The Putnam County Courier

Entrenched Lawmakers Brush Back Odell on Reorganization

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:29 +0000

Eric Gross

Putnam County’s recently hired Commissioner of Highways and Facilities Fred Pena walked into a hornet’s nest Monday evening when members of the Legislature’s Rules Committee criticized the administration for plans to consolidate the Highways and Facilities Department with the Planning Department.

Payrolls and the Cost of Government

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:29 +0000

Douglas Cunningham

At issue with the consolidation efforts, at least from the taxpayers’ perspective, is whether money can be saved by combining jobs or tasks.

An analysis of Putnam County salary data shows that some 40 county workers made more than $100,000 annually in salary in 2011, the most recent figures available. The county supplied the figures at the Courier’s request.

Redistricting Gives Putnam Two Senators

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:30 +0000

Eric Gross

For the first time in its history Putnam County will be represented in the New York State Senate by two lawmakers under a plan proposed by the state’s Task Force on Redistricting.

The process of drawing district lines every 10 years as required by law was finalized last week and made public.

Still a Conservative?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:28 +0000

Douglas Cunningham

In the heart of Philipstown, the single most reliable bastion of Democratic politics in Putnam County, state Sen.

From Beijing to Brewster

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:26 +0000

Eric Gross

Last Thursday a contingent of educators and students from Beijing 101 High School in China visited the Brewster School District campus for a day of exchanging ideas, cultures, stories and songs.

LEGAL NOTICES for February 2, 2012

doug@pcnr.com — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:21:26 +0000

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of C4 Fuel Oil LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State on 10/12/11. Office location: Putnam County. Sec.

Lack of Hotels in County Lamented

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:29 +0000

Eric Gross

Putnam County’s Director of Tourism Valerie Hickman calls it an “embarrassing situation.”

Not a single, large quality hotel is found anywhere in Putnam County.

Results Are In: The Snake Did It

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:30 +0000

Eric Gross

The long awaited report from the Putnam County Coroner’s office into the death of a Putnam Lake woman whose male companion kept 75 snakes in their small home, many of which were venomous, has been released.

Dr. Hari Chakravorty ruled Tuesday that Aleta Stacey, 54, died from “multiple drug intoxication as a consequence of a poisonous snake bite.”

Melrose School to Close, Just Shy of 50th Anniversary

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:30 +0000

Eric Gross

An educational institution in Putnam County that has been serving children for 49 years will be closing its doors in June.

The Melrose School on Federal Hill Road in Southeast, founded by the Sisters of the Community of the Holy Spirit, will graduate its final class due to a declining enrollment and difficult economic times.

The Heart Truth – Chasing America’s Number 1 Killer

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:31 +0000

Among the various illnesses perhaps the most frustrating are heart disease and stroke. These are silent killers - a seemingly healthy person is suddenly lost, or crippled, and the family is left to understand why and pick up the pieces.

Educational Exchange Blossoms with China

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:32 +0000

Eric Gross

The Brewster-Beijing connection is alive and well.

Last Thursday a contingent of educators and students from Beijing 101 High School in China visited the Brewster School District campus for a day of exchanging ideas, cultures, stories and songs.

Putnam Unemployment Rate Second Lowest in NY

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:33 +0000

Eric Gross

Putnam County continues to experience one of the lowest rates of unemployment in all of New York State.

Sales Tax Revenue Tops Projection by $2 Million

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:33 +0000

Eric Gross

Cash registers are ringing again across Putnam County.

Members of the Putnam Legislature’s Audit and Administration Committee received the good news Monday evening that sales tax receipts totaled $49.5 million for the year gone by—more than $2 million over projection.

Cupcake Wars at Mahopac

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:33 +0000

If you enjoy watching Cupcake Wars on the Food Network, you’ll love watching Mahopac’s own teachers battle it out for the title of “Cupcake Master.”

Sponsored by the Mahopac Education Foundation, the first Cupcake Wars will take place on Saturday, February 11th, at Mahopac High School from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

School District Family Learns CPR

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:35 +0000

Eric Gross

Patti Frische realizes the importance of CPR training.

The veteran educator in the Brewster School District, who also serves as Captain of the Brewster Fire Department’s Rescue Squad, has instructed thousands of people over the years relating to the life saving technique.

Ball Helps Brewster Celebrate

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:36 +0000

The Brewster Sports Foundation 5th annual Night to Celebrate was just that— a night to celebrate, thanks in part to State Senator Greg Ball.

The Putnam lawmaker secured $100,000 from the State Legislature, which will be used to help offset costs for badly needed renovations to the track at Brewster High School.

High School Seniors to SEE the Future

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:37 +0000

Eric Gross

The Senior Enrichment Experience (SEE) has returned to Brewster High School.

Man Nabbed in Air and Ground Search

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:37 +0000

Eric Gross

Calls flooded police headquarters as well as the Putnam News Bureau when helicopters, canine patrols and heavily armed police officers scoured the BrewsterCarmel area last week in search of an armed man wanted in connection with a domestic dispute.

