Friday, May 1, 2026

FROM SUPERVISOR BECKER'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER---YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, HENDRICK HUDSON H.S., CROTON-HARMON H.S.

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton-on-Hudson: our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship -- in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

FROM SUPERVISOR BECKER'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER---YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL, HENDRICK HUDSON H.S., CROTON-HARMON H.S.



The 2026 Town of Cortlandt Youth Advisory Council wrapped up its final session on April 13th, with students presenting their project results to the Town Board. These students, invited from all three school districts, focused on two projects: 1) Creating inter-generational programming to establish a connection between town youth and seniors; and 2) Conducting interviews with veterans in the town, which are being recorded and shared. Both groups displayed incredible passion and thoughtfulness in approaching the initiatives, and the town is better off for their hard work and fresh perspective.

“The Town Board created the Youth Advisory Council three years ago to encourage connectivity between local government and the kids in our school districts. We continue to be floored by the students’ valuable contributions, as well as the energy and excitement they bring to Town Hall,” said Councilwoman Cristin Jacoby.

Superintendent Michael Tromblee of the Hendrick Hudson School District, which participated for the third year in a row, said, “Opportunities such as the Youth Advisory Council are incredibly meaningful, providing our students with authentic, real-world experiences that deepen their understanding of community, service, and civic responsibility. This year’s project, in particular, reflects the kind of purposeful learning that leaves a lasting impact, not only on the students, but on the broader community as well. Partnerships like this strengthen the connection between our schools and the community and create opportunities that our students will carry with them well beyond their time in our district.”

Superintendent Steve Walker of the Croton-Harmon School District said, "We are grateful to the Town of Cortlandt for enabling some of our amazing Tiger students to participate as Youth Advisory Council members again this year. Our students had the opportunity to collaborate with the Town Recreation Department to design and present an activity to engage senior citizens in the community, and in doing so, had a chance to refine their leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills. We greatly value this connection with the Town of Cortlandt and look forward to continuing this work together in the future."

Congrats to the 2026 graduates!

Hendrick Hudson High School

Madeline Field 9th grade
Travis Carney, 9th grade
Chloe Smith, 10th grade
Grace Geren, 10th grade

Croton-Harmon High School
Noah Eichenholtz, 10th grade
Ella Henderson, 10th grade
Maytal Bar, 10th Grade
Jacob Bass, 10th Grade

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR...

The latest Croton Crafts and Commerce news (with a smattering of other local events too), then visit the CROTON CRAFTS AND COMMERCE FB PAGE. It's a public page and you needn't be on FB to view the content. Often updated in real time Croton Crafts and Commerce | Facebook

TOWN OF CORTLANDT SEEKS NEW OR USED TOYS FOR GRADES K-4TH FOR THEIR SUMMER DAY CAMP

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton-on-Hudson: our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship -- in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

The Town of Cortlandt Recreation Department is accepting donations of lightly used or new toys that would be appropriate for children in grades K-4th for our Summer Day Camp! Please, nothing plush.  A donation box will be available at Town of Cortlandt Town Hall, located at 1 Heady Street, Cortlandt Manor beginning March 30th and ending on May 22nd.  Contact Recreation Supervisor, Greg Kroohs, at gkroohs@townofcortlandtny.gov or 914-734-1055 with any questions or concerns.

ABOUT THAT REDISTRICTING FIASCO---SPANBERGER'S BAD DAY IN COURT



The Virginia Supreme Court has denied Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger's attempt to certify the results of her redistricting constitutional amendment referendum, a procedural step Spanberger had scheduled for today. Now the court has more time to decide whether the governor violated the commonwealth’s Constitution in her mad dash to alter it. The arguments in Virginia’s high court did not go well for her on Monday.

The Virginia Constitution and state law are crystal clear. Before amendments can be added to the Constitution, they must pass through two separate sessions of the General Assembly, with a general election of the House of Delegates occurring between the two votes. Between those two votes, the clerk of the House must transmit the text of the proposed amendment to every circuit court clerk in the commonwealth at least 90 days before the amendment is voted on. The language used on the referendum ballot must be an honest and accurate description of what the proposed amendment would do.

