Section: Sports & Recreation
Attention Campers: Announcing Summer Camp Programs at Croton Point
May 29, 2010Children can have a great time while they learn about Hudson River ecology, the lives of the Native Americans, or how to survive in the wild in an all-new Summer Adventures on the Hudson program at the Croton Point Nature Center at Croton Point Park. The program is divided into four separate age groups
In Nature Nuts, children ages 2 to 4 will explore the forests and shore; craft-making, games and scavenger hunts are included. Cost is $50 per week. Dates are July 5 - 9 and July 12 - 16, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. Nature Nuts participants must be accompanied by an adult.
Children entering grades 1 and 2 can discover Hudson River ecology by wading in the water with a 50-foot net to collect and study fish, examining the shoreline, collecting sea glass in Wet n’ Wild on the Hudson River. Cost is $250 per child; program meets July 19-23, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Dig it! Archaeology Adventures on the Hudson is designed for children entering grades 2 and 3. They’ll search for clues to the past and learn how to connect Westchester’s earliest inhabitants to their own modern-day lives. Participants will dig for artifacts, work with clay and more. Cost is $250 per child; program meets July 26-30, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Using tools from nature, children entering grades 5 and 6 will construct arrowheads, rope cordage and build shelters in Survival Skills on the Point. This program focuses on team building and self-reliance. Cost is $250 per week and program meets Aug. 2 - 6 and Aug. 9 - 13, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Croton Point Park is located off Route 9 in Croton-on-Hudson. To register, call (914) 862-5297.
Tools: 
Print
Montrose Weightlifter Finds Gold in Georgia
November 23, 2008Former Crotonite Jeff Scott, world-traveling weightlifter now living in Montrose, has been a consistent silver medal winner in various Masters weightlifting contests. Journeying to Savannah, Georgia, for the American Masters Olympic Weightlifting Championships on November 1 and 2, he came away with a well-deserved gold medal. Nearly 100 lifters from all over the United States participated in the two-day event.
The competition site was Savannah’s Anderson-Cohen Weightlifting Center, which honors the late Paul E. Anderson, “the Dixie Derrick,” 1956 Olympic champion weightlifter, strongman and professional powerlifter, and Howard Cohen, former U.S. champion Olympic weightlifter. Howard Cohen, still lifting at age 76, was also a participant, competing in the 75 to 79-year-old group.
Scott, 49, competes in the 45 to 49-year age group of the Lost Battalion Hall Olympic weightlifting team, headquartered in the Rego Park neighborhood of Queens in New York City, and is also an assistant coach of the team. Scott’s best two lifts in Savannah totaled 202 kilograms (444 pounds) and easily beat the silver medallist, Eric Nofsinger, 48, lifting for world-famous Coffee’s Gym, whose total was 162 kilograms (356 pounds).
Continue reading "Montrose Weightlifter Finds Gold in Georgia ."
Tools: Print
Weightlifter Home with the Silver
July 25, 2008Last week, Jeff Scott, 49, of Montrose, returned from San Juan, Puerto Rico, bringing with him another silver medal. As a participant in the XXIII Pan American Masters Olympic Weightlifting Championships, he scored second in his age group(45-49) and 105 kg. weight class (231 lbs.).
Efrain A. Flores, a weightlifter from Venezuela, bested him by 5 kg. (11 lbs.) in the snatch event and 2 kg. (4.4 lbs.) in the clean and jerk event. Scott, who only returned to Olympic weightlifting less than three years ago after a hiatus of nearly 25 years, lifted 95 kg (209 lbs.) in the first series of lifts and 127 kg. (275 lbs.) in the second series.
In April of this year, Scott garnered a silver medal at the National Masters Olympic Championships in Savannah, Georgia, and another at the American Masters Olympic Weightlifting Championships in New York City last November. He trains under well-known coach Joe Triolo at the Lost Battalion Hall in Queens, N.Y., famous for its championship weightlifting teams. Scott is also an assistant coach and competes on the LBH team.
Continue reading "Weightlifter Home with the Silver."
Tools: Print
A Wayfaring Local Weightlifter
July 11, 2008Jeff Scott, a Montrose resident, is in Puerto Rico to compete in the 2008 XXII Pan-American Masters Olympic Weightlifting Championships, July 11 to 13. This annual competition brings together Olympic weightlifters from many countries in the Western Hemisphere and is being held this year at the Pabellon de la Paz in San Juan. At the end of September, he will travel to Greece to participate in the 24th IWF-World Weightlifting Championships to be held at Argostoli on the island of Kefalonia. Mr. Scott graduated from Croton-Harmon High School in the class of 1977.
In Olympic weightlifting, two events, or lifts, comprise the sport. One is the snatch in which competitors must lift the barbell over their heads from the floor in one continuous movement. The other is the clean and jerk in which competitors first “clean” the barbell from the floor to an intermediate position, “racking” the bar in a front squat, then standing up, and finally “jerking” the barbell to a position above the head. In both events, for a successful lift competitors must hold the bar steady above the head, with arms and legs straight and motionless.
Form is all-important in Olympic weightlifting. Three judges verify the successful completion of the lift. Once a competitor has met the requirements, the judge illuminates a white light. When at least two white lights are shown, the lift is regarded as successful, and the competitor may return the bar to the platform. If, in the opinion of a judge, the competitor fails to achieve a successful lift, a red light is shown. Two or more red lights disqualify the lift. In order for the lift to count, the bar must be lifted to at least knee level within 60 seconds after the bar has been loaded.
Tools: Print
Ex-Croton Local Boy Makes Good—25 Years Later
December 13, 2007Crotonblog has a confession to make. While we were busy covering the chemical additives controversy, we neglected to bring readers a pleasant little success story about a local individual. That story concerns Montrose resident Jeff Scott, who placed second in an Olympic weightlifting competition at the Lost Battalion Hall in Rego Park, Queens, on November 10 and 11. Memorializing an incident from the First World War, the Lost Battalion Hall is also home to a team that won the Olympic Weightlifting team title that same weekend.
The competition, the American Masters Olympic Weightlifting Championships, brought 134 weightlifters from all parts of the country to Rego Park to compete for titles and awards. “Masters” are lifters over 35 years of age who compete in groups delineated by age and the competitor’s body weight. Classical Olympic weightlifting events, in which an athlete raises a barbell from the floor to over his head, should not be confused with power lifting events, in which movements are shorter, the weights are even heavier, and success is achieved mostly by sheer brute strength.
Jeff Scott executes the snatch smoothly, lifting 93 kilograms (205 pounds).
In Olympic weightlifting, two events, or lifts, comprise the sport. One is the snatch in which competitors must lift the barbell over their heads from the floor in one continuous movement. The other is the clean and jerk in which competitors first “clean” the barbell from the floor to an intermediate position, “racking” the bar in a front squat, then standing up, and finally “jerking” the barbell to a position above their head. In both events, for a successful lift, competitors must hold the bar steady above their heads, with arms and legs straight and motionless.
Continue reading "Ex-Croton Local Boy Makes Good—25 Years Later."
Tools: Print
Video: Harry Chapin Memorial Run Against Hunger 10k Race
October 28, 2007Run on a beautiful October day with sunny skies and temps in the mid-seventies, the Harry Chapin Memorial Run Against Hunger 10k race started in front of the Croton Harmon High School and finished in the same spot only 33 minutes later for winner Conor McGee of Woodside, New York.
The following video includes the 10k race start and action at the finish line for every runner that crossed in less than 70 minutes time.
View the official race results from the Harry Chapin Memorial Run Against Hunger, held on October 21, 2007, in Croton-on-Hudson, New York.
Tools: Print
It's Time to Gear Up for the Chapin 'Run Against Hunger'
August 30, 2007
Limited edition iris print by Jerry Pinkney.
The 27th Annual Harry Chapin Memorial Run Against Hunger is set for Sunday, October 21, 2007, at 12:00 PM. The event seeks to focus attention on hunger and poverty issues and raise money for hunger relief both locally and overseas with a competitive 10K race and a community oriented “Fun Run” for children and families. Additionally, as a special treat, New York City Marathon winners Tegla Loroupe and Paul Tergat will be in attendance this year.
For more information about the upcoming race, please call Walt or Shirley Gillis at 914-271-5309 or visit the Run Against Hunger website. Race registrations and donations can be sent in advance to:
The Harry Chapin Run Against Hunger
17 Old Post Road South
Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520
Tools: Print
Top 25 Summer Vacation Spots in North America (Outside Croton...)
