As we get ready to say goodbye to 2023, The Somers Record takes a look back at another eventful year in our community! TUSKERS REPEAT AT STATES For the second straight year, the Somers Tuskers can call themselves state champions. Squaring off against the Whitesboro Warriors on December 2 in the Class A title game in the JMA Wireless Dome, the Tuskers steamrolled their way to a 35-6 victory. Somers was powered by a three-touchdown performance from Dean Palazzolo, with Mason Kelly and Miguel Iglesias also finding the end zone in the win. “It feels fantastic,” said Coach Anthony DeMatteo. “I’m really proud of them.” TWO PRECIOUS GIFTS A life-saving connection was made last March after the family of a 54-yearold Somers man in dire need of SEE 2023 PAGE 8 VOL. 13 NO. 37 CLASSIFIEDS 47 ELEPHANT’S TRUNK 4 HEALTH & WELLNESS 20 LEGAL NOTICES 47 LEISURE 34 OPINION 10 SPORTS 29 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 Somers students visited Thailand this summer with the Tusker Travels program. PHOTO COURTESY OF TUSKER TRAVELS John Fiscella was the recipient of a life-saving kidney donation. Vincent Lugo gave a precious gift after he passed away. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LUGO FAMILY The Tuskers repeated as state champions on December 2. PHOTO: RICH MONETTI Year in Review The community gathered for the 9/11 remembrance ceremony. PHOTO: CAROL REIF The print edition of The Somers Record is taking a holiday break, but we’ll be back in your mailbox on Jan. 11. In the meantime, read all the latest news online at News.HalstonMedia.com Cross River l 2 BR l 2.1 BA l 1,570 sf l $550,000 A beautiful space for the holidays and everyday! Spacious and bright, this move-in ready 2 BR/2.1 BA plus full unfi nished lower off ers total privacy in one of the most private and quiet locations within “the Meadows.” Moments to school, shopping, restaurants, train and highways! #UGottaHaveHope HOPEMAZZOLA YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE HOPE Sales Vice President Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker cell: 914.714.0090 [email protected] hopemazzola.com MAZZOLA YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE HOPE 95 Katonah Ave | Katonah, NY 10536 Wrap it Up!
PAGE 2 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 HAPPY HOUR! Daily from 4-6 and again from 9-11 on Thurs., Fri and Saturday nights. OUTDOOR PATIO Enjoy Dining on our Heated Covered Patio Offer expires 3/1/24 Offer expires 3/1/24
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 3 HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS, LIFE & HEALTH 914-232-7750 www.forbesinsurance.com Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas! BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER The Somers community is rallying to support a mother and her two teenaged children after they lost everything in a devastating house fire. Somers firefighters and mutual aid departments dispatched to the scene around 11:16 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, found the two-story home on Lovell Street fully engulfed in flames. According to the SVFD, they immediately began an “aggressive interior attack” and multiple lines were deployed to bring the blaze under control. After, one of the firefighters had to be rescued after falling through the first floor into the basement, teams were ordered to evacuate the structure and to continue operations from the outside. The firefighter who fell was treated at the scene by EMS. Crews were there for about six hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The house had to be torn down. According to neighbors, the family was not at home at the time. Several pets perished in the blaze. Friends and neighbors Ethan and Katrina Aronoff have set up a GoFundMe to help the family. As of Monday, it had met $68,529 of its $75,000 goal. To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/somers-familyin-need. “They are devastated,” the Aronoffs said of the family. The Somers Tuskers Booster Club is collecting clothing and shoes for the fire victims. There will be collection boxes in the lobby of Somers High School all this week, the Aronoffs said. Clothing and shoe sizes: For the mom, pants and shirts 2XL or Size 20; shoes, Size 11. For the boy, men’s medium pants and shirts; jeans (32X30); shoes, Size 10.5. For the girl, pants Size 10 or large; shirt size XL; shoe size 11. Jackets and sweatshirts, XL for the kids; for mom, 2XL. Somers units fighting the fire were: 2441, 2442 (IC), 2447, 2449; Engine 180, Engine 181, Engine 183, Engine 188 Ladder 48, Tower Ladder 18 8011, 8012 Ambulances 80B1, 80B2, 80B3, 80B4. Mutual aid was provided by firefighters from Bedford Hills, Croton Falls, Golden’s Bridge; Katonah; Yorktown Heights; and Mount Kisco; and by the North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Peekskill EMS Rehab. Relocates were departments from Mahopac, Mahopac Falls, and South Salem. Westchester County Department of Emergency Services Units: Battalion 13 and Cause & Origin Zone 4. Police Units: Somers Police Department and New York State Police. Somers family loses home in tragic fire Community rallies in support Somers firefighters and mutual aid departments raced to the scene on Friday, Dec. 15 PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOMERS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT A firefighter had to be rescued after falling through the first floor into the basement. The cause of the fire is under investigation. PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTOFER DELANEY/WESTCHESTER FIRE WIRE Please consider helping the family in need by visiting www.gofundme.com/f/ somers-family-in-need
PAGE 4 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 914.455.2158 SpirelliElectric.com • [email protected] Specializing in residential & commercial services. Licenses in Westchester, Putnam CREATING CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE Family Owned—Over 40 Years Experience! $25 OFF Service Calls When You Present This Ad. New Customers Only. Keep the lights on. • GENERATORS • Outdoor Lighting • Smart Home Setup • Electric Car Chargers AND ALL OF YOUR ELECTRIC NEEDS! Somers Parks & Recreation Department 2024 Winter Programs The winter programs are now available online, and registration begins Jan. 4. at 10 a.m. Visit www.somersny.com, then click “Parks & Recreation” and scroll down to “Program Registration.” Available programs are in the blue tab. Somers Library Please register using the online calendar at www.somerslibrary. org to have access to online meetings. If virtual, you will receive an invitation prior to the start of the program. Programs are supported by the Friends of the Somers Library through patrons’ generous contributions. Anime and All Things Japanese Tuesdays, Jan. 2 & 9, from 3:45 to 5 p.m. Do you love anime and manga? Would you like to travel to Japan one day? Join in for a weekly viewing of new, old and unusual anime. Once a month you can open a surprise snack box of Japanese goodies and try out Japanese games, crafts and on occasion there will be a guest presenter to teach us something about Japanese culture. 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Book Clubs Wednesdays, at 3:45 p.m. Led by Beth Levine, students meet once a month after school to discuss a book that they’ve read in advance, make a craft or play a game. Registration is required and children must be entering the grade they register for. Space is Limited. Grade 3: 1/3, 1/31, 3/6, 4/10, 5/1 Grades 4 & 5: 1/17, 2/14, 3/20, 4/17, 5/15 Graphic Novel Book Club 2nd Wednesday of each month, from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. For Grades 6th - 10th. Did you know that “a growing body of research, focused on how the brain processes the combination of images and text, indicates that graphic novels are also excellent resources for advanced learners?” (Northwestern University, 2017) Graphic novels have become a popular format in classrooms, partly due to their appeal to reluctant readers. Apart from the adults, the teens love them and they cover many topics and forms! Croton Falls Community Church 628 Rt. 22 in Croton Falls Moravian Christmas Project Nightly, thru Dec. 24 at 7 p.m. In celebration of Pastor Timothy Wagner’s 30th anniversary, the Croton Falls Community Church will present the Moravian Christmas Project and help the congregation and community to gain a deeper understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. The project will include a Moravian Children’s Christmas Eve Love Feast at 10:30 a.m., and nightly Putz presentations at 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Services The church will hold Christmas Eve services on Sunday, Dec. 24 at 8 and 11 p.m. A Message from The Friends of the Somers Library The Friends of the Somers Library is dedicated to supporting and enriching the Somers Library. Over the years, the library has played an essential role in the Town of Somers by providing access to knowledge, fostering literacy, and serving as a gathering place for residents of all ages. Our organization has been working to fund the library’s resources and programs. We have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that the library has on our community, and we are committed to ensuring its continued success. To that end, we are reaching out to you to request your support in our mission. The financial support of town residents has played a pivotal role in the growth and improvement of the Somers Library over the years, and we are grateful for the continued dedication. Your generous donations have enabled us to: Enhance Educational Programs: Through your support, we’ve been able to offer engaging and educational programs for children, teens, and adults, including author talks, workshops, and live events. Improve Facilities: Your contributions have helped us make 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 Somers Record The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions for The Somers Record is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected]. Subscribe To request The Somers Record weekly delivery, call 845-208-8503 or email [email protected]. Subscriptions are complimentary for residents and businesses in the town. Out of town mail subscriptions are $150 per year for First Class Mail. Periodicals Postage Paid at Somers, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Somers Record at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 (ISSN 2330-1597) Published Weekly by Halston Media, LLC at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2023 Halston Media, LLC ELEPHANT’S TRUNK SEE TRUNK PAGE 9
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 5 155 Rt 202, Village Plaza, Lincolndale All varieties of wines and liquors (Next to J’s Quik Stop) 845-475-7574 • 914-248-6000 Mon-Sat open 9:30AM-9:30PM • Sun open 12PM-9PM HUGE SELECTION OF YOUR FAVORITE WINES & LIQUORS Free Local Delivery (on purchases of $90 or more) NOW OFFERING Kiss this year goodbye! 15% OFF any 12 bottles of wine mix & match 10% OFF any 6 bottles of wine mix & match
PAGE 6 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. Managing Member • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500 NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 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 Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Somers officials last week adopted a 2024 town budget of $16,817,679. Representing an increase of $799,181, or 4.99 percent, over the current spending plan, it will bump up the tax rate from $15.26 per $1,000 of assessed valuation to $15.73, a 47-cent difference. The 2024 tax levy – exclusive of special districts -- will be $7,803,762, $164,249 or 2.25 percent higher than the current one. This means that the budget stays under the state tax cap of 2.7 percent. The tax cap law establishes a limit on the annual growth of property taxes levied. Giving the budget highlights at the board’s Thursday, Dec. 14 meeting, Supervisor Robert Scorrano attributed the increase to the allocation of $300,000 for various capital projects, a hike in salaries because of the ratification of the CSEA contract, the hiring of two new parttime police officers, the setting aside of $61,000 for a new police car, and higher employee health insurance rates and retirement benefits, which, he emphasized “are not under the town’s control.” The capital expenditures to which he refers are primarily for water and sewer system projects and maintenance that had to be deferred during the COVID pandemic. They include the rehab and painting of the Ross Drive water storage tank, the installation of 200 feet of water main on Parkway Drive, the replacement of water meters and fire hydrants, upgrades at the Windsor Road pump station, the purchase of spare pumps and the upgrading of control panels at the Travis Road station, and the repair of several utility holes. The town also kept $500,000 in the Highway Department’s budget for paving, like it did last year “without the need to bond,” Scorrano added. Aside from property taxes, 2024 revenues are anticipated to be $8,964,847, a difference of $1,553,340 or 20.96 percent from the current plan. That’s due to increases in county sales taxes, interest income, and the state’s CHIPS, or Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program’s funding, he said. The board Thursday resumed the public hearing that it had carried over from its Dec. 6 meeting where Somers Library Trustee Bill Keane had expressed disappointment with the library’s allocation and told it that there were concerns services were going to have to be cut. Director Jennifer Daddio had previously told The Somers Record that the Library Board is contemplating changes that include fewer programs and curtailed library hours. Keane noted that library staff are “master’s level people and they’re not being paid according to their peers; they’re just not.” Scorrano, saying it was hard having a conversation when he hadn’t yet seen all the library’s “numbers,” offered to meet with Keane and Daddio offline. “We’ve done some things here to help the library out. When the rest of the info comes in, we’ll have a conversation with Jennifer and try to come to an understanding,” he promised. The sole speaker at the Thursday, Dec. 14, hearing was Library Trustee Barbara Taberer, who told the board that while she appreciated the town’s efforts to keep the levy under the tax cap, she was disappointed with what being allocated for the library budget. Social security benefits are going up 3.2 percent in 2024, but the cost of daily living is continuing to rise beyond that, she said, pointing to an upcoming 3.5 percent hike in fees for the folks who live in Heritage Hills. “So to give employees of this town any less than that, they’re not going to be able to keep up with the inflation we are experiencing,” she said. Scorrano thanked her for her comments and then, as there were no other speakers, closed the public hearing and then moved to adopt the budget. It passed unanimously. Town Board approves 2024 budget Members of the Knights of Columbus 6205 from St. Joseph’s Church recently presented a $500 check to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. Pictured are KofC members Anthony Messina, Skip Floer, and Tom Tobin with St. Luke’s new priest-in-charge The Rev. Mary McCarthy, retiring priest The Rev. Mike Watson, and administrator Janet Repman. Giving back! PHOTO COURTESY OF LYNDA MAGRATH Advertise With Us When you advertise with The Somers Record, you are reaching thousands of households and businesses throughout the Town of Somers, including all of its hamlets and Heritage Hills. To advertise or to place a classified, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email freeman@ halstonmedia.com.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 7 IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. Jilco Window Corp. 135 Mahopac Ave Granite Springs, NY 10527 914 248-6100 jilcowindow.com IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. Jilco Window Corp. 135 Mahopac Ave Granite Springs, NY 10527 914 248-6100 jilcowindow.com IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. IT’S NOT JUST A WINDOW, IT’S PEACE OF MIND For over 115 years, people have relied on Andersen. With over 100 million windows installed, no other windows are in more homes than the Andersen® 400 Series. With its innovative blend of craftsmanship and style, Andersen is the most trusted and recommended brand among residential homeowners.* Learn more at andersenwindows.com/400series *2018 U.S. Brand Study of Andersen and Renewal by Andersen brands vs. competitive brands. “Andersen” and all other marks where denoted are trademarks of Andersen Corporation. ©2020 Andersen Corporation. All rights reserved. Jilco Window Corp. 135 Mahopac Ave Granite Springs, NY 10527 914 248-6100 jilcowindow.com
PAGE 8 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 NMLS #60828 Registered Mortgage Broker NY & CT Banking Depts. All Loans Arranged through Third Party Providers. Call Us Today! 800-771-1071 YOUR LOCAL HOME MORTGAGE PROFESSIONALS 1013 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 - www.putcap.com 9am-4pm THESE PRICES ARE VALID WITH AD ONLY BEER & SODA Not to be combined with other offers. 20lb. Tank. Expires 12/31/23 $ 2.00 OFF PROPANE FILL-UP ANY CASE OF BEER 24 PACK OR LARGER 5 CASE LIMIT Not to be combined with any other offer. SALE ENDS 12/31/23 $ 2.00 OFF LAGUNITAS $ 16.99 12 pack $ 28.99 HEINEKEN $ 17.99 COORS LIGHT 12 Pack BUD & BUD LIGHT $ 22.9924 Pack Bottles $ 17.99 20 Pack COORS LIGHT & BANQUET PERONI $ 18.99 12 Pack BUD & BUD LIGHT $ 28.99 36 Pack 36 Pack $ 18.99 HAPPY DAD HARD SELTZER MILLER LITE $ 28.99 36 Pack PABST $ 22.99 30 Pack 12 Pack Open Christmas Eve 376 RT 6 MAHOPAC CASH FOR CANS & BOTTLES HUDSON VALLEY BEVERAGE IS NOW A FULL REDEMPTION CENTER GET FULL 5¢ VALUE PER BOTTLE OR CAN a new kidney reached out to Halston Media for help finding a donor. John Fiscella, a popular guitar teacher and local musician suffering from end-stage renal failure, was on dialysis and had been placed on a transplant wait list but his health was fading so fast that he feared he had seen his last Christmas. Fiscella’s wife, Heide, had composed a written plea that was sent on by his mom, Rose, to Corinne Stanton, a Halston Media employee and the daughter of a friend. Stanton forwarded the email to Somers Record editor Tom Walogorsky in the hopes that the newspaper could help spread the word. Unbeknownst to the Fiscellas, another Somers family was dealing with its own tragedy. Maryjean and Bill Lugo’s son, Vincent, a 27-year-old music lover, had been felled by a massive asthma attack and was on life support after being declared legally dead due to brain damage. Wanting to donate his organs to someone in the community, the Lugos contacted Linda Belger, the acting principal of the Somers Intermediate School where she worked as a library aide. Belger turned to the school district’s spokesperson, Amanda Bergen, who contacted Walogorsky, who, after making the connection, passed the Fiscellas’ note to Bergen, who forwarded it to the principal. Belger contacted Maryjean who then called the Fiscellas. The Lugos donated Vincent’s kidney to Fiscella and his heart and liver to two others in need of new organs. Fiscella is doing well enough after the surgery that he’s returned to the concert scene. He recently performed at the Somers Library with his son, Eddie. More recently, 47-year-old Somers native, current Mahopac resident, and father of a sevenyear-old daughter Stephen McNamara, was facing the fight of his life after being stricken by cardiomyopathy, a disease that affects the heart’s ability to pump blood properly. The professional fitness trainer and former Somers High School head freshman football coach underwent emergency heart transplant surgery in November. While the immediate crisis has been addressed, his recovery is just beginning, said family friends, who have set up a GoFundMe to help McNamara’s family with medical expenses. His wife, Lisa, took part in a candlelit prayer vigil in Mahopac that was attended by about 200 friends, family members, and folks from the Somers schools community, including many students. SEEING THE WORLD Thanks to an amazing program formed by a group of educators, Somers students had the opportunity to travel the world this year! Tusker Travels is a non-profit educational travel company founded by five Somers High School teachers, Mrs. Brooks, Mrs. Holder, Mrs. Lepkowski, Dr. Maelia and Ms. Timone. In 2023, Tusker Travels ran three trips abroad on three different continents. In February, they discovered Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. In April, they visited Ireland and Scotland, and this past summer they traveled to Thailand. There are two trips scheduled for 2024, a February trip to Spain and an April trip to Switzerland and Italy. MURDER-SUICIDE ROCKS COMMUNITY The Somers community reacted with shock and sadness this August after a Somers woman and her infant daughter were found dead in what police determined was a murder-suicide. Dr. Krystal Cascetta, 40, a prominent and award-winning oncologist at Mount Sinai Hospital, shot the four-month-old and then turned the gun on herself at the home in Granite Springs that she shared with 37-year-old husband, Timothy Talty. Talty was not at home at the time, but Cascetta’s parents were. Someone in the house called 911 after hearing gunshots emanating from a locked bedroom, police reported. The deaths also left Cascetta’s patients and colleagues heartbroken. While a motive was never made public by authorities, some seeking answers postulated that it may have been due to postpartum depression. Following the tragedy, residents mobilized to find ways to support others who may be struggling. A group called “Seize the MOMent” was formed to give new or expectant mothers a safe space place to share questions and concerns about infant care, breast-feeding, and other post-partum issues. “Somers is about family, community, strength, and support,” 2023 FROM PAGE 1 SEE 2023 PAGE 37