Spanberger and her Democratic allies failed.....more at Spanberger’s bad day in court

HARCKHAM, LEVENBERG BILL WOULD EXTEND INDIAN POINT CESSATION MITIGATION FUND

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton-on-Hudson: our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship -- in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.



New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Dana Levenberg announced today that they have introduced legislation (S.9617A / A.10949) in their respective chambers to extend the electric generation facility cessation mitigation program to assist counties, municipalities, school districts and special districts with the closure of electric generation facilities like the now-decommissioned Indian Point nuclear plant for another five years. MORE AT Harckham, Levenberg Bill Would Extend Indian Point Cessation Mitigation Fund - River Journal Online - News for Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, Irvington, Ossining, Briarcliff Manor, Croton-on-Hudson, Cortlandt and Peekskill

5/29 TOWN OF CORTLANDT---ALL LINE DANCERS WELCOME

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton-on-Hudson: our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship -- in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

Dust off those boots and get ready to move! Join us on Friday, May 29th from 5:30PM-7:30PM for an evening of line dancing with 2 different instructors at the Muriel H. Morabito Community Center! Pre-registration with payment is required, no at door payments. To register, please visit

www.townofcortlandtny.gov/reconline or call the Community Center at 914-528-1464.

4/11 CROTON LIONS SPONSORED THE CROTON CARING COMMITTEE'S WELCOME SPRING LUNCHEON

Welcome to Everything Croton, a collection of all things Croton-on-Hudson: our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship -- in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.



On April 11, the Lions Club sponsored the Croton Caring Committee’s Welcome Spring Luncheon, much appreciated by all. The delicious food from the Croton Diner and scrumptious cake from Baked by Susan were served by our wonderful CHHS students, thank you so much!

The highlight of the afternoon was the Easter bonnet parade, judged by Pete, Bob and Don. It was hilarious. Everyone had so much fun as you can see by all the smiles. Each participant received a chocolate bunny as a prize. PHOTOS AND MORE AT CCC Easter Bonnet Parade and Luncheon — Croton Lions Club

WE'LL BE LOOKING FOR THIS---WRAPPED LOCOMOTIVES, AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

MTA Metro-North Railroad today announced a ninth locomotive has been rebranded with special colors and designs as part of its Heritage Series, which highlights the railroad's 43 years of public service. The wrap applied to locomotive No. 250 is inspired by the colorful locomotives of the United States bicentennial and celebrates America's 250th anniversary.

"Through our Heritage Series, we've celebrated the history and legacy of Metro-North Railroad," said Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek. "Locomotive 250 gives us the opportunity to go further-honoring not only our own story, but the broader history of the United States. It's a meaningful way to connect our railroad's past and present to this important national milestone."

The design blends past and present, featuring an American flag formed from the text of the Declaration of Independence and historic symbols drawn from early American coinage, including the "We Are One" emblem from Benjamin Franklin's Fugio cent-the first officially authorized U.S. federal coin-and a heraldic eagle design inspired by the Bowed Liberty dollar coin.

"It is thrilling to see the launch of a special locomotive to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States," Revolutionary Westchester 250 President Constance Kehoe. "We encourage everyone to stay in touch and attend the many commemorative events in Westchester and the Hudson Valley during this special year 2026. More at "MTA - Metropolitan Transportation Authority (via Public) / Metro-North Railroad Unveils Ninth Heritage Series Locomotive Honoring America’s 250th Anniversary

REMINDER - HOLY NAME OF MARY'S MAY CROWNING IS 5/3

Holy Name of Mary's May Crowning is this weekend--5/3---go to

ICYMI, FAREWELL VIC CONTE, BOB ANDERSON ASSUMES ROLE

Last week a farewell event was hosted was held for Croton Lions President Vic Conte at the Croton Colonial Diner. Bob Anderson steps in as President of the Croton Lions. We wish Vic and his wife Linda much happiness in their move to the Northwest.

Photo cache by Croton Lion Steven Giacobello

Click on the image.


5/9 BLUEPATH, WALK THE BLUEPATH--THE CROTON LIONS AND MORE

Bring your family, friends, and friendly pups, and help us raise funds in support of our mission to provide safety, companionship, and independence to children with autism and their families.

