK MELÉN MAN OVERBOARD SEE MELEN PAGE 16

MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 FOCUS ON ELDER LAW THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 15 Recently, the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) has received a great deal of negative press, as it is a home care program that is being victimized by fraud and abuse by both some of its participants and some of the fiscal intermediaries involved with the program. Clearly, those using the program and participants in its implementation must avoid committing fraud. However, a few bad actors should not dissuade seniors from attempting to use the program. Most seniors are set in their ways: they know what they like and do not like. Thus, bringing someone they don’t know into their home to provide care may be a hurdle and challenge. Thus, if you are facing such a dilemma, eligibility for the CDPAP may be a great option.  CDPAP is a New York Medicaid initiative that allows someone who is eligible for the Medicaid home care program (both financially and physically) to hire their own home health aide (caregiver), including members of their family and friends (with the exception of their spouse). The caregiver is paid hourly by Medicaid based on the number of hours the consumer has been approved for by Medicaid.  Thus, the child of the person eligible for Medicaid home care can be the caregiver, as well as other family members and/or friends. The consumer (person in need of care) or their representative will be responsible for hiring, firing, training and back up for the caregiver. Of the above-stated requirements placed on the consumer, the most difficult is ensuring that there is back up. If the primary caregiver is unavailable, the consumer cannot call the Managed Long Term Care Provider (MLTC) or Home Care Agency involved and request that an aide be sent. They must arrange for their own backup to provide the care. Additionally, the aide chosen by the consumer does not need to be a certified healthcare provider, nor do they require any training in healthcare. The consumer or their representative can provide the training at the consumer’s home. An additional benefit of using the CDPAP program is that the caregiver is not limited in the services they can provide. For example, if the consumer requires an injection (insulin, et al), the aide can provide said services. They can virtually do all that a registered nurse can do.  CDPAP more than anything else provides the consumer with the option of receiving home care from someone they know and trust. The level of familiarity and comfort that awaits both the recipient of the care and their family knowing that a loved one and/or friend is providing the care needed is invaluable. The present allegations that participants and fiscal intermediaries may be committing fraud is not sufficient reason for the consumer to not use the program, legally and ethically. Anthony J. Enea is the managing partner of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP of White Plains. He focuses his practice on Wills, Trusts, Estates and Elder Law. Anthony is the Past Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), and is the past Chair of the 50+ Section of the NYSBA. He is a Past President and Founding member of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Anthony is also the Immediate Past President of the Westchester County Bar Foundation and a Past President of the Westchester County Bar Association. He is also fluent in Italian. He can be reached at 914-948-1500 or at [email protected]. Is the CDPAP Program right for you? Bad press should not dissuade seniors from using the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program CDPAP more than anything else provides the consumer with the option of receiving home care from someone they know and trust.’ -Anthony J. Enea, managing partner Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP ANTHONY J. ENEA GUEST CORNER

PAGE 16 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO! ENJOY 0 DOWN, 0% FINANCING! ACT NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! LIMITED TIME OFFER 845-600-8004 | www.bellmech.com Heat pumps are a cleaner & healthier alternative to traditional heating & cooling systems. This all in one system will eliminate your need for fossil fuel and help you save thousands. Learn more about rebates & financing options! EXCLUDES SERVICE CONTRACT • EXP 4/30/24 Coupon must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offer. $50 OFF ANY OF OUR SERVICES CALL US TODAY! Keep COOL with REBATES from BELL! SAVE THOUSANDS in Federal, State and Local Incentives on your new HEATPUMP PROJECT tonight, and as you can see, I look NOTHING like that little statue.” (He looks exactly like it.) “And PLEASE don’t call it a statuette, which makes me sound a little girly. I am anything but girly; as you can see I am holding a sword, which was the only editing equipment we had back in the day. Also, I’m sort of naked, which is why I have to be pretty careful with the sword.” It’s not all gravy. The winner of the best stylist award clearly had no sense of style. The winner of the best costume designer award showed up in an ugly dress. The best editor winner hugged every person in the aisle on her way to the podium, a time-consuming exercise which could certainly have been edited out. But by then it was too late to take their Oscars back. I’ll be presenting the award this year for the best score. And the nominees are: Tylan Wallace for his game-winning kickoff return; A.J. Brown for his onehanded touchdown catch; and, ME! I can’t really go into the exact circumstances, but suffice it to say that when I was in high school my Mom had a huge station wagon. Join Rick and No Options at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 5, at Mohansic Grill in Yorktown Heights. Say hello at [email protected]. MELEN FROM PAGE 14 As someone who has seen firsthand the power of civic engagement and the importance of every voice being heard, I want to talk about something crucial to the health of our democracy: primaries. These are not just preliminary elections but the heartbeat of our democratic process. Growing up in the Jim Crow South, my family fought and bled for this fundamental right that would allow Barack Obama, and even me, to participate in our democracy in an election as a candidate for any office. Primaries are where the conversation starts. They are where diverse candidates step forward with their visions for our future, and we, as voters, get to engage with those ideas and make informed decisions. This is where democracy comes to life, in the exchange of ideas and the robust debate that shapes and strengthens our policies. But primaries are more than just a debate stage. They are a tool for accountability, ensuring our political parties and their leaders remain connected to the people they serve. Despite their importance, the role of primaries in our democratic process is often underappreciated and even threatened. We’ve seen attempts to cancel or diminish their significance in certain states and parties, which not only undermines the democratic process but also erodes public trust in our political institutions. Right here in the Hudson Valley, a region known for its vibrant democratic spirit, a concerning situation is unfolding. A candidate running for office who claims to champion the values of democracy is working to undermine one of its fundamental pillars: the primary process. This individual is pressing local party leaders to rush endorsements, effectively sidelining the voices of party members and voters and attempting to block the opportunity for a primary election. Ironically, someone who claims to stand apart from Washington politics is resorting to tactics that seem all too familiar in the corridors of power. These maneuvers remind us that vigilance is required at all levels of our political system. Democracy thrives on transparency, competition and the active participation of the electorate. Any attempt to bypass these fundamentals should be met with scrutiny and resistance. Moreover, primaries are vital for fostering political participation and engagement among the broader electorate. They spark interest in the political process, encouraging people to register to vote and turn out at the polls. They provide a valuable civic education opportunity, helping voters understand the issues, the candidates, and how our political system works. If we genuinely care about the health of our democracy, we must recognize the essential role of primaries. They are not just a step in the electoral process but the heartbeat of our democratic system. By valuing and protecting primaries, we safeguard the health of our democracy and ensure that it remains responsive to the will of the people. Let’s embrace the spirit of active participation and robust competition that primaries embody, for it is through this engagement that our democracy thrives and endures. MaryAnn Carr is running in the Democrat primary for U.S. Congress in New York’s 17th district, which includes our entire readership area. She previously served as councilwoman and supervisor in the Town of Bedford. The heartbeat of democracy Why primaries matter MARYANN CARR GUEST COLUMNIST

MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 17 4 Heritage Hills Plaza, 202 Ctr. • Somers, NY 10589 914-277-4222 • www.somerssmiles.com A new generation of family dentistry CALL US & make your appointment TODAY! Happy Easter from our dental family! 914-277-7575 • ilfornosomers.com 343 US-202, SOMERS, NY 10589 Come enjoy your special occasion with us. We can accommodate your party! Off premise catering also available HAPPY HOUR DAILY: 2 PM - 6PM HALF OFF all menu appetizers!* $5 Beer (draft and bottles) *bar seating only *Not available for take out or on holidays HOLY THURSDAY, March 28th 7:30AM ~ Mass of the Lord’s Supper 9:00AM ~ Tenebrae/Morning Prayer 7:30 PM ~ Mass of the Lord’s Supper- LIVESTREAM GOOD FRIDAY, March 29th 9 AM ~ Tenebrae/Morning Prayer 3 PM ~ Celebration of the Lord’s Passion-LIVESTREAM 7 PM ~ Stations of the Cross HOLY SATURDAY, March 30th 9 AM ~ Tenebrae/Morning Prayer 12 Noon ~ Blessing of the Food and Easter Baskets 7:30 PM ~ The Great Vigil of Easter The Vigil begins with the lighting of the Easter fire in front of the Church. Easter water will be available at the conclusion of the Easter Vigil. EASTER SUNDAY, March 31st (Please note the change of Mass times for Easter Sunday) Mass will be celebrated at: 7:30 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, LIVESTREAM 1:30 PM Join us Easter Weekend SAINT JOSEPH'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 95 PLUM BROOK RD., SOMERS NY 10589 • 914 232 2910 Please visit our parish website at www.stjosephsomers.org to access our YouTube Channel One speed bump in front of park is sufficient for Shenorock Dear Editor, I am a 66-year resident in Shenorock and have a New York State driver’s license (a privilege). This community clearly knows that individuals walk and ride bicycles, and children play in their yards, as can a cherished family pet. It is my opinion that speeding is happening everywhere, not just in Shenorock. These speed bumps are too high and too many in one location. Our stop signs are obeyed by most drivers, but not by all. The Shenock community should have been advised before the Town Board decided to install speed bumps. I believe one speed bump in front of the park is sufficient to try to control speeding. We all pay taxes and a few individuals should not make decisions for all of our community. We are a majority. -LuAnn Oakley Shenorock Hochul deserves credit for $2 million grant Dear Editor, I read the story (“Water works: Congressman Lawler secures $2 million grant for Somers,” Page 1) in the March 14, 2024 edition The Somers Record, citing the Republican representative’s announcement of a $2 million grant to Somers to resolve some of its drinking water issues. That’s great, and it’s nice to get a piece of the pie, but we should also recognize those working to bake the pies. In December 2023, Democrat Gov. Hochul announced $479 million in grants for critical water infrastructure projects. That’s where the funding for the project in Somers is coming from. In November 2021, the U.S. Congress passed President Biden’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, with 50 Democrat and 19 Republican senators, and 215 Democrat and 13 Republican congressmen voting yes. Thirty Republican senators and 200 Republican and six Democrat congressmen voted no. To date, there are over 172 specific projects identified for roads, bridges, internet, EV charging, clean energy and power, public transit, ports and airports, and so far, roughly $472 million allocated specifically for clean water, heading to New York through funding by the Infrastructure Act. In The Somers Record article, Representative Lawler contrasted himself with Mr. Mondaire Jones, who may be his Democrat opponent in the November 2024 election. Mr. Lawler stated that he has brought more funding to District 17 LETTERS SEE LETTERS PAGE 18

