CLASSIFIEDS 47 ELEPHANT’S TRUNK 35 LEGAL NOTICES 47 LEISURE 34 OBITUARIES 20 OPINION 10 SPORTS 28 Tuskers Make History pg 28 SOFTBALL VOL. 13 NO. 48 Visit News.HalstonMedia.com for the latest news. JUNE 6 – JUNE 19, 2024 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Somers voters have approved the school district’s $110,810,731 budget and elected two new members of the Board of Education. The spending plan was approved by a measure of 1,902 to 774 votes, according to official results. The winners in the four-way race for two trustee seats were newcomers Daryl Mundis and Margaret DiLorenzo with 1,402 and 1,315 votes respectively. Candidates Nicholas Mancini, the board’s current president, and Desiree Deems came in with 1,305 and 1,286 votes respectively. Board members serve for three years. Mundis and DiLorenzo will be sworn in at the board’s July 9 reorganizational meeting. Both Mancini’s and trustee Heidi Cambareri’s terms were up this year. Cambareri declined to seek re-election. It was Mundis’ second bid for a board spot. He and Thomasine Mastrantoni were bested by Patrick Varbero and Dominick DeMartino in 2023. The 2024-2025 spending plan was unanimously adopted by the board at its May 21 annual meeting. It represents a 4.31 percent increase over the current $106,228,824 budget. The tax levy will rise by 2.76 percent. Mundis Expressing gratitude to voters and all the people that supported him, Mundis said that all the candidates – win or lose – deserved to be thanked for running and putting their “heart and soul” into their efforts. While there may have been different approaches, all four wanted to “give back to the community and look after the best interests of our children,” he said. Mundis explored three themes during his campaign: stability, civility, and balance. “I was concerned that the board was going off in directions that I didn’t think reflected the values of the community as a whole,” he said. The vote reflected the importance of rebuilding trust between the board and the Voters approve SCSD budget DiLorenzo and Mundis elected to Board of Ed PHOTO: CAROL REIF The community gathered on May 27 for Somers’ Memorial Day observance, honoring those who gave their lives in service to our country. See more photos on page 24. Remember & Honor SEE SCSD PAGE 36 5-bedroom, 5 1/2 bathroom 4,751 sf - 2.09 acres NEW CONSTRUCTION - READY AUGUST, 2024 - Step into the future of sophisticated living in this architectural gem situated in one of Bedford’s foremost estate areas. This exquisite residence, set on a serene cul-de-sac, spans over 2.09 acres of level and beautifully landscaped grounds, featuring an approved pool site for your private oasis. Time to customize! Off ered at $2,845,000 #UGottaHaveHope HOPEMAZZOLA YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE HOPE Sales Vice President Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker cell: 914.714.0090 [emailprotected] hopemazzola.com MAZZOLA YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE HOPE 95 Katonah Ave | Katonah, NY 10536 Just Listed
PAGE 2 – THE SOMERS RECORD JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 Live Bands HAPPY CRABS PORK CHOP EXPRESS INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION Reis Park Wednesday,July 3 5PM Until Fireworks TOWN OF SOMERS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SOMERS LIONS CLUB SOMERS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Basketball Tournament Hot Dog Eating Contest Fun Activities for Kids & Adults Famous Somers Lions BBQ Reis Park Concession Stand Town Sponsored Axe Throwing Somers Volunteer Fire Department Somers Police Department Somers EMS Somers Parks and Recreation Somers Highway Department Shuttle bus between SHS and Reis Park For Somers Residents & Accompanying Guests - No Pets Allowed SPECIAL THANKS TO
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 3 BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Members of the Somers Historical Society gathered together recently to mark a year of important accomplishments, elect a new leader, officers, and trustees, look at future goals, and share good food and friendship. Chosen as the organization’s president by unanimous vote was Jonathan Benjamin, who most folks might know as the manager of Muscoot Farm, an interpretive farm museum operated by the county parks system. Handing over the reins Sunday, May 2, was Emil Antonaccio, who retired as president after a long and productive tenure. He was presented with a framed watercolor of the Wright Reis Homestead, an historic site owned by the town and interpreted by the society. Antonaccio, who is in his late 80s, said that while he found the role of president “very rewarding,” it was just getting to be too physically taxing. “I used to do a lot of hands-on things; I just can’t do them anymore,” he added. “Very excited to be a continued part of the Somers Historical Society, Benjamin said he was looking forward to working “with all of the great people who are already part of this organization.” Society volunteer vice president Grace Zimmermann is also stepping down because she and her husband, Jeff, are moving out of state. Also elected were Elsie Guyot (first vice president), Margaret Timone (second vice president), Elizabeth Royston (recording secretary), Rose Fiscella (corresponding secretary), Art Dopman (treasurer), Carol Cirieco (trustee), Mary Ann Healy (trustee), Dorian Nuccio (trustee), and Erika Panzarino (trustee). A Year in Review The society has chalked up many accomplishments over the past year. Among them were celebrating the 20th anniversary of presenting free concerts at Mt. Zion Church, receiving the 2023 Award of Excellence from the Greater Hudson Heritage Network for its mini-documentary, “Recreating a Local Landmark – The Old Bet Sculpture of Somers NY” (companion video coming soon); planning a executing the donation of the new Old Bet sculpture; donating objects from its collection to the HarleyDavidson Museum in Milwaukee, and growing its digital contributions to New York Heritage. Objects that the society is considering adding to its collection include 21 SHS yearbooks, an early photo of Somers businessman William P. Johnson, the first African American to own a HarleyDavidson dealership; and artifacts dug up during the renovation of the Old Bet monument. According to Zimmermann, it’s always looking for local photos and memorabilia. “It doesn’t have to be 100 years old. It could be 10 years ago, when your kids were growing up, or a picture of you at your high school graduation. Just a local slice of life in Somers. We really need to beef that up a little bit,” she said. Zimmermann wrapped up by thanking Antonaccio for his “unwavering support of the society and the town’s historic properties for many, many years.” Looking Ahead Antonaccio and Zimmermann’s departures will leave “very big shoes to fill,” Benjamin said. His immediate goals are to brainstorm with society volunteers on new programming and to “just really, sort of, get back to basics and figure out what we need to do with the Somers Historical Society.” Benjamin hopes to raise awareness of historical gems in Somers such as Mt. Zion Church, the Wright Reis Homestead, and The Elephant Hotel. “You know how it is when you’ve lived in an area for a long time and you come across something that you never knew was there? I think it’s time for us to continue to get more and more people into these wonderful spaces,” he said. Past, present, and future Catching up with the Somers Historical Society Margaret Timone, Mary Ann Healy, Elizabeth Royston, Art Dopman, Dorian Nuccio, Jonathan Benjamin, Arnie Guyot, Elsie Guyot, Carol Cirieco and Rose Fiscella Emil Antonaccio Luigi Badia, Jonathan Benjamin, Jeff Zimmermann, Susan Slyman, and Doris Jane Smith PHOTOS: CAROL REIF HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS, LIFE & HEALTH 914-232-7750 www.forbesinsurance.com GRAND PRIZE $30,000 in Big Bucks or 2024 Bucking Bronco Sport or 2024 Ford BM Maverick Provided by Park Ford Somers Lions Charity Raffle Winner will be drawn at Somers Independence Day Celebration Raffle Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2024 DONATION $100 PER TICKET BUY 3 TICKETS FOR $250 Scan QR code to purchase tickets online
PAGE 4 – THE SOMERS RECORD JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM Tom Walogorsky Editor: 914-302-5830 [emailprotected] ADVERTISING TEAM Paul Forhan (914) 806-3951 [emailprotected] Bruce Heller (914) 486-7608 [emailprotected] Lisa Kain (201) 317-1139 [emailprotected] Corinne Stanton (914) 760-7009 [emailprotected] Jay Gussak (914) 299-4541 [emailprotected] Pam Zacotinsky 845-661-0748 [emailprotected] PRODUCTION TEAM Tabitha Pearson Marshall Creative Director/Photographer [emailprotected] DESIGNERS Noah Elder Bri Agosta Haven Elder Jacob Elder EXECUTIVE TEAM Brett Freeman CEO & Publisher 845-208-8151 [emailprotected] Deadlines The Somers Record The deadline for advertisem*nts and editorial submissions for The Somers Record is the Thursday before the next publication date. For more information, call Tom Walogorsky at 914-302-5830 or email [emailprotected]. Subscribe To request The Somers Record weekly delivery, call 845-208-8503 or email [emailprotected]. Subscriptions are complimentary for residents and businesses in the town. Out of town mail subscriptions are $150 per year for First Class Mail. Periodicals Postage Paid at Somers, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Somers Record at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 (ISSN 2330-1597) Published Weekly by Halston Media, LLC at 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 Halston Media, LLC SOMERS Central School District Forward in Exceence SCSD uses six Elements of Excellence to guide decision-making to ensure the development of the whole child. Throughout the year, data and information about an individual element are shared with the community at Board of Education meetings. In May, the district presented an update on Community and Family Engagement. GLOBAL c i t i z e n s h i p 21ST CENTURY Knowledge & Skills Social, Emotional & PHYSICAL WELLNESS whole CHILD P R O F E S S I O N A L L E A R N I N G C O M M U N I T I E S — F I S C A L S T E W A R D S H I P — F A M L I M M O C & Y U N I T Y E N G A G E M E N T — L E A R N I N G P E R S O N A L I Z E D Scan here for full report New in the district this year – a dedicated Family Liaison who helps new families acclimate to the district and town, specifically families who speak English as a second language and students with special needs. Local volunteers and organizations supported eighth grade students in developing their Middle Years Programme community service projects. The district co-hosted an event with the town of Somers on fostering a sense of belonging. Community members brainstormed core factors of belonging and actions to ensure that everyone feels they belong in Somers. Community and Family Engagement SCSD strengthens and nurtures connections across the Somers community through engagement, constructive partnerships, and the inclusion of all voices. Photo credit: Halston Media A number of Somers students have been recognized for their academic achievements at colleges and universities across the country! Graduation James Madison University Giovanna Minuto Olivia Rossetti University of Scranton Michael McKearney Dean’s List Bucknell University Rachel Dahling James Madison University Olivia Rossetti Colin Brooks Carleigh Carbonaro Springfield College Nicholas Gorman Do you have a scholar that you would like to recognize in an upcoming issue? Let us know by emailing [emailprotected] Celebrating our scholars! Almost two years ago, Liam Ferretti made a choice about his future. Despite his age, he was decisive, committing himself to learning a skill that had the potential to be valuable and financially rewarding for years to come. The SHS senior enrolled in the Construction/Electricity program at PNW BOCES’ Career and Technical Education Center and quickly found his niche. He became a determined student, focused on a future career as an electrician. On May 28, the Somers Board of Education honored Ferretti as a PNW BOCES Student of Distinction during its meeting in the Somers Middle School auditorium. “I’m really proud that I was able to earn this award,” Ferretti said. “I’m glad that all of my teachers thought I was deserving of it.” Ferretti’s teachers raved about his effort. Larry Marino, a Construction/Electricity teacher at the Tech Center, said, “I am confident that Liam has a bright future ahead of him because of his strong work ethic, dedication, and his incredibly positive attitude. I know he will succeed in his future endeavors, and he is an ideal student to be chosen as Student of Distinction.” Ferretti named Student of Distinction Liam Ferretti with his family, PNW BOCES Assistant Superintendent Lou Riolo and Career Academy Principal Mike Sowul PHOTO COURTESY OF SCSD
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 5 Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School’s Class of 2024 has earned acceptances to over 250 colleges with over $32.9 million dollars in merit-aid awards. Among the students who received merit-awards (over 50%), the average award amount exceeded $400,000 over the course of four years. This year, seniors were accepted to the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the University of Notre Dame, Georgetown University, the University of Michigan, Cornell University, Northwestern University, and dozens of other highly selective schools. As the acceptances and merit aid awards continue to roll in, the senior class is expected to report record high achievements. The 2024 Students of Excellence were honored at the annual President’s Dinner on Thursday May 23rd at Villa Barone Hilltop Manor in Mahopac, along with Teacher of the Year Mrs. Moira Normile, and the recipients of the Divine Compassion, Sister Christopher Principal, and Lux Christi awards. Article courtesy of Kennedy Catholic. Kennedy seniors earn more than $32 million in merit-aid awards We need your support! Publishing this newspaper is a labor of love, but we need your financial support to keep it viable. Please consider sending a donation to www. halstonmedia.org/donate (case sensitive and must include the www). You can also click on this QR code to donate.
PAGE 6 – THE SOMERS RECORD JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ. Managing Member • Fluent in Italian 914.948.1500 WHITE PLAINS • SOMERS • WWW.ESSLAWFIRM.COM • Asset Protection • Elder Law • Medicaid Applications (Nursing Home/Home Care) • Guardianships (Contested/Non-Contested) • Wills, Trusts & Estates Past Chair of Elder Law Section of NYS Bar Association “Super Lawyer” In Elder Law for 16 consecutive years CALL NEW YORK’S ELDER LAW TEAM 914.948.1500 When did you last update your last will and testament and power of attorney? BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE State Sen. Pete Harckham says he would support a moratorium on battery energy storage systems (BESS) such as the one being considered by the Camel Town Board. The board is contemplating establishing a moratorium on such systems in the wake of a proposed 116-megawatt “battery farm” at 24 Miller Road in Mahopac which has prompted angry protests from both Mahopac and Somers residents who contend such lithium-ion battery systems are a danger to both humans and the environment. Harckham sent a letter to Carmel Supervisor Michael Cazzari this week declaring his “full support” for the moratorium. Town officials have said they are researching how they could enact a moratorium on a project that is already before the Planning Board seeking site plan approval. The board will hold a public hearing on the matter on June 19. Harckham said he will be introducing new state legislation to ensure proper siting and BESS safety while also guaranteeing that all local stakeholders are included in the development process. Harckham said his office has fielded numerous calls and emails over the past several weeks from constituents regarding the proposed “Union Energy Center” being developed by East Point Energy, a firm based in Charlottesville, Va., which would be built on a 94-acre parcel of land off Miller Road in Mahopac, adjacent to the Somers border. The senator said that many of the calls to his office are from Somers residents who have voiced concerns that they do not have any say in Carmel’s decision-making, thus the need for a more comprehensive approach in future energy storage system proposals. In his letter to Cazzari, Harckham applauded the Carmel Town Board for planning to hold a public hearing on a possible moratorium. In April, Harckham sent a letter to the Carmel Planning Board and asked that there be a “robust public engagement process” regarding the gridscale energy storage system project. “The Town Board has my full support in pursuing a temporary moratorium until it has had the opportunity to consider more comprehensive local regulations,” Harckham wrote in the letter dated May 28. “I appreciate and respect the independence of the town of Carmel as it relates to land use matters. The proximity of the Miller Road site to homes and properties in the adjoining municipality makes this proposed project particularly sensitive.” The energy storage system project is meant to reduce some of the strain on the regional electric grid, which would be helpful during blackouts; it would also alleviate some costs to both the electric utility and consumers. The system would be connected directly to the electricity grid in Mahopac, where it is under the auspices of NYSEG. Harckham stated that the new legislation he will be introducing will support local governments as they contend with other proposals for energy storage systems or “battery farms.” A proposed 100-megawatt battery storage facility located in Queens, slightly smaller in size to what is planned for Mahopac, would be 130,680 square feet, according to a Public Service Commission document—about three acres in size and larger than a city block in Manhattan. The new legislation, Harckham states, would “ensure sound siting, best standards for energy storage system safety and guarantee all stakeholders are heard.” An earlier bill was called back recently after new regulatory language in the 2024- 25 state budget made it unworkable. Cazzari said he welcomed the senator’s support. “It is nice to see that he is engaged,” he said. Cazzari said he was particularly concerned about a bill making its way through Albany that, if passed, would allow the state to supersede local zoning ordinances for things such as affordable housing, battery storage facilities, and solar arrays. He said he was happy to see that Harckham has withdrawn support for the measure. “The whole point is there should be home rule and it’s nice that [Harckham] is standing up for it,” he said. “[Assemblyman] Matt Slater has been supporting it all along.” Town officials hope to enact a moratorium long enough until the long-awaited master plan is in place, which would limit the size and scope of grid-scale battery facilities. But, the supervisor added, the town also needs to address things such as solar arrays before something like that comes before the Planning Board. “We need to make sure we think ahead,” Cazzari said. “Something like that could be the next thing.” Harckham throws support behind battery farm moratorium Sen. Pete Harckham FILE PHOTO
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 7 BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA STAFF WRITER Froggy’s of Somers, owned by brothers Tony and John Russo, has a revamped menu and is taking their sandwich making expertise on the road. The brothers have been feeding the Somers community from their location on Route 100 since 2006, although Froggy’s first landed in town in the 1970s. After removing pizza from the menu three years ago, they have been focusing their efforts into sandwiches; between the bread or in a bowl. “We’ve been a part of this community since around 2006, and growing this business with Somers has been incredible,” John said. “We’ve received such great support over the years, and we aim to continue being their trustworthy, reliable, and consistent spot.” Aiding the Russos in their mission to re-establish the sandwich spot is Somers native Max Germaine, who has taken over managing the location. “We re-energized this place,” Germaine said. “Every time someone comes in, I know their name, their order, and ask about their day. That’s the standard of the day here. It’s one big family; one big community. We care about our customers.” Aside from the menu being pizza free, it has had some new specialty sandwiches added on, is inclusive of different dietary needs with vegetarian options, and can serve up a favorite menu item in more than one way. “We’re feeding the community, and there’s fulfillment in that,” Tony said. “I can make one breakfast sandwich for someone and be happy knowing I fed someone that day. We’re also giving opportunities to the members of our team to grow from within.” John’s favorite new item on the menu is the Blazin Buffalo Sandwich Bowl. “It’s a sandwich but without the bread, served over a bowl of lettuce,” he said. “It’s great, especially since I’ve been watching my carbs.” The new menu has a bowl option for every sandwich. Sandwiches can also be served on specialty gluten-free cheese rolls. The new addition to the breakfast menu, the Frogito Burrito, is served on a grilled wrap filled with chorizo, three scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, hash browns, and can add avocado, sour cream, and salsa for an additional fee. They also added avocado toast to the menu. In addition to regular dining, whether it’s take out you’re enjoying at the restaurant, Froggy’s offers a separate catering menu offering sandwich boxes, wrap platters, and a variety of size options for party wedges. Catering also has the option of sides, which include chicken fingers, mac bites, curly or regular fries, and salad. Catering can be done for breakfast or lunch. Froggy’s has also leaped out into neighboring communities by jumping onto Lilly’s Pad; their new food truck that launched earlier this spring. The truck is private event based and pops up at festivals and flea markets, and has a customized menu based on where it’s destination. The truck is currently run by Jenna Wagner who managed the Pawling location for years. To book Lilly’s Pad for an event, email jenna@myfroggys. com. Striving to create memorable experiences for everyone whether at an event, at their restaurant, or catching the Lilly Pad on the go, the Russos and their team look forward to continued growth and service in the Somers community. The restaurant is open Monday-Saturday 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, visit myfroggys.com. Froggy’s Sandwiches rolls out new menu and food truck experience Froggy’s Sandwiches 253 RT-100, Somers 845-745-2402 • myfroggys.com @Froggyssandwiches Froggy’s Sandwiches @FroggysSandwiches John Russo, Max Germaine and Tony Russo PHOTO: SOPHIA CASELNOVA PHOTOS COURTESY OF FROGGY'S SANDWICHES
PAGE 8 – THE SOMERS RECORD JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 BY TOM WALOGORSKY EDITOR A Somers man is facing multiple charges after allegedly stabbing his father following an altercation last month. On Wednesday, May 22, the state police were called to a Somers home in response to a domestic incident. Following an investigation, officers determined that 19-year-old Marino DeRosa of Somers had instigated a domestic incident and stabbed the victim, who was transported to Westchester Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. DeRosa was arrested for Assault in the 2nd degree, a Class D felony, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4th degree, a Class A misdemeanor.He was arraigned before Judge Michael McDermott at Somers Town Court and remanded to the Westchester County Jail in lieu of $1,500 cash bail. 19-year-old arrested after stabbing incident BY BOB DUMAS EDITOR AT LARGE The campaign for the state’s 94th Assembly District has kicked off with Republican incumbent Matt Slater taking on Democratic challenger Zack Couzens. Slater, who served as supervisor for Yorktown from 2020 to 2020, has been endorsed by the Republican and Conservative parties. He collected more than 2,000 signatures on his petitions, which is more than four times the required amount. In 2023, Slater was named one of Albany’s 40 Under 40 and was recently featured as one of the founding members of the bipartisan Future’s Caucus, which has more than 40 legislators under the age of 45. Slater said he is leading the fight to tackle New York’s affordability crisis, improve public safety and end New York state’s sanctuary status that he believes continues to incentivize illegal immigration. Slater also rallied opposition to Gov. Hochul’s proposed housing compact and successfully prevented her effort to supersede local zoning and build high-density housing in Hudson Valley communities. “I am proud of what we’ve accomplished during my first term and honored to represent the 94thAssembly District,” Slater said. “In my first term I have stood toe to toe with Gov. Hochul to stop her Slater to take on Couzens in state assembly race Matt Slater Zack Couzens SEE ASSEMBLY PAGE 37 AS LOW AS $159/MO You thought braces were expensive? You couldn’t be further from the truth. With our pay-three-way flexible financing options, your new smile can get started with no down payment. Your first monthly payment starts your treatment. Offer applies to new patients only. Discover the braces or clear aligners plan that works for you and see exactly how much it will cost before you ever spend a penny. Offer applies to new patients only. Does NOT include Xrays or Optical Scans BRACES AND CLEAR ALIGNERS FREEEXAM & CONSULT $249 VALUE $199 DOWN $500 OFF • Top 1% Diamond Plus Clear Aligners Provider • Same Day Appointments • Braces Metal & Clear • Clear Aligners • Accepts Insurance • NO REFERRAL NECESSARY CALL TODAY 845-459-8500 PutnamOrthodontics.com SCAN HERE TO BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULT! comprehensive treatment over 18 months.
