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October 18 - October 24, 2011
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SMALL NEWS IS BIG NEWS Volume 3, Issue 135
Ball to Cuomo: Get Your Fracks Straight Brewster Considers
By Kerry Barger kerry BarGer Photo had on the surrounding
Closing Garden
In contrast to the cool,
crisp air and the beautiful
c o m m u n i t y .
The senator also
Street Elem. School
sunshine outside Mount recommended By Faith Ann Butcher
Kisco Village Hall Monday, expanding the state’s High costs of operation and declining
state Sen. Greg Ball public comment enrollment have the Brewster Board of
delivered a heated speech period, which is set Education considering the closure of its
on hydraulic fracturing, to expire on Dec. 12, Garden Street School as early as the 2012-
calling on Gov. Andrew another 180 days. 2013 school year. The move is estimated
Cuomo to extend the Vowing to make to save the district at least $700,000.
state’s public hearing on fracking a nonpartisan A public hearing has been scheduled
the controversial method issue, Ball said both for 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at Henry
of extracting natural gas sides of the political H. Wells Middle School Auditorium. The
from the earth. spectrum are to school board is expected to vote on the
Also known as fracking, blame for the growing consolidation plan during a school board
Ball condemned the influence companies meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 26.
natural gas industry for hold over government, During a public meeting in January
the lack of precautionary which Ball said, doesn’t 2011, an architect from the firm KDG
measures it takes in have to do with party revealed that a building’s condition
safeguarding from lines, but with money survey found that four out of five of the
potential drilling errors, as and politics. Brewster schools were in satisfactory
well as the government for “Those that control condition—John F. Kennedy Elementary
its inefficiency in enforcing this industry have School, C.V. Starr Intermediate School,
regulations to protect undue influence at H. H. Wells Middle School and Brewster
private homeowners and State Sen. Greg Ball stands beside Pennsylvanian landowner craig l. Steven during Monday’s press the highest of levels, High School. Garden Street Elementary
others that utilize the land. conference on fracking. continued on page 12 continued on page 16
“[The fracking industry]
is on the precipice of receiving red carpet
treatment here in New York State,” Ball said.
“We saw just miles from our border, not far Garrison Students
from away here, what has happened with an
industry that has been greatly unregulated- Score $1,500
for Boston Trip
-many of the lessons that should’ve been
learned in Pennsylvania could save millions
of dollars for private property owners and
make sure that undue influence doesn’t result
in sportsmen, farmers and property owners on thursday, oct. 6, the Garrison School’s 8th
being abused by an extremely powerful grade class took to the field to play soccer against
industry.” the faculty and parents. the game is an annual
Coming off a recent trip to Bradford event held to raise money for the class field trip, this
County, Pa. with documentary filmmaker and year scheduled for Boston, Mass. in May. the event
“GASLAND” director Josh Fox, Ball urged was a big success with the eighth grade class not
Cuomo to take a trip to the state to witness only winning the exciting game with a score of 4-3,
firsthand the devastating affects fracking has but also raising over $1,500 towards the trip.
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2 October 18 - October 24, 2011 The Putnam Examiner
Out & About faith aNN Butcher PhotoS
Girls from Putnam and the surrounding counties came
local artists from the communties of Brewster and
out to Dutchess county Stadium on Sunday to help Girl
Southeast and other townships participated in the
Scouts heart of the hudson council kick off a year-long of
village's first annual sidewalk art show. artbeat, as it
celebrations honoring the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts
was appropriately named, allowed artists to showcase
uSa.
their work within the Village of Brewster. kerry BarGer PhotoS
www.TheExaminerNews.com October 18 - October 24, 2011 3
Lakeland Junior Commemorates Dogs After Life
By Kerry Barger construct two bridges that would be placed For Woofstock this past August, she
The Rainbow Bridge, in two fenced areas within Sycamore’s dog painted wooden dog bones and sold them
a poem that has become park. via a small donation. Dog owners could label
infamous in the pet “I feel like dogs are going to get a ton of them with the names of their beloved pets,
world, sets the scene of exercise from the bridges, I’m so happy to which Malandruccolo then nailed to the dog
one’s pet finding eternal see them running all over it,” Malandruccolo bridges she constructed for the park.
happiness in the afterlife. said. “I’m happy that this will give them an Between her love of animals and the timely
Like most pet lovers, the opportunity to get healthier.” work dedicated toward her Gold Award,
loss of a beloved cat or The 11-year Girl Scout, however, went Malandruccolo has exhibited diligent work
dog supplies us with a above and beyond the stipulations of her ethic and a heartfelt service to the greater
bounty of grief—a family Gold Award. After reading the Rainbow community.
member that doesn’t Bridge, Malandruccolo decided to expand “Most people say that once you’re a Girl
communicate through her effort into a commemorative project, Scout, you’re a Girl Scout for life after you
speech, but by love and giving pet owners a chance to honor their finish you’re gold award, so I just hope to
graditude to its owner. pets for lifetimes to come. continue helping out,” Malandruccolo said.
kerry BarGer Photo
“By the edge of a
woods, at the foot of lakeland high School junior and Mahopac resident Nicole Malandruccolo
a hill, is a lush, green stands beside the dog bridges at Sycamore Park she constructed with the
meadow where time help of lakeland lumber.
stands still,” the poem
reads. “Where the friends to play and exercise. Realizing that the
of man and woman do run, when their time addition would give an ordinary park some
on earth is over and done.” extra pep, Malandruccolo set her sights on
Inspired by this poem and her love Sycamore Park’s enclosed area devoted solely
of animals, Mahopac resident Nicole to man’s best friend. After receiving an email
Malandruccolo decided to dedicate her Girl from a Girl Scouts of America representative,
Scout Gold Award to dogs both in life and Malandruccolo’s troop leader notified her
in death. that she would not have the customary four
“I love dogs and I love animals, and I years to achieve her Gold Award. With a
couldn’t think of something to do and I deadline set for the end of December, the
called my aunt and she gave me the idea to Lakeland High School junior began her
refurbish a dog park or add something to it,” bridge-building process in April—giving her
Malandruccolo said. While visiting a dog just eight months to complete the process. 650 Lee Blvd, Yorktown Heights NY
park in Ossining, Malandruccolo noticed A donation from Lakeland Lumber gave
wooden bridges that gave the dogs a chance Malandruccolo the supplies she needed to
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4 October 18 - October 24, 2011 The Putnam Examiner
District Attorney Adam B. Levy to be Honored by NCADD/Putnam
The National Council on Alcoholism and built stronger cases, and found While generating proceeds from public efforts. Through the years, District
& Other Drug Dependencies/Putnam appropriate punishment for offenders to auctions, the primary purpose of the Attorney Levy has provided frequent
(NCADD) will be honoring District deter future criminal conduct. In 2009, Asset Forfeiture Unit is to provide law lectures to students and their parents
Attorney Adam B. Levy on Oct. 21 for his the number of DWI arrests fell for the enforcement with an additional tool at high schools, middle schools, PTA
exemplary contributions to alcohol and first time in four years, and decreased to help protect Putnam citizens from meetings and community organizations,
drug prevention in Putnam County. again to 2010, to 555 cases. To further harm by repeat drunk drivers. Putnam on the criminal and civil consequences
Since his start in 2008, District reduce the number of DWI offenses, the County’s program is so effective that it is of using drugs and alcohol, social host
Attorney Levy has worked to educate District Attorney established Putnam being implemented by other DA Offices liability, bullying in our schools, and
the community about the civil and County’s first Asset Forfeiture Unit, around the state. other pertinent topics that affect our
criminal consequences of driving while which seizes vehicles forfeited as a result District Attorney Levy is also being children.
intoxicated, improved DWI enforcement of convictions for felony-level DWIs. honored for his community outreach “The District Attorney’s contributions
to our community have improved the
quality of life in Putnam County. We are
so pleased to be honoring someone who
stands up for victims, is not afraid to
create and improve the way the criminal
justice system addresses those struggling
with addiction, and contributes so much
to substance abuse prevention in Putnam
County” stated Kristin McConnell,
Executive Director of the National
Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug
Dependencies/Putnam.
The luncheon will take place on Friday,
Oct. 21 at Arms Acres, 75 Seminary Hill
Road, Carmel, in Carmel. The luncheon
will begin at 12:30 p.m and feature a silent
auction and an awards presentation.
The Master of Ceremony will be Joseph
DeMarzo, Director of the Putnam County
Youth Bureau and Mental Health. The
keynote speaker will be County Court
Judge James Reitz.
Seating is limited and RSVP is required.
For more event details, please call 845-
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Mount Kisco Medical Group:
“MKMG has definitely benefited from advertising in The
Examiner. With the three different editions, we are able to
reach patients and potential patients in Putnam and
Westchester Counties. The Examiner is a GREAT paper with
GREAT people behind it!”
Michael’s Garden Gate Nursery, Mt. Kisco:
"For our 1 cent sale we dropped other media and put all of our
advertising dollars with The Examiner. We are very happy with
the results and will continue to use The Examiner
as our primary media vehicle."
Oliver’s Restaurant, Katonah:
"Just a quick note to thank you for your papers great results in
bringing our restaurant many new guests. As we are local and
draw mostly from a five mile radius, your papers are a perfect
way for us to reach our neighbors.”
SMALL NEWS IS BIG NEWS
advertising@theexaminernews.com
www.theexaminernews.com
914-864-0878
www.TheExaminerNews.com October 18 - October 24, 2011 5
Katz Announces Funding Option for Clean Water Opportunities
By Faith Ann Butcher faith aNN Butcher Photo City’s Department of Environmental assistance and grant opportunities.
Assemblyman Steve Katz Protection and the state’s Department “It’s a one-stop application that opens the
announced that he has identified of Conservation. The $50 million door to a variety of revenue sources to help
“outside of the box” funding is expected to cover the costs of the fund some of these expensive projects so that
opportunities for lake improvement mandates for the first five-year phase. taxpayers aren’t further burdened,” Katz said.
projects and other proposals The second phase is expected to Katz announced the opportunity as part
related to the municipal separate cost over $450 million and no specific of his “HealthyLakes” initiative, a measure
sewer stormwater systems (MS4) funding sources have yet to be secured. he is working on with local officials to
requirements for communities in The coalition is in its third year of the help mitigate costs and problems with
the 99th Assembly District. 5-year phase. the federally-imposed MS4 mandate. The
Katz is encouraging use of an In reference to Lake Shenorock, assemblyman has been particularly engaged
interest-free revolving loan program which has not been identified as an and vocal about finding alternative solutions
to help communities with up-front MS4-related project Murphy said and funding opportunities.
costs for projects without having Westchester County gave the town “While we continue to challenge the
to raise funds through taxes. He $100,000 to conduct a study on federal government on the necessity of this
suggests using the interest accrued Lake Shenorock and its surrounding mandated project, and to encourage New
from the banked East of Hudson assemblyman katz was joined by yorktown councilman terrence community to see what remediation York City to fund the majority of this project,
funds to repay the loans. Murphy and Somers Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy at his “healthy efforts would be possible. I will not allow the costs to be passed along
“In this day and age, with lakes” initiative press conference last week. The privately owned lake in to taxpayers,” Katz said. “Especially when
government budgets as well as possession of a defunct homeowners we have yet to consider each and every
household budgets scraping the once a source of drinking water, as well as association and has been an issue of opportunity, like the EFC’s Clean Water loan
bottom of the barrel, coupled with the to help neighboring communities offset the contention in the Shenorock community. program.”
economic crunch, we need to explore estimated $500 million cost of the federally- Some residents unsuccessfully tried to gather The federally-mandated MS4 project
every avenue to fund the big government- mandated MS4 regional storm water project. enough signatures to convert the community aims to reduce the levels of phosphorous
mandated projects that taxpayers cannot “This sounds very interesting,” Somers into a special park district that would tax the in the Croton Watershed, which accounts
afford,” Katz said. “The Environmental Town Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy said. residents the cost to rehabilitate and maintain for roughly 10 percent of New York City’s
Facility Corporation’s Clean Water Revolving Murphy is also the chairwoman of the East of the lake. drinking water.
