By now, you know I’m a scuba diving mermaid with MS. But for MS Awareness Month, I wanted to share the person behind the fins! MS is part of my journey, but it isn’t the whole story!
Read more at Instagram
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
AND NOW A WORD FROM ADRIANA---5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ME (NON-MS EDITION)
By now, you know I’m a scuba diving mermaid with MS. But for MS Awareness Month, I wanted to share the person behind the fins! MS is part of my journey, but it isn’t the whole story!
Read more at Instagram
BINGHAMTON MAN CHARGED WITH MAKING THREATS TOWARD TRUMP, SARCONE COMMENTARY
A Binghamton man was charged in February for allegedly making threats toward President Donald Trump and federal agents, according to the U.S. District Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York.
Jeffrey Scott Hamm Jr., 32, appeared in federal court on Feb. 27 and will remain in jail for the time being.........The Department of Justice said Hamm posted threatening comments on YouTube in January.
"The defendant used interstate communications to threaten President Trump, ICE agents, and others with acts of violence. This Office, together with the FBI, will pursue anyone who makes such threats swiftly and aggressively. The defendant would have been better off saving his breath; now he’ll have plenty of time to reflect on his words while facing the consequences for them in federal court," First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone III said in a statement. "Threats of this nature will not be tolerated, and anyone who ignores this warning will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” MORE AT Binghamton man charged with making threats toward Trump
Jeffrey Scott Hamm Jr., 32, appeared in federal court on Feb. 27 and will remain in jail for the time being.........The Department of Justice said Hamm posted threatening comments on YouTube in January.
"The defendant used interstate communications to threaten President Trump, ICE agents, and others with acts of violence. This Office, together with the FBI, will pursue anyone who makes such threats swiftly and aggressively. The defendant would have been better off saving his breath; now he’ll have plenty of time to reflect on his words while facing the consequences for them in federal court," First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone III said in a statement. "Threats of this nature will not be tolerated, and anyone who ignores this warning will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” MORE AT Binghamton man charged with making threats toward Trump
POST TALKS TO HERO CHIEF WHO TOOK DOWN ISIS BOMBERS---ONCE A COP, ALWAYS A COP
The NYPD chief hailed as a hero for helping to chase down a pair of accused ISIS-inspired botched bombers said it was all part of being one of New York’s Finest.
Chief Aaron Edwards, the 46-year-old commander of Patrol Borough Manhattan North, was just steps away from a smoking IED dropped in front of a crew of NYPD cops during a rowdy demonstration outside Gracie Mansion — and didn’t hesitate to jump into action. MORE AT Hero NYPD chief who went viral after chasing down Gracie Mansion bomb suspects speaks out
ABOUT THAT NY TIMES/HECHLINGER ARTICLE---FROM THE CROTON HARMON DISTRICT, STEPHEN WALKER
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Yesterday, an article about technology use in elementary schools that included references to the Croton-Harmon School District was picked up by The New York Times from The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit newsroom that covers education. While the piece raises questions about screen use in schools, it does not fully reflect the broader work our district has been engaged in for some time or the leadership Croton-Harmon has taken in examining this important issue.
When contacted by the reporter at The Hechinger Report, I provided a detailed written response outlining the district’s philosophy and approach to technology in our schools. Because the article did not include the full context of that response, I am sharing it in its entirety below and encourage you to review it. It reflects the message I also delivered in my recent Community Update and Superintendent’s Video on this same topic.
I want to reiterate that the role of technology in education is a complex and evolving topic, and one that extends far beyond any single device or classroom moment. Across the country, families, educators, researchers, and policymakers are grappling with how to balance the opportunities technology offers with the human interaction, hands-on experiences, and intellectual engagement that define strong classrooms. In Croton-Harmon, we believe this conversation deserves that broader context. In addition to working with our faculty and administrative team, we have met on multiple occasions with members of the Croton Community Collective, and we have also engaged with members of our parent community who want us to prioritize equitable and varied access to technology for all students. We have facilitated conversations with High School students to elevate their voices and perspectives in this important conversation. You can view the communication and recording of that conversation here.
In fact, our district has been actively examining this issue for some time. Over the past year in particular, Croton-Harmon has taken a leadership role in assessing how technology is used in our classrooms and making meaningful adjustments where appropriate. These steps include:
Reducing district spending on educational technology software purchases by nearly 33 percent. For context, our per pupil spending on educational technology software is lower than most districts in our region this year, and will be even lower relative to other regional districts next year.
Ending the regular practice of sending devices home with students in grades K–5. Our thinking in this regard is that when school-issueddevices are sent home with students, it should be for a specific purpose or assignment, and not part of a daily routine.
