MAHOPAC, N.Y. -- After nearly 20 years at the helm, Jim Gilchrist has stepped down as the town of Carmel’s recreation director.
Gilchrist officially retired on Feb. 29 and at last week’s Town Board meeting, Senior Recreation Leader Nina Kallmeyer was retroactively named the acting director of the Recreation and Parks Department.
Gilchrist said he has had his eye on retirement for a while—he is 56 and became pension-eligible last year. But something happened last August that accelerated his plans a bit. He bought a New York Lottery Multiplier Money scratch-off ticket at the Route 6 Deli (Route 6 and Crane Road). It was a million-dollar winner. After all the required withholdings, Gilchrist netted $566,840. Suddenly, he could retire a little sooner than he anticipated.
“That was a game changer,” he said. “I scratched it off when I got home. My wife thought it was a joke. My daughter came over and she confirmed it. Yes—winning the lottery played a role [in speeding up retirement].”
But Gilchrist still wanted to see some important projects to fruition and tie up some loose ends to tie up before he was done.
“There were a bunch of things that I wanted to button up before I left, like the playground at Airport Park,” he said. “I wanted to get us through another budget cycle and get that squared away.”
Gilchrist, who grew up in Mahopac and graduated from Kennedy Catholic in Somers, said his wife retired a year ago and he wanted to give her a year to adjust before he joined her. Thanks to the lottery, he was able to pay off his children’s student loans and is now ready for the next chapter.
After he got married, Gilchrist and his wife moved to the Carmel hamlet. They built a house in Mahopac in 1999.
“I was brought up here ... lived in the Woodcrest Apartments across from the library,” he recalled.
But Gilchrist began his career in recreation in Yonkers at the Mark Twain Swimming Pool Complex. He then worked for the town of Scarsdale before becoming Pound Ridge’s rec director for nine years. He came to the director’s post in Carmel in November 2004.
“My wife is planning so many trips now,” he laughed. “We are getting ready to take a trip to Bermuda. And we have a motorhome and have a lot of trips planned for that.”
While Gilchrist may be planning a lot of trips and adventuring, he said they are not moving away; he will still be available to the Recreation Department for consultations and advice.
“This has been a wonderful place to work, and we are not going anywhere, we are staying right here. We love it,” he said. ‘Now is the time to have fun. We do a lot of traveling and recreating, so we said, let’s get out and enjoy ourselves.”
Meanwhile, the reins have been turned over to Kallmayer, who has served as Gilchrist’s second in command for the past nine years. Gilchrist said the department is in good hands.
“Nina is a very hard worker, and she will introduce a lot of new programs,” Gilchrist said. “She really rose to the occasion when we interviewed her for senior recreation leader.”
Recreation director is a Civil Service job. Kallmayer took the exam back in October, but the results have not yet been released. In the meantime, the board has named her acting director effective March 1. She is the presumptive hire to take the job permanently if she passes the exam.
“I can’t speak to what the Town Board will do, but for me personally, I think Nina has done a wonderful job [as senior rec leader],” said Town Supervisor Mike Cazzari. “She will bring some youth and fresh ideas to the job and a fresh set of eyes. I would definitely like to see her take the reins.”
Kallmayer said it would be her dream job and she’s ready for the challenge, though she added that Gilchrist’s shoes will be very hard to fill.
“I value his opinion so much,” she said. “He’s been here about 20 years and in recreation for 33 years. He told us that he would always be here for us if we needed him. And that’s what I love about recreation. Once you are in rec you are always in rec. And I am grateful the town has confidence in me, and we will continue Jim’s legacy and continue to offer even more events.”
Kallmayer said growing up in Mahopac with all its waterways, parks and trails is what inspired her to go to school for recreation.
“I was always fond of being outside in nature and on the lakes,” she said. “It was a huge influence on me. I grew up on Mahopac Point [so I was] on and in the lake all the time and it was a profound influence. (She created the Rec Dept.’s Lake Mahopac kayak program). I played MSA soccer, and I commend those coaches who showed me how to be a team player and grow and be part of a community. I joined the Girl Scouts and went on lots of camping trips. So, it is nice now to be on the other side and provide that for people and see those smiling faces. That has a huge impact on you. That’s what we live for.”
Kallmeyer said there are already new things in store for 2024. There are plans to work with the Cappelletti family who produce the Psycho Circus haunted house on Mahopac Point each year to create a haunted trail Halloween experience at Sycamore Park. Also planned is a Halloween light parade in the Mahopac business district on South Lake Boulevard.
“We are always open to new ideas and new programs,” she said. “Residents can reach out to us and let us know what they are looking for.”
Kallmeyer’s long-term goals are even more ambitious.
“The biggest thing I would like to see is a community center,” she said, noting the town already has designs for one. “Jim paved the way and we have plans ready to go and want to follow through with that. We need a place for seniors to meet, a place for the scouts and Rotary—maybe some pickleball courts.”
Kallmeyer would also love to see an adventure course built into the parks throughout town.
“I also want to keep building on the waterfront program, too,” she said. “We are a lake community—we should offer as many programs as we can... maybe kayak tours and motorized tours of the lake and showcase some of our most prized resources. I also want to get more people in the [Carmel] hamlet involved and make sure everyone is included.”
Bob Buckley, who is a former chair of the town’s Recreation Advisory Committee, was part of the team that interviewed Kallmeyer nine years ago for the senior recreational leader job and said he and Gilchrist knew right away they had a winner.
“Both of us by far thought she had a tremendous background and lots of energy,” he said. “I would love to see her get the job. She has proven herself over the years. She has introduced new programs and brings new energy to the town that we need, not just for the youth but the senior citizens as well. Her record speaks for itself. She’s met all expectations. She has big shoes to fill. Jim accomplished so much. He set the bar pretty high, but I think she is up to the task.”
]]>YORKTOWN, N.Y. -- Shrub Oak native Nadia Briones grew up studying the art of arias. But these days, the 2013 Lakeland High School grad and classically trained singer spends more time immersed in the science of anatomy as a student at the New York Medical College (NYMC) School of Medicine.
With a musical ear attuned to harmony and rhythm, and hands adept at healing touch (she’s also a licensed massage therapist), Briones is about to finish her first year at NYMC, where she’s training for a career devoted to compassionate care and holistic well-being.
Briones has always had a gift for music. Born into a musical family, she began singing at the age of five. She has explored various genres throughout her life, including classical, jazz, and – inspired by a connection to her Argentinian roots – tango.
Her introduction to formal musical training was with the Taconic Opera, a Croton-based company that was then looking for children to join its chorus. She would eventually perform regularly with the New York City Opera and The Metropolitan Opera, enjoying a decade-long career. Choosing a favorite performance is difficult for Briones; however, she says portraying Lucia from Gaetano Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” and singing in Jimmy López’s “Bel Canto” rank among her most memorable experiences.
“I just look back and think of how much fun I had performing,” Briones said. “I loved music production and the whole performance environment.”
Briones, a coloratura soprano, went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance at the Hartt School of Music in West Hartford. During a study-abroad trip singing opera in Milan, Italy, her passion for the arts collided with her interest in the sciences when a friend introduced her to the tech startup Bright Line Eating.
“The idea of people struggling with food and eating intrigued me,” she said. “I can’t really explain where it came from, but we’ve all encountered our own struggles with our bodies and eating healthily.”
After piquing her curiosity, the startup marked her first venture into the sciences, as she worked remotely in customer service, research, and IT.
After graduating college, Briones came back to New York and continued her work with Bright Line Eating. She also renewed her involvement with the Taconic Opera, where she helped start a summer program for young adults. While she also had performances in between, she started feeling the work-from-home blues, long before it became the norm in the years of the pandemic.
“Even though I was grateful that I had a job that allowed me a lot of flexibility [with Bright Line], I missed human connection,” she said.
While looking for a way to find that connection, she found an advertisement for the Finger Lakes School of Massage. She took a leap of faith and went to orientation. Briones ran into a family friend who was a massage therapist and encouraged her to make a career change.
“This was a really fun and meaningful way of interacting with a body that I had never thought about,” Briones said.
Without formal science training, massage therapy was Briones’ first exposure to the study of anatomy; she said it was a pivotal moment in her life.
“My teachers said, ‘You don’t belong here. You belong somewhere where you can really study this stuff in an advanced way,’” she recalled.
At first, Briones shrugged off suggestions by her teacher and mentor that she pursue a science-based career. But that started to change after her massage therapy program was invited by NYMC to explore the anatomy lab. One of her teachers asked Briones if she could see herself working there; at first, she dismissed the suggestion as “ridiculous.”
