Crotonblog: The blog of Croton-on-Hudson, NY

Obama: Croton was not built by 'naysayers.'

President Obama devotes his address this week to remembering the “indomitable spirit of the first American citizens” who built this country and the lessons we can apply to the current challenges:

That is the spirit we are called to show once more. We are facing an array of challenges on a scale unseen in our time. We are waging two wars. We are battling a deep recession. And our economy - and our nation itself - are endangered by festering problems we have kicked down the road for far too long: spiraling health care costs; inadequate schools; and a dependence on foreign oil. […]

These are some of the challenges that our generation has been called to meet. And yet, there are those who would have us try what has already failed; who would defend the status quo. They argue that our health care system is fine the way it is and that a clean energy economy can wait. They say we are trying to do too much, that we are moving too quickly, and that we all ought to just take a deep breath and scale back our goals.

These naysayers have short memories. They forget that we, as a people, did not get here by standing pat in a time of change. We did not get here by doing what was easy. That is not how a cluster of 13 colonies became the United States of America.

Watch it:

Croton Launches Community 'Victory Garden'

Using unspent money left over from the prior fiscal year’s allocation for green initiatives, the Village Board recently approved fencing, a water connection, and some starter soil to establish a pilot community Victory Garden.

In 1943, Americans planted over 20 million Victory Gardens. The harvest from those gardens accounted for nearly a third of all the vegetables that Americans consumed that year. Croton’s first Victory Garden will be located on an unused lawn adjacent to the parking lot of Silver Lake Park at the end of Truesdale Drive in Croton-on-Hudson (map). This effort is an initiative of the Village’s new Sustainability Team, which is currently in formation.

Village residents are invited to enter a lottery for a plot in a new organic garden under construction. Interested gardeners should submit their name to the village by July 17, 2009.

Details on how to submit your name are available: http://village.croton-on-hudson.ny.us/PublicDocuments/CrotonHudsonNYBoard/025C10D2-000F8513

It's the Brown People, Stupid

Recent musings from Bruce Apar’s forum on proposed zoning changes for the Harmon section of Croton:

Croton23: “The best part is…If we do start with this project, we will look more like Ossining or Peekskill- Is that what we are reaching for?”
karenmc55: “A Croton for Croton with no shame or guilt.”
Croton12: “Let’s face it. With a radical leftist single party Village Board, much like the government in Washington, the dreams of making Croton into another Yonkers, Ossining or Peekskill will come true. Greedy property owners see the gold mine in ‘affordable housing’ and staunch activists see an increased power base. Unless there is a successful legal challenge to the ruination of the Village before the majority on the board can be changed, its just time to move.”
jennifer: “The crime was more insidious. It started out as minor annoying quality of life issues: a domestic dispute here, too many bored adolescent boys hanging out there, noise and broken beer bottles. Then it escalated into burglaries and shoplifting. The small—by city standards—grammar school required a major expansion. A towering hulk of a concrete monstrosity to accommodate a surge in students became necessary.”
sensible1: “The residents, taxpayers and people with kids in the Croton schools are mad as hell and are not going to sit idle on this one either!”
wileyp86: “I want to thank you all so much for the very good info being provided. We are new in town, arrived not in time to be able to vote, but had we known this was going on, we might have thought twice. We are nons, came here for the schools, and are appalled that this is being considered here. We came here because it is a village not for the crowds, and for the schools. We are very disappointed and annoyed and you will be hearing from us if this is done.”
commonsense: With more students, and housing, comes the need for more of everything, more teachers, more room, more desks, books, labs, fields, more police, more garbage trucks, more more more more. Why on earth would we encourage that with a zoning change?
Paula Pradines: “Crotonites need to be critical thinkers and not emotional sponges when it comes to affordable housing. We all moved here to live our American Dream. This dream for many has already ended as more and more Croton seniors and lower and middle income families are taxed out of their homes. You know why your neighbors have left. Just ask the hundreds of thousands of Long Islanders who leave each year because their charming villages and lovely vistas were replaced with a kind of extended Brooklyn and Queens full of dense housing and unsustainable school and property taxes.”

Reader’s note: More racist ramblings from the North County News are available here: http://www.ncnlocal.com/bb/viewforum.php?f=1

Patriotic speeches, colonial games, a grand parade, & more. Anyone?

Here’s a chance to celebrate Independence Day at historic Van Cortlandt Manor and Sunnyside…

Participating in old-fashioned ice-cream making, listening to a spirited reading of the Declaration of Independence, marching in a grand parade, and drilling and mustering with military re-enactors are some of the activities visitors can take part in at Washington Irving’s Sunnyside in Tarrytown and Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson on Independence Day, Saturday, July 4, from 10-6 p.m.

