Yorktown and Cortlandt region

Albertus Magnus’ Tyler Sayre, left, is guarded by Croton Harmon’s Tyler Gilman during their Section 1, Class B basketball semifinal at the Westchester County Center. Albertus won 72-44.

See more photos of Albertus Magnus vs. Croton-Harmon basketball

 

Don’t even think about getting too serious about the Purim story—especially if you are heading to the annual show at Bet Torah synagogue in Mount Kisco, which is Saturday (a PG-rated verson)  and Sunday (two G-rated versions for family audiences).

The theatrical rendition tells the story of saving the Jewish people in the Persian empire and the tale has been told through songs and good humor at Bet Torah for 20 years.  Each year the show has a different theme.

The enthusiastic show masters are busy rehearsing for this year’s show “Purim Goes Hollywood, Take Three” which means it is the third adaptaion of the play with a Hollywood theme.  It is written and directed by professional actress and director Alynne Amkraut Krull.  She had help from Wendy Goodman Maller, Daniel Baitch and Meryl Schechtman. (We just bet that Krull has done some quick rewriting to include a reference to Angelina Jolie’s right leg  at this year’s Oscar presentation.)

The show includes live music, skits, silly jokes and bright costumes.  Read this week’s Express publication for a story on putting together this annual production.

The Men’s Club will be hosting a Passover wine tasting with hors d’oeuvres and dessert at 7:30 p.m.  Saturday (suggestion donation $18) and there will be two family shows at 10 and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. The Purim carnival starts at 11 a.m. Reservations for the Saturday show are suggested, but not required. Contact mensclubpresident@bettorah.org

Bet Torah is at 60 Smith Avenue, Mount Kisco.

The Croton-Harmon School District is facing criticism from state auditors for stockpiling more cash reserves than it needs for its regular operations.

The report by the New York State Comptroller’s office gave the district a clean bill of health but cited the district’s policy of “over-budgeting” for certain funds and then retaining the leftover money in a reserve fund.

School Board president Karen Zevin called it a matter of “difference of philosophy” and defended the district’s fiscal policy. “We believe in planning for a rainy day,” she said.

The auditors said that the use of cash reserves “places an unnecessary burden on district taxpayer.” State tax law requires school districts to keep no more than four percent of their annual budget in a fund balance. They found that $2.9 million was over-budgeted in the 2010-2011 school year, and $1.6 million was over-budgeted in 2011-2012, going over the four-percent mark. The money was later rolled into a capital reserve fund, and it will be put to use to pay for infrastructure projects like new roofs, bus lanes and masonry work around the district this summer.

Read more about it in The Journal News/Lohud.com

CROTON-ON-HUDSON—
Too much congestion and too little parking is causing complaints about a new winter farmer’s market at a busy shopping center.

Since the village administration approved the opening of the farmer’s market in a former video-rental store on Maple Avenue, local merchants have been concerned about drops in revenue.

The manager of a nearby food market, Zeytinia, told village leaders that the new market on Saturdays has been causing big problems for his business.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes. From 10:30 to 1 o’clock, there were no parking spaces,” said store manager Erdal Kilic, “I hate to complain, but I need some help with the parking.”

He said revenues were down on Saturdays, previously the most profitable day at his market, in the range of tens of thousands of dollars. “I would say 20 percent, at least, close to 25 percent,” he said.
Local lawmakers had no immediate answers.

Mayor Leo Wiegman said village authorities would delve into the subject at a later work session.
A Community Markets representative, Frankie Rowland, said, “We’re working within the guideline of our agreement with the village.” She said the staff had kept a survey on the parking, and it appeared to them that spaces were available with the market was in operation. “There always seem to be two or three spaces in that lot,” she said.

Read more about it in the Journal News/Lohud.com

As part of its commitment to give back to the communities it serves, A.G. Williams Painting Company raised and donated $2,660 to Support Connection, a Westchester County-based not-for-profit organization that offers free, confidential support services to people nationwide who are affected by ovarian and breast cancer.

A.G. Williams kicked off its Paint It Teal/Paint It Pink in September 2011, pledging to contribute a portion of the profits from every paint job through the end of the year to the Support Connection. The color teal is connected with ovarian cancer awareness and the color pink with breast cancer awareness. On Sunday, October 2, 2011, Paul Viggiano, Director of Business Administration and Marketing, along with George Williams, President and CEO, and members of the A.G. Williams Painting Company team raised more than $1,000 through their participation in the 17th Annual Support Connection Support-A-Walk at FDR State Park in Yorktown, New York. Company representatives also greeted hundreds of participants at its Paint It Pink display table and distributed pink water bottles that A.G. Williams donated to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This month, Mr. Viggiano proudly presented Katherine Quinn, Executive Director of Support Connection, with a check for $2,660, representing funds raised at Support-A-Walk and donated from A.G Williams profits. “We are deeply touched by the commitment of A.G. Williams to our organization,” said Quinn.

