SOMERS, N.Y. - As we get set to turn the calendar to 2026, The Somers Record takes one last look back at some of the top stories from another eventful year in our community!
Tuskers Triumph
Somers captured its first-ever state lacrosse championship in June with a 19-11 victory over Jamesville-DeWitt. After falling behind early, the Tuskers rallied behind standout performances from Matt Mayfield, Miguel Iglesias, Dylan Jimenez, and Cam Violante, turning defense into offense and dominating the remainder of the game to make history for the program.
Community Mourns Charlie Kirk
In September, the community gathered at Reis Park for a candlelight vigil honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was tragically killed while speaking at Utah Valley University. Hundreds attended, including local officials and Turning Point USA members, to reflect on his advocacy for free speech, civic engagement, and respectful debate.
Chief Driscoll Passes
Former Somers Police Chief Michael W. Driscoll Sr., a dedicated law enforcement officer for 55 years, passed away on July 21 at age 87. Remembered for his integrity, community service, and devotion to family, Driscoll served 20 years with the NYPD before leading the Somers Police Department for 31 years, leaving a legacy of compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people he protected.
Safety First
Somers marked a major step toward improved walkability with the installation of a new pedestrian crossing at the Heritage Hills Drive and Route 202 intersection, linking two busy shopping centers and enhancing safety for residents. The project was celebrated with a ribbon cutting and the dedication of the “Thelma Barlow Crossing,” honoring longtime crossing guard and community fixture Thelma Barlow for more than three decades of service. Town leaders hailed the crossing as both a practical safety improvement and a symbol of Somers’ commitment to connection, civic engagement, and small-town spirit.
Castelli Honored
The town honored the late Robert “Bob” Castelli—a decorated Vietnam War veteran, longtime New York State Trooper, educator, and former state assemblyman—by naming the Somers State Police barracks in his memory. A January ceremony celebrated Castelli’s decades of service to his country, community, and state, from combat in Vietnam to leadership roles in law enforcement, academia, and public office.
Welcome Dr. Bronstein
The Somers Central School District appointed Dr. Adam Bronstein as its new superintendent following a yearlong, community-informed search process. A veteran educator and administrator with more than 20 years of experience, Bronstein is known for advancing curriculum, collaboration, and professional development. The Board of Education praised him as a visionary, approachable leader well suited to guide Somers schools forward.
Mourning Tricia Baldes
In February, Somers school community mourned the loss of Tricia Baldes, a beloved Somers Middle School English teacher who dedicated more than 20 years to inspiring students through her passion for literature and deep care for her students. District leaders, colleagues, and families remembered her as a mentor and friend whose influence extended far beyond the classroom and left a lasting mark on generations of learners.
Magnificent Mullins
In march, McKenna Mullins delivered a standout performance at the state gymnastics championships, finishing second in the all-around and earning 11 medals in her second appearance at the tournament. Drawing on experience, intense training, and increased difficulty in her routines, Mullins placed near the top across all events and earned All-State honors.
Live Like Livy
The community united to honor the life of Olivia Katherine Sherry, a beloved daughter, teacher, and volunteer whose sudden passing at age 23 left a profound impact. In her memory, her family launched the Live Like Livy Foundation to carry forward her passions for education, literacy, mentoring, and service. Through scholarships, reading initiatives, community awards, and partnerships nationwide, the foundation ensures Olivia’s legacy of compassion, resilience, and dedication continues to inspire others.
Hammer Time
Somers junior Charlie Sullivan claimed the state hammer throw title in March, following a standout season that included a second-place finish at nationals. Starting as an average middle school athlete, Sullivan’s dedication to training, both in the gym and with specialized coaching, propelled him to All-American status and top rankings nationally.
No Doubt
Somers senior Aidan No defended his title at the 2025 National Collegiate Taekwondo Association High School Championships, becoming a two-time national champion. Drawing on intense year-round training, disciplined preparation, and support from his family and coach, No overcame setbacks in regional competitions to capture gold.
Lawler's Town Hall
Residents engaged in civic expression with a roadside protest against U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler and a May 4 town hall at Kennedy Catholic Preparatory School, which hosted over 600 constituents under strict security and participation rules. The event saw both support and confrontation, including the removal of Emily Feiner, a social worker from Nyack, after she challenged Lawler on constitutional oversight and refused to leave when asked.