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St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Holy Week & Easter Services All are welcome! than Mr. Jones when he represented the district. Mr. Jones served in the 117th session of Congress, while Mr. Lawler is serving in the 118th. Because of redistricting, the district maps between Mr. Jones’ 17th district and Mr. Lawler’s 17th district are substantially different. Mr. Jones never represented Somers, which at the time was represented by Sean Patrick Maloney, when Somers was part of the 18th District. While in Congress, Mr. Jones voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Mr Lawler was not in Congress at the time, but it should be noted that during this year’s State of the Union address, not one Republican applauded the Act, which will bring billions of dollars to New York. During the previous administration, the word ‘infrastructure’ became a one-word punchline to jokes, because it never happened. A more relevant comparison would be the positions taken by Mr. Lawler and Mr. Jones moving forward. Let’s look at one. At one of his Town Hall events, Mr. Lawler was asked if he is pro-choice? He answered by describing the miscarriage suffered by his wife in their first pregnancy, and how they now have a healthy daughter. I’m very happy for them, but find it ironic and hypocritical that his family has had the health care of our state, which supports the bodily autonomy and reproductive rights of women, while in Congress, Mr. Lawler stands against reproductive freedom, supporting the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, and voting for restricting reproductive care nationally for service members and their families. In contrast, Mr. Mondaire Jones supports the bodily autonomy and reproductive rights of women. Perhaps Mr. Lawler best summarized himself when he commented in The Somers Record, Aug. 10, 2023, saying, “I’ve voted with Marjorie Taylor Greene 80% of the time.” He must be in good stead with MAGA Republicans, since Speaker Mike Johnson appeared at one of his fundraisers. In contrasting the two political parties, the 23 states in GOP control have in the past few years passed laws imposing new restrictions on voting, banning or limiting access to abortion, retrenching LGBTQ rights, removing licensing and training requirements for concealed carry of firearms, and censoring how public school teachers or even university professors and private employers can talk about race, gender and sexual orientation. In 2021, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act passed in the House of Representatives, with all Republicans voting against it, and all Democrats voting for it. It failed in the Senate as Republicans blocked the measure. There will be a day after November’s election. What is the country you want for your child on that day? How boundless do you want their freedoms, choices and futures to be? Or how much control will you relinquish to the government to circumscribe their lives and voice, as it works to give power and benefits to the few?  This country was founded by people who created a democracy, who chose to be citizens with individual rights, freedoms, and a voice in their government. They refused to be subjects. It’s time to stand for democracy again. -Anita Krusko Somers Say no to the battery farm Dear Editor,  We are writing to bring awareness to the massive lithium battery storage facility being proposed in Mahopac, off Miller Road. Corporations across America are trying to put these battery facilities all over and one is being proposed right here in our backyards. These facilities, and all the systems that require the plant to run properly, are still in the very beginning and experimental stages. No one really knows the harmful effects that these facilities can cause to people, animals and the environment. There has already been three fires across New York State at much smaller facilities than the one being proposed for Mahopac. To propose a facility of this magnitude off a residential community is reckless and irresponsible. At this early stage, we are trying to bring awareness to Mahopac and the surrounding areas. At the end of the day, we are not looking to get into the politics of it. We are just a group of parents who want to raise our families in a healthy and safe environment. We have one question for anyone who is on the Town of Carmel Planning Board: What would your answer be if this was being proposed in your backyard? Think about it that way. I would bet that you would be completely against it. So here we are, asking the members of the Carmel Town Planning Board to do the right thing by the community and vote this thing down! -Stephanie Azadian  Baldwin Place Pro-speed bump residents don’t live near the speed bumps Dear Editor, The three speed bumps and three stop signs in Shenorock (within a half mile) were put in without the “Concerned Residents of Shenorock” having to petition for them 18 months ago, which I believe is mandatory in order to request them. The town has made other residents do this. Residents paid to do a mailer notifying everyone about the petition against these bumps and stop signs. There are 227 signatures LETTERS FROM PAGE 17 SEE LETTERS PAGE 19

MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 19 Point B Planning, LLC d/b/a/ AtwoB (“AtwoB”) is a registered investment adviser. A copy of AtwoB’s current written disclosure statement discussing AtwoB’s business operations, services, and fees is available at the SEC’s investment adviser public information website or from AtwoB upon written request. This article is for information only and should not be considered investment advice. Michael Tom CFP® CFA® • Jeff Wund • Todd Rebori, CFA® 23 Parkway, Second Floor • Katonah, NY 10536 STRESSED ABOUT TAXES? We’ll help you organize, strategize, and file. www.AtwoB.com • (914) 302-3233 PERSONAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT Financial Planning • Investment Management Income Tax Planning • Retirement Plan Services For Income Taxes email: [email protected] Lincolndale Wine & Liquor colndale Wine & Liq uor March Madness CONTINUES 155 Rt 202, Village Plaza, Lincolndale (next to Sunrise Diner—across from Appliance Sales Plus) Mon-Wed 930-9P • Thurs-Sat: 930-930P • Sun: 12N-8P 845-475-7574 • 914-248-6000 10% OFF Any 6 Bottles of Wine or Champagne Mix & Match Lincolndale Wine & Liquor Not valid with any other offers. Some exceptions apply. Exp. 5/20/24 15% OFF Any 12 Bottles of Wine or Champagne Mix & Match Lincolndale Wine & Liquor Not valid with any other offers. Some exceptions apply. Exp. 5/20/24 Huge Selection of your Favorite Wines & Liquors Free Local Delivery (within 10 miles on purchases of $75 or more) LETTERS FROM PAGE 18 and even bus drivers and monitors have signed it. Why didn’t this group petition for them? Because they knew people would be against them. It affects all of Shenorock, especially those poor residents that live next to the constant noise 24/7. Why didn’t the bumps get installed outside of their homes so they could listen to the thumping all day? Four residents who want the bumps are 1,200 feet and more away from the first bump. They bought their house on a main thoroughfare and now that they are not happy about traffic, they want everyone else to suffer. People now take other streets to avoid these bumps; is that fair to those residents. Two residents sat for six hours and tracked all the southbound cars; out of 333 vehicles, only 17 went 35 miles per hour. We don’t have a beach or a clubhouse like Purdys or Lake Lincolndale, and yet they only have one bump each. Speeding happens everywhere, even on my dead-end street. Kids race up and down and it’s dangerous. The New York State Department of Transportation Chapter 25 states that a calming study needs to be done, affected residents need to be notified and a number of speeding tickets should be given out along this road. These were not done. The American Disabilities Act requires that the mobility of an individual with disabilities should not be impeded by traffic calming measures.  -Linda Luciano Shenorock Did the Fire Department sign off on speed bumps or not? Dear Editor, I have asked the Town Board on more than one occasion if the Fire Department signed off on the speed bumps installed in Shenorock and was told “yes” each time. In the minutes of the Somers Bureau of Fire Prevention Meeting from Feb. 15, 2023, it states the following: “There is concern about the temporary speed bumps as statistically, stopping at a speed bump delays response time in an emergency by 30 seconds. In addition, depending on the injury of a patient that may be in an ambulance that has to stop at a speed bump, doing so can be detrimental, i.e., a back/ neck injury. Also, as per section 503.4.1 Traffic Calming Devices of the 2020 Fire Code of NYS, “Traffic calming devices shall be prohibited unless approved by the fire code official.” Considering the aforementioned, the Bureau of Fire Prevention is not in favor of the installation of temporary speed bumps in the recreation area by the lake in Shenorock.” On Feb. 8, 2023 Nick Devito’s (Highway Superintendent) email to the Town Board only supported the one stop sign at Bridge Lane. Another email from the Bureau on July 20, 2023 stated they had no reservations regarding the installation of the stop signs. We would like to go on record that each stop sign installed can add a 45 second delay to an emergency response. How does a small group of people for 18 months get a public hearing about this in May 2023 and nobody else in Shenorock was notified or knew about it? -Tom Smith Shenorock

PAGE 20 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 Source: OKMLS, 1/1/23-12/31/23, total dollar volume of single family homes and condominiums sold by Agent, Somers school district AGENT IN SOMERS & HERITAGE HILLS DONNA O’CONNELL Associate Real Estate Broker M 914.263.9108 O 914.277.8040 Ext. 334 [email protected] donnaoconnell.houlihanlawrence.com SOMERS BROKERAGE 104 VILLAGE SQUARE, SOMERS, NY 10589 As we head into the spring market, it’s a great time to list your home or condo. I would be happy to provide you with a complimentary market analysis. With over twenty-five years of experience and an unmatched devotion to each client, I make the transaction process easy. Sellers are receiving multiple offers for their properties! Thinking about selling your home or condo? I can help! Service: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com Recent political events on the national stage remind me of the Chinese curse, “May you live in interesting times.” As we gear up for one of the longest election seasons ever, I came across an interesting book, “The Myth of Left and Right: How the political spectrum misleads and harms America,” by Hyrum and Verlan Lewis. As the title would indicate, it provides food for thought about whether our political spectrum is serving us well, especially as we run the gauntlet for the next several months of never ending partisan political messaging premised on negative partisanship, i.e. if you vote for the other guy the world is going to end. I’ve written before about my concerns with the hyper partisan times we live in, which produce a lot of vitriol, but few concrete solutions to a wide range of important problems we face. The authors examine our long history of using the notion of left wing or right wing to divide into political parties. Most party faithful operate under the theory that there is some kind of ideological consistency or “essence” that explains their position on a wide range of unrelated topics. Abortion, the border, tax policy, the size of government, foreign policy to name just a few. Most of us believe our political affiliations come from some philosophically coherent through line that connects our positions on a multitude of issues. Does the world really work that way? They present evidence that social connections may be a better predictor of our political ideology. Your friends’ and family’s political affiliation is most likely the same as yours. Most pick the tribe first, red or blue, then adopt the policy positions and talking points that go with the package. Each have their own playlist. The “essentialist” theory starts to fall apart when you realize that each side of the spectrum has pitched opposite positions on many issues in the recent past. Bernie Sanders and Cesar Chavez opposed open borders due to the impact it would have on workers’ wages. George W. Bush grew the government more than Barack Obama. Barry Goldwater was proabortion rights. The current foreign policy hawks and interventionists were doves and isolationists in the 60s and 80s. The current day “right” doesn’t seem to care much about debt, deficits or free-trade. Richard Nixon started the EPA. There are countless other examples. As a Jets fan, I believe that, obviously, Joe Namath was the greatest quarterback of all time. If you wear the jersey, there are certain positions you’re going to adopt. Seems to be the same with political positions as well. If you are on my team, you’re good. You’re on the other team, you’re bad. I agree with the authors that ideological thinking rooted in tribal partisanship stifles openmindedness. We are more prone to confirmation bias, which causes us only to listen to things that support the talking points we are given and not give any time to points of view that might challenge us to think again. Our politics would be better served by adopting a more humble approach and a willingness to change our minds after we listen. The percentage of the population that identifies as independent has never been higher in our lifetime at 43%. Maybe that’s a sign that the old left versus right convention Beyond left and right Navigating the political playlist DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT SEE SCOTT PAGE 21

MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 21 Hole 8 Pool Hole 18 Hole 11 Hole 12 1060 Oregon Road | Cortlandt Manor, NY 10567 (914) 734-1500 | [email protected] GolfHollowBrook.com There’s Something for Everyone at Hollow Brook Golf Club. World-class golf on one of Westchester’s most spectacular golf courses with tournaments and season-long competitions. Family activities including Couples Golf, Junior Golf, Summer Camps and Kids Golf Clinics, Pool and Social Events. For even more value, your children aged 10 or under can play golf with you FOR FREE! From the moment you arrive at Hollow Brook, you’ll know you’re in for something special. Contact us today to learn about our New Member Program. Join Now for 2024 and Pay No Initiation! INDEPENDENTLY OWNED and OPERATED 268 ROUTE 202 SOMERS, NY 10589 progressive-vet.com Rooted in the Community with Excellence & Love 914•248•6220 BY RANDY FREEMAN GUEST COLUMNIST This year is an important election year, and trustworthy elections are essential to ensure the legitimacy of our government. They are the cornerstone of democratic governance. Fair elections protect the right to participate in the democratic process. Elections conducted with integrity contribute to political stability and enhance our country’s credibility on the world stage. Overall, trustworthy elections are essential for upholding democratic values, protecting human rights, ensuring stability and fostering socioeconomic development. Braver Angels, a national grass roots organization, is active in Westchester County, and has members throughout Westchester and Putnam counties. Braver Angels has been around since 2016. It is made up of people on the political left and the political right. Their focus is on decreasing the political rancor, getting people to disagree amicably and finding some common ground even if each side has to give up a little to get there.   Braver Angels has spent the past year putting both conservatives and liberals together to hash out what constitutes a trustworthy election. We have held 26 of these Common Ground Meetings around the United States this past year. We wanted to show ourselves and the country that people from both sides of our political spectrum could come together and find points of agreement about what constitutes a trustworthy election. This impacts all of us on the local, state and federal level. These were three principles that were agreed upon: 1) “Voting should be easy. Cheating should be hard.” 2) “Every citizen should have an equal say in who will govern them; this is done through free and fair elections.” 3) “The American government will fail if candidates refuse to accept any outcome other than victory.” Some examples of points of agreement were: 1) Voter ID should be required. 2) Gerrymandering should not be allowed. 3) There should be a process that ensures transparency and accountability at the polls. 4) Safety and security at polling places should be ensured. 5) A process should be in place to enforce accuracy and confidence in vote counting. 6) Candidates must accept the results of the election for peaceful transfers of power.   These are some highlights of the results of our Common Ground Meetings. There were more that were agreed upon. They are the results of hours of discussions and haggling over details that took place across the country. Randy Freeman is the New York State coordinator for Braver Angels. If anyone would like a copy of the full report or for more information about the Westchester group, contact Freeman at [email protected]. Left and right unite on voter integrity may be breaking down. The authors believe that the left/ right labeling system is unhelpful. The first step towards making things better is to stop referring to politicians and one another as leftwingers or right-wingers. Instead, they recommend going granular. When discussing politics, refer to politicians and others as pro-taxcut or pro-choice or pro-free-trade. Use labels that refer to issues, not political spectrum. Labels that inform rather than pigeonhole. Only then can we address problems rather than perpetuating unhelpful tribalism. Treat people as individuals, not members of one side or the other. Those small changes won’t solve all of our problems, but it might improve the prospects for civil dialogue and give rise to problem solving. Only 225 days until election day. SCOTT FROM PAGE 20

PAGE 22 – THE SOMERS RECORD HEALTH & WELLNESS MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 Elder Law Wills, Trusts & Estates Estate Planning Medicaid Applications Guardianships Probates Elder Law & Estate Planning A Tradition of Excellence in Elder Law (845) 621-8640 thefellergroup.com 625 Route 6, Mahopac NY 10541 We make home & hospital visits Contact the team today! (845) 621-8640 www.aonpt.com GOODROW BUILDING 862 Route 6 Mahopac NY 10541 (845) 208-0963 MILL POND OFFICES 293 Route 100 • Suite 107 Somers, NY 10589 (914) 276-2520 BREWSTER 3 Starr Ridge Road Brewster, NY 10509 (845) 279-9288 The Road To Recovery Starts Here I knew a guy. In the late 90s, as a young elder law clerk soon to be attorney, the Medicaid system was wildly different than today. The Nursing Home Eligibility Division of New York City had a phone number that I would call regularly. Picking up the phone was a gentleman of advancing years who knew the status of all of my cases. I think his name was Frank, but don’t hold me to it. I looked forward to my conversations with him- his old timey New York good humor and friendly advice. For a city the size of New York, it still amazes me that during those years, only one or two people sat at a bureaucratic intersection and were able to pull information accurately from a motley collection of analog files and slow computers. Years before the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 complicated Medicaid planning, at least in my experience, elder law practice mimicked the neighborliness of Sesame Street. Paperwork and people merged to create a system that was not perfect, but more manageable.  Medicaid is the U.S. Government health insurance program that covers low income/low resourced individuals and long term care for the disabled and chronically ill. While Medicare pays for basic doctor visits, prescription drugs, short hospital stays and up to 100 days of rehabilitation, Medicaid covers longer, continuous care. Medicaid is means based and requires financial eligibility. The steps required for a disabled or chronically ill person to reach or maintain financial eligibility is called Medicaid planning. Nursing Home planning is more restrictive than Home Care or Assisted Living planning. Luckily for us, New York remains one of the most flexible states for reaching Medicaid financial eligibility. Elder law attorneys focus on assets and income. Assets include homes, bank accounts, retirement accounts, whole life insurance policies and vehicles. Some assets can be excluded from Medicaid consideration; others cannot. Transferring general assets to spouses and disabled children or homes to caregiver children or siblings residing in the same home are allowed. Irrevocable Trusts are often used to protect assets from Medicaid consideration. Income from Social Security, pensions, rent, interest and dividends are tracked. Community based Medicaid allows income in excess of regulated limits to be protected through the use of Pooled Supplemental Needs Trusts. These special trusts hold excess income, set aside these funds to pay for expenses, and allow a Medicaid recipient to maintain eligibility. The downside is that these funds remain with the Pool after the Medicaid recipient dies. For Nursing Home cases, income is owed to the facility and cannot be protected unless a spouse remains in the community and is under an income threshold.  Working together with Local DSS (Department of Social Services) agencies, the merging of paperwork and people continues, albeit under a slightly more digitized system. Elder attorneys are tasked with obtaining subsidized long term health care solutions for chronically ill people while protecting a family’s money. For many of us, it is a labor of love and an appreciation of the efforts of everyone involved with setting up care for our loved ones. Contact the professionals at The Feller Group, P.C. for more insight on this topic. The Feller Group is a multi-disciplinary law practice specializing in elder law, estate planning and business advisement. This article was written by Alan D. Feller, Esq. Feller can be reached at 845-621-8640, or visit thefellergroup.com.  Medicaid marvels Unmasking financial superpowers for a prosperous spring The Medicaid system has gotten a bit more advanced since the late 1990s, when an older gentleman named Frank picked up the phone whenever Alan Feller called. IMAGE CREATED BY DALL-E ALAN D. FELLER, ESQ. GUEST CORNER

MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 HEALTH & WELLNESS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 23 WE’RE NOT YOUR ORDINARY DENTISTS. Affiliate of Astoria | Bay Shore | Garden City | Hoboken | Howard Beach Huntington | Lake Success | Long Island City | Mt. Kisco | Oceanside White Plains | Yonkers | Yorktown Heights Put Your Health Where Your Mouth Is™ and book an appointment today, call 914-770-8555 For more information: CareMount Dental is now ProHealth Dental. ProHEALTH Dental proudly announces a groundbreaking affiliation with Northwell Health. Northwell is New York State’s largest health care provider, with more than 900 locations. ProHEALTH Dental has a network of 16 state-of-the-art dental offices throughout the NY Metro Area. Together, we will treat patients holistically, focusing on how oral health improves overall health. phdental.com Oral Surgery General Pediatrics Orthodontics Endodontics Sleep Cosmetic Dentistry Periodontics Implants Parents of young children are undoubtedly familiar with the morning and nighttime ritual of getting kids to brush their teeth. Kids may or may not embrace that routine no matter how hard parents try to relate the benefits of proper oral hygiene, but moms and dads can take solace in the knowledge that childhood dental care can have a positive and lasting effect on kids’ overall health. Dental care and heart disease Harvard Health Publishing notes that numerous studies have now shown that people with poor oral health exhibit higher rates of cardiovascular issues, including heart attack and stroke. The reason behind that remains something of a medical mystery, but some theorize that bacteria that infects gums and causes conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis trigger an immune response, inflammation, that then contributes to vascular damage. Dental care and Alzheimer’s disease The National Institute on Aging reports that a recent analysis published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease noted the bacteria that cause gum disease are also linked with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. That analysis found that older adults with signs of periodontitis, a condition marked by inflammation of tissue around the teeth that can cause loosening of the teeth, were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Additional research is necessary before more concrete conclusions about the link between dental care and Alzheimer’s disease can be made, but dental care that protects the gums could very well reduce individuals’ risk for dementia. Dental care and cancer risk Cancer is among the leading causes of death across the globe, affecting people from all walks of life. Researchers at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered a link between dental care and cancer risk. In a letter published in the journal Gut in 2020, researchers reported that they found that people with a history of gum disease have a higher risk of stomach and esophageal cancers than people with no such history. And that risk was not exactly minimal, as researchers reported a 43 percent higher risk for esophageal cancer and a 52 percent higher risk for stomach cancer. An emphasis on lifelong oral hygiene in childhood could pay lasting dividends, potentially reducing kids’ risk for various diseases when they reach adulthood. This article is from Metro Creative Connection. The long-term effects of proper childhood dental care

