Boys manhandle Clarkstown South in first round, 17-7 Will Broghammer and the seniors secured a playoff win in their last home game at Fox Lane. JIM MACLEAN PHOTO By JIM MACLEAN One last chance to play on the home turf at Fox Lane, and the seniors on the boys varsity lacrosse team made the most of the opportunity, leading the Foxes to a convincing 17-7 victory over Clarkstown South in the first round of the Section 1 Class A lacrosse tournament. Fox Lane was the No. 8-seed hosting the No. 9-seed Vikings on May 22, and the Foxes dominated with seven different goal scorers and a complete team effort to advance to the quarterfinals. “It was a big team win and we were able to get contributions on the field from every guy on our roster,” said Fox Lane coach Charlie Rice. “The opportunity to host a playoff game is something that no one on this team has ever had before. It was a great feeling to earn a win at home in the seniors final game at Fox Lane, but I think the way it was done with so many different goal scorers and contributors made it a little more special.” The Foxes jumped all over the Vikings with a balanced attack across the field. Drew Nathan had another dominant game, leading the way for the Foxes with seven goals and an assist. Ryan Hardie's big game Senior Ryan Hardie had a big game scoring four goals. Senior Tyler Davidson scored a pair of goals and added an assist. Justin Cohen scored two goals and dominated on face offs. Leo Crisostomo scored a goal and had an assist. Colin Isabella and Sean Fabry each scored a goal. Sam Randol had three assists, while Chase Stonecipher and Will Broghammer each had one assist. Luke Valenti had another big game in goal for the Foxes, recording 13 assists to earn the victory between the pipes. While everyone contributed, it was the efforts of the seniors in their final home game that coach Rice highlighted that made it a special day for the program. “Will Broghammer is such a dynamic player and does so much for us, being a three-sport athlete, I’m sure the game felt different for him to get to leave Fox Lane soil in the win column,” added Rice. “Senior defenseman Eddie Lopez also played great, and Leo Crisostomo as a short stick defensive midfielder really goes unnoticed, which is a testament to how effective he is. It was great to see him get something to show for it with his goal. Offensively, Ryan Hardie and Tyler Davidson are some of our primary initiators and both played massive roles in our 17-goal effort. Colin Isabella also came into his own as a solid crease guy.” With the victory, Fox Lane advanced to the quarterfinals, where they were scheduled to face top-seeded Yorktown on the road May 27. The winner advanced to the semifinals Saturday, May 30. Girls best Carmel in quarterfinal matchup, 16-5 Fox Lane girls dominate in first round to advance to semifinals: The Fox Lane girls also enjoyed a home victory to start the playoffs as the No. 2-seed Foxes hosted No. 7-seed Carmel in the quarterfinals of the Section 1 Class A playoffs. The Foxes improved to 16-1 overall on the season as they mastered Carmel with a 16-5 victory to advance to the semifinals. Moore scores four goals Cora Moore led the way as she dominated on the draws and scored four goals and assisted on two others. Michaela Kaltsas also scored four goals and added an assist. The Webb sisters did their part as Taylor Webb finished with three goals and three assists, while Hadley scored two goals and added an assist. Dylan New scored a pair of goals, and Julia Sirchia also scored a goal for the Foxes. Rodriguez shines in goal Molly Rodriguez was credited with five saves in goal to record the victory. With the win, Fox Lane moves on to the semifinals, where the No. 2-seed Foxes will host No. 3-seed Yorktown on May 29. The winner advances to the championship game Tuesday, June 2, at Nyack High School.

James Strauss tees off during the final round of the Section 1 golf championships. JIM MACLEAN PHOTOS By JIM MACLEAN It would take a big rally on the back nine holes, and John Jay junior James Strauss delivered, shooting an even par to finish with a score of 158 over the two-day Section 1 Golf Championship Tournament. That score would be good enough to earn him All-Section honors, finishing just one stroke off a tie at 157 to compete for the final ninth spot on the Section 1 team competing at the New York State Championships next week. The day did not start well for Strauss as the top 30 golfers that made the cut for the second day of the tournament teed off at Centennial golf course in Carmel on May 26. Strauss shot a 43 on the front nine, but he turned it around with a strong finish, shooting an even-par 36 on the back nine. “Front nine, I started off well, but then I got kind of streaky, I thought I was completely out of it, but then I ended up with a solid nine holes on the back to get back into it and unfortunately missed the cut by one,” Strauss said of his day-two performance. “My goal at the beginning of the season was to make sectionals, even when I got here my expectations were low since this is my first time at sectionals, so I’m happy with how I played. I broke 80 both rounds.” Just making the tournament is a big accomplishment with the top 60 golfers from all of Section 1 earning a chance to compete in the first round last week at Tamarack Country Club on May 18. Then the top 30 advanced to the final round on Tuesday at Centennial, with Strauss and John Jay teammate Wally Ryder making the cut to advance. Only the top nine would earn a chance to go on to the state championships, and Strauss rallied to put himself in position to make the Section 1 state team, but fell one stroke short with three players tied at 157. That final score on the back nine is a testament to how far he has come this season, according to John Jay coach Art Blank. “James had a great two days in the tournament, shot 79 both rounds, and I’m very proud of what he accomplished,” Blank said of Strauss. “He’s a really good golfer, very dedicated to it and he really works at it, I’m not surprised he made All-Section. He’s had a great season and I’m excited to see what he can do next year, he’ll be the leader of our team next year.” Wally Ryder advanced to the second day of the tournament, but ultimately a couple of holes at Centennial proved to be his nemesis. Ryder also advanced for the second day of the tournament after shooting an 81 the first day at Tamarack, but the senior struggled with a couple of holes at Centennial and finished with an 88 for a combined score of 169 in his final round of golf for the John Jay team. “Wally had a great season, he didn’t have the day he wanted today, but he had an outstanding season playing number one for us most of the time,” Blank said of Ryder. “He accomplished so much, and he’s going to play in college next year at Endicott and I’m sure he’ll do great there.” Blank was excited by what Strauss and Ryder did all season long to help the Wolves turn in a great season as they both qualified for the sectional tournament along with sophomore Asher Barnett. Strauss and Barnett will lead a talented group coming back next year for the Wolves. “First time playing at sectionals, the first tee shot I was really nervous and it took me a long time to warm up, then I kind of got into the flow,” admitted Strauss. “Asher and I are really excited about coming back next year.”

