Somers Resident Named To Westchester Charter Commission

Sam Zherka, a critic of County government, publisher of the Westchester Guardian newspaper, and resident of Somers, NY, was named to the 23-member citizen-run Westchester County Charter Revision Commission.  Westchester Legislator Mike Kaplowitz, D-Somers selected him.  According to LoHud.com, Legislator Kaplowitz said: "He certainly has a point of view that needs to be heard.  He's a smart fellow."  The Charter Revision Commission will review the current form of County government and recommend changes. The panel will hold public hearings and its report to the Board of Legislators is due by April 2012.


See the May 28, 2011 LoHud.com story, Sam Zherka, foe of Westchester government, picked for panel to study it



LINKS:
http://www.lohud.com/article/20110529/NEWS01/105290341/Sam-Zherka-foe-Westchester-government-picked-panel-study-it

Kudos: Somers Women's Club

Kudos to the Somers Women's Club for its contribution of over $1000 for scholarships for children to attend the Summer Day Camp run by the Somers, NY Parks and Recreation Department.

Town Board Agenda For June 2 - Intermediate Care Facility To Be Discussed

The Town Board of Somers, NY meets Thursday June 2 in a work session.  The Board is expected to formally announce a proposal by Opengate, Inc to develop an Intermediate Care Facility on Warren Street.  Parking requirements for gas stations is also on the discussion agenda.
See the complete agenda here. A portion is below.

 B. TOWN BOARD: 

 1.  Insurance – Broker discussion.  

 2.  Opengate - Announce formal notification received on May 19, 2011 of intent to 

  develop an ICF (Intermediate Care Facility) at 28 Warren Street, currently  

 Opengate Administration Building, by Opengate Inc.  

 3.  Consider revision of resolution forming Somers Energy Advisory Panel  

  (SEAP) by changing name and formalizing form of committee 

 4.  Discussion re: parking requirement for gasoline filling operation.   

* * *

H.  PROPOSED CONSENSUS AGENDA:  

   

 * * * 

 3.  Authorize removal of all uncollectible tax liens for the years 2005-2006 per  

  May 23, 2011 memo from Joan Ribaudo, Receiver of Taxes.  

 4. Authorize reappointment of Dr. Edward Merker to the Conservation Board for a 

  two year term expiring on March 15, 2011.     

5.  Authorize appointment of Mr. Joseph Paiva to the Architectural Review Board 

  to complete an unexpired term ending March 31, 2011.       

  

 6.  Authorize acceptance of $1,100.00 donation from the Somers Women’s Club to 

  provide scholarships from Day Camp participants per May 25, 2011 memo 

  from Steven Ralston, Supt of Parks and Recreation.  

* * *

LINKS:

http://www.somersny.com/Pages/SomersNY_TownBoardAgendas/tbagenda6-2-11.pdf

26th Lasdon Memorial Day Antiques Fair

Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial located in Somers, NY is the horticultural hub of  Westchester County.  The site will again host a Antique Fair with up to 85 booths on Memorial Day. Show hours are 10 to 5, with the last admission at 4:30. The admission fee of seven dollars will benefit The Glass House Fund at Lasdon Park. According to LewisboroLedger.com, a partial list of dealers expected include: 

Iron Renaissance, offering vintage quality restored garden and patio furniture; Sugar Princess, offering Americana, vintage toys, American art pottery, and primitives; and Maile’s Antiques offering 16th to 19th Century maps, Audubon and Denton prints, and natural history prints including botanicals and shells, also assorted ephemera. Vintage Wears will present jewelry, pocketbooks, lighting, bathroom fixtures, fireplace accessories, doorbells, curtain tiebacks and architectural items. What Was Is Vintage will bring antique costume jewelry and art deco objects; and Forget- Me-Nots returns with red, white, blue and brown Staffordshire fine china and Roseville pottery. Twentieth Century Ltd. will bring tremendous color and nostalgia with 1930s to 50s vintage barware and kitchenware. Butchen Boys specializes in French antique tools, iron kitchen accessories and wine corkers. Treasures from the Past will bring primitives, Victoriana, brass, glass, porcelain and prints; Value Oriental Rugs will return with handmade carpets and jewelry from Afghanistan; Andrij Roman Antiques has 19th to 20th Century furniture, accessories, art, porcelains and crystal; The Reinhardts will return with New England primitives, farm tools, kitchenalia, British tools, stoneware, and ephemera; Blue Shutter Antiques will offer French enamelware, country furniture and Stangl pottery; and S. Eden Antiques offers antique and estate jewelry, silver jewelry and collectibles plus vintage costume jewelry. GPSF will be offering 1800 to 1960s furniture to the show as well as smalls, books and lighting while Joy Starr Enterprises will have American Indian and Mexican 

jewelry, silver and smalls. River Boat Gambler Antiques Inc. will bring “estate fresh merchandise” including a very special signed Peter Ompir painted tin bowl. 