PAGE 24 – THE SOMERS RECORD HEALTH & WELLNESS MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 We see you here. The things you love doing are more than just passions. They’re what make you “you.” This is why at The Bristal, our expert team members dedicate their time, attention, and energy to creating customized social activities that ensure each resident continues being the unique person they are. And, in the process, create the one-of-a-kind community we are, too. Schedule your visit today and see for yourself. THE BRISTAL AT ARMONK | 914.306.8580 THE BRISTAL AT WHITE PLAINS | 914.594.5787 thebristal.com Licensed by the State Department of Health. Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies. Equal Housing Opportunity. Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care Arthritis isn’t a single disease, but a term that refers to more than 100 conditions characterized by joint pain or joint disease, says the Arthritis Foundation. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, and affects women at a proportionally higher rate than men. Arthritis looks and feels different to the various people who experience it, and symptoms can vary from day to day depending on variables such as the weather and individuals’ level of physical activity. When arthritis flares up, it can make performance of daily activities challenging. Therefore, people experiencing arthritis can take steps to make living with the condition somewhat easier. Work with an occupational therapist An occupational therapist can assess work and home situations and make recommendations on potential modifications to these spaces that might be right for your situation. The bathroom and kitchen typically are two spaces where people spend a lot of time and can be areas of focus. Having items at counter height; purchasing smaller sizes of products that are easier to hold; avoiding bending down by using a grabber tool; and having a chair or stool nearby so that you can sit while doing an activity can help. Use smart devices The bevy of smart devices now available can work to your advantage. With the push of a button on a phone app or through voice control, you can turn on lights, switch the thermostat or perform any other tasks programmed around the house. This can help when mobility is compromised. Focus on kitchen tasks Meal preparation can be a chore when arthritis makes it painful. Rather than eating out all of the time, some tips can help. Utilize frozen fruit or vegetables that already are chopped and prepared to cut down on these tasks. Invest in lightweight cookware and dishes to simplify moving items around. Electric jar openers, kitchen scissors and even vegetable steamers that require less water are additional kitchen tools that can make life with arthritis a little easier. Move your bedroom If climbing stairs repeatedly is problematic, move clothing or even your bedroom downstairs to reduce trips up and down. Additional relocation techniques can include putting a mini fridge in your bedroom or relocating the washer and dryer upstairs to make laundry easier. Get a rollator A rollator is a wheeled walker that doubles as a seat. It provides support when walking, but also can be a comfortable place to stop and take a seated break. Get the right pain relief Pain relief can make it easier to cope. Strategies include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and massages, stretching and exercising, and even prescription therapies that target the immune system in people with autoimmune arthritis. Work with health professionals to get the right combination of what is needed to alleviate pain and stiffness. Arthritis affects millions of individuals around the world. By making some changes, people living with the condition can find life a little bit easier. This article is from Metro Creative Connection. Tips for daily living with arthritis

MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 HEALTH & WELLNESS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 25 ADVERTORIAL To move and be active, we rely on our musculoskeletal system that is innervated by the somatic nervous system, which requires a conscious effort to activate the muscles, joints, and nerves. But our bodies also have the autonomic nervous system that works silently in the background that connects the central nervous system (CNS) to the peripheral system to regulate the involuntary body functions such as heart rate, organ functions, blood pressure, respiration, sexual arousal. OUR AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM Our bodies autonomic nervous system has two main components: the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The two systems play opposite roles in our body’s responses to internal survival requirements and external challenges. The two systems must be in balance to keep our body in a good homeostatic state: 1. SNS: the “fight-or-flight” response. This keeps your body prepared and alert to protect you in case of danger by elevating your heart and respiratory rates, release stored energy and blood supply to the musculoskeletal system in case you need to move faster (e.g., crossing a street in a rush when a car approaches) and slows down systems that are not as important during danger (e.g., digestion). 2. PNS: the “rest-and-digest “response to control the bodily functions in regular times to stimulate our digestive system to breakdown food and absorb nutrients, restore energy, repair, helps to build the immune system and controls heart rate and blood pressure. The PNS is controlled by the vagus nerve. OUR VAGUS NERVE It is the “wondering” nerve of our body (from its Latin translation) and is also called the 10th cranial nerve. The vagus nerve originates from the left and right side of your brainstem and forms the extensive “nerve highway” to connect your brain to vital organs in our head, neck, thoracic area, and abdomen. The primary function of the vagus nerve is to manage the PNS function and to regulate internal organ functions without you being consciously aware of the silent communication to keep your body function normally. The vagus nerve also plays a role in your: • Mood • Skin and muscle sensation • Mucus and saliva production • Speech • Taste • Urine output VAGUS NERVE DYSFUNCTION There are two main causes of vagus nerve dysfunction: 1) physical or psychological stress, and 2) any infection or inflammation. Throughout our daily lives we experience some kind of stress whether it is finances, health, family or work. The low-grade chronic stress can cause our vagus nerve to become overwhelmed and not be in its “rest and digest” state. This will activate the SNS when it is not required to respond to a threat and results in an imbalance in our PNS and SNS. This can lead to high blood pressure, gastrointestinal problems, brain fog, headaches, lack of energy, muscles ache and fatigue, difficulty sleeping, anxiety and more stress. EXERCISES AND ACTIONS TO CALM/STIMULATE YOUR VAGUS NERVE TO RESTORE YOUR BODY’S BALANCE To bring your PNS and SNS in harmony again, requires an awareness of your body’s states of well-being and how the mind-body connection works*: • Deep breathing: 4-Box breathing - sit in a relaxed position with your one hand on your diaphragm (below your ribcage/ upper abdomen) and other hand on your outside lower ribcage. Exhale through pursed lips for 4 seconds. Then inhale for 4 seconds and feel all the air canalizing under your two hands. Feel the diaphragm and ribcage expand as you breathe in, relaxing your shoulders. • Meditation: as you breathe, let your mind and body relax and fill with fresh oxygen. Connect your mind to your body and breath that brings in the meditation part to LIZE LUBBE GUEST CORNER Get your body in a balanced state by stimulating your Vagus nerve activate the vagus nerve. • Moving, humming, and music: put on a calm song and sway your body from side to side, humming to the song as the vibration in the back of your throat stimulates the vagus nerve that goes through your pharynx, larynx, and vocal cords in the back of your throat. Laughing out of your belly has a similar vibration and makes you feel alive. • Feet stimulation: remove your shoes and socks, sit comfortable in a chair, or stand holding onto a secure place. Put a tennis ball/foot roller/nerve ball under your one foot and roll your foot with deep pressure over the ball/roller with deep steady pressure. You can also sit crossing one ankle over your other knee and use your hands and fingers to selfmassage your feet or ask you partner for a foot massage. • Splash your face with cold water for about 5 seconds. We are hands on PTs! The professional services of the team at Lize Lubbe Physical Therapy include: • Pre & Post Surgery Rehabilitation • Sports Injury Rehabilitation • Neurological Rehabilitation • Treatment of Musculoskeletal & Orthopedic Conditions • Postural, Balance & Gait Training • Pain & Headache Management • Body Rebalancing through Diaphragm, Breathing & Pelvic Stability www.lizelubbept.com [email protected] 914.875.9430 892 NY-35, Cross River, NY 10518 (blue office building) Lize Lubbe is the owner of Lize Lubbe Physical Therapy with its main practice located at 892 Route 35 in Cross River and a PT Studio in the premises of Apex Fitness (where her team focus on the rehabilitation of sports-related injuries). Learn more by calling 914-875-9430, emailing [email protected] or visiting www.lizelubbept.com. Both our nervous systems are necessary in our daily lives to adapt and be flexible. Take control of your body and get ready for Spring to restore your inner balance and wellbeing by being in a more relaxed state of mind and body. If you have any questions or concerns about your health and well-being, contact you physician or physical therapist for more guidance and help. * For further information on the suggested calming exercises, see the following links: -https://www.webmd.com/balance/ what-is-box-breathing -https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC3705176/ -https://www.allied-services.org/ news/2020/june/the-vagus-nerve-yoursecret-weapon-in-fighting-s -https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.