Engaging faculty in ongoing discussions about purposeful technology use and reflecting on our use of technology as a means of enhancing learning, rather than replacing it. We believe that technology can be a valuable tool, but it does not replace hands-on learning and interpersonal discussion.
It is also important to be clear about something that can get lost in public conversations about education: our teachers are deeply committed and highly-qualified professionals who work tirelessly to create thoughtful, engaging learning experiences for their students. Any suggestion that classroom technology is being used instead of meaningful instruction is inaccurate and unfair to the educators who dedicate themselves every day to helping Croton-Harmon students grow and succeed. The way that we most effectively and impactfully improve schools is through ongoing, constructive conversation between the faculty and staff members involved in educating our children, and with our community.
The conversation about technology in education will continue to evolve, and Croton-Harmon intends to remain at the forefront of that work by thoughtfully examining our practices, learning alongside our community, and ensuring that our students are prepared to thrive in a world shaped by technology while still experiencing rich, human-centered learning.
As with all topics that arise regarding the work of our schools, the Board of Education and administrative team remain committed to listening and engaging in thoughtful dialogue. We welcome questions and perspectives from members of our community as we continue this important work together.
Sincerely,
Stephen Walker
Shared with The Hechinger Report
Philosophy on Screen Time in the Croton-Harmon School District
In Croton-Harmon Schools, we value face-to-face dialogue, hands-on experiences, outdoor activity, reading physical texts, and collaborative problem-solving without devices. Aligned with our District Technology Vision, Croton-Harmon Schools are committed to ensuring that technology use is active, intentional, and used to create learning experiences that wouldn’t have been possible without technology. Devices in our classrooms are tools for producing, creating, researching, designing, collaborating, coding, modeling, analyzing data, and communicating ideas. Students are not simply consuming content; they are using technology to deepen understanding, remove barriers to learning, and demonstrate knowledge in ways that would not otherwise be possible.
In Croton-Harmon, we recognize that not all “screen time” is the same. The term often suggests a single, uniform experience; however, research and classroom practice clearly demonstrate that the quality, purpose, and context of screen use matter far more than the number of minutes spent on a device.
As our society continues to grapple with the impacts of how ubiquitous screen time and technology use have become in our lives, in our schools we view this as an opportunity to lead on this topic, and have already engaged in some noteworthy actions toward the goal of finding a healthy balance for our students in terms of their technology use, both in and outside of our schools:
Reducing investment in educational technology purchases across our District by nearly 33%
Ending the practice of sending devices home with students in Grades K–5
Leading faculty conversations about student screen time and supporting technology use when used for the purpose of enhancing learning
Our goal is to be intentional with the time students spend on screens by improving the quality, intentionality, and impact of this time. While we are proud of the work that we are doing toward this goal, we recognize that this is a gradual, important process, and we look forward to continuing our growth. Together, we aim to prepare Croton-Harmon students to be adaptable, ethical communicators and learners who actively shape their world, using technology with purpose, confidence, discernment, and responsibility.
When contacted by the reporter at The Hechinger Report, I provided a detailed written response outlining the district’s philosophy and approach to technology in our schools. Because the article did not include the full context of that response, I am sharing it in its entirety below and encourage you to review it. It reflects the message I also delivered in my recent Community Update and Superintendent’s Video on this same topic.
I want to reiterate that the role of technology in education is a complex and evolving topic, and one that extends far beyond any single device or classroom moment. Across the country, families, educators, researchers, and policymakers are grappling with how to balance the opportunities technology offers with the human interaction, hands-on experiences, and intellectual engagement that define strong classrooms. In Croton-Harmon, we believe this conversation deserves that broader context. In addition to working with our faculty and administrative team, we have met on multiple occasions with members of the Croton Community Collective, and we have also engaged with members of our parent community who want us to prioritize equitable and varied access to technology for all students. We have facilitated conversations with High School students to elevate their voices and perspectives in this important conversation. You can view the communication and recording of that conversation here.
In fact, our district has been actively examining this issue for some time. Over the past year in particular, Croton-Harmon has taken a leadership role in assessing how technology is used in our classrooms and making meaningful adjustments where appropriate. These steps include:
Reducing district spending on educational technology software purchases by nearly 33 percent. For context, our per pupil spending on educational technology software is lower than most districts in our region this year, and will be even lower relative to other regional districts next year.
Ending the regular practice of sending devices home with students in grades K–5. Our thinking in this regard is that when school-issueddevices are sent home with students, it should be for a specific purpose or assignment, and not part of a daily routine.
Engaging faculty in ongoing discussions about purposeful technology use and reflecting on our use of technology as a means of enhancing learning, rather than replacing it. We believe that technology can be a valuable tool, but it does not replace hands-on learning and interpersonal discussion.