Yet a few years later, she would be in that same lab studying anatomy with the same professors she met during her tour.
After working at an athletic center providing massage therapy for Olympic weightlifters, Briones realized she wanted to advance her knowledge in healthcare. She said the familiarity and “homeyness” of NYMC made her choice of medical school easy.
With a guitar in hand and a certification in massage therapy, Briones, who expects to graduate from NYMC in 2027, brings a unique perspective to medicine.
“I love music,” she said. “Music is medicine for my soul. But I will say that something I love in particular is performing. Connecting with an audience and telling a story.”
As a School of Medicine student senator, she is helping to organize a public speaking workshop in April with NYMC’s Phillip Capozzi, M.D., Library to teach students ways to engage, convince, and present in front of an audience. She says she was inspired by her undergraduate studies in performance and saw the need for students to master the art of communication in the medical field.
“I’ve been a student nonstop almost since I was born,” said Briones, who still finds time to sing as a member of the choir Choral Chameleon along with some smaller local community choirs and occasional performances with the Taconic Opera and the Hudson River Opera. “I know it’s early in my medical education, but I fantasize about all the different specialties I could pursue. It’s hard to choose one now, but I can see myself happily being a physician knowing that my scope would end at the depths of the field and not the width.”
As for how music and medicine continue to coexist in her life, Briones said that while the stage and the surgery are very different places, they inspire her in similar ways.
“I find that medicine and music share so many elements actually,” she said. “One thing that links music and medicine for me is my love of learning. My parents showed me that knowledge and education are the most valuable things you can acquire. No one can take education away from you. I also happen to just love both fields so much, and I find a deep sense of fulfillment by immersing myself in them. When I was young, I used to worry a lot about how to make different aspects of my life ‘fit together, and someone close to me assured me: ‘If you’re ever worried that you can’t find the connection between two distant aspects of your life, then remember that you are that connection.’”
Article courtesy New York Medical College/edited by Yorktown News
]]>BEDFORD, N.Y. - Earlier this month, Bedford 2030 was pleased to announce that Gabrielle Bilik has joined the organization as the new Program Administrator.
Bilik had previously worked for United Way and 4Communi-T, and had also been a long-tenured staff member with Halston Media, the parent company of this newspaper.
Now, she will bring her skills as a designer and writer to Bedford 2030’s mission of addressing climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the preservation of our natural resources.
“I always enjoy roles where I feel like my work is contributing to the greater good, so working here is a great tool to redirect some of my climate anxiety,” Bilik explains. “Instead of feeling helpless when I watch the news or notice the weather, I can feel like I’m taking some action in my little corner of the world.”
In her new role as Program Administrator, Bilik will support the organization’s community engagement, events, and public relations.
In pursuing their goal of fighting for clean air, water, and land resources by reducing greenhouse gasses, Bedford 2030 has developed deep roots in the community and called on residents to take collective action.
The organization is also looking ahead to their Earth Day Festival, to be held on Sunday, April 21 at the Bedford Hills Train Station. The day will include live music, family activities, local experts who can explain green incentives, and the final student presentations of the Greenlight Award contest.
As she settles into her new role, Bilik has found that Bedford 2030 has already given her plenty to be excited about.
“They're doing so many fun and exciting things,” she concludes. “I'm particularly excited about Bedford 2030's plans and model. Through their work, the Town of Bedford reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 44% and exceeded its 20% by 2020 goal three years ahead of schedule. Their new goal is to reduce GHG emissions 80% by 2030. The Town of Bedford and Bedford 2030 worked together to write an aggressive Climate Action Plan, and this showcases the potential for meaningful change through deliberate efforts. What truly inspires me is the prospect of Bedford's model influencing communities beyond its borders. I'm passionate about encouraging other towns to adopt similar strategies, especially for those hesitant due to immediate financial concerns. It's crucial to acknowledge Bedford's resource advantage and commend their responsible use, setting an example for less resource-endowed communities. In my role, I hope to contribute to making these goals attainable for all.”
For more information on Bedford 2030, visit bedford2030.org, and follow them on social media. (FaceBook: facebook.com/Bedford2030; Instagram: bedford_2030; Twitter: @bedford2030)
]]>CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - Last year, John Jay ended their season with three exciting games against Panas. With two of the victories going to the Panthers, there’s no doubt that the Wolves have the sectional champs in their sights.
“Oh yeah, one hundred percent,” said Nolan Rhodes, “We want to win.”
But the third baseman is still putting the first things first.
“We've got to make sure everyone knows their role on this team,” he said.
Of course, he knows his part.
“I got to clean up my play in the field and stick with hitting the ball well,” Rhodes added.
In agreement, Nick Fassert might show Section One a slider this year. But rolling down the hill will mostly be status quo for the senior.
“I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing,” Fassert revealed.
That said, he’s actually looking to throw the change in the batter’s box.
“I want to focus on my hitting and be more consistent,” he said.
On the mound too, Storch was there already as a hitting pitcher. A .362 average in his freshman year, he wants to do more to catch up to the fastball and pick out the right pitches to hit.
Also at shortstop, Storch did get schooled in the postseason after he felt he got off to a great start in the field. A bunch of bad hops coming his way in Eastchester, he has learned from the experience.
“I have a whole different view of fielding,” said Storch.
A sophomore now, he’s getting his first taste of leadership.
“Luke Fisch is a freshman, it’s kind of cool guiding him around in what to do in the infield,” said Storch.
The right approach, Fassert extrapolates.
“I’m really excited for this year,” said the pitcher. “We've got to keep working hard out there every day.”
A baseline that emerged in part from the heartbreak of defeat, according to assistant coach Ken Santoianni.
“It forged this team. It made them a closer unit, and they’ve brought that with them for this year,” he concluded.
]]>NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - Last spring, North Salem’s storied baseball program endured a rare year of disappointment. The team was rebuilding, and saw their season end with an 11-1 out-bracket loss to Ardsley.
With the dawn of a new season upon us, that early exit is a distant memory and the Tigers look poised to return to form.
Leading the charge on the diamond will be a talented core of seniors, including Nate Baer (OF), Reilly Denneen (OF/RHP), Nick Foglia (INF), Peter Guiliano (OF), and David Torres (INF/RHP).
Bolstering the roster will be returning juniors Lucas Balbino, CJ Casale, and Justin Cuello, sophomores Ryan Denneen and Alex Hoffman, and a crop of freshmen including Jack Braz, Ben Guiliano, Jack Lukse, William Trickel, and Jack Watson. Eighth-grader Jonathan Major will also join the Tiger ranks.
At the helm will once again be Coach Rob Gilchrist, who is anticipating good things from his squad as they look to return to form in Class C.
“We’re looking forward to having a successful and exciting season,” said Gilchrist.
The Tigers will open the season on Tuesday, March 26 at home against Blind Brook at 4:30 p.m.
]]>KATONAH, N.Y. - The Katonah Village Library welcomes author and poet S.T. Haggerty with intimate stories of Norman Rockwell’s models and their time in Rockwell's studio.
The presentation will take place in the lower level accessible Garden Room on Tuesday, March 19 at 1 p.m.
Haggerty explores the dynamic exchange between artist and model, and gives insight into Rockwell's sentimental, romanticized world and work. Some of these models lived here in Westchester.
In 1940, America’s favorite illustrator Norman Rockwell, his wife Mary and their three sons moved to the picturesque rural village of West Arlington, Vermont. The artist discovered a treasure trove of models. Norman Rockwell’s Models: In and Out of the Studio details these models’ lives, friendships with the artist, and experiences in his studio.
Upon meeting people, young or old, the artist would say, “Call Me Norman.” Rockwell learned the models’ roles in the community and their personalities, which fostered genuine paintings. He strove, for example, to find real-life soldiers to model as WWII heroes and spirited boys and girls for lively paintings. In the studio, Norman was charming and polite, but painstaking. He demonstrated poses and did whatever was necessary to evoke his trademark expressions, including telling stories of his own life, sometimes laughing or crying.
Haggerty spent entire summers at his family’s farmhouse near West Arlington, Vermont, and knew many models, including those who posed for such iconic works as Freedom of Speech, Breaking Home Ties, and Girl at the Mirror. Along with models and their families, the author hayed the scenic fields in the Batten Kill River Valley and swam under the red covered bridge on the Village Green. These experiences give him a unique perspective for telling this story.
]]>CARMEL, N.Y. -- The Town Board, acting in its role as police commissioners, last week approved the hiring of a Yorktown man as a new officer in the Carmel PD.
