Heading for November BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 31 FOX TRACKS 4 HEALTH & WELLNESS 18 LEISURE 24 OBITUARIES 8 OPINION 10 SPORTS 23 Chamber of Commerce pg 16 AWARDS VOL. 2 NO. 3 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WEST CALDWELL, NJ PERMIT #992 A MONTHLY PUBLICATION JUNE 15 – JULY 13, 2023 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Mount Kisco’s upcoming village elections continue to evolve. e latest iteration being former mayor Michael Cindrich’s decision to enter the mayoral race as an independent candidate. e Democrat and two political newcomers, eresa Flora and Angie Garcia-Guerra, are planning to run on the Village Inclusive Party (VIP) line. Flora, a retired nurse, and Garcia-Guerra, a former teacher, are both known in the community for their ght to keep a cell tower out of Leonard Park. Meanwhile, things are gearing up for the June 27 Democratic primary, which will pit incumbent Deputy Mayor Lisa Abzun against omas Luzio, a former Westchester County prosecutor. Both are seeking the post currently held by Democratic Mayor Gina Picinich. (Picinich appointed Abzun to the board in 2021.) Abzun and Luzio took part in a well-attended debate hosted by the League of Women Voters of North East Westchester on Wednesday, May 31, at the Mount Kisco Public Library. Early voting starts on Saturday, June 17, and runs through Sunday, June 25. ere are 11 designated early voting sites in the county. Registered voters can cast ballots at any one of them, including the Mount Kisco Public Library, 100 Main St., Mount Kisco, N.Y. Whoever wins that contest will go toe-to-toe with Cindrich. Flora and Garcia-Guerra will be vying for seats on the Village Board against incumbent Trustee Karine Patiño and Jean Farber, a former longtime trustee. Patiño was endorsed by the Democrats; Farber was not. ere are no Republican candidates. Asked to weigh in on the newly announced candidates, Luzio said: “It shows that many Mount Kisco residents think we need a change and not more of the same.” “Mount Kisco needs full nancial disclosure from its o cials and a new mayor without any potential con icts of interest. Abzun has a nancial interest in multiple properties in the village. I believe that would be a con ict when voting on zoning and other issues.” “As to the candidates running on the independent line in November’s general election, I welcome the exchange of ideas and speaking to our di¢ ering viewpoints. is is part of the democratic process,” Abzun said. WHO IS CINDRICH? Cindrich was rst elected to the Village Board in 1995. He was a trustee and deputy mayor before becoming mayor in 2003 and also was chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals for a decade. In 2017, he ran for an eighth term and, despite being endorsed by both Republicans, Democratics and the state-recognized Independence Party, was defeated by then-upstart Gina Picinich, who ran on the independent 4MK line. Cindrich’s also been a volunteer for more than 40 years. Among his contributions are stints with the Mount Kisco Special Police, the Mount Kisco Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and as a volunteer Little League and junior football coach. A former lieutenant with the Town of Mamaroneck’s Police Department, Cindrich was a DEA deputy special agent with the U.S. Department of Justice. According to his bio, Cindrich was decorated and recognized for “heroism and exceptional contribution to law enforcement” by the state Attorney General, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern Abzun and Luzio debate, Cindrich enters mayoral race PHOTO: CAROL REIF LWVNEW moderator Susan Polos overseeing the debate between Lisa Abzun and Tom Luzio on May 31. Heading for November SEE ELECTION PAGE 26 HOPEMAZZOLA YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE HOPE Sales Vice President Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker cell: 914.714.0090 [email protected] hopemazzola.com MAZZOLA YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE HOPE 95 Katonah Ave | Katonah, NY 10536 fi NEW CONSTRUCTION in Old Iron Estates ready Fall, ‘23 with time to personalize. This fresh and modern design offers the feel of the Ultimate Tree House with soaring ceilings, walls of glass and distant views. 6,400 sf - masterfully crafted and set on 4+ private and lush acres with pool site. $3,818,000
PAGE 2 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 fie Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times wants to see your pictures from the big night! Please submit high resolution photos from Fox Lane High School’s Senior Prom on June 9 to [email protected] and we will include them in an upcoming issue! Send in your prom night photos! HOME FURNISHINGS • MATTRESSES • KIDS’ ROOMS • HOME OFFICE • LIGHTING • WINDOW TREATMENTS • RUGS • ART • DECOR VISIT OUR SPACIOUS BEDFORD HILLS SHOWROOM: 230 RTE 117 BYPASS ROAD COUNTRYWILLOW.COM COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN SERVICES * Savings result in Extra 27% off any one item. Offer not valid on purchase of gift cards, previously purchased merchandise, clearance items, balances, special discounts, delivery charges, furniture protection, Ekornes, Hunter Douglas, American Leather, Gat Creek and Bedgear. STOREWIDE TAKE AN EXTRA 27% OFF ANY ONE ITEM* JUNE 9 THROUGH JUNE 18
JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 3 BY TOM BARTLEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER As the LGBTQ community confronts sharply rising hatecrime violence and legislative intolerance nationally, Bedford promises acceptance and protection, Councilwoman Bobbi Bittker said on June 3. “We want Bedford residents to know that we are not just welcoming but safe,” she said during the town hall ceremonies marking the town’s fourth annual observance of Pride Month. Supervisor Ellen Calves greeted more than 50 residents, public o - cials and speakers gathered outside town hall to celebrate the hoisting of the rainbow ag, banner of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, into the slate-gray Saturday morning sky. Bittker, who proposed the event three years ago as a freshman council member, has remained a driving force behind it. She was joined Saturday by her fellow board members, Stephanie McCaine, Andres Castillo and Tom Catoliato as well as town justices David Menken and Jodi Kimmel. “We are an a rming community,” Bittker told the crowd, but added, “We need to act to stay safe.” Where previous town observances celebrated growing acceptance of the once-shunned LGBTQ community, several speakers this year also touched on what they saw as a troubling spike in anti-gay violence and apparent o cial bias in at least some statehouses. County Executive George Latimer framed the question. “ is country is facing a choice right now. Do we travel the routes of division and disagreement? Do we use the things that make us look di erent from each other to divide us permanently? Or do we nd a path of unity, where we work for each other’s bene t and common interest?” Rev. Kymberly McNair, director of social transformation at My Sisters’ Place NY in White Plains, called on attendees to spend the rest of Pride Month speaking out against e orts to “legislate erasure,” an action she decried as violence. “I’m going to ask you for the next 27 days to raise up your voices [in opposition],” she said. A transgender teen, Cade Schwark of Katonah, also appealed to his audience to end e orts at “genocide” against gays. e John Jay High School sophomore spoke movingly last year of his personal journey. Asked to return for this year’s program, Schwark turned his focus outward, to increased assaults on gays. In particular, he worried about the safety of a transgender friend. “He lives in Florida,” Schwark said, and wondered “what he was going through right now, living as a trans man in a state that wants to eradicate your very existence.” More generally, he noted the corrosive e ect of hostility toward the LGBTQ community, pointing out that more than half of transgender and nonbinary youths in the United States consider suicide each year. It’s prompted, he suggested, by the likes of Dillon Awes, pastor of a Baptist Church in Texas, who once said in a Sunday morning sermon that “every homosexual in this country should be lined up and shot in the back of the head.” Schwark acknowledged New York as a “very accepting state.” “But here’s the thing,” he said. “Hate isn’t con ned to state lines... No matter where I live, I know there are people out there [like Awes]... Stop the genocide before it escalates any further.” Days before Bedford’s celebration, the supervisor’s o ce got a letter from an Arizona-based organization called the New Tolerance Campaign “expressing concerns regarding the commemoration of LGBTQ Pride Month in your town.” e celebration “could be seen as preferential treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people at the expense of other minority groups,” the organization’s president, Gregory T. Angelo, wrote. Angelo said he was acting “on behalf of Bedford residents” but did not name them. “Speci cally,” he said, “residents take issue with the fact that the LGBTQ ag is displayed on agpoles throughout the town for the entirety of the month of June, while no other minority is treated with such fanfare.” Calves promptly responded that the Town Board was “open to hearing suggestions from residents about ways to make groups who have been marginalized feel more included in the Town of Bedford.” “Please encourage those residents who approached you to reach out to me,” she wrote back to Angelo. e rainbow ag will y above town hall as well as each of Bedford’s three town parks for the rest of Pride Month. A day of Pride in Bedford With Frank Zipp manning the halyard, Bedford’s rainbow flag rises into the sky above town hall. PHOTOS: TOM BARTLEY Cade Schwark of Katonah was once again invited to speak. Pride Day emcee Bobbi Bittker, right, presents town proclamation to Rev. Kymberly McNair, saluting her work on behalf of the LGBTQ community. County Executive George Latimer asks whether the nation will choose unity or division. ‘We are an a irming community. We need to act to stay safe.’ Bobbi Bittker
PAGE 4 – MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES 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] Noah Elder Designer Bri Agosta Designer Haven Elder Designer EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions is the Wednesday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected] Location 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY HALSTON MEDIA, LLC ©2023 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 Fox Lane Fashion Show Friday, June 16, at 6 p.m. Featuring Levels 1, 2, and 3 from the Fox Lane Fashion Design program. To be held at 179 Main Street in Mount Kisco. All are welcome! For more information, email mkacaspire2023@ gmail.com Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce www.mtkiscochamber.com CHALK THE WALK Saturday, June 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Express yourself with chalk on a sidewalk in downtown Mount Kisco. e inclusive nature of the day should re ect your love and desire for unity, compassion, and inclusion in this world. Peace and kindness. Many businesses will have chalk ready for your use. Have fun! SEPTEMBERFEST 2023 September 8 - 10 e Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Village of Mount Kisco, presents SeptemberFest 2023! e event will once again be featuring favorites such as a full-sized carnival, food & beer court, live music, a Street Fair, plus a few surprises! Mark your calendars and be ready to enjoy the weekend. Fun for the whole family! For Street Fair vendor information, contact [email protected] Friends of Pound Ridge www.friendsofpoundridge.org LADIES GOLF DAY TOURNAMENT Tuesday, June 27 Friends of Pound Ridge proudly presents the annual Ladies Golf Day Tournament! It’s a social golf event designed for an afternoon of light competition & fun! To be held at Pound Ridge Golf Club. 9 hole scramble format, balls y at 2 p.m. (range opens at 1 p.m.) Post-round wine and light fare will be served, along with prizes and surprises! Lowest team score wins a complete dinner for four courtesy of Dave Schlack & Northstar Restaurant! Price: $150. For more information, visit www.friendsof poundridge.org Juneteenth Celebration Saturday, June 17, at 12 p.m. To be held in Lewisboro Town Park, 1079 Route 35, in South Salem. Featuring a Jazz trio, a renowned R&B/Jazz singer, e Katonah Museum of Art activity and crafts, West African drum and dance workshop, free grilled food by the Lewisboro Lions, games, including Black History Bingo and Double Dutch, 80 foot timeline from 1619 to the present, Black owned businesses, and a dance party with a DJ. Free admission! Rain or shine. Please consider donating to help fund the event. Checks made out to e Town of Lewisboro with “Juneteenth” written in the memo can be sent to: Attn. Mary Shah Town of Lewisboro PO Box 500 11 Main St. South Salem NY 10590 Town of Lewisboro Fireworks Saturday, June 24, at 5 p.m. To be held at Onatru farm, located at 99 Emwood Road in South Salem. Pride in the Park Sunday, June 25, from 2 to 5 p.m. Join in to celebrate LGBTQA+ Pride in Bedford, Lewisboro, and Pound Ridge! Free and family friendly. To be held in Lewisboro Town Park, 1079 Route 35, in South Salem. FOX TRACKS SEE TRACKS PAGE 30 SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO! 845-600-8004 | www.bellmech.com fifffflffiflflfflflfffflffifl fifffflffiflflflffflflflffiffflff ff ffifl fflffl ffflfl ffiflfflflffl flfflflffffl fl flfffl ff fl fl ffl fl ffi ffiflffffflfflffflfffflffi flfflfl ffl fl ffi flffiffflffiffflffifffl ffiffff fflffi ffflffi ffifl flffflffiflfffl ffflffff flfflfl fflflfflffflflffiffl fl fl flfflflfffflffi fl ffi DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE to lock-in these incentive savings! FEDERAL INCENTIVE: 30% of the total cost STATE INCENTIVE: $5,000 UTILITY COMPANY INCENTIVE: Up to $20,000 HYBRID HOT WATER HEATER: $1000 Rebate SUPER SAVINGS on your Heat Pump project while program funding lasts... CALL NOW TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY! fifffflffiflfififflfifflffl fiff ffl ffl fi fffflffifl fifffflffiflffiflffi KeEp COOL with our $umMer $AVINGS!
JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 5 Earth Day was Saturday, April 22, but this year Westchester County Executive George Latimer and the County’s Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) celebrated all month with a host of events and activities, including the 2023 Eco Awards at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle. e Eco Awards recognize outstanding contributions to the environment and sustainability made by residents, students, schools, municipalities, businesses, and other organizations. Among this year’s honorees was the Town of Pound Ridge, recognized for being among the highest curbside recycling rates in the county. Latimer said, “Westchester County is fortunate to have residents, businesses and institutions that are committed to improving our local environment for the benet of us all. e Eco Awards provide an opportunity to recognize those whose environmental stewardship has made a signi- cant impact, from students and local citizen groups to municipalities and local businesses. eir achievements are an inspiration to all of us to do what we can to protect our planet.” Westchester County Director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability Peter McCartt added, “What a wonderful opportunity to recognize Westchester’s organizations, businesses, municipalities, and individuals for their eorts taken on behalf of the local and global environment. Westchester has so many residents and groups volunteering their time to sustainability, and helping to make the County a great place to live, work and enjoy.” Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Facilities Louis Vetrone said: “Westchester County is fortunate to have residents, municipalities and businesses who are committed to protecting and improving our environment. eir contributions are a major reason Westchester County continues to be a leader in environmental management and sustainability. e Department is honored to host the Eco Awards and provide an opportunity to recognize those contributions.” 2023 ECO AWARD HONOREES Our New Way Garden: For its Community Supported Agriculture program, supporting the food insecure, and teaching youth to connect with the Earth Planting Westchester: For supporting clean air and water goals by encouraging green spaces and agricultural management throughout Westchester Filippine de Haan Hoogland, Fiona Mitchell: For working with Healthy Yards in Westchester to reduce chemical usage and expand wildlife habitats Tai Montanarella, Mario Bulfamante & Sons Landscaping: For working with EcoPel on the restoration of the Pelham Manor Hutchinson River Parkway Northbound Exit 4 e Scarsdale High School Ecoconscious Initiative: For engaging Westchester’s youth through the Youth Environmental Opportunities Panel event Concord Road Elementary School (Ardsley) Student Council: For encouraging students to go waste-free at lunch through the creation of the Zero Waste School Lunches 2023 video Peter McCartt, Gayle Katzman, Hernane De Almeida: For working to reduce the County’s carbon footprint through the County’s Clean Fleet Initiative, bringing electric vehicles to the Bee-Line and Public Safety eets Giovanna Rotini-Cole: For supporting DEF recycling outreach eorts through the creation of the characters featured in “Westchester Recycling Chronicles” and other artistic contributions John McDonald: For commitment to the Annual Public Works Day, educating students on the importance of recycling Town of Pound Ridge, City of Rye, Town of North Salem: For achieving the top three highest municipal curbside recycling rates in Westchester County in 2022 City of Mount Vernon DPW: For the Recycling Bin initiative, providing recycling bins free of charge to residents to promote and increase recycling in the City. Article courtesy of the Ofice of Westchester County Executive George Latimer. Westchester hosts 4th annual Eco Awards Pound Ridge honored for recycling rates Some of the proud winners of this year’s Eco Awards. FOR MOUNT KISCO • Protect our remaining Green Spaces • Act quickly on dangerous traffi c areas • Preserve our neighborhoods PAID FOR BY SUPPORTERS OF TOM LUZIO FOR MAYOR • • TOM LUZIO FOR MAYOR NEW LEADERSHIP VOTE ON June 27th EARLY VOTING June 17 Follow me on Facebook at: Tom Luzio for Mayor of Mt. Kisco
PAGE 6 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 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 Do you know what the cost of your long-term care will be if you are not eligible for Medicaid? CALL NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 914.948.1500 “Today, we gather to celebrate the spirit of volunteerism and the incredible power of giving back to our community,” interim Fox Lane High School Principal Sue Ostrofsky said to the junior class. Students were gathered in Fox Lane Stadium for the second annual Community Volunteer Day kick-o ceremony before they each headed o to volunteer with one of more than 30 organizations with support from the Suzanne Grant Foundation. Inspired by the life and legacy of Suzanne Grant, a former Board of Education member and volunteer in the community, this day of service for Fox Lane juniors serves to remind students of the impact a single person can have on their community. “Suzanne was a volunteer doing good things for our schools and our towns,” Grant’s husband Dave, who started the non-pro t, said. “ at’s what inspired this day.” Dave Grant compared the event and its purpose to sampling di erent avors of ice cream. “You were all given a choice of 32 di erent organizations to help. irty-two different avors,” he said. “And you all chose one. You’ll join them in a minute. But the point is, you can try others. You can volunteer anywhere, anytime.” After the ceremony, students boarded buses and headed out into the community. Some visited their old elementary schools, working on beauti cation projects, tending to gardens and interacting with younger students. Others went to completely newto-them places like the Bedford Village Fire Department, Neighbors Link, Fox Senior Center, e Marsh Sanctuary and Northern Westchester Hospital. Students learned CPR, stocked food pantry shelves, made care packages for the military, sorted clothing donations and so much more. Junior Eve Feingold volunteered at Neighbors Link and painted children’s faces during a bustling Family Fun Day. Eve is a veteran volunteer. She has served as the face paint coordinator at the Harvest Festival in Pound Ridge, sorted medical supplies for the Afya Foundation and more. “Volunteering is important because I think people take for granted what they have and what they have the ability to do,” Eve said. “It has a strong impact on the community. It’s so appreciated. And I think it’s important for the school to do this because a lot of kids don’t know what types of places they can volunteer for. ere were 30 di erent groups today! ere are so many things that you can bene t from learning and trying while you help other people.” e idea that volunteering comes back around and bene ts the person doing it as well as the community they are helping is something that was noted again and again throughout the day. “ is isn’t about you. It’s about others, right?” Dean of Student Activities Amy Pirro said to students before they boarded buses at the beginning of the day. “But the crazy thing is, you’re going to end up feeling lled too.” After volunteering, students returned to school for pizza, ice cream and free time on the turf eld to celebrate the collective 1,000 hours of volunteer work they had completed as a class. e mood was celebratory and, still wearing their volunteer t-shirts (which were designed by junior So a Avila), the group looked and felt like one big team. “Today, you invested in others. You invested in the community. You invested in people you may not even know directly, but you gave something of yourself,” Superintendent Dr. Rob Glass told them. “Know that you brightened someone else’s day. You lightened someone else’s load. You made the world a better place and that is never wasted.” Article courtesy of Bedford Central School District. Fox Lane students shine at Community Volunteer Day Students volunteering at the Bedford Village Fire Department. Students working at FLMS.
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PAGE 8 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 YOUR LOCAL PAINTING COMPANY! RPC Painting & Contracting is a full-service painting and contracting company that has been servicing the area for over 26 years. We specialize in interior and exterior painting for residential and commercial customers based in Westchester County, NY. We also do basic maintenance and repairs. Our team is fully licensed and insured, so you can be sure that your home will be taken care of by highly skilled professionals who know what they’re doing. Contact Rick Cook TODAY! 914-486-8905 [email protected] rpcpaintingandcontracting.com FREE ESTIMATES! Mark A. Morin Mark A. Morin of North Salem passed away at Regional Hospice in Danbury, CT on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the age of 63. Mark was born June 30, 1959, in Tarrytown, NY, son of Joyce (Berthume) Morin of Brook eld, CT and the late Donald Morin. He graduated from Valhalla High School, class of 1977. On November 28, 1982, he married Dana Campo in Valhalla, NY. Mark was the Assistant Parks Foreman for the Town of Bedford for twenty years then did private duty LPN work. He was also a member of the Croton Falls Volunteer Fire Department. Besides his wife Dana, Mark is survived by three children, Brent Morin and his wife Kelly of Sunderland, MA, Ashley Partenio of North Salem, NY, Brittany Alger of Brook- eld, CT: brothers Donald and David Morin of Brook eld, CT and Michael Morin of NJ and eight grandchildren, Jack, Blake, Austin, Chase, Dean, Faye, Brayden and Taylor. A mass of Christian burial was celebrated on Tuesday, May 9, at St. Joseph’s Church in Somers, followed by the burial in Peach Pond Cemetery in North Salem. Arrangements were handled by the Beecher Funeral Home. Contributions in Mark’s memory may be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering, online or mail to Memorial Sloan Kettering, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY 10065 or to Regional Hospice, 30 Milestone Rd., Danbury, CT 06810. OBITUARIES BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Sadly, when it rains, it pours. Earlier this year, the folks at Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Mount Kisco helped raise money to build desperately needed wells at a girls’ school overseas. One of the parish’s former priests, Father Benjamin Obour, is currently the chaplain of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Girls High School in Ghana, a small country on the West African coast. A native of Ghana, Obour arrived in the United States in 2011. He served at Saint Francis for seven years before being re-assigned as Mount Carmel’s chaplain. ere are no rivers or streams near the 300-acre school compound. And sometimes the water table is so low that even digging wells doesn’t help. Ghana is in sub-Saharan Africa, one of the world’s most water-insecure regions. Factors contributing to the growing crisis include insu cient rainfall, population growth, urbanization, and poverty. e school of had one well to serve about 980 students (ranging in age from 14 to 17) and its sta£ . ey would have to get out of bed at 4 a.m. and line up with buckets just to get enough water for the morning. e fundraising was a success and the school was able to dig several more wells. en last month, a disaster of ironic proportions struck. e students were on Easter break when a severe rainstorm moved in, tearing o£ half the roof of the school’s multipurpose hall, where religious services, classes, and social and recreational programs are held, and part of the roo ng on the school’s recently built 12-unit classroom block. e April 14 storm also collapsed some sections of a security wall. Students were told they couldn’t return to campus until the damaged structures had been secured. e school is funded both by the Catholic Diocese of Techiman and the local government. According to Saint Francis of Assisi, the school is working with both entities to see what each will contribute towards the necessary repairs. Mount Carmel needs $10,000 to repair the immediate storm damage. e school has been hoping to expand the hall because it’s too small to allow students to attend Mass together. Only 300 can be in it at a time; the rest have to sit outside. Father Ben, as his former parishioners in Mount Kisco fondly call him, said the temporary repair will help restore academic work and “allow learning to continue.” TO HELP Folks interested Checks can be made payable to Benjamin Kwadwo Obour and sent to Mrs. Jill Villarosa Carelli, (DRE of St. Francis of Assisi Church Religious Education), 2 Green St., Mount Kisco, N.Y., 10549. ere is also a GoFundMe set up for the wells project, which is ongoing: https://www.gofundme.com/f/waterfor-the-girls-of-ghana Water woes continue at Ghana school St. Francis of Assisi Church calls for aid again PHOTO COURTESY OF JILL CARELLI Storm damage at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Girls Senior High School in Ghana.
JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 9 fi ere are 21 students in Christiana Corrado’s Emergency Medical Technician class, and three are already well on their way to saving lives. Fox Lane’s Roselyn Vasquez, Jeremy Flores from Bedford Hills, and Daniel Sugrue of Briarcli High School volunteer with their local ambulance corps. fi e trio were studying for the state EMT exam as the nation honored emergency medical service workers during EMS week. EMS Week was created by President Gerald Ford in 1974 to commemorate the work and sacri ces of those in emergency medicine. Fox Lane High School senior Roselyn volunteers for the Village of Bedford Fire Department Ambulance Corps. Roselyn, 18, is going to study nursing at Lehman College in the Bronx in September. She got involved in EMS because she wanted hands-on experience dealing with medical emergencies. “I come from a small country, Guatemala, where health care is really needed and I’ve always wanted to help people,” Roselyn said. For Daniel, 18, EMS and re- ghting goes hand-in-hand and is a family a air. He works on an ambulance overnight on Fridays and three hours every weekday at the Briarcli Manor Fire Department. His father, a paramedic, also donates his time. Daniel’s mother is a nurse. “I like to help people,” Daniel said. “I assisted in helping a cardiac arrest patient on Sunday. It was my fourth.” Daniel is headed to the University of New Haven in the fall, where he will study Fire Science. Jeremy’s re ghting lineage goes back three generations. His greatgrandfather was the rst president of the Bedford Hills Fire Department; his grandfather was a chief and his uncle is a captain. fi e virtues of service and sacri ce are notions Jeremy grew up with. “I would give up my life to help or save someone else in any way shape or form,” he said. “I watched my grandpa run into burning buildings as a little kid and I see my uncle do the same thing now.” Jeremy is in the PNW BOCES GED program and is joining the U.S. Marine Corps in August to become a medevac pilot and medic. fi e 18-year-old plans to go to New York Medical College after his military service. Not all of Corrado’s students will end up working in an ambulance, and that’s ne with her, because what they’ve learned in her class can help them anywhere at any time. “Most of the students come here because they have some interest in emergency medical service,” Corrado said. “What they do with that knowledge is up to them. A lot of times when CPR or rst aid measures are applied it’s not in a 911 setting. It’s in their own homes. fi eir loved ones are injured, or their friends are injured. Information they’ve learned in classes like this is what makes the di erence.” Article courtesy of PNW BOCES. EMT students work towards saving lives Jeremy Flores, Roselyn Vasquez, and Daniel Sugrue BY WHIT ANDERSON STAFF WRITER fi e BCSD Board of Education gathered on Wednesday, June 7 for a post-election/budget vote meeting to provide various updates on the Success Plan, as well as to honor a worthy student. Oscar Campbell, a Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) participant, earned the Student of Distinction for 2023 thanks to his display of outstanding leadership skills, academic progress, and community spirit. “Oscar is a bright, sensitive student who always shows a willingness to learn and has grown tremendously throughout this school year,” said Melissa Cafaro, the BOCES Special Education Supervisor. “He makes a positive impact on his class by being a shining light in our school, and he serves as a role model in so many ways.” Also in attendance for his honor was Assistant Superintendent Louis Riolo and Director of Special Superintendent’s Success Plan completed Campbell honored as Student of Distinction BEDFORD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT SEE BOE PAGE 30 Offering the Unique Flavors of Asian Cuisine 914-232-3900 tengdakatonah.com CALL US INSTEAD and make a reservation! 286 Katonah Ave, Katonah Don’t make Dad grill...