July 19, 2007
Flying through the air on zip lines is one of Park City Mountain Resort’s thrills—no wings necessary. Photo: Concierge.com, “Step Into Summer: North America Travel Guide.”
Still thinking about where to go for a summer getaway or vacation? Check out a photo slideshow of some of North America’s best places to soak in the sun (and yes, New York City is included!) from travel website Concierge.com. They say, “Most of us have a laundry list of countries we’d like to visit, but sometimes we forget about all the miraculous places right outside our own doorsteps. There are probably thousands of worthwhile destinations in the U.S. and Canada you haven’t experienced—and what better time to do some than summer, when the days are long and the light is as bright as the locals’ dispositions.”
Crotonblog’s pick… Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. What’s yours?
Tools: Print
Aspiring Sand Castle Builders... Please Report to Croton's Silver Lake Park
July 17, 2007
Set for Tuesday, July 17, 2007 is the annual Silver Lake “Sand Castle Building Contest,” sponsored by the Village of Croton-on-Hudson Department of Parks and Recreation.
Beginning at 11:00 AM, participants can start building their sand castle entries and continue until 5:00 PM—when judging begins. The panel of judges will award medals to first, second and third place winners in four age categories: 5 years and under, 6 to 10 years, 11 to 15 years, and 16 and up. Sand castle builders can work alone or together as a group.
Continue reading "Aspiring Sand Castle Builders... Please Report to Croton's Silver Lake Park."
Tools: Print
New Public Skate Park Opens in Rye
June 29, 2007While the sold-off remnants of SK8 Croton rot away next to a big pile of mulch in Croton’s Municipal Place gateway, the town of Rye and Westchester County are set celebrate the grand-opening of a new skate park.
On Monday, July 2, 2007 at 6:00 PM, dozens of area children will show off their ollies, railstands and other tricks when they try out the newest Westchester Legacy project—the all-new Skate Park—as part of the grand opening celebration, at Rye Recreation Park in Rye (download the event flyer). County Legislator Judy Myers and County Parks Commissioner Joseph Stout will represent County Executive Andy Spano, joining Rye City Mayor Steven Otis and other officials and guests.
The Skate Park, which will be operated by the City of Rye Recreation Department and open to all Westchester residents, was partially funded by the Legacy program, which was created by Spano in 2001 to protect and preserve open space while enhancing opportunities for active recreation. The project also received city funding and support from the Friends of Rye Recreation Skate Park.
“It is wonderful to see how well received our Legacy baseball and soccer fields have been throughout the county. Skate Park represents an exciting, new and appropriate direction for Legacy funding, as it furthers our mission to promote fitness, especially in our young people,” Spano said.
Continue reading "New Public Skate Park Opens in Rye."
Tools: Print
Free Fishing Days this Weekend in Croton
June 23, 2007
Fishing remider. New York State has declared the weekend of June 23 and 24, 2007, a “Free Fishing Days” weekend. Therefore, access to parks and conservation areas in Croton-on-Hudson cannot be denied to persons who desire to fish.
Tools: Print
12th Annual 'Fat Tire Festival' set to Roll on June 10
June 1, 2007A “poker” bike rally, bike limbo kids’ races, guided trail rides, raffles, live DJ music will highlight the 12th annual Fat Tire Festival on Sunday, June 10, 2007, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill, New York.
The outdoor event is presented by Westchester County Parks and Westchester Mountain Biking Association (WMBA)—a mountain biking advocacy group dedicated to promoting the use of mountain bikes on trails in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. All proceeds from the day’s events will benefit the Friends of Westchester County Parks, Inc., a not-for-profit agency that supports Westchester’s parks, promotes their value to the economic, social and aesthetic vitality of the community, and stimulates public participation, interest and support in their preservation.
Continue reading "12th Annual 'Fat Tire Festival' set to Roll on June 10."
Tools: Print
Check the Croton Youth Lacrosse Fundraiser on June 8
May 26, 2007
Save the date to come on down to The Grandstand, located at 197 Grand Street, Croton-on-Hudson, for the 2nd Annual Fundraiser to benefit Croton Youth Lacrosse for 3rd to 6th grade children on Friday, June 8, 2007 beginning at 7:45 PM. Admission to the event is $45 per person, paid at the door, and includes an open bar, dinner, and raffle tickets. Also, Croton Youth Lacrosse sportswear will be available for purchase.
So, throw on your old jeans and come on down for a casual night of fun. Once there, you can shoot some pool, play shuffleboard and listen to some good tunes—all in support of this fantastic sport for Croton’s youngsters. For more information, to help out or make a raffle donation please call 914-827-5055 or email LWend1@hotmail.com.
Fundraising supports insurance, equipment, training, etc. Croton Youth Lacrosse, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation and a member of the Hudson Valley Lacrosse Chapter of U.S. Lacrosse. Donations are tax-exempt.
Tools: Print
Make Some Healthy Strides at Upcoming River Walk Challenge
May 1, 2007
Facing to the northwest across the Hudson River from Half Moon Bay
The office of Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano has issued county residents and Crotonites alike a challenge: participate in the “Community Health Challenge” program. Locally, having been dubbed the “River Walk Challenge,” Croton will hold its outdoor event on Saturday, May 5, 2007 at 1:00 PM. Residents and friends are invited to join village officials, staff and committee members at the Half Moon Bay Marina parking area for the start of the a two-mile walk. For more information, please call the village offices at 914-271-4781.
Tools: Print
Team Croton Hoops Raises $800.00 for Malaria Prevention
March 28, 2007Tom Moore Sr. reports that the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) recently raised $800.00 dollars for the “Nothing But Nets” program—a global campaign to save lives by preventing malaria, a leading killer of children in Africa—from the Croton Basketball community (team name: Croton Hoops).
Mr. Moore explains that “The initial outreach for ‘Nothing But Nets’ was accomplished through an article written by Sports Illustrated columnist Rick Reilly that was published on May 5, 2006.” He adds, “So far the entire campaign has raised $1.2 million—with more than 120,000 bed nets having already been delivered to Nigeria.” The outreach message calls on those who had “ever cut down a net, jumped over a net, watched the New Jersey Nets, worn a hair net, surfed the net, or thought of Angelina Jolie in fishnets to donate $10.00 to purchase insecticide-treated nets,” according to Moore.
For more information on the “Nothing But Nets” campaign, please visit www.nothingbutnets.net. To make a direct donation to Team Croton Hoops, click here.
Tools: Print
Croton Tigers Play Lincoln Hall in Sectional Basketball Tournie Wednesday
February 20, 2007The Croton-Harmon Tigers Boys Varsity Basketball Team (14-6) is set to square off against Lincoln Hall (12-8) in a second round bout in the Section 1 Class B Playoffs. The Tigers got a bye to the second round while Lincoln Hall arrives after beating Bronxville by 71 to 52. The game will be played at Croton Harmon High School on Wednesday, February 21, 2007, at 7:00 PM. To see the Section 1 High School Championship Brackets, click here.
Tools: Print
Duck Pond Park Opens for Ice Skating Today
February 6, 2007The Village of Croton-on-Hudson Department of Parks and Recreation has just announced that, “The Duck Pond is now opened today, February 6th, 2007, for skating until 9:00 PM tonight.”
In an email sent to residents, the village notes that “A green flag on the pole at the pond indicates that the ice is safe,” while “A red flag indicates it is unsafe and skating is not permitted.” And with continued cold temperatures forecast for the next several days, the Recreation Department will continue to check the ice at Duck Pond Park (map) and they ask that residents please observe the flags before skating.
Tools: Print
Croton's Nick DiMaggio now "Crashing the Boards" at Union College
January 16, 2007
Thanks to Crotonblog Reader Tom M. who wrote in with college basketball news about 2006 Croton Harmon High School grad Nick DiMaggio.
And so, according to reports out of Schenectady, New York, where Nick attends Union College as a freshman, he having quite a successful season in his team position as a guard. While his team, The Dutchman, hold a 2-0 record in the Liberty League, 5-7 overall, his play is being described as “torrid.”
In a game held last Friday, January, 12, 2007, Nick scored 26 points with five assists and five rebounds—helping to lead Union to a 79-76 men’s basketball win at Rensselaer’s Robison Gym. Overall, Nick scored 14 points in a first half in which the Dutchmen had a 45-40 advantage, made 10 of 14 shots from the floor and four of five from three-point land. Additionally, he was awarded this week’s Liberty League Rookie of the Week, as a result of scoring 59 points in his last three games and has hit 20 of his last 34 shots (59%).