Chief Anthony Hoffmann announced the hiring of Justin Goldfine, a 2011 Walter Panas High School in the Lakeland School District, at the board’s March 6 meeting, which took place in Carmel Hamlet instead of its usual Mahopc setting at Town Hall.
Hoffmann said Goldfine, a Yorktown resident, has an associate degree in computer forensics and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from SUNY Oneonta.
“He joined the NYPD in 2019 and was assigned to the 50th Precinct in the Bronx,” Hoffmann told the board. “He joined the Beacon police force in Dutchess County in 2021, which is where he currently serves.”
Hoffmann explained that as a currently serving officer, Goldfine would not require Academy training and would qualify for a field training assignment for a little more than a month and then be eligible for patrol
“He should be ready in time for our busy summer season,” Hoffmann said.
The board voted unanimously to appoint Goldfine to the position and Supervisor Mike Cazzari said he was happy to welcome him to the force.
]]>YORKTOWN N.Y. -- Due to the tragic and sudden death of Supervisor Tom Diana, Yorktown will hold a special election on April 16 to determine who will serve the remaining year and one-half years of his term. Acting Supervisor Ed Lachterman, a two-term Republican councilman who was just re-elected to a third term, will face off against Democrat Jann Mirchandani, who lost to Tom Diana last November for the position of supervisor.
I had a chance to sit down with both candidates to learn about who they are and let Yorktown News readers know where they stand on the issues. I would like to thank both candidates for taking the time out of their busy schedules to answer my questions.
Tell us a little bit about yourselves.
Ed Lalchterman: I am a 30-year resident of Yorktown and I have served eight years as town councilman, one of those as deputy supervisor for Tom Diana. I have been the acting supervisor since Tom’s untimely passing on Jan. 5. I have been the liaison for multiple town volunteer boards, and I have served in officer/board positions with the Yorktown Lions Club, Sons of the American Legion, Chamber of Commerce and Yorktown Against Heroin.
Jann Mirchandani: I have owned a certified woman-owned business for 25 years, providing digital marketing and communications services for small businesses and nonprofits. In that capacity, I’ve cultivated a wide network throughout Yorktown and Westchester County. I’ve helped hundreds of businesses succeed in my professional capacity and through mentorship programs, business incubators, business councils and Chambers of Commerce.
I have served on nonprofit executive boards for 35 years, from small grassroots nonprofits to larger, regional organizations, managing a variety of complex issues.
I am the first female council commissioner of the Greater Hudson Valley Boy Scouts of America and in that capacity led a merger of districts that has since become the national model. I was involved in opening our membership to young women which has helped our Council to grow membership at a time when many other Councils - and many membership organizations more broadly – have seen shrinking membership.
I founded a STEM program for young women in Westchester and New York City to prepare them for the jobs of the future. I am a graduate of the Leadership Westchester Program where I honed my skills as an effective, inclusive leader.
My husband and I raised our two children in Yorktown; they are both graduates of Yorktown High School.
I am a triathlete and love to knit.
Given the tragic event that led to this election and the fact that you both just finished a grueling campaign last November, how are you able to cope with having to run again so soon?
EL: Part of my coping mechanism is to immerse myself in work. In this particular loss of a dear friend, I can direct my grief at completing the vision that Tom and I had worked on for the past three years.
JM : Like the rest of the Yorktown community, I was saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. We both worked hard last year campaigning for supervisor, but he was always kind and respectful. There was never an event that we attended where he didn’t come up and say hello and chat a bit.
That being said, the issues that were important last year haven’t changed. We have a one-party board that does not reflect the will or make-up of the residents of Yorktown. Resolutions are passed without meaningful public discourse. We have a bloated fund balance without any plans for investing in our future and moving critical infrastructure projects forward. There is a lack of will when it comes to transitioning to more sustainable energy sources and protecting our environment.
What do you think are the major issues in this election?
EL: There is one major central issue that needs be looked at—experience. I have always felt that if you want to run for public office, you should spend some time working with the volunteer boards and learning about the way the town works. As for the supervisor’s position, you are the CEO and CFO of the town. It is not the type of position that you can bring someone with no municipal experience to.
The next pressing issue will be the cutting of state funds to programs like CHIPS, in which the town will need to make up the difference while dealing with increasing insurance rates and a need to properly compensate our employees in an inflationary environment while controlling taxes. I also want to add that the sewer infrastructure is a pressing priority. I am working with our team to expand Hallocks Mills and we are looking at a project that would help to [bring] sewer the Lake Osceola area.
JM: Transparency and representation. Our current board does not reflect Yorktown. Residents have been very clear that they feel they are not being heard on a variety of issues. I want to ensure that there are meaningful, robust discussions on the issues that impact residential taxpayers.
The reform of the Ethics Law ensuring residents have a clear understanding of potential conflicts of interest has been dragging on for far too long. And the proposed changes the board just put forward actually function to weaken the law. I believe residents deserve more from our elected officials.
Fiscal responsibility. We have a fund balance well over the recommended levels with no plans to invest that money in critical infrastructure projects. That is not prudent fiscal planning. We have a 485-b tax exemption law on the books that shifts the tax burden for commercial development onto residential taxpayers. Projects that would have moved forward, with or without the exemption, like Lowe’s or Optum, are still given these exemptions costing taxpayers more than $300,000 in just the last few years.
I would ensure tough oversight of town expenses to keep taxes low and invest in our future by using excess fund balance and state and federal grant money to stretch every penny.
Environmental responsibility. We are falling further and further behind neighboring communities when it comes to environmental issues. Westchester Magazine just rated Yorktown among the least green towns in Westchester-15th out of 20. Croton-on-Hudson is currently building a solar canopy system at the train station which will power both local homes and municipal facilities, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save the town money. We need to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
Are there any final thoughts you would like to leave with the voters?
EL: I have been working for eight years to keep Yorktown moving forward with a balance of progress with preservation. I would be honored to be elected to continue working for Yorktown as supervisor.
JM: For those who want to better understand my experience and qualifications for stepping into this very big job, I again go back to my decades of public service on various executive boards, working on impactful change on issues from education business development to building the next generation of leaders. In these roles, I’ve had to make tough decisions to deal with a variety of complex issues.
I have always focused on a collaborative approach to issues, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to be heard—a method I believe is essential to effective problem-solving and strategic planning.
My approach is grounded in practicality and pragmatism, and I look forward to using that mindset to usher in a new era for Yorktown. I encourage everyone to learn more about me at Jann4Yorktown.com.
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SOMERS, N.Y. - Several Somers students have been recognized for their academic achievements during the fall semester at colleges across the country. In addition, a number of local students were also recognized for their performance during the winter term at The Harvey School!
DEAN'S LIST
North Carolina State University
Natalie Phalen
SUNY Albany
Ryan McSweeney
PRESIDENT'S HONOR ROLL
University of Wyoming
Eugene Dilorenzo
THE HARVEY SCHOOL
Cavalier Scholar
Logan Alexander
Benji Cutler
Head’s List
Sunflower Burk
Olivia Farkas
Brandon Hall
Addison Silva
Mollie Weisberger
Honor Roll
Sofia Solares
Do you know a student with an academic achievement that we should recognize? Let us know at somersrecord@halstonmedia.com and we would be happy to include them in our next print edition!
]]>CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - Last year, the John Jay girls lacrosse team made it all the way to the state finals before going home with second place.
Proceeding with an agenda of finishing the job is not the mindset of the coach or her team.
“We’re really good about staying in the moment and trying to get better every day,” said Coach Jess McDonough.
But they aren’t completely wiping the memory clean.
“We’re hoping to play up to where we ended last year,” she added.
With Mary Murphy, Jordan Kauftheil, and Jane Brennan coming back, the defensive gears are primed to grind.
“We’re ready to step up, stop the ball and work on different sets,” said McDonough.
In anchor, Molly Gallagher is on familiar ground between the pipes.
“She’s a junior now. She has a year of varsity under her belt. So I think she’s excited for the challenge and get better each game,” said McDonough.
Of course, the goalie will still have to acclimate some new blood into the system, and she looks forward to helping to piece the puzzle together. On the other hand, achieving synergy is less about lacrosse, according to Gallagher.
“Our goal is to get really close this year as a team,” she said.
On the attack, JoJo Degl is back in the middle of the field.
“I love it. I’ve been playing midfield since I’ve been playing lacrosse,” said the junior.
Not a one woman show, Degl likes her backup.
“Logan Bueti is an awesome attacker, she is really kicking butt, and Kaitlin Condon is also awesome, I’m loving her confidence,’ Degl asserted.
