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By Rick Pezzullo
Mahopac School District officials are
hoping to be reimbursed for the estimated
$500,000 it will cost to change the Indians
mascot the district has used for decades.
State Assemblyman Matt Slater (R/
Yorktown) held a press conference at
Mahopac High School Friday to announce
legislation has been introduced in the
Assembly and Senate to provide financial
relief to all districts statewide that are being
forced by the state Board of Regents to
eliminate using Native American mascots,
team names and logos.
“If Albany wants it, they should pay for it,”
Slater said. “My biggest issue is the inability
of local officials and school officials to have a
say in this. It’s fundamentally wrong.”
Last week, the Board of Regents voted
unanimously to adopt a regulation reinforcing
the Education Department’s position on
The Dignity for All Students Act that
addresses using Native American symbols
or depictions. The Education Department
first recommended the changes in 2001.
The Mahopac School District is one of
about 2,000 nationwide that still use a Native
American as a mascot, and one of about 60
in New York. School district officials are in
the process of choosing a new nickname.
On May 16, students are scheduled to vote
on one of three yet-to-be selected options,
while the Board of Education will make a
final determination in June.
“The state put this on Mahopac. This is the
hand we have been dealt with,” said Board
of Education Trustee Tanner McCracken. “I
understand the passion of the community
about this change. The state is bringing this
burden on Mahopac. They should bear it.”
Mahopac Superintendent of Schools
Christine Tona said the largest expenses
with the mascot change are with signage,
uniforms and field alterations.
Last December, the Board of Education
decided to only put an “M” on the new
artificial turf field being installed, instead of
the “M” plus arrow and feather the district
has used for several years since it dropped
headdress imagery.
“We were looking to at least maintain
the logo. We wanted to keep something of
pride,” said Tona, stressing the district will
comply with the state’s mandate and not risk
losing $38 million in funding.
School districts have until the end of the
2024-25 school year to remove all Native
American references, but can request an
extension if needed.
Slater and other local elected officials
said the Education Department should
concentrate on helping students in the
classroom.
“We have Albany dictating to us, but
they don’t send us a check,” said Carmel
Councilman Frank Lombardi. “Stop with
the nonsense. They should be focusing on
educating our children.”
By Adam Stone
The owner of The Hangout
Cafe, a local restaurant in Carmel,
filed a police report last week after
being the target of anti-LGBTQ
hate.
Friends and colleagues have
taken to social media to rally to the
restaurant proprietor’s support.
The owner, Louis Mooney, a
father of two adopted children,
had been advertising an upcoming
May 11 drag night when Tatiana
Ibrahim, a prominent and
controversial conservative gadfly
in the area, apparently heard
about the event and accused the
local business owner of hosting a
“pedO ring show.” She also posted
several pictures of Mooney.
“Louis Mooney the owner of
the Hangout Cafe in Carmel NY
where he will be displaying his
pedO perversion drag show,” she
wrote in one post, accompanied by
several images of Mooney.
The situation escalated,
according to associates of Mooney,
with the restaurant vandalized and
one of its window panels broken,
although the Putnam County
Sheriff’s Office said the account
Mooney provided last Wednesday
was more muted.
“One night after leaving the
restaurant with his two young
children, four trucks blocked
him from exiting,” musician Erik
Rabasca, who has performed at
The Hangout Cafe for more than
three years, wrote in a social
media post. “As he was able to get
away, his family was chased, the
trucks bumping and damaging his
car and menacing them for miles.”
Capt. Michael Grossi of
the Putnam County Sheriff’s
Office said Mooney arrived at
headquarters last Wednesday, Apr.
26, with his complaint.
“He said that a rock was thrown
at his vehicle and there’s a small
ding on his car,” Grossi said.
As for Rabasca’s description of
events, Grossi said the details don’t
“match up” to Mooney’s account
last week. He acknowledged
how he couldn’t be sure if there
might have been any escalation
subsequent to Mooney’s police
complaint.
Grossi has contacted the Bureau
of Criminal Investigation (BCI) to
probe what he characterized as the
newer allegations.
“I already briefed the BCI, and
I’m sure they’ll reach out to Mr.
Mooney and his friends to see if
there’s any validity to this,” Grossi
said. “And at that point, they’re
certainly going to find out whether
he went to Carmel or went to the
state police to report these other
allegations. But when he came
here last week, it wasn’t part of it.”
Lt. Michael Bodo, an
administrative lieutenant with
the Town of Carmel Police
Department, told The Examiner
on Monday he was not familiar
with the incident.
When asked whether there
needs to be a police role to address
someone falsely and publicly
accusing someone else of running
a pedophile “ring show,” Grossi
noted how it’s a grey area.
“You get into a very fine line
between a hate crime or First
Amendment speech,” Grossi
remarked.
Sources told The Examiner that
Mooney, who has a law degree
himself, is exploring his legal
Examiner Examiner
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Mother’s DayMother’s Day
pages 17-19pages 17-19
Mahopac Hopes to be Reimbursed for Costs Changing District Mascot
Carmel Restaurant Owner Targeted with Anti-LGBTQ Hate
PHOTO BY RICK PEZZULLO
The current Mahopac logo that is on buildings and facilities in the district will be replaced.
Musician Erik Rabasca, left, with Louis Mooney, proprietor of The Hangout Cafe
in Carmel. Rabasca wrote an impassioned Facebook post in Mooney’s support.
May 2 - May 8, 2023 Examiner Media
2
The Putnam | Northern Westchester
BOCES Board has selected Assistant
Superintendent for Human Resources Neil
Boyle to be the District Superintendent
and Chief Executive Officer for the
organization. Boyle was selected to replace
Dr. James Ryan, who is retiring this year.
Boyle has a long history with PNW
BOCES and area school districts. Before his
role as BOCES assistant superintendent
for HR, he served as the coordinator of
Pupil Personnel Services for the North
Salem Central School District. Prior to
that, he was the coordinator of the PNW
BOCES Guidance and Child Study Center.
“I came back to BOCES because it is
such a special place, and the opportunity to
work here again was exciting,” said Boyle.
Earlier in his career, Boyle served as an
administrator for Special Education in the
Mahopac Central School District and as
the director of Vocational and Transitional
Services for the Devereux Foundation, a
nonprofit focused on behavioral health.
Boyle is the president of the Lower
Hudson Council for School Personnel
Administrators and served on the steering
committee of the Hudson Valley Regional
Bilingual Education Resource Network.
He is an advisory board member of the
Foundation for Empowering Citizens with
Autism and won a lifetime achievement
award from the Foundation for Educating
Children with Autism.
PNW BOCES Board President Richard
Kreps said that Boyle’s selection is in
keeping with the board’s goal of recruiting,
training, and retaining quality staff.
“Neil has proven to be an outstanding
administrator,” Kreps said. “We looked at
a lot of excellent candidates, but cream
always rises to the top. We are very proud
of Neil and look forward to this new phase
in our work.”
Boyle said it will be an honor to serve
BOCES in this new capacity. “Having
worked in our component districts, I
witnessed the excellence that comes
from PNW BOCES’ programs,” he said.
“I am also excited to continue to work
with our excellent staff here and also to
work with the New York State Education
Department.”
At the end of the day, the students are
Boyle’s top priority. “I look forward to
serving our 18 component districts,” he
said. “Creating pathways to help students
reach their full potential is the main reason
that PNW BOCES exists.”
This is a press release provided by the
organization.
Boyle Selected PNW BOCES
District Superintendent
(L-R:) PNW BOCES Board President Richard
Kreps with Assistant Superintendent for
Human Resources Neil Boyle, who was
selected to succeed Dr. James Ryan as District
Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer.
options with attorneys.
Asked whether police would be keeping an
eye on the May 11 event for safety reasons,
Grossi replied: “We’ll monitor social media
and just make patrols aware that this event
is coming up.”
“At this point, we’re not going to station
someone inside the establishment or
anything like that,” Grossi commented in
a phone interview late Monday afternoon.
“But like I said, we’ll make the patrols
aware and we’ll continue to monitor on
social media to see whether this thing goes
anywhere in a bad direction.”
Rabasca told The Examiner on Monday
why he decided to post to social media and
raise awareness about the incident.
“My intent in sharing what happened
to Louis on social media was to rally the
musicians I know that play The Hangout
Cafe to show some love and support and also
hopefully get my network to recommend
them to any friends and family in the area
and get attendance up,” he said. “If we can
all help make The Hangout a success, then
that’s a win against ignorance, homophobia
and hate.”
Mooney, said by friends to be worried
about the safety of his children and his
own safety, did not reply to requests for
comment.
Eileen McDermott, a Brewster resident,
addressed the broader issue of LGBTQ hate
in a letter to the editor to The Examiner this
week.
She said Putnam County’s LGBTQ
community is “under attack.” At Board
of Education meetings, she said how
community members have called trans
people, including children, “sick and
perverse.”
“As our community moves toward
change, there are bound to be loud voices
of opposition,” she wrote in a portion of her
letter. “That’s ok. What’s not ok is publicly
calling anyone who embraces LGBTQ+
identity a pedophile/groomer intent on
sexually abusing children. If you support the
views of someone who feels empowered to
accuse their neighbors of a felony without so
much as having ever met them, you might
want to rethink your stance.”
Christopher Formisano, the
communications director for Putnam County
Executive Kevin Byrne, said on Monday
afternoon that he hadn’t previously heard
about the incident, and would research the
details. He noted how he’s not immediately
“locked into what the sheriff gets.”
On Monday, Ibrahim posted to Facebook
about the incident.
“I would like to make clear that NO
INCIDENT AND NO PO REPORT WAS
EVER FILED,” she wrote in her post,
while also criticizing Mooney supporters for
questioning whether police were taking the
matter seriously.
Carmel Restaurant Owner Targeted with Anti-LGBTQ Hate
continued from page 1
By Rick Pezzullo
Brewster Superintendent of Schools Dr.
Laurie Bandlow announced last week she
will be retiring at the end of the 2023-24
school year.
Bandlow has served as superintendent
since 2019. With her mother passing away
last September, Bandlow noted she knew
she eventually would be needed to care for
her aging father.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share
with you my intent to retire at the end of
the 2023-24 school year. Serving as your
school superintendent over the last several
years has been a great honor. The Brewster
community will forever be in my heart,”
Bandlow stated.
“When I leave Brewster, I know it will
be in a good place. I’m staying for a year to
finish what I started,” Bandlow said. “Our
students are succeeding, our staff goes above
and beyond, and our community continues
to provide support. Our future looks very
bright. Go Bears!”
In addition to spearheading a capital
improvement plan that was approved
by voters earlier this year, Bandlow is
credited with developing Vision 2026,
a comprehensive strategic plan with
broad community buy-in, expanding
communication initiatives, and fostering
professional development partnerships with
Manhattanville College.
“Dr. Bandlow has served our school
community with dedication, foresight,
and care during her tenure,” said Board of
Education President Kerry Cunningham.
“Her implementation of the Vision 2026 Plan
has chartered a course for the district going
forward that will strengthen and enhance
our students’ learning experiences and the
performance of our district as a whole. The
school board has been fortunate to work
closely with Dr. Bandlow and we will miss
her caring demeanor, thoughtful actions, and
fierce advocacy for our students and staff.”
Brewster Superintendent of Schools
Announces Retirement Plans
Dr. Laurie Bandlow
By Rick Pezzullo
A 29-year-old Cortlandt man was arrested
by Carmel Police after stalking and groping
a woman.
On April 3, Carmel officers received
a complaint from a local female resident
alleging she had been followed and groped
by a male suspect outside a local grocery
store. The victim reported an unknown male
regularly followed her around an area gym
making her feel uncomfortable and fearful of
her safety.
After approaching the female, the suspect
inappropriately touched her and proceeded
to follow her vehicle. Officers and detectives
launched an investigation into the incident
and developed a suspect.
On April 18, Officer Arthur Kloskowski
arrested the man, charging him with Stalking
in the Third Degree, Forcible Touching and
Harassment in the Third Degree.
The man was arraigned by Carmel Town
Justice Thomas Jacobellis, who issued a
full stay away order of protection for the
victim. The man was released on his own
recognizance and is due in court May 16.
Man Arrested for Groping
Woman Outside Grocery Store
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4
By Martin Wilbur
Board of Legislators Chair Catherine
Borgia (D-Ossining) resigned her
leadership position last Friday afternoon, a
half-hour before the full body appeared set
to remove her from that post.
Borgia handed in her notice at 3:30 p.m.
making the scheduled vote unnecessary.
The term-limited legislator will continue
to serve District 9 for the remainder of her
term, which expires on Dec. 31.
Calls from the Democratic caucus for
the end of Borgia’s tenure as chair swelled
on Monday. Her board colleagues learned
on Apr. 13 that it took her four months to
take action against a male legislative staffer,
Anand Singh, for allegedly seeking to meet
with what he believed was a 14-year-old girl
in New Jersey.
Singh was fired by Borgia on Apr. 13, but
only after a video surfaced related to Singh
on social media.
After being investigated by local and
federal authorities, Singh was arrested by
the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Borgia
reported on Monday.
On Apr. 24, Borgia defiantly announced
she would fight calls from her own party
members to step down as chair and went to
court to get a Temporary Restraining Order
to prevent the board’s vote. She had argued
that the board did not have the authority to
depose her.
Judge Robert J. Prisco granted the
temporary order, which resulted in a
canceled Board of Legislators special
meeting on Wednesday; however, the judge
lifted the order and dismissed the case
a couple of hours before Friday’s 4 p.m.
scheduled vote.
Following the ruling, an embittered
Borgia issued a statement announcing her
resignation as chair without answering
further questions. She said that the action
to remove a chair sets a precedent that
will “dangerously weaken this institution”
because a simple majority of nine legislators
could remove a chair if they disagree on one
of myriad issues.
“I believe the events of the past days
have been politically motivated and based
in institutional misogyny that is all too
pervasive in the brutal, reactive, and mean-
spirited political world in which we all now
live,” Borgia stated.
“However, the past days have also
included an overwhelming amount of
support, encouragement, love, and well
wishes; some from surprising quarters. I
cannot tell you how heartened I have been
to receive it. Thank you to all of you.”
On Monday, in a statement, Borgia
appeared to highlight her role in Singh’s
arrest.
“I called on them to investigate (two)
weeks ago,” Borgia stated in a release.
“I want to thank the FBI for their swift
response. In addition, thank you to the
Westchester County Department of Public
Safety for their ongoing investigation
and cooperation with all relevant law
enforcement agencies.”
Some lawmakers declined to comment
after Borgia’s resignation was announced.
But Legislator Erika Pierce (D-Katonah)
said that while all the details of the situation
involving the staffer have not yet surfaced,
it was clear to her and most of the board that
Borgia failed to adhere to the legislature’s
standard human resources policy, which
should have immediately placed the
employee on leave when Borgia found out
about the allegation.
“The decision lay with her and almost
none of us were aware of this until after he
was let go,” Pierce said.
Legislator Nancy Barr (D-Rye Brook)
will now take over as acting chair until a
new leader is approved for the remainder
of the 2022-23 legislative term. That vote
must take place within 60 days, Barr said.
Democrats hold a 15-2 advantage on the 17-seat Board of Legislators.
Borgia Resigns as Board of Legislators’ Chair Shortly Before Vote
Catherine Borgia resigned as chair of the Board
of Legislators last Friday afternoon after her
colleagues questioned her judgment for failing
to take quicker action against a staffer being
investigated for trying to meet an underage girl.
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May 2 - May 8, 2023www.TheExaminerNews.com 5
By Martin Wilbur
Four Fox Lane High School students were
critically injured in a serious head-on collision
with a Yorktown school bus last Wednesday
afternoon on Lake Road in New Castle.
The students, all males, sustained “life-
threatening” injuries, according to police.
Two of them are 16 years old and the other two
are 17 and were hospitalized at Westchester
Medical Center.
They were returning to Fox Lane High
School from BOCES in Yorktown Heights,
according to an account on one of the
GoFundMe pages created for the students by
friends and family.
Bedford Superintendent of Schools Dr.
Robert Glass said district staff spent the
latter half of last week helping the school
community cope with the accident. The Board
of Education curtailed its regularly scheduled
meeting last Wednesday evening to less than
10 minutes following the crash.
“Our district’s crisis team has been
mobilized and we are working to support the
FLHS and BCSD community through this
difficult time,” Glass said in a statement.
The driver of the car – one of the 16-year-
olds who was not licensed – was operating
a 2016 Honda Accord while heading
southbound on Lake Road but lost control of
the vehicle while rounding a curve, crossing
into oncoming traffic, police said. Police have
not released the identity of the car owner.
The accident occurred around 2:13 p.m. on
the winding road between Crow Hill Road and
Croton Dam Road, a short distance from the
Yorktown border.
There were five people on the bus, two
male students, 15 and 17 years old, a 62-year-
old woman bus driver and two monitors, a
48-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man,
later identified as Jim Martin in a GoFundMe
page that had been created. They were all
taken to Westchester Medical Center with
non-life-threatening injuries.
The two students and the driver were
released by the following day, police said.
By Thursday morning, individual
GoFundMe pages had been established for
the four students, Erick Fuentes, Jonathan
Martinez, Axel Cantor and Franklin Jarquin,
to help defray medical expenses.
Cantor’s GoFundMe page stated that he
was in surgery for five hours following the
accident and is on a ventilator. He sustained
brain and liver hemorrhaging, collapsed lungs
and two broken legs.
His GoFundMe page stated that he is
hoping to become an auto mechanic.
Martinez suffered a fractured femur, a
ruptured spleen, a brain bleed and spinal
injuries, according to his page. He was also
hooked up to a ventilator.
“He’s just a little boy fighting for his life
now,” wrote his sister. “We ask everyone to
take in account the other families and ours
and please pray for our boys and help out our
boys come out of this together.”
Fuentes’s sister Stefanie stated that her
younger brother has a broken neck, fractured
spine, broken leg and a brain hematoma.
Jarquin had the least serious injuries but
still needed surgery, and suffered a broken
foot and a neck injury.
Martin’s GoFundMe page stated he was in
intensive care at Westchester Medical Center
having suffered a broken hip that required
surgery. He is currently in the ICU, where he
was in traction with a metal rod in his leg.
He has coached youth sports, including
Yorktown Athletic Club basketball travel
teams and coached basketball.
“If you know Jim off of the court, you not
only know him for his dedication, but for
his sense of humor, and for his ability to go
above and beyond for the people he loves,”
the GoFundMe page stated. “Jim would do
anything for his family and friends, and we
are all deeply saddened by this news and are
praying for a speedy and full recovery for Jim
and everyone involved. We are hoping he
can one day get back on the court to share
his passion of basketball with the Yorktown
community.”
New Castle police continue to investigate
the accident.
Lake Road was closed to traffic for about
five hours, reopening at about 7:30 p.m. on
Wednesday, New Castle police said.
Four Fox Lane HS Students Seriously Hurt in Crash With School Bus
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winefood.
May 2 - May 8, 2023 Examiner Media
6
By Martin Wilbur
New Castle Fire District No. 1 voters
comfortably approved the $15.2 million
firehouse expansion and modernization
referendum last week that will provide
more space for larger trucks and greater
safety for volunteers.
By a count of 338-260, the public
authorized the district to borrow the
money for a 13,000-square-foot addition
at 491 King St. in Chappaqua. There will
be three new bays large enough to house
a 100-foot ladder and a tanker, which will
help firefighters battle blazes in areas of
town that do not have hydrants. It will
also allow the district to eventually move
equipment and antique vehicles from the
old Senter Street firehouse and sell that
facility.
