May 15, 2008
The Closing of My Life's Dream
To the editor:
My heart is broken. My friends, my family, and my Croton came to support the closing of my life’s dream. I can’t even begin to tell all of you how much the past 20 years have meant to me. I’ve watched your children come into the world and now, am welcoming them home as they begin their own adult lives in this awesome community, starting their own families and re-establishing their roots.
We’ve been blessed and touched by the love we’ve felt and friendships we’ve made here in this village. It’s never been about doing business, it’s been about living a life and providing a service to our community and giving back to that community. You have all been great, and we wish that we could keep it going. The pencil must hit the paper and as much as I have tried to throw the pencil out, it keeps placing itself in my hand.
We have had many years of success and we’ll focus on that. We wish you all the best and in our hearts, Croton will always be home…
— Donald and Scott
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By the Time We Got to Greasestock
The fifth annual GREASESTOCK celebration will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2008, at Peter Pratt’s Inn from 12:00 to 5:00 pm in Yorktown Heights, New York.
What began as a gathering of automobile enthusiasts interested in showing off their eco-friendly cars has expanded to a day long exhibition promoting alternative fuel technology through awareness and education. This year’s GREASESTOCK exhibitions will include:
- A variety of alternative fuel powered vehicles and alternative fuel technologies
- How to heat your home with vegetable oil
- How-to demonstrations of bio-diesel processing, vegetable oil filtering
- Installation into a car of a diesel hybrid conversion system
- Watch as French Fries are made, then see the same oil run a car
- Hayrides with a vegetable oil powered tractor
The lower parking area at the Inn will be used as a “Motor Pool” where owners of converted diesel cars can show their conversion systems and ask each other, “What’s in your tank?” This year’s Master of Ceremonies will be television personality and weatherman Storm Field, the owner of a converted Mercedes that runs on vegetable oil. For more information, check out the GREASESTOCK website at www.greasestock.org.
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May 14, 2008
On Mayor Schmidt's Deplorable Conduct
To the editor:
During the Croton-on-Hudson Village Board meeting on Monday, May 5th, 2008, I read the following statement into the record.
We, the Democratic Committee of the Village of Croton, deplore Mayor Schmidt’s unwarranted verbal abuse of Kevin Davis during citizen participation at the April 21, 2008, Village Board meeting and his inappropriate threat to deny speaking in the citizen participation phase of board meetings to anyone posting on the Croton Blog.
There can be no justification in a democracy, at the Village or any level, for any public officials to propose to silence or bar constitutionally protected speech and press commentary just because they don’t like it. Inclusion of citizen participation at Board meetings is the most visible and direct means to maintain democracy in Village government between yearly elections. It is hugely important both symbolically, as the portrait above the mayor’s chair reminds us, and practically as a means of keeping the Board in touch with the concerns of the Village.
We call upon the Mayor to apologize publicly for his mistreatment of Kevin Davis and to not repeat such behavior in the future. Further, we call upon the Village Board to disavow the Mayor’s statement barring some citizens from speaking during citizen participation at Board meetings and to enact a resolution reaffirming that no Village resident may be barred from speaking during citizen participation at Board meetings.
Editor’s Note: The writer is the Chairman of the Croton Democratic Committee
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May 13, 2008
Riverlovers Shadfest Hits Croton Shores on May 18
Alosa sapidissima (American shad)
Celebrate spring and the return of the shad to their Hudson River home with music, food, crafts, children’s entertainment, boating demonstrations and much more during the 18th annual Riverlovers Shadfest, Sunday, May 18, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson.
The festival marks the traditional return of the shad to spawn in the river between Kingston and Albany. Sponsored by Westchester County Parks and Riverlovers Inc., the Shadfest is presented in cooperation with the Hudson River Foundation, the Beacon Sloop Club, and Ferry Sloops Inc.
The festival features music, food, including fresh shad dinners, along with hamburgers, hot dogs and corn on the cob, and tasty vegetarian chili. There will also be environmental exhibits, information booths, craft vendors, Native-American craft demonstrations and a variety of children’s entertainment.
