The Somers Record - February 12, 2015

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Vol. 4 No. 43

Somers train crash survivor: ‘I had angels looking after me’ Somers' Only Local Paper, Mailed to You, Reaching More Homes Than Anybody Else.

BY BOB DUMAS

OF THE SOMERS RECORD

SCOUTS Troops 376 and 228 learn about crime prevention. pgs 18-19

SCHOOLS MHS Italian Club visits The Met. pgs 20-21

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE 33 CLASSIFIEDS ELEPHANT’S TRUNK

35 2

LEGAL NOTICES

35

LEISURE

29

OPINION

10

SPORTS

22

TAX & FINANCE

30

For Christopher Gross, the night of Tuesday, Feb. 3 was just like any other night. He was coming home from his job in Manhattan on the 5:44 p.m. Metro-North train just like he had for the past two years. The 24-year-old Somers man was sitting in the first car when, without warning, tragedy struck. The Harlem Line train collided with a Mercedes-Benz SUV that was stuck at the railroad crossing at Commerce Street in Valhalla. The driver of the vehicle, Ellen Brody of Edgemont, was killed along with five passengers on the train including Bedford residents Eric Vandercar and Walter Liedtke. “I was in the front car and there was no warning,” Gross told The Somers Record, noting that many of the victims had been sitting directly in front of him. The car quickly filled with smoke and there was bloody carnage all around. The third rail of the train track had somehow broken through the floor of the train. Gross, who had spent the days after the accident giving interviews to everyone from CBS News Radio 880 to ABC News and News12, said he was still traumatized by the incident and didn’t want to talk about it anymore, though he was willing to give one final interview to his hometown paper. “We had a family meeting and decided we want to put this behind us,” said Gross’ father over

PHOTO COURTESY OF NTSB

Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board at the crash site last week.

‘I hugged and kissed my whole family and told them I loved them and I was glad to be alive.’ —Christopher Gross Somers Resident

the phone last week. “Our hearts go out to those who were injured or lost their lives.” Gross, who grew up in Somers and attended Somers schools, said he works in the TV industry in Manhattan and makes the commute daily.

“Most of the people who were injured were sitting right in front of me,” he said. Asked why he thought he was spared, Gross said, “I had angels up in heaven looking after me. My grandparents are looking down on me and taking care of

me. I am lucky to be alive.” Gross said that a man next to him was able to push a button to get the door open and they got out of the car and began helping others out. SEE TRAIN PAGE 4

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The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 2

The Staff EDITORIAL TEAM: BRYAN FUMAGALLI

EDITOR: 914-302-5830 [email protected]

JIM MACLEAN

SPORTS EDITOR: 914-302-5236 [email protected]

TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL PHOTO EDITOR: 845-208-0772 [email protected]

ADVERTISING: PAUL FORHAN

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE: 914-202-2392 [email protected]

PRODUCTION: CHRISTINA SCOTTI

ELEPHANT’S TRUNK Men’s Softball League Teen Clubs starting at the Somers Library The Somers Men’s Softball

Feature your snowman on the Town’s website Have your family build a snowman anytime this winter! Take a picture of the creation along with the creators and send it to the Recreation Office (P.O. Box 46 Somers, NY 10589) or email it to [email protected] by March 1. Please send the name(s) of the child(ren), age, phone numbers and address on the back of the picture or in the email. All creations will be featured on the Town website at somersny.com.

League is open to all males over the age of 18 who reside or who are employed on a fulltime basis within the Town of Somers. There are four divisions (A-D) catering to all levels of play and competition. If you are interested in joining or entering a team, please call League Supervisor Charlie Fox before Feb. 23 (deadline for league fees is Feb. 23) at 914-248-7699 or 914-2328441 and press option 5 to leave a brief message with your name and number. One of the board members will return your call.

PRODUCTION MANAGER: 845-208-0772 [email protected]

ASHLEE FLORKOWSKI

GRAPHIC ARTIST: 845-208-0772 [email protected]

CIRCULATION: MARKETING SERVICES MANAGER 845-208-8503 [email protected]

EXECUTIVE TEAM: BRETT FREEMAN

PUBLISHER: 845-621-1115 [email protected]

KEN FREEMAN

CHAIRMAN: 845-621-4049 [email protected]

SHELLEY KILCOYNE

VP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: 845-621-1116 [email protected]

THE SOMERS RECORD DEADLINE THE DEADLINE FOR ADVERTISEMENTS AND EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS FOR

THE SOMERS RECORD IS THE THURSDAY BEFORE THE NEXT PUBLICATION DATE. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL BRYAN FUMAGALLI AT 914-302-5830 OR EMAIL [email protected].

No meeting 2/18 and 4/1. For teens and tweens in grades 7 thru 12. Work together to create your own Manga story. New memHIGH SCHOOL GAMING CLUB bers are always welcome. Please Meets from 2:45 to 4:15 p.m. on call the library to register at 914the following Fridays: 2/13, 2/27, 232-5717 or register online at som3/13, 3/27, 4/10, 4/24, 5/8 and 6/5. erslibrary.org Join us to play video games, board games and more. Please call JUNIOR HIGH BOOK the library to register at 914-232- & GAMES CLUB 5717 or register online at somersliMeets every other Tuesday from brary.org 3:15 to 4:30 p.m. from 1/20 until 5/26. No meeting 2/17 and 3/31. MANGA CLUB For teens and tweens in grades 6 Begins 1/21 thru 5/27 from 3 to thru 9. Discuss books and authors, 4:15 p.m. Regular meetings very play games and have fun. Take bus other Wednesday. 52. Please call the library to register at 914-232-5717 or register online at somerslibrary.org.

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SEE TRUNK PAGE 16

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Somers 202 will be hosting SEF Night (Somers Education Foundation) from 6 to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24. Mention SEF Night and Somers 202 will donate 20 percent of your check (exclusive of tax and gratuity) to SEF. Join SEF for dinner or take-out! Somers 202 is located at 2 Old Tomahawk Street in Granite Springs. For more information and reservations, call 914248-8100 or visit somers202.com.

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The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 3

Valentine’s Day

Soulmates do exist

by frank carlino

The love story of Rick and Joan Mancini is alive and well ‘I swear I knew on our first date that he was my soulmate.’

for the somers record

Rick and Joan Mancini, who have been married for 37 years, are proof that you really can have a soulmate. Their love story began when the 18-year-old Rick spotted the 16-year-old Joan at the “Five and Dime”—an old-fashioned dollar store in Mahopac. After a brief conversation, Rick tried to land a date and Joan agreed to “think about it.” She said she later went home and told her mom that she met a really cute guy and had a distinct feeling that he may be very special. “I swear I knew on our first date that he was my soulmate,” Joan recalled. Rick felt the same way about her. “On our first date I had a distinct feeling that this was someone who I would be with for a very long time,” Rick said with a smile. One short year later they were officially a couple, making Rick Joan’s first and only serious boyfriend. The only time they have been apart since then was during a short two-day split roughly a year before their engagement. In an attempt to get his girl back, Rick called Joan and made plans to swing by and pick her up one night. However, his busy schedule and responsibilities at work caused him to fall asleep at his house, leaving Joan to think she was stood up! In her dismay, she wound up going with her friends that night to a local disco called Gemini. Seemingly through fate, Rick happened to show up at that exact disco. That was the last time they would ever be “broken up” again. They were married soon after,

—Joan Mancini

Rick’s Loving Wife

Joan and Rick Mancini

‘On our first date I had a distinct feeling that this was someone who I would be with for a very long time.’ —Rick Mancini

Joan’s Loving Husband Photos courtesy of Joan and Rick Mancini

when Rick was 22, and Joan was 20. They now have five children— the youngest being 24—as well as four grandchildren. The Mancinis contend that to have a successful marriage, the lines of communication must al-

ways be open. “Make it your goal to never leave any disagreement without coming to a compromise,” Joan said. The fact that Rick and Joan recognized each other as soulmates

and both had such intuition at the early stages of their relationship is remarkable, and they said they have never questioned the core ideas of marriage and all that comes with it. This is the foundation that has garnered many years

of happiness. Of course, one can never dismiss the importance of Sunday family dinners. “Believe it or not, something as simple as Sunday dinner goes a long way in keeping the family together,” Rick said.

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The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 4

TRAIN

Somers Supervisor Rick Morrissey saluted Gross at the Feb. 5 Town Board meeting, saying he “I didn’t know any of the people displayed “commendable hero[I helped],” he said. ism” by helping others escape after

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he had jumped to safety beside the train. Once he got to safety, Gross took out his phone and began to film the fiery and chaotic scene. Some of that footage was used in TV news broadcasts. “I work in the television industry, so it was kind of instinct [to begin filming],” he said. Gross said he did not return to work for the rest of the week and has not been back on a train since the accident. He hopes to go back in the coming weeks. When he made it back home that night, Gross greeted his family with an outpouring of affection. “I hugged and kissed my whole family and told them I loved them and I was glad to be alive,” he said. Somers Town Justice Michael McDermott was also on the 5:44 that night. A lawyer by trade, McDermott has law offices in both Somers and Manhattan and splits his time between the two. He makes the return commute from Grand Central to Goldens Bridge two or three times a week. “It’s usually completely routine,” he said. On that Tuesday, McDermott was running late and was scampering to catch the train. He ran along the platform looking in the train car windows in an effort to spot an open seat. “The train was packed; people were standing up,” he said. “The first seat that I saw was in the third car from the front of the train. It was one of those pull-down jump seats. I settled in like any other day. Then I heard the conductor make an announcement saying there were more seats in the front of the train, but I was comfortable where I was.” After a while, McDermott decided to stand and stretch in an attempt to ease an achy back. It was then that he felt a jarring sensation

PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL MCDERMOTT

Somers Town Justice Michael McDermott, who was on the Metro-North train that crashed last week killing six people, took this photo showing the chaos that ensued as passengers scrambled to escape the smokefilled cars. and the train car move. “I know now that was the impact,” he said. “I felt the car move forward. I didn’t hear anything— there was no explosion—but I knew something was wrong.” McDermott said the conductor made an announcement that the train had struck something, but was calm and composed and didn’t give any sense of alarm. About two minutes later, passengers from the front of the train began coming into

the car McDermott was in. “You could tell from the expressions on their faces that something was wrong,” the judge said. “They kept shouting, ‘Move to the back! Move to the back!’ Actually, I thought there might have been a shooting. But then I started smelling the smoke.” McDermott said that throughout the entire incident, he did not see SEE TRAIN PAGE 5

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The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