It is also important to be clear about something that can get lost in public conversations about education: our teachers are deeply committed and highly-qualified professionals who work tirelessly to create thoughtful, engaging learning experiences for their students. Any suggestion that classroom technology is being used instead of meaningful instruction is inaccurate and unfair to the educators who dedicate themselves every day to helping Croton-Harmon students grow and succeed. The way that we most effectively and impactfully improve schools is through ongoing, constructive conversation between the faculty and staff members involved in educating our children, and with our community.
The conversation about technology in education will continue to evolve, and Croton-Harmon intends to remain at the forefront of that work by thoughtfully examining our practices, learning alongside our community, and ensuring that our students are prepared to thrive in a world shaped by technology while still experiencing rich, human-centered learning.
As with all topics that arise regarding the work of our schools, the Board of Education and administrative team remain committed to listening and engaging in thoughtful dialogue. We welcome questions and perspectives from members of our community as we continue this important work together.
Sincerely,
Stephen Walker
Shared with The Hechinger Report
Philosophy on Screen Time in the Croton-Harmon School District
In Croton-Harmon Schools, we value face-to-face dialogue, hands-on experiences, outdoor activity, reading physical texts, and collaborative problem-solving without devices. Aligned with our District Technology Vision, Croton-Harmon Schools are committed to ensuring that technology use is active, intentional, and used to create learning experiences that wouldn’t have been possible without technology. Devices in our classrooms are tools for producing, creating, researching, designing, collaborating, coding, modeling, analyzing data, and communicating ideas. Students are not simply consuming content; they are using technology to deepen understanding, remove barriers to learning, and demonstrate knowledge in ways that would not otherwise be possible.
In Croton-Harmon, we recognize that not all “screen time” is the same. The term often suggests a single, uniform experience; however, research and classroom practice clearly demonstrate that the quality, purpose, and context of screen use matter far more than the number of minutes spent on a device.
As our society continues to grapple with the impacts of how ubiquitous screen time and technology use have become in our lives, in our schools we view this as an opportunity to lead on this topic, and have already engaged in some noteworthy actions toward the goal of finding a healthy balance for our students in terms of their technology use, both in and outside of our schools:
Reducing investment in educational technology purchases across our District by nearly 33%
Ending the practice of sending devices home with students in Grades K–5
Leading faculty conversations about student screen time and supporting technology use when used for the purpose of enhancing learning
Our goal is to be intentional with the time students spend on screens by improving the quality, intentionality, and impact of this time. While we are proud of the work that we are doing toward this goal, we recognize that this is a gradual, important process, and we look forward to continuing our growth. Together, we aim to prepare Croton-Harmon students to be adaptable, ethical communicators and learners who actively shape their world, using technology with purpose, confidence, discernment, and responsibility.
PEEKSKILL MAN MADE TERRORISTIC THREATS AGAINST CROTON FD, PD, EMS
Peekskill Man Made Terroristic Threats Against Croton FD, PD, EMS: Police
After being arrested and arraigned, the 48-year-old was released on his own recognizance until his court date.
Jeff Ewards,Patch Staff
Posted Wed, Mar 11, 2026 at 3:51 pm ET
CROTON-ON-HUDSON, NY — Mister Rogers famously told us to "look for the helpers" when disaster strikes, but a Peekskill man had something else in mind entirely, according to police.
The Croton-on-Hudson Police Department says 48-year-old Jonathon Brooks was arrested for making terroristic threats against fire department properties, an ambulance, members of EMS, and the police department.
On Feb. 20, police received a report that a person had sent messages through social media threatening to harm several Croton-on-Hudson Fire Department buildings and vehicles.
On Feb. 23, additional reports were received about the same person threatening a Croton EMS ambulance and members of the emergency services with bodily harm. In addition, the person said that if the Croton-on -Hudson Police Department tried to arrest him, they would also be harmed, according to cops......more at Peekskill Man Made Terroristic Threats Against Croton FD, PD, EMS: Police | Ossining, NY Patch
THERE'S NO NEED FOR DRAMA...
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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 too! Go to Croton Crafts and Commerce | Facebook
And the Croton Crafts and Commerce page has news about The Blue Pig (RE-OPENS IN MARCH) Melita's, MEXTOGO, Devotion Studio, Croton River Artisans Gallery, YUKA'S LATIN FUSION, Feed the Birds, 105-Twenty, Franki's, THE CROTON GRILLE, LA CATRINA, Robbin's, Apple Farm, BAKED BY SUSAN, MEXTOGO, Croton Mini Deli, Deprez, The Tavern at Croton Landing, MONDAYS GIFTS, Raga, and more.
