Sunday, April 19, 2026
OBITUTARY AND SERVICE INFO FOR ANNE MARIE ZACCARIO
JOEL GINGOLD--THOUGHTS ON THE LATEST GOUVEIA SCHEME, THE LIBRARY'S PLANS, ETC. ETC. ETC.
%20(1)%20(1)%20(2)%20(1)%20(1).jpg)
To the Editor:
Last Monday night, Architect Paul Mays outlined the plans for the renovation and upgrading of the Croton Free Library. The plan would increase program space, improve patron flow, and perhaps most importantly, repair or replace those library features and systems nearing or exceeding their design lifetimes. The presentation was very well received by a large audience who obviously appreciates the numerous programs currently offered by the library to the community, be they performances, art exhibitions, group meetings, etc., etc., etc. Some of these programs are so well attended that parking and seating space has been fully consumed prior to their commencement. Thus, the increased program space would be heartily welcomed by the library’s numerous patrons, and all that right here in the center of our village.
While the true cost will have to await the final design, early estimates are in the millions of dollars which might be raised, at least in part, by grants and public subscriptions among the thousands of patrons of the library and its services.
At the same time, Croton’s Village Board, in its infinite wisdom, has announced plans to spend additional millions of dollars on the renovation of the house at Gouveia Park and other “improvements” to create a “community center” on the property. The center would also host performances, art exhibitions, meetings, etc. And the Village’s Recreation Department would be banished to Gouveia, creating great inconvenience for both the Recreation Department staff and the numerous villagers who avail themselves of the department’s services. These funds would also be raised, at least in part, by grants and public subscriptions among the residents of Croton.
For the roughly dozen years since the village foolishly accepted ownership of the Gouveia property, the Board has been desperately—desperately— seeking a use—any use—for the property. This is just the latest, equally foolish and wasteful, iteration.
The big difference between the library and village plans is, of course, that we already know what kinds of public services are offered by the library and many, many of us have already attended one of more of the programs it offers to the public. The programs offered at the proposed Gouveia “community center” are vague, at best, and it is not clear whether the Village Board would compel programs currently provided by the library to be transferred to Gouveia. Similar programs are currently provided, not only by the library, but also by the Croton-Harmon schools, essentially all of the Houses of Worship in the village, and a number of private venues, including the newest one, The Grand, located right in the center of the village business district. Would these programs also be compelled by the Board to transfer to Gouveia to ensure the “community center” is fully subscribed? We do not know, because the Board will not tell us.
The Board has taken the “if we build it, they will come; father knows best” approach to Gouveia. They will spend the money and make the “improvements” and then decide what programs will be presented at our new “community center.” Exactly the wrong prescription and the reverse of an intelligent approach to the issue.
If we’re serious, we should start with a blank calendar for a typical year. Then, we’ll inscribe on that calendar each of the events that already take place in our village and their schedule. This will necessarily involve discussions between the village and the owners of our current cultural venues, as well as obtaining their input as to the necessity and desirability of the new center. By the Board’s own acknowledgment, such critical discussions have not been held with the operators of the current venues in the planning for Gouveia. Of course, the Board will likely not want to go there, as they have traditionally been adverse to hearing anything that doesn’t totally agree with their own vision.
Next, we’ll go week-by-week and add the additional events to be held at the new center and decide which existing events will be relocated there. This will, of course, involve some speculation, but the Board has assured us that there is a great demand for such additional events. Once complete, we will have a full picture of the cultural life of our village and we will be able to determine how much, if any, demand there is for the new facility and how much of its space will be utilized for how much of the time.
And it may very well turn out that the village is doing just fine with the current arrangement and that the new “community center” is not really needed. Expansions, such at that proposed for the library, will easily compensate for any increase in programs envisioned for the future. And our current venues for such programs will not be seriously injured by the Village Board insisting that their programs be transferred to Gouveia to ensure that the “community center” is “successful” and not just an expensive empty shell much of the time.