Loan Fund is a creative, ‘outside the box’ Hudson Coalition. “We will see how this will Murphy did not know if the interest earned The EFC’s Clean Water Revolving Loan
opportunity to help fund individual, local, play out with coordinating this with the funds from the East of Hudson funds, which is Fund was created in the late 1990s with
and regional water projects - including both we will be getting to do the MS4 retrofits.” already allocated for MS4-related projects, funding provided by New York City to
the individual and local projects in and The coalition, which is made up of 15 towns could be used to repay a loan for Shenorock. protect and maintain their drinking water
around Lake Shenorock as well as the regional and villages that includes Putnam County, Katz said because of a consolidation reserves east of the Hudson River. To date, the
MS4 storm water mandate.” has about $50 million put aside from monies form, if an individual organization or local fund has at least $1.36 million still available
Katz urged the Town of Somers to use funds collected through the 1997 East of Hudson government applies for EFC revolving loans, through the end of this fiscal year to award
from this program to afford improvement funds that were awarded to Westchester and the application is automatically entered into in loans.
projects in and around the lake, which was Putnam counties and funds from New York consideration for other government funding,
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6 October 18 - October 24, 2011 The Putnam Examiner
The Editorial
Putnam Examiner
adam Stone
Embracing Purple Throughout October
astone@theexaminernews.com Known primarily as Breast Cancer violence each year, a shaky statistic due to who need it the most. Whether it’s the pink
Publisher Awareness month, another important cause the many instances where the violence goes ribbon, or the red ribbon, or the purple
laura Markowski has taken aim at October. Similar to its pink unreported to a legal authority. ribbon, a green shirt or a yellow scarf, by
lmarkowski@theexaminernews.com cousin, purple has painted the doorsteps In order to combat the hidden injuries that simply conveying your support through any
Associate Publisher of the community in support of domestic many women face on a daily basis, it is crucial type of symbol, you are letting others know
Peter Stone violence awareness. to focus on local, immediate avenues of help. that there is a community of people ready to
pstone@theexaminernews.com On Sept. 16, the Putnam/Northern The Women’s Resource Center, for instance, catch them if they happen fall. These are the
Chief Financial Officer Westchester Women’s Resource Center offers a variety of services that have helped dynamics the form true connections between
Peter Gerken hosted a breakfast kickoff event, launching women that can no longer helps themselves. neighbors, classmates and residents of all
pgerken@theexaminernews.com its ‘Go Purple’ campaign and catapulting the For the past 30 years, the center has kinds.
Director of Operations topic of domestic violence to the forefront of provided information resources, skills
Jeff ohlbaum
johlbaum@theexaminernews.com
Community Outreach Director
Nina harrison
community discussion in Putnam. County
Executive Paul Eldridge spoke about a
family member’s personal struggle with a
violent relationship. District Attorney Adam
Levy reminisced about his time as rookie
workshops and professional counseling,
giving women an outlet to get their lives back
on track and onto their truest path. Its 24-
hour hotline has given women a life raft to
hold on to when times don’t seem so bright.
pWeekly
r Web Poll
nharrison@theexaminernews.com
Account Executive prosecutor, taking on cases dealing with These services are what makes the Putnam/ Last week's poll question: Should
domestic violence and battling an archaic Northern Westchester Women’s Resource government employees have to
Patty Winters legal system that was unprepared and ill- Center an absolute necessity for families contribute toward their health
pwinters@theexaminernews.com
Account Executive equipped for such cases. looking to establish beneficial relationships. benefits?
Here we are, about one month later, with the The center is also hosting its annual benefit
Results:
faith ann Butcher need to generate a dialogue about domestic concert, “A Woman’s Voice,” on Friday,
Yes - 100 percent
fbutcher@theexaminernews.com violence awareness more important than Oct. 28 at the Town Crier Café in Pawling.
Editor-in-Chief No - 0 percent
ever. According to the Domestic Violence The proceeds will go toward benefiting the
kerry Barger Resource Center, a national organization nonprofit’s services and the 4,000 individuals This week’s poll question:
kbarger@theexaminernews.com committed to empowering families to sustain it aids each year. Should NY State add safeguards to
Assistant Editor healthy relationships, 25 percent of women Though you or a family member or protect property owners from natural
Nicole Gallagher have experienced domestic violence in their friend may not directly suffer from a violent gas companies that hydrofrack?
nikki@theexaminernews.com lifetime—moreover, between 600,000 and relationship or intimate partner abuse, it Visit www.theexaminernews.com
Community Calendar Editor 6 million are victims of intimate partner is important to express solidarity to those today to vote.
Neal rentz
nrentz@theexaminernews.com
Reporter
Letters
ray Gallagher Open Letter to Candidates and Their Supporters
rgallagher@theexaminernews.com
Sports Editor Dear Editor: town. The meetings were not televised and posting, be a man or woman and take credit.
With November fast approaching our trees blogs did not exist. After the meetings they Stand in front of the deli and hand out your
rebecca Bertoldi will soon light up the streets and hillsides went to a local establishment for a beer, their words of wisdom, let everyone know how
rbertoldi@theexaminernews.com with an explosion of color. The cooler days families socialized on weekends and yes they you feel and candidates take ownership for all
Designer
allow us to rake the falling leaves, finish even conversed during election season. They your supporters, they are a reflection on you.
Dina Spalvieri those landscaping projects and get out and were gentlemen, they fought for their beliefs, This letter is not aimed at any one candidate
dspalvieri@theexaminernews.com enjoy New York in all its glory. It is also but it never became personal and families or supporter, but rather all candidates for
Ad Designer the campaign season with signs on every were never part of the equation. public office and their supporters. We live in
corner, candidates at the local deli handing Stealing signs, well yes that is part of the the greatest country in the world and have a
Examiner Media also publishes out pamphlets about why we should vote for game, both parties are guilty to a degree, freedom second to none, let’s go back to the
them. Ads in the papers, letters to the Editor but as a candidate take ownership of your days when politician was not a bad word and
written by a supporter and signed by another campaign. When a coward posts a personal friends could disagree, shake hands and work
neutral party. Now we have the Internet, attack at a local deli, it is your responsibility toward the betterment of our town.
blogs and web sites to further endorse our to find the person and stop their actions. This When this election is over, I would advise
The Northern Westchester favorites. But why has the gentleman and lady goes for all candidates in every race across the defeated to call the victor and congratulate
Examiner politician disappeared!
My family has been involved in politics and
our beautiful town for several generations.
this town and this country. Read the letters,
go to the blogs and remember everything that
is published, all the rumors that are spread, all
him or her and offer to work trogether. Do
this in private and in public and yes it would
be nice if you really mean you are willing to
The White Plains I am proud to say that my father was an the ads that are printed are yours and reflect work for the betterment and taxpayers of
Examiner assessor and then councilman for years.
When he was a democratic councilman,
directly on you and your campaign.
As to the cowards that post anonymous
Putnam Valley. Afterall I thought that is the
reason you ran in the first place or maybe I
Sam Oliverio’s father was a republican blogs, do not sign the letters that they wrote should just go back to “never never land.”
The councilman. They fought at each town board or sneak a notice on a bulletin board at a local Phil Keating
Putnam Examiner meeting for what they felt was best for their store, if you believe in what you are writing or Putnam Valley
PO Box 611, Mount Kisco, NY 10549 Lynne Eckardt is a Concerned Citizen
914-864-0878 Dear Editor, audience. We can always expect Lynne Southeast needs to have a balanced Town
www.TheExaminerNews.com I have attended meetings of the Southeast to ask intelligent questions and make Board with different points of view. As a
Town Board for over five years. There have worthwhile suggestions on a wide variety responsible small business owner, Cathie
Member of been many changes during this time. The of topics. Her thoughtful and well-written Sloat would put her fiscal discipline and a
meetings moved from the basement of Old recaps of Town Board meetings have been valuable perspective to work for the best
Town Hall on Main Street in the Village of very helpful. Indeed, her deep concern and interests of the residents.
Brewster to a new town hall on Route 22, knowledge of town affairs is unmatched. It I will be very pleased to vote for Lynne
To advertise in The Putnam Examiner, and the membership of the Town Board is time for the voters in Southeast to show Eckardt and Cathie Sloat on Election Day.
call 914-864-0878 changed completely. But one thing has their support for better government by Bradley D. Schwartz
or e-mail remained constant: the presence of Lynne moving Lynne from a seat in the audience Southeast
advertising@theexaminernews.com Eckardt as a concerned citizen in the to a seat on the Town Board.
www.TheExaminerNews.com October 18 - October 24, 2011 7
Letters
Putnam Valley Highway Superintendent Race Lynne Eckardt & Cathie Sloat for SE Town Board
Dear Editor: It is commendable that Mr. Cobb Dear Editor, a disproportionate amount of sales tax and
I strongly support Gary Wulfhop is calling out to young voters for their I recently read Southeast Town Board gets little in return. Our town suffers the wear
as the next Putnam Valley Highway support. However, it is important to candidate's Lynne Eckardt and Cathie and tear on our roads, the inconvenience of
Superintendent. It is obvious that Putnam realize that youthful citizens may not be Sloat's proposals for helping our budget increased traffic and yet we get little in the
Valley needs strong leadership and a in possession of all the facts, and may woes and I was very impressed. While way of sustainable jobs. Despite this we pay
change from the “good old boy” methods make their choices based on appearances cutting waste is always essential Lynne and a lion's share of Putnam County's windfall
of the past. We are at a turning point in or personalities rather than the issues and Cathie have come up with plans to increase sales tax. On Nov. 8, I'm proudly voting for
the Town’s history requiring new blood concerns important to the community as our revenue stream. Increasing revenue is Lynne Eckardt and Cathie Sloat because I
and an infusion of fresh ideas. Gary is well a whole. innovative and, wonder of wonders; both believe that if we want to change business as
qualified to lead the Highway Department. Gary has spent the last five years pursuing candidates were specific in an age where usual in Southeast we have to elect in those
He was handpicked by the Town Board to state of the art technical knowledge and specifics are usually conveniently ignored. candidates with the best ideas. Lynne and
aid Mr. Smith in doing so, and did. Gary’s becoming familiar with New York State’s Lynne Eckardt has proposed lobbying the Cathie are those candidates.
recent handling of storm damage during challenging regulatory environment. It is County Legislature to share sales tax. As Ed Murray
and after Hurricane Irene reflects his imperative that we elect a competent, well she astutely points out, Southeast provides Southeast
excellent organizational and managerial informed leader to this important position,
skills. rather than a long term yard man. Southeast Town Council
I would agree that his opponent, Mr. When we go to the polls on November
Cobb is a fine person; however I cannot 8, please give Gary Wulfhop your full Dear Editor, PRESTIGIOUS GRANT FOR BUSINESS
understand why anyone in these difficult support. He stands for everything needed Think of the possible: AND TOURISM
economic times would choose him as in our town, including consistency, strong TOWN OF SOUTHEAST
Putnam Valley’s Highway Superintendent. management and fiscal accountability. I TOWN OF SOUTHEAST AWARDED RECREATION PROGRAM FOR
Gary’s wealth of management and planning encourage all voters to turn out and choose NATIONAL AWARD FOR FISCAL SENIORS AND FAMILIES WINS STATE
experience, both in the private sector as him over his opponent. RESPONSIBILITY RECOGNITION
a small business owner and his past five Julie G. Sills TOWN OF SOUTHEAST DECLARED The Solution:
years as Deputy Highway Superintendent, Southeast ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S BEST Vote for LYNNE ECKARDT and
make him the clear choice. SMALL TOWNS CATHIE SLOAT for a new beginning on
TOWN OF SOUTHEAST ......A the Southeast Town Council. Together,
Praise For NYS Senator Greg Ball DESTINATION FOR THE ARTS let’s build a new vision for our community.
TOWN OF SOUTHEAST PRAISED Vote Row A or “We the People” on
Dear Editor, his office, Senator Ball called me directly and FOR OPEN GOVERNMENT AND Tuesday, Nov. 8. We can do it!
My name is Brian Avery. I am an Active advised that he would make our daughter's CIVILITY J.A.Keyes
Duty Senior Master Sergeant with the New care his priority. True to his word, within an TOWN OF SOUTHEAST AWARDED Brewster
York Air National Guard at Stewart Air hour of our conversation, several members
National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y. of the Senator's staff were in contact with
I would like to share with you a recent myself and my wife offering assistance in
experience my family had with Senator any way possible.