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 9 Winner will be drawn at Somers Independence Day Celebration Raffle Date: Wednesday July 3, 2024 Proceeds from the raffle will be given to local families in need, Friends of Karen, Alliance for Safe Kids (ASK), Scholarships for Somers High School Graduates and other local charities. Somers Lions CHARITY RAFFLE GRAND PRIZE $30,000 in Big Bucks or 2024 Bucking Bronco Sport or 2024 Ford BM Maverick DONATION $100 PER TICKET BUY 3 TICKETS FOR $250 Scan QR Code to purchase tickets online Provided by 2nd Prize: $2,500 • 3rd Prize: $1,000 4th Prize: $500
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 Opinion 118 N, BEDFORD ROAD, SUITE 100 MOUNT KISCO, NY 10549 ©2024 HALSTON MEDIA, LLC Letters to the editor and op-ed submissions may be edited. The views and opinions expressed in letters and op-eds are not necessarily those of The Somers Record or its affiliates. Submissions must include a phone number and address for verification. Not all letters and op-eds will necessarily be published. Letters and op-eds which cannot be verified or are anonymous will not be published. Please send your submissions to the editor by e-mail at [emailprotected]. For more information, call the editor at 914-302-5830 BRETT FREEMAN, PUBLISHER TOM WALOGORSKY , EDITOR TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Editorial Office: 914-302-5830 [emailprotected] PAGE 10 – THE SOMERS RECORD Happily Ever After “Every dog dies. Not every dog really lives.” -Possibly said by William Wallace if he had a dog There are a ton of posts memorializing dogs on social media. While I often reply with my condolences, I sometimes quickly skip over them when I want to avoid contemplating the mortality of my own pup. On May 30, my dog’s inevitable mortality caught up with him. That night, my brother Jonathan, also an animal lover, shared his spiritual reaction to my dog’s passing. We both discussed the uncomplicated relationships that we have with our furry family members and the simple symbiotic connections as evidence of some sort of spiritual reality. Our dogs don’t judge us. They don’t care about our finances or our appearances, and funny enough, I’m convinced that they probably prefer imperfect hygiene. Dogs aren’t passive-aggressive and they don’t play family politics. If a dog is jealous, he won’t beat around the bush; he’ll immediately tell you. All a dog wants is food, a game of fetch and a pat on his head and belly. The love that a dog will show you in return is immeasurable. Dogs also live in the moment. They don’t spend their time worrying about the future or obsessing about the past. While I’m convinced that they indeed have some sort of spiritual awareness of the finite nature of their lives, they surely don’t spend their time thinking about it. All of these are fantastic traits lacking in humans, but when we spend time with our dogs, they certainly teach us a lot about how to live. In short, our K-9 friends are surely a gift from God. What else could explain such a strong, natural and uncomplicated bond between species? I grew up with dogs, and in December 2016, I convinced my wife, Lauren, who only had a chinchilla growing up, that a dog would be a great addition to our family. On Dec. 22, the four of us, including our then-6-1/2-year-old daughter, Jenna, and our 3-year-old son, Jared, visited a rescue shelter in Patterson. We went seeking out a puppy that we saw posted on their website, but when we arrived, the puppy was already adopted. So, we walked through the shelter to see if there were any other matches that worked for our family. While most of the dogs were jumping up and down with excitement, almost as if they were yelling, “Pick me, pick me,” Justin had a quiet, polite and dignified demeanor. We went inside his cage to say hello and he immediately showed a calm affection. When we took him to a separate room to have more interaction with him, he apparently followed me to the door and stared at me through the window when I went to speak to the shelter staff. There was an instant bond. While Lauren hoped for a medium-sized dog, she acquiesced to Justin, who was big. But Lauren was so visibly anxious about our decision that the staff made us go home to sleep on it. Remember, his name was Justin, and our kids are Jenna and Jared, so it was serendipity. On Dec. 23 (Christmas Eve Eve), I brought Justin home after getting his check-up at the veterinarian. We took quite a leap of faith with him, as he was so emaciated that you could see his rib cage. Either he was malnourished or perhaps he was diseased - maybe cancer. In hindsight, that was a real possibility. Thank God, he quickly gained weight after several days and weeks of regular meals. Why was he malnourished? Was he abused? The shelter said he was transferred from Alabama. Was he always homeless? Did he have a family that lost him? I always wanted to know his story. Regardless, we always imagined that if he could speak English, it would have been with a southern drawl. Justin had resting-sad-face, so we also kind of imagined him as Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. The shelter claimed that he was 1 year old, but the vet said that his worn teeth indicated that he may have been a bit older. To this day, we had no clue exactly how old he was. The shelter also claimed that he was good with other animals. “Oh goodie,” we thought. “He’ll get along with our cats.” The very limited initial interactions that Justin had with our cats made us incredibly nervous, so our house became like West Germany and East Germany, with the basem*nt door serving as the Berlin Wall. Our finished basem*nt (East Germany) was relatively large with a TV, comfortable couch and a sliding glass door, which offered plenty of sunlight. In hindsight, it was an unfortunate situation, but we fell in love. Our cats had each other, and we spent plenty of time with them in front of the TV. The other complication was the fact that we had been living in a town house development, with strict rules about leashes and walking your dog. When it was empty, we would bring him to the fenced-in basketball court and play fetch, but a couple of times he busted through the flimsy gate and chased after smaller dogs. While he never bit another dog, I think we were partly responsible for his aggressive demeanor when walking him on his leash throughout our development. Justin was always friendly towards humans, but we tightened our grip on the leash anytime a dog passed him, which mistakenly reinforced his aggressive posture against his own species. Our best bet was taking him RIP, Justin Freeman Dec. 23, 2016 (Gotcha Day) - May 30, 2024 PHOTO COURTESY OF SOPHIE FREEMAN Justin Freeman BRETT FREEMAN PUBLISHER’S MEMO SEE FREEMAN PAGE 12
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 11 LOCATIONS: Baldwin Place • 44 Route 118 • (845) 628-7900 Croton Falls • 1 Center St • (914) 769-3206 Find out why Joe Ferone of Proper Service needs to be YOUR Go-To Automotive Service Center! YOUR FAMILY CAR CARE CENTER For over 100 years of combined auto experience, Joe Ferone and his sta of Proper Service have been serving the community, creating relationships and building a remarkable company with an amazing team JOE FERONE, owner of employees! STORMVILLE AIRPORT’S ULTIMATE FAMILY YARD SALE A BARGAIN HUNTER’S PARADISE Saturday, June 15, 2024 & Saturday, September 14, 2024 428 Route 216, Stormville, NY Visit www.stormvilleairportfleamarket.com 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Rain or Shine BOOTH SPACE AND TABLE RENTAL AVAILABLE Call 845-226-1660 Free Admission & Parking • Food Concessions COME SEE WHAT OVER 300 FAMILIES Have to Sell NO PETS ALLOWED Clothing • Books • Toys • Bikes • Tools • Baby Items • Household Items • Sporting Goods • Exercise Equipment And Much More Part of my services as a respected journalist is to report on experiences I think my readers might themselves enjoy, while trying not to misuse phrases like, “respected journalist.” I’ve had Portugal on my short list of vacation destinations for some time now, so maybe the list was longer than I thought. Lisbon is a great choice for any world traveler. It’s clean and safe and there’s plenty to do, see and eat. We rented an e-bike on 24- hour hire so we could spend an evening in the Alfama district, which is the soul of Lisbon. Its narrow cobblestone streets and cafes have a strictly European character. They eventually all start to look alike, but we navigated things deftly with only the use of a compass, knowledge of the movement of the stars, our raw courage and of course a Google Map GPS. I always recommend seeing a European city by bicycle, as long as you feel like you can find your way around. Once you’re on it, you don’t have to deal with fares, and you can go door-todoor without having to walk to a subway or bus station, or the site itself. All that will turn you into a stature before you see your first statue. First we visited the castle of St. George, impenetrable by any force that does not possess 15 euros. It is a formidable Moorish structure whose oldest occupancy dates back to the 2nd century. It has since been used by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Moors, Portuguese and now, tourists. Those who scoff at us for not riding a conventional bicycle have not seen the hills you have to go up to get there. If you do conquer them, the views are amazing, and you can climb up and around the parapets to see the entire city below from several vantage points. The place is also home to an ostentation of peaco*cks, which you can hear a mile away, because one sounds like a Siamese cat in heat on steroids that just lost its best friend, amplified through a public address system. We also got to meet some cute baby pea-chicks. A miradouro is a Portuguese lookout point, and there are several in the hills of Lisbon. We found the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, a scenic overlook not to be overlooked. Good views of the castle, the Tagus River and the sea of orange-tiled roofs below make it a selfie wonderland. Our dinner reservation was at a famous Fado spot in Alfama. It was worth the wait, and the passionate crooning of the various singers accompanied by the expert picking of the 10-string Portuguese guitarra, bass and guitar were melodic and easy to like. Fado (“fate”) music is a traditional genre, with serious Portuguese explorers RICK MELÉN MAN OVERBOARD SEE MELEN PAGE 13
PAGE 12 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 FREEMAN FROM PAGE 10 Justin Freeman with sister, Jenna, brother, Jared, and Mom & Dad, Lauren and Brett PHOTO COURTESY OF KEN FREEMAN HUDSON DERMATOLOGY Hudson Dermatology’s Somers office is ready to offer you the best possible care. Our board-certified dermatologists and expertly trained medical providers use state of the art treatments and the latest equipment to keep your skin healthy and looking its best. We provide important checkups for skin cancer that can catch cancerous growths early, avoiding serious problems later. We can relieve unsightly, annoying conditions like rosacea, rashes, eczema and psoriasis, and remove warts and moles. And we provide Mohs surgery to remove skin cancers with minimum visible impact. In addition, we provide a full range of cosmetic services including Botox, fillers, lasers and peels, skillfully administered to keep you looking fresh, not fake. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Harsh*tha Mannam to our Somers office. With seven offices, we’re the Hudson Valley’s largest independent dermatology practice, committed to providing you with personal, expert care in a pleasant and private setting. Please call us today or visit our website for more information. 336 U.S. Route 202 Behind Somers Pharmacy 914 617 8950 www.hudsondermatology.com Better Care for Your Skin. on a walk in the woods adjacent to our development. But nevertheless, it was not an ideal situation for him. Lucky enough, Justin got to be the newspaper office dog when we had our office in Somers before the pandemic. Believe me when I tell you that he was everyone’s favorite colleague. Justin’s preferred spot was next to Bob Dumas, our editorat-large, who would keep dog biscuits at his desk. After his passing, our ad sales colleague Paul Forhan remembered that Justin would often calm him down when he had a particularly stressful day. Fast forward 3-1/2 years, and we were able to move to a single-family home with a large yard off of a quiet side street. I know some people are critical of electric fences, but the bottom line is that the alternative (running away and getting hit by a car) is far worse. So, we installed an electric fence and Justin quickly learned his boundary. I couldn’t recommend it more, as it gave Justin a ton of freedom to roam our large yard and the boundary even extended into part of the woods. It gave us tremendous peace of mind. At our new house, my favorite activities with Justin involved being outside (even during the winter time). Justin loved playing fetch with tennis balls and had amazing mouth-eye coordination. Had we ever taken Justin to Hibachi dinner, he could have beaten anyone at the game where the chef throws vegetables in a patron’s mouth. Up until about six months ago, Justin could have played fetch for hours without a break. He would often catch the ball mid-air after taking a huge leap, as if he was a baseball player diving for the ball, with his mouth serving as a catcher’s mitt. I would often play fetch with him whenever we had a visitor. Being the proud dad I was, I wanted to show off his athletic prowess. While he was afraid of the water, Justin loved hanging out with us by our pool, and would often patrol the perimeter and bark at the swimmers, as if he was a lifeguard blowing his whistle to scold any horseplay. When I sat in the hot-tub, he would come over every few minutes to lick my bald head (Was I salty or was it affection? I think a little of both). I also loved sitting on the front porch with Justin. Late at night, often when the rest of my family was asleep, I would sit in my rocking chair, sipping a Scotch and listening to the crickets, while Justin would lie down a few feet away at the top of the stairs, often on alert as if guarding me from would-be intruders, including whatever wild animals were lurking in the woods. He wasn’t just a good boy. He was the best boy. Given that he was emaciated when we found him, Justin understandably loved food. At first, he wasn’t so discerning, as we spent hundreds of dollars at the emergency vet to force him to regurgitate the socks he swallowed. But his palate extended beyond laundry. He loved everything from peanut butter to pup cups, and he even enjoyed eating cucumbers. His favorite thing in the world was pig ears. The only thing he disliked was spinach. About 1-1/2 months ago, Justin received a clean bill of health. But a tumor on his heart went undetected, so May 20 was my last game of fetch with him. The last few months, he would play fetch for about five minutes, but he would be the one to end the game, as he was a bit more tired than usual. On the evening of May 21, he declined to eat, which led to his diagnosis - a rare heart condition where fluid was pooling around his heart. A procedure that drained the fluid gave us an additional nine days with Justin. He recovered so well (and appeared so free of symptoms) that I began to feel a bit of false hope. He woke up acting fine on May 30, but by that evening, he struggled to breathe, and he declined additional food – a tell tale sign that this was our goodbye. Our entire family is heartbroken. Justin was a loving son, brother and grand-dog, but most of all, he was a loving friend. As I said, Lauren had a chinchilla growing up and wanted a medium-size dog. But she was as broken up by his passing as me. She told me that Justin taught her that there was perfection in imperfection. Rest in peace my furry friend, until we meet again. Our love for you was uncomplicated and unlimited, and you will hold a significant place in our hearts forever.
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 13 Men’s Health Month underscores the importance of proactive health management. If you or the men in your life have been neglecting health concerns, seize this opportunity to initiate positive changes. Here are some healthy lifestyle tips: Men’s Health Matters: Taking Charge of Wellness For more health and wellness tips, scan the QR code or visit optum.com/medicalcare • Get fit: According to the CDC, adults aged 18-64 should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with muscle-strengthening exercises of all major muscle groups at least twice a week. For those 65 and older, balance-improving activities are also recommended. Before ramping up your activity level, consult your doctor for personalized advice on the best types and amounts of exercise for you. • Eat healthy: For a healthy diet, prioritize fruits and veggies, aiming to fill half your plate with them. • Have regular check-ups: These are crucial for early problem detection, as recommended by the CDC. Discuss with your doctor about necessary screenings and vaccine updates. • Seek help: Men may be less likely to seek help for mental health issues. Addressing mental health is essential for encouraging men to seek support. Coping with stress: • Prioritize self-care • Ensure sufficient sleep • Exercise regularly • Avoid tobacco and illegal substances • Maintain a balanced diet Reach out for support: • Discuss your concerns and feelings with trusted individuals. • Engage with your community or faith-based groups. • Confide in a friend, or community leader, or seek professional assistance from your doctor for additional support and resources to regain joy in life. Remember, prioritizing health isn’t just an act of self-care—it’s a gift to oneself and loved ones, ensuring a healthier and happier tomorrow. Optum Medical Care, P.C. (“Optum Medical Care”) is a physician owned and led practice having complete authority for all medical decision-making and patient care through its physicians and other licensed professionals. Optum, through its owned management organizations, provides non-clinical administrative services to support Optum Medical Care and its physicians. Neither Optum nor its management companies employs, engages, or supervises physicians or other licensed professionals, or determines or sets the methods, standards, or conduct of the practice of medicine or health care provided by Optum Medical Care or by any of its licensed professionals. “Part of Optum” reflects that Optum Medical Care is part of Optum’s effort to support forward-thinking physician practices in helping their patients live healthier lives. Optum is a registered trademark of Optum, Inc. in the U.S. and other jurisdictions. All other brand or product names are the property of their respective owners. Because we are continuously improving our products and services, Optum reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice. Optum is an equal opportunity employer. © 2024 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved. 06/24 themes of melancholy, love, the plight of the poor and the draw of the sea. I pictured myself as a Fado singer, singing sad songs lamenting the loss of the Choco Taco and the cancelling of “Blue Bloods.” I might have made a career of it if more things rhymed with “Choco Taco.” The next day we rode around the city and visited the worldfamous tile museum. My favorite exhibit was a large wraparound mural of the city made entirely of tile. It was imposing and beautiful, and showed exactly how we would get lost on the way back to our hotel. We ended up back at the waterfront area of the Tagus River to return our bikes. A ride on the Bica funicular is a colorful way to get you up into the Bairro Alto district, the heart of nightlife in Lisbon. Daylife wasn’t bad either, and we stopped for coffee at the historic Luís de Camões plaza to people-watch. It’s worth mentioning that you wouldn’t stop JUST for the coffee, which is an abstraction they don’t understand too well in Portugal, and Europe in general. I don’t know what people do to wake up in Portugal, but whatever it is does not involve a decent breakfast or coffee. If you want a perfect fried egg, you may have to wait until somebody sticks it on top of your steak for dinner. French toast, English muffins and Belgian waffles are almost unheard of in France, England and Belgium. I remember that when we ordered coffee in Greece that wasn’t espresso, we were treated to a muddy solution that looked and tasted like it came from the bottom of the crankcase of a 1968 Ford Fairlane. Anyway, back to the hotel we took the subway, which was clean and easy to navigate, and takes an ordinary credit card, a concept that deserves some credit. There was so much more to see, but we had to limit our itinerary to two days before continuing our journey. Fly on with me next time to the scenic islands of Portugal. Join Rick and No Options at Back Nine in Cortlandt, Saturday, June 22 at 9 p.m. Say hello at rlife8@ hotmail.com. MELEN FROM PAGE 11 What parents should expect of our Board of Education Dear Editor, I am certified as a New York City physics teacher.I studenttaught basic physics at Gordon High School in Yonkers.We used a physics curriculum, which was selected by teachers.They expected to teach basic physics, which the parents expected for their children. Physics students learnedthe history of physics from Newton to Edison; force and friction; energy forms; momentum and mass; gravity; sound and light; thermodynamics,: electricity; and magnetism.That’s it! With a new budget and two new Board of Education members, Somers residents expect their children will receive a strong academic education.In my opinion, an academic curriculum should teach academic subjects:reading (20%); writing including script (15%); mathematics (15%);American history (15%); citizenship education (10%); science (15%); with art, music and physical education (10%).That’s it! Unlike Andragogy (teaching of adults), where the teacher learns with the students, pedagogy is the teaching of children and is teacher- and curriculumled.Kids who have been trained on content can make wise decisions as adults.Most students don’t love geometry, but they need it to study physics.A good vocabulary is helpful in reading the introduction to their physics textbook. Some school systems teach all sorts of non-academic subjects that are best taught by andragogists, not pedagogists.These schools have awful declining proficiency in reading and math. We invite the new Somers Board of Education to look at the K-12 curriculum to ensure it is academically viable.They might consider putting summaries of all the curriculum for all subjects online for parentsto read! -Phil Merkel Lake Purdy Voters should choose Arena, Slater & Lawler this November Dear Editor, With election season rolling around, we should all take a good look at the facts before we make up our mind about who to support. In better times, it would be easy to be content with the status quo and stay home on Election Day. But these days we have serious problems, and we need serious leaders to solve them. Our State Senator, Peter Harkham, has put forth legislation to override local government control, which would pave the way for the dangerous Mahopac-Somers battery plant that will threaten the clean air and clean water we cherish. Voters should support the smart alternative —State Senate candidate Gina Arena stands with our community against this battery plant, against New York’s disastrous catch-and-release bail reforms that Harkham authored, and against one-party rule in New York State government. On a positive note, we’re blessed to have leadership from our representatives, U.S. Congressman Mike Lawler and State Assemblyman Matt Slater. They are deeply principled, they LETTERS SEE LETTERS PAGE 18