More information is at CordShows.com

Annual Memorial Day Parade In Somers, NY

The American Legion Richard Somers Post is hosting the Annual Memorial Day Parade for the Town of Somers, NY. The Parade will begin at 10:00 am at the Somers Middle School and conclude at Ivandell Cemetery. In addition, Somers Historical Society Museum will hold an Open House. Further details are below and also available at the Town of Somers web site.

LINKS:

http://www.somersny.com/Pages/SomersNY_Events/index

Photo Op: SEF Hall Of Fame Inductees

The Somers Education Foundation (SEF)  inducted three persons into its Hall of Fame at its 11th Annual Gala Dinner, Dance & Auction on May 21.

 L-R Honorary Chair Lee Goldberg with Hall of Fame Inductees Susan Kolar, Marie Ciota and Vinny Liscio at the Somers Education Foundation 11th Annual Gala Dinner, Dance & Auction on May 21, 2011

See related post, Three To Be Inducted Into SEF Hall Of Fame On Saturday.  More photos at the web site of SEF.



LINKS:
http://somersspectator.blogspot.com/2011/05/three-to-be-inducted-into-sef-hall-of.html
http://www.sefny.org/sefs-11th-annual-gala-dinner-dance-auction-photos-—-may-21-2011/

Wanted: Graduation Announcements

Parents and Students: Share your good news about college graduation and we will format it and post it.

A sample announcement: 

Jane Doe of Somers, NY graduated from Anytown College, in Fairbanks, AK on May 21, 2011 with a B.A. in Basketweaving.  Ms. Doe graduated with honors and was inducted into the Mu Nu honor society.   She was also active in the Pep Band and Habitat for Humanity.  [Ms. Doe plans on pursuing a Masters degree in Basketweaving at  Beantown University in the Fall.  OR Ms. Doe has accepted a position with XYZ company in Anytown, NE.] 

Please fill in the information below and email to somersspectator@gmail.com:

Name of Student
Student's connection to Somers, NY (example: family or student lives here)
College/University
City and State of College/University
Date of Commencement (mm/dd/yy)
Major and Degree

Optional Info:
Academic Honors
Activities (no more than three)
Future Plans
Personal Web Page, Blog or Facebook Address
Personal Remarks (by parent or student; please be brief)
Other Info

Please submit the information in the above format so that we can easily create the text.

For verification purposes, but NOT for publication, we require from the submitting person: name, address, email and phone number.  We may contact you to confirm the information but will NOT use personal data for any other purpose.

Verification Information:
Name of person submitting
Relation to student
Address
Email
Phone


We reserve the right to edit or not publish any submission for any reason or no reason.

Three To Be Inducted Into SEF Hall Of Fame On Saturday

The Somers Education Foundation (SEF) will induct three persons into its Hall of Fame at its 11th Annual Gala Dinner, Dance & Auction on May 21.  This year’s inductees are Marie Ciota, Susan Kolar, and Vinny Liscio.  The Hall of Fame honors teachers, administrators and community members who have made significant contributions over many years to supporting the Somers Central School District.

Profiles of the honorees from the SEF press release:  

Marie Ciota has been teaching in Somers since 1982, both at Primrose Elementary School and more recently Somers Intermediate School. She has had an enormous impact on hundreds of students. She was part of the group that helped coordinate and pave the way for full day kindergarten to become a reality in Somers. While teaching, she researched the life of Somers resident Caroline Wright Reis because she wanted her kindergarten students to know  more about her. This research became her first published book, A Girl to Remember. Ciota also became interested in the “Habits of Mind” after the Primrose Leadership Team (of which she was a member) went to a workshop. Further research resulted in Ciota’s second book, The Mindful Garden, a book of poems for elementary aged children to help teach the Habits of Mind. She resides in Somers and has four grown children.