Greg Ball and his staff. Senator Ball and his staff made countless
My active duty medical insurance for phone calls to every agency that could
family coverage is provided by TRICARE, possibly help with our dilemma. They left
and its sub-contractor Health Net Federal no stone unturned. Calls were pouring in
Services. Recently, our daughter, age 14, was from all over New York State from agencies
diagnosed with a mental illness that required offering help. Within two days of Senator
an acute care level of hospitalization, Ball's intervention on our behalf, Health
followed by several months of care in a Net Federal Services reversed their original
residential treatment facility. decision and approved our daughter's
As most of you know, health insurance treatment.
companies are not very compassionate Senator Ball and his staff saw our daughter
and even less cooperative during times of for what she is, a child in need. No judgment,
health crisis. TRICARE/Health Net Federal no hesitation, just help and concern for her
Services is no different. Our daughter's care well-being and for our family.
was denied. After call upon call, moving up We would like to express our deepest
the "food chain" of the insurance company’s thanks and gratitude to Senator Greg Ball
senior management, we got nowhere. Our and his staff, Ali Skinner, Jim Coleman,
claims and appeal were denied. We are a Dan Branda, Patricia Simone and all those
hard-working family, not rich by any means, behind the scenes helping our family.
and could not afford the tens of thousands GREG BALL FOR NEW YORK - it
of dollars treatment would have cost if our doesn't get any truer than that.
health insurance would not cover our claim. Brian L. Avery
My family and I were exhausted of fighting Yorktown
for the proper health care for our daughter.
Dealing with such a huge health issue
is bad enough, when it’s your child that is
hurt, it’s even worse. As a parent you feel
Letters Policy
helpless. Unfortunately, mental health is We invite readers to share their thoughts by
such a taboo subject that you don't know sending letters to the editor. Please limit comments
where to turn for help. You don't want your to 250 words. We will do our best to print all letters,
but are limited by space constraints. Letters are
child labeled or to have any stigma due to a
subject to editing and may be withheld from
medical condition that is so misjudged by publication on the discretion of the editor.
the public. Please refrain from personal attacks. Email
Putting fears aside, I contacted Senator letters to fbutcher@theexaminernews.com.
Greg Ball's office hoping for some guidance. The Putnam Examiner requires that all letter
Within fifteen minutes of my phone call to writers provide their name, address and contact
information.
8 October 18 - October 24, 2011 The Putnam Examiner
Teen Reaches Out to WWII Vets to Tell Their History
By Martin Wilbur Lowenstein turned to was his maternal had their doors or
After Dick Lowenstein passed away last grandfather, Jack Bassok, also a World living rooms adorned
October at 90 years old, his grandson, Brad, War II veteran--and northern Westchester with American flags.
soon realized that the companionship of a American Legion posts, he began doing the However, there are
loved one wouldn't be the only void in his leg work to set up meetings and interviews certain graphic details
life. to capture the veterans' thoughts on the war, most want to avoid
Following the funeral, Lowenstein heard their service and their life. talking about even
some of his grandfather's war stories for the "It's really nice because they're really happy almost seven decades
first time. The elder Lowenstein served in the to talk to somebody about their story," said after their service.
Air Force during World War II and if relatives Lowenstein, who enjoys studying and reading "They like to talk.
hadn't made an effort to talk to him over the about history. "I talk to them not only about They don't like to talk
years and remember some of the stories, the the war but what they did afterwards and about certain things
details would have been lost forever. they really like to talk about that." but they do like to
"After that I realized it isn't something that He said once he works through the initial talk," Lowenstein
just my family is going to have to experience, awkwardness the veterans usually open said. "Most of them
but the whole community wants these up and enjoy their conversation. Some are getting up there in
stories," said Lowenstein, 17, an Armonk have suspiciously asked him whether he's age. It's nice for them
resident and a Byram Hills High School soliciting them, but once the ice is broken to have someone to Brad lowenstein was inspired to collect experiences from the veterans
senior. "If you look down your road I'm sure the interviews, usually 30 to 45 minutes each, talk to." community after the death of his grandfather one year ago.
you have five veterans, maybe on your block progress well. His mother, Carol, World War II veterans, but didn't rule out
or something, and you never really talk to "At first, it's a little bit hard, but once you said she was thrilled when she learned her including those who served in Korea and
them." explain to them I don't want any money, I son had decided to undertake the project, in Vietnam later on.
During the past year, Lowenstein has just want to talk to you, I can do it at your part because the stories hit home, particularly "That's the population that needs to be
launched a project called "Hear Your convenience, things like that. Once you with her own father. If that was the case with talked to as soon as possible," Lowenstein
History," where he began arranging explain yourself, they're happy to talk," her family, then others would probably find said. "I don't want to say anything bad but
interviews with World War II veterans to Lowenstein said. interviews with their relatives equally as time's running out for World War II veterans
record their stories in their own voice. He Regardless of the branch of service or enlightening. so it's important to get them first if you have
created a website, www.hearyourhistory. the theater where the veterans served, "I had heard most of the stories before but the ability to get them."
com, and has uploaded the recordings, some Lowenstein has noticed a few common there were things that were new to me," she Through his website he's also reaching out
with video, that he has completed so far. threads. The veterans he has spoken to all said. "It was a really touching moment." to the public and community organizations,
As of earlier this month, Lowenstein had downplay their roles in the war, whether they Lowenstein said he plans to add to his hoping to encourage teenagers to participate
conducted eight interviews, although due to made a seemingly minor contribution or had interviews throughout the remainder of his as well. Lowenstein said he would also accept
a technical glitch one recording was lost and stormed the beach at Normandy. They are senior year at Byram Hills and hopefully recordings from residents.
he wrote and posted a summary. all extremely modest. Also, they all remain continue when he goes away to college next For more information or to contact
With the help of his family--the first person fervently patriotic. Those he visited at home year. For now, he's limiting the interviews to Lowenstein, visit www.hearyourhistory.com.
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DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE PUTNAM VALLEY HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT
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The opinions contained in this advertisement are those of its author and do not necessarily reflect the view of The Examiner Media. Pd. Political Adv.
www.TheExaminerNews.com October 18 - October 24, 2011 9
Local History Explored in Book ‘Around Cold Spring’
By Faith Ann Butcher Museum in Cold Spring, uses imagery Most of the images in the book were taken churches.
Despite their small populations, Cold from the late 19th and early 20th centuries between 1880 and 1930 and some have never Grace has her doctorate degree in art
Spring and the neighboring communities to explore the local lore. She was able to been shown to the general public before. history from Graduate School and University
of Garrison and Nelsonville have rich and not only use the knowledge she has gained The book covers an array of topics from Center of the City University of New York.
diverse histories. In the latest release by from preparing exhibitions for the PCHS riverside recreational and commercial She is an adjunct professor at the Fashion
Arcadia Publishing, “Around Cold Spring” and the historical society’s catalogues and activities to celebrations to the weaponry at Institute of technology in New York City,
author Dr. Trudie A. Grace compiles in cataloguing the museum’s collection, she forged at the West Point Foundry. specializing in 19th and 20th century art.
chapters-worth of photos, prints and had permission to use some of the images. Cold Spring is considered a National The 128-page book is available at area
postcards to help tell the stories of the how In fact, over half of the pictures in the book Historic District. The book contains 19 bookstores, independent and online
life once was within the Town of Philipstown. were from the collection of the PCHS. The photos buildings and sites that are featured retailers or through Arcadia Publishing at
Grace, the curator of the Putnam County others were contributed by 19 other private on the national historic registry. There are arcadiapublishing.com.
Historical Society & Foundry School collections. also pictures of estates, farms, schools and
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Comes to Kent
The Putnam County Joint Veterans responders. about 4 p.m. and then leave Route 684 at Smith (ret.), Putnam County Executive
Council (PC JVC) has arranged to bring There are educational exhibits Exit 10, Brewster, shortly after. Paul Eldridge, PCJVC Chairman Peter
a traveling wall to the Putnam County including images and profiles of the The escort will accompany the vehicles Pennelle, and Director of Putnam County
Veterans Memorial Park on Gypsy Trail American presidents and reproductions through the Village of Brewster, across Veterans Services Karl Rohde.
Road in Kent, New York from Thursday of our important founding documents. Route 6 to Lake Gleneida, then through On Friday night at 6 p.m., there will
Oct. 20 to Sunday Oct. 23. Admission is free and all funding for the the hamlet of Carmel to Route 301 and on be a prisoner of war (POW) ceremony
The American Veterans Travelling project was provided by generous donors. to Gypsy Trail Road. Residents and local beginning with an explanation of the
Tribute (AVTT - http://www.AVTT.org) The massive truck and trailer carrying business people are encouraged to come setting of the ritual POW Table, followed
created an 80 percent scale model of the the American Veterans Traveling Tribute out to greet the procession, waving flags by imprisoning a man in a reproduction
Washington, D.C. Vietnam Veterans wall to the site will be met by a formal escort and cheering the participants. POW cage of bamboo, similar to ones
Memorial Wall, the largest available at the rest stop on the northbound side The exhibits will be available for viewing actually used to imprison and torture
anywhere at about 360 feet in length and of Route 684 between Croton Falls [Exit for four days beginning with an opening American POWs in North Vietnam. There
about 8 feet in height at the center. In 8] and Brewster [Exit 10] on Wednesday ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. will be two men in the cage for 24 hours,
addition, the Cost of Freedom Tribute afternoon, Oct. 19. The Putnam County Participants for the opening include Master ending about 6 p.m. on Saturday.
contains memorials for each war from Sheriff 's Department, bikers from New Sergeant Mary Kay Messenger, vocalist The Ninham Mountain Singers will
the American Revolution to the current York State's Chapter 3 of Rolling Thunder, for the West Point Band; the Marine present an hour-long performance
conflict in Afghanistan, for the victims of and a motorcycle contingent from the Corps Honor Guard and the West Point beginning at 6 p.m. on Saturday. The
Sept. 11, the Fort Hood murders and for Putnam County Fraternal Order of Police Honor Guard. There will be introductory Closing Ceremony for the event will begin
lost firefighters, law enforcers and all first [FOP] will depart from the rest stop at remarks by Brigadier General Donald B. after noon on Sunday.
10 October 18 - October 24, 2011 The Putnam Examiner
Is It OK for My 13-Year-Old to Watch Kid Shows?
Question from a Parent: own worlds and into a more accommodations that will explain that while she likes it, most children
My daughter is a 13 year old, fairly high social and communicative help them be successful. her age are more interested in other shows.
functioning kid with autism. She frequently world. Of course, these Sometimes something This may or may not influence her desires or
watches TV shows that are well below therapies are crucial for as simple as a change behaviors but, again, it helps her understand
her age, for ex, Telletubbies and Barney. helping individuals on in lighting can make or herself. Together you can discuss how she
We encourage her to watch more age- the spectrum reach their break a person’s ability to feels about having younger preferences.
appropriate shows which she does mostly, potentials, but therapy do their job. Children and adults with autism are
but several times a week she wants to watch and even general day- Your concerns are often creative and appreciate aspects of
the other shows. I would prefer she watches to-day interactions can understandable. Clearly, the environment that neurotypical people
material that will help her understand social feel like work, even when you want your daughter to do not. They do see the world differently
situations a little better. Should I not allow it is rewarding. It is spend her time engaging and as we strive to help them fit in to the
her to watch the younger programming? important for individuals in meaningful activities normative world, we should also try to see
Why does she continue to watch this? Will to have activities they that will benefit her. As things from their perspectives. It is difficult
she outgrow it? find comforting and not long as her television time but imperative for parents to achieve a
Answer: overwhelming. You don’t is limited, you can think balance between helping children fit in
Many parents are concerned when their want them to become lost of her time watching these while maintaining a unique and true sense
children have interests that are young for in these activities, but it is By Jamie Black shows as beneficial to her of self.
their age. Particularly when children have OK for them to engage in in some respects. You Jaime earned her doctorate in clinical
special needs, immature interests raise them. want to be careful not to judge her, though psychology from Yeshiva University. She
concerns and fears parents have about Do you know what your daughter likes you can nudge her in the right direction and, works in a private practice in New York City
developmental progress. It is very common about these shows? Could it be the colors, as I mentioned previously, use the shows to doing psychotherapy and evaluations. Jaime’s
for individuals on the autism spectrum to voices, etc.? You can use these favorite shows engage her in conversation. Also, you can specialty is in working with individuals
have special interests. Sometimes these as tools to open up conversation. Make the explain that Barney, for example, isn’t the of all ages on the autism spectrum. www.
interests appear immature and other times show about more than passive television kind of show she will want to watch when spectrumservicesnyc.com. JaimeBlackPsyD@
they are well beyond their years. In either watching. You can let her watch and then friends are over. Without judgment, you can gmail.com. 914-712-8208.
case, special interests serve to comfort ask her what she likes about it. If she can’t
individuals. This is true for both children
and adults. Anyone who knows a person on
articulate it, you can help her, which will
aide her ability to categorize her preferences. Help Available for Women in Transition
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www.TheExaminerNews.com October 18 - October 24, 2011 11
12 October 18 - October 24, 2011 The Putnam Examiner
Ball to Cuomo: Get Your Fracks Straight of Marcellus Patriots for Land Rights, was
among the roughly 30 people who traveled
clean water, fertile land and clean air and
I’m not going to be the one on my watch
Continued from Page 1 from western New York and Pennsylvania to that poisons it so my children, the seventh
whether it be a Republican president or a landowners. Under Ball’s law, such provisions voice their opposition toward fracking within generation, can’t even come to visit it.”