Asian Culture and Arts in Brewster

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:37 +0000

The Studio Around the Corner at the Old Town Hall in Brewster announces three exciting months of Saturday workshops featuring Asian Culture and Arts. Presenting the programs are Westchester Community College Davis Scholars Dali Lu and Benjamin Grobe, and Peking Opera’s Lin Li.

Fire Commissioners Meeting Schedule

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:37 +0000

The Brewster-Southeast Joint Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners 2012 Meeting Schedule is as follows: February 8; March 14; April 11; May 9; June 13; July 11; August 8; September 12; October 10; November 14; December 12. All meetings commence at 7 pm, are open to the general public and take place at the Brewster Fire Department Substation, Route 312 and North Brewster Road

Putnam Should Shop Putnam and Lead By Example

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:38 +0000

Dear Editor:

Leaving the Scene of an Accident

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:40 +0000

Dear Editor:

Russ Lavan To Lead St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:41 +0000

A 47-year resident of Carmel will lead this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Mahopac.

Russ Lavan will be installed Friday as parade Grand Marshal at the Centennial Golf Club in Carmel during a gathering sponsored by the Putnam-Northern Westchester St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.

Smith to Command State Sheriffs’ Group

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:42 +0000

By Eric Gross

Putnam Sheriff Don Smith has a new title this week—President of the New York State Sheriffs’ Association.

Sifting Through the Sands of Time

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:43 +0000

GERMAN DRIVE IN PREPARATION ATTEMPT TO BREAK THROUGH ALLIES’ LINES TO CALAIS BELIEVED IMMINENT.

London, Feb. 4—Another great drive by the Germans in an attempt to break through the Allies’ lines and gain Calais was forecast in the war dispatches.

Students Take Silver in Auto Competition, Head to State

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:44 +0000

Eric Gross

BOCES automotive students Austin Smith of Carmel and Tom DeMasi of Mahopac are on their way to the state finals after taking second place in the Greater New York Automotive Dealer Association Regional Competition held last week in Queens.

The young men performed a series of tasks ranging from precision measurements to diagnostics.

Snow Fails to Deter Scouts

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:46 +0000

Eric Gross

The winter’s first major snowstorm of the season failed to deter 150 scouts from 13 area Boy Scout troops who trekked to the Putnam Veterans Memorial Park in Kent for the annual Putnam Klondike.

Maureen Zipparo Named Hospital President

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:47 +0000

Eric Gross

From a technician to president: Maureen Zipparo has seen it all during her 40 years at Putnam Hospital Center.

She succeeds Donna McGregor, who was elevated to an administrative position in the parent organization headquartered in LaGrange

Trucker Loses Two Vehicles in One Day

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:47 +0000

Eric Gross

A New York City man learned the hard way that police in Putnam County mean business.

Carmel Police Chief Michael Johnson reported the arrest last Friday of Feiheng Shao, 40, of Manhattan after Officer Richard Rosario stopped a truck on Route 6 in Carmel.

What’s New at Putnam Hospital Center

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:47 +0000

Diabetes Support Group

Worship Services

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:47 +0000

Send information regarding worship services to courier@pcnr.com. Please put “WORSHIP” in the subject line.

CHUANG YEN MONASTERY 2020 Rte 301, Carmel 845-228-4283/4288 baus.org bauscym@aol.com

CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH Route 311 at Maple Ave., Patterson jangled@aol.com

MARY A. KELLY

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:48 +0000

Mary A. Kelly, 81, of Palm Harbor, Fla., and formerly of Carmel, died on January 22, 2012.

Mary was born in New York City and moved from Carmel to Florida in 1980. Before retirement, she was employed by The Putnam County Courier and BOCES locally and later with the Largo, Fla., Police Department.

WILLIAM MEAD SHIELDS

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:49 +0000

William Mead Shields, 81, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2011, at his home in Fort Pierce, Florida, after a courageous battle with a rare form of cancer.

JAMES J. DURKIN

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:49 +0000

James J. Durkin age 82, of Carmel, also of Hurley, NY, passed away on January 28, 2012, peacefully with his family by his side.

Mr. Durkin was born October 2, 1929, to the late Andrew J. and Mary (O’Brien) Durkin.

ZENOBIA BELLERT

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:50 +0000

Zenobia Bellert, of Mahopac, passed away on Tuesday January 31, 2012. Born on December 26, 1913, in New York City, the daughter of George and Zenobia Carrara, she was 98.

Zenobia taught Latin and English for over 30 years at Carmel High School, retiring in 1981.

New Substation in Western Putnam for Deputies

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:50 +0000

By Eric Gross

A sub-station in Philipstown is in the offing for the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff Don Smith told the Courier last week that the second floor of the former Nelsonville Fire Department headquarters on Route 301 was being refurbished for an “unmanned substation” for his department.