PAGE 14 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TO VISIT ONE OF OUR SHOWROOMS TODAY! Your Bath. Your Kitchen. Your Home. 49 Route 138 Somers, NY 10589 M-Fr 9:00AM-4:30PM 914-232-2020 (Across from the BJ’s Shopping Center) BESTPLG.COM $100 off $1,000 Minimum Purchase when Shipped Complete. Eligible at Yorktown and Somers showrooms only Show this Coupon to Receive Discount. One per customer Expires 7/15/24 3372 Old Crompond Road Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 M-Sat 9:00AM-5:00PM 914-736-2468 Scan Here To Sign Up (It’s FREE!) Get YOUR Town’s Local News In Your Inbox Daily As I write this, there are 159 days left until election day. Although most media will focus on a closely contested presidential election, which will be decided in a handful of battleground states, control of the Senate and the House of Representatives is up for grabs as well. It is anyone’s guess which party will control Congress. New York is not one of those presidential battleground states. However, our congressional district, according to the Cook Political Report, is one of 82 “swing” districts where either party has a reasonable chance of winning. That leaves 363 congressional districts solidly in the hands of one party or the other. In 1999, by contrast, there were 164 swing districts. Several factors conspire to dramatically increase political divide. Increasingly, the Democratic Party has become the party of the suburbs and the cities, and the Republicans have become the rural party. Political gerrymandering also plays a role in certain areas with parties attempting to consolidate power to create more safe seats. The result is more polarization as incentives to work with the other side disappear. Marjorie Taylor Green and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez come to mind. MTG and AOC respectively have no incentive to work across the aisle. In fact, the incentive structure is for them to play to the most strident elements of their respective parties. It’s good for fundraising and brand building but not for governing. As they say about congressional representatives, some of them are show horses, others are work horses. Our district, the 17th congressional district, is currently represented by Representative Mike Lawler, first elected two years ago in a photo finish. In the 36 years I have lived in the district, we have been represented by three Republicans and three Democrats. We are a deep purple district. In addition to making the congressional races competitive and interesting, it ensures that we get a representative that, if they want to get reelected, works across the aisle. In fact, in Mike Lawler’s case, his voting record indicates he crosses the aisle more than any other Republican. Rep. Lawler is a member of the Problem Solvers Caucus in Congress, which is composed of 62 members evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. They sit down together weekly to get to know each other, exchange ideas and work to find common ground. Their concept is a throwback to the old days of the friendship between Tip O’Neil and Ronald Reagan. Although they had their differences, they frequently met for a drink or dinner and showed a tremendous capacity to work together. Sadly, these days, party politics discourage developing these personal relationships. Since only 45 million people live in these purple districts, we can consider ourselves lucky. The other 295 million people live in districts which are not only uncompetitive, but they are represented by congressmen and women who have no real incentive to talk to the other side. No wonder not much gets done in Congress. Representing a district like ours provides insights about how to reach consensus on important issues in a collegial way. It’s almost like running an electoral focus group to determine where the consensus lies. We need more of that. As a country, we agree on much more than we disagree on. Forging a consensus and making progress is the problem we need to solve. The purple people may provide the solution and at least we can count on them to model good behavior. Maybe it will rub off on their colleagues. I remain optimistic. The power of purple DON SCOTT IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 15 Dad Can’t Share A New Tie! Lincolndale Wine & Liquor colndale Wine & Liquor Huge Selection of your Favorite Wines & Liquors Free Local Delivery (within 10 miles on purchases of $75 or more) 15% OFF 12 bottles of wine (Mix & match) Lincolndale Wine & Liquor Not valid with any other offers. Some exceptions apply. Exp. 7/31/24 5% OFF on all Whiskeys Lincolndale Wine & Liquor Not valid with any other offers. Some exceptions apply. Exp. 7/31/24 155 Rt 202, Village Plaza, Lincolndale (next to Sunrise Diner—across from Appliance Sales Plus) Mon-Sat 9:30A-9:30P • Sun: 12N-9P 845-475-7574 • 914-248-6000 NOW OFFERING INDEPENDENTLY OWNED and OPERATED 268 ROUTE 202 SOMERS, NY 10589 progressive-vet.com Rooted in the Community with Excellence & Love 914•248•6220 I ’ve written about Pawling in this space plenty of times before. If you haven’t actually been there, you are at least probably aware of its existence. It is a small community of about 7,000 people located in the southeastern corner of Dutchess County. That is what the population was back when I graduated high school in 1976. I had always imagined that due to the megalopolis effect (the expanding growth of urban areas), within a few decades it would grow to 20,000... maybe 30,000 people. Well, 50 years later the population of Pawling is, um, about 7,000. It was always anticipated that the stretch of Route 22, from about the state troopers’ barracks/Red Rooster area in Brewster up to Pawling (and maybe even beyond) would expand to six lanes, and just become a continuation of I-684. As a young man, I was excited about that idea. Maybe Pawling would become a thriving metropolis filled with culture, music, art and progressive ideas. I thought that if I couldn’t move to the city, maybe the city would move to me. Obviously, that never happened. And I am so glad it didn’t. I am not sure why the town never grew even just a little bit in the last four decades. I think some wanted to see it trapped in time, a relic of a bygone “Leave it to Beaver” era when women wore pearls while they vacuumed, and men wore jackets and ties to baseball games. Many of you might know of Daryl’s House. It is the club/ restaurant venue in Pawling owned by Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates fame. It serves great food and has amazing international acts that come and perform there on an almost nightly basis. It is truly a gem of mid-Hudson Valley. A couple of years ago, the club wanted to expand its outdoor seating for its gospel brunches and some other performances because they’d grown in popularity. We are talking about a few dozen extra seats, not hundreds. It went before the planning board, and the board made rumblings about how it wouldn’t approve such an expansion. (Too many people, too much noise.) But the club said, well, this is what we need to do to survive financially, so either figure out a way to make it happen or we will close down and move somewhere that is more business-friendly. I was terrified that the town planners would just double down and that would be the end of it, but fortunately, cooler heads prevailed, and the board decided this was not the hill they wanted to die on. A compromise was eventually reached. As you know, the club is still there and is thriving. So, the one thing in town that actually put Pawling on the map was saved. (When I lived in L.A., I met folks who knew of Pawling simply because of Daryl’s House even though they’d never been out of the state of California.) What seemed to escape Pawling officials at the time, is that it was more than just about the club. It was about the entire business community. Hundreds of people from all over the tri-state area would come to the club and then head out into the community and patronize other businesses while they were in town. It was a total shot in the arm for the local economy. While Daryl Hall doesn’t live in Pawling (he’s just across the border in Connecticut), over the years there have been some pretty iconic figures who have called that place home, and that eventually led to my brush with greatness. “Brush with Greatness” was My brush with greatness BOB DUMAS OUT OF MY HEAD SEE DUMAS PAGE 16
PAGE 16 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 Seasonal Plants Potted Perennials Annuals & Vegetables 10”, 12” & Larger Hanging Baskets Jonathan Green Grass Seed Pottery, Insecticide Fruit Trees & Flowering Trees 914-232-3570 194 ROUTE 100 SOMERS, NY 1.5 MILES NORTH OF RTE 35 INTERSECTION ON ROUTE 100 MON - SAT 8-5 • SUN 9-4 Large Selection of Perennials! Specializing in Complete Landscape Design & Installation Father’s Day TREE SALE Father’s Day TREE SALE HAPPY HOUR DAILY: 2 PM - 6PM •Happy Hour co*cktail Specials ~ S7 From the Daily Blackboard List • Premium Wines By The Glass - $7 Select from 10 Varietals •HALF OFF ~ Menu Appetizers Selection of 20 Items • BEER ~ Draft & Bottles - $5 * Bar seating only * Not available for take out or on holidays 914-277-7575 • ilfornosomers.com 343 US-202, SOMERS, NY 10589 ‘Wine’ not try our Happy Hour! a bit David Letterman did in which viewers would call in and recount their humorous encounters with celebrities. Pawling has some celebrities—Randy Levine, president of the NY Yankees (he would donate tickets to local fundraising raffles), Sally Jessy Raphael (the former daytime talk show host) and the famously baritone actor James Earl Jones, to name a few. But it also was the home of some iconic historical figures as well. Thomas E. Dewey lived there. (For a while, Pawling even had a museum dedicated to all things Dewey.) Quick history lesson: Dewey was a New York City district attorney who went after the mob and played a big part in tempering the Mafia’s influence (not unlike Guiliani) and he eventually became governor of New York. He twice ran unsuccessfully for president as the GOP nominee. In 1948, he lost to Democrat Harry Truman in what is widely considered to be the greatest presidential election upset in U.S. history. There is the famous picture of Truman smiling and holding up the Chicago Tribune with a front page headline that read, “Dewey Defeats Truman!”, which, of course, he did not. Back in Pawling, a Republican town to say the least, they were gearing up to throw a huge parade in honor of their native son. But it was a parade that never stepped off. Now, I wasn’t born yet when this all happened, but my dad, one of a handful of Democrats in town at the time, loved to tell the story and even years later he couldn’t recall it without a snicker and tinge of devilish glee in his voice. One of Pawling’s other great celebrities was a gentleman named Dr. Norman Vincent Peale. (You’re always famous when you get to use three names.) Peale shot to fame in the 1950s when he wrote a self-help book called “The Power of Positive Thinking.” The book came under fire from both mental health experts and theologians alike because it was filled with anecdotes from unverifiable sources. So, of course, something that sketchy instantly became a bestseller. It spent 48 weeks at No. 1 on The New York Times Bestseller List. Running on the popularity generated by the book (he wrote many more), Peale created The Foundation for Christian Living (FCL) and built a small campus in the middle of the Pawling village. They employed dozens and dozens of locals over the years. Many teens, including myself, got summer jobs there working on the maintenance crew. What exactly FCL did—other than generate revenue—was never really clear. One thing they did was take paid prayer requests. For a simple cash donation, Peale and his employees would pray for you to find solace. For example, “Dear Dr. Peale, My daughter is 17, pregnant, and addicted to cocaine. She has been arrested six times. Would you please pray for her salvation? Here are 10 bucks.” If the writer ponied up the appropriate fee, a slip of paper got passed around to the employees who could then pray for the girl’s salvation. No money? Well, no salvation. Folks could also buy one of Peale’s many books and pay a little extra to have it autographed. The thing is, the good doc didn’t actually sign the book himself. They had a machine that replicated Peale’s signature to do it. I saw it. Years later, after I took over as the managing editor of the local paper, I was invited to FCLfor some type of outdoor event they were having. They wanted the paper to cover it and I thought, “Sure, why not?” I got there and they had tents set up all around the big sprawling lawn. A woman greeted me and thanked me for coming and brought me to meet Dr. Peale. We shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. He was sitting next to a guy who looked vaguely familiar to me. “Bob, this is my friend Art Linkletter,” Dr. Peale said. Some of you may not recall Art. I was pretty young during his peak of fame. He was a huge radio and television star. He hosted “House Party” on CBS for 25 years, “People Are Funny” on NBC for 19 years and then later, and perhaps most famously, hosted the first incarnation of “Kids Say the Darndest Things.” When I met him, he was about 75 years old. My grandmother adored him. He was by far her favorite celebrity, so it was kind of cool that I was getting to meet him. I shook his hand and he affably asked, “So, how do you like living around here?” I thought that was a strange question, but I said, “It’s great... I graduated from high school here.” Art kind of eyed me up and down for a minute and then said, “Well, I see they feed you well.” As I walked away a few minutes later, I whispered to my photographer, “I think Art Linkletter just called me fat.” It kind of gnawed at me for a few days but eventually, I found the humor in it—my grandma’s favorite celebrity insulted me! I wore it on my sleeve... my red badge of courage. I once met Sammy Hagar, the former Van Halen singer, on an elevator at the MGM in Las Vegas. He was cool and affable, and we spent about 45 seconds talking about music. When he left, he gave me a pat on the shoulder. But if I had to go on Letterman and discuss my “Brush With Greatness,” I would tell the Art Linkletter story over Sammy Hagar. For some reason, it is much more fun when people are asses. Especially if your gramma has a crush on them. Bob is editor at large for Halston Media. He’s lost about 80 pounds over the past few years but there are still plenty of things you can make fun of him for. Write to him at [emailprotected]. DUMAS FROM PAGE 15
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 17 Keep It’s FREE in your mailbox! Lauren and Brett Freeman, owners of The Somers Record, on vacation in our nation’s capital with their kids. Thank you! -Brett Freeman Husband, Father, Son & Publisher Dear Somers Community, As a cherished part of our Somers family, you’ve likely enjoyed receiving The Somers Record, a symbol of our shared community spirit. Today, we extend a special invitation to become an even more integral part of this journey. Requesting your copy of The Somers Record is not just free, but a powerful step in sustaining the heart of our community. Here’s why your request matters: The U.S. Postal Service offers significant postage discounts to requester periodicals, a benefit that becomes accessible only when enough of our readers formally request to receive the newspaper. This isn’t just a formality; it’s a lifeline that allows us to direct funds where they truly matter – back into the community. Importantly, these requests are not indefinite; they expire after a few years. This means that even if you have requested The Somers Record in the past, it’s essential to renew your request to ensure continuous support for our endeavors. By requesting The Somers Record, you champion a range of voices in our towns. We’re committed to being a non-partisan platform, ensuring that all members of our community, from young families to our respected seniors, find relevance and resonance in our pages. Our focus isn’t on the divisive national issues; it’s on the stories, achievements, and challenges right here in Somers (including the hamlets of Amawalk, Baldwin Place, Granite Springs, Lincolndale, Lake Purdys and Shenorock). Furthermore, your support extends beyond just our publication. The Somers Record is a proud advocate for local non-profits and charitable causes. When you request our newspaper, you’re not only receiving a wealth of information and stories; you’re also contributing to a larger cause of community upliftment. In essence, by making a simple, cost-free request for The Somers Record, you’re doing more than just receiving a newspaper; you’re reinforcing the bonds that make Somers a wonderful place to live. You’re ensuring that we continue to serve every corner of our towns with integrity and dedication. Let’s continue to nurture this community together. Request your free copy of The Somers Record today, and consider making an optional contribution to help us keep our community informed, engaged, and united. ss eiving oro Times. nue Last (Required) 1. Clip the short form on the page 2. Fill out the information. 3. Mail it to P.O. Box 864, Mahopac, NY 10541 4. Or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com 5. Or Scan our QR Code to Subscribe. Please print your first and last names and address legibly, sign and date (all required to continue receiving your subscription to this newspaper). or visit www.halstonsubscribe.com 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 OR visit www.halstonsubscribe.com YES, I wish to receive a FREE 3-year subscription to The Somers Record YES, I really enjoy The Somers Record and I’d like to continue receiving it for 3 years, along with a monetary contribution this year. (Please print legibly.) First (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required) (Required. Please print legibly.) Last (Required) State: City: ZIP: Name: Signature: Email: Snowbird Dates (if applicable): Date: Phone: Address: (Optional) (Optional for E-News) Basic Support Full Support $100 $50 $20 other Checks payable to Halston Media LLC. Please include this form in your envelope. Please include the following additional papers as part of this subscription: North Salem News Mahopac News Yorktown News The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times The Katonah-Lewisboro times Somers students VOL. 13 NO. 27 Visit TapIntoSomers.net for the latest news. BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 23 CLASSIFIEDS 22 ELEPHANT’S TRUNK 2 LEGAL NOTICES 22 LEISURE 19 OBITUARIES 7 OPINION 8 SPORTS 16 Paramount at Somers pg 3 FALL FEST! Through the Tusker Travels program, Somers students were able to travel to several exciting destinations around the globe! These journeys included a trip to Thailand this summer, where they stayed true to their hometown roots by visiting an elephant rescue center. See page 12 to read more about their globetrotting adventures! PHOTO COURTESY OF TUSKER TRAVELS BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Somers officials last week formally backed the philosophy behind 30X30, a global movement that aims to protect 30 percent of terrestrial and marine habitat by 2030. The initiative became official policy in the U.S. in 2021. Last year, Gov. Kathy Hochul, predicting that 30X30 “will ensure we’re protecting our state for future generations,” signed legislation that sets a goal of “supporting and contributing to” national efforts to safeguard natural resources. The new state law will build on New York’s existing conservation efforts, she said. It requires the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation to develop strategies to achieve that goal while collaborating with “a broad group of stakeholders.” 30 X 30 Somers officials support conservation efforts see the world! SEE 30X30 PAGE 4 THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2023 CamScanner Requester_Postal_FLYERS_May2024.indd 4 5/1/24 3:49 PM L K for this form inside an envelope in this week’s paper!