TRAIN

FROM PAGE 4 one person act inappropriately or panic. He said everyone pulled together and helped each other. “We couldn’t move to the next car because of the sheer volume of people,” he said. “You could smell the smoke and I was getting concerned. Then I helped a guy take off the rubber gasket on the window and we threw [the window] out to get air.” Eventually, McDermott said, they were able to get the doors open, which allowed even more air to enter the cabin and people began jumping out of the car. “A fireman came and started walking through the car and telling us to get off the train. I knew then that it was an emergency and we would have to make our way out. We started climbing out and down the metal ladder and onto the ground. Everyone was helping each other out.” McDermott said there was an elderly woman who everyone helped down the ladder. “After we got her down, she kind of stayed with me. I wanted to look after her. I was thinking of my grandma and how I’d want someone to look after her,” he said. “I asked her if she was alright and she said, and I will always remember this, ‘If I can survive Auschwitz, I can survive anything.’” McDermott said the escaping passengers followed a small path toward the back of the train and when he looked back, he, for the first time, began to understand the magnitude of the accident. “I looked over my shoulder and saw the front car was completely engulfed in flames—flames like a furnace,” he said. “They were shooting up above the top of the car. I couldn’t make sense of it. It was very surreal, like something out of a movie.” It took about 15 minutes for

PAGE 5

“She didn’t even know what had happened,” he said. ‘ You could smell the smoke and I was getting concerned. Service on the Harlem Line was Then I helped a guy take off the rubber gasket on the window altered for the next several days and McDermott had to drive to and we threw [the window] out to get air.’ Croton-Harmon to catch the train. —Michael McDermott When regular service was restored, he returned to his regular routine. Somers Town Justice He noticed that the burned-out shell of the train car was still lying McDermott to make it out of the fate—call it what you want. They McDermott said he texted his by the side of the tracks. train and find his way to the first were just in the wrong place at the wife to let her know he was alright “I didn’t look at it,” he said. “I responders who had set up along wrong time.” and was on his way home. didn’t want to see it.” the tracks near the back of the train. “They got there fast,” he said. “I give a lot of credit to the first responders. They kept everyone calm.” McDermott said once they got outside, many of the passengers were using the locator app on their smartphones to figure out where they were. He did the same. “I could see the location of exactly where I was and recognized the street names,” he said. He realized he had a friend from Somers who had a law office nearby and called him. The friend hadn’t even realized what had happened. McDermott then ran across a Somers neighbor— Marie Marschke— who had been on the train and invited her to come with him and meet his friend. They made their way away from the train and out onto the street. “I started to realize what a catastrophe it was when I got out on the road and could see what had happened,” he said. “I could not believe the extent of the damage to the first car. It was very sobering.” McDermott and Marschke walked about a mile to an intersection where McDermott’s friend, Brandon Zappi, could meet them and drive them back to Goldens Bridge. “I have been doing this for 15 years and could have been sitting next to any of those victims,” McDermott said. “These are people like you and me—working, taking care of their families. It was just

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Somers Crossing townhouse project ready to take next step BY TOM BARTLEY

FOR THE SOMERS RECORD

Somers officials were expected to set a March public hearing date this week for plans to build a townhouse/commercial complex on land behind the Somerstown Shopping Center. A formal call for public comment was scheduled to be voted on Thursday, after the Town Board adopted draft findings that the 27acre project, with more than 60 townhomes, a 19,000-square-foot grocery store, and access to both Route 202 and Route 100, posed no threat to the environment. A 75-bed nursing facility, part of the original application for the site, was dropped from the plan last year. The Somers Crossing, as the townhome/grocery project is known, has been in the regulatory pipeline since 2013. Developer Gus T. Boniello is asking the Town to create a new zoning classification, one that would simultaneously permit both residential and commercial development in the same project.

‘It’s almost two years since we submitted the applications. We’d very much like to move this along as soon as possible.’ —Richard O’Rourke

Attorney for Developer Gus T. Boniello

Boniello’s attorney, Richard O’Rourke, pressed board members last week, as he has in the past, to move ahead with the regulatory review. “It’s almost two years since we submitted the applications,” O’Rourke reminded them. “We’d very much like to move this along as soon as possible.” In this instance, moving it along will likely start with adoption of a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS), the results of a statemandated engineers’ study of the project’s potential negative consequences. The Town Board had designated itself the lead agency in overseeing assessment of that impact. It agreed informally at last week’s work session to adopt the engineers’ negative declaration,

meaning the project posed no adverse effect. Telling the work session that the study was “essentially complete,” the Town’s DEIS consultant, Joseph Barbagallo, expressed confidence that “the dotting of the i’s and crossing of the t’s” could be “all wrapped up by next week.” Barbagallo, a professional engineer in the White Plains office of Woodard & Curran, said he would huddle with his counterpart on the developer’s team this week, “starting at 8:30 on Monday morning and making sure that we’re done by Wednesday evening.” Timothy S. Allen, a P.E. with Bibbo Associates in Somers and a consultant for the Crossing’s developers, said he would work with Barbagallo to meet that deadline.

Armed with those assurances, the Board set Feb. 12 as the date to accept the draft environmental impact statement and to schedule a public hearing, likely to be March 5. A 10-day period for written comment would follow. Appearing pleased with his project’s progress, O’Rourke said, “We’re happy to reach this milestone.” TOWN POOL ON AGENDA At the same Feb. 12 meeting, the Board also plans to discuss a renewed call for the Town to build a municipal swimming pool, an idea with a decades-long, sometimes controversial, past. When the Town Board agreed last year to consider Linda Simpson’s quest for a Town pool, Super-

visor Rick Morrissey asked anyone with opposing views to save them till the Town Board officially takes up the matter. This week, as the Board officially takes up the matter, Dan Viglione, for one, will be there. A longtime Lake Purdy Association activist and opponent of a municipal pool, Viglione said this week that he hopes “the board and the residents of Somers will carefully consider the impact that this will have on our taxes and on the lake communities.” Residents of the lake communities, which rely on paid memberships to maintain their lakes as natural water-recreation sites, and others put off by a municipal pool’s price tag, have voted down three proposals since 1971. A fourth effort in 2000 never made it to the ballot. Nevertheless, Simpson said she has found interest in another try and, by leveraging the organizing power of social media, has more than 500 people supporting her effort.

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The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 10

How about a hug and a smooch?

What was he thinking?

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This meme, featuring Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll, made its way around the Internet this past week after the baffling play in the final minute of the Super Bowl.

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Dear Dr. Linda, We have two kids, and we think both of them need tutors. But we don’t know who to go to. Jillian is a ninth grader who’s failing the new Common Core algebra class, and Dillon, our fifth grader, has trouble with reading and writing. My best friend actually took out a loan from a tutoring service so she could get help for her kids. My husband and I can’t afford private tutoring because it’s so expensive, and there’s no way we’re taking out a loan. I don’t want my kids to fail, but I don’t want to end up in the poor house either. Need some advice on

ccording to The Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a hug is an “embrace” or to “stay close to” and a smooch is a “kiss.” I’m a firm believer in both. I constantly What was hugged my baI thinking? bies when they were little, and Ruthann I hug them now Scheffer even though I have to stand on tiptoe. My daughter-inlaw Helen has told me many times that I give the best hugs, that she really feels “hugged.” My grandchildren have been subjected to my hugs for years. “I’m coming to get you,” I laughed as I chased my grandbabies Kala and Mattman around the yard. Squealing and laughing, they ran until they were out of breath. I swooped down and hugged them tight. They’re in their 20s now, and hugs are the order of the day when we’re together. When Art and I greeted each other at our 40th high school reunion, Dave, my friend Sue’s husband, had observed our “reconnection.” He asked her if Art and I had ever dated years ago. Sue told him that indeed we had, in fact we had “doubled” with them many times. “I thought so,” he said, “because that was not a ‘hi there’ hug, that was an honest-togoodness real hug.” I think you will enjoy this next little story. Many times when we were in the kitchen, Art would say: “Hey, Ruthie, how about a hug and a smooch?” “Okay by me, big guy, but first you have to assume the position.” We’d laugh as Art put his cane against the kitchen counter and carefully backed into said counter. Once there, he anchored himself and spread his arms. I gently leaned against his chest as his arms enfolded me and voila! We had our “hug and a smooch.” Ah, how I miss those hugs. Art and I learned early during his illness that flexibility and innovation were going to be a major part of our lives; we did it with good humor, love and many hugs. In my book of life, hugs equal love, a greeting, caring, comfort and understanding. Even a thighslapping joke from a friend earns a hug, its cathartic! The warmth and closeness of a hug can make a lousy day better and a good day even sweeter. You come into my home, you get a hug! On this Valentine’s Day I send you warm hugs of appreciation and friendship.

The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

OPINION

PAGE 11

Andrea Kropf, O.D. Comprehensive Eye Care for Your Family Extensive Experience in Pediatric Eye Care

DR. LINDA

FROM PAGE 10

say they know algebra, doesn’t mean that they know how to teach the new Common Core algebra. Your daughter needs to understand algebra in the way it’s taught with Common Core. In other words, do your homework before you start paying for tutoring. Otherwise, your children may spend hours wasting their time, not learning what they need to learn, and you’ll waste your money. Here are some additional tips to help you find qualified tutors for your children: • Look for professional tutors who understand child development, know their subject well and have experience. • Don’t be fooled when you’re told that your child needs a certain number of hours of instruction. It’s not possible to predict how many

hours of instruction a student will need. • Beware of tutors who claim they’re licensed. Licensing for tutors doesn’t exist. Look for a state certified teacher or a tutor with a masters or doctorate. • Ask prospective tutors how they will help your child. An experienced tutor will tell you it’s essential to find the cause of the problem. • If a company does the testing, find out what tests they’re using. Then talk to your children’s teachers or other professionals who understand testing to be sure the company is addressing your children’s needs. • Find a tutor who will work with you and your children’s teachers to create individual programs. • Find a tutor who allows you to sit in during the sessions so that you can learn what you need to do to help your children. • Ask prospective tutors for ref-

erences from previous employers and students. A tutor should have many such references. • Get recommendations for tutors from family, friends, school counselors, pediatrician or other professionals your daughter and son are seeing. • Look for tutors who don’t require a contract. You don’t want to pay for tutoring when your children have already learned what they needed. If you do your homework, you may not need to spend so much money on tutoring or take out unnecessary loans. And your children will have more free time. Dr. Linda Jillian may find my complimentary eBook “How to Study” helpful. Lots of middle school and high school kids haven’t been taught how to study. You can pick it up at store.stronglearning.com/freestudy-tips

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OPINION

The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 12

One brief shining moment

Bobby Kennedy would not begin his speech for 22 minutes. That’s how long it took for the emotionIn August 1964 at the Democrat- ally pent-up crowd to express ic National Convention in Atlantic its respect, its profound grief, its City, U.S. Attorney General Robert longing, by showering RFK with Kennedy was introduced to the an ovation arguably unprecedented delegates to pay homage to his in convention history for its ardor fallen brother, President John F. and length. By way of analogy, Kennedy, who was assassinated 10 that ovation lasted as long as a months earlier. half-hour TV show minus the comAfter approaching the podium, mercials. BY STEPHEN ROSE