John Jay coach Jess McDonough gets a Gatorade bath from her team after recording her 150th career win with the program. JIM MACLEAN PHOTOS Above, Finja Degl scores a goal for the Wolves in playoff victory over Tappan Zee. Coco Inglis, at left, scored five goals to lead the Wolves. By JIM MACLEAN She tried to quietly walk away, but her team would not let her. John Jay girls varsity lacrosse coach Jess McDonough has enjoyed a lot of success at the head of the program, but it’s never about her and always about her players on the field. The Wolves took care of business on the field, cruising to a 19-7 win over Tappan Zee to advance to the Section 1 Class C semifinals May 26, but the girls knew this was not just another victory for McDonough. Assistant coach Lauren McAulay made an announcement and the girls gave McDonough a Gatorade bath to celebrate her 150th career victory at John Jay. “Apparently, my assistant coach says so, I had no idea, it’s just about the team and what the girls did, it’s all about them,” McDonough said about her milestone win. “They played a great game. We talked about peaking at the right time for the playoffs and they really showed it on both sides of the field. Especially in the middle 30, that was beautiful, the communication between the circle, everyone was really locked in today.” An early lead John Jay wasted no time setting the tone, jumping out to a 4-0 lead on its way to the victory, and it was an impressive performance across the field to get the job done. The Wolves entered the playoffs as the No. 4-seed hosting No. 5 Tappan Zee, but there was no way the girls would let this one slip away on their home field. The roster is a young one for the Wolves with just one senior on the roster in captain Amelia Inglis. She admitted it was “A little bittersweet, definitely sad that it’s my last game playing on the contest field, such a great atmosphere,” admitted Amelia. “That was a great team win by us. We’ve had a couple of games this season where we got up and let up, so it was really big for us to keep pushing the gas. I’m really proud of what we did as a team today.” Finja Degl scores a goal for the Wolves in playoff victory over Tappan Zee. Her sister Coco Inglis certainly did her part, leading the Wolves with five goals as eight different girls scored goals and contributed on offense. And it actually started on defense as Riley McCaffrey made two big saves in goal before the Wolves were able to go down the other end of the field and take a 1-0 lead on a goal by Dillon Hall. The offense kept rolling from there, opening a 4-0 lead and closing out the first quarter with a 5-1 lead. It was up to 8-1 before Tappan Zee tried to rally with three-straight goals, but Erin Brennan scored for the Wolves off an assist from Amelia Inglis to close out the first half with a 9-4 lead. The Wolves carried the momentum into the third quarter with four goals in a span of about one and a half minutes as Kait Condon dominated on the draws to control possession. Maye Vidders started it off with a goal at 9:56, and Coco Inglis scored off an assist from Vidders just 12 seconds later. Amelia Inglis then scored off an assist from Finja Degl at 9:30, and Coco scored again at the 8:25 mark to make it 13-4. Tappan Zee falls short Tappan Zee tried to rally once again scoring three goals to make it 14-7, but Finja Degl closed out the third quarter with a goal and opened the fourth with another to squash any thoughts of a comeback and the Wolves closed out the victory. Coco Inglis scored five goals to lead the Wolves. In addition to Coco Inglis scoring five goals, Vidders finished with three goals and had four assists for the Wolves. Degl had a hat trick as well, scoring three goals and adding two assists. Erin Brennan, Hall and Clara Bazaar each scored a pair of goals, Amelia Inglis scored a goal and had an assist, and Caitlin Brennan scored a goal for the Wolves. John Jay will need another team effort as the Wolves advance to the semifinals on Friday, May 29, on the road against No. 1-seed Rye. The winner will advance to the championship game on June 2 at Nyack High School.