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 9 BBrreewwsstteerr, , NNYY aannd d BBeetthheell,, CCT T Design Centers Design Centers On your project everyday until completion... GUARANTEED! On your project everyday until completion... GUARANTEED! 884455--227788--00007700 SSoouutthheeaassttkkiittcchheennaanndbdbaatthh..ccoomm Celebrating 50 years Your Family Car Care Center! LOCATIONS: Baldwin Place • 44 Route 118 • (845) 628-7900 Croton Falls • 1 Center St • (914) 769-3206 Visit us at www.ProperService.com For over 100 years of combined auto experience, Joe Ferone and his sta of Proper Service have been serving the community, creating releationships, and building a remarkable company with an amazing team of employees! Find out why Joe Ferone of Proper Service needs to be YOUR Go-To Automotive Service Center! vital improvements to the library ensuring a comfortable and welcoming environment for all visitors. Promote Involvement: Your donations have enabled us to launch initiatives aimed at community involvement in our town, including summer reading programs for children and educational programs for adults. As we look ahead, we are eager to expand our offerings. To achieve these goals, we kindly ask for your continued financial support. To make on online donation, please visit the library’s website at www.somerslibrary.org and click on the “support” tab in the menu. Follow the prompts to the Friends of the Somers Library. To donate in person, there are membership flyers available at the front desk of the library that you can fill out and leave with one of the librarians. If you received one of our mailings, you can send a check in the envelope provided. Your donation, will make a significant difference in helping us fulfill our mission. Donating to the Friends of the Somers Library is an investment in the future of our town. Somers PTA Council Spirit Wear Sale The Somers PTA Council is selling Somers Spirit wear. The store is open year-round and items ship to your home. Promo codes are available on the website. Visit our store at teamlocker. squadlocker.com/#/lockers/ somers-pta-council-store Race Amity of Northern Westchester & Putnam Monthly Meeting Please join in for monthly discussions as they work to advance cross-racial and cross-cultural amity to impact the public discourse on race. Monthly meetings feature speakers, screenings, and presentations where discussions are aimed at educating one another on who the oranization really is. Visit https://www.eventbrite. com/e/138495877899 to register for this online event. Somers Lions Club In 1966, the Somers Lions Club was chartered and has grown exponentially with dedicated men and women who volunteer their time, skills, and energy to make a difference in people’s lives, both in our community and for the charities we support. Lions can be found working on “hands-on” projects, fundraising, and running numerous community events in and around Somers. If you are in need of assistance, there is a good chance that the Lions can help. Visit www.somerslionsclub.org for more information. Follow on social media @somerslions. The Somers Lions would like to welcome its newest members and are proud to serve alongside you. Somers Library Foundation Needs You Are you a passionate supporter of the Somers Library and looking for a way to help improve the services and capabilities? The Somers Library Foundation is looking for new board members. There are lots of opportunities to use your talents and build new skills. Send the foundation an email at [email protected]. Watch the Somers Library Foundation website (https://somerslibrary foundation.org) for details on upcoming meet and greet events to learn more about the Foundation and what it means to be a board member of the board. TRUNK FROM PAGE 4 ELEPHANT’S TRUNK
Opinion 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 Somers Record or its affiliates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail at [email protected]. For more information, call the editor at 914-302-5830 Brett Freeman, Publisher Tom Walogorsky , Editor Tabitha Pearson Marshall, Creative Director Editorial Office: 914-302-5830 [email protected] PAGE 10 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 I was born in the wrong decade. Up through the 1990s, community newspaper publishers ran very profitable businesses. Around the year 2000, like many other businesses, the explosion of the Internet offered both challenges and opportunities to our industry. Some have successfully navigated this change. But unfortunately, many community newspapers have become a statistic, as more than 130 newspapers have closed or merged this year alone, and our country is on track to lose a third of all newspapers since 2005. This newspaper and its parent company, Halston Media, will NOT become a statistic. But in order to avoid becoming a statistic, we need to innovate and not be bound by the way our industry has historically operated. I founded Halston Media in 2010 and quickly joined the New York Press Association (NYPA), our industry’s local trade organization. Ever since, I’ve been attending their annual conferences, where at 45 years old, I’m practically a baby among the publishers. I’ve never seen a more anxietyriddled group of people, as our conversations always focus on discovering a magic formula to overcome the billions of advertising dollars gobbled up by Facebook and Google. Many of the publishers sing the blues each year, as they focus on small cost-cutting and/or small revenue-generating efforts to overcome what actually requires a total rethinking of the industry. As they say, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Like my colleagues at NYPA, I’ve spent the better part of a decade focused on small changes, and some of those efforts have certainly been marginally successful. But up until now, I’ve avoided making larger changes out of fear of offending certain sacred cows. It’s a “supposed to” mentality that can lead to slow death and something that business leaders must avoid in order to survive. One of these “supposed to” mentalities is the idea that we must publish a newspaper 52 weeks per year, without fail, even on weeks when doing so would mean losing money. And as the cost of newsprint has spiraled upward and postage rates have increased roughly 55% since 2010 (the first class stamp that cost 44 cents in 2010 will cost 68 cents in 2024), it costs us dramatically more to deliver a printed newspaper into your mailbox now than when we started. This is why, in 2024, this printed newspaper is going bi-weekly, or more precisely, 26 times annually. During historically slow advertising months, there may be two weeks between issues. For example, every year, we lose money by publishing the editions immediately following Christmas and immediately following New Year’s Day. So, if you look at the top of this page and see the date range of this edition, you’ll see that our next issue won’t hit your mailbox until Jan. 11. On the flip side, leading up to the November election, we plan to publish several weeks in a row in order to cover election issues more fully, accommodating the demand from readers and advertisers. We will focus on journalism Every business has a finite set of resources and must decide how to invest its time and energy. It’s unsustainable for a business when resources aren’t aligned with revenue generation. Long term, it’ll lead to burnout, low quality and ultimately bankruptcy. Publishing a newspaper is very labor intensive, particularly for a small staff. Deadlines driven by printing and postal realities absorb 40-50% of our week. I’ve concluded, given our level of staffing, that we will better serve our readers and advertisers by focusing our efforts on activities that will lead to a higher quality product – superior and more timely local journalism – and, in turn, long-term sustainability. This is why we revamped our website a few months ago. We went from five separate sites under the TAPinto brand to one regional site called Halston Media News (News.HalstonMedia.com). Our new website covers the news in eight towns and seven school districts. Readers can now both zero in on their own town but also easily see how other local towns are dealing with similar issues. By freeing up production and logistics-related time on a bi-weekly print schedule, we will be able to double down on our online journalism. With our new approach, you will be able to read breaking news today instead of waiting a week to read about it. Strategic growth and no retreat Lest our competitors smell blood in the water, I assure our friends and enemies alike that this is no retreat. We have spent nearly 14 years growing, and we don’t plan to stop growing. Additionally, the print newspaper will always remain a core product. Since 2010, we’ve launched five newspapers, including Mahopac News, The Somers Record, Yorktown News, North Salem News and The KatonahLewisboro Times. In March 2022, we launched Seasonal Highlights, a glossy marketing mailer, which is distributed to about 130,000 homes in four counties (including Fairfield County, Conn.). In May 2022, we launched a sixth newspaper called The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times (also covering Pound Ridge), which is distributed monthly to over 15,000 homes in three towns. And last month, we were selected to publish the exclusive monthly Heritage Hills Newsletter. In addition to revamping our website, we launched a whole new service for our advertisers earlier this year called Halston Digital Agency, with a focus on helping local businesses navigate social media, Google and programmatic advertising, where we place the ads of local businesses on national websites. Halston Digital Agency also serves local businesses’ website design needs. On our website, you may have noticed a video commercial for Appliance Sales Plus. We have also placed that same commercial on streaming TV, including channels such as Fox News, CBS News, AMC, MTV, ABC News and VH1, while utilizing streaming devices such as Roku, Apple TV, Vizio, Amazon and Google. It’s a whole new world and everyone at Halston Media is committed to these exciting changes. We understand that some readers may be disappointed by the decrease in our newspaper frequency. We’ll be back in your mailbox on Jan. 11. In the meantime, you can find the latest news for your town at News.HalstonMedia.com. You’ll now be able to find even more news... and sooner... through this increased online focus. We truly appreciate the community’s support, including our advertisers and readers. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas. And to the Jewish community, we hope you had a Happy Hanukkah. To everyone, we wish you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! Thank you for supporting us over nearly 14 years. Here’s to the next 14 years! BRETT FREEMAN PUBLISHER’S MEMO Halston Media’s strategic shift Embracing bi-weekly print publishing in the digital age We’ll be back in your mailbox on Jan. 11. In the meantime, you can find the latest news for your town at News. HalstonMedia. com.’ Click on the QR code to read The Somers Record online.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 11 The Somers Record will be back in your mailbox on Jan. 11. Learn about our new 26x annual schedule for 2024 in this week’s Publisher’s Memo on Page 10. In-between print weeks, don’t forget to check out The Somers Record at: Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! Scan Me!
PAGE 12 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 I love Christmas carols, which shouldn’t be too surprising for a priest unless I was Father Ebenezer Scrooge. Whether they be religious or not, I think I love them all: “Deck the Halls,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Silent Night,” “O Tannenbaum,” “Mele Kalikimaka,” “Feliz Navidad.” All of them have become synonymous with the joy of this season, almost to the point that they bring joy in themselves. And it’s not just the joy they bring: there’s a certain goodness and confidence that is brought out of us when we gather around to sing Christmas carols. While few of us would be qualified to lead the National Anthem before a big game, everyone is qualified to lead a cheerful holiday tune. Why are we so confident in singing Christmas Carols? I would propose the reason is summarized in the beautiful hymn, “O Holy Night.” In the first verse, the worldly problem of sin and divine solution of the newborn Savior are both outlined in a way that is as beautiful as it is simple: “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.” That line has always struck me, “and the soul felt its worth.” Any child psychologist will confirm that children do not merely need to be told their worth, but they must feel it: through words of affirmation, through touch, through supporting presence at a meaningless soccer game, in these ways children come to first know their worth through their parents’ clear expression of it. For centuries before the birth of Jesus, God the Father has been communicating our worth through creation, the prophets, and the mighty deeds He performed for His people; but we kept rejecting Him and His love, turning to sins that are beneath our dignity, beneath our worth. As the hymn sings, we and the rest of the world lay in sin and error, pining for something more. Then on one December night in Bethlehem over 20 centuries ago, God outdid Himself. When Jesus was born of a Virgin and laid in a manger it finally happened: the soul felt its worth. God’s response to sin and error was not to reject or condemn the world, but to save it. Jesus’ birth serves as a reminder to the whole world that God the Father has deemed us worthy of redemption and salvation; and dare I say it is the most comforting worth possible: I am not worthy of redemption because of anything I have done, but only because of the Father’s love for me. My worth is not earned, it is freely given. What great love God has for us. A love this strong now bids a response, an invitation which we are free to accept or reject. Rejecting this love is easy; we can simply return to the life of sin and error which we have lived; but how do we accept? Perhaps we can look to another Christmas carol, “The Little Drummer Boy,” for our answer. The little drummer boy is swept up amongst those who are journeying to pay homage to the newborn King; only the boy has no gift fit for a king, let alone the King of kings. So what does he give? “I played my drum for Him, I played my best for Him. Then He smiled at me…” I know the song is about a fictitious percussionist, but picture the smile that Jesus gave this boy; with your mind’s eye envision the Newborn Savior giving you that same look – it’s a truly heartwarming image. This is the way God looks upon us when we return to Him in prayer, when we follow His commands, when we worship Him, and when we genuinely love our neighbor. How easily we forget that each and every day we have the opportunity to “play our best for Him.” When we treat each other with the love and mercy Christmas carols and the ‘worth’ of our soul FR. MATTHEW BRESLIN GUEST COLUMNIST SEE BRESLIN PAGE 14 Come See Us At Our New Location! 1065 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 Paint protection film, Vehicle lettering & Full Service vehicle wraps 1065 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 The Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce Makes A Great GIFT! PUTNAM WINDOW TINT HAS MOVED! Over 35 in Business Years AUTO , COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL WINDOW FILM Follow us on Instagram Combining the best of modern medicine with proven holistic methods. (914) 248-6220 / Progressive-vet.com 268 Route 202 Somers, NY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 13 SOMERS Central School District Forward in Exceence SCSD Mission and Vision – a seamless fit with the International Baccalaureate framework. International Baccalaureate Programme Part three coming in January: debunking common misconceptions about the International Baccalaureate Programme. This is part two of a series exploring how the Somers Central School District uses the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework to provide an excellent education for all students, developing lifelong learners who thrive and make a difference. SCSD IB Components Inquiry-Based Learning: Students investigate real-world problems, develop curiosity, and nurture creative thinking skills. Inclusive Approach: The IB framework is designed to reduce barriers so that every student can fully participate. Inclusive education is facilitated in a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and problem-solving. Community Engagement: Students engage in their communities through service and are instilled with a sense of social responsibility and belonging. Ignite a passion Engaging all learners A personal level GLOBAL c i t i z e n s h i p 21ST CENTURY Knowledge & Skills Social, Emotional & PHYSICAL WELLNESS whole CHILD P R O F E S S I O N A L L E A R N I N G C O M M U N I T I E S — F I S C A L S T E W A R D S H I P — F A M L I M M O C & Y U N I T Y E N G A G E M E N T — L E A R N I N G P E R S O N A L I Z E D Preparation for a Globalized World Students are prepared to navigate diverse cultures and perspectives in an increasingly interconnected world. Development of Key Skills Strong focus on a range of skills including communication, collaboration, research, and self-management. Emphasis on Personal Development Committed to students’ personal, social, and emotional well-being, fostering qualities such as empathy, resilience, and a sense of responsibility. Scan here to hear from Somers students about their experience with IB. MISSION: Somers Central School District will ignite a passion in each student by engaging all learners at a personal level to ensure success in a global society. When SCSD began exploring the International Baccalaureate ten years ago, it was quickly apparent that the components of IB were clearly reflected in our mission and vision. VISION: Provided by Somers Central School District.