“Support Connection makes a difference in the lives of our neighbors in Westchester County and southern Fairfield County,” said Viggiano. “With our contribution, we help Support Connection in its mission to provide emotional, social and educational support services to women affected by breast or ovarian cancer, and their families and friends.”

A.G. Williams Painting Company is located at 411 Pelham Avenue, Pelham, NY, 800-227-1906, with offices at 26 Arcadia Road in Old Greenwich, CT, 203-618-0058. www.agwilliamspainting.com.

A.G. Williams Painting Company, Inc. a family-owned and -operated residential and commercial painting firm, has serviced the tri-state area for over 100 years, since 1906. Founded by Arthur George Williams, A.G. Williams is in its third generation of Williams family ownership under the leadership of grandsons George P. Williams and Arthur G. Williams, with office locations in Pelham, New York, and Old Greenwich, Connecticut. The company is a recognized leader in the residential and commercial painting industry through its state-of-the-art precision interior and exterior painting, powerwashing, wall coverings, faux finishes, expert design services and high quality carpentry. A.G. Williams proudly maintains an unparalleled tradition of honesty, integrity, and professionalism.

About Support Connection

Support Connection, Inc. is a 501© (3) not-for-profit organization that provides free, confidential support services and programs to people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. Founded in 1996, Support Connection is based in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., but through their toll-free hotline and website they serve people throughout the country. Services include: One-on-one peer counseling and support groups, offering women the opportunity to connect with other cancer survivors; ongoing wellness classes; Holistic health workshops; public educational programs; information; referral services and a toll-free cancer information and support hotline (1-800-532-4290.) Support groups and other programs are often offered outside of business hours at convenient locations in Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties. To learn more, visit http://www.supportconnection.org or call (914) 962-6402.

 

The Kumon Math and Reading Center in Mohegan Lake is hosting an event Sasturday to benefit Peekskill student literacy. Read below for information from the Peekskill City School District on the event:

A Peekskill friend and neighbor, Miranda Koss, is supporting Peekskill student literacy this weekend. Her Kumon Math and Reading Center, located in Mohegan Lake, is holding an Open House for interested families on Saturday, March 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ms. Koss is asking her visitors to bring donations of children’s book to the Center with them; a gift of books—new or used is fine—will entitle the donor to raffle tickets for the prize of movie passes.

The Kumon Math and Reading Center is located at 1950 East Main Street in Mohegan Lake, Suite 205. According to Ms. Koss, at the Kumon Center she has worked successfully as a professional learning coach for children from “just over one up through high school.” She encourage families to drop by to learn about the tutoring program, She is asking for donations for books for the Peekskill Schools; “any grade level is great.”

Below is an open letter from state Assemblywoman Sandy Galef to the Task Force on Demographic Research and Reapportionment on redistricting:  

I live in and represent the Town and Village of Ossining, and represent most of the Village of Briarcliff Manor, located in Westchester County. I have heard from numerous constituents in these municipalities over their concern for the proposed Senate District Maps. These proposed maps have placed the Town of Ossining, and the two villages within it, in a Senate District that has primarily been located in Rockland County.

As you know, Rockland and Westchester Counties are on opposite sides of the Hudson River and there is no bridge connecting Ossining to its proposed Senate District. For constituents to access a primarily Rockland County senator’s office, they would have to drive north, cross over the Bear Mountain Bridge, and pass through multiple communities not in the district. Alternatively, they could drive south over the Tappan Zee Bridge, again through multiple communities not in their Senate District. People would be forced to pay a toll to travel over these bridges just for the opportunity to meet with their Senator. While on a map these two counties are contiguous because of the Hudson River connection, they are different in many ways and practically they are not viewed as connected.

The proposed map will also make it much more difficult for the current senator in Rockland to fulfill the senator’s responsibilities in attending meetings and events in the Ossining and Briarcliff communities. This is because of the distance and time spent traveling over the Hudson River as well as the need to pass through many communities the Senator will not represent. This additional burden will not positively benefit the Ossining and Briarcliff communities.

In addition, the lack of a public meeting in between New York City and Albany has left many of my constituents feeling excluded from this process. Most could not take time off from work to travel to have their voices heard. While I have encouraged them to write to you regarding their concerns, they feel this issue is important enough to warrant a public hearing within a reasonable distance from this community.

I hope you will reconsider the choice to include the Town of Ossining and Villages of Ossining and Briarcliff in the 38th Senate District. Historically these municipalities have been included in Senate Districts within Westchester and dramatically altering their representation is a disservice to these communities.

 

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,

Sandy Galef

Member of Assembly, 90th District

Support Connection will host their 15th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Colonial Terrace, 119 Oregon Road, Cortlandt Manor, NY. Support Connection, Inc. is celebrating 15 years of service, offering help and hope to people with breast and ovarian cancer. The evening will include cocktails, dinner, dancing, silent auction and more.