By JEFF MORRIS Among the agenda items at its May 21 meeting, the Katonah-Lewisboro Board of Education briefly acknowledged the results of the May 19 board and budget election, and conducted public hearings on revisions to the district Code of Conduct and District Safety Plan. Election reaction The meeting began with board president, Lorraine Gallagher, who had just won reelection, expressing her appreciation for the level of voter turnout two days earlier. “I want to thank you for showing up,” she said, noting that over 2,800 voters had cast ballots. “It was a great turnout.” Turnout was, indeed, higher than it had been during the prior two years, and at about 19% of registered district voters, unusually high compared to most years. Gallagher also thanked voters for approving Proposition 1, the budget, and Proposition 2 for use of capital reserves. She credited a previous board for having the “amazing foresight” to set up the reserve fund for future athletic infrastructure improvements. “We ask that you now stay tuned for some amazing additional activities that will be going around our campuses again,” she said, acknowledging that some capital projects had just finished, “but we’re going to start again.” After thanking voters for returning both her and Bill Swertfager to three-year board terms, she welcomed Stacey Isaacson, who is joining the board to fill the remaining two years of Jon Poffenberger’s term, and thanked Nancy Bachana and Melissa Dilmaghani for running. “I appreciate your willingness to serve our community and hope to see you at our meetings in the future,” she said. Then Gallagher got to Proposition 3, the Lewisboro Elementary Universal pre-K and community center proposal, which lost by 22 votes. “I am sorry that this did not pass,” she said. “We have dedicated a lot of time, in the last three years directly and beyond that, several years as a school board, looking at this issue.” Gallagher said they will be looking at UPK and LES again in the future. “All I can ask is that our community tune into our meetings and engage — it is what we are here for,” she said. “So stay tuned. We will come back with more information soon.” Student trustee Hudson Lutz also addressed Proposition 3, saying he did not think its defeat was “something that anyone in the district should be celebrating.” He continued, “We are setting ourselves back as a district and as a community, and it really is deeply upsetting that we’re restricting the education of 80 preschoolers this year, and we’re continuing to charge families $12,000 to $16,000.” Lutz said he did not think it was “who we are as a school district or as a community. We are going to move forward from it, but right now it is really upsetting.” In his closing remarks, Superintendent Raymond Blanch said that whatever comes next will be a shared decision. “What’s the next right answer?” he asked. “I think that’s where we hopefully are — always looking at what’s the next right answer.” Blanch said the latest information is that the state budget will be passed, and “it is going to be clear. It is now state law — we have to have a UPK.” He said he would bring the board “what might help with our next great answer.” Code of Conduct The board began its annual review of the Code of Conduct. Assistant Superintendent for Business Lisa Herlihy noted the changes being proposed this year are relatively minor, as they are planning a more comprehensive overhaul of the code next year. She said because both the Code of Conduct and the Districtwide Safety Plan are considered policies of the Board of Education, they are required to be presented in a public hearing, with a 30-day public comment period. The code needs to be in place by July 1. Melissa Brady of the code revision committee said among the revisions in the updated code is the inclusion of “clinicians” among “essential partners,” which will include school psychologists and social workers. Another change is the addition of “ammunition” to the definition of prohibited weapons, in order to make the list as comprehensive as possible. Specific language was added to a section on bathroom behavior and expectations, including failing to respect others’ privacy, creating unsanitary conditions, loitering without a legitimate purpose, engaging in disruptive contact, misusing restroom facilities or entering restrooms contrary to posted guidelines. There is also a change in language regarding the responsibility of students to report conduct of bullying, harassment, or discrimination against others. Rather than say this should be reported to a district administrator, it will say employee, so that students feel that they can go to whatever employee is around at the time, or feel comfortable with. Additionally, language pertaining to students’ right to privacy under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, or FERPA, was moved to the Rights and Responsibilities section; the committee revising the code felt that it is important not only for students to understand that they have a right to privacy, but they also have a responsibility to respect the privacy of others. Brady said adding this responsibility also empowers students with a sense of control over their own privacy and the privacy of others within the KLSD community. Another revision, in the disability section, changes the age listed as 21 years old to 22 years old. Brady said that was because, by law, students with disabilities must be provided with a free appropriate public education until the day before their 22nd birthday. Districtwide safety plan Richard Finn, the district’s safety and security coordinator, presented the districtwide safety plan for 2026-27. He noted safety plans stemmed from the tragic events in Columbine in 1999, which resulted in the SAVE Act, requiring schools to develop, review, and update safety plans at both a district and building level. Finn said he collaborated with Altaris, the district’s safety and security consultant, in updating the plan. Finn said there are very few updates this year, and most are language-based in compliance with AED and school cardiac emergency response requirements implemented last year. There are also protocols for responding to bomb threats, hostage taking, intruders, abduction and other emergency situations, and additions to school personnel who must be involved and participate in training and drills. Another aspect of the plan pertains to the maximum temperature in schools, which Finn noted they had just dealt with earlier that week; he said it was updated to more accurately align with a Feb. 25 law change, which shifted the requirement from a mandate to a board-approved policy on maximum temperatures. That, he said, is something the district already has. Added to the end of the special provision section, said Finn, is a paragraph to address the access and functional needs of students, staff, and visitors; and at the end of the additional evacuation drill requirements section is a paragraph explaining that protocols apply to both before- and after-school events. Finn said they are now working on building-level plans, which will be coming out soon. The remainder of the process is for the plan to be made available for a 30-day public comment period; it must be formally adopted by the board by Sept. 1.