PAGE 14 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 DONNA O’CONNELL Associate Real Estate Broker M 914.263.9108 [email protected] donnaoconnell.houlihanlawrence.com I wish you the happiest of holidays! May the new year be filled with love and bring you peace and good health. THE #1 AGENT IN SOMERS THE #1 AGENT IN HERITAGE HILLS Source: OKMLS, 1/1/22-12/31/22, total dollar volume of single family homes and condominiums sold by Agent, Somers school district SOMERS BROKERAGE · 104 VILLAGE SQUARE, SOMERS, NY To all of my clients and the Somers community — BRESLIN FROM PAGE 12 which God has given us, we “play our best for Him.” When we forgive as God has forgiven us, we “play our best for Him.” When we, specifically Catholics, commit ourselves to returning to Sunday Mass, we “play our best for Him.” How easily we return to those sins and errors that promise fulfillment but leave us pining for more. Yet how persistently God continues to make efforts to remind us of our soul’s worth. In this season of gift-giving, perhaps we can give Jesus the only gift He wants on His birthday: our best. After all, it was on His birthday that He gifted us the pleasant, and much needed, reminder of our worth. In this Christmas season, may we all recognize the worth of our souls, the eternal souls willed by God into existence and deemed worthy enough for the Almighty God to be born humbly in a stable in Bethlehem. Perhaps this Christmas season we may take the simple direction of one last Christmas hymn, often played loudly and triumphantly on Christmas morning, “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” How should we begin to come back to Jesus? Simple: “O come, let us adore Him: Christ the Lord!” May Christmas serve as a joyful reminder that we are all deemed worthy of His love, of redemption and of salvation. Merry Christmas to every soul that has been deemed worthy by Christ’s birth. Fr. Matthew Breslin is a Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of New York, serving as Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph’s Church in Somers and Chaplain of Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School. Do you hear what I hear? Christmas is certainly the holiday with the best soundtrack, and all that music, with its references of snow, cozy firelit familyoriented gatherings and giving, extends to everyone of any culture and creed who feels like celebrating. No matter what you have to be thankful for or whom you have to be thankful with, music will help you do it. And by the time you’ve heard “Carol of the Bells” enough times to put you in a coma, you’ll be ready for the civilized quiet of Martin Luther King Day. My favorite winter date night is two seats at Garrison Keillor’s Prairie Home Companion at the Town Hall on 43rd Street. When I visit the town hall in any other city, it’s usually for a different reason, but paying for a ticket is one thing the two experiences have in common. The Prairie Home Companion in December has a healthy dose of Christmas songs, droll radiostyle skits about winter in New York City and some fun poked at those in need of it. I’d guess there are some who have red marks from getting fun poked at them so many times over the years. On hand was Ellie Dehn, an opera soprano, which reminded me of my Mom who was always trying to get me to embrace opera music by playing “Die Fledermaus” on the record player and wafting it over in my general direction with her hands. It didn’t make me like opera but it did make me love my Mom even more. I still don’t know why they need all that heavy vibrato, like you’re trying to sing while driving over railroad tracks. At the end of the evening we all sang “Silent Night” together, all 1,495 of us not counting the performers. The irony of how any newborn Savior is supposed to sleep through that was not lost on me. Garrison Kiellor was smart enough not to let the soprano start it in some ridiculous key only she could sing. A song cannot choose its writer, and classics will be classics even though they might contain some weird references. But I can’t help thinking that “tender and mild” better describes a habanero pepper. I remember when I was a kid and our neighbor Mrs. Goldsmith led us around the neighborhood singing Christmas carols, even though she was Jewish. She liked the songs, kept a Christmas tree and didn’t take things too seriously. I’m not sure if you could get away with caroling in this day and age; people are naturally suspicious that anyone who makes contact with them in any way is somehow angling for a sales opportunity. In those days you might even get some cookies, but now? “Ma’am, do you mind if I run a couple tests on the cookie first? I’m an ovo-lacto vegan with gluten and nut allergies, and I only eat free-range baked goods that have not been experimented on animals.” “Don’t worry, it’s made of plastic.” The theater staff at the Town Hall might have been wondering what all that Tupperware was for when they searched my knapsack on the way in, but I’m sure they’ve seen a lot weirder stuff than that. Some of the other stuff in my knapsack, for instance. I needed it because afterward we went next door to our favorite Italian restaurant, and even though we split one meal it’s still way too much food to finish unless it’s 2 in the morning and you’re alone and no one is watching and you make last-minute plans to run a triathlon the next day. Not everywhere was there holiday harmony. There were tears flowing all around us at the restaurant. We were RICK MELÉN MAN OVERBOARD SEE MELEN PAGE 18
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 15 2020 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are the registered service marks owned by the Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Proud and honored to have represented both sellers and buyers. Marcie Nolletti Licensed Real Estate Salesperson NY & CT Buying and Selling— I can make it happen! 338 Route 202 | Somers, NY 10589 Cell: (914) 424-5545 [email protected] | marcienolletti.com JUST SOLD Whether you are selling or buying a home, I am experienced and knowledgeable of today’s ever changing market. You not only want, but need a qualified professional by your side. Contact me today for your free comprehensive market analysis and all your questions answered. 577 Grant Road, North Salem
PAGE 16 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 ST. LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH St. Luke's Episcopal Church 331 Route 100 - Somers NY 10589 914.277.3122 • www.slcsomers.org SaintLukesSomers Christmas Services Holy Eucharist Christmas Eve 5:30pm Candlelight Service with Music Christmas Day 10:00am with Music All are Welcome A Gift Shop Born Out Of Love For Hand Crafted + Quality Goods Tues–Sat. 11-5 • CLOSED Mon Open Sundays through the holidays 11-3 914-556-6006 | Somersgeneral.com 2 OLD TOMAHAWK ST. SUITE 5, YORKTOWN HEIGHTS (NEAR BARNWOOD GRILL & TRADITIONS) It’s holiday shopping time. Shop local. Come find the perfect gift from our curated collection of goods. Friends of Somers Library grieves Steve Ucko’s passing Dear Editor, We share our sadness with the friends and loved ones of Steve Ucko’s passing. He was such a staunch supporter of the Friends of the Somers Library and the work we do to support the library’s programs. We will miss his warm and embracing smile in the library and at our Sunday programs. He attended every one he could for many years, even in a wheelchair and with an aide, explaining to me recently that he would miss one because it conflicted with his commitment to the Westchester Philharmonic. A full list of Steve’s service to our community would be very long indeed. With deep appreciation for a fine and noble soul, -Susan Cody Friends of the Somers Library Governor should grant lifesaving holiday gift with approval of critical biomarker testing bill Dear Editor, Gov. Hochul could deliver a magical holiday gift to New Yorkers in the coming days by supporting a piece of legislation that was overwhelmingly approved by the state legislature. A.1673 was delivered to the Governor’s desk for final approval on Dec. 12. It would require health insurance plans and Medicaid to include financial relief for biomarker testing, ensuring that such tests are provided for the diagnosis, treatment, effective management or continuous monitoring of a patient’s illness or medical condition, as long as there is medical and scientific evidence supporting the use of these tests. Biomarker testing has transformed how cancer is treated, which is why removing barriers to access these tests are a top priority for the American Cancer Society. In addition, biomarker testing is also supporting advances in other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases and organ transplants. In fact, the Michael J. Fox Foundation announced earlier this year a major breakthrough for a Parkinson’s biomarker. This means we not only can provide early detection, but it is expected to usher in advanced treatments for this and other neurological diseases. I am proud to have helped build a bipartisan coalition along with Assemblymember Pam Hunter to get us to this point and proudly signed onto a letter to Gov. Hochul with 95 of my colleagues from every corner of New York State urging her to approve this legislation. Now it’s up to Gov. Hochul and I can think of no better holiday gift to New Yorkers than the prospect of a long and healthy life. -Assemblyman Matt Slater 94th District Thanks to Somers Library Dear Editor, A huge thank you is due to the Somers Library, which, on Dec. 9, held a free holiday craft event open to all ages. The crafts reflected the joy and excitement of the season, no matter how you celebrate. With ear-to-ear smiles, everyone from toddlers to grandmas went home with snowmen in a winter landscape, elves with beards, little adorned wicker wreaths, decorated jars, stenciled ornaments and more! To the students, mostly seventh- and eighth-graders who manned the tables, handing out supplies and instructing – you did yourselves proud! Having worked as an art teacher, I know the effort it takes to put together an event like that, highlighting again what a wonderful resource the library is to our community. Thank you to all the library staff for a wonderful day! -Anita Krusko Somers My intro to Judaism Dear Editor, On the morning of Dec. 19, 1953, I was called to the bema at the front of a small synagogue in Brooklyn. Rabbi Meir Feldman escorted me and pointed to the Torah that I was about to chant and pray from. The synagogue was packed with friends and family members. In those days, men and women sat separately. My bar mitzvah preceded my actual birthday celebration on Christmas, which is another story. As the service commenced, I read perfect Hebrew from the Tractate and chanted gloriously the Haftorah portion. Towards the end of the Haftorah, my tenorish voice cracked and the audience shuttered. But because I did an outstanding job, I was invited back the following week to perform at another bar mitzvah. This was my introduction to formal Judaism seven decades ago. -Herb Oringel Somers LETTERS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 17 Come See Us At 87 Route 6, Baldwin Place, New York 10505 845-883-6132 WE LOOK FORWARD TO SERVING YOU! MARKET FILL UP WITH TODAY! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR FROM ALL OF US AT CHESTNUT MARKET
PAGE 18 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 Bobo’s Chappaqua 1 Station Plaza Chappaqua, NY 914-861-8001 Bobo’s Ridgefield 32 Danbury Road Ridgefield, CT 203-894-5463 Bobo’s Purchase 3000 Westchester Ave. Purchase, NY 10577 (914) 305-1074 249 US-202 6 Heritage Center Somers, NY 10589 (914) 276-2233 Crossroads Plaza, 57 US-6 Baldwin Place, NY 10505 (914) 519-6227 boboscafe.net Visit our other locations: Happy Holidays from our staff to you and your family. Gift cards come in every size! WESTCHESTER’S LARGEST MODEL TRAIN & HOBBY SHOP is now located in the heart of Yorktown Heights! We offer a wide array of modern & vintage toys, train sets, and collectibles. We’re a toy store for “Kids” of all ages! Come on in & check us out! LOCATED IN THE JEFFERSON VALLEY MALL 650 LEE BLVD, YORKTOWN HEIGHTS CALL US AT 914-421-1262 westchestertrainsandhobbies.com • Open 7 days 11-7PM We carry hobby tools & materials, HO, N Scale Trains Die Cast Cars & Trucks, Matchbox, Hotwheels, cars, trucks, military & ship models, pinewood derby, rockets & MUCH MORE! We’re the best kept secret in Westchester surrounded by two couples out on their own date nights on either side of us, and emotions among the women were running high. They may have been tears of sorrow or tears of joy, but at least they weren’t bored to tears. The couple on our right looked like they might have been visiting New York from another country, and I couldn’t read how the evening was going. Words were exchanged, voices were raised, makeup was running, and there was literally a bone to pick. She took her fork and moved it toward his face, but he opened his mouth and swallowed whatever was on it in a deft defensive move. On our other side was clearly a fight, which seemed pretty serious until dessert arrived. Closing arguments were concluded and a verdict was reached and a banana was the only thing that was split. I swear there are some couples who like to break up deeply just so it takes longer to make up. But for us, nothing beats a date night in New York City at Christmas time. Walking back to Grand Central you could see the twinkling lights down 6th Avenue. It turned out to be an ambulance, but even if all you give someone for Christmas is a cold, it’s the thought that counts. Say hello at [email protected]. MELEN FROM PAGE 14 People love to buy items previously owned by celebrities. Purchasing objects once owned by or associated with a famous person makes the new owner feel celebrity-adjacent with bragging rights. Last month at an auction in France, a black felt bicorn hat once owned by Napoleon Bonaparte sold for the record amount of $2.1 million. This recognizable headpiece was said to be one of about 120 versions of the two-cornered military dress hat owned by the French emperor. This famous black chapeau was a key part of Napoleon’s image. What would someone do with this very expensive celebrity collectible? Set the hat in a glass display case in the living room or wear once a year for Halloween? Is this very old hat in fragile condition? Imagine peering inside of the hat to see sweat stains, dirt smudges and hair oil. Didn’t everyone have head lice back then? How hygienic were those battle-field conditions, not to mention the snow, rain and wind damage? In 2021, one of Elvis Presley’s most iconic outfits, a white jumpsuit and cape decorated with metallic eyelets, sold at auction for $1,012,500. The King of Rock and Roll famously wore this white jumpsuit while performing at Madison Square Garden in 1972. Maybe the new owner will allow friends to try on the white jumpsuit and take selfies while singing, “Love me tender.” Celebrity footwear can also fetch big bucks. The red ruby slippers once worn by Judy Garland when she portrayed Dorothy in the classic 1939 movie of “The Wizard of Oz” are now estimated to be worth $3.5 million. In 2005, a pair of these ruby slippers was stolen from the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minn. At that time, the ruby slippers were owned by a Hollywood memorabilia collector who had loaned the iconic shoes to the museum for display. The red shoes were stolen when a Michigan man climbed through a window of the museum and broke the display case. It took years to track down the famous footwear. They were eventually recovered in 2018 during an FBI-led sting operation in Minneapolis. One of at least four pairs of ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland during the filming of “The Wizard of Oz,” the stolen shoes were returned in excellent condition. Another pair of the ruby slippers, along with costumes and props from the movie, is on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. Clothing and shoes are only some of the celebrity items collectors purchase at auctions. A recent article published online in Guitar World Magazine lists the most expensive rock guitars sold in the last few years. In 2023, the Kramer guitar played by Eddie Van Halen sold for $3,932,000 at a New York auction. One of Eddie’s most recognizable guitars from 1983-1984, this striped guitar was featured in the music video for “Hot for Teacher.” At a Nashville auction in 2023, Eric Clapton’s 1964 Gibson SG guitar sold for $1,270,000. British rocker Clapton played this guitar in the 1960s when he was a member of the band, Cream. Two of the late Kurt Cobain’s guitars can claim the top spots for most expensive auction prices paid for rock guitars. In 2022, a New York auction brought in $4,550,000 for the Fender Mustang guitar famously played in the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” music video. In Los Angeles in 2020, Kurt Cobain’s Martin D-18E used for the Nirvana performance on MTV Unplugged fetched a whopping $6,010,000! Kim Kovach has a black and white blazer with shoulder pads from 1985 that she is happy to sell! www.kimkovachwrites.com. Napoleon’s hat and other collectibles KIM KOVACH READING, WRITING & CHOCOLATE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 19 Place your order for your feast today! 286 Katonah Ave, Katonah • tengdakatonah.com Follow us on social media! Celebrate the holidays with us! SERIOUSLY FRESH SUSHI & GREAT ASIAN FOOD Call us at 914-232-3900 We Offer Catering On & Off Premises!