A grand parade is part of the festivities at Van Cortlandt Manor’s Independence Day celebrations. Tom O’Connell photo.

Both sites, living history museums that are part of the Historic Hudson Valley network, will be dressed up in their finest patriotic regalia to celebrate the nation’s founding. Visitors can journey back to 1809 at Van Cortlandt Manor and to 1859 at Sunnyside. Tickets are available online at www.hudsonvalley.org.

Dramatic readings of the Declaration of Independence are a feature at both sites.

Sunnyside will feature a reading of an 1859 speech by Irving contemporary George William Curtis on abolition, who spoke “attended by a bodyguard with a great mob outside ready for violence, held in check by a large body of police. A few paving stones and a bottle of vitriol were thrown through the windows, but no serious injury was inflicted. This was one of the last instances in which an attempt was made to suppress free speech in the free states in the interest of slavery.” Curtis was also a close colleague of George P. Putnam, Irving’s longtime publisher.

Comic vignettes featuring toasts to the Republic and spirited debates about the pros and cons of temperance and women’s suffrage will also take place. On the issue of whether women should be granted the right to vote, two sisters will duke it out in a lively fashion.

Visitors can also participate in country dancing with caller Eric Hollman, join in rousing renditions of patriotic songs, witness the feats of comedic juggler Will Shaw, and play “town ball,” an early version of baseball that uses a big at and small ball. The home of Washington Irving will be open for tours throughout the day.

At Van Cortlandt Manor, the day’s centerpiece is a vast parade starting at 2 p.m. in front of the manor house. The parade will traverse the entire site and end with a special ceremony, singing, dancing, and games. Children can carry banners and all are invited to march.

From 10-2:30, a military re-enactment group will set up camp and invite one and all to drill and muster. Visitors can help with camp activities such as fire starting with flint and steel. Storytelling and 18th-century fiddle music round out the day.

While either event could be a perfect preamble to a picnic elsewhere, classic Fourth of July food from Geordanes Market in Irvington will be available, giving visitors an easy option for lunch. Of course, picnickers are welcome to bring their own treats.

Admission to either site is $12 for adults; $10 for seniors; $6 for children 5-17; and free for children under age 5 and HHV members. Tours of the sites’ houses are included in the price of admission. Washington Irving’s Sunnyside is at 89 West Sunnyside Lane in Tarrytown, one mile south of the Tappan Zee Bridge, off Route 9. Van Cortlandt Manor is at 525 South Riverside Avenue in Croton-on-Hudson, just off Route 9A. For information: 914-631-8200 or www.hudsonvalley.org.

Miss Goodie Two Shoes

“Hopeful, these forums are provided to all communities via the graciousness of the North County News.

You are once again asked to stay on the topic of this forum which is the agenda for the work session on Monday and which is still not online.

As to the rest of your comments, in this country, last time I checked, it is the right of every citizen to engage in discussion on issues that may affect their community. If you cannot see that Mr. Murray’s remarks are and were inappropriate, especially since I have no idea what he is talking about, then there is little more I can say to you.

I suggest you save your energy for the upcoming meetings on this issue. Given the backlash I am seeing against this DENSITY housing proposal, you will need it.

As for me, I am off to photograph more of the village’s wonderful HOUSES for an upcoming slideshow.”

— maria (Maria Cudequest, search) Sat Jun 20, 2009 8:19 am NCN

Bruce Apar's Baby

In 2007, North County News Editor in Chief + Publisher Bruce Apar, started a forum, aka the NCN.

At first, Mr. Apar boastfully attacked Crotonblog for allowing anonymous commentary but now he embraces it entirely (See: Bruce Apar’s Ethical Double Standard (and Goof))

In fact, Croton’s most notorious and ugliest mud-slingers have made it their home-away-from-home.

To illustrate, here’s a sample exchange between convicted vandal maria and citizen-volunteer Kieran Murray (KM) from June 18:

KM:

Maria:

I am getting really sick and tired hearing about you shooting your mouth off about me at Gabe’s. My kids friends parents hear your nonsense and I am really getting tired of it. SHUT YOUR MOUTH ABOUT ME!

maria:

Kieran:

First, I have no idea what you are talking about. My focus has been, if you have not gathered by now, promoting our village, churches, artistic and business community. It occupies a great deal of my time, joyfully. I have not attended any of the Harmon meetings although, as is my right to do so, I have certainly contributed to the many conversations about the housing project that have occurred—especially since the Gazette’s coverage of the 6/11 meeting. My commentary has been measured, deliberate, and fact-based.