In a game closer to home, Nick and his teammates from Union will travel to Poughkeepsie on Saturday, January 20, 2007 for a match-up against Vassar.
Tools: Print
Batter Up for Croton Little League Registration
January 5, 2007Croton Little League has announced its two upcoming registration days for the 2007 baseball season. Registration will be in the 2nd floor meeting room of the Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building on Friday, January 5, 2006, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturday, January 6, 2006, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Registration includes a team hat & shirt, insurance coverage and a season-ending participation trophy. Any youth player who is registering for the first time is asked to bring a proof of age and residency. Croton residents are encouraged to call League Infromation Officer John Colombini ant 914-271-2814 with any questions.
Tools: Print
Flashback: The 8-1-0 Croton Harmon Tigers Football Team
November 30, 2006Check out the Croton Harmon Tigers varsity football team (season stats) in a great online photo album from a game against Blind Brook on October 29, 2006.
by Thanks to reader WR for sending us the link to these great pictures. And even more thanks to “mforzag1” for shooting them and posting them to WebShots to share.
Tools: Print
Croton Skate Park Ramps & Retired Fire Truck in Auction on Ebay
November 6, 2006
Drastically reduced from its original total cost of $150,000 (which included paving and fencing), the SK8 Croton skate park ramps were listed on Ebay in an auction that began on November 6, 2006 for a starting bid of $10,000.
Additionally, the Village of Croton-on-Hudson has also put its retired 1983 Mack CF Pumper 1250 GPM/500 Gallon Tank fire truck on the auction block—starting at $5,000.
Tools: Print
Croton Shuts out Blind Brook 27-0 Reaches Section 1 Finals
October 30, 2006The Croton-Harmon High School Football Team seeded No. 1A in Section 1 Class C beat Blind Brook the No. 2B seed 27-0 Sunday at Spencer Field in Croton. The win puts the Tigers into the Sectional Finals next weekend at Mahopac High School against perennial power and last year’s state champion Dobbs Ferry. Dobbs, the No. 1B seed, beat Valhalla, seeded No. 3B, today by a score of 20-0 at their home field Gould Park in Dobbs Ferry. Croton’s record now stands at 8-0 overall and 6-0 in league play. The Tigers were ranked 9th in the state last week among Class C schools.
Continue reading "Croton Shuts out Blind Brook 27-0 Reaches Section 1 Finals."
Tools: Print
Stormy Weather Forces Croton-Harmon's Semifinal Playoff Game to be Moved to Tomorrow
October 28, 2006The severe storm that is moving through the Northeastern United States today has forced the Section C football semifinal game between Croton-Harmon and Blind Brook High School to be postponed until tomorrow at 12:30 PM at Spencer Field behind C.E.T.
Tools: Print
Winners All Around in Croton's 26th Annual Hunger Run
October 22, 2006
The winning time for the Harry Chapin Memorial Run Against Hunger 10k race was 35:07. And the course is quite a challenge too. See the map for yourself.
But the 10k wasn’t the only race taking place on Sunday, October 15, 2006. By far, the one-mile “fun run” attracts the most varied participation from runners, walkers and strollers young and old. That doesn’t mean that the race isn’t competitive though. It was the students from both Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School and Pierre Van Cortlandt Middle School ran their best and were subsequently rewarded with shiny trophies.
The race, now in its 26th year, not only provides hunger relief for those in need, but also serves as a really wonderful and healthy community event. And what a day it was. With mostly sunny skies, a light wind and temps in the mid-sixties most runners even managed to break a sweat.
For more information on the event and race results, click over to www.runagainsthunger.com.
Tools: Print
Croton AYSO Kicks Off "Soccer Passback Program"
October 17, 2006Croton AYSO is looking for ALL OLD UNIFORMS AND GENTLY USED SOCCER GEAR to donate to other youth soccer programs in need. Therefore, Croton AYSO asks residents to take the time to go through your old things and bring them with you to picture day on Oct. 21, 2006, at Croton Gorge Park (the Croton Dam). There will be a table available with boxes where you can drop everything into that no longer fits your child. Items such as soccer balls, jerseys, shorts, shin guards and cleats are all welcome.
For more information please contact Pat Barua by emailing pm596 AT optonline DOT net.
Tools: Print
“Light-Up the Courts 2” Fundraiser Set for October 21
October 16, 2006
(1 of 6)
The Croton Harmon School District board announced that construction of the new tennis courts recently began. The school district is building three all-weather tennis courts adjacent to Spencer Field. When the courts are completed, Croton will again be able to host inter-scholastic team tennis. Since construction began on the middle school, Croton tennis teams had to schedule only away games.
(2 of 6)
This is great news for everyone in the community, as tennis is a sport for all ages, and the new courts will provide a facility that is sorely needed in the Croton Community. However, the facility is not perfect. Budget realities have restricted what the school district was able to build. Many residents in the community were hoping for 5 courts to be built, lights, backboard and other amenities such as benches.
(3 of 6)
The Croton Tennis Committee was formed two years ago to raise money for some of the extras. The community generously donated and participated in the first “Light-Up the Courts Fundraiser.” “Light-Up the Courts 2” is being planned for the weekend of October 21, 2006.
Continue reading "“Light-Up the Courts 2” Fundraiser Set for October 21."
Tools: Print
Walking Croton's Burning Plank
October 10, 2006It really sucks that Croton’s ‘tweens and teens lack a safe and sanctioned place at which to hang out.
What a bummer it is that Trustee Brennan spent nearly the entire length of his term hard at work and only managed to draft a still-unseen survey to establish whether the community wants a community center in Croton.
And if that weren’t bad enough, even as they claimed a shortage of recreational space existed in Croton, the Recreation Advisory Committee (RAC) hurriedly closed the short-lived skate park. Orphaned by lack of sensible planning, it remains an abandoned, fenced-in asphalt plot with skate ramps barely covered with protective blue plastic tarps.
It’s also too bad that the Mayor Dr. Gregory Schmidt was unable to direct former Trustee James “of Dr. Pepper fame” Steinberg, then serving as liaison to the RAC, to ramrod the creation of a teen recreational facility. After all, it was the Mayor who appointed unsuccessful Republican running mate Steinberg to fill his vacated seat as trustee. And the RAC is dominated by Schmidt supporters and appointees to boot.
To judge from their appearance en masse at the village board meeting on October 3, 2006, and from an open letter published in the October 5, 2006, edition of The Gazette, the RAC has finally had it with the mayor’s stalling tactics and inaction. They figuratively broke out the rubber knives and toy swords and mutinied against their captain. Bravo. Stick it to the man (see video below)!
Their letter says that “renovating the existing space in the municipal building is not in conflict with the community center plans nor is it a waste of funds since that room can be utilized by any number of future occupants when and if a community center comes to fruition.
Community center? How did that elephant get in the room? Croton’s residents still haven’t given such an expensive facility the nod, and other possibilities remain unconsidered.
Yes, how about the firehouse community rooms? Remember those multimillion-dollar bonds of the recent past? Well, you gotta see the rooms… For starters, check the Harmon Engine Company. It is certainly a beautiful facility. As a matter of fact, the community room on the 2nd floor of the Harmon Firehouse is approximately 1,500 square feet and has the capacity to hold 145 people (see pictures below).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
That’s right, why hasn’t the Recreation Department looked into the possibility of booking space at the firehouse to meet the needs of their growing clientele? It seems like space at our local firehouses would meet many recreational purposes for young and old residents of the village alike.
And perhaps some of those teens, enjoying the hospitality of a firehouse for the very first time, might get bitten by the “fire bug” and become interested in serving our community as volunteer firefighters.
Video clip:
Download this video clip of “Walking Croton’s Burning Plank” to your video iPod (how to guide).
Tools: Print
Battle for First Place as Croton Football Hosts Westlake this Saturday
September 27, 2006The 2006 Croton-Harmon High School varsity football team which has gotten off to an impressive 3-0 start this season will host undefeated league rival 3-0 Westlake this Saturday September 30 at home in a 1:30 PM showdown to decide who will sit atop the Section 1 C – League A standings.
