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Westchester Independent Living Center

Putnam Independent Living Services

September 2023

Welcome to the September edition of the WILC & PILS Newsletter! As the leaves begin to change and the air carries a hint of autumn's crispness, we are delighted to bring you the latest updates, events, and stories from our community. Fall is a season of transformation, and we're committed to helping you thrive in every aspect of your life.  

Back to School Tips From the WILC/PILS

Educational Advocacy Team

Happy September!  School is back in session. This time of year can often be stressful for families and students. Here are some Back to School Tips from WILC/PILS Educational Advocacy team, parents themselves of children with special needs, for a good start to the school year. 


"Write a letter about your child, send it to their teacher(s) and therapists in order to connect with them personally, communicate successful strategies to help them help your child, address potential challenges ahead of time with your child, as well as staff." - Carmen Pucillo, Bilingual Education & Outreach Specialist 


"Take a moment to review your child's IEP.  Do you understand what is being worked on this year?  Confirm dates and times of all services and therapies.  Are all listed services and therapies accounted for?  If not, reach out to your team.  The first few days of school are hectic.  Let your child settle in, but if by the third week things are not working, make changes. IEPs & 504 plans are not set in stone." - Denise Green, Parent Training and Information Center Coordinator 


"Breathe. Talk about the transition to school with your child/children.  Discuss concerns. Give strategies. Review your child's IEP with them.  Get input. Keep an open line of communication with the school staff. Join the PTA/PTO/SEPTO/SEPTA and attend school events.  Do not be afraid to reach out for help when needed.  We are here to support each other."  - Jessica, Director, Educational Advocacy Program 


" As a parent, your concerns and knowledge are just as important and valid as anyone else sitting at the table that makes choices for your child’s academic success and it’s a long journey to get from K-12, so make sure that you approach your concerns with the team respectfully because you want to collaborate for your child not fight, the team of providers and educators can be your best allies and it can be a swift school year or a very long one." - Robin LLaque, Educational Advocate 


If you have any questions regarding the special education process, IDEA, your child's IEP or 504 plan, and/or community resources, the Educational Advocacy Team at WILC/PILS is here to help.  Please contact, Jessica Baumann, Director of Educational Advocacy, at (845) 228-7457 ext. 1108, or email jbuamann@putnamils.org. 

 An Important Notice Regarding Transition-Aged Youth 

The Social Security Administration mailed a notice to more than 323,000 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients between the ages of 14 and 17 (transition-aged youth) and their adult representatives to help them identify policies and other resources to assist youth in their transition to adulthood. These mailings include a notice introducing the Social Security Administration’s annual informational publication, What You Need To Know About Your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) When You Turn 18 (Publication No. 05-11005). We encourage caregivers to review it with the child, if possible. 


This publication helps youth prepare for the transition from school to adult life. It provides information about SSI work incentives primarily affecting youth, as well as information about common programs, services, and supports that parents, guardians, and youth may find helpful.  

 

Specific topics covered include:  

  • The age-18 redetermination and how to appeal if benefits stop;  
  • Earnings and the age 18 redetermination;  
  • Available work incentives and supports;  
  • SSI program rules about higher education funds;  
  • Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts; and  
  • Other services that may be helpful.  



You can download the publication from the agency’spublication website in both English and Spanish. Also, there is a webpage for youth to assist them with making a successful transition to adulthood.   

2023 Putnam Accessible Restaurant Guide

Brooklyn Organic Kitchen 

890 S Lake Blvd. 

Mahopac, NY 10541 

845-621-2655 

https://www.bokmahopac.com 

 

As an accommodation for people with disabilities this restaurant offers take-out, curbside pick-up, delivery and indoor dining at this time Brooklyn Organic Kitchen is wheelchair accessible, including restrooms. 

 

We are open 6 days a week (Closed Mondays) for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with brunch on weekends. 

 

Brooklyn Organic Kitchen is 100% committed to offering organic, freshly made food with the intention to nourish our customers' bodies and souls, whether you eat a traditional, vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, or other lifestyle diet, our mission is to have something on the menu for everyone. Please inform us of your dietary preferences and/or food allergies and we will do our very best to accommodate you. 

 

Sample of Menu Items: Breakfast including, Brooklyn Burrito, Yogurt Parfait, Organic Omelets, Crepe Station featuring Traditional, Gluten Free, or Vegan Plain Crepes; Lunch and Dinner includes soups, salads such as Modern Greek Salad, Traditional offerings such as Uptown Philly Cheesesteak, Southern Fried Hot Agave Chicken Club, Custom Quesadilla; Vegan choices such as Vegan Cubano, Impossible Truffle Burger, Sonoma Chickpea Wrap; Superfood Smoothies, such as Berry Healthy and Kale Power; Classic coffees, Specialty Latte's, Teas and Tisanes, fresh Mimosas, Organic Juices, Sparkling Water, organic sodas, wine and beer.  