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After his remarks, a tribute film about JFK was shown. The closing moments, as heart-wrenching as imaginable, showed the President, who suffered debilitating back pain, bending over as son John, Jr. (known then as John-John) ran to his daddy, who stopped short of picking him up. The soundtrack swelled with the title song of 1960 Broadway musical “Camelot,” by the “My Fair Lady” composing team of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe—“Don’t let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment, that was known as Camelot.” The stage adaptation of T.H. White’s book “The Once and Future King,” about the legend of King Arthur and his Roundtable, had opened the year John Kennedy triumphed over Richard Nixon to become, at 43, the youngest chief executive elected in the nation’s history. It was reported that the vibrant President, who, with his photogenic wife Jacqueline, had captured the imagination of an optimistic America ready for adventure and renewal, was fond of listening to the “Camelot” cast album before retiring at night. In the decades since, the very word Camelot has come to denote the shining, if painfully brief, Kennedy era. Sure, there’s a tendency

Billy Hepfinger as Sir Lionel, Jordan Wolfe as Mordred, Dan Fenaughty as Sir Dinadan and Michael Glavan as Sir Sagramore PHOTO: JOHN VECCHIOLLA

to idealize the period that also gave us the scary-as-hell Cuban missile crisis, which prompted an 11-year-old to wonder nervously if America was going to war. On balance, though, it was a heady time that was upended in the worst way possible. For a Baby Boomer like this columnist, it’s hard not to drift back a half-century to that daze

while watching the marvelous and poignant production of “Camelot” now at Westchester Broadway Theater in Elmsford. The stars of the original “Camelot” themselves evoke magical memories: Acting giant Richard Burton as Arthur, musical goddess Julie Andrews as Guinevere. The SEE ROSE PAGE 14

The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 13

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through which the brazen adage “might is right” is moderated to become “might for right.” Yet music is rich and joyously another lesson in righteous mooriginal in both its frivolity and rality is dispensed in the epigram, romanticism (the soaring ballad “Revenge is the most useless of “If Ever I Would Leave You” causes.” became Robert Goulet’s tradePhilosophizing aside, for sheer mark). entertainment, it’s hard to beat I was intimately familiar with the value at Westchester Broadthe music from listening to the way Theater, which combines a album as a youngster—enough full dinner with the ticket for the so to silently lip-sync the lyrshow. “Camelot” is among the ics to every song during the best productions I’ve seen there Westchester Broadway Theater in recent years. performance. The cast is first-rate, led by But, having never seen the Clark Carmichael as a shy, affable show before, what struck me was Arthur, and Jennifer Hope Wills the narrative, known as a musi—who starred on Broadway in cal’s “book” (also by Lerner). It “Phantom of the Opera’—as a was easy to see why JFK took a ravishing, golden-voiced Guinevshining to the social and political ere. On the dark side, as Arthur’s sentiments expressed through illegitimate son Mordred, Jordan song and dialogue. Wolfe injects delicious dread into Not to mention, let’s face it, the second act. Martin Van Treurthe Kennedy family during the en is an impressive double-threat height of its reign as a cultural as both magician Merlyn and touchstone, was akin to royalty, daffy King Pellinore. The show is so humorous numbers like “What fun, touching and will transport Do the Simple Folk Do?” would you back, not only 1,500 years to resonate with a clan blessed by the 5th Century, but also 50 years, immense wealth and privilege. to a brief shining moment that At one point, Arthur, who is some of us always will hold on to not humble of birth but readas part of who we were and who ily relates to the basic decency we became. of the general population, says, “Camelot” plays through April “Violence is not strength. Com5. You also won’t want to miss passion is not weakness. We are the next show, “West Side Story,” civilized.” Our entire world sure April 9-July 5. For more inforcould use more of that ethos right mation, visit broadwaytheater. now. Arthur also is the vessel com. FROM PAGE 12

The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 14

When the shoe is on the other cell phone “Your new cellphone is really cool, Mom,” my daughter exclaimed as she clicked though my phone functions with lightning speed. “And it’s loaded with a ton of emojis!” “Is that good?” I wondered hesitantly. I didn’t want to sound like an old fart, but I had no idea what she was talking about. An emoji sounded like an aperitif you would have before your emu appetizer in Australia. I was pretty sure that wasn’t the kind of emoji she was talking about. “Absolutely,” she said. “Look!” She turned the phone to me, opened my text messaging, and began to scroll through my keyboard. Hundreds of cute little pictures appeared. “Ohhh!” I said brightly. “The smiley face things!” I clamped my hand over my mouth and realized I had just blown it. In one fell swoop I had failed Cool Mom 101. She sighed. I tried to recover. “So, what cool emojis do I have?” I wondered. She returned her attention to my keyboard and showed me the plethora of adorable images I could insert into my texts and emails to help convey the depths of my happiness, sadness pithiness, boredom, and all other emotions that could never simply

LOST IN SUBURBIA TRACY BECKERMAN

be communicated through words alone, especially by a writer. Contrary to what my daughter thought at that moment, I am actually a pretty cool mom compared with some other moms who can’t even name one Pokemon, for goodness sake. And I am certainly not against adding an occasional frowny face or kissy face when it is appropriate. But as she showed me all the emojis I now had at my fingertips, I wondered what use I could possibly have for... “A shoe??” I asked incredulously, looking at a selection of no less than ten assorted shoes on my keyboard. “Why would I want to send someone a shoe?” “It’s just fun!” she explained. “What’s fun about a shoe?” I asked. “I don’t know. But people like to receive them.” “I don’t think I know anyone who would want me to text them a virtual shoe.” I turned to my husband. “Would you want me to text you a shoe?”

“What would I do with just one shoe?” he asked. “You want two shoes?” I replied. “Well at least two would make more sense,” he argued. “I can see that,” I said. “Can I get them in a size 10?” he wondered. “I don’t know if they come in specific sizes,” I replied. I turned to my daughter. “Do the shoe emojis come is specific sizes?” She was watching us with a look of disgust mixed with disbelief. At some point she had lost control of the conversation and realized that not only were her parents totally not cool, they were actually on the verge of being complete morons. “Ugh. Just forget it. Forget the shoes. Forget the emojis. Just stick with what you know,” she declared as she stomped out of the room. I frowned. I could see I had let her down. I knew she really wanted us to be able to share in the things that her age group found fun and interesting. I did too. So I did what any good mom would do in this situation. I sent her a shoe. Become a fan of Lost in Suburbia on Facebook at facebook.com/ LostinSuburbiaFanPage.

The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 15

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FROM PAGE 2 Feb. 12. Registrations after Feb. 12 will incur a $25 late fee. To register, please visit register.somerslacrosse.com. HELP FIGHT JUVENILE DIABETES On April 12 the Somers 3rd/4th grade lacrosse team and the New York Lizards will be teaming up to help raise money towards finding a cure. The Somers lacrosse team will play a halftime scrimmage game during the Lizards home opener. Please consider joining us at Hofstra University. Tickets are $20. The New York Lizards will be donating $7 from each ticket we sell to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. The game starts at 5 p.m. so come earlier for tailgating and to share a fun-filled day with friends and family. Tickets can be purchased using Paypal to the following email: t1dlaxfund2015@ gmail.com. For additional information, please contact JR Newman at the email listed above or call 914804-9110. If you can’t attend but would like to support this cause, you can check out his personal campaign page: www2.jdrf.org/ goto/Stickittot1d

The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 16

invited to join the congregation of the Yorktown Jewish Center for a Shabbat dinner, which will be followed by services at 8. Please join our congregation for a delightful evening! The cost is $18 per person. For more information, please call 914-245-2324. The Yorktown Jewish Center is located at 2966 Crompond Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.

War and whose name does not currently appear on the monument is asked to contact Vito Pinto, head of Westchester’s Veterans Service Agency, at 914-995-2145 or 914-995-2146. The current list of Westchester County Korean War servicemen killed in combat can be found at veterans.westchestergov. com/news-and-events/updates-tokorean-war-memorial-plaque.

SEF Carnival and Ice Cream Social

At Home in Somers has a busy few weeks

Event is from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 6 at Primrose. Ad- TECHNOLOGY HELP DAY mission: $15 child, $5 adults, $45 At Home in Somers invites you to max family (living in same house- participate in our Technology Help hold) Day. If you need help using your cellphone, smartphone, iPads, tablets or laptops this is where you want to be. Remember to bring your charged electronics with you. Please RSVP by Feb. 18, 2014 to Teresa Chang at ttchang05@yahoo. com or sign up with the Somers Library. Please call Teresa at 914-9070881 if you have any questions. SEEKING NAMES OF ANY Somers High School student volADDITIONAL SERVICEMEN unteers are welcome. Email Teresa KILLED IN ACTION to RSVP. The Westchester County VeterDate: Sunday, Feb. 21 ans Service Agency, in conjunction ime: 2 to 4 p.m. with the Veterans Advisory Board, Location: Somers Library Prowill be updating the Korean War gram Room Veterans Monument at Lasdon Park in Somers. Anyone with in- LEARN TO LIVE BETTER formation regarding a Westchester At Home in Somers invites you At 6 p.m. on Feb. 13 everyone is resident who died in the Korean to attend a series of discussions that explore a way of living life more consciously, more joyfully, and more compassionately. Through Sage-ing, we uncover the blessings ROUTE 6 that comprise the rich fabric of our WATER SYSTEMS 719 MAHOPAC NY 10541 PLUMBING & MECHANICAL 845.628.3924 lives, and we transmit the wisdom of a lifetime of learning to heal and

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nurture ourselves, our loved ones and our world. Dates: Monday, Feb. 23 and Monday, March 2 Time: 1:30 to 4 p.m. Where: Somers Library For more information, call Faye DeSanto at 914-924-1887.

Friends of the Somers Library Membership Drive The Friends of the Somers Library is a nonprofit organization founded in 1979 to help the Somers Library become a cultural and informational center for the people of our town. This is currently being accomplished by providing programs, lectures, workshops, renovations, and acquisitions for the library. With your help, we hope to continue to provide programs and services that encourage involvement in the Somers Library by children, teens, and adults. The Friends raise funds through membership dues, donations, raffles, and book sales. The money raised goes directly to Library projects. Membership dues are our principal source of financial support and are tax-deductible. The Library budget, funded by the Town of Somers, has no allocation for programs. The Friends’ Board of Directors works with the Library staff to identify areas where support is needed. We are incorporated by the Regents of the University of New York and recognized as a tax exempt organization. Visit us at somerslibrary.org/ somers/friends.asp and please join us! Some of the programs for adults made possible thanks to your membership:

• Beginners and Intermediate IPad and I-Phone classes • Water Color, Pen and Ink, and Charcoal Drawing classes • Art and Practice of Saving Seeds • Concerts by: Hudson Belles; David Dunaway, Joey D Jazz Ensemble; Bluegrass; Two of Us Plus One; M&M Productions of “A Winter Broadway Cabaret” • Express Books, Large Print Books and Movie License • M&M Productions of “The Water Engine” and “Painting Churches Programs for children included: • Llamas; Raptors and Owls presentations at the library • How an Audio Book is Made • Stepping Back in Time with Town Historian Doris Jane Smith • Three summer science programs and Little Leaper Science Kits • Battle of the Books and Summer reading Challenges • Model Magic and Valentine Hearts Our annual membership drive starts NOW. Membership forms can be picked up at the Somers Library, or you can send your check to: Friends of the Somers Library, PO Box 443, Somers, NY 10589. Please include your name, address and e-mail address, which will assure timely notice of events. The Friends are a fully tax deductible 501(c3) organization. Annual dues are only $20 ($50 Patron, $100 Sponsor) and of course, a donation in any amount is gratefully accepted and appreciated. If you have a Matching Program at work, please remember us. We hope you will join us because friends make all the difference at the Somers Library. Watch for news about our new circulation desk project, made possible by a bequest!