Kayla Shapiro, Finja Degl, Amelia Inglis, Olivia Cervantes and Molly Willingham also on the move. There’s no offense without the defense, and Degl revels in running with the new Wolves on that side of the field too.
“Audrey Oestreicher is super fast, Sela Halaifonua has come back to lacrosse, playing great defense and Caitlin Brennan is playing great down there too, taking after her sister,” said Degl.
In the mix, Nicole DiNapoli is also stepping up on the attack, while not forgetting the Wolves who have stepped aside. Shannon Nolan, Mia Puccio, Meghan Condon and Annabel Brennan, said the senior, “We miss them all the time, and we’re constantly talking about the legacy they left behind.”
Still, she welcomes the chance to fill the void.
“It’s an exciting responsibility,” said DiNapoli.
No doubt contagious, McDonough reaps plenty of reward.
“These girls bring smiles, hard work, a positive attitude and that’s all I can ask,” concluded the coach.
]]>NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - With the weather warming up, North Salem’s golfers are preparing for another season of competition on the links.
This year, the Tigers are rejuvenated with interest coming from a fresh pool of players who are new to the sport.
Once again, the team will be led by standout James Nemeth. Nemeth will look to build off of his impressive 8th Grade season last year and could represent North Salem in the sectionals when the postseason arrives.
Other key players will include senior James Stiehl, who has showed great improvement from last season, and freshman Lucas Virzi and sophomore Aidan Santis who demonstrated promise during competitive matches last spring.
“As a young team, we hope to be competitive in every match this season and use this year as a stepping-stone for the next two to three years and become a contending team in Section 1,” explained Coach Chris Brandt. “This is going to be a special group of players. This group does not like to lose and they all have that inner motivation to become winners and succeed. As a coach, I could not be more excited for this season and our team's future for our golf program.”
]]>ALBANY, N.Y. - New York State Senator Pete Harckham and members of the Senate passed the one-house budget resolution last week, which will deliver aid to help New York residents with school funding, infrastructure investments with an emphasis on road safety and support for environmental protections and climate change goals.
“The Senate’s one-house budget resolution stands as a significant investment in New Yorkers and our communities, the decision-making driven by our shared values and focus on affordability and growing prosperity,” said Harckham. “By requiring those top-earners to pay more of their fair share, we will be able to continue to fully fund education and even increase our investments for students, protect our environment while fighting the climate crisis and give a much-needed pay boost to those who are taking care of the most vulnerable in New York.”
Harckham spoke on the Senate floor in support of the one-house budget resolution; to see a video clip of his speech click here.
The Senate one-house budget resolution:
· Restores full funding for Foundation Aid and adds $747 million to education funding, resulting in a minimum 3% increase for all school districts;
· Adds $150 million for universal pre-kindergarten and $125 million for universal school meals;
· Adds $400 million for core highway funding for a total of $3 billion, with a $100 million going Region 8 (Hudson Valley) to compensate for past underfunding.
· Restores cuts and added $160 million to the Consolidated Local Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) for a total of $698.1 million;
· Restores $250 million for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act with $15 million dedicated to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), and including an additional $100 million for the Safe Water Infrastructure Program;
· Reverses cuts to the Environmental Protection Fund.
A number of initiatives in the one-house resolution stem from legislation introduced by Harckham, including bills to, respectively, establish fees for environmental violations; allow medically fragile residents to stay in certain care facilities until they are 37; give due process protections to health care providers during Office of the Medicaid Inspector General audits; and help create affordable housing by providing incentives to municipalities to legalize accessory dwelling units and giving tax exemptions to homeowners.
The Senate proposal also includes a 3.2% COLA increase across the state’s health agencies, which Harckham, the former chair of the Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, has long advocated for to help mitigate staffing shortages.
Some highlights of the Senate one-house budget resolution, by category:
Education
· $5 million to combat anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and Anti-Asian hate in schools;
· $5 million in additional support for afterschool programs, for a total of $105.7 million;
· Restored $1.7 million of funding for Cornell Cooperative Extension programs;
· $4.5 million for ELL (English language learner) assessments for students with disabilities;
· Restored $1.9 million of funding for the Center of Excellence (COE), for a total of $14 million;
· $13.4 million in Bundy Aid for independent colleges and universities.
Roads and Infrastructure
· $50 million in additional support for Extreme Winter Recovery, for a total of $150 million;
· $79.6 million in additional support for Statewide Mass Transportation Operating Assistance for non-MTA transit systems, for a total of $5.2 billion;
· Requirements that all public transit operators receive state assistance to purchase only zero-emissions buses and related equipment;
· $20 million for high-speed broadband internet access in temporary housing facilities.
Environment and Climate Goals
· $100 million Safe Water Infrastructure Action Program;
· $12.5 million Harmful Algal Bloom Grant Program;
· Restored full funding—$7.5 million—for the Hudson River Estuary Management Program;
· $600K to establish a new Office of Flood Control;
· Expands maximum credit for geothermal energy systems to $10K and makes the credit refundable for low- and moderate-income residents in disadvantaged communities.
Keeping New Yorkers Healthy
· Adds $1 billion to restore funding for the State Medicaid program, which includes funding for hospitals, nursing homes and managed long-term care
· $10 million added to support a medical debt forgiveness pilot program;
· $1.25 million for the NYS Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs nutrition initiative;
· 25% Medicaid rate increase for community health centers (CHCs) and implementation of a CHC rate reform;
· $2.5 million for the United Way Preventative Care Access initiative;
· $10.4 million for the NYS Occupational Health Clinic Network (OHCN);
· $35 million for the National Institute of Reproductive Health (NIRH) to seed the Reproductive Freedom and Equity Program through the NYS Department of Health;
· Adds $190 million to support wage enhancements of $2K for Direct Service Professionals making up to $75K.
Keeping New Yorkers in Their Homes
· Extension of the real property tax relief credit for three years and expanding eligibility;
· $40 million for the Homeowners Protection Program (HOPP);
· $140 million for the Public Housing Authorities outside of New York City;
· Sales tax exemption for residential energy storage systems;
· Creation of the Working Families Tax Credit for single taxpayers (making less than $75K) and married taxpayers filing jointly (making less than $130K).
Good Governance
· Increase current earnings cap for public service retirees to $50K;
· $945 million pay down the Unemployment Trust Fund deficit;
· Support for the $120 million increase to Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) grants to victims and witness assistance providers.
First Responders / Military
· $1.9 billion for financially distressed hospitals and safety-net hospitals--$600 million more than the Executive’s proposal;
· $25 million for Volunteer Firefighter Capital Grants;
· $3 million for Westchester Parkway Police;
· Increase the Firefighter and Ambulance Worker Tax Credit to $800;
· Establishes a 20-year retirement plan for DEC enforcement officers and Forest Rangers;
· Expanded workers’ compensation coverage for work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
· $8.3 million for the Dwyer Peer-to-Peer Veterans Program.
The Senate one-house budget also establishes a climate change cost recovery program to require fossil fuel companies that have contributed significantly to the buildup of greenhouse gases to remit payments to the state, which will be used for climate change adaptation expenditures.
Lastly, the one-house budget resolution advances language to add strict safeguards and oversight for governmental use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and works to secure online privacy for all consumers by regulating collection, processing and sale of personal data by businesses, including heightened restrictions in regard to the data of minors.
“I am proud of the scope of what the Senate’s one-house budget resolution accomplishes and offer gratitude to Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and my colleagues for their efforts in this regard,” said Harckham. “New York is at the forefront of meaningful and important progress in our nation. Our sound investments and proposals show that we are looking ahead in terms of safeguarding residents and solving problems with necessary diligence and resourcefulness.”
]]>Check out our NEW streaming services now available to all Somers cardholders!
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the Shelf
The ultimate library streaming service for the Hispanic Community
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Brought to you by the Somers Library through the Westchester Library System.
Empowering libraries, empowering communities.
CROTON FALLS, N.Y. — Multiple local, county, and state first responders were called into action on Friday night (March 15) when a car went down a steep embankment near I-684, trapping two people inside.
According to a report by Croton Falls Fire Department firefighter Jared Hirschberg posted on the CFFD's website, Croton Falls Fire, North Salem Volunteer Ambulance Corps, and the Westchester Department of Emergency Services were dispatched to a vehicle "off the road with entrapment" on the side of Fields Lane, which runs parallel to the interstate.
"While [police] were en route, [it was advised that] the best access for the vehicle would be on 684 North of Exit 8," Hirschberg wrote. "Car 2073 was first arriving and reported a vehicle down the embankment with two parties still in the vehicle.