Construction on the expansion could
start as soon as this fall, said a relieved
Board of Fire Commissioners Chairman
Brian Murphy after the results were
announced at the firehouse. He thanked the
voters for their support so that “volunteer
firefighters deserve a fire station that
ensures their health and safety.”
“I really think that this is the best
thing that can happen to all parties, and
especially for the town,” Murphy said.
In addition to the extra space for the
Chappaqua Fire Department’s trucks,
the project will create enough space for
proper decontamination of the firefighters’
gear after a fire and for them to shower
before heading home. Currently, one
small washing machine is available to the
department, which could take volunteers
many hours to clean all of the gear.
Commissioner Charles Rauch, who is
also a volunteer firefighter, said having
the public provide a facility that stresses
health and safety is deeply appreciated.
“Being on both sides, a commissioner
and a firefighter, it means a lot, and living
with this firehouse for 12 years, this is the
first year I’m a commissioner, but yes, it
was kind of difficult living with some of the
things we had to live with, working around
the firehouse and getting things done,”
Rauch said.
Construction is expected to last up to
two years, Murphy said.
The successful referendum is in stark
contrast to the badly defeated expansion
referendum vote in October 2016. The
following year, fire commissioners
successfully put up a referendum to
acquire the adjacent property of the former
Chappaqua Animal Hospital that will allow
enough space to build the addition.
Then nearly three years ago, discussion
resurfaced about a putting up another bond
issue in hopes of obtaining the money to
build the needed space.
Murphy said the district made sure
not to repeat the errors committed in
2016. Community information sessions
were scheduled and mailers were sent
out to district residents to help the public
understand why an expanded firehouse
was necessary.
“We tried to correct everything,” he
said. “We corrected mistakes that we made
and the big thing was the outreach. We
really wanted to get that going.”
Commissioners removed several million
dollars of additional work to hold down the
price tag, deciding against building out a
second floor. They have already announced
their intentions to use money from the
eventual sale of the Senter Street facility
as well as using money in reserves to pay
for that.
Once completed, it will be the second
expansion of the building since the original
wing was built in 1954. There was also an
expansion completed in 1979.
The average district taxpayer will pay
an extra $282.40 a year to repay the bond
over a 30-year period.
Voters Approve $15.2M Referendum to Expand Chappaqua Firehouse
A rendering of what the expanded Chappaqua firehouse will look like once the project is built in about
two years.
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SMALL NEWS IS BIG NEWS
May 2 - May 8, 2023www.TheExaminerNews.com 7
By Martin Wilbur
Local state legislators are optimistic that
a Fiscal Year 2024 budget will be passed
before the end of this week, and when work
is finally completed it will be without the
governor’s Housing Compact.
One of the most controversial items
during this year’s state budget season was
removed by Gov. Kathy Hochul nearly two
weeks ago. Hochul’s initiative to build
800,000 new units of housing throughout
the state appears done for this year after
intense pushback from both sides of the
aisle.
In a statement released by her office
after the Housing Compact was pulled
from the spending plan, Hochul said many
communities throughout the state opposed
growth targets. She also questioned
whether offering municipalities incentives,
which had been proposed by numerous
legislators, including some locally, would be
effective.
“We have not yet come to a final
agreement, but it remains clear that
merely providing incentives will not make
the meaningful change that New Yorkers
deserve,” Hochul said. “I will continue
to discuss other elements of the plan and
policy changes that will increase supply and
make housing more affordable.”
Part of the governor’s rationale for the
plan is that by sharply increasing housing
stock prices would fall.
However, Hochul’s transit-oriented
development requirement that would have
forced a rezoning and allowed up to 50
housing units per acre within a half-mile
radius of a train station, generated the
fiercest opposition.
Assemblyman Chris Burdick (D-Bedford)
said having every community follow the
same standard without any wiggle room
regardless of environmental concerns or
the area’s character was the breaking point
for many local residents and officials.
The transit-oriented development
component would have applied to each
community with a train station regardless
of whether they had been meeting the
state’s targets for new housing, he said.
“That provision was probably the
one that was the most toxic for the
municipalities,” Burdick said.
New York City and the counties in the
downstate region, which is defined by
those that are serviced by the MTA, had
targets of 3 percent increases in housing
stock every three years. The remainder
of the state would have been mandated to
increase by 1 percent in that timeframe.
North Castle Supervisor Michael
Schiliro, who has been one of the most
outspoken critics of the governor’s
housing plan and last year’s accessory
dwelling unit proposal that had also been
part of the budget, said there is a need for
more housing and many local officials want
to continue interacting with Hochul on
ways to achieve that.
“We’ve been asking to continue dialogue
with the governor on shared goals that we
all have, so we hope that might happen,”
Schiliro said. “So they’ll be continued
dialogue on this issue going forward with
communities like ours and the governor’s
office and figure out ways to work together
and achieve the same goals and all be
on the same side of the issue. So we’re
optimistic, cautiously optimistic, that
might happen.”
North Castle Councilwoman Barbara
DiGiacinto praised Burdick and state
Sen. Shelley Mayer (D-Yonkers) for being
active and fighting hard to do what’s best
for the local communities.
Burdick said he didn’t know what might
happen next with the housing issue, but
he hoped there could be collaboration
between the executive and legislative
branches.
“We should work to try and develop
something with the executive that can
work,” he said. “That’s what some of
us feel. Is that something that comes to
pass? I don’t know, but I think that that’s
something that’s a possible next step.”
Burdick mentioned he was hopeful that
the legislature and the governor could
finish the state budget in the next week.
Negotiations, which continued on Monday,
marking a full month since the Apr. 1
deadline was missed.
Housing Compact Scuttled This Year as Albany Tries to Finish Budget
Gov. Kathy Hochul
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Cell: 914-403-4237
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May 4-7; Thurs 10-7;30,
Fri/Sat 10-4:30, Sun 1-4:30
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Thousands of books available. No
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60 Park Avenue, White Plains, NY 10603
is Sunday, you’re invited to the historic Ja-
cob Purdy House to hear the compelling war-
time saga of the Bronx River. Famed historian
and author Stephen DeVillo will dramatize the
river’s vital role in the Battle of White Plains
and during the entire War of Independence.
You’ll also be included in the Annual Meeting of the White Plains
Historical Society and see what’s new at the Purdy House including
the new diorama of the Battle of White Plains.
May 2 - May 8, 2023 Examiner Media
8
Obituary
Mary Ann Cappiello
Mary Ann Dowd Cappiello, 85, passed
away in her sleep surrounded by her family
on Apr. 24 after a brief illness.
Mary Ann was born on Feb. 18, 1938, to
John Michael Dowd and Mary Marsh Kilker
Dowd. She grew up in the Pelham Bay
section of the Bronx and spent
summers at her mother’s
ancestral home in Jermyn, Pa.,
reading, riding her bike and
swimming.
She attended Our Lady of
the Assumption Elementary
School and St. Helena’s High
School (now Monsignor
Scanlon), and graduated with
a Bachelor of Science in home
economics from Marymount
Manhattan College in 1959.
She received a master’s
degree in education, with a
focus on reading, at Fordham University in
1997.
Mary Ann was a beloved preschool teacher
in Pleasantville, and an elementary school
teacher in New York City public schools
and at the Convent of the Sacred Heart in
Greenwich, Conn. Over the course of a 40-
year career, she instilled a passion for learning,
achievement and faith-inspired activism in
generations of girls. But she was perhaps
best known for her positive disposition – and
a smile that could truly make your day.
She was a cherished member of the
Pleasantville community and could often
be seen on her porch, greeting and chatting
with neighbors and passersby. The door was
always open, and there was always room to
squeeze one more person around the dining
room table. Mary Ann’s spunk, wisdom and
love for others made her an inspiring force in
the lives of those who crossed her path.
Mary Ann cherished her summer
vacations on Martha’s Vineyard with the
family, skipping around the Oak
Bluff gazebo, picking up scones
and gingerbread at the Scottish
Bakehouse and swimming in
the ocean. In later years, she
enjoyed vacationing in York,
Maine. She was always ready to
join friends for lunch or dinner,
to visit family for the weekend
or spend the day exploring a
new place on a day trip.
In the decades in which
Mary Ann was raising a family
and teaching, she also devoted
herself to community service.
For the Pleasantville High Performing Arts,
she publicized and sold tickets for the annual
spring musical. At Holy Innocents Parish, she
taught Christian youth development in her
home, served on the Liturgy Committee and
as a eucharistic minister and co-chaired the
1987 dedication of the new church building.
She also volunteered on the nationwide
Faculty Development Committee for the
Convent of the Sacred Heart Network of
Schools.
Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Bob
Cappiello of Pleasantville; by her children
and children-in-law, John Paul and Kathleen,
Mary Ann and Tim, Christopher and Allan
and Robert and Michele; and her six adoring
grandchildren, Mary Kate, Rosie, Ella,
Marissa, Mark and Jude. She is also survived
by her brother, Jack Dowd; her brothers-in-
law, Jim Feeney and Gerard Geoffroy; her
many nieces and nephews; and her cousin,
Marilyn Moran Ferguson. She was preceded
in death by her parents, as well as her sisters
Margaret (Peggy) Dowd Feeney and Anne
Dowd Geoffroy.
A wake was held on Apr. 30 at Beecher
Flooks Funeral Home in Pleasantville. A
funeral mass was held on May 1 at Holy
Innocents Catholic Church in Pleasantville.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests
that donations be made to Monsignor Scanlon
High School in memory of Mary Ann Dowd
Cappiello.
The Cappiello family is thankful to the staff
at Atria-on-the-Hudson in Ossining for the
thoughtful, caring support they have provided
Mary Ann since 2020. They treated her like
family and we are forever grateful.
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Police Blotter
Carmel Police Department
Apr. 20: An 18-year-old male was pulled
over near Route 52 and Vink Drive for
disobeying a traffic signal at 10:38 a.m.
When the driver searched for his license
and registration, the officer observed two
glass jars in the glove compartment, one that
contained a green leafy substance and the
other that contained a crushed white powdery
substance. When asked, the driver said one
of the jars contained marijuana and the
other “mushrooms.” The jar with the white
substance subsequently tested positive for
the psychedelic drug psilocybin. The driver
was charged with seventh-degree criminal
possession of a controlled substance.
Apr. 24: A subject was charged at 6:23
p.m. with driving with a suspended license
and driving while using a mobile phone.
Apr. 27: During an Operation Safe Stop
initiative on Route 6 near Crane Road at
9:10 a.m., a vehicle operator was found to be
driving with a suspended registration. The
driver was also charged with DWI, unlicensed
operation and driving without insurance.
County Police/Mount Kisco
Apr. 22: A 48-year-old Norwalk, Conn. man
was arrested on a DWI charge at 3:58 a.m.
after an officer observed him speeding and
driving erratically on South Bedford Road. He
was booked at the Green Street precinct and
released pending a future court appearance.
Apr. 23: A 39-year-old Bedford Hills man
was arrested on a DWI charge at 4:28 a.m.
after an officer observed him driving at 15
miles per hour on North Bedford Road and
then drift entirely into the oncoming lane of
travel. He was booked at the Green Street
precinct and released pending a future court
appearance.
Apr. 25: Officers responded to Gregory
Avenue at 11:47 p.m. after a resident made
threats to harm himself while speaking on
the phone with his physician. EMS and the
Mobile Crisis Team were requested and
responded. The resident agreed to go by
ambulance to Northern Westchester Hospital
for evaluation.
Apr. 26: Officers responded at 9:53 a.m.
to Radio Circle on a report of a teenager in
emotional crisis. EMS and the Mobile Crisis
Team also responded to assist at the scene.
Apr. 26: A customer at a gas station on
the 600 block of Main Street reported at 6:01
p.m. that another patron had screamed at him,
recorded him on a phone and tried to block
his car when he drove from the station. The
man came to the Green Street precinct to file
a harassment complaint.
Apr. 26: Officers responded to a Carpenter
Avenue residence on a report of a domestic
dispute. A woman reported that her husband
had been screaming at her and then tried to
prevent her from calling 911. A domestic
incident report was prepared.
New Castle Police Department
Apr. 22: Police responded to a Chappaqua
residence on a report of a verbal domestic
dispute between a husband and wife. The
situation was mediated by officers on the
scene and the incident was documented.
Apr. 26: A Chappaqua resident called to
report a fraud where he was scammed out
of $6,500. The male resident reported he
received a pop-up advertisement on his
computer from a company claiming to be
Apple Support and followed the instructions
of the false advertisement. The investigation
is ongoing.
North Castle Police Department
Apr. 21: A caller reported having been
involved in a physical altercation on Virginia
Road at 9:41 a.m. The incident is related to a
road rage incident.
Apr. 24: A caller at Lenny’s North Seafood
& Steakhouse on Main Street reported at
1:30 p.m. that a customer informed him after
eating her meal that she has no money to
pay for the meal. He did not have an issue
with that and asked her to leave, which she
is refusing to do. The responding officers
spoke with the party involved, who left the
restaurant.
Pleasantville Police Department
Apr. 22: Report of a larceny of three
parking signs near a Cooley Street business at
3:44 p.m. The merchant stated that sometime
between 2:15 and 3:35 p.m., the signs, which
cost about $50, were taken.
Apr. 23: Report of the theft of a golf cart
at 1:31 p.m. at Pleasantville Country Club on
Nannahagan Road. The cart was later located
elsewhere on the grounds.
Apr. 26: The bartender at Fatt Root on
Wheeler Avenue reported that four females
with pink dreadlocks and braids were spotted
in the basement where the establishment’s
liquor inventory is kept. The subjects fled and
went through Jackson Alley toward Tompkins
Avenue. Officers located three of the females
near the gas station on Manville Road and
informed staff at the JCCA to pick up the
subjects. It turned out no merchandise was
missing.
Mary Ann Cappiello
May 2 - May 8, 2023www.TheExaminerNews.com 9
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By Martin Wilbur
Congressman Jamaal Bowman (D-Yonkers)
called for reforms to the U.S. Supreme Court
that would increase the number of judges,
eliminate the lifetime appointment and enact
an ethics code for its members.
Bowman, joined by former congressman
Mondaire Jones and Fred Guttenberg, a pro-
gun control activist whose daughter was one
of the 17 students and staff members killed at
Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland,
Fla. in 2018, said rights and protections that
had been fought for over generations are being
reversed by a far-right Supreme Court holding
a 6-3 supermajority.
“This fight is essential, this fight is urgent,
this fight is necessary and this is a fight that
we are going to win,” Bowman declared at a
Sunday press conference in White Plains. “And
the way we’re going to win it is to make sure
we vote the right people into office and vote
the wrong people out of office. That includes
the House of Representatives, but that also
includes the U.S. Senate.”
The press conference was one stop on
what is the Just Majority bus tour to demand
Congress makes changes to ensure a fair and
ethical Supreme Court.
Bowman said the high court has made
decisions that are taking away rights including
abortion in some states after reversing Roe v.
Wade in last year’s Dobbs decision. It is also
making the country more dangerous, including
New York, with its decision in New York State
Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. That ruling
overturned the Sullivan Act, a law that stood
for 110 years requiring that applicants apply
for and obtain a license to carry a concealed
firearm.
In 2013, Bowman argued the court
weakened the 1965 Voting Rights Act by
striking down a requirement of jurisdictions
with a history of discrimination to consult the
federal government when making revisions
to its voting. In the years since, a growing
number of states are passing restrictive voting
measures.
Last year, Bowman co-sponsored legislation
that would have increased the Supreme
Court from nine to 13 members, saying that
the institution hasn’t kept up with a growing
country.
Its recent ethics issue with Justice Clarence
Thomas has also highlighted how more
accountability is needed for its members.
“The Supreme Court hasn’t evolved in
quite some time, and it can’t even effectively
do its job right now because it doesn’t have the
capacity to hear all the cases that come before
it,” Bowman said. “So because our population
has grown and our democracy continues
to evolve, it should expand simply for that
reason, just so it can operate effectively and
efficiently.”
Jones, who was redistricted into Bowman’s
16th Congressional District after serving
one term in the House before running
unsuccessfully in New York City, said changing
the number of Supreme Court justices is not a
radical idea. It’s been done seven times in the
nation’s history, although not since 1869.
In recent polls, a growing majority of
Americans support changes to the court, he
said.
“Expanding the court is not about
Republicans or Democrats,” Jones said.
“It’s about protecting our way of life here in
America, it’s about protecting freedoms like
abortion or the right to vote, as fundamental as
that is, and it’s also about keeping New Yorkers
safe from being gunned down.”
Any criticisms regarding a revamp of the
Supreme Court fails to take into account how
the process to appoint new members was
manipulated after Justice Antonin Scalia’s
death, he said. That seat was left vacant for
14 months while denying President Barack
Obama an appointment because there was
an election later that year. However, some
of the same members of Congress broke “a
non-existent rule” to rush Justice Amy Coney
Barrett’s nomination process through to
completion weeks before the 2020 election,
Jones argued.
Guttenberg said he believed that Supreme
Court justices are being swayed by special
interests. For example, the proliferation guns
have seen the number of firearms in the United
States double from 200 million about 20 years
ago to roughly 400 million today is because of
lobbyists.
“America is no more violent than any other
country, but our access to guns is different,” he
said. “That’s why we have more children die
because of guns than any other means.”
Bowman Calls for Reforms to Supreme Court Citing Decisions, Ethics
MARTIN WILBUR PHOTO
Congressman Jamaal Bowman, at podium, urged
changes to the Supreme Court on Sunday in
White Plains while accompanied by gun control
activist Fred Guttenberg, former congressman
Mondaire Jones and Dr. Chethan Sathya.
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May 2 - May 8, 2023 Examiner Media
10
In mid-August 2021, Liz Goldman-Sider
proclaimed “We will be moving to Pound
Ridge this weekend. Yay!” to the Pound
Ridge/Bedford Parents Facebook page. Ms.
Goldman-Sider moved here from another
school district where her children graduated.
After only residing in Pound Ridge for a
short time, Ms. Goldman-Sider is running
for the Board of Education of the Bedford
Central School District (BCSD) to oversee
the education of our children without
having any firsthand experience with the
school system. Her campaign flyer states
that she has “familiarized” herself with
our district. In my opinion, without any
personal exposure, it is impossible to truly
understand the complexities and challenges
that our district faces in any meaningful way.
This is a concern to me both as a parent and
a member of the community.
As a Pound Ridge mom of a second-grader,
I believe we need representatives who
have more than just recently familiarized
themselves with our schools. Kristine
Stoker and Betsy Sharma are two qualified
candidates with impeccable credentials and
financial expertise, who have both devoted
over 25 years to BCSD. They have put a
combined seven children through the district
and have spent countless hours volunteering
and contributing their time and energy to
our community. Their first-hand knowledge
and experience make them excellent choices
for the Board of Education and can hit the
ground running during a time when our
district is in crisis.
I think many BCSD residents would agree
that having direct knowledge and experience
with the district you wish to represent is
unquestionably one of the most important
requirements for a board trustee. While I
wish Ms. Goldman-Sider the best of luck in
her future endeavors, I believe that Kristine
Stoker and Betsy Sharma are the best
candidates to represent our district and its
needs. Please join me in voting for them on
May 16.
Andrea Dallaire
Pound Ridge
Putnam County’s LGBTQ+ community
members are under attack. At Board of
Education meetings, community members
have stood up at podiums and called
trans people, including children, sick and
perverse.
One person at a Carmel Board of
Education meeting recently even had the
gall to suggest that trans people are more
likely to be mass shooters based on exactly
one instance of a mass shooting by a trans-
identified person in any recent history,
compared with the dozens to hundreds of
straight, white cisgender male shooters
who have terrorized our schools and
communities for decades upon decades.