PAGE 20 – THE SOMERS RECORD HEALTH & WELLNESS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults DR. AMANDA WIECHERT, DMD & DR. FELICIA NICOLAS, DDS. 1855 COMMERCE STREET YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY 10598 (914) 302-7717 www.northeastdentalny.com [email protected] Dentistry with the personalized touch EXPERIENCE THE NORTHEAST DENTAL DIFFERENCE Long-time Yorktown dentist Dr. Amanda Wiechert founded Northeast Dental in 2014, with the idea that patients should be #1. We know that life can be hectic, and our team goes the extra mile to make patients’ care convenient, comfortable, and reliably high in quality. Dental health should be a priority at any age, and is especially important for children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than half of children between the ages of 6 and 8 have had a cavity in at least one of their primary teeth. Also, more than half of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have had a cavity in at least one permanent tooth. Cavities and other oral health conditions, such as periodontal diseases, are largely preventable with proper oral hygiene. Parents know that getting children — especially young ones — to care for their teeth in the correct manner may require some help and then reinforcement throughout the developmental years. However, there are ways to make dental care a more engaging activity for youngsters. Use plaque-disclosing tablets Show children just where they may need to direct more brushing effort with plaque-disclosing tablets. These tablets use food-grade coloring in them, which sticks to areas with plaque accumulation. After chewing the tablets and the child smiles, he or she will see the spots where efforts need to be ramped up. This can be a fun lesson as children will likely enjoy seeing their teeth covered in the tablet color. Flavored toothpastes and mouthwashes Mint reigns supreme in oral health products as the dominant flavor, but not all children are enamored with that flavor. Most oral care products geared toward the younger set come in different flavors like bubble gum and berry. Kids can take active roles in their oral health by choosing the flavored products they prefer to use. Electronic toothbrushes Children may enjoy using electronic toothbrushes because they are easy to maneuver and can even seem like a toy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, electric toothbrushes generally are considered more effective at removing plaque and keeping teeth clean. That benefits kids and adults because it potentially means fewer painful visits with the dentist. Make it a competition Children love games and healthy competition between peers and siblings. Offer a prize (non-sugary, of course) to children who brush and floss daily for the required times. Extra points can be awarded for every dental wellness check that comes back with a glowing report. Make smart food choices Engage children in lessons and choices about which foods are good for oral health and which may be poor. Sticky foods or those with a lot of sugary content should only be occasional treats. The entire family can work together to plan meals around foods that are good for the teeth and gums, such as crunchy veggies, leafy greens, high-calcium dairy products and fatty fish. Practice on pets Pets need clean teeth, too. Children may enjoy not only brushing their own teeth, but learning how to keep their companion animals’ mouths healthy with brushing and care. Various strategies can increase the chances that kids engage with oral hygiene practices early on. This article is from Metro Creative Connection. How to get kids more engaged in their dental health Dental issues are a cause of concern for pet owners. The Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center says periodontal disease is one of the most common health issues in veterinary medicine. Studies show that 80 to 90 percent of dogs over the age of three have some type of periodontal disease, even if the pet’s teeth look clean. The Veterinary Oral Health Council says there are certain commercial pet foods and water additives that are designed to minimize the formation of plaque on pets’ teeth that can lead to periodontal disease. However, once plaque is present, only a professional cleaning can remove it, as brushing and food/ treats alone will not address the condition. Did you know?
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 21 ADVERTORIAL Our pelvic floor muscles play a pivotal role in our overall physical health. It is a complex structure of muscles that supports the pelvic and abdominal organs, controls bodily functions, helps with sexual activity, childbirth and assists us in having a good posture. NATURE AND LOCATION OF OUR PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES The pelvic floor muscles are at the bottom of our pelvis. They resemble a hammock or a sling consisting of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. They connect the pubic bone in the front of our pelvis, to the base of our spine (coccyx), attaching onto the side walls of the lower part of the pelvis to the sitting bones on the bottom of the pelvis. These muscles separate the pelvic cavity from the perinium (genitalia and rectum). THE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES The pelvic floor muscles support our daily activities in ways we might not appreciate, such as: • Support: they support the pelvic organs including the bladder, uterus (in females), and bowl. They form a supportive sling to maintain the proper position and function of the pelvic organs and help to control the intra-abdominal fluid when we strain ourselves, like coughing or lifting heavy objects. • Continence: they play a critical role in maintaining urinary and fecal continence and help to control the urethral and anal sphincters to initiate and control the release of urine and feces. • Sexual function: strong and coordinated pelvic floor muscles are essential for healthy sexual activity in both men and women. • Posture: these muscles, combined with the postural and gluteal muscles, support and stabilize our spine for a solid foundation to maintain a good posture. • Assist in childbirth: During childbirth, these muscles stretch significantly to allow the baby’s’ head to descend through the birth canal and in coordination with the core, gluteal and back muscles assist in the birthing process. PROBLEMS IN THE PELVIC REGION Life events like having a baby, obesity or aging can impact the function of our pelvic floor muscles. Weak or dysfunctional pelvic floor muscles can cause urinary incontinence (bladder leakage), fecal incontinence (inability to control bowel movement), sexual dysfunction, and pelvic, groin or back pain. OUR BODY REGIONS WORK SEAMLESSLY IN SYNERGY AS A TEAM Nothing in our bodies work in isolation. The pelvic floor is part of the body’s kinetic chain. The lower kinetic chain connects the feet, knees, thighs to the pelvic floor muscles and connects to the diaphragm that in turn connects to the upper kinetic chain. • Diaphragm: our diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle under our ribcage and flattens down when we inhale and contracts up when we exhale. At rest, the pelvic floor muscles mirror the diaphragm; when we inhale, these muscles descend down and, upon exhale, they elevate up. Thus, focusing on diaphragm breathing may assist restoring the natural movement of the pelvic floor muscles. • Gluteal muscles: when the glutes are weak, the pelvic floor muscles work overtime to stabilize our pelvis. Strengthening the glutes and help to relax the pelvic floor muscles will benefit our pelvic health. • Inner thigh muscles: these muscles connect directly to the pelvis. Tightness and weakness of the inner thigh muscles influence the pelvic mobility by preventing opening and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. • Nervous system: if our body is in a constant state of stress or pain, the pelvic floor muscles increase in tone or spasm which can lead to constipation, diarrhea or incontinence, and need to relax rather than contract. As a result, females who only do Kegel exercises will not solve their pelvic dysfunction. EXERCISES TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF OUR PELVIC FLOOR MUSCLES While exercising, take deep breaths in and out using your diaphragm and feel your lower ribs expand as you inhale and relax as you exhale. • Glutes and inner thighs: Lie on your back with a medium-sized soft ball between your knees. Bridge up by squeezing your glutes together, squeeze the ball, pull up the muscles between your legs, and lift your hips up in the air and hold for 5 sec as you LIZE LUBBE GUEST CORNER The underappreciated muscle group of our pelvic floor exhale. Then relax all muscles as you take a deep breath in. • Relax your inner thighs and open up your pelvic floor muscles: Lift both legs up to your chest, knees bent and hold with your fingers onto your toes. If possible, interlock your fingers between your toes. Move your pelvis and hips from side to side in “happy baby” movements. Relax and move in this position for about two minutes. • Stretch and relax through your kinetic chain: Take off your shoes so you may connect your whole foot to the ground. Open legs wide, pointing toes forward. Anchor your foot and toes on the floor and lunge deep sideways from side to side rotating your pelvis around as you weight bear onto your lunging foot. Repeat slowly from side to side 10 times. If you experience any problems with your pelvic floor muscles (as described above) or need further advice about keeping your pelvic floor muscles healthy, please contact your physician or physical therapist. We are hands on PTs! The professional services of the team at Lize Lubbe Physical Therapy include: • Pre & Post Surgery Rehabilitation • Sports Injury Rehabilitation • Neurological Rehabilitation • Treatment of Musculoskeletal & Orthopedic Conditions • Postural, Balance & Gait Training • Pain & Headache Management • Body Rebalancing through Diaphragm, Breathing & Pelvic Stability www.lizelubbept.com [email protected] 914.875.9430 892 NY-35, Cross River, NY 10518 (blue office building) Lize Lubbe is the owner of Lize Lubbe Physical Therapy with its main practice located at 892 Route 35 in Cross River and a PT Studio in the premises of Apex Fitness (where her team focus on the rehabilitation of sports-related injuries). Learn more by calling 914-875-9430, emailing contact@ lizelubbept.com or visiting www.lizelubbept.com. Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season
PAGE 22 – THE SOMERS RECORD HEALTH & WELLNESS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 4 Heritage Hills Plaza, 202 Ctr. • Somers, NY 10589 914-277-4222 • www.somerssmiles.com A new generation of family dentistry Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season! Elder Law Wills, Trusts & Estates Estate Planning Medicaid Applications Guardianships Probates Elder Law & Estate Planning A Tradition of Excellence in Elder Law (845) 621-8640 thefellergroup.com 625 Route 6, Mahopac NY 10541 We make home & hospital visits Contact the team today! (845) 621-8640 Part of an elder law attorney’s job is to turn festive and fun holidays into opportunities for serious, analytical reflection. Christmas is no exception. I’m not saying that you should refrain from merriment or not sing along to “White Christmas.” That would brand you as a party pooper. We do not want that. What is important is that you take notice of your aging loved ones. The winter holidays are rare occasions when the whole family gets together. For many of us, a text replaces a phone call. A phone call replaces a quick popin. A quick pop-in replaces a full visit. We have condensed the amount of time we spend with our closest relatives. Lost time equals lost understanding. Sensing adversity through patient observation and conversation, then flushing it out, is preferable to waiting for the shoe to drop and reacting. A Christmas visit is a perfect time to engage and listen. Take Uncle Fred. The Uncle Fred you saw last year was still physically imposing. He lifted dining room chairs like they were matchsticks. He was outspoken on politics, sending delicate ears scurrying for cover. This Christmas, you spot Uncle Fred slumped in his kitchen chair munching on an onion roll. You try to bait him with some politically explosive banter. He responds with a shrug. He looks older and tired. Fred has definitely weakened a bit in the intervening 12 months. A year is enough time to process changes in appearance and disposition. A slight decline is not a license to place Uncle Fred in a nursing home after the Christmas cookies are served. It is merely a wake-up call to take his planning more seriously. Does he have a recent Power of Attorney? Did he ever create the Trust he always talked about? Uncle Fred’s example marks a familiar trajectory. Sometimes, a visit home really jolts an adult child. Clutter, piles of papers and dirty dishes hit your eye the second you settle in your parents’ doorway. How unsettling these images are directly correspond to your loved ones’ lifelong views on cleaning. Recognizing changes that are wildly out of character should lead to fast action. If someone is experiencing great difficulty managing their basic day-to-day activities, then practical solutions should be sought. There are home health and companion care services that can restore some order. These services can be covered by Medicaid, paid privately or through long-term care insurance. If remaining at home involves too many logistical headaches, then Assisted Living residences are an intelligent alternative. I can envision the reaction to this article: senior family members guzzle four cups of coffee before company arrives, rushing around the house to perform extra cleaning; or, seating Cousin Annette far away from Grandma so she does not entertain any thoughts about putting her in a “home.” To be clear, making sure loved ones are doing well is always a noble goal in keeping with holiday spirit. A strong, supportive family looks out for one another. Happy Holidays from everyone at The Feller Group, P.C.! Contact the professionals at The Feller Group, P.C. today for more information. The Feller Group is a multi-disciplinary law practice specializing in elder law, estate planning and business advisement. This article was written by Alan D. Feller, Esq. Feller can be reached at 845-621-8640, or visit thefellergroup.com. I’ll be home for Christmas Things to look out for while spending time with elderly loved ones AI-GENERATED IMAGE FROM DALL-E ALAN D. FELLER, ESQ. GUEST CORNER
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 23 P U T N AM RIDG E 46 Mt. Ebo Road North | Brewster, NY 10509 | Phone 845.278.3636 V I S I T US A T WW W. P U T N A M RIDG E . C O M S C H E D U L E Y O U R T O U R T O Y A D SHORT TERM REHABILITATION, IN-HOUSE DIALYSIS, MEMORY AND LONG TERM CARE O UR S P E CIA L T I E S PUTNAM RIDGE A TRADITION OF caring, A LEGACY OF . P U T N AM RIDG E 46 Mt. Ebo Road North | Brewster, NY 10509 | Phone 845.278.3636 V I S I T US A T WW W. P U T N A M RIDG E . C O M S C H E D U L E Y O U R T O U R T O Y A D SHORT TERM REHABILITATION, IN-HOUSE DIALYSIS, MEMORY AND LONG TERM CARE O UR S P E CIA L T I E S PUTNAM RIDGE A TRADITION OF caring, A LEGACY OF . P U T N AM RIDG E 46 Mt. Ebo Road North | Brewster, NY 10509 | Phone 845.278.3636 V I S I T US A T WW W. P U T N A M RIDG E . C O M S C H E D U L E Y O U R T O U R T O Y A D SHORT TERM REHABILITATION, IN-HOUSE DIALYSIS, MEMORY AND LONG TERM CARE O UR S P E CIA L T I E S PUTNAM RIDGE A TRADITION OF caring, A LEGACY OF . P U T N AM RIDG E 46 Mt. Ebo Road North | Brewster, NY 10509 | Phone 845.278.3636 V I S I T US A T WW W. P U T N A M RIDG E . C O M S C H E D U L E Y O U R T O U R T O Y A D SHORT TERM REHABILITATION, IN-HOUSE DIALYSIS, MEMORY AND LONG TERM CARE O UR S P E CIA L T I E S PUTNAM RIDGE A TRADITION OF caring, A LEGACY OF . P U T N AM RIDG E 46 Mt. Ebo Road North | Brewster, NY 10509 | Phone 845.278.3636 V I S I T US A T WW W. P U T N A M RIDG E . C O M S C H E D U L E Y O U R T O U R T O Y A D SHORT TERM REHABILITATION, IN-HOUSE DIALYSIS, MEMORY AND LONG TERM CARE O UR S P E CIA L T I E S A TRADITION OF caring, A LEGACY OF Happy Holidays FROM YOUR FAMILY AT PUTNAM RIDGE.