Susan Kolar, currently Chief Financial Officer of the Food Network and Cooking Channel in New York City, has been a Somers resident since 1994 and has three grown children. She became Treasurer of the Somers Education Foundation in 2002 and held the position for seven years. During that time, under her leadership, SEF saw a major increase in revenue,  projects and  grant activities. She was previously a volunteer in Somers High School to help enable teacher –parent communication. She was also a parent member of the Somers High School Special Education Committee. Prior to the Food Network, she was the Chief Administrative Officer of Sesame Workshop, a non-profit organization whose mission is to use educational media to help children reach their highest potential.

Vinny Liscio is a 31-year resident of Somers, where he raised his three grown daughters. He is a past president and 21- year member of the Somers Lions Club  He is most proud of his efforts to help bring the residents of Somers and many social, community and philanthropic organizations and town officials together to make the annual Independence Day Celebration and Lynn Adams Memorial 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk a reality. Liscio is also an avid cyclist and participated in the 150-mile Journey for the Heart Tour for Friends of Karen, which raised over $180,000 for the organization’s outreach programs.  His passion for community service and creating a better world for his grandchildren and beyond have brought him to his current project, ConsciousWine, an organic/biodynamic wine education and information website, due to launch this spring.

Tickets to the Gala Dinner Dance & Auction are $100 per person and are available  by registering at www.sefny.org/gala/ or by emailing sarenameyer@sefny.org.  The Gala’s honorary chairman is Somers resident Lee Goldberg, the meteorologist at WABC-TV, Channel 7 in New York City.

SEF is a not for profit, tax exempt organization founded in 1994, comprised of parents, school representatives and community members. SEF supports the Somers Central School District by raising funds for specific student and teacher-initiated projects that enrich the education experience and are not funded by the district budget or other school groups.

LINKS:

http://www.sefny.org/three-honorees-chosen-for-somers-education-foundation-hall-of-fame/

Kennedy Catholic and Somers High Receive 11 Nomination For Theater Awards

Kennedy Catholic High School in Somers, NY is nominated for seven High School Theater Awards for its spring 2011 production of On the Town, while Somers High School garners four nominations for the Drowsy Chaperone.  The Helen Hayes Youth Theatre makes the nominations for the “Metro” awards.  The Awards Ceremony is June 6, 2011, at the Paramount Center for the Arts, Peekskill NY.  Last year Kennedy Catholic won two Metro awards.  
Here are the categories in which each school is nominated:

Outstanding Actress in a Leading Role
Kennedy Catholic H.S. – On the Town – Kim Galaraga (Hildy Esterhazy)

Outstanding Duet
Kennedy Catholic H.S. – On the Town “Come Up to My Place”
Kim Galaraga (Hildy) and Anthony Ruperto (Chip)
Somers H.S. – The Drowsy Chaperone “Cold Feets”
Tom Oliverio (Robert) and Ricky Hvisch (George)

Outstanding Stage Crew
Kennedy Catholic H.S. – On the Town

Outstanding Dance Performance
Kennedy Catholic H.S.- On the Town- Jena Lynn DiFrisco (Ivy Smith)
Somers H.S. – The Drowsy Chaperone -  Emma Klipstein (Kitty)

Outstanding Orchestra
Kennedy Catholic H.S. – On the Town

Outstanding Instrumentalist
Kennedy Catholic H.S. – On the Town - RJ Aprile (Timpani)

Outstanding Stage Crew
Kennedy Catholic H.S. – On the Town

Outstanding Lighting Achievement
Somers H.S.- The Drowsy Chaperone - Bob Geronimo, Dominick Belmont

Outstanding Choreography
Somers H.S. – The Drowsy Chaperone - Linda Duci

Technical Merit Award (Teacher Nominated)
Kennedy Catholic H.S. – Christina Oros (Choreographer/Assistant Director)


Created in 1998, the High School Theater Awards shine a spotlight on the exceptional musical theater productions, talented actors and actresses and devoted creative teams who take to the stage every spring in local high schools. High Schools in Rockland and Westchester Counties in New York and Bergen County in New Jersey are invited to participate in this competition.
Throughout the spring musical season, judges evaluate participating shows. In June, all of the participating schools are celebrated in an awards ceremony modeled after Broadway's Tony Awards. Broadway stars hand out the awards, top nominated schools and actors perform live, and the theater students in our region receive support and recognition.


For more information see the High School Theater Awards web site.  A full list of the 2011 nominees is here.