Local LGBTQ+ and ally business
owners who are taking steps to host
fun and LGBTQ+-affirming events are
regularly being called pedophiles and
groomers in social media groups and
in public meetings. Protests are being
planned and threats are being made. The
harassment, lies, defamation and general
ugliness ranges from disgusting to illegal.
This is not something any community
member should have to contend with, but
I can’t help but feel encouraged in a sense.
Throughout history, when any movement
toward social justice starts to take hold in
a real way, there is a violent backlash from
those desperately clinging to the status
quo. As our community moves toward
change, there are bound to be loud voices
of opposition. That’s ok.
What’s not ok is publicly calling anyone
who embraces LGBTQ+ identity a
pedophile/groomer intent on sexually
abusing children. If you support the views
of someone who feels empowered to
accuse their neighbors of a felony without
so much as having ever met them, you
might want to rethink your stance.
To be sure, this is a national narrative
that is being parroted by local puppets
of the powers that be, but the local harm
it is doing is real. If you don’t like drag
events, don’t go. If you’re homophobic or
transphobic, stay away from LGBTQ+
people and events, but you don’t get to
tell public schools they can’t acknowledge
and validate their students’ experience.
The rhetoric being spewed by a handful
of community members who seem to
think it’s their job to oppose people’s
identities and existence and who are using
children as the scapegoats to justify their
hateful views, threatens to result in actual
violence in Putnam County if we allow it
to continue escalating. No matter who you
support, I doubt you want that.
No one is hurting you and, no matter
how many lies you want to tell, no one
is hurting children. We all have children
we love in our lives; you are not the
designated defenders of all children. We
all want children to feel safe and included.
You’re not making this community safer.
And just remember that the more
aggressive, angry and defamatory you are,
the more evident it is that we’re winning.
Eileen McDermott
Brewster
Anti-LGBTQ+ Sentiment in Putnam County is Getting Dangerous
Letters to the Editor
Board Candidates Need to Be Connected to the District They Want to Serve
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Why Shouldn’t Citizens Have the Right to Question Science?
Over the last couple of weeks there have
been several letters about global warming
so I thought I would give my opinion. Mine
is the same as what Aaron Rogers, the new
quarterback for the Jets, stated: “Science
that can’t be questioned isn’t science it is
propaganda and that’s the truth.”
I believe he was talking about all
the misinformation coming from the
government about COVID, which we were
told not to question but now know is false.
If people who are so confident in the theory
of human-caused global warming or even
evolution are so sure of their position, they
should be willing to honestly debate rather
than arrogantly pooh-pooh the opposition.
After all, if they are correct, it should be a
slam dunk. What do they have to be afraid
of?
Also, I wonder is the paper going to fact
check all submitted letters like they did
on the one opposing the global warming
theory? For instance, if someone writes
in and states that Joe Biden’s economic
policies have been a success or the border
is secure, will the paper point out that these
are falsehoods?
John V. Nicolais
Mahopac
May 2 - May 8, 2023www.TheExaminerNews.com 11
Guest Column
Underhill Farm Project Would Bring Several Solutions to Yorktown
By Josh Sommers
Underhill Farm will enhance Yorktown
Heights’ future by providing several
solutions to community issues.
Underhill Farm, on the former Soundview
Preparatory School property, would offer
a park-like walkable community with
townhomes, condominiums and apartments.
The campus will include public walking
trails, ponds and open space, and 17,000
square feet of retail and office space. The
property would be returned to the tax rolls
after three decades and generate $1 million
in annual tax revenue.
There is far too much misinformation
regarding the development. The facts
regarding Underhill Farm’s benefits and
amenities:
1. Underhill Farm will restore the
Underhill House to its 19th-century
elegance. The first floor will have retail/
office space and possibly a restaurant. The
second and third floors will host office space.
2. Underhill Farm will fund traffic
improvements for the Route 118-Underhill
Avenue intersection. These upgrades,
at long last, will alleviate the congestion
plaguing drivers during peak travel times.
The intersection will be safer, more
efficient and more pedestrian-friendly. The
upgrades also will surpass what’s required
to address vehicular additions from the
new Underhill Farm community. Underhill
Farm is contributing over 50 percent of
the estimated cost of improvements, but
generating less than 5 percent of the traffic
at the intersection.
Since 2019, there have been 27 accidents
there. This includes 10 during 2019, an
alarming rate of almost one a month. By
2025, the wait times for eastbound motorists
on Underhill Avenue will average 67.2
seconds if no improvements are made.
However, after Underhill Farm’s investment
and solutions are in place, the wait time
will be reduced to about 13.4 seconds – five
times faster.
3. Underhill Farm will construct a road
to the adjacent Beaver Ridge Apartments
to provide improved access for emergency
vehicles. Underhill Farm also will provide 30
parking spaces for a new senior center and
Parks & Recreation office. If there’s no new
parking, the building for the senior center
and Parks & Recreation office will not be
built.
4. Underhill Farm’s housing plans align
with New York State’s need for new housing.
Underhill Farm will have apartments,
condominiums and townhouse options for
seniors and younger families.
5.The project aligns with the Yorktown
Heights Overlay District, which encourages
economic development and permits an
increase in housing diversity through
construction of multifamily housing.
Underhill Farm recently submitted an
Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) to
the Town of Yorktown as part of the state
Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA)
process. The EAF outlines Underhill
Farm’s compatibility with surrounding land
uses, how it will increase housing options
and drive tax revenue. It also says that
dilapidated outbuildings on the property are
not historically significant.
Underhill Farm will be a vibrant
development. All solutions will amplify
economic opportunity, pride, tax revenue
and quality of life.
Josh Sommers is a project spokesman
for Underhill Farm. Learn more at www.
UnderhillFarm.com.
Failure to Acquire Ridgeway Property is a Big
Loss for White Plains
Not long ago, the former Willow
Ridge Country Club was acquired by the
Town of Harrison. Today it is operating
as a municipal golf course serving the
residents of Harrison. In purchasing the
property, the previous supervisor, Ron
Belmont, cited the need to preserve open
space for the residents of Harrison. He
acted with speed and a comprehensive
plan for the property’s future. Harrison
joins Eastchester, Rye, Greenwich and
Stamford (which has two courses) among
others in providing its residents a city-
owned golf facility.
In White Plains, the experience
was the exact opposite. The former
Ridgeway Country Club offered an
excellent opportunity for city acquisition
as a golf course or a passive open space
park. The former mayor, Adam Bradley,
attempted to pursue its acquisition at a
very attractive price but was thwarted
by current Mayor Thomas Roach and a
former council member. Thereafter, the
property laid fallow as the controversial
French American School of New York plan
floundered for over 10 years. Currently,
the environmentally sensitive property is
being reviewed by the Planning Board for
a single-family subdivision.
Despite plans for about 5,000 new
apartment units in White Plains, the mayor
has been silent or opposed to acquisition
of additional parkland in the city. The
obvious question is why. Harrison, which
already had considerable open space,
showed foresight while our city leadership
is asleep at the switch regarding
preservation of the limited remaining open
space in the city.
Bravo to former Harrison supervisor
Ron Belmont for a thoughtful and smart
acquisition. Mayor Roach’s mistake will
regrettably be a loss to future generations
of White Plains residents.
Mary Anne Connell
White Plains
Letters to the Editor
It happens time and time again. Older
couples leave Westchester County and New
York because they cannot find a nearby
home where they can downsize and stay in
the community they love.
Underhill Farms, a proposed campus on
Underhill Avenue, would offer a solution.
That is a key reason why the Yorktown
Planning Board needs to approve this well-
planned development.
Underhill Farm will be building 148
housing units, which will include condos,
townhouses and apartments. Of those 148,
72 will be earmarked for those 55 and older.
That means 72 local families could choose
to stay in Yorktown and be conveniently
close to the shopping and business district
on Route 118. Plus, if Underhill Farms is
approved, Yorktown’s seniors would now
have two additional large rooms built on the
Beaver Ridge property in addition to the
senior center that we now have.
Our senior population is growing by leaps
and bounds and these two rooms would solve
our problem for much-needed space for
our activities and support staff. For that to
happen, this would require a certain amount
of parking. Guess where that parking is
coming from? Underhill Farm is including
those spaces in its building plan, at no cost
to the town or taxpayers.
Thank you to everyone for your support.
Jennie Menton
70-year Yorktown resident
Underhill Farms Would Benefit Yorktown,
Seniors Who Want to Stay Local
In celebration of Earth Day, members of
the Croton-on-Hudson Board of Trustees
joined with members of the volunteer
fire department and state legislators
Peter Harckham and Dana Levenberg to
commission the new solar array at the
Washington Engine firehouse. It’s one of
many pro-climate projects completed and
in-progress in the Village of Croton.
The new array will provide free power
for all of the firehouse’s needs and avoid
the emission of 16 tons of greenhouse gas
annually. All costs were covered by a grant
from the New York State Energy Research
and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
Recently, our village was recognized by
the state Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) as one of the first three
communities in New York to participate
in our state’s first-in-the-nation Green
Procurement Program.
We also look forward to the completion of
the carport solar array construction at the
Croton-Harmon train station parking lot,
which will produce electricity for several
hundred homes.
In recognition of our environmental
initiatives (including adding electric
vehicles to our fleet, creating public EV
charging stations and food waste compost)
we earned the highest Climate Smart
Communities ranking of any village in New
York from the DEC.
Climate change is a real, documented
threat to our communities. It’s just one of
the many consequences of the combustion
of fossil fuel, which also degrades local
air quality, endangering public health.
Municipalities have the obligation and
opportunity to be part of the solution.
Brian Pugh, Mayor
Croton-on-Hudson
Village of Croton Continues to Lead on Pro-
Environment Initiatives
Congressman Mike Lawler is the
representative for New York’s 17th
Congressional District. For myself and
other grassroots activists, we strongly feel
that he does not represent a large portion
of his constituency. In 2022, 42 percent
registered as Democrats, 25.8 percent
Republicans and 32.2 percent no party
preference.
The important topic of the hour is the
GOP debt ceiling bill, adamantly opposed
by the Democrats. House Speaker Kevin
McCarthy is all for it, as is Mike Lawler.
Lawler has said, and I quote, “I’m going to
vote for it...There’s three parameters for
me: The President must negotiate with the
speaker, we must cut spending and we must
not default.”
This bill would have devastating
economic effects of this extreme MAGA
Republican plan. It would enact severe
spending cuts to law enforcement agencies,
education programs, veterans’ health care
and recently created manufacturing jobs
hurting working families across our nation.
In other words, Mike Lawler’s support of
the debt ceiling bill would hasten the U.S.
economy closer to a recession.
Mike Lawler will be held accountable by
New Yorkers next year if this bill gets voted
in.
The grassroots organizations have their
eyes and ears attuned to Mike Lawler’s
political leanings and his actions which run
counter to our democratic beliefs.
Karen Sevell Greenbaum
Croton-on-Hudson
GOP, Lawler’s Debt Ceiling Bill Would Hasten
a Recession
May 2 - May 8, 2023 Examiner Media
12
Regarding The Examiner’s disclaimer to
Pat Mosman’s letter “Climate Crisis Based
on Models That Cannot Predict Future
Temperatures,” (April 4-10) wouldn’t it have
been more cautious to just say, “The views
in that letter do not necessarily reflect that
of the editorial staff of this paper” or words
to that effect and just left it at that rather
than cite NASA? I didn’t know that NASA
had the charism of infallibility when it came
to science and can make pronouncements ex
cathedra on climate science.
All sarcasm aside, there is the adage
follow the money. NASA is a government
agency that is funded by the government
and, therefore, it is virtually impossible
to be objective and free of bias. Indeed,
many research scientists and organizations
receive grant money from the government
so their views and conclusions will be
colored as a result. So, there’s an incentive
to exaggerate and be more hysterical than
actually warranted.
We’re also told to “trust the science,”
but how well did that work these past three
years? Yes, climate is changing; there’s
no argument there. It’s been changing
throughout history. The environmentalist
movement has been plagued by “Chicken
Little-ism” that a major catastrophe or
ecological apocalypse is going to happen in
1980, 1991, 1999, 2012 and so on, but so far
it hasn’t come to fruition.
There are among those in the movement,
especially among the radicals and extremists,
who are more into redistribution of wealth
and socialism than anything actually helping
the environment. How has that worked out
in Cuba and Venezuela?
The quality of the air we breathe and the
water that we drink is of utmost importance,
but a return to a simple, low-impact, low-
pressure organic, rural lifestyle and pre-
modern existence is not a realistic solution
no matter how much the eco extremists may
advocate for it.
Letter writer Ira Rosh argued that
“Opposition to Climate Science Must Be
Addressed (April 18-24). I say skepticism
and distrust of the environmentalist
movement must be addressed.
Bruce Kelly
Mahopac
Science is Hardly Infallible When it Comes to
Forecasting
I am writing in support of Betsy Sharma
to become our next Bedford Central School
District (BCSD) Board of Education member.
I have known Betsy for a little over four
years, and in that time, I have seen her
heavily invested in the well-being of not only
her children but all district students. She is
brilliant at organizing, planning and getting
things done. I’ve known Betsy in the midst
of a crisis and can say that she was not only
calm but determined to find solutions. She
actively seeks to find resources for anyone
in crisis or with questions. She truly wants
to see more “community” in our district
community.
Betsy consistently does her homework
and research into the topics at hand, and
challenges where she sees missteps or
misinformation. She is not one to back down
to criticism, but would rather see truth and
transparency prevail. Betsy listens to all
sides, asks questions to understand many
points of view and engages in fact-based
discussions. Her background in finance,
marketing and education makes her the
most well-rounded candidate, able to look at
issues from many angles and a quintessential
candidate who will add much value through
collaboration across all stakeholders. I
believe Betsy will work well with the
current board, the administration, educators
and the community at large.
I heard it said that a vote for Betsy would
be a vote for normalcy, which would certainly
be positive, but I’d counter and say that a
vote for Betsy would be better than normal
– and our district can definitely be better.
I highly recommend Betsy Sharma for the
BCSD Board of Education. Vote May 16 at
your local elementary school.
Bridget McNamee
Mount Kisco
Sharma Would Be an Impressive Asset to the
Bedford School District
Letters to the Editor
As one of the Mount Kisco Democratic
Party district leaders who enthusiastically
voted for Lisa Abzun over Tom Luzio to be
candidate for mayor, and with the recent
article on problems with Tom’s petitions, I
want to add to the conversation.
A previous article in The Examiner
pointed out that Lisa has deep roots in
Mount Kisco. She brings a wide variety of
skills and experiences to her current role as
deputy mayor and will use them when she
becomes mayor. She realizes that issues
can be complex and puts in the effort to
understand them. She is kind, calm and
someone who listens. Last weekend, Lisa,
along with her co-chair on the Mount Kisco
Arts Council, demonstrated her talents and
warmth toward young and old at the Earth
Day events held at the Mount Kisco Public
Library.
Her opponent, Tom Luzio, asks us to get
to know him. This is appropriate. However,
it is critically important that he also put
in the work to know Mount Kisco better.
People have signed affidavits affirming that
they were victims of voter tampering. Tom is
insensitive to their concerns. At the meeting
of the Mount Kisco Democratic Committee,
he demonstrated indignation, to the point
of anger, at general comments made in
a letter that touched on the importance
of community involvement. This type of
dramatic behavior may be called for at times
in a courtroom. It was scary at the meeting.
Tom has not demonstrated the attributes of
leadership needed to be mayor.
Lisa turned in petitions with over 400
signatures and there were no challenges.
She continues to reach out and connect with
residents and business owners in Mount
Kisco to find out their concerns, such as
pedestrian and traffic safety and medical
care. Lisa is serving our community now and
will continue to serve it in the future. She
has earned our support.
Thank you for your attention.
Jeanine Meyer
Mount Kisco
Abzun Has the Temperament, Knowledge of
Mt. Kisco to Be the Next Mayor
Last year, more than 4,000 beagles
were removed from Envigo RMS LLC, an
animal breeding and research company
based in Indiana, which had not been taking
care of the animals in its facility. The U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) had
oversight of this facility and dropped the ball.
The USDA, which licenses these facilities,
is paid for with taxpayer dollars and has not
protected animals appropriately.
It is in this spirit that I ask you to join
me in calling for USDA reform and ask our
congressman, Michael Lawler, to vote in
favor of Goldie’s Act to protect vulnerable
dogs and puppies. Rep. Lawler’s vote would
be enormously helpful in gaining passage of
this pending bill.
Andrea Eisenberg
Mount Kisco
Support for Bill Needed to Protect Animals
From Unscrupulous Research
May is Mental Health Awareness Month,
an excellent time to share that mental health
wellness is critical to overall well-being.
Mental and behavioral health issues affect
millions of people nationwide, and many
people don’t realize the depth of support
and services that are there for them. For
instance, at Coordinated Behavioral Health
Services (CBHS), we partner with health
care providers throughout Dutchess,
Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster
and Westchester counties to connect
Medicaid recipients to support. People can
often receive services in their home or their
community in the way that feels right to
them.
For example, peer counseling support
allows individuals to connect with others
who have shared the same experiences as
they have. Working with a peer who has
had similar challenges in their lives can
be especially impactful and allow people
to connect on a deep level. Other types of
resources and counseling are available as
well, such as family support, job training and
employment assistance, among others.
Getting help does not have to be
complicated and stressful, and working on
your wellness goals can be something that
you actually look forward to. Embracing
healthier solutions and lasting recovery
is possible, as well as empowering. Please
reach out if you are unsure of your next step.
We will either help you or connect you to the
help you deserve.
Nicole Willner
Chief Operations Officer
Coordinated Behavioral Health
Services
There Are Resources Available to Help
Achieve Mental Health Wellness
The Westchester-Putnam Central Labor
Body (WPCLB) is proud to endorse Emiljana
Ulaj for Westchester County legislator,
District 9. Candidates who are endorsed by
the WPCLB show a commitment to helping
workers organize, collective bargaining,
fighting for workers’ rights and supporting
good jobs.
Emiljana has shown her commitment to
organized labor in her career. She works
for the New York State United Teachers
(NYSUT) engaging members in political
action and pushing policies to strengthen
public schools.
Before her position with NYSUT, Emiljana
worked for a champion in labor, state Sen.
Shelley Mayer, pushing for Industrial
Development Agency (IDA) reform and
worker protections. Emiljana’s career also
includes working for SEIU 32BJ representing
more than 80,000 workers across different
service industries in New York State.
Emiljana knows first-hand the difference a
union job can make for a family. After she and
her family came to America when Emiljana
was a child, Emiljana’s father was able to
find a union job working as a custodian at a
local public school. It was this union job that
provided health care and financial stability
for the family.
Union jobs make this tremendous
difference for families throughout
Westchester every day, and we need more
leaders who understand this difference.
We look forward to working with
Emiljana when she is elected to ensure that
Westchester County is a community that
works for working people.
Thomas Carey,
President, Westchester-Putnam
Central Labor Body
Cortlandt resident
Ulaj Promises to Be a Champion for the
Working People on BOL
May 2 - May 8, 2023www.TheExaminerNews.com 13
By Abby Luby
In the Emmy Award-winning film “Twelve
Angry Men,” the knife is the crucial murder
weapon that determines the jury’s decision
whether to convict.
When a live production of “Twelve Angry
Men” is performed on May 12 at Sing Sing
Correctional Facility, the knife won’t be real,
but the rest of the play will look familiar.
“I had to do research and came up with a
swiss-blade comb to use in place of a knife,”
said Charles Moore, director of operations
for Rehabilitation Through the Arts. “We
can’t have any weapons like guns or knives
in our performances.”
Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) is
a nonprofit organization that established an
arts program at Sing Sing in 1996 to help
incarcerated people cope with imprisonment
throughout a variety of creative programs.