PAGE 24 THE SOMERS RECORD – THURSDAY, DESomers Middle School presented “The Lion KingPHOTO: TOM WALOGORSKY “Jester Jim” Maurer helped kick off Somers Library’s Summer Reading Program in July. PHOTO COURTESY OF SOMERS LIBRARY YEAR IN P202202The SHS Class of 2023 graduated in June. PHOTO: EMRIN LECLAIR Mia Sandolo ran at states this fall. PHOTO: ROB DIANTONIO The Somers Women’s Club presenting a donation check to the Somers Volunteer Fire Department. PHOTO: CAROL REIF The community gathered with the Somers Lions Club for a “Night at the Races” in October. PHOTO: JENNA WALDMAN Senior Reilly Pittman celebrates with her family after surpassing 1000 assists during her varsity career. PHOTO: JUSTIN CONTI The Heritage Hills Pickleball Club shotheir patriotic spirit in June. PHOTO COURTESY OF HERITAGE HILLS PICKLEBALL ScouThe Consumer’s Choice for Discount Heating Oil! SAVE WITH OUR LOW C.O.D. PRICES! • No Contracts or Commitments • Oil Burner & A/C Service/Tune-ups • Quality Heating Oil • Senior Citizen & Volume Discounts • Heating, Cooling & Generator Installations • Price Matching (Restrictions apply) Order online at: www.codoil.com CALL US TODAY AND SAVE! 914.737.7769 Elder Law & Estate Planning Wills, Trusts & Estates Small Business • Real Estate Matrimonial • Criminal Personal Injury • Commercial SOMERS • YONKERS Evening Appointments & Home Visits Tel: 914-964-6806 www.marralaw.com • [email protected] NEW YORK HOHELP IS AVAILABLE EVENROOFING | SIDING | WINApproved applications will have the work completed by a qNot affiliated with State or Gov Program888-2or visit NYPNEED HELP WITH EXWE MATCH YOU WITH FUN...but it won’t last! Enrollment is Programs, appointments, and instaACT N
ECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 PAGE 25 Somers 13U football claimed their third straight Taconic League championship in November. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROB SEEGER Somers cheerleaders competing at the Snowflake Showdown in January. PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL Members of the Somers Volunteer Fire Department at the town’s July 4th celebration. PHOTO COURTESY OF SVFD g Jr.” in March. The Somers Leos and the Easter Bunny made the best of a rainy day in April. PHOTO: ROB DISTASIO Somers High School welcomed the first-ever boys volleyball team this year. PHOTO: JUSTIN CONTI HOTOS 23 23 The Heritage Hills Community Theatre held performances of “Harvey” in June. PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL HOARE owing CLUB The community was off to the races at the Somers Library Foundation 5K in October. PHOTO: ROB DISTASIO uts from Troop 2013 enjoying Circus Day in April. PHOTO: CAROL REIF 914-277-4424 • 440 Rt 22 North Salem, NY • www.theblazerpub.com CELEBRA CELEBRATING 521 YEARS! 52 It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas! Season’s Greetings from our Family and staff to yours. We wish you a Joyous Holiday Season and a Healthy New Year. Service Integrity Compassion www.YorktownFuneralhome.com (914) 962-0700 • [email protected] Family owned and operated 945 East Main Street, Yorktown, NY 10588 OMEOWNERS: N IF YOU COULD PAY CASH NDOWS | DOORS & MORE! quality repair crew provided by: HOMEOWNER FUNDING. ms. Contractor License: NY: #2719-h14 254-6006 ProgramFunding.net XPENSIVE REPAIRS? NDING YOU CAN AFFORD. only open during a limited time. allations are first come, first serve. NOW!
PAGE 26 – THE SOMERS RECORD HEALTH & WELLNESS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 Winter is synonymous with the holidays, snow and, of course, the common cold. Though colds are not exclusive to winter, they tend to be more common in the colder months of the year, when people typically spend more time indoors, making it easier for cold viruses to spread from one person to another. As cold season hits full swing, it’s important to recognize that the common cold is not always behind those uncomfortable coughs and sniffles. Respiratory syncytial virus, often referred to as RSV, is a serious respiratory virus that produces symptoms similar to those associated with the common cold. Some basic knowledge of RSV can ensure people seek the treatment they need to overcome it. What is RSV? The Mayo Clinic reports that RSV is a virus that infects the lungs and respiratory tract. Though RSV may not be as familiar as the common cold, perhaps it’s more familiar than many people realize, as the Mayo Clinic indicates most children have been infected with the virus by the time they’re 2 years old. The American Lung Association reports that RSV is so common among children because they so frequently come into physical contact with other kids. When is RSV most likely to occur? According to the ALA, the peak season for RSV is fall through spring. However, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment notes that RSV infections rose sharply in summer 2021. Though that spike was likely due to a relaxation of coronavirus restrictions, it underscores that RSV can strike in summer, even if it’s less likely to spread during times of year when people tend to spend more time outdoors. What are the symptoms of RSV? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that people infected with RSV typically exhibit symptoms within four to six days of infection. Such symptoms, which usually appear in stages and not all at once, may include: • Runny nose • Decrease in appetite • Coughing • Sneezing • Fever • Wheezing Young infants with RSV may be irritable, less active and experience breathing difficulties. The ALA notes that RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in all infants, so symptoms should be taken seriously and brought to the attention of a child’s pediatrician immediately. The ALA also notes that symptoms like difficulty breathing, not drinking enough, decreased activity, nasal flaring and bluish lips and fingernails require urgent care. How is RSV managed? The CDC notes that antiviral medication is not typically part of a treatment for RSV, as most infections go away within a week or two without intervention. Symptoms such as fever and pain can be managed with over-thecounter fever reducers and pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (the CDC notes that aspirin should never be given to children). Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and speaking with a physician prior to taking something or giving a child something to treat RSV is recommended. Is there an RSV vaccination? The CDC recommends immunization for those most at risk of serious illness from RSV. High-risk groups include infants, toddlers and adults age 60 and older. Parents and older adults are urged to speak to their child’s doctors and their own physicians about RSV vaccination. RSV symptoms mirror those of the common cold, but the virus can be more serious than that. More information is available at cdc.gov and lung.org. This article is from Metro Creative Connection. What to know about RSV
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 HEALTH & WELLNESS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 27 [email protected] thegreensatgreenwich.com Schedule a Tour 203.531.5500 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. Awarded the Best Practice for Resident Care by the Connecticut Assisted Living Association Wishing you a Happy Holiday in this Season of Light From Our Home to Yours Now Accepting New Patients We Are In-Network With MetLife, Delta Dental, United HealthCare, Cigna PPO, and Ameritas PPO, and We Accept Other Insurances 914.277.3518 380 Route 202 at Junction of 116 (across from Heritage Hills) PaulHarbottle.com Excellence in Dentistry In Somers Since 1990 Paul D. Harbottle, DDS VOTED TOP DENTIST 2009-2019 by his Peers as featured in BY CAROLINE GRECO GUEST COLUMNIST In a 1976 Peanuts comic strip, Lucy has the revelation that her grandmother is more than just a woman who bakes delicious peanut butter cookies; she was a working woman during World War II, a woman with a story like many other “great women” Lucy learned about in school. Her revelation begs the question: how well do we know our grandparents? Surely, the answer to this question may depend on whether they are alive or deceased, in close proximity, in a good standing relationship with other family members, etc. If you are fortunate enough to have living grandparents, it may be an important question to ask yourself. My paternal grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease when I was 3 years old. I would join my parents, brother and extended family in visiting my grandma every month or so at her various assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. As a child, I dreaded these visits. The facilities my grandma lived in felt cold, barren, institutional and far from homey. For as far back as my memory goes, my grandma was almost entirely nonverbal. Being so young, I did not know how to connect with her without words. I sensed that she did not recognize me, and I felt uncomfortable and, frankly, freaked out by the bleak environments of these facilities. How could a child navigate these strange feelings and painful realities? Once I was old enough to really understand my grandmother’s diagnosis, she passed away. As a young adult, I was left wondering about my grandma’s life and what her voice would have sounded like had she been able to share her stories with me. Who was Grandma, really? I currently work as the Program Director and Music Therapist at The Greens at Greenwich Assisted Living Community, a community that specializes in dementia care. Each day I experience the many meaningful ways we can communicate with individuals with dementia, regardless of where they are in their disease progression. I often think about my younger self and wish I could tell her not to be so afraid. Maybe my grandma did not recognize me, but she would have heard my words and the sound of my voice had I tried to speak with her more often. Maybe she could not express her love in a traditional or verbal way, but she would have felt my loving touch or gentle handholding had I not been so unsure of how to connect. I have made peace with the fact that I cannot go back in time and change my interactions with her. However, I strongly encourage those who still have their grandparents in their lives to get to know them. Connect with them through a conversation, a touch, a smile, a hug. Know that these moments matter, no matter how foreign they may feel. I have learned that knowing who my grandmother was during her life tells me quite a bit about who I am today. As Lucy says, our grandparents know more than peanut butter cookies, so let us enjoy the privilege of getting to know them. Caroline Greco is Program Director at The Greens at Greenwich. For more information, visit www. thegreensatgreenwich. com, or call 203- 531-5500. Our grandparents know more than peanut butter cookies 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 28 – THE SOMERS RECORD HEALTH & WELLNESS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 After COVID-19 waylaid sports participation and other activities, young athletes have returned to competitive athletics in droves. The most recent data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association says 37 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 12 played team sports on a regular basis in 2021. At the highest point in 2008, 45 percent were involved in sports. According to various youth sports participation surveys, including those from the Aspen Institute and TeamSnap, children between the ages of 6 and 18 spend an average of 16.6 hours each week playing sports. With so much time devoted to sports participation, everyone involved can take steps to ensure that young athletes are safe and healthy during practice and play. • Encourage rest. Pushing the body to the brink without routine rest is a recipe for injury. Rest provides recovery time for muscles and joints as well as the mind. Athletes can aim for at least one day off from the sport per week. After the season ends, children can take an extended break before beginning a new sport. • Eat balanced meals. Families can plan balanced meals that will provide the nutrition young athletes need to fuel their bodies. With increased physical activity comes a need to eat more. The International Olympic Committee says nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium and iron are essential but often lacking in youths with restrictive diets. A young athlete should eat plenty of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, protein and vegetables. • Encourage variety. MedlinePlus reports that many young athletes are engaging in “single-sport specialization” early on, focusing only on one sport, even during off seasons. Repetitive use of joints, bones and muscles for these sports can cause various injuries. To prevent that, young athletes should participate in a variety of sports and training exercises. • Wear the right gear. Athletes always should wear the safety gear required for the sport they’re playing. This may include eye protection, helmets and more. • Discourage young athletes from playing through pain. Pressing on through pain or an injury is a recipe for damage that could keep a player out for the season or even permanently. Young athletes shouldn’t try to be heroes and play through pain. • Alleviate mental pressure on athletes. Many young athletes throw themselves entirely into sports, perhaps at the expense of having more well-rounded childhoods. The National Federation of State High School Associations says only around 2 percent of high school athletes are awarded some form of athletic scholarship to compete in college, and fewer than 2 percent of NCAA student athletes go on to play professionally. Putting all of one’s eggs in the sports basket can contribute to anxiety that stems from pressure to succeed. Keep the emphasis on fun so young athletes don’t feel pressured. • Avoid performance-enhancing substances. Caffeine, anabolic steroids, steroid precursors, creatine and stimulants are substances athletes use to boost performance. They can cause many health issues and even lead to addiction. Young athletes can take many steps to stay healthy without affecting how much they enjoy the thrill of competition. This article is from Metro Creative Connection. How to keep young athletes healthy www.aonpt.com GOODROW BUILDING 862 Route 6 Mahopac NY 10541 (845) 208-0963 MILL POND OFFICES 293 Route 100 • Suite 107 Somers, NY 10589 (914) 276-2520 BREWSTER 3 Starr Ridge Road Brewster, NY 10509 (845) 279-9288 The Road To Recovery Starts Here Best Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season!