Audience members take in a concert in the Spanish Courtyard of the Rosen House, one of Caramoor's many performance venues. CARAMOOR PHOTO By GILLIAN FOX As I reach the end of my first year as president and CEO of Caramoor, I have been reflecting on what makes this extraordinary place so meaningful to so many people. It is certainly the world-class artistry that fills our stages all year long, the beauty of the gardens, and the history and significance of the Rosen House. But increasingly, I believe Caramoor’s greatest strength lies in its ability to bring people together across generations and create lasting memories through shared cultural experiences. For over 80 years, Caramoor has served as a vibrant cultural destination where music, arts, and nature come together. That legacy remains central to our mission today. As we look toward the future, however, one of our most important opportunities is to ensure that audiences of all ages feel welcome, inspired and connected here, particularly families and our youngest listeners who may be discovering the arts for the very first time. Summer season set Our 2026 summer season once again features internationally acclaimed artists and exceptional performances spanning classical, jazz, American roots, global music, opera, and the American songbook. The level of artistry that guests experience when they visit Caramoor rivals what one might encounter in New York City’s great concert halls, yet it happens right here in our own backyard, in our “garden of great music.” Over the past several months, we have been focused on expanding how people engage with Caramoor and increasing the pathways through which audiences discover the joy of live performance and cultural connection. This includes how families experience our campus and recognizing that a child’s first concert, a family picnic before a performance, or an afternoon spent exploring the grounds together can become the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the arts and with Caramoor. These experiences matter, not only for families themselves, but for the long-term vitality of cultural organizations everywhere. Arts organizations across the country are asking themselves the same questions regarding how we connect younger generations with the arts and develop meaningful relationships with cultural institutions. How do we create environments that feel welcoming and approachable, while maintaining the highest artistic standards? For Caramoor, I believe an additive approach allows us to continue prioritizing artistic excellence across all genres while also creating more opportunities for discovery, participation, and intergenerational engagement. This philosophy is reflected throughout our 2026 programming and future planning. Growing family programs This season, audiences will continue to encounter the breadth and depth of Caramoor’s artistic offerings while also finding new opportunities to engage as families and communities. Our family programs are growing thoughtfully, with experiences designed to introduce children to live music in joyful and meaningful ways. Programs like Dancing at Dusk invite young audiences to experience world-class music in an informal outdoor setting that encourages curiosity, creativity, and connection. Beyond concerts, children can participate in kids’ art classes that take inspiration from the Rosen House collection, while families can enjoy Teddy Bear Teas, Butterfly Walks of the grounds, and other opportunities to explore Caramoor together. Our expanded Beyond the Music programming also includes the new “Inside Lucie’s Wardrobe” Rosen House Focus Tour, nature and wellness programs, and conversations on a variety of topics, from fashion to food. These experiences go hand-in-hand with our artistic mission; they are part of how we cultivate future audiences, deepen relationships with current ones, and invite audiences of all ages to engage with Caramoor in meaningful and lasting ways. Our commitment to intergenerational engagement also extends beyond our campus and directly into local classrooms through our Student Strings initiative. Through the Ernst Stiefel String Quartet-in-Residence program, visiting artists engage with middle and high school music students through mentorship, coaching, and hands-on instruction. This season, the Poiesis Quartet connected with more than 1,100 students, offering young musicians the opportunity to experience world-class artistry up close and leaving a lasting impression on many of them. By connecting working artists with young learners, we help ensure that cultural discovery and access to exceptional music education remain available to students throughout our region, not only to those who visit Caramoor with their families. Fostering shared experiences This year, we have welcomed many first-time guests through these new public programs, reinforcing something deeply important: cultural institutions are not only places where art is presented. They are places where memories are formed, and traditions are built, and that sense of belonging is essential to Caramoor’s future. As we continue to evolve, my vision is for Caramoor to remain a place where longtime supporters, devoted music lovers, first-time visitors, children, and families alike all feel equally welcome. A place where someone can attend a world-class concert one evening, return for a family program the next weekend, and spend a quiet afternoon walking the grounds another day entirely. In an increasingly fast-paced and disconnected world, places that foster shared experiences across generations matter more than ever. They strengthen communities, inspire curiosity, and remind us of the value of coming together. That is the future we are building at Caramoor, and I am deeply optimistic about the possibilities ahead. Gillian Fox is president and CEO of Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts in Katonah.