The rules of this board are clear. As you have just violated them by threatening me in a public forum, I will bring them to the attention of the moderator on Monday.

In the meantime, the topic of this forum is the work session on Monday and whether or not anyone knows the agenda since it was not online. Please at least follow that one.

Thank you.

KM:

Tell the moderator all you want, just don’t talk bad about me in public where my kids friends parents can hear.

The North County News needs to be careful not to continue to expose itself to possible litigation. In my opinion, it is knowingly letting personal attacks, slander, lies, rumor and innuendo stand as fact. By knowingly providing a platform for damaging character assasinations to continue, it is acting no differently than Got Dirt, MySpace, Craigslist and any other site responsible for providing adequate monitoring and ignoring its responsibility.

Make sure you tell the moderator that as well!

One more from June 19 between one “commonsense” and Kieran Murray:

commonsense:

Kieran, PLEASE stop with the children, already. As to whether you would want to help or not, that is absolutely up to you. But you should be looking at it more as helping your village, not just any of us.

KM:

So you think it is OK that my children are being affected? Is that what you are saying?

You know you said I know who you are a while back, I think it is time to meet face to face. I’ve had enough of you knowing who I am and me not knowing the face behind the attacks.

Put up or shut up Commonsense.

commonsense:

Attacks?

Oh, I see an attack, alright, and it ain’t coming from me.

Your statements on your positions are posted exactly as you made them. They are self-explanatory, but if you don’t agree, then perhaps you can explain why you feel they’re not contradictory.

And there’s no need for you to act like a bully.

And if you’re out there, Mr. Apar… They’re talking about you.

Oh, and by the way, since you have done such a good job at tarnishing your paper’s brand by letting Croton’s-worst dominate your message board, there’s an active boycott of buying the North County News on Croton newsstands.

Slideshow: River Day 2009

To the editor:

Croton resident Geoff Haynes has just published a superb short slideshow of photos and music from the June 7, 2009 River Day. He has plenty of photos of the fleet comprising the Halve Maen, Clearwater, Mystic Whaler, Onrust and other boats as it sailed up the Hudson.

As Geoff says: “Take a look, when you have a moment, at the audio slideshow I created (below) of the River Day festivities last Sunday. So, turn on your speakers, and go full-screen on the slideshow, for the full effect!”

Thank you, Geoff!

— Leo Wiegman

Are Local Jobs and Auto Dealers Worth "Practically Nothing"?

To the editor:

Throughout our communities, the owners of local Chrysler and GM dealerships are being forced to close their doors due to Chrysler and General Motors Corporations restructuring. While the automaker companies are going bankrupt, the local dealers that sell the cars are turning profits and continue to contribute to the companies’ bottom line. These dealerships received letters from GM and Chrysler telling them they would be closed but have yet to hear any justification or rationale for why they are on the closed list.

G.M. and Chrysler make money (when they do) on new cars and on the financing of loans. Dealers, by contrast, make most of their money on servicing old cars and selling used ones. So dealers can thrive even when the automaker languishes. This week, an expert on the White House’s task force on the auto industry said that shutting down dealerships would save Chrysler and GM “practically nothing.”

Is that what these local dealerships are worth? Not in my opinion. The dealers I spoke to employ 30 to 40 people. Each auto dealership is a vital member of our community here in the Hudson Valley. Shutting them down will create a detrimental ripple effect throughout our local economy. The cutting of these dealerships and the job losses that would be caused are counterproductive to the economic growth and development that the Hudson Valley and America needs.

Watch a video that tells the story of our fight to save a local dealership in South Salem - the oldest Dodge dealership in the world.

That is why I have written to both President Obama and the head of the President’s task force on the auto industry asking them to force GM and Chrysler to reconsider their planned dealership closures. I’ve also signed on to legislation that would require GM and Chrysler to keep the commitments they made to dealerships prior to declaring bankruptcy and allow these local dealerships to either survive or die by the market.

For more information about the effort to save Tator Dodge and other GM and Chrysler dealerships, click here to read today’s article in the Journal News.

What do you think?

Chrysler and GM should be able to close profitable auto dealerships as part of their restructuring.

The market should decide which dealerships stay open or shut down.

*By answering this survey, you are subscribing to my newsletter.

