As we get ready to say goodbye to 2023, The Katonah-Lewisboro Times takes a look back at another eventful year in our community! WACCABUC POST OFFICE ROBBED A pair of bandits knocked over the post office in Waccabuc on the afternoon of January 10. Armed with pistols, one guarded the door while the other hopped the counter and emptied the cash register. According to the Lewisboro Police Department, the pair, described as black men in their 20s, made off with approximately $200. Neither of the postal employees working at the time were hurt. WOLVES MAKE STATE FINAL After a thrilling playoff ride, the John Jay girls lacrosse team squared off against the Bayport-Blue Point Phantoms for the state championship on June 10. Although the Wolves lost 13-5, the memories of the incredible postseason run will last a lifetime. “I’m just extremely proud of each and every one of them,” said Coach Jess McDonough of the team’s efforts. Visit News.HalsonMedia.com for the latest news. Year in Review VOL. 6 NO. 39 DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 31 CLASSIFIEDS 30 LEISURE 26 OPINION 10 TOWN CROSSING 4 SPORTS 22 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WEST CALDWELL, NJ PERMIT #992 Cardinal Dolan at St. Mary’s on Feb. 11. PHOTO: BRIAN MARSCHHAUSER Firefighters battled a challenging structure fire on Feb. 12. PHOTO COURTESY OF GBFD Wolves lacrosse went to the state finals. PHOTO: RICH MONETTI We’ll be back in your mailbox on January 11th! In the meantime, read all the latest news at News. HalstonMedia.com SEE 2023 PAGE 3 Nick Fassert pitched a no-hitter against Lakeland in April. PHOTO: RICH MONETTI 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 KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES 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
CARDINAL DOLAN VISITS KATONAH On February 11, Cardinal Timothy Dolan paid a visit to St. Mary of the Assumption in Katonah to offer a blessing for the newly renovated gymnasium. Hundreds gathered as the archbishop of New York led a Saturday night mass at the parish’s school building on Valley Road. Dolan called St. Mary’s “a great parish” and acknowledged the efforts of the community in renovating the gym. “You’ve got a good thing going here at St. Mary of the Assumption in Katonah,” he said. GBFD BATTLES SUPER BOWL FIRE On Super Bowl Sunday, while the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles were battling on the gridiron, Goldens Bridge firefighters were in a different type of fight. For nearly five hours on February 12, the GBFD battled what officials described as a “challenging” structure fire in the Old Goldens Bridge section of the hamlet. Firefighters assisted the occupants with self-evacuation from the two-story residence, which received extensive damage. One firefighter was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital. NO HIT WONDER On April 12, John Jay’s Nick Fassert pitched a no-hitter to lead the Wolves to a 2-0 win over the Lakeland Hornets. “I tried to pitch off-speed a lot more, and working the inside and outside helped a lot,” Fassert said. GALLAGHER AND SWERTFAGER ELECTED TO BOARD OF ED On May 16, the biggest in-person voting in more than a decade swept Bill Swertfager and Lorraine Gallagher into seats on the Katonah-Lewisboro school board and approved the district’s $120 million budget. Gallagher was the top vote-getter with 2,147, while Swertfager garnered 2,127 votes. A second ballot question regarding the replacement of school buses and vans with hybrid and electric vehicles was approved by a 1,944 to 1,318 margin. School Superintendent Andrew Selesnick thanked residents who voted, saying he was “deeply appreciative of the community’s show of support for our students and our schools by passing both propositions.” ROBOT RIOT In March, John Jay High School’s Robotics Team catapulted into world-class status with a razor-thin, against-all-odds victory in the New York State finals of a global science tournament and qualified for the world championship in Houston. The MOB —shorthand for Mechanical Operations Bureau— consisted of David Bond, Orion Brandt, Zoe Dollar, Kristina Fonseca, Brooke Habinowski, Spencer Hadlock, Spencer Levine, Rachel Lewis, Kai Luongo, Will Matthews, Lucas Oyen and Jack Shapiro. PAVING THE WAY In September, Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Chris Burdick announced that the NYS Department of Transportation has slated Route 35 between Route 22 in Katonah and Bouton Road in South Salem for repaving. This construction expands an earlierannounced project to repave a smaller portion of Route 35 in Cross River, and follows discussions between the DOT and Senator Harckham, Assemblymember Burdick, County Legislator Erika Pierce, and Lewisboro Town Supervisor Tony Gonçalves regarding the deteriorating condition of Route 35. It also follows the advocacy of many residents, who contacted the DOT and elected officials regarding the serious need for the road to be repaved. The project is expected to begin in the Spring of 2024. SWIMMERS SHINE AT STATES On November 17, John Jay’s Jessie Crane, Lexi Hasko, Abbey Hehman, and Katie O’Donnell traveled to Rochester for the State Swim meet. The group took 14th in the 200 Freestyle relay, and Crane grabbed medals for 6th place in the 200 freestyle and 7th in the 500 freestyle. DEMOCRATS SWEEP ON ELECTION DAY On November 7, a pair of local races saw the Democratic incumbents retain their seats in Bedford and Lewisboro. In Bedford, Supervisor Ellen Calves was re-elected after running unopposed, while Bobbi Bittker and Thomas Catoliato turned back Republican challengers Don Scott and Michael Palladino. In Lewisboro, Town Supervisor Tony Gonçalves overcame a challenge from Mary Ann Loustaunau, while incumbent board members Rich Sklarin and Dan Welsh turned away the challenge of Alison Biddle and Stephen Lennox. Town Clerk Janet Donahue, Town Justice Susan Simon, and Highway Superintendent John Winter all ran unopposed and were re-elected to new terms. Lewisboro residents also voted against a proposition to authorize the issuance of $2.1 million in bonds towards bicycle and safety infrastructure improvements in town. REMEMBERING BILL BONGIORNO On May 25, the community was saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Bongiorno. Bill was a pillar of the Lewisboro community, serving as a Den Leader and Cubmaster for the Vista-Lewisboro Cub Scout Pack 101, Merit Badge Counselor and Trail to Eagle Mentor for Vista Troop 101 Boy Scouts, head coach for Lewisboro Parks and Recreation Baseball, and the Lewisboro Baseball Association, along with many other civic and community organizations. He had also covered the Lewisboro beat for The Katonah-Lewisboro Times. DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 3 HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS, LIFE & HEALTH 914-232-7750 www.forbesinsurance.com Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas! 2023 FROM PAGE 1 The MOB brought home a huge win and punched their tickets to Houston. PHOTO COURTESY OF KLSD Officials announced the repaving of Route 35 between Route 22 in Katonah and Bouton Road in South Salem. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OFFICE OF STATE ASSEMBLYMEMBER CHRIS BURDICK The community was saddened by the passing of Bill Bongiorno on May 25. Bedford Supervior Ellen Calves addressing supporters after her re-election on Nov. 7 PHOTO: TOM BARTLEY Katie O’Donnell, Lexi Hasko, Jessie Crane and Abbey Hehman swam at states. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUZANNE GUZIEC SEE 2023 PAGE 8
PAGE 4 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Tom Walogorsky Editor: 914-302-5830 [email protected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [email protected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [email protected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [email protected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [email protected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [email protected] Pam Zacotinsky 845-661-0748 [email protected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [email protected] Noah Elder Designer Bri Agosta Designer Haven Elder Designer EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [email protected] Deadlines The Katonah-Lewisboro Times The deadline for advertisements and editorial submissions is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [email protected] Location 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 Published Weekly by Halston Media, LLC ©2023 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC BY TOM WALOGORSKY EDITOR Chanukah may be over, but thanks to the efforts of folks within the community, the festival of lights will look better than ever in years to come. Earlier this month a group of residents, both Jewish and non-Jewish, joined forces to purchase a new Menorah to be displayed outside the Lewisboro Library. “This initiative is not only a celebration of our diversity, but also a symbol of unity and resilience in the face of challenges,” explains Elizabeth Amerling, who spearheaded the initiative along with her husband Paul and friends Alison and Andrew Llewellyn. After attending the town’s Menorah lighting, the Amerlings noticed that the current fixture outside the library was showing some wear. This led to the purchase of the new Menorah that will benefit the community for future celebrations. “The new addition is larger, brighter, and more weather resistant to help illuminate our community with the spirit of Chanukah,” Elizabeth adds. To help defray the costs of the project, Amerling appealed to the community for donations. As an added nod to Jewish customs, the contributors were asked to make donations in increments of $18, honoring the symbolic value of “chai,” meaning “life.” At press time, there have been more than 60 donations from the community which have covered about 75% of the cost. Anyone interested in contributing may do so via Venmo to @AmerlingElizabeth7. The future is bright Residents bring new Menorah to Lewisboro The new Menorah, symbolizing unity and diversity. PHOTO COURTESY OF ROBERT CUMMINGS COME JOIN US AT ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL PARISH DECEMBER SERVICES Saturday Dec 23 - 5:00PM • St. Paul’s Chapel Advent 4 Eucharist Service Sunday Dec 24 - 9:30AM • St. John’s Church Morning Prayer & Advent 4 Sunday Dec 24 - 3:30PM • St. Paul’s Chapel Christmas Eve Service Sunday Dec 24 - 5:30PM • St. John’s Church Christmas Eve Service Saturday Dec 30 – 5:00PM • St. Paul’s Chapel Sunday Dec 31 – 9:30AM • St. John’s Church Eucharist Service Sunday Dec 31 – 5:00PM • St. John’s Church New Year’s Eve Evening Prayer & Outside Firepit Service 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
DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 5 Independently family built, owned & operated Proudly serving Westchester since 1964 Your Favorite Neighborhood Pizzeria - Eatery Bronx brick oven pizza, generous portions, authentic Italian comfort food — great family value. Thank you very much for your patronage & support! FAST DELIVERY! 914.232.1001 Open 7 Days! ORDER ONLINE TODAY! amorekatonah.com AMORE PIZZERIA • 914-232-1001 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Expires 1/30/24. $ 5OFF any order $35 or More AMORE PIZZERIA - LOGO CONCEPT // 2020 I TAL IA N KITCHEN est 1993 PIZZERIA OPEN IN KATONAH VILLAGE lunch | dinner | carry-out | catering Free Parking In Rear Of Pizzeria 22 Edgemont Road Katonah, NY 10536
