Yorktown and Cortlandt region

This story appeared in the Jan. 25 edition of the Yorktown & Cortlandt Express. Watch the video from the event here. 

Lessons outside the classroom

Engineering students design and test catapults outdoors students: Engineering class heads to football field students

YORKTOWN Usually the classrooms nearby are where the learning takes place, and the football field is the place for brute force and big yardage.

Students in Lakeland High teacher Joe Felipe’s engineering class combined the two, though, for a lesson that could launch some technical careers. Or at least a few pumpkins.

“Really, it was having the kids learn through discovery,” Felipe said of his catapult assignment.

His students spent a month researching, designing and building catapults that ranged in size from knee-high to taller than a doorway. And their range in field tests on a recent morning, when loaded with snowballs and field hockey balls, was between a few feet and just shy of the opposite end zone.

“What makes this a success is if we can hit 50 yards, but I don’t know if that will happen,” Stephen Ieppariello said. “We’re shooting for 50.”

He and partner Kevin Sawler were the first to go. They hit 40 yards, which wouldn’t be topped until a later session when another team hit 90.

Snowballs sailing through the frigid morning air was a sight to see.

“It took a lot of work, definitely a lot of modifications,” Sawler said. “A lot of stuff we figured out did not work. It took a lot of engineering knowledge to realize what would or would not work. It’s a big work in progress.”

Felipe said his students learned by testing their catapults independently and making their own adjustments rather than waiting on him to point out potential flaws or improvements.

“Some of them broke when they put on too much pressure,” he said. “Some of them were shooting a little bit longer, and they tried to shoot it further today and I think that backfired for some of them. Then some of them cleared personal bests.”

Michael Pirone attached layers of metal plates to construct a spring system that proved more durable than the wood that buckled the catapult next to his.

The metal made for a durable but smaller catapult.

“It was just more expensive in the end, and it didn’t hold the high energy densities,” Pirone said. “Because what happens with metal is once you get to a certain amount of tension it just starts to bend. With wood, it will keep that amount of tension. And if there’s too much tension it’ll just break apart.”

He and partner Quinn McClernan exceeded the 10-yard minimum for the assignment and called it a success.

Chris Agugliaro said figuring out how to build the frame and how many elastic bands to use took trial and error.

His catapult misfired when the trigger piece held the energy too long, he said.

“We’ve got to get a quicker release on it. It should go a lot farther. We’re hoping for 50 yards at least,” Agugliaro’s partner, Nick Belger, said.

Schools Superintendent George Stone had to see the medieval demonstration for himself.

“It’s a great way to combine learning with some fun as well,” Stone said. “It’s a great project for team building and for learning the basic principles of engineering.”

Hudson River Eaglefest

A celebration of the bald eagles’ return to the Hudson Valley

Saturday, February 4th 9 AM to 4 PM

Croton Point Park, Croton on Hudson, NY

http://www.teatown.org/eaglefest/

With additional viewing locations throughout Northern Westchester, including for the first time at the Riverfront Green in Peekskill.

The Riverfront Green EagleFest location will feature a variety of FREE amenities and activities between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, including:

• A large heated tent with tables and chairs.

• A portable bathroom.

• Eagle and bird viewing with spotting scopes.

• Storyteller Jonathan Kruk between 12:30 – 1:30 PM.

• Live birds of prey flying demonstrations with Brian Bradley between 1:30 – 3:00 PM.

• Free shuttles to and from Croton Point Park throughout the day.

• Local vendors selling hot food and beverages.

For more information go to: http://www.cityofpeekskill.com/planningdevelopment/2012-eaglefest-riverfront-green

Two Putnam Valley residents and four Westchester residents are among 20 upstate military academy nominations announced today by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

A selection committee formed by Senator Gillibrand chose the nominees from a large group of qualified applicants. Decisions were based on criteria including academic record, leadership potential, and overall achievement. Final acceptance is determined solely by the service academies.

“Our Service Academies are distinguished by a devotion to honor, courage and commitment,” Gillibrand’s press release states. “I am honored to nominate these young, talented New Yorkers who exemplify these core values. It is my hope that the accomplished nominees have the chance to live their dreams and serve in our country’s armed forces with distinction.”

The local nominees include:

Matthew Giachinta (Cold Spring, Putnam County) United States Military Academy at West Point.

Nahm Doug Kim (Putnam Valley, Putnam County) United States Military Academy at West Point.

Alexandra Baker (Hartsdale, Westchester County) United States Military Academy at West Point.

Jose Arroyo (Yonkers, Westchester County) United States Naval Academy.

Matthew Waldman (South Salem, Westchester County) United States Air Force Academy.