LINKS:
http://www.hstheaterawards.com/index.html
http://www.hstheaterawards.com/docs/2011_noms.pdf

School Budget Passes; Board Incumbents Ousted

Voters in the Somers Central School District in Somers, NY approved the school budget yesterday by a vote of 1474 to 1134, LoHud.com reports. Harvey Kriedberg and Linda Graffitti won seats on the Board of Education ousting long-time incumbents Cheryl Smith and Board President Lucia Vece.


LoHud.com election results are here.  The vote tally for Board candidates is on the Facebook page of the Somers Record.

Holocaust Remembrance Day In Somers NY

"Sitting here I cannot believe I am alive. It is hard to explain and to tell things what had happened," said the keynote speaker at Holocaust Remembrance Day, according to a recent LoHud.com story.    

The annual event sponsored by the Somers Holocaust Memorial Commission was held on May 5th at Kennedy Catholic High School in Somers, NY.   The Evening of Remembrance included prayers, music and a candle lighting ceremony.  Student project awards were presented to students from Kennedy Catholic, North Salem and Somers High Schools.  The keynote speaker was Benjamin Levin, a Holocaust survivor who lives in Ossining.

Read the May 12 LoHud.com story by Barbara Livingston Nackman, Annual Holocaust memorial held in Somers.

The program is at the web site of Somers Holocaust Memorial Commission.

This excerpt from United States Holocaust Memorial Museum briefly describes the Holocaust: 

The Holocaust was the systematic, bureaucratic, state-sponsored persecution and murder of approximately six million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. "Holocaust" is a word of Greek origin meaning "sacrifice by fire." The Nazis, who came to power in Germany in January 1933, believed that Germans were "racially superior" and that the Jews, deemed "inferior," were an alien threat to the so-called German racial community.

During the era of the Holocaust, German authorities also targeted other groups because of their perceived "racial inferiority": Roma (Gypsies), the disabled, and some of the Slavic peoples (Poles, Russians, and others). Other groups were persecuted on political, ideological, and behavioral grounds, among them Communists, Socialists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and homosexuals.

LINKS:

http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011105120321

http://www.somershmc.org/Events.html

http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10005143

Somers Town Justice Is New Mamaroneck Village Attorney

Michael J. McDermott, a Somers town justice with a private law practice, has been appointed Mamaroneck’s part-time village attorney, according to a May 11 story in the Larchmont-MamaroneckPatch. The confirmation vote was 3-2, giving “McDermott an early taste of politics on the gilded waterfront.”
Read the Larchmont-MamaroneckPatch article, Somers Justice Named Mamaroneck Village Attorney.

LINKS:
http://larchmont.patch.com/articles/somers-justice-named-mamaroneck-village-attorney

Budget And Contested School Board Seats Before Voters In North Salem

Residents of Somers, NY who live in the North Salem School District will see their tax rate go up by 5.5% if voters approve the over $38 million budget on May 17.  Three persons are running for two school board seats.  The budget amount increases by 1.92% but the tax increase is to offset a drop in the use of savings and revenues, according to the story in LoHud.com. Eleven jobs are eliminated. Assistant superintendents and principals will get 2 percent raises but have agreed to donate that back to the district.


Read the May 7, 2011 LoHud.com story, North Salem school budget cuts nearly a dozen jobs.
Read the May 15, 2011 LoHud.com story, 3 examine school budget, seek 2 seats in North Salem.


LINKS:
http://www.lohud.com/article/20110507/NEWS01/105070333
http://www.lohud.com/article/20110515/NEWS01/105150369/3-examine-school-budget-seek-2-seats-North-Salem

Obituary: "Mickey" Oliver, Beloved Citizen Of Somers

Funeral Procession for Florence "Mickey" Oliver
May 13, 2011.  Photo from NCNLocal.com. 

Florence "Mickey" Oliver died May 6 at her home in Somers, NY. She was 96.
Mrs. Oliver was the official Town Historian for Somers.  More than that, she was a “kind woman with a great smile who many described as a pillar of the Somers community”, according to the obituary in NCNLocal.com posted on Thursday. On Friday, hundreds of family, friends, and community members attended the funeral and quarter mile procession from St. Luke's Church to Ivandell Cemetery.   The flag at the Town hall flew at half-mast. Before her death, the Town Board started the process to dedicate the original Farmstead at Angle Fly Preserve in her name.
At the LoHud.com Guest Book, David Murphy from Carmel, NY expressed the sentiments of many in saying:
Mrs. Oliver was one of those special people maybe you are lucky enough to encounter once in your lifetime. Every conversation with her was more interesting than the last. I am honored to have known her. She will be missed by many.