PAGE 6 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 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. Lewisboro Library 15 Main St, South Salem, NY 10590 Please register for programs by visiting www.lewisborolibrary. org Holiday Hours and Programs The Lewisboro Library will be closed on Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1. During the school holiday break, there will be programs for teens and children. On Wednesday, Dec. 27 there will be two sessions of “Snowflake Crafts,” at 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., for children of all ages. Celebrate winter by making different snowflake crafts at stations set up in the children’s room – from simple snowflake decoration to beaded snowflake bracelets – there is an age-appropriate craft for all! At 3 p.m. that day, teens in middle and high school are invited to come make “No Bake Energy Bites.” On Friday, Dec. 29 at 2:30 p.m. the Library is hosting “Yoga for Toddlers to Age 5.” Join certified children’s yoga instructor Lindsay Fletcher for a fun way to share yoga with your little one. After a quick warm up, the group will read books and act it out in yoga poses, combining literacy and mindful movement. On Saturday, Dec. 30, at 10:30 a.m. families are invited to “Saturday Family Fun,” where they can create a “snowscapes” painting using foil, Q-Tip’s, cotton balls and tinsel. “Girls Who Code” The Library’s “Girls Who Code” club will meet weekly beginning Wednesday, Jan. 3 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Girls Who Code is a non-profit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. The club is a FREE after-school computer science program for students in grades three through twelve. It is facilitated by Children’s Librarian Marie Nania with helpers from the JJHS Robotics Team. Get Ready for Middle Reads “Middle Reads,” is a monthly gathering of students in middle school to discuss books while enjoying refreshments. The group kicks off 2024 on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. with a discussion of Lifeboat 12, by Susan Hood. This poignant novel in verse is based on true events that tell the story of a boy’s harrowing experience on a lifeboat after surviving a torpedo attack during World War II. BY TOM WALOGORSKY EDITOR The movement calling for a Lewisboro Town Board member to resign over controversial remarks has led to instances of hate speech in an online forum. In November, Councilman Dan Welsh found himself at the center of controversy over posts made on his personal Facebook profile about the ongoing conflict in Israel. Following the comments originally posted on Nov. 17, members of the community spoke out at the Lewisboro Town Board meeting on Nov. 27. Some called for Welsh’s resignation over the remarks, while others defended the councilman’s character. On Dec. 6, the group “Lewisboro Against Antisemitism” launched a petition on the Change.org website titled “Demand the Resignation of Dan Welsh for Antisemitic Posts.” The petition, which has garnered 246 signatures thus far, has been flooded with anti-Semitic remarks on three separate occasions. The posts made in the comments section from the user “Burn in H*** You F****** Jews” incorrectly cites made-up verses claiming to be from the Jewish Talmud, falsely stating that a Jewish sage named Rashi used the word “goyim,” which is a Yiddish pejorative term for Gentile, that technically translates to “nations,” referring to non-Jewish individuals. The comments were initially removed earlier in the month, but have resurfaced twice more from the same username, most recently on Dec. 15. “The Change.org petition was originally created to bring attention to the community of the anti-Semitic comments that our Town Board member, Dan Welsh has been making,” said Daniela Goldman on behalf of Lewisboro Against Antisemitism. “The petition calls for the removal of him as a town board member. Unfortunately, someone or multiple people has used the petition to continue antiSemitic comments,” Goldman continued. “The very presence of such comments underscores the urgency and necessity of our petition, emphasizing the critical need to address and eradicate anti-Semitism within our community. These offensive remarks not only reflect poorly on the individual or individuals, but also highlight the broader issue of intolerance within our town. It is imperative that we, as a community, stand united against all forms of anti-Semitism and send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.” Welsh’s original comments on Nov. 17, which have drawn both outrage and support from the community, accused Israel of war crimes. The petition site also called for residents to attend the next Town Board meeting to make their voices heard. Originally planned for Dec. 12, the session was rescheduled for Monday, Dec. 18, after press time for this issue. Lewisboro petition site flooded with anti-Semitic posts TOWN CROSSING
DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 7 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 8 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 Point B Planning, LLC d/b/a/ AtwoB (“AtwoB”) is a registered investment adviser. A copy of AtwoB’s current written disclosure statement discussing AtwoB’s business operations, services, and fees is available at the SEC’s investment adviser public information website or from AtwoB upon written request. This article is for information only and should not be considered investment advice. Michael Tom CFP® CFA® • Jeff Wund • Todd Rebori, CFA® www.AtwoB.com • (914) 302-3233 23 Parkway, Second Floor • Katonah, NY 10536 Why AtwoB? • Boutique, Independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) • Owner-Operated, Your Money Matters to Us • Legally Obligated to Act in Your Best Interests 100% of the Time • Unbiased – Paid Only By Clients, No Commissions or Hidden Fees • High-Touch, Attentive Service You Can Depend On • Employer-Sponsored Retirement Solutions for Business Owners Financial Planning, Investment Management, Tax Preparation & Planning, Business Retirement Plan Services From the AtwoB Family to yours, Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for a new year filled with health, fulfillment, and success. INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND OPENS On June 3, nearly 2,000 locals gathered at Lewisboro Town Park to celebrate the grand opening of the playground’s long-awaited renovation. The newly designed space was years in the making, with the Lewisboro Town Park Improvement Corp (LTPPIC) founded by Lewisboro parents in efforts to revamp the park space in 2019. “We wanted a place where children of all different abilities can come together, learn and grow in a space where families can spend quality time together,” said Valerie Cancro, President of LTPPIC. The Lewisboro Town Park Playground is one of only two in Westchester County with inclusive designs. COMMUNITY MOURNS JEFF RICHARDSON Family, friends, colleagues and, most of all, decades of John Jay High School musicians mourned the loss of a beloved teacher, Jeff Richardson. Richardson, 59, died in Cape Cod Hospital on July 11, a day after being hit by a car while walking at night along heavily traveled Route 6 in Wellfleet. Police termed the tragedy a “possible hit-and-run.” Richardson was described as a generous, “one of a kind” man, compassionate and witty, and an inspirational role model whose music room was a sanctuary for students. GEREGHTY FOR CONGRESS In April, KLSD Board of Education member Liz Gereghty announced her intentions to run for a seat in New York’s 17th Congressional District. Gereghty would resign from the board on June 15. On Nov. 29, Gereghty would announce the suspension of her campaign, instead endorsing the candidacy of Mondaire Jones. “I remain committed to doing everything possible to elect Democrats across the board in 2024, especially here in NY-17,” Gereghty said in a statement. BALANCED LITERACY? In March, a coalition of Katonah mothers unhappy with the way reading is taught in KatonahLewisboro schools, announced the formation of a committee to press for changes in that critical curriculum. Led by longtime critic of KLSD literacy efforts Erica Glick, the new committee, KLSDLiteracy100, emphasizes phonics, or correlating sounds with letters. In announcing the launch of KLSDLiteracy at the school board’s March 7 meeting, Glick described its members—parents, educators and fellow residents, she said—as being “shocked and disappointed that in our excellent school district, despite our high taxes and our high spending, our reading outcomes are not excellent.” CAMBARERI VAULTS SECTION 1 John Jay’s Kayla Cambareri and the combined gymnastics team (Somers/Yorktown/John Jay) joined the rest of Section 1 on March 4 at Keymore West Senior High School in Buffalo for the 2023 NYSPHSAA Gymnastics Championships. Cambareri showed no fear during her lone event, the Vault, nailing her routine for a 9.000 on the biggest stage against the best in New York, helping Section 1 place fourth overall (181.300). Tom Bartley, Rich Monetti, Lauren Canavan, Bill Bongiorno, and Tom Walogorsky contributed to this report. 2023 FROM PAGE 3 Kayla Cambareri vaulting at states in March. PHOTO: CHRISTIAN MILES Liz Gereghty announced her candidacy for congress in April. A tragedy claimed the life of JJHS teacher Jeff Richardson in July. PHOTO: FACEBOOK The ribbon cutting ceremony at Lewisboro’s new inclusive playground on June 3. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANN CHARLES PHOTOGRAPHY
DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 9 Treat your home like a work of Fine Art Welcome to the Interstate Design Centers, where the very best in windows, doors & hardware are on display in Shrub Oak, NY, Greenwich & Westport, CT. The view outside your window is like a painting, so give it the frame it deserves with windows and doors by Andersen. At the Interstate Design Center, we believe that your home is more than just a house, it’s a work of art. So explore new designs and styles from Andersen, the #1 trusted and recommended window and door brand. IDC Greenwich 184 S. Water St Greenwich, CT (203) 531-8050 IDC Shrub Oak 1248 E Main St Shrub Oak, NY (914) 245-5050 IDC Westport 800 Post Rd E. Westport, CT (203) 221-1620 Available at
PAGE 10 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 Opinion 2 TRACKS BRETT FREEMAN, PUBLISHER TOM WALOGORSKY, EDITOR TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Editorial Office: 914-302-5830 [email protected] 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 Katonah-Lewisboro Times 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 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2023 Halston Media, LLC 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 Click on this QR code to read The Katonah-Lewisboro Times online. 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.’
DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 OPINION THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 11 For delivery or curbside orders please email [email protected] or call 914.533.7512 Bring in your Empties for Recycling! No limit on returns! YOUR LOCAL CRAFT BEER & BEVERAGE SOURCE Treat yourself to a huge selection of the finest craft beer, ciders, & soft drinks in the area. Beer& Beverage 204 Oakridge Common, South Salem, NY 914.533.7512 Hours MON 12-6 TUE-FRI 10-7:30 SAT 10-8 SUN 11-5 visit our website: vistabeerandbeverage.com to see our daily “Beer Menu” vistabeer vista.beer From our Shelves to Your Celebrations. “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” –William Arthur Ward I share Mr. Ward’s sentiment as I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the readers who eagerly engage with our beer, food and fun content every month. It’s a delightful journey, and I trust you sense the joy in each article. Now, let’s shift gears to Holiday Beer Time! Andy Williams’ iconic song, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year; With the kids jingle belling; And everyone telling you to drink good Beer,” captures the essence perfectly (and no, that lyric doesn’t require fact-checking, I assure you). During the holidays, brewers throw caution to the wind, infusing their brews with a variety of spices guaranteed to elicit smiles. I urge you to seize this seasonal chance to sample any Holiday or Christmas beer you encounter. From years of exploration, I recommend these festive brews: Samuel Smith Celebration, Troegs Mad Elf, Sierra Nevada Celebration, St. Bernardus Christmas Ale, Delirium Christmas, Southern Tier 2XMAS, Bell’s Christmas Ale, Goose Island Bourbon County Stout, Ayinger Celebrator. (A nod to the discontinued Anchor Christmas). Climbing Wolf Coffee & Beer, 78 Main St., Dobbs Ferry (climbingwolf. com) In our ongoing quest to discover new spots for you to enjoy, a key member of the Katonah Beer Man Tasting Team and I ventured to Climbing Wolf Coffee & Beer in Dobbs Ferry. We met co-owner Chris and spent a fantastic afternoon. “We opened our doors October 2020, right before second COVID wave,” Chris said. “My brother and I worked for Broken Bow Brewery and they were making beer on the same equipment they were making cold brew for some of the best coffee shops in New York City. That gave us the idea to build something that would combine our interests.” Gateway Beer? “I was always a stout fan and could never say no to a good Guinness,” Chris said. [KBM Note: same!]. “One Thanksgiving I was introduced to Goose Island’s Bourbon County Brand Stout and it opened my eyes to how much more beer could be.” The atmosphere on our Saturday visit was inviting, with a diverse crowd enjoying coffee, pastries, beer or all three. Chris shares, “We’re very much a community spot. We mostly attract our guests from Dobbs Ferry and the surrounding River towns. You’ll see a lot of regulars on any given day. We also do well with people who are beer aficionados hunting the latest Hill Farmstead and others they just can’t get anywhere else.” The setting was relaxed and eclectic, complete with soothing music and Bob Ross painting on TV. Beer Selection? “There are some styles that we always have to keep on draft and in cans,” Chris said. “We always have fresh IPAs and lagers on draft. We try to keep at least one sour and one stout on draft and then we try to rotate the rest. We are always on the lookout for something new and fun, and do often rotate beers based on style.” While they don’t serve savory dishes, a shoutout to Los Ferchos up the street for some of the finest tacos enjoyed by our discerning palates. Coffee? “We are constantly rotating what coffees we use for Espresso, Drip, and Cold brew. This allows our customers to try something new every time they come in and possibly find a new roaster or a new coffee that they might love,” Chris said. Reader recommendations EJ, a dedicated reader and beer enthusiast, offers insights into some standout Hudson Valley farmhouse breweries, perfect for day trips in northern Dutchess and lower Columbia counties. Here’s his first pick: Slow Fox Farm, 41 Lake Dr., Rhinebeck Must-haves: Big Sun Energy (Super Dry Japanese-Style Rice Lager), Yard Bird Discovering the joy of holiday brews Excellent rotating beers at Vista Beverage • vistabeerandbeverage.com • 204 Oakridge Commons, South Salem • 914-533-7512 JOHN BART THE KATONAH BEER MAN SEE BART PAGE 12
PAGE 12 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES OPINION 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! 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 BART FROM PAGE 11 (Sour brewed with Szechuan peppercorn, hibiscus, aged on currant and plum). “As one embarks on beerfueled journeys, sometimes you know what you’ll be drinking. Other times, it’s all about the thrill of the hunt, venturing to fermented flavors unknown. Such an adventure awaits deep in the Dutchess woods, where Slow Fox Farm is doing big things in a tiny space. The size of the tap list far exceeds the taproom footprint, which isn’t even a taproom so much as it is a “shoppy shop” farm market with full-service bar inside of it. Expect a chill, Adirondack chairs-and-firepit feel and some of the most creative beers you’ve ever had from a teensy New York State farm brewery.” Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday. Cheers! The Katonah Beer Man can be reached at TheKatonahBeerMan@gmail. com or visit thekatonahbeerman. wordpress.com. Please check out our friends at Vista Beverage, vistabeerandbeverage.com; 204 Oakridge Commons, South Salem; 914-533-7512.
DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 13 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 14 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES OPINION DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 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 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! On Dec. 9, 1965, CBS aired an animation for its annual Christmas special. Even before the show aired, network executives feared disaster. Who would want to watch a cartoon in prime time? The show had an unorthodox musical score written by a jazz pianist. Pressed for time, the special’s producer hurriedly penned its theme song on the back of an envelope. The show, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” became an American classic. CBS broadcast the special each year from 1966 until 2001. After acquiring the rights in 2001, ABC aired the show for 18 consecutive years, its 50th anniversary receiving the highest rating for its time slot. The special begins with Charlie Brown complaining to Linus about how confoundingly unhappy he is. It’s Christmas. Why isn’t he happy? To find the answer he visits Lucy’s psychiatric booth. Her advice to Charlie is that he direct the group’s Christmas play. He accepts. On the way to his first rehearsal, though, Charlie becomes discouraged by his observations of Christmas’ commercialization: Lucy complains about not receiving real estate for Christmas; Snoopy decorates his doghouse for the neighborhood’s frivolous lights and display contest and his sister asks him to write a greedy Christmas letter to Santa Claus. At the rehearsal, Charlie suggests that to set the proper mood, the play needs a tree. Lucy wants a big aluminum, pink one. Charlie brings back the only tree left on the lot, a skinny little sapling. When the group sees the tree, they mock Charlie and walk away laughing. Charlie realizes that he can decorate his tree and still have Christmas without commercialization ruining the season. He uses some of Snoopy’s lights and balls to decorate his tree, but the puny sapling falls over under their weight. Charlie Brown, thinking that he has killed the tree, walks away dejected. Seeing this, the group follows Charlie and recognizes that they have judged him and his tree too harshly. In no time they have the tree standing on its own, add decorations and finally see the beauty in Charlie’s tree. It’s an unusual transformation story because it’s the group that’s transformed. They accept Charlie’s simple vision of Christmas. It’s not about having the The perfect Christmas tree LORENZO GARO OF HUMAN INTEREST SEE GARO PAGE 18
DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 15 SCAN HERE FOR MORE INFO! ENJOY 0 DOWN, 0% FINANCING! FEDERAL & STATE INCENTIVES UP TO 30% AVAILABLE! SUPER SAVINGS on your Heat Pump project while program funding lasts... CALL NOW TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY! CALL US TODAY! ACT NOW BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE! LIMITED TIME OFFER UP TO INSTANT REBATE EXP 1/30/24 Please call or visit us online 845-600-8004 $ 10,000 AIR SOURCE HEAT PUMPS INSTANT REBATE EXP 1/30/24 Please call or visit us online 845-600-8004 $ 35,000 GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS UP TO EXCLUDES SERVICE CONTRACT • EXP 1/30/24 Coupon must be presented at time of service. Cannot be combined with any other offer. $ 50 OFF ANY OF OUR SERVICES 845-600-8004 | www.bellmech.com Happy Holidays, from our family to yours! UP TO
PAGE 16 2 TRACKS THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – DERESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL GENERATOR INSTALLATIONS 914-763-5555 CHARLES GEORGE • POUND RIDGE, NY • LICENSED & INSURED NY & CT ELECTRIC THE YEAR IN202202The John Jay Howlers basketball team won their second consecutive Tri-County Championship in March. PHOTO: RICH MONETTI The John Jay High School Class of 2023 graduatePHOTO: EMRIN LECLAIR A group of students from The Harvey School studied abroad in Japan this summer. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE HARVEY SCHOOL. More than 60 students performed at the 14th annual Rock the Halls concert in May. PHOTO: ROB DISTASIO The community celebrated Juneteenth at Lewisboro Town Park. PHOTO: KELSEY QUINN LEARY Everyone had a blast at the Lewisboro Library Fair in September! PHOTO: ROB DISTASIO The community wasoff and running at thKatonah Road RacesSeptember. PHOTO: ROB DISTASIO SlWassermfinished tat staPHOTO: MONThere was magic in the air when the RARE event returned to Lewisboro. PHOTO: KELSEY QUINN LEARY