Sincerely,

John Hall, Member of Congress

Croton Terror Group 'al NCN' Strikes Harmon Plan, Again

To the editor:

The usual suspects opposed to progress in Harmon squandered what may have been their last chance to meaningfully challenge the rationale for the Harmon Zoning Change Recommendations.

Rather than challenging facts, figures and calculations presented in significant detail in the Harmon Committee Report, they chose to forgo asking meaningful questions in favor of lengthy diatribes claiming yet again that lifelong residents are way smarter than the rest of us “Newbies”, and that if you didn’t inherit your house from your “grandpapy” or are not making hundreds of thousands of dollars, you must be a Section 8 immigrant criminal who will pack 15 family members in a 1 bedroom apartment and have babies like rabbits causing the schools to bust at the seams.

Of course, the opportunity was not lost to publicly slenderize Democratic elected officials past and present for partnering up with the Mafia to run Metro Enviro and line their pockets at the expense of our children’s health, or to spend ten minutes bashing one of our most beloved and successful businesses for having the audacity to receive deliveries.

Hey Minett, did you not see the shopping center at your rear property line when you bought your house?

The usual suspects obviously rounded up anybody breathing that would buy into their warped interpretation of the Harmon recommendation and carefully coordinated their alleged “overwhelming opposition”. Even with the numbers clearly in their favor (I would say 80% in attendance were the opposition), they still couldn’t even manage to do better than a neutral article in the Journal News. Congratulations!

Last night made me lose all hope of a meaningful compromise. It’s all or nothing with the NCN malcontents.

Kudos to our Mayor for extending the olive branch in the face of a continued barrage of character assassinations and personal attacks against him. The NCNers have no votes and no power so the only conclusion I can draw from their theatrics last night is that they don’t want a seat at the table to help shape Croton’s future, they are just in it for the bitching and moaning.

— Truth Hurts

Ice Cream Throwdown: Monkey vs. Pig

Monkey

Photo: Olivia W., 06/08/09

The Purple Monkey
171 Riverside Avenue (Croton Commons) Croton-on-Hudson, New York 10520

Pig

Photo: Olivia W., 06/08/09

The Blue Pig
121 Maple Street Croton-on-Hudson, New York 10520

Croton Farmer's Market Kicks Off Wednesday

Buying locally produced food directly from farmers and bakers is about to get a whole lot more convenient this summer. Community Markets is opening a midweek farmers market in Croton that runs into the evening. Designed for commuters and those shoppers who are too busy to visit the neighboring weekend markets, the Croton Market will be held a short distance from the Croton Metro-North train station in the former skateboard park on Municipal Place and Riverside Avenue every Wednesday from 2-7 p.m. starting on June 10th.

“We want to encourage people to shop more often at farmers markets,” says Miriam Haas, director of Community Markets. “Because it is so close to the train station, the market will be very convenient for commuters on their way home from work,” she says.

The eclectic array of local foods that will be available include: a wide variety of organic vegetables and herbs from Little Seed Gardens, a certified organic grower from Chatam, NY; annual and perennial plants, fruits and vegetables from Hodgson’s Farm, Walden, NY; pasture raised beef and kielbasa from Kiernan Farm, Gardiner, NY; decadent desserts from Dutch Desserts, Kinderhook, NY; breads and baked goods from Meredith’s Bread, Kingston, NY; Savory pastries from Pika’s Quiche, Big Indian, NY; organic, locally roasted nuts and nut butters from Tierra Farms, Valatie, NY; old fashioned barrel pickles from Doc Pickle, Wayne, NJ; Beltane Farm from Connecticut will be selling fresh goat milk cheese with organic herbs and goats milk yogurt; there will be fresh berries, produce, horseradish and homemade quince jellies from Athanas Farm, Hyde Park, NY; and locally made wines from Millbrook Vineyard and Winery, Millbrook, NY.

While there is clearly a delicious mix of products lined up for Croton this summer, Haas expects the market will serve the community in other ways as well, “I hope the market will be able to provide even more than local food,” she says. “I would like it to be a place where people can relax and slow down and catch up with neighbors, maybe on the way back from picking up a friend or family member at the train station.”

“I’m thrilled that the Village has been successful in establishing a Farmer’s Market”, added Village Trustee Ann Gallelli. “After years of discussion, this is finally going to happen and Community Markets have the experience to make this a successful venture.”

They Make Me Want To Up-Chuck

To the editor:

On June 3rd at the Harmon Firehouse, there will be a presentation about plans to change the zoning to accommodate a mixed use housing proposal for the Harmon area. No matter what you are told that night, these are only some of the facts you need to know beforehand.