PAGE 10 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES 118 N, BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2023 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those of The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times or its ailiates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail at [email protected]. For more information, call the editor at 914-302-5830 BRETT FREEMAN, PUBLISHER TOM WALOGORSKY , EDITOR TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Editorial Oice: 914-302-5830 [email protected]. JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 With Memorial Day just having passed, I wanted to take a moment and set the record straight on a critical aspect of our federal government’s work - funding and providing services for our veterans. For weeks, Democratic darkmoney groups and far-left activists have been lying about the Limit, Save, Grow Act and its impact on funding for our veterans here in the 17th Congressional District. In fact, in May, the Working Families Party, who have consistently advocated for the defunding of our military, stooped so low as to use veterans as political pawns by protesting outside of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Hospital in Montrose. e WFP and other dark-money groups have spent millions of dollars across the country to spread this insidious lie and, not surprisingly, some people are confused, scared, or both. Let me be clear: I never have and never will support cuts to the Department of Veterans Aairs. e Limit, Save, Grow Act they reference contained zero language outlining any cuts to veterans programs. Setting the record straight about support for our veterans MIKE LAWLER CONGRESSMAN The saddest result of the extreme vitriol and animosity expressed between Americans today is that it has ltered down to the local level. So, when I see something positive, I want to go out of my way to oer praise. e Mt. KiscoBedford Times is still in its honeymoon phase, but our other weekly newspapers are often on the receiving end of hate mail from both liberals and conservatives. Each side is convinced that we’re either an “extreme right-wing mouthpiece” or “liberal rag.” Some on the political left tend to hate my Publisher’s Memos. But we’re also not immune from hate mail from people on the political right, who sometimes call to cancel us because I don’t censor our liberal columnists and because we cover progressive causes on our news pages. As a community newspaper, we’re going to cover Columbus Day parades and Pride marches. Short of views expressed outside a pretty wide range across the Overton Window, we will never cancel anyone. Additionally, not everything is reduceable to politics. Regardless of my personal feelings about any topics, we are charged with evaluating everyone as individuals. If you want to stop hate, stop hating In praise of Race Amity of Northern Westchester & Putnam BRETT FREEMAN PUBLISHER’S MEMO SEE LAWLERPAGE 11 SEE FREEMAN PAGE 11
JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 OPINION THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 11 In fact, it didn’t touch on veterans bene ts at all, not even mentioning the word “veteran” once. Even the Washington Post admitted there are no cuts to veterans in the bill. A recent poll shows that 60% of Americans believe we need to lift the debt ceiling while reducing runaway federal spending, something that drove in ation to record levels and created economic instability for families right here in the Hudson Valley and across the country. e Limit, Save, Grow Act tackles spending head-on. In conjunction with capping federal spending, however, we must not forget our commitment to America’s veterans. To that end, House Republicans on the Appropriations Committee announced over $18 billion in new funding for veterans, their care, and services for our brave heroes. I will never stop ghting to secure funding for the veterans in our district, and the $18 billion commitment from House Republicans will enable the U.S. Department of Veterans A airs to improve care, provide additional services, and keep our promise to America’s veterans and their families. My o ce has been proud to assist dozens of veterans so far this year with claims at the VA, Social Security and Medicare issues, and more. I remain hopeful that, at some stage, the Democratic dark-money groups and far-left activists will stop using our veterans as political pawns and treat them with the respect they deserve, just as House Republicans are working to do. Congressman Mike Lawler is the U.S. Representative to New York’s 17th Congressional District, which includes all of Halston Media’s newspaper coverage area. Lawler was elected to Congress this past November. LAWLER FROM PAGE 10 If people and organizations in town treat us with respect, we will o er the same respect in return. Back in January, in our weekly sister publications, I wrote a Publisher’s Memo titled “DEI versus academic freedom: A critique of critical race theory in our schools.” To be candid with you, I didn’t publish the piece in this newspaper, in part because we’re too new in this community and I was unsure how it would be received. To explain, you don’t go to a dinner party and discuss politics and religion, especially with people who don’t know you well. at is sort of how I felt about publishing that piece in this newspaper. We were still getting to know one another. I received a lot of private praise and some public criticism for writing that piece. But one group, Race Amity of Northern Westchester & Putnam, went a step further and invited me to meet with the leaders of their organization. On March 4, I met with ve members of the Race Amity Steering Committee at the Somers Library for what turned out to be about a three-hour conversation, the details of which we all agreed would remain o the record. But there are some things I am permitted to reveal. First o , Race Amity is strictly a non-partisan organization. While I had signi cant political disagreements with one or more of the vocal people at the meeting (and I assume even more signi cant disagreements with the less vocal people), I came away genuinely liking the people with whom I met. I hope they felt the same about me! ey made it clear at the beginning of the meeting that there was no plan to attack me. No, they didn’t think I was a racist for my critique of DEI policies. ey shared their personal backgrounds and gave me the same opportunity to share mine. Most importantly, we saw each other as human beings with value. We were united in our goals to reduce racism and hate, but we di ered at times in how to get there. A couple of days after our meeting, I sent the Race Amity members the following note: “It was a pleasure to meet with all of you! Stepping back from our conversation a bit, I think I came away with the fact that some things are beyond politics. I appreciate that each of you saw my humanity regardless of how you felt about my positions on politics. I know we got into some debates, but what stuck with me is what we had in common, which is a sincere desire to heal our nation and to make connections with people. “If everyone could approach disagreements in the manner in which your organization approached them, then this world would be a much better place. I’m not familiar with Bahai theology [the religion of a couple of the members], but as a Jew, I know that you all are practicing Tikkun Olam, which in Hebrew means the act of engaging with people in a way that seeks to repair the world. I truly hope that this is the beginning of a great relationship between the local paper and Race Amity. Wishing you all the best.” Unlike my productive meeting with Racy Amity, these days, unfortunately, people too often are brutal to one another. I witness the vitriol of the various local groups on social media. People on the left and the right are both guilty of this. It is simply sad if one can’t debate topics civilly without calling people names. Yes, this includes calling people racists because of some “dog whistle” one is convinced exists. It used to be that we called people racists – and legitimately so – for marching through a town with swastikas or white sheets. Now people are accused of being racists because they believe the pursuit of equity (equal FREEMAN FROM PAGE 10 SEE FREEMAN PAGE 12 AUTO BODY COLLISION SPECIALIST | EXPERT FRAME STRAIGHTENING | PROFESSIONAL COLOR MATCHING | ALL WORK GUARANTEED 24 Hour Lock-Out Service & Towing Available Phone: 845-628-0069 | Phone/Text Now: 914-727-9497 | Fax: 845-628-3745 | 381 US 6 • Mahopac NY | proshopautobodynorth.com PROSHOPAUTOBODYNORTH AND WHEN THEY DO, PRO SHOP NORTH HAS GOT YOU COVERED ACCIDENTS HAPPEN. Car accidents happen when you least expect them, and they can cause significant damage to your vehicle. Driving your vehicle after can be incredibly dangerous, especially if there is damage to the frame. Pro Shop North can assess the damage for you and work with your insurance company to complete any necessary repairs. Customers always come first at Pro Shop North, so we’ll help you make the most of your insurance claim and get you back on the road safely. 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PAGE 12 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES OPINION JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 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. 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 Katonah-Lewisboro Times. YES, I really enjoy The Katonah-Lewisboro Times, 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) (Optional for TAPinto E-News) Checks payable to Halston Media LLC Please include this form in your envelope. Mail to: P.O. 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Last (Required) City: State: ZIP: Name: Signature: Email: Snowbird Dates (if applicable): Date: Phone: Address: (Optional) (Optional for TAPinto E-News) Checks payable to Halston Media LLC. Please include this form in your envelope. Please Include the following additional papers as part of this subscription: Mahopac News The Somers Record Yorktown News North Salem News The Katonah-Lewisboro Times Mail to: P.O. Box 864 Mahopac, NY 10541 While we need your Full Support to keep this newspaper strong, we include the option for Basic Support because we don’t want financial reasons to get in the way of our readers receiving this newspaper. Basic Support vs. Full Support Basic Support Full Support $100 $50 $20 other or visit www.HalstonSubscribe.com OR Visit www.HalstonSubscribe.com outcomes) over equality (equal opportunities) is bad policy. If you want to debate this, debate this. But there are two negative results when people bandy the term “racist” in a cavalier way. 1. Accusing someone of being a racist shuts down conversation and presumes the ability to know what is in someone’s heart. 2. Cavalierly using the term “racist” reduces the impact of the word when there is a justi ed reason for using it. We can’t continue like this and expect to survive as a nation. As much as any of us may nd beliefs harbored by some neighbors distasteful (or worse), we can’t allow that to spawn hatred. Both sides of the political spectrum are convinced the other side started it, but having sat through some marital therapy sessions (which I’m not ashamed to admit), I’ve learned that relational con ict is rarely about the content. It’s almost always about both listening and feeling heard, and the emotions associated with both. When I say that we can’t continue like this and expect to survive as a nation, I’m not suggesting there will be a civil war on a battle eld. America is too large and our federal political system is too complex to ever repeat the exact history of the 1860s. But what I am suggesting is that if Americans feel unheard – and even hated – by the other side, and if they feel that the justice system in particular, which is supposed to be blind, favors the other side, then we will turn into a system where people obey the government, not out of some sense of civic duty, but solely out of compulsion. And what kind of society is that? I want to repeat again, because this bears repeating. It’s not about the content. It doesn’t matter whether or not you think your neighbor is a kook who believes in conspiracy theories. It should, however, matter to you that your neighbor feels the way he or she feels. We all have an obligation to reach out to those neighbors so they feel heard. Additionally, even if you are convinced that your neighbor believes the most vile things, aren’t all human beings worthy of being treated with some sense of value? e pastor at my church (yes, I’m Jewish, but sometimes attend both synagogue and church) once rhetorically asked during a sermon whether a racist person should be turned away if he showed up one Sunday morning. His point was not that anyone should condone or tolerate racism. His point is that churches are in the business of providing a means for people to seek redemption, and casting people out with pitchforks may not be the proper response. Arguing and debate may not be the proper response either, especially when it comes to certain mediums. Years ago, I spent an inordinate amount of time debating acquaintances and strangers on Facebook. Ultimately, I stopped. For whatever reason, Facebook is just a toxic place to post anything political. I remain an observer, though, and it truly saddens me to witness some of the conversations on these local town pages. I seriously doubt much of what is said on Facebook would ever occur if the conversations took place over a cup of co ee or cocktail. Or in the case of Race Amity, our conversation took place over a box of cookies, which were yummy! I do think that the good folks over at the Race Amity organization (and other bridge-building organizations such as Braver Angels) have found the right approach to advance the cause of combating hate. And the approach is this: If you want to stop hate, stop hating. FREEMAN FROM PAGE 11 In support of Lisa Abzun Dear Editor, e mayoral candidate forum, ably run by the League of Women Voters, gave Lisa Abzun and Tom Luzio opportunity to respond to questions and for the audience to assess their experience, attitude, judgment and empathy. Due to her strengths, Abzun is the obvious choice for mayor. After being appointed, then elected to the Mount Kisco Board of Trustees, Abzun was named Deputy Mayor in 2021. She shares responsibility for the ongoing improvements in the town, including repair of roads, Kisco River banks, sidewalks, renovations of the rehouses, and sewer and water systems. She understands how government actions generally require working through a process, not making an instant decision. is means reaching out, communicating, and working with di erent and overlapping sets of stakeholders: people of di erent backgrounds and ages, organizations, business owners, and governments. Abzun already has excellent relationships with the elected o£ cials and sta of Westchester County, New York State, and surrounding towns as well as the Bedford Central School District. She will build on the already excellent communication channels, understanding that there is no universal way. Abzun has contributed to our town as a volunteer; here is a short list of groups: school parent/teacher organizations, the Mt. Kisco Arts Council, Latino Providers, Neighbors Link and the Mt. Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry, and informal ways such as playing Dominoes with seniors. She is an owner of a landscaping business, a lawyer and an artist. She is a runner and a scholar: she does archival research and recently gave a LETTERS SEE LETTERSPAGE 13
JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 OPINION THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 13 talk for the Mt. Kisco Historical Society on an early printmaking company in Mt. Kisco. She knows people, businesses, streets and history. She provided detailed background on the cell tower in Leonard Park. She is the person to be in authority when similar issues arise again. Abzun is calm, warm, friendly, and tremendously hard-working. I note that several businesses in town are willing to post “I’m with Lisa” stickers. e audience broke out in spontaneous applause for Abzun after her opening and her closing statements, unknowingly ignoring an unstated rule, but unable to suppress their enthusiasm. Please vote for Lisa Abzun in the Democratic primary June 27 and the general election Nov. 7. -Jeanine Meyer Mount Kisco In praise of our current town leadership Dear Editor, I frequently comment to my friends and neighbors how grateful I feel to live in this community, a safe place, where people care, are involved, speak up when needed, and solve problems together. Of course, every community has places for growth and improvement, needs for increased attention and change. No one person or place is perfect. Yet, I believe I have the privilege of having no major concerns. is impression is supported by the competency of our current town leadership under Supervisor Ellen Calves as well as Bobbi Bittker, Tom Catoliato and their colleagues on the Town Board, along with County Legislator Erika Pierce. In a national political climate fueled by sensationalism, click bait and social media griping, a small community like ours can and should do better. We are neighbors; literally, I have an incumbent Democratic candidate a few blocks to my right and an opponent a couple of blocks to my left. I see their humanity, and they see mine. is calls for respectful, civil and patient discourse. Any candidate for our local o ce that airs his/her interpersonal gripes and attacks on blog posts and social media is a red ag and will not have my vote. I see in our current Town of Bedford team dignity and composure, leadership that listens rst and communicates well, and a re ection of diversity, inclusivity and respect. I feel and see a climate of hope, promises kept and progress, and I look forward to what they will accomplish next term. -Lee Sauerhofi Katonah Lisa Abzun cares about the community Dear Editor, I am writing this letter to express my enthusiastic endorsement of Lisa Abzun for mayor in the town of Mount Kisco. roughout my interactions with Abzun, I have been deeply impressed by her knowledge, kindness, support, and genuine commitment to the community. One instance that particularly stands out is when she graciously assisted me with the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the grand opening of my business. Despite the short notice, she made every e ort to be there and warmly welcomed me into the town of Mount Kisco. Her caring and gentle nature were evident as she o ered kind words, words of encouragement, and emphasizing her dedication to ensuring the success of local businesses. Furthermore, she extended her genuine support by urging me to reach out to her whenever needed, demonstrating her sincere desire to assist me in growing and making a positive impact in our community. Abzun’s unwavering dedication to the well-being of Mount Kisco is truly admirable. I greatly appreciate her honesty, compassion, and genuine care for the community’s development and prosperity. It is an honor for me to continue supporting Lisa and her mission to become the mayor of the town of Mount Kisco. Lisa’s extensive knowledge and vast experience in the town were evident during the mayoral candidate forum, organized by the League of Women voters. She has demonstrated and possesses the qualities we need in a leader - someone who deeply cares about the well-being of every individual and is committed to providing the necessary services to meet their diverse needs. In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse Lisa Abzun for Mayor. Her kindness, support, and genuine commitment to our community make her the ideal candidate for this crucial role. Please vote for Lisa in the Democratic primary, June 27, and the general election on Nov. 7. I strongly believe that with Abzun as the mayor, Mount Kisco will ourish and continue to thrive. ank you for your attention. -Giovanna Tartarone Business Owner, Mount Kisco LETTERS FROM PAGE 12 Letters and Op-Ed Policy Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those of The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times or its a iliates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail at mkbt@ halstonmedia.com. For more information, call the editor at 914-302-5830. 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Mark Twain famously quipped, “No man’s life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session.” It’s especially true when Albany politicians are at work. Last weekend, in the wee hours of the morning, the New York legislature was busy doing a complete partisan overhaul of the election process in New York, which if it is not vetoed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, will dramatically alter the way elections are conducted in New York State for a generation. I am no “good government” Pollyanna when it comes to bare knuckle politics. I understand that winning majority control of all three branches of government in New York has consequences. But we do expect the party in power to exercise a hint of self-control, as well as striving for best practices when it comes to good government. is latest round of earlymorning hijinks reminds us why the New York legislature is widely held to be one of the most dysfunctional in the United States. If there was an international competition, I’m sure they would place at the top of that list too. Here’s a glimpse of the changes approved by the legislature in no particular order. First, all local elections statewide will now be conducted during even-numbered, national election years, the same time as Presidential, Congressional, and statewide elections. For anyone that follows local elections, the dopiness of this idea is obvious. e electorate that oods the polling places in national election years cares little about local issues. Local candidates and issues will be swamped by national candidates and national issues. ey will also be unable to compete with the money spent by national campaigns to spike turnout from their party faithful. ere is very little ticket splitting in national elections. All that will matter is what party ballot line a candidate appears on. As I’ve written in previous columns, national party platforms aren’t a good selection criteria for town judges, councilmembers, town clerks, highway superintendents, etc., since local government is about local things. Yet, if this new law is allowed to move forward, local issues and quali cations of candidates will get zero airtime. People won’t matter anymore; only parties will. e actual ballot will be a complete train wreck when you add all of the county and local positions to the national and statewide ballot. As it is, the ballot is di cult to navigate. Under this new scheme, there could be as many as 35 to 40 di erent elections, necessitating that many columns on the ballot. How much interest will there be in those candidates in the 39th and 40th positions on the ballot? You may need to spread your ballot out on a picnic table to read it. Our elected o cials always like to remind us that New York is a home rule state. I’m not sure what happened, since the legislature is sticking their nose into local elections, telling local o cials what to do. What happened to the Je ersonian notion that the government closest to the people governs best? ere is a reason that odd-year elections are reserved for local focus. It’s been the tradition in New York for 200 years and in the vast majority of states across the country for at least that long. I’m happy to report there was some bipartisan common sense in our area, at least in the Assembly, since both Republican Matt Slater and Democrat Chris Burdick voted against this measure. Both of them served as town supervisors in their respective towns of Yorktown and Bedford. I had the pleasure of serving with Burdick for ve years. ey both understand what a boneheaded idea it is to move these local elections to the national election schedule. ey also appreciate the time, expense and heartache they will be subjecting local government o cials, as they scramble to schedule extra elections and realign processes. Next, in addition to nationalizing local elections, the legislature also overrode the will of the voters by reinstituting “no excuse” absentee ballots – a measure rejected in a statewide referendum 60% to 40% just two years ago. ey also made changes to the previously passed campaign nance reform, which e New York Times panned in their editorial, “New York Lawmakers Try to Sabotage Campaign Reform.” Without going into minute detail, that legislation would pump $100 million of taxpayer money into the campaign co ers of incumbents, while saddling challengers with hurdles to qualify for the same money. And nally, lest anyone want to go to court to challenge the constitutionality of the power grab, they have limited any litigation to only four of the state’s 62 counties – New York, Westchester, Albany, and Erie (Bu alo). at legislative judge shopping will ensure the most favorable venue for their point of view. All of these dramatic changes were made outside of the public view in the wee hours of the morning. e legislators had the opportunity for public hearings and consultations with local o cials, but were probably afraid of the feedback they would get -- not a recipe for success. County executives and town supervisors are uniformly against the legislation, but they had no opportunity to be heard. You’re probably getting the idea that I think this is really bad legislation. Even my liberal friends were aghast. Gov. Hochul is our only hope for moderation. Give her a ring; I am sure she would love to hear from you. State passes drastic overhaul of local elections DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Advertising Deadline The advertising deadline for The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times is the Thursday before the next publication date. Advertisements can be submitted by you as a camera-ready PDF via email at [email protected]. We also o er our clients a free ad design service. For more information, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151.
JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 OPINION THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 15 fifffflffiflffifflfflffl fifffflffiflffffiffffiflffiffffiffflffffi ffiflffffiflffflflffiffiflff flffflffffiflffffiffflffiflffiflflffifffl fifffflffiffflfffflfffflffifflfflffl ff ffl fflfflffl ffifflffl ffifffffflfffffflfflffffl fflffifflffiffifffflfffflffiffl fifffflfflffiflfiffi fifffflfflffifl fifffflffiflfffffl fifffflffiflfflffiffflflflflfflflfl ffl fl fflflfflffiflfflffflflfflffi flfflff fflfl fflflfflflflff flfffflffifl flfflffi fl flff fl fifffflfflffifflflfflfl fflffiffiffi ffffifflffflffi fflffflfflffi fififflff fifffflffiflfffflfffflffifffflfflflfflflfflffflffffifflffff fifffflffifl fifffflffiflflflfl fflfflffflffl TICKS ARE HERE. MOSQUITOS CAN BE DEADLY! CALL TODAY! ANTS • TERMITES • TICKS • MOSQUITOES SQUIRRELS • RACCOONS • BATS • MICE RATS • WASPS • BEES SPIDERS • MOLES • SKUNKS • BEDBUGS NEW SERVICE ONLY - ALL PEST AND WILDLIFE DON’T LIVE WITH ANY CRAWLING PESTS THIS SPRING & SUMMER. WE “ELIMINATE ‘EM! SpCB23 TERMITE ELIMINATION OR RODENT/BAT EXCLUSION Dear Dr. Linda, Our son Mikey is completing second grade, but is still reading on rst-grade level. at’s no shock to me because I had a lot of problems learning to read. His teacher recommended that he go to the school’s summer reading camp. My wife thinks that’s a great idea, but I don’t. I want him to go to a regular day camp where he can play all summer. I was sent to those summer reading camps. ey’re from 9 to 12, ve days a week. Every afternoon I’d try to nd a friend to play ball with or go swimming with. But all my friends were in day camp. I can’t speak for the other kids with me—maybe they loved it and got a lot out of it. I just remember feeling so bad because I wanted to go to camp with my friends. My wife says that he’ll love it and that I’m su ering from the “grass is always greener” syndrome. Whatever it is, I can’t do this to him. Not being able to read is a punishment in itself, but it doesn’t have to ruin his summer too. I know because I was once Mikey myself. -Allan Dear Allan, When a child has di culty learning to read, school is usually not a happy place for them. It’s not a good feeling for kids watching classmates move ahead while they’re still in the beginning level books, because it impacts selfesteem. It isn’t until much later that we can separate what we can and can’t do from our importance as people. And you know that no matter when you gure that out, the feelings experienced during those formative years don’t really go away when you “grow up.” School experiences are no di erent than other childhood experiences. ey stay with you forever. at little child in you is always there even though you have changed physically and have learned how to cope with life a little better. Many maladaptive adult responses are based on childhood experiences that were never dealt with properly at the time. With this in mind, how do you decide what is best for Mikey? Begin by asking yourself, regardless of how he gets it, if Mikey would bene t from reading instruction over the summer. To help you with your answer, I’d like to share some research with you. It has been shown that by the end of summer break, struggling students who have not had instruction during the summer fall further behind than where they were at the end of the school year. Of course, not all students experience a loss. e children who love to read may read even more over the summer and see their reading skills improve. But, for the most part, when a child is struggling in reading, even more than in math, s/he will most likely slide backwards over the summer if s/he doesn’t receive remediation. erefore, it is essential that Mikey receive reading help during the summer months. So, how do you accomplish that while guaranteeing that he has a fun and relaxed summer? Here are three options to help you and your wife decide what to do. OPTION 1 Mikey attends the school summer reading program from 9 to 12, and then have every afternoon free to do what he wants. But, before you sign him up, be sure that the summer program the school is o ering speci cally addresses Mikey’s needs. Also, contact day camps, his friends, town programs, etc., to help plan his afternoons. And although he is like you, Mikey isn’t you. Other variables are also at play—he may love the summer school program. OPTION 2 Mikey attends a day camp that also o ers reading support. OPTION 3 Mikey attends a day camp and then meets with a private tutor after camp or on the weekends. -Dr. Linda Have a tutoring or other school-related question? Ask Dr. Linda directly by emailing her at Linda@stronglearning. com. Struggling students fall further behind during summer DR. LINDA SILBERT STRONG LEARNING 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 16 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIM On Thursday, May 11, the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce proudly gathered to pay tribute to the recipients of their 2023 Citizens of Year awards. Held at the Saw Mill Club in Mount Kisco, the evenin honored the co-winners of the Citizen of the Year award, JoAnne Hochstein and Beth Mannion, as we as Business of the Year D’Errico Jewelry, and the Mount Kisco Lions Club as Organization of the year Citizens Frannie Albanese, Sarah Gevinski, Jane Pieragostini, Donna Arena, Dana Schwartz, Diana Cardillo, Elisa Bruno-Midili, Matt Grasso, Bruce Heller, Dan Taplitz, Laura Duerto Perez, Jo-Ann Larizza, and Cyndi David of the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce. JoAnne Hochstein and Beth Mannion were honored with Citizens of the Year awards. D’Errico Jewelry manager Dana Schwartz enjoying the evening with her daughters. Bob Scopelliti and Anthony Cerreta receiving the Organization of the Ye for the Mount Kisco Lions Club, wit Gina Picinich and Westchester Cou Legislator Erika Pierce. of the Yea PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOUNT K
MES – JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 PAGE 17 ng ll r. s Beth Mannion celebrating the Citizen of the Year award with her family. Sal and Richie D’Errico receiving the Business of the Year award for D’Errico Jewelry. ani ear Award th Mayor unty Loretta Brooks, Co-Executive Director of Mt. Kisco Chamber of Commerce and On the Mend’s Liam O’Kee e and Christine Mangi Co-Executive Director of Mt. Kisco Chamber of Commerce Beth Vetare-Civitello with Liam O’Kee e and Christine Mangi from On the Mend. Mount Kisco Chamber of ar Commerce awards KISCO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • Gravel • Topsoil • Mulches • Sweet Peet • Unilock Pavers BEDFORD GRAVEL & LANDSCAPE SUPPLY 27 Norm Ave., Mt. Kisco (next to Kohl’s) www.bedfordgravel.com 914-241-3851 • Sand • Stonedust • Item #4 • Drainage Pipe • Flagstone • Fieldstone • Belgian Block • Cobblestones • Wallstone • Fire Pits • Stepping Stones • Soil/Fill