The Tigers opened their season with emphatic home wins over Rye Neck (24-7) and Haldane (26-0) and a shutout on the road versus Magnus last week 14-0. Croton has been clicking on both sides of the football so far in this young season. The defense which has allowed the fewest points in the league so far with 7 in three games has given up a very stingy 157 average yards per game, also tops in the league
Continue reading "Battle for First Place as Croton Football Hosts Westlake this Saturday."
Tools: Print
Summer's End Silver Lake Style...
September 5, 2006
Labor Day marks the end of the official beach season at Silver Lake Park. Sob.
Residents of Croton-on-Hudson who did happen by the river on Monday, September 4, 2006, enjoyed a partly cloudy and cooler day with air temperatures in the upper seventies and a light breeze thanks to a passing Ernesto. Even though it was a cool day by Labor Day standards, many bathers took prolonged swims in the 70-degree river waters.
And by late afternoon, around 4:30 PM, park lifeguards (the most excellent) Tim, Peter, Gerry, Dermott, Joey and Devon (off duty; Lindsay, Katie, Carly & Amy) began removing floating section ropes from the river and the lifeguard chair from the beach.
Apprentices Matt and Max, seen below carrying the guard surfboard, also provided some assistance.
By 5:15 PM, with park supervisor Eugene helping the crew and the river now reverted to its natural state, it remains a place for summer memories past and many more to look forward to in 2007.
Tools: Print
New Athletic Fields at Croton Point Park
August 1, 2006
Top quality athletic fields in Croton have been in hard to come by. But that has just changed for the better. As of August 14, 2006, the Village will assume maintenance and administration from the County over the newly improved athletic fields at Croton Point Park. Here are the details.
The County is completing a major renovation started two years ago. The Croton Point Park sports complex includes a baseball diamond and a multipurpose rectangular turf field, a generous parking area and a bathroom facility and a water fountain.
The Village’s new permit fee is significantly lower than the fee charged by the County for these fields prior to the renovation. The Village is taking applications now in advance of the August 14th takeover date.
These fields are located on Croton Point Park Avenue a quarter mile east the interchange with Rt. 9/9A and 100 yards east of the overpass above and entrance into the Metro North rail yard.
The baseball diamond has a sand covered infield, full height backstop and a slightly elevated pitcher’s mound. The turf on the outfield is new and robust. A new water fountain is located behind the backstop. The football-soccer-field hockey-lacrosse field is elevated for good drainage, irrigated by internal sprinklers, with embedded sockets for soccer-style goals. Its new turf is —at present—chiefly a playground for white-tailed deer and Canada geese from the woods and waters nearby. The multipurpose field’s dimensions are generous and adequate for scholastic scale competition.
Continue reading "New Athletic Fields at Croton Point Park."
Tools: Print
Schmidt, Brennan Opposed Ballfield Deal with Westchester County
In a split vote of 3-2, the Democratic team of Trustees Gallelli, Kane and Wiegman resolved to give Manager Rick Herbek the go-ahead to enter into an Intermunicipal agreement (IMA) beginning on August 14, 2006, with Westchester County to operate two ballfields at Croton Point Park (view slideshow) for another season (see: “County Issues Interim Permit to Village for Croton Point Ballfields”).
The vote, taken on July 10, 2006, during a board meeting, comes after expiration of a temporary agreement with Westchester County that gave the village managerial control of the facility for the fall 2005 playing season. The county-owned facility, which includes a baseball diamond and a separate field suitable for field hockey, football, lacrosse and soccer, will soon also have permanent restrooms on site. The renovations at the facility—when complete—are expected to have cost Westchester County between eight hundred thousand and one million dollars.
Before the vote was taken, Mayor Dr. Gregory Schmidt—noting that discussions had previously gone on “long and long and round and round”—made it clear that he was predisposed to not support the agreement with the County. Schmidt reasoned his opposition to a lack of interest from sports groups last year and a fear that the village would not recoup its management costs thus causing a tax burden while subsidizing outside groups.
Trustee Thomas Brennan, a very enthusiastic supporter of Croton Harmon athletic programs, when given the opportunity to speak by fellow Republican Mayor Dr. Gregory Schmidt also balked at the resolution.
Trustee Brennan started by affirming his position by quoting Recreation Supervisor Sue Menz when he said, “I took the opportunity today to call Sue Menz, our recreation supervisor up and follow up on some questions about the Intermunicipal agreement on the field, the need for the usage of the field and she kinda basically told me that she is absolutely against an Intermunicipal agreement with the village for these fields. She feels that it is a waste of taxpayer money. They were under utilized last year. We’re going to be responsible for a lot of additional expenses down there including utility costs, portable bathrooms til the new bathrooms are ready, insurance policy, garbage removal, maintenance of the field, maintenance of the new bathroom, any vandalism and she feels that it’s a waste of taxpayer’s money because anyone that lives in Westchester County is going to be able to go down and use those fields and even though they may have to get permits from us, any vandalism, anything that goes on after the lights are shut down, we’re going to be responsible. So, I like to listen to the, the, the staff’s supervisors and take the recommendations of the people that we hire to do our recreation and she is adamantly opposed to this and I happen to agree with her.” Therefore, he saw no reason for the board to embark on further expenditures and consequently voted “opposed.”
However, Trustee Charlie Kane disagreed with all of the assertions made by both Mayor Dr. Gregory Schmidt and Trustee Thomas Brennan. To demonstrate, Trustee Kane presented a list of over 15 athletic groups that have expressed an interest in regularly using the fields countering the mayor’s previous claims. Additionally, Kane noted that since the village had entered into its temporary agreement late into the Fall season last year, many groups had already committed to fields elsewhere, hence the low participation.
Further offsetting costs of maintaining the fields are an agreement that was put in place with the Croton Harmon school district to share 50% of the maintenance costs. The school district, also in need of additional field space will have priority in setting its schedule before the Recreation Department opens the calendar for reservations to any other group—on a first-come first-served basis. Usage fees have been set at $50.00 per hour for the first two hours and $25.00 per hour for each additional concurrent hour.
Trustee Leo Wiegman, a long-time instructional trainer and referee for Croton AYSO, estimated that the village should recoup 75% of its costs this season with the proposed fee structure having been approved by Manager Herbek.
Despite his own objections and after passage of the resolution, Trustee Thomas Brennan encouraged accountability of the measure by saying, “I think what we should is next year look at all these groups that were mentioned tonight and see which ones actually used it and benefit from it and how much revenue we took in and let’s compare next year on how, how well this program made out.”
To which Trustee Ann Gallelli replied, “We’ll do that Tom.”
For more information, see the village website where the fee structure, terms of use and application are available for download or call the Recreation Office during office hours, weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at 914-271-3006.
Video clip:
Download this video clip to your video iPod (how to guide).
Video transcript:
Continue reading "Schmidt, Brennan Opposed Ballfield Deal with Westchester County."
Tools: Print
Sand Castle Construction Market in Croton-on-Hudson Booming
July 30, 2006
(1 of 8)
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson Department of Recreation held its annual “Sand Castle Building Contest” on Wednesday, July 26, 2006, at Silver Lake Park.
(2 of 8)
Sand builders were allowed the entire day—starting at 11:00 AM—to work on their creations with a panel of judges set to evaluate the entries at 5:00 PM and declare winners from four different age groups.
(3 of 8)
Unfortunately, at around 4:00 PM, severe thunderstorms and heavy rains closed the beach causing the castle designers to “call it a day.”
(4 of 8)
Though the work day ended early for the contestants, the judges were able to cull a list of winners and make it available the next day at Silver Lake Park where prize medals were also distributed to the top builders.
(5 of 8)
Continue reading "Sand Castle Construction Market in Croton-on-Hudson Booming."
Tools: Print
Sunday Heat Drives Silver Lake Bathing Crowd to Capacity
July 17, 2006Both the 90 degree heat and high humidty drove crowds of Croton-on-Hudson residents and their guests to the Silver Lake Park beach to cool off in the wonderfully clean and refreshing waters of the 80 degree Croton River on Sunday, July 16, 2006.
In fact, the notion of swimming at Silver Lake Park was such a popular idea among locals that by 1:00 PM, the swimming area had reached its bathing capacity of 125. Subsequently, would-be bathers placed their names on a list and found a shady spot for about a 15 to 30 minute wait before getting a chance to take a dip.