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The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

Somers signs onto state rebate program aimed to curb property taxes BY TOM BARTLEY

FOR THE SOMERS RECORD

The Somers Town Board enlisted in a state program last week aimed at tamping down property taxes by curbing local spending. As a result, Somers homeowners can likely shrug off not only this year’s 29-cent hike in the Town’s tax rate, but also any increase that hits next year. The Town, for its part, has to pledge to stay within the state’s cap on property tax increases and to map state-approved spending cuts achieved through shared services and other efficiencies. In return, Albany sends checks to homeowners earning less than $500,000 a year to rebate the increase in property taxes on their principal residence. In the program’s first phase, checks went to qualified homeowners in school districts across the state last fall. The checks, rebating 2014-15 increases, were due to arrive in the weeks before the state elections. The county-administered program requires participating tax jurisdictions—towns and villages, schools, fire districts, the county itself and others—to be tax-capcompliant. By next year, each jurisdiction will also have to submit a roadmap for savings through shared services, mergers, cooperative agreements or other efficiencies. Albany will have to sign off on the plan. In their quest to show spending cuts through efficiency, local governments will be allowed to reach as far back as the 2012 fiscal year to demonstrate initiatives that saved taxpayer dollars. By 2017, the claimed total savings must equal 1 percent of the taxing jurisdiction’s 2014 levy. Supervisor Rick Morrissey and other Somers officials met last month with county representatives, who set last Friday as a deadline for local governments to join the Westchester-coordinated program. Welcome as they might be, the rebate checks—especially those for Town taxes—are not expected to drastically alter anyone’s standard of living. Officials had no immediate estimate of how much the

Advertising Deadline

average homeowner might receive. In practice, the size of the rebate varies with the value of the home. But if last year’s increase in the Town property-tax levy, just over $120,000, were equally divvied up by, say, 10,000 residents, the rebate would amount to only $12 per mailbox. School taxes, of course, deliver a bigger payback. In Somers, the schools district’s total property-tax levy is 10 times bigger than the Town’s levy, or about $1.1 million. When the program started in 2014, it first targeted the school levy, rebating the increase homeowners paid based on the Somers Central School District’s $2.39 rate hike. A $1.1 million levy, divided by the same mythical 10,000 residents, would yield a rebate of about $110 for each recipient. Gov. Cuomo initiated the rebate scheme, his latest move in a yearslong campaign to cut local property taxes. In 2011, the state legislature enacted his tax cap, which—short of an override vote—limited increases in the total property-tax levy to 2 percent or less. Recent history has demonstrated the political potency of a “tax cap” concept. School-budget caps can be overridden by a 60 percent, rather than simple majority, vote of residents going to the polls. Somers has remained within the cap since its inception. But statewide. in 2012, their first year under the cap, 51 districts tried to bypass it, according to figures compiled by the New York State School Boards Association. A year later, that number had dropped to 31 and last year to two. Cuomo’s drive to rein in property taxes, clearly popular with the citizenry, has now been bolstered by the rebate program. Still, critics point out, the rebates—paid as they are out of the same state coffers—simply redistribute revenue, with income taxes funding homeowners’ refund checks. Moreover, like the cap, the rebates constrain spending but do nothing to ease or eliminate the many Albany-inspired initiatives—unfunded mandates, employee health insurance, retirement costs and others—that drive up local budgets.

The advertising deadline for The Somers Record is the Thursday before the next publication date. Advertisements can be submitted by you as a camera-ready PDF via email at [email protected]. We also offer our clients a free ad building service. For more information, call Paul Forhan at 914-202-2392.

PAGE 17

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PAGE 19

Scouts learn about crime prevention A cyberbullying presentation is presented by William Siebert, 12.

Scouts from Troops 376 and 228 gathered with members of the Somers Police Department and Emergency Services at the Town House on Saturday, Jan. 31 as a step towards earning their merit badges in the spring. The event featured presentations from the Scouts on topics such as the dangers of bullying while police and EMS personnel spoke about the dangers of drugs, crime and also a bit about how police and emergency services work together.

Jack Hannon presents his awareness project on bullying.

Scouts pose with members of the Somers Police Department.

David Kessler, Kris Swee and John Enoch get an explanantion of how the telescoping baton works from police officer Thomas.

Michael Riviera gets to take a close look at a gas mask.

Alex Lulgjuraj takes a look at a telescoping baton.

EMS and firefighter Stephen Wines talks about how the firefighters and police work together in many situations.

Boy Scouts from Troop 376 and Troop 228 take a closer look at the equipment.

Chief Driscoll talks to the Scouts about the dangers of drug abuse.

Sgt. Richard Barker explains the items each patrol car carries. Domenic Vetri presents his project, “If it doesnt look right, it probably isn’t...Tell somebody”

PHOTOS: TABITHA PEARSON MARSHALL

Somers Police Chief Michael Driscoll tells the Boy Scouts to be leaders and not followers.

Police officer Rick Thomas talks about the bullet resistant jackets.

Somers Police Chief Michael Driscoll tells the Boy Scouts to be leaders and not followers.

The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 20

SHS Italian Club travels to The Metropolitan Museum of Art Editor’s Note: The following information, photos and captions were provided by Somers High School.

SHS Italian Club students and their tour guide

On Wednesday, Jan. 21, Italian Club students visited The Metropolitan Museum of Art with chaperones Mrs. Neggie, Mrs. St. John and Italian Club Advisor Ms. Scerbo for a guided Italian tour of medieval, Renaissance and post-Renaissance art. Two art history specialists from The Met led Somers students through the Roman exhibit, followed by the distinguished Italian medieval and Renaissance collections. Students were encouraged to articulate their observations and impressions of selected works of art. The Italian Art tour culminated in a hands-on drawing project. Towards the end of the visit, SHS student Tess Mowrey expressed, in the words of Andrea Bocelli, “Ms. Scerbo, it’s almost ‘Time to say goodbye’ to The Met!” Students attending: Michael Acocella, Michael Battiato, Jena Blair, Amanda Grasso, André Denaro, Matthew Heyert, John Lambrosa, Taber Lucchese, Emma MacNeil, Aidan Mahoney, John McDermott, Jessie Moscarello, Tess Mowrey, Brian Neggie, Jacklyn Romani, Elisabeth Saraceno and Max Zheng.

Students in Italian Renaissance Portrait Gallery SHS Italian Club students are mesmerized with Renaissance Art. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOMERS HIGH SCHOOL

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The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 21 Students admire Italian Renaissance Art.

SHS Italian Club students are all smiles at The Met.

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The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 22

Dan Rannekleiv

Senior hits the mats for the first time

Senior Dan Rannekleiv came out for the varsity wrestling team this season to help the Tusker program, and to help keep him in shape to get ready for college football next fall.

have been my biggest passion throughout my life and I would love to be involved with them for the rest of my life. Favorite sports team and why? The New York Giants. Just watched them growing up as a kid.

By Brandon Pelter For the Somers Record

Why did you decide to start wrestling this year? I decided to wrestle to get in better shape because I plan on playing college football and I felt wrestling would aid me in football as well.

Favorite athlete? OBJ, guys an animal Favorite show on television? Impractical Jokers Favorite movie of all time? Billy Madison

What do you think are your strengths as a wrestler? As a wrestler I feel my athleticism for someone my size works to my benefit. I also feel my strength works to my advantage.

Favorite band/artist? Vanilla Ice Twitter or Instagram? Why? Twitter, way too many filters on insta.

Describe your role on the team. What do you bring to the mat as a captain? As a team captain I’m really a motivator and role model to the younger kids on the team. More than half the team consists of freshman so I feel it’s important for them to have an older role model How would you describe your new coach? What does he bring to the floor? Coach Disanto is a great coach and a great guy. He is a great motivator and it’s evident his passion for wrestling rubs off on all of us as a team. He along with coach Kumrow and coach Gross demonstrate the moves to us and makes it very easy and fun to learn. I believe in the next couple years, when the team matures, Somers will be back in the top teams of the section due to his leadership. How do you feel the team performed this season? Although our record may not show it, the team did great. We

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why? Definitely read minds, I am extremely nosey.

File photo

Dan Rannekleiv competed on the mats for the Tuskers at 285 pounds. improved tremendously from the first match to the last and it was a lot of fun.

in school and why? I like math because it seems to come easiest to me

really shows me how to push through the toughest situations and make the best out of them.

How would you describe who Dan Rannekleiv is to the readers? Always down for a good time. I also like to flex the golden pipes on occasion.