The classes are taught by more than 30
professionals who exposed the prisoners to
theater, music, dance, creative writing and
visual arts. Over 225 incarcerated men and
women participate in the daily, two-hour
workshops at any given time.
The program has seen success. The
recidivism rate among RTA participants is
a low 5 percent compared to the national
average of 60 percent.
“Twelve Angry Men” is directed by
RTA teacher Charlie Scatamacchia. The
production includes 20 people, including
cast, understudies and set crew.
Moore said when he was incarcerated
at Sing Sing he actively participated in the
RTA program. Upon his release about seven
years, he began working full-time for RTA.
He said RTA helped him regain his self-
esteem.
“When I was deeply involved with a
play, my mind wasn’t incarcerated,” Moore
explained. “It helps morale and breaks
the monotony of everyday life in prison
where it is so easy to get bored. I was
given small responsibilities and you learn
to work as a team. Any accomplishment
is an achievement. For everybody in the
correctional facility it’s a win-win.”
Another RTA performance on June 1 at
the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility is
“Spring Spectacular,” which mixes drama
with dance. A new work based on Sophocles’
classic play “Electra” will be acted by
women who also had input in adapting the
play as part of their RTA theater class. In this
adaptation, Electra’s father, a senator, has
been assassinated. Her mother is suspected
of plotting the assassination and now wants
to take his Senate seat. Electra plans to stop
her in her tracks.
RTA Program Director Joe Giardina
said teaching artist Vincent Mraz adapted
“Electra” to make it more relatable to
contemporary audiences. Mraz co-directed
the play with Sifiso Mabena.
“Vincent worked with the Bedford Hills
women who expressed an interest in Greek
classical theater and wanted to act in the
play,” said Giardina.
Scenes of “Electra” will be interspersed
with dance pieces choreographed by RTA
teaching artist Belle Ritter. Ritter worked
with a company of women inmates who will
perform “Dance: Dance Around the World”
featuring numbers from various countries
and “Dancing Through the Decades”
showcasing dances from the 1920s through
the early 2000s.
All of the RTA programs have had success
stories resulting in positive impacts for the
participating prisoners. Giardina said while
engaged in an RTA program, participants
are, in essence, escaping prison.
“The men and women we work with feel
that while taking a class it is the one place
they can take off their mask,” Giardina
explained. “When you are in an incarcerated
setting it’s difficult. You have to keep
up a façade of being tough and not being
vulnerable. RTA participants appreciate the
carefree and safe space where they can let
down their guard.”
Learning to express themselves, engage
with others and building trust are some of
the valuable lessons of the program.
“Participants learn to respect different
choices and see their choices earning others’
respect,” Giardina explained. “You think
differently how you’ve done your life and
realize there is more than one right answer.
Perhaps you also realize that getting a high
school or college diploma could be a positive
experience.”
RTA operates in six maximum and
medium security men’s and women’s
correctional facilities in New York: Bedford
Hills, Fishkill, Green Haven, Sing Sing,
Taconic and Woodbourne.
The upcoming performances will be
performed three times, including twice for
fellow inmates. Friends and relatives will
be invited to Sing Sing for a performance of
“Twelve Angry Men” on May 12. “Electra”
and the dance programs will be presented
on June 1 at the Bedford Hills Correctional
Facility. The shows will mark the return of
live theater to New York State prisons for
the first time since the start of the pandemic.
Two visual art exhibits will also be featured
at Sing Sing and Bedford Hills Correctional
Facility.
For more information on Rehabilitation
Through the Arts, visit www.rta-arts.org.
Live Prison Plays Create Artistic Outlet for Inmates
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A previous production of “MacBeth” performed
by inmates at Green Haven Correctional Facility.
The organization Rehabilitation Through the Arts
provides creative avenues for prisoners at six jails
throughout the state.
May 2 - May 8, 2023 Examiner Media
14
Historic Hudson Valley has announced
that tours of Kykuit, the Rockefeller
estate, Philipsburg Manor, Washington
Irving’s Sunnyside and Union Church of
Pocantico Hills will begin on Friday, May
12.
Several popular events will also highlight
the spring and summer season, including
Celebrate Pinkster on Saturday, May 27
and Vote Like a Girl on Saturday, June 10.
At Philipsburg Manor visitors tour the
gristmill, walk through the manor house
with period artifacts and learn about the 23
enslaved individuals of African descent who
lived and labored on the plantation.
At Washington Irving’s Sunnyside,
visitors explore the author’s cottage and the
bucolic grounds, which were designed by
Irving himself, and learn about America’s
Founding Father of Literature. Picnic tables
are available at both sites and light snacks,
as well as souvenirs and local finds, are
available to purchase in the museum shops.
Visitors to Union Church of Pocantico
Hills view spectacular stained-glass
windows by European masters, including
the last commissioned work by Henri
Matisse and nine windows by Marc Chagall
and learn the inspiration behind each one.
At Kykuit, the estate’s modern and
classical art collection, architecture and
expansive gardens make it one of the
top-rated cultural attractions in the lower
Hudson Valley. Visitors to Kykuit learn the
story of the Rockefellers, beginning with
John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard
Oil, whose business acumen made him
the richest man in America in his day. He
later became the country’s first significant
philanthropist, and by his death in 1937, he
had given away more than half his fortune
through various philanthropic programs.
Kykuit visitors can choose from three
tours: Classic, Grand and Selected
Highlights.
Celebrate Pinkster, New York’s
oldest African American holiday, will be
commemorated on May 27 at Philipsburg
Manor with a day filled with art, poetry, live
music, dance and storytelling. Visitors will
hear spoken word performances, dance to
the beat of African drums, listen to a jazz
band, participate in a call-and-response
song and more.
Vote Like a Girl at Washington Irving’s
Sunnyside on June 10 will explore the
exciting lives of women past and present.
Activities include a live suffrage debate,
photo-ops with suffragette sashes and 19th-
century clothing, and STEAM activities
and experiments.
Capacity is limited for all the historic
site tours and events, and visitors are
encouraged to purchase tickets online in
advance. Same-day admission prices are
subject to a $2 surcharge.
For more information, including ticket
prices, dates and times, visit www.
hudsonvalley.org.
Historic HV Tours of Historic
Landmarks to Begin May 12
t
P
P
at a
1 P
P i i ont n Pa
i ion an Pa in
Celebrate the beginning of spring, when the 100 cherry trees along the Riverfront W
May 6, 2023
alkway start to bloom.
All proceeds raised go back to our local community and international projects through Rotary International.
See www.peekskillrotary.com for more details. *Call 914-739-2020 to reserve Raffle Tickets before event.
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P’ville Fire Department Remembers
Late Longtime Member
As many in the Village of Pleasantville
might have noticed, both firehouses
had purple and black bunting and flags
at half-staff. This is done when one of
the members of the Pleasantville Fire
Department passes away.
On Mar. 23, Salvatore “Sam” Mazzullo
left us after 49 years of service to
the village and the fire department at
the age of 67. He spent his entire life
in Pleasantville and dedicated it to
community and family. Sam joined at
age 19, and served two terms as chief
of the department, from 1997 to 1999
and 2001 to 2003, several years as a line
officer and most recently as president
of the Benevolent Association.
Mazzullo gave his time willingly
on every detail and committee in the
department at one time or another. Sam
was a quiet man, generous with his time
and talent, steadfast and knowledgeable
on a fire scene, a hero and a beautiful
soul. He always had a smile and a kind
word for all. The department will miss
him dearly.
The family he leaves behind will miss
him infinitely more. He was a father
figure to many, a source of love, support
and caring and he lived his life as an
example to all. At both the wake and
funeral, it was clear to the members of
the department, that the family is truly
heartbroken, as Sam’s loss leaves a
void, impossible to fill.
Sam was a pillar of strength to family,
friends and community. Rest easy, Sam.
We have it from here.
Salvatore “Sam” Mazzullo
May 2 - May 8, 2023www.TheExaminerNews.com 15
ARCHITECT RENDERING OF UPDATED FIRE STATION
Thank You!
The Board of Commissioners of the New Castle Fire
District No. 1 would like to thank all of our supporters in the
community who voted to approve the very important bond
referendum authorizing the Fire District to borrow funds for
the expansion and modernization of our current fire station in
Chappaqua. Our volunteer firefighters deserve a fire station
that ensures their health and safety. We look forward to
moving ahead with this much-needed and exciting project.
ncfd1.org
May 2 - May 8, 2023 Examiner Media
16
By Robert Schork
When Joe Bellini took his Special
Olympics floor hockey team to the NY State
Games this past February in Syracuse, he
was appropriately focused on the things any
good coach would be – the preparedness,
safety and spirit of his team.
The last thing he was thinking about was
himself.
So, imagine how off-guard he was when,
during the opening ceremonies, the CEO of
the Special Olympics announced that Bellini
had been selected as the Special Olympics
Coach of the Year for all of North America
– out of more than 147,000 coaches across
the continent.
“I was shocked and humbled,” recalled
Bellini, 57. “It was great to be with my
team while hearing this awesome news. I
was blown away. Anyone who knows me
knows I am a rather shy, quiet guy. I don’t
look to be in the spotlight at all. I love what
I do, but I also don’t look for recognition. I
work with some amazing staff and coaches,
and what we do, we do together. They all
deserve a piece of this award.”
He is referring to North East Westchester
Special Recreation, a community-based
therapeutic recreation agency serving 12
towns in the northeast part of Westchester.
They offer programs for children and
adults with developmental and intellectual
disabilities, including ones to help train
athletes for Special Olympics competitions.
Bellini, who lives in Katonah with his
wife and stepdaughter, serves as the
program coordinator.
“We are one of the largest contingents
in the Hudson Valley Special Olympics
program,” Bellini said. “We routinely
bring multiple teams to competitions –
including bowling, basketball, volleyball,
floor hockey, track and field and softball. We
greatly appreciate the efforts of the Hudson
Valley Region of Special Olympics to put
on competitions for our athletes. Without
them, we would be unable to compete in
the sports we train against other agencies.”
As someone who has coached students
with special needs exclusively for his entire
career, Bellini said it is much more than
teaching a sport.
“It is important to make a connection
with each athlete, to understand their
abilities as well as their challenges,” he
said. “You must then make practice plans
that allow the athletes to succeed and
improve. We make every effort to address
the athlete as a whole person. We strive to
work on skills that will help our athletes
both on and off the field/court. Our motto as
coaches with North East is ‘good athletes,
better people.’”
And, in Bellini’s case, even better
coaches.
“You don’t always get the chance to
change a life. I get that opportunity every
time I step on the court or field,” Bellini
added. “It is one of the most rewarding
things a person could do. I love coaching
the Special Olympics. I met my wife
while coaching, and we continue to coach
our teams together. I work with amazing
people at a great organization with amazing
athletes. Every day is different, and I
wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. We
really make a difference and I hope I get to
do this a lot longer. After all these years I
still feel like I have so much to learn.”
Katonah Man Chosen as Special Olympics Coach of the Year
Coach Joe Bellini, far right, with the field hockey team he brought to Syracuse in February for the NY
State Games. Bellini was selected as the Special Olympics Coach of the Year for North America, chosen
from more than 147,000 coaches.
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SMALL NEWS IS BIG NEWS
May 2 - May 8, 2023www.TheExaminerNews.com 17
The Jacob Burns Film Center has
announced the completion of the
refurbishment project for its three ground-
floor theaters.
The work significantly improves patrons’
experience and refreshes the original
theaters from the Burns’ 2001 opening.
The project was made possible thanks
to the David Swope Fund, the Regional
Economic Development Council Initiative
and many generous donors.
Collaborating with the film center on the
project was Mount Kisco-based KG+D
Architects, recently named Firm of the Year
by the American Institute of Architects New
York State Chapter (AIANYS).
KG+D Architects previously worked with
the Burns on the opening of the Media Arts
Lab in 2008. Yorke Construction Corporation,
which also worked on the original theater
renovation in 2001 and later on the Media
Arts Lab project, provided the construction
services. Yorke Construction has expertise
in the performing arts community.
Charcoalblue, the world’s leading
integrated theater, acoustic and experience
consultancy service, was also on the project.
The refurbishment enhancements to the
film center’s three original theaters include
plush new seats equipped with better-
functioning cup holders; new, optimal-
viewing seating layout in Theater Two
with easier access to all seating increased
legroom in Theaters Two and Three; a new
screen in Theater One; and improved on-
stage lighting and sight lines in Theater Two,
allowing for enhanced interaction between
patrons and special guests.
Other improvements include updated
hearing loop technology, which works with
an individual’s own T-coil-enabled hearing
aid or cochlear implant; new handrails and
an increase in designated accessible seats
for those with limited physical mobility and/
or vision loss in Theaters One and Two;
removable seats that can be swiftly adjusted
to accommodate wheelchairs; improved
sound baffling to eliminate outside noise in
Theater Two; LED lighting on aisle armrests
and steps for safety; and updated flooring
with new carpets.
Theater One, the largest theater, seats 245
people and is now open to host large-scale
events and screenings. Theaters Two and
Three seat 118 and 77 people, respectively.
Theater Four and the Adam R. Rose and
Peter R. McQuillan Theater, with 41 seats
and 31 seats, were added in 2015 to allow
flexibility when planning film programs.
“With these multiple refurbishments, the
theater-going experience matches the world
class curation of our programming team,”
said Mary Jo Ziesel, executive director of
the Jacob Burns Film Center. “We’re thrilled
to unveil the upgraded facilities just in time
for the Jewish Film Festival, our concert
doc series Sounds of Summer, Pride Month
programming and eagerly-anticipated new
releases such as ‘Spider-Man: Across the
Spider-Verse,’ ‘Barbie,’ ‘Oppenheimer’ and
‘Asteroid City.’”
Ziesel also said that the timing is
perfect for the film center’s classroom-to-
screening room programs in May and June
where educators and students from across
Westchester can benefit.
“Also, our summer campers will get
to experience watching their projects on
the big screen alongside their families in a
beautiful new space,” she said.
The refurbishment project culminates
in renaming Theater One the David Swope
Theater in memory of founding Jacob Burns
board member and chairman emeritus David
Swope. Swope, a dedicated businessman,
philanthropist, environmentalist and
community leader, passed away in October
2018.
“David’s passion for our mission,
infectious enthusiasm for our programs,
inspiring leadership and substantial financial
support helped to propel the Burns to the
institution it is today,” said Jacob Burns
Board Chair Lynn Sobel.
“For many years to come, countless
people will enter the David Swope Theater
with a smile as they remember a man who
touched their lives and had an enduring
impact on the JBFC.”
Renovations are now underway to add a
wine bar and casual seating in the Jane Peck
Gallery, on the top floor of the theater. With
its opening scheduled for the fall, the Jacob
Burns Film Center will elevate the filmgoing
experience further and continue to foster an
engaged community that embraces cultural
and social opportunities.
This press release was submitted by the
Jacob Burns Film Center and has been lightly
edited. It is being published as a public service
to the readers of The Examiner.
The recently completed refurbished Theater 1 at
the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville.
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May 2 - May 8, 2023 Examiner Media
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May 2 - May 8, 2023 Examiner Media
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It occurs to me as I sit within
my off-white four walls that I’ve
spent many, many years living in
an off-white environment. That’s
true both at home, especially
when I’ve rented, and at work,
where it seems to be the universal
color for offices.
Why? I suppose because it’s a
safe bet.
I remember that when I rented
there always was a clause in the
lease that the white or off-white
walls had to remain that color, or
if modified or wall papered, had to
be restored to the original color
before vacating. So, I’ve spent
many years leaving in a sea of
white.
I remember that when I first moved
to my home in Trump Park where all the
rooms – great room, dining room, kitchen,
three bathrooms and two bedrooms – were
painted off-white, I was visited by a friend,
who also happens to be a house painter, who
exclaimed, “This place needs some color!”
At first, I had to disagree with his
assessment, but then I started thinking
about the possibility of a pale green for the
bedroom. Just as all the apartments I ever
rented in New York City that were painted
off-white, my current living environment is
totally one color, off-white, and I intended
to keep it that way. This unicolor approach
expands the space and serves as a backdrop
for all the paintings and prints assembled
from a lifetime of collecting.
But I remember a study about
color done some time ago by
Zillow that blew me away. It
demonstrated how a fresh coat
of paint in the right color – inside
or out – may help sell a home for
more money.
According to the analysis,
homes with walls painted in
shades of blue or light gray may
sell for as much as a $5,400
premium. Well, if you are about to
sell your home, that certainly is
something to think about, isn’t it?
As a realtor, I’ve always been
instructed to advise seller clients
to neutralize colors as much as
possible, but now I’m not so sure.
For instance, if your bathroom
is currently painted anything but blue,
think again. Homes with blue bathrooms,
often found in hues of powder blue or
light periwinkle, sold for $5,440 more than
expected, the highest sales premium of all
colors analyzed.
Zillow’s paint color analysis looked at
more than 32,000 photos from homes sold
around the country to see how certain paint
colors impacted their average sale price
when compared to similar homes with white
walls.
A home’s exterior color may also have an
impact on its sale price. Homes painted in
“greige,” a mix of light gray and beige, sold
for $3,496 more than similar homes painted
in a medium brown or with tan.
Personally speaking, the colonial I sold a
while back was painted “greige” for more
than 40 years, but I have no way of calculating
how its color might have influenced the final
sales price. Because the last paint job was
such a good one, it lasted for more than 15
years and, during that time, the color had
oxidized to the point where it appeared to
be a pale green, which for all we know may
have had a negative effect on the sales price.
Just recently I passed that home and was
delighted to find that it had been painted a
bright yellow, something I never would have
considered, but found most becoming.
The Zillow study further showed that
homes with front doors painted in shades of
dark navy blue to slate gray sold for $1,514
more.
Readers of this column would know that
for years I’ve been advocating for use of
burgundy on front doors, based on feng shui
considerations. So, who or what are you
going to believe?
Some colors may actually deter buyers.
According to the study, homes with darker,
more style-specific walls like terracotta
dining rooms sold for $2,031 less than
expected. However, a lack of color may
have the biggest negative impact as homes
with white bathrooms sold for an average of
$4,035 below similar homes.
A contemporary home that I sold some
years ago had a wonderful flow from living
room to dining room with one pinkish off-
white color that gave the space a very
open feel. When the new owners moved
in, they closed in and separated that space
with a very intense gold in the living room
and a burgundy in the dining room. It was
especially claustrophobic because the dining
room had a wood-paneled ceiling. It was
clearly a case where color alone transformed
the environment negatively.
In the Zillow article, the writer stated,
“Color can be a powerful tool for attracting
buyers to a home, especially in listing photos
and videos. Painting walls in fresh, natural-
looking colors, particularly in shades of blue
and pale gray, not only make a home feel
larger, but also are neutral enough to help
future buyers envision themselves living in
the space.”
Fresh paint definitely helps a home sell
faster, but why not choose the “right” colors
to make it sell for more?
Bill Primavera is a realtor associated with
William Raveis Real Estate and founder
of Primavera Public Relations, Inc. (www.
PrimaveraPR.com). His real estate site is
www.PrimaveraRealEstate.com and his blog
is www.TheHomeGuru.com. To engage the
services of The Home Guru to market your
home for sale, call 914-522-2076.
Choosing the Right Colors to Bump Up a House’s Sale Price
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Business and Financial Periodicals
Free Standing Inserts • Advertising Supplements
May 2 - May 8, 2023www.TheExaminerNews.com 21
The Putnam/Northern Westchester
BOCES Board has selected Assistant
Superintendent for Human Resources Neil
Boyle to be the next district superintendent
and CEO for the organization.
Boyle was selected to replace Dr. James
Ryan, who is retiring this year.
Boyle has a long history with PNW
BOCES and area school districts.