Tools: Print
Team USA Eliminated from Soccer’s World Cup by Ghana, 2-1
June 22, 2006The United States Soccer Team (W-D-L 0-1-2) was eliminated earlier this afternoon from the 2006 FIFA Soccer World Cup with a 2-1 loss to Ghana (2-0-1). The difference in the game was a controversial penalty on Team USA just before halftime that resulted in Ghana’s 2nd goal. After a thrilling run into the Quarterfinal Round in the 2002 World Cup; the US fails to make it into the Round of 16 this year. Ghana, who is appearing in its first World Cup, will move on to most likely face reigning World Cup Champion Brazil (2-0-0) on June 27th in Dortmund, Germany. Brazil plays Japan (0-1-1) this afternoon in Dortmund at 3 PM EDT. Like the USA entering today’s match against Ghana; Japan needs a win against powerful Brazil to stay alive in the tournament.
Continue reading "Team USA Eliminated from Soccer’s World Cup by Ghana, 2-1."
Tools: Print
"Fat Tire" Mountain Bike Festival Returns to Blue Mountain Reservation
May 30, 2006A bike limbo and “poker” rally, a “clunker” toss and guided trail rides, raffles, music and races will all be part of the fun during the 11th annual Fat Tire Festival this Sunday, June 4, at Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill.
The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission and parking are free. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the event. The event will be held rain or shine. For more information, log on to www.wmba.org, www.westchestergov.com/parks or call (914) 864-PARK.
Tools: Print
Opening Day at Croton's Silver Lake Park
May 27, 2006Saturday, May 27, 2006 marks the opening day of Silver Lake Park for beach-going residents of Croton-on-Hudson. The weather forecast even looks pretty good!
Photo: Swimmers at Silver Lake Park, Croton-on-Hudson, New York on August 14, 2005, taken with a Canon Powershot SD500 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
Tools: Print
A Sun-Splashed Opening Day for Croton Little League
May 3, 2006
After a weekend of heavy rain caused a postponement of Croton Little League’s annual Opening Day Parade and Ceremonies (view photo gallery) by one week to April 29th, the festivities were welcomed with cheering spectators, eager players, and an abundance of sunshine. With the sunny warm weather it certainly felt like baseball season had arrived!
The parade started at Croton-Harmon High School with a police escort and proceeded up Old Post Road to Grand Street to Dobbs Field where ceremonies were presided over by “retiring” Little League President Terri Lukin. Croton Recreation Department Superintendent Susan Menz threw out the ceremonial first pitch to officially kick off the 2006 season.
Baseball is played nightly at 6:00 PM and Saturdays at 9:00 & 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM at fields—Dobbs, Firemen’s, Duck Pond, PVC Middle School, and Vasallo—all over town; so stop by and see some of our 600+ kids in action.
Tools: Print
Croton Recreation Activity Schedule for Middle School Students for May
April 29, 2006Friday, May 5, 2006: Multiplex movie theater. The bus leaves at 6:20 PM and returns at 10:15 PM. Pay for your own movie, bus fee is 3.00
Friday, May 12, 2006: Last ice skating party of school year at the Westchester Skating Academy in Elmsford. The bus leaves at 6:45 PM and returns at 10:40 PM. There is a program fee of $13.00 which includes transportation and skate rentals.
Saturday, May 13, 2006: Lunch, movies and Mother’s Day shopping at the Jefferson Valley Mall. The bus leaves from the Municipal Building at 12:00 PM and returns at 5:00 PM (there is a fee of $3.00 for bus transportation).
Friday, May 19, 2006: “Jeopardy” night at PVC
Friday, May 26, 2006: “Fright night” drop in—screaming permitted during a screening of “When a stranger calls”, rated pg-13. Doors open 7:30. The movie runs from 8:20 PM to 10:00 PM. Enjoy free scary popcorn with refreshments on sale too.
Tools: Print
Croton Recreation Activity Schedule for Grades 3 and Up for May
- Saturday, May 13, 2006: Lunch, movies and Mother’s Day shopping at the Jefferson Valley Mall. The bus leaves from the Municipal Building at 12:00 PM and returns at 5:00 PM (there is a fee of $3.00 for bus transportation).
Reservations for this trip are required, so please sign up ASAP to help the Recreation Department plan for chaperones and transportation needs. To make your reservation(s), call 914-271-8562 and leave the participant’s phone number, followed by the participant’s name, age, grade and event name(s). You will not be called back to confirm as a reservation will automatically be made for you. There is a $5.00 fee for no-shows, so please be sure to cancel a reservation if your plans change.
All events begin and end at the Municipal Building and they are fully chaperoned. Event fees are payable in cash on the day of the trip.
Tools: Print
Two Pack 28 Scouts Recognized as Top Fundraisers by Westchester-Putnam Council
April 28, 2006
Croton-on-Hudson’s Cub Scout Pack 28 had two of its scouts, Brian (center in picture next to brother Kevin) and Daniel (right in picture), recognized this past Wednesday night at the beautiful Durland Scout Center in Rye, NY for their outstanding efforts in raising money for the Westchester-Putnam Council’s 2006 William E. Kelly Bowl-O-Ree.
Brian and Daniel were 2 of the top 30 scouts in money raised for the Bowl-O-Ree. Brian, who raised $366, and Daniel, who raised $306, should be congratulated for their outstanding efforts when considering that the W-P Council has more than 10,000 scouts. Brian raised the 11th highest amount of money and Daniel raised the 16th highest amount of money district-wide! The 30 scouts at the event on Wednesday received prizes to recognize their achievement.
Continue reading "Two Pack 28 Scouts Recognized as Top Fundraisers by Westchester-Putnam Council."
Tools: Print
Croton Youth Lacrosse "Picks" Date for Fundraiser
April 27, 2006The brand-new Croton Youth Lacrosse League wants to hang out with you! We are getting together at The Grandstand here in Croton (197 Grand St.) on Friday, May 12th at 8:00 PM for an evening of good friends, food from Cappriccio’s II, open bar (!), good music, pool-playing and shuffle-boarding.
Please join us, at $40 per person—to raise funds for the new league—which is for 3rd and 4th grade boys and girls. Additionally, our goal is to include 5th and 6th grade boys for the ‘06-‘07 school year.
If you would like to attend, please mail your check ($40 per person) to Croton Youth Lacrosse, c/o 49 Penfield Ave., Croton-on-Hudson, 10520 by Monday, May 8, 2006. Tickets will be available at the door, however advance payment is appreciated. If you cannot attend, but would like to make a contribution to the new league, please send a check to the same address (much appreciated!).
Continue reading "Croton Youth Lacrosse "Picks" Date for Fundraiser."
Tools: Print
Croton Little League Opening Day Set for April 22
April 11, 2006
Croton Little League has announced that its “Opening Day Parade” will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2006. Festivities are scheduled to begin at 10:15 AM with a parade through the Upper Village and a ceremony at Dobbs Field.
Rosters are now being finalized and players should expect to hear from their coaches in the next few days. For more information and contact information, please visit the Croton Little League website.
Tools: Print
Croton Rec Youth Program April 2006 – Grades 3 & Up
April 7, 2006TUESDAY - 4/11/06 *JV MALL LUNCH, MOVIE, AND SHOPPING Pay for your own lunch, movie, and shopping Bus Fee - $3 Bus leaves 12 Noon – returns 5:30 PM
WEDNESDAY – 4/12/06 *SPORTSTIME – ELMSFORD Unlimited Laser Tag, Wall Climbing, and Bumper Cars - Forty Tokens, 2 Horse Races, and 2 Rides - One Slice of Pizza and One Soda Free - $30 – Bus leaves 1 PM returns 5:30 PM
Continue reading "Croton Rec Youth Program April 2006 – Grades 3 & Up."
Tools: Print
Croton Rec Middle School Program For April 2006
FRIDAY - 4/7/06 DROP IN MOVIE – FREE POPCORN “King Kong” – PG-13 Ping Pong, Knock Hockey, Table Games, Video Games and More! You must wear clean shorts, t-shirt, and socks if you want to use the mats. NO FEE – Refreshments on Sale – 7 PM – 10 PM
TUESDAY - 4/11/06 *JV MALL LUNCH, MOVIE, AND SHOPPING Pay for your own lunch, movie, and shopping Bus Fee - $3 Bus leaves 12 Noon – returns 5:30 PM
Continue reading "Croton Rec Middle School Program For April 2006."
Tools: Print
Look Ma, No Hands!