PAGE 18 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES HEALTH & WELLNESS JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 Pleasantville Wellness Group is your community haven, providing compassionate care and support to patients of all ages and walks of life. Our team of licensed clinicians have a wide range of specialties to help you find the peace of mind and comfort that is eluding you. Whether you are struggling with an immediate challenge, working through past trauma, or trying to answer the larger questions of life, we are here to support you through the journey. We oer individual, group, and couples counseling so that you can find the therapeutic environment best suited for your unique needs. Our Team SERVICES CURRENTLY OFFERED: INDIVIDUAL, GROUP & FAMILY THERAPY www.pleasantvillewellnessgroup.com CONTACT US 450 Manville Road, First Floor Pleasantville NY 10570 [email protected] (call) 914-769-1586 (text) 845-260-2797 WE ALSO OFFER: Neuropsychological and Our Team Our Team Psychoeducational Testing Services Studies have shown that men have historically been less likely to report mental health issues than women. Lower rates of self-reporting among men may be attributable to a number of factors, including the stigma that’s still attached to the issue of mental health. Mental health issues can a ect all aspects of a person’s life, and if left untreated, these issues can have grave consequences. Men are not immune to those consequences. In fact, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates age-adjusted suicide rates are substantially higher among men than women. Among men, that rate is 14 per 100,000, which is more than twice as high as the rate among women (6.1 per 100,000). ere’s no formula to identify which men will develop a mental health issue or which condition they might experience. But it’s worth noting some of the more common mental health issues and equally important that all men recognize these issues can a ect any man at any time. ANXIETY e U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that anxiety disorders a ect roughly 20 percent of the adult population in the United States each year. Similarly, Statistics Canada notes that a screening in spring 2021 found that 15 percent of Canadians screened positive for generalized anxiety disorder. Anxiety is an umbrella term that alludes to a number of issues that each produce their own symptoms and side e ects, but the DHHS notes that anxiety disorders are marked by feelings of fear and uncertainty that interfere with everyday activities. ese feelings persist for six months or more and can increase a person’s risk for heart disease, diabetes, substance abuse and depression. DEPRESSION e World Health Organization reports that roughly 5 percent of the global adult population su ers from depression. Depression is more than the feelings of sadness that everyone experiences from time to time. e National Institute of Mental Health notes that depression produces persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety or an “empty” mood. Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism are some additional characteristics of depression. It’s important to recognize that these symptoms must be persistent. Symptoms that persist for at least two weeks and interfere with a person’s ability to work, sleep, study and eat may indicate major depression, while less severe symptoms that last for at least two years suggest the presence of persistent depressive disorder. SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER e National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics has identi ed substance use disorder as a public health emergency. Statistics support that assertion, as data from the National Center for Health Statistics indicates more than 20 million Americans ages 12 and over are a ected by a substance use disorder. Statistics Canada indicates that around six million Canadians will meet the criteria for addiction in their lifetime. ough anyone, including children, can develop substance use disorder, a 2016 report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicated that men have higher rates of use or dependence on illicit drugs and alcohol than women. e National Institutes of Health notes that substance use disorder a ects a person’s brain and behavior, which makes them incapable of controlling their use of substances, including medication and alcohol. Men are no less vulnerable to mental health issues than women. e NIMH urges individuals in crisis or people who suspect someone is in crisis to call 911 or to call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. More information about mental health can be found at nimh.nih.gov. fi is article is from Metro Creative Connection. Mental health issues that affect men
JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 FOCUS ON ELDER LAW THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 19 fie Era of No Lookback Periods for Medicaid Homecare Is Finally Coming to an End In New York! Barring another pandemic or other signi- cant health emergency, on March 31, 2024, the days of being able to gift away your assets in New York without creating any period of ineligibility for Community Medicaid (also known as Medicaid Homecare) will be coming to an end. On March 31, 2024, any uncompensated transfer of assets (gift of assets) will create a 30-month lookback period for Community Medicaid retroactive to all uncompensated transfers made on or after Oct. 1, 2020. It should be noted that although these transfers have had no impact on eligibility for Community Medicaid for decades, they have always created a 60-month (ve year) lookback for Medicaid nursing home. fiis change in the law will have a major impact on seniors who want to age in place at home and access the Medicaid home care program, which provides seniors with paid home health aides. fie aides assist seniors in performing activities of daily living (ADL’s), such as walking, dressing, feeding, going to the bathroom and bathing. fius, if on April 1, 2024, a single person (no spouse) has non-IRA/non-retirement liquid assets greater than the resource exclusion ($30,180 for 2023), they will be creating a 30-month (2-1/2 years) lookback and ineligibility period for Community Medicaid, unless a “Medicaid Crisis Plan” can be implemented for the applicant’s resources, which would help reduce the ineligibility period below 30 months. For seniors who are currently struggling to remain at home (including those who reside at an assisted living facility) because of both physical and cognitive incapacities, the implementation of the 30-month lookback can be a devastating blow. fius, we are encouraging our clients who are in need of assistance with their ADL’s to make the requisite transfer of their non-IRA/non-retirement resources above the current resource limit prior to March 31, 2024, and to apply for Community (homecare) Medicaid before March 31, 2024. It is critical that both the transfer and application for Community Medicaid be made before March 31, 2024, to avoid the 30-month lookback. Although one’s physical incapacities may not be signicant enough to warrant 12 or 24 hours of care per day, it is important to be in the system and receiving any amount of approved care before the 30-month lookback commences. As one’s condition continues to deteriorate and additional hours of care are required, one can request that their care needs be reevaluated and that additional hours of care be provided. Being proactive in seeking homecare prior to March 31, 2024, is of great importance. Anthony J. Enea is a member of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP of White Plains, New York. He focuses his practice on Wills, Trusts, Estates and Elder Law. Anthony is the Past Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), and is the past Chair of the 50+ Section of the NYSBA. He is a Past President and founding member of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Anthony is also the Immediate Past President of the Westchester County Bar Foundation and a Past President of the Westchester County Bar Association. He can be reached at 914-948- 1500 or at www.esslawrm.com. Era of ‘no-lookback periods’ is ending Medicaid Homecare eligibility will be impacted starting on March 31, 2024 Held on the last Wednesday of each month, Lunch & Learn programs at Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP, shed light on a variety of important elder law and estate planning topics. The free educational program, held at the firm’s White Plains location, is open to the public – though space is limited. Those interested are encouraged to register early by calling 914-948-1500 to reserve their spot. A light lunch and refreshments are included. Future programs include: June 28 Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones from Financial Elder Abuse and Senior Scams: Often referred to as “the crime of the 21st century,” learn key signs of financial and personal elder abuse, typical scams that are targeted toward the senior population as well as the important estate planning documents to help protect against financial abuse as one ages. Presented by Sara E. Meyers, Esq. September 27 LLCs: The Pros, Cons and Estate Planning: For some, an LLC can be a useful tool to pass assets down to loved ones while avoiding or minimizing estate taxes. Discover if an LLC may be right for your estate planning needs as well as how they are used to reduce the risk of personal liability with rental properties. Presentation by Anthony J. Enea, Esq. & Michael P. Enea, Esq. October 25 Understanding the Implications of Gray Divorce: A divorce later in life often adds a level of complexity to the estate and tax plan process. Understand what potential complications may arise and how to address them – from division of assets and tax issues to estate and long-term care planning. Presented by Lauren C. Enea, Esq. November 29 Special Needs Planning for Children and Grandchildren with Disabilities: Ensure the future care and well-being of your child or grandchild with special needs using these estate planning strategies. This program will cover the three basic types of special needs trusts (also known as supplemental needs trusts), general drafting considerations and the newest type of special needs trust – the sole benefits trust. Presented by Sara E. Meyers, Esq. & Lauren C. Enea, Esq. ANTHONY J. ENEA FOCUS ON ELDER LAW Lunch & Learn Series
PAGE 20 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES HEALTH & WELLNESS JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 Discover The Greens at Greenwich The Greens provides safety, comfort, and a loving home filled with laughter and joy. We are a small intimate assisted living community for your loved one with memory impairment. Home is a Feeling Awarded the Best Practice for Resident Care by the Connecticut Assisted Living Association [email protected] • thegreensatgreenwich.com Schedule a Tour 203.531.5500 www.pleasantvillewellnessgroup.com CONTACT US 450 Manville Road, First Floor Pleasantville NY 10570 [email protected] (call) 914-769-1586 (text) 845-260-2797 PLEASANTVILLE WELLNESS GROUP oers compassionate and aordable care for whatever you or a loved one may be struggling with. Reach out today to find out how we can support you through your mental health journey. Services oered in person and online. BY CAROLINE GRECO GUEST COLUMNIST fi e healing power of music is known, understood and appreciated by nearly everyone. Few people would disagree with the magic of music and its ability to uplift, soothe, connect and transform. However, when we talk about the therapeutic nature of music and learn more about what music therapy is, it’s important to distinguish a key di erence: within a music therapy context, music is used within a therapeutic relationship, involving both client and therapist, to address the needs of individuals. Certainly, most of us have experienced moments where hearing certain songs, albums or artists at particular moments were majorly impactful in some way. Perhaps listening to live music in concert, playing live music vocally or instrumentally, or even listening to your favorite tunes through headphones, in your car, or in your home have been deeply meaningful or felt signi cantly transformative and therapeutic. However, it’s important to note that while these moments fully and wholly represent the therapeutic nature of music, they do not represent an accurate depiction of what music therapy is. Music fi erapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual needs of individuals. fi ere are a wide variety of music interventions that fall under four main methods of music therapy: receptive (listening), improvisational, compositional and re-creative. Upon completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in music therapy, music therapists are eligible to sit for the national board certi cation exam to obtain the credential MT-BC (Music fi erapist - Board Certi ed), which is necessary for professional practice. Music therapists work with a range of populations, including but not limited to dementia care, special education, hospice care, acquired brain injury, military service members and veterans, addiction treatment, medical care and behavioral health. fi e extraordinary relationship between music and individuals with dementia is no secret. Countless research studies have shown that music lives in every single part of our brains. It’s no wonder our brains are awakened, and we vividly come to life when engaging with our favorite songs and melodies. As a music therapist working with individuals with memory impairment, it is a gift to be able to witness this extraordinary relationship rsthand. Whether it’s listening to an individual with aphasia musically express themselves through melodic harmonica playing, hearing a nonverbal client vocalize and sing lyrical phrases with amazing clarity, or witnessing a group of individuals musically improvise and connect with each other and parts of themselves, the magic of music is never in question. For all of us, but even more so with individuals with dementia, music links us to our world and provides a pathway back to our past. To be a part of this link and be privy to a client’s journey down this pathway is more rewarding, uplifting and beautiful than I could have ever imagined when rst entering this remarkable eld. Music erapist Caroline Greco, LCAT, MT-BC, MS, is Program Director at e Greens at Greenwich. For more information, visit thegreensatgreenwich.com or call 203-486-8642. Why is music magic? PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GREENS AT GREENWICH On the left, Music Therapist Caroline Greco, LCAT, MT-BC, MS, is Program Director at The Greens at Greenwich.
HEALTH & WELLNESS THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 21 JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 ADVERTORIAL Have you heard of Pickleball? ink of a slower moving, underhand-only version of Tennis that is played on a compact court. Pickleball is the fastest growing active sport in America for the third year running! ere are now 36.5 million Americans who play Pickleball, and while originally invented as a game for kids, a third of Pickleball’s core players are now over the age of 65. THE PHYSICAL STRAINS THAT PLAYING PICKLEBALL IMPOSE ON OUR BODIES While less intense than Tennis, Pickleball is still a fast-paced game that requires quick reactions such as pivots, lunges, twists, and rotations. Because Pickleball serves are all underhand, your shoulders and upper body are less prone to overuse injuries compared to tennis and other racquet ball sports. However, underhand serves heighten the likelihood for strains and injuries to the back and lower body, so staying on top of warm-up exercises is key in preparation, practice, and play. EXERCISES TO PREVENT PICKLEBALL RELATED INJURIES Most players jump onto a pickleball court and start playing without any warm-up exercises. With such a substantial portion of pickleball players over the age of 40 and even 65, our bodies are less exible, strong, and agile and thus more susceptible to overuse injuries. Acute injuries usually happen during a stumble or a fall as you backpedal for an overhead ball. You can reduce the risk of acute injuries by adding balance, agility, and proprioception exercises to your daily workout routine. Let’s get you ready to join the mainstream of pickleball players: 1. Make time to warm-up: a) Blood circulation: 5 minutes of fast-paced walking, swinging your arms and shoulders, bringing your knees high up to your chest. b) Stretches: i. Hold onto a sturdy fence/ wall, lunge forward with one leg with toes pointing straight forward, keep your back knee straight into a calf stretch. Hold for 10 seconds. ereafter, lunge back by bending your back knee and keeping your front knee straight. Pull your front foot back and from your waist lean forward with your torso into a hamstring stretch. Hold for 10 seconds. Alternate the calf and hamstring stretches 5 times ii. Stand with your legs open wide. Lean to the one side and bend the knee until you feel the stretch in the opposite inner thigh. Hold for 10 seconds. en bend to the other side. Repeat 5 times. Repeat but when you lean to the one side, raise the opposite arm overhead and rotate slightly across forward to add a lower back-torso stretch. iii. Roll your wrist around in circles. stretch your ngers wide open and then into a st as you stretch your neck from side to side. 2. Cool down after a game of pickleball: repeat the same gentle stretches you performed for the warm-up. 3. Regular strengthening exercise routine to protect your back and knees: a) Lie on your back, tighten your core, and slowly raise your buttock up in the air into a bridge (by lifting from your coccyx slowly up as you squeeze your Glutes and rolling up to your lower back). Hold for 10 seconds. b) Lie on your back with one knee bent and foot at. Tighten your core muscles and lift your straight leg straight up in the air with foot exed back. Lower your raised leg. Lift the same leg up with your leg and foot turned out. Lower your leg. Lift the same leg and turn your foot and leg inwards. Repeat the 3-directional leg raises10 times. 4. Balance, proprioception, and agility training: a) Imagine you are standing in the middle of a clock. Stand upright with your weight on the balls of your feet, knees slightly bent. b) Place your left foot on the imaginary “9 o’clock” and right foot on “3 o’clock”. Transfer your weight in a fast-paced movement from one foot to the other as if you are dancing or jogging in place. Now move your right leg slowly forward to the “12 o’clock” position and your left leg to the “6 o’clock” position. Next, reverse the right leg to the “6’o clock” and the left leg to “12 o’clock” positions. Repeat going counterclockwise. c) If you can, repeat the above two clockwise and counterclockwise movements but with your eyes closed. Closing your eyes will add proprioception – the mind body awareness in space without the use of your eyes for balance. LIZE LUBBE GUEST CORNER DON’T PLACE YOURSELF IN A PICKLE—WARM-UP BEFORE PICKLEBALL Besides the above exercise, ensure you wear the proper shoes: pickleball is mostly played on an Asphalt surface, which is a di¡cult surface for the body. Wear sport shoes that provide adequate side-to-side support and court traction to prevent ankle and foot injuries and falls. Enjoy playing pickleball, and adequately prepare for your games to minimize injuries. If you experience any pain or discomfort, please contact your health care provider or physical therapist. *See https://www.thedinkpickleball. com/app-participation-report-2023/ fifffflffiflfffflffifflffl fifffflffiflfflffifflfflffiffifffflffifflffiffi fifffflffiflfiffiflffflffifl ffl ffi fifffflffiflfffffflffffiflffifffl fiff ffiff ffifffl ff fiffflffi fffl fiffffiflfl ffff fl fl ffffffi flff fifffflffi ff flffffffffi fiffffl ffffflflff flfl fifffffl ffffiff ffiffffifl fffffflfl ff fflfflfl fflfflfl ffi ffiffiffl ffiffiffi fflffifflffi Lize Lubbe is the owner of Lize Lubbe Physical erapy 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.