PAGE 18 – THE SOMERS RECORD OPINION JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 www.jaiporeny.com OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER 280 ROUTE 22 | BREWSTER, NY | 845-277-3549 FATHER’S DAY BUFFET JUNE 16 • $30 • 12 - 3 PM • 4:30 - 9 PM We follow strict CDC guidelines. We pledge to keep everyone safe! •Precision Cuts • Sets • High-End Color • Highlights • Perms • Blow-Dry • Facial Waxing (914) 232-7070 Hours: Tues • Wed • Fri 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Thurs 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Sat 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Time for Summer Fun! Enjoy the Summer Season and Look your Best! Neal L Sullivan, CPA Joanne Cerbino Edy Schupp 421 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 845-628-9604 • www.callsullivan.com BUSINESS • UMBRELLA HOME • AUTO Call Us Anytime for Multiple Quotes show up in our community, and they truly listen to the voters. Gina Arena, Slater and Lawler all came out to see firsthand the proposed site of the battery plant. They did the homework and based their position on the facts, not on talking points from the industry and its activists. Mondaire Jones, Lawler’s opponent, hasn’t even weighed in on this plan, which would impact tens of thousands of residents of Putnam and Northern Westchester - that’s totally disqualifying in my eyes. Too much is at stake to stay home this November. I encourage everyone to support the common sense leadership and pragmatism of State Senate candidate Gina Arena,Assemblyman Matt Slater and Congressman Mike Lawler, so that we can send a strong message to Albany and Washington, D.C., that our votes cannot be taken for granted. -Lisa Vanga Baldwin Place In support of Mark Lieberman for the NYS Democratic Committee Dear Editor, As you may know, there is a Democratic primary coming up in June, and the main focus in Somers (and Yorktown) is the race for Westchester County District Attorney. But you may not know that there is another race on the ballot within Assembly District 94 (AD94). It’s for a representative to the NYSDC (New York State Democratic Committee). This committee is focused on addressing the top priorities of all New Yorkers, and electing candidates who will make New York stronger and move our state forward. The NYSDC has representatives from every Assembly district in New York State. AD94 is entitled to one male and one female representative from the towns of Somers and Yorktown. Mark Lieberman is running to be one of our NYSDC representatives, and I’m asking you to support him. I’ve known Mark for many years and he’s not just dependable and knowledgeable, but he’s fully dedicated to the Democratic Party and its ideals. Mark is a 26-year Yorktown resident, the co-chair of the Yorktown Democratic Committee, and a Democratic district leader. Mark is also an active member of the Westchester County Democratic Committee, and the Northern Westchester Democratic Committee. In addition, Mark attends Town Board and Planning Board meetings, so he has knowledge of local politics, local issues and the functioning of the Democratic Party. I believe that Yorktown deserves a representative who is actively involved in our community, and will fully engage in the important work of the NYSDC. Mark will attend the meetings, put in the time and effort that is needed to fully represent us, and keep us informed and heard. Join me and mark your ballot for Mark Lieberman on June 25! Or, you can vote during early voting from June 15 to June 23. -Paul Belcastro Heritage Hills LETTERS FROM PAGE 13 Being raised in an Italian Catholic family in Providence, RI, Sundays were sacrosanct. Each week we went to the 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. Mass. The 9 was the kid’s Mass, which was not my parents’ favorite with all the screaming babies. After the service was over, it was off to the bakery to buy pizza strips, some hot out-of-the-oven Italian bread, and pastry for dessert after our Sunday meal. The pizza strips are not what you would think of today. They were about 4 inches wide and 10 inches long, covered with gravy (same as red spaghetti sauce), no cheese on top and eaten cold. Hard to believe, but they were delicious. We were usually famished upon exiting church. One tiny “host” did not stave off those hunger pangs. We ate the pizza strips in the car, or maybe even standing on the sidewalk outside the bakery, if you just could not wait. We would then return home and Mom would turn the gravy back on to finish cooking. Sunday was always macaroni day (never called pasta back then), as were Wednesdays. We kids begged to tear off the heel of the fresh Italian bread and dunk it into the Sunday excursions MARILYN A. PELLINI MUSINGS: PAST AND PRESENT SEE PELLINI PAGE 19
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 OPINION THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 19 WE’RE NOT YOUR ORDINARY DENTISTS. Affiliate of Astoria | Bay Shore | Garden City | Hoboken | Howard Beach Huntington | Lake Success | Long Island City | Mt. Kisco | Oceanside White Plains | Yonkers | Yorktown Heights Put Your Health Where Your Mouth Is™ and book an appointment today, call 914-770-8555 For more information: CareMount Dental is now ProHealth Dental. ProHEALTH Dental proudly announces a groundbreaking affiliation with Northwell Health. Northwell is New York State’s largest health care provider, with more than 900 locations. ProHEALTH Dental has a network of 16 state-of-the-art dental offices throughout the NY Metro Area. Together, we will treat patients holistically, focusing on how oral health improves overall health. phdental.com Oral Surgery General Pediatrics Orthodontics Endodontics Sleep Cosmetic Dentistry Periodontics Implants gravy as a little snack before dinner. Yum! Was that ever good. Then the family headed for the living room with the Sunday paper, while Mom continued dinner preparations. My brother and I fought over the comics, and Dad insisted we share. Without tearing the paper to pieces, I somehow got Little Orphan Annie and he got Tarzan. We read while lying on the living room carpet until at precisely 1 o’clock Mom would announce that dinner was ready, and dinner it was, served in the dining room with many courses. Wine or beer was the adult’s drink and water with a few drops of wine for us kids. We felt so grown-up drinking wine. Dessert was the fresh Italian pastry we had picked out at the bakery, with a little demitasse cup of espresso for the parents, and a tall, cold, glass of milk for my brother and me. After the table was cleared by all of us, Mom retreated to the kitchen to clean up while Dad snoozed a bit in his favorite chair. My brother then had a chance at the sports section, and I had the whole comic section to myself. Sometimes Dad’s eyes would flutter open and he would yell in to Mom, “Why don’t we take the kids for a ride when you finish up?” There was always an audible groan from the peanut gallery because we usually went to the same few places: • Purgatory Rock up on Route 146 somewhere • Stump Pond (after a fire only stumps were left in the small body of water) • The Mt. Hope Bridge These were the most boring places on earth, and I could not believe that even Mom and Dad enjoyed them. We did not get out of the car, just sat there for 20 to 30 minutes and looked. In winter we even had to keep the engine running to keep warm. It was an outing though, and special, as we never got driven anywhere as kids.If you couldn’t walk, you couldn’t go. Besides, Mom did not even know how to drive, and Dad had the car at work all day. So groans and all, we really enjoyed our Sunday excursions. The car always seems to smell like new, and the back windows rolled all the way down. It’s a wonder lots of kids were not lost out those windows. The Mt. Hope Bridge was our least favorite destination. If we went to either of the other two spots, there was a chance Dad would stop at the Milk Jug for ice cream. (Yes, it was in that shape, and it still stands, shuttered, and weather worn out on Route 146). Such a treat – a second dessert. As we drove happily home at the end of the most special day of the week— Sunday, we embraced the importance of family dinner, family time, and family fun. PELLINI FROM PAGE 18
PAGE 20 – THE SOMERS RECORD JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eileen Kuck, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, who left us on Saturday, May 4, at the remarkable age of 90. She is survived by her children, Kathleen Kuck, Jill Scariati Turen (Steve), Beth Kuck Hundgen (Kurt), Bradley Kuck (Jeanmarie) and Meg Edwards (John); Danny Scariati; her grandchildren, Stetson (Natalia) & Sage Hundgen, Lindsay Scariati, and Jonathan (Janice) & Michael Edwards and her great grandson, Brody Edwards. On November 14, 1954 Eileen married John G. Kuck at St. Joseph’s Church in Croton Falls, NY. Sadly, John passed away on April 29, 2003. Born in Manhattan on March 3, 1934, Eileen grew up with a passion for helping others. She attended Somers High School and later pursued her dream of becoming a dietitian at Canton College. Her dedication and expertise led her to a fulfilling career at Northern Westchester Hospital, where she worked for many years. After her time at the hospital, Eileen joined the family business, Whispering Pines Garden Center, where she brought joy and beauty to countless lives. Outside of work, Eileen was a social butterfly, with a wide circle of friends who adored her. She delighted in hosting gatherings and celebrations, filling the lives of those around her with laughter and love. Each year Eileen and her husband would escape to Florida during the winter months where they had a home in Manasota Key, Florida. Here they would reunite with their friends who had become like family to them. These winter months in Florida were a highlight of their year filled with special moments that forged unforgettable memories that will live on with their children and grandchildren. Eileen will be remembered, perhaps most of all, for her unwavering love and support for her family. She was loved by all because she never cast the first, the second, or even last stone upon others. She is survived by her five children, who will deeply miss her guidance and warmth. As a grandmother, she was cherished by her grandchildren, who will always treasure her kindness and wisdom. Eileen leaves behind a legacy of selflessness and devotion. As a mother to five children and a grandmother to her beloved grandkids, she spent her days putting the needs of others before her own. Her commitment to her family was inspiring, and her sacrifices will never be forgotten. She was always there for her family. Her unconditional love, patience, and kindness shaped the lives of those around her, and her influence will continue to be felt for generations to come. She will be deeply missed, but her selfless spirit will live on through the countless lives she touched. Her legacy will be remembered by all who knew her. We take comfort in the memories we shared with her and the knowledge that her love and spirit will continue to inspire us. To our beloved Grandma Pink, our G-MA Softcheeks, and our Mommy - your love and light will never fade… rest in peace.. Eileen Kuck 1934-2024 OBITUARY Lucille Cleveland Lucille Cleveland, 89, of Danbury, CT died on May 19, 2024 peacefully and surrounded by family in her home at Keystone Place, Danbury, CT. Lucille was born on November 16, 1934, daughter of the late Alfred and Emily (Catanzariti) Basso. She spent her childhood growing up in the Belmont section of the Bronx and moved to Ardsley, NY where she raised her family. She later resided in Heritage Hills in Somers for many years. Lucille had a wonderful career as an administrative assistant at Southern Westchester BOCES for over 25 years. Lucille was a warm, caring, outgoing person who loved living in Heritage Hills where she participated in many of the social activities. She enjoyed playing bocce, going to the pool, music events, theater, clubs and parties. She also loved to cook and was renowned for her famous homemade pizza which she would bring to every family event. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her friends and family. She will be deeply missed. Lucille is survived by her daughter Carol Fay (husband Craig), son Peter Vaccaro (wife Maristella) and son Michael Vaccaro (wife Anne); grandchildren Stephen Schillat, Allison Corrente, Joseph Vaccaro, Julia Vaccaro, Isabella Vaccaro, Michael Vaccaro, Sergio Vaccaro; sister Josephine Crocco and brother Richard Basso. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her first husband Joseph Vaccaro and second husband Earl L. Cleveland. Lucille’s family received friends at Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah on Thursday, May 23. The Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, May 24 at St.Joseph’s RC Church in Somers. Interment was private. Joseph P. Lee Joseph P. Lee of Somers died on May 26, 2024, at the age of 97. Joseph was born in Brooklyn, NY, on December 7, 1926. Joseph was a high school physical education teacher in New York City, and he served in the Army during WWII. Joseph is survived by his wife, Rosalie (Maggiore) Lee. Friends and family called at Clark Associates Funeral Home in Katonah on Wednesday, May 29. A Mass of Christian Burial followed at Saint Joseph’s RC Church in Somers. Interment was private. Olivia Katherine Sherry Olivia Katherine Sherry of Somers passed away at in her home peacefully in her sleep Sunday, May 26, 2024. Olivia was born on April 2, 2001, in Bridgeport, CT to her loving parents Lisa & Patrick Sherry. She grew up in Somers, and graduated from Kennedy Catholic Preparatory High School in 2019. She then attended Clemson University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Middle Level Education, E.L.A. and S.S. Cum Laude in May 2023, and Master of Arts in Teaching, May of 2024. Olivia was looking forward to starting her post-graduate life and begin her dream career as an eighth-grade English teacher at Wren Middle School in Piedmont, SC. Olivia was an extraordinarily kind soul that lived her life with genuine passion and conviction, making a lasting impact at every stage throughout her 23 years. She was a natural leader that dedicated herself to a life of teaching, service and helping others. She served as Junior Chairperson for the American Heart Association, Somers Special Education Camp Counselor, CCD Teacher, Founder of the Kennedy Catholic Bell Choir, volunteered for the Appalachia Service Project, received the Community Service Achievement Award at Kennedy Catholic and was awarded the Somers Women’s Club Leadership Scholarship. At Kennedy Catholic she participated in the Drama Club, Student Council and was the manager of the Varsity Football and Lacrosse programs where the players affectionately referred to her as “Mom.” She then attended Clemson University where she was a member AXO sorority and served as a Strategic Mentor for student athletes for the Clemson Athletic Academic Services Program. Olivia loved reading, in particularhistorical fiction. She was a member of numerous book clubs and rarely seen without a book in her hand. She was a passionate sports fan - especially for football as it matched her enthusiastic personality. Clemson University was an ideal fit for her as she truly lived their “AllIn” mantra. She also enjoyed music, the arts, skiing, golf and cherished her family vacations to Ocean City, Avon by the Sea, Vermont, and our New Year’s Eve trips with the “Framily.” Above all she had a fun and vivacious personality. She combined her wonderful sense of humor, radiant smile, positive attitude, compassion, and patience to engage even the most reluctant students. She no doubt would have positively impacted hundreds of students for years to come. While Olivia’s extremely large and loving family is forever devastated by a loss of this magnitude, we hope to live our lives with greater purpose, joy and faith to honor her memory. She is survived by her parents Lisa & Patrick, her brothers Quin and Danny, her grandparents GrandChar and GrandDad Sherry, Nana and Grandpa Murphy (deceased) and her absurdly large, fun and close-knit family. To name a few…. aunts and uncles include Char & Jerry Mulholland; Jeanine Sherry & Rich Kline; Jim & Sally Sherry; Chris & Sue Sherry; Kim & Tom Sherry; Kathy & Peter Smith; OBITUARIES SEE OBITUARIES PAGE 21
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 21 Val & Dave Paul; Sean Murphy; Keith Murphy (deceased); Brennan & Katie Smith; Kiley & Graham Kelly. Cousins – Lil’ Char & Jimmy Mulholland; Rebecca, Julia & Anna Mae Sherry; Jackie, Christine & Tommy Sherry; Connor & Cole Sherry; Jake & Josh Murphy; Charlie, Brady, Tess & RJ Smith; Sadie & Maeve Kelly. She will also be missed by her dear friends from Clemson University, Kennedy Catholic, Chambers Drive and numerous childhood friends. Calling Hours will be Monday, June 10 from 4 to 8 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 95 Plum Brook Road, Somers, NY. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place Tuesday, June 11,at 10 a.m., also at St. Joseph’s Church. There will also be an area for book donations during the visitation at St. Joseph’s Church. Interment will follow at Ivandell Cemetery in Somers. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made toChildren’s Hospital of Philadelphia(The Children’s Fund)in memory of Olivia Sherry,Books for AfricaorDolly Parton’s Imagination Library. OBITUARIES FROM PAGE 20 DELMAR, NY - On the early morning of May 6, 2024, Cathy Gallagher drew her last breath. She crossed over in her apartment in Delmar, NY in the company of family and friends. Her life story is one of love and commitment to family, community, women’s rights, and equality for all. Upon arriving at the door of any of her three daughters’ homes, the scene was always the same: Smiling young faces cramming the windows only to scurry off, leaving curtains flailing as they exited their homes screaming “AMAAA!” The subject of their glee was always Cathy: doting “Ama” to eight grandchildren; Dorian, Robin, Oliver, Adrianna, Reese, Remy, Brendan and Elliot; loving mother to three beautiful daughters; Shannon, Catherine, and Marly; dedicated spouse to two lucky men; Robert Carroll and Tim Hart; devoted sister to Mary, Helen, Eeo, John B, Chip, and Charlie; and a beloved daughter of her parents Ralph and Nancy. Throughout her life Cathy facilitated joy and beauty in everything she touched. She and husband Bob bought a humble cottage on a parcel of land in Katonah. As the family grew, so did the house and the gardens. As the family grew, so did the house and the gardens surrounding it. They created a home filled with magic and love that hugged those all who walked in the front door. Bob worked at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as the Chief Armorer while Cathy tended to the house and her children. Both produced things of beauty. A lover of all things natural, Cathy could often be found walking in the Muscoot Woods, or the Bronx Botanical Gardens, or on the sandy beaches of Cape Cod where she collected shells, stones, and driftwood to decorate her home. When the children all entered school, Cathy pursued a career in nursing. Like everything else she attempted, this path was decorated with accolades. Beginning with her Associates Degree in nursing where she earned Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society – finishing first in her class, followed by a Certificate in Nurse-Midwifery where she was awarded the Certificate of Excellence and Summa Cum Laude, until she finished her studies earning a BS in Nursing, again, at the top of her class. Cathy considered natural birth and breastfeeding almost spiritual events that helped form the bond between mother and child, so midwifery was a natural fit for her. Around this time Cathy and her young family faced the loss of her husband Bob to a sudden heart attack, adding grief and the trials of being a single parent to her responsibilities. Nevertheless, she began to practice, aiming her skills at helping underserved communities. She worked at Hudson Valley Hospital Center & the Birth Cottage Peekskill, New York; then at Hudson River Community Health, Midwifery Service, Peekskill, NY; followed by Women’s Health Associates, Midwifery Service, Danbury, CT; until she opened Journey to Birth Midwifery PLLC, a homebirth practice, with longtime friend Sue Schmidt. Always one to do what she could to make the world around her better, she marched in NYC in anti-war rallies, in Washington in the Women’s march, in Somers and Katonah for gender and racial equality and for economic and food insecurity, in White Plains for Women’s Rights rally, and this year in Albany in a Jan 6th Memorial. Not only did she march and participate in rallies, she gave of herself presenting at assemblies and serving on committees. She spoke at Columbia University about birthing alternatives, at the Hudson Valley Birth Network on the appropriate use of Cesarean Sections, and of Birthing Options at the Holistic Mom’s Network. She served on the West/Put/Rockland Lactation Consortium Advisory Board, was on the Board of Trustees for the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Westchester where she also acted as a Youth Group Volunteer & Instructor of Our Whole Lives – Human Sexuality Training. She contributed to West/ Put Childbirth Education Association and as Editor of “Expectations,” the newsletter of the CEA. Cathy is survived by all her eight grandchildren, daughters Shannon, Catherine, Marly and their spouses, her siblings Mary, Eeo, John, and Charlie, and her husband Tim. But her legacy must also include the blooming of Spring flowers everywhere and in the smiles and laughter of the over one thousand children she helped bring into the world. She is to be celebrated in a private ceremony in the Albany area but there will be a larger memorial near her longtime home in Westchester County later in the year. If interested in making a testimonial, or reading many of these already entered, go to Caring Bridge and enter her site. In lieu of flowers, Cathy and her family have requested you make donations to Planned Parenthood or your local food pantry. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with Cathy’s Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com Catherine C. “Cathy” Gallagher 1953 - 2024 OBITUARY Now Accepting New Patients We Are In-Network With Delta Dental, United HealthCare, Cigna PPO, and We Accept Other Insurances 914.277.3518 380 Route 202 at Junction of 116 (across from Heritage Hills) PaulHarbottle.com Excellence in Dentistry In Somers Since 1990 Paul D. Harbottle, DDS VOTED TOP DENTIST 2009-2024 by his Peers as featured in Rock n’ Rescue has proudly announced their annual golf tournament to be held on Wednesday, June 12, at Richter Park Golf Course in Danbury, Connecticut. Funds raised will go towards updating a new Rock n’ Rescue facility and the expansion of the organization’s animal adoption and therapy programs. Programs are entirely funded by donations, and the organization does not receive any government subsidies. The golf tournament serves as one of Rock n’ Rescue’s primary fundraisers for all of their programs. Fees are $200 per person, or $800 per foursome. Individual golfers and twosomes will be paired into foursomes. Guests may attend the dinner for $85 per person. The tournament includes driving range, golfer swag bag, and a dinner with silent and live auction/raffle festivities for golfers and guests following the tournament. Rock n’ Rescue anticipates that more than 80 golfers will be participating. Sign up is available by visiting https://bit. ly/49LmRXK “With this event we are trying to bring more attention to the therapeutic impact rescue animals - dogs AND cats - have on their adopters,” says Juli Cialone, Co-executive Director of Rock n’ Rescue. “The number of adoptions we have done with a therapeutic impact over the last 2-3 years has skyrocketed. These adoptions are for families and individuals, from toddlers with autism to senior citizen veterans with PTSD - the need never ceases. It’s so important for the public to realize that animals can be a major part of any recovery from most physical or emotional ailments and that they bring good health to all. Enjoying the day, celebrating our message of rescuing pets to rescue people, is part of our way to spread the word!” To learn more about Rock n’ Rescue, visit https://rnrpets.org Rock N’ Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in South Salem, N.Y. They are a foster based rescue that matches adopters with their forever animals. The organization’s primary focus is to assist families looking for a pet that is not only happy and healthy, but a pet that can provide a therapeutic solution.Although they specialize in cats, they also custom search for dogs, guinea pigs and other pets for approved adopters. Live. Love. Rock. Adopt. South Salem’s Rock n’ Rescue to host charity golf tournament
PAGE 22 – THE SOMERS RECORD JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 Ever wonder how much food dye is used in those popular sports drinks? Students in AP Chemistry at Somers High School are using new, cutting-edge lab equipment, purchased through a Somers Education Foundation (SEF) grant, to find out. The students have been excited to use the recently acquired Vernier Spectro Vis Spectrophotometers to perform hands-on research. “It was easy to get the spectrophotometer going and connected to the Vernier screen,” said Julia Arbelaez. “It’s supposed to be more accurate.” Students used the spectrophotometers in a lab to study the concentration of food dyes in different sports drinks. Students brought in their favorite sports drinks in a variety of colors and then tried to determine the food dye concentration of each. Students used distilled water with food coloring mixed in to get their first set of data, then recorded data again with undiluted sports drinks. “There’s a light that travels through the liquid we put in the spectrophotometer, and it records the absorbance of the particles,” Ryleigh Laregina said. “The more particles there are, the higher the absorbance of dye there should be.” The new spectrophotometer technology works in tandem with the Vernier LabQuest3 devices, which were also bought with an SEF grant last year. Together, this technology provides faster, easier, and more accurate results However, there will still be a need for the Vernier LabQuest3 units on their own as well. “These spectrophotometers will be used in addition to the older equipment because we still want the students to understand how to do the necessary calculations for absorbance and transmittance,” Ms. Pizzuto said. “This new technology is less steps and more direct, giving students a different experience in the lab.” The spectrophotometers and Vernier LabQuest3 devices will be used in a variety of labs throughout the year in both AP Chemistry and Embedded Honors Chemistry, allowing students multiple chances to gain experience with this technology. “They can use them for any type of lab that requires them to determine a concentration based on either absorbance or transmission of light,” said Ms. Pizzuto. The new spectrophotometers were one of the grants awarded by SEF this year. SEF is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization that raises funds for student- and teacher-initiated projects that are not otherwise funded within Somers Central School District’s budget. Article courtesy of Somers Central School District. SHS students examine new chemistry tech Students have been using Vernier Spectro Vis Spectrophotometers to perform their research. AP Chem students studied the concentration of food dyes in sports drinks. We see you here. The things you love doing are more than just passions. They’re what make you “you.” This is why at The Bristal, our expert team members dedicate their time, attention, and energy to creating customized social activities that ensure each resident continues being the unique person they are. And, in the process, create the one-of-a-kind community we are, too. Schedule your visit today and see for yourself. THE BRISTAL AT ARMONK | 914.306.8580 THE BRISTAL AT WHITE PLAINS | 914.594.5787 thebristal.com Licensed by the State Department of Health. Eligible for Most Long Term Care Policies. Equal Housing Opportunity. Independent Living | Assisted Living | Memory Care