Democratic governor, and they’re going to do include mandatory water and soil testing, the state. Stevens referred to his region as In an effort to continue the discussion, Ball
anything they can do to push hurdles out of reimbursements to owners for negligence “The Alamo,” a breaking point between the will be hosting a “GASLAND” screening at
the way,” Ball said. “We’ve got to stop this.” and power to municipalities to enact their people and the natural gas industry set in a the Peekskill Neighborhood Center with Fox
In addition to his demands, Ball is also own forms of local laws regarding oil, gas and national spotlight. and Frack Action co-founder Claire Sandberg
lobbying for the passage of his Property solution mining. “This industry has a lot of lawyers, and this Saturday, Oct. 22 at 1:30 p.m.
Owner’s Bill of Rights legislation, which Craig L. Stevens, a sixth generation they’re full of liars,” Stevens said. “My five “Sen. Greg Ball is one of the only politicians
contains specific mandates to protect landowner from Silver Lake, Pa. and a member generations before me did pass my land with on either side of the aisle who has the heart to
actually go and see firsthand the horrific and
abusive conditions the gas fracking industry
is forcing on citizens and one of the only
public servants with the convictions and the
guts to stand up to the gas industry,” Fox said
in an official statement. “Touring the gas land
of Pennsylvania should be required of every
New York representative.”
Carmel PD Nabs
Burglary Ring
By Kerry Barger
On Wednesday, Oct. 5, a homeowner
returning to her house on Woodland Court
at 1:50 p.m. noticed a pickup truck parked
her driveway and a male walking from the
back of her residence. Upon seeing the
man, the homeowner immediately drove
to Carmel Police headquarters to report
the incident to officers.
Police units immediately responded to
the scene and upon entering the residence,
they noticed the rear glass door was open.
At the same time, Sgt. Gary Johanson and
Detective Robert Bagnarol saw a male
subject with muddy shoes exiting the
woods near the house.
The subject, who was later identified as
23-year-old Paul Plateroti, gave officers
conflicting stories of what he was doing
in the area and why is he was exiting the
woods. Upon comparison of Plateroti’s
shoes, officers discovered they matched
the muddy footprints found within the
homeowner’s house. Plateroti admitted
to entering the home, and implicated
a second suspect—23-year-old Bruce
Tebbens—who had fled in the truck upon
the homeowner’s arrival. The truck was
later found at Tebbens’ residence and
impounded.
A stakeout of Tebbens’ home led to
his arrest at a traffic stop. Tebbens was
allegedly in possession of a stolen big
screen television and iMac computer—
two items that were allegedly taken from
a residence on Shear Hill Road on Oct.
4. Additional items were secured via a
search warrant that was issued. Further
questioning of the subjects revealed that
they had committed at least three separate
burglaries in Mahopac, with the third
residence that was burglarized being
located on Ryan Court.
Both defendants are currently charged
with two count of Burglary in the second
degree, Grand Larceny in the third degree
and Possession of Stolen Property in the
third degree. They were arraigned by Town
Justice Joseph Spofford and remanded to
the Putnam County Jail in lieu of $250,000
bail and are scheduled to appear in court
on Oct. 24 at 6 p.m.
www.TheExaminerNews.com October 18 - October 24, 2011 13
e
s
Busines ek Exciting Expressions
of the W Patterson
By Kerry Barger kerry BarGer Photo necessities with commodities, the items
Tucked away in a small plaza located within her store are typically the first to be
on Route 311 in Patterson lives a store cut in a person’s budget, Amato said.
that transforms the ordinary into the “They’re novelties, they’re extras,” Amato
extraordinary—where normal people can said. “People need food more than they
escape from their daily lives, with costumes, need a balloon or a favor for a party, so
accessories and other gifts helping to dress unfortunately the things that I sell are the
up life. first to go.”
One of the few locally-owned gift stores By maintaining competitive prices in
in Putnam County, Exciting Expressions check with larger commercial party stores,
is filled wall-to-wall and from ceiling to however, Amato has been able to keep in
floor with a wide variety of party pieces, touch with the needs of the community.
decorations and seasonal costumes. Now Despite Exciting Expressions’ small
stocked with ghoulish gear for Halloween, storefront, Amato keeps a large inventory
the store is the place to go for small available in the back of the store.
gatherings at home to major celebrations With a growing stock of balloons, flowers,
like Thanksgiving or Christmas. goodie bags and so much more, Amato
“My husband and I moved up to Patterson keeps her focus on her customers and her
about seven years ago from Westchester,” connection to the community. Though
said owner Jackie Amato. “Stores like mine exciting expressions owner Jackie amato stands amongst a jungle of costumes, accessories and other she works hard to put the best products
are a dime-a-dozen down there—there’s a novelty items available at her store on route 311 in Patterson. forward, Amato emphasizes the importance
place to go for gifts, flowers, balloons and of keeping her customers happy.
things like that and there weren’t stores like been the one, as long as I can remember the products. “The public needed the paper “It’s about pleasing the customer,” Amato
them in Putnam.” between my family and previous jobs, to goods, the goodie bags, the balloons—all of said. “When I can make something happen
A former financial planner, Amato be the person coordinating events,” Amato that really came from customers’ requests for somebody, when they come to my store
opened Exciting Expressions three-and-a- said. “If somebody was getting married, I and we wanted to give them what they and they say ‘you’re probably not going to
half years ago and will celebrate her fourth would take over things and pull everything wanted,” Amato said. “We were really doing be able to help me, I’ve been looking all over
anniversary at 1072 Route 311 in March. together for whoever it was.” what the population was asking for and for’ whatever that may be and I’m able to
Her lifelong passion of taking matters into Amato initially envisioned Exciting that’s really how the store evolved. put something together for them—it’s pretty
her own hands when it comes to events Expressions as part-gift store, part-event Faced with an unstable economy, Amato rewarding.”
helped her make a career transition from planning operation. Realizing the void of a admitted one of the biggest challenges of For more information about Exciting
the finance world. community novelty store in the immediate owning her business is the uncertainty Expressions, contact Jackie Amato at 845-
“For the most part, I kind of always have area, Amato began to narrow her focus on of the market. Because people prioritize 878-3011.
14 October 18 - October 24, 2011 The Putnam Examiner
Surprises Revealed in the “Uptick” in Home Sales
Sometimes reporting the dry statistics it. However, the association’s low interest rates made the high numbers is that more than half the
of home sales released by the Westchester/ report was that the direction Westchester and Putnam real homes sold were priced over $1 million. In
Putnam Association of Realtors (WPAR) of the market appeared to estate more affordable than the second quarter, the number of homes
can be tedious, especially when the news
isn't good. But I always try to find the back
be improving and, on a
seasonally adjusted basis, the
The at any time in some years,
thereby turning some of the
sold jumped to 27 with an average selling
price of $903,241 and a median price of
story of these reports of why homes are
selling. Or, as is the case in the past few
third quarter sales ran at a
rate of 5 percent ahead of the Home pent-up demand into real
sales.
$745,000, reflecting the fact that less than
one-third of the homes were over $1 million.
years, not selling.
When released late last week, this
year's third quarter report fascinated me,
prior quarter.
Taking all nine months into
consideration and forecasting
Guru Another factor that augurs
well for our market is the
increase in sales activity in
By the third quarter, sales jumped to 37 units,
with an average selling price of $880,952 and
a median price of $840,250.
especially when analyzing sales more locally for the balance of the year, it New York City, which can In Yorktown, the first quarter reported
and the trends they would suggest. The first was projected that 2011’s year- unblock the market there and that 33 single-family homes were sold with
and second quarter reports of this year were end performance could come allow more sellers to move an average selling price of $380,505 and
discouraging as people seemed to be sitting close to the 2010 market and to the suburbs, including the median priced home being $355,000.
back. Take your pick as to why: Concerns establish a mildly growing Westchester and Putnam. This indicates that the sales were more on
about Wall Street, unemployment, mortgage trend line from the depths of While unemployment is a the lower end during this period. In the
rates, short sales, foreclosures, the looming the recession in 2009. serious national problem, second quarter, there were 42 homes sold
question of property taxes and how we’re The report presented Westchester is outperforming with an average selling price of $401,985
going to meet local budgets within the tax average and median sale the state and New York City and a median price of $380,000, with more
cap mandated by Albany. prices of houses throughout with an unemployment rate homes sold in the upper category. And by
But when I pored through the latest report, Westchester, with the median By Bill Primavera that trended down from 7.3 the third quarter, sales jumped to 59 units,
I discovered that over and above the good price falling to $684,005 or percent in 2009 to about 6.5 with an average selling price of $442,231 and
news of upticks in sales in Westchester and about 6 percent below last year’s percent today. a median of $410,000, reflecting a steady rise
Putnam, the statistics showed interesting level of $730,250. That was influenced by a It is said in the housing industry that real in selling prices over the three quarters.
trends in our area, which leads me to believe greater number of higher priced homes sold estate is very local, and when I checked If another recession is not on the horizon,
that the elusive formula that we have waited in the previous year. The homes selling for the results for different towns, I discovered the overall assessment of the third quarter
for--the right (lower) price points and less than $1 million decreased by 8 percent that both the higher-priced communities by the WPAR points more to an emerging
the lowest mortgage rates in decades--has on average from a year ago, and the average and lower-priced markets experienced recovery than to backsliding into a
hopefully arrived and further suggests that price among properties selling for less than impressive growth in units. But while selling “moribund” market. So are we feeling more
this quarter’s encouraging report may be $1 million was $590,000, with the median prices decreased significantly in an upscale optimistic?
more than just a hiccup. falling to $540,000. community like Chappaqua, they actually Bill Primavera is a licensed Realtor®
In a nutshell, the WPAR reported a bump Interestingly, in Putnam County there was increased appreciably in more moderately (www.PrimaveraHomes.com), affiliated
in the past quarter of 8 percent in sales in no change from the $330,000 third quarter priced communities such as Yorktown with Coldwell Banker, and a marketing
Westchester and 13 percent in Putnam. medians posted in both 2009 and 2010. In the first quarter, there were 12 single- practitioner (www.PrimaveraPR.com). For
The board’s take on the promising news Explaining the bottom line of increased family homes sold in Chappaqua with an questions or comments about the housing
was that it was a counter reaction to the sales, the WPAR report proffered that the average selling price of $1,121,291 and the market, or selling or buying a home, he can be
two disappointing quarters that preceded combination of lower prices and extremely median price at $1,173,500. Responsible for reached directly at 914-522-2076.