Gaetano Pizza & Café 

100 Independent Way 

Brewster, NY 10509 

845-278-9500 

https://www.gaetanopizza.com 

 

As an accommodation for people with disabilities this restaurant offers take-out, curbside pick-up, delivery, and indoor dining at this time. Gaetano's is wheelchair accessible including restrooms. 

 

In the mood for something delicious? Brewster is the home to the ever-popular Gaetano's Pizza and Cafe. With great Pizzas on the menu, it isn't hard to see why our customers keep coming back. But you'll find more than just Pizza on the varied menu, we offer top notch, authentic Italian fare. 

 

We are open 7 days a week and serve lunch and dinner daily. 

 

Sample of Menu Items: Pizza (also by the slice), and Specialty Pizza such as Sesame Chicken Pizza, Veggie Pizza and Meat Lovers Pizza; Appetizers including Fried Calamari and Mozzarella Sticks; Soups such as Italian Wedding Soup and Pasta Fagiola Soup; Salads such as Chef Salad and Antipasto Salad; Stromboli; Calzones; Rolls including Sausage and Pepper Roll and Veggie Roll; Wedges such as Veal Cutlet Wedge and Italian Combo Wedge; Wraps including Grilled Chicken Wrap with Broccoli Rabe and Veggie Wrap; Pasta dishes such as Penne Ala Vodka and Fettuccini Alfredo; Dinners include Chicken Marsala, Eggplant Rollatini and Shrimp Parmigiana. Gluten Free Pasta and Pizza available, also Gluten Free Cauliflower Pizza offered.  


Red Rooster Drive-In 

1566 Route 22 

Brewster, NY 10509 

845-279-8046 

https://www.redroosterdrivein.com 

 

As an accommodation for people with disabilities this restaurant offers take-out, curbside pick-up and delivery via Gub Hub and Door Dash. Cash only, no credit cards accepted. Red Rooster is wheelchair accessible, including restrooms. 

 

What makes the Red Rooster so special is its family atmosphere and in serving the best Burgers, Fries and Shakes to faithful locals and hungry long-distance travelers. Red Rooster has received glowing reviews from The Journal News, Hudson Valley Magazine, among others. 

 

Red Rooster is open 7 days a week offering lunch, dinner and late-night hours of operation. Birthday Parties and Other Special Occasion Packages are available. Red Rooster has indoor dining and a large outdoor deck, including miniature golf. 

 

Sample of Menu Items: World Famous Burgers including Chili Burger and Double Bacon Cheeseburger; Hot Dogs including Cheese Dog and Bacon Cheese Dog; Dinner Entrees including Fried Chicken Fried Shrimp and Fish & Chips; Chicken Favorites such as Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Chicken Nuggets and Boneless Chicken Wings; Hot Sandwiches including Clam Roll and Grilled Cheese; Cold Sandwiches such as Egg Salad, Tuna Salad and Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato; Wraps including Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap, Tuna Wrap and Veggie Burger; Salads such as Grilled Chicken Salad, Caesar Salad and Buffalo Chicken Salad; Red Rooster also offers a large variety of Shakes, Floats and Ice Cream. Sides and Hot and Cold Beverages served.  


The Carmel Diner 

63 Gleneida Avenue 

Carmel, NY 10512 

845-225-5000 

https://www.carmeldiner.com 

 

As an accommodation for people with disabilities this restaurant offers take-out, curbside pick-up and delivery via Grub Hub and Door Dash. Carmel Diner is wheelchair accessible, including restrooms. 

 

Here at Carmel Diner you can find just about anything that you're looking for. We offer a family-oriented dining experience with great food and drinks, fast and friendly service, and plenty of space for the whole team. 

 

We are open 7 days a week for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. This restaurant can accommodate large groups, call for more information. We offer Off-Site Catering, and have a Full Bar and Children’s Menu. 