While the village and the library may approach different sources for their anticipated outside grants, there may well be overlap between them and they could be in direct competition for these precious funds. Seeking public subscriptions from village residents will definitely result in competition for the Croton residents’ dollars, likely meaning that neither entity will be successful in raising an appropriate amount. This will certainly be to the detriment of the village and its residents, and we could well end up with neither the needed expanded, renovated library or a functioning “community center” at Gouveia.
Full disclosure. I have for decades been a patron of the library and its programs and, some years ago, served as President of the Library’s Board of Trustees. I also opposed the acceptance of the Gouveia property when it was originally offered to the village and feel that every nickel spent on the property is a total waste of money.
So let us approach this whole question intelligently, despite what the Village Board may tell us. Let us proceed with the necessary renovations and upgrades to the library. And before we spend another dollar at Gouveia, let us determine whether we really need the “community center” on the property, exactly which programs will be conducted there and on what schedule, and whether any other venues in the village will be negatively affected.
As for me, I will be happy to donate as generously as I am able to any fund established for improvements to the Croton Free Library. But unless and until it can be conclusively demonstrated that a “community center” at Gouveia is necessary and beneficial, I shall not be willing to contribute anything to its development.
Sincerely,
Joel E. Gingold
MUCH CHATTER WE HEAR ON SOCIAL MEDIA---ASSORTED SITES ALL OVER COUNTY--NY ELECTRICITY PRICES RANK SIXTH HIGHEST IN THE U.S.
ALBANY, NY (January 2026) — New York's residential electricity prices are among the highest in the nation, according to data from the Empire Center for Public Policy and the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In January 2026, the state's average residential electricity price reached 28.4 cents per kilowatt-hour, placing it sixth highest in the U.S.---READ MORE AT New York Electricity Prices Rank Sixth Highest in the U.S. - Talk of the Sound
NEW YORK ESCOs TO PAY $71 MILLION SETTLEMENT TO RATE PAYERS IN REGULATORY DISPUTE
Many thanks to our New Rochelle facebook friends for this article. As many here will recall, ESCOs were touted as the solution to energy pricing and assorted woes. And like so many of these energy schemes:
PORT CHESTER, NY (September 23, 2025) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York State Public Service Commission has approved a settlement with nine energy service companies (ESCOs), requiring them to pay $50 million in billing adjustments and offer up to $21 million in future savings to customers. READ MORE AT New York ESCOs to Pay $71 Million Settlement to Rate Payers in Regulatory Dispute - Talk of the Sound
PORT CHESTER, NY (September 23, 2025) — Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York State Public Service Commission has approved a settlement with nine energy service companies (ESCOs), requiring them to pay $50 million in billing adjustments and offer up to $21 million in future savings to customers. READ MORE AT New York ESCOs to Pay $71 Million Settlement to Rate Payers in Regulatory Dispute - Talk of the Sound
1978 - KUZZINS TWO AND MOTHER'S DAY
Many residents have fond memories of KUZZINS TWO at Amberlands.
Click on the ad for 1978 Mother's Day and their menu.
You may also enjoy:
and
POT SHOP/CANNABIS DISPENSARY/HARMON/THE GAZETTE APRIL 14-21, 2026
You are encouraged to read a rather extensive article from The Gazette regarding the cannabis dispensary/pot shop approved for the Harmon section of the village (click on the image for a preview).
The paper does not have an online presence but is on sale just about everywhere.
You may also have an interest in EverythingCroton: CONTINUING TO RECEIVE A GREAT MANY QUESTIONS. EMAILS, AND COMMENTS ABOUT THE VILLAGE'S NEW HARMON BUSINESS/POT SHOP/CANNABIS/MARIJUANA DISPENSARY
FROM THE MAILBOX
%20.jpg)
A reader is seeking anything from a Father Nelson "Priesthood" (SUNDAY/MONTH?) event of a few years ago at HNM.
Response: Presuming you mean this? 2021 PHOTOS--PRIESTHOOD SUNDAY MASS---HONORING FATHER NELSON---Reception hosted by six Troop 28 Scouts who are working on their Ad Altare Dei Catholic religious emblem--SEE MORE HERE.