When you’re not playing sports or studying, what do you like to do with your free time? I enjoying kicking back with the boys, eating some wings and watch some football

Tell us one thing about yourself that not a lot of people may know? I’m basically modern day vanilla ice

Who has been your biggest role model over the years and what have you learned from them? Definitely my dad. Other than helping me become a better person, he demonstrates strength

Are you considering wrestling in college? What colleges are you considering? If you’ve already decided on a school, why did you pick that college? I’m actually considering playing football. I am considering the University of Rochester

What’s your favorite subject

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PAGE 23

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SPORTS

The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 24

Tuskers come up short of league championship

BY ROB DIANTONIO

Somers finishes regular season 15-3, shifts focus to sectionals 46-45 loss to host Horace Greeley on Feb. 6. “It was a pretty bad feeling to come so close to winning the league and not getting it,” Somers senior Anthony Maestri bluntly stated. Somers finished league play at 7-3, while league champion Fox Lane went 8-2. Despite coming up just short of a league title, the Tuskers were proud

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Somers’ varsity boys basketball team finished the regular season with an impressive 15-3 record, which was its best regular season record in quite some time. Unfortunately for the Tuskers, they came up just short of a league championship after a heartbreaking

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of their remarkable regular season. The Tuskers, who are coached by Chris DiCintio and associate head coach Darryl Atkinson, last won a league title in 1989. “It’s a great accomplishment, but we are far from finished,” senior Ryan Grossman said of their 15-3 regular season. In the first and third quarters against Greeley, Somers came out lethargic, but battled back into the game. “We came out flat and our shots weren’t dropping like they usually are,” Maestri said. “Just wasn’t our night shooting.” Greeley started the third quarter on a 12-1 run, but the Tuskers closed the quarter on a 9-0 run of their own behind seven points from Maestri and two free throws from Grossman to trim Greeley’s lead to 35-32. Senior Tommy Gargiulo made two free throws to start the fourth quarter and Somers trailed by just one point. The teams traded jabs and Grossman nailed a 3-pointer and then got fouled on a three and knocked down all three free throws to cut Greeley’s lead to 41-40 with 4:07 left in the game. A Maloney 3-pointer gave the Tuskers a 43-42 edge with 1:07 remaining but Cameron Ciero answered with two buckets to put the Quakers up 46-43 with 20 tickets left on the clock. Somers got off two contested 3-pointers but missed both shots in the waning seconds of the game. Maestri grabbed a rebound with one second left and made a layup, but the Tuskers came up one point short. The Quakers led 23-22 at halftime after a buzzer beater from Ciero. Somers trailed 9-4 in the first quarter before senior point guard Matt Maloney nailed a buzzer beat-

PHOTOS: ROB DIANTONIO

Matt Maloney drives to the hoop against Horace Greeley. ing 3-pointer to make it 9-7 after one. Grossman paced Somers with 12 points, while Maestri added 11 points. Maloney netted nine points and senior Pat Melly contributed seven points. Somers honored its seniors with a 61-48 win over visiting John JayCross River behind 20 points from Maestri on Feb. 4. Maloney added eight points, while Gargiulo and Nick Lombardo each had six points. The nine seniors honored were: Maestri, Maloney, Gargiulo, Melly (four points), Grossman, Lombardo, Pat Cousin (five points), Owen Lloyd (three points) and Zach Gsegnet (two points). “It meant a lot to us nine seniors to win and to play good on senior night,” Maestri said. “It was great to see kids who don’t get that much (playing) time like Owen Lloyd and Zach Gsegnet, who just came back from his injury, to score.” The Tuskers defeated host Brewster 54-51 on Feb. 3. Grossman led the way with 21 points, while Maloney added 10 points. Maestri (sev-

Anthony Maestri fires a three. en points), Gargiulo (six points), Melly (five points) and Cousin (five points) also chipped in. Somers will now shift its focus to the Class A sectionals. The Tuskers earned the No. 2 seed and will host the winner of defending Section 1 Class A champion Walter Panas, the No. 15 seed, and No. 18 Yonkers on Thursday, Feb. 12 in the opening round. Maestri said the key to a playoff run will be executing on offense and playing solid defense. He also thinks that being able to play at home in front of Tusker Nation will be a crucial factor. “Having home-court advantage is huge for us, just like it is for any other team,” Maestri said. “We get to have all our fans and a packed gym. It’s going to be a great atmosphere.” Grossman concurred with Maestri. “Intensity, hard work and execution will get us where we want to be,” he said. “It’s great to be at home (in sectionals) with a great fan section giving all the support in the world and we know we won’t let them down.”

The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

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SPORTS

The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 26

A nice guy gets his due

DiSanto earns Hall of Fame nod

S

ometimes the nice guy doesn’t finish last. Sometimes the guy who quietly takes care of business, who works hard every day, year after year, finally gets his due and is recognized for a job well done. That is the case with Mahopac High wrestling coach Dennis DiSanto as he will be inducted into the New York State chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. DiSanto has compiled 365 career victories in 31 years as a coach at Somers and Mahopac High. He was named league coach of the year nine times, and Westchester County and Section 1 coach of the year in 2000. He has won nine league titles and had three undefeated seasons. He coached four state finalists and two state champs. Those are the numbers that have earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame, but he was surprised to hear the news. “I’m just a local wrestling coach, its kind of surreal,” said DiSanto. “To be recognized on a national level, it’s humbling and overwhelming. I just try to go to practice every day and do the best job that I can.”

MAC NUGGETS

The usually mild-mannered Mahopac wrestling coach Dennis DiSanto lets the referee know what he thinks of a call.

JIM MACLEAN

And that’s a typical DiSanto explanation. I’ve worked with Dennis for more than 20 years now, covering his teams at Somers and now Mahopac. It’s never been about him and his accomplishments, but he is the first coach to tell you about the kids that wrestle for him and their accomplishments. He just quietly sits in his coaching chair and goes about his business. The result is a lot of wins, and a lot of successful wrestlers, many of them have gone on to success long after their high school careers are over. Talk to the people who have worked with him day in and day out and you begin to see what a Hall of Fame coach can accomplish in a career. Just ask Mahopac assistant coach Chad Brenneman, a successful wrestler who could be a head coach somewhere if he

PHOTO: JIM MACLEAN

wanted, but he has stayed with DiSanto for 15 years starting at Somers and now at Mahopac. “The reason I stay with Dennis is for everything aside from wrestling,” explained Brenneman. “It’s about working with kids and promoting skills necessary to be successful in life. Work ethic, commitment, building character to be successful as an individual, that’s what I see and like in Dennis and

why I work with him. The Hall of Fame is recognition of what he’s done. A lot of kids out there who went through Dennis’s program are now doctors and lawyers, and that’s what it’s all about.” Current Somers coach Ron DiSanto has known him his entire life since Dennis is his Uncle. Ron grew up around the Somers program and eventually wrestled for his Uncle Dennis before returning

this year as head coach. “I’m proud of him,” Ron said of his Uncle Dennis. “He’s a mentor and he really loves wrestling. The time we spend outside of wrestling as family he still talks wrestling. I appreciate how hard he works, how much time he commits. He’s influenced so many kids over the years” Current Mahopac assistant coach and former Somers standout wrestler Rob Mifsud agrees. “I’ve learned so much from Dennis,” explained Mifsud. “He was a mentor in high school and now I get to work with him as a coach. He knows what he’s doing. He knows that there is more than just wrestling when it comes to winning.” And Mifsud also gives away a secret behind DiSanto’s success. “He plays Battleship a lot, that’s how he gets his strategy,” added Mifsud. Sometimes you sink the Battleship, and sometimes you get sunk. If you work hard and keep trying, someday you might end up in the Hall of Fame. Congratulations coach DiSanto on a job well done and an honor well deserved.

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The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

Andrew Gross scores some back points on his way to the finals.

PAGE 27

Photo: Jim MacLean

Graham Roediger advanced to the finals.

SPORTS

Max Freebern tries to take down Blaise Benderoth.

Five Tusker wrestlers advance to Section 1 Tournament

By Jim MacLean

Of the Somers Record

The Somers wrestling team knew what it was up against at the Division 1 tournament at North Rockland. Some of the best teams in Section 1 came together for a divisional tournament trying to earn a chance to move on and compete in the Section 1 championships this weekend. The top four place finishers in each weight class would advance, and by the end of the day a total of five Tuskers were moving on to the big show this Saturday at Arlington

High and Sunday at Clarkstown South. “The team performed well overall,” Somers coach Ron DiSanto said. “We were able to make some waves and build some momentum for the five advancing to sectionals. Everyone got a lot out of the experience. We entered 14 wrestlers and 11 of them will be returning next year, and eight the year after that. That’s a good sign for our future, but our next focus is getting ready for sectionals.” Leading the way for Somers were Graham Roediger and Andrew Gross as they both advanced to the finals and placed second.

Roediger advanced to the finals at 106 pounds with a victory by pin over Caleb Meekins of Lakeland/ Panas in the semifinals. In the title bout he fell to Anthony Sulla of North Rockland. Gross also won his quaterfinal bout by pin and his semifinal bout by pin over Joe Quinn of North Rockland to advance to the finals at 170 pounds before falling to Elieser Maldonado of Yonkers in the title bout. “Graham and Andrew both dominated on their way to the finals,” DiSanto said. “They looked very sharp, and got two pins in their first two matches. They both lost

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to tough opponents in the finals but they both wrestled well.” Frank Celli also advanced to the Section 1 tournament this weekend as he wrestled his way back and took third place at 132 pounds. Celli lost in the quarterfinals but wrestled his way back with three big wins. He beat the second-seed in the consolation semis by an 11-4 score, and in the third-place bout, Celli pinned top-seeded Robbie Keltz of Scarsdale to finish third. Max Freebern and Antonio Vieira both advanced at 160 pounds for the Tuskers. Freebern made it to the semifinals where he met topseeded Blaise Benderoth of North

Rockland and fell by pin, but he wrestled back to face Viera in the third-place match where he won by pin. “Celli, Freebern and Vieira had to win more matches to place since they lost in the earlier rounds,” DiSanto said. They grinded out their matches and wrestled really tough through the consolation rounds. They all placed higher than they were seeded. Celli and Vieira are both freshman.” Conor Heine, Peter Bentivegna, Gerald Maher, and Billy DiBenedetto each won a match for the Tuskers.

SPORTS

The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 28

Tuskers ride three-game win streak into sectionals BY ROB DIANTONIO FOR THE SOMERS RECORD

Coming off two straight league losses to Fox Lane, the Somers varsity girls basketball team knew it needed to get on a role to build some momentum before sectionals. They did just that with league victories over Brewster, Horace Greeley and John Jay-Cross River. The Tuskers defeated visiting Brewster 51-43 on Feb. 7 behind 20 points from senior point guard Nicole DeMase. Senior forward Kayleah McGuire (13 points) and junior guard Gabby Rosenzweig (12 points) were also strong contributors in the win. Somers’ lead got as large as 10 points after a DeMase 3-pointer made it 41-31 early in the fourth quarter but Brewster crawled back in it. “All year we’ve talked about mental toughness, playing four quarters of basketball and finishing games,” Somers coach Kristi Dini said. “More than half of our losses we were up. Some of these games later in the season teams are going on runs and we’re answering with a run. It was really nice to see that… They’re being tough and finishing games.” Senior Spencer Santini hit two big baseline jumpers in a row to give Somers some breathing room

PHOTO: ROB DIANTONIO

Gabby Rosenzweig drives strong to the basket against Brewster. midway through the fourth and the Tuskers (9-8) hit their free throws down the stretch. With the Bears double teaming McGuire in the paint, they were leaving some perimeter players open to hit shots and Santini answered the call in a critical moment. “It’s no secret anymore that Kayleah’s a really big player on our team,” DeMase said. “We do try and look for her inside as much as we can, but teams are catching on and taking that away. So it is really

Nicole DeMase controls at the point for the Tuskers.

Kayleah McGuire goes up for two inside against Brewster.

helpful when players like Spencer, Gabby and Christine (Olert) can all hit from the perimeter. Teams can’t really pack it in on [Kayleah]; they have to stay out on us too.” Dini was happy to see players step up and hit some outside shots. “That’s what we’ve needed this whole season,” she said. “Our perimeter game has been inconsistent. When we have other kids like that knocking down shots teams aren’t going to be able to focus on two or three players, which is great.”