Girl Scouts Kicks Off 100th Anniversary Celebration
By Faith Ann Butcher kerry BarGer Photo sell them. We would schlep the cookies
Women and girls from throughout the around the neighborhood and sell them for
Hudson Valley region gathered at Dutchess 50 cents a box.”
County Stadium in Wappingers Falls on Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson CEO
Saturday. They came from White Plains to Pam Anderson agreed. “I loved selling
Middletown, in all shapes, sizes, color and cookies,” Anderson said. “I thought I was
ages. They were from all walks of life but a business woman and that was how I
they all had one thing in common—they learned to use my confidence was by selling
were Girl Scouts. cookies.”
The Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson “This is girl power at work,”
Council, which has its headquarters in Congresswoman Nan Hayworth, who
Pleasantville, held a 100 Anniversary spoke at the event, said. “The Girl Scouts
Kickoff event to jump start a year filled are actively making a difference in their
with activities planned to honor the birth communities. They are learning great
of Girl Scouts a century ago. The Heart of things. They are learning how to become
the Hudson represents girls in Westchester, leaders. They are an asset to all of us and I
Putnam, Rockland, Dutchess, Sullivan, take inspiration by what they do.”
Ulster and Orange counties. Girl Scouts USA currently has 3.2 million
Over 4,000 people attended the sold-out troop 2502 out of Philipstown was among the 4,000 people that attended the Girl Scout’s 100 anniversary members and over 50 million American
event. kick off event at Dutchess county Stadium. women have been Girl Scouts throughout
Kacey Morabito Green, the co-host of the years, according to Anderson. The Heart
“Mike and Kacey in the Morning” radio others were participated in the opening songwriter, recording artist, author and of the Hudson council serves over 31,000
show on WHUD, emceed the event. As a parade. The thing that was brought all of the former scout and troop leader, volunteered girls and has over 15,000 adult volunteers.
past Girl Scout Morabito Green, a former girls together, though, was the sing-along. to perform for the crowd. Shih, a resident of Heart of the Hudson will host a day-long
girl scout herself, said she felt honored to be They knew the songs and they knew the Huntington, N.Y., understands the positive event at the Westchester County Center in
part of such an event. “I remember putting responding body movements. Together influence Girl Scouts has on the lives of girls May that will recognize recipients of the
on my uniform and as you put on the vest they became a unit. Several guests led the and has performed for Girl Scout’s national Gold Award. In June, Girls Scouts will hold
and the pins,” said Morabito Green who sing-a-long at different times throughout anniversary sing-along events in 1997, 2002 a celebration in Washington D.C.
lives in Cold Spring. “You knew you were the event. The Dotted Half Notes, a chorus and 2007. Registration is ongoing and Anderson
part of something big,” said Morabito made up of Girl Scouts from the Heart of “I loved being a Girl Scout,” said Shih. encourages girls in between the ages of 5
Green, a Cold Spring resident. the Hudson area that practices in Mahopac, “My favorite part of being a Girl Scout and 17 to join. For more information, visit
Scouts were active throughout the day, led quite a few songs for their peers. was going door-to-door selling Girl Scout girlscoutshh.org.
some dressed in vintage uniforms while Patricia Shih, an award-winning singer- cookies; back then that was how we would
www.TheExaminerNews.com October 18 - October 24, 2011 15
16 October 18 - October 24, 2011 The Putnam Examiner
Nominees Sought for Women of Excellence Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for Women of Excellence Awards Banquet Putnam County Women in Leadership Professional Women of Putnam and the
the 2nd Annual Putnam County Women on Feb. 3, 2012 at Putnam National Golf Award – Not for Profit Sector. Mahopac News.
of Excellence Awards. These annual Club. Nominations must be postmarked Last year’s winners—Rebecca Bertoldi, For more information, criteria
awards will honor women in Putnam by Dec. 31. publisher of Eventful Magazine, Donna and guidelines, or to download a
County who demonstrate professional The award categories are: Putnam Massaro, owner of The Freight House nomination form please visit www.
excellence, are a positive role model and County Female Entrepreneur of the Year Café and Ann Link, former fire chief of professionalwomenofputnam.com or
who display commitment to community Award, Mahopac Female Entrepreneur of the Mahopac Falls Fire Department—will www.mahopacnews.com.
service. All nominees and award winners the Year Award, Putnam County Woman be this year’s judges.
will be honored at the Putnam County of Excellence in Community Service and This event is brought to you by
Brewster Considers Closing Garden Street Elem. School
Continued from Page 1
School was classified as unsatisfactory. for 2013 is 3,180, Deputy Superintendent Certain building modifications would year by consolidating the schools.
“The system is functioning unreliably Timothy Conway told those at the Oct. 11 have to be done to accommodate the However, district leaders also see this as
or has exceeded its useful life,” the report school board meeting. additional classes such as converting the a positive opportunity for the educational
read. It was estimated that the renovations It is suggested that students in the music and science rooms at CVS into experience of the students. By having all
and repairs that would be needed to bring district in grades kindergarten, first and regular classrooms. of the students within a grade level in one
the elementary school up to date would second attend JFK; students in grades The closing of the school would result school, the district will be able to have
exceed $11.6 million. third, fourth and fifth attend C.V. Starr in the layoffs. With one less school, developmentally-focused instruction,
This past spring, the district formed and then continue on to the middle the district would be able to eliminate according to Superintendent of Schools
a Long Lange Planning Task Force to school and high school as is currently a principal position, maintenance and Dr. Jane Sandbank.
consider recommendations for the future being done. clerical staff as well as several teachers. For many residents, generations of
use of district facilities. The task force It is projected that even with the Manya Bouteneff, director of instruction, their families have traveled the halls of
found that declining enrollment within consolidation of the schools, the number curriculum and professional personnel, the Garden Street School. Garden Street
the district made the closure of the of students who would be attending JFK said that the layoffs would be done opened in 1927 and housed all 12 grades
Garden Street School a viable option. next year (610) is still fewer than the through seniority throughout the district. until 1959.
Since 2002, the number of students number of students who attended the With the district already looking at the The district intends on leasing out the
attending Brewster school’s has dropped school in 2002 (631). budget for 2012-2013 school year and the Garden Street building. Officials said that
by more than 350 students and the trend Conway also mentioned that the Town effects of the imposed 2 percent tax cap they have already begun reaching out to
is expected to continue. Brewster went of Southeast has indicated that there are legislation, Dr. Stephen Jambor said more local organizations.
from a total of 3,708 students in 2002 to no housing developments being planned layoffs are possible. However, the district
3,344 in 2011. The projected enrollment within the district in the near future. would be saving almost a million dollars a
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www.TheExaminerNews.com October 18 - October 24, 2011 17
Happenings
TuESdAY, OcTObEr 18Th
Art: Putnam Arts council: 49TH
Internet Awareness: George Fischer
Middle School PTA and Administration
Anthony at 845 531-1790 or Tom at 845 270-
8261.
for updating the seniors last month on the
2011 forum in Albany earlier this year. We
ANNUAL JURIED FINE ARTS EXHIBIT Presents “Internet Awareness”: A Parent Military collectibles Show: Patterson will be taken applications for anyone who
At Belle Levine Art Center, 521 Kennicut Presentation by NY’s Finest Speakers. Find Recreation Center. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. American would like to join. Dues is $5.00 a year and
Hill Rd., remains on view through 11/11/11 out what children and teens are commonly Revolution to present day. Several historical we meet normally the second Saturday of the
during Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday doing on the Internet. Understand “Social displays manned by uniformed Living month.
10-3 and Sunday 1-4pm Details on all our Networking” Learn how to keep our children Historians. Admission: $5/pp; children church Services: The Jacobs Brothers will
programs and services at putnamartscouncil. safe & risk free on the Internet New York’s under 12 are free accompanied by an adult. be in concert at New Life Bible Church. All
com Finest Speakers is a Law Enforcement Public The Hudson Valley Bloodmobile will be are welcome to attend located at 476 Farmers
Story Time: Jonathan Kruk, Hudson Speakers Bureau providing public seminars on-site. Donate a pint of blood and get free Mills Road, in Carmel, for more information,
Valley’s best storyteller, presents his “Legends to educate on Internet Awareness, Drug admission for the show! Part of the proceeds please call the Church at 845 225-4620
and Lore of Sleepy Hollow and the Hudson Awareness and Keeping our Students Safe on of the event goes to The American Veterans
Valley” 7 p.m. at the Hudson Valley Trust the Internet. George Fischer Middle School Historical Museum. SuNdAY, OcTObEr 23rd
Bldg, 2 Route 164, Patterson. Fun for the – Auditorium 7:00-9:00 p.m. All CCSD Morning Song: Poems for New Parents: crafts for a cure: 1-5 p.m. Mahopac
whole family. To make reservations and parents/guardians are welcome to attend Kent Public Library. 1 p.m. The program Firehouse Rte 6 & Croton Falls Road Bring
reserve books, email HudsonValleyTrust@ is sponsored by Arts on the Lake and there the whole family to this amazing arts & crafts
gmail.com or call 845 878-7071. FrIdAY OcTObEr, 21ST will be activities for children too. The book’s event to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma
book club for 7th and 8th graders will Ghoula Palooza: Haunted Mansion at 10 editor, Susan Todd, along with poet Susie Society. Come join in activities for girls and
meet at the Kent Public Library. 4:30-5:15 Fair St. will be open at 7:00 p.m. 22, 28 and Patlove, Kent Supervisor Kathy Doherty boys from beading to scratch art. Recharge
p.m. The book is “The Hunger Games” by 29 and on Sunday, Oct. 30 from 3-7 p.m. and Kent Town Justice j. Peter Collins are at one of our snack tables and then go create
Suzanne Collins. Stop by or call the library at Admission is $5/children ages 10 and under scheduled to join in.Copies of the book will some more! Win raffle prizes or silent auction.
845 225-8585 if you need a copy of the book. and $10 for all others. Refreshments and be available for purchase. For info visit www. Tickets for crafts will be sold at the door. For
pumpkins available. Student volunteers in artsonthelake.org or call 845 228-2685. more info e-mail craftscure@gmail.com
WEdNESdAY, OcTObEr 19Th grades 7-12 are needed to pose as actors from EXPLOrEr POST 11 – Pasta Night: 6:00 bATIK: Composed of five world class
book club: The first meeting of Kent Public 7-11 p.m. on the weekends listed above and on PM to 8:00 PM Cost: Adults $12.00 - Ages musicians who perform on a range of
Library’s 5th and 6th grade Book Club. 4:30- Sunday, Oct. 30 from 3-7 p.m.. Community 6-10 $8.00 - under age 5 eat FREE Menu: instruments including saxophone, trumpet,
5:15 p.m. Register at www.kentlibrary.org or service hours! If interested in volunteering, In addition to being able to choose between flugelhorn, marimba, vibraphone, tabla and
call 845 225-8585 for more information. contact Regina at genlgist@yahoo.com or call “Spaghetti & Meatballs” or “Spaghetti with synthesizers. Founded by Carmel resident
845 406-8321. Garlic/Oil” your meal will include salad, Barry Hartglass, this talented group will
ThurSdAY, OcTObEr 20Th Pajama Party: The Friends of Putnam dessert and a breadbasket on each table! perform at Mahopac Public Library. 2 pm.
debt control: Debt management tips at Hospital Center will host their annual Teddy Beverages will include soda (with unlimited Registration is requested for this concert;
the Library Is your debt load too high for Bear Pajama Party: 6pm - 8pm. Co-Author refills), as well as coffee, tea. 845-234-3127 visit www.mahopaclibrary.org, or call 845-
your income? How do you gain control of Jackie End will read “Chicken Fingers-Mac ATYPIcAL; Life with Asperger’s in 20 1/3 628-2009, ext 100.
your debt and get your finances in order? Bill and Cheese.Why Do You Always Have To chapters – is a funny and moving memoir Music: di.vi.sion piano trio. 4pm. Kurt
Hammond, a Financial Advisor with Edward Say Please?” Come in your pajamas. Make that demystifies this syndrome which is a mild Briggs, violin, Renée Cometa Briggs, piano,
Jones, will present a workshop entitled “Debt your very own Yogurt Smoothie compliments form of autism. The Mahopac Public Library Matt Goeke, cello. Douglas Anderson, Franz
Control” at Mahopac Public Library 6:30 of THE FREIGHT HOUSE CAFÉ. Let’s is pleased to present Mr. Saperstein at a book Joseph Haydn, Brank Bridge and Hilary Tan.