Participants can choose between a 1.7-mile or 3-mile loop and will have access to all-day activities, including:

bounce houses
bubble bus
lawn games
sponsor showcase
permanent jewelry
food trucks - Grille Wagon, Mister Softee, Taco Road Trip, & Wrapper's Delight

Online registration closes on Friday, May 8th at 3pm. Day-of registration opens at 10:30am with the walk beginning at 11am. Register online in advance to reserve your t-shirt size.

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Our sponsors make these life-changing partnerships possible. We are incredibly grateful for their support.

Presenting: Suzanne Hatfield Fund, Team Michelangelo

Platinum: Boehringer Ingelheim, Croton Lions Club

Gold: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Bugeya Family, Burke Energy, Donn Gerelli Associates Insurance Agency, Hudson Valley Credit Union, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 30, Lanza Family Foundation, Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno LLC, Team Ali Fairhurst

Silver: Amalgamated Transit Union, Bedford PBA, Bedford Hills Lions Club, Cruze and the Frango Family, G.S. Bounce, Guardian Veterinary Specialists, Keane & Beane, P.C., Kolmar Americas, Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW, Mesa’s Marrathoners, Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, Nassau County Correction Officers Benevolent Association, Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York, Peekskill Rotary Club Foundation, Uniformed Fire Officers Association, Volz Auto Group, WIN Waste Innovations

Table: 3 Up 3 Down, Animal Specialty Center, Autism Society Greater Hudson Region, City of Rye Police Association, Decker Tool Rental, Durant Party Rentals, General Vision Services, Insite Engineering, Keane’s Autoworks Inc., Lieutenants Benevolent Association of NYC, Middletown Veterinary Hospital, Millwood Animal Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester Behavioral Health, NYS Court Clerks Association, NYS Court Officers Association, NYS Supreme Court Officers, RBT CPAs LLC, South Putnam Animal Hospital, Suffolk County PBA, Taconic Veterinary Center, Williams Lumber & Home Centers, Wipe Your Paws, Yorktown Lions Club

OUR VERY BUSY CROTON HARMON TRAIN STATION--SOME EARLY SPRING STUFF

****VIDEO - AMTRAK EMPIRE SERVICE PULLING INTO CROTON HARMON FROM jonathanschmid7619; go to Amtrak pulling into Croton Harmon #amtrak #amtraktrain #empireservice


***Residents are asking if there will be another vintage train anywhere---you should really contact the MTA directly; here's the April article EverythingCroton: EXPERIENCE THE CHARM OF A 1917 TRAIN TO YANKEES HOME OPENER

***POSTED BY THE NORTHEAST TRAINMAN BACK IN MARCH IN CASE YOU MISSED IT; GO TO  EverythingCroton: OUR VERY BUSY CROTON HARMON TRAIN STATION--POSTED BY NORTHEAST TRAINMAN

ICYMI--WHAT'S NEXT FOR DAVID MORENS?

David Morens’s next step in the courts is his arraignment on May 8, 2026, where he will formally enter a plea to the federal charges against him.

A former senior adviser at NIAID under Anthony Fauci, has been indicted on five federal counts, including:

  • Conspiracy against the United States

  • Destruction, alteration, or falsification of records

  • Concealment or removal of federal records

  • Aiding and abetting

These charges stem from allegations that he used personal email to evade FOIA requests and concealed communications related to COVID‑19 research and grant discussions.

There's a lot more out there, readily available. For background, etc. this site is highly recommended---go to U.S. Right To Know - Pursuing truth and transparency for public health

MULTI-STATE SCAM CASE IN THE NEWS, ID THEFT AND MORE

Police said a sting involving three packages sent to the vacant Tappan home contained cash tied to victims in Utah, Illinois and Colorado.

ORANGE TOWN, NY — A package sent to an unoccupied Hudson Valley home helped uncover a multi-state fraud operation targeting seniors, according to police.

Two men were arrested in Tappan after Orangetown police said detectives linked three cash-filled packages delivered to a vacant residence to separate scams involving victims in Utah, Illinois and Colorado.....Police identified the men arrested as Tian Quan Xie, 20, of Brooklyn, and Wei Ping Sun, 39, of Queens. Both were charged with grand larceny and felony criminal possession of a controlled substance. MORE AT Packages Of Cash Sent To Abandoned House Revealed A Multi-State Scam Case | New City, NY Patch