PAGE 17 ECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 Combining the best of modern medicine with proven holistic methods. (914) 248-6220 / Progressive-vet.com 268 Route 202 Somers, NY Service: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com N PHOTOS 23 23 ed on June 20. The community celebrated Pride Month in June. PHOTO: LAUREN CANAVAN The Bedford Fire Department marked their 100th anniversary with a parade in September. PHOTO: CAROL REIF Kids, parents, and dinosaurs enjoyed the grand opening festivities at the new Lewisboro playground. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANN CHARLES PHOTOGRAPHY The John Jay Theater Workshop presented “9 to 5: The Musical” in March. PHOTO COURTESY OF KATONAH LEWISBORO SCHOOL DISTRICT Vista Troop 101 at the South Salem Presbyterian Church for Scout Sunday. PHOTO COURTESY OF VISTA TROOP 101 The stage at JJHS came alive with Encore Cabaret in January. PHOTO: ROB DISTASIO s he s in The Katonah Fire Department and Bedford PD held their National Night Out in August. PHOTO COURTESY OF KFD oan man third ates! RICH NETTI
PAGE 18 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES OPINION DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 Securities offered through Cantella & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Cantella and Co., Inc. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction. 845-628-5400 SFGtaxes.com | [email protected] 824 Route 6, Suite 4 | Mahopac, NY 10541 from other accountants and tax preparers is our ability to work with you not just on taxes, but on financials, college planning, divorce, retirement planning, changes in life planning... We don’t just process tax forms, we advise on how to handle your income and expenses in the future with personalized recommendations. We help you navigate the tax code, and in the end, help you set sound financial goals. What separates us tallest or bushiest of trees with the most lights. Christmas is about being humble and grateful and seeing beauty. I don’t think “A Charlie Brown Christmas” could have become a timeless classic if it were just a nice Christmas story. The musical score and the angelic choir voices harmonizing to perfection are what make “A Charlie Brown Christmas” magnificent. “Christmas Time Is Here,” the show’s theme song, is reported to have been written in 15 minutes. Oddly, it seems to express as much sadness as it does joy. “Families drawing near. Oh, that we could always see such spirit through the year,” goes its melancholy last lines. The melody is as sad and filled with heartbreak as a love ballad. Christmas trees have a distinctive, though somewhat embarrassing place in my family’s Christmases. My father had an annoying tradition of waiting until Christmas Eve to buy a tree. He wasn’t really a cheapskate, but he liked a bargain. Also, for some years our family didn’t have the extra money to spend on a big Christmas tree. Of course, all the best trees were gone. My brother and I would dig through the trees, trying to find a decent one. And then my father would excitedly call us. “I found our tree,” he hollered to us one year. It was the worst tree on the lot. I worried that by the time we got it in the trunk and home, there’d be no needles left on it. It made me mad. I’d picked out a better tree. Out of spite, I wouldn’t even help decorate the thing. I just sat on the couch giving orders and making fun of my father’s meager tree. I complained that my father threw the tinsel on the tree, instead of hanging it neatly, the way my mother did. I complained that the tree stand was broken, and we had to put magazines underneath one side to keep the tree from falling over. But what really made me mad was the lack of presents. I knew we would be getting the same old stuff, which we would have gotten anyway. We turned off all the lights for our tree lighting ceremony and then had a toast. My father toasted the baby Jesus. Mom raised her glass to the new mother. I toasted the horses in the stable and got into an argument with my brother, who said there were only cows- as if he were there. If there is one thing we can all agree on, though, it’s that every tree on Christmas Eve with tinsel and lights and a family beside it… is perfect. GARO FROM PAGE 14 Thanks to actor Bradley Cooper’s acclaimed biopic, “Maestro,” legendary conductor Leonard Bernstein is back on the podium these days. One of the more indelible images I have of the West Side Story composer is at a celebration of his 70th birthday at the 1988 Tanglewood Music Festival (viewable on YouTube). Swaddled in a proper gentleman’s formal frock and an artiste’s white silk scarf worthy of his theatrical flair, during the celebratory climax, Bernstein, seated in the audience, covers his face, with both hands slightly shaking, to forestall the tears that seem about to burst forth. His fragile emotional state in that moment comes from reveling in a stage full of elite musical talent that includes Larry Kert (the original Tony of West Side Story) and conductor Michael Tilson Thomas (his protégé and arguably a closer resemblance to Cooper than is Bernstein). They are singing the finale to one of Bernstein’s other musical theater classics, Candide. It’s based on the Voltaire satire about a young lad who starts off starryeyed, seeking an unattainably perfect world. Instead, through his misadventures around the globe, Candide comes to the hard-won realization that our lot in life is not to be a superhero or to be super-rich, but to be selfsustaining, to be humble, to be kind to one another – to do our tiny little bit to make the world a better place by being a better person. It’s not complicated. Unless we muck it up. Work the land The song that brings Bernstein to the verge of tears, and encapsulates that philosophy, is “Make Our Garden Grow.” Garden in this context is a metaphor for the little plot of land each of us is given at birth to do with what we will. “Make Our Garden Grow” is a pristine and stirring paean to the simplicity and fulfillment of living a good and honest life. More than that we dare not ask, or assume. Heightening the song’s musical impact is that the final stanzas are sung a capella by a soaring choral ensemble. The only music in that portion is the heavenly sound of the singers. When fully staged with all the glitter of a world-class orchestra and choir, as it was at Tanglewood for Bernstein, “Make Our Garden Grow” cannot help but stoke primal emotions in the listener. It is a musical expression of the essence of our existence. And it gets me every time. Clearly, as the YouTube video shows, it got to the 70-year-old Bernstein too, no doubt on many levels. He plausibly might have been considering his own mortality in that moment. Plus, he created the music. It’s his life’s work being celebrated as his life was heading toward its grand finale. Merry resolutions Making your garden grow BRUCE APAR BRUCE THE BLOG SEE APAR PAGE 19
DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 OPINION THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 19 112 North County Center • Goldens Bridge, NY 10526 914-232-9012 • www.northcountycleaners.com Mon - Fri: 7am - 7pm • Sat: 8am - 5pm Tailoring • Repairs • Leather Cleaning • Drapes & Curtains Over 30 Years Experience Pick Up & Delivery for New Customers First Orders Only Mention Promo Code NCCT10 $10 OFF Weekly Delivery in your Area • All Dry Cleaning Done on Premises • Same Day Service (in-store drop off only) drop off by 10am ON YOUR INSTALLATION 50% OFF Limited Time Offer! SAVE! TAKE AN ADDITIONAL Additional savings for military, health workers and fi rst responders 10% OFF MADE IN THE U.S.A. 1.855.492.6084 FREE ESTIMATE Expires 12/31/2023 Before After Make the smart and ONLY CHOICE when tackling your roof! New orders only. Does not include material costs. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Minimum purchase required. Other restrictions may apply. This is an advertisement placed on behalf of Erie Construction Mid-West, Inc (“Erie”). Offer terms and conditions may apply and the offer may not available in your area. If you call the number provided, you consent to being contacted by telephone, SMS text message, email, pre-recorded messages by Erie or its affiliates and service providers using automated technologies notwithstanding if you are on a DO NOT CALL list or register. Please review our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use on homeservicescompliance.com. All rights reserved. License numbers available at eriemetalroofs.com/erie-licenses/. Up to APAR FROM PAGE 18 Christmas is certainly the holiday with the best soundtrack, and all that music, with its references of snow, cozy firelit family-oriented 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 radio-style 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 ovolacto 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 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]. Do you hear what I hear? RICK MELÉN MAN OVERBOARD (He passed two years later.) Making sense of life “Let us try, before we die, to make some sense of life.” Those are some lyrics from “Make Our Garden Grow,” by John La Touche, Richard Wilbur, Lillian Herman and Stephen Sondheim. This time of year, we are given to ambitious resolutions as a means of motivating ourselves to self-improvement. The simple sentiments of this song move me to suggest that each of us might stick to the same, very modest resolutions to ring in each year. We can make some sense of life by sticking to the basics in how we resolve to carry ourselves and how we treat others. Resolve to be the person who gets in the game of volunteering for youth sports instead of being the person who snipes from the sidelines. Little things like that. Resolve to be the person who is grateful you are able-bodied enough not to need a handicap spot, so you never presume to occupy that space needlessly. Little things like that. Resolve to be the person who recognizes everyone has a bad day now and then (including you), and so you resist the impulse to trash talk on social media about a restaurant experience, because you know that you’d be messing with someone’s livelihood. Little things like that. As we each tend to our own gardens so that they may flourish, it’s a worthy resolution each day, let alone each new year, to respect other people’s labor in growing their gardens, and to help them till the soil when and where we can, to the best of our abilities. And, most important, resolve to stay humble, recognizing each minute we’re here is a gift. Nobody owes us anything. We have to work to make life worthwhile. As we are reminded by the Leonard Bernstein song that caused its composer’s life to flash before his eyes … We’re neither pure nor wise nor good We’ll do the best we know We’ll build our house and chop our wood And make our garden grow Bruce Apar is a writer, community volunteer and actor. He is nominated in the Broadway World Regional Awards as Best Performer in a Play for his title role in “Tuesdays with Morrie.” Voting is open to the public at broadwayworld.com/rockland/ voteregion.cfm. For more information, contact him at 914-275-6887 (text or voice) or [email protected].