NCNLocal.com has two stories, Somers Town Historian Mickey Oliver dies at 96, and Hundreds process down Route 100 for late Somers Town Historian. 
The LoHud.com obituary is here.

LINKS:
http://ncnlocal.com/ncnlocal_news/article_e70eaf40-7d10-11e0-8a86-001cc4c002e0.html
http://ncnlocal.com/ncnlocal_news/article_16bacc98-7dbf-11e0-bafc-001cc4c002e0.html
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/lohud/obituary.aspx?n=florence-s-oliver-mickey&pid=150970696

Somers Education Foundation - 11th Annual Gala Dinner, Dance & Auction

Students From China Looking At Kennedy Catholic

Burke Catholic School in Goshen, NY may enroll 30 students from China this year to offset declining enrollments and funding cuts from the Archdiocese.  Kennedy Catholic High School in Somers, NY is giving strong consideration to the idea as well, according to a May 12 story in the Times Herald-Record based in Middletown, NY.  The story says:

The interest by Chinese students in private U.S. schools complements a trend in China, where strong economic growth allows more families to spare their children from the country's fiercely competitive education system. High school students in particular must work morning to night to get into a miniscule number of seats in top universities.

"What's being told to me is that the education in China is very rigorous and taxing on the young," said Mark Vaillancourt, president and principal of John F. Kennedy Catholic High School.

Follow this link to the story, Chinese students seek out local Catholic schools.

LINKS:

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110512/NEWS/105120332/-1/SITEMAP

Oakley To Deliver Commencement Address

Laura Oakley

Laura Oakley of Somers, NY is not only graduating from college, she is also delivering the commencement address.  At Salisbury University in Maryland, a graduating student is selected to deliver that speech.  This year, that honor belongs to Oakley,who will speak at the commencement for business and teaching graduates of Salisbury University on May 19.

She said her professors’ passion for learning was infectious. Now “I don’t just want to be a good teacher; I want to be a revolutionary teacher.” Like her mentors, she wants a career filled with passion, says the May 4 press release.

Read the complete press release, May 19 Graduating Class to Be SU's Largest Yet.

LINKS:

http://www.salisbury.edu/newsevents/fullstoryview.asp?id=4584

SHS And Borders Are Having A Book Fair

We Are Back Online

Happy Annivesary

The Somers Spectator first "real" post was May 13, 2010.

Funeral Arrangements For Town Historian Mickey Oliver

The beloved Town Historian of Somers, NY,  Florence (Mickey) Oliver died on Friday May 6th.  She turned 96 in April. Funeral arrangements are as follows, according to this link at Saint Luke’s Church Facebook page:

The Wake for Mickey will be held at

Saint Luke's Church on

Thursday evening from 6pm to 9pm.

The Service of Burial will be

Friday, 13 May, 2011 at 2pm 

at Saint Luke's Church.

Followed directly by the Committal Service

in Ivandell Cemetery.  

Saint Luke’s Church is at at 331 Route 100 in Somers, NY; phone is 914-277-3122

Several personal tributes to Mrs. Oliver are posted at the Facebook pages of Somers, NY and Somers Historical Society.

LINKS:

http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=2acce754866034f648fe19642&id=a3c6a5e90c

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saint-Lukes-Church-Somers-NY/157863827335

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Somers-NY/103458709149?v=wall

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Somers-Historical-Society/104464119586538?sk=wall

Review Of The Somers School Budget: The Good And The Bad

The Somers Central School District proposed budget for 2011-12 is over $80 million, an increase of 1.92% from last year's budget, with a estimated property tax rate increase of 5.6%. With an anticipated enrollment next year of 3482 students, Somers spends $23,098 per student.   Here is our brief analysis of the budget, in time for the candidates debate on May 9 and public hearing on the budget on May 10.  Vote on May 17. 

A web link to the Proposed Budget is here and under Links in the right hand column of this blog.   The Board of Education has also issued a Budget Issue of the Trunkline newsletter as well as 2011/12 Proposed Budget Facts. 