1) That the “Harmon Plan” is not just about a “few apartments” nor is it only about developing Harmon for this density housing. In a conversation on a site for municipal officials, the topic of which was redevelopment of this area, Trustee Gallelli wrote the following:

“What we want now is for the Village to take the lead on marketing our plans and to get the larger public to buy into it. Basically it is about a three block stretch of commercial first floor with two floors of mixed use (probably mostly residential above), with buildings built close to the street with pedestrian friendly frontage and parking to the rear. We want to get the public to buy into this for support of the zoning changes. We also are prepared to move towards doing the same kind of analysis for a second commercial Gateway where the Village actually owns a number of the parcels. We want to encourage the public to be a big part of this process so as to avoid opposition down the road.”

2) That current mayor Wiegman responded to Ms. Gallelli:

“By definition, a household earning 80% of an area’s median income is considered “low income”….”(County Planning Dept). Therefore some housing development funds are available to create housing that will target folks who earn 80% of the AMI.” For reasons that are unclear, he also added the following:

“Total number rental units in Croton: 674 (compared with 3,900 in neighboring Ossining).”

The so-called Harmon housing plan will no doubt change the character of our Village in a negative way. No matter what they tell you now, the “real deal” has already been laid out by the team of Wiegman and Gallelli. It is right there in black and white. You can read more at http://nycom.collectivex.com/discussion/topic/show/51472

Sincerely,

Chuck Trendell

Props from Lisa Wolland

To the editor,

Recently, school district residents had an extraordinary opportunity to choose two new School Board members from five candidates. Although I did not win, I was pleased to find myself in the company of Andrea Furey, Giuseppina Miller, Lisa McManus, and Lisa Cohen.

I want to thank everyone who supported me during this campaign - whether you actively campaigned for me, placed signs on your lawns, or voted for me. Everything you did helped me get as far as I did, and I could not have done it without you.

I also want to thank each member of the current School Board, Dr. Castro, Dr. Adelberg, Rochelle O’Mara, and Kathy Girardi, who provided me guidance and answered endless questions that I had during the last 2 months. I am also grateful to all the other members of this community, who provided me with critical information to further educate myself during my campaign.

And, I want to thank Jessica and Michael Anson, Suzanne and Robert Luntz, Carol and Jim Steinberg, and Holly and Mark Anzani, for hosting my three “meet and greet” events. It was because of their generosity that I was able to meet many more people in this District.

Finally, I wish all the best to Andrea and Giuseppina—your newest School Board trustees.

Sincerely,

Lisa Wolland, Croton-on-Hudson

It's Time for Some Local Color

To the editor:

Local Color 12 will be held at 10 Old Post Road South, starting on June 6, 2009. And with the generosity of Richard Albert, of Prudential Richard Albert Realtors, we have the rare opportunity to bring this CCoA classic into the Croton-on-Hudson village proper.

10 Old Post Road is a perfect showplace, within walking distance for most Croton residents, and we have high hopes that the first viewing day of the show, which coincides with Summerfest, will provide those artists unusually high visibility.

This art show is a signature event organized by the Croton Council on the Arts each year; it showcases members’ art work. Most of the pieces will be for sale and have in the past included paintings, photographs, collages, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and fiber and bead art.

Opening: Saturday, June 6, 4-6:00 PM Viewing: Sunday, June 7 (Summerfest): 1-6:00 PM, Monday-Friday June 8-12: 4-8:00 PM, Saturday, Sunday June 13-14: 12-4:00 PM

— Allison Stewart Laws

No Lisas on the Board of Ed!

To the editor:

There will be no Lisas on the 2009/2010 Board of Ed. I am very confident in the abilities of Andrea Furey and Giuseppina Miller to keep things moving forward.

I wanted to thank all of you for your wonderful input and support. In particular, thanks go out to Demetra, Catherine, Elisa and Lynette for opening their homes for citizen Q&A sessions.

Thank you so much to the Boltin gals—Caroll for her sustenance these past weeks and Julia for her graphic design advice and moral support.

Thank you to Caron Shapiro for her tireless lauding of my wonderful qualities (!).

And..thank you to Kevin Davis for putting this insane idea into my head.

I am so proud of what we accomplished! I appreciate your patience during these past months and look forward to a continuing dialogue.

Best,

Lisa Cohen

Me Too, Me Too

To the editor:

I, too, was endorsed by the Journal News for Croton-Harmon School Board: “Furey founded and served as co-president of the parent-teacher organization for special-education students. She said she wants to look at state mandates and urge Croton and nearby districts to lobby for relief. With extensive work in public relations and development for a non-profit, Furey has skills and experience that would stand Croton-Harmon in good stead.”