pm; registration is requested. To register Do It Together Workouts; Fitness for the talk and signing on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 2 pm; Admission is free, contributions are welcome.
for the Debt Control workshop, visit www. whole family compliments of ALL-OUT. this program is co-sponsored by PARC, the Chapel of Our Lady Restoration, 45 Market
mahopaclibrary.org, or call 845-628-2009, Live entertainment by the Emmy Award- Hudson Valley Autism Resources Center, and Street, Cold Spring, NY (845) 265-5537.
ext 100. winning nutrition media company, FOOD Putnam Independent Living Services. Copies harvestfest: Carmel Recreation & Parks
clearpool Education center. Located PLAY . Face Painting and Pumpkin Fairy of Atypical; Life with Asperger’s Syndrome in Dept.’s hosts its annual Harvestfest at
in Carmel, NY is now offering specially compliments of. JUST 4 Fun. Free Admission 20 1/3 Chapters will be available for purchase Sycamore Park, 790 Long Pond Rd., 12-4
designed, nature-based, outdoor recreation - Free Parking Sponsored by Dr. Ben ($15/copy) and can be signed by the author at p.m. Wear your costume. For info on being a
and exciting team building programs for Dancygier of Valley Pediatric Dentistry and this event. Registration is required; register vendor ($20/table), to volunteer, or for more
all Girl Scouts in grades 4-6. Programs are Aflac. PUTNAM HOSPITAL CENTER, 670 online at www.mahopaclibrary.org, or call details, call 845 628-7888.
offered the 3rd Thursday of every month STONELEIGH AVENUE, CARMEL. (845) 845-628-2009, ext 100.
from 4:30-6:00 p.m. $50/troop per program. 279-5711 EXT. 3581 For more information Nature: Christ Church Hall, Pawling. MONdAY, OcTObEr 24Th
Space is limited. Registration required. Please contact: FriendsofPHC@gmail.lcom Nature-inspired art exhibit, folk music, Free Vaccine: The Putnam County
inquire about additional programming for all Maine-ly Murder Night: ACTS Ministry falcons, owls, frogs & turtles, children’s Department of Health will be offering
ages. Contact Stacey Damiano at 845 225- Players of Gilead Presbyterian Church come activities. Contact Laurie Wallace at 845- FREE flu vaccination for Carmel Central
8226, ext. 106 or sdamiano@greenchimneys. together for “A Maine-ly Murder”: Putnam 279-8858 or visit www.frogs-ny.org School District students in Grades 1-12
org for more information. Upcoming National Golf Club in Mahopac. The evening coat drive: Don’t Throw it Away, Used (NOTE: Kindergarten students will not be
programs include: Team Building-Low Ropes of dinner theater begins at 7:00 p.m., and Clothing Collection Drive 23rd 10:00 am - accommodated due to scheduling). Consent
Adventure on Oct. 20; Being Thankful- includes a three course buffet, a cash bar 3:00 pm Putnam Lake VFW #9257 4 Fairfield forms are required and must be returned to
Recycled Crafts on Nov. 17; and Giving Back and the original comedy/drama by William Dr Patterson NY For info call (845) 279-4097 your child’s school by Friday, October 14.
to Wildlife-Birdhouse Project on Dec. 15. Brett, Diane Lester, Ron LoAlbo and Mariah Sponsored by the Putnam Lake VFW Ladies Forms are available on our website at www.
Pegasus Program. Runs Thursday Warren. Adult seating is $40 per ticket, and Aux #9257 carmelschools.org.
evenings from 6-7:30 p.m. for eight weeks includes all of the food, fun and audience Putnam county AArP chapter 1183
at 110 Old Rt. 6, Carmel. Sessions are held participation you can handle! Can you figure monthly meeting: 1 p.m. at the William The Putnam Examiner is happy to help
at the Putnam Co.Youth Bureau. Pegasus, out who killed Brad and Suzanne? The answer Koehler Center, Rte 6, Mahopac, N.Y. spread the word about your community
sponsored by the Putnam Co. Youth Bureau, may surprise you! Contact Stephen Lester at Our guest speaker for this meeting will be event. Please submit your information at
is an educational program for children ages 845 225-7589 for tickets and more info. nutritionist Allison Stillwell from Hannaford least three weeks prior to your event to
6-14 and their parents/guardians who have Supermarket. Allison will be given the nikki@theexaminernews.com.
a loved one suffering from alcoholism or SATurdAY, OcTObEr 22Nd members tips on eating healthier and staying Please make sure to call or e-mail
other drug dependency. Pre-registration carmel cubs 2012 cooperstown fit. Guests are always welcome. Doors open ahead and confirm all events. The Putnam
is required. Contact Adriene Iasoni-Aull, Fundraiser: Texas Holdem Tournament. at 11 a.m. for anyone who would like to come Examiner prints time and dates supplied by
LMSW at 845 808-1600, ext. 46122 or VFW, Carmel, NY 7:00 p.m. sharp--first deal. early and relax with friends. We would also each organization and is not responsible for
adriene.iasoni@putnamcountyny.gov For reservations call Tommy at 914 403-4728; like to thank Sandy Galef Assemblywoman misinformation.
18 October 18 - October 24, 2011 The Putnam Examiner
The Putnam
Examiner
Footba
N
ll
oteboo
k
Jordan Flows in Carmel’s 29-13 Win Over Mahopac
Sports Covering Putnam County and Northern Westchester Sports
Rams take back Higgins Trophy behind RB/LBs Show
By Ray Gallagher set up a field goal as time
It was all on the line expired in the half.
Saturday afternoon when Rams HB James Blank
Carmel visited Mahopac powered the opening
in the 37th annual drive of the third quarter,
gridiron showdown but the Rams turned it
between the neighboring over, fueling hope for an
Putnam County rivals. Indian comeback when
But when it came to Brandon Fitzpatrick
walking the line, it was scooped up a loose fumble
Carmel who walked the deep in his own territory.
walk, working a 29-13 Carmel’s McCabe picked
league win over the now- off a Donahoe pass, but
slumping Indians, losers Fitzpatrick had his back
of four-straight. Carmel again, snaring an INT
now holds a 20-17 lifetime midway through the
edge in the series. third, but the Indians
Ram FB/LB/DE Jordan could not convert on
Samuels was a one-man fourth down late in the
wrecking crew, wreaking third and surrendered
havoc on both sides possession.
of the ball. The senior It was still a game
scored a TD on both early in the fourth when
sides of the ball, plowing Mahopac turned it over
in from 11 yards out on downs. Carmel struck
for Carmel’s first score. quickly when Wachter
He later gave the Rams found a wide open Joe
ray GallaGher PhotoS
a 13-7 lead they would Gervasi, a junior, for a
not relinquish when the carmel QB Dillon Wachter (r) fires a strike to Joe Gervasi (l) who couldn’t have been more open in the rams’ 29-13 win over host Mahopac. 40-yard TD pass at 9:20,
sacked Mahopac QB game over!
Patrick Donahoe, scooped the fumbled and “We worked hard all week to put this
scampered 54 yards for the score early in together,” said James Blank, who rushed
the second quarter. for 106 yards on 16 carries. “That’s what
At 2:53 of the first, Donahoe gave the happens when you play good football and
Rams a 7-0 lead, keyed by Nick Russo’s 11- you block and tackle the way you’re capable
yard, fourth-down pick up. Carmel WR of. It’s a good feeling to go out and get the
Mike McCabe then caught the Mahopac Higgins trophy back.”
defense napping as he streaked uncovered Cayea used that as a motivational tool
down the seam for a 40-yard grab inside the this week against the badly banged-up
Mahopac 20. That set up Samuel’s first score Indians, who were without a half dozen
on fourth-and-one at 11:18 of the second. starters out with injuries.
At 9:11, Samuels struck again with the “We just haven’t played well and we’ve
play of the game; a momentum swinging turned the ball over a lot against a really
game-changing sack, scoop and 54-yard tough schedule, so this was without a doubt
run to the house. the best game we’ve played all year,” Rams
“This meant so much to me because I’ve boss Todd Cayea said. “This was by far our
been playing varsity football for three years cleanest game of the season. I told our kids
now and I’ve never beaten these guys,” said I know this hasn’t been the kind of season
Samuels. “It was (Ryan) Shilling’s senior we were hoping for, but you can change all
year when I was a sophomore and we lost that today. This is Carmel-Mahopac, this
this game, so this was my third and final is your legacy now; how do you want to be
year at getting that trophy back to Carmel. I While picking up a block from No. 73 Mike Marinello, carmel rB James Blank chugs for some of the 106 remembered?
didn’t want to go out like the last two senior yards he accumulated in rams’ 29-13 win over host Mahopac last Saturday. Carmel will travel to winless Fox Lane
classes did. I was focused all week long.” Saturday (4 p.m.) while Mahopac tackles
The Rams responded with another short- a punt, giving Carmel the ball on the Indian from QB Dillon Wachter at 3:49 for a 20-7 once-beaten host John Jay EF Saturday at
field score after the Indians couldn’t execute 28. Cody Levens hauled in a five-yarder lead. Tyler Sutter’s grab off a double-reverse 7 p.m.
www.TheExaminerNews.com October 18 - October 24, 2011 19
Sports
State-Ranked Tigers (No. 2) Remain Unbeaten, Stomp P’Ville, 48-7
By Ray Gallagher
aNDy JacoBS PhotoS
State-ranked (No.2)
Croton-Harmon
remained unbeaten
with 48-7 thrashing of
visiting Pleasantville
last Saturday, doing so
behind another sterling
performance from QB
Jesse Maniero, who
rushed for 104 yards and
two scores and dialed up
Alex Starr for an 80-yard
scoring aerial. Starr also
rushed for a score while
Maniero hit on 4-of-4 lucas Garcia, who rushed four times for 29 yards, returns a kick in
passes for 105 yards. 48-7 win over P’Ville Saturday.
Junior RB Brian
Soares (#36 above) Saturday (2:30 p.m.) with the league
added three rushing touchdowns and 147 title and top seed in the upcoming
yards rushing as the Tigers made short Class B playoffs are there for the
work of rebuilding Panthers, running out taking for Coach John “Big Cat”
to a 20-0 first-quarter lead. Mark Carruba Catano’s Tigers, who also got big
(8 tackles) and John Brennan (10 sticks) led plays in the kicking game from
the defense. Lucas Garcia (pictured No.9) and the
Croton (6-0) will visit Westlake this special team’s unit.
tigers rB Brian Soares led croton with three scores against P’Ville last Saturday in a 48-7 mauling.
Yorktown Roughed up in Playoff-Hurtful Loss to White Plains
By Ray Gallagher fast physical type of football. We beat them
Having scored 21 points on the road in last year, and they played with a chip on their
White Plains and produce 231 yards rushing shoulder. We did a lot of things wrong and did
and another 215 passing, Yorktown Coach not play our best football by any means but I
Mike Rescigno saw his offense produce give a lot of credit to them, they outplayed us.”
enough offense to keep pace with White The loss puts 3-3 Yorktown’s playoff hopes
Plains for three quarters, but a suspect defense in grave jeopardy with once-beaten North
allowed a gross of yardage and touchdowns in Rockland on the horizon this Friday (7 p.m.).
a season-deflating 40-21 loss to the Tigers. The Red Raiders (5-1) come into the game
Husker QB Nick Mariano hit on 8-of-15 sky-high after a 28-8 win over previously
passes for 215 yards, including five spins to unbeaten John Jay EF. The Huskers will have
TE Christian Dedkuvaj for 130 yards. He their backs to the wall and their playoff lives
also rushed for another 137 on nine carries, on the line in this one, which will determine
including a TD. Husker sophomore RB whether or not Week 8 is meaningful.
Connor Vercruysse scored off two
short plunges. aNDy JacoBS Photo
“It was a tough one,” senior captain
Eric Cooley said. “I don’t think we
Bill Becerra Photo were mentally prepared to play their
at left: husker DB Brian Miller makes one of three solo sticks he would make in yorktown’s 40-21
loss to host White Plains last friday night.