"In writing ‘Accumulation’ Aimee Pokwatka says she addressed some of her personal hauntings and, “Through writing a haunted house novel, I unhaunted myself,” she said. By MAUREEN KOEHL “Accumulation,” the title of Cross River author Aimee Pokwatka’s latest fantasy horror novel, is living up to its name. Thus far in its brief exposure to the literary world it has acquired an enthusiastic following of readers, banner book sales and been dubbed a “best seller” by USA Today. Author Pokwatka’s third offering follows in her somewhat eclectic pattern of writing about fantasy, horror, science fiction, and women’s issues in today’s world. “Accumulation” seems to fit into most of these genres with its subject matter including ghosts, a haunted house and haunted people, especially a harried mother and housewife, overworked husband, two demanding children and frantic dog all based on Pokwatka’s own life experiences encountered after moving into her 18th century house in Cross River in August 2019. The house on Mark Mead Road may have sections dating back to the 1750s with parts added on as owners changed, leading to odd angles, crazy slanted floors, off-center doorways and a “murder staircase” in one part of the house. “I didn’t plan to write a haunted house novel … but the house insisted on it,” Pokwatka said. She actually experienced a ghostly shadow late one night as she went to bed when she encountered a “man-shaped torso silhouette” outlined on the wall which sent her racing to her bed, scaring the dog in the process. That dog appears in the book as GoGo, companion to Tenn, the book’s protagonist. Although Pokwatka considers herself a “ghost agnostic,” and the ghosts in her home seem to have settled themselves out of sight, she is willing to believe that there might be something out there keeping watch … a comporting feeling she acknowledges. Accumulation’s story starts, as did the author’s family’s introduction to life in Cross River, with Pokwatka’s husband finding a creepy doll hidden in the weeds of their home’s yard. The small, abandoned figure became the subject of a spooking game as husband and wife tried to outsmart each other with hiding places for the doll. Real life transmogrified Eventually, real life morphed into the book’s horror story with daily chores of moving into a new house and community, commitments to new responsibilities, new schools and new friendships, not to mention ghosts, and the housewife’s time and desire to devote creative time to herself as she falls further and further behind. It presents a new kind of psychological horror, and this is the story that Pokwatka tells in “Accumulation.” What part the ghosts play in this novel — and how they affect the lives of Tenn and Ward, their two young children, and the people around them — is the reader’s job to find out. The book is a collection of metaphors, a line repeated often in the novel. Pokwatka considers herself a speculative writer, not wanting to stick to one genre. “This book is more mainstream than my first two books, ‘Self-Portrait with Nothing’ and ‘The Parliament,’” she told The Recorder, but all her books encompass speculative fiction, horror, magical realism and mystery as well. She delights in crossing all genres. Her next book will deal with cults, again with a strong feminine focus. “I think horror is the correct lens to view the world we live in today,” Aimee said. In writing ‘Accumulation’ she addressed some of her personal hauntings and “through writing a haunted house novel, I unhaunted myself,” she said. Pokwatka grew up in Wheeling, W. Va. She received her MFA in creative writing from Syracuse University. Before coming to Lewisboro the family lived in Newtown, Conn., where Aimee conducted creative writing classes at the local library. Happy to be here Moving from a small rural town, where getting anywhere involved a car, she is delighted to be able to walk to Bacio’s for dinner or to the Yellow Studio or shopping center if needed. She speaks highly of The Yellow Studio in Yellow Monkey Village under the direction of Tina Villaveces. The Yellow Studio in addition to being a very active art gallery offers studios in the attic above the gallery for artists and writers to rent dedicated workspace. Aimee was grateful for this local option, both for the convenience and for the interaction with other creators. Writers helping writers There is also a blossoming cooperative writer’s group that meets monthly to offer positive feedback to attendees. “Accumulation,” published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons made its debut at Bedford Books on May 5 and is available in local bookstores. The audio book is expertly narrated by Ellen Adair, actor, writer and portrayer of Bess McTeer in “The Sinner” and “The Housemaid” movies. In “Accumulation,” Aimee uses her own life experiences, people she has encountered in her travels, neighbors who recognize Buckeye trees, her dog Pilgrim and even, full disclosure, the Lewisboro town historian, who as the South Bouton town historian, appears as a side character.

Wendy Warnecke, a retired Katonah-Lewisboro School District elementary teacher, died at the Meadow Ridge Senior Living in Redding, Conn., on May 15. She was 76. She was born on Jan. 23, 1950, in Mamaroneck, to Warren and Mildred Warnecke. She taught first grade and some second grade at Lewisboro Elementary School under her then-married name, Wendy White, for over 20 years. She had been diagnosed with inoperable bile duct cancer just two and a half months earlier, and decided to forego the limited treatment options available to combat the aggressive cancer, saying they would only delay the inevitable. A graduate of Binghamton University, she began her teaching career at Meadow Pond Elementary School in 1980. After briefly teaching in Mamaroneck, she returned to Meadow Pond, where she taught until moving to Lewisboro in 1989. She taught first grade at Lewisboro Elementary, until Principal Mary Flynn-Maguire asked her to try a new concept called “looping,” keeping the same group of kids through second grade. Though she enjoyed the experiment, it was not repeated. Warnecke’s colleagues remember her as a dedicated teacher who cared deeply about the children in her classes, often staying in the classroom until 6 or 7 p.m., to ensure they had their assignments returned the next day. She was known for her patience and calming influence, taking those who had behavioral issues under her wing, and had a lasting influence on her elementary students. Upon her retirement in 2010, she moved full time to Ocean Park, Maine, where she had been spending summers, and became a fixture in that community, teaching Vacation Bible School and again providing additional support for children who needed it. Friends say she always went the extra mile to help others, and recall her driving a neighbor to chemotherapy sessions in Boston in the midst of a blizzard. Her house became a revolving door of guests. Warnecke returned to Westchester periodically to help care for her mother, and lived part-time in South Salem and Norwalk, Conn. After her brother, Wayne, was diagnosed with ALS in 2022 and began receiving hospice care, she decided to sell her house in Maine and move back to the area in order to be closer to him and provide support. While Wendy did not have children of her own, she spent years essentially serving as a surrogate mother to two boys, years apart, who had difficult family situations. She also took on the role of “honorary grandparent” to Alexandra and Tim Morris, the children of longtime friends Ann-Marie and Jeff Morris of South Salem. She enjoyed music, played guitar and flute, and attended many Portland Symphony concerts. She was also a big fan of “Doctor Who.” She loved nothing more than setting out for the day on what she inevitably called “an adventure.” She is survived by her brother, Wayne (Vaneese) of Pound Ridge; her sister Laurie (Glenn) of Norwalk, Conn., her companion of 22 years, Andrew Drelles of Mount Kisco, and other family members. A private memorial is being planned.