Hudson River Foundation educator Chrisopher Letts will cook shad over hot coals and will serve free samples. At 2 p.m. Hudson River fisherman and educator Tom Lake will discuss the shad’s life cycle and other Hudson River lore.
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Heartbroken Over Closing of Wondrous Things
To the editor:
I am heartbroken! I just learned that Wondrous Things will be closing its Croton store at the end of June. I hope it’s because of the bad economy generally and that it has nothing to do with Croton customers—or lack thereof.
For years we’ve loved Wondrous Things and the impeccable taste displayed by both Donald and Scott in their choices of unique and unusual gifts. It’s been a key stop for birthday, wedding and gifts of all kinds. The service has always been extraordinary and the staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. They are always willing, if they don’t have exactly what one is looking for, to go the extra mile to help you find it. A truly treasured and appreciated shop that will be missed terribly!
This is truly a sad day for Croton. Thankfully, we can still go to their Briarcliff location but it won’t be the same as our “uptown special place.”
— Georgianna Grant
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May 12, 2008
On Civility and Censorship: An Essay and a Challenge
From time to time, Crotonblog has been attacked by commentators and by a competing chatroom on the grounds that there should be more “civility” in the content of its editorials, contributions and reader comments. Readers only have to look at the content of other media—partisan TV commentators and stations, partisan columnists and newspapers, and, most of all, the ultra-partisan exchanges between competing politicians—to know that civility is a scarce commodity everywhere in the United States, especially in the winner-take-all world of politics.
Mark Twain is reputed to have made the sage observation that “everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” Crotonblog would paraphrase this to, “A few critics complain about a lack of civility on Crotonblog—but nobody seems to be able to define what they mean by civility.” Should Crotonblog be more civil than radio, TV, newspapers and magazines, the Internet, and political discourse? Compared to the Fox TV news channel or the New York Post, we are eminently civil, despite the fact that it is difficult to view kindly those who judge a person’s patriotism on the basis of his willingness to wear a flag pin. Their narrow-minded attitude would make Nikita Khrushev one of the most patriotic leaders of all time. It was he who pioneered the whole flag-pin nonsense.
Where We Stand
First, let us state Crotonblog’s position: We do not censor speech, however derogatory, mean-spirited, or offending it may be. We do attempt to intercept statements that could be libelous, but since the targets of criticism or satire on Crotonblog have been public officials or public figures, and because satire cannot be libelous, we have seen almost nothing that has had to be excluded. We can exert no initial control over comments made through the TypeKey commenting authentication service.
Having encouraged readers to speak their minds freely without let or hindrance, we are made uncomfortable by any suggestion that we should pass judgment on what others may say or write, or the manner in which it is expressed. Regrettably, we have been largely unsuccessful in our campaign to get commentators to restrict their comments to the subject of an article or letter to the editor, and to refrain from attacking one another.
It is our considered feeling that we need open dialogue in this country more than ever, especially after the repeated assaults on freedom of speech by the present administration under the guise of the global war on terrorism. Moreover, we see no advantage to attempting to define what can be said under arbitrary rules for so-called civility when no such rules govern the public discourse being carried on everywhere around us. Wait till you see the excesses of the coming electoral campaign.
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Croton Police Blotter - Week of April 28th
April 29
4:10 PM: There was a report from a resident of Peekskill that while her vehicle was parked on Maple Avenue it was struck by another vehicle causing damage to the driver’s side mirror. The matter is under investigation.
April 30
7:56 AM: Croton detectives charged a 32-year-old male resident of Shrub Oak with second-degree Burglary, a felony and Criminal Contempt of a Court Order in connection with the burglary of a Brook Street residence on April 20. The man was taken into police custody and later released after posting $1000.00 bail pending an upcoming appearance in village court.
12:01 PM: Police assisted the dog warden in apprehending two loose dogs running free on the grounds of Carrie E. Tompkins Elementary School. The dog’s owner was issued a ticket for violating village code and is due in village court for an upcoming appearance to answer to the summons.
12:09 PM: There was a report from an employee of the Croton Community Nursery School that a two-foot statue of the Virgin Mary was found on school grounds. The statue remains in custody of the police until its rightful owner makes a claim to it.