**************************
A reader is seeking an "OLYMPICS HOCKEY commeration" post here; can we help?Response: You may mean EverythingCroton: SPECIAL EDITION RED, WHITE & GOLD, OWN A PIECE OF HOCKEY HISTORY
**************************
A READER VAGUELY REMEMBERS A FOLK ROCK CONCERT AT THE TEMPLE back in the 60's; do you have anything?
REPONSE: Perhaps this? 1969 - FOLK ROCK AT TEMPLE ISRAEL; GO TO EverythingCroton: BY SPECIAL REQUEST---TEMPLE ISRAEL 1969--FOLK ROCK GROUP AT TEMPLE SERVICE
SCHOOL CANDIDATES FORUM 4/23/2026
7 pm, begins promptly at 7:15, in the church Parish Hall 6 Old Post Road North.
All five candidates will be there: Jacob Day, Sarah Carrier, Neal Haber, Betsy Laird, and Anamika Shatnagar.
TO THE COMMENTER WHO ASKED---yes, the last debate to our knowledge was held in the high school in 2025; any additional questions should be referred to the district.
CROTON-HARMON SOFTBALL LOSES TO NORTH SAMEL 9-10
Croton Harmon High School, VS, North Salem Middle/High School. 9, 10. Croton Harmon was defeated by North Salem 10-9---more at Girls Varsity Softball Loses To North Salem 9 - 10 - Croton Harmon High School
GLAM IRANIAN BUSINESSWOMAN BUSTED AT LAX, CHARGED WITH HELPING REUME BUY DRONES, BOMBS AND AMMO
Shamim Mafi, 44, of Woodland Hills, was taken into custody on Saturday night and charged with brokering deals for Iranian drones, bombs, and millions of rounds of ammunition bound for Sudan, according to the office of the US Attorney for the Central District of California. MORE AT
https://nypost.com/2026/04/19/us-news/iranian-businesswoman-shamim-mafi-busted-at-lax-charged-with-helping-regime-buy-drones-bombs-and-ammo/
https://nypost.com/2026/04/19/us-news/iranian-businesswoman-shamim-mafi-busted-at-lax-charged-with-helping-regime-buy-drones-bombs-and-ammo/
FOR THOSE OF US WHO GOT AMBITIOUS AND POPPED THOSE HERBS IN THE GROUND...LIKE BASIL....
We'll skip the headline drama below---but there may be a frost coming-- plants are still small enough where a recycled soda bottle COVER or a plastic bag STAKED into place, will do the overnight trick. Just remember to remove the next day....read more at
Bitter Cold, Dangerous Frost Returning To Hudson Valley, Upstate
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT--YOUR EVERYTHING CROTON WEEKEND NEWS RE-CAP AND VINTAGE CROTON TOO
%20(1).jpg)
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT--YOUR EVERYTHING CROTON WEEKEND NEWS RE-CAP AND VINTAGE CROTON TOO IS AT:
EverythingCroton: YOUR EVERYTHING CROTON SUNDAY NEWS RE-CAP AND VINTAGE CROTON TOO
YOU DON'T NEED ONE OF THESE...
To find the latest Croton Crafts and Commerce news (with a smattering of other local events too).....just visit the CROTON CRAFTS AND COMMERCE FB PAGE instead.
It's a public page and you needn't be on FB to view the content (or sign in). Often updated in real time too! And the latest product recalls too.
Go to Croton Crafts and Commerce | Facebook
And the Croton Crafts and Commerce page has news about The Blue Pig, Melita's, The Croton Artisans Gallery, Devotion Studio, Franki's Grill, Croton Mini Deli, Baked by Susan, Feed the Birds, Robbins, Yuka's, Croton Running Company, Croton Colonial Diner, Deprez, CVS, Apple Farm,105-Twenty, Monday's Gifts (new in the Upper Village), Raga and more.
Go to Croton Crafts and Commerce | Facebook
And the Croton Crafts and Commerce page has news about The Blue Pig, Melita's, The Croton Artisans Gallery, Devotion Studio, Franki's Grill, Croton Mini Deli, Baked by Susan, Feed the Birds, Robbins, Yuka's, Croton Running Company, Croton Colonial Diner, Deprez, CVS, Apple Farm,105-Twenty, Monday's Gifts (new in the Upper Village), Raga and more.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)