PAGE 20 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES HEALTH & WELLNESS DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 [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 One touch of a button sends help fast, 24/7. alone I’m never Life Alert® is always here for me. I’ve fallen and I can’t get up! ® Help at Home with GPS! Help On-the-Go For a FREE brochure call: 1-800-404-9776 Saving a Life EVERY 11 MINUTES Batteries Never Need Charging. 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 Katonah-Lewisboro Times is located at 118 N Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. You can contact us at 914-302-5830 or email KLT@ halstonmedia.com.
DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 HEALTH & WELLNESS THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – 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 KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 Sports BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Sunday Dec. 10, the Avalanche opened their hockey season at the Brewster Ice Arena against the Rockland Rockies. With girls from John Jay, Mahopac, North Salem and Fox Lane, a downsizing of sorts has taken place since last year, which doesn’t sound like a good sign for the sport in our area. But in fact, the opposite is true. Meaning, it’s the geographic location of the players that has shrunk. So instead of all the girls hailing from this side of the bridge, an uptick in interest has them only coming from north of 287, and last year’s East team has split into two. “I can’t tell you how rewarding it’s been to get to this point,” said head coach Stacey Wierl. “I didn’t think we’d do it as quickly as we did.” As a result, the girls no longer have to travel to Hommocks in Mamaroneck for practice. “Our home is now the Brewster Ice Arena,” said Wierl. Still a very early daily start, bearing witness to the sunrise is no bother for Katheryn Becker. “I love 6 a.m.,” said the John Jay freshman. “It’s the best way to start your day, and I walk into first period all fired up.” The same goes for the way the girls got out of the gate on Sunday. Tereza Dolansky of Putnam Valley set up Aisling Stathos for the first shot on goal at 12:40, and 30 seconds later, Abigail Lehr of North Salem weaved through the zone for shot number two. The pressure not abating, the northerners went triangulation to get on the board first. Westlake’s Kathryn Lonergan to Lindsay Smith of Brewster to Adrienne Kantrowitz, and the Ossining skater had the first of her three points on the night. At 11:31, the Avalanche kept rolling, and Lehr was no snowflake. “I like to play a very aggressive game,” the defenseman said, and made two determined rushes on goal. Maybe a little out of place, Wierl needed another skater on defense and having a chameleon in the midst has the coach admiring the first year player’s stripes. “You’ll see her in the offensive zone circling, so it will be fun to see what she brings to the table,” said Wierl. A few minutes later, Lehr was pushing again on the power play. Her slap shot put Kantrowitz in position to pounce on the rebound, but Collette Curley stuffed up the drain in goal. No problem, Lonergan and Smith teamed up again. The Westlake Wildcat shot, and Smith made good on the rebound with 2:31 left in the first. A 2-0 game, the girls were still looking to beat the first period clock. Lonergan crashed the goal three times, and the crease softened up, Kasey Carboy of Carmel and Kantrowitz were readied for a two car pile up. The Carmel skater shot from the point, and Kantrowitz’s second goal on the rebound had Wierl relishing the past and the present “She’s been with us the whole time, and tonight, she may have played her very best hockey I’ve seen,” said the coach. She might have felt the same about Piper Ackner. The Fox Lane junior didn’t get a lot of playing time last year as a newcomer to the sport, and the miles logged on the bench didn’t sit well. “I didn’t like it, so I worked to do something about it,” she said. Earning a number of shifts, Ackner came out front with the puck. Shooting high, she said, “It was hard, because there was a big girl in front of me.” Vision the issue, fear doesn’t necessarily come into play for the spirited player. “You got to play the body,” Ackner said on the sly. Of course, the Rockies knew the same score and came to play too. Mauve McNulty got the puck ahead to Hannah Tiell, and she swooped across the crease to beat Jasmine Korinek at 7:56. Unfazed, the Avalanche kept at it, and North Salem represented on the scoreboard. “I got a great angle from Lindsay (Smith) for the shot, and I hit it to the net as hard as I could,” said Lehr. Good for a 4-1 lead, the 82 seconds left in the second had the Avalanche well on their way. But McNulty’s goal 15 seconds into the third did give some pause and was a departure from the blowouts the Rockies suffered last year at the hands of this team. “This was a hockey game,” boasted Wierl. The Avalanche obviously held, and while winning feels pretty good, it’s the expansion that really puts one in the win column, according to Wierl. “We’re grateful for all the girls who wanted to be part of this,” she concluded. Avalanche open on the upswing Katheryn Becker PHOTO: RICH MONETTI GIRLS HOCKEY BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Dec. 15 at the Brewster Ice Arena, it looked like a Friday night party when John Jay treated their fans to a 5-1 second period lead. But being fashionable late actually proved the difference for the other guests on the invite list. The game winner coming with 21 seconds left in regulation, the Quakers’ six unanswered goals really burned and sent the Wolves home wagging. Nonetheless, while the opening play went back and forth, Ryan Marcus foretold what was to come six minutes into the game. He rushed the zone, circumnavigated around the goal and shot one through the crease. A lot more Marcus on the way, he put his first shot on Erin Samuelson when Brody Stogsdill found him out front. Denied for now, John Jay would obviously get their noise makers out first. Ryan Hasapis rushed across the blue line, and with the defense drawn, his cross-ice pass hit an open Brendan Asta. Left one on one with the goalie, Asta put on a little juke and found the net at 9:34. Two minutes later, Asta was at it again. This time he got the puck ahead to Colman Rice, and he beat goalie Johnny Marlatt. Down two, Greeley kept at it anyway. Stogsdill got the steal on defense, sent the puck ahead to Logan Arfin, and the onslaught gave Samuelson plenty of heat before she covered the scrum at 6:25 Still, John Jay ended up on the power play and made good. Asta shot, and Julian Pedreyra got the tip for a 3-0 lead at 3:01. Into the second, an easy win looked in order, and a power play for Greeley at 13:35, seemed no reason for concern. But Ellis Adams got the puck to Patrick Ula on the right, and he flipped it over Samuelson’s shoulder. Even so, Greeley didn’t do themselves any favors when they got hit with a major at 12:40. Holding their ground for a while, Greeley was sunk when Asta went transcontinental. A coast to coast rush, he hit Hasapis cutting across, and the chip in gave Jay a 4-1 lead at 10:22. Unfortunately, the beginning of the end was on the way. Julian Pedreyra assisted Riley McMahon at 8:52 and despite the 5-1 lead, the downhill trajectory began with a ping. Ula hit the post at 6:30 to sound the alarm, and 26 seconds later, Marcus’ shot didn’t make a sound. Silenced by the net, the three-goal difference wouldn’t last, and a basketball like fast break was next. Down the left, Marcus dropped the puck for Ula, and he hit the open man on the right. Stogsdill again, the defense was scrambled, the net was exposed, and the Quaker made the easy layup with 24 seconds left. Two goals still separating, Greeley didn’t seem to notice, and the sound of metal was no bother again. Marcus seared the crossbar at 12:40, and the third-degree burns were soon to be reserved for the net. Almost four minutes later to be exact, he kindled among the mess in front of the net and muscled the puck in at 8:44. A 5-4 game now, Marcus kept on. He got the puck ahead, but Samuelson was able to snuff out the resulting one on one at 5:38. A John Jay reprieve almost rang true, though. Rice raced down the right, and unfortunately made the wrong kind of noise too. He hit the post at 5:25 and essentially the bell had tolled. Marcus would cruise the right and beat Samuelson for the tie at 3:59. Even so, the John Jay goalie was there with another mess around her at the one-minute mark, but Greeley had been at the well too often. Ula shot and Max Schlanger got the tip in with 21 seconds left and the empty netter solidified the heartbreaking John Jay defeat. Brendan Asta PHOTO: RICH MONETTI HOCKEY Wolves lose four goal lead against Greeley
DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 SPORTS THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 23 BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Nov. 24, The John Jay alumni lacrosse game was back after a 15 year absence. At Contest Field, the intent of the match up is to bridge the gap between the youth program, the varsity program and the alums. “We’re trying to keep the legacy and heritage alive all the way down to the youngest players,” said Matt McMahon of John Jay Youth Lacrosse. The main reason the event was held right after the youth clinic, there was actually a lot more at stake. “I’m going to try not to get hurt,” Mark Gillen voiced the inescapable concern. In this, his game plan carefully took into account the 33 years that have passed since he last played. “I’m just going to plant myself right in the crease,” the 1990 grad explained without shame. In full compliance as a younger alum, Finn O’Callaghan paid proper heed to making sure the first aid kits stayed closed. “We’re going to watch out for their knees,” the 2022 grad assured. Molly Gallagher, on the other hand, wasn’t as forgiving of all the old fellas. “I played last year. They don’t have a lot of mobility,” the John Jay goalie deadpanned with good cheer. Of course, there’s more to slinging the rock than just youth, agility and peak conditioning, according to Vince Foti. “I’m still going right at these guys. I’ll show them what manhood does to your game,” the 2015 grad playfully faked bravado. Not even trying, Scott Vaccaro freely conceded the limitations of his age. “I’m just going to find someone slower than me to cover,” joked the 1996 grad. Maybe not so funny for his daughter, who didn’t try to hide how much embarrassment she’d endure with him on the field. “A lot,” Layla Vaccaro said. Obviously kidding, the school age kid was proud and confident that dad would still measure up. “I think he’ll do good,” said the young lacrosse player. Scott also had the backing of his wife - however tenuous. “I’m scared, but I believe in him,” said Megan Vaccaro. “He’s got skills.” No doubt Jackson Reiger has them, he scored the first goal. Quickly finding a seat on the bench, his stamina was another matter. “It’s good to be out there with all the boys,” the 2017 grad huffed and puffed his celebration. Foti didn’t roll over either - despite an effort that took one on the chin. “I had two shots and got laid out,” the former middie stood tall. Dan Rosell remained upright too. “I feel like I never left,” he drenched himself in sarcasm. In step, his wife doled an equal dose. “He’s kicking butt,” she held back her smile. Dan’s daughter did not dance around the truth, though. “He’s hilarious,” Nina Rosell assured. So with a measured take needed, Luca Duva delivered. “They can move, I’m impressed,” the John Jay senior said. “They got stick skills too but need some oil on the gears.” All in good fun, Declan Whelan encapsulated the day’s actual sentiment for everyone. “The game brings a sense of community, and I’m proud to be here,” concluded the 2023 grad. Building bridges across generations John Jay alumni lacrosse game returns Michael Minard PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI Mike Ferrarone The 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 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