By NEAL RENTZ This Lewisboro Town Board did an about-face at its May 26 meeting, voting unanimously to allow the Waccabuc Country Club to hold its annual Independence Day fireworks show as originally scheduled for June 27. On May 11, the Town Board unanimously denied the club’s request because June 27 is the same evening of the town’s fireworks. Supervisor Tony Gonçalves said at this week’s meeting that at their previous meeting, the Town Board recommended that the country club change their date because of public safety concerns. Prior to the May 11 meeting, he said he had discussions with representatives of public safety entities in town and they were not concerned about potential public safety issues with the two events being held within minutes of each other. He said follow up talks with the agencies, including the Lewisboro Police Department, the Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the South Salem Fire Department, took place. He recommended at this week’s meeting that the board allow the country club to hold its show June 27 because public safety agencies were not concerned about two events on the same night. There was a board discussion prior to this week’s Town Board vote. Michael Sirignano, an attorney representing the country club, said the country club submitted its annual request to hold their fireworks show to the Building Department. “Like every year, for the last 30 years or more, probably, the Building Department processed it administratively,” Sirignano said. “Before they issued the permit they checked with the emergency responders, the fire department, the ambulance corps and the police chief.” He said it was known that the country club’s fireworks display was scheduled for the same night as the town’s annual show, he said. “The Building Department was assured that adequate protection could be afforded to both events,” Sirignano said. Country club general manager John Assumma was issued a permit to approve the fireworks show on Feb. 17, he said, adding club members were made aware of the date for this year’s show earlier this year. Assumma, who assumed that the Town Board would approve the fireworks show permit from the Building Department, provided a nonrefundable deposit of $8,250 for Santore’s World Famous Fireworks which is slated to put on the show, Sirignano said. Councilman Dan Welsh said on May 11 the board had public safety concerns of having two fireworks shows held so closely together in time. “We were concerned about stresses on the first responders,” he said. The public safety agency representatives have told the town that holding fireworks shows on two consecutive nights would be more stressful on their members, Welsh said. Financial update Also at this week’s meeting, Town Comptroller Annie Burnham provided an update on town finances so far this year. “What this financial update is doing is basically getting everybody up to speed on where our expenses are,” she said. The details of the report have been shared with the town departments; the department heads have been tracking their expenses, Burnham said. Burnham’s report showed expenses versus the approved 2026 budget in a bar graph form. “We’ve got 64% of the annual budget yet to spend, which is a pretty good place to be,” Burnham said. By the end of May, Burnham said she expected that about 58% of the budget would be spent by the town departments.

By MARTIN WILBUR Mount Kisco trustee and current Deputy Mayor Karen Schleimer’s 14-year run on the Village Board will come to an end later this year. Schleimer announced Tuesday that she will not mount an independent candidacy that she had floated earlier this spring after deciding against forcing a primary once the village’s Democratic Committee failed to endorse her for an eighth term in February. The committee opted to back Trustee Tom Luzio, currently in his first term, and Planning Board Chair Michael McGuirk. Schleimer left open the remote possibility of a grassroots write-in campaign for the general election if there was a groundswell of support. Otherwise, she is comfortable with leaving the board. “I’ve done my time, I think I’ve served a very useful purpose,” Schleimer said. “I think I will continue till December to serve a useful purpose, and if people really want me to continue, there’s still an opportunity to do that. If not, I will bow to the people’s wishes, and if what they want is new blood, then so be it.” After being passed over by the committee, Schleimer, an attorney, said that she thought she had support for a viable independent run, but that fizzled. Schleimer’s election to the Village Board in 2012 followed years of service to Mount Kisco, including three years as village prosecutor, 10 years as the chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, counsel to the ZBA and a brief stint on the Planning Board. Once Schleimer leaves the board, she said she will continue to find ways to help the community and maybe find some new pursuits. “I remain committed to our town and the people who call it home,” Schleimer posted on her Facebook page. “I will stay engaged in the work ahead and ready to help where I can. If the time is right, I will be ready to serve.” She did express concern that there will be little experience among the trustees once she departs with several serious issues facing the village. Among those are the Preston Way bridge reconstruction, water issues and the challenges dealing with public vagrancy and homelessness. Mayor J. Michael Cindrich is in his third year in his return to the post after previously serving for 14 years. While her service on the board will end in December, Schleimer said she will go out with her head held high. She has cultivated a role as a bit of a contrarian by questioning routine bills and budget transfers and calling for more analysis on a range of issues. “I think that I’ve been able to make a difference in certain areas and I really have enjoyed the ability to make a difference,” Schleimer said. “I’ll miss that.”