Before his role as BOCES assistant
superintendent, he served as the
coordinator of pupil personnel services for
the North Salem Central School District.
Prior to that, he was the coordinator of the
PNW BOCES Guidance and Child Study
Center.
“I came back to BOCES because it is
such a special place, and the opportunity
to work here again was exciting,” Boyle
said
Earlier in his career Boyle served as an
administrator for special education in the
Mahopac Central School District and as
the director of vocational and transitional
services for the Devereux Foundation,
a nonprofit organization focused on
behavioral health.
Boyle is the president of the Lower
Hudson Council for School Personnel
Administrators and served on the steering
committee of the Hudson Valley Regional
Bilingual Education Resource Network.
He is an advisory board member of the
Foundation for Empowering Citizens with
Autism and won a lifetime achievement
award from the Foundation for Educating
Children with Autism.
PNW BOCES Board President Richard
Kreps said that Boyle’s selection is in
keeping with the board’s goal of recruiting,
training and retaining quality staff.
“Neil has proven to be an outstanding
administrator,” Kreps said. “We looked at
a lot of excellent candidates, but cream
always rises to the top. We are very proud
of Neil and look forward to this new phase
in our work.”
Boyle said it will be an honor to serve
BOCES in this new capacity.
“Having worked in our component
districts, I witnessed the excellence that
comes from PNW BOCES’ programs,” he
said. “I am also excited to continue to work
with our excellent staff here and also to
work with the New York State Education
Department.”
At the end of the day, the students are
Boyle’s top priority.
“I look forward to serving our 18
component districts,” he said. “Creating
pathways to help students reach their full
potential is the main reason that PNW
BOCES exists.”
Boyle Elevated to Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES Super, CEO
Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES Board
President Richard Kreps, left, with Assistant
Superintendent for Human Resources Neil Boyle.
Boyle was recently selected to succeed Dr. James
Ryan as district superintendent and CEO.
The Town of Cortlandt is
partnering with organizations
and communities along
the Hudson to oppose
Holtec’s plan to discharge
1 million gallons of radioactive
water into our river.
FEATURED ARTISTS
DAR WILLIAMS, BRIAN MCGRATH,
FRED GILLEN, JR., AND TOM CHAPIN
CONFIRMED ELECTED OFFICIALS
WESTCHESTER COUNTY
EXECUTIVE
GEORGE LATIMER
NEW YORK STATE
SENATOR
PETE HARCKHAM
ASSEMBLYWOMAN
DANA LEVENBERG
FEATURED ORGANIZATIONS
RIVERKEEPER, CLEARWATER,
FOOD AND WATER WATCH, AND OTHERS
SATURDAY, MAY 6 | 2-5 PM | RAIN DATE: MAY 7
CORTLANDT WATERFRONT PARK
77 RIVERVIEW AVENUE, VERPLANCK
WWW.TOWNOFCORTLANDT.COM
@TOWNOFCORTLANDT
*Many more Federal, State, and Local ofcials will also participate*
Local Author to
Give Talk on
Stone Walls
Come to the Bedford Hills
Historical Museum for local
author Susan Allport’s talk and
slide show on “The Stone Walls
of NY and New England.” This
presentation will be held on
Thursday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m.
at the museum, located in the
lower level of the Bedford Town
House in Bedford Hills. Hear
about the historic stone walls
traversing the woods and fields
of the region, with discussions
of why they were built and how.
Copies of Allport’s “Sermons in
Stone” will be on sale.
For more information,
e-mail bhhm.newyork@
gmail.com or visit http://www.
bedfordhillshistoricalmuseum.org.
SMALL NEWS IS
BIG NEWS
May 2 - May 8, 2023 Examiner Media
22
Happenings
Thursday, May 4
“Later Life.” Katonah Classic Stage kicks
off its 2023 season with this bittersweet
comedy from timeless playwright A.R.
Gurney. Starring Carolyn McCormack from
“Law and Order.” Whippoorwill Theater, 19
Whippoorwill Rd. East, Armonk. 7 p.m. $39.
Seniors and students: $29. Also May 5 and 6
at 8 p.m. and May 7 at 2 p.m. Info and tickets:
Visit www.katonahclassicstage.com.
Saturday, May 6
World of Quilts XLII. From the Northern
Star Quilters’ Guild. Featuring more than 250
quilts for display, quilt sale, vendors, raffles
and guest speaker Meg Cox. SUNY Purchase
College’s Physical Education Building, 735
Anderson Hill Rd., Purchase. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Also May 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info and
tickets: Visit www.northernstarquilters.com
or e-mail nsqgworldofquilts@gmail.com.
White Plains ComicFest. The White
Plains Cares Coalition and the White Plains
Youth Bureau will host this eighth annual
event. More than 30 vendors will be on
hand. Participants can meet and interact with
comic artists and creators and take part in
special activities. White Plains City Center,
5 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains. 11 a.m.
to 6 p.m. Free. Registration required for free
raffle with prizes. Info: 914-422-1378. Raffle
registration: Visit www.theconatwp.com/
tickets/
Taghkanic Chorale: Voices of Spring. A
program celebrating love and nature, including
Johannes Brahms’ romantic “Liebeslieder
Waltzes Op. 52.,” John Corigliano’s rarely
performed “Fern Hill,” shorter works by
Daniel Elder and Morten Lauridsen and opera
choruses by Mozart, Leoncavallo, Handel and
Donizetti. Holy Name of Mary Church, 114
Grand St., Croton-on-Hudson. 8 p.m. $25.
Seniors: $22. Students: $12. Free for children
under 12 accompanied by an adult. Also
May 7 at 4 p.m. Info and tickets: Visit www.
taghkanicchorale.rsvpify.com.
Croton Chorale: “Alleluia!” This
community choir will explore the many
musical interpretations of this sublimely
simple one-word text of joy and praise that can
be heard echoing throughout about 600 years
of musical history. Asbury United Methodist
Church, 17 Old Post Rd. South, Croton-on-
Hudson. 8 p.m. Suggested donations: $20;
$10 for seniors and students. Children (under
12): Free. Proceeds will benefit the Croton
Caring Committee.
Symphony of Westchester: All-
American Music Program. The symphony
will close out its momentous 25th anniversary
season. The concert, which will be conducted
by symphony founder and artistic director
Barry Charles Hoffman, will feature
renowned soprano Joanne Mongiardo and
celebrated clarinetist Alec Manasse. During
the program, Mongiardo will perform Samuel
Barber’s “Knoxville Summer of 1915” and
Manasse will perform Aaron Copland’s
“Clarinet Concerto”. The Symphony will
perform Copland’s “Appalachian Spring,”
chamber version. Iona University’s
Christopher J. Murphy Auditorium, 715
North St., New Rochelle. 8 p.m. $55. Seniors
(over 65): $45. Students (with I.D.): $15.
Info and tickets: 914-654-4926 or visit www.
thesymphonyofwestchester.org.
Peekskill Rotary Sixth Annual Cherry
Blossom Festival and Plant Sale.
Celebrate the beginning of spring, when
the 100 cherry trees along the Riverfront
Walkway start to bloom. Featuring food
trucks, craft vendors, silent auction, raffle
prizes and children’s activities. Peekskill
Riverfront Green Park, Peekskill. 10 a.m. to
5 p.m. Free admission and free parking. Info:
Visit www.peekskillrotary.com.
Sunday, May 7
Pete Seeger Festival. Celebrating the
folk music legend’s musical, environmental
and humanitarian legacy. Scheduled
performers include David and Jacob Bernz,
Betty and the Baby Boomers, the Neverlee
Brothers, Rick Nestler, Laurie Siegel and
Patrick Stanfield Jones, Joe Kaminsky and
Sarah Underhill, among others. Also includes
crafts and refreshments. Tompkins Corners
Cultural Center, 729 Peekskill Hollow Rd.,
Putnam Valley. 2 to 5 p.m. Free. Donations
will be gratefully accepted. Info: Visit www.
tompkinscorners.org.
Monday, May 8
Carmel Rams Youth Football and Cheer
First Annual Golf Outing. Breakfast, 18
holes of golf with cart, awards dinner and two
hours of open bar for $200 per golfer. Dinner-
only guests can be invited at $50 per person.
Guest fee includes dinner with two hours
open bar. Centennial Golf Club, Carmel.
Sponsorships or registration: Visit www.
Carmelyouthfootball.golfgenius.com.
Tuesday, May 9
Lag B’Omer Community Kosher
BBQ. Featuring hotdogs, burgers, delicious
salads, fire pit, and s’mores, a bounce house
and Israeli music. All welcome. Chabad of
Yorktown, 2629 Old Yorktown Rd., Yorktown
Heights. RSVP required. Info and RSVP: 914-
962-1111 or visit www.ChabadYorktown.com.
Wednesday, May 10
Free Memory Screening Event.
Hosted by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of
America and Northern Westchester Hospital.
Memory screenings are quick (about 10
to 15 minutes), noninvasive and consist
of a series of questions to gauge memory,
language, thinking skills and other cognitive
functions. Former Reader’s Digest building
at Chappaqua Crossing, Entry “B,” first
floor, Pegasus Conference Room, 480 N.
Bedford Rd., Chappaqua. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Advance registration recommended; walk-
ins accepted as time permits. No minimum
age or insurance prerequisites. Results are
strictly confidential. Info and registration:
Visit https://alzfdn.org/event/free-memory-
screenings-with-northern-westchester-
hospital/.
6-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4 6-6:30 p.m. Tuesday,
April 4
Do you have a loved one
with Alzheimer’s or another
dementia? Learn about the
latest in dementia research
from a panel of experts at
this free event. Then get your questions
answered at a Q&A session.
Scan the QR
code, call 800.272.3900 to register
.
Alzheimer’s Research Forum
9-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 10
Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill Mansion, 81 Highland Ave., Tarrytown
Guest Speakers
Min-Jeong Kim
M.D., Ph.D.
A. Zarina KraalPercy Griffin
This program is supported by the Hildegarde D. Becher Foundation and the New York State Department of Health.
We’re happy to help spread the word about your community event. Please submit your information at
least three weeks prior to your event and include the words “Calendar Submission” in your email subject
line. Entries should be sent to Robert Schork at rschork@theexaminernews.com.
May 2 - May 8, 2023www.TheExaminerNews.com 23
Bug bites are not just a nuisance, they can
cause discomfort and even pose health risks
for some.
From beach barbecues to walks in the
woods, here’s how to safeguard yourself
against ticks and mosquitoes, so you can stay
bug-free this summer for whatever takes you
outside.
•Beat backyard bugs. Eliminate standing
water to prevent mosquitoes from using
your backyard as a breeding ground in areas
where you entertain and dine. Keeping your
lawn and weeds in check is a useful step for
managing ticks.
•Take safer walks. Whether you’re
picnicking in the park, walking the dog,
working in the garden or hiking in the woods,
it’s important to be mindful of ticks, which
can transmit Lyme and other diseases. When
possible, avoid contact with tall grass and
brush, which is where ticks reside. Always
be sure to launder your outdoor gear shortly
after use. Take a shower soon after getting
home, being sure to inspect your body (and
your dog’s!) for ticks. If you do spot a tick,
follow proper protocol for removal, using
clean tweezers and removing fully, without
squeezing or twisting the tick.
•Protect your skin. “No matter what your
outdoor plans entail, bug spray products
applied beforehand are your best bet for
complete protection against mosquitoes
and ticks, and of course, the diseases they
harbor and transmit,” said Daniel Perry, an
entomologist at Zevo, a maker of pest control
products.
The new line-up of Zevo On-Body
Mosquito + Tick Repellents are odorless
and non-greasy, unlike traditional insect
repellents, and provide complete, feel-good
protection for the entire family for up to
eight hours. Whether you’re at a garden-style
wedding or hiking a mountain trail, you can
be comfortable and protected from bugs with
this innovative formula.
The active ingredient in these products
is inspired from a naturally-occurring amino
acid and doesn’t leave your skin feeling sticky,
which is a big bonus when you’re spending
all day outside or even just 30 minutes. It’s
available as an aerosol spray, a pump spray
and a lotion, which allows for easy, mess-free
application before you go outside.
•Camp smart. Before departing for a
camping trip, check your tent for small holes
and repair or replace as needed. Select a
campsite away from standing water, and zip
up your tent whenever you’re not actively
entering or exiting it. These measures will
help you feel comfortable and protected from
bugs on your next trip.’s
Don’t let the bugs bug you this summer.
From sporting events to evenings on the
patio, a few precautions can help ensure your
comfort and protection from those pesky
pests.
This article was printed by permission of
statepoint.net.
Tips for Avoiding Bug Bites This Summer
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UNIVERSAL MOMS SUMMER PROGRAM
FOR PRE-SCHOOLERS
Omari Lawrence Foundation
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Register online at www.solaris.fit •For more information call 914-962-4094
Email: Erin@eastcoastsportsandfitness.com •201 Veterans Rd Yorktown Hts, NY 10598
SUMMER
PROGRAMS
The Tom Thumb Campus
1949 East Main Street, Mohegan Lake, NY 10547
Phone: 914-528-5600 Fax: 914-528-0631
tomthumbcampus@gmail.com
Nancy Brophy, founder • Shawn Brophy, owner/campus manager
www.tomthumbpreschool.com
Stay & Play Safely Club
After Elementary School Program
A school for two’s
for children who will be 2 years old by Nov 30th
www.dynamic-gym.com
914-528-KIDS
Ages 3 to 5 years old
Before and After Care Available
NY State Certied Curriculum
NYS OCFS Daycare License
1/2 Day or Full Day Programs Before and After Care Available
Before / After Camp Care Available
For ages 3 1/2 through 5th graders, our
Summer Camp Program runs for 7 weeks.
“Catch Us If You Can”
Summer Camp on the
Tom Thumb Campus
Open to all children who attend kindergarten through 5th grade within the
Lakeland Central School District.
Stay & Play students may attend a gymnastics class at Dynamic Gymnastics
Before or After School Programs
Preschool, Recreational
and Team Classes
Helping to Build Healthy
Bodies and Strong Minds
Competing Builds Condence
We Are A School!
Est 1968
Directors:
Teadora Cepoi - Olympic Silver Medalist 1976
& Inducted into the Hall of Fame 2001
Sorin Cepoi - Olympian Competitor 1976, 1980
Tom Brophy - Owner, Club Manager & Coach
ThumBelina
Summer Camp!
May 2 - May 8, 2023 Examiner Media
24
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While most funeral homes today are being bought by large corporations, funeral groups or change of
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focus less on managing expenses and more on healing.
The Lincoln Highway, by Amor Towles,
sets up as a road-trip book.
It is 1954, and 18-year-old Emmett is
sprung from a juvenile work farm out in the
sticks. The facility warden drives him home
in Nebraska. His mother departed the family
long ago, his father has recently died, their
family farm is taken over by the bank, and
his little brother Billy, who is 8, has been
taken in by a family down the road.
Emmett, who did time for involuntary
manslaughter – he punched a bully at a
carnival, and the bully fell, hit his head and
died – plans to depart for California with Billy.
They’ll follow the Lincoln Highway, which
little Billy adores. Emmett will renovate and
sell homes, and get a business going. Maybe
they’ll even find their long-departed mother.
Emmett is dropped off by the warden, and
realizes two pals from the
work farm had hidden in
the warden’s trunk. The
arrival of Duchess and
Woolly ends up throwing
a big-time wrench into
Emmett’s and Billy’s
travel plans.
The book takes place over 10 days, and
each day – Ten, Nine, Eight, etc., starts a
new section. Every chapter is centered on
a different character, be it Emmett, Billy,
Duchess, Woolly or Sally, the teen girl who
watches over Billy when his brother is
incarcerated.
The California road trip begins, but they
detour to an orphanage where Duchess once
resided, then Duchess steals Emmett’s car
and heads to New York to settle a few scores.
Emmett and Billy hop a freight train to
Manhattan to find their friends.
The story eventually ventures to
Westchester County, as Woolly’s sister lives
in Hastings-on-Hudson.
Duchess and Woolly are intriguing
characters. Duchess is a charmer and a very
intelligent kid. He’s also violent. His father
was an actor in Manhattan, but was a bit of a
con man, too, and once dropped Duchess off
at an orphanage when he decided he could no
longer raise him. Duchess clearly has issues,
but possesses charisma in abundance.
Woolly has some sort of mental health
challenges that I could not put my finger on,
perhaps something related to O.C.D. He’s
sweet and earnest and likable. A wealthy
kid, Woolly gets booted
out of prep schools at a
rate that Holden Caulfield
might envy. At one school,
Woolly is “taunted,
teased, and goaded” by a
thesaurus, of all things.
Always looking to simplify his life, it bothers
Woolly that the thesaurus offers 10 different
variables for a simple, basic word. He goes to
the football field, sets the thesaurus on fire
and ends up igniting the goalposts too.
“The Dean of Students, who was presiding
over the hearing, said that Woolly was there
to answer for the fire he had set on the
football field,” writes Towles. “A moment
later, Mr. Harrington, the
faculty representative,
referred to it as a blaze. Then
Dunkie Dunkle, the student
council president (who also
happened to be captain of the
football team), referred to it
as a conflagration. And Woolly
knew right then and there that
no matter what he had to say,
they were all going to take the
side of the thesaurus.”
“The Lincoln Highway”
is a very entertaining book
that offers a batch of colorful
characters and a compelling look at mid-
century America. As much as I liked
Billy, who obsessively reads a book called
Professor Abacus Abernathe’s Compendium
of Heroes, Adventurers, and Other Intrepid
Travelers, I did find his character too sweet,
too well-behaved, too perfect to be truly
believed.
Another Billy issue – he knows from
his book that Professor Abernathe has
an office in the Empire State Building, so
when they’re in Manhattan, they park at the
building, take the elevator up to the 55th
floor, and, sure enough, find an office plaque
up there with Abernathe’s name on it, then
meet the wise professor moments later
That seemed a wee bit far-fetched, like
the novel had slipped into magic realism
without me realizing it.
“The Lincoln Highway” also could’ve used
a strong female character other than Sally.
Towles was a banker before
becoming a novelist. His other
novels include “A Gentleman
in Moscow” and “Rules of
Civility.”
“The Lincoln Highway,”
released in 2021, is Emmett
and Billy’s story, but Duchess
steals the show. A Manhattan
kid, he’s struck by what he
sees out in the heartland.
“Most of the towns we
passed through seemed to be
limited to one of everything by
local decree: one movie theater
and one restaurant; one cemetery and one
savings and loan; in all likelihood, one sense
of right and wrong,” Towles writes.
Duchess notes that most people don’t
really notice what makes their hometown
different from every other town: “When they
get up in the morning, they’re not looking to
change the world. They want to have a cup of
coffee and a piece of toast, put in their eight
hours, and wrap up the day with a bottle of
beer in front of the TV set. More or less,
it’s what they’d be doing whether they lived
in Atlanta, Georgia or Nome, Alaska. And
if it doesn’t matter for most people where
they live, it certainly doesn’t matter where
they’re going.
“That’s what gave the Lincoln Highway
its charm.”
“The Lincoln Highway” has charm in
spades.
‘Highway’ to Hell, Thanks to Some Sketchy Stowaway
A Novel
Concept
By Michael Malone
May 2 - May 8, 2023www.TheExaminerNews.com 25
While golfing was once known as
the game of kings, the American Heart
Association, the world’s leading nonprofit
organization focused on heart and brain
health for all, says you don’t have to be
royalty or a professional player to reap
health benefits from hitting the links at
your local golf course.
Research presented at the Association’s
International Stroke Conference in 2020
found that regularly golfing – at least once
per month – lowered the risk of death,
especially among older adults.