Harrison Meyer (Yorktown Heights, Westchester County) United States Air Force Academy.

The following press release was issued by the office of Assemblyman Steve Katz, R-Yorktown, following a press conference Friday morning.

With a major voter fraud case currently unfolding in the state, Assemblyman Steve Katz, R-Yorktown, was joined today by Putnam County Executive Mary Ellen Odell and board of elections commissioners from throughout the 99th Assembly District at a press conference on the steps of the Historical Putnam County Courthouse to announce new statewide legislation that targets the high incidences of voter fraud in our state.

“This legislation is a simple, commonsense measure that will go a long way toward ensuring elections in New York State are more secure, and represent the actual residents of a community,” said Assemblyman Katz. “Government-issued photo identification is already required in every other facet of life; there is no reason why our democratic-process should be excluded from this basic safeguard.”

A strong advocate for reforming the democratic process, Assemblyman Katz was prompted to author and introduce this original legislation after the highly-publicized case of widespread voter fraud in Troy, New York went to trial earlier this year. The opening arguments for the case began Monday after more than a year of investigations led to the indictments of a city council member, two county officials and a board of elections commissioner on more than 116 counts of alleged forgery or possession of forged ballots during the 2009 Working Families Party primary. Four others have already pleaded guilty in the case.

The ongoing Troy case is not the only time the Working Families Party has been associated with voter fraud. Following the 2008 Presidential elections, the national media attention was focused on exposing the widespread cases of voter fraud contributed to ACORN, the community-action organization that works in close partnership with the Working Families Party throughout the country. In fact, the media attention led to a series of investigations on ACORN including in Washington State, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Nevada where the Las Vegas registrar of voters publicly commented that he believed as much as 48 percent of ACORN’s voter forms are “clearly fraudulent.”

More →

For information on Adult Programming and Art Exhibits please contact Melinda O’Brien at MOBrien@wlsmail.org or 914-245-5262, Ext. 245.

The John C. Hart Memorial Library, 1130 E. Main St., Shrub Oak

2012 ADULT PROGRAMS

www.yorktownlibrary.org

The Programs are FREE and open to the public. For information contact the Reference Desk or call 914-245-5262, x-227

The library is located at 1130 Main Street, Shrub Oak, NY 10588. See the website at www.yorktownlibrary.org for directions. For more information on any Hart Library programs, please call the library at (914) 245-5262×227. NEW LIBRARY HOURS: The John C. Hart Memorial Library is open Monday-Wednesday 10:00 – 8:00, Thursday 1:00 – 8:00, Friday 1:00 – 5:00, Saturday 10:00-5:00 and Sunday 1:00-4:00. The Library is closed on Sundays from April 24 – September 25, 2011.

Wednesday, February 1 at 11:00 AM

Going Back to Work

If you are returning to the workforce or in a career transition, you may be wondering if your resume is powerful enough to stand out. Laura Olert will teach you some key techniques to create a resume that has impact. Please register for this program.

Sunday, February 5 at 2:00 PM

Hart Library Sunday Concert Series

Tom Doyle, guitar, and Sandy Cory, vocals in a tribute to Les Paul and Mary Ford by a man who played by Les Paul’s side for 40 years and a vocalist who charms with her beautiful stylings.

Sunday, February 12 at 2:00 PM

Library Theater: ALMOST, MAINE

A Romantic Comedy, ALMOST, MAINE, by John Cariani, produced by M&M Productions. On a cold, clear, moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star-filled sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend—almost—in this delightful midwinter night’s dream. No registration, doors open at 1:30 PM.

Thursday, February 16 at 7:30 PM

Historical Society Program – The History of Stony Hill

Westchester’s First Free Black Community

In the recognition of Black History month. Presented by Roxanne Beecher (Trustee, Harrison Historical Society) & Barbara Bush-James (Descendent of a Stony Hill Family). In the northern section of Silver Lake Park in Harrison there is a symbol of brotherhood and freedom. It is a monument to both black and Quaker history in New York State. Come and hear this interesting story of brotherhood. No registration, open to the public. More information on the Historical Society programs: www.yorktownhistory.org

Sunday, February 19 at 1:00 PM

Paper Arts & Mixed Media – Artist’s Trading Cards

Led by Lavinia Wiggins, Artist trading cards (also referred to as ATCs) are miniature pieces of art that are commonly traded around the world. The only official rule for ATCs is the size: 2.5” × 3.5”. Create your own drawing or combine elements to make your card. You have the option of trading your cards in class or in an online swap. For Adults & Teens, program limited to 30 participants. Please register for this program.