At this celebration Support Connection will announce the recipients of their 2012 Spirit Awards. The Spirit Awards are given each year to honor those who contribute to the organization’s mission by providing inspiration, time, talent and other resources. In addition, to commemorate celebrating 15 years, this year they will recognize 15 “Unsung Heroes” who have helped Support Connection grow throughout the years.

This year’s Spirit Award recipients are:

SPIRIT OF HOPE AWARD: Jane Gentile, Shrub Oak, NY: Honored for her dedication, support and commitment to us and the community. Her willingness to share her own story as a cancer survivor and her dedication has translated into raising awareness as well as funds to support our programs and services.

BEACON OF LIGHT: Margaret Zulkowsky, Yorktown, NY and Brenda Maxwell, Fishkill, NY: Honored for being an inspiration to so many cancer survivors. By taking their own experiences and translating them into an opportunity to reach out to others and raise awareness, they give people the tools to find their inner strength.

HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR: Dana Boulanger, Natural Awakenings, Lincolndale, NY: Honored for her continuous support of our programs throughout the years. Thanks to her efforts and promotion of our programs and events, Dana has increased our reach into the community.

To pay tribute to this year’s honorees and “unsung heroes” with a congratulatory Journal Ad, become a Sponsor or purchase tickets to the Anniversary Celebration, contact Michelle DeIeso, Support Connection, at 914-962-6402, michelle.deieso@supportconnection.org. Tickets are $95 per person or $850 for a table of 10. All proceeds benefit Support Connection’s free breast and ovarian cancer support services.

SUPPORT CONNECTION, INC. is a 501© (3) not-for-profit organization that provides free, confidential support services and programs to people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. Founded in 1996, Support Connection is based in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., but through their toll-free hotline and website they serve people throughout the country. With Support Connection, those living with breast and ovarian cancer don’t have to face it alone. To learn more, call 914-962-6402 (toll-free: 800-532-4290) or visit www.supportconnection.org.

Support Connection Inc. of Yorktown Heights, NY, which offers free, confidential support services to people affected by breast and ovarian cancer, recently received several grants to help fund their programs. As an independent not-for-profit organization that is not affiliated with any national groups, all of Support Connection’s services and programs are funded by contributions and grants.

Two of the recent grants will help fund Support Connection’s One-on-One Peer Counseling Program. This program provides free, personalized, confidential support and education to people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. The professional Peer Counselors on Support Connection’s staff are cancer survivors themselves. Peer Counselors are available 5 days a week, at the Support Connection office and by phone. Peer counseling can be utilized at any time during a person’s journey with cancer, with no limits. It is also available to family members and loved ones.

Sole Ryeders and Friends of Rye, NY approved a two year grant totaling $15,000 to help fund the Peer Counseling program. This is the second time Support Connection has received funds from Sole Ryeders. Founded in 2007, Sole Ryeders & Friends is a community based charitable organization that raises funds to provide financial support to Westchester County based cancer-related programs. To learn more, visit http://soleryeders.org.

The Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, based in Lagrangeville, NY, a gave a $10,000 grant to help fund the Peer Counseling Program for one year. In addition, Miles of Hope gave a grant of $3,818 to help fund a weekly yoga class for women with breast cancer for one year. Miles of Hope has been supporting programs offered by Support Connection since 2004. The Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation is a non-profit 501© (3) public charity established in 2004. Their mission is to provide funding to non-profit organizations for support services and outreach for people affected by breast cancer in the Hudson Valley, NY. They hold fundraising events throughout the year to support their efforts. To learn more, visit http://www.milesofhope.org. Grants from The Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation are facilitated by the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley www.cfhvny.org

Support Connection, Inc., founded in 1996, recently marked their 15th year of service to the community. It is a 501© (3) not-for-profit organization that provides free, confidential support services to people affected by breast and ovarian cancer. Services include: One-on-one peer counseling; monthly support groups; ongoing wellness classes; holistic health workshops; public educational programs; information and referral services. Support Connection is based in Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; however, through their toll-free info and support hotline they serve people throughout the country. To learn more, visit www.supportconnection.org or call: 914-962-6402 or Toll-Free 800-532-4290. Support Connection Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support: We’ve been there. We care.

Eight Lakeland Central School District athletic teams have been honored by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) with their Scholar/Athlete Team Award for the winter 2011-2012 sports season.

The NYSPHSAA honors those teams that excel in the classroom after each of the three sports seasons. To qualify, teams must have an unweighted composite grade point average of 90 or above.

The teams honored included four merged teams with students from both Lakeland and Walter Panas high schools: Wrestling, Boys’ Track, Girls’ Track and Boys’ Swimming. The Girls’ Basketball and Girls’ Bowling teams from each high school were also recognized for their achievement.