"Car 2073 with crews from Rescue 28 and Engine 148 provided patient assessment, cleared brush and debris with a chainsaw, and extricated the patients utilizing the Hurst hydraulic spreader tool," Hirscheberg continued.
Because the embankment was so steep, Hirschberg said crew members tied a rope system from the guardrail to the vehicle to help first responders get to the car and help the victims.
"Car 2072, 2073, Rescue 28, Engine 148, and Utility 28 operated for about 90 minutes before clearing," Hirscheberg said.
The report didn't provide information on the age, gender, or condition of the victims.
Mutual Aid was provided by the North Salem Ambulance Corps, Westchester EMS, North Salem PD, and the New York State Police.
]]>MAHOPAC. N.Y. -- The 47th annual Northern Westchester-Putnam Saint Patrick's Day Parade stepped off in Mahopac place last Sunday (March 10) and lived up to its reputation as one of New York's biggest Saint Patrick's Day celebrations outside of NYC.
According to the Northern Westchester-Putnam St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, more than 1,500 people marched in the parade. (Note: Figures initially shared with and published by Mahopac News on March 14 had that number at about 700). Grand Marshal and longtime Carmel resident Brendan McDonnell led the festivities, which brought together marchers of all ages from near and far.
Parade committee spokesperson Tara Keegan said more than 70 organizations marched in the parade, including 12 bands.
"We had a few thousand spectators along Route 6 in Mahopac watching the parade," Keegan said. "The Northern Westchester-Putnam St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of the largest St. Patrick's Day Parades in the state."
YORKTOWN, N.Y. - A gas leak has caused a major headache for the owners and loyal customers of a popular Yorktown eatery.
The leak has forced Yorktown Pizza and Pasta, located at 2013 Crompond Road in Yorktown Heights, to close its doors a it waits for Con Edison to restore service.
According to Con Ed's website, the leak was first reported on March 9 and was inspected the same day. At the time of writing (Saturday, March 16), the Con Ed online Gas Leak Map showed that the leak had been "made safe" and was a "priority repair" but offered no timeline for when service would be restored to customers in the area.
Meanwhile, the popular eatery, which opened in 1990, remains closed with no definitive date for reopening.
Other homes and businesses in the building are reportedly without heat but have been allowed to remain open. But the restaurant has been forced to close until its gas service can be restored.
In a Facebook post on Friday (March 15), Joe Giuliano, who owns the restaurant with his son Mike, said Con Ed hasn’t given them a clear timeline about returning to complete the repairs.
"Con Ed said we'd be back by Tuesday—they never specified which Tuesday," the restaurant’s Facebook post said. "Unfortunately, we are still without gas...and are unfortunately still closed. We're hoping to hear some good news about progress over the weekend, but in all likelihood, it looks like we're looking at the closure going into next week. This is absolutely the last thing that we want to be dealing with, and we're asking for your patience while we go through these tough times."
According to their Facebook page, the Yorktown Pizza and Pasta team initially hoped Con Ed would repair the leak by last Tuesday. Even a few days of downtime has been a major blow for the business.
"In the meantime, we are doing our best to figure out how to best honor the commitments we've already made to clients and will be reaching out to them to try and figure out how to go about the next few days," the restaurant posted on Facebook at the time. "We're sorry for all the inconvenience this will cause, but believe us, this is the absolute last thing that we want to be dealing with. We will keep you updated with any additional information we receive over the next few days.”
Customers have rallied to the business's support. Suzanne Nesbitt Keiling said patrons were frustrated with Con Ed's lack of action and the energy giant's indifference to the harm the delays were causing the business.
"We should all throw a party, any kind of party, in the parking lot," Keiling posted on Facebook. “That would get someone’s attention. So sorry you have to deal with this, with no answers after an entire week.
"YPP has been a part of our family, like many other families/customers for about 34 years or so now," Keiling continued. "I can probably count on one hand how many times Joe has taken off or closed his business. It’s always been the customers first for him and is still this way today. We will all be back to welcome you with open arms."
Customer Arlene Gioia noted that the Lenten holiday, when many Christians avoid meat on Fridays, was an especially bad time for a pizzeria to be closed.
"That’s awful," she said, "You should get free electric for the loss, especially during Lent."
Rob Manzella was one of several customers promising to make up for lost time.
"Now we have to come on and order double to make up for lost days," he posted.
As they wait to be able to fire up their ovens, the owners are looking for ways to operate and have thanked customers and fans for their support.
"Big, big thanks to everybody who has offered kind words of support in the meantime. They mean more than you know," they said on Facebook. "We'll update you with more information when we find it out!"
This is a developing story and will be updated.
]]>LEWISBORO, N.Y. - Now that the holidays are over and we are all stuffed from the wonderful meals, desserts, and presents, we can all reflect on what the holidays mean.
We are all of different faiths, but we all have our families in our minds and hearts at that time of year. We all wish each other a “Happy Holiday,” but what does that mean? Maybe you have a friend or relative that cannot get out of the house because of health reasons. That is the time we can really be important and do our part in helping our fellow man.
The Lewisboro Seniors’ mission statement is “to enhance the well-being and quality of life for the senior adults in our community. We promote continued independence through social engagement, inspiring activities and overall health in mind and body. We strive to create a caring, supportive and inclusive environment where seniors can thrive and foster meaningful relationships.”
This means we don’t forget about you if you become ill or cannot come to our meetings. Simple telephone calls can uplift a senior living alone. We can visit them or bring them a homecooked meal. Whatever it is, try to help someone, not only during the holiday, but also throughout the entire year.
The Lewisboro Seniors also know how to celebrate. Our annual holiday party was held at Primavera restaurant in Croton Falls.
Everything was perfect. We had four selections of entrees and we had great antipasto dishes. The waitstaff was superb. We also had entertainment, with provided by Gene Matera. He began with “Sweet Caroline,” a favorite of ours. It really gets everyone up and out of their seats dancing. And for me, it’s a favorite since my granddaughter’s name is Caroline. He also played songs from the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Roy Orbison’s “Pretty Woman.”
The festivities didn’t end there. We received many raffle donations from our businesses and friends in the community. The funds received from this event go into our general fund toward programs for the seniors. Please be aware that each donator was named at the event. Neighboring towns to Lewisboro also donated. such as Katonah and Ridgefield, CT. There is a forgotten little street in Katonah called Edgemont Road that houses The Reading Room and Amore Pizzeria. The Reading Room is a hidden secret. They are part bookstore, candy store, and café, featuring stationery, small toys, and paints... in other words, something for everyone. Every donation was appreciated. Thanks to the restaurants, pizzerias, gas stations and to everyone in the Town of Lewisboro.
To get 2024 going, we had a really special treat by a visit from our younger citizens. They are called the Kids Community Club of Lewisboro. They provided lunch for the seniors, and most of all they gave the seniors companionship. This happened months ago, and all the seniors are still talking about our little visitors. They are ages 5 – 12 and were so engaging and easy to speak with. Their artwork was superb. We are looking forward to seeing them again. It is nice to know children are being raised so well. They were the politest children. Thanks to all of the moms, including Samantha Zaffiro and Alison Green, and their children.
The Lewisboro Seniors meet every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Salem Fire House. (The back door has a handicapped ramp if needed.)
]]>BREWSTER, N.Y. - Last week, the Pickleball Barn was honored to host renowned pickleball instructor, Coach Zorano Tubo!
Coach Z and his team travel around the country conducting clinics and teaching pickleball. 70 members of The Pickleball Barn participated in the day-long event, and were fortunate enough to be joined by Gordon Gebert, President of the Pickleball Television Network, CEO of the National Pickleball League, and accomplished keyboardist who has played and toured with Angel, Marty Balin (Jefferson Airplane), Donna Summer, and his onetime “Best friend” Ace Frehley of Kiss.
To learn more about Coach Z, visit https://southerntierpickleball.net/
]]>NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - When voters in the North Salem Central School District head to the polls May, they will have an opportunity to secure vital facility and operational improvements for years to come. The district is presenting two bond propositions to address infrastructure needs in a fiscally responsible manner.
The first proposition would use a 16-year bond to fund the $715,000 renovation of the water treatment plant at Pequenakonck Elementary School. Last year, the district completed the North Salem Middle/High School upgrade, installing filters and other improvements to remove minerals that cause brown water and clog fixtures, as well as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) from the well water.
The elementary school requires the same improvements to ensure clean, safe drinking water.
If voters approve, work on the new water plant can commence over summer break. After multiple revisions with the Westchester County Board of Health, permit approvals took more than three years to finalize. Delaying funding would risk losing these permits and existing company bids, leading to further cost increases as the process starts again.