April 6, 2006
The spring portion of Croton AYSO’s 2005-06 soccer season kicked off this past weekend with all teams holding practices on Saturday, April 1, 2006 at many of Croton’s athletic fields. On what turned out to be a somewhat sunny spring day, all the players looked happy to be back in action after a long winter’s layoff.
There have been numerous field and time changes since the fall so please check Croton AYSO’s Home Page for more information and season schedules. This weekend will see the first full weekend of Saturday practices and Sunday games. Registration information is also on Croton AYSO’s website.
Tools: Print
Croton Girls Softball Signup Now Underway
April 5, 2006The Croton Little League recently announced that softball teams are now forming for the 2006 playing season. To sign up or to get more information about either of the two teams—Minors (2nd & 3rd grade girls) and Majors (4th grade girls)—which are filling up fast, please contact Jamie Shevlin at 271-1072 or James.J.Shevlin AT Verizon DOT net.
Tools: Print
Time to Say "Cheese" Croton
March 16, 2006As of May 1, 2006, all persons 4 years of age or older MUST PRESENT a photo ID issued by the Recreation Department to use Silver Lake, Senasqua Park and Hudson National Golf Course.
Proof of residency will be required from ALL Village and School District residents purchasing a photo ID. Satisfactory proof of residence includes a driver’s license or other photo ID with the address listed, along with other proof of residence such as a tax bill or recent utility bill. For school district residents, a copy of school tax bill will be accepted as proof along with a photo ID. An old Recreation & Parks photo I.D. card cannot be used as proof of current residency.
ID Photos will be taken at the Municipal Building’s Recreation Office, located at One Van Wyck street, 2nd floor on:
Continue reading "Time to Say "Cheese" Croton."
Tools: Print
Croton Harmon Tigers to Open Playoffs at Home
February 18, 2006The Croton-Harmon High School Boys Varsity Basketball team—who are enjoying one of their best regular seasons in recent years—are fresh off of a regular season ending 72-64 win over rival Hendrick Hudson, will begin their quest for a Sectional Championship with a home playoff game this Wednesday, February 22, 2006 at 7:00 PM against the Woodlands High Falcons at Croton Harmon High School.
Continue reading "Croton Harmon Tigers to Open Playoffs at Home."
Tools: Print
CHHS Basketball Teams Set for Tripleheader
February 9, 2006Both the Boys and Girls Croton-Harmon High School Varsity basketball teams are set to host three home games this weekend. On Friday night, February 10, 2006 at 7:00 PM, the boy’s varsity squad will face Pleasantville High School in the CHHS gymnasium.
On Saturday, February 10, 2006, the Girls Varsity squad will meet the Hen Hud Sailors at center court for a 3:00 PM tip-off. The Girls Tigers will be followed by the Boys Varsity, who will also challenge the Sailors in a 5:00 PM game.
Following tradition, the Tigers have invited the Village of Croton-on-Hudson Department of Recreation teams to attend the games—donned in their “Croton Rec” practice t-shirts.
Continue reading "CHHS Basketball Teams Set for Tripleheader."
Tools: Print
Croton Boys Hoop Team Improves to 12-2
January 26, 2006The CHHS Boys Varsity Basketball team improved their overall record to 12-2 (4-0 league) last night with a non-league win over Hawthorne Cedar Knolls (1-14 overall), 77-60.
The Tigers were led once again by Senior Nick DiMaggio who scored 30 points in the winning effort. DiMaggio continued his torrid scoring last night and pulled his season scoring average up to 19.2 points per game. DiMaggio’s teammate and fellow Senior Matt Tusa chipped in with 20 points and 14 rebounds.
Continue reading "Croton Boys Hoop Team Improves to 12-2."
Tools: Print
Croton's 6th Grade Boys CYO Basketball Squad Remains Undefeated
January 16, 2006
The Croton CYO 6th Grade Boys basketball team, lead by Coach Robert Shea, further improved their undefeated record to 8-0 by winning against opponent Our Lady of Mercy (OLM) in a game played on Sunday, January 15, 2006, that ended with a final score of 34 to 9.
Continue reading "Croton's 6th Grade Boys CYO Basketball Squad Remains Undefeated."
Tools: Print
Village and School District Partner on Croton Point Ball Fields
January 5, 2006
Option: Download and watch this video clip of “Village and School District Partner on New Croton Point Ball Fields” in Quicktime format (3:53 mins. | 4.8 mb).
The new year brings forth a new partnership between the Village of Croton-on-Hudson and the Croton Harmon Union Free School District. On January 3, 2006, during the regularly scheduled Village Board of Trustees meeting, a resolution was passed without objection and comes in response to a proposal from the Croton Harmon Board of Education to share 50% of the Village’s expenses for maintaining two new ball fields (slideshow) at Croton Point Park. The newly-renovated fields, paid for by Westchester County, include a baseball diamond and another multi-purpose area – complete with goal posts – which is well-suited for Field Hockey, Football, La Crosse and Soccer.
According to this new resolution, “The Village of Croton on Hudson received a permit from Westchester County authorizing the Village to maintain and manage the new ball fields at Croton Point Park for the 2005 fall season.” As a result of passage, Mayor Dr. Gregory Schmidt is now authorized to sign the agreement with the school district for the utilization of the fields at Croton Point Park.
After passage of the measure, Trustee Leo Wiegman said, “I think it’s good that the school board took the step of putting this in writing. And, I think those fields are important.”
The Village of Croton-on-Hudson Department of Parks and Recreation, headed by Supervisor Sue Menz, will be responsible for providing administrative support for managing the new fields. However, in a memo (download) to Mayor Dr. Gregory Schmidt, Villages Trustees and Village manager Rick Herbek, which was presented at a Village Board Work Session Meeting held on December 12, 2005, Recreation Supervisor Sue Menz expressed many reservations about taking responsibility for the Croton Point ball fields.
Continue reading "Village and School District Partner on Croton Point Ball Fields."
Tools: Print
Register for Croton Little League 2006 Season
January 4, 2006Registration for the 2006 Croton Little League season will take place on the 2nd floor of the Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building on Van Wyck Street in Croton-on-Hudson (map) on Friday, January 6, 2006 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturday, January 7, 2006 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Registration fees are $85.00 for the first child, and $70.00 for each additional child. Late registration fees are an additional $10.00 per child. Additionally, if necessary, a snow date will be posted on www.crotonlittleleague.com. For more information, please call Teri Lukin at 271-2098.
Continue reading "Register for Croton Little League 2006 Season."
Tools: Print
Dear Skaters
Option: Download and watch this video clip of “Dear Skaters” in Quicktime format (3:31 mins. | 4.2 mb).
Original text from the letter to the Village Board of Trustees:
Recreation Advisory Committee
Village of Croton-on-Hudson
1 Van Wyck Street
Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520
To: Mayor Gregory Schmidt
Trustee Thomas Brennan
Trustee Charles Kane
Trustee James Steinberg
Trustee Leo Wiegman
Date: December 20, 2005
Subject: Skatepark
Reference: Skatepark Revenue and Attendance 2003, 2004, & 2005, Letter of February 18, 2005
As we suggested in our letter of February 18, the Recreation Advisory Commitee is recommending the Village Board close the Croton Skatepark based on the following facts:
Continue reading "Dear Skaters."
Tools: Print
SK8 Croton No More
December 30, 2005
Three years ago, a group of residents who called themselves “SK8 Croton” successfully lobbied the Village of Croton-on-Hudson Board of Trustees to unanimously pass a resolution on May 20, 2002 to move forward with construction of a new skate park to be located at Municipal Place.
Members of the board, including Trustees Georgianna Grant, Deb McCarthy, Dr. Gregory Schmidt, Leo Wiegman and presiding Mayor Robert Elliott, authorized expenditures of nearly $150,000 to build the skate park. An investment of $62,502 went for the skate ramps alone, while additional costs for paving the site, fencing the area and acquisition of a mobile trailer with a bathroom made up the balance.
Despite opposition from some residents over such a large investment and the location of the park, at a Village Board meeting held on August 5, 2002, Trustee Deb McCarthy expressed, in support of her vote affirming of the resolution, that “it is more than 20-30 kids who wanted it (skate park); the Village wants to meet the needs of all segments of the community”.
While attending a Village Board meeting held September 9, 2002, Croton resident Robert Wintermeier, stated “I feel that the skate park is an excellent facility – well built, well used. It attracts people to Croton. I commend the Board on this facility.”
What happened? Or what didn’t happen?
Continue reading "SK8 Croton No More."