Football
Notebook
Put Valley Falls at Westlake, Drops 2nd in Row
By Ray Gallagher carries against the spellbound Tigers defense, which
After winning two games in a row, the Putnam Valley best get it right before its Week 7 challenge from visiting
Tigers have dropped two in a row to even their record Edgemont (2-4) this Saturday (7:00 p.m.).
at 3-3 on the year, with the Class B playoffs just around Gentile rushed for 87 yards on 11 carries, including a
the corner. The Tigers, who have seen RB/DB Anthony touchdown, while Mikey Walsh caught four aerials for 99
“speedy” Gentile (pictured above) excel this season, will yards and a touchdown, and Rick Ortiz caught two for 68
likely qualify with a low seed after falling to host Westlake yards and a touchdown from QB Connor Gembecki (9-
by a 40-29 count. Essentially, Westlake ran one play all day: of-17, 198 yards, two TDs). Gembecki also led the defense
Dan Bassi left, Dan Bassi right and Dan Bassi up the gut. with 15 tackles, along with Ortiz (14) and Big Will Marro
Bassi races for 342 yards and four touchdowns on 41 (13). The Tigers’ main undoing was their four turnovers. anthony Gentile had another big day for the tigers against Westlake
Saturday.
20 October 18 - October 24, 2011 The Putnam Examiner
Sports
Yorktown Stirs Soccer Pot With Another Big Win
NWE/Putnam Boys Soccer Poll
By Ray Gallagher for this season's sectional tournaments will this season.
Chomp! Chomp! These are the sounds of be determined on Oct. 26. Outbracket No. 2
this foolhardy scribe stuffing crow down his games for each of the four classes in SOMErS –
throat, having erroneously dabbled in the Section 1 will be played the following day. Coach Palumbo’s
whacky world of soothsaying by predicting The first round is scheduled for Oct. 28, the Tuskers (7-3-2)
a 2-1 Lakeland win over Yorktown last quarterfinals on Nov. 1, the semifinals on were far from
week. But big Zef Saljanin and his Huskers Nov. 3. All championships games will be satisfied after a
would have none of that. The senior striker played at Purchase College on Nov.5th. 1-1 tie with John
scored the game’s only goal in overtime and No. 1 YOrKTOWN – I wish I got to see Jay EF, which
Yorktown would truly reinforce the notion Coach Ed Polchinski’s Huskers (9-2) knock says a lot about
that it could make some real noise in the off Lakeland in OT, but I was on a riverboat the makeup of
upcoming Class AA tournament. cruise celebrating the one-year anniversary the Tuskers.
“It was a great game both teams had of a local Magazine called Putnam Eventful “That’s the thing,”
chances to win,” middie Ryan Roche said, (on newsstands now). Apologies for having said Tusker Nick
“but we just kept on fighting and came out done so, but this is the confirmation we Fecci (6G, 3A),
with the win. We’re just hoping to continue needed to make this move to No.1. Having “most people
playing at this level outshot Lakeland 15- consider tying
to capture our goal, a
league championship.” Boys’ Soccer 10 and having scored
the only goal, athletic
them a good
thing, but the
Well, that game alone
shook up the poll, and Notebook Yorktown proved skillful
enough, which came into
team is very
disappointed. We
here’s another thing… question having seen a had numerous
Somers is pushing hard for No.1, but Coach ho-hum 1-0 win over Hen Hud. But they chances that
Ed Polchinski’s Huskers have now knocked are big and good and this two-head goalie could have gone
off Lakeland and Arlington, a pair of quality monster of Luis Lizarabura and Jacob Sigler in. I would
W’s that cannot be ignored, so Coach Joe looks more and more legit each time out. even go as far
Palumbo’s streaking Tuskers (4-0-2 in last The Huskers are alive and well in the hunt to say that they
six) will have to wait at least another week. for the League I-B title with a 6-1 league got lucky to
More importantly, league titles are up for record, and Friday's tilt with host Arlington escape without
grabs with Yorktown, Somers and Ossining (6-2) will likely determine the champs. You a loss. The most
still in the hunt. can bet Arlington is hell-bent on evening important thing
Sectional tournament schedule: Seedings the score after losing to the Huskers earlier is Coach has us
playing at top
form and we
will be a force
to be reckoned
with come the
playoffs.”
Those that
doubted the
2010 finalists
after a shaky
start should have
known better.
Somers, North
Salem and John ray GallaGher Photo
Jay-East Fishkill
yorktown hotshot Zef Saljanin and the huskers had this pollster spitting feathers
are all duking it
after a 1-0 ot win over lakeland last thursday.
out for the league
I-A crown. The champions Scarsdale on the ropes for 50
trio have knocked the snot out of each minutes (tied 1-1) before the Red Raiders
other while vying for bragging rights. worked a 3-1 win. Win over White Plains
No. 3 LAKELANd– Coach Hourahan’s was a long time ago, but it’s still there.
Hornets (7-3-1) will fall from the state Ossining plays in a league it should win
ranking after losses to Arlington (1-0) and outright, and the III-B title will belong to
Yorktown (1-0). As I was told by a Somers the Pride if they can knock off Westlake
fan recently, it’s time I stopped overhyping and Croton. If they don't, then we got a
the Hornets. It’s hard when they’ve shown story.
great consistency over the years, plus I’m a No. 5 PANAS – When a 1-1 tie with
former Hornet, ya know. But I guarantee Lourdes and a 4-6-1 Panther record gets
another solid Final 4 run, which is what you into the Top 5, It should tell you about
we’ve seen too much of recently. At some the state of soccer being played in the
point, the finishers on this club are going NEW/Putnam area.
to have to start finishing, or the end will No. 5 MAhOPAc – Time is running
come sooner than the intended finish (is out on Coach Emery’s Indians (3-5-1) and
that some kind of Yogi-ism I just invented a 1-0 loss to Jay CR didn’t help the cause
or what?). or the direction this underachieving unit (I
No. 4 OSSINING – If Coach Scamarone’s think we’ll all agree on that) is headed.
Pride (5-3-2) had reigning Class AA
www.TheExaminerNews.com October 18 - October 24, 2011
Sports
Rams Go Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness, Defeat Somers
By Kerry Barger another.”
Just like most Going into a
do, this past four-game week,
Wednesday’s field however, the Rams
hockey game have found a way to
between the celebrate a cause that
Carmel Rams and unites us not just as
Somers Tuskers teammates, but as
witnessed the usual people, as well.
pregame rituals, “As a high school
with stretching and athlete, I think that
passing between it’s important to
players. The bring awareness to
atmosphere of the all different types
game, however, is of cancer,” Rattigan
what set this game said. “We are so
apart from most in lucky to be able to go
Section 1—plus the out on a field every
pink. day and play because
In honor of there are some
October as Breast people who can’t do
Cancer Awareness that.”
month, players
from the Rams Field hockey
highlighted the teammates celebrate with Devan tookmanian after her goal during carmel's 4--0 win against Somers. roundup:
color pink in their Lakeland 6,
gear, their uniforms Yorktown 1 – Shannon
and their home field— Scavelli scored a hat trick
all in the spirit of for the Hornets. Emma
‘Playing 4 the Cure,’ Bozek, who recently netted
a national movement the 100th goal of her career,
geared toward the Kristen Conroy and Gabby
plight of those fighting Celentano each scored a
breast cancer. goal for Lakeland.
“Playing for ‘the Mahopac 3, Somers 0
cure’ is playing for – Courtney Shea, Jackie
more than yourself, for Reiser and Tori Cirocco
more than your team, each scored goals for the
for more than your Indians. Kayla Jones made
school,” said Carmel 16 saves for Somers.
head coach Andrea Putnam Valley 6, hen
Caso. “This is highly hud 0 – Kim Gallo netted
empowering and a hat trick for Put Valley
motivating.” and goalie Tori Ferraro
Being the first time made three saves for the
the team has ever shutout.
honored a cause in croton-harmon 1,
such a way, the Rams Ossining 0 – With 28
donned pink hair bows, minutes left in the second
florescent eye paint half, Dani Douglas scored
and tops uncommon off an assistant from
of their usual uniform. teammate Erin Ricciardi.
Outlined in pink Goalie Kayla Barlow made
lettering, the team 12 saves for the shutout.
wore t-shirts labeled the rams' Megan o'Brien flies down the field against Somers' alyssa kerry BarGer PhotoS Yorktown 5, Kennedy
“Playing for the Cure,” tiriano. 0 – Nicole Quigley scored
a mantra that helped carmel forward Sara rattigan (left) battles for the ball against Somers' two goals for the Huskers.
propel them into their overall depth. Quinn cartelli. The defense allowed just
game against Somers. “Since last season, this team has surely one shot on goal. Katie
“Breast cancer affects me personally come a long way,” Caso said. “Going into improved their record to 8—0—2, making Frederick made one save
because both of my grandmothers are the game against Somers, we needed to them one of the only unbeatens left in for Yorktown.
survivors,” said Sara Rattigan, the Rams’ focus on the execution of ‘our game.’” Section 1. Compared to last season, the Game of the Week – Hoping to avenge
senior forward. “I liked how we were able By focusing on themselves, the Rams Rams are a cohesive unit with more their first-round loss in the Kelly Cortesi
to recognize how lucky we are to be healthy were able to put together a complete game, experiences and a year of bumps and tournament, Putnam Valley will take on
and how we can play in honor of those who both offensively and defensively. Rebecca bruises under their belts. visiting Lakeland on Saturday at 12:30
have not been as fortunate.” Eisenstein, Abigail Millard, Sara Rattigan “With a new coach and new players p.m. The Hornets have been putting up
This theme of playing for something and Devan Tookmanian each put the ball we all had to get a feel for each other and some impressive offensive performances of
bigger than themselves helped the Rams in the back of the net, while the defense recognize what works and what doesn’t,” late, but will need to be explosive against
pull off a 4—0 victory against the Tuskers. only allowed one shot on goal. Rattigan said. “This year we basically the the Hornets’ strong defense and imposing
Four separate players netted goals for With a big victory against the Brewster same exact team, we already know each attack.
Carmel, showcasing their teamwork and Bears this past Saturday, Carmel has other so well that it’s easy to click with one
22 October 18 - October 24, 2011 The Putnam Examiner
Sports
State-Ranked (No. 10) Somers Boys Can’t Keep Pace with No. 7 Brewster
Somers girls edge Mahopac for 7th league X-C title since 2000
By Ray Gallagher better than they showed. We had too
The league title was just a much left. These are all great kids,
precursor, as far as the Brewster who will learn from this. I believe
boy’s cross country team is in all of them. I don't mind losing to
concerned. Certainly, Somers Brewster. They are talented and well
would make for a nice test, but coached. I mind not performing to
Coach Joe Scelia’s Bears are our best, and today was not our best.
eyeing prizes like a Section and We'll get back at it tomorrow and I
NYS title, so in their minds they can promise you that no matter who
were supposed to tune-up with wins sectionals my boys will run a
a win over a perennial Tusker better race than they did today.”
powerhouse. Mahopac’s Dean was the lone
Actually, there weren’t many Indian boy in the top 10, which hurt
folks at Bowdoin Park who weren’t Mahopac’s overall finish (sixth).
expecting the outcome we got 26 Indian Sean O'Gara (18:50.23)
when Brewster’s Justin Maguire was 26th while Vinny Dambrosio
led the Bears to the boys team (18:53.33) was 29th.
title as he cruised to victory with SOMErS GIrLS STELLAr
a time of 16:29.20. The Bears ran ShOWING
off with the title when Adam McIe The Somers girls team, paced
and Charlie Carr made for a 1-3- by third-place finisher Brewster
6 finish for the reigning Class Bottalico won her fifth invitational
A champion Bears. Meanwhile of the season and was hardly pushed
Brewster’s Ariana Bottalico ran down the stretch. Somers’ second-
the course in 19:35.50 to take place finisher Bene Abbate (20:58)
home top individual honors last did her best to push Bottalico, and,
Thursday on a dreary, cool fall late along with 4th-place Jackie Krueger
afternoon in Poughkeepsie. Brewster’s ariana Bottalicco won her Brewster’s Justin Maguire runs away Bear adam Mcie was third overall at (21:04.45) and 6th-place Sarah
“The boys know every year how 5th invitational of the year at the league from the field at the league meet at the league meet at Bowdoin Park last Corning (21:05.20), narrowly edged
to step it up for big meets,” said meet at Bowdoin Park last thursday. Bowdoin Park last thursday. thursday. Mahopac for the league title.