PAGE 24 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES SPORTS DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 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!* FACTORY TRAINED SERVICE TECHNICIANS WE SERVICE ALL BRANDS OF COMMERCIAL & HOMEOWNER POWER EQUIPMENT EAST ROAD MOTORS 58 CAROLAN RD. EAST CARMEL, NY 10512 www.EASTROADMOTORS.com 845-225-3503 PICK-UP AND DELIVERY AVAILABLE email: [email protected] * LEAF BLOWERS * LAWN MOWERS * STRING TRIMMERS * CHAIN SAWS * SNOWBLOWERS * GENERATORS * QUADS * SNOWMOBILES SERVICE & REPAIR BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Dec. 12, John Jay wrestling hosted Scarsdale, and first to take the mat for the Wolves was Emerson Flamm. He faced Luke Iasiello, and the Scarlett Knight muscled his way to a 10-1 lead. Then suddenly Flamm scored a reversal and two near falls to pull within one, and the subdued crowd switched gears. Iasiello did recover to a 17- 12 victory, and the rosters playing out, there wasn’t nearly as much drama the rest of the way. John Jay scored the next 24 points and won easily by a score of 58-22. First David Corrales got an easy time of it with a forfeit at 101, and not apologizing for the free fall, Isaac Sullivan went to work at 108. He shot the takedown and ran a bar to a 4-0 first period lead. Daisy Bennett did manage a reversal to start the second. But Sullivan countered with an escape, and another takedown/bar for a 9-2 lead. In command, Sullivan executed a roll in the third and scored the pin at 1:43. A 12-4 score, John Aniello opened with the takedown, was reversed and turned the tables right back for a 4-2 first period lead. He earned an escape in the second and registered a third period pin with a minute remaining. On a roll, Joe Gabriele came out steaming. The 131-pounder hit a single leg takedown and slid to a cross face cradle. Getting the near fall, Gabriele built a 5-0 lead, and in the second, he arched back and tossed Asher Millman over the top. The Scarlett Knight’s back exposed, the Wolf got the pin at 1:29. The run did end when Jack Harrison pinned Wyatt Gierer at 138, but Deven Comstock made amends for the blip. He opened with a single leg takedown and did the same to start the second. Up 4-0, he doubled up in the third period by securing two legs on the takedown and went onto a 10-2 victory by continuing to dominate on his feet. Now 28-10, Scarsdale got on the board again. Henry Sperling pinned Quincy Hadlock at 1:19 of the second, but the party obviously didn’t last. At 152, Austin Omin got the lead on a single leg takedown and when Thomas Iasiello got to his feet, Omin’s counter resulted in the rise that counted. With the oohs and aahs hitting a crescendo in the crowd, Omin lifted his opponent off the mat and took him back down to Earth. “It’s a boost of adrenaline,” he said, and moments later, Omin ended Iasiello’s night. A second period pin, and next, it was Cameron Wierl’s turn. Making it to the states last year, two losses at the tournament has left him with no ambiguity. “The goal is clear,” said the senior, “to get there and get another shot.” Onto the mat, Wierl was all business. Like he was on fire, the 170-pounder willed his way to a takedown, and in control, he manhandled from the top. He went for the turn and the match was stopped when his opponent defaulted due to injury. “It’s the sport of wrestling, people get hurt,” he said. “You can’t really control that.” Unfortunately, James Dachik was not able to follow and was pinned in the first period. But no Scarsdale run was forthcoming. Of course, by this time in most wrestling matches, attention spans start to wane - especially when the outcome is already known. “Everyone is usually like, ‘let’s just go home,’” said Craig Holm-Joergensen. The 215-pounder is never among them. “I’m always like, I’m ready and excited for my match,” he said. The dance that persisted the entire first period may not have looked that way, but Holm-Joergensen dismissed the misperception for all wrestlers at the end of the lineup. “It looks like we’re really slow and nothing is happening,” he said. “But it’s a lot of strength and pushing and pulling that kind of goes under the radar.” His third period pin at 1:03 didn’t, though, and gave way to Joe Ferrer, who also knows how later matches can get overlooked. No complaints, he understands how to bring the crowd back in. “In order to be the biggest, you have to be the hardest worker,” said the sophomore, and he made good with a first period pin. The heavyweight also didn’t make a fuss and helped his opponent off the mat in consolation. “No matter what, you always have to show kindness and be the better person,” said the wrestler. The good sportsmanship finally ushered in Max Wasserman. The 190-pounder got a takedown in the first and set up his second period pin with an overarm whip. “I reached behind, I grabbed inside his armpit and tossed it over my head,” said Wasserman. Getting in under the wire with 11.7 seconds left in the period, Wasserman’s six completed the tally and had Wierl feeling good going forward. “I’m excited about our team,” he concluded. “We have a lot of good wrestlers and young talent as we saw today.” John Jay pins Scarsdale 58-22 WRESTLING Austin Omin PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI
DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 25 The Katonah-Lewisboro Times 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 Katonah-Lewisboro Times at: Wishing Everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! Scan Me!
PAGE 26 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 LEISURE Saturday, Dec 2. will go down in the history of Harvey School athletics as the day when both the girls and boys varsity basketball teams were crowned champions of the annual Horace Mann Invitational Tournament in the Bronx. Girls Repeat as Tourney Champs For the Harvey’s girls team, the HM tournament championship was their second straight.Winning last year’s first-place trophy turned out to be a harbinger of what would come later for the girls who went on to capture the Housatonic Valley Athletic League (HVAL) title, the first time a Harvey girls team had won a league championship since 2006. In this year’s tournament championship game, the Cavaliers hoisted the trophy after cruising past Inwood Academy 66-23. Harvey jumped out to an 11-3 lead midway through the first quarter and never looked back as the combination of a strong and relentless Harvey defense, along with Inwood’s failure to make their shots when they had the opportunities, allowed the Cavs to dominate throughout the game. Harvey head coach Mike Duignan said the team’s defense was the key to their success. “We came out with the mindset of attacking on defense and that propelled our offense,” coach Duignan said. Harvey had big contributions on offense from senior captain and tournament MVP Fernanda Alexandre who had a team-high 22 points. Also coming up big on offense were senior captain McKensi Forde with 18 points and her younger sister, sophomore Peyton Forde, who chipped in with 13. Both Fordes earned All-Tournament selections. Boys Hoist a Trophy, Too Harvey’s boys basketball team made it a doubly memorable day when they followed the girls in winning the HM Tournament’s first-place trophy, but it didn’t come easy. The boys prevailed in overtime against the host Horace Mann Lions, winning 66-65. The Cavs saw their 14-point third quarter lead evaporate in the fourth quarter as the tourney host Horace Mann fought back in the final quarter to tie the game at 60-60 and force overtime. With just 3.3 seconds remaining and with the two teams tied at 65-65, senior center Olaf Gorski went to the freethrow line and sank the first of his two shots to put the Cavs up by one. After the Lions called a timeout, they took the ball out with just three seconds remaining. The Lions pushed the ball up to just beyond midcourt where their forward heaved a desperation 3-pointer with time running out. The shot missed, the buzzer sounded, and the Harvey boys were tournament champions with a heart-pounding 66-65 victory. Harvey head coach Denis Arnautovic let out a big sigh of relief when the final buzzer sounded. The coach was impressed with how well his team handled the pressure of playing in such a hardfought battle with a trophy at stake. “It was a tough game and we managed to stay under control when we needed the most,” Coach Arnautovic said. Harvey had four players score in double figures. Junior captain Jonah Kass of Katonah led with 21 points, junior Daniel Bussey had 13, sophomore Piotr Pawel Pajewski had 12, sophomore Cameron Powell-Spruils, 10, and sophomore Roger Garrós Marti chipped in eight. Bussey was named tournament MVP. Kass and Marti were selected All-Tournament. The Harvey boys, the reigning 2022-23 champions of both the HVAL and NEPSAC, will now add another first-place prize to the school’s trophy case. Article courtesy of The Harvey School. Harvey basketball teams make history 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
DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 27 Maybe this canine was chasing a squirrel, or he just wanted some quiet time, or perhaps a little attention. Or maybe Sully was paws-itively just having a ruff day. Whatever the reason he got stuck under the family home’s front porch, the Labrador needed help from emergency first-responders who are known more for rescuing felines from trees than canines from tight spaces. The Golden’s Bridge Fire Department responded to the unusual 911 emergency call late last Saturday afternoon. When they arrived at the residence on Lois Lane, they found Sully in a precarious position. “The homeowners were beyond grateful that we responded and spent as much time as needed to rescue their lab,” said Golden’s Bridge Fire Chief Albert Melillo, who added, “We assessed the situation and came up with a solution to rescue the canine without damaging the wrap-around porch.” 1st Assistant Chief James McManus, along with Golden’s Bridge firefighters Lt. Doug Orlovitz, Lt. Saurabh Mehta, Ray Baker Jr., and Hannah Weigert teamed up to free Sully by digging up a shrub and cutting a hole in a section of the wood lattice that enclosed the space under the porch. The rescue attracted quite a crowd, as curious neighbors gathered around the front of the house to see what all the fuss was about. The dog-gone truth – no one figured out how Sully got stuck under the porch in the first place. But even Sully agreed that the Golden’s Bridge firefighters who helped him out of a tight spot deserved a round of a-paws. Word is, Sully and Golden’s Bridge firefighters are now friends fur-ever. “Sully was super-excited when he was reunited with his family – jumping on his owners and our firefighters, licking faces and wagging his tail. We were glad to help,” said Fire Chief Melillo, noting that this emergency response was a refreshing change of pace. “We don’t always have to be running into a burning structure, or responding to a vehicle accident, and administering medical care to someone in distress, or removing a downed tree blocking a local road, to make a difference in the day of a community resident. Our amazing volunteer firefighters respond to all types of emergencies that make an impact in small and big ways. Keeping people safe and helping them in their time of need is a rewarding experience,” said Fire Chief Melillo, who used the emergency response as an opportunity to focus on the department’s efforts to attract new volunteers to the firefighter ranks. “If you have a passion to help others and to serve your community, training is free and provided through the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department. We’d love to have you as part of our family!” He encouraged residents to stop by the Golden’s Bridge Firehouse on any Tuesday at 7 p.m. to meet firefighters, observe them in training drills, and fill out a membership application. You can also visit www.goldensbridgefd.org to apply online. Article courtesy of Golden’s Bridge Fire Department. No ‘paws’ for concern Golden’s Bridge FD rescues furry friend Fire Lt. Saurabh Mehta, a family member, Sully with his favorite toy, firefighter Hannah Weigert, and Fire Lt. Doug Orlovitz 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
PAGE 28 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 BY CATHY DILLANE CONTRIBUTING WRITER Through the collaborative efforts of The Hopp Ground Garden Club, the Bedford Recreation & Parks Department, the Katonah Chamber of Commerce and the Katonah Village Improvement Society, the entrance to Katonah from Route 35 is now even more welcoming! Trees were trimmed, the soil was amended and several invasive plants, including Norway Maples were removed. John Goodman of the Recreation & Parks Department played a critical role in selecting appropriate plants and preparing the site. The new plantings include daffodils, ferns, boxwoods, oak hydrangeas and viburnums, providing color and interest each season. Improved signage also gives a better opportunity to share updates with the community. Casey Carter, Chair of Katonah Chamber of Commerce says “this project was important because the entrance to our business district helps to drive traffic and showcase all the events that the chamber does throughout the year. We recognized the power of our individual organizations as well as the endless possibilities of what we can do when we work together. I’m hoping that this is the beginning of great collaborations in the future.” For more information about how the Katonah Chamber of Commerce is building partnerships in the community, please visit www.katonahchamber.org. Visit https://hoppgroundgardenclub.org to find out more about The Hopp Ground Garden Club. Keeping Katonah beautiful Stephanie Crane, Elena Vassallo, Vicki Marwell, Jennifer Wege, Casey Carter and Jean Marie Gold. PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHY DILLANE BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER Inflation has seen a rise in the number of people seeking support from the Community Center of Northern Westchester. The Katonah-based organization now has over 1000 families visiting every month for food assistance. So the John Jay football team, knowing something about getting support from the community, took up the cause. “Here’s their opportunity to give back,” said Gina Douvas-Herlihy on Nov. 6 at Greenway in Cross River, and the kids were outside DeCiccio’s in Katonah as well. All told, they took in 116 bags of groceries and 12 turkeys for Thanksgiving, according to the John Jay Football mom, and like their mission on the football team, they are all about handing off to the commitment to the next generation. “We want to start a tradition, leave a legacy and raise awareness so more kids get involved,” said Douvas-Herlihy. John Jay football gives back at food drive The team took in 116 bags of groceries and 12 turkeys just in time for Thanksgiving PHOTO: RICH MONETTI Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Photos exemplary of product advertised. Limit 2. 8 free 6 oz. burgers will be sent to each shipping address that includes 74222. Standard S&H added per address. While supplies last. Items may be substituted due to inventory limitations. All products, prices, and sales are subject to Omaha Steaks, Inc. Terms of Use: OmahaSteaks.com/terms-of-useOSI. Expires 12/31/23. | 23M4858 | Omaha Steaks, Inc. Limited Time: Get 8 FREE Burgers Order Now! OmahaSteaks.com/Deluxe8222 | 1.833.613.1482 Ask for your 8 FREE burgers with off er 74222TTL Butcher’s Deluxe Package 4 Butcher’s Cut Top Sirloins (5 oz.) 4 Air-Chilled Boneless Chicken Breasts (4 oz.) 4 Boneless Pork Chops (5 oz.) 4 Individual Scalloped Potatoes (3.8 oz.) 4 Caramel Apple Tartlets (4 oz.) 1 Omaha Steaks Seasoning (3 oz.) 8 FREE PureGround™ Filet Mignon Burgers (6 oz.) 74222TTL separately $221.94 SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE $ 9999 PERFECTION IS EFFORTLESS – MAKES A – GREAT GIFT Members of the Women’s Civic Club of Katonah got into the holiday spirit at their Christmas luncheon this month, and the Katonah Thrift Shop was cheerfully adorned with festive decorations. Volunteers helped shoppers to find the perfect gifts while raising money for our community! Merry and bright! Ursula Martin, Betty Giardina, Ernie Del Negro, and Carol Sofia PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIE FILIPPO
DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 29 Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in The Katonah-Lewisboro Times Bulletin Board and reach over 3,500 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! My Community Bulletin Board BUYING ONLY 845-628-0362 WE WILL COME TO YOU! 52 YEARS! WE BUY: GOLD • STERLING SILVER • JEWELRY • COINS • PAINTINGS • BRONZES • CLOCKS • COLLECTIBLES • ANTIQUES • ETC. Items for sale? Call us! SPECIAL OFFER Waiving All Installation Costs* *Add’l terms apply. Offer subject to change and vary by dealer. Ends 12/31/23. CALL NOW 855.564.2680 YOUR BATHROOM. YOUR WAY. IN AS LITTLE AS ONE DAY BOGO 40% OFF OFFER ENDS 1/31 Available at participating locations 888-448-0421 Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Standard S&H applies. Exp. 12/31/23. | Omaha Steaks, Inc. 1.877.592.1351 ask for 74222DRF OmahaSteaks.com/Deluxe8463 Get 8 FREE Burgers Butcher’s Deluxe Package 4 Butcher’s Cut Top Sirloins (5 oz.) 4 Air-Chilled Boneless Chicken Breasts (4 oz.) 4 Boneless Pork Chops (5 oz.) 4 Individual Scalloped Potatoes (3.8 oz.) 4 Caramel Apple Tartlets (4 oz.) 1 Omaha Steaks Seasoning (3 oz.) 8 FREE PureGround™ Filet Mignon Burgers (6 oz.) 74222DRF separately $221.94 SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE $ 9999 – MAKES A – GREAT GIFT Sandy Julius 1-914-573-6090 Care for elderly and sick Caryl’s Care Services Website: carylscare.com INSURED AND BONDED Care Management/Coordinator [email protected] Switch to DISH for access to every professional football game this fall on YouTube, Prime Video, Peacock, and ESPN+ Plus, get the Multi-Sport Pack on us! Sign up for AT120+ or above and get 15 additional sports channels with the Multi-Sport Pack at no cost. DISH has the most college football with SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Pac-12, and Longhorn Networks. Switch to DISH for access to every professional football game this fall on YouTube, Prime Video, Peacock, and ESPN+ Plus, get the Multi-Sport Pack on us! Sign up for AT120+ or above and get 15 additional sports channels with the Multi-Sport Pack at no cost. DISH has the most college football with SEC, ACC, Big Ten, Pac-12, and Longhorn Networks. FOR LIMITED TIME* DON’T MISS ANY OF THE ACTION! 8,000 TOUCHDOWNS O N E P L A C E T O W AT C H ! Plus, Multi-Sport Pack Included for a Limited Time 1-866-782-4069 3-year price guarantee requires credit qualification and 2-year commitment and covers core programming, local networks, and equipment. All packages, programming, and offers are subject to change without notice. New customers only. Must subscribe to AT120+ or above or DishLATINO Max by 11/13/23. Multi-Sport Pack access ends 1/11/24. Offer subject to change without notice. Local blackouts and other restrictions apply. Streaming apps require separate subscription. *FOR QUALIFYING CUSTOMERS SWITCH TO DISH & GET UP TO A $100 GIFT CARD! $100 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 JESSICA CUNNINGHAM Real Estate Salesperson M. 914 589 3207 O. 914 232 5007 jessicacunningham.houlihanlawrence.com [email protected] 143 K ATONAH AVENUE K ATONAH, NEW YORK 10536 from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company Call to get your FREE Information Kit 1-855-225-1434 Dental50Plus.com/nypress Product not available in all states. Includes the Participating (in GA: Designated) Providers and Preventive Benefits Rider. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-800-969-4781 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN). Rider kinds: B438, B439 (GA: B439B). 6208-0721 DENTAL Insurance SAVE 10% FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS, LET’S MAKE YOUR KITCHEN MAGIC ON YOUR FULL KITCHEN REMODEL* NEW CABINETS | CABINET REFACING | COUNTERTOPS | BACKSPLASHES Discount applies to purchase of new cabinets or cabinet refacing with a countertop. Does not apply to countertop only. May not combine with other o ers or prior purchases. Nassau: H1759490000 Su olk: 16183-H NY/Rockland: 5642 OFFER EXPIRES 12/31/23 855.281.6439 | Free Quotes KITCHEN REMODELING EXPERTS EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER! Promo Code: 285 FREE GUTTER ALIGNMENT + FREE GUTTER CLEANING* CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE 1-855-478-9473 Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST CLOG-FREE GUTTERS FOREVER **Wells Fargo Home Projects credit card is issued by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., an Equal Housing Lender. Special terms for 24 mo. apply to qualifying purchases of $1,000 or more with approved credit. Minimum monthly payments will not pay off balance before end of promotional period. APR for new purchases is 28.99%. Effective - 01/01/2023 - subject to change. Call 1-800-431-5921 for complete details.2The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.” *For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. Offer valid at time of estimate only. See Representative for full warranty details. Manufactured in Plainwell, Michigan and processed at LMTMercer Group in Ohio. AR #0366920922, CA #1035795, CT #HIC.0649905, FL #CBC056678, IA #C127230, ID #RCE-51604, LA #559544, MA #176447, MD #MHIC148329, MI # 2102212986, #262000022, #262000403, #2106212946, MN #IR731804, MT #226192, ND 47304, NE #50145-22, NJ #13VH09953900, NM #408693, NV #0086990, NY #H-19114, H-52229, OR #218294, PA #PA069383, RI #GC-41354, TN #7656, UT #10783658- 5501, VA #2705169445, WA #LEAFFNW822JZ, WV #WV056912. APR FOR 24 MONTHS** SENIORS & MILITARY! YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE* 15 +10 + 0 % % % OFF OFF
PAGE 30 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES CLASSIFIEDS DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 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 For complete sale details: www.201howellave.com 800-536-1401, Ext. 111 Town of Riverhead Surplus Real Estate Auction ONLINE ONLY EVENT 60+ parcels available: Lots, Acreage, Homes, Commercial Properties 201 Howell Ave., Riverhead, NY 11901 Online auctions closing daily | www.auctionsinternational.com Property Address: ** Action Required ** To participate in this online only auction, please visit our website and complete the “Online Bidder Registration Packet”. Bidder Packet Due By: Friday, December 22ND, 2023, 4PM. Online Auction Closing Begins: Wednesday, December 27TH, 2023, 10AM Auctions_Intnl_Riverhead_2x2.crtr - Page 1 - Composite Call 877-516-1160 to schedule your free quote! FINANCING AVAILABLE WITH APPROVED CREDIT Call today and receive a FREE SHOWER PACKAGE PLUS $1600 OFF With purchase of a new Safe Step Walk-In Tub. Not applicable with any previous walk-in tub purchase. Offer available while supplies last. No cash value. Must present offer at time of purchase. CSLB 1082165 NSCB 0082999 0083445 1-855-916-5473 NEW YORK HOMEOWNERS: HELP IS AVAILABLE EVEN IF YOU COULD PAY CASH ROOFING | SIDING | WINDOWS | DOORS & MORE! Approved applications will have the work completed by a quality repair crew provided by: HOMEOWNER FUNDING. Not affiliated with State or Gov Programs. Contractor License: NY: #2719-h14 888-254-6006 or visit NYProgramFunding.net NEED HELP WITH EXPENSIVE REPAIRS? WE MATCH YOU WITH FUNDING YOU CAN AFFORD. ...but it won’t last! Enrollment is only open during a limited time. Programs, appointments, and installations are first come, first serve. ACT NOW! PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF 12/14/23 DIVORCE $389 - Uncontested divorce papers prepared. Only one signature required. Poor personApplication included if applicable. Separation agreements. Custody and support petitions. 518-274-0380 HEARING AIDS!! High-quality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-598-5898 VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Pills SPECIAL $99.00 FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW! 855-413-9574 ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 888-514- 3044 BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 866-393-3636 AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-920-9937 Do you need a Roof or Energy Efficient Windows & Help paying for it? YOU MAY QUALIFY THROUGH NEW RELIEF PROGRAMS (800) 944-9393 or visit NYProgramFunding.org to qualify. Approved applications will have the work completed by a repair crew provided by: HOMEOWNER FUNDING. Not affiliated with State or Gov Programs. DIRECTV Sports Pack – 3 Months on Us! Watch pro and college sports LIVE. Plus over 40 regional and specialty networks included. NFL, College Football, MLB, NBA, NHL, Golf and more. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918 SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277 ATTORNEY HEALTH HOME IMPROVEMENT MISCELLANEOUS TRAVEL SERVICES Promote Your Charity Send us a press release at [email protected], or give us a call at 914-302-5628. Share Your Milestones Let your neighbors know about the special moments in your life, whether it’s a birth, engagement, wedding or anniversary. Send us a photo and announcement at KLT@ halstonmedia.com or mail it to The Katonah-Lewisboro Times, 118 N. Bedford Road, Suite 100, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. There is no charge for this announcement. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you’d like your photo returned. To advertise in The Katonah-Lewisboro Times, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [email protected].
DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES – PAGE 31 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 Katonah-Lewisboro Times YES, I really enjoy The Katonah-Lewisboro Times and I’d like to continue receiving it for 3 years, along with a monetary contribution this year. (Please print legibly.) First (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required. Please print legibly.) Last (Required) City: State: ZIP: Name: Signature: Email: Snowbird Dates (if applicable): Date: Phone: Address: (Optional 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 The Somers Record Yorktown News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times Mahopac News 2 TRACKS Now that we’re close to 2024, you might be thinking about your goals and hopes for the New Year. But in addition to whatever personal resolutions you might make — volunteering, going to the gym more, learning a new language and others — why not make some financial resolutions, too? Here are a few to consider: • Boost your retirement savings. If you can afford it, try to increase your contributions to your IRA and 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. The more you put away in these accounts, the greater your chances of reaching your retirement goals. At a minimum, contribute enough to your 401(k) to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered. And whenever your salary goes up, consider raising the amount you put in to your 401(k). • Reduce your debts. It’s not always easy to reduce your debts — but it’s worth the effort. The lower your debt load, the greater your monthly cash flow. So, look for ways to consolidate debts or find other, possibly more productive, ways of using credit. And if you truly can’t afford something that’s nonessential, don’t go into debt for it. “Live within your means” is an old piece of advice, but it’s just as valid now as ever. • Build an emergency fund. If you suddenly needed a major home or car repair, or received a large medical bill not fully covered by insurance, would you have the funds available? If not, you might be forced to dip into your retirement accounts or other long-term investments. To avoid this possibility, try to build an emergency fund containing several months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account that’s separate from the ones you use to meet your daily expenses. It can take a while to build such a fund, but if you make it a priority and contribute regular amounts each month, you can make good progress. • Avoid emotional decisions. Too many people overreact to events in the financial markets because they let their emotions get the better of them. If the market is temporarily down, it doesn’t mean you need to sell investments to “cut your losses” — especially if these investments still have good fundamentals and are still appropriate for your portfolio. It can be hard to ignore market volatility, but you’ll be better off if you focus on the long term and continue following an investment strategy that’s designed to meet your needs. • Review your goals. Over time, your goals may have changed. For example, while you once might have wanted to retire early, and planned for it, you may now find that you’d like to work a few more years. If that’s the case, you may also need to adjust your financial and investment strategies. • Revisit your estate plans. If you’ve married, divorced, remarried or added children to your family within the past few years, you may need to review the account titling and beneficiary designations on your 401(k) and other retirement assets, along with your estate-planning documents, such as your will or living trust. You might also need to revise these documents in other ways. Of course, you may not be able to tackle all these resolutions at one time, but if you can work at them throughout the year, you can potentially brighten your financial outlook in 2024 — and beyond. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Financial Advisor, Judi McAnaw, a resident of Katonah. She has an office at 200 Business Park Drive, Suite 107, in Armonk. Judi can be reached at 914-669-5329. New Year’s financial resolutions JUDI MCANAW GUEST CORNER ‘It’s not always easy to reduce your debts — but it’s worth the effort.’ -Judi McAnaw Edward Jones Financial Advisor
PAGE 32 – THE KATONAH-LEWISBORO TIMES DECEMBER 21, 2023 - JANUARY 10, 2024 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!