PAGE 22 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES HEALTH & WELLNESS JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 EXCELLENCE IN COSMETIC AND GENERAL DENTAL CARE SINCE 1972 Dr. John J. Browne Dr. Eugene Goetz Dr. Ben Miraglia Dr. Alexandria Rivera Dr. Luke Charms Please welcome Dr. Rivera & Dr. Charms: Now Accepting New Patients! • General Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Dental Implants • Invisalign® Treatment • TMJ Treatment • Smile Makeover 280 N. BEDFORD RD, SUITE 201, MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 BGMDENTAL.COM Schedule Today: 914-200-1018 2009-2023 DENTAL Insurance Physicians Mutual Insurance Company A less expensive way to help get the dental care you deserve Get help paying dental bills and keep more money in your pocket This is real dental insurance — NOT just a discount plan You can get coverage before your next checkup CALL NOW! 1-877-690-2680 Don’t wait! Call now and we’ll rush you a FREE Information Kit with all the details. Product not available in all states. Acceptance is guaranteed for one insurance policy/certifi cate of this type. This specifi c offer is not available in CO: call 1-800-969-4781 for a similar offer. For complete details about this solicitation of insurance, please contact us. Certifi cate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN) 6129-1118 FREE Information Kit 1-877-690-2680 Visit us online at www.dental50plus.com/seasonal Brushing and ossing your teeth may save you extra sessions in the dentist’s chair each year, but the bene ts of dental hygiene do not end with pearly whites. In fact, there’s a direct correlation between oral hygiene and overall health. Oral health o ers clues about overall health, advises the Mayo Clinic. When a dentist or hygienist checks a person’s mouth, he or she is getting a window into that person’s overall wellness — including if something is amiss. Dental hygiene matters because, without proper brushing and ossing, bacteria in the mouth can grow unchecked. Over time, that bacteria can in ltrate and break down the soft tissues in the gums and teeth, eventually leading to decay and gum disease. Greenwood Dental Care in Illinois states that the bacteria from the mouth could travel into the bloodstream and elsewhere, causing a host of issues. ere’s a high correlation between an unhealthy mouth and systemic diseases. e United Kingdom-based dental group Fulham Road Dental indicates that gum disease is linked to heart problems, kidney diseases and certain types of cancer. Dentists who notice problems in their patients’ mouths may be able to predict potential illnesses elsewhere in the body, advising those patients to seek consultations with other healthcare providers. Here’s a deeper look at some of the correlations between oral health and overall health, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic. • Endocarditis: When bacteria or other germs from the mouth or another part of the body spread through the bloodstream, they can attach to certain areas of the heart. is causes an infection in the inner lining of the heart chambers or valves. • Pregnancy and birth complications: Periodontitis has been linked to low birth weight and premature birth. • Cardiovascular disease: While it’s not fully understood why, clogged arteries, stroke and heart disease may be linked to in ammation and infection caused by oral bacteria. • Pneumonia: Bacteria in the mouth may be pulled into the lungs, where it can lead to respiratory illness, such as pneumonia. It’s a two-way street with health and the mouth. Certain diseases can lead to issues in the mouth. HIV/AIDS may cause mucosal lesions in the mouth; those with osteoporosis may have weakened periodontal bone and tooth loss; and research has shown that diabetes puts gum health at risk. Individuals should make oral health a priority, as it has a signi cant e ect on their overall health and well-being. fi is article is from Metro Creative Connection. What dental hygiene does for overall health
JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 23 Congratulations to all of Fox Lane High School’s student-athletes for another season of big wins and great memories! Go Foxes! Spring sports Willie Cuono Jasper Sizer PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI Rachel Akinla Noah Bender PHOTO: ROB DIANTONIO Morgan Eigel Will Rudolph Danny Spolansky Lucas Danisi Logan Mammola fi e ffi rst All-Star game in Major League Baseball was played on July 6, 1933. fi e game was an e ort to make professional baseball more popular, and it remains a beloved event on the MLB calendar today. According to History.com, attendance at professional baseball games fell 40 percent between 1930 and 1933. fi at decline likely had little to do with the game of baseball and much to do with the Great Depression, which ultimately proved to be the longest depression of the twentieth century. fi e Great Depression began in 1929 and lasted a decade, and the fallout from the depression was felt in every corner and industry, including professional baseball. Many once-ardent baseball fans, who helped to establish record attendance in the 1920s, could no longer a ord tickets during the Great Depression. Arch Ward, sports editor of the Chicago Tribune, was tasked with devising a sporting event that could be held in conjunction with the 1933 World’s Fair. Ward ultimately proposed a game featuring baseball’s biggest stars, and fans were even encouraged to vote for who would play in the game. Several eventual Hall of Famers, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Jimmy Foxx, were voted into the game, which was played at Comiskey Park in Chicago. Nearly 48,000 fans attended the game, which ended with a 4-2 American League victory. Baseball owners and executives took note, and the game has been played nearly every year since 1933, with only war and a global pandemic preventing the league from hosting its annual Midsummer Classic. Did you know? SENDOFF!
PAGE 24 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES LEISURE JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 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. Understand intuitively 5. Two of something 9. Not involving computer tech 11. Acclaimed 13. Undermine 15. The condition of being concealed or hidden 16. Irritate 17. The process of developing a theory 19. Ceramic jar 21. Not fresh 22. Dad’s fashion accessory 23. Popular review site 25. New Mexico county 26. ‘__ death do us part 27. Fees 29. Takes with force 31. One-time Yankees rookie sensation 33. Gordon and Snider are two 34. Body parts 36. Arranges 38. Fiddler crabs 39. Mimics 41. Witnesses 43. They __ 44. Lasso 46. Runs down 48. In response to 52. Bird-like dinosaur 53. Metamorphic stages 54. Conditions of incapacity 56. Sodas are sold in these units 57. Break away from 58. Ethereal 59. Boggy CLUES DOWN 1. Mangled 2. Ruled some feathers 3. Not young 4. Lakers legend 5. Nocturnal S. American rodent 6. Direction (Scottish) 7. Intestinal inflammation 8. Spring back in fear 9. Owl genus 10. Girls 11. Unbeliefs 12. Force unit 14. Expired trade agreement 15. Went alone 18. Animal noises 20. Woman who graduated from a specific school 24. The very top 26. Organs in males 28. Earnings 30. Z Z Z 32. Reddish browns 34. A salt or ester of acetic acid 35. A place to get o your feet 37. More disreputable 38. Kidney condition 40. Cease moving 42. Quick 43. Extra seed covering 45. ‘Survivor: Panama’ winner 47. Six 49. One who inspects lamps 50. Small parrot 51. Primordial matter of the universe 55. __ fi (slang) fi e Fourth of July may not be governed by o cial rules mandating celebrants attend a backyard barbecue before being awed by a nighttime reworks display, but each of those things features prominently in many Independence Day celebrations. Fireworks are best left to the professionals, but anyone can master the art of grilling delicious burgers and hot dogs. Traditional burgers are made with ground beef. However, curious grillmasters can explore the many ways to experiment with burgers without sacri- cing avor. fi is recipe for “Venison Burgers” from “Texas Favorites” (Gibbs Smith) by Jon Bonnell utilizes venison and pork in lieu of beef. fi e result is a mouthwatering burger worthy of inclusion in any Fourth of July festivities. Special twist on classic for July 4th BBQ Venison Burgers Serves 8 2 pounds venison meat 1/2 pound pork shoulder 1/2 pound slab bacon 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon onion powder Pinch of cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons hot sauce 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Optional toppings Bacon Cheddar cheese Guacamole Clean the venison well and remove any fat or connective tissue. Cut the venison, pork shoulder and bacon into large chunks. Combine all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and let marinate for 1 hour in the refrigerator. Grind everything together using the small plate on your grinder. Form into burger patties by hand, and grill or pan-sear. Cook to medium (135 F internal temperature), then remove from the grill and top with your favorite cheese or burger toppings.
JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 25 BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA STAFF WRITER Colorful out ts, rainbow ags, and drag queens came through Yorktown on June 3 for Westchester’s only Pride march. Yorktown for Justice, a Yorktown-based social justice organization, planned and organized the march which started in the parking lot adjacent to Town Hall and landed at Railroad Park on Commerce Street. is marked Yorktown’s third annual march. Railroad Park was the home of speakers, vendors, live music and entertainment, Sunshine Awards, and activities that took place in the Pride Festival. “Yorktown for Justice was thrilled to host another march and fest where all were welcome to celebrate the beautiful diversity of and in the LGBTQI community here in Yorktown,” Marisa Ragonese of Yorktown for Justice told Halston Media. “ is wasn’t just a celebration though. Fundamentally, Pride events are just as much protest as party.” O cials in attendance were New York State Senator Pete Harckham, Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, Legislator Vedat Gashi, Town Clerk Diana Quast, and former New York State Congressman Mondaire Jones. Harckham, Levenberg, and Jones gave speeches at the festival. “We are also here to say to our young people, our LGBTQ young people, ‘you are perfect,’” Harckham said. “You are beautiful and we love you, and I know it may be tough to drown out the haters, but please remember the voices of love and acceptance and those of us who embrace you. Again, we say collectively, ‘you are beautiful, you are perfect, and you are loved.’” Harckham also presented Yorktown for Justice with a proclamation. Jones spoke about personally belonging to the LGBTQ community, his intersectional identity, and told attendees to note who was and was not present at the event, including who replaced him in Congress. In addition to the dignitaries who spoke, many members of the Yorktown community shared their insight and experiences. Speakers included Rabbi Robbi of Temple Beth Am, Sabbi Gale-Donnely (student of Walter Panas High School), Anthony Calbi, Daks Armstrong, Julia Whelan of Yorktown High School, Josh Weiner (Yorktown High School), Stephen Crochiata, Rabbi Shoshana Leis of Hebrew Congregation of Somers and Pleasantville Community Synagogue, and Emiliano Juarez (White Plains High School). In Armstrong’s speech, he acknowledged the dignitaries who were present, and those who were not. “I want to acknowledge our town board... oh wait, they’re not here,” said Armstrong. e absence of members of the Town Board was heavily referenced throughout the event. “At a time when civil rights and liberties are under attack virtually everywhere in our country, it’s clear to me that our local leaders, for the most part, are not present at events or functions that strive to defend and protect our civil liberties as Americans and that sentiment extends to our town board and to our local school district leaderships, building level leadership, and our Republican Westchester County leadership,” Armstrong told Halston Media. “If our leadership is not going to stand up for us and defend human civil liberties it becomes our responsibility as citizens to stand up and lead ourselves.” Live music and performances were put on by Westchester Spirited Drummers, DJ Super Jaime, guitarist David Goldstein, I.Den.t.T, and local teen band Anonymous. ere were also Drag Show performances by Drag Queen Kitty Ka’Boodlez and Sasha e Glamazon Renee. ere was also a bi-lingual book reading held by Kitty Ka’Boodlez. Controversial views surrounded the drag performances in town, especially with the festival being held in a town park this year rather than at the Yorktown United Methodist Church on Crompond Road as it was last year. e controversy didn’t stop the screaming cheers from attendees, though. e Sunshine Awards are given to honor someone in the community who shines a special light and shares their love and hope for a better world, according to Ragonese. e awards are named after the inaugural recipient, Jennie Sunshine, who is an active member of Yorktown for Justice and supports the LGBTQ community. Joe Ascanio won an award for his role in Yorktown for Justice and his help with planning, executing, and advertising events. Jenna Jaramillo, a board member at Yorktown for Justice who strives to educate, support, and bring awareness to the community and people who struggle with mental health, the won the other award. “It’s so awesome to watch Yorktown Pride grow and evolve every year,” Rachel Frederick of Yorktown for Justice told Halston Media. “It couldn’t happen without everyone willing to show up in so many di¡ erent ways. anks to the volunteers, organizers, speakers, performers, vendors, faith organizations, non-pro t organizations, supportive legislators, the attendees, and everyone else. Happy Pride!” Yorktown for Justice is still seeking donations. People who want to donate can do so at https://yorktownforjustice.betterworld.org/donate PRIDE BANNERS CUT On Monday, June 5, Halston Media became aware that the banners hung in Railroad Park prior to the event to inform the public of the upcoming festival were cut down. Yorktown for Justice estimates that the banners cost approximately $100. Yorktown for Justice said they con rmed with the Yorktown Parks and Recreation Department that they were not the ones who cut down the banners. Parks and Rec con rmed with Yorktown News that no one from the department, or the Highway Department, took them down. e banners were hung high enough that to cut them down, someone would have needed a step stool and scissors, according to Ragonese. She added that the ties and some of the grommets were left behind. Jim Martorano, Superintendent of Parks and Rec, told Halston Media that he saw the banners hanging at the Railroad Park Basketball Court on Friday, June 4 at approximately 5 p.m. “It’s unfortunate that some people in the community want to prevent LGBTQ and allied people from knowing about and gathering in Yorktown to celebrate love, acceptance for all and the beauty of diversity,” said Ragonese. “It’s unfortunate that some people are so angered and threatened by inclusion e¡ orts that they want to erase them and make us disappear. It simply did not work. It will never work.” e incident was reported to the Yorktown Police Department. Pride marches through Westchester Attendees marching on Underhill Avenue in Yorktown. Senator Pete Harckham, Marisa Ragonese, and Rachel Frederick after Yorktown For Justice was presented with Sasha The Glamazon performing at the Pride festival. a proclamation. REGIONAL Quinn Seagrove, Max Seagrove, Luna Sherman, Kitty Ka’Boodlez, Amy Seagrove, Sandy Seagrove, and Kristi Lubahn PHOTO: SOPHIA CASELNOVA