Charged Up
In May, Residents of Somers and Mahopac celebrated a major victory after East Point Energy withdrew its application for a 116-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) that had sparked community opposition. Local grassroots efforts, supported by town officials and state representatives, mobilized rallies, legal action, and public advocacy to stop the project, citing safety and environmental concerns.
Tragedy on the Taconic
A tragic crash on the Taconic State Parkway on May 14 claimed the lives of four people and left a fifth in critical condition. Somers High School graduate and Bergenfield High School head football coach Rob Violante was among those killed when a southbound cargo van crossed the median and collided with his northbound vehicle near mile marker 9.2 in New Castle.
Hattem Resigns
Somers Central School District Athletic Director Marc Hattem announced his resignation in June, closing out nine years of service to the district, including the past three as AD. In a message to the community, Hattem expressed gratitude to coaches, staff, students, and the wider community for their support. In July, Tommy Albano stepped into the role of interim athletic director.
Commercial Break
King Kone, the beloved Somers ice cream stand, made its national TV debut this year in a commercial for the Chevy Equinox EV. Owners Brian and Deb Hopkins welcomed the early-morning film crew and described the experience as “painless” despite the whirlwind logistics.
Board of Ed Election
In May, Somers voters approved the 2025-26 school budget and a $63.9 million capital project, funding upgrades to facilities, safety systems, and athletic fields. The Board of Education election re-elected trustees Amanda Kandel and Chadwick Olsen and welcomed newcomer Rosalind Gallino, while Michael Ritacco, Michael Rinaldi, Jozef Vala, and longtime trustee Dr. Ifay Chang also ran.
Cheers to 200 Years
The community celebrated the 200th anniversary of The Elephant Hotel in May with a festive ceremony organized by the Somers Historical Society. Local officials, Scouts, and residents honored the historic landmark, which was built by Hachaliah Bailey in the 1820s and played a pivotal role in early American circus history, with speeches and a birthday cake.
SRO Removed
A Somers Central School District School Resource Officer was removed from her post in September after social media comments she made regarding the murder of political activist Charlie Kirk. The district acted immediately, permanently reassigning the officer and ensuring continued school safety, with Superintendent Dr. Adam Bronstein emphasizing that glorifying violence is unacceptable for anyone entrusted with student protection.
Jimenez Pleads Guilty
Nearly a year after the tragic murder of 15-year-old Michael Raimondi, justice moved forward when Fernando Jimenez Meza pleaded guilty to his murder, as well as attempted murder charges involving Michael’s mother and brother. The defendant faces a total sentence of 37 years to life, while the community continues to support the Raimondi family, who have begun rebuilding their lives and advocating for stronger protections for domestic violence victims.
Goodbye Garrity
After 18 years of dedicated service, Thomas Garrity Jr. stepped down from the Somers Town Board in September to focus on his new role with Avangrid. The lifelong Somers resident, celebrated for his deep knowledge of town affairs and decades of civic involvement, was honored with proclamations, awards, and heartfelt tributes, leaving a legacy of commitment, bipartisanship, and community engagement.
Arena Appointed
Gina Arena was appointed to the Somers Town Board in November to fill the seat left vacant by Tom Garrity’s resignation. A lifelong Somers resident with extensive community and political experience, Arena brings a long record of public service and advocacy, including founding organizations supporting children with autism and those facing serious illnesses, and becomes the first woman on the board since 2007.
The Elephant's Tale
A hidden time capsule was discovered inside Somers’ iconic Old Bet elephant statue. Originally restored in the 1930s by Joseph P. Vaghi’s workshop, the statue contained a letter signed by the craftsmen, including WWII hero Joseph Vaghi Jr. and his UFO-enthusiast brother Dante. During a 2024 refurbishment for display at Town Hall, the letter was unearthed, offering a rare glimpse into the statue’s history and the people who rebuilt it decades ago.
Election Day
On Election Day, Republican incumbents Anthony Cirieco and William Faulkner were re-elected to the Town Board, defeating Democratic challengers Donald Frum and Thomas Lamb Jr.
Town Supervisor Robert Scorrano ran unopposed on the Republican and Conservative lines and was re-elected, while Receiver of Taxes Michele A. McKearney, also unopposed and cross-endorsed by all major parties, retained her position.
Carol Reif, Rich Monetti, Ray Gallagher, Miranda Ferrante, and Tom Walogorsky contributed to this report.
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