Tools: Print
It's a Slam Dunk Contest
December 23, 2005The Seventh Annual Slam Dunk High School Basketball Tournament returns to the Westchester County Center in White Plains on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, December 27, 28 & 29, 2005. The Tournament features top-ranked boys and girls local basketball teams facing off to showcase their talent in a competitive three-day event, beginning at 11:15 a.m. each day.
Continue reading "It's a Slam Dunk Contest."
Tools: Print
CHHS Basketball Tourney Set for Saturday
December 16, 2005This Saturday, December 17, 2005, the Croton-Harmon HS will “host” the first round of the annual Robert Mayclim Tournament at Ossining High School (round two to be scheduled in January 2006).
The four game schedule is as follows:
- 11:00 AM - CHHS (BOYS) vs Haldane HS
- 1:00 PM - CHHS (GIRLS) vs Haldane HS
- 3:00 PM - Ossining HS (GIRLS) vs Sleepy Hollow HS
- 5:00 PM - Ossining HS (BOYS) vs Sleepy Hollow HS
— Croton-Harmon Booster Club
Tools: Print
Skate, Ski or Sled Westchester
December 15, 2005Westchester residents can enjoy excellent outdoor winter recreational activities close to home at a variety of locations throughout the county that provide ideal opportunities for skiing, skating and sledding for all levels of ability. You must bring your own equipment; no rentals are available.
Continue reading "Skate, Ski or Sled Westchester."
Tools: Print
Winterfest a la Croton...
December 3, 2005Join friends and neighbors in celebrating the winter season with live entertainment and hot refreshments on Sunday, December 4, 2005 at 2:00 PM at Vassallo Park at Winterfest 2005.
Continue reading "Winterfest a la Croton...."
Tools: Print
Skate Bear Mountain
November 24, 2005
The Bear Mountain State Park Ice Rink is open for public skating sessions (see slideshow) through Sunday, March 6, 2006. Skaters can use the ice for timed sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:00 AM and 12 Noon, Fridays at 7:00 PM, and weekends at 10:00 AM, 12:00 Noon, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 8:00 PM (there is no 8:00 PM session on Sundays).
Skating fees are $4.00 per adult and $3.00 per child aged 5-12. Senior citizens and spectators are $2.00 each, while children aged 4 or under are free. Skate rentals are $4.00 per pair and skate sharpening is available for $5.00 per pair. Lockers are also available for rent. The skating lodge also has restrooms and a concession with hot and cold refreshments in addition to a bank of vending machines. Parking on weekends and holidays is $6.00 per car.
On December 2, 2005, a Figure Skating Show is scheduled from 6:45 to 7:45 PM, followed by a Fireworks display from 8:00 to 8:30 PM, with public skating sessions taking place at 4:30 and 8:30 PM.
Continue reading "Skate Bear Mountain."
Tools: Print
Do The Walk, Do The Goblin Walk
October 27, 2005All goblins, creatures and spirits of ALL ages are invited to meet at the Municipal Building on Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 2:00 PM, for a Halloween-costumed march to Vassallo Park. There will also be some tricks and treats waiting for everyone at the park. This event is co-sponsored by the Croton Lions Club.
Tools: Print
Dobbs Overwhelms Croton-Harmon, 39-16
October 24, 2005The 2005 edition of the Croton-Harmon football team has come to an end with a quarterfinal round playoff loss to perennial power Dobbs Ferry on Saturday by a score of 39-16. Dobbs, the top ranked team in the state, had built up a 21-0 lead by halftime and never looked back. The young Croton Tigers perhaps made a statement about next year by rallying for 16 fourth quarter points in the losing effort on a one yard run by Eric Berger and a TD pass from Berger to Chris Perez.
Continue reading "Dobbs Overwhelms Croton-Harmon, 39-16."
Tools: Print
Tigers Face Powerful Dobbs in League Quarterfinal
October 21, 2005
The Croton Harmon Tigers play regular season league champion the Dobbs Ferry Eagles in a Class C quarterfinal playoff tomorrow, October 22, 2005 at 2 PM at Gould Park, Ashford Avenue, Dobbs Ferry. Please come out and catch the game if your schedule permits!
Game Preview: The Eagles (6-0), the defending state champions, defeated the Tigers (1-5) in the season opener 49-0. Dobbs, which features a very balanced team, will bring in a defense that has given up just 27 points with 2 shutouts, and an offense that averages 265 yards rushing per game.
The Tigers, who have improved consistently throughout the season, bring league leading passer senior Eric Berger and league leading receiver junior Ben Feldman along with a defense that is anchored by league co-sack leader senior Sal Alesi. The Tigers have averaged a very respectable 212 yards total offense per game this season.
Photo: Croton Harmon Tigers vs. Pleasantville Panthers, October 15, 2005.
Tools: Print
Run Against Hunger Race Results
October 18, 2005
The 25th Annual Harry Chapin Memorial Run Against Hunger was held this past Sunday, October 16, 2005 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. This year, 272 runners registered in the 10K race and 600 runners, walkers and strollers participated in the one-mile Fun Run (view slideshow).
And while the books aren't closed yet, event organizers hope to make another significant donation for hunger relief efforts. Much credit is also due to the efforts of the legendary Sammy Columbo for bringing in thousands alone! Last year, which was a combined double bill, including the race and a concert at Tarrytown Music Hall hosted by the entire Chapin Family, resulted in a total of over $26,000 for the fight against hunger.
This year's 10K race included 98 Croton-on-Hudson runners, who made up 41% of the total field of 237 racers. The average age of the 10K runners was 39 years-old, and as a group they averaged a finishing time of 00:56:59. A listing of Croton's top-ten 10K finishers follow as do the Fun Run award winners and the complete results from the 10K race.
Continue reading "Run Against Hunger Race Results."
Tools: Print
New Croton Dam Turns 100
October 3, 2005Celebrate the centennial of the New Croton Dam with a hike on the trail way of the Old Croton Aqueduct with Carl Oechsner of the Croton Friends of History on Saturday, October 8th at 9 AM. Meet Carl at the Croton Gorge Park (off Route 129) for a 3-mile hike to Gerlach Park in Ossining. Please call 271-3135 for more information or with questions.
Continue reading "New Croton Dam Turns 100."
Tools: Print
Croton AYSO Season Kicks Off
September 12, 2005
A weekend of beautiful sunny weather welcomed the 2005 Croton AYSO boys and girls soccer season this Saturday and Sunday at fields all over Croton.
More than 560 kids are participating in the local AYSO program from as little as age 4, for the first time ever, through age 14.
Good luck to all teams!! Have a fun season!! Enjoy the pictures (slideshow) from this weekend’s action. Please check out Croton AYSO’s website, www.crotonsoccer.org, for more information.
Tools: Print
Chapin Run Turns 25
September 11, 2005
The 25th Annual Harry Chapin Memorial Run Against Hunger is set for Sunday, October 16, 2005 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
The Chapin Run is a wonderful family-oriented community event that brings out seasoned runners of all abilities and weekend warriors of all ages for a magnificent run through Croton, all the while raising money and increasing awareness for hunger relief.
The 10K road race course (12:30 PM start) takes a scenic route over the historic Croton Dam by way of Batten Road and Quaker Bridge Road. Trophies will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age category for this race. Last year saw, David Mitzi of Mahopac, with the fastest time of 35:50.
Walkers and families who sign up for the one-mile Fun Run (start time Noon), which loops around CET Elementary School by way of Cleveland Drive, will receive custom race medals at the finish line for participating.
Don’t run off after the race either, otherwise you’ll miss the awards ceremony, entertainment and refreshments, in front of Croton Harmon High School.
Tools: Print
Dog Swim Saturday
September 10, 2005
The 2nd annual Dog Swim is being held on Saturday, September 10th at the Croton Point Park Swimming Pool from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
The pool is located near the camping area and cabins in the southwest area of the park. Please also condsider a donation of $5.00 per dog. This event is sponsored by Ossining Dog Park.
Tools: Print
County Issues Interim Permit to Village for Croton Point Ballfields
August 24, 2005 
Recently, Westchester County funded an extensive renovation to the ballfields (slideshow) on the left-hand side of the road entering Croton Point Park. Subsequently, the County asked the Village of Croton-on-Hudson to enter into an intermunicipal agreement to manage both the baseball and football/soccer fields for the Fall season.