Tuesday, February 21 at 1:00 PM

DAR Program: President-elect Lincoln’s visit to Peekskill 1861

By Anthony J. Czarnecki, past President of the Lincoln Society of Peekskill. During Lincoln’s historic 12-day train journey from his home in Springfield,

IL to his Inauguration in Washington, DC in Feb. 1861, Lincoln participated

in 100 speaking stops or public events along the way. His only speaking stop

in Westchester County was at the Peekskill train depot, because he knew the

local Congressman, William Nelson (they both served in the 30th Congress

from 1847-1849).Appropriate for school-age children through adults. No registration, open to the public.

Sunday, March 4 at 2:00 PM

Hart Library Sunday Concert Series

Harry Bolick, fiddle and Brian Slattery, banjo. These experts on American folk music from the deep South in the 20s and 30s promise a rockin’ good time and some eye-opening information on music of the period.

Wednesday, March 7 at 7:00 PM

Garden Talk – Tips on Coping with Deer

The Garden Club of Yorktown invites you to a free lecture – Tips on Coping with Deer with Ruth Rogers Clausen, author of “50 Beautiful Deer-Resistant Plants.” A book-signing will follow the talk. Have you been frustrated by previous attempts at trying to grow an ornamental garden here in the heart of suburban deer country? Invigorate your gardening enthusiasm with tips from well known garden writer, author and botanist Ruth Rogers Clausen through her years of experience with growing and knowing the ins and outs of perennial gardening right here in Westchester deer country! Please register for this program.

Saturday, March 10 Workshop at 10:00 AM, Reading & Discussion at Noon

Open Hart Poetry: Workshop & Reading

By Cami Zinzi & Catherine Wald. Poetry Workshop (limited to 8 participants, registration requires): 10:00-11:30, Followed by a Poetry Reading and discussion (open to all, no registration needed): 12:00 – 1:00.

Catherine Wald is author of the chapbook, Distant, burned-out stars (Finishing Line, 2011), and ASJA award-winning book The Resilient Writer: 23 Tales of Rejection and Triumph (Persea, 2004. Cami Zinzi teaches high school English in Westchester and lives in Connecticut. Her poetry has appeared in journals such as Tryst, FutureCycle Poetry and The Pelham Quarterly, and anthologized in Lavanderia: A Mixed Load of Women, Wash, and Word. A Welcome Roughness (All Rivers Press, 2010) is her first poetry collection.

Thursday, March 15 at 7:30 PM

Historical Society Program – The Five Historical Railroads of Ulster County

By Steve Ladin and Glendon Moffett. Steve Ladin is an artist, cultural administrator and student of history, politics, and architecture. Glendon Moffett is a chemical engineer who worked at Raytheon and then IBM and who has written four history books on older forms of transportation. The history of railroads gives us a view of the growth of our nation and our region. Five railroads passed through Ulster County with Kingston as the main hub. As is often the case, old railroad beds have become modern resources for out modern society including Yorktown’s own “Old Put” walkway. No registration, open to the public. More information on the Historical Society programs: www.yorktownhistory.org

Sunday, March 18 at 1:00 PM

Paper Arts & Mixed Media – Beautiful Boxes

Led by Lavinia Wiggins, create a simple but professional quality box to hold any treasure. 2 box styles will be offered. We will also make a triangle fold card, sized to fit your box. This is a perfect class to create that something extra special to impress when giving a gift.

Wednesday, March 21 at 7:30 PM

Smart Choices in Retirement

Jonathan Glaser discusses key principles that can help keep you on the right track in retirement and help make sure your money lasts throughout your retirement. Please register for this program.

Wednesday, March 28 at 6:30 PM

Earring Making Workshop

Make earrings for yourself and for a Battered Women’s Shelter. Optional: Bring any old bead jewelry that you can recycle into earrings! If you have any jewelry making tools, bring them along too. For Adults & Teens, program limited to 30 participants. Please register for this program.

Thursday, March 29 at 7:30 PM

Shen Yun: An introduction to Classical Chinese Dance and Culture

The presentation will focus on Chinese history and a brief overview of key dynasties, on classic stories and fascinating characters from Chinese literature, and on classical Chinese dance (Shen Yun) and Chinese musical instruments. It will explain how Shen Yun uses dance to express Chinese civilization and its values. Please register for this program.

ART EXHIBIT

February –
Ageless Art at the Hart

During the month of February, Artists, 55 and older, will display original works of art. Many well known professional artists have been invited to contribute work and most pieces will be for sale.

Exhibition runs through February 29th

Reception is Sunday, February 18

The Public is Welcome to Art Receptions are from 2:00-4:00 PM

The John C. Hart Memorial Library is happy to announce that Ariana, an avid reader and patron of the library, won the Jelly Bean Contest recently held in the Children’s Room with a guess of 1568, only 37 jelly beans off of the actual number. Ariana got the jelly beans as the prize, but unfortunately has to keep the jar as a decoration for awhile, as she just got braces and jelly beans are not permitted.