PAGE 26 – THE SOMERS RECORD MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 Sports The Kennedy Catholic girls varsity basketball team earned the first City Championship in program history after a decisive win over Fontbonne Hall Academy of Brooklyn at the Draddy Gymnasium at Manhattan College earlier this month. After jumping out to a 16-4 start, Kennedy didn’t look back. When the final buzzer sounded, the Gaels captured the GCHSAA Tier 2 City Championship with a decisive 67-39 victory. The team would then continue their season against Buffalo powerhouse St. Mary’s of Lancaster in the state semifinals. Kennedy refused to back down from a talented opponent, but came up short by a score of 68- 56.  The Gaels were scheduled to play the city PSAL AAA champion on March 25 in the PSALCHSAA Champions Challenge, after press time for this issue. Article courtesy of Kennedy Catholic. Kennedy basketball makes history with first city championship The Gaels earned the first City Championship in program history with a win over Fontbonne Hall Academy. BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Thursday, March 21, the Westchester Female Flag Football League ended their season at East Coast Fitness in Yorktown, and the odds-on favorite had to be the three time defending champions, Looking to Score. Hoping for one on the index finger, the Somers team did have to deal with one departing member. “My old team,” said quarterback Cat Rhatigan of Coming in Hot, and as it turned out, only one player went home with a fourth consecutive ring.  Rhatigan, who added another one to her jewelry chest, was far from an disgruntled defection. “I just wanted to make some new friends and start a new team,” she said after the 38-18 victory. The signal caller didn’t wait to get started either. The QB hit speedy Nicole Teplitz for a first down, and an incomplete pass later, the Deputy Inspector from the Nassau County Police department, dropped a touchdown into Teresa Ricci of Mahopac, who is the Somers girls softball coach. The two point conversation failing, Coming in Hot sent their defense on, but they weren’t out there for long.  A couple of short completions for Kelci Hegg, the Somers soccer coach and her offense went back to the sidelines.   A big mistake, Rhatigan went right to work, and took out her big gun. “She makes it fun to be a quarterback, Rhatigan said of Kristie Guttridge.  So much so that the Pleasantville receiver caught multiple passes on the drive and provided the finish. “She has the ability to cut and get open,” said the Armonk based QB. 12-0 after Guttridge’s touchdown reception, Hegg had an answer this time. The quarterback snuck to midfield, hit Anna O’Connor for a first down and then threw a touchdown pass for a 12-6 score.  Unfortunately for the defending champs, the new champs were not fazed, and this time Rhatigan spread the ball around. First, she hit Teplitz across midfield, and on the next play, Randi Degina had the corner end zone reception. Now 18-6, neither team got traction on their subsequent possessions, and Looking to Score hoped intermission could get their four-peat dreams back on track. A third and five for the Hot team looked good for Hegg’s defense, but there was no chilling Rhatigan.  Guttridge received a first down reception over midfield, and Ricci did the rest with her second TD reception. An 18 point game, Looking to Score had to get back in it. Not to be, the possession change had the prolific duo continuing to come in hot.  Rhatigan hit Guttridge cutting across the middle for the first down, and in arriving at pay dirt for a 32-6 advantage, the receiver revealed the two-way street with her quarterback.   “I told Cat to throw it up,” said Guttridge. “I’ll get to the ball, and it’s on me if I don’t catch it.” But champions never go down easy and Hegg showed she didn’t lose her stuff. On first down, she surveyed the landscape, made her obligatory cuts to the sideline, and without a doubt, the run providing an option in case the Somers varsity is short a back this fall. “If (Coach) DiMatteo needs me, he knows where to find me,” the multi-talented athlete joked.  Of course, the last laugh remained on rewind. Rhatigan hit Guttridge and Degina in the end zone for the final scores, but the 20-point loss doesn’t mean any sort of alteration for Hegg. “We’re not changing anything,” she asserted. “We’re just going to keep having fun, play for each other, and that’s about it.” As for the new ring bearers, Teplitz didn’t go heavy on the X’s and O’s to explain the victory. “I think we have really good chemistry,” said the Harrison based receiver. “We were ready to win and ready for anything.” Guttridge wasn’t so strategic in her assessment either. “I think we’re a bunch of competitive athletes, who wanted to win,” she said. The fire wasn’t the only important aspect, though. “It’s fun, it’s competitive, and it’s a night out with a good group of women,” Guttridge clarified. A fact that holds true for the entire league, and anyone who would like to give it a go in this inspiring flag football league. 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MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 SPORTS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 27 BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Monday, March 18, Somers boys lacrosse was on the main field and getting ready for opening day. A new season, the Tuskers also have a new coach. “The kids are really into it, and we’re excited to start,” said coach Jordan Hirsch. He played at Hen Hud and Nazareth College, coached at Hampden-Sydney College and Lynchburg College and said goodbye to the helm at Hen Hud after 13 years. “This was a great opportunity to make a change and start something new,” said the Cortlandt Manor resident. But he has no problem having a team that isn’t starting from scratch. On offense, “We’ve got Miguel Iglesias, Mac Sullivan, Mason Kelly, Nick Newman, Ryan Brush and Grayden Carr,” Hirsch said. “You go down the list and there’s plenty of them.” And for now, he’s not going to complicate the mix. “We just want to spread the ball around,” said Hirsch. “Everybody eats, everybody gets something.” A similar straightforward mindset goes for associate coach Chris Spillane. “We want to make sure we’re not creating offense for opponents. But at the same time, we’re being opportunistic, and we’re trying to take the ball away so we create possessions for our offense,” said Spillane who is also in his first year at Somers. As for the stop gap, the coach likes what he sees from goalie Landon Pepe. “He’s definitely emerged as a leader, and we’re expecting a lot from him,” said Spillane. Back the other way, Pepe approves of what he sees from his new coaches. “What they bring is energy every single day. They motivate us to get better and to succeed,” said the senior. Of course he’ll need help, and despite all the seniors who graduated, the trust is already there. “I like the guys coming out,” Pepe asserted.   Among them, he singled out Luca Ploger and Logan Ruby. “Luca is really athletic, a good talker and great at getting the takeaway,” said Pepe. “Logan was a starter last year and got better and better over the winter.” Alongside, Iglesias will giving chase and also go the length of the field. “I like to play defense, I like to play offense. I like to move around the field and not be stuck in one position,” said the middie. He doesn’t mind all the moving parts around him either. “We’re all meshing together well and I’m excited to see what it looks like against a different color jersey,” Iglesias clarified. An anticipation that also gives the new coaches credit. “They bring great energy, hold us accountable and push us,” said the football state champ. Far from the only one of the team, Hirsch knows how that bodes well for his team. “They know how to win and understand what it takes,” he concluded. Tuskers ready to start anew BOYS LACROSSE BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Somers girls lacrosse cannot escape from one unpleasant reality. They’ve lost to John Jay in the section finals for the last four years. But Coach Deb Daly doesn’t run from the truth and knows what has to be done. “We’re hoping to get over the hump,” she asserted. The seven seniors on the roster have been in it for the long haul. “They have been committed to the program since the youth level and have earned their spot on this team,” Daly said. On the extreme end, she’s carrying two goalies with Campbell Sternberg as the starter. “They are directing the defense, talking and working really hard,” said Daly. Sternberg agrees, knows the drill and directs by maintaining the line of sight. “It’s a lot of keeping your eye on the ball,” said the senior. Up the field a bit, the goalie has Ella Lassen captaining the defense, but she’s still happy to defer to the director. Campbell and Emma (Donaldson) both have such great field IQ,” said the Rochester commit. “They know how to set everyone up and what to call.” The defender’s eyes obviously on John Jay too, her goals are more measured. “I just want all of us to trust and feel comfortable with each other,” said Lassen. Good things flowing from there, Sydney Ingraham goes the length of the field as a middie.  “I love it,” she said. “It’s nice to see the defensive and offensive standpoint of the game and experience all of it.” That vantage point allows her to foretell positive outcomes. “We’re really starting to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which is a great sign,” beamed the Notre Damebound senior. That said, Mia Parisi is on the stick and in attack mode with the front line. “I have so much trust in my teammates that we are going to score,” said the senior. So cohesion and chemistry firing on all cylinders, the coach acknowledged, while pinpointing the primary aspect for success. “It’s all about hustle this year,” she said. And not afraid, Sternberg refuses to shrink to the rivalry that has continued to deny Somers at season’s end. “Bring it,” she concluded. Tuskers set their sights on sectional championship Sydney Ingraham PHOTO: RICH MONETTI GIRLS LACROSSE 17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults 914.455.2158 SpirelliElectric.com • [email protected] Specializing in residential & commercial services. Licenses in Westchester, Putnam CREATING CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE Family Owned—Over 40 Years Experience! $25 OFF Service Calls When You Present This Ad. New Customers Only. Keep the lights on. • GENERATORS • Outdoor Lighting • Smart Home Setup • Electric Car Chargers AND ALL OF YOUR ELECTRIC NEEDS!

Lane, which connects with Lounsbury Drive, and said she immediately became alarmed when she heard about the plan. “On top of raising my children, now I have to spend my spare time researching ways to stop this potentially lethal plant that is being proposed,” she told Halston Media. “I would urge them to rethink the location of this plant.” The Somers residents have been meeting regularly to discuss the project. They’ve formed a Facebook group and are passing out fliers to raise awareness. They say they are considering hiring an attorney and already have a petition with more than 500 signatures seeking to prevent the battery farm from being built near their homes. (Because the 95-acre parcel also borders the homes of some Mahopac residents, opponents of the project say Mahopac residents have also joined their Facebook group.) The residents have three major areas of concern—the health and safety of the people in the neighborhood, environmental impacts, and the effect a largescale industrial project could have on property values in their bucolic neighborhood of spacious lots and single-family homes. There were three battery farm fires in the region last year— East Hampton, Long Island; the town of Warwick; and the town of Lyme. This prompted Gov. Hochul to commission a study of the fires, the results of which were released earlier this year. The study concluded that the fires caused no injuries and did no long-term harm to the environment. The study also recommended 15 changes to the state’s fire code, which will be published in May. Connuck told the Planning Board the recommended changes would be incorporated into the Mahopac project. However, Lounsbury Drive resident Roland Ciofrone isn’t buying the results of that study. Ciofrone has been a licensed electrician for the past 50 years and said he has worked in all phases of the power industry, including nuclear. “I have helped build substations for Con Ed and I know what these (battery farms) are all about,” he said. “I’ve done it all.” Ciofrone said the problem with lithium-ion batteries is that they catch fire easily, are difficult to extinguish, and can burn for days. He said firefighters often have to just let them burn. “In August of 2023, they had a fire up at Lake Ontario and it burned for four days,” he said. “Now you are breathing all those fumes. [Letting it burn] is not the answer. Those ionizing gases and hydrocarbons [result from the fire]. If they weren’t bad for you they would tell you to sit there and breathe. Instead, they say shelter in place and that is not good.” When it comes to the state study, Ciofrone says, “I distrust the government.” “We would have this huge industrial complex less than 200 feet behind us and they give off hydrogen gas which is extremely explosive,” he said. “I don’t believe they can be designed to ‘fail safely.’” Ciofrone said that despite East Point Energy’s contentions, he doesn’t believe a gridscale battery project is even necessary anymore. He said NYSEG is doing a better job of reducing blackouts via tree removal and improving its infrastructure. “They’ve done a good job of changing things, so we don’t keep losing power like we used to,” he said. Lounsbury Drive resident Stephanie Azadian said her research has shown that it’s not just New York State that has had to deal with battery farm fires. She said media reports tell of such fires in San Diego, as well as one that burned for several days in Arizona that injured four firefighters. A FEMA-funded study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin called battery storage system fires an “emerging hazard.” “These lithium cells can experience thermal runaway which causes them to release very hot flammable, toxic gases,” Principle Investigator Dr.  Ofodike Ezekoye reported. “In large storage systems, failure of one lithium cell can cascade to include hundreds of individual cells. The hot flammable gases can result in an explosion or a very difficult-to-extinguish fire.” Azadian said her research prompted her to speak up. “I am a young mom with young boys and don’t get involved in politics but now I have no choice,” she said. “I started researching and these things are still in the experimental stage, and we don’t know the harmful effects they can have on people, animals, or the environment. To propose one of this magnitude right off a residential community is reckless and irresponsible. The technology is way too new PAGE 28 – THE SOMERS RECORD MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 Ground water near the site of the proposed battery farm. PHOTO: EMILE MENASCHÉ A Mahopac woodland bordering the Union Valley Road NYSEG substation may soon be home to a grid-scale battery project. IMAGE COURTESY GOOGLE MAPS. SEE BATTERY PAGE 34 BATTERY FROM PAGE 1 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah • (914) 232-3033 www.clarkassociatesfuneralhome.com • [email protected] DANIEL B. McMANUS ~ Proprietor • BRUCE E. REISDORF ~ Licensed Manager JOSEPH M. McMANUS ~ Director • RONALD P. CERASO ~ Director • Only 1/4 mile from 684 exit 6. • Only 1 block from the Katonah Railroad Station. • Less than 60 minutes from N.Y. City. • Parking facilities for over 100 cars • Monuments & inscriptions available. FUNERAL PREARRANGEMENT Both pre-payment and no-payment options Serving all Faiths since 1858 • Cremations and Burials The Consumer’s Choice for Discount Heating Oil! SAVE WITH OUR LOW C.O.D. 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MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 LEISURE THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 29 914.948.1500 This ad is donated by Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 $75 per person includes: 6:30 - 10 pm - Beer & Wine Open Bar 6:30 -7 pm - Appetizers 7 - 8 pm - Buffet dinner, dessert, soda/coffee 8 - 10 pm - 9 Comedians For tickets go to: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/b832fde8-d716-4a4f-af98-c73a84064a2a Or scan the QR code: CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. Sponsorships Available Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 COMEDIAN LINEUP CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. Fundraiser to benefit people with disabilities Friday, April 12, 2024 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm Travelers Rest, 25 Rte. 100, Ossining, NY 10562 COMEDIAN LINEUP CAREERS Support Solutions is a private non-profit that finds productive employment for individuals with disabilities. We provide on-the-job training and ongoing support services at no cost to our clients, their families or employers. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! For puzzle solutions, please see theparamountrehab.com CLUES ACROSS 1. Helps little firms 4. Political action committee 7. Allowed 12. Olivia Colman played one 15. Open 16. He had a notable lamp 18. Promotional material 19. Domesticated animal 20. Larry and Curly’s buddy 21. The best ever 24. TV network 27. Checked for 30. Dry or withered 31. Expression of annoyance 33. Dash 34. Fifth note of a major scale 35. A secret clique 37. Partner to cheese 39. __ school: where to learn healing 41. City in ancient Syria 42. Gasteyer and de Armas are two 44. Established practice 47. Thanksgiving side dish 48. District in Peru 49. It’s becoming more prevalent 50. State in India 52. Measure of illumination 53. Raised platform 56. Japanese warrior 61. R.L. Stevenson novel 63. Transitory 64. Advanced degree 65. Fiddler crabs CLUES DOWN 1. Prevent from seeing 2. Czech city 3. __ and Andy, TV show 4. A young pig 5. Removed surgically 6. Covered with 7. Chest muscle (slang) 8. Nigerian City 9. Midway between south and east 10. A way to shut 11. Stop playing 12 Marshy places 13. Takes apart 14. Ten cents 17. A gesture of assent 22. Scent 23. Teletypewriter 24. General’s assistant (abbr.) 25. Hillside 26. Taxi driver 28. Semitic Sun god 29. Town in India 32. Traditional rhythmic pattern 36. Fugitives are on the __ 38. Type of dance 40. Two letters, one sound 43. Having a strong, pleasant taste 44. Golf score 45. Mayhem 46. Drenched 51. River in northeastern Asia 54. Drug to treat anxiety (abbr.) 55. Part-time employee 56. A very large body of water 57. Aboriginal people of Japan 58. Millisecond 59. Forearm bone 60. Subway dweller 62. Royal Mail