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 23 Do Not Resuscitate Orders (DNRs) are often confused with a different advance directive known as a Health Care Proxy (HCP). A HCP allows you to select someone to make health care decisions for you when you are no longer able to do so yourself. You can either give the agent you select specific written instructions as to your health care wishes and end-of-life wishes within the HCP, or you can give them to your agent verbally. The HCP is generally prepared as part of one’s estate plan by an attorney, or it is often given to a patient at the time of admission to the hospital if the patient is competent. A HCP must be signed and dated by the person making the appointment of an agent, and must be witnessed by two disinterested individuals over the age of 18. Unlike the HCP, a DNR is a medical order written by the patient’s doctor or a health care provider. It advises all health care providers that the patient does not want Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) if their breathing has stopped. Patients that sign DNRs are generally those that have chronic illnesses (for example, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder or COPD) and are prone to pneumonias and respiratory failure, thus requiring resuscitation. Additionally, a patient that signs a DNR is often one that has already experienced the need to be resuscitated and no longer wishes to be kept alive by CPR. This also often occurs when one believes they are at the end of life and have given up the will to live. The health care provider/doctor will only write the do not resuscitate order after a discussion with the patient (if mentally competent). If the patient is not competent, the discussion would be held with the patient’s health care agent or the family of the patient, depending on the circ*mstance. From my own personal experience, I can assure you that the decision to sign a DNR on behalf of a loved one is daunting and traumatic. It is also important to understand that a fully executed DNR will instruct all health care providers not to (a) perform mouth to mouth resuscitation on the patient; (b) utilize electronic shock to restart the heart (a defibrillator); and (c) insert breathing tubes into the patient (use a ventilator) and offer to administer any medications to the patient that will restart breathing. The patient’s decision to sign a DNR should be made with full knowledge of one’s medical condition and of the patient’s medical diagnosis and prognosis. It is clearly a document that requires significant consideration and should be discussed with one’s family members and named agent and contingent agent in the HCP. The DNR can be printed in wallet size or can be part of a medical bracelet. It also should be prominently displayed in one’s home so that any emergency medical personnel/EMT can see it upon entering the patient’s home. In a hospital setting, the DNR will be part of the patient’s medical records. A document that works well with the DNR is a Living Will. It allows the patient to state that they do not want to be kept alive by extraordinary circ*mstances if they are brain dead or comatose with no hope of recovery. Finally, while your attorney can prepare many advanced directives for you, such as a HCP, Living Will, Power of Attorney or HIPPA form, they can not prepare a DNR for you. Anthony J. Enea is the managing attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP of White Plains, New York. He focuses his practice on Wills, Trusts, Estates and Elder Law.Anthony is the Past Chair of the Elder Law and Special Needs Section of the New York State Bar Association (NYSBA), and is the past Chair of the 50+ Section of the NYSBA.He is a Past President and Founding member of the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).Anthony is also the Immediate Past President of the Westchester County Bar Foundation and a Past President of the Westchester County Bar Association. He is also fluent in Italian. He can be reached at 914-948-1500 or at [emailprotected]. The ABCs of a DNR It is clearly a document that requires significant consideration and should be discussed with one’s family members and named agent and contingent agent in the HCP [Health Care Proxy].’ -Anthony J. Enea Managing attorney of Enea, Scanlan and Sirignano, LLP FOCUS ON ELDER LAW ANTHONY J. ENEA GUEST CORNER
PAGE 24 THE SOMERS RECORD –BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Rain may have canceled Somers’ Memorial Day parade, but it didn’t stop a large crowd from turning out to honor and mourn the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. The Somers Middle School Fife and Drum Corps played as folks gathered under cloudy skies at Ivandell Cemetery on Monday, May 27. Elsie Guyot directed the ceremony and Somers Daisy Troop 2630 led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance. Giving the invocation was Rabbi Robert Weiner while the benediction was spoken by the Rev. Mary McCarthy of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The Somers Middle School Advanced Choir sang the “National Anthem” as well as “America the Beautiful.” Town Supervisor Robert Scorrano and Assemblyman Matt Slater both addressed the crowd and remarks were also made by Kate O’Keefe, chair of the town’s Veterans Board. Quoting President Ronald Reagan, Scorrano said: “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We don’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” Members to the Middle School Drama Club took turns reading sections of a poem written by a Civil War soldier from Croton Falls upon hearing of the death of Major Edward Jones, a Somers man who was mortally wounded during the Civil War’s Battle of Cedar Creek on Oct. 19, 1864. Floral wreaths were placed in front of the town’s war memorial while Eagle Scout Matthew Hirsch, of Troop 376, played taps. Memorial Day in Somers James Burns with Elizabeth and De Wittmann Rabbi Robert Weiner performing the invocation. PHOTOS: CAROL REIF BUYING845-62WE WILL COWE BUY: Gold • Sterling SJewelry • CoinPaintings • BronClocks • CollectiAntiques • ETItems for saCome See Us At Our New Location! PUTNAM WINDOW TINT AUTO , COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL WINDOW FILM Follow us on Instagram 1065 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 • Paint protection film • Vehicle lettering • Full Service vehicle wraps • gift cards available Over 35 in Business Years 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 Walter B
– JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 PAGE 25 Marty and Annie Richardson G ONLY 8-0362 OME TO YOU! 53 YEARS! Silver ns nzes bles C. le? Call us! Elder Law & Estate Planning Wills, Trusts & Estates Small Business • Real Estate Matrimonial • Criminal Personal Injury • Commercial SOMERS • YONKERS Evening Appointments & Home Visits Tel: 914-964-6806 www.marralaw.com • [emailprotected] www.summertrailsdaycamp.com CURRENTLY HIRING STAFF! CALL FOR A TOUR! 914.245.1776 Denis and Daisy Timone with Ron Miller Brady, David Hall, and Kenneth Ferraro
PAGE 26 – THE SOMERS RECORD JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 Call for your FREE consultation today 293 Route 100 Suite 209 Somers, NY (914) 277-1111 www.BBOsmiles.com FREE ICE CREAM WITH YOUR FIRST CONSULTATION JULY IS NATIONAL ICE CREAM MONTH AND TO CELEBRATE WE ARE GIVING ALL NEW PATIENTS A FREE KING KONE ICE CREAM VOUCHER AT YOUR FIRST VISIT YOUTH FOCUS Andrew Marzella, a Life Scout in Somers Troop 228, has been hard at work fulfilling the requirements to attain the rank of Eagle Scout. He recently completed his Eagle Scout Project at the Rhinoceros Creek Reservation in Somers. Marzella’s project consisted of clearing a large area of invasive species and building an arched bridge. The new bridge allowsvisitors easy access to newly installed park benches along the waterfront. Andrew is grateful for the support of his fellow Somers Troop 228 Scouts, the parents who lent a hand in helping to make this project possible and to all those who donated to his Eagle Scout Project. He also offered a special thanks to Mr. MacGregor and Ms. Van Wart of The Somers Land Trust. Bridging the Gap! Andrew was assisted by parents and his fellow Scouts. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LOREDANA MARZELLA Somers Troop 228’s Andrew Marzella recently completed his Eagle Scout Project. YOUTH FOCUS Is your child’s Scout Troop working on a community service project? Did their team bring home a championship? Is there a youth program you would like to recognize or an upcoming event we should know about? We want to hear from you! In this special section we aim to highlight the youth of our community, including sports, Scouting, and any other programs or events affiliated with the school district. Please send photos and story ideas to somersrecord@ halstonmedia.com. Youth Focus is proudly sponsored by our friends at Bridgham Barr Orthodontics, located at 293 Route 100 in Somers. Learn more at www.bbosmiles.com
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 27 As they count down to graduation on June 24, we get to know more about members of the Somers High School Class of 2024! Sienna DeMarinis What interests you most? What activities do you participate in, both in and outside of school? I am extremely passionate about writing and reading. I publish stories online and love to share them with my family. I also love to work out and play sports, as well as spend time with my loved ones. What is something that most people don’t know about you? I love to crochet, and I have made clothing and small gifts for myself and friends! Favorite vacation spot? Saint Malo, France What is something that motivates you? The strong women in my life. My mother, sister, and close friends are all people I strive to be like every day. They motivate me to be kinder, stronger, and more resilient. Each day I strive to be a better person for them. What is your idea of a perfect day? My perfect day begins in the summer. I would wake up to the sun shining through my window and to the quiet chirp of the summer birds. I would then go for a swim and spend most of the morning laying in the sun. I would go for a bike ride with some friends or loved ones, and a drive with the windows down and music blasting is a must. We would come home and roast some marshmallows when the sun sets, along with some night swimming. Just before bed, I would read for a bit and go to sleep, hoping to do it all again the next day. Alexandra Camardella What interests you most? What activities do you participate in, both in and outside of school? As president of Representatives Inspiring Social Equality (RISE), I have connected and facilitated relationships with various organizations, including the Holocaust and Human Rights Education Center (HHREC). Together with Sam Rosmarin, we created a project and presentation that told his family story through a second and third-generation group, GenerationsForward, consisting of children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. I choreographed a dance, Through Mania’s Eyes, to the song “You Are My Sunshine,” edited with voiceovers from Holocaust survivors in Testimony of the Human Spirit. The story emphasized Mania’s love of dance and innocence as a little girl to show her human complexities, while also separating herself from the label of Holocaust victim. Silence overtook the room as people sympathized with Mania whilst tearing up over the performance. The strongest truths are ineffable. When we have to speak about the horrors that have occurred in history, there are no words that could justify the devastation to which the victims and survivors were subjected. Dance expresses the pain and sorrow that words fail to capture. The HHREC holds a High School Human Rights Institute at Iona University to promote student awareness of human rights issues on both local and global levels. It empowers students to be Upstanders by creating and implementing action plans in their schools and communities. Participating in small-group workshops as a student facilitator allowed me to inform students about Women’s Rights in Iran as well as Domestic Violence Against Women and Girls with Disabilities in Kyrgyzstan, and how they can contribute, whether it’s by donating to organizations, contacting federal politicians, or making infographics/campaigns. Participating in this organization has aided me in developing a passion for raising awareness of human rights abuses/injustices as well as helping confront and minimize prejudice and discrimination. What do you hope to be doing in five years? What are some of your main life goals? Being a clinical psychologist for an underrepresented group, veterans, has become a passion of mine. While I may never know the trauma soldiers face(d) and/or the adversity they overcame firsthand, I believe promoting civic engagement will strengthen communities by addressing their societal needs and guiding them to find the appropriate resources needed to be successful. I’d ultimately like to be in an accelerated program where I can earn my master’s in five years or through an embedded PhD program because I am ready to start my lifetime career helping those in need. What is something that motivates you? I wouldn’t say that there is something that necessarily motivates me, but more like someone. Princess Diana once said, “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” Diana was known for her fashionable style; however, what has resonated with me the most is her charitable work. The Princess was a patron of Centrepoint (homeless charity), English National Ballet, Leprosy Mission, and National Aids Trust, and President of the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, and the Royal Marsden Hospital. Similarly, I’d like to work in a Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital as a clinical psychologist. I pride myself on networking and making relationships with every veteran I encounter. In these meaningful discussions, I like to address mental illness, an illness that not only affects millions of lives but is an illness for which I am also an advocate. Princess Diana helped me realize that being a humanitarian is how I would like to dedicate the rest of my life, and I find that there is no greater reward than to serve those who have served this country. Alexander Wissa Favorite TV show? My favorite TV show is Money Heist because I like the excitement. Favorite sports team? Liverpool FC. Favorite comfort food? Bacon egg and cheese. The perfect combination. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Both. I like to wake up early and stay out late. Celebrating SHS Seniors Download the Halston Media News App Click on this QR code. Advertise With Us The Somers Record is mailed to approximately 6,000 mailboxes on a bi-weekly basis. We offer our clients an ad design service. For more information, call Brett Freeman at 845-208-8151 or email [emailprotected].
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 Sports PAGE 28 – THE SOMERS RECORD BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER After beating Brewster and Clarkstown North in the first two rounds of the sectionals, the Tuskers bought first seeded Clarkstown South in the semis. The buyer didn’t need to beware, though, and a 6-4 victory put the glass slipper on these Somers girls. But unfortunately, the ceiling proved just a little too high on May 25 at North Rockland High School, and second place would have to do. A 5-0 loss to Harrison, the end of the run didn’t put a damper on the coach. “It’s the first time getting to the finals has been done in program history,” said Theresa Ricci. “I’m very proud of the girls.” Nonetheless, the upsets began on the heels of Katie Cole. She led the Clarkstown game off with a double, and six batters later, Somers had a 3-0 lead.Far from done, the third inning was even more damaging. Twelve batters to the plate and six runs broke the game open. Onto the top seed and Emily Boyle found herself in 3-3 pitcher’s dual in the seventh. That is until Caitlin Fitts settled the score with her first ever home run. Good for three runs, a Saturday afternoon trip over the Bear Mountain Bridge was certainly no bother. So up for more history, Somers found themselves on the wrong side of Gabriella Triano’s near miss at etching her name on forever. Three up and three down in the first, the Harrison starter duplicated the feat five more times in a row. The offense didn’t wait to get started either. Alexia Cozzali smacked a leadoff triple to deep center, and the Huskies were howling. A grounder to third was stifling, though. At least momentarily, Cozzali was thrown out at the plate. But the batted ball went off Madison Miller’s foot, and the dead ball sent everyone back. Miller going down on strikes anyway, a walk and stolen base by Barbara Coppola put two runners in scoring position, and Jordan Yomtov’s sacrifice fly knocked in the first run. A wild pitch later and Harrison had a 2-0 lead. All she needed, Triano got the next three, and this allowed Boyle to settle in. After a walk to Triano, Boyle got an infield pop up and an alert play by Victoria Morel lent a big hand. A bloop into right, the runner had to wait, and the Tusker right fielder was able to get the force at second. Certainly appreciative, out number three was all Boyle. On Madison Mazzella’s shot back to the circle, the freshman flashed glove, and the yellow blur was gone like that. A play that had the Tuskers trumpeting and seemingly ready to do damage. But Triano was tone deaf, and three batters later, Harrison had their lead off batter on. A walk to Olivia Grecco, she was erased on Miller’s grounder to short. Even so, Coppola’s slap to third kept the inning alive. On her game too, Boyle got a fly to center, and strikeout to end the threat. The top of the fourth was more of the same from Triano, and the bottom of the inning added another for Harrison. Triano led off with a double, and Ava Taddeo moved her over with a sacrifice to center.A ground out to third looked like Somers might get out of the inning. But a tough grounder down the third base line went off the glove of Kiera Griggs for an unearned run. Now 3-0 after four, Harrison came back for more in the fifth. Cozzali singled to right, and after a sacrifice bunt and a passed ball, Harrison was in business again. A walk to Coppola would then set the stage for the inning’s undoing. Coppola stole second, and Yomtov’s Tuskers end historic run in section final Katie Cole Ellie Walsh PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI SOFTBALL SEE SOFTBALL PAGE 29 Emily Boyle 66 Miller Road, Mahopac 845-628-2050 www.mavistireofmahopac.com With This Coupon • Expires 7/31/24 $10.00OFF Synthetic Oil change (MOST CARS) 25%OFF 25 % OFF STRUTS & SHOCKS With This Coupon • Expires 7/31/24 CARING FOR YOUR CAR & OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 35 YEARS! The Friendly Mavis Team
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 SPORTS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 29 A C T I V E H O M E S F O R S A L E 2 6 N O C H A N G E F R O M 2 0 2 3 S O M E R S M A R K E T U P D A T E M AY 2 0 2 4 A V E R A G E S A L E P R I C E $ 8 1 7 , 6 6 7 H O M E S S O L D 4 8 1 2 % I N C R E A S E F R O M 2 0 2 3 1 2 % I N C R E A S E F R O M 2 0 2 3 S I N G L E F A M I L Y A C T I V E H O M E S F O R S A L E 1 3 1 8 % I N C R E A S E F R O M 2 0 2 3 A V E R A G E S A L E P R I C E $ 5 5 7 , 9 9 7 H O M E S S O L D 4 5 1 5 % I N C R E A S E F R O M 2 0 2 3 5 % D E C R E A S E C O N D O M I N I U M S F R O M 2 0 2 3 Source: OKMLS, single family & condominium, active, sold & average sale price, 01/01/2024 - 05/31/2024 as compared to 01/01/2023 - 05/31/2023, Somers school district. T H I N K I N G A B O U T S E L L I N G YO U R H O M E O R C O N D O ? I T ' S T H E P E R F E C T T I M E T O B E O N T H E M A R K E T. W E H AV E L O W I N V E N T O R Y A N D M A N Y B U Y E R S . P L E A S E F E E L F R E E T O C O N TA C T M E A N Y T I M E . I ' M H E R E T O H E L P. D O N N A O ' C O N N E L L A s s o c i a t e R e a l E s t a t e B r o k e r S o m e r s B r o k e r a g e M 9 1 4 . 2 6 3 . 9 1 0 8 O 9 1 4 . 2 7 7. 8 0 4 0 Ext. 3 3 4 D o c o n n e l l @ h o u l i h a n l a w r e n c e . c o m d o n n a o c o n n e l l . h o u l i h a n l a w r e n c e . c o m BY TOM WALOGORSKY EDITOR After a phenomenal showing at the qualifying meet, three Tuskers are headed to the state championships this weekend. Continuing a standout season at last week’s qualifier, Haylie Donovan punched her ticket to states in a trio of events. She will compete in the 100M, 200M, and 400M. Donovan was also part of the 4x400 relay team alongside Keira Cleary, Chelsea Lewitt, and Isabella Milojevic that missed qualifying for states but set a new Somers High School record. Also heading to compete at Cicero North Syracuse High School will be Julia Duzynski, who qualified for the steeplechase event. A c c o m p a n y i n g Donovan and Duzynski up north will be Andrew Fasone, who showed out at the state qualifier and will compete in the 100M, 200M, and 400M. For Fasone, racing at states will be the culmination of a storied career with the Tuskers. “I am so proud of Andrew this season. Qualifying for three events for the state championships is very hard to do and he is the first male athlete from Somers to ever do so,” said Coach Mike Lacko. “I am so excited for him this upcoming weekend. We’re going to miss Andrew next year. He will be the most decorated male athlete to come out of Somers Track & Field.” Trio of Tuskers headed for states Haylie Donovan and Andrew Fasone will both compete in the 100M, 200M, and 400M. Julia Duzynski will compete in the steeplechase. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOMERS TRACK & FIELD SOFTBALL TRACK & FIELD FROM PAGE 28 Victoria Morel PHOTO: RICH MONETTI fly to shallow center started the merry-go-round. Triano allowed herself to be caught up on the third base line, and the throw coming home set in motion two rundowns. Back to second went Katherine Papa’s throw, and in return, the throw to the plate was late. The ball also got away from Papa, and two runs were in. A 5-0 lead with only six outs to go, a miracle was needed. Not in the top of the sixth, Somers saved the best for last. With one out in the seventh, Ellie Walsh singled up the middle, Fitts lined one past the shortstop and Papa slapped a single to right. The bases were loaded and seeing the Huskies congregate on the circle had Ricci verifying this team’s mantra. “They never give up, no matter what the score,” she assured. Until it’s actually over, Boyle’s pop into shallow right had Walsh tagging and out at the plate for the game. Nonetheless, Walsh still saw victory in defeat - especially in terms of all the sport and her teammates have taught her. “You’re going to fail before you succeed, so I’ve learned to bounce back and always work through,” said the senior, who will be heading to San Diego State to study biology. Still plenty of heartbeat left here in Somers, Papa is already pumped up with almost everyone returning in 2025. “We’re thinking about next year,” the junior concluded. “We’re coming back, and we’re winning.”
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 SPORTS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 30 BEAUTY IN BLOOM JUNE 26TH, 2024 3PM-7PM BOTOX $10/UNIT 1/2 SYRINGE FILLER $300 FULL SYRINGE FILLER $600 ** BY APPOINTMENT ONLY ** 4 HERITAGE HILLS 202 CENTER SOMERS, NY 10589 BY RICH MONETTI CONTRIBUTING WRITER On Friday, May 24, Somers hosted Horace Greeley in the semifinal round of the sectionals. Two versus three, the regular season 15-6 victory by the Tuskers boded well for a redo. But the Quakers did not oblige. Somers fell behind 2-0, and while keeping pace through the first half, the Tuskers never caught up in a 12-6 defeat. A tone that was set early, and not just by Connor Lummel’s two opening goals. Ryan Slomsky first stopped Mason Kelly on the rebound in front and then seconds later at point blank. Much more to come, Slomsky still wasn’t completely infallible, and Mac Sullivan was the first to make sure. He curled around his defender and shoved his way into a shot that found the net. A 2-1 game at 4:49, midfield had a dominant force too. Matt Mayfield won the draw and most of the subsequent one, any frustration on the Greeley end was turned back on Somers by the goalie. On this occasion, Cameron Violante came out of the corner of the end zone and made a perfect pass to Grayden Carr on the left of the crease. The play looked like a winner. But Slomsky had the snuff, and Coach Jordan Hirsch could only tip his cap. “Their goalie really stood on his head,” the coach had high praise. Upright, Greeley got the ball back after the teams traded turnovers and timeouts, and this time it was Jameson Blakeslee. He danced from the top, swung into space and shot over his shoulder for a 3-1 lead. A minute to go, Sullivan made the most of the waning moments. After Mayfield won the face, Sullivan’s determined charge on the left ended with an overhead projectile that closed the first period scoring at 3-2. The momentum did not carry, and Somers had Slomsky to thank. Mayfield first doing his thing, Ryan Brush was all set up on the side for the equalizer.The Somers falls to Greeley in semis James Balancia Cameron Violante Matt Mayfield PHOTOS: RICH MONETTI BOYS LACROSSE SEE LACROSSE PAGE 33
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 31 118 N. BEDFORD ROAD SUITE 100 MT. KISCO, NY 10549 • PH: 914.202.0575 2 TRACKS $60 for a 1/8 page ad to participate. 10% of all revenue earned from this section will be donated to your school's PTA as a parting gift to the organization. Ad booking deadline: JUNE 24 Ad approval deadline: JUNE 26 FOR HIGH SCHOOL GRADS, email [emailprotected] FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADS, email [emailprotected] Honor Your High School Graduate! You nurtured them for 18 years. Share your family's accomplishment in our Special High School Graduation Pullout on JULY 3RD. Let's Not Forget the 8th Graders are Movin' On Up! Moving up from middle school to high school is an achievement that also deserves recognition. Your baby is growing up! Honor them with a special message in a Middle School Graduation Section inside the regular paper JULY 3RD. In the email, send us: • A high resolution photo (original digital file is preferred over scanning) • Let us know your school district so we can publish it in the correct newspaper. • One to two sentences in a message. Include your child's first and last name in the message. End the message with who it's from. (Example: Joe Smith, We are so proud of you and all your accomplishments. We wish you the best over the next four years. Love, Mom & Dad, Grandma and Grandpa, Brother & Sister). • Our team will design the ads and send it back to the parent for their approval. For any questions, call Jay Gussak at 914-299-4541. Parents!