The second proposition addresses the purchasing vehicles, modernizing the transportation fleet's security and communications, and providing labor-saving ground equipment. The five-year bond will replace the oldest buses and vans that have traveled over 200,000 miles and are approaching the end of their 15-year lifespan. Of the $513,016 bond, $100,000 will be invested in new security technology to modernize radios, cameras, and GPS systems in all district buses and vans to improve safety and response time.
This proposal includes purchasing new groundskeeping machinery to improve the maintenance crew's productivity. With these upgraded tools, the team will be able to operate on sloped areas of campuses and significantly decrease the mowing time, allowing the completion of other projects more efficiently.
Delaying funding for this proposition could result in increased maintenance costs due to an aging fleet, emergency fleet replacement costs, or longer and disrupted student routes, as older vehicles may break down.
"This proposition is an investment in the safety, security, and productivity of our transportation and facilities operations," said Superintendent Duncan Wilson. "It allows us to look down the road consciously and sustainably, rather than reacting to crises with costly emergency repairs and replacements."
The bond propositions are designed to achieve long-term improvements through sensible fiscal practices. The district can fund the projects gradually by borrowing smaller sums as required instead of taking on the entire debt upfront. This approach will minimize the tax and educational impact compared to shouldering the total cost through the annual operating budget.
"In the past, the district has used bonds to fund long-term investments, including infrastructure and vehicles, allowing us to spread the impact of costly capital projects over several years," said Board Trustee Deborah D'Agostino. "By managing our debt in this manner, we can make funds available for important projects such as water filtration without exceeding the budget cap."
Article courtesy of North Salem Central School District.
]]>SOMERS, N.Y. - The Kennedy Catholic girls varsity basketball team earned the first City Championship in program history after a decisive win over Fontbonne Hall Academy of Brooklyn at the Draddy Gymnasium at Manhattan College earlier this month.
After jumping out to a 16-4 start, Kennedy didn’t look back. When the final buzzer sounded, the Gaels captured the GCHSAA Tier 2 City Championship with a decisive 67-39 victory.
The team would then continue their season against Buffalo powerhouse St. Mary's of Lancaster in the state semifinals. Kennedy refused to back down from a talented opponent, but came up short by a score of 68-56.
The Gaels are now scheduled to play the city PSAL AAA champion on March 25 in the PSAL-CHSAA Champions Challenge.
Article courtesy of Kennedy Catholic.
]]>YORKTOWN, N.Y. -- The family of Yorktown Police Captain Kenneth Sgroi, who passed away last year, joined two local organizations, town officials, and members of the police department at its headquarters on Friday to present the donations collected in his honor.
March 16 marks the second annual “Captain Kenneth Sgroi Act of Kindness Day” in Yorktown, which honors the life of Yorktown Police Department’s Captain Sgroi, who died suddenly on Jan. 2, 2023. The annual celebration of his life falls on the anniversary of the day he first joined YPD and is a tribute to his selflessness in helping others through collecting donations for local organizations.
This year, the department collected donations for United or the Troops and Support Connection. In addition to the items collected for donation, Chief Robert Noble said that around $3,400 was raised to be divided between the two organizations.
“This day will continue long after I've left and someone succeeds me as chief of police,” said Police Chief Robert Noble. "It will go on for a long time, and all of my team is proud that it will happen in Kenny's name, because he sure deserves it."
Last year, the town board passed a resolution recognizing March 16 as “Captain Kenneth Sgroi Act of Kindness Day” annually in town.
“Kenny loved Yorktown, he loved being a police officer... it wasn't just a job to him. It was his life," said Anne Sgroi. "I've spent the last year trying to find a place to keep his memory alive for my kids, and every year there will be this special day just for their dad, and it will be a day that everyone can tell them about their dad."
At the time of his passing, his daughter Gabriella was five, and his son Joe was three.
Noble asks that everyone finds a way to be kind on this day, even if it is as simple as holding the door for someone.
In addition to the annual day of charity, Noble said that the department is looking to implement more ways to honor Sgroi, including a street sign at headquarters that reads "Captain Kenneth Sgroi Plaza," as well as a "Captain Kenneth Sgroi Memorial Highway" sign on a section of Route 202. Both are anticipated for later this spring or early this summer.
]]>MAHOPAC, N.Y. -- The Mahopac Central School District will offer full-day Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) starting next fall. The district said the state-funded program will come at no cost to Mahopac taxpayers.
Universal Pre-K (UPK) is a free state- and federally-funded program that provides full-day pre-kindergarten to eligible children living within a participating school district.
Mahopac will offer UPK to up to 148 children next year. Because the number of seats is limited, placement will be through a lottery, with entry forms available from March 20-April 5.
To qualify, children must be eligible for kindergarten in the 2025-2026 school year nd live within the Mahopac Central School District.
"We are able to provide this free UPK program through state aid that can only be used for this purpose which results in no cost to taxpayers," the district website says.
The district posted the following UPK timeline:
For updates, visit the district's UPK page at: https://www.mahopac.k12.ny.us/page/universal-pre-k-upk.
]]>BEDFORD, N.Y. - Clusters of sixth-graders gathered around different areas of Diana Bastidas’ classroom at Fox Lane Middle School, speaking animatedly in both English and Spanish as they looked at colorful student-made posters hanging on the walls.
They were taking part in a gallery walk in their Dual-Language Bilingual Education social studies class.
“As part of our Ancient Egypt unit, students have been researching a pharaoh of their choice,” Bastidas said. “We’re having a gallery walk to celebrate their work. Students are displaying their posters, taking notes from each other's work and leaving positive feedback for their classmates.”
While sixth graders in all houses learned about Ancient Egypt and completed a culminating project on pharaohs, dual-language classes completed the project in Spanish and discussed what they learned in both English and Spanish.
Bastidas explained that part of the idea behind doing a gallery walk was to get students up, moving and interacting with one another while allowing them to showcase their creativity in different ways.
“It’s the balance of not just being on Chromebooks,” she said. “They can use their creativity by incorporating different colors, pictures and lettering.”
Students seemed to enjoy the freedom of the project.
“I liked researching my person,” said Abigail Schwarzfeld. “I chose Hatshepsut, the only girl.”
“I wanted to pick someone who was less famous,” said Zoe Friedman, who studied Akhenaton. “I picked someone who changed religion. I find that very interesting.”
The comments students left for each other while completing the gallery walk were very encouraging.
“Me gustan mucho tus dibujos y colores.” (I really like your drawings and colors)
“Me encanta tu escritura.” (I love your writing)
“Me gustan los logros interesantes de Hatshepsut.” (I like Hatshepsut’s interesting achievements)
After walking around and studying their classmates’ work, students came back together as a group to discuss some of the things they learned.
“Thutmose built a whole city,” said Sadie Smith. “And Hatshepsut dressed like a boy to fit in.”
Before the period ended, the group began discussing who they thought the most influential pharaoh was, a topic they would vote on in class the next day.
Sadie was ready to argue for Hatshepsut.
“She’s the best because she’s the only girl and she proves that girls can be powerful.”
Article courtesy of Bedford Central School District.
]]>CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - A number of local students have been recognized for their academic achievements at schools across the country!
DEAN'S LIST
High Point University
Paul Joseph Rossi III
PRESIDENT'S LIST
Clemson University
Kristen Wolfe
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
Stepinac High School
William Currid
Michael Oronzio
Do you know a scholar that you would like to recognize? Let us know at KLT@halstonmedia.com and we would be happy to include them in our next print edition!
]]>NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - Lift Trucks Project is currently hosting an exhibit of abstract paintings by French surrealist Christian Lemesle.
The gallery and artist space is located at 3 East Cross Road in the North Salem hamlet of Croton Falls.
Born on July 10, 1932 in Paris, Lemesle was a renowned painter and collage artist whose works were “deeply influenced” by surrealism, says the gallery’s owner and artist Tom Christopher.
Part of the “vibrant art scene of the 1950s,” and in the “midst of acclaim for towering figures like Picasso,” Lemesle’s “unique approach” gained him widespread recognition, noted Christopher.
This led to exhibitions at the Salon de Mai in Paris in 1961. In 1960, Lemesle was awarded the prestigious Prix Fénéon.
Established in 1949 by Fanny Fénéon, the widow of French art critic Félix Fénéon., the prize is awarded annually to a French-language writer and a visual artist no older than 35.
Lemesle was the second husband of esteemed Haitian painter and collage artist Luce Turnier.