It's a public page and you needn't be on FB to view the content. Often updated in real time too! Go to Croton Crafts and Commerce | Facebook
And the Croton Crafts and Commerce page has news about The Blue Pig (RE-OPENS IN MARCH) Melita's, MEXTOGO, Devotion Studio, Croton River Artisans Gallery, YUKA'S LATIN FUSION, Feed the Birds, 105-Twenty, Franki's, THE CROTON GRILLE, LA CATRINA, Robbin's, Apple Farm, BAKED BY SUSAN, MEXTOGO, Croton Mini Deli, Deprez, The Tavern at Croton Landing, MONDAYS GIFTS, Raga, and more.
BREAKING--US DEFICIT TOPS $1 TRILLION THROUGH FEBRUARY BUT RUNS BELOW YEAR-AGO PACE
U.S. deficit tops $1 trillion through February but runs below year-ago pace
Published Wed, Mar 11 20262:00 PM EDT
Jeff Cox
Key Points
--For the fiscal year to date, the U.S. budget deficit totaled $1.004 trillion, about 12% lower than the comparable period in 2025, as government revenues rose faster than spending.
--Customs duties totaled $151 billion through the first five months of the fiscal year, up about $113 billion, or 294%, from a year earlier.
--Net interest payments on the nearly $39 trillion national debt totaled $79 billion in February, more than any category except Social Security, income security and health---more at U.S. deficit tops $1 trillion through February but runs below year-ago pace
FROM THE MAILBOX...
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A reader recalled an interview with one of Croton's most notable residents: George Biddle--but couldn't find it---here you go--from 1963: BIDDLE ORAL HISTORY.....
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A reader was trying to remember a holiday shopping event from when Baked by Susan was in the Upper Village (about ten years ago????) and a strange little shop with really nice handmade things on Grand St. Got anything?
Response: Perhaps you mean this HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENT from 2013; see the photos at EverythingCroton: SOME PHOTOS FROM THE UPPER VILLAGE HOLIDAY SHOP HOP
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A reader was trying to remember a mail order health food shop she saw here.
Response: Has to be this--from 1960: Go to EverythingCroton: BACK ONLINE AFTER A BLOGGING GLITCH---CROTON'S HOUSE OF HEALTH 1960
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A reader was trying to remember the name of a "Korean" place that recently closed in the Upper Village; she said she got the best dumplings and Keto goods there.
Response: You could only mean Junction; closed a few years ago; more at EverythingCroton: ANOTHER FABULOUS TAKE-OUT ORDER FROM JUNCTION JT'S
WHOOPS! ENDING NUCLEAR POWER MAY HAVE BEEN A MISTAKE SAYS EU CHIEF
Europe's mad dash to decommission its nuclear power plants was a "strategic mistake", Commission boss Ursula von der Leyen has admitted.
JOSE IBARRA UPDATE/DENIED NEW TRIAL/LAKEN RILEY MURDER
The Independent -A judge has shut down Jose Ibarra’s bid for a new trial after he was convicted of killing Georgia nursing student Laken Riley in a case that became a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration.
Lawyers for Ibarra, a Venezuelan immigrant, argued his constitutional rights were violated when the judge declined two defense motions before trial. One was a request to delay the trial to give an expert witness time to review and analyze DNA data. The other would have excluded some cellphone evidence.
Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard, who presided over the trial, wrote in an order Monday that the evidence of Ibarra's guilt presented by the state was “overwhelming and powerful.” MORE AT Jose Ibarra denied a new trial after claiming his rights were violated
Lawyers for Ibarra, a Venezuelan immigrant, argued his constitutional rights were violated when the judge declined two defense motions before trial. One was a request to delay the trial to give an expert witness time to review and analyze DNA data. The other would have excluded some cellphone evidence.
Clarke County Superior Court Judge H. Patrick Haggard, who presided over the trial, wrote in an order Monday that the evidence of Ibarra's guilt presented by the state was “overwhelming and powerful.” MORE AT Jose Ibarra denied a new trial after claiming his rights were violated
MORE ON LENORE DOSKOW INC., 1975, ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN SILVERSMITHS
Click on the image.
For more about the Doskows, go to EverythingCroton: VINTAGE CROTON AD 1990, LENORE DOSKOW
A REMINDER TO THINK SPRING---AND SAVE THE DATE---CROTON GIRLS RELAY
Save the date! 4/25
Croton Girls Relays -
50th Edition Celebrations!
Croton-Harmon Schools Croton- Harmon H.S. Athletics Croton Harmon High School PTSA
Croton Harmon Alumni
IMPORTANT FUNDRAISER! THE 300 CLUB IS BACK AT HOLY NAME OF MARY
THE 300 CLUB IS BACK AT HOLY NAME OF MARY!
CLICK ON THE IMAGE.
FOR MORE INFO OR QUESTIONS, GO TO Holy Name of Mary - Croton-on-Hudson, NY
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