District, the New York Drug Enforcement Administration, the American Legion, the Town of Mamaroneck, and Westchester County. He was also a North Castle building inspector. Cindrich belongs to the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Italian-American Club of Northern Westchester, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He is a former member of the Board of the President’s Council of Northern Westchester Hospital. “I think there are important decisions coming to the forefront and I think I’m very capable of making those decisions,” Cindrich said of his decision to run for oce again. “Mount Kisco is at a crossroads with some of the ideas being presented and the people should have the ability to participate in the decision-making,” he said later. WHO IS FLORA? Flora, an avid runner, hiker, and nature lover, has lived in the village for 33 years. Retired as a critical care registered nurse in 2011, she feels she now has more time to devote to things that matter most to her, such as truth and transparency. e driving force behind the Save Leonard Park eort, Flora celebrated in March when the Village Board decided to abandon the process of alienating a part of the park for the purpose of siting a 130-foot cell tower. e group called it “a big win for our environment and our children – today, tomorrow, and always!” e battle is not over yet, as a proposal to build a cell tower at 180 South Bedford Road remains active. e village has two years to decide if it will try to take the parcel by eminent domain or by purchasing it outright. e subject came up at the May 31 debate between Abzun and Luzio. What motivated her to run? “I felt it was a duty at this point,” she said. “It’s not easy to step up and do things. I’m hoping it inspires other to do it as well.” “e beauty of democracy is that without choices, people tend to get complacent. So all these candidates? It’s exciting,” Flora said. As for the possible election outcome? “No matter how it shakes out, it’s a good thing,” she said. She doesn’t see her candidacy as a stepping stone. “ere’s no ulterior motives here. I just feel an urgent need to bring Mount Kisco together and to try to get it back on track,” Flora explained, adding: “I hope people realize that the way I fought for Leonard Park is the way I intend to tackle every issue as a trustee.” WHO IS GARCIA-GUERRA? Garcia-Guerra and her family moved from Hopewell Junction to Mount Kisco in 2019 just before the pandemic struck. She is now homeschooling her 9-year-old son. Even though she’s only been here a short time, GarciaGuerra says she feels “incredibly dedicated” to and “invested” in Mount Kisco. “During the pandemic, we got to know all of our neighbors really well. We all helped each other,” she said. Garcia-Guerra has been active in the community through its recreation programs and says she supports “as many local businesses as possible.” She serves on the village’s Climate Smart Committee, which is now in the process of surveying residents to suss out their ideas for establishing a more sustainable and “planet-friendly” community. Garcia-Guerra said she “eager to contribute to better our community for all of its residents.” As a Latina, she is especially interested in helping Neighbors Link, a nonpro¢t that’s headquartered in Mount Kisco and aims, its mission statement says, “to strengthen the whole community through the healthy integration of immigrants.” Besides the environment, one of the top issues she sees is traf- ¢c safety. “With our state roads, our hands are tied to a degree,” Garcia-Guerra told the Mount Kisco Bedford Times recently. She ramped up her community involvement over the controversial proposal to site a cell tower in Leonard Park, her neighbor and friend Flora’s cause célèbre. It was Flora who “recruited” her as a candidate. “It was almost like a joke. When she asked if I would run, my initial response was ‘No way!’ but the more I thought about it the more I told myself, I can’t complain about the way things are going if I’m not willing to make the commitment to be more involved. So, I’m giving it a try.” MAYORAL CANDIDATES DEBATE Abzun and Luzio recently took part in an hour-long candidates debate. It was sponsored by the League of Women Voters of North East Westchester and held before a packed audience at the Mount Kisco Public Library on Wednesday, May 31. Fourteen questions were posed by LWVNEW moderator Susan Polos to Abzun and Luzio. Submitted by members of the community, they covered topics from trac safety and cell towers to accessory dwelling units and ethics. e candidates were asked why they felt they were quali¢ed to be mayor. Born and raised in Mount Kisco, Abzun cited her “close connection” to the community and her involvement with various groups and events such as the Mount Kisco Arts Council and the Kisco 5K Race, both of which she helped organize. She is currently the council’s chair. “I’m a person of action, so when I hear something or an issue comes up, the next thing I think is how do we solve this issue? What’s the process?,” she said, adding that since joining the board in 2021, she’s learned a lot about how local government works and how to engage with community stakeholders as well as state and county ocials. Luzio weighed in next. “I’m never going to have been born here, but being born where I was born in a small town doesn’t qualify me for being mayor of that town. What quali- ¢es me to be mayor of this town is what would qualify me to be mayor of any town in America – working with people, having done it before, having been paid to work in government for years and years and years,” he said. WATCH THE DEBATE A full video of the debate is available, in English and in Spanish, on lwvnew.org. It also can be viewed on the village’s Facebook page. It can be seen on cable access channels 20 and 40 in the lead-up to the election. CELL TOWERS e hopefuls were asked to discuss their “understanding of the Leonard Park cell tower plan.” It “was not a plan, it was a process,” Abzun said, explaining that the Village Board voted in 2022 to investigate whether it was going to alienate parkland. “is was not a determination that we were going to site a cell tower. I want to make that really clear because this is constantly misunderstood or misrepresented,” she said. Over the course of a year, board members not only confabbed with communications and other experts and legal counsel, they listened to the public. But in the end, they couldn’t come to a consensus and decided to let go of that process, Abzun said. Luzio, who has supported keeping the tower out of Leonard Park, said his opponent made “it sound like we didn’t have any alternate choices for this location.” e community was obviously against siting a tower there, he said, adding: “e mere consideration of it, especially in light of what the deed to the park says, still befuddles me.” As for future strategies on cell tower locations? Luzio responded that while he “stood strong” against the Leonard Park site, he was “absolutely for cell towers when it’s necessary for our communications, for 911, where there are signi¢cant (coverage) gaps.” “But I don’t want to ever, if possible, consider green space for those,” he emphasized. Abzun said that communications infrastructure is “a critical part of the safety and welfare of our community.” “We conduct most of our lives using our smartphones. We access our records, make payments, we locate our loved ones. We receive emergency text messages from the government, schools. We call 911 and 988. It is irresponsible to pretend that telecommunication infrastructure is not integral to our lives,” she said. Communities “need to strategize for the reality of increased usage and capacity,” she added. e village is still weighing taking a 25-acre parcel located at 180 South Bedford Road by either eminent domain or by purchasing it outright. e land is currently being looked at by outside entities for a solar farm and a cell tower. Abzun said she would not support paying more for the land than fair market value. Luzio said he would be in support of using part of the village’s Open Space Fund to accomplish that. TRAFFIC SAFETY Trac safety is a top issue, both candidates agreed. PAGE 26 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 Angie Garcia-Guerra Michael Cindrich Theresa Flora ELECTION FROM PAGE 1 SEE ELECTION PAGE 27 PHOTO: CAROL REIF Mayoral hopefuls Lisa Abzun and Tom Luzio debated in front of a packed audience at the Mount Kisco Public Library.
JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES – PAGE 27 Calling Mount Kisco “one of the most pedestrian-centric” and “heavily tra cked” communities in northern Westchester, Abzun pointed out that its three main transportation arteries are all controlled by the state Department of Transportation. “We cannot just put a crosswalk wherever we want to and that is a real di culty,” she said, noting that she’s been working with state, county and DOT regional o cials “to shape a framework where we create solutions to help keep people who live, work, and do business here safe.” Luzio agreed tra c woes needed addressing. Harking back to the issue of protecting green space, he said: “ at helps all of us. We’re three times more developed than all of our neighbors. It needs to stop right there. We can e ciently develop what we have left, (what’s) already cement. But what’s left? Let’s not sell o any of that.” ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS e candidates were asked if allowing Accessory Dwelling Units in the village would result in the elimination of singlefamily zoning. Abzun said she saw ADUs as a “tool” that not only helps the owners of single-family homes generate extra income but provides a ordable housing for “our workforce, teachers, volunteers, young people, and seniors.” “One of things that we cannot forget is that we need to increase housing all over our country, not only just here,” she added. While for ADUs in principle, Luzio thought it was vitally important to get feedback from neighborhoods that might be impacted by any such rezoning. “It’s just a matter of communication is the way I see it. But certainly I see all of your homes as being the most important, the cornerstone of what you’re going to leave to your children. Hopefully, they’ll live here too and enjoy the same wonderful place that we all live,” he said. ETHICS, TRANSPARENCY e candidates were asked what they would do to maintain “transparency” in local government. Luzio inferred that there was a lot going on behind closed doors that the public didn’t see. “Everything should be happening in front of you, every single thing that we choose to do as a village, needs to be with your participation,” he said. Luzio brought up the subject of ethics several times during the debate. “We have to act like a village that takes ethics seriously, that follows the standard where - nancial disclosure would be part of the ethics requirement to serve in this town,” he said. Residents deserve to “know exactly where allegiances lie. Exactly what I own, or don’t own, in this town. Who I’m connected with, or who I’m not. Transparency is critical,” he added. Abzun countered that the village has been televising board meetings and work sessions for years. Its website also contains information available to anyone who wants it. “We are open and have been open,” she insisted. OFF TO A HEATED START e political season started o in February with the local Democratic Committee declining to endorse Abzun for mayor and instead backing the candidacy of Luzio. Tensions got kicked up a notch when the Abzun camp alleged in April that dozens of signatures gathered for Luzio by party chairman William Serratore, and his son, Carmelo, had been forged. e county Board of Elections rejected Abzun’s application to toss the nominating petitions, ruling that it was invalid because it had been led late and also that Serratore and Luzio hadn’t been given copies until two days after it was led. e allegations themselves were not examined. Abzun’s lawyer, George Hritz, then asked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Of- ce to investigate. Luzio had been an unpaid advisor and a member of DA Mimi Rocah’s transition team during her campaign in 2020. Because of those past ties, Rocah recused herself, citing a desire to avoid the appearance of any con icts of interest. Rockland County District Attorney omas Walsh has taken up the case. As of press time, it was unknown if any criminal charges will be brought against Serratore. Luzio himself has not been accused of any impropriety in the collection of the signatures. “ e attempt by my opponent to link me to those allegations was Trump-like and demonstrates her lack of ethics,” he said Monday, June 5. Abzun sent the following statement to e Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times on Tuesday, June 6. “I have never accused Mr. Luzio of direct responsibility for producing petitions with fraudulent signatures. He has been faulted for his lack of action and indi erence to voters who indicate their signatures were forged by someone who gathered and submitted the petition on his behalf. As a former prosecutor he well knows the implications of this criminal activity - yet he has not called for an investigation, nor has he acknowledged the concerns of these voters. is speaks directly to Mr. Luzio’s credibility and integrity as it relates to the public trust. is criminal investigation is now with the Rockland County District Attorney to address, and I trust in the process.” “As a career prosecutor I learned long ago not to comment on open investigations, unlike Ms. Abzun, who had repeatedly done so,” Luzio said Wednesday, June 7. Serratore had not responded to e Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times’ requests for comment by press time. On Friday, June 9, the Rockland County District Attorney’s o ce issued the following statement: “As with any other investigation, this o ce cannot make any comments or reveal any information that would potentially impede the investigation. 