Lift Trucks is “thrilled” to be able to exhibit some of Lemesle’s “masterpieces and (to) celebrate the legacy of this influential artist who, despite living in the shadows of giants, emerged as a luminary in his own right,” Christopher said.
Lemesle’s art was showcased at Galerie du Dragon in Paris. Founded in 1955 by the poet Max Clarac-Serou, the gallery played a pivotal role in promoting new artists and in “cultivating a vibrant artistic community,” according to Andrea Nuti, a curator and art dealer in Paris.
The Galerie du Dragon closed in 1995.
The area where the Galerie du Dragon was located was the center of literary activities. Its “significance” is further accentuated by its association with the La Librairie du Temps (BookStore of Time), as depicted in a Lemesle work that features a large clock, Nuti said.
Some pieces in the Lift Trucks exhibit bear the gallery’s label, while others trace their provenance to David Findlay Gallery in New York City.
For further information, visit www.ltproject.com.
]]>SOMERS, N.Y. - You may have noticed that the granite obelisk that had held aloft the statue of Somers’ totem Elephant, Old Bet, for nearly two centuries is no longer there.
But don’t fret, it hasn’t gone lumbering off into the sunset permanently; the town is hoping to have it all fixed up and back in place by World Circus Day, a celebration that takes place on the third Saturday in April every year.
Various iterations of pachyderm-topped pillar have stood in front of The Elephant Hotel, aka Town Hall, at the intersection of Routes 202 and 100 for 196 years.
Old Bet was the star of Hachaliah Bailey’s traveling menagerie.
The early 19th-century entrepreneur erected a monument in memory of his cherished creature after it had been shot by an irate farmer while touring Maine in 1816.
The original effigy was carved out of wood and gilded with gold paint. The most recent version was made of concrete. It too eventually succumbed to the elements. Large cracks were plainly visible in its legs and concerns were raised about safety.
Last spring, the town unveiled a beautiful new bronze statue of Old Bet, commissioned by the Somers Historical Society, made by local sculptor Luigi Badia, and paid for by the family of the late Joseph and Barbara Wittmann.
A few months later, the concrete Old Bet was removed and stored elsewhere on town property. It was simply too big to cart up the stairs to the society’s Museum of the Early American Circus.
The new Old Bet, which sits on the same footprint as its predecessor but is heavier, was bivouacked in the town meeting room while professional engineers examined the obelisk to see if it is structurally sound enough to hold it. A local blacksmith was also called in to give the original wrought iron frame a once over.
The stone pillar apparently was found not to be totally plumb (or vertical), which is not surprising considering its age.
It was removed last week via truck and taken away to be “cored.” Its base will be reinforced and, if everything goes well – toes and trunks crossed -- it should be back up within weeks, according to Supervisor Rob Scorrano.
Last week, the Town Board voted to formally accept the donation of the new Old Bet sculpture as a gift from the historical society and to acknowledge the town’s ownership of the old Old Bet.
That was done for legal purposes, to protect both parties in case something should happen.
The state’s Historical Preservation Office is fine with the project but told the Old Bet committee last year that the monument has to look the same in order to retain its landmark status, local historians say.
The red brick building itself – opened between 1820 and 1825 by Bailey as an inn and tavern -- was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2005 for its role in the development of the American Circus.
Bailey had purchased Old Bet at an animal auction, thinking she would be a fine farm draught animal. That didn’t work out.
But when neighbors began clamoring to see the elephant, Bailey realized he could make a buck by charging up to $1 – a lot of money in those days – per peek.
Soon, Old Bet and other critters were part of a traveling menagerie. Sadly, it was the money part that sealed the elephant’s doom. The farmer who shot her thought it was a sin to charge poor folks to see a wild animal.
]]>MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. -- World Sleep Day 2024 is Friday, March 15, highlighting the connection between sleep and good health. It’s especially important for patients staying in hospitals. Turning on overhead lights can be disruptive for patients, but hospital staff need to monitor and attend to patients’ care throughout the night. A new innovative program at Northern Westchester Hospital (NWH) hopes to improve patients’ sleep quality and recovery by simply using a red light.
Starting in February, when attending to patients in their rooms during the night shift, nursing staff at NWH use a hands-free magnetic red flashlight. The color red emits a longer wavelength than a white overhead light. Longer wavelengths have proven to be less visually disruptive to sleep because they don’t interrupt circadian rhythms. It’s been super helpful since patients reported that staff turning on overhead lights while sleeping was disruptive. Now that’s not a problem.
The program was the brainchild of Kendra A. Deschamps, BSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC at Northern Westchester Hospital. She had one minor problem, she needed funding for the lights and charging receptacles. Kendra proposed the idea to the hospital’s Patient-Centered Innovation (PCI) Fund, which seeks to support innovative ideas from NWH team members to enhance how they care for patients, families, the community and staff.
Fully funded for a year as of Feb 1, 2024, patients will now be able to get the quality sleep they need, and it only cost about $2,220 for everything. Patients reported satisfactory sleep quality and no visual disruptions. Staff reported that the red light was easy to use and accessible. “I’m sleeping great! I didn’t notice a thing and slept through the whole night,” said one patient.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT
Sleep affects immune and cardiometabolic function. It gives your body, including your brain, time to repair and recover, effectively rebuilding injured tissues. The science is simple. White color wavelengths are short, approximately 400nm. Conversely, red color wavelengths are longer, approximately 700nm. When eye retinal ganglion cells are exposed to short wavelengths, a signal is sent to suprachiasmatic nucleus of the brain to reset circadian clocks/rhythms, resulting in sleep disruption. The retinal ganglion cells are less sensitive to exposure to long wavelengths from red light, maintaining circadian rhythms. The result is more uninterrupted sleep and improved sleep quality.
]]>Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) joined Assembly and Senate Republicans earlier this week in a press conference highlighting new proposals that would put an end to New York Democrats’ flawed bail reform. One would make body dismemberment/concealment of a human corpse a bail-eligible offense and the other would strengthen laws regarding custody of a defendant and their electronic monitoring. These proposals follow the horrific acts of a group of four in Long Island who were alleged to have concealed a human corpse and dismembered body parts but have since been released because of the failed laws passed by state Democrats in 2019.
“Cashless bail has arguably been the worst policy ever to come out of Albany and we are seeing exactly why. New Yorkers must be protected from dangerous criminals who have committed violent acts and it does not get more violent than dismembering a corpse. The fact we were joined here today to propose bills that make the act of mutilating a human corpse bail eligible is astonishing. It is clear to every New Yorker that cashless bail must be repealed so people can finally feel safe,” said Slater.
Instead of calling for an immediate repeal, Gov. Kathy Hochul blamed the Suffolk County District Attorney for the defendants release, saying he should have charged the four with bail eligible crimes and should have done a more thorough investigation.
“Our district attorneys, judges and law enforcement have spoken out countless times about the dangers the cashless bail system has caused but Governor Hochul has made it clear she just won't listen to them. Everyday that passes without action is a failure by Gov. Hochul to protect hard working New Yorkers,” concluded Slater.
“The tremendous increase in crime we have been seeing in our state is the direct result of feel-good laws such as the bail reform law and of prosecutors who replace ideology and think tank studies over intelligent, realistic, and necessary law enforcement and community policy,” said Putnam District Attorney, Bob Tendy. “Governor Hochul and the New York State legislature need to work with people in law enforcement who know how to enforce the law and make our cities and towns safe. They should do the real work of rewriting the bail reform law immediately. The fixes to the law are not difficult, but they require collaboration with district attorneys and law enforcement agents who know how to combat crime and don’t base the decisions on ideology. Until they do so they are failing the people of New York State,” concluded Tendy.
“To have to explain to members of the Babylon community, my constituents, that those suspected of chopping up a human being can be arrested and just walk free is horrifying. I was not in office when dangerous bail ‘reforms’ were passed, but I will fight like hell to undo broken policies that provide criminals more protection than they provide our communities,” said Assemblyman Durso. “Our police and prosecutors are expected to do their jobs in a criminal justice system where the deck is stacked against them. The case in Babylon generated headlines not only for the gruesome details involved but because it showed how obviously broken our criminal justice system is. I’m proud to introduce legislation that addresses a glaring loophole in the state’s bail laws and strengthens the tools that prosecutors need to ensure our neighborhoods are safe from dangerous criminals.”
“How many more horrifying examples of criminal activity do we need to see before we start fixing what’s broken?” Assemblyman McGowan said. “As a former prosecutor, I can’t imagine the level of frustration within the Suffolk County DA’s Office after making major arrests and watching the suspects walk directly out of bail reform’s revolving door. It’s never been clearer that New York must get back to the standards of law and order that existed before 2019’s misguided ‘reforms.’ When heinous, violent crimes are committed, pre-trial detainment needs to be considered for the protection of the people we serve. I want to commend my colleagues for introducing these bills and I proudly support them.”