Golfing can provide benefits such as
stress reduction and regular exercise. Due
to its social nature and typically slower,
controlled pace, people of most all ages
and physical fitness levels can play the
sport.
“The regular exercise, time spent
outside enjoying nature, social interaction
and even the friendly competition of a
round of golf are all elements that can
foster mental and physical wellbeing,” said
Dr. Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, president of
the American Heart Association and chair
of the department of preventive medicine,
the Eileen M. Foell Professor of Heart
Research and professor of preventive
medicine, medicine and pediatrics at
Northwestern University’s Feinberg
School of Medicine in Chicago.
“The past couple of years have been
hard and many of us have picked up some
unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as
more eating and less physical activity,
and we’ve missed the company of friends
and family. I think golfing can offer a great
opportunity to start venturing back out
into an enjoyable activity that can feed our
hearts and our souls.”
For the study on golfing, researchers
from the University of Missouri in
Columbia, analyzed data from the
Cardiovascular Health Study, a population-
based observational study of risk factors
for heart disease and stroke in adults 65
and older.
Out of nearly 5,900 participants, average
age 72, researchers identified nearly 400
regular golfers. During the 10-year follow-
up period, death rates for golfers were
significantly lower than for non-golfers.
A comprehensive review of research
published in the British Journal of Sports
Medicine analyzed more than 300 scientific
studies, leading a panel of 25 public health
experts to issue an international consensus
statement, from several sporting and golf
organizations, noting the health and social
benefits of golf.
“The American Heart Association
recommends most people get at least 150
minutes of moderate-intensity exercise
a week. Golfing qualifies as a moderate-
intensity exercise, specifically if you are
walking an 18-hole course, carrying your
golf clubs,” said Lloyd-Jones. “While
golfing, you’re increasing your heart
rate and blood flow, enhancing brain
stimulation, improving your balance and
socializing. Even if you are riding in a cart
and playing a short course of only nine
holes, you’re still being physically active,
and we know any movement is better than
none.”
There are a few safety measures to
take into consideration before hitting the
greens. Before you start, warm up with
a few stretching exercises and be sure to
wear sunscreen even on cloudy days.
Also, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of
water and don’t get overheated.
Be aware of the signs of a heat stroke
and if you or your fellow golfers show
any of these symptoms, call 911 and seek
emergency medical help right away:
• Fever (temperature above 104 °F)
• Irrational behavior
• Extreme confusion
• Dry, hot and red skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness
This press release was submitted by the
American Heart Association and has been
lightly edited. It is being published as a public
service to the readers of The Examiner.
Hitting the Links Could Be a Hole-in-One for Your Health
Taghkanic Chorale
Welcomes Spring in
Croton on May 6-7
The Taghkanic Chorale will perform its
annual spring concert on May 6-7 in Croton-
on-Hudson. The “Voices of Spring” concert
features Johannes Brahms’ “Liebeslieder
Waltzes Op. 52,” John Corigliano’s rarely
performed “Fern Hill” based on the poem
by Dylan Thomas; shorter works by Daniel
Elder and Morten Lauridsen and opera
choruses by Mozart, Leoncavallo, Handel
and Donizetti.
The two performances are Saturday, May 6
at 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 7 at 4 p.m. at The
Holy Name of Mary Church, 114 Grand St. in
Croton-on-Hudson.
Admission is $25 for adults, $22 for seniors,
$12 for students and free for children under
12 with an adult. Tickets are available from
chorale members, on the Chorale’s website or
at the door. Audiences are invited to a wine and
snack reception following each performance.
Masks are optional for both singers and
audience.
May 2 - May 8, 2023 Examiner Media
26
NOTICE OF ANNUAL PUBLIC HEARING ON BUDGET, ANNUAL MEETING, SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTION, LIBRARY ELECTION AND VOTE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Educaon of the Chappaqua Central School District, Westchester County, New York will hold a Public Hearing on the Budget in the Auditorium at the Horace Greeley
High School, Chappaqua, New York, on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at 7:30 pm for the purpose of presenng the budget document for the 2023-24 school year.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for School District purposes during the 2023-24 school year (the Budget), exclusive of public moneys, may
be obtained by any resident of the District during business hours, eecve April 28, 2023 except Saturday, Sunday or holidays, at each of the District’s school houses, the Administrave Oces, at any public or free
associaon library located in the School District, and on the District website. A Real Property Tax Exempon Report prepared in accordance with Secon 495 of the Real Property Tax Law will be annexed to any
budget of which it will form a part; and shall be posted on District bullen board(s) maintained for public noces, as well as on the District’s website.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Annual District Meeng, Elecon of Members of the Board of Educaon and Library Trustees and Vote on the School District and Library budgets, will be held on Tuesday, May
16, 2023, at the Gymnasium of the Horace Greeley High School, Chappaqua, New York, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing me, when the polls will be open for the purpose of vong by vong
machine:
A. To elect 2 (two) members to the Board of Educaon, 3-year terms, commencing July 1, 2023 and expiring on June 30, 2026.
B. To vote upon the appropriaon of the necessary funds to meet the esmated expenditures for School District purposes for the 2023-2024 School year (the Budget).
C. To vote upon the appropriaon of the necessary funds for the 2023-2024 scal year of the Chappaqua Central School District Public Library (the Library Budget).
D. To elect 1 (one) member to the Board of Trustees of the Chappaqua Central School District Public Library, ve-year term, commencing July 1, 2023 and expiring June 30, 2028, and 1 (one) member for an
unexpired term resulng from the resignaon of a Board member, from on or about May 17, 2023 through June 30, 2026.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that peons for nominang candidates for the oce of member of the Board of Educaon and oce of Library Trustee must be led with the Clerk of the District by no later than
5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2023. Vacancies on the Board of Educaon and Library Board are not considered separate, specic oces; candidates run at large. Nominang peons must be signed by at
least thirty-seven qualied voters of the District, shall state the residence address of each signer and the name and residence address of the candidate. Peon forms may be obtained from the District Clerk on
weekdays when school is in session, during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at her oce at the District’s Educaon Center, 66 Roaring Brook Road, Chappaqua, New York or on the District’s website at
hps://www.chappaquaschools.org/district/departments/business-oce/budget-informaon/budget-informaon-2023.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that registraon of voters is required pursuant to Secon 2014 of the Educaon Law. If a voter has registered to vote with the School District and has voted at an annual or special
school district meeng within the last four calendar years, (aer January 1, 2019) s/he is eligible to vote at this Elecon and Vote. If a voter is currently registered to vote with the Westchester County Board of
Elecons, s/he is also eligible to vote in this Elecon and Vote. All other persons who wish to vote must register. Registraon may be done on any business day at the oce of the District Clerk, during business
hours, at the Educaon Center at 66 Roaring Brook Road, Chappaqua, New York, up to May 11, 2023, ve (5) days prior to the elecon and vote. Any person possessing all of the following qualicaons may register
to vote:
1. Is a cizen of the United States; and
2. Is eighteen years of age or older; and
3. Has resided in the School District for a period of thirty days immediately preceding the day of the Elecon and Vote.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the register of voters so prepared, including the names of military voters who submied valid military registraons, shall be led in the Oce of the Clerk of the District and
shall be open for inspecon by any qualied voter of the District between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., prevailing me, beginning May 11, 2023, except Saturday and Sunday. Said register will be open for
inspecon at the polling place on the date of the elecon and vote.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Board of Registraon shall meet at Horace Greeley High School on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, during the hours of vong as aforesaid for the purpose of preparing a register of
qualied voters for meengs to be held subsequent to such elecon and vote.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that, applicaons for absentee ballots for the Annual Meeng, School District Elecon and Vote may be obtained at the Oce of the School District Clerk. The completed applicaon
must be received by the District Clerk no more than thirty (30) days and at least seven (7) days prior to the elecon if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or the day before the elecon, if the ballot will be picked
up personally at the District Clerk’s Oce by the voter or the voter’s designated agent set forth in the applicaon. Absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing me,
on May 16, 2023.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued and a list of all military voters to whom military ballots shall have been issued, will be available for inspecon
from qualied voters of the District in the said oce of the District Clerk during regular oce hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., prevailing me, unl the day of the Annual Meeng, Elecon and Vote. Any qualied
voter may le a wrien challenge of the qualicaons of a voter whose name appears on such list, stang the reasons for the challenge.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that Military Voters who are not currently registered to vote may request an applicaon to register as a qualied voter of the District and Military Voters who are registered to vote
may request an applicaon for a military ballot by contacng the District Clerk at 66 Roaring Brook Road, Chappaqua, NY 10514, Telephone (914) 238-7200, Ext. 1002 or email: lielsner@chappaquaschools.org, for
the Annual Meeng on May 16, 2023. The Military Voter may indicate their preference for receiving the registraon applicaon and/or applicaon for military ballot by mail, facsimile or email. The applicaon to
register and the applicaon for military ballot must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 P.M. on April 20, 2023. Military ballots will be mailed or otherwise distributed no later than 25 days before the
elecon. Military ballots must be returned by mail or in person and received by the District Clerk by 5:00 P.M. on May 16, 2023.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the School District Clerk is hereby authorized to amend the Noce of the Public Hearing on the Budget and Annual Meeng, Elecon and Vote, from me to me, as in her
discreon, such amendment may be required.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the School District Clerk shall cause the Noce set forth above to be published four (4) mes within the seven (7) weeks preceding the Annual Meeng, Elecon and Vote, the
rst such noce to be published at least 45 days prior to the Elecon and Vote, in accordance with Secon 2004 of the Educaon Law.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK
by: Liisa K. Elsner
District Clerk
Dated: March 28, 2023
To be published: March 31, April 17, May 1, May 12, 2023
_______________________________________________________________________
NOTIFICACIÓN DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA ANUAL SOBRE EL PRESUPUESTO, REUNIÓN ANUAL,
ELECCIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR, ELECCIÓN DE LA BIBLIOTECA Y VOTACIÓN
Por la presente se noca que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Central de Chappaqua, Condado de Westchester, Nueva York tendrá una audiencia pública sobre el presupuesto en el auditorio de Horace Greeley
High School en Chappaqua, Nueva York, el miércoles 3 de mayo de 2023 a las 7:30 de la tarde con el n de presentar el presupuesto escolar del año escolar 2023-2024.
ADICIONALMENTE SE NOTIFICA que copias de la declaración de los fondos que necesitará el Distrito Escolar para el presupuesto del año escolar 2023-2024, excluyendo fondos públicos, estará a disposición de los
residentes del Distrito, durante horas laborables a parr del 28 de abril de 2023, excluidos sábados, domingos o días fesvos en todas y cada una de las ocinas de las escuelas, ocinas administravas del distrito
y en cada una de las bibliotecas públicas situadas en el Distrito Escolar y en la página web del Distrito. Así mismo, un informe sobre la exención del impuesto sobre los Bienes Inmuebles, de acuerdo con la Sección
495 de la Ley de Impuestos de Bienes Inmuebles, se adjuntará a todo presupuesto en el que dicho informe tome parte, y se hará público en el bolen del Distrito de información pública, así como en la página web
del Distrito.
ASI MISMO SE COMUNICA que La Junta Anual del Distrito, las elecciones de la Junta de Educación y Fideicomisarios/as de la Biblioteca, la votación de presupuestos del Distrito Escolar y de la Biblioteca tendrán
lugar el Martes 16 de mayo de 2023 en el gimnasio de Horace Greeley High School, Chappaqua, New York entre las 7:00 de la mañana y las 9:00 de la noche, horario en el que se mantendrán abiertos los centros de
votación con el propósito de votar por máquina de votar:
A. Elegir 2 (dos) miembros de la Junta de Educación, para un periodo de 3 (tres) años comenzando el 1 de julio de 2023 y terminando el 30 de junio de 2026.
B. Votar sobre la asignación de fondos necesarios para hacer frente a los gastos del Distrito Escolar para el año 2023-2024.
C. Votar sobre la asignación de fondos necesarios del año scal 2023-2024 para la Biblioteca Pública del Distrito Escolar Central de Chappaqua (Presupuesto de Biblioteca).
D. Elegir 1 (un) miembro para la Junta Escolar de la Biblioteca Pública del Distrito Escolar Central de Chappaqua para un periodo de 5 (cinco) años, comenzando el 1 de julio de 2023 y terminando el 30 de junio de
2028, y 1 (un) miembro para el periodo no caducado como resultado de la dimision de un miembro de la junta efecva sobre el 17 de mayo de 2023 hasta el 30 de junio de 2026.
SE DA INFORMACIÓN ADICIONAL que las peciones para nombrar candidatos para miembros de la Junta de Educación y Fideicomisarios/as de la Biblioteca deben ser registradas con la Secretaria del Distrito
no más tarde de las 5:00 de la tarde del lunes 17 de abril de 2023. Las posiciones vacantes de la Junta de Educación y la Junta de la Biblioteca no se consideran posiciones especícas o separadas; los candidatos
se presentan libremente. Las peciones para ser nominado/a deben ser rmadas como mínimo por 37 (treinta y siete) votantes calicados del Distrito, dando la dirección postal de cada rmante y el nombre y
dirección postal del candidato/a. Los formularios de peción se pueden obtener de la Secretaria del Distrito en días laborables cuando la escuela esté abierta, durante horas laborables de 8:30 de la mañana a 4:30
de la tarde en su despacho en el Centro de Educación del Distrito en 66 Roaring Brook Road, Chappaqua, New York o en la página web del Distrito:
hps://www.chappaquaschools.org/district/departments/business-oce/budget-informaon/budget-infpormaon-2023
NOTIFICACIÓN ADICIONAL informa que el registro de votantes se requiere de acuerdo con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación. Si un votante está registrado para votar en el Distrito Escolar y ha votado en una
May 2 - May 8, 2023www.TheExaminerNews.com 27
Junta anual o especial durante los pasados 4 (cuatro) años de calendario (a parr del 1 de enero de 2019) tendrá derecho a votar en esta elección y votación. Si un votante está actualmente registrado a votar en
la Junta de Elecciones del Condado de Westchester tendrá derecho a votar en esta elección y votación. Todas las demás personas que quieran votar deberán registrarse. El registro se puede hacer cualquier día
laborable en el despacho de la Secretaria del Distrito durante horas laborables, en el Centro de Educación del Distrito en 66 Roaring Brook Road, Chappaqua, New York hasta el 11 de mayo de 2023, 5 (cinco) días
antes de la elección y votación. Toda persona que reúna las siguientes cualicaciones puede registrarse para votar:
1. Ser ciudadano de los estados Unidos de América y
2. Tener 18 (dieciocho) años o más y
3. Ser residente del Distrito por un periodo de 30 (treinta) días inmediatamente antes del dia de la elección y votación
NOTIFICACIÓN ADICIONAL se ofrece que el registro de votantes preparado incluya los nombres de los votantes que pertenecen al servicio militar que hayan presentado un registro del servicio militar válido. Los
registros del servicio militar deben ser presentados entre 8:30 de la mañana y 4:30 de la tarde empezando el día 11 de mayo de 2023 excepto sábados y domingos. Dicho registro estará abierto a inspección en el
centro de votación en la fecha de elección y votación.
NOTIFICACIÓN ADICIONAL informa que la Junta de Registro se reunirá en Horace Greeley High School el 16 de mayo de 2023 durante el horario de votación previamente mencionado con el n de preparar una
lista de votantes calicados para las siguientes reuniones y dicha elección y votación.
NOTIFICACIÓN ADICIONAL informa que las solicitudes para votos de abstención pueden ser obtenidas en el despacho de la Secretaria del Distrito. La solicitud completa debe ser recibida por la Secretaria del
Distrito no más de con 30 (treinta) días de antelación y no menos de 7 (siete) días antes de la elección si el voto se envía por correo al votante o el día anterior a la elección, si la papeleta del voto se recoge
personalmente en el despacho de la Secretaria del Distrito por el votante o la persona designada para ello en la solicitud. Los votos de abstención enen que ser recibidos por la Secretaria del Distrito no más tarde
de las 5:00 de la tarde del 16 de mayo de 2023.
NOTIFICACIÓN ADICIONAL informa que una lista de votantes que pertenecen al servicio militar a quienes se les haya enviado la papeleta de voto de abstención estará disponible para inspección por votantes
calicados del Distrito en el arriba mencionado despacho de la Secretaria del Distrito durante las horas de 8:30 de la mañana a 4:30 de la tarde hasta el dia de la Junta Anual, elección y votación. Cualquier votante
calicado puede reclamar por escrito acerca de las calicaciones de un votante cuyo nombre aparezca en dicha lista, dando razones de tal reclamación.
NOTIFICACIÓN ADICIONAL indica que los votantes pertenecientes al servicio militar que no estén en estos momentos registrados para votar pueden pedir una solicitud de registro como votante calicado del
Distrito que pertenece al servicio militar. Aquellos votantes pertenecientes al servicio militar del Distrito que estén registrados para votar podrán solicitar papeleta de voto del servicio militar poniéndose en
contacto con la Secretaria del Distrito en 66 Roaring Brook Road, Chappaqua, New York 10514, teléfono (914) 238 7200, extensión 1002 o vía email (lielsner@chappaquaschools.org) para la Junta Anual del 16 de
mayo de 2023. Los votantes pertenecientes al servicio militar podrán indicar su preferencia entre recibir la solicitud de registro y/o la papeleta de voto del servicio militar por correo, fax o email. Tanto la solicitud
de registro o de papeleta de voto debe ser recibida en el Distrito no más tarde de las 5:00 de la tarde del día 20 de abril de 2023. Las papeletas de voto para votantes pertenecientes al servicio militar se enviaran y
distribuirán no más tarde de 25 días antes de la elección. Los votos de dichos votantes deben ser enviados por correo o entregados en persona y recibidos por la Secretaria del Distrito no más tarde de las 5:00 de la
tarde del 16 de mayo de 2023.
ADICIONALMENTE SE RESUELVE que la Secretaria del Distrito está por la presente autorizada para enmendar la Nocación de Audiencia Pública sobre el Presupuesto, Junta Anual, Elección y Votación a su
discreción cuando una enmienda sea necesaria.
ACUERDA ASIMISMO que la Secretaria del Distrito escolar puede nocar, como se describe arriba, para ser publicada hasta 4 (cuatro) veces durante las 7 (siete) semanas anteriores a la Junta Anual, Elección y
Votación, la primera de cuyas nocaciones se hará pública por lo menos 45 (cuarenta y cinco) días antes de la Elección y Votación, de acuerdo con la Sección 2004 de la Ley de Educación
BOARD OF EDUCATION
CHAPPAQUA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK
por: Liisa K. Elsner
Secretaria del Distrito
Fecha: 28 de Marzo, 2023
Para ser publicado: 31 de marzo, 17 de abril, 1 de mayo, 12 de mayo, 2023
With the weather
getting warmer and
spring sports in full
swing, it is important
to be aware and on top
of any possible shoulder
injuries.
As a physical
therapist, I commonly
see and treat individuals
with different types of
shoulder pain that have
resulted from overuse or
lack of a proper warm-up
or arm care routine, among
other issues. This article will provide a
quick primer about the structure of the
shoulder, common injuries and what to
do to prevent injury.
The shoulder complex is comprised of
many different structures and joints and
is the most mobile region in our body.
The humerus (arm bone) articulates
with the scapula (shoulder blade) which
articulates with the clavicle (collar
bone) in order to connect your arm
to your body. In order for your arm to
properly function in its full available
range of motion, all of these structures
need to work in harmony, something we
call scapulohumeral rhythm.
For your arm to rise, our scapula must
appropriately rotate and accommodate
for full motion. With
great mobility comes a
lack of stability so it is
important that we make
sure that the proper
muscles are strong.