For more inforation about my candidacy you can visit: http://andreafureyforschoolboard.blogspot.com, www.smartvoter.org or e-mail andreafurey@msn.com or call 914-271-7640.

— Andrea Furey

A Grateful and Understanding Lisa Wolland Here

Hello friends and supporters,

I want to thank you for your support these last 2 months. Not only have I had the chance to discuss the many issues that face our District, but I have had the chance to meet many new people.

Like I have said many times during my campaign, I want to make sure that all of our children receive the education that they deserve. I understand that every child has a different path, and our schools must try to provide each child with the educational opportunities he/she needs to receive his/her individual educational experience.

I have repeatedly said that our residential tax base is maxed out. Because I am actually aware of the tough economic times that we are facing, I will continue to look for additional, non-academic ways to reduce spending. But, like I have said before, there are many issues that must be considered when we discuss areas to cut costs. So, in order to accomplish this complex task, our community needs to elect Board members who are able to think analytically, critically, and collectively.

Not only will I bring my professional skills as an appellate attorney to the Board, but I believe that I possess the invaluable qualities of patience, open-mindedness, honesty, integrity, and respectfulness, that a Board member needs when she listens to the community, the Administration, and other Board members.

I appreciate all the attention and consideration you have given me. I promise to work hard to achieve the best education for all of our children. I hope that I can count on your support. I can still be reached at wollands@msn.com, and you can see my biographical information and position papers at www.lohud.com, and www.smartvoter.org/vote/wolland.

Please vote on Tuesday 5/19 at CHHS from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Thank you.

Lisa Wolland

Croton Auto Park Apparently Spared by Chrysler

According to the following document, Croton Auto Park is not listed as one of the 800 Chrysler dealers to be closed by the corporation.

Publish at Scribd or explore others: Law & Government Business & Law Chrysler

Andrea Furey Reflects on School Communication

To the editor:

As my campaign for school board candidate winds down, I’d like to share an anecdote: Handing out leaflets at the Croton-Harmon train station I was greeted by a man rushing home who yelled to me, “Tell me in one sentence or less, why should I vote for you and what do you think of the Mandarin program?” I did my best under these frustrating conditions and didn’t get as far as I wished. But Hey —I thought — this is the reality. Yes most issues are complex, but to truly engage the public, the Board needs to boil them down to their most basic facts and get them out there - even if it means handing out flyers at the train station.

For engage the public we must. And by “public” I mean the entire Village of Croton and our Croton-Harmon educational community.

A silver lining of the economic crises has been that it has focused us on our schools. Croton has been in danger of maxing out its tax base for years. With our present economic situation questions about the future economic sustainability of our schools seem particularly critical. During these past months the public has showed up in unprecedented numbers to discuss the budget and to express their feelings about what is most important for our schools. Many people went on record about Mandarin (although probably not the gentleman that was sprinting away!), reading teachers and afterschool programs. Most importantly public engagement let the administration know what many Crotonites felt they could handle as a tax increase while maintaining the strength of our school programs.

In direct response, the budget went through 5 revisions. I think the end result is a reasonable compromise: A 0% tax levy increase, with minimal trimming of academic and after school programs. If voted in, this budget will be made workable through the efforts and cooperation of administrators, staff members, teachers and ultimately students. For example, some of the janitors will be involved in grounds work and landscaping. Most teachers will be handling more students. Our new superintendent, Dr. Fuhrman, and other school administrators have elected to take on 20% of their health coverage, as a model for the Croton-Harmon teaching staff now involved in contract negotiations. We all wait in anticipation to see what proactive response the teachers will be giving us. We do know that teachers care about the welfare of our children and the good of our community. As tax payers do their part, we look to the educational staff to do theirs.

In tough times we must come together to maximize our resources, to share our talents and ideas and it is an important role of the board to facilitate this. I believe that my background in Communications, Advocacy and Community Building for Non-Profits makes me a good match at this time. The Journal News endorsed me for this very reason. My years of working with non-profit budgets, which always means squeezing every dollar when you know that you are working for a vital cause, would give me the right perspective as we examine each expenditure to see how we can maximize the result for our children —- and the tax payers. My communications background gives me many creative and common sense ideas about how to get the word out. My years of advocacy for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and CH SEPTA organizing people and crafting messages for legislators and the school administration informs me that you are only heard when you bring together large numbers of citizens who speak in one voice.