 

We serve Breakfast all day. Breakfast options include Juices and Fruit, 3 Egg Omelets, Fresh Egg Dishes, Tasty Crepes, Golden Brown Pancakes, Belgian Waffles, French Toast and Breakfast Sides; Big Salads such as Chef Salad and New Orleans Chicken Salad; Sandwiches and Wraps including Sliced Steak Sandwich and Chicken Fajita Wrap; Deluxe Sandwiches including Gyro and Balboa; Triple Decker BLT Clubs; Paninis; Hot Open Platters; Diet Delights; Hot and Fresh Homemade Soups; Char Grilled Burgers; Starters such as Nachos Supreme and Fried Clam Strips with Fries; Delicious Dinners including Steaks and Chops; Italian Specialties; Greek Specialties; Fresh Seafood; Old Fashioned Specialties including Yankee Pot Roast; Sautees such as Shrimp and Chicken Scampi; Hot and Cold Beverages; Homemade Desserts; Ice Cream, Shakes, and More. 


McCarthy's Grill House 

374 Route 22 

Carmel, NY 10512 

845-225-6012 

https://www.mccarthyscarmelny.com 

 

As an accommodation for people with disabilities this restaurant offers take-out and curbside pick-up. McCarthy's is wheelchair accessible, including restrooms. 

 

McCarthy's Grill House is a traditional Irish Pub/Restaurant that serves classic American and Ethnic Fare. The atmosphere is casual and comfortable. 

 

We are open 7 days a week serving lunch and dinner daily.  McCarthy's can accommodate groups of up to 60 people. Off-site catering also available. We have a full Bar and a Gluten-Free menu. 

 

Sample of Menu Items: Starters including Potato Skins, Quesadillas and Buffalo Shrimp; Homemade Soups such as French Onion and Lobster Bisque; Salads including Chef Salad and Cobb Salad; Deluxe Burgers such as Bacon Bleu Burger and Bruschetta Burger; Sandwiches and Wraps including Chicken Cordon Bleu and Filet of Cod Fish; Specialty Sandwiches such as Steak Sandwich and Reuben Sandwich; Baskets with Fries including Chicken Fingers and Fried Clams; Dinners such as Chicken Francese and BBQ Chicken and Ribs; Steaks including 16 oz. N.Y. Strip Steak and 16 oz. Teriyaki Steak or Cajun Steak with 4 Shrimp; Seafood such as Stuffed Filet of Soul, Shrimp Scampi and Grilled Salmon; Classic Favorites including Shepards Pie, Eggplant Rollatini, Bangers and Mash, and St. Louis BBQ Ribs.  


Benvenuto's Pizza & Restaurant 

35 Secor Road 

Mahopac, NY 10541 

845-628-0773 

https://www.benvenutosrestaurant.com 

 

As an accommodation for people with disabilities this restaurant offers take-out, curbside pick-up, and delivery. Benvenuto's is wheelchair accessible, including restrooms. 

 

Benvenuto's serves traditional Italian Specialties and homemade Italian desserts. Our mission is to ensure that each guest receives prompt, professional, friendly and courteous service, provided at a fair price---nutritional, well prepared meals using only quality ingredients. 

 

We are open 7 days a week, offering lunch and dinner daily. We have a Children’s Menu and offer off-site catering 

 

Sample of Menu Items: Appetizers such as Fried Calamari, Mozzarella in Carozza, and Shrimp Cocktail; Chicken Dishes include Pollo Saltimbocca and Pollo Parmigiana with Vodka Sauce; Veal Dishes such as Veal Sorrentino, and Veal Marsala; Salads including Mozzarella Caprese, Antipasto Salad and Chef Salad; Soups including Pasta Fagioli and Tortellini in Brodo; Eggplant Dishes such as Eggplant Rollatini and Eggplant Parmigiana; Pastas including Gnocchi Marinara, Rigatoni Bolognese and Lobster Ravioli; Seafood such as Shrimp Parmigiana, Shrimp Scampi and Zuppa di Pesce; Sides; Personal and Large Pizza's offered, including, Specialty Pizzas such as Chicken Marsala and Meat Lovers Pizza; Wine and Beer served. Gluten Free Pizza offered.   


Dante's Trattoria 

135 Route 6, Mahopac Village Shopping Centre 

Mahopac, NY 10541 

845-621-9654 

https://dantestrattoria.com 

 

As an accommodation for people with disabilities, this restaurant offers take-out, curbside pick-up, and delivery. Dante's is wheelchair accessible, including restrooms.  

 

Our family restaurant is your finest destination for mouthwatering Italian delicacies, proudly serving Mahopac for over 40 years.  

 

We are open 7 days a week offering lunch and dinner daily. The restaurant has a party room to accommodate up to 45 guests comfortably. We have a service bar and kids menu. We also offer off-site catering.  