The Good

• Within $150,000 of the contingency budget* permitted under NYS law. [See page 6 of Proposed Budget.] 
• Using reserves of $2 million to reduce tax rate increase. 
• The District spends less per student ($23,098) than the average district in both Westchester ($25,131) and Putnam ($23,658) Counties, according to the 2011-12 School Budget Spotlight report by the Empire Center.

The Bad 

• For taxpayers: Projected property tax rate increase of 5.62%, to $141.54 per $1000.  Last year the increase was nearly 3%. [See page 1 of Proposed Budget.]
• For parents/students: Reduction in staff but enrollment continues to increase, impacting class size and programing. This year’s proposed budget eliminates 15 positions.  Last year saw the elimination of 12 positions. [See page 7 of Proposed Budget.]
• For budget hawks: Teachers receiving salary increases of 4.9% to 6.8%**.  The average teacher salary for regular students is over $97,000 per year*** plus benefits. This is more than the salary of the Somers Town Supervisor in 2010, according to the SeeThroughNY web site. 

Notes

* Contingency budget: If the school budget is defeated on May 17, one option available to the Board of Education is to adopt a contingency budget, without need for voter approval. Under New York State law, a contingency budget caps spending at a level based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), subject to certain rules under state law. 

**  Based on 12 test scenarios across various pay-grades under Supplement A and Supplement B of the Contract between the Faculty Association and the Board of Education 2010-2013 at the Faculty Association's web site.  There are 19 different pay grades based on education. Each year, a teacher's salary increases by a step, within a pay-grade.  For 2011/12, each step increases by 1.75%.  For example, a teacher with a Masters Degree at step 3 received a salary of $65882 in 2010/11.  At step 4 in 2011/12, the salary is $70388, an increase of 6.8%.  
*** The average salary was derived from page 15 of the Proposed Budget.  Total salary (Line 100 = $24,118,466) is divided by the number of teachers, aides & assistants, and monitors(213.7 + 23.1 + 11.61=248.41). If you assume all monitors are paid less than the lowest paid teacher ($50,000), then the average salary of teachers and aides is nearly $100,000 per year.   

LINKS:

http://www.somersschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1492346/File/Proposed%202011-12%20Annual%20School%20Budget.pdf?sessionid=a42f22fe7d02cac8242b900f45e13ea9

http://www.somersschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1492346/File/Announcements/WEB%20Somers%20Budget%202011.pdf

http://www.somersschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1492346/File/Budget%20Facts%202011-2012(3).pdf?sessionid=dfcab77dcebc808b19f0f9b23eeb8d9b

http://www.empirecenter.org/Documents/PDF/EmpireSchoolReport2011-12%20main.pdf

http://www.seethroughny.net/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx

Library Events In May

In addition to teen and kids activities, the Library in Somers, NY has events for adults in May and early June.  Here are listings from the May online newsletter.  Check the Somers Library web site for current info or call the Library at 914-232-5717. 

►One-on-One Computer Class for Adults. Monday or Thursday afternoons by appointment only. Learn how to use the mouse, learn basic Internet skills, or learn how to use Email.   ►New Session - Think and Grow Rich. Do you want to improve the quality of your life? Do you want to grow in awareness of your infinite potential? Are you willing to commit your time to make the changes necessary? Please join Somers Library in a 4 week study of the classic, best-selling book by Napoleon Hill, "Think and Grow Rich." New day & evening sessions are available beginning May 16th. ►May 2, 9, 16, 23 at 1:00pm. Free Ballroom Dance Lessons. Back by popular demand, Frank Elia (professional dance instructor) teaches ballroom dancing. If possible, please bring (and sign-up) a partner. No experience necessary. Class is filled; waiting list only.  Sponsored by the Friends of the Somers Library.     ►May 7 at 1:00pm. Do You Keep Buying Clothes & Still Have Nothing to Wear? How many times have you stood and looked at your full closet and you still could not find anything to wear? Join us as image consultant Scarlett DeBease shows us how to coordinate outfits in a new and exciting way.    ►May 15 at 2:00pm. Sunday Concert Series Featuring Vickie Russell. Vickie Russell, touring singer/songwriter based in New Paltz, NY, performs her stunningly original heartfelt songs on the keyboard and guitar. Sponsored by the Friends of Somers Library.      ►May 14 at 1:30pm. Managing Arthritis and Fibromyalgia Pain. Long lasting pain, like the kind that accompanies arthritis or fibromyalgia is different. While it tells you that something is wrong, it often isn't easy to relieve. Learn how to improve all aspects of your life by promoting muscular strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and posture. Presented by Andrea Klekman, CPT. ►June 6 from 9:00am - 3:00pm. AARP Defensive Driving Course. $12 for AARP members (write membership number on check), $14 for non-members. Call library to register. Your check confirms your registration.   ►June 12 at 2:00pm. Sunday Concert Series Featuring Dmitri Kolesnik. Russian bassist/composer Dmitri Kolesnik is a promising talent who is well-versed in both hard bop and post-bop, and is a firm fixture on the jazz scene in New York.Sponsored by the Friends of Somers Library.