PAGE 32 – THE SOMERS RECORD SPORTS JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 BY WES ADAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER At this year’s forty-fifth edition of South Salem’s Memorial Day Races on May 27, two-time women’s 5K winner Clodagh McGroary of Goldens Bridge again bested the women’s field. It took Clodagh under twenty-one minutes to complete the 3.1- mile course. By comparison, eighteen-year-old Brooke Habinowski needed months, not minutes, to run her 5K. But that was as race director not racer. “I started searching for sponsors and contacted our event production company as soon as January hit,” the John Jay High School senior explained. This year was Brooke’s second year as chief organizer of all the events that take place under the South Salem Memorial Day Races umbrella. As in the past, racers could choose a five- or ten-kilometer race option, or the Challenge option of doing both. There was also a virtual option this year. Brooke estimated that about fifty volunteers help to make this event happen for roughly 300 participants. “We had about 25 volunteers on race day last year, and about another 25 volunteers who assisted during set-up and clean up.” Many of the helpers are members of the South Salem Presbyterian Church, the village’s hilltop landmark for well over two centuries. “I am very appreciative of the entire church and of all the volunteers from across South Salem and surrounding communities who aid in this large event,” said Brooke. “They are incredible!” This year, the race’s charity partner was once again the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley. A portion of proceeds goes directly to support local families who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease. With its start and finish located at the Lewisboro Library on Main Street, the races this year had to make good on their rain-orshine promise, with participants contending with wet weather and high humidity throughout the morning. Brooke took the less-than-ideal weather in stride, as did the handsome horse frisking around the perimeter of its paddock right beside the finish line. Asked if she needed to make any improvements after her rookie year as race director, Brooke said, “The organization of the front lawn of the library and the communication between volunteers is truly key and it is what I have thought about most, searching for ways to improve and optimize both.” Procuring bananas and bagels for the finish area, making sure an ADA-compliant porta-potty is on site, and organizing preand post-race hydration are just some of the other items she needed to cross off her long checklist. For the nitty-gritty requirements of registration and website support as well as marketing, finish-line setup, and the all-important bibs, medals, and timing logistics, Brooke was grateful to rely on elitefeats, a full-service event production company based in Long Island. Jen Dagan of elitefeats estimated that her company helps organize around five hundred races a year all over the east coast. Their priority is helping small races make a big impact. “We offer advice and support with ideas on keeping organizational costs down while keeping the experience high and helping charities grow!” For additional logistical assistance, Brook made contact with local law enforcement Memorial Day Races return to Westchester The 45th edition of South Salem’s Memorial Day Races were held on May 27. PHOTO: WES ADAMS THE RUNAROUND SEE RUNAROUND PAGE 33 137 Somerstown Turnpike, Katonah, NY 10536 at the intersection of Rte 100 and Rte 139 (914) 232-9619 Dine Al Fresco Outside In Our Courtyard Party Room Available For Special Occasions Open Lunch and Dinner Tuesday to Sunday Lefontanerestaurant.com
and the town council about a month before race day to ensure that the necessary road closures and police protection were in place. “In the end, this is all about our local community and banding together to commemorate the veterans who lost their lives while defending our country, so we want every runner crossing that finish line safely.” Another key task for the race director was supervising design and production of the race’s commemorative T-shirt, with the race logo on front and sponsor names and logos on back. “We are very appreciative of all that our sponsors do, so this is just one of the many ways we show our respect for them. In the end, we want to make a great shirt that runners and volunteers can wear all year round to spread our message and race name.” On both the challenging 5K and 10K courses, racers make their way around rolling country roads that offer views of frequent small hills as well as mile-long Lake Truesdale. It’s fitting that this 83-acre centerpiece to the two main events has a direct connection to the local church on which Brooke relies for support. Rev. Theodore Langdon Van Norden arrived in South Salem in 1894 to be the thirteenth minister of the South Salem Presbyterian Church. According to a local history by Priscilla Luckow, “He became a prominent South Salem farmer and citizen . . . [and] was determined to make a name for himself in the area. He promoted the beauty and history of the town while also acquiring a lot of land, including the entire north end of what became Lake Truesdale. Rev. Van Norden planned to dam the outlet from Hoyt’s Pond . . . in order to turn the small pond and surrounding swamp into a lake.” Completed in July 1908, the construction of Van Norden’s dam was a complicated project, owing to its location on an unstable surface that included an eleven-foot layer of quicksand. And just like Brooke Habinowski’s Memorial Day races, it was another important community-building South Salem project, requiring dedication, foresight, skill, and very careful planning. Contact [emailprotected] with your ideas to help us promote the local running scene. JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 SPORTS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 33 4 Woods Bridge Road, Katonah • (914) 232-3033 www.clarkassociatesfuneralhome.com • [emailprotected] 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 Come indulge in scenic Lake Mahopac • New & Pre-owned Boats • Service & Repairs • Docking & Storage • Boating Accessories 1 Marina Dr. • Mahopac, NY • 845-628-2333 57 macdonaldmarineny.net MacDonaldMarineNY LACROSSE FROM PAGE 30 Greeley stop gap had the short hopper, and Landon Pepe was put on the clock on the other end. A couple of shots going wide kept the score contained until Jack Holub teed up Lummel. Out at the 25, Holub dumped inside to Lummel, and with no one left in between, Pepe was a sitting duck at 8:43. The two goal lead regained, Greeley didn’t let up. Blakeslee sidearmed a bouncer at 6:18, and then, he defied geometry on the goal line. With no angle, the middie shot from the side and snuck the ball under the crossbar at 4:39. Still, Mayfield was there on the next two draws, and his teammates did the junior justice.First, Miguel Iglesias swung rightat 4:01, and Cameron Violante’s curl into the crease found shooting space at 3:06. Both beating Slomsky, the Quaker goalie got a reprieve at midfield when Mayfield didn’t win the draw. Pepe’s turn, the Tusker was alertly on his horse. Holub’s shot just going wide, theTusker goalie raced back for possession, and Somers went on the attack. Unfortunately, on the way upfield, the whistle gave the ball back to Greeley at 1:26, and Blakeslee took advantage by playing the long game. From the 35 yard marker, he got some space off a pick, and from 15 yards away, the middie bounced the ball past Pepe. 19.6 seconds to go and there was still more work for Pepe to do. The whistle giving the Quakers the draw yielded a big overhand windmill on the right for Lummel. Nope, Pepe snared with his catcher, but the Quakers kept coming by forcing a turnover. Holub this time, his windup on the left landed in Pepe’s catcher too, and the 7-4 score was preserved. Intermission ending, Slomsky returned Pepe’s denials in spades. On the opening possession, Iglesias got the ball into Carr, and the ensuing one on one was more like a man advantage for the goalie.Slomsky leapt for the shot, and his catcher did the rest. 90 seconds later, James Balancia was in prime position too. A lead pass ahead, he was ten yards out with a clear path, but Slomsky netted the hop at 9:52. Although, the play put Somers up a man, and Ryan Brush left his feet in hopes of knocking Slomsky off his game.Coming from the goal line, the attacker received the pass and shot a backwards falling, leaping hook shot on goal. No luck, Slomsky made the ground his friend again. He perfectly played the scoop with nine minutes to go, and inevitably, defense meant offense. Holub scored twice, and Jason Kim made it 10-4 with 52 seconds left in the third. Too big a hill to climb, Hirsch had to face the facts at the end. “We ran into a really good team,” he said. “Unfortunately, this outcome doesn’t reflect out season.” The same goes for his players. “They are great kids. They worked hard all season. I hate to see it end like this,” he sighed. Of course, the seniors had to face finality too, but the mark they made has no end, according to the coach. “This is a really special group,” Hirsch concluded. “They’ve had an incredible run in all sports. They’ve proved a lot here. The type of people they are and what they can do.” RUNAROUND FROM PAGE 32 Brooke Habinowski (right) with her mom, Rebekah, taking a quick break at this year’s race.
PAGE 34 – THE SOMERS RECORD LEISURE JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 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. Baby’s dining accessory 4. Something free 8. Ancient Egyptian deity 10. Set-like mathematical categories 11. Top-quality 12. Expansive 13. Seizure 15. People with congenital absence of pigment 16. Gains 17. Mocked online 18. Clint’s son 21. Body part 22. Humor 23. Code number 24. Your physique 25. Family of regulator genes 26. LA football player (abbr.) 27. “The Blonde Bombshell” 34. Charity 35. Bluish greens 36. Examined closely 37. A type of equation 38. Stretched uncomfortably 39. Indian religious god 40. Clocks 41. Slowly leak through 42. Witnesses 43. Midway between south and southeast CLUES DOWN 1. Nestlings 2. Induces vomiting 3. A place to eat 4. Partner in the air 5. Offered one’s take 6. Nobel-winning French biologist 7. Farm animals 9. Prevent from growing 10. Sensationalist periodical 12. Soft-bodied beetle 14. Very fast airplane 15. Imaginative creation 17. Recipe measurement (abbr.) 19. Evoked a response 20. French river 23. Shiny yellow minerals 24. Make illegal 25. U.S. military branch 26. River in France and Belgium 27. A woman of refinement 28. Male child 29. Type of medication 30. German city 31. Animal disease 32. Mediterranean dietary staple 33. Sneak out 34. Radioactivity unit 36. Performs on stage Travel opens people up to new experiences. Among those experiences are myriad opportunities to try new foods and styles of cuisine. After all, what would a trip to Italy be without some indulgence in the various culinary specialities each part of the country is known for? But one need not stray from home to enjoy regional fare. For instance, f o o d i e s who enjoy foods typically associated with the southeastern United States can indulge that passion in the comforts of their own kitchens. This recipe for “SouthernStyle Buttermilk Fried Chicken” from AllRecipes.com is sure to satisfy anyone’s craving for southern cuisine. Serve up some southern cooking from the comforts of home Southern-Style Buttermilk Fried Chicken Makes 8 servings • 2 cups buttermilk • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard • 1 teaspoon salt • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 tablespoon baking powder • 1 tablespoon garlic powder • 1 tablespoon onion powder • 5 cups vegetable oil for frying Whisk together buttermilk, mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a bowl. Pour buttermilk marinade into a resealable plastic bag. Add chicken pieces, coat with marinade, squeeze out excess air, and seal the bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for two to eight hours. Combine flour, baking powder, garlic powder, and onion powder in another resealable plastic bag; shake to mix thoroughly. Working with one piece at a time, transfer marinated chicken to the dry ingredient bag, seal the bag, and shake well to coat. After all chicken pieces are coated, repeat the process by dipping them in buttermilk marinade and shaking in the dry coating again. Then heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Place chicken on the pan. Fry chicken in batches in hot oil, turning chicken occasionally, until golden brown and juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the meat should read at least 165 F.
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 35 The Vacation Therapists® We Plan You Relax Frank Bastone, Chief Vacation Therapist®️ [emailprotected] 845-669-6149 Our Fences Include: Chain Link Aluminum Wood Vinyl Deer Fencing Railings scrfence.com | 914-302-2552 GOOD FENCES MAKE GOOD NEIGHBORS. -Robert Frost See Our Great Selection of Styles & Colors! Material Also Available for DIY. 2013 Crompond Road Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 [emailprotected] Westchester’s Leading Fence Installer Proud To Be Locally Owned Building Superior Fences at Competitive Prices Proudly Partnered With AFA (American Fence Association) AFFORDABLE Dumpster Rentals! CIRONE CARTING 845-533-5262 Same-Day Roll-Off Container Delivery Available 10-yard • 12-yard • 15-yard 20-yard • 30-yard CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE cironeconstruction.com Play It Forward Adaptive Skate Clinic Saturday, June 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A free adaptive skate clinic, supporting the organization’s goal of empowering children, adults, and veterans with disabilities to overcome barriers through adaptive sports. Programs strive to forge an inclusive world where disabilities do not limit potential by creating a sense of inclusion and personal growth while inspiring self-discovery and community empowerment through transformative experiences. For more information, visit www.wheeling forward.org/playitforward Race Amity Day Festival Sunday, June 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. Race Amity of Northern Westchester & Putnam invites everyone to join the 7th annual Race Amity Day Festival to be held in Reis Park in Somers (rain or shine). The event will feature presentations, entertainment, information tables, and kids’ crafts. Please bring your special dish for a potluck picnic. For more information, contact[emailprotected]or Judyth Stavans at 914-588-0958. Somers Education Foundation www.sefny.org Annual Golf Outing Monday, June 10, at 12:30 p.m. The SEF’s 23rd Annual Golf Tournament will be held at the famed Anglebrook Golf Club in Somers! Funds raised will help support their mission of promoting community awareness and support for Somers schools by raising money for programs not funded by the school budget or other school groups. SEF’s objective is to support specific teacher and/or student initiatives and special projects which enrich the educational experience and achieves this mission only with the generous support from the community. To register or become a sponsor, visit www.givebutter.com/ sef2024golf 10th Annual Run for Recovery 5K Walk/Run Run 4 Recovery, Drug Crisis in Our Backyard, Search for Change and the Alliance for Safe Kids (ASK) proudly announces the kickoff of the 10th Annual Run for Recovery to celebrate National Recovery Month this September. This year’s event will support individuals on their journey toward recovery while providing a fun-filled day for all members of the community. The in-person 5K will take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at FDR State Park, with the option to participate virtually throughout the month. This year’s Run for Recovery will feature an on-site Save A Life Wellness Fair, providing attendees with access to crucial resources and information. Additionally, a virtual tool will debut on race day, connecting the public to essential resources year-round. In a unique opportunity for local businesses and groups to sponsor a meaningful initiative, the Run for Recovery invites participation and sponsorship from all sectors of the community. By joining forces, Run 4 Recovery, Drug Crisis in Our Backyard, Search for Change and the Alliance for Safe Kids (ASK), sponsors contribute to fostering community well-being and supporting individuals in need. Now is the time to come together as a community to support individuals in reclaiming their lives. You can participate in the Run for Recovery by visiting the event’s fundraising page via text at RUN4RECOVERY to 71-777 or by going to https://bit. ly/RunforRecovery to Register, Sponsor, or Donate. For further information about this event or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Philomena Rivalsi at (914) 428-5600 ext. 9226 or via email at privalsi@ searchforchange.org. A Message from The Friends of the Somers Library The Friends of the Somers Library is dedicated to supporting and enriching the Somers Library. Over the years, the library has played an essential role in the Town of Somers by providing access to knowledge, fostering literacy, and serving as a gathering place for residents of all ages.Our organization has been working to fund the library’s resources and programs. We have witnessed firsthand the positive impact that the library has on our community, and we are committed to ensuring its continued success. To that end, we are reaching out to you to request your support ELEPHANT’S TRUNK SEE TRUNK PAGE 42
PAGE 36 – THE SOMERS RECORD JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 Your One-Stop Shop for Deck Building Materials Mahopac Railroad Tie Experts in Deck Lumber 911 Route 6, Mahopac, NY • 845-628-8111 • www.decklumber.com DECKING & RAILING 17 Miller Rd. Mahopac 845-621-1222 RooneyOrtho.com Rooney Orthodontics Children & Adults BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER Sometime over the summer, the Somers Central School District’s website will migrate to Finalsite, a new web platform that will, among other things, make it more accessible and easier to use. The website’s address – www.somersschools.org – will remain the same but it will look different and have different navigation abilities, namely an internal search function that helps users quickly get to where they want to go. The smartphone version will also be more user friendly. Another interesting addition to the website will be a link, under the Board of Education heading, to its brand-new FAQs section. According to Trustee Amanda Kandel, a member of the district’s Communication Committee, the aim of the feature is to close any “feedback loopholes” that might spring from questions or concerns raised at board meetings. Rules prohibit direct dialogue between trustees and administrators and audience members. However, folks can say anything they want during the public comment period – with certain limitations. For instance, no one’s allowed to discuss or identify by name or other factors any individual teacher, staff member, administrator, or student or to make remarks that could be construed as threatening or abusive. Speakers are also urged to keep their comments to three minutes and to focus on school topics. They are also invited to submit their remarks in writing. Those needing to discuss individual personnel or students are asked to present comments or concerns to the schools superintendent during regular business hours. So, in other words, folks will eventually get the answers that they’re seeking, but information that might be relevant to other people doesn’t always get out there. As a result, some of the same things tend to keep getting raised over and over at board meetings. The FAQs should help with some of that, said BOE president Nicholas Mancini on Tuesday, May 21. “Hopefully, the goal is that we cut down on some of those repeat questions,” he explained. However, the FAQs feature is NOT to be mistaken for a “message board,” according to district spokesperson Amanda Bergen. The district will act as a content curator, of sorts. Only it will post questions (with answers) about, for instance, programs and curriculum. Not all questions/concerns will be aired or answered in the space. And subjects will be summarized in such a way that no personal details are revealed. “It’s so everyone can benefit from the answer besides the person who asked the question,” said Kandel, adding that there was no one particular thing that spurred the project and that the new feature is simply part of the district’s continuing efforts to improve communications. The Communication Committee is also putting together a trifold brochure that will detail the BOE’s role, its public comment policies, the way it operates, and offer ways that people with questions can contact the right person or office in the district’s chain of command. It will be available at meetings as an informative add-on to the board president’s standard reciting of the public comment rules. “The goal (of the handout) is to get everybody to the place they need to get their questions answered in a timely manner,” Kandel noted. As for its reinvigorated website, the district is committed to launching it this summer. “Hopefully that will go well and if there are issues or concerns, let us know so we can continue to improve upon it,” she said. Somers schools set to launch revamped website community, as well as between the board and the administration and board members themselves, Mundis said. “Everyone should have their voice heard, but we need to focus on the mission of the school district, which is education, and not the culture wars,” he added, apparently referencing the recent heated discussions about the district’s participation in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme. Calling the controversy “demoralizing” and “destructive,” Mundis opined that people should support teachers “and not attack them.” Close to three dozen IB diplomas have been issued since the IB program was initiated and grads have collected more than $2 million in scholarships, he pointed out. Participation at the high school level is optional, but the Middle Years Programme (MYP) framework at the middle school is mandatory. Mundis felt strongly that no path should be closed or options removed that enable students to “take their own journey and reach their potential.” Lastly, he said, it’s not the BOE’s job to run the schools, “but to make sure the schools are well run.” Mundis thanked the community for “overwhelmingly” passing the 2024-2025 budget. “This shows strong support for the schools and the team that’s running them,” he said. DiLorenzo Thanking Mancini and Deems for “participating in the Democratic process,” DiLorenzo said she and Mundis were “really excited to have a unified board, to be able to work together to solve problems, and to listen to the community with the goal of making our district the very best that it can be.” She also thought that “decorum” at public meetings needs to be restored. “Politics should not in in the school board,” DiLorenzo said. She thanked voters for electing her and assured them that she felt the “gravity and responsibility of this important position.” “I intend to put my whole heart and mind into it,” DiLorenzo promised, adding that she considers being a trustee both a “privilege” and an “honor.” Mancini Mancini had not responded to requests for comment by press time. Deems Deems said that running for trustee gave her the ability to get to know folks she might not otherwise had the opportunity to meet. She intends to continue serving the district as a member of the Somers Special Education Parent Teachers Association (SEPTA) and the PTAs at her two children’s schools. “I’ll always look back on this experience fondly,” Deems said, adding that it had pushed her out of her “comfort zone.” She said she was happy with the size of the voter turnout because it showed that the community is “deeply invested” in the schools and that folks “care about our children,” which is “the most important thing at the end of the day.” SCSD FROM PAGE 1 SEE SCSD PAGE 42
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 37 Law Offices of Joseph J. Tock 963 Route 6, Mahopac, NY 10541 TOCKLAW.COM • 800-869-8080 CRIMINAL DEFENSE/DWI • PERSONAL INJURY REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS LAW • WILLS, TRUSTS, ESTATES, PROBATE ‘ Strongly recommend TOCKLAW. They set expectations and deliver the desired outcome. ~P.C. Get This Newspaper’s App On Your Phone Always Stay Informed About News Involving YOUR Town & Schools Android Scan Here iPhone Scan Here Get Our App! cuts to public schools, veterans’ services, clean water funding, local road investments and our libraries. Hardworking taxpayers continue to be taken advantage of by a bloated, out-of-touch state government that is making it more expensive and less safe to call New York home.” Legislatively, Slater said he has tackled a wide range of topics during his inaugural term. He authored legislation that would provide tax breaks for seniors; force utility companies to hold public hearings when proposing a rate hike; charge drug dealers who cause another’s death with murder; eliminate parole for murdering a police officer or first responder; require a valid ID to vote in elections; and require all migrants, refuges, and asylum seekers to register with the state and submit to background checks. Slater’s re-election has been endorsed by the Affiliated Police Association of Westchester, Westchester COBA and the New York League of Conservation Voters. “It takes a special kind of person to serve in Albany and be effective these days,” Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne said. “Matt Slater has repeatedly demonstrated he is not afraid to stand up and speak out on behalf of our hard-working residents. He and his office are always accessible, working with whoever it takes, regardless of political party, to get the job done. He has already delivered real tangible results that have assisted us in Putnam County. Matt’s been successful in securing increased funding for desperately needed improvements to our state roads like Routes 22 and 52 and has been effective in advocating for more clean water infrastructure support for our lake communities.” Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lactherman said Slater is the type of representative needed in Albany. “He is a champion in the fight for law enforcement, helped deliver millions of dollars for the paving of Route 202, and is focused on making New York state more affordable for everyone,” he said. Somers Supervisor Rob Scorrano said that Slater is a man of “conviction, integrity and trustworthiness.” Slater also serves as an officer in the United States Navy Reserves. Slater will take on Democratic challenger and political neophyte Zack Couzens, a resident of Mahopac. Couzens said he “represents a new generation of leaders who are stepping up to tackle issues like affordability and climate change that are shaping the future for Gen Z in very significant ways.” “Zack is the future of the Democratic Party, and we couldn’t be more impressed with his commitment to use public service to serve the public good,” said Jen Colamonico, chair of the county Democratic Party. “Zack’s campaign hopes to inspire more of his generation to come to the table, unafraid to ask tough questions and find new solutions. Couzens’ Eagle Scout project was in service to Northern Westchester Hospital, where he was born and where his parents were cared for and ultimately saved when they were hit hard with COVID. He said this taught him the value of bringing together friends, family, and community members to help contribute to the project that benefits the hospital and community. Couzens said he built his leadership style based on the examples of the public servants and judges who have been his mentors. He said he views public service as a way to resolve issues and make progress on the things that matter, not just things that represent political values. Working for state Sen. Pete Harckham, Couzens said he saw firsthand the importance of constituent service. “Sen. Harckham is the best example of someone using their position to make government work better for the people,” he said. “He worked with constituents on issues such as unemployment during COVID, funding for our libraries and hospitals, and dayto-day constituent work that goes far beyond politics to help people with real human needs.” Couzens said he is running on four issues that are meaningful to voters across the district: (1) Fund our schools, students, and teachers to best prepare the next generation; (2) Improve affordability so that young people can buy houses where they grew up and seniors can stay in their homes; (3) Build resilient infrastructure that is secure against environmental threats; and (4) Protect our environment and open spaces to be sustainable, accessible, and enjoyable to all. Couzens said his opponent, Matt Slater, is a Republican in a Democratic majority state and can do little more than complain. “Voters should know that Slater has voted against funding for schools, healthcare, and resources to protect our local environment, choosing partisan statements over real progress,” he said. “I would work with state leaders to ensure that the 94th Assembly District gets their full attention.” Couzens is working on earning a degree from Boston College. He currently lives in Mahopac with his parents and brother Jake. He attended the Hackley School as well as Mahopac public schools. He has been endorsed by Putnam County and Westchester County Democratic Committees. The 94th Assembly District includes five Putnam towns, including Carmel/Mahopac, plus Somers and parts of Yorktown. ASSEMBLY FROM PAGE 8 Share Your Milestones Let your neighbors know about the special moments in your life, whether it’s a birth, engagement, wedding, anniversary or other special occasion. Send a photo and announcement to [emailprotected]. You can also upload the announcement using the “Submit Content” button on the top right of our website, News.HalstonMedia.com. There is no charge for this announcement.