 

Lunch and Dinner specials daily; Family Feast specials; Sample of Menu Items: Appetizers including Muscles Marinara and Hot Antipasto; Homemade Soups; Salads such as Grilled Shrimp Caesar Salad; and Greek Salad; Pizza by the slice; Individual and Gourmet Pizza including Chicken Marsala Pizza and Fishermans Special Pizza; Rolls; Calzones; Wedges such as Philly Cheesesteak and Veal Parmigiana; Pasta dishes including Pasta with Pesto Sauce and Jumbo Stuffed Shells; Chicken dishes such as Grilled Chicken Primavera and Chicken Cacciatore; Eggplant Rollatini; Veal Dishes including Veal Marsala and Veal Parmigiana; Seafood dishes such as Shrimp Oreganata and Zuppa di Pesce; Grilled items including Grilled Strip Steak 12 oz. and Pork Chops; Sides; Gluten free items on menu, including Gluten Free Pizza and Pasta; Desserts such as Tiramisu and Gelato; Hot and Cold Beverages. 


Four Brothers Pizza Restaurant 

654 US-6, Suite 1 

Mahopac, NY 10541 

845-628-4404 

https://www.fourbrothersmahopac.com 

 

As an accommodation for people with disabilities, this restaurant offers take-out, curbside pick-up and delivery. Four Brothers is wheelchair accessible, including restrooms. 

 

Four Brothers offers a fine dining experience with Italian specialties in a wonderful lakeside setting. 

 

We are open 7 days a week serving lunch and dinner daily. This restaurant can accommodate events in their party room for up to 60 guests. Off-site catering is available. We have a full bar, weekly deals and a Childrens menu. 

 

Sample of Menu Items: Appetizers such as Bruschetta, Coconut Shrimp and Hot Antipasto; Homemade Soups; Salads including Cobb Salad and Thai Chicken Salad; Sandwiches including Chicken Sorrentino Sandwich and Greek Gyro; Grinders such as Italian Combo Grinder, Steak Grinder and Sausage Parm Grinder; Wraps including Buffalo Chicken Wrap The Farmhouse Wrap; Burgers; Pizza and Gourmet Pizza; Calzones; Pastas such as Tortellini Papalino, Vegetarian Pasta and Linguine Bolognese; Eggplant Parmigiana; Meat Lasagna; Chicken dishes including Chicken Francaise and Chicken Marsala; Veal dishes such as Veal California and Veal Picatta; Meat dishes including Steak Madiera and Pork Chops Scarpariello; Seafood dishes such as Mussels Marinara, Grilled Salmon and Zuppa di Pesce; Desserts including Tiramisu, Big Chocolate Cake and Big Carrot Cake. 


Stone House Grill & Market 

562 US 6 

Mahopac, NY 10541 

845-628-0616 

https://stonehouse-grill.com 

 

As an accommodation for people with disabilities, this restaurant offers take-out, and curbside pick-up. Stone House Grill & Market is wheelchair accessible, including restrooms. 

 

Stone House Grill & Market is a multi-cuisine restaurant offering a wide variety of food experience in both a casual and fine dining environment. 

 

We are open 7 days a week, offering lunch and dinner daily. Groups of up to 50 customers can be accommodated in our party room. 

 

Stone House Grill & Market offers a lunch special for $19.95, a 3-course meal (Soup or Salad), Entree, and Dessert, with a complimentary glass of wine (i.e. Caesar Salad, Steak Sandwich and Chocolate Cake). Also available is a A LA CARTE Lunch menu; Sample of Dinner Menu Items: Appetizers such as Baked Clams Oreganata, Crab Cake, Seared Ahi Tuna, and Shrimp Cocktail; Pasta dishes including Clams over Linguine, Jumbo Shrimp Scampi, Penne Vodka, and Penne Siciliano; Dry Aged Steaks such as 10 oz. Filet Mignon, 16 oz. New York Strip Steak; Lamb Chops; USDA 10 oz. Prime Beef Burger; Salads including Burrata Salad, Caesar Salad, and Beef Steak Tomato Onion Salad; Fish dishes such as Grilled Salmon, Grilled Manzino, and Pan Seared Grouper; Chicken dishes including Chicken Francese, Chicken Milanese, Chicken Martini, and Classic Chicken Parmigiana; Sides; A variety of Desserts; Full Bar. 

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Westchester Independent Living Center

10 County Center Road 2nd floor

White Plains, NY 10607

(914) 682-3926 (Voice)

(914) 259-8036 (VP)

(914) 682-8518 (FAX)

contact@wilc.org

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Putnam Independent Living Services

1441 Route 22, Suite 204

(Tompkins Mahopac Bank building)

Brewster, New York 10509

(845) 228-7457 (Voice)

(914) 259-8036 (VP)

(845) 228-7460 (Fax)

contact@putnamils.org