tiling. The only original things that remain from Unwined are the bar top and kitchen equipment. When the weather is consistently warmer, they plan to have a few tables outside for al fresco dining. Then there’s the bountiful booze. What’s a taco without a good margarita to chase it with? Manager Chris Reginella, 25, a Somers High School grad, presides over the refurbished bar. Mitch met his right-hand man while working at Burger Barn. Reginella came up with a “Key Lime Pie” version that uses blanco – the purest form of tequila and loved because it showcases the essence of its source, the blue Weber agave plant that’s only found in five Mexican states. The glass is rimmed with cinnamon. The rest of the ingredients are – shhhhh – a secret. Reginella’s personal favorite concoction is the coconut margarita, although the spiced pear is a close second. The latter’s more of a cold weather drink so in the summer it could be bumped by a watermelon version. Other interesting-sounding cocktails, aka “Not Margaritas,” include the “Morning Dove” (reposado tequila, aromatic bitters, citrus, and maple), the “Grown-up Lemonade” (vodka, huckleberry liqueur, lemon); and “The One With Pineapple” (Mezcal, pineapple, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime). Beer is also an essential. Mexican versions on offer are Tecate, Corona, and Modelo. There are also craft beers, alcohol ciders, hard seltzers, and wines. Guests can also enjoy live music. At center stage right now is Somers guitarist/ singer Dan Zlotnick. Once a professional baseball player, he now performs at venues all over the Hudson Valley. Up Next? Next on the agenda is a “Blacked Out Boozy Brunch,” starting on Sunday, April 21. Unlike other places that might offer just a small menu with few brunch options on it, they’re putting their own twist on it. There will be a completely separate menu, all new cocktails, different music, and different decorations. “We want to make it a regular thing,” asking for patience. “You know what? That’s why we didn’t rush opening this place. We wanted to do it right, and it turned out exactly how we wanted.” The Vibe As the restaurant’s website proclaims, it’s “all about the vibe.” Lanyi and crew view their fledgling venture as a place for family and friends to gather, put their phones down, and enjoy good grub, drinks, and conversation. In other words, “old-school socializing.” They are closed on Mondays and open PAGE 30 – THE SOMERS RECORD MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 TORTILLA FROM PAGE 3 SEE TORTILLA PAGE 33 Mitch Lanyi and Chris Reginella with satisfied customers Kim Lynch and John Young. SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO VISIT ONE OF OUR SHOWROOMS TODAY! Your Bath. Your Kitchen. Your Home. 49 Route 138 Somers, NY 10589 M-Fr 9:30AM-4:30PM 914-232-2020 3372 Old Crompond Road Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 M-Sat 10AM-5PM 914-736-2468 (ACROSS FROM THE BJ’S SHOPPING CENTER) BESTPLG.COM $100 off $1,000 Minimum Purchase when Shipped Complete. Eligible at Yorktown and Somers showrooms only Show this Coupon to Receive Discount. One per customer Expires 5/15/24

MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 31 HUDSON DERMATOLOGY Hudson Dermatology’s Somers office is ready to offer you the best possible care. Our board-certified dermatologists and expertly trained medical providers use state of the art treatments and the latest equipment to keep your skin healthy and looking its best. We provide important checkups for skin cancer that can catch cancerous growths early, avoiding serious problems later. We can relieve unsightly, annoying conditions like rosacea, rashes, eczema and psoriasis, and remove warts and moles. And we provide Mohs surgery to remove skin cancers with minimum visible impact. In addition, we provide a full range of cosmetic services including Botox, fillers, lasers and peels, skillfully administered to keep you looking fresh, not fake. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Harshitha Mannam to our Somers office. With seven offices, we’re the Hudson Valley’s largest independent dermatology practice, committed to providing you with personal, expert care in a pleasant and private setting. Please call us today or visit our website for more information. 336 U.S. Route 202 Behind Somers Pharmacy 914 617 8950 www.hudsondermatology.com Better Care for Your Skin. OBITUARIES Justin Louis Campanello Justin Louis Campanello was born October 2, 1978, and at an early age developed the reputation for being the rambunctious one.  Tragically, Justin lost his mother at the age of 10 and a piece of his heart left with her. In his teens, Justin developed his love for snowboarding when he took trips with his family to the mountain. This was a time when Justin felt free, alive, and confident. Throughout high school, Justin also played football where you often heard “Campanello with the takedown” under the Friday night lights. Justin was the “cool kid” and developed his nickname “Chunk” although he was often referred to by many as a big teddy bear. He had a smile that was infectious and was always there to make you laugh.  After attending college at Delhi, Justin went on to work in many fields including events and working with animals which brought him joy. Eventually, he found his way back to the mountain and we saw where he truly felt at home. We thank his manager at Killington Mountain for giving Justin the courage and confidence to start his life over and leave the demons and struggles he faced for decades behind him. She saw him as a success, therefore, he thrived. Killington gave him a true place to call home and lay his head at night; true friends who are walking away better people for knowing Justin; a sense of accomplishment as he was described as a hard worker who cared and was kind to all on the mountain.  Above all, he was embraced as one of the Killington Family members. We are beyond sad to say goodbye to our beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend because he leaves behind the life, we all prayed so hard for him to find.   What we can all learn from Justin is that in our lives, we all experience pain and lose our way but it’s never too late to pick up the pieces and try again. And in doing that work we can turn a new page and find our way through. Justin was just starting that journey and who knows what could have been but the courage he showed to keep showing up and try again makes us immensely proud and will hold on to that truth for all our days to come.  Today, tomorrow, and always, we find solace in the fact that he is at peace and watching over all of us now alongside his mother. In memory of Justin Campanello, donations can be made to the  Killington World Cup Foundation where funds will be raised to support enriching the lives of the youth through winter sports. Nathaniel Vieira Nathaniel S. Vieira, “Nate” of Katonah, passed away Friday, March 15, 2024. Nate was born on February 18, 1982, in Mt. Kisco.  He attended Somers Central Schools. He graduated from Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Orlando, FL, with an additional certification in Harley Davidson Motorcycles. He took to the road afterwards and worked at various Harley Davidson dealerships from Florida  to New Orleans and Las Vegas back to New York.  Once in New York, he settled into working for Landscape Unlimited, Inc. as a diesel mechanic. His passion always remained with motorcycles. Nate loved art and welding.  He made beautiful metal sculptures out of old car and machine parts; he would paint and distribute them to family and friends. He loved to paint and draw. Nate also loved dogs, cats and children, but his favorite thing to do was to make you laugh! His passionate nature and magnetic, loving personality will be greatly missed.   He is survived by his parents, Stephen and Eugenia Vieira; his siblings, Mark Vieira, Nicholas Vieira, Leandra & Brian Bradley, and Peter Vieira; his nephews Antonio Vieira, Joseph Bradley & Dominick Vieira; his girlfriend, Bonnie Garvey; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. His family received friends on Thursday, March 21, at Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, March 22 at St.Francis of Assisi RC Church in Mount Kisco. Interment followed at Ivandell Cemetery in Somers. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Putnam Humane Society (www. puthumane.org) or Green Chimneys (www.greenchimneys.org) in Nate’s name.   SEE OBITUARIES PAGE 36

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They’ll stay open a little bit later on the weekends if people are hanging out at the bar, having a good time. Up until five o’clock the clientele seems to be mostly families and individuals. Then, like clockwork, it gets busy at six with couples, “like a date night spot.” They’ve only been open for two months, but they already are seeing a fan base building through word of mouth. The restaurant biz is notoriously stressful. (Lanyi worried off 30 pounds during the run-up but good-naturedly jokes that he plans to get his “belly” back eventually because “it’s good for business.” No one trusts a skinny cook.) His favorite part of cooking isn’t necessarily eating, it’s feeding other people. That’s why he never seems to get to eat Thanksgiving dinner. “I cook and then watch everybody enjoy the food. Honestly, that’s my favorite thing in the whole world,” Lanyi said. But don’t worry, he’s not starving; he nibbles in the kitchen all day long and is as stuffed the turkey by the time everybody hits the table. Lanyi’s parents are good cooks and the talent filtered down to him and his younger sister and brother. The sibs didn’t go into the restaurant biz, but they still frequently participate in the making of family feasts. Since they all really know their way around the kitchen, squabbles over food prep are nearly nonexistent. Well, maybe a little over the amount of salt a recipe needs, but it’s all in good fun, he said. Both of his parents have been supportive of his new journey. It was his dad who first urged him to tend bar, because he said that no matter what other job he landed in, if cash is tight he could always pick up a weekend shift here and there. He wanted his son to get restaurants just to have the experience. “Then, not long ago, he was like ‘Dude, I’m sorry; that went WAY too far’,” Lanyi said, laughingly adding: “Yup, I made the mistake of falling in love with it. No. It’s not a mistake; I’m kidding.” Up Through the Ranks Although he’s still young, Lanyi didn’t just spring from nowhere. A 2014 graduate of North Salem High School, he first worked as a busboy at Farmer & the Fish. The Purdys restaurant is still one of his favorite places to chow down. Lanyi studied engineering in college, but after deciding he was heading down the wrong career path, returned to his first love, the hospitality industry. He worked as a manager at Burger Barn in Somers for about six years before taking a job with Fortina Pizza as a general manager at its Stamford and Rye Brook locations. Then he got a fateful phone call last spring from one of his ex-bosses who wanted to run something by him. That something turned out to be a partnership in a new restaurant. “It was a hard decision to leave, but it was an opportunity that I could not turn down,” Lanyi said, admitting that at the time going into business for himself wasn’t part of his “five-year plan.” However, because it was the “Number One thing” on his 10-year timeline, he took the chance. Looking around the place recently, a visitor remarked that the turnaround seemed pretty darn fast. “Yeah, but it felt like forever,” Lanyi agreed. Simply the Blest Lanyi is thrilled whenever a new customer tells him that they had initially come because of a friend’s recommendation, but planned to come back with more pals after finding that the “food’s even better than what they said.” “This is the first job that I’ve ever been so excited about. In the morning, it’s like, ‘Oh, yeah, I get to go to work today!’,” he said. Lanyi and team’s recipe for success? A good product, a casual and convivial atmosphere, flexibility, and a willingness to accept feedback, even the negative kind. If something isn’t right, they’ll fix it. That’s what hospitality is all about. For right now, The Tortilla Project’s future looks as rosy as a tequila sunrise. As its motto goes, “Blessed and Taco Obsessed.” Good to Know For more information, visit www.thetortillaproject.com. To make reservations, go on the website or call (914) 205-3152. The shopping center’s address is 80 Route 6, Baldwin Place, N.Y.