Sports THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 PAGE 29 – THE SOMERS RECORD BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER In the previous century, when Somers and JFK (Kennedy Catholic) matched up, bragging rights made the competing campuses sizzle, and as the son of Somers basketball coach Mike DePaoli, Gerard DePaoli recalled the times at the tournament that bears his father’s name. “It was a little more wild, I remember the way it used to be,” said the 1982 grad on Saturday Dec. 16. And so maybe with a little nostalgia in mind, the Kennedy Catholic-Somers rivalry has been reborn. A tight game into the third quarter, the first round went to the Tuskers by a score of 65-43, but despite the lopsided finish, Nate Cohen sees a possible return to the past. “Maybe we could get a nice back and forth between the town and schools,” the senior said. The guard would also start the scoring. Going around a screen, Cohen pulled up and hit a short jumper. Long was on the agenda for Somers, though. Kennedy had a height advantage across the board, and Sebastian Jackson’s jumper at guard towered over any of his defenders in the back or front court. Adding some pretty quick feet on Kennedy’s part, Somers’ game plan meant being a step ahead. “Moving the ball throughout helped spread their defense apart and this allowed us to get into the lanes,” said Cohen. The Tuskers didn’t wait to get started either. Jacob Hauser took the inbound, kicked to Cohen, and he ran the pick and roll with Chris Spano. The opening in place, the forward went glass and gave Somers a 4-2 lead. The boys could do it from the outside too. Andrew Violante to Hauser to Brady Leitner in the corner, and the net had good company with 3:58 left in the first. Kennedy’s 6’7” power forward, on the other hand, couldn’t say the same of his hosts. Plenty of height on Mike Cunningham, he got a lesson on boxing out from the much shorter Hauser, and the ball in hand, the Tusker carried on the continuing education. The senior quickly shoveled to Leitner, and he went coast to coast to build a 10-5 lead. But it’s still hard to keep good men down. Cunningham muscled a put back, and dunked off a half court steal, and adding in a Jackson three, the Gaels took a 14-10 lead at the buzzer. No apologies for going glass, Kennedy’s even bigger man got schooled on the boards to start the second. A long seven feet, Anthony Mann stood no chance versus the aggressive offensive bound by Matthew D’Ippolito, and that cued Leitner up for another three ball. Then the Tuskers gave the Gaels a little postgraduate study in ball movement. D’Ippolito drove baseline, threaded to Hauser in the paint, and completely surrounded, his kick to the corner allowed Philip Santore to drill the analytics. Bang, the sweet arc for three was all swish. Undeterred, Kennedy kept it a back and forth. Cunningham rolled to the hoop on the post up, and after Leitner drilled a pop and shoot, Jackson got one from the line. An 18-18 game at 5:38, Somers had a game plan on defense too. We tried to stay in front of them on the inside and out, said Hauser. On point, Leitner kept Jackson contained on the way up court, and the ensuing pick and roll with Cunningham drew a herd of elephants to force the miss at the rim. Still, Kennedy took a 22-19 on Luke Stephan’s three. But Somers would win the rest of the quarter. First, Hauser’s baseline drive yielded two at the line, and Leitner did most of the closing. His steal led to an easy layup, and after Violante dropped a three, the Somers guard completed the fast break for a 28-23 halftime lead. Jackson did open with a deuce to start the third, but not before long, Kennedy was readying to head back across town. Violante got to the line for two, got two more on the steal and left it to Cohen to open a 35-25 lead with his corner three. Leitner then put his stamp on the Kennedy shuttle. Ahead of the break, he passed back to Hauser for the short jumper, nailed a pull up, and his diving steal sent Cohen in for a 41-28 lead. Kennedy mostly cooked at this point, the icon’s son was attuned just like the current players and coaches. “Kennedy came out with a lot of speed and pressure, but once Somers figured that out in the second half, they dominated,” said DePaoli. A recipe that would have warmed his father’s heart. “This is exactly what my Dad would love,” concluded DePaoli. On Friday night versus Tappan Zee, Somers fell 55-52 when Leitner’s last second shot went off the front rim. Tuskers defeat Kennedy in Mike DePaoli Tournament Throwback rivalry reborn Brady Leitner Chris Spano PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI BASKETBALL 66 Miller Road, Mahopac 845-628-2050 www.mavistireofmahopac.com With This Coupon • Expires 1/31/24 $10.00 OFF Synthetic Oil change (MOST CARS) 25% OFF 25 % OFF STRUTS & SHOCKS With This Coupon • Expires 1/31/24 CARING FOR YOUR CAR & OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 35 YEARS! The Friendly Mavis Team
PAGE 30 – THE SOMERS RECORD SPORTS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Dec. 11, the Somers/Yorktown swim got in the water at Yorktown Middle School for their second meet of the season. A 52-36 loss to Arlington, Coach Brittney Pisano still put an optimistic turn on the day. “We fought to a valiant second place,” said the coach and had plenty to praise. She began with Brady McEnroe. “He’s a little bit of an untrained gem,” said Pisano. More a lacrosse player, swim season is his off season, and he doesn’t leave it in the spring. “He’s a competitor. He really takes his field advantage to the pool, and he can do anything,” said Pisano. Good for first in the 50 Fly, the junior didn’t mince words as to why he likes the sprint. “It’s quick,” assured the Yorktown swimmer, and second in the 100 backstroke was almost more of the same. McEnroe also helped take second in the 200 Medley Relay with Jason Muroski, Luke Hopper and Joe Aoukar. Pisano then went to extremes to single out Joseph Aoukar. “He got third in the 50m and won the 500m,” said the coach. Going with the current, she makes the team swim the full spectrum, and the Yorktown swimmer had no problem enduring the marathon. “I like that it’s not a full-on sprint, and I like that there’s some strategy to it,” said Aoukar. “I like to take the first 100 at a steady pace and see where my competitors are. Then see how I’m feeling and take it from there.” Next up was Jason Muroski. “He is an everythinger. He did the, Breaststroke (3rd), the 100 Fly (3rd) and the 200 Medley Relay,” said the coach. “But I can close my eyes, blindfold him and put him in. He’ll swim. He’ll compete and do well.” In the pool second for the relay, Muroski delivered in the team’s second place finish. “I held our position,” said the Yorktown student. So did Danny Sherry. Running the third leg in the 200 Medley Relay (3rd), the need for speed gets its do in practice. “I do a lot of 20 fives,” he said. “Throughout practice, you go to the end of the poll and back,” said the Somers student, who also took third in the 200 Freestyle. The senior also drew the short straw to run the 500 and finished third. “I share the wealth. I make sure everyone does the 500 hundred at least twice,” Pisano revealed. An arduous journey for any swimmer, the initial look from swimmers when announced responds in kind. “They usually look shocked and then they just do it,” Pisano joked. The same goes for newcomers Tristen Herr and Jimmy Gallivan. “At this point, they’re brand new to the team. But I feel like I could stick them in anything, and they will do it,” she said. In this, Gallivan helped Kerr, Erik Hanson and Hichiro Iizuka take second in the 200 Free Relay, while Herr took third in the 100 Free. But the team now 0-2 overall, Sherry isn’t worried and probably speaks for the team in terms of goals going forward. “Get better,” he concluded. Combined team looks to improve Joe Aoukar Shane Wissing Jason Muroski PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI SWIMMING We fought to a valiant second place.’ Coach Brittney Pisano Service: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah • (914) 232-3033 www.clarkassociatesfuneralhome.com • [email protected] DANIEL B. McMANUS ~ Proprietor • BRUCE E. REISDORF ~ Licensed Manager JOSEPH M. McMANUS ~ Director • RONALD P. CERASO ~ Director • Only 1/4 mile from 684 exit 6. • Only 1 block from the Katonah Railroad Station. • Less than 60 minutes from N.Y. City. • Parking facilities for over 100 cars • Monuments & inscriptions available. FUNERAL PREARRANGEMENT Both pre-payment and no-payment options Serving all Faiths since 1858 • Cremations and Burials
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PAGE 32 – THE SOMERS RECORD SPORTS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 WRESTLING Somers wrestlers have been making a statement on the mat this season. On Thursday, Dec. 14, Tusker grapplers met Mamaroneck in the opening round of the Section One Dual Meet Championship. Somers easily downed the Tigers 63-9 and advanced to the second round against the combined Briarcliff/Byram Hills/Valhalla/Westlake squad. The Tuskers came up just short, 30-28. Despite the second round exit, Somers had a highlight when Ryan Ball defeated defending Section One champion Nick Fortugno 9-1. Fortugno (108 lbs) is currently ranked #6 in the state, while Ball holds a #14 ranking. Later in the week, the squad would travel to the Nanuet Tournament on Dec. 16. The Tuskers would claim victory, going undefeated with impressive wins over Nyack (51-18), Babylon (43-24), Scarsdale (36-35), Nanuet (39-33), and Red Hook (48-30). Five Tuskers would go undefeated on the day, with Ethan Steer (108 lbs), Ryan Ball (116 lbs), Cal Ehrmann (124 lbs), Liam Dwyer (124 pounds), and TJ Mauro (170 lbs) dominating the competition. Loghan Dwyer (101 lbs), Robert Vrabel (152 lbs), and Justin Daniyan (190 lbs) all went 4-1 to help bring home the big Tusker win. BYSNS ICE HOCKEY (1-4) Pawling 9, BYSNS 4 Monday, Dec. 11, Tirrell Ice Rink, Pawling Matteo Guastadisegni (2G), James Munoz (1G), AJ Jones (1G, 2A), Wolfgang Cook (1A), Jordan Millar (1A), and Dylan Weber (21 saves) paced BYSNS in its 9-4 loss to Pawling. BYSNS 10, Carmel 2 Friday, Dec. 15, Brewster Ice Arena Brewster/Yorktown/Somers/ North Salem (BYSNS) defeated Carmel 10-2 for its first victory of the season. “We won the small battles and stayed out of the penalty box tonight,” said Bisons’ coach John Veteri. “We worked all week long on that.” Lucas Salvatore (4G, 3A), Jones (2G, 2A), Munoz (1G,1A), Kaden Krempler (2A), Sam Cucinell (1G), Greg Marotta (1G), Ryan Dean (1G), Millar (1A), Paul Rienzi (1A), Jack Lukse (1A), Henry Rossi (1A), and Weber (13 saves) led BYSNS. Chris Ball, Mike Sabini, and Tom Walogorsky contributed to this report. Tuskers take Nanuet tournament BYSNS skate past Carmel Somers wrestlers showed no fear against tough competition. Five Tuskers went undefeated in the tournament. PHOTOS: CHRIS BALL VARSITY ROUNDUP Huge Selection! Always the LOWEST price...PERIOD! 128 East Main Street • Mount Kisco, NY 10549 • 914-666-6100 www.atlanticappliance.com Air Conditioners, Ranges, Fridges, Washer/Dryers & more! Huge Selection! Always the LOWEST price...PERIOD! 50 Triangle Ctr • Yorktown Hts, NY 10598 • 914-962-2500 128 East Main Street • Mount Kisco, NY 10549 • 914-666-6100 www.atlanticappliance.com Ranges, Fridges, Washer/Dryers & more! From Our Family to Yours, A Very Happy and Healthy Holiday and Prosperous New Year!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 33 Region 95 QUESTIONS? CONTACT US: [email protected] WILL OLIVERA, NORA IVEZAJ, & THAIS CONLON somers_ny_ayso_95 @SomersAYSORegion95
PAGE 34 – THE SOMERS RECORD LEISURE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 NO NEWS... 1. Clip the short form on the page 2. Fill out the information. 3. Mail it to P.O. Box 864, Mahopac, NY 10541 4. Or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com 5. Or Scan our QR Code to Subscribe. We need you to subscribe. It’s FREE & It’s Easy! is NOT necessarily good news! # Please print your first and last names and address legibly, sign and date (all required to continue receiving your subscription to this newspaper). YES, I wish to receive a FREE 3-year subscription to The Somers Record YES, I really enjoy The Somers Record and I’d like to continue receiving it for 3 years, along with a monetary contribution this year. (Please print legibly.) First (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required. Please print legibly.) Last (Required) City: State: ZIP: Name: Signature: Email: Snowbird Dates (if applicable): Date: Phone: Address: (Optional for TAPinto E-News) (Optional) Mail to: P.O. Box 864 Mahopac, NY 10541 While we need your Full Support to keep this newspaper strong, we include the option for Basic Support because we don’t want financial reasons to get in the way of our readers receiving this newspaper. Basic Support vs. Full Support Basic Support Full Support $100 $50 $20 other or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com OR or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com Checks payable to Halston Media LLC. Please include this form in your envelope. Please include the following additional papers as part of this subscription: North Salem News Mahopac News Yorktown News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The Katonah-Lewisboro times 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. Droops 5. Subatomic particle 10. Not in danger 14. Nursemaid 15. Black band worn in mourning 16. Long song in opera 17. Edible seed of a Philippine tree 18. Chicago political family 19. Pursues pleasure from one place to another 20. Appetizer 22. Hill (Celtic) 23. Simple shoe 24. Songs to one you love 27. Secret activities 30. Upset 31. Popular hot drink 32. Body art (slang) 35. Fired 37. Blood relation 38. Identical 39. Porticos 40. Partner to cheese 41. Type of sword 42. Enough (archaic) 43. Surface layer of ground 44. Cotton fabric woven like satin 45. Choose for a post 46. Father 47. Tell on 48. Indian title of respect 49. Fonts 52. Fencing sword 55. Mock 56. Vaccine developer 60. Atmosphere surrounding a person or place 61. Marten with a short tail 63. Chinese temple 64. Invests in little enterprises 65. Popular cut of meat 66. Charity 67. Iron-containing compound 68. River in Northern Europe 69. One point east of southeast CLUES DOWN 1. Exhausts 2. Genus of fish related to gars 3. Impudent behavior 4. Adherents to Islam 5. They come after A 6. Spoke 7. Room to receive guests 8. About opera 9. End-blown flute 10. Heroic tales 11. Member of a Semitic people 12. Dog’s name 13. Opposite of west 21. Political divisions in ancient Greece 23. Ocean 25. Cool! 26. Young woman about to enter society 27. One from central Caucasus 28. Indian city 29. A way to serve ice cream 32. Emaciation 33. Escort aircraft carrier 34. Italian city 36. Mythical settler of Kansas 37. Unhappy 38. High schoolers’ test 40. Measured in pace 41. Satisfies 43. Gullible person 44. Enclosed space 46. Substance used to color something 47. Shirt type 49. Discover by investigation 50. __-Castell, makers of pens 51. Semitic Sun god 52. Grads wear one 53. French river 54. Part of a cap 57. Digestive fluid 58. Metrical foot 59. Body part 61. Very fast airplane 62. Supplement with difficulty
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 35 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Somers patriots are saluting the debut of a new place to drop off worn-out and damaged American flags. The collection box that’s stood in front of the Somers Library for many years was showing signs of wear and tear after “many years of faithful work,” said Frank Illuzzi, a member of Boy Scout Troop 228. Its frame was rusted, and its concrete base was crumbling. “Our troop collects so many flags -- over a thousand last year -- and we hold flag retirement ceremonies to properly dispose of them as a troop,” the Eagle Scout candidate recently noted. The Scouts collect the flags, fold them in a triangle shape with stars facing out, and then hold a retirement ceremony at Durland Scout Reservation in Putnam Valley. “This ceremony is a solemn event where each flag is held by the Scout’s heart and placed in a fire to be burned to ashes,” explained his dad, Assistant Scoutmaster Frank Illuzzi. “The Scouts are one of the organizations that have an official code for flag retirement, as respect for our nation’s symbols are an integral part of being a reverent, responsible scout,” Frank Sr. added. Eager to encourage the responsible and respectful disposal of Old Glory, the Scout secured the go-ahead from the town’s parks and recreation folks and then launched a GoFundMe campaign last July to raise money for the box project. Not only were Illuzzi and his fellow Scouts able to collect more than $400 in cash donations, they received help from generous local businesses. Signs Ink in Yorktown donated signs, including one that warned folks not put anything but old flags in the box. That seems like a no-brainer, but it’s happened – a lot. According to Frank Sr., people have left everything from mail, including Social Security checks and tax documents, to clothing donations and library books. The box now also has a QR code that explains how to properly handle American flags. Putnam County Monuments in Carmel gave the Scouts a small, brass plaque, which was set into the new concrete base, which lists Illuzzi’s name and troop number, and Wallauer Paint in Yorktown donated paint. The U.S. Postal Service provided a new box free of charge, Frank Sr. said. Illuzzi and Scouts Michael Cardillo and Matteo Goulart, also of Troop 228, created the new concrete base. “I learned a lot about planning a project,” the 15-year-old said. “This became a summer project to get the materials and work out the design with my fellow Scouts.” A place for Old Glory Somers Scouts provide new flag drop box Frank Illuzzi, Michael Cardillo, and Matteo Goulart PHOTO COURTESY OF FRANK ILLUZZI SEE FLAG PAGE 36 SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO VISIT ONE OF OUR SHOWROOMS TODAY! Your Bath. Your Kitchen. Your Home. 49 Route 138 Somers, NY 10589 M-Fr 9:30AM-4:30PM 914-232-2020 3372 Old Crompond Road Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 M-Sat 10AM-5PM 914-736-2468 (ACROSS FROM THE BJ’S SHOPPING CENTER) BESTPLG.COM $50 off $500 Minimum Purchase when Shipped Complete. Eligible at Yorktown and Somers showrooms only Show this Coupon to Receive Discount. One per customer Expires 3/15/2024
PAGE 36 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 HEY NEIGHBOR, LET ME HELP YOU SELL YOUR HOME? Kayleigh Mayer Licensed Real Estate Salesperson [email protected] M: 914-879-2949 Scan me for your free home valuation! WHY DO WE ADVERTISE IN HALSTON MEDIA’S LOCAL NEWSPAPERS? TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL BRETT FREEMAN AT (845) 208-8151 We’ve advertised with Halston newspapers since the beginning because we know they connect us to the communities we serve. We view our ads as an extension of word-of- mouth advertising; they have definitely played a role in our continued success with both new and returning families. -Jamie Sirkin Summer Trails Day Camp & Baseball Camp On Dec. 9, Heritage Hills held its annual US Marine Corps Toys for Tots event, collecting a massive haul of presents for the less fortunate tots around the country. The donated toys – all new – will be bringing smiles to children’s faces on Christmas day and long after! Toys for Tots at Heritage Hills The Heritage Hills community outdid themselves with donations this year. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KEN FREEMAN Event Chair Jack Mattes The flag box was in service just in time for Veterans Day in November. FLAG RETIREMENT ETIQUETTE There are several specific private and governmental organizations that will accept your flag for proper disposal. They include the armed services, the Boy and Girl Scouts of America, fire departments, and American Legion Posts or Veterans of Foreign Wars chapters. Here are a few tips for the DIYer. Burning the soiled, faded, or frayed symbol, while it sounds disrespectful, is actually the preferred option, according to the U.S. government. Rules on how to properly fly the flag were set in 1923 when the National Flag Conference convened in Washington, D.C. The Flag Code states that “the flag represents a living country and is itself considered a living thing.” The American Legion laid out procedures for the retirement ritual in 1937, when the flags were generally made from natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or silk. That included burning the flag at night in a large bonfire, until it was reduced to ashes. It also called for a reverent atmosphere and a closing prayer. While it’s burning, you can pause to reflect on the flag’s meaning or recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Modern flags are usually made of nylon and other petroleumbased products, which helps them last longer but presents other problems, such as the release of dangerous toxic gases when burned. Folks are strenuously advised NOT to burn flags constructed with synthetic materials. Safety is important. Once the flag is fully consumed, make sure to completely extinguish the fire. Before doing anything, you should check to see if you’re conforming with local and state fire codes and ordinances. Cutting the flag into pieces is an acceptable option, but again, it has to be done in a very particular way, according to U.S. Scouts procedure. For instance, the blue star field, the symbol of the union of all 50 states, should not be cut or otherwise split apart. There are eco-friendly options such as services that will collect retired flags until they have enough tonnage to send to a fabric recycler. A nominal suggested donation is based on the size of your flag, part of which covers the processing costs and the rest of which goes to Operation Purple Heart. Another solution? Bury your flag. It has to be folded into a ceremonial triangle and put in a wooden box before being placed in the ground. A short prayer should then be offered. According to the Department of Defense, if you’re recycling or burying the flag, it’s OK to carefully cut out the embroidered stars and donate them to groups such as the nonprofit Stars for our Troops, which gives them to veterans with a note that reminds them that their service will not be forgotten. Americans celebrate Flag Day every year on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777, by a resolution of the Second Continental Congress. So it’s not surprising that that day is considered the most appropriate one to hold flag disposal ceremonies. FLAG FROM PAGE 35
said Supervisor Robert Scorrano at the time. “Part of the strength of our community is having the courage to face difficult times together.” FINAL FOUR After a phenomenal playoff run, Somers girls soccer faced off against Spencerport in the state semifinal at Tompkins Cortland Community College on November 11. Although the Tuskers came up short in the 3-1 loss, the squad battled until the final whistle. “We were there until the end, so I couldn’t be more proud,” said junior Julia Arbelaez. GAS STATION BLAZE Members of the Somers Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to the Sunoco station on Route 100 in the late morning of November 11, responding to reports of a vehicle on fire. On the scene within minutes, responders found a truck in flames beside the gas pumps. Members of the SVFD were able to quickly extinguish the blaze before the fire was able to spread to the nearby pumps or building. ARENA RUNS Republican Gina Arena of Somers climbed back into the political ring when she stood in front of The Elephant Hotel THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 37 Peyton Scorrano placing the ceremonial wreath on Circus Day in April. PHOTO: CAROL REIF Gina Arena launched her senate campaign in June. PHOTO: CAROL REIF Lindsey Ulaj and Ashley Kuchinsky consoled one another as the Tuskers’ season ended in the state semifinal. PHOTO: RICH MONETTI Responders averted disaster at a gas station fire in November. PHOTO COURTESY OF SOMERS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 FROM PAGE 8 SEE 2023 PAGE 38 • We perform all maintenance and services for your vehicle on premesis • Inquire about pick-up and delivery service when making appointment • We will continue to maintain the integrity of our services 914-232-1418 • 253 Route 100 Somers www.ariesautomotiveofsomers.com Serving Somers & Surrounding Area For Over 30 Years Merry Chrisas & Happy New Year! CALL FOR A TOUR (914) 248-4020 • Traditional preschool with morning classes for 2’s, 3’s, and 4’s. • Evolved play-based curriculum which builds a lifelong love of learning. • Spacious and light classrooms and outdoor play space. • teachers. • Serving the local community for over 25 years. Amanda Casabona-Cohen aka “Mrs CC”, Director 25 Lincoln Ave | Lincolndale, NY 10540 info@lilepeoplesomers.com lilepeoplesomers.com New student registration for 2024/2025 school year begins January.