By JEFF MORRIS The Bedford Planning Board held another special meeting on Thursday, May 21, for the sole purpose of continuing review of a proposed multiuse development at 633-647 Old Post Road in Bedford Village. Meanwhile, letters added to the document file for the application both posed and answered some questions. The meeting was a continuation of the public hearing regarding the proposal, and the only thing on the agenda was to go through all the items in Part 2 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act form. Representatives of the applicants were present but made no comments. Letters on file Separate from the meeting, letters had been placed in the document file. One, dated April 20, was from the town’s Wetlands Control Commission and indicated it had done a preliminary review of the viability of the proposed development as it relates to potential impacts on regulated wetlands and wetlands buffers. The letter was sent seven days after the board had held its previous special hearing on the project, which focused entirely on wastewater treatment. The wetlands commission called the conceptual plan submitted to the Planning Board “very preliminary” and said it lacks “many details that will be required if the plan proceeds and comes before the Commission for formal review and approval.” It said the wetlands commission “has a number of concerns and questions, although nothing that at this time would lead the Commission to conclude that the proposal is unfeasible.” One of the wetlands commission’s primary concerns was the proposed installation of a wastewater treatment facility in the wetlands buffer, which was precisely what was discussed at the Planning Board’s April 13 meeting. The wetlands commission recommended that the applicant explore other locations on the site for the facility, “and/or demonstrate why this location has no suitable alternative.” It questioned the selection, operation and sizing of the proposed system. Regarding sizing, the wetlands commission noted the applicant had proposed a significant increase in the capacity of the treatment system, from the current system’s 6,800 gallons per day to a proposed 28,000, which would serve the Bedford Playhouse building next door and the proposed multiuse development, as well as “potential others.” “We understand the ‘potential others’ might include the Bedford Village Elementary School, which is in need of an upgrade to its current effluent management system,” the wetlands commission said. “There may well be a general environmental benefit to making the wastewater treatment facility available to the elementary school, or other off-site users,” continued the letter. “However, the Commission’s focus is the potential impact on the wetlands. In that regard, the impact of a significant increase in the volume of effluent discharged into the wetlands must be carefully considered.” That issue was partially resolved in a second letter, dated May 19, from Robert Glass, superintendent of the Bedford Central School District. Glass said the district had been approached regarding the possibility of partnering/participating in the wastewater treatment project being discussed by the applicants with the planning board. “It is my understanding that the possible participation of the school district was at some point expressed to the Planning Board,” Glass said. “After much discussion, consultation and analysis regarding the possibility of the school district’s participation, the Board of Education and the administration of the school district believe it is important to be transparent with the Planning Board that we have determined it is in the district’s best interest to continue on the pathway toward construction of our own WWTP on the Bedford Village site.” This removal of BVES from the wastewater treatment equation was not discussed at the board’s May 21 meeting. The wetlands commission had gone on to express concerns about the quality of effluent discharge, the need for careful review of the stormwater management system, plans for additional parking, and plans for wetlands restoration. Their letter concluded that, assuming their concerns are met, “the project may well improve the current situation on the site, and a robust wetland restoration plan would certainly improve the wetland.” SEQRA Part 2 review As it went through all of the questions in Part 2, the board spent considerable time attempting to determine what the meaning and intent was of some of the language used. The instructions for the form say that Part 2 “is designed to help the lead agency inventory all potential resources that could be affected by a proposed project or action.” It acknowledges that those doing the review “will not necessarily be environmental professionals,” so “the questions are designed to walk a reviewer through the assessment process by providing a series of questions that can be answered using the information found in Part 1.” The board had already gone through Part 1. The assessment form presented a long series of questions designed to gauge whether “the proposed action” would have an impact on multiple areas, some of which had more relevance than others. Each required a Yes or No answer, with Yes answers triggering a series of detailed sub-questions, to which the choices were either “No, or small impact may occur” or “Moderate to large impact may occur.” In most cases, the board determined that the answers were either No or, if Yes, impact would be small to moderate. There were some exceptions, in which the board thought the impact would be moderate to large, notably in considering the wastewater treatment plant and the wetlands buffer. In many instances board members thought the form contradicted itself, and upon further consideration — usually in light of subsequent questions — they went back and changed answers. At one point, Chair Deirdre Courtney-Batson complained, “I’ve got so many crossouts here, I can’t tell what I’m doing.” The consensus was that a sizable number of items were going to need further discussion and study when they got to Part 3 of the assessment. Public comments There were only two comments from members of the public. Bedford Town Historian John Stockbridge, who did not indicate whether he was speaking in an official capacity, said there was just “one little point” that he had: “I was thinking the proposed action may have a significantly negative impact on the historic character of the village.” Kevin McAvey, a resident of The Farms, said it was important to think about “how to preserve the historic character of our district” while also “balancing that with a shared need for smart, sustainable development.” He said he wanted to, on behalf of his family and many of his neighbors, “register support for this project. I do think that it could create a little bit more of a center of gravity in the district if fulfilled, as early concepts have indicated.” He spoke of creating more retail opportunities, housing opportunities, and more of a dynamic atmosphere downtown. “I think many concerns still need to be mitigated and addressed,” he said, “and I have full confidence in this board and others to do that and have public comment along the way.” The board voted to adjourn the public hearing and close the meeting.