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May 9, 2008
This Way to the 'Giant Garage Sale' Saturday
The Croton Friends of History are offering residents a chance to ‘divest’ themselves of all those things that are just taking up space around their houses. And best of all, the contributions all go to a good cause—namely the Friends of History, and their very-popular series of free, entertaining and educational programs. So, why not donate your no-longer-needed items to their upcoming garage sale. To participate, simply drop off your donated items at 108 Old Post Road South on Friday, May 9, 2008 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. And, if you’re unable to bring them yourself, please call 914-271-3135 to arrange for pick-up (for any & everything except clothing).
Then, on Saturday, May 10, 2008, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the GIANT garage sale opens to the public.
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May 8, 2008
That's One Good CHEF
To the members of our community:
The sun is shining and spring is truly here! As I walk around our schools and see gardens built at PVC, spring shows at CET, and listen to the wonderful sound system used during West Side Story at CHHS I think of all the ways CHEF has helped the children of this community and I am so very proud of our hard work.
Saturday, May 10th marks the culmination of months of hard work by so many committed and energetic people from our community. Under the Stars, CHEF’s largest annual school fundraiser, will take place that night at the Senasqua Lodge, at Croton Point Park. The pre-dinner wine tasting at 5:30 PM followed by the dinner, dance, and auction starting at 6:30 PM, is truly an evening out for the Croton community.
Please come and enjoy a wonderful evening with old and new friends here in Croton. Please come and support our children and our schools.
If you haven’t bought your tickets there is still time. Log onto www.crotonfoundation.org or call 271-2410.
I look forward to seeing you on Saturday night!
— Gem Mitchell, President, Croton-Harmon Education Foundation
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May 7, 2008
Croton Police Blotter - Week of April 21st
April 21
10:40 PM: Patrol responded to a report of a domestic dispute at a residence on Grand Street. Shortly thereafter, officer encouraged on of the persons involved to leave and return the next day to gather personal belongings.
April 22
2:13 AM: There was a report from a resident on High Street about a domestic disturbance in the area. Patrol responded to the scene and upon locating the persons in dispute, urged one of them to leave the area.
3:39 PM: There was a report from a business owner on Grand Street who had safety concerns about a backhoe having been parked atop a nearby pile of dirt. Patrol responded to the scene and later ask the contractor—who was fixing a gas main—to move the equipment.
6:19 PM: There was a report from a resident of Yorktown Heights that damage was done to his car while it was parked at the Croton Harmon train station parking lot.
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May 6, 2008
Croton-on-Hudson Wins Westchester Water Tasting Contest
The Westchester County Department of Health held its annual water tasting contest today at which residents sampled water from four of the County’s municipalities and proclaimed Croton-on-Hudson their favorite.
The blind taste test was held in recognition of National Drinking Water Week outside of the Michaelian Office Building on Martine Avenue in White Plains from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nearly 140 people sampled water from the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, Town of Greenburgh, City of Yonkers, and City of Peekskill.
Croton-on-Hudson received the most votes (40), followed by Greenburgh (37), Yonkers (31), and Peekskill (30). Of the municipalities that participated, Croton-on-Hudson was the lone well water supplier.
For additional information about the contest or other water quality initiatives, contact the Westchester County Department of Health at 914-813-5000 or visit www.westchestergov.com/health.
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May the Fan (and Clive) Be With You
From Clive’s blog, “I’m hosting a free mini-Star Wars fan film festival on Wednesday, May 7th from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Croton Free Library, so if you love fan productions and you live in Westchester, c’mon down!”
Details: May The Fan Film Be With You will show and discuss some of the best Star Wars fan films ever made. Most people have only seen these movies on the internet, but this program presents them the way they were meant to be seen—in full-quality on a big screen. Films to be shown include: Hardware Wars; Troops; George Lucas In Love; Duality; Pink Five; Beagle and many more.
Besides showing movies, the program will discuss the history of the growing fan film movement and explore what compels filmmakers to invest so much effort into their personal visions of the Star Wars mythology. All material screened will be appropriate for the whole family, but the discussion will be aimed primarily at adults and young adults. The program will run about 90 minutes.