PAGE 38 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 in July to announce her second bid to unseat Democratic incumbent state Sen. Peter Harckham of Lewisboro. In the 2022 contest for the 40th District seat, Arena received 46.6 percent of the vote and Harckham, 53.49 percent. She explained that she and her team were getting off to an early start in order to support other GOP hopefuls in the 2024 elections. Among the folks endorsing her were Congressman Mike Lawler and state Assemblyman Matt Slater. Some of the issues the mom of eight said she hopes to address during the 2024 race are: “rising crime, record high inflation, gas prices that won’t come down, parental rights being ignored, freedom in New York becoming a fading dream, and rising taxes.” Her goals include putting an end to the opioid and mental health crises, pushing federal leaders to close the boarders, and providing home care for the elderly so they can “age in peace.” CIRCUS DAY CELEBRATIONS Famed as the “Cradle of the American Circus” because of its proliferation of early 19th- century circus and menagerie proprietors such as Hachaliah Bailey, Somers unveiled a new bronze statue of its iconic elephant, Old Bet, to much fanfare on World Circus Day in the spring. The celebration included the placing of a peanut wreath at the Old Bet monument; speeches by national and international circus history experts; the airing of a documentary on the making of the new statue and chats with its creator, local sculptor Luigi Badia; and tours of the Historical Society’s Museum of the Early American Circus. The old Old Bet, which had succumbed to age and the elements, was taken down. The town has hired engineers to examine the granite obelisk in front of The Elephant Hotel, aka Town Hall, to make sure it’s structurally sound before the new statue can be installed. Meanwhile, the impressive beast is camping out in the town’s meeting room. Photo op! WONDERFUL WILKINSONS A pair of standout siblings made Somers proud in the pool this year. After an intense four-hour competition at Ithaca College on March 3, senior Jay Wilkinson made his way to the podium at states, finishing fourth at the NYSPHSAA Championships and fifth in the federation. Wilkinson headed for Tufts University after graduation. Younger sister Julia was seeded sixth going into the 2023 girls high school diving season finale on November 17. A strong showing earned her fourth place on the podium after 11 rounds of competition. Julia, who will be headed to Cornell University in the fall, also holds the current 6-dive and 11-dive program records. BAYER’S SWAN SONG Somers High School Principal Mark Bayer, beloved for a number of reasons but especially for the original songs he composed and gamely sang at graduation ceremonies, announced he will be retiring in 2024. Bayer became an official Tusker in 2012. He started his career in education as a high school teacher in Dutchess County and then went on to teach math and be an assistant principal at Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua. Said schools Superintendent Dr. Raymond Blanch after the news dropped: “We will miss him dearly. His legacy of leading with kindness and caring will carry on in Somers High School.” Bayer himself waxed nostalgic. “It’s been an amazing adventure watching kids grow, graduating 12 classes of seniors, and then hiring a significant part of the faculty and staff.” The school district is currently in the process of vetting Bayer’s successor. LINCOLN HALL CHANGES Keeping the lines of communication open between itself and the community, Lincoln Hall Boys’ Haven -- a nonprofit residential school for troubled youth in Lincolndale -- informed local officials and the public in December that it was undergoing a major change. And that was that it would – for the time being – no longer accept placements from the New York state Family Court system but would instead concentrate on providing shelter and education for unaccompanied children who’d been detained at the border by immigration authorities. The reason given by the facility’s chief program officer, Dr. James Coughlin, was that the former program was no longer financially viable. Lincoln has been licensed by the federal government to care for up to 100 unaccompanied boys – ages 12 through 18 – since 2012. Lincoln Hall first became licensed to care for up to 100 such children – ages 12 through 18 – in 2012. Many of them come 2023 FROM PAGE 37 SEE 2023 PAGE 39 Somers senior Jay Wilkinson placed 4th at NYSPHSAA Boys Diving Championships. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRITTNEY PISANO A strong showing earned Julia Wilkinson fourth place on the podium. PHOTO: VIM WILKINSON Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962 Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS EST. + 1962
from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico and may already have relatives in the U.S. The goal is to reunite them with family members as soon as possible. Their average stay at Lincoln Hall is 43 days where the boys who came through the courts usually stay anywhere from 12 to 18 months. Questions raised, and answered, at the Dec. 6 Town Board meeting ranged in topics from safety and security and the vetting process to staffing cuts and Lincoln Hall’s partnership with Children’s Village, a nonprofit children’s facility in Dobbs Ferry. FINAL ANSWER? Somers High School grads Katie Palumbo and Alex Gordon both fulfilled a lifetime dream of competing on Jeopardy!, which some folks say is tougher to get into than Harvard. Gordon was so gung-ho that he skipped his NYU Medical School graduation ceremony to appear on the game show. His episodes aired in July. After the 26-year-old won handily on day one over the reigning champion and the other contestant, fans flocked to the internet to praise his impeccable performance. Ironically, it was a big bet and a wrong answer to medical question – albeit one that required deep sports knowledge – that ended the new doctor’s three-day streak. Palumbo, who’s niche is history and literature, has a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in Irish Studies, and is pursuing her Ph.D. in history. To pay her bills along the way, she’s been everything from a costumed performer at a renaissance fair, a barista, and pre-K teacher to a box office attendant, a nanny, and an interpreter at a maritime museum. The Amawalk resident’s two episodes aired in January. The Final Jeopardy! clue that finally flummoxed Palumbo, involved geography: “MIMAL, sometimes said to be the silhouette of a chef or elf, stands for Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and these 2 states.” None of the contestants came up with “Arkansas and Louisiana.” Anyway, Palumbo was thrilled to have come away with enough moola to pay off her college debt. HAIL TO THE CHIEF The Somers Volunteer Fire Department welcomed its latest chief, John Meeker Jr., in May. It wasn’t the first time in that role; he was chief from 2010 to 2011. Somers has one of the largest fire districts in the area. In 2022, it responded to approximately 2,800 calls, the bulk of which were related to medical emergencies. A Somers High School graduate and believer in the importance of public service, Meeker joined the SVFD in 2001 after having been a Carmel firefighter for eight years. When Meeker isn’t running his wood, pellet, and gas stove business, he is exploring the back roads on his motorcycle. He belongs to the Red Knights International Motorcycle Club, an organization that promotes a positive iwmage of motorcycling and encourages camaraderie THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 39 2020 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are the registered service marks owned by the Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Licensed Real Estate Salesperson NY & CT Buying and Selling — I can make it happen! 338 Route 202 | Somers, NY 10589 Cell: (914) 424-5545 [email protected] | marcienolletti.com 212 Hunt Lane, North Salem - UNDER CONTRACT Representing sellers Marcie Nolletti 150 Foggintown Road, Brewster - UNDER CONTRACT Representing seller Whether you are selling or buying a home, I am experienced and knowledgeable of today’s ever changing market. You not only want, but need a qualified professional by your side. Contact me today for your free comprehensive market analysis and all your questions answered. UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT 2023 FROM PAGE 38 SEE 2023 PAGE 46 Katie Palumbo, seen here with host Ken Jennings, was a contestant on Jeopardy! in January. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEOPARDY PRODUCTIONS, INC. Principal Mark Bayer announced he will retire next year. PHOTO: EMRIN LECLAIR
PAGE 40 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ CONTRIBUTING EDITOR On the eve of Thanksgiving, the Halston Media newsroom answered a call from a blocked number. Little did we know that it would lead to an exclusive inside look at what can be called... the Santa Claus Operation. As we and many other news outlets do every year, we had put in a request for an interview with Santa. Father Christmas, however, rarely talks directly to the media, and usually sticks to prepared remarks about who’s naughty and nice, the importance of reindeer, and his love for cookies. But this call was different. The elfin voice on the other end of the line confirmed our identity by asking us to verify a few facts they had on file (evidently, they really do know if you’re naughty or nice, and not just kids). After a pause, Saint Nick himself came on the line. “You have five minutes,” he said. “It’s my busy season.” Known by many names – Kris Cringle, Saint Nicholas, and Santa are the most familiar in this country – Claus is at the center of one of the most challenging logistical operations in the history of the world; to get around the globe within 24 hours without being detected while delivering the right gifts to the right kids in the right places. “The mission has changed since I first started around 2,000 years ago,” Claus said. “Back then, the world’s population was smaller and more concentrated in Europe, Asia, and Northern Africa.” According to researchers, the entire earth’s population was between 175 and 300 million people in the year 1 AD. By 1800, it was still 1 billion at most. The population of the United States was just 5.3 million. Today, the world population is 10 billion, with more than 300 million in the United States alone. Around the world in 24 hours: How Santa gets it done A copy of Santa’s passport obtained by Halston media; it still uses the Robert Nast portrait from the 19th Century. PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL SPECIAL REPORT This Santa Claus flight plan, with keys to the sleigh, was shared with Halston Media and shows one possible route Father Christmas uses to deliver presents globally. PHOTO COURTESY OF ELF “X” SEE SANTA PAGE 41 FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HOT WATER HEATER & GAS NEEDS 59 Years of Excellence Putnam & Westchester County’s Premier Plumbing Professionals Since 1964 719 Rte. 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com TAKE $25 OFF YOUR NEXT SERVICE CALL! VALID ON CALLS OVER 1 HOUR. EXPIRES 1/31/24 May you have a Happy & Prosperous New Year! Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-HOUR PROBLEM GAMING HOTLINE: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369) Friday, December 29 • 10pm Earn Entries All Month Long! *Actual model and colors may vary. SANTA’S ELECTRIC SURPRISE Win A New Tesla!*
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 41 “Not only were there fewer people but there were fewer things,” Claus added. “We did dolls, animal figures, slingshots, balls, sometimes bows and arrows or spears, and parchment or books, and that was about it.” Timekeeping was also far less advanced in the early days, which gave Claus and his elves more time to deliver gifts. “Let’s be honest, people didn’t always know what day it was back then,” Claus said. “If we got the presents out around Christmas, that was fine. Children in those days had harder lives and most of them worked from an early age, so they were grateful to get anything.” So, how do Santa and his elves get everything done now? “I usually don’t talk about it publicly,” Claus said. “But so many people say it’s impossible that I think it’s time we explained a few things. “First,” Santa continued, “we do have magical powers – the traditional Santa abilities, and no I won’t go into too much detail there. But we also now rely on a combination of teamwork and technology.” While Santa himself declined to go into detail about the tech at the North Pole, an elf with knowledge of the operation said that the team at the workshop uses very sophisticated tools that are decades more advanced than anything available to man. “It’s powered by the magnetic poles,” the elf said. “It can track gift requests by location and then map the most efficient route to get the presents to everyone on time.” According to the elf, Santa began using the tech as early as the turn of the 20th century, when it was then about as powerful as the first home computers. “The tech you guys had in the 1980s, we had in the 1890s,” the elf said. “What you have now we had by 1970. We’re always way ahead. Part of the reason we get it is because we use it for good. It also gives the higher powers a chance to see it in action and prepare for the potential issues that may come up when regular humans get their hands on it.” According to the elf, Santa himself isn’t hands-on with the technology. “It’s Mrs. Claus who drives the development,” the elf revealed. “Santa is smart about a lot of things, but not computers. She’s the one who came up with the flight plan changes to let Santa cover north and south quicker.” While he may leave the tech to his wife, Santa himself “has almost no downtime,” the elf said. “One thing that really bothers him,” the elf said, “is when people say he only works one day a year. Do you know how many letters he gets? In how many languages? There are 4,000 written languages in the world. And even if most of the letters are [written in] common ones like English, Spanish, Chinese, French, and so forth, not all of them are. And even then… kids these days have terrible penmanship. Every letter he gets makes him happy and he insists on reading them personally, but it is time-consuming!” “I love getting the letters!” Santa insisted when asked about the demands on his time. “I especially love the handwritten ones.” But while he’s decidedly old school when it comes to correspondence, Santa – thanks to Mrs. Claus – is anything but traditional when it comes to making his deliveries. Contrary to popular belief, Santa doesn’t circle the globe in a straight line, the elf said. Instead, he flies north to south in a zigzag pattern, spending an average of one hour in each time zone. By speeding up over oceans, he can spend more time in the zones with more kids. “He heads out with the sleigh at a little before 11 over the North Pacific,” the elf said. “He basically heads south for an hour, delivers the presents, then comes back north in the next time zone for an hour, etc.” Asked why NORAD trackers only show Santa circling the globe from east to west, the elf paused before answering. “Look,” he said. “They detect what we want them to detect. If they saw how we really move it would flip them out.” Another area where Team Santa is way more advanced than the human world is sustainable travel, a subject Claus himself was more than happy to discuss. SANTA FROM PAGE 40 SEE SANTA PAGE 43 This 13th-century portrait of Saint Nicholas is said to be Mrs. Claus’s favorite picture of her husband. IMAGE COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA.ORG HOURS: Sunday Closed Mon-Wed, Fri-Sat 10 AM–6 PM Thursday 10 AM–7 PM 1961 Commerce Street • Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 1-855-518-2436 CALL US TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT! Let us create a unique design that will make your kitchen dreams come true, creating a lifetime of memories . All of Us at Kitchen Headquarters Wish You a Very Happy Holiday and a Wonderful New Year
PAGE 42 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 WE SPECIALIZE IN 8, 10, 12 & 15 YARD DUMPSTERS ON WHEELS & TRADITIONAL DUMPSTERS 10-40 YARD RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL CLEAN-OUTS Starting our 44th year serving Yorktown children Family Owned And Operated, Owners Always On The Premises. WWW.PIEDPIPERSCHOOLYORKTOWN.COM 2090 Crompond Road - Yorktown Heights For more information call 914-962-5196 or 914-815-5281 PRESCHOOL • Ages 18 months to 5 years • Operating Hours 7am to 6pm • New York State Certified Curriculum • Before & After Care Available BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL ADVENTURES • Ages 18 months to 10 years • Large indoor and fenced in outdoor playgrounds • Homework Assistance • Bus Transportation Provided By The Yorktown School District • Food and drinks provided Happy Holidays from the Pied Piper Family! Enrollment Opens Feb 1st For The 2024-2025 School Year SUMMER CAMP • Ages 18 Months To 10 Years • Flexible Days, Weeks & Times • Indoor Air Conditioned Playground • Weekly Themes And Activities Including Sports, Arts & Crafts, Music, Cooking And Theatre. • Bls, Cpr, Rit First Aid, Epipen & Mat Certified Check out our new website. Call today and sign up for a tour. Our family can’t wait to meet your family! This month, the Wednesday pickleball league players at the Pickleball Barn participated in their first “Pickleball Winterball” and collected non-perishable food items for Saint Luke’s Food pantry in Somers. Giving back! PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PICKLEBALL BARN Members of the Somers High School Student Council, as well as volunteers from the National Honor Society, held their third annual Veteran’s Luncheon on Dec. 7. “We wanted an opportunity to bring the community into our school,” said Student Body President, Sebastian Wissa, “and an opportunity for our students to meet people in our community. What better people than the veterans, of course.” Luncheon invitations were sent to local veterans and their families to join students at the high school for a light lunch, featuring coffee, tea, and desserts, where they could mingle with other servicemen and women from the community. Mr. Kriedberg said, “I’ve been here every time. It’s such a wonderful event, getting children involved. It’s nice to look around and find other veterans I can talk with.” “I like seeing the other vets, meeting them, and finding out where they were when they served,” added Mr. Nazzaro. Students contributed to the event’s success in many ways. They baked the desserts, decorated the cafeteria, took orders, prepared meals, served food and drinks, and chatted with the veterans about their time in the military. “I’m so honored to do this for them after everything they’ve done for us,” said Scotty Evans. “To be able to talk to veterans, to hear their experiences, and to help them out and serve them is a special thing to do,” said Akosua Adobea-Wiredu. Sam Moschides added, “Considering the impact they made to our country and our community, we have to share that with everyone and try to help them in all the ways they’ve helped us.” This year’s luncheon was held on Pearl Harbor Day, which also happened to be World War II veteran Mr. Lee’s 97th birthday. Staff, students, and other attendees sang Happy Birthday to Mr. Lee and recognized the occasion with a birthday cupcake. “I think it’s a great honor,” said Mr. Lee. “I’m awestruck with how much work everyone does to appreciate the veterans. It’s a great thing. I hope they keep it going.” This event allows students to give back to their community and earn community service hours, but most importantly, it provides students with a venue to show appreciation and gratitude for the service and sacrifice of local veterans. “I love that we get the opportunity to serve the veterans,” said Sebastian. “The most amazing part of this event is getting to talk to them. It’s what I look forward to every year.” Article courtesy of Somers Central School District. SHS holds veterans luncheon Serving those who served The SHS Student Council and National Honor Society held their third annual Veteran’s Luncheon on Dec. 7.