At the last regular Village Board meeting, held on August 15, 2005, a resolution was passed authorizing the Village to get a special permit from the County to manage and schedule all activites on the new fields from September to November of this year. Also included in the resolution was a provision allowing the Village to consider entering into another intermunicipal agreement with the County to manage the fields on a more permanent basis in the future.
During the meeting, Village Manager Richard Herbek, added that the Croton Harmon School District will agree to share 50% of management costs for use of the fields and that Susan Menz, superintendent of the Recreation and Parks Department will oversee those management responsibilities. Mr. Herbek also noted that both AYSO and Croton Little League have expressed interest in using the fields and that he felt the permit agreement would serve as a “community benefit”.
The Recreation and Parks Department is available to both residents and non-residents of Croton to schedule use determine said permit fees by calling 914-271-3006.
Tools: Print
And the Winners Are...
August 18, 2005
On Wednesday, August 17, 2005, Silver Lake Park and the Village Recreation Department hosted the 1st Annual Sand Castle Building Contest.
At 5:00 PM, after a full-day of sand building, the Silver Park lifeguards judged the various entries and awarded color ribbons during a beach side ceremony to the winners.
The sand castle, pictured here, won 1st prize in 11 to 15-years-old competition. The other sandy entries, including one called “Peace Rocks” and another of a family of turtles, can be seen in this slideshow, of 25 pictures, called “Works of Creation”.
Tools: Print
Castles Made of Sand
August 14, 2005
On Wednesday, August 17, 2005, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, head down to Silver Lake Park for the 1st annual Sand Castle Building Contest. Croton residents of all ages are invited to participate.
The sand castles will be judged by the Silver Lake lifeguards, in four separate events by age group; 5-years-old and under, 6 to 10-years-old, 11 to 15-years-old, and 16-years-old to adult.
All castles must be completed by 5:00 PM, when the judging will begin. Prizes or awards will be given for each group. Call the Village of Croton-on-Hudson Department of Recreation at 271-3006 or visit the Village website for more information on this and other upcoming events.
Tools: Print
Family Fun Night at Silver Lake
August 2, 2005Bring the family and a picnic dinner down to Silver Lake Park for a night of games and fun activities on August 3, 2005 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM for the 2nd “Family Fun Night” of Summer!
Enjoy “Luau Limbo Time”, Water Balloon Toss, (click photos to enlarge) Face Painting and a trip to the “Beachside Tattoo Parlor” (click photos to enlarge). Fee: Just your regular admission, which includes your photo ID plus the daily rate or a season pass sticker. Raindate: Thursday, August 4th, same time. Silver Lake is located at the end of Truesdale Drive. The park offers a sandy beach along the beautiful Croton River. Permits or daily fees are required for swimming. The park is open to Village Residents and School District Residents only.
Tools: Saturday's contest and skateboard demonstration was the first of its kind for the skatepark. Croton riders included Kyra, Max, Lou, David, Lucas, Ross, John, & Matt. Additionally, there were five other winners from the 14 & under and 15 and & up age divisions, who walked away with a range of awesome prizes, valued at over $800.00, that included skatebord decks, wheels, bearings, t-shirts and skateboard sneakers all generously provided by Doug and his crew from the 2nd Nature Skateboard Shop. Others in attendance from the skate community included photographer Matt Licari and Jamaal from skate designer Bey-Tech.com. View more photos of the "2nd Nature Skateboard Contest & Demo".
Tools: Join the Village Recreation Department and 2nd Nature Skate Shop in our first ever Skateboard Contest and Demo on Saturday, June 18th. Registration and practice begins at 12 p.m. There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in both divisions along with a board toss and giveaways! Click here for the contest flyer.
Tools: 2nd Nature Skate Shop will hold an open Skateboard Contest and Demonstration on Saturday, June 18th, hosted by the Village of Croton-on-Hudson Recreation & Parks Dept at the Croton Skatepark at the corner of Municipal Place and Riverside Avenue, just off Route 9 at the 9A/129 exit. Families and anyone 5 years and older who have a skateboard, helmet, knee and elbow pads are invited to participate and compete. Read on for registration information (flyer here). Continue reading "Lords of Dogtown-on-Hudson."
Tools: Information from the Summer Recreation Brochure is now available on the Village Website. Go to the "Recreation Programs" page for more information.
Tools: Skater: Marlon Get your season pass(es) after April 4th by calling the Recreation Department at 271-3006. Also see: Recreation "Advisory Board Urges Closure of the Skatepark" and "Surfing the North Shore: Matt Maletta". Show your support for our skatepark by calling Recreation Advisory Board Trustee-liason and new Mayor Gregory Schmidt at 271-8242.
Tools: Sign up for the Croton-on-Hudson "Spring Window Painting Program" by contacting the Recreation department office at 271-3006. All applications must be received by Thursday, April 14th. Continue reading "Spring Window Painting."
Tools: Registration for the Croton-on-Hudson summer day camp and Tiny Tots programs in underway. Pick up your applications at the Croton Free Library or the Recreation and Parks department office. All applications must be received by 12:00 on Thursday, April 21, 2005. Enrollment will be determined by lottery only. Please call 271-3006 with any questions or coments. All campers must reside within either the Village of Croton-on-Hudson or the Croton-on-Hudson School District.
Tools: Croton Recreation & Parks Photo ID can now be obtained for 2005-2006. Go here for instructions.
Tools: The Westchester Way 2005 Travel Guide, the annual publication which provides comprehensive travel information, is now available and can be requested for free. Continue reading "Westchester Way 2005 Travel Guide Now Available."
Tools: Exactly one month remains until the Croton AYSO spring season kicks off. Coaches Super Training Camp sessions have been scheduled for our area. Any AYSO coaches who still need to be certified or those that would like to get a jump on certifications for next season have an opportunity here to receive their training. See the list below for coaches training dates, times and locations. Continue reading "AYSO Super Camp."
Tools: A new co-rec wrestling program will provide basic instruction and development of the fundemental skills necessary for success in scholastic wrestling. Eligibility: Grades 2-6 Continue reading "Co-Rec Kids Wrestling for Grades 2 to 6."
Tools: Savings are offered to County Park Pass holders once again this year From nature discovery and life on an early-1900s farm, to learning basketball, golf and musical skills, Westchester County Parks offers a variety of summer camps and programs for children of all ages. And, Westchester residents who have a County Park Pass will save 10% on tuition, up to $20 per child per session off the listed prices. Continue reading "Summer Camps In County Parks Offer Variety For All Interests."
Tools: Help build a tennis facility that will serve the needs of the community. The Croton Tennis Committee is a group of families who have come together to advocate for an outstanding tennis facility, and we are now reaching out to the community to help raise additional funds. What Does the Community Want in a Tennis Court Facility? We would like lights so that kids have a place to play on a summer evening and adults can play after work. We would like a backboard, so kids and adults can practice any time. We'd like benches and a water fountain for obvious reasons. Continue reading "Help Croton Build an Outstanding Tennis Court Facility."
Tools: 
Print
Croton's "Back-flip Boy" Skates to Victory
June 19, 2005
The contest, sponsored by The Village of Croton-on-Hudson Department of Recreation and 2nd Nature Skateboard Shop of Sleepy Hollow, was attended by around 45 competitors and an estimated 75 spectators. According to Department of Recreation staff members, the event generated in excess of $300.00 in entrance fees. Print
Grind Ollie Stall Fakie Manual
June 11, 2005
Print
Lords of Dogtown-on-Hudson
May 31, 2005
Print
Summer Rec. Brochure Available
April 11, 2005
Print
Skatepark to Open on April 16
March 31, 2005
Print
Spring Window Painting
Print
Register Now for Summer Day Camp
March 26, 2005
Print
Get Your Park ID
March 23, 2005
Print
Westchester Way 2005 Travel Guide Now Available
March 16, 2005
Print
AYSO Super Camp
March 2, 2005
Print
Co-Rec Kids Wrestling for Grades 2 to 6
February 20, 2005
Dates & Time: Mon. and Thurs., beginning March 17th. No classes on March 24, April 18 & 21.
Location: PVC Middle School (West gym)
Fee: $65.00 Village and School District residents for 12 sessions
Instructor: Sam Occhipinti, CHHS Varsity Wrestling Coach Print
Summer Camps In County Parks Offer Variety For All Interests
February 7, 2005
Print
Help Croton Build an Outstanding Tennis Court Facility
January 10, 2005
Print
Search
Recent Articles
Croton Classifieds