LINKS:
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs007/1102662661497/archive/1105066569312.html
http://www.somerslibrary.org/

Somers Man Is Citizen Of Year For Mount Kisco Chamber

Somers resident Bill Harden is the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce  2011 Citizen of the Year.  He will be honored tonight, May 5, at the 44th Annual Citizen of the Year Dinner Dance held at BMW Mt. Kisco.   

Harden is the founder and owner of Accel Printing & Graphics Corp. in Mount Kisco. At the event, the Chamber will also honor Mount Kisco Child Care Center as Outstanding Non Profit of the Year.


The Chamber's web site says this about the award and Harden:

Each year, the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce takes great pride in awarding the Citizen of the Year honorees. These honors are bestowed by the Chamber on a group or an individual who has distinguished themselves by contributing their time and talent to benefit the entire Mt. Kisco community.


The Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce is proud to honor Bill Harden as our 2011 Citizen of the Year. Bill was born on Staten Island and attended the New York City School system. He went to
Wagner College (BS) and NYU, served in the U.S. Navy (ONI) after going to OSC Naval Academy. He worked for Union Carbide (mergers and acquisitions), John Nuveen (Investment Banking), Advanced Computer Techniques (Partner) and local businessman (Printing). The family moved to Chappaqua in 1967 with lovely wife and three children. Bill has been a local businessman since 1976 and Chamber member, (served as President for four years) since 1984. Accel Printing and Graphics Corporation is owned and operated by Bill and his wife, Ann in Mt. Kisco since 1978.


Now residing in Heritage Hills, Bill is a fanatic tennis player and charity auctioneer. His “Fun Raising” auctions support many local Charities and Non-Profit organizations. He is past president of MKCC, Board member of Northern Westchester Business Group, member and past trustee of The First Congregational Church, Chappaqua.


LINKS:
http://www.mtkiscochamber.com/citizen_of_year.htm

Board of Education Candidates Debate On May 9

The four candidates running for two seats on the Board of Education will debate the issues on Monday May 9 at the Somers Middle School Library in Somers, NY at 7:30 PM.  The announcement from the PTA web site is below:

Somers Board of Education
Candidates' Debate
Monday, May 9, 2011   SMS Library, 7:30 pm

All are invite to attend.

Four candidates are running
for two available seats on the Board:

• Linda Graffitti

• Harvey Kriedberg

• Lucia (Missy) Vece

• Cheryl Smith

Brought to You by
Your Somers PTA Council &
The League of Women Voters

LINKS:

http://www.somersptacouncil.org/COUNCIL/HOME.htm

Town Board Agenda For May 5

The Town Board of Somers, NY meets Thursday May 5 in a work session. On the consensus agenda is the dedication of original Farmstead at the entrance of Angle Fly Preserve to “Mickey Oliver” for her many contributions to the Town and the protection and preservation of the Angle Fly Preserve.   Also, the dog park is slated for discussion.

See the complete agenda here. A portion is below.

B. TOWN BOARD: 

 1.  Insurance – discussion.  

 2.  Annual MS4 Report.   

 3.  The Green at Somers (formerly the North End at Somers).   

 4.  Alexan Somers Woods – discussion.  

 5.  Dog Park – Discussion.  

H.  PROPOSED CONSENSUS AGENDA:  

 1.  Refer request for stop signs at the following intersections to Police, Highway  

  and Town Engineering Office for review and comment: 

  a.  Entrance Way East and Lake Way (4-way) and /or 

  b.  Entrance Way East and Central Way (3-way) and /or 

  c.  Entrance Way East and Inter Way (3-way) and /or 

  d.  Entrance Way West and Ridge Way and /or 

  e.  Entrance Way West and Fair Way  

  *** 

  3.  Schedule Public Hearing for June 9, 2011 for proposed revision of §150-13M  

  Expiration of Conditions Approval of the Town Code to comport with  

  NYS Law.   