Rosenzweig nailed a 3-pointer at the buzzer to send Somers into halftime with a 23-17 lead. Somers defeated visiting Horace Greeley 51-28 on their senior night on Feb. 6 with two seniors in McGuire (20 points) and DeMase (16 points) leading the way. “That was awesome; it was so exciting,” DeMase said. “We had a great crowd and the whole team did a great job with posters and coaches with pictures. It was just a great atmosphere and it was awesome to

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play in.” The five seniors in DeMase, McGuire, Santini (four points), Olert and Tara Curran (three points) were honored before the game and each player was given their own poster. “It’s such a special group of kids; that’s why I did something so special for them,” Dini said. “They were a huge part of the first league championship since the 80’s (last season) and they’ve put this program on the map the last couple years.” The Tuskers outscored Greeley 17-0 in a pivotal third quarter to take a commanding 42-19 lead into the fourth. “The game started out close and they just picked it up,” Dini said. “Girls were coming over to me on the side saying, ‘Oh, I feel good today. I’m having fun today.’ And we pulled away. It was nice for those five kids to go out on a note like that.” Somers bested host John Jay 32-26 on Feb. 4. Rosenzweig (10 points), DeMase (eight points), McGuire (five points), Curran (five points) and Santini (four points) paced the squad. On Feb. 3, Somers began its week with a tight 41-37 loss to Fox Lane. McGuire tallied 13 points, while both DeMase and Rosenzweig netted 10 points. The Tuskers completed their league slate at 8-2 and finished second in the league behind the Foxes. Somers will open sectionals this week and Dini is hoping the team can make a run. The Tuskers garnered the seventh seed and will host No. 10 Beacon in the Class A opening round on Thursday, Feb. 12. Somers reached the quarterfinals last season but fell to Albertus Magnus 48-41. With a wealth of playoff experience between DeMase, McGuire and Rosenzweig, the Tuskers have the tools to surprise some teams in the Class A sectionals. “I definitely think we can make a run,” DeMase said. “We have the players and the talent. Hopefully we’ll get a good seed, play smart and do what we do best. We have a lot of players with a lot of experience. Gabby’s been starting since she was a freshman and then the rest of our starters are all seniors, so we’ve all been in those big games and hopefully we can handle the pressure.”

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The sports deadline for The Somers Record is the Sunday before the next publication date. Varsity coaches should submit results and information by e-mail to [email protected]. All youth sports and recreational sports items should also be submitted to the same e-mail address by the Thursday before the next publication date.

The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 29

leisure

Valentine’s Day for the kids with one 8-ounce package of cream cheese. Mix until everything is incorporated into a sticky batter. Truffles can be made into balls or heart shapes. For children celebrating Valentine’s Day and winter fun, turn the truffles into edible snowmen. Dip the truffles into melted chocolate or colored candy melts to coat. Place on a wax paper-covered cookie sheet and refrigerate for an hour, or until the truffles are firm.

Although Valentine’s Day may be geared toward adults, children are quite drawn to the celebration as well. Perhaps it’s the promise of candy or chocolate that gets their attention, but Valentine’s Day annually appeals to the younger set. Some couples opt to leave children in the capable hands of a babysitter come Valentine’s Day and enjoy the evening solo. But for those who want to include youngsters in their fun, they can explore the many enjoyable and clever crafts and other activities available. Learning games Valentine’s Day can be turned into a learning opportunity for children. One idea is to create an “Attracting Love” game that illustrates the power of magnets and the laws of attraction. Fill an empty glass jar with various items made into heart shapes. These can include small pieces of pipe cleaner, paper clips, paper, and even aluminum foil hearts. Put the top on the jar and shake up the contents. Let children guess which items will be attracted to a magnet, then have them test their theory with a strong magnet rubbed on the outside of the jar. See which hearts are attracted to the magnet. Other learning games can include matching or finding the differences between pic-

tures, counting paper hearts or making recipes of scented modeling dough. Dessert fun Invite youngsters into the kitchen to try their hands at different recipes, making sure that they have a chance to sample their handiwork afterward. Faux chocolate truffles made with chocolate sandwich cookies can be a tasty treat for little hands. Start by mashing up some Oreo® cookies, then add them to a bowl

Crafts Children can have fun cutting out cupids, making coloring pages or doing just about any other Valentine-inspired craft, like making their own cards. Another craft idea is to write secret love notes with invisible ink. Lemon juice can be used as invisible ink. Have children write a message by dipping a cotton swab or their finger in lemon juice and then writing words on a white piece of paper. Once the papers have dried, an adult can reveal the message by placing the paper in front of a heat source, such as an iron or a light bulb. The message will magically appear and reveal those secret sentiments. Children can get crafty by making gifts for the special people in their lives. Combine the concept of valentines with the ambiance of a candle. For an even safer alternative, opt for

Crossword CLUES ACROSS 1. Glasgow inhabitant 5. Dangerous tidal bore 10. Prevents harm to creatures 14. Upper class 15. Caused an open infection 16. Styptic 17. Am. Nat’l. Standards Inst. 18. Muse of lyric poetry and mime 19. He fiddled 20. Afrikaans 22. Don’t know when yet 23. Mottled cat 24. 1803 USA purchase 27. Engine additive 30. Reciprocal of a sine 31. __ King Cole, musician 32. Time in the central U.S. 35. Insect pupa sheaths 37. Prefix denoting “in a” 38. Okinawa port city 39. Capital of Pais-de-Calais 40. Small amount 41. Fictional elephant 42. Grave 43. 12th month (abbr.) 44. Knights’ garment 45. One point S of due E 46. Lender Sallie ___ 47. Express pleasure 48. Grassland, meadow 49. Vikings state

52. Deck for divination 55. Mountain 56. Cavalry sword 60. Largest known toad species 61. Once more 63. Cavity 64. Paper this tin plate 65. Slang for backward 66. James __, American steam engineer 67. Sea eagles 68. Wooded

an LED-flame candle instead of traditional candles. Kids can glue foam conversation hearts, sold at many craft stores, to the outside of the candle. Wrap the middle of the candle with ribbon, and they’ve just created an easy, heartfelt gift. Kids’ dinner Encourage the next generation of chefs to create culinary masterpieces, which they can then serve to family members or friends. Children can even prepare dinner as a token of appreciation to their parents. Plan recipes with kids in advance, but look for age-appropriate menu ideas, particularly those that will not require much use of the stovetop or other dangerous kitchen appliances. Kids can always do the prep work and then ask an adult to put the food into the oven for cooking. One easy idea is to create heart-shaped hamburger sliders and Valentine-colored mashed potatoes. Use red potatoes with the skin on to create the potato mash. The sliders can be shaped by hand or using a heartshaped cookie cutter. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and the holiday presents many opportunities for children to share in the fun and festivities.

Puzzle solutions on page 35

69. Expression of annoyance CLUES DOWN 1. Spawn of an oyster 2. Town near Venice 3. Bone (pl.) 4. Pair of harness shafts 5. Midway between E and SE 6. Of a main artery 7. Catches 8. Maintained possession

9. Old Tokyo 10. Yemen capital 11. Commoner 12. Street border 13. Old Xiamen 21. Soul and calypso songs 23. Explosive 25. Put into service 26. Swiss river 27. Territorial division 28. Pulse 29. Hair curling treatments 32. Small group of intriguers 33. Portion 34. Slightly late 36. Taxi 37. Political action committee 38. Grab 40. Between 13 & 19 41. Tai currency 43. Newsman Rather 44. Great school in Mass. 46. Technology school 47. Have a great ambition 49. Groans 50. Fill with high spirits 51. Expressed pleasure 52. Modern London gallery 53. A gelling agent in foods 54. Dilapidation 57. Swine 58. Footwear museum city 59. Respite 61. Creative activity 62. Slight head motion

Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test! Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

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The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

Shop around for cheaper mobile phone plans

PHOTO COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

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ER Ri Ke Sc T I ch a i t h ot F I rd D t G ED F . W . W .W e e pr FIN eis iss iss of A s , C ,C es NC , C FP FP si IA FP ® ® on L ® a al P a nd s. LA re N al N l ER ™

With a little research, it’s possible to pay less for mobile phone service.

• Financial Planning • Investment Management • Retirement Planning • Estate Planning Scott G. Weiss, CFP® Director of Financial Planning

Richard F. Weiss, CFP®, CPA Founder

Keith D. Weiss, CFP®, MBA Cheif Investment Officer

Are you on track to reach all your financial goals? We are here to help. Weiss Financial Group provides individuals and families with a level of financial expertise and service that makes us a valued—and trusted—partner throughout the community. Our goals are simple: to understand your needs, create strategies that address your unique financial situation, and deliver the solutions that will help you reach your objectives. For more information visit www.weiss-financial.com.

To learn more about how we can work together, or to schedule a complimentary consultation, please call Scott G. Weiss, CFP® at 845-621-4700.

Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by Metro Creative Connection.

pictures. The more things you want to use your phone for, the more you are likely to pay for phone service.

With tax season on the horizon, many people are taking inventory of their personal budgets and finding ways to save money. One way to save is to look at discretionary spending and scale back wherever possible. Assessing luxury services, such as cable television and mobile phone services, and finding places to trim some fat can free up extra money. In the not-so-distant past, consumers had few choices regarding mobile phone carriers. But many companies are now vying for consumer dollars, and each offers their own unique plans and services. Although a greater number of companies can mean more selection, it can also make finding a plan that makes the most financial sense more difficult. Mobile phone companies are competitive in their pricing plans. In early 2014, some large providers unveiled new plans that bundle services together and share them among various family members and even friends on the same plan. Since mobile carriers now offer virtually the same network technology, a similar array of phones and comparable service, they must find new ways to distinguish themselves from one another. One way to do so is to entice customers with lower prices. Understanding the jargon and what is expected of you as a consumer is a good way to weed through the various mobile phone options.

CONTRACT Mobile providers may offer a locked-in or discounted price for customers willing to sign a contract. If you do not mind being locked into a plan for a certain number of years, this can work in your favor. If you want to test the waters with other phone companies, then steer clear of making any long-term commitments. Should you sign a contract with a service provider, you may be subject to an early termination fee if you break that contact. This may not make financial sense, so it’s best to consider the likelihood that you will switch providers before signing on the dotted line.