Scelia, who saw his Bears win a “Our girls ran hard (finished 3rd),”
4th-straight fall X-C league title. other runners who Cross Country out the top 10. So Scelia said of Brewster. “Our top six
“Many of these athletes have been a part of I think will be right Notebook much was expected runners will all be back next year so this
these league titles in track as well. The goal there at the end of between the experience will help. Ariana won her 5th
is another section title. We still need to work the season - Erik De reigning Class A straight invitational easily - Jamie Maguire
tremendously hard the next three weeks. At Los Rios, Winfield champion Brewster and Dylan Scerri had a great second half of
the league meet, we ran with passion and Greene, and Max boys and defending the race to help them make all-league and
emotion - that's what must happen at this Paukner. It's nice to Class B champion score key points for us.”
stage of the season. Justin ran the 18th all- have such a deep team Somers, but it Winning by a score of 43-54, state-
time fastest time at Bowdoin Park, running right now.” never materialized. ranked (No.15) Somers took three of the
16:29 to win handily. Justin is a monster. Carmel’s Eric Holt Essentially, No.10 top six places to secure the program’s
He lives for these moments and always rises (16:40.81) was a Somers didn’t make seventh league title since 2000. The Somers
up. He deserves all the accolades because relatively close second the grade while the girls ran an impressive average of 21:29, the
he puts in the work. Adam is coming back to Maguire, with 7th-ranked Bears 3rd best in Somers history (only 12 second
very strong - he had a rough start to the Brewster teammates did in a battle of behind the record of 21:17 set in 2004
season, but I have never seen him more Adam McIe (third at sate-ranked powers. when the legendary Mary Alice Howard,
driven and focused. He is a stellar runner 17:02.28) and Charlie Brewster ran away Alex Swiatocha and Sarah Keating led the
and is peaking very well. Charlie had a solid Carr (17:13.23) with the team title Tuskers to states that year).
race coming off of being sick at last week's rounded out the top by a 38-58 score over “The girls ran an exceptional race,”
Manhattan race - Charlie has that mental six. DaViD SaMMel Photo DaViD SaMMel Photo Somers. Somers X-C boss Tim Fulton said.
toughness that always propels him to the James Shea of “I cannot say Mahopac’s Corine Florie (20:37.30) did
tusker Bene abate led tuskers Jackie kruger
top when it counts.” Yorktown (17:26.84) placed fourth in the anything great her best to keep up with the defending
the tuskers girls to a
The coach was also impressed with Nick was seventh and seventh league title league meet. about my boys sectional champion and finished second,
Cortina's11-th-place race. Cortina is an Tusker David Sammel today,” an honest yet well ahead of Somers’ Abbate and fourth-
since 2000.
X-factor, according to Scelia. (17:28.52) accountable place Jackie Krueger. Sarah Corning
“We need Nick to keep fighting and shave was the Somers boss (21:05.20) of Somers was sixth while
some time off,” Scelia said. first Somers Tim Fulton Mahopac’s Serina Hughes (21:24.50) and
Promising freshman is Eric Fedio (5th r u n n e r said. “We Alexandra Desarden (21:30.44) were ninth
man at the league meet) showed no matter to cross ran a terrible and 10th, respectively. Tusker Christine
how young you are, you will succeed in the in eighth. race. (Scott) Nolan (21:53.40) was 12th while Licursi
Brewster program with all-out effort with Mahopac F r i e d m a n Kristi (22:24.05) was 18th.
summer training and workouts, which j u n i o r (11th place) The Mahopac girls were at their best,
produced a 17th-place finish. Ash Dean had a good pushing the Tuskers to the brink with
“Eric has done this beautifully,” Coach ( 1 7 : 3 3 . 8 9 ) a p p r o a c h three top 10 runners. In addition, 16th-
Scelia said. “Nick Barbara (19th) has much was ninth and a solid place Rebecca Levy (22:20.50) and 17th-
more in him and I think we will see it soon. and Somers’ day but the place Kiera Sheridan and Kate Winchell
Sam Bedrosian (22nd) rounded out our top Justin Zorn the Bears were solid at the league meets, taking 1st (boys) and 3rd other four (22:29.95) did their part, rounding out the
seven with a solid race. We have several r o u n d e d (girls). are much top 20.
www.TheExaminerNews.com October 18 - October 24, 2011 23
Sports
Somers High Prepping for Another Strong Post Season
During my three- And when you talk represented in a most another to be the best they can be.
year hiatus from all- Class B track and positive manner since Deegan’s girls are driven by consecutive
out local coverage by field or cross country, I’ve been walking the losses in the Class A championship, and there
a former newspaper the conversation local beat. appears to be little standing in their way this
employer and during begins and ends And here they are November as the favored Tuskers prepare
the transitional period with Somers. Under again in the throes of for a third sectional championship under
of growth and expansion the tutelage of one another wonderful fall Deegan. Remember, there’s a reason we play
at the Examiner Roy Arnesen and campaign at Somers: the games and Somers will find that out
newspapers, the one protégé Tim Fulton, Coach Keenan when standouts Beth Coppolecchia, Melissa
By Ray Gallagher
school I really missed the Tuskers have won Deegan’s girls soccer Menta and Melissa Rodriguez take the pitch
out on covering for a few close to 20 sectional program ranked No.2 for the upcoming sectionals. Still, don’t be
years was Somers High School. championships, in NYS Class A with surprised if you see the Tuskers boarding a
Having covered Somers regularly from including the NYS an unblemished 12-0 bus for places like Middletown and SUNY
1989 to until September of 2006, I know that cross country title record (9 shutouts); Cortland in the not-to-distant future.
the Tuskers are always in it to win it, but from in 2004, second in Coach Joe Palumbo’s Palumbo’s soccer team has a similar
2006 to now Somers has really kicked it up a 2005. These two have boys’ soccer team in mindset. Improving since day one, the
notch (almost across the board). been Section 1’s top the midst of a league Tuskers (7-3-2) plan on getting back to the
A baseball club that had been at or near the ambassadors while title run and Coach Section 1 finals for a third consecutive year
bottom of Section 1 Class A has developed developing some Tony DeMatteo’s with guys like Spencer Irwin and Nick Fecci
into one of the premier programs under 25 All-Americans football team squarely leading the way, you can expect a Final 4
Coach “Easy” Joe Wooten, winning three of – from the great in the mix of Class run or better: Two-time champion Byram
the last five Section 1 championships. “Easy” Heather Kohnken to A championship Hills, Lakeland and upstart Port Chester be
Joe, dubbed for his laid-back approach, has the swift Alex Bean contenders. damned!
these cats playing graphic baseball. Since the -- during Arnie’s 27 These three coaches DeMatteo’s Tuskers (4-2) just gave state-
three-peat (2007-09), the Tuskers have been years on the scene. hate to lose as much ranked (No.2) Poughkeepsie its only game
the class of the Class A baseball diamond, When the Tuskers ray GallaGher Photo as anyone I know. of the year in a 21-12 loss, and should they
having fallen one win shy of a fourth go indoors, there is a Heck, Deegan is take care of business in Week 7 against
championship in five years this past spring. slight dip in the level With athletes like Melissa rodriguez on the field in a just as competitive Eastchester, the Tuskers will be one of the
The days of doormat status are long gone of competition. Since variety of sports, Somers high has often figured in in Fantasy Football toughest No.4 seeds in Class A history…
when it comes to Somers baseball. Derek Hyra and Willy the championship mix over the last decade. as he is girls’ soccer With an October nor’easter quickly
You know what you’re getting in lacrosse Dietrich left back in (though I do believe approaching, we are already on track for the
Direct
from the Tuskers; a championship effort the wee ‘90s, the hardwood my nephew K-Rock will take third wettest year in state history, which leads
every season. Somers has reached a Section 1 hasn’t been overly kind to the him down this year on the me to believe we are in for the third worst
Rays
final, be it Class C of Class B, nine of the last Tuskers, but they make up for fantasy scene). winter ever, possibly THE worst. Now I’m no
12 years, winning six championships along it with one of the best wrestling And that’s what they do over Al Roker (though my weight does fluctuate
the way. Whether it was Coach Tim Schurr, programs in Section 1 under at Somers as well as anyone in that bicentennial club range), but I’d say it’s
Coach Jim Donohue or Coach Lew Janavey, it the watchful eye of Dennis has over the years; they have time to get your snow blowers tuned up and
didn’t matter… all the Tuskers do is compete DiSanto. From the Realbutos coaches in place with a system your ice choppers sharpened; we’re in for one
and win regularly on the lax green. to Rob Smith, Somers wrestling has been that works and great athletes driving one whale of a winter, gang.
Brewster Bears Celebrate Turf Transition
By Kerry Barger pillars of education—athletics.”
Like most high schools in Section 1 satisfied Once one of only a handful of schools
with their grass-to-turf upgrades, Brewster without a turf field, the community of
High School finally got the opportunity to Brewster began lobbying for an updated
hold its field dedication ceremony prior athletic facility back in late 2006. The field
to the night’s Homecoming game this past complements improvements that are being
Friday—securing two important victories for made to Henry H. Wells Middle School,
the Bears. giving a fresh look to the conglomerate of
School officials and community leaders Brewster schools located on Route 312 and
celebrated with fans, families and athletes Foggintown Road.
in honor of one of the district’s newest Starr Foundation vice president Courtney
additions, which was dubbed as the high O’Malley, who spoke of the foundation’s
school’s “seventh classroom.” Bears Field founder Cornelius Vander Starr as a full-
officially opened for business back in August, time philanthropist and lifelong athlete,
as falls sports like football, field hockey and commended the community of Brewster
soccer began to make use of the coveted BhS athletic director lance Pliego (far right) initiates the field dedication ceremony at Brewster high School for its persistence in getting Bears Field
multipurpose athletic field. last friday. (from l to r): Dr. Stephen Jambor, John frates, courtney o’Malley and Dr. Jane Sandbank each underway for its current and future students.
Dr. Stephen Jambor, president of the addressed the crowd in honor of the school’s new turf field. “This is the first time I’ve laid eyes on
Brewster Board of Education, commended this field and I think it’s far exceeded our
the “Field of Dreams” committee as one of the Through extensive fundraising, a dedicated group of people,” Jambor said. expectations, and our expectations were
project’s driving forces, fostering the school’s generous grant by the Starr Foundation, and The Brewster Sports Foundation, which pretty high,” O’Malley said.
vision of a turf field into reality. community involvement via the passage of a influenced fundraising efforts within Brewster High School’s football team
“They believed that this ‘classroom’ was bond by Brewster and Southeast taxpayers in the community, played a major role in capped off the night’s celebration with a
important for the kids to have because it 2009, the high school obtained the necessary establishing the turf as a realized effort. Homecoming victory over Hendrick Hudson
helps to teach the lessons of life,” Jambor said. funds to construct a 1,400-spectator facility. President John Frates referred to the field as High School. The Bears defeated the Sailors
“Fair play, effort, self-discipline, respect and “It exists now as a living proof of the old a “fortune” that “is a direct result of an idea.” 36—0, a shutout attributed to the night’s
teamwork are on the lesson plans that are saying which reminds us how you should “The idea to advocate for infrastructure,” he atmosphere and the unbreakable spirit of the
taught right here.” never underestimate the effect of a truly said, “that would allow one of the necessary fans.
Ram-a-lama-ding-dong!
Carmel Takes
Back Higgins
Trophy, Defeats
Mahopac, 29-13
ray GallaGher PhotoS
carmel's Jordan Samuels
carries a couple indians into
the end zone for an 11-yard
score in the rams' 29-13
win over host Mahopac last
Saturday where the rams
(inset) took back the Bryan
higgins Memorial trophy after
a two-year stay at Mahopac.