St. Paul's Chapel is hoping to build a new parish house on its property at 313 Smith Ridge Road in South Salem. THANE GRAUEL PHOTO By NEAL RENTZ A proposal from St. Paul’s Parish to construct a parish house is scheduled for a Planning Board vote next month. At its May 19 meeting, the board instructed its consultants to prepare an approval resolution for its next meeting, June 16. The parish is seeking approvals for its site development plan, town wetland permit, and a special use permit. The property is on an approximately 4-acre parcel located at 313 Smith Ridge Road, South Salem. Matthew Gironda, principal with Bibbo Engineering Associates, told the Planning Board last week the parish house would be an accessory structure to the existing church. The Westchester County Department of Health recently approved his client’s proposed subsurface sewage disposal system, he said. The parish house would be a three-bedroom raised ranch building, he noted. The proposed parish house received a positive recommendation from the Architecture and Community Appearance Review Council, Gironda said. Planning Board Chair Janet Andersen said when the proposal was before the Planning Board in April, members expressed concern about county health department approval. During last week’s public hearing Conservation Advisory Council co-chair Sally Frank asked what the applicant’s tree removal plan was and what would be done to mitigate the loss of trees. Gironda said the property is wooded except for the church and parking lot. The impact on trees would be similar if the proposed parish house was built elsewhere on the property. “We tried to locate it centrally to maintain as much buffer with the existing vegetation around the property as we could,” he said. “Our mitigation is through stormwater management and an effort to conserve as many of the existing trees as we can.” Most of the trees that would be taken down are small trees and there are also dead trees that would be removed, Gironda said. Andersen noted that the board decided not to require a tree survey for the application. “There’s substantial screening from the side of this house to the road,” Gironda said of the proposed structure. The board came to a consensus that submission of a tree planting plan to screen the property be part of the approving resolution. Villas at Vista Also at last week’s meeting, the board instructed town consultants to prepare an approval resolution for 11 garages proposed by Villas at Vista, located at 920 Oakridge Commons, South Salem. The resolution is slated to be voted on at next month’s meeting. Smith Ridge Associates is seeking to construct five garages, built either under or projecting out from the new residential units in Building 9A/B and six freestanding garages, split between the two freestanding buildings. Each building has three garage bays associated with the 12 rental housing units currently under construction at Building 9 A/B. Andersen the applicant needed a zoning compliance determination from Building Inspector Kevin Kelly. At the board’s May meeting, it was not clear if the affordable housing amenities included a garage for the affordable units, Andersen said. Counsel to the Planning Board Judson Siebert replied at last week’s meeting that car garage access is not part of the required amenities for affordable housing because they are not a residential amenity. Andersen said the approving resolution should state that none of the spaces in the proposed garages should be allowed to be rented to anyone who does not live in the 12 units.

The Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce has announced the slate for the Chamber Honors Dinner to be held Thursday, June 4, at 6 p.m., at the Mount Kisco Country Club, located at 10 Taylor Road, Mount Kisco. Dan and Sammi Taplitz, longtime Mount Kisco residents, will be honored as Citizens of the Year. Dan Taplitz is president of the Mount Kisco Rotary Club and has served on numerous committees and boards of the Chamber, Temple Shaaray Tefila, and Fox Lane High School and Middle School, among others. The couple own Right Click Solutions and are active in increasing cybersecurity awareness. “Through their interests in volunteerism, service and advocacy, they have made a meaningful impact by encouraging compassion, creativity and personal well-being in others,” according to the Chamber. The Mount Kisco Dental Group, headed by Dr. Zach Logozio, will be honored as Business of the Year. The business was founded in 2015 and has sponsored many Chamber programs. It has been the hospitality sponsor at the Chamber’s Septemberfest for a number of years. The Chamber said that Logozio and his staff “have embraced Mount Kisco and have earned a reputation for constantly saying ‘yes’ and helping many organizations.” The Organization of the Year award will honor Community Living Corporation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting adults with developmental disabilities in northern Westchester County. With a mission to promote independence and community integration, CLC provides both residential and day habilitation services tailored to each individual’s needs. Founded in 1990, CLC operates 39 licensed residential homes, serving approximately 150 adults under the oversight of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. In addition, the organization offers a community-based “without walls” day habilitation program, community habilitation and respite services to individuals living in the broader community. Honorees are selected annually by the MKCC Board of Directors in recognition of dedication to community and contributions towards the betterment of others. The Honors Dinner also includes an auction and fundraising raffle to help fund the Chamber’s Pay It Forward Program. Visit business.mtkiscochamber.com for more information.