PAGE 38 – THE SOMERS RECORD JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HOT WATER HEATER & GAS NEEDS 60 Years of Excellence 845.628.3924 • beeandjay.com TAKE $25 OFF YOUR NEXT SERVICE CALL Happy Father’s Day! 845-279-9555 • TankRemovalServices.com Before you place your home on the market, contact ENVIROSTAR about replacing your aging underground storage tank (UST). It is required by most insurance companies prior to insuring property. We replace above ground tanks as well! Call us today for a free estimate and evaluation of your current above ground tank. SUMMER SPECIAL! $100 OFF IN-GROUND TANK REMOVAL With this coupon only. Coupon must be presented at the time of the estimate. Not to be combined with any other offers. Expires 7/31/24 FREE ESTIMATES WE WILL MATCH OUR COMPETITOR’S ADVERTISED OFFER! We are the name you trust for environmental needs Since 1998 DON’T GET CAUGHT WITH AN AGING OIL TANK! BY CAROL REIF STAFF REPORTER Reenactors and history buffs took part in the second annual Rochambeau Festival in Yorktown in May. The event commemorates the pivotal role that French General Rochambeau and French troops played during the Revolutionary War. There were costumed interpreters, talks on the history of the Franco-American alliance and Yorktown’s role, drilling with model muskets, geese, and goats to greet, tactical weapons displays, demonstrations of handicrafts of the era such as wool spinning, and bus tours of Yorktown’s historic encampments. It took place on the Yorktown Grange Fair Grounds, one of the five actual French encampments in the town. It was produced by the Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route Association – New York (W3R-NY) along with the Yorktown Heritage Preservation Commission / Yorktown 250 and the Yorktown Grange. Revolutionary fun comes to Westchester Representing the British Army’s 40th Light Infantry were, left to right, Alex Paparella, Dan Center, Steve Yorly, Sara Evenson, and Rob Welch. PHOTOS: CAROL REIF Rich Fetzer of Yorktown Heights plays Col. Robert Erskine, Gen. Washington’s map maker. Aidan Kennedy, Connor Longo, Lucas Longo, Charlie LaVerge, and Caleb Kennedy practice drilling. Long Islander Anton Testa of the 3rd New York Regiment. REGIONAL
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 39 Elder Law & Estate Planning A Tradition of Excellence in Elder Law Wills, Trusts & Estates | Estate Planning | Probates Elder Law, Medicaid Coordination & Estate Planning Attorneys We Make Home & Hospital Visits Contact the Team Today! (845) 621-8640 thefellergroup.com 625 Route 6, Mahopac NY 10541 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Lifelong Yorktown resident and member of the Halston Media family Jay Gussak was recently recognized with Scouting America’s Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service with the Greater Hudson Valley Council. Presented by the National Court of Honor, the award recognizes adult leaders who make an impact on youth by implementing scouting programs and performing community service through “hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service,” according to Wikipedia. “It is given to those who do not seek it.” The Lakeland High School graduate fell in love with scouting as a Thomas Jefferson Elementary School fourth grader, when he joined the Cub Scouts. “I became a Boy Scout at around 11 years old,” Gussak said, “I went on to earn the rank of Eagle my senior year of high school. During the end of high school and throughout college I worked at the Curtis S. Read Scout Reservation, Camp Buckskin during the summers, and continued with my scout troop (174 Yorktown Heights) as an assistant scoutmaster when I could. After college, I continued helping in my troop and was on the district committee.” The father of two–Stacey, 23, and Robbie, 19–said he was happy to see his own kids get involved in scouting. Robbie would follow most directly in his dad’s footsteps, moving from Cub Scout to member of Troop 174 (where Jay served as assistant scoutmaster). Robbie attained the rank of Eagle in May 2021. Jay rejoined the District Committee in 2018 and began working with the District Advancement Committee responsible for approving Eagle Scout projects and conducting Boards of Review for Eagle Scout candidates. He currently serves as chair of the district advancement committee and, by extension, is a member of the council advancement committee.” The family connection is especially meaningful for Gussak. “One of my brothers also earned the rank of Eagle in Troop 174, and I’m proud of the fact that my son Robbie and I are the first and currently only father and son to earn the rank within Troop 174,” Gussak said. “Scouting has been a part of my life for over 50 years and I will continue to give back to the organization as long as I am able.” Halston’s Gussak receives Scouting America ‘Beaver’ Award Jay Gussak PHOTO COURTESY OF YORKTOWN TROOP 174 On Saturday, May 11, more than 500 people came out to support BluePath Service Dogs at the organization’s eighth annual walkathon at FDR State Park in Yorktown Heights. BluePath Service Dogs, Inc. is a nonprofit founded in 2016 to provide autism service dogs that offer safety, companionship, and opportunities for independence. The family-friendly fundraiser raised more than $190,000 to further BluePath’s mission of providing autism service dogs, offering safety, companionship, and opportunities for independence. According to the Autism Society, more than seven million Americans live with an autism spectrum disorder. It is the fastestgrowing developmental disability in the United States, with one in 36 children being diagnosed. Walkathon attendees had the opportunity to meet the puppies of BluePath and learn more about how the nonprofit is unlocking life’s potential for children and families touched by autism. “We are all affected in some way and connected somehow to an individual with autism,” said Tricia Zarro, BluePath’s board chair. “Those who supported BluePath’s walkathon chose to take action and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others – and we are incredibly grateful. Our family’s autism service dog has meant my son’s journey is full of more joy, more safety, and more social experiences than I could have ever imagined. We want to share that joy with as many families as possible.” Katie Kenney, whose daughter Maeve was the recipient of BluePath service dog Ellie in October 2023, added, “At last year’s Walkathon, my daughter Maeve didn’t even make it a quarter of a mile before she was bolting in the direction against the crowd. This year, with BluePath Ellie by her side, she did the whole thing!”. BluePath dogs significantly reduce parents’ safety concerns and help children to lead fuller lives. Reduced stress, improved sleeping routines, and more meaningful social interactions can allow families to feel a renewed sense of hope and empowerment. For more information, visit www.bluepathservicedogs.org. Follow BluePath on Facebook at www. facebook.org/bluepathservicedogs. Article courtesy of BluePath Service Dogs BluePath Service Dogs Walkathon raises more than $190,000
PAGE 40 – THE SOMERS RECORD JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 BY EMILE MENASCHÉ CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Lindsey Lohan’s latest movie “Irish Wish” is a comedy/fantasy about a book editor hoping to make her romantic dreams come true. For a group of young performers from Clan na hEireann Irish Dance in Baldwin Place, the Netflix movie’s March premiere was a chance to live the dream when they got to dance for Lohan and the rest of the “Wish” cast and crew. With Lohan and costars Ed Speleers,Jane Seymour, and many others in the audience at the Paris Theatre in New York City on March 5, Yorktown students Olivia O’Brien (age 10) and Gillian (11) and Cara Ropke (13), Somers residents Grace Dooley (12) and Mairead O’Connor (15), and Dutchess County’s Keira Fitzgerald and twins Lorelei and Marea DeLuccia(all age 12) stepped up big time for the occasion. The opportunity came when Netflix public relations executive and Yorktown resident Sue Warde saw a video of 13-year-old Cara Ropke dancing and reached out to her mother Erin via Facebook to see if Cara and other dancers from Clan na hEireann would be willing to perform at the premiere. “They didn’t have a ton of time to prepare,” said Erin Ropke who inherited her love for dance from her mom and passed it on to her two daughters. “Their dance teacher Katie Roper Izzo pulled it together really quickly. The kids took the day off from school to do hair and makeup and rehearse with the Netflix people.” The group performed two numbers for the cast. The first piece was “Farewell to Ireland” by Peekskill-based fiddler Local dance students step up at Lindsey Lohan movie premiere Dancers from Clan na hEireann perform for ‘Irish Wish’ cast Director Christina Rogers and star Lindsay Lohan (centrer) stand with (from left) Clan na hÉireann Irish Dance owner/instructor Katie Roper Izzoand dancers Olivia O’Brien, Grace Dooley, Lorelei DeLuccia, Cara Ropke, Katie Roper Izzo, Mairead O’Connor, Marea DeLuccia, Keira Fitzgerald, and Gillian Ropke. PHOTO COURTESY OF NETFLIX SEE IRISH WISH PAGE 41 Clan na hEireann Irish dance school dancers at the premiere of Irish Wish PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIN ROPKE MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER TO PLAY THE NEW YORK LOTTERY GAMES. PLEASE PLAY RESPONSIBLY. 24-HOUR PROBLEM GAMING HOTLINE: 1-877-8-HOPENY (846-7369) Newburgh, NY RWHudsonValleyNY.com I-84 | Exit 36B I-87 | Exit 17 Earn Entries All Month Long! Saturday, June 29 • 10pm Win a 2024 Chevy Camaro! *Actual model and colors may vary. CHEVY CAMARO DRAWING • We perform all maintenance and services for your vehicle on premesis Gas - Cash or Credit - SAME PRICE We will continue to maintain the integrity of our services 914-232-1418 • 253 Route 100 Somers www.ariesautomotiveofsomers.com Serving Somers & Surrounding Area For Over 30 Years Spring Into Action— Have Your Car Tuned Up Right For The Season!
and composer Daisy Jopling; the second routine was a combinationof hard-shoe treble reel/softshoe reel danced to a traditional piece of music. Despite having only about a week to get ready, Roper Izzo felt confident that the students, who range in age from 11 to 15, could pull it off. “I wasn’t worried at all,” said Roper Izzo, who opened Clan na hEireann (Gaelic for Clan of Ireland) nearly five years ago. “I could tell they would be perfectly fine. The way they conducted themselves was so professional. They behaved like trained Broadway performers.” Upon arrival at the theater, the dancers were escorted to their own green room where they got into costume and fine-tuned their hair and makeup. They did one rehearsal with the Netflix crew and then had a chance to watch the celebrities arrive. “To say the kids were excited is probably an understatement,” Erin Ropke said. “They got to experience the red carpet with all the celebrities and paparazzi–except it was a green carpet because of the movie’s Irish theme.” Ropke said the cast and crew were very welcoming and appreciated the show the dancers put on. “We didn’t anticipate how into it the cast would be,” she said. “The kids got to meet Lindsey before the movie screening and the girls performed with the cast watching. Then they got to sit in the audience for the premiere. Later, the cast took the time to speak to the kids about their dancing and treated them like celebrities.” Producer Michael and director Janeen Damian praised the dancers for entertaining the crowd. “It was such a thrill for us to see those beautiful young Irish dancers performing at the premiere,” they said in a text to Yorktown News. “Their enthusiasm and excitement were so heartwarming to see. We love that they are keeping the tradition of Irish dance alive.” According to Roper Izzo, Lohan asked the girls about their dancing and was especially taken by their dresses. “I’ve never felt more important in my whole entire life,” Gillian Ropke, age 11, said. By the time the actors, producers, crew, and guests were seated, the dancers would be performing in front of a packed house, with Lohan, Seymour, and the rest of the cast sitting right up front. Did they feel the butterflies? “We were super nervous going in,” Gillian Ropke admitted. “But as soon as we met the cast and realized how nice they were the nerves disappeared.” Cara Ropke said it was interesting to see show business from the inside. “We couldn’t believe the amount of paparazzi,” she said. “And it was amazing to have celebrities watching us dance rather than us watching celebrities.” “Irish Wish” debuted at No. 1 on Netflix’s most-watched film chart and topped Variety’s inaugural Streaming Originals chart with nearly 700 million minutes watched in its first week of release to become the platform’s moststreamed title worldwide for the week of March 18-24. Roper Izzo said the event was a major milestone for the school, which caters to dancers of all skill levels from preschool to adulthood. Clan na hÉireann’s part in the premiere was recently featured in Irish Dancing magazine, and the event continues to motivate the school’s more advanced dancers as they prepare for the North American Irish Dance Championships in Dallas this summer. “The people from Netflix gave us a movie poster, which is now on display at the studio,” she said. “All of the kids have been talking about the premiere, and it has definitely inspired some of our younger students; they want their turn to perform at a premiere! “It was an unforgettable experience for all of us, and all Clan na hÉireann dancers feel honored to have had the opportunity.” Sophia Caselnova contributed to this story JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 41 www.aonpt.com GOODROW BUILDING 862 Route 6 Mahopac NY 10541 (845) 208-0963 MILL POND OFFICES 293 Route 100 • Suite 107 Somers, NY 10589 (914) 276-2520 BREWSTER 3 Starr Ridge Road Brewster, NY 10509 (845) 279-9288 The Road To Recovery Starts Here A Gift Shop Born Out Of Love For Hand Crafted + Quality Goods 2 OLD TOMAHAWK ST. SUITE 5 YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, NY (Near Barnwood Grill/Traditions) Tues–Sat. 11-5 • CLOSED Sun & Mon 914-556-6006 | Somersgeneral.com Congratulations Class of 2024! Come in to find the perfect gift for grads. Looking To Hire? Help Wanted? Reach Thousands of our Readers at a Low Cost! [emailprotected] or Call: 914-302-5628 Email: IRISH WISH FROM PAGE 40 Irish dancers from Clan na hÉireann Irish Dance perform for the cast and crew of the netflix movie “Irish Wish.” PHOTO COURTESY OF BRYAN BEDDER/GETTY IMAGES FOR NETFLIX
PAGE 42 – THE SOMERS RECORD JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 “It’s the greatest gift we’ve been given as Americans, that we get to show up and safely walk into a voting booth,” Deems said. Wishing Mundis and DiLorenzo “the best,” she promised to continue supporting educational excellence in Somers by, among other things, attending board meetings. Deems said she ran because she felt the strong desire to do something positive, regardless of the contest’s outcome. “I hope my kids see that I did with it with integrity and truth,” she added. Cambareri Speaking on Tuesday, May 28, at her “last big Board of Education meeting,” Cambareri thanked the community “for coming out to support the budget and (for) participating in the trustee election.” (She won’t be able to attend the midJune meeting due to family obligations, but will participate in the annual wrap-up session at the end of the month.) Pointing out that Somers is “a standout in the county” for its voter turnout compared with other districts, she said that it was “great to have that engagement.” Cambareri called her six-year tenure as trustee “a great experience.” “When I ran for the board, I didn’t run with an agenda; I ran because I was a parent and because I was passionate about education,” she said. The school district was “doing a lot of good things” and it was a time “when there was a lot of advocacy for what public education and what schools needed, so I hoped I could be involved in that way,” Cambareri explained. “It’s been rewarding. I’ve gotten to meet so many great people in the schools and outside of the schools. I’ve learned some things about the community that I wish I didn’t know, but I’ve also learned fantastic things that I’m really proud of,” she said, adding that she was “grateful for having had the opportunity to serve.” SCSD FROM PAGE 36 Get This Newspaper’s App On Your Phone Always Stay Informed About News Involving YOUR Town & Schools Android Scan Here iPhone Scan Here Get Our App! LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL YOUR HOME? LET’S WORK TOGETHER Kayleigh Mayer & Catia Leon Licensed Real Estate Salespersons [emailprotected] M: 914-879-2949 | 914-502-8478 Scan me for your free home valuation! Russell Girolamo Jr. Stephanie Girolamo Burke Jennifer Thorp Auto | Home | Business | Life (914) 962-9777 www.girolamoagency.com WE ARE MOVING. As of July 1, 2024, come visit us at OUR NEW LOCATION 253 ROUTE 202 SOMERS, NY 10589 in our mission. The financial support of town residents has played a pivotal role in the growth and improvement of the Somers Library over the years, and we are grateful for the continued dedication. Your generous donations have enabled us to: Enhance Educational Programs: Through your support, we’ve been able to offer engaging and educational programs for children, teens, and adults, including author talks, workshops, and live events. Improve Facilities: Your contributions have helped us make vital improvements to the library ensuring a comfortable and welcoming environment for all visitors. Promote Involvement: Your donations have enabled us to launch initiatives aimed at community involvement in our town, including summer reading programs for children and educational programs for adults. As we look ahead, we are eager to expand our offerings. To achieve these goals, we kindly ask for your continued financial support. To make on online donation, please visit the library’s website at www.somerslibrary.org and click on the “support” tab in the menu. Follow the prompts to the Friends of the Somers Library. To donate in person, there are membership flyers available at the front desk of the library that you can fill out and leave with one of the librarians.If you received one of our mailings, you can send a check in the envelope provided. Your donation, will make a significant difference in helping us fulfill our mission. Donating to the Friends of the Somers Library is an investment in the future of our town. Somers Lions Charity Raffle Featuring a grand prize of $30,000 or a 2024 Bucking Bronco or 2024 Ford BM Maverick, provided by Park Ford of Mahopac! (2nd Prize: $2,5000, 3rd Prize: $1,000, 4th Prize: $500.) Donation of $100 per ticket, or purchase 3 tickets for $250. The winner will be drawn at the Somers Independence Day Celebration on Wednesday, July 3. Proceeds from the raffle will be given to local families in need, Friends of Karen, Alliance for Safe Kids, scholarships for Somers High School graduates, and other local charities. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. somerslionsclub.org Chabad of Yorktown 2629 Old Yorktown Rd, Yorktown Heights Register for events by visiting www.ChabadYorktown.com Ladies Garden Party Thursday, June 6, at 6 p.m. Celebrating friendship and faith. Create your own foccacia bread art. Easy, beautiful, and delicious! TRUNK FROM PAGE 35 SEE TRUNK PAGE 43
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 43 1-800-PROPANE *Offler expires 6/30/24 Tank installation special applies to standard installation of above-ground tank. Offler applies to new residential customers with a fuel service agreement, subject to credit approval. Customer is responsible for the removal of competitor’s tank. Not to be combined with any other offler or discount. Other restrictions may apply. Valid at participating location only. Call for details. LIMITED TIME OFFER 1-800-776-7263 FIRST FILL SPECIAL ONLY $1.899* Installation to existing gas lines Safety check On-site tank requirement assessment New customer pricing Automatic delivery Budget payment plans Web portal and mobile app for easy account management 24/7/365 emergency service FREE PLUS SWITCH & SAVE! New Suburban Propane automatic delivery customers receive*: Service: 914-669-9679 Auto Sales: 914-485-1195 Fax: 914-669-9685 6 Dingle Ridge Road - North Salem, NY 10560 meccanicshop.com Town of Somers Department of Parks & Recreation Spring Programs 2024 Registration now available online. For detailed program information, visit www.somersny.com, click on “Parks and Rec” and then “Program Registration Site.” For any questions call 914-232-8442 or email parks@ somersny.com Adult Cornhole League The Department of Parks and Recreation with A1 Athletics is looking to start an adult corn hole league. For more information and team entry forms, please contact 914-232-8442 or email parks@ somersny.com Day Camp Positions Now accepting applications for Arts & Crafts Specialist and Counselor. To be a camp counselor, applicants need to be at least 16 years old by the start of camp, 7/1. Preference is given to applicants who are available to work the entire 6 weeks, Monday-Friday, 7/1-8/9. To apply, go to www.somersny.com Somers Library Please register using the online calendar at www.somerslibrary. org to have access to online meetings. If virtual, you will receive an invitation prior to the start of the program. Programs are supported by the Friends of the Somers Library through patrons’ generous contributions. Drop-In MahJong Club Fridays, June 7, 14, 21, & 28, \ from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Drop in to play MahJong with your neighbors. This is for anyone who loves the game, wants to meet new people, and have some fun. We have some Mahjong sets, but players should try to bring their own. All are welcome, but enough knowledge to play unassisted is best. Located in the Program Room. Three-Book Book Club - Meet the Authors Tuesday, June 18, from 3:45 to 5 p.m. This middle school book club culminates in a special Zoom with the authors of these books. The club has read “The Heartbreak Bakery” by A. R. Capetta, “The Life and Crimes of Hoodie Rosen” by Isaac Blum and “Ghost Roast” by Shawnee and Shawnelle Gibbs and now it is time to meet the authors behind the page! This is your chance to learn about what inspired them and how they write. If you have already read the books and want to join in for the Zoom, feel free to sign up for this program. Though this is geared to middle school students, we welcome any high school students who want to participate. Art by African Americans: From the Great Migration to the Age of Black Lives Matter Part I: Wednesday, June 19, from, 7 to 8 p.m. Part II: Thursday, June 20, from, 7 to 8 p.m. A virtual series. Between the two world wars, millions of African Americans set out on an odyssey known as the Great Migration. In the course of this journey, they created a new identity that would alter the landscape of modern art. Part I of this story will explore the rich contributions these pioneers made to American culture from the Harlem Renaissance through the Civil Rights Movement. Part II will continue the saga from the age of Black Power protests of the ‘60s through the present day. Join us as we celebrate the rich contributions these pioneers made to American culture that continue to astonish art lovers today. It ties in nicely with the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s current exhibit, The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism. This is a shared program with the Pelham, Pound Ridge, North Salem, Greenburgh Public Libraries. Avoiding Estate Planning Pitfalls that Can Cost You & Yours Thursday, June 20, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Located in the Program Room. Don’t be penny-wise but pound foolish with your estate planning… Come join us for an informative and lively discussion on avoiding mistakes due to: • Ineffective Beneficiary Designations • Obsolete & Outdated Estate Planning Documents • Waiting Too Long To Plan • Knowing The Differences Between Joint Account Ownership And Transfer/Payable On Death Open to all who want to be “Informed Consumers Against The Unexpected & Unknown”. TRUNK FROM PAGE 42 SEE TRUNK PAGE 44 ELEPHANT’S TRUNK