Responses Pour in for Family Services Little Gifts Challenge

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:50 +0000

Eric Gross

When Kristin Burke and Suzanne Willis challenged residents of Putnam County to get involved with Putnam Family and Community Services they never dreamed that so many people would rise to the occasion.

Katz Targets Voter Fraud in Putnam

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:53 +0000

By Eric Gross

Assemblyman Steve Katz wants every voter in New York State to carry a photo identification card.

Katz’s request came last Friday at the Putnam County Office Building in Carmel,

DWI Arrests Continue to Mount

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:53 +0000

Eric Gross

DWI arrests in Putnam County continue to increase.

State Police arrested a number of motorists in recent days.

Richard Rooney, 53, of Brewster, was charged with felony DWI and aggravated DWI since he had been previously convicted of drunken driving within the past 10 years.

Redistricting on Minds of Lawmakers

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:53 +0000

By Eric Gross

While much focus has been placed on redrawing district lines for state and federal lawmakers, Putnam legislators are also redistricting with much less fanfare and acrimony.Week of 11/

The Putnam Legislature’s Rules Committee approved a proposal last week and sent the matter to the full legislature for its stamp of approval at next Tuesday’s regular monthly meeting.

Family Feud, Heirloom Theft Lead To Arrests

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:53 +0000

Eric Gross

A 16-year-old Mahopac youth who apparently was feuding with his mother and sister is accused of burglarizing the family’s home and taking several pieces of jewelry belonging to the pair.

Carmel Police reported the arrest last week of the unidentified youth in connection with the larceny.

’Pac Gets Back at Rams, Hangs on for 53-43 Win to Even Season Series

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:55 +0000

Skip Pearlman

MAHOPAC—The gym was overflowing Saturday at Mahopac High School, and so were the emotions, as the Indians hosted bitter cross town rival Carmel, and held on for a 53-43 League 1B victory that sent the appreciative home crowd into a frenzy at the final buzzer.

Free Throw Struggles, Fatigue Cost Tigers

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:55 +0000

PUTNAM VALLEY—If there’s a silver lining to a pair of tough losses, it’s that the Putnam Valley High boys basketball team could have just as easily gone 2-0 this week instead of 0-2.

Bears Close Out Regular Season With Win Over Yorktown

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:55 +0000

Dan Kruze

BREWSTER—Even with some key swimmers out, the Brewster High boys swim team still came away with a 54- 40 win over Yorktown High on Friday to finish the regular season 11-1. The Bears were without Liam Hackett, Brian Valedon and Greg Markert, but with big contributions from Dan Fulop, Matt Kaufman and Ben Smith the Bears were able to come away with the win.

Brewster Hangs on for 59-57 Win Over Somers

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:56 +0000

BREWSTER—Jack Dignan scored 23 points and went 5-for-8 from threepoint range to lead the Brewster High boys basketball team to a 59-57 victory over Somers in a League 1B game played last Thursday at Somers.

Ryan Mahoney also had a big game for the Bears (9-5), with 20 points, four assists and three steals, and Emanuel Simpri added 10 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

Indians Top Somers, Win League Championship

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:58 +0000

Dan Kruze

MAHOPAC—A year ago, the Mahopac High wrestling team lost a late season dual meet against Somers High that cost the Indians the league title. But with former Huskers coach Dennis DiSanto on their side this year, the Indians (17-4, 4-0) got a bit of revenge, by beating Somers 40-33 on Thursday to finish as league champs.

Carmel Mat Men Place 10th at Super 16 Tourney

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:16:59 +0000

Skip Pearlman

CARMEL—The Carmel High wrestling team placed 10th as a team, and also got some strong individual performances at the Super 16 Tournament Saturday at Carmel High School.

Fox Lane finished first at the tournament, Center Moriches (LI) was second, and Mahopac placed third (see related story).

Mahopac Girls Fall to JJ, Bounce Back with Win Over Lakeland

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:17:00 +0000

Skip Pearlman

MAHOPAC—The Mahopac High girls basketball team dropped a 58-46 decision to Clarkstown South in the first round of the Matshtik Tournament last weekend at Mahopac HS, but the ‘Pac rebounded with a 50-34 victory over Lakeland in Saturday’s consolation round.

Indians Best Rams with Four Goals in Second

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:17:01 +0000

Dan Kruze

MAHOPAC—After a slow start, the Mahopac High ice hockey team dialed up the pressure in the second and pulled away with a 5-1 win over Carmel High on Sunday night. Led by a pair of goals from Zach Stefunek, the Indians (13-4, 9-3) scored four times in the second to pick up their second win over the Rams (5-12, 3-8) this year.

Brewster High Wrestlers Drop 36-30 Decision to Arlington

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:17:03 +0000

Skip Pearlman

BREWSTER—The Brewster High wrestling team dropped a 36-30 decision to Arlington in a League 2B match last Thursday on the road.

The loss put the Bears at 36-4 on the season.

Mike Parise earned a win via forfeit for the Bears at 106 pounds, Liam Erickson won a 9-2 decision at 120, and Andrew Sion won by forfeit at 152.