Assemblyman Matt Slater represents the 94th Assembly District, which includes parts of Putnam and Westchester counties, including the towns of Kent, Patterson, Putnam Valley, Carmel, Southeast, Somers and Yorktown, as well as the village of Brewster.
]]>Lakeland and Yorktown student-athletes once again stood out in basketball, wrestling, ice hockey, track and field, skiing, and bowling, earning well-deserved awards.
Lakeland Boys Basketball
Grady Leonard (All-Conference, All-League), Sean Perry (All-Conference, All-League), John Bartolotta (All-League).
Yorktown Boys Basketball
(League 2E Champions)
Kaden Gonzalez (All-Section, All-Conference, All-League), Billy Feeks (All-Section, All-Conference, All-League), Brandon Montero (All-Section, All-Conference, All-League), Justin Price (All-Conference, All-League, Section 1 Class AA All-Tournament Team).
Lakeland Girls Basketball
Nichole Ljuljic (All-Section, All-League), Ava Lugo (All-Conference, All-League).
Yorktown Girls Basketball
Kaitlyn Judge (All-Conference, All-League), Lexi Livadhi (All-League).
Lakeland/Panas Wrestling
Alex Ryzy (All-Section, All-League), Dan Hurley (All-Section, All-League), Steven Sommovigo (All-League), Dan Horowitz (All-League), Matt Clyman (All-League Honorable Mention), Bryan DePascale (All-League Honorable Mention).
Yorktown Wrestling
(Section I Division 1 Dual Meet Tournament champions, Co-League champions)
Joe Tornambe (All-State, All-Section, All-League), Rocco Lore (All-Section, All-League), Gio Tornambe (All-Section, All-League), George Gjergji (All-Section, All-League), Cooper Constantine (All-League Honorable Mention), Ronan Forde (All-League Honorable Mention).
BYSNS (Brewster/Yorktown/Somers/North Salem) Ice Hockey
(Howard Kosel Team Sportsmanship Award)
Lucas Salvatore (All-League), AJ Jones (All-League), Dylan Weber (All-League Honorable Mention), Micheal Bonelli (All-League Honorable Mention), Matteo Guastadisegni (All-League Honorable Mention).
Cortlandt Ice Hockey
Jack Jimenez (All-Section, All-League), Sean Foley (All-League Honorable Mention), Jason Piccirillo (All-League Honorable Mention) Nate Garofalo (All-League Honorable Mention).
Lakeland/Panas Boys Track and Field
All-League: Angel Cuevas, Jack Maja, Bobby Mayclim, Sohum Aggarwal, Evan Weissen, Nicholas Grabe, William Pike.
Lakeland/Panas Girls Track And Field
(League Champions)
All-League: Kailey Burdett, Layla Collazo, Alana Myke, Emily Healy, Ondine Gourdon-Luckenbill, Nichelle Clough, Yayira Vassell, Hannah Arbid, Riley Scott.
Yorktown Boys Track and Field
(League Champions)
All-League: Joseph Carucci, Tristen Duranti, Marcello Silvestro, Jayden Tyndal, Brian White, Jake Wilson.
Yorktown Girls Track and Field
Jane Hanson (All-County, All-League), Isabelle Bevilacqua (All-League), Grace McCann (All-League), Reileigh McEnroe (All-League)
Emily Pierro (All-League), Marina Toumanios (All-League), Makayla Winslow (All-League).
Yorktown Boys Skiing
All-League-Reilly Dollar, Cameron O’Brien, Connor Reardon, James Callaghan, Brandon Zhong, Joseph Longo, Jack Mooney.
Yorktown Girls Skiing
All-League-Madelon Gorman, Sofia Lam, Lara Villard (Lakeland student).
Lakeland Boys Bowling
Austin Kara (All-Section, All-League), Mike Antonucci (All-League).
Lakeland Girls Bowling
Kerry Pike (All-League).
Yorktown Boys Bowling
Matthew Kirey (All-Section, All-League), Kevin Kirey (All-Section, All-League).
Yorktown Girls Bowling
(League Champions)
Kailey O’Connell (All-Section, All-League), Ciara O’Brien (All-League), Esther-Anne Villamin (All-League).
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CROSS RIVER, N.Y. - With spring break over and sports in between seasons, the high school student activity might seem on hiatus. Not the case, as the John Jay Theater Workshop is ready with tonight's opening of "Legally Blonde - The Musical."
But if pulling up your legal briefs or dying your hair doesn’t sound like a fun night of celebrating the home-grown talent, the counter is pretty easy to make, according to one cast member.
“Why wouldn’t you go? The musical has the most incredible songs, incredible dances and is so much fun,” assured Jordyn Blachar.
Portraying Pilar, the senior is just bubbling over to let loose through her character. “It’s good to wear pink, jump around and have a lot of fun,” Blachar said joyfully.
A lot less flight in Jack Pryor’s shoes, his job is to bring the title character down.
“Warner is the boyfriend you’re not really rooting for,” said the senior.
The way he abruptly breaks up with Elle (Maddy Galgano) definitely delivers, but despite assuring he’s a good guy in real life, Pryor prefers playing the depth of the villain.
“Bad guys usually have more of a variety of what their motivations are,” he said.
Pryor also likes that there is an instant verification of his performance when running lines with the cast.
'Yuck and eww,' he said,
“If that’s not the reaction then I’m not doing my job right,” said the future Business Analyst Major and Acting Minor.
Playing opposite, Galgano manages both the heartbreak and the burden of carrying the show as the lead.
“It’s really good practice to be fully immersed in a show, being in literally every scene - nonstop, moving, moving, move,” she said.
Her character also has a foothold that puts the competing planets in orbit.
“Emmett (Cole Georgi) and Warner don’t really interact that much. They are on separated ends of me, so it’s like two different worlds,” said Galgano.
As for acting and singing in the same production, the senior says the dynamic aligns the stars for her.
“The way that the notes are written applies directly to the acting part. So it’s much easier to act a song, and that’s where I thrive,” said Galgano.
"Legally Blonde" put Maclain Rockett in his sweet spot too. “For as much as it’s great to have a big role because of the recognition, I think it’s so much fun when you're in for scenes and have all the funny lines,” said the senior who played a Harvard administrator.
Conveniently, according to the funny man, the dynamic actually feeds into itself.
“There’s something about theater, it’s almost like one big inside joke,” Rockett mused, and the synergy keeps him coming back.
A cohesion that officially falls on Talia Levinsohn. The stage director, she provides choreography and acting notes from rehearsals, makes sure the pieces and players are where they are supposed to be, coordinates the set building and oversees the technical and lighting cues.
Then at showtime, she presides over by wielding her walkie talkie and serving as the anchor. “I’m there in the booth, watching everything from behind,” she said.
No limelight, Levinsohn doesn’t mind.
“I love seeing the actors and crew grow and get better and have everything come together,” said the senior who will be majoring in astronomy and astrophysics.
The evolution is not by accident either. “In order to act in a group, it’s such a vulnerable thing,” said Julia Johnston, and the kind, non judgmental nature of any troupe is what makes a production bind in the end, she added.
Playing Paulette the hairdresser, she has the acting and singing down but is thankful she’s only limited to two dance numbers. Still, the senior made do.
“After practicing for a while, I become good at the choreography,’ said Johnston.
Samantha Donnelly’s two step relies on the beat too but minus the moves.
“Enid is the lawyer so it’s more a comedic role,” the actress said.
All the world, her stage in real life isn't timed quite as seamlessly. A little shy and less talkative, she’s more at ease in front of an audience. “They are here to see me so I’m not as worried. But when I’m with people sometimes I overthink things - especially since everything I do onstage is the character and not me,” Donnelly explained.
In keeping, Amanda Adamo has all the teenage personalities under her charge.
“It can be a lot sometimes. But it’s very, very rewarding and it’s great to be around all of them,” said the Director/John Jay English Teacher.
Even so, the light doesn’t always shine as bright on the creative arts, but the passion is just as illuminating from her viewpoint. “There’s a whole lot of heart on this side of the building,” Adamo extolled.
No reason to just take her word for it, Galgano is confident that this cast and crew will deliver. “It’s going to be electric,” she concluded.
"Legally Blonde - The Musical" will have performances on March 14 and 15, at 7 p.m., and a pair of shows on Saturday, March 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets at $10 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens.
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