Host: Clive Young is the author of the upcoming Homemade Hollywood: Fans Behind The Camera (Continuum; September, 2008), the first book about the secret history and surprising future of the Fan Film movement. He also edits the fan film blog, fancinematoday.com.
For further program information, contact the Croton Free Library at 914-271-6612 or visit its website at www.crotonfreelibrary.org
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Riverdrifters Gallery to Open by 'Honoring the Spirit of the Wood'
On Saturday, May 10, 2008, the public is invited by Croton-on-Hudson artists Barbara Hunt and Jeanne D. Shaw for the grand opening and reception of their Riverdrifters Fine Art Works Gallery.
“Honoring the Spirit of the Wood” is the overriding theme of the work done by artists Barbara Hunt and Jeanne D. Shaw. The two create sculpture out of Driftwood and other found objects, as well as paintings, photography, ceramic art, Dream Catchers and walking sticks. Along with a strong Native influence, the Hudson River is their main inspiration.
The festivities begin a at 11:00 AM and continue until 4:00 PM and include a gallery dedication at noon, followed by a session on Eastern Woodland history at 1:00 PM. Throughout by day, drumming will be provided by the Nimham Mountain Singers—a unity drum group that sings Eastern Woodland songs of their native Aboriginal Heritage. Light refreshments will also be served.
For more information, please email Jeanne D. Shaw at Maniart8@aol.com.
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May 4, 2008
Meet Tony Conetta: Robert Moses He Ain't
One almost expects to be assailed with fear mongering by politicians in the nation’s capital. Scare tactics, a standard operating procedure in Washington, are de rigueur nowadays. But one doesn’t expect to experience them in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson from a would-be contractor to the village.
Yet that’s exactly the unseemly tactic Anthony O. Conetta, 60, vice president of the Long Island-based engineering firm of Dvirka and Bartilucci, tried to employ at last Monday’s sparsely attended work session of the village board. Dvirka and Bartilucci have done work for this village before. They should know better.
It seems that some 700 parking spaces may continue to be lost to use from time to time if the flood-prone area of the parking lot (Sections G and H) at the Croton-Harmon station is not renovated at a cost to Croton of more than $2 million. FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Administration, has already unequivocally turned down Croton’s application for a grant to make improvements that would forestall future flooding events.
The federal government is obviously not anxious to open its coffers for the repair of a parking lot built over a filled-in marsh and with a long history of flooding—one that probably should never have been placed there. Where were environmentalists when this wetland area was originally filled in? Croton is appealing the decision, but getting an inept FEMA to acknowledge that it made a mistake is unlikely. It still won’t admit that anything was wrong with the hundreds of thousands of formaldehyde-contaminated trailer homes it supplied to Katrina hurricane victims, causing many to sicken or die.
Dvirka and Bartilucci have their eyes fixed on a heftily remunerative contract to raise sunken portions of the parking lot by five or six feet. Mr. Conetta conjured up his mushroom cloud at Monday night’s work session. Unethically trying to scare board members and the public, he claimed that the loss of the sinking parking spaces would mean that some 700 current parkers would be driving to New York City instead of taking the train.
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Croton Teen Theatre to Hold Auditions
The Croton Teen theater, a summer educational program now in its twenty-first season, has announced auditions for its upcoming production of Cole Porter’s 1939 musical, “Anything Goes.”
Organizers hope that the romantic musical comedy will serve as the springboard for area teens to sharpen their acting, singing and dancing skills in a professional environment. Under the direction of tom Berger, Artistic Director of Directions Theatre company in Manhattan and regional musical director John Bronsten, the show is a shipboard tale of identity mix-ups coupled with songs such as “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” and “Anything Goes.” Croton Teen Theater also offers learning opportunities in lighting, sound, costumes and set construction.
Auditions will be held Monday, May 19th, Wednesday, May 21st and Thursday, May 2, 2008 at the Asbury United Methodist church, located at 9 Old Post Road in Croton-on-Hudson. For more information, please contact John MacLean at 914-271-1418.
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