PAGE 44 – THE SOMERS RECORD JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 914.455.2158 SpirelliElectric.com • [emailprotected] Specializing in residential & commercial services. Licenses in Westchester, Putnam CREATING CUSTOMERS FOR LIFE Family Owned—Over 40 Years Experience! Light up your summer • Outdoor Lighting • Smart Home Setup • Electric Car Chargers • GENERATORS AND ALL OF YOUR ELECTRIC NEEDS! $25 OFF Service Calls When You Present this Ad First Time Customers Only Service... Integrity... Compassion Family owned and operated We began with a mission to celebrate life and serve families. There is much peace to be found here, and we invite you to find yours. Explore more. Take a tour. Read our story. Share in experiences. Anthony J. Guarino Family Owned & Operated 945 East Main Street • Shrub Oak, NY 10588 • (914) 962-0700 YorktownFuneralHome.com • [emailprotected] Scan Here To Sign Up (It’s FREE!) Get YOUR Town’s Local News In Your Inbox Daily Presenter - Tracy Christen Reimann is a Senior Attorney. Her practice is directed towards estate planning, business succession planning, elder care structuring, estate administration and guardianship proceedings including the litigation of related matters. She has been admitted to practice in the State of New York since 1988 with a J.D. degree from Brooklyn Law School and a LL.M. degree, in taxation from New York University, School of Law. Ms. Reimann is a member of numerous professional and civic organizations. Art by Daisy de Puthod The community is invited to view the artwork of Daisy de Puthod, featuring representational oil paintings, prints and samples of house portraits at Somers Library throughout June. An art show is also planned for Hayfields Café and Florist in North Salem, opening to be determined. To learn more, visit www.daisydeputhod.com Rock n’ Rescue Charity Golf Tournament Wednesday, June 12 South Salem’s Rock n’ Rescue will hold their annual golf tournament at Richter Park Golf Course in Danbury, Connecticut. Funds raised will go towards updating a new Rock n’ Rescue facility and the expansion of the organization’s animal adoption and therapy programs. Programs are entirely funded by donations, and the organization does not receive any government subsidies. The golf tournament serves as one of Rock n’ Rescue’s primary fundraisers for all of their programs. Fees are $200 per person, or $800 per foursome. Individual golfers and twosomes will be paired into foursomes. Guests may attend the dinner for $85 per person. The tournament includes driving range, golfer swag bag, and a dinner with silent and live auction/raffle festivities for golfers and guests following the tournament. Sign up is available by visiting https://bit.ly/49LmRXK The Schoolhouse Theater www.theschoolhousetheater. org What Keeps Us Going Thru June 9 Performances to be held on Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 3 & 7 p.m., and Sundays at 3 & 7 p.m. Marie is smart and knows it. Why not? She’s been a star all her life. Sophisticated, but not jaded, and comfortable in her “golden” years inWestchester.Now? Cody (that charmer) wants her for his famous theater’s A-list benefit? And omygosh something’s wrong with the plumbing? Maybe that handsome Hungarian with those flirty grey eyes and his irresistible dog Sanchez can brighten up the day? “What Keeps Us Going” is Barbara Dana’s hilarious and warm new comedy directed by the one and only Austin Pendleton, starring Tony Award winning Karen Ziemba (Contact), Tony-nominated Tim Jerome (Me and my Girl), Tony-nominated Amelia Campbell (Our Country’s Good), and “Tony” Anthony Arkin (Succession)! A world premiere, a powerhouse cast, and a real live dog! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.theschoolhouse theater.org Somers Independence Day Celebration Wednesday, July 3 In partnership with Somers Lions Club and Somers Chamber of Commerce. Featuring a basketball tournament, hot dog eating contest, fun activities for kids and adults, the famous Somers Lions BBQ, Reis Park concession stand, town-sponsored axe throwing, live music by Happy Crabs and Pork Chop Express, and fireworks! To be held in Reis Park beginning at 5 p.m. For Somers residents and accompanying guests (no pets allowed.) Shuttle bus between Somers High School and Reis Park. Muscoot Farm 51 Route 100 in Katonah Art Exhibit & Sale Muscoot Farm is hosting an art exhibit and sale by the Westchester Watercolor Collective every weekend in May. A wide variety of original paintings, prints, greeting cards and mugs will be on display. The WWC was established in 2021 by watercolor artist, Lori McQueeney. With past success in the fields of healthcare, education, marketing and small business ownership, members of the group - all women - found camaraderie through a shared love of the arts and a passion for watercolor painting. The public is welcome to enjoy the various TRUNK FROM PAGE 43 SEE TRUNK PAGE 46 ELEPHANT’S TRUNK
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 45 This Ad is Donated By Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP Attorneys at Law | 914-948-1500 corpangelnetwork.org Cancer Patients Fly Free Filling Seats with Hope Corporate Angel Network (CAN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide cancer patients with free transportation to treatment centers throughout the United States. CAN works closely with over 500 of America’s top corporations, including half of the Fortune 100, to match empty seats with patient flights. Thanks to the generous support of these companies, CAN has coordinated more than 68,000 flights since its founding in 1981. Contact CAN to learn more about registering a cancer patient or to donate to support their mission today. BY SOPHIA CASELNOVA STAFF WRITER Yorktown police arrested a man in Downing Park last week after they say he attempted to exchange alcohol and drugs for illicit photos and sex acts with a minor. Daniel McCann, 26, of Putnam Valley, was charged with promoting the sexual performance of a child under17, a Class D felony; first-degree unlawful dealing with a child, a Class A misdemeanor; third-degree attempted criminal sale of cannabis, a Class B misdemeanor; first-degree attempted unlawful dealing with a child; a class D misdemeanor; and unlawful possession of cannabis, a violation. Yorktown police said that on Thursday, May 16, they received a report from a parent regarding inappropriate text messages exchanged between McCann and a girl younger than 17. It’s alleged that he was offering to provide her with alcohol in exchange for explicit photos and sexual acts. The complaint led to a police investigation in which a detective posed as a minor and communicated with McCann. During the interaction, McCann allegedly attempted to sell “a quantity of concentrated cannabis” and whiskey to someone he believed to be a minor. Police located McCann at Downing Park and arrested him the following day—Friday, May 17. Town Justice Aviah CohenPierson issued a temporary order of protection on behalf of the girl and McCann’s cash bail was set at $15,000 for the felony and unlawful dealing with a child charges. Unable to post bail, he was remanded to Westchester County Jail and was due to return to Yorktown Justice Court today, May 23. He was issued appearance tickets for the other three charges for which he is due in court on Thursday, June 6. Man arrested in Yorktown park trying to entice minor BY CAROL REIF STAFF WRITER The state police barracks project has cleared two more hurdles in Somers. After holding a public hearing on May 8, the town Planning Board unanimously approved the Somers Fire District’s request to carve approximately 2.5 acres out of its 12-plus-acre property at 295 Route 100. The intent of the subdivision is to allow state police to eventually move out of their cramped circa-1972 building into new, modern quarters. The following day, the Town Board also held a public hearing about the proposed project. It adopted a zoning map amendment, changing the land’s designation from R-80 to NS (Neighborhood Shopping.) As lead agency, the board also issued a “negative declaration,” meaning that it had determined that the project wouldn’t have a significant impact on the environment. Only one member of the public spoke at both hearings. Gerard Whitmore, a new resident of Somers Crossing, insisted that he was all for the project. “We’re not in anyway trying to get in the way of it,” he told the Town Board on Thursday, May 9. However, Whitmore was concerned about there being sufficient landscaping or screening between his neighborhood and the new barracks. He also wanted to know where a possible “emergency exit road” for the state police would be located. “Why onto private property where we maintain a road?” Whitmore asked, adding: “That seems kind of dazzling to me.” Supervisor Robert Scorrano reassured Whitmore that things are “very much in the preliminary stages.” The actual site plan is way down the job and would be subject to Planning Board approval. Screening, access, and many other components are all part of that process, Scorrano noted, expressing confidence that the final product would be “something we all can be proud of.” Somers officials have been fighting for at least 15 years to keep the state police in town. That’s because the agency’s presence has allowed the town to maintain a part-time police department while still providing public safety services 24/7. Both Scorrano and his predecessor, Rick Morrissey, determined that a full-time local police department would be prohibitively expensive. Next Steps Next steps include the town’s and the Fire District’s lawyers signing off on the purchase of the 2½ acres parcel and the town and the state police themselves reaching an agreement. The state police currently lease the site from the district. If all goes well, the town will be their new landlord. The town will be bonding the land purchase ($80,000); a maximum of $350,000 in “soft costs” such as planning, legal fees, and other preliminary expenses; and, finally, construction costs. The last won’t be known until the town completes the bidding process. One thing will be rolled into the other and the state police will pay off the debt over time. That means that the project will not cost the taxpayers anything, according to Scorrano. Police barracks project moves forward
PAGE 46 – THE SOMERS RECORD JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in The Somers Record Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! My Community Bulletin Board Increase referrals and name recognition. Advertise in The Somers Record Bulletin Board and reach over 7,000 USPS delivered mailing addresses every week. Call 845-208-8151 today! 845-278-7312 ALL FUEL CO. The Shelley Family Home Heating Fuel 1606 Rte 22, Brewster • Burner Sales, Service & Installation • Tank Removal & Installation • Propane Available for Cooking & Heating Established 1979 Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer WESTCHESTER 914-277-4229 • PUTNAM 845-278-2575 AS FEATURED ON FREE ESTIMATES AND FREE INSTALLATION DISCOUNTED BLINDS & SHADES VERTICAL-MINI BLINDS-SILHOUETTE SHUTTERS-WOOD BLINDS-VIGNETTE LUMINETTES-ROMAN BLINDS-VALANCES Shades Above the Rest for Home & Office SAVE AN ADDITIONAL $25 PER BLIND! www.westrockwindowdesigns.com Somers Resident COUPON DSL Construction The Home Team! Floors • Decks • Kitchens • Bathrooms Workman's Comp, Liability • No Job Too Small! FREE Consultation and Design Fully Insured to Meet Your Needs Complete Remodeling of Your Home OFFICE: 845-276-8608 LOU: 845-494-9857 Proudly Serving Heritage Hills Community DSL Construction Inc. Windows, Doors, and Painting Full Service Window and Door Installations Call for Free Quote and Measure We deal with all the major window, door, and paint brand manufacturers Office: 845-276-8608 • Lou: 845-494-9857 Fully Licensed to meet your needs! Workman's Comp, Liability • No Job Too Small! Honest and Reliable, 30+ years experience. Local Collector/Seller Putnam/Westchester/Orange/Dutchess and more Call or text: 917-699-2496 • email: [emailprotected] Hope to hear from you! Thanks! BUYING COMIC BOOK COLLECTIONS! TOP PRICES PAID! (845) 309-9214 LISCENSED & FULLY INSURED COMMERCIAL/ RESIDENTIAL [emailprotected] CollarCityAuctions.com ONLINE AUCTION By Order of Oswego County, NY 518-895-8150 x3003 Single Family Homes, Multi-Family Homes, Camps, Vacant Land and Commercial Properties. Visit Website for Details. COME TO OSWEGO COUNTY! By Order of Rensselaer County, NY 71 - TAX FORECLOSED PROPERTIES painting styles, loose, realistic abstract and bold, of participating artists Amy Galinko, Julie Gherardi , Lori McQueeney, Carol Rapport-Sommer and Trude Ritz. Al-Anon Family Groups Has your life been affected by someone else’s drinking? 1 in 5 adults has been! Alanon is a support group for families and friends of alcoholics. For a list of meetings and more information about the program, go to www. westchesterputnamalanon.org, email info@westchesterputnam alanon.org or call 914-946-1748. Somers BSA Troop 376 WEEKLY MEETING Most Tuesdays, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the Somers Middle School Cafeteria. Embark on a journey that your son will remember and benefit from for a lifetime! There is no youth program quite like Scouts BSA, which offers leadership development, teaches citizenship and responsibility, embeds useful outdoor survival skills, can spark career interests, and boasts exciting activities that few outside of Scouting have the opportunity to experience. Celebrating 30 years in Somers, Troop 376 is sponsored by the Somers Lions Club and proudly offers a well-balanced “Adult-Guided, Youth-Led” program that includes activities for all skill levels and interests. As a slightly smaller Troop, Scouts enjoy ample opportunities for direct involvement and leadership, as well as a significant voice in suggesting future troop activities. Camping trips, day hikes, familyfriendly activities like bowling nights and ropes courses, community service projects, annual “high adventure” excursions, and visits to historic destinations like Gettysburg are just some of the activities you can look forward to with Troop 376. To learn more, email SomersTroop376@ gmail.com and visit www.Somers Troop376.org. Somers BSA Troop 228 Weekly meeting Mondays, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the Amawalk Firehouse Give your son the tools to develop his confidence, leadership skills, and interest in community service while experiencing the outdoor adventures of Scouting. Discover the natural wonders of New York State, whether canoeing in the Adirondacks, hiking the Appalachian trail, or camping at one of our State Parks. Excursions for all ages and levels of experience. Scouts explore their personal interests through over 135 merit badges. Troop 228 is sponsored by the Somers Volunteer Fire Department. We are proud citizens and actively give back to Somers through community service and environmental conservation projects. To find out more, email us at somerstroop228@gmail. com or visit our website at Troop 228somers.com. Somers Library Foundation Needs You Are you a passionate supporter of the Somers Library and looking for a way to help improve the services and capabilities? The Somers Library Foundation is looking for new board members. There are lots of opportunities to use your talents and build new skills. Send the foundation an email at [emailprotected]. Watch the Somers Library Foundation website (https://somerslibrary foundation.org) for details on upcoming meet and greet events to learn more about the Foundation and what it means to be a board member of the board. Somers Lions Club In 1966, the Somers Lions Club was chartered and has grown exponentially with dedicated men and women who volunteer their time, skills, and energy to make a difference in people’s lives, both in our community and for the charities we support. Lions can be found working on “hands-on” projects, fundraising, and running numerous community events in and around Somers. If you are in need of assistance, there is a good chance that the Lions can help. Visit www.somerslionsclub.org for more information. Follow on social media @somerslions. The Somers Lions would like to welcome its newest members and are proud to serve alongside you. Somers PTA Council Spirit Wear Sale The Somers PTA Council is selling Somers Spirit wear. The store is open year-round and items ship to your home. Promo codes are available on the website. Visit our store at teamlocker. squadlocker.com/#/lockers/ somers-pta-council-store TRUNK FROM PAGE 44 ELEPHANT’S TRUNK
JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024 CLASSIFIEDS THE SOMERS RECORD – PAGE 47 Notice of Formation of Little Tiger Pictures, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/30/2024. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Little Tiger Pictures, LLC, 10 Ryder Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510. Purpose: any lawful purpose. Notice of Formation of 67 Norman Avenue, LLC.Arts of Org filed with Secy. Of State of NY (SSNY)On 4/22/2024. Office location: WestchesterCounty. SSNY designated as agent upon whomProcess may be served and shall mail copy ofProcess against LLC to 17 Purchase Hills DrivePurchase, NY 10577. Purpose: any lawful act. Notice of Formation of FG Cleaning Solutions LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/29/24. Officelocation: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process PO Box 535 29 Chase Road Scarsdale NY 10583Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice of Formation of Tri County Home Watch, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/04/2024. Office Location: 41 Grandview Road, South Salem, New York, Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to Tri County Home Watch, LLC, 41 Grandview Road, South Salem, New York, 10590.Purpose: Any lawful purpose. Notice Of Formation of NY & BEYOND LLC.Articles of Organization Filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/27/2024. OFFICE location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to NY & Beyond LLC 14 Locust Hill Ave #4N Yonkers NY 10701.Purpose: Any legal purpose. LEGAL NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. Name: Broadstreet Insurance Agency, LLC. Application for Authority was filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on: March 7, 2024. Office location: 9 Annarock Drive, Somers, New York 10589. County: Westchester County, NY. SSNY has been designated as agent of the limited liability company upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the limited liability company at: Broadstreet Insurance Agency, LLC, 9 Annarock Drive, Somers, New York 10589. Purpose: For any lawful purpose. HIRING WE'RE NOW! JOIN OUR TEAM! K E N N E L T E C H N I C I A N K E N N E L T E C H N I C I A N At Guiding Eyes for the Blind, we are passionate about connecting exceptional dogs with individuals for greater independence. Guiding Eyes for the Blind is dedicated to creating and supporting life-changing connections between people and dogs. www.GuidingEyes.org S C A N T O A P P L Y Selling Something? Looking To Buy Something? Having An Event? Reach Thousands of our Readers at a Low Cost! [emailprotected] Email: CASH PAID FOR ALL JEWELRY! Estate Jewelry Costume Jewelry Handbags Watches Perfumes Vintage Clothing Books Furs Religious Medals CAROL: 914-261-6464 WHY DO WE ADVERTISE IN HALSTON MEDIA’S TO ADVERTISE WITH US, CALL BRETT FREEMAN AT (845) 208-8151 LOCAL NEWSPAPERS? “People recognize us all over town and compliment us on our advertising. Our ability to reach patients and inform the community about different aspects of our practice has allowed us to grow.” - Drs. Richard Bridgham and Anita Barr PUZZLE SOLUTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF 5/23/24 Buying Books Old & Rare Call Carol: 914-533-2569 or 914-482-3971(Cell) BENEVOLENT BIBLIOPHILE ATTORNEY INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454- 4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider DIVORCE $389 - Uncontested divorce papers prepared. Only one signature required. Poor person Application included if applicable. Separation agreements. Custody and support petitions. 518-274-0380 HEALTH WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED!!! HHA’s, LPN’s, Nurse’s Aides, Childcare, Housekeeping, Day Workers. No Fee To Employers. Serving The Community Over 20Yrs. Evon’s Svces: 516-505-5510 FreedomCare. Let your loved ones care for you and get paid! Paid by Medicaid. Choose family or friends as your paid caregiver. Check your eligibility today! Call FreedomCare now! 1-855-385-7556 ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-855- 399-2719 Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-855- 399-2582 HEARING AIDS!! High-quality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-819-7060 HOME IMPROVEMENT BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076 MISCELLANEOUS Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329- 9391 SERVICES PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling! TRAVEL SERVICES 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 TV INTERNET PHONE AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-855-399- 2803 DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918
PAGE 48 – THE SOMERS RECORD JUNE 6 - JUNE 19, 2024