It has been an exciting and rewarding experience to spend the last six weeks or so meeting with so many community members to discuss the “what” and “how” of providing a great school program for our children. The “what” being our district’s absolute “must have list” of priorities. The “how” being how we can work together to make them a reality.

In conclusion I’d like to share my thoughts about the other candidates: They are an extremely dedicated, motivated and personable group of women and I have enjoyed getting to know each of them enormously. I am truly grateful for the civility of this race, and I hope it sets an example for our town, including our children. I ask for your vote tomorrow because I bring a new set of skills and experiences that would be helpful to the board and the work that needs to be done.

However, whatever the outcome I plan to remain engaged and I call upon you to engage as well. The future welfare of our nation depends upon the education that our children receive today. Win or lose, you’ll probably see me leafleting at the train station!

For more information please visit http://andreafureyforschoolboard.blogspot.com, e-mail me at andreafurey@msn.com or call 271-7640.

— Andrea Furey

Lisa Cohen Endorsed by Journal News for School Board Race

To the editor:

I was very pleased to receive an endorsement for the Croton Harmon Board of Education from the Journal News last week. All of the candidates earned praise from the editorial board, but I was chosen for the endorsement because of the specificity of my ideas to save taxpayer dollars without sacrificing educational programs. Here is the link: http://lohud.com/article/20090512/OPINION/905120325/-1/ELECTIONS01

I also urge you to click on the following link to smartvoter.org: http://smartvoter.org/2009/05/19/ny/wst/vote/cohen_l/. This link takes you to my candidate page, but you can also look up information supplied by all of the candidates in this race.

Election Day is this Tuesday, May 19th. The polls will be open from 6 AM to 9 PM at the Croton Harmon High School. There will be parking allowed in the circle in front of the high school for those with limited mobility

Thank you all for your attention and support,

Lisa Cohen, lisac@10520.info

Closing Remarks from Lisa Wolland

To the editor:

In less than a week, resident of the Croton-Harmon school district are going to be able to choose 2 new Board members, from a pool of 5 qualified candidates, to work with our new superintendent. It is an exciting time for our District, and I look forward to the opportunity to be a part of it for the following reasons:

First, I will represent all of our children, when I decide the many issues that face our District. Based on my observations and conversations, I am sensitive to the many educational needs of all our students. This is true whether our graduates go to college or not.

Second, because I am actually aware of the tough economic times we are facing, I will always be mindful that our residential tax base is maxed out. We need to continue to look for additional ways to reduce spending (e.g., increasing shared services), without depriving our children of a well-rounded, solid education. But, I also I understand that there are many issues that must be considered when we discuss areas to cut costs (e.g., contracts, unions, mandates).

Third, my professional experience, as an appellate attorney, will be invaluable when we meet with our legislators, in Albany, to convince them to repeal or modify the many unfunded mandates that economically tie our District’s hands. We need someone who can effectively advocate for our District, while being both deferential and persuasive. This is something that I do every time I write a brief, or go to court, to argue an appeal.

Finally, a Board member must be patient, open-minded, honest, and respectful, when listening to the community, the Administration, and the other Board members. She must be able to put the interest of the entire District above any personal issues that she has. I believe that I possess these qualities, and I hope that you consider these abilities when selecting your newest Board members.

I want the best education for all of our children in Croton. I will work hard to achieve that goal. Please contact me at wollands@msn.com, if you would like to speak with me. I hope I can count on your support on May 19th.

Sincerely,

Lisa Wolland, Croton-on-Hudson

To Do: Vote in School Board Election

To the editor:

I would like to round out this last week of my campaign for school board by expressing my sincere thanks to those who have supported my efforts. Thanks to those who have held Q&A coffees on my behalf, I have been able to hear what you believe can and should change about the school district we live in.

The fact that residents were willing to spend their free time to attend candidate events speaks volumes about the level of commitment to education in this community.

We are lucky to be able to choose from a slate of individuals in this election who represent many facets of the educational experience. All three schools are represented, as are the various support groups who provide so much help to the district.

When you go to the voting booth on May 19th, I am grateful for your consideration and hope that you will select me to represent you on the Board of Education.

For more information, please check out my candidate page at http://www.smartvoter.org/2009/05/19/ny/wst/vote/cohen_l/.

Click on the Full Endorsement List star to read what the Journal News has to say regarding my candidacy.

I remain available for questions and comments at lisac@10520.info.

— Lisa Cohen, Croton on Hudson

Don't Miss the 2nd Annual Golden Cactus Academic Challenge Tournament

Watch the CHHS Academic Team match wits with our student, faculty and parent teams at the prestigious Second Annual Golden Cactus Academic Challenge Tournament.