TYPE OF SERVICES When shopping for a new mobile plan, consumers should first determine which services they desire from a mobile phone company. Do you use your phone simply for voice calls and text messaging? Are you spending hours browsing the Internet? Do you frequently upload or download data? Defining your needs can help you narrow down your options and reduce the likelihood that you will end up paying for services you don’t need or want. It is still possible to purchase a basic phone and use it only to make phone calls. However, in addition to making phone calls, many people use their phones as handheld computers, relying on them for messaging, web browsing, personal planning, and taking

NUMBER OF PLAN PARTICIPANTS Many mobile providers offer discounts to groups. These friends and family plans vary, but many of these plans include significant discounts based on the number of members within the plan. That means a family of six that has signed up for a plan could pay less than a family of four who are not in a plan together. SUBSIDIZED DEVICE CHARGES When shopping for a new plan and phone, it’s best to read the fine print. A mobile carrier may offer new devices at a discounted cost because they subsidize the balance of the cost of the phone through monthly charges. That means that a smartphone that retails for $600 might cost you $200 upfront, while the remaining $400 is financed through the plan. Other companies may require you purchase a device outright, meaning you will have to lay out the $600, but then you will have a lower monthly bill for the plan. Essentially, it boils down to whether you want to pay a lump sum now or spread out the cost of the new device over several months. Keep in mind that phones and networks are not always compatible. Network technology and how the phone interacts with a given network will determine if a phone and network are compatible. Therefore, if you plan to purchase a phone outright, investigate if the phone will be cross-honored on another network if you decide to change later on.

704 ROUTE 6 • MAHOPAC, NEW YORK 10541 • [email protected] Weiss Financial Group is a registered investment advisor. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities product, service, or investment strategy. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser, tax professional, or attorney before implementing any strategy or recommendation discussed herein.

Ç

u Tax F o & Accounting Services through Weiss Advisory Group: 845-621-5900

Advertising Deadline

The advertising deadline for The Somers Record is the Thursday before the next publication date. Advertisements can be submitted by you as a camera-ready PDF via email at [email protected]. We also offer our clients a free ad building service. For more information, call Paul Forhan at 914-202-2392.

The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 31

Did you know?

Etiquette with regard to tipping varies depending on the country you’re visiting. In the United States, Americans are accustomed to tipping a minimum of 15 percent, and that figure often rises when service is good. But many countries tip considerably less. In Japan, for example, many people consider it poor etiquette to tip at all, feeling the customer deserves and should expect good service and therefore should not pay extra when such service is delivered. Other countries may not find it rude to tip,

but Americans likely won’t have to tip the 15 to 20 percent they are used to tipping at home. Many countries even include a tip in the bill, regardless of the size of the party. To avoid overtipping, foreign travelers should examine their bills before deciding if they will leave tips or not. Travelers who are unsure about how much to tip in the country they are visiting can ask their hotel concierge for the local etiquette with regard to gratuities.

MEYER & SPENCER PC Attorneys at Law

PHOTO COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

How to live as a one-income family Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by Metro Creative Connection.

much you have left over. Divide that as necessary for savings and extra spending money. Knowing what you have to spend makes it Many couples wonder about much easier to avoid overspending. the secret to surviving on one income when it seems like they’re KEEP AN EMERGENCY STASH just making ends meet with two any financial experts recomincomes. Dual-income households, mend having enough in a savings which in the United States are now account to cover six months’ worth more common than single-income of living expenses. This affords the households, have become the household breadwinner enough norm. time to find a new source of income With the rising cost of living, it in case of layoff and enough secumay seem necessary for families rity to pay bills in case of injury. to generate two incomes. However, many families still find a way PREPARE AHEAD OF TIME to thrive on just one income. DoIf you are currently living with ing so often requires a careful ex- two incomes, try living with one amination of family finances and a income for several months to a commitment to making changes to year and bank the other salary enensure one income is enough for a tirely. This will give you an accufamily to thrive. rate idea of whether you can afford a one-income lifestyle. This also EXAMINE YOUR helps to establish a sizeable nest SPENDING HABITS egg as a safety net once you begin Having a clear picture of what is living on just a single income. being spent each month will give you a better picture of which things SPEAK WITH A TAX are necessities and which are luxu- PROFESSIONAL ries. Households that dine out a In many cases, moving to one lot can likely save a considerable income will put you in a lower amount of money by eating more tax bracket. This alone can make meals at home. Knowing how your it worthwhile to explore a one-inmoney is being spent will help you come lifestyle. An accountant can reestablish your priorities and map give you a clearer view of potential out a plan to live on one income. savings. STAY DISCIPLINED AND ORGANIZED Some people grow accustomed to taking out the credit card anytime they want to make a purchase, oblivious to what they’re actually spending until the bill arrives. If you are such a person but you want to successfully transition to a single income household, you will likely need to rein in such spending habits. Determine exactly what is needed to cover bills each month. Once you understand what’s needed for the home, figure out how

TRIM THE EXTRAS If you look at expenses, you may find a number of trivial things that can be cut from your budget. Find out if you can save on cable costs by cutting down on the number of channels you carry on your plan. And you may be able to save by bundling certain products, such as insurance policies. After making a few adjustments, many families find that they can successfully live on just one income.

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DO yOu knOW What the cOSt Of yOur lOng term care WIll be If yOu are nOt elIgIble fOr meDIcaID? Contact ANTHONY J. ENEA, ESQ., Managing Member Past Chair of Elder Law Section of New York State Bar Association Top 25 Super Lawyer in Westchester for 2014 Recipient of the Best Lawyer, Lawyer of the Year Award for Trusts and Estates in White Plains for 2015 Above The Bar Award For Leading Elder Care Attorney in Westchester County (2013)

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PAGE 32

The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

Florida takes major step in preventing the unauthorized practice of elder law

O

ver the last decade, numerous nonattorney controlled entities have cropped up nationwide offering Medicaid and elder law planning services. Many of these entities have branched into these services from traditional home care and geriatric care management services, while others are newly created. The services offered by these providers are varied, often including the preparation and filing of Medicaid nursing home and home care applications, drafting of personal service contracts and qualified income trusts (in some states), as well as rendering advice regarding Medicaid eligibility and how to obtain benefits. When a non-attorney provides the aforementioned services the consequences are, in many cases, financially disastrous. Although the preparation and filing of a Medicaid application by a non-attorney is not considered the unauthorized practice of law, doing so without weighing all relevant legal factors and issues can be quite dangerous. All too often the services provided by non-attorney entities have pushed the envelope towards the unauthorized practice of law, and have resulted in nonattorneys providing what is legal advice in areas which they lack any knowledge or training. For example, when filing a Medicaid application for a spouse, there are a number of issues that a non-attorney should not, in my opinion, provide advice about, such as the potential financial liability resulting

PREPARATION AND EXECUTION OF QUALIFIED INCOME TRUSTS Qualified Income Trusts are utilized in Florida when an applicant for Medicaid has income over the limits permitted to qualify for Medicaid long-term care services (including nursing home care). These trusts must contain specific terms and must be irrevocable. The funds remaining in a Qualified Income Trust will be turned over to the state upon the applicant’s death. The income deposited into these trusts allows the applicant to retain income outside of the trust so that he or she can qualify for services.

Additionally, the court opined that non-lawyer entities that claim to have relationships with a lawyer are engaging in the unauthorized practice of law unless ANTHONY J. the client has established an independent ENEA attorney-client relationship with the attorney, and that the payment for services is made directly to the attorney. Furthermore, the court required that the legal documents or Medicaid planning recommended to the from a spouse executing a spousal refusal client was determined by the attorney and or the estate and income tax consequences not by a non-lawyer. resulting from the transfer and restructurThe advent of non-attorney document ing of assets. He or she would also not be production mills presents an insidious danqualified to advise on a client’s ability to ger to the general public who unknowingly engage in a Medicaid crisis plan. are misguided by these untrained entities. On Jan. 15, in response to a petition by RENDERING OF LEGAL ADVICE I urge all those who seek the aforemenThe Florida Bar’s Elder Law Section, the The Florida Supreme Court has ruled tioned services to do so only with a qualiFlorida Supreme Court ruled that non-lawyers who engage in various Medicaid plan- that the rendering of legal advice regarding fied attorney and I am hopeful that similar the implementation of Florida law to obregulations will soon be implemented in ning activities are engaging in the unauNew York. thorized practice of law. The three specific tain Medicaid benefits is an unauthorized practice of law. This includes advising an activities included in the ruling are: individual on the legal strategies available Anthony J. Enea, Esq. is a managing for spending down and restructuring asmember of Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, DRAFTING OF PERSONAL SERVICE sets and/or the need for a personal service LLP with offices in White Plains and CONTRACTS Somers. Mr. Enea is a past chair of the Personal service contracts are agreements contract or Qualified Income Trust. Although the preparation by a nonNew York State Bar Association’s Elder generally by and between an individual lawyer of a Medicaid application does not Law Section. He was named Best Lawyers’ (applicant for Medicaid) and a third party constitute the unauthorized practice of law, 2015 Trusts and Estates “Lawyer of the (generally a family member) delineating Year” in White Plains and Westchester specific care services to be provided and the it would be extremely difficult to do so without rendering some legal advice reCounty’s Leading Elder Care Attorney at compensation thereof. They are generally garding the implementation of Florida law the Above the Bar Awards. Mr. Enea can utilized so that the transfer of funds for the purported care to be provided is not deemed to obtain Medicaid benefits. In essence, all be reached at 914-948-1500 or A.Enea@ that may be permitted by the non-attorney esslawfirm.com. an uncompensated transfer gift, which is the ministerial act of completing and creates the 60-month look back period for filing the application. Medicaid nursing home eligibility.

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The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 33

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

Things to consider before downsizing your home Proximity to family When downsizing to a smaller home, many couples move out of the suburbs and into cities or towns with more ready access to culture and restaurants. While that accessibility is great, grandparents may find that it comes at the cost of less time with their grandchildren. That’s a steep price to pay for doting grandparents, and it may also impact your children if they frequently rely on grandma and grandpa for babysitting. Before downsizing, consider if you’re willing to move further away from your family. If not, you likely can still find a smaller home in close proximity to your current home and any nearby family members.

The decision to downsize a home is often bittersweet. Many couples who downsize their homes do so after raising a family. A home might be filled with memories, but downsizing a home helps couples save more money, and that financial flexibility often allows men and women to more fully enjoy their retirement. But in spite of the financial impact of downsizing a home, there’s more than just money at stake for homeowners thinking of downsizing their homes. The following are a handful of factors homeowners should consider before downsizing to a smaller home. Real estate market The real estate market can be a seller’s friend or foe. Many sellers have a sale price in mind when they decide to sell their home, but the real estate market can be fickle, so homeowners should do their research before putting their home up for sale. Will the current market make it easier for you to get the most for your home, or will you have to settle for less than you prefer? How fast are similar homes in your area selling? When studying the real estate market, it’s also a good idea to study the market for smaller homes. If you plan on moving into a condominium but the market is not flush with properties, you might end up paying more than you want to for your new home, which might negate the savings you can expect from downsizing.

photo courtesy of metro creative connection

Older couples must consider a host of factors before deciding to downsize their homes.

couples will have to sell or donate their current furniture and then buy all new items for their new home. If it’s been a while since you purchased new furniture, you might be in for some sticker shock on your first visit to the furniture store. Furniture Another thing to consider regarding your When downsizing to a smaller home, many furniture is which items you simply can’t live couples realize their current furniture is un- without. An antique dinner table might have likely to fit into a smaller home. That means been the centerpiece for your family holidays

over the last several decades, but there’s no guarantee it will fit into your smaller home. You may want to pass this down to your son or daughter, but that’s only possible if he or she has the room for it. Before deciding to downsize, consider your attachment to certain items that you may or may not be able to take with you to your new home and the emotional toll that selling such items might take if you’re left with no other options.

