My dad passed away before dawn on a January day in 2012. Hearing a phone ring at 4:30 a.m. activates a response so primal, so ancient, you could almost picture an ancestor feeling the same thing as they anticipate a saber tooth tiger attack on their cave. His doctor called me at that early hour and allowed me the time and space to react to the news. I will always appreciate her kindness. The time for mourning and reflection had to be postponed for a little while, as a 45-minu

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. For polling locations, and other information, visit boe.putnamcountyny.gov . For the Office of Putnam County Sheriff, Acting Sheriff Brian Hess, a Republican, is being challenged by independent Lawrence Burke. For Putnam County Legislature District 5, which represents Carmel, Democrat Brett Yarris is running against Republican Jake D’Angelo. For county legislator in District 6, which represents Brewster, R