If you missed the CHHS Academic Team compete on Channel 12’s show “The Challenge”, you can catch them live on Monday, May 18th in the CHHS Auditorium starting at 3:00 pm. This event is like a real live game show right in our own backyard.

Please come out and support these scholarly students, their amazing teachers and last but not least, the wise & knowledgeable parents who live in Croton.

The contestants hope to see you in the audience supporting them as their general knowledge is tested in this exciting tournament.

— CHHS PTSA & Brett Bowden, Coach & Advisor

Bargains Galore at Hastings Avenue Multi-Family Tag Sale on Saturday

Here’s the details…

Date: Saturday, May 16, 2009 from 10am to 4pm

Description: Contents of an estate including kitchen appliances, furniture, dishware, framed art and books. Large collection of fishing memorabilia and equipment. Ethan Allen furniture, TV’s and a whole lot more….Something for everyone, priced to sell!

Directions: South Riverside Avenue to Benedict Boulevard or Oneida then to the middle block off Hastings Avenue (directions).

View Larger Map

Spano and Wiegman Open Croton Landing Park to All

In a partnership that shows exactly what RiverWalk is all about, Westchester County and the village of Croton have completed the transformation of a blighted and overgrown property into a rare slice of scenic Hudson River waterfront where you get a clear view of Haverstraw Bay and Croton Point.

In fact, the newly paved path that now runs the length of Croton Landing Park along the river’s edge is the longest continuous segment of the RiverWalk, the trail that will eventually extend 51.5 miles from the Bronx to Peekskill. With this new addition, pedestrians can walk south along Elliott Way and all the way to Croton Point, adding another 2.75 miles by circling the park peninsula.

County Executive Andy Spano will join Croton Mayor Leo Wiegman and a group of village supporters to officially christen Croton Landing park as the newest link in RiverWalk at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 13.

The project, which is the result of a decade-long collaboration between the county and village of Croton, brings the total of miles of RiverWalk completed to 31.5, including existing paths and sidewalks. Another strip is under construction in Tarrytown, to be unveiled next summer, and segments in Ossining and Yonkers are currently in design and should follow in 2011.

“The pieces are falling into place and our dream of a continuous RiverWalk is becoming more of a reality every day,” said County Executive Andy Spano, who noted the 15-acre park is one of the few strips of land on the water side of the railroad tracks. “This project is a perfect example of what can be accomplished by working together and now we have one more beautiful park along the shoreline.”

Croton rehabilitated the southern end of the park - clearing the property and getting federal and state funding to construct a handicapped-accessible trail and most recently, a ballfield, parking lot and restroom. The county took on the northern end, providing $1.75 million in Legacy and state funds to continue the trail another .5 miles north through the rest of the park. Over the past two years, the county also added fencing to separate the site from the CSX railroad tracks and the path was widened and realigned at the southern end.

The completed park includes landscaping, benches, bike racks, an “overlook” and interpretive signs telling about the habitat.

“We are delighted that such a stunningly beautiful park for enjoying the Hudson River emerged from a dozen years of work. Croton Landing is a testament to the value of collaboration with the County and many other partners and the importance of thinking big,” said Mayor Wiegman, who noted the northern end of the property hadn’t been easily accessible to the public before this project was completed.

Several other sections of the RiverWalk are under construction. Two segments of pathway, totaling 1.5 miles, are taking shape in Tarrytown. One section is behind Kraft Food and the Lyndhurst mansion, and another in the village’s Pierson Park. Both are expected to be complete in June 2010. Another piece that runs .5 miles from the Glenwood Station in Yonkers, through the JFK Marina and to the Old Croton Aquaduct Trailway, is in the design stages, as is another trail that will eventually take a scenic loop into the Mariandale Retreat and Conference Center and through Crawbuckie Preserve before ending up in downtown Ossining. Those pieces should be complete by spring 2011.

Next in line are pieces at Riverfront Park in Peekskill and at the Dobbs Ferry waterfront. Spano noted that each of the projects is very time-consuming and complex given the partnerships that need to be developed with various private property owners and municipalities.

When complete, the RiverWalk will be a chain of trails and walkways running the full length of the Hudson River in Westchester County. Because of the lack of access and/or difficulty of building on certain parcels directly on the river, numerous inland roads and sidewalks will be used to make the walk continuous. Kiosk signs will be installed along the route to make it easy to follow.

To see a map of the entire trail, go to www.westchestergov.com/riverwalk.