Common muscles that
play an important role
are the rotator cuff,
rhomboids and serratus
anterior, which all
stabilize the shoulder
while also allowing for
proper motion.
Shoulder pain is one
of the most common reasons people
seek physical therapy. One of the most
common reasons for this pain is due to
rotator cuff strains and impingement.
The rotator cuff is made up of
four muscles that connect your arm
to your scapula and help stabilize
your shoulder. A strain occurs when
the muscle or tendon is partially or
completely torn and can often be
strained during high-impact activities
involving overhead motions such as
throwing, shooting a lacrosse ball or
swinging a tennis racket. This can
occur due to inadequate rotator cuff
strength and repetitive impingement
of the tendons underneath the bones
at the edge of the scapula.
Impingement can feel like a pinch
when you try to lift your arm and, over
time, can lead to small tears in the
tendons.
Common signs and symptoms of a
rotator cuff strain can be a sharp pain
along the front or back of the shoulder
and a dull or achy pain that can shoot
down the arm, sometimes past the
elbow. You may feel a loss of strength
or an inability to raise or rotate your
shoulder. If you are feeling any of these
symptoms it is important to address
them and seek proper care. A physical
therapist can identify the severity of
the injury and appropriately guide you
on the best treatment.
Although a full tear needs to
be repaired with
surgery, most rotator
cuff strains are
treated with physical
therapy focused on
decreasing pain,
increasing strength and flexibility and
incorporating sport-specific exercises.
In order to prevent injuries, it is
important that all athletes properly
warm up and cool down. Prior
to a practice or game, dynamic
stretching can best prepare the body
for movement. Common dynamic
shoulder stretches include arm circles,
shoulder rolls and using a band pull-
apart. Following activity, long-duration
stretching (30- to 60-second holds)
can help with recovery and improve
flexibility.
Proper muscle strengthening is also
important to prevent injuries. Arm
care routines focused on strengthening
the rotator cuff and back muscles can
help to ensure shoulder stability during
sports. Some crucial exercises include
rows, internal and external rotation
and front and lateral raises.
Exercises and stretches should
not cause pain, and if they do, you
may benefit from physical therapy
in order to address these symptoms
and receive appropriate guidance. We
can provide manual
stretching and soft
tissue mobilization
for tight muscles
and get you strong
enough to return to
your sport.
Dr. Brittany Duarte is a physical
therapist at ProClinix Sports Physical
Therapy & Chiropractic in Ardsley. For
more information about this article or
physical therapy, she can be reached at
bduarte@proclinix.com. Also visit www.
Proclinix.com.
How to Prevent Shoulder Injuries That Could Force You to the Sidelines
By Dr. Brittany Duarte
May 2 - May 8, 2023 Examiner Media
28
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continued on page 30
May 2 - May 8, 2023www.TheExaminerNews.com 29
HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM - WAITING LIST OPENING IN PUTNAM COUNTY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Putnam County Housing Corporaon (PCHC) Carmel, New York in accordance with regulaons outlined by the New
York State Homes & Community Renewal, Statewide Secon 8 Voucher Program, Secon 8 Administraon Plan April 1, 2023 will reopen the Secon 8
waing list for all income eligible individuals and families. Annual income limits vary by household size:
1 person - $46,700; 2 persons - $53,400; 3 persons - $60,050; 4 persons - $66,700; 5 persons – $72,050;
6 person - $77,400; 7 persons - $82,750; 8 persons- $88,050.
Following the HCR Administraon Plan, priority will be given to those below 30% of the area median income:
1 person - $28,000; 2 persons - $32,000; 3 persons - $36,000; 4 persons - $40,000; 5 persons – $43,200
6 person - $46,400; 7 persons - $49,600; 8 persons - $52,800.
Applicaons will be available to the public on May 15, 2023 at PCHC’s oce, 11 Seminary Hill Road,
Carmel, NY 10512.
Applicaons must be mailed to:
PUTNAM COUNTY HOUSING CORPORATION, 11 SEMINARY HILL ROAD, CARMEL, NY 10512
NO FAXED, EMAILED OR WALK IN APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED
All applicaons postmarked between May 15, 2023 and June 15, 2023 will be placed on the waing list. Seven hundred and y (750) applicaons will
be accepted. Each applicaon will be dated, me stamped, numbered and entered into a bound log book and then entered into the SHCVS System in the
order they are received by using the date they are me stamped. Leers will be sent to selected applicants conrming their placement on the waing
list. All applicaons not drawn as one of the 750 will be noed by September 14, 2023.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal housing program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development. The program provides housing assistance to renters with low to moderate income in the form of rental subsidies.
Individuals with disabilies are eligible for the program and reasonable accommodaons will be made where necessary to ensure
equal parcipaon in housing assistance.
Equal Housing Opportunity Statement: We are pledged to the leer and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing
opportunity throughout the Naon. We encourage and support an armave adversing and markeng program in which there
are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or naonal origin.
Though the context is slightly
different, in my best Liam Neeson
voice I want to call attention to elder
law attorneys’ “very particular set of
skills.”
When someone you love gets sick,
their care becomes a responsibility to
manage. This care may require out-
of-pocket costs and health insurance
coverage. For serious, long-term
illnesses, Medicaid is necessary to
cover the exorbitant care costs, which
can run over $200,000 annually for
some nursing home stays.
Medicaid applications are not just
some forms to fill out and submit.
Long-term health
care planning requires
serious financial
realignments. Assets
must be transferred
and this results in
a person’s previous
estate plan being
upended. While anyone can complete
a Medicaid application and compile the
documents, doing it correctly while
keeping a trained eye on the multitude
of legal and financial consequences is
a job for an elder law attorney.
One of the first casualties related to
a person’s illness is their estate plan.
Carefully drafted wills and revocable
trusts relying on assets being titled
in a specific way are rendered
obsolete following a crisis. Medicaid
has asset limits ($30,182 in 2023
for an individual) which necessitate
transfers by applicants to become
eligible. Funds from a joint account or
revocable trust account may be placed
in the healthy spouse’s solo account.
An aging parent’s investment account,
which had three children listed as
beneficiaries, may be transferred to
the adult child caregiver who is also
an agent under a Power
of Attorney.
These drastic
changes have to be
addressed properly so
that originally named
beneficiaries are
properly recognized
in the new arrangement. Elder law
attorneys have the ability to execute
the Medicaid plan while resetting an
altered estate plan.
Elder law attorneys use irrevocable
Medicaid trusts to protect assets for
Medicaid as well as avoid
probate to simplify the
estate process. While the
first priority is to secure
and pay for long-term
care services through
Medicaid eligibility,
ensuring the protection
of assets for a family is a
close second. This two-
prong approach is vitally
important in a situation
where a seriously ill loved
one may not survive
to receive extensive
Medicaid coverage.
An irrevocable Medicaid trust
allows assets to flow more easily
to the trust beneficiaries and sets
instructions that takes into account
all relevant family dynamics. Looking
at each client’s situation three-
dimensionally is a hallmark of elder
law practice.
When a local Department of Social
Services (DSS) reviews a Medicaid
application there are numerous
regulations and guidelines that must
be adhered to. Often, DSS will request
further documentation to clarify an
issue in an application.
If questions remain
unanswered or a Medicaid
decision is unsatisfactory,
agency reconsiderations
and fair hearings – a
legal administrative
proceeding with evidence
and witnesses – are
useful tools to generate
solutions. Not having
legal representation is a
huge disadvantage.
Elder law attorneys
bring working knowledge
of Medicaid law together with
the practical application process
experience to forge positive results.
They can handle all facets of the
Medicaid process from beginning
to end and provide nuanced estate
planning guidance at the same time.
For more information, contact the
professionals at The Feller Group, P.C.
Alan D. Feller, Esq. is managing
partner of The Feller Group, a law
firm dedicated to the practice of elder
law and estate planning, located at 625
Route 6 in Mahopac. He can be reached
at afeller@thefellergroup.com.
Assistance
of
Counsel
By Alan D. Feller, Esq.
Elder Law Attorneys Should Be Entrusted to Handle
Medicaid Applications
May 2 - May 8, 2023 Examiner Media
30
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LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that a
license, serial #1362216 for beer,
wine & liquor has been applied
for by the undersigned to sell
beer, wine & liquor at retail in a
restaurant under the ABC Law
at 1859 E Main St., Mohegan
Lake, NY 10547 for on-premises
consumption; Lee Andrea Pizza
Corp.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
that a license, Number Pending,
for Beer, Liquor & Wine has been
applied for by the undersigned
to sell Beer, Liquor & Wine in a
Restaurant under the Alcoholic
Beverage Control Law at 334
Underhill Ave. Yorktown Heights,
NY, Westchester County, for on-
premises consumption.
Our Place Hospitality, LLC
d/b/a Our Place Kitchen & Bar
LEGAL NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that
the tax year 2023 Final Assessment
Roll has been filed April 1, 2023
with the Village Clerk, 80 Wheeler
Avenue, Pleasantville, New
York, where it may be seen and
examined by any person at all times
during business hours (8:00am-
4:00pm). The Final Assessment
Roll may also be viewed online at
https://www.pleasantville-ny.gov/
assessors-office.
Village of Pleasantville
Pleasantville, New York 10570
Alyssa Hochstein
Deputy Village Clerk
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Board of Trustees of the
Village of Pleasantville will hold
a Public Hearing Monday, May
22, 2023 at 8:00pm in person at
Village Hall located at 80 Wheeler
Avenue, Pleasantville, New York
10570 and via Zoom Meeting id
84374906719, Password 092734
to hear comments on Introductory
Local Law 3 of 2023 to amend
Chapter 14 of the Code of Ethics of
the Village of Pleasantville.
Alyssa Hochstein
Deputy Clerk, Village of
Pleasantville
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continued from page 28
May 2 - May 8, 2023www.TheExaminerNews.com 31
In previous
columns, I’ve
focused on the
evolution of the
American wine
industry, notably
California and the
Napa Valley.
From its rocky
beginnings in the
17th century to
the early European
immigrants seeking their fortunes during
the Gold Rush era to successful family
operations in the early 20th century, the
American wine industry slowly evolved as
the precursor of today’s booming business.
This trend is continuing. For the last
four decades, new wineries have been
popping up in Napa Valley at
an historic rate. And many
have succeeded.
But the early progress of
the American wine industry
was abruptly and critically
halted by Prohibition (1920-
1933). Old-line winemakers
persevered by selling their
grapes to home winemakers
and their wine to the growing number of
“churches” offering altar wines to thirsty
congregations.
However, a vast number of wineries shut
down permanently. The wine industry in the
United States was devastated. But for a few
notable stalwarts, the vigor and production
of the pre-Prohibition industry was not to
be revived for another four decades.
The foundation of today’s successful
domestic wineries can be traced to several
of the California stalwarts who travailed
and prevailed in the post-Prohibition era
and the financial calamities of the Great
Depression. I’ve previously presented
several of these pioneers. This week
I continue, presenting the tumultuous
history of the Gallo brothers, Ernest and
Julio.
For years, the Gallo brand suffered
disdain under a reputation for low-quality,
mass-produced and mass-marketed wines
at the bottom of the United States market.
Their appeal to Americans was price, not
necessarily quality. And it worked.
E. & J. Gallo Winery is today the largest
privately-owned wine
company in the world.
The founding brothers
rose from humble and
tragic beginnings to
become well-respected
businessmen, leaving
behind an enviable legacy
(15 family members are
active in the business)
and a vast roster of more than 130 brand
names.
Ernest was born in 1909 and Julio a year
later. Their parents began selling grapes
during Prohibition. But the family business
suffered during the Great Depression. In
1933, their distraught father murdered his
wife and committed suicide.
Now on his own at 24 years of age,
Ernest decided to become a winemaker and
convinced his brother to join him. The only
problem was that they had no experience as
winemakers.
Self-taught, they started the E. & J. Gallo
Winery, with Ernest heading up sales
and marketing and Julio focusing
on the vineyards. They quickly
exploited a niche for cheap wines
– Carlo Rossi, Thunderbird and
Ripple – that had mass appeal,
yet garnered them an early
reputation for unappealing,
unsophisticated wines.
However, building off these cash
cows, the Gallo brothers embarked on
a massive campaign to upgrade their
vineyard management techniques, winery
operations, marketing efforts – and their
image. With little fanfare, beginning in the
1990s, they practiced sustainable grape-
growing and introduced environmental-
friendly winemaking processes. Today the
winery is considered a leader in sustainable
grape and wine production. Unfortunately,
their image remained mired in their self-
inflicted bad press of the post-Prohibition
era.
Beginning in 1993, the Gallos sought
another tactic to enhance their business.
They began marketing domestic and
imported wines under private labels, with
no mention of Gallo to be found on them.
Slowly at first, they cobbled together
their portfolio of individual brands/labels,
culminating in their company’s 2021
acquisition of more than 30 wine brands
from Constellation Brands, Inc. Its portfolio
includes domestic wineries such
as Orin Swift, MacMurray
Estate, Pahlmeyer, J Vineyards
and Louis Martini. International
brands include the top-selling
Prosecco La Marca, Alamos of
Argentina and Las Rocas of
Spain.
When Ernest Gallo died
in 2007, annual revenues on
a portfolio of 40 brands totaled
$1.5 billion. Today, Gallo spans
low-end and premium brands,
generating annual revenue approaching
$4 billion on sales of more than 80 million
cases in 100 countries. They employ 7,000
workers worldwide. The family’s net worth
is in excess of $12 billion.
Another successful tale of attaining the
American dream by following one’s passion
and persevering through the ebbs and flows
of daily life.
Nick Antonaccio is a 45-year Pleasantville
resident. For over 25 years, he has conducted
wine tastings and lectures. Nick is a
member and program director of the Wine
Media Guild of wine journalists. He also
offers personalized wine tastings. Nick’s
credo: continuous experimenting results in
instinctive behavior. You can reach him at
nantonaccio@theexaminernews.com or on
Twitter @sharingwine.
By Nick Antonaccio
A Tale of Another Pioneering American Wine Family
You Heard It
Through the
Grapevine
May 2 - May 8, 2023 Examiner Media
32
Practice areas primarily focused on:
Medicaid Trusts
Revocable Trusts
Pla nning for Home Care
Pla nning for Nursin g Home
Special Needs Trus ts
Wil ls , Po wers of Attorney
Medicaid Applications
Guardianships
Asset
-
Prote ct io n Pl an ni ng
Est at e Pr obate and Estate Admi ni stra ti on
Recogni z e d as
"
Lawyer o f t h e Y ear
"
in the 202 2 E d i tion of B e s t
Lawyer s
Select e d s i nce 2019 f o r i nclus i o n o f
"
The Best L a w y e rs of Amer i c a
"
in the ar e a o f E lder Law
Select e d s i nce 201 3 a s a N e w York Me t r o A rea Supe r L a w yer in the
area of El d e r L aw
Past Chai r o f t he Westch e s t er Count y B a r E lder Law Co m m i ttee
Member, N e w Y o rk Stat e B a r A s s ociat i o n
New York S t a t e Bar Ass o c i ation E l d e r Law Sec t i o n Execut i v e
Committ e e
Member, N a t ional Ac a d e my of Eld e r L a w Attor n e y s
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Across
1. Cell phone, smart card
4. Falls back
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9. Ossining dance center - ____
11. What a “Wheel of Fortune”
contestant might
buy
12. Starts a computer up again
13. Terminus
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19. Some showdowns
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22. Common ID
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24. Green liquors
27. JV Mall gaming center _____
Amusements
29. Baseball’s Mel
31. Euro predecessor, in Portugal
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34. Dress code section possibly
Down
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5. Carpenters Union, for example
6. Wager
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18. Super Bowl XXXIV winners, abbr.
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Answers on page 34
Crossword
Buy Myles Mellor’s easy, super easy, medium crosswords, family puzzle books,
word searches and cryptograms at www.ilovecrosswords.com
By Robert Schork
Croton resident Elisha Fernandes is
a licensed master social worker, career
yoga practitioner and the founder of
Finding Peace Within (FPW), a foundation
dedicated to helping trauma survivors heal
through the practice of trauma-sensitive
yoga.
Fernandes and her foundation were
recently awarded a $10,000 grant by the
Westchester Community Foundation to
study the effectiveness of using trauma-
sensitive yoga in partnership with Pace
University to improve the outcomes of
incarcerated young adults 18 to 25 years
old.
We sat down with Fernandes to learn
more about this specialized type of yoga
and what her research is showing so far.
How did you first get involved in
yoga professionally? What motivated
you to do so?
Elisha Fernandes: I started teaching
children’s yoga shortly after I had my
own children. I was inspired to teach after
teaching yoga at my friend Katy Hoskins’
summer camp, Promises for Children, in
Sweetwater, Texas for youth whose parents
were incarcerated. After my session with
the youth, who begrudgingly participated,
Katy contacted me about a phone call she
had received. She said the grandmother
of one of the girls called. They had gone
to the pool on a hot afternoon, and for the
first time, her granddaughter jumped into
the deep end, touched the bottom, and
came up laughing.
When she surfaced, her grandmother was
shocked and scared, as her granddaughter
never would go past her knees in the
pool before. So, her grandmother asked
her, “How did you do that?” and her
granddaughter responded, “I remember
Ms. Elisha’s meditation, and I wasn’t afraid
anymore.”
As I continued to work with children
and my practice evolved, I realized that I
was, and continue to, heal from a traumatic
experience I had as a child. Working
through this is a process, as I shared on
the Today show, and to be able to share
what helped me with others to those who
have been historically and continue to be
devalued, discounted and not provided the
services they deserve and sorely need,
continues to motivate me to continue this
work.
Can you please define trauma
sensitive yoga and explain how and
why you got involved with it?
Fernandes: Trauma sensitive yoga
(TCTSY) is “an empirically validated,
clinical intervention for complex trauma
or chronic, treatment resistant PTSD.”
It combines the methodology of Hatha
yoga with its five tenants: interoception
(ability to understand and feel bodily cues),
shared authentic experience, invitational
language, non-coercion and choice to guide
survivors of traumatic experience towards
feeling safe within their bodies and build
skills to address how trauma is held in the
body.
I stumbled upon TCTSY at a yoga
conference and was interested to see if it
was helpful in working with the populations
I served. Initially, I found it frustrating and
didn’t like it, and found it not challenging
enough and too wordy especially since I
was an avid Power Yogi at that time. Yet,
when I began to use the technique, I was
brought to tears. I was able to experience
first-hand the power TCTSY had over
my own practice and the people I served.
I saw men and women with some of the
most violent crimes practice this with me,
and then share with me how they found a
peace they had never experienced before
in their lives.
Why is there an expectation that
it would be particularly useful and
helping incarcerated youth?
Fernandes: Research has found
that children with adverse childhood
experiences and children in the juvenile
justice system have experienced high rates
of complex trauma earlier in life, which has
long-term harmful effects on physical and
mental health. According to an April 2017
report by Georgetown University’s Center
for Poverty & Inequality, at least 75 percent
of youth in the juvenile justice system in the
United States have experienced traumatic
victimization.
How exactly does the yoga help with
such outcomes?
Fernandes: According to research, the
rate of recidivism significantly reduces by
approximately 40 percent after meditation
and yoga programs are utilized. They help
build a foundation of resiliency, develop
skills of leadership and self-determination,
enhance receptivity to rehabilitation and
foster compassion and healthy engagement
with others, establishing a solid foundation
in transforming their values to positively
support their peers and community.
Can you summarize your research
study?
Fernandes: In this project, I have
partnered with Dr. Kimberly Collica-Cox,
lead researcher and professor of criminal
justice and security at Pace University, Dr.