Medical care Many older men and women must also consider the effect that moving may have on their medical care. Downsizing to a home in the country may make it harder to maintain contact with your current physician, and rural areas typically have less medical practitioners than more densely populated towns and cities. In addition, if you have been visiting the same physician for years, you may not want to move and have to start all over again with a physician who is unfamiliar with your medical history. Consider how much maintaining your existing relationship with your physician means to you, and if your next home will provide the kind of access to medical care you’re likely to need. Downsizing a home is not just about moving into a smaller property. To ensure you’re making the right decision, many factors must be considered before downsizing.

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE

The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

PAGE 34

Disaster-resilient homes start with concrete walls

photo courtesy of metro creative connection

Resources for first-time home buyers The housing market has begun to heat up thanks to an economy on the rebound. Few people aspire to rent for life, and home ownership is a dream shared by both natives and immigrants who came to the country seeking a better life. Each year the National Association of Realtors compiles a profile of buyers and sellers that documents trends in the real estate market. Although the majority of first-time home buyers identify as white, the next largest group are Hispanics, who account for 11 percent of the market of first-time home buyers. The rapidly growing Hispanic population is influencing all areas of modern living, including real estate. Estimates suggest that, between now and 2020, Hispanics, the second largest ethnic group in America, will account for 50 percent of new home buyers. Over the last three decades, two of every five newcomers to the housing market were Hispanic,

according to the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals. In addition to needing assistance finding their dream homes, Hispanic buyers also may need help securing loans to finance their upcoming home purchases. Just this year ezDinero.com launched a multinational online alternate lending solution that helps first-time borrowers connect with top experts who specialize in personal loans. The company works directly with the Spanishspeaking market and serves as a mediator between lenders and borrowers. The service is one of the few reputable online companies that can help first-time borrowers find financial solutions that meet their exact specifications and connect them with the top lenders in the industry. Marina H. Gonzales, Director of Public Relations at ezDinero, states that there is a need for this type of bilingual service for the Spanish-speaking audience,

which is underserved in the United States. “ezDinero was created with the intent of giving the Spanishspeaking population an opportunity to meet their personal lending needs, especially for first-time borrowers,” Gonzales said. This alternative lending solution is not the only option available to Hispanics. Some people find success through government assistance and grant programs geared toward the Hispanic community. The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals can be an excellent resource for further information, instructing people on how to apply for loans, secure lower interest rates and qualify for loans even if you have a poor or brief credit history. Hispanics wield more influence in the United States than ever before, and more and more Hispanics are making that influence known in the real estate market.

Financial strategies. One-on-one advice. Daniel S Tanaka Financial Advisor

105 Gatehouse Somerstowne Shopping Centre Somers, NY 10589 914-669-8133

Member SIPC

(MS) - A home today must be more than just aesthetically pleasing. The costs of fuel consumption and extreme-storm damage, plus costs in the way of carbon footprints, are making all of us insist on far more property benefits, including superior durability and resilience from pending disasters. “In that case, open the door to a home built with concrete reinforced walls, instead of wood, and see how you will receive greater safety, comfort, investment value, and energy efficiency,” says Todd Blyth at Nudura, a leading name in building technology. “Concrete is a major solution for weather extremes, and for more than a decade now, the building system using ICFs (insulated concrete forms) has proven to deliver the most durable building frame.” The ICF principle is simple, Blyth says. The walls are constructed with pre-assembled, interlocking units (similar to Lego), so they’re easily transported to any building site. Each form consists of two panels of thick foam (expanded polystyrene) connected with a patented web system. Guided by the architectural design and beauty aspects you request, the ICFs are stacked, steel reinforced, and filled with concrete until the entire building envelope is complete. Here’s a snapshot of additional

building benefits: Disaster-resilient: ICF walls withstand winds of up to 402 kilometers per hour and give you a fire protection rating as long as four hours. Energy efficiency: Premium insulation delivers an energy-efficiency rating as high as R-50 due to the thermal mass of the concrete (compared to an average R-20 in wood structures), and that equates to reducing household energy bills by as much as 70 percent. And if optional inserts are added to the ICF forms, this efficiency is improved even more. Occupant comfort: Outside cold can easily travel through the typical wood-framed wall, causing uneven temperatures inside your home. However, the monolithic ICF wall eliminates drafts and cold spots and it is an effective sound barrier, filtering out unwanted noise. Green living: Concrete is a sustainable material; trees are not needed; the system uses only recycled polymers and steel; the building process creates less waste than traditional methods; and the occupants use fewer fossil fuels for a much smaller carbon footprint. Short- and long-term value: A concrete home is built to last and retain its value longer. In the shortterm, the superior durability of concrete walls require less maintenance, repair and money to maintain than wood structures.

To advertise in The Somers Record, call Paul Forhan at 914-202-2392 or email [email protected].

The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015

ADOPTION Warmhearted couple wishes to give unconditional love to an infant. Get to know us at [email protected] or 315-200-3559. A childless young married couple (she-30/he-37) seeks to adopt. Will be hands-on mom/devoted dad. Financial security. Expenses paid. Call/ text. Mary & Adam. 1-800790-5260. Unplanned Pregnancy? Caring licensed adoption agency provides financial and emotional support. Choose from loving preapproved families. Call Joy toll free 1-866-922-3678 or confidential email:Adopt @ Forever Families Through Adoption.org

AUTO Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting MakeA-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 315-4000797 Today! Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting MakeA-Wish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call 914-4684999 Today!

CAREERS WELDING CAREERS- Hands on training for career opportunities in aviation, automotive, manufacturing and more. Financial aid

LLC NOTICE

Notice of Formation of Spark Apps, LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 1/2/2015. Office Location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

for qualified students. Job placement assistance. CALL AIM 855-325-0399

EMPLOYMENT AVON Career or pocket money you decide Call Brandie (Ind Sls rep) 1-800305-3911 Or sign up online: www.startavon.com Reference code:gsim For award winning support

HELP WANTED AIRLINE CAREERS begin here Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance Technician training. Financial aid for qualified students. Housing available. Job placement assistance. Call AIM 866-296-7093

HOME IMPROVEMENT HAS YOUR BUILDING SHIFTED OR SETTLED? Contact Woodford Brothers Inc, for straightening, leveling, foundation and wood frame repairs at 1-800-OLD-BARN. www. woodfordbros.com. “Not applicable in Queens county”

LAND FOR SALE ABANDONED FARM ABSOLUTE LAND SELL OFF! 4 acres - Views - $17,900 6 acres - Stream - $24,900 Just west of Cooperstown! State Land, ponds, apple trees, woods! EZ terms! 888-9058847 NewYorkLandandLakes. com

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LOTS & ACREAGE BANK REPO’D! 10 acres$19,900! Awesome Mtn views, hardwoods, private bldg site, long rd frontage, utils!No liens or back taxes! Terms avail! Call 888-4793394 NOW!

MISCELLANEOUS SAWMILLS from only $4397.00- MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www. NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N

MUSICAL MERCHANDISE TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920’s thru 1980’s. Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins/ Banjos. 1-800-401-0440

Notice of Formation of Giving Retriever, LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 12/19/2014. Office Location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 11 Montrose Point Road, Montrose, NY 10548. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Services. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www. holidayoc.com

WANTED Cash for OLD Comics! Buying 10c and 12c comic books or MASSIVE quantities of after 1970 Also buying toys, sports, music and more! Call Brian: 1-800-6173551 CASH for Coins! Buying Gold & Silver. Also Stamps & Paper Money, Comics, Entire Collections, Estates. Travel to your home. Call Marc in NJ: 1-800-488-4175

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

DONATE YOUR CAR Wheels For Wishes benefiting

Hudson Valley *Free Vehicle/Boat Pickup ANYWHERE *We Accept All Vehicles Running or Not *100% Tax Deductible

WheelsForWishes.org

VACATION RENTALS

Unreserved public equipment auctions

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort

Notice of Formation of EMA Travel Services, LLC. Art. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/21/2014. Office Location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 70 Travis Road, Baldwin Place, NY 10505. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Call: (914) 468-4999

and suffered internal bleeding, hemorrhaging, required hospitalization or a loved one died while taking Xarelto between 2011 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727

Out of State: Sebastian, Florida Beautiful 55+ manufactured home community. 4.4 miles to the beach, Close to riverfront district. New models from $85,000. 772-581-0080, www. beach-cove.com

LLC FORMATION

x % Ta 100 tible uc Ded

IF YOU USED THE BLOOD THINNER XARELTO

REAL ESTATE

LEGAL NOTICES

LLC FORMATION

CLASSIFIEDS

Complete dispersal from Tetra Tech Construction (New York)

Albany, New York – Feb 25 Excavators, crawler tractors, wheel (Wed) | 8 am Notice of Formation of TP loaders, motor graders, motor 2736 State Hwy 30 Total Performance. Art. Of scrapers, compactors, loader backhoes, skid steers, generators, Gloversville, NY 12078 Org. filed with SSNY on Octrucks, trailers, pickups, shop tools tober 20th, 2014. Office LoFor more information call: & more. cation: Westchester County. 518.661.7307 Financing available! SSNY designated as agent of Rates as low as 3.95% the LLC upon whom process See complete listings at rbauction.com against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 89 West Way, Mount Kisco, NY 10549. Purpose: any Albany_Customized Newspaper Feb 9-15_New York_3.792x4 BW_00173.indd 1 15-01-30 lawful purpose. Putnam Humane Society

LLC FORMATION

946+ items including

Photo Submissions

Photos submitted to The Somers Record need to be high-resolution. Images that are submitted at a low resolution cannot be published. Submit photos to The Somers Record by the Thursday before the next publication date. Submissons can be emailed to somersrecord@ halstonmedia.com or mail it to The Somers Record, 3505 Hill Blvd., Suite G, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope if you’d like your photo returned.

Cutie Pie: This sweet girl really is a Cutie Pie. Her personality fits her name. Cutie Pie is probably the most affectionate cat you will ever meet. She loves to be loved! Putnam Humane Society, Old Rt. 6, Carmel; 845-225-7777; www.puthumane.org. Open 7 days a week from 10am-4:30pm

12:50 PM

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The Somers Record – Thursday, February 12, 2015