 4.  Adopt resolution announcing May as National Preservation Month “Celebrating 

  America’s Treasures.” 

  ***

  6.  Reappoint Herb Oringel as Chairman of the Energy Advisory Panel to a term  

  ending December 31, 2011.   

 7.  Authorize dedication of original Farmstead at the entrance of Angle Fly  

  Preserve to “Mickey Oliver” for her many contributions to the Town and  

  the protection and preservation of the Angle Fly.   

 ***

2011 CALENDAR  

  May 5  7:30pm Town Board Work Session 

  May 12 7:30pm  Public Hearing: 

       Chapter 77 of the Code: Building  

        Unsafe 

      Town Board Regular Meeting 

  May 19 6:00pm  Town Board Special Meeting – re:    

       Energy Initiatives 

Dog Park On Town Board Agenda For Thursday

The proposed dog park for Somers, NY is on the agenda for the Town Board meeting on May 5.  The off leash park will be located on Route 100 next to the DPW yard.  Funding for the fence is through donations. 


Somers Dog Park has a Facebook page.  It is currently looking for a volunteer to set up a 501(c) corporation.


LINKS:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Somers-Dog-Park/215493025143325?sk=info

Lincoln Hall Arrest

From 390.com:  28 April 2011.  On 04/27/2011 at approximately 8:00 pm, the State Police in Somers were dispatched to Lincoln Hall for a report of an assault that occurred between two residents. After an investigation, it was later determined that a 15 year old resident struck the 17 year old victim in the face and caused physical injury after a dispute over money. The 15 year old suspect was arrested for Assault 3rd and was transported to SP Somers where he was processed without incident. He is to appear for arraignment in Family Court on 04/29/2011 at 10:00 am. The 17 year old victim was treated for his injuries at Putnam Hospital Center, released, and later returned to Lincoln Hall.


See NYSP Somers – Assault 3rd Arrest – Lincoln Hall, Town of Somers at 390.com


LINKS:
http://the390.com/downstate/nysp-somers-assault-3rd-arrest-lincoln-hall-town-of-somers

Public Hearing On School Budget Is May 10 At SMS; Election For Two Board Seats and Budget Approval Is May 17

The school budget makes up over 70% of your property tax bill, so it pays to be informed and to vote.  A public hearing on the Somers Central School District budget is scheduled for May 10 at 7 PM  at the Somers Middle School Cafeteria.  A vote on the budget is May 17th.  A link to the proposed budget is listed on the right column of this blog under "Links".  See the Budget and Budget Facts at the school district's web site.  


In addition, two Board of Education seats are up for election, including that of the current School Board President. Running for the seats on the Board of Education are:  Linda Graffitti, Harvey Kriedberg, Cheryl Smith (incumbent) and Lucia Vece (incumbent). Profiles of the candidates are in April 28 issue of the weekly newspaper the Somers Record, although not available online.


Register to vote by May 12.   


Not all of Somers, NY is in the Somers Central School District.  A small part of the town is within the North Salem School District. About 168 children from Somers attend North Salem public schools. The total enrollment of the Somers Central School District is nearly 3500.


More information about the budget vote and board election, including an Absentee Ballot application, is at the District Announcements page of the Somers Central School District  web page.



LINKS:
http://www.somersschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1492346/File/Budget%20Facts%202011-2012(3).pdf?sessionid=099c9dacc4466fa062f881fdadd1f8fb
http://somersschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1492346/File/Proposed%202011-12%20Annual%20School%20Budget.pdf?sessionid=099c9dacc4466fa062f881fdadd1f8fb
http://somersschools.org/modules/cms/announce.phtml?sessionid=099c9dacc4466fa062f881fdadd1f8fb

Somers Record Is Published

Somers, NY has a real newspaper.  The Somers Record is a weekly newspaper sent to residents by US mail.  We received issue 2 with a dateline of Thursday April 28 with our regular mail. Issue 1 may have been tossed with the junk mail.  An online edition is about a month away.  Till then we have modified our tag line to: "Because Somers Has No Online Local Newspaper Of Its Own".


See our March 21 post, Somers To Get A “Real” Newspaper. Contact the Somers Record at 845-621-1115. 




LINKS:
http://somersspectator.blogspot.com/2011/03/somers-to-get-real-newspaper.html