George J. Day, associate professor at Stephen
F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches,
Texas and two Pace University research
continued on next page
Yoga Practitioner Studies How Technique Can Assist Incarcerated Youth
Elisha Fernandes leading one of her yoga
sessions with prisoners.
May 2 - May 8, 2023www.TheExaminerNews.com 33
Yoga Practitioner Studies How Technique
Can Assist Incarcerated Youth
assistants, Alicia Bennett and Cameron
Maruszewski. At the end of the project, we
will have offered TCTSY to approximately
50 incarcerated male residents.
Participants complete a pre- and post-
assessment that includes multiple evidence-
based assessments for stress, anxiety and
depression, measuring self-control, self-
esteem, emotion regulation, resiliency,
mindfulness and self-compassion. After
the pre-assessment, they participate twice
weekly in one-hour TCTSY classes for
eight sessions. They are then awarded
a certificate of participation, and have a
graduation ceremony to recognize their
accomplishments, and complete a post
assessment.
What has been the reaction from the
prisoners? Have they been accepting?
Have you encountered any skepticism
or resistance about doing yoga?
Fernandes: This is a voluntary program
for them. I have encountered a lot of
skepticism and resistance from staff and
residents each time I begin the program,
yet over the course of the class there
always seems to be a positive shift of what
they originally thought about what yoga
was and how it could benefit them in their
lives.
All participants engaged in the program
have had positive feedback about the
program and how it has helped them. Here
are some excerpts from their feedback:
• I feel different. Before yoga, I had too
much stress and now, I feel better. I
want her to do the class again. I feel
more relaxed.
• It taught me a lot about myself. It
taught me to be calm and it taught
me how to control myself. I can do
that much better than before. I looked
forward to the class.
• Yes, some days are better than others
but now I know how to deal with things
in a more positive manner. I have a big
weight off my shoulders.
• It’s all I looked forward to. It keeps me
in a positive mind even though I’m in
jail and it makes me feel like I’m in a
different environment when I’m doing
it.
What do you feel are the major
takeaways from what you have
learned so far?
Fernandes: Each time that I step into
the facility, I learn something new. I learn
how to connect with others. I learn how
to offer different shapes/forms (what
we call the yoga poses). I learn how to
be respectful and earn respect from the
people I interact within the facility. I am
most inspired by the residents’ stories of
arrival at the facility, their creativity and
the importance of always being “on” to
survive, and knowing you are not in control
of what will happen to you or where you
will end up from day to day.
What most inspires me is that many
of them don’t give up. Being around this
inspires me to not give up hope.
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May 2 - May 8, 2023 Examiner Media
34
Kentucky Derby 2023 Preview: Favorite Forte is a Lock
By Charles Palombini
All eyes in the thoroughbred horse
racing world will be on Churchill Downs
Saturday, May 6 for the 149th running of the
Kentucky Derby. The Derby is the first leg
of horse racing’s Triple Crown, followed
two weeks later by the Preakness Stakes,
and concluding on June 10 at Belmont Park
with the demanding mile-and-a-half Belmont
Stakes.
Each race is restricted to three-year-
old horses who have had to earn their way
into the starting gate. And while all three
races are greeted with great enthusiasm,
it is the Kentucky Derby that creates the
most discussion as this is where it all starts.
Called “the most exciting two minutes in
sports,” the Derby will pit 20 thoroughbreds
against each other.
I’ve always fashioned myself as a great
race handicapper. Of course, my record of
choosing winners will argue otherwise.
Don’t get me wrong, my logic is always
correct, but the horses never seem to
cooperate! So, let’s get to it and take a look
at this year’s field.
The projected field, as it currently stands,
includes 20 horses that I have listed in order
of morning-line odds
Forte: He heads to the Kentucky Derby
with the most qualifying points, the most
wins and the highest career earnings. Forte’s
prep race victories came after stalking
or closing trips. He won the prestigious
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, the two-year-old
championship, and most recently the Florida
Derby. His trainer Todd Pletcher will be
trying to win the roses for the third time and
will enjoy the services of jockey Irad Ortiz
Jr., the country’s leading rider. How do you
beat this combination? Winner.
Tapit Trice: The second horse from the
Pletcher barn in the Derby field. He was
third in his debut at Aqueduct in November
and since then has won four races in a row,
including the Tampa Bay Derby and the Blue
Grass with closing trips. Overall, he won at
four tracks at distances ranging from a mile
to 1 1/8 miles. Win contender.
Angel of Empire: Another winner of a
major prep, the Arkansas Derby. He prefers
to run from off the pace with a closing
trip. He won his first race at Horseshoe
Indianapolis and has since run at three other
tracks, including the Fair Grounds in New
Orleans. Very Minor Win contender.
Practical Move: Emerges as the leading
Derby contender from California. He won
his last three starts, beginning with the
Los Alamitos Futurity as a maiden. This
year, he added the San Felipe and the Santa
Anita Derby. All his wins were with stalking
trips. Win contender.
Derma Sotogake: A Japanese-trained
entrant, he qualified for the Derby with a
front-running victory in the UAE Derby by
more than five lengths. The UAE Derby
has been won several times with clear-cut
efforts on the lead, but those winners failed
to replicate their performance in Kentucky.
Horses from Japan have been winning big
races all over the world in the last few years,
including the Breeders’ Cup. Definite Win
Contender.
Two Phil’s: Two Phil’s actually has the
highest career Beyer speed figure (101) in
the field, which he earned in the Jeff Ruby
Steaks with a closing trip. Two Phil’s ran
at six tracks with three stakes victories,
including the recent win on the Derby trail.
He seems to find a way to be in contention
at the finish line. A sleeper.
Verifying: Verifying prefers to press the
pace as he did in the Blue Grass when he had
the lead in the stretch and lost the battle by
a neck to Tapit Trice. He is by Triple Crown
winner Justify and the second of four horses
from the Brad Cox barn. Use underneath.
Hit Show: A debut winner in October for
Cox at Keeneland and became an allowance
winner at Oaklawn to end his two-year-old
campaign. He took the New York route to
the Derby, where he won the Withers with
a stalking trip and then just missed winning
the Wood Memorial by a nose. Hit Show was
a significant favorite in all five of his starts.
Speed figures say that he might be a bit
slower than the top horses in this field. Toss
Kingsbarn: This is a late comer to the
Derby. He is 3-for-3 with the only significant
win being the Louisiana Derby, a slowly run
race that was not particularly impressive.
He is also trained by Pletcher. Hmmm. Use
underneath.
Mage: Mage is lightly raced with only
three starts. He won his first start at
Gulfstream in January in front-running
style. He came back in the Fountain of
Youth at Gulfstream Park, where he faced
Forte for the first time and had a troubled
trip that forced him to stalk the speed and
finish fourth. In the Florida Derby he got off
to a slow start, rallied wide from last, got the
lead in the stretch but could not hold off a
courageous move by Forte. Win contender.
Confidence Game: Began his career
early at Churchill Downs last July and broke
his maiden in his second start as the favorite.
He moved onto the Derby trail with a fifth
in the Iroquois but it was in 2023 that he
became prominent. Confidence Game was
third in the Lecomte at Fair Grounds before
winning the Rebel on a sloppy Oaklawn Park
track at 18-1. Toss.
Sun Thunder: Sun Thunder made four
starts on the Derby trail after getting his
maiden win at Oaklawn on New Year’s Eve.
He still has only one victory but picked up
enough points to get in the race. His owner’s
ego is the only reason he is in the race. Oink
Oink.
Blazing Sevens: At the time of this
writing Blazing Sevens is still a Derby
contender, although there is talk that Brown,
his trainer, will pass on the Derby in favor of
the Preakness. Toss.
Disarm: After running second in the
Louisiana Derby, Steve Asmussen sent
Disarm to the Lexington in need of at least
a third-place finish to get into the Kentucky
Derby field. That is exactly what happened
but he was not a threat to win or even run
second. Asmussen noted after the race
that Disarm was cutting back in distance a
furlong, not ideal for a horse prepping for the
Derby. Use underneath.
Reincarnate: Made two starts on the
Derby trail, a troubled trip in the Rebel
but finished a noteworthy third. He headed
to the Arkansas Derby as the buzz horse,
but did not improve when he pressed the
pace before fading to third after a perfect
trip. Toss.
Raise Cain: Raise Cain was a deep closer
in his last two starts, which produced a win
in Aqueduct’s Gotham at odds of 23-1 when
he romped by more than seven lengths.
Longshot winners rarely reproduce their
unexpected results. Raise Cain was a dismal
fifth in the Blue Grass. Toss.
Rocket Can: Made his 2023 debut on the
Kentucky Derby trail and responded with
a victory in the Holy Bull at Gulfstream
in February. Subsequent starts produced
a second in the Fountain of Youth behind
Forte and then a fourth in Arkansas Derby
as the favorite. The Oaklawn race was a
step backwards in speed figures and finish
position while other three-year-olds were
advancing. Toss.
Continuar: Earned a spot in the Derby
field as the leader from the road to the
Kentucky Derby standings in Japan. He had a
strong juvenile campaign there, but this year
was beaten by 10 lengths when third behind
Derma Sotogake in the UAE Derby. Toss.
Lord Miles: His form had gone bad in the
Holy Bull and the Tampa Bay Derby after a
promising third in the Mucho Macho Man.
Still, his trainer was willing to take a chance
in the Wood Memorial, which produced an
upset victory at 59-1 and a career best Beyer
speed figure of 93. Lord Miles is unlikely to
find another winning late run like the one in
a Wood field. Toss.
Jace’s Road: Was third in the Louisiana
Derby. Yawn! Another Oink!
Skinner: Third in the Santa Anita Derby,
his sire is Curlin, which means he’s got the
pedigree of a champion. But does he have
the heart? Toss.
Cyclone Mischief: This horse ran a
credible third in the Florida Derby, and sports
the pedigree of a great sire (Into Mischief).
Trained by Hall of Famer Dale Romans, he is
a longshot that just might hit the board. Use
Underneath.
Summary: Whether you are looking
to bet to win in the Kentucky Derby or
you prefer to play the exacta, trifecta or
superfecta, you have to limit the number of
horses you use from the field of 20. I will key
one horse – Forte – and bet him to win and
place. I will also use him on top of my exacta
bets and perhaps even in a triple or two.
Winner: Forte (Can’t be beat)
In the exotic wagers, I will use Forte
on top of Derma Sotogake, Tapit Trice,
Kingsbarn and Cyclone Mischief.
Charles Palombini is a Cortlandt resident
and owner of thoroughbred horses.
Crossword
Answers
May 2 - May 8, 2023
www.TheExaminerNews.com 35
May 2 - May 8, 2023www.TheExaminerNews.com 35
I went into this reporting
process loaded for bear. The
target of my ire was homework
– especially for high school
students – and what seems to
be the preposterous volume of
after school work thrust upon
local teens.
The status quo struck
me as sending an inherently
contradictory message.
On the one hand, we tell our
kids to eat right, sleep right,
exercise, socialize, engage with
after school interests and prioritize mental
health.
On the other hand, we tell them to suck it
up and figure out a way to get all of their work
done at night, after, say, 12 hours of classroom
learning, clubs and sports or perhaps a part-
time job.
I’m no math whiz but the numbers just don’t
add up on fulfilling all those commitments
with time leftover to also eat well, sleep well
and generally unwind.
Something feels amiss.
But, after some reporting and research,
along with a desire to avoid confirmation bias,
I will say the issue does appear to be far more
complicated than my initial gut suggested,
even if my bottom line hasn’t changed.
At the Alter
One of the most thoughtful people in local
education is former Pleasantville schools
superintendent Mary Fox-Alter, currently a
Manhattanville College assistant director for
a doctoral program in educational leadership.
I went to Fox-Alter searching for easy
answers, but she emphasized how there are
no cookie-cutter policy solutions, and she
explained why it’s so critical to define the
terms the right way.
Not all homework is created equal, she
noted in a phone interview last week. (To
give a general sense of how complicated it
is to even establish a starting point premise
for discussion and policy prescriptions, Fox-
Alter reminded me how not all students
have a traditional “home” where they do
homework.)
Are the after school scholastic tasks just
busywork or are they designed to genuinely
enhance learning?
Are we talking about high achievers
working all day Sunday because they are
passionate about learning and competing in a
healthy fashion or because they’re following
strict demands from teachers and/or just
gunning for a higher grade point average?
Problems created by noxious levels of
college admission obsession are relevant
here too, at least in my view.
Educators need to focus on student
understanding and skill development when
assigning homework, Fox-Alter stressed.
She also points out the many variables
involved; the effectiveness of homework
can be influenced by factors such as culture,
individual family and student needs and the
learning environment.
“It should be customized,” said Fox-Alter,
Pleasantville’s superintendent for 11 years
through 2021, who now also serves as a
state monitor for the East Ramapo Central
School District. “You want to stop grading
homework; however, you want to maintain
accountability. You want to make sure that
homework focuses on learning.”
‘Solidify What We’ve
Learned’
In fact, when I first decided to
lambaste excessive homework
in this space, I wrongly assumed
that almost any local student I
contacted would tell me they
shared my general view.
I’ve known Fox Lane High
School sophomore Zach Cohen,
16, since he was a little boy. A
longtime friend of my older
daughter, Zach has always been
a particularly insightful kid. Even though I
knew he was a standout student, I figured
he’d gripe about workload.
“In terms of homework as a concept, I
do think it’s necessary for students just
to solidify what we’ve learned and time
management as well,” Cohen said in a phone
interview last week. “I mean, I would be a
much worse procrastinator than I am now if
I hadn’t learned how to get homework done
in general.”
Some nights are a breeze while other
evenings are punishing.
Zach has a passion for science. His work
in the Fox Lane science research program
is the type of at-home learning he’d pursue
whether it was “homework” or not.
“I’ll have a few weeks where I have no
homework at all, and I’ll just go home and do
what I want,” he said. “And then there will
be a few weeks where I’m working the entire
day on homework.”
Granted, course selection and academic
level come into play in this conversation.
However, shouldn’t students be protected
to some degree from themselves and/or from
potentially overbearing parents?
And while I spoke to one of the few students
in the “pro-homework” camp, even Zach,
with his passion for learning, acknowledged
issues with some of the volume.
“Right now, because of all the AP stuff, I do
feel like I am getting an unreasonable amount
of homework,” Zach conceded. “I have to do
a practice AP exam within the
course of a couple of days.
And that’s like three hours
over the course of a couple of
days, just for one class.”
Getting Busy
Zach’s mother, Natasha
Cohen, a novelist, also has a
14-year-old son, an eighth-grader, as well as
an 18-year-old son who’s a senior.
One topic we discussed was busywork.
Yes, there’s a need for repetition in
learning. But there certainly seems to be too
many occasions when students are assigned
tasks without a larger purpose in mind.
“Well, let’s say it’s a math problem and
you’ve learned the math problem, you
know how to do it, and then they give you a
sheet with 20 practice questions,” Natasha
lamented.
She also highlighted the stressors that
excessive levels of homework can deliver
into family life.
“There are actually a lot more kids than
people probably realize who are suffering
through school every day,” Natasha said.
“And then they get home and they just have
to do all this busywork, and it’s just making
their life harder.”
With all of this in mind, I wondered what
districts were doing to address related issues.
Culture Club
At the Bedford Central School District,
where the Cohens reside, Superintendent
of Schools Dr. Robert Glass told me a new
homework policy will soon be adopted.
While it’s not yet final or approved by the
Board of Education, and additional edits might
be looming, the current language in the draft
policy essentially says how homework is
designed to foster independent study skills,
develop responsibility, reinforce in-school
learning and prepare students for class
participation.
The policy does outline guidelines for time
expectations and how assignments will be
weighted in grading, taking into account age
group, individual student and developmental
considerations.
It also emphasizes how homework should
not rely on parental/guardian involvement
and must be mindful of cultural and religious
observances.
But in my amateur view, there’s not
enough explicit detail addressing the need to
keep time requirements manageable.
Even in accepting all of the complexities,
I still fail to fully grasp why policy goals can’t
be developed to generally discourage more
than X amount of required after school work
per day, with grade level and other variables
in mind.
It can be a guideline, not a mandate; a
culture change, not a granular decree.
How about we basically ban, at least in
general policy spirit, any high school student
getting saddled with more than an hour of
mandated homework on any given night?
Of course, there are long-term projects,
reading assignments and studying, all making
it impossible to enact any neat formula. Yet
that doesn’t mean we can’t redouble efforts to
keep most of school in school.
Numbers Game
The average high school student spends
nearly seven hours per week on homework,
according to the National Center for Education
Statistics.
Setting aside the highly
variable nature of these
stats, and even if taking the
numbers at face value, also
keep in mind how some
weeks are obviously far more
demanding and stressful than
the seven-hour weeks, in order to even
arrive at that average. You really only need
one grueling homework night per week to
torpedo a healthy sleep schedule.
Research has also shown that a whopping
70 percent of teens in the U.S., ages 13 to 17,
cite anxiety or depression as significant
problems among their peers.
While studies about homework’s impact
can be murky and often fail to consider all the
nuanced and localized factors at play when
scholars make grand pronouncements, I did
review several serious studies that appear
to empirically confirm some common-sense
conclusions.
In 2013, social scientists conducted
a significant study on the subject, focused
on 10 high-performing high schools in upper
middle class communities.
Students who did more hours of homework
experienced greater academic stress, physical
health problems and lack of balance in their
lives, according to findings published in The
Journal of Experimental Education.
Just from a layman and anecdotal
perspective, I really can’t imagine how
this finding could be anything less than
unequivocally true.
Party Like it’s 1899
Yes, the homework debate is old, and high-
profile. It certainly isn’t slipping beneath
anyone’s radar screen. At the same time,
I’ve been surprised to find what strikes me
as a general fatalism on the subject – an
acceptance that high school students studying
through the wee hours and then waking at the
crack of dawn is just written into the stars.
“We haven’t changed the configuration
of a school day since the 19th century,”
Fox-Alter observed. “Kids deal with it and
teachers – your poor wife is in the midst of
this – are expected to do more in the same
time structure.” (My wife is a second-grade
teacher.)
The Khan Lab School in Palo Alto, Calif.,
for example, maintains an extended day
better coinciding with parent schedules – 8
a.m. to 6 p.m. – and students are provided
the opportunity to complete all of their work
at the nonprofit private school, allowing
proper time at home for family, hobbies, non-
academic interests and rest.
Here in New York, the North Rockland
Central School District eliminated all home
learning assignments on weekends and
school breaks back in 2019, and also enacted
daily time limits on how long assignments
should take.
Earlier this year, the president of Ireland
even weighed in, stating his desire for an end
to homework.
Stress Ball
Just last week, I was told of an area
school principal who met with student
representatives and that district’s board of
education.
She told her colleagues how the tension
and angst she feels inside her high school is
palpable, with student anxiety through the
roof.
Her basic message: the kids are not all
right.
Even though excessive homework
obviously isn’t the only culprit – social media,
hormones, substances, and families are just
a few other variables that jump to mind – it
certainly can’t be helping the tightly wound
stress ball that is adolescent life in 2023.
While many educators advocate for “good
homework,” not busywork, there can also be
too much good homework.
The whole topic can be vexing, with lots of
important questions and caveats, and there
are few obvious answers or simple solutions.
Yes, homework policy should prioritize
learning, not achieving. But it should also be
mindful of volume.
Are we sincere when we advocate for
adolescents to live healthy, well-rounded
lives?
If so, despite the hedging, I still think
there’s just way too much damn work for
students after the school day is done.
We need to give kids a chance to breathe,
and hopefully be all right.
By Adam Stone
Stone’
Throw
s
Visit www.theexaminernews.com
for the full column.
Homework Overload: Balancing Education with Sanity
May 2 - May 8, 2023 Examiner Media
36