to even be considered for a project of this size. This is slated to be one of the biggest ones in the country as far as power goes.” Stuart agreed. “The one in Warwick was 12 megawatts, the one in Mahopac would be 160 megawatts,” she said. “In Warwick, a much smaller farm, they actually had two fires back-to-back that burned for three days. Schools had to be closed. Residents said they didn’t even know it was there. They only found out because of the fires.” Guy and Dawn Baker have lived on Lounsbury for 62 years and are concerned that their bucolic neighborhood and quiet way of life is about to change dramatically. “It’s 200 feet from us. They will have the AC (used to cool the batteries) running all the time and we will hear it,” Guy said. “It will be lit up like a football field. If the AC fails it could catch on fire. There are just too many unknowns.” He said the damage to the environment should a fire occur could be catastrophic. “The streams here dump into the [Amawalk] reservoir and we worry about the water supply,” he said. “Have they talked to the DEC or the DEP?” Cathy and Mark Dupuy have lived in the neighborhood for 22 years. “It is being built on marshland and we have well water,” Mark noted. “You could have airborne carcinogens that contaminate the groundwater. [Consider] the dangerous nature of what happens if the cooling system doesn’t work.” Cathy Dupuy noted the negative impact such a project could have on local property values. “Of course, life and wellbeing are most important, but if we want to retire and sell our house who would want to buy a home with a battery farm behind it?” she wondered. “There are a lot of children on this block and a lot of seniors... plus there are gas stations just off Baldwin Place.” “If you want to put it somewhere where there are no homes or businesses, then go ahead,” she added. “[But with this plan] we are all affected. In the summertime, we are all out on our decks and patios and in our pools. This is a residential area. I don’t know how they can do this. We are not against this if it was someplace more remote. But this is really very scary.” The residents also noted that a daycare facility is located nearby. Scott and Noelle Maoriello have lived on the block for five years, and while they worry about all the same potential problems as their neighbors, Scott points out that such battery farms could be a security risk should someone want to harm a community. “The fire and fumes are concerns and so it seems like a security risk,” he said. “This is a densely populated area and if anyone had sinister motives, they could do harm to the community, and it could be devastating.” PAGE 34 – THE SOMERS RECORD MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 BATTERY FROM PAGE 28 SEE BATTERY PAGE 35 A path on Miller Road believed to be an access way for a proposed “battery farm” in Mahopac. PHOTO: EMILE MENASCHÉ BUYING ONLY 845-628-0362 WE WILL COME TO YOU! 53 WE BUY: YEARS! Gold • Sterling Silver Jewelry • Coins Paintings • Bronzes Clocks • Collectibles Antiques • ETC. Items for sale? Call us! UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP Same Great Staff & Teachers NEW GROUP CLASSES Chamber Orchestra Rock Band Music Theory Art Classes INTRODUCING Kindermusik 18 MONTHS - 5 YEARS RETAIL - LESSONS REPAIRS - RENTALS 609 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 www.PutnamMusic.com SCAN FOR MORE INFO Get Started Today Call 845-621-2626 Monday - Thursday 10 - 8 Friday - 10 - 7 Saturday 9 - 5

MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 35 BATTERY FROM PAGE 34 Fayetteville LLC. App. for authority filed by the SSNY on 9/7/2023. Office: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, PO Box 568, Katonah, NY 10536. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 39 Quincy Court LLC (formed in Wyoming as East River LLC). App. for authority filed by the SSNY on 12/7/2022. Office: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, PO Box 568, Katonah, NY 10536. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Application for Authority of Ferenz Electric, LLC filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 7/20/2023.  Formed in Connecticut on 2/12/222.  Office location: Westchester County.  SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be  served.  The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is: 320 Long Ridge Road, Pound Ridge, NY 10576.  The office address required to be maintained in Connecticut is 134 Byram Shore Road, Greenwich, CT 06830.  Certificate of formation filed with Denise Merrill, CT Secretary of State 165 Capital Avenue, Suite 1000, Hartford, CT 06106.  Purpose:  Any lawful activity  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! “We are still learning about this,” he continued. “This seems to be moving very quickly and it seems reckless, and we are nervous about the impact. I would want the Planning Board to make sure the security of the residents is the most important thing. Sure, they will say it is perfectly safe but there have been three fires in the past year. It is crazy they would put this so close to residences and businesses.” Noelle noted that the applicants, East Point Energy, are from out of state and aren’t invested in the community. “They are not being forthright about this,” she said. “[East Point Energy] is from Virginia, and they are outsiders looking in. They have everything to gain and nothing to lose.” Azadian also said battery farms could be vulnerable to harsh weather. “The Warwick fire was a storm-related fire,” she said. “We have a lot of wind here and we have lightning storms. Some [fires] are caused by system failure, but it could be stormrelated too. Maybe lightning—I don’t know. But it is something else to consider.” Stuart feels East Point has not been forthright in its presentation and said more transparency is needed. She said it is especially hard for Somers residents to stay on top of things because this is a project under the auspices of the town of Carmel. “The lack of transparency that this project has for the very people they are impacting is odd and suspicious,” she said. “It feels like it is in bad faith. A county line doesn’t prohibit the need for checks and balances. It is almost like it is hiding behind the county line. People are not being brought into the conversation. I find that very odd. You shouldn’t have to go to your neighbor’s planning board meetings to make sure they’re not building a battery farm in your backyard. Bad faith is bad faith. It is ridiculous to think that this behavior would be normalized. We should be taking each other into consideration. For matters that are lethal to a community, it is not a lot to ask to be brought into the conversation. These are deliberate choices that have been made to put a community of people in the line of fire.” Stuart called it “‘Erin Brockovich’ all over again.” “It is reminiscent of that movie,” she said. “My family has been here a long time but if we knew this was coming we wouldn’t have bought this house. No one would want to live here.” Carmel Planning Board Chair Craig Paeprer said that Somers residents will be allowed to speak at the public hearing. “We want to hear from everyone,” he said. Paeprer also said he wants to hear from the Mahopac Fire Department’s firematic specialist and advisor on the matter. He said that he and some other board members have plans to walk the property in the coming weeks. And while Stuart said she was happy to hear that, it does not assuage her fears. “I feel like a Guinea pig,” she said. “We worked really hard for our home and now have to wonder if we are even safe here. It’s like they just don’t care.”

PAGE 36 – THE SOMERS RECORD MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-HOUR PROBLEM GAMING HOTLINE: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369) Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com I-84 | Exit 36B I-87 | Exit 17 Earn Entries All Month Long! Friday, March 29 • 10pm & Sunday, March 31 • 4pm Double your luck with a chance to win a Chevy Colorado*! *Actual models and colors may vary. DOUBLE YOUR LUCK CHEVY COLORADO DRAWING Elder Law & Estate Planning Wills, Trusts & Estates Small Business • Real Estate Matrimonial • Criminal Personal Injury • Commercial SOMERS • YONKERS Evening Appointments & Home Visits Tel: 914-964-6806 www.marralaw.com • [email protected] FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HOT WATER HEATER & GAS NEEDS 60 Years of Excellence 719 Rte. 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com TAKE $50 OFF ANY DEWINTERIZATION— HOSEBIBS, POOL HOUSES AND OUTDOOR SHOWERS INTO ACTION! Spring OBITUARIES FROM PAGE 31 Dennis A. Pastena, M.D. Dennis A. Pastena, M.D. of Katonah, passed away at the age of 76 on Friday, March 22, 2024, at NYP-Hudson Valley Hospital in Cortlandt, NY, after a brief illness. Dennis was born on April 15, 1947, in Glen Ridge, NJ to the late Lola and Anthony Pastena. He grew up in Livingston, NJ, and spent summers at the town pools, Jersey shore and life guarding at lakes in NJ. His love of swimming earned him a spot as a competitive swimmer at both Seton Hall Prep and Seton Hall University where he received his varsity letter in swimming and Bachelor of Science degree. He graduated from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine of Chicago and then completed his Surgical Residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital in NYC and his Residency in Plastic Surgery at Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY. As a doctor he dedicated his life to patients in Northern Westchester and in Putnam County, NY, for 44 years. He was on the staff of Putnam, Hudson Valley, and Northern Westchester Hospitals until his retirement in 2020. Dr. Pastena touched the lives of so many families caring for them in their time of need. Dennis and his wife Dr. Paula Coleman met in medical school and were married for 50 years. They fell in love with Katonah after driving through on a ski trip and settled there in 1978. He was the beloved father to Dr. Ryan Pastena and father-inlaw to Dr. Jenika Karcich. Ryan considered his father to be his best friend. He is predeceased by his daughter Lauren who adored her father. He delighted in playing catch with Ryan every day before school and watched Lauren excel in her competitive horseback riding. He was the devoted grandfather to Gianna, Yure and Mila who brought such joy to his life. He was a loving and caring brother to Dr. Janis Pastena of Katonah, NY and Southbury, Ct. Dennis was an avid fly fisherman and could be found on the Amawalk stream at every opportunity. He dedicated his time to Somers  Boy Scout Troop 228, mentoring numerous scouts through the years to the rank of Eagle including his son own Ryan. Dennis enjoyed his time as a leader experiencing high adventure trips with the scouts, camp outs and summers at Camp Reed. He loved music, especially the Beach Boys, and was always ready to go to a concert. As a family they created beautiful memories enjoying skiing, the Jersey shore, Disney World, and camping. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Friends called at Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah on Monday, March 25. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Somers on Tuesday, March 26.  Interment followed at Amawalk Hill Cemetery in Yorktown Heights. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Boy Scouts of America Troop 228, (checks made out to “Somers Troup 228”) 9 Oliver Court, Mahopac, NY 10541;  or  St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (1-800-805- 5856). TRUNK FROM PAGE 4 Friends of Somers Library Etsy Artisan Craft Fair April 6 & 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrating Library Week! Ready, set, go! Join in for two days of creativity and community and discover unique handcrafted items by the Northeast Etsy Artists Collective. To be held at Somers Library, with a portion of all sales benefit the Friends of Somers Library. Katonah-Purdys United Methodist Church Tag Sale Saturday, April 20, from 9 SEE TRUNK PAGE 37

MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 37 a.m. to 4 p.m. To be held in the Katonah Parish Hall at 44 Edgemont Road in Katonah.  Household items, baked goods and lunch will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the Table of Grace Community Food Kitchen. Located in Brewster, the Food Kitchen serves hot meals in the colder months and sandwiches in the warmer months to more than 50 people each Saturday.  Vendors welcome! Call 914-232-4094 or email [email protected] for more information. A Message from The Friends of the Somers Library The Friends of the Somers Library is dedicated to supporting and enriching the Somers Library. Over the years, the library has played an essential role in the Town of Somers by providing access to knowledge, fostering literacy, and serving as a gathering place for residents of all ages.  Our organization has been working to fund the library’s resources and programs. We have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that the library has on our community, and we are committed to ensuring its continued success. To that end, we are reaching out to you to request your support in our mission. The financial support of town residents has played a pivotal role in the growth and improvement of the Somers Library over the years, and we are grateful for the continued dedication. Your generous donations have enabled us to: Enhance Educational Programs: Through your support, we’ve been able to offer engaging and educational programs for children, teens, and adults, including author talks, workshops, and live events. Improve Facilities: Your contributions have helped us make vital improvements to the library ensuring a comfortable and welcoming environment for all visitors. Promote Involvement: Your donations have enabled us to launch initiatives aimed at community involvement in our town, including summer reading programs for children and educational programs for adults. As we look ahead, we are eager to expand our offerings. To achieve these goals, we kindly ask for your continued financial support. To make on online donation, please visit the library’s website at www.somerslibrary.org and click on the “support” tab in the menu. Follow the prompts to the Friends of the Somers Library. To donate in person, there are membership flyers available at the front desk of the library that you can fill out and leave with one of the librarians. If you received one of our mailings, you can send a check in the envelope provided. Your donation, will make a significant difference in helping us fulfill our mission. Donating to the Friends of the Somers Library is an investment in the future of our town. Somers BSA Troop 376 WEEKLY MEETING Most Tuesdays, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the Somers Middle School Cafeteria. Embark on a journey that your son will remember and benefit from for a lifetime! There is no youth program quite like Scouts BSA, which offers leadership development, teaches citizenship and responsibility, embeds useful outdoor survival skills, can spark career interests, and boasts exciting activities that few outside of Scouting have the opportunity to experience. Celebrating 30 years in Somers, Troop 376 is sponsored by the Somers Lions Club and proudly offers a well-balanced “AdultGuided, Youth-Led” program that includes activities for all skill levels and interests. As a slightly smaller Troop, Scouts enjoy ample opportunities for direct involvement and leadership, as well as a significant voice in suggesting future troop activities. Camping trips, day hikes, family-friendly activities like bowling nights and ropes courses, community service projects, annual “high adventure” excursions, and visits to historic destinations like Gettysburg are just some of the activities you can look forward to with Troop 376. To learn more, email [email protected] and visit www.SomersTroop376.org. Somers BSA Troop 228 Weekly meeting Mondays, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. TRUNK FROM PAGE 36 SEE TRUNK PAGE 38 AFFORDABLE Dumpster Rentals! CIRONE CARTING 845-533-5262 Same-Day Roll-Off Container Delivery Available 10-yard • 12-yard • 15-yard 20-yard • 30-yard CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE cironeconstruction.com Installation to existing gas lines Safety check On-site tank requirement assessment New customer pricing Automatic delivery Budget payment plans Web portal and mobile app for easy account management 24/7/365 emergency service 1-800-PROPANE Mention Code: 3822 *Offer expires 4/30/2024. Tank installation special applies to standard installation of above-ground tank. Offer applies to new residential customers with a fuel service agreement, subject to credit approval. Customer is responsible for the removal of competitor’s tank. Not to be combined with any other offer or discount. Other restrictions may apply. Valid at participating location only. Call for details. LIMITED TIME OFFER 1-800-776-7263 SWITCH & SAVE! New Suburban Propane automatic delivery customers receive*: FREE PLUS 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]

PAGE 38 – THE SOMERS RECORD MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 at the Amawalk Firehouse Give your son the tools to develop his confidence, leadership skills, and interest in community service while experiencing the outdoor adventures of Scouting. Discover the natural wonders of New York State, whether canoeing in the Adirondacks, hiking the Appalachian trail, or camping at one of our State Parks. Excursions for all ages and levels of experience. Scouts explore their personal interests through over 135 merit badges. Troop 228 is sponsored by the Somers Volunteer Fire Department. We are proud citizens and actively give back to Somers through community service and environmental conservation projects. To find out more, email us at somerstroop228@ gmail.com or visit our website at Troop228somers.com. Somers Library Foundation Needs You Are you a passionate supporter of the Somers Library and looking for a way to help improve the services and capabilities? The Somers Library Foundation is looking for new board members. There are lots of opportunities to use your talents and build new skills. Send the foundation an email at [email protected]. Watch the Somers Library Foundation website (https://somerslibraryfoundation.org) for details on upcoming meet and greet events to learn more about the Foundation and what it means to be a board member of the board. TRUNK FROM PAGE 37 FOR SALE FINE, LIKE NEW FURNITURE:  * Empire style Sofa, 76" long  * Round, 5 ft. Dining Table, w leaves  * Wood King Size Bed frame (No matt.)             Sold our House!              914 232 3896   SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS–SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER – FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE LLC, Plaintiff, -against- RAY SANTANASTASIO, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD SANTANASTASIO ; LISA VACCARELLI, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DONALD SANTANASTASIO ; ANY AND ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF DONALD SANTANASTASIO ; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE ; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, Defendants - Index No. 62124/2023 Plaintiff Designates Westchester County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Westchester County. To the above named Defendants–YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated February 2, 2024. NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME – If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE LLC) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Rolf M. Thorsen, J.S.C. Dated: February 2, 2024 Filed: February 5, 2024. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 6 N Shenorock Drive, Shenorock, NY 10587. Dated: October 23, 2023 Filed: February 13, 2024 Greenspoon Marder LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Angelo A. Regina, Esq., 590 Madison Avenue, Suite 1800, New York, NY 10022 P: (212) 524-5000 F: (212) 524-5050 No Service by fax) Service purposes only: Trade Centre South 100 W. Cypress Creek Road, Suite 700, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 P: (888) 491-1120 F: (954) 343-6982 TAX NOTICE  The warrants for the collection of the 2024 Town & County Taxes have been received. Taxes will be collected in this office beginning:  Monday, April 1, 2024  From 9 AM to 4:30 PM - Monday – Friday   The following penalties are prescribed by law for deferred payment of Town/County taxes:  If paid during the month of:  May                                                 2%  June & July                                    5%  August & September                     7%  October/November/December    10%  January-April                                 12%  May                                                 13%  June                                                14%  July                                                 Goes to Lien  If paid thereafter, the penalty is as provided by Tax Law.      Michele A. McKearney  Receiver of Taxes                                                               Date: March 19, 2024  NO NEWS... 1. Clip the short form on the page 2. Fill out the information. 3. Mail it to P.O. Box 864, Mahopac, NY 10541 4. Or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com 5. Or Scan our QR Code to Subscribe. We need you to subscribe. It’s FREE & It’s Easy! is NOT necessarily good news! # Please print your first and last names and address legibly, sign and date (all required to continue receiving your subscription to this newspaper). YES, I wish to receive a FREE 3-year subscription to The Somers Record YES, I really enjoy The Somers Record and I’d like to continue receiving it for 3 years, along with a monetary contribution this year. (Please print legibly.) First (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required. Please print legibly.) Last (Required) City: State: ZIP: Name: Signature: Email: Snowbird Dates (if applicable): Date: Phone: Address: (Optional for TAPinto E-News) (Optional) Mail to: P.O. Box 864 Mahopac, NY 10541 While we need your Full Support to keep this newspaper strong, we include the option for Basic Support because we don’t want financial reasons to get in the way of our readers receiving this newspaper. 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MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 39 C Clark & Giordano | G Funeral Home Clark Funeral Home is now Under New Ownership Family Owned and Operated Joseph Giordano Jr., Owner/Yorktown Graduate and Resident Centrally Located in the Heart of Yorktown Oversized Chapel and Large Parking Lot 914.962.3333 • www.clarkfh.com 2104 Saw Mill River Road (Route 35, 118 & 202) • Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Additional Location: Curry & Giordano Funeral Home, Peekskill We look forward to serving and giving back to the community that has been our home for so many years. • We perform all maintenance and services for your vehicle on premesis Gas - Cash or Credit - SAME PRICE We will continue to maintain the integrity of our services 914-232-1418 • 253 Route 100 Somers www.ariesautomotiveofsomers.com Serving Somers & Surrounding Area For Over 30 Years Spring Into Action— Have Your Car Tuned Up Right For The Season! In Case You Missed It The stories below were published on our website in-between print editions. Never miss another local story again by visiting News.HalstonMedia.com. Scan the QR codes in the summaries below to read the full story. Scan Here To Get The Top Local News Delivered To Your Inbox Daily. Somers Firefighters Called to Accident in Heritage Hills On March 19, members of the Somers Volunteer Fire Department were called to the scene of a motor vehicle accident with injuries on Route 202 and Heritage Hills Drive. Local Comics Put the ‘Fun’ in CAREERS’ Fundraiser On Friday, April 12, nine of the area’s funniest people will take the stage at Ossining’s Traveler’s Rest for a good cause – to help raise funds for CAREERS Support Solutions’ job placement program for people with disabilities. CAREERS has offices in Valhalla and Carmel Hamlet and helps people all over the area.

PAGE 40 – THE SOMERS RECORD MARCH 28 - APRIL 10, 2024 Your home is where our heart is! Madeline Falco Salvati Licensed RE Salesperson / 914-260-5814 Stephen Mancini Licensed RE Salesperson / 914-299-6118 Luann Grieco Licensed Associate RE Broker / 914-924-4844 Patricia Stam Licensed RE Salesperson /914.557-6858 Maria DiDonato Licensed RE Salesperson / 914-320-3599 George Goulart LicensedRE Salesperson / 914-703-7373 Alina Bertocchi Vizioli Licensed RE Salesperson / 914-714-4862 Richard and Joan Mancini Licensed RE Broker 914-760-4196 / Licensed Associate RE Broker 914-760-4193 Your home is where our heart is! George Goulart Licensed RE Salesperson / 914-703-7373 Alina Bertocchi Vizioli Licensed RE Salesperson / 914-714-4862 Maria DiDonato Licensed RE Salesperson / 914-320-3599 Stephen Mancini Licensed RE Salesperson / 914-299-6118 Richard and Joan Mancini Licensed RE Broker 914-760-4196 / Licensed Associate RE Broker 914-760-4193 Madeline Falco Salvati Licensed RE Salesperson / 914-260-5814 Luann Grieco Licensed Associate RE Broker / 914-924-4844 Patricia Stam Licensed RE Salesperson /914.557-6858 MANCINI REALTY We appreciate our agents that are part of our Mancini Realty Team! fieir loyalty, dedication, honesty & integrity make us who we are! With our Top agents having close to 200 years of combined experience, you will be taken care of like family. If you or anyone that you know has any Real Estate needs, feel free to reach out to anyone of the agents on our team. We would love to help!