The Jelly Bean Contest is one way the Hart Library is employing to boost awareness of the upcoming renovation of the Children’s Room. Contributions are coming in daily and have reached the one-third mark. Donations can be made to the Children’s Room Fund, The Hart Library, 1130 Main Street, Shrub Oak, NY 10588. Stop by to see the plans and samples going into the renovation.

See the website at www.yorktownlibrary.org for more information.

Tonight from 6:30-8 p.m., Thomas Jefferson Elementary School will be holding an event which will benefit sick children and their families who are staying at the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital located in Valhalla, New York. The hospital provides excellent care for children with all different types and severities of illnesses.

Thomas Jefferson have been collecting items that are needed for the children and their families who are staying at the facilityduring the past few weeks. These items were placed in drop boxes located in the school’s lobby or brought. They will be brought in on the night of the event.

Friday night will kick off with a brief welcome and explanation of The Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital’s achievements followed by a sing-along led by Mrs. Cich. Children will then break into small groups in classrooms (supervised by teachers/parents) to make crafts/decorations for the hospital’s walls and bulletin boards.

On Friday, February 3rd at 2 p.m., elementary students from The Garden Road School will join seniors from The Seabury at Fieldhome to present hand-crafted Valentine Hearts of Gratitude created for soldiers overseas and veterans from the VA Hospital in Montrose. The ceremony, which will take place at The Seabury at Fieldhome, 2276 Catherine St in Cortlandt, is part of an ongoing relationship between the students and residents at the assisted living facility.

The Seabury at Fieldhome created the “Hearts for Soldiers“ program ”…to let soldiers know that they are always in our hearts. Everyone in the community is invited to take part in this wonderful opportunity to thank a soldier for his or her service and sacrifice.” Garden Road elementary students have been decorating hearts in class with art teacher and Seabury liaison Lowry Reinauer. They also teamed up with Seabury residents on Friday, January 20th to decorate hearts together. Some of the residents were veterans themselves, sharing their stories and experiences with the children.

The Garden Road School is an independent elementary and preschool located at 99 Barone de Hirsch Rd, Crompond, NY. Its curriculum is centered on the education of the whole child. Academics, values and the arts merge to meet the needs of each student’s individual learning style. All facets of the academic program are integrated with the arts: music, dance, theatre, movement, singing and fine arts. The result is a holistic setting in which each child’s potential and genius is realized and nurtured.

For more information, go to thegardenroad.org or call 914-526-4033.

Photo courtesy The Garden Road School

Yorktown Supervisor Michael Grace will launch a Community Affairs initiative with an program at Town Hall, 363 Underhill Avenue, Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m.

From the official announcement:

That marks the time, date, place you can start to be part of a new kind of Yorktown, as we begin an era of government truly of, by and for the people, led by a Supervisor who believes his administration only can be as strong as the citizenry it serves.

Yorktown is a community of many communities.

To strengthen the spirit, the resolve, the unity of Yorktowners, the Grace Administration is convening a wide-ranging, far-reaching initiative on Community Affairs. What it will do is up to you.

How can the Town of Yorktown add value to your organization, your events, your fundraising, your volunteers, your mission and goals?

How can the Town of Yorktown extend your reach into the communities who need you and who you need?

How can we all work together more efficiently and effectively to improve our Quality of Life for the greater good?

For reasons of space, please designate one representative from your organization to attend, and try to bring a list of at least three issues or goals that are a priority by consensus for your area of interest or group.

Our own goal out of the gate is to make this a working session to brainstorm, share best practices as well as concerns, and begin to formulate a unified pathway that lets us travel the straight and narrow to better times ahead for all our families, businesses and institutions.

Please RSVP to this email with the name, title (if any), affiliation and contact information for those able to attend. Feel free to call the mobile number below anytime.

Thank you for helping us help all of us.

Bruce Apar

Chair, Community Affairs

Town of Yorktown

(914) 275-6887 (24×7 mobile)

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 annual Cupcake Wars will take place on Saturday, February 11th at Mahopac High School from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Come cheer for your school as teams of teachers from each school works against the clock to create the most delicious and impressive cupcake display. Guest judges from Bliss Dairy Bar & Grill, Dish and Freight House Café will make it more interesting.

Tickets are $5 per person or $15 per family, with all proceeds going to benefit the Mahopac Education Foundation, a not-for-profit charitable organization. For a reservation form, go to www.mahopac.k12.ny.us and look under announcements.