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PAGE 28 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 BY TOM BARTLEY CONTRIBUTING WRITER Stressing the power of connecting and collaboration in commerce, best-selling author and investor Fran Hauser helped last week to launch the Bedford Economic Alliance, a town-wide eort to support local business. “Every signicant milestone I’ve achieved can be attributed to people opening doors for me, making introductions,” she told more than 100 people at the alliance’s kicko event on May 4, in the Bedford Hills Community House. Hauser, the evening’s keynote speaker, also led a panel of ve local business leaders in a discussion of networking, marketing and even small-town-style philanthropy. Supervisor Ellen Calves opened the hour-long program, welcoming attendees and inviting all of Bedford’s business owners to complete a feedback survey (www. surveymonkey.com/r/NMK9QJV) asking what they’d like to see from the alliance and how they might want to be involved. “In addition to the work the Town Board has been doing to understand and address the needs of businesses and property owners,” she said later. “e survey results will further inform the kinds of events, marketing, education and collaborations that businesses need to be successful and serve the community.” But Calves reminded her audience that it was up to business owners to act on the survey’s results. “It’s not really a top-down exercise here,” she said. “What we’re doing is creating opportunities and seeing where it goes.” Hauser, author of “e Myth of the Nice Girl” and other career-oriented works, set the collaborative tone early, recalling her days growing up in Mount Kisco as her parents worked cooperatively with fellow immigrants, turning hopeful startups into thriving enterprises. “I watched, over and over, how so many of these businesses ourished because of the power of community,” she said. “Because they leaned on each other, they were happy to share opportunities.” Setting a brisk agenda, Hauser explored the varied experiences of her panelists: Casey Carter, the jeweler whose Bijou of Katonah has been a hamlet xture for a decade; Jason Charles, owner of Bazodee Street Foods in Bedford Hills; Marialisa Zywotchenko, owner and president of Cyprus Contracting in Katonah, which designs and builds custom living spaces; and Cori Estrow, a founder, and Mike Leibowitz, the CEO, of Country Willow, the Bedford Hills furniture and accessories store. In response to Hauser’s prompting on collaboration, Carter, who is also the Katonah Chamber of Commerce president, recalled how a mutually benecial business relationship blossomed simply because a local jewelry designer stopped by, hoping to “get her brand o the ground.” “I fell in love with her jewelry,” Carter said. “It was something I didn’t have in my store; it really lled a void.” Now, with her collection on display at Bijou functions, Carter said, it’s attracted as many as 150 people to his store. Jason Charles and his colorful Bazodee Street Foods truck have become familiar sights at the Bedford Hills pool, where he expects to set up shop this season as well. He and his wife, Natalie, both natives of Trinidad, launched Bazodee in June 2020, in the midst of the pandemic. “e truck stops here!” Charles announced, and found the community embraced them, keeping the family on a seven-days-a-week schedule. Still, Charles said, his daughter has found time to collect used shoes for donation to those in need. at strong sense of community—not just the opportunities it presents but the philanthropy it inspires—came up often in the panel discussion. Giving back, Zywotchenko said, is what “I’m really passionate about. And I really don’t feel like I’ve ever done it to drive business for my rm. It comes from my heart.” So, she’s donated Cyprus’ designand-build skills to worthy endeavors. “We did a handicapped bathroom for Ronald McDonald House,” Zywotchenko said. “We built a deck for someone going through chemotherapy. My husband and I are both cancer survivors, so that was important to us.” Never done for recognition, she said, “It’s almost like it’s our responsibility.” As Country Willow’s Leibowitz noted, their neighborhood store is not a “multinational, corporate entity that’s just in it for the money.” “It’s not about the recognition,” he said, “it’s about being able to give something back.” Hauser, the panel facilitator, pointed out that collaboration “has resulted in something dierent for each of you.” And for Estrow, who launched Country Willow with her husband, the late Roy Estrow, more than 25 years ago, the quest for potential collaborators goes on. Enjoying a view of gathered entrepreneurs from her seat on the Community House stage last week, she said, “I love looking around this room and hope that maybe some people will be interested in collaborating with us on some level.” Hauser encouraged her panelists and the business leaders in attendance to rely on each other. “You have access to an incredible community of business owners,” she said. “You have access to each other.” SUMMER SESSIONS PLANNED e Bedford Economic Alliance also plans programs this summer on networking and cross-promotion. Laurie Hilliard, who is leading the effort, outlined those steps and others in a 15-minute presentation last month to the Town Board, her rst since taking on the one-year appointment earlier this year. While expressing hope of “bringing economic vibrancy to the entire town of Bedford,” she noted, “e Town Board is keenly aware that Bedford Hills needs the added support to be everything that it can be and to actualize its potential. at is a high priority.” Bedford Economic Alliance launches PHOTOS: TOM BARTLEY Keynoter Fran Hauser, left, talks with panelists Casey Carter, Jason Charles, Marialisa Zywotchenko, Cori Estrow and Mike Leibowitz. Supervisor Ellen Calves welcomes participants to the Bedford Economic Alliance’s kicko meeting. SEE BEA PAGE 29
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PAGE 30 – THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 1 DETAILS OF OFFER: Offer expires 7/31/2023. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Buy one (1) window or entry/patio door, get one (1) window or entry/patio door 40% off, and 12 months $0 money down, $0 monthly payments, 0% interest when you purchase four (4) or more windows or entry/patio doors between 3/26/2023 and 7/31/2023. 40% off windows and entry/patio doors are less than or equal to lowest cost window or entry/patio door in the order. Subject to credit approval. Interest is billed during the promotional period, but all interest is waived if the purchase amount is paid before the expiration of the promotional period. Financing for GreenSky® consumer loan programs is provided by federally insured, federal and state chartered financial institutions without regard to age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, or familial status. Savings comparison based on purchase of a single unit at list price. 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Virtual groups are accessible to women from the comfort of their homes, regardless of where they live. All groups are open to new members as well as past participants. Advance registration is required by calling 914-962-6402 or 800- 532-4290. Support Connection’s Peer Counselors are also available for individual counseling and assistance via phone and email. Call 800-532-4290, or submit an online request at supportconnection.org. Race Amity of Northern Westchester & Putnam MONTHLY MEETING Please join us for our monthly discussion as we work to advance cross-racial and crosscultural amity to impact the public discourse on race. Our monthly meetings feature speakers, screenings, and presentations where discussions are aimed at educating one another on who we really are. Visit https://www. eventbrite.com/e/138495877899 to register for this online event. Education Nicole Ginexi. “ese are the things I absolutely love the best; celebrating our students,” said Riolo. Moving on to announcements, Bedford Superintendent Dr. Robert Glass gave a nal report on his introductory Success Plan. Made in an eort to get a better understanding of the districts’ needs in his rst year on the job, he reported that the plan had reached its two main goals: To advance active, connected learning, along with advancing safety, trust and engagement. “We completed the work to which we committed, and I think that’s something to be proud of and that people should know about,” he said. Part of the plan was a benchmark survey on the culture and climate of the district, answered by students, parents and teachers. Some data points to note include 98% of families claiming a sense of comfortability in reaching out to faculty/sta in the district. Furthermore, 63% of them felt their child had a sense of belonging in the schools, and 60% believed the teaching styles are meeting their needs. e faculty results also trended towards the positive, with 80% reporting that they feel engaged at work. e students showed more mixed results, however. Only 17% of those at Fox Lane High School said they felt favorable about going to classes, but 77% of the total student population found the energy in the schools favorable. In hopes of having these numbers increase, the survey will be put out again around the same time next year (March/April). “ese results are a snapshot of time... If we are doing our work well, we should see these numbers making progress,” said Glass. e board met again, one last time for the school year, on Wednesday, June 14. fiis article went to press before the June 14 meeting. Rock n’ Rescue will hold its inaugural golf tournament at Richter Park Golf Course in Danbury on Wednesday, July 12. Funds raised will go toward the acquisition of a new Rock ’n’ Rescue facility and the expansion of its animal adoption program. Rock n’ Rescue programs are 100% funded by donations—it doesn’t receive any government subsidies. e RnR Golf Tournament serves as one of the organization’s primary fundraisers for all its programs. Fees are $220 per person or $800 per foursome. Individual golfers and twosomes will be paired into foursomes. Guests may attend the dinner for $85 per person. e tournament includes driving range, a golfer swag bag, and a dinner with silent and live auction/raªe festivities for golfers and guests following the tournament. It is estimated that more than 80 golfers will participate in the tournament. “With this event, we are trying to bring more attention to the therapeutic impact rescue animals—dogs and cats—have on their adopters,” said says Juli Cialone, coexecutive director of Rock n’ Rescue. “e number of adoptions we have done with a therapeutic impact over the last two to three years has skyrocketed. ese adoptions are for families and individuals, from toddlers with autism to senior citizen veterans with PTSD; the need never ceases. It’s so important for the public to realize that animals can be a major part of any recovery from most physical or emotional ailments and that they bring good health to all. Enjoying the day celebrating our message of rescuing pets to rescue people, is part of our way to spread the word!” To learn more about Rock n’ Rescue, visit rnrpets.org. You can also nd Rock n’ Rescue on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Rock N’ Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-prot organization based in South Salem. It is a foster-based rescue that matches adopters with their forever animals. Article courtesy of Rock n’ Rescue Rock ‘n’ Rescue to host inaugural charity golf tourney BOE FROM PAGE 9 TRACKS FROM PAGE 4
Many older adults choose to trade in the regular hours of 9 to 5 when they retire to delve into a much more personally guided passion: consulting. Generally speaking, consulting is a term loosely given to providing business advice and sharing expertise without working directly for a company. Consultants lend their knowledge and air for problem-solving to guide companies on topics such as marketing, operational improvement and even stang, according to “My Consulting Oer.” Consultants do not often work for the company they are assisting, but may be brought in on a contractual basis for a set period of time. “e Balance: Money” advises that consultants typically can earn more per hour as consultants than they would if they were actual sta members on payroll. Consulting may attract seniors considering retirement because of the exibility it provides. Retirees unsure about how to get started in the eld of consulting can consider this rundown of what it takes to pursue this option. KNOWLEDGE OF KEY CONCEPTS Consultants provide guidance in any number of areas, but skills in these disciplines are highly desirable: • Data analysis • Project management • Management • Reporting • Ethics • Human resources/hiring • Finance and economics • Public relations and marketing WORK YOUR NETWORK Getting started in consulting may just be a matter of picking up where you left o . Reach out to past employers who bene tted from your work to see if they may be in need of consulting services. Even if there aren’t any opportunities there, former employers may put you in touch with other businesses who are in need of your services. Also speak with friends, neighbors and other acquaintances to see if they may be able to help you nd the right consulting opportunity. GET CERTIFIED While certi cation and extensive education, including master’s degrees, may not be needed to get into consulting, they certainly can set you apart from others. Explore industry-speci c certi cation, certi ed management consulting certi cation or project management consulting certi cation to refresh your skills. ese certi cations also may show employers that you are committed to consulting. POLISH UP YOUR RÉSUMÉ Consultants are billed as experts in their elds or areas of concentration. Make sure your résumé points to concrete examples of positive client outcomes and use it to emphasize your prior successes. EXPECT TO BE A PROBLEMSOLVER Consulting requires guring out what is missing and lling that void. at means staying on top of your industry and determining which solutions will x speci c problems the industry may be facing. Consulting may be the next path for retirees who are looking for a exible way to get back into the workforce. fiis article is from Metro Creative Connection. JUNE 15 - JULY 13, 2023 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE THE MT. KISCO-BEDFORD TIMES– PAGE 31 I f you save and invest for decades, you’d like to know you can retire without nancial worries. Nonetheless, you still have to be aware of some threats to a comfortable retirement — and how to respond to them. THESE THREATS INCLUDE: • Ination – Ination has been high recently, but even a mild ination rate can seriously erode your purchasing power. In fact, with just a 3% ination rate, your expenses could double in about 25 years — and your retirement could easily last that long. So, if you’re going to rely on your investment portfolio for a sizable part of your retirement income, you will need to own a reasonable number of growth-oriented investments, such as stocks or stock-based funds, whose potential returns can equal or exceed the ination rate. • Excessive withdrawals – Once you retire, you should establish a withdrawal rate for your portfolio — an amount you can take out each year and still feel secure that you won’t run out of money. Some people make the mistake of withdrawing too much, too soon, once they’re retired. Your withdrawal rate should be based on several factors, including your age at retirement, the size of your portfolio and the amount of income you receive from other sources, such as Social Security. A nancial professional can help you determine a withdrawal rate that’s appropriate for your needs. • Market volatility – e nancial markets will always uctuate. When you’re still working, this volatility may not be such a problem, as you have years or decades to recover from short-term downturns. But when you retire, you don’t want to have to sell investments when their price is down. To help prevent this, you can tap into the cash in your portfolio, assuming you have enough to cover several months’ worth of living expenses. You could also draw on a CD “ladder” — a group of CDs that mature at dierent times — to provide you with resources for the next few years and allow your equity investments time to recover their value. • Unexpected costs – You had them when you were working, and you’ll probably have them when you’re retired: the furnace that breaks down, the car that needs a major repair, and so on. But if you’ve established an emergency fund containing a year’s worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid account, you may be able to “ride out” these costs without jeopardizing your investment portfolio. Be sure to keep these reserves separate from your typical day-to-day accounts to avoid the temptation of spending your emergency money. • Health – Retirees may face more health concerns than younger people, and those concerns often come with larger medical bills. at’s why it’s important to maximize the bene ts from Medicare or your Medicare Advantage plan. Also, if you contributed to a Health Savings Account (HSA) while you were working, and you haven’t depleted it, you can use the money in retirement. As long as the HSA funds are used for quali ed medical expenses, withdrawals are tax- and penalty-free, and won’t be included in your income. is could help keep your income below certain levels, lower your Medicare premiums or avoid the 3.8% surtax on net investment income that can be assessed on high-net-worth taxpayers. Retirement can be a pleasant time in your life — and you’ll enjoy it more if you’re prepared for the challenges that face all retirees. fiis article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Financial Advisor, Judi McAnaw, a resident of Katonah. She has an oce at 200 Business Park Drive, Suite 107, in Armonk. Judi can be reached at 914-669- 5329. Biggest threats to a comfortable retirement? When you retire, you don’t want to have to sell investments when their price is down.’ -Judi McAnaw Edward Jones Financial Advisor How to break into consulting JUDI MCANAW GUEST CORNER
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