“I laugh when people say: ‘Why doesn’t he use an airplane or a spaceship!’” Santa said. “Reindeer have a zero carbon footprint and any ‘pollution’ they do create is biodegradable.” Santa declined to say when and how he came to be carried by reindeer but admits that he wouldn’t be able to get deliveries at today’s volume completed without them. “They’re very smart creatures,” he said. “They’re incredibly fast when they need to be but have amazing control. You know how things go flying when a human stops a car short? Well, we fly around the world at incredible speeds and stop literally millions of times in one night, and we never lose a single present!” According to the elf, the reindeer possess another amazing power, revealed here for the first time. “They can change shape but only when they want to,” he said. “They absolutely love to make themselves look like a fire engine! If you see Santa on a fire truck, chances are it’s one of the reindeer shapeshifting.” Another important change, Claus told us, is the variety of toys and gifts available now compared to earlier times. Again, Mrs. Claus plays an important role. According to the elf, Mrs. C has set up a massive intelligence network that combines data mining with human and elvish operatives on the ground all over the world. “One thing people don’t realize is that we’re not all based at the North Pole,” the elf said. “There’s a core team up there and we elves all train up North and return every couple of years, but we’re really everywhere. “We also have a lot of humans working with us, though they may not realize it,” the Elf added. “When you see humans do coat drives, Toys for Tots, food pantries, even just helping out, they’re part of our team. That part of the job happens all year. As Santa says, we can’t make people do these things, it has to come from inside them. But he does try to lead by example and then hope they continue giving after the holidays.” The global intelligence network also helps Santa source the gifts before Christmas. Claus himself declined to comment when asked if the elves made toys in his workshop. But according to the insider elf, it’s been a combination of elf-building and acquiring from commercial vendors for about a century. “We realized with advertising that kids would want specific brands, so we had to get those,” the elf said. “Fortunately, our worldwide network is good at getting us the right games and toys that each generation of kids wants.” As for how he knows whether kids are naughty or nice, Santa said it’s really not that complicated. “Most kids are basically nice, even if they’re naughty sometimes,” he said. “So we don’t need to detect the nice ones, we assume they are all nice. If someone is naughty enough to not get a present, it shows up on our system loud and clear. But it has to be really naughty, like being cruel to animals or hurting people on purpose.” What about nice kids who don’t get the present they want? “That’s a complicated one,” Santa admitted. “We try to balance between what a kid wants and what is the right gift. And sometimes, we just miss. Sometimes they get what they think they want and discover it’s not what they wanted after all. “And sometimes, there are things we can’t control that mean a kid doesn’t get the present he or she wants,” he continued. “But in those cases, we hope they discover that the thing itself isn’t the point, but the gift of giving.” “Our job isn’t really to deliver gifts but to create a love for giving,” Santa said. “Remember, I go back to the days when a kid might get one ball or rag doll or some sweets and be happy to have that, and I see kids all over the world who don’t have much and don’t ask for much. Knowing someone is out here giving them a gift, hopefully opens their heart so when they get older, they can pass that along. That’s really what we do.” Santa has been on the job for at least 2,000 years and sees no sign of slowing down. He declined to discuss his age but said he has no plans to retire. Asked what he thinks about whether people believe in him or not, Santa offered a hearty “Ho-ho-ho, Merry Christmas!” and said he had to get back to work. Later, the anonymous elf offered a final bit of insight. “Listen, Santa is way more than the guy in the red suit,” the elf said. “He’s a symbol of Christmas, but he isn’t just for Christmas or Christians – he works for everybody, and 99 percent of the time, no one knows it’s him making a gift happen. He works through people way more often than he flies around the world. But those trips are important because he’s showing how to give without asking for anything in return. “As for believing in him, Santa is here as long as people believe in the idea of him,” the elf added. “The philosopher Rene Descartes once said: ‘I think, therefore I am.’ Ideas have power and they’re immortal. People might think they can outgrow Santa to replace Santa, but they never do. Santa Claus came to town a long time ago and he’s here to stay.” THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 43 Additions • Renovations Kitchen/Bath • Windows/Doors Finished Basements Custom Cabinetry • Decks Int/Ext Remodeling Full-service home building, renovation & remodeling team you can trust for high quality craftsmanship. Call us for a FREE CONSULTATION and start planning your dream remodeling project TODAY! Experience the Difference 914 245 0244 www.sunrisecarpentry.com Happy Holidays! Here’s to a joyful holiday season. SANTA FROM PAGE 41 Elf “X” offered Halston Media inside information on the Santa operation, photographed at an undisclosed location. PHOTO: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL
PAGE 44 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 The annual Van Tassell House Holiday party was celebrated on Dec. 14 at Le Fontane Restaurant! Somers Town Supervisor Rob Scorrano came by to wish everyone a happy holiday season. The Seniors were all smiles when surprise guests Santa and his elves stopped by to hand out special holiday treats! A wonderful time was had by all! Somers seniors get jolly! PHOTO COURTESY OF ERICA GENTILE BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER The Somers Library is advising patrons to be prepared for some potential changes in its operations next year. In the library’s December newsletter, director Jennifer Daddio explained that because of the “rising costs of everything,” it has to “reconsider its services.” “We’re being squeezed, and at the same time we’re trying to retain talented people,” she told The Somers Record recently. The Library Board won’t make a final decision until it meets later this month, but the things most likely to be affected are hours, materials, and programming. “What’s more important, having five copies of a book, or retaining a talented employee?” Daddio pointed out. The choices the board will have to make are difficult ones but first and foremost it wants to ensure that library employees will be able to make a living wage. “Our staff is the most valuable asset of this library, more than the materials or the programs,” Daddio said, adding: “If we didn’t have this phenomenal staff, this library wouldn’t be as great as it is.” Besides rising costs for fuel and electricity, the library’s facing higher fees for crucial Westchester Library System services. These are behind-the-scenes things that the public usually isn’t aware of but are needed to keep libraries running. The WLS maintains the library’s public and staff computers, technology, cataloging, and statistic keeping on how many and what kinds of materials Somers is loaning to other libraries. “We rely on them heavily because we’re much too small of a library to provide those services ourselves,” Daddio explained, adding that small libraries depend on the WLS’ “support, expertise, and knowledge.” It also trains both professional and support staff and makes the interlibrary deliveries. So when the cost of gasoline goes up, for instance, the WLS has to pass it along. “It’s a domino effect,” Daddio said. Despite the challenges ahead, she was “filled with gratitude for the outpouring of support and appreciation that the Somers Library has received this year; it was truly a great year for us and, by extension, for the residents of our community.” Among the library’s accomplishments she highlighted in the December newsletter were the hiring of “two incredibly talented children’s librarians,” the expansion of teen services, and the applying for a New York State Construction Grant that it intends to use to create a new teen room. It also improved its technology services, created a Spanish language collection, and grew online and in-person programming for “every demographic” in its community. The library has partnered with other town entities such as the schools, parks and recreation department, historical society, St. Luke’s food pantry, and Embrace the MOMent, a new organization that offers networking, support, and information for moms to be, new moms, and moms new to the area. “My hope is that we will be able to retain the talented staff we currently have and that any visit to the library will be a happy and successful one,” Daddio concluded in the message, emphasizing that library staff loves serving the community and promises to “keep doing so to the best of our ability.” Somers Library provides 2024 update FREE CONSULTATION AND DESIGN • FULLY INSURED TO MEET YOUR NEEDS OFFICE:845-276-8608 • LOU:845-494-9857 TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS! DSL Construction The Home Team! FLOORS • DECKS • KITCHENS • BATHROOMS Scaffold Law/Labor Law, Workman's Comp, Liability • No Job Too Small! Proudly Serving the Heritage Hills Community Season’s Greetings!
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PAGE 46 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 The Somers Volunteer Fire Department welcomed new chief John Meeker Jr. in May. PHOTO: CAROL REIF among firefighters, both active and retired. Tops on Meeker’s “wish list?” More volunteers. “We always need more people. The manpower evolves, people move out, age out. With four fire houses and lots of community service, we can always use more men and women,” he says. BUS INCIDENT The Board of Education found itself having to pause a meeting for the first time in recent memory after a parent, upset by the way she said her intellectually disabled son had been treated while aboard a school bus, insisted on talking about the incident in a way that it deemed had violated the district’s confidentiality policy. Mom Sarah Kooluris took to the podium on April 18 to read a statement that identified her 13-year-old nonverbal, autistic son by name. The Koolurises had filed a formal complaint alleging that the monitor had threatened and demeaned the boy and then failed to clean him up properly after he vomited repeatedly on his ride home from school. The district investigated and found that reporting protocol and Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) had been violated. The monitor was permanently removed from the boy’s bus route. After being reminded several times that both policy and law prohibits the public discussion of particular students, personnel, and incidents, Kooluris omitted her son’s name but went on to call out the monitor and other district employees. The board then voted to go into executive session and left the room for about 30 minutes. Although Kooluris’ mic was cut and the official recording was stopped, she continued to speak as an audience member used a cell phone to record her and trustees as they filed out, making it erroneously appear that the board had left a distraught mother in the lurch. The video went viral on social media and was broadcast by a local television station. TRACTOR SUPPLY PLOWS AHEAD The opening of a new Tractor Supply store was only one of the changes seen at the Somers Commons Shopping Center in Baldwin Place in 2023. Center owners/operators Urstadt Biddle, a real estate investment firm that also owned the Towne Centre at Somers and Heritage 202, was acquired by Regency Centers Corp. in an all-stock transaction valued at $1.4 billion. Meanwhile, New York Sports Club, having filed for Chapter 11 several years ago, started closing locations -- including its gym and pool at Somers Commons -- as a part of a bid to restructure its debt. There is now a “Coming Soon” banner on the shuttered building advertising Wings Over Water, a swim school. Once Upon a Child, located at Somers Commons for 15 years, announced in mid-December that it was closing. The store sold gently used kids’ clothing, shoes, toys, books, furniture, and baby gear. Thanking its loyal customers, OUAC said it planned to be open through January as it liquidated its inventory. There was also a “Coming Soon” sign advertising a fast-casual taco joint where UnWined, a 60-seat restaurant and bar that went belly up in 2022, used to be. Tractor Supply occupies the former 30,000-square-foot Homegoods store, which moved to the Cortlandt Town Center. The national retail chain sells products for home improvement, agriculture, livestock, horse, and pet care; and lawn and garden maintenance. Since a good amount of its interior is devoted to equestrian goods, which should make some local horse-lovers very happy. It has been up and running for several months but despite the big “Grand Opening” sign in front, it hasn’t actually yet held a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony. Scuttlebutt has it that may happen in January. Stay tuned. Carol Reif, Vim Wilkinson, Rich Monetti, and Tom Walogorsky contributed to this report. 2023 FROM PAGE 38 My Community Bulletin Board Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in The Somers Record Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! Connect Anywhere, Anytime. fifffflffiflffffffiffffiffi ffi ffiffff flffiffi flflffi CALL TODAY (877) 651-1637 • Medicaid • SNAP • SSI • WIC • Veterans Pension • Survivors or Lifeline Benefits • Tribal Assistance Program • Housing Assistance fifffflffiflffiffffififfiffiflfffflffi ffi Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Standard S&H applies. 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General Purpose Silverlake Estimating LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 10/31/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Chris Bisceglia, 1 Main Place, West Harrison, NY 10604. General Purpose 99 North Broadway LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 10/31/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to 11 Quarry Ln, Irvington, NY 10533. General Purpose 589 Building Management LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 9/29/2023. Cty: Westchester. SSNY desig. as agent upon whom process against may be served & shall mail process to Fation Syla, 140 Brendon Hill Rd, Scarsdale, NY 10583. General Purpose Cosmic Art Studio LLC, Arts of Org. filed with Sec. of State of NY (SSNY) 10/25/2023. Cty: Westchester. 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PAGE 48 – THE SOMERS RECORD THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 291 Route 100, Somers • 914.277.8539 • Route100market.com Happy Holidays From our Route 100 Market Family to yours Open 24/7/365 Visit Us At Route100market.com