Friday, March 13, 2026

TOWN OF CORTLANDT VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY CEREMONY 3/27

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.

TOWN OF CORTLANDT VIETNAM WAR VETERANS DAY CEREMONY 3/27--Let's come together to pay tribute to the brave men and women who served our country during the Vietnam War. Join us in the Vincent F. Nyberg General Meeting Room in Cortlandt Town Hall, on Friday, March 27th at 2:30 PM. Light refreshments will be served.  MORE INFO AT  National Vietnam War Veterans Ceremony: Friday, March 27, 2026 - Town of Cortlandt, NY News


3/19 GUEST SPEAKER--DW DESIGN & DECOR--GABRIELLA MIRABELLI

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.

3/19 GUEST SPEAKER DW DESIGN & DECOR

GABRIELLA MIRABELLI

CLICK ON THE IMAGE.

Home - DW Design & Decor

VILLAGE "UNDER SIEGE" AS VAGRANCY SURGES

We've been following Mount Kisco's deterioration for some time now. Apparently, the downward trend continues:

Village ‘under siege’ as vagrancy surges
Mar 5

By MARTIN WILBUR

Residents and regular visitors to Mount Kisco demanded this week that the Village Board address the exploding number of incidents of public drunkenness, vagrancy and other quality-of-life issues that have plagued the community.

About a dozen speakers pleaded with officials at Monday evening’s board meeting to take action because the situation has gotten out of hand, making women and children feel unsafe and hurting the village’s reputation and potentially its businesses.

“I think Mount Kisco is under siege. I think we have a serious problem. I think it’s becoming more and more unsafe,” said Sandra Nohavicka, a Chappaqua resident and social worker who regularly visits numerous seniors in the village. “Women are afraid to walk out in the community. There are blotter reports daily and even multiple times of dysregulated, inebriated, intoxicated people who are defecating and urinating in public. They are harassing other people. They’re very unhinged. They’re using a lot of resources and I think we have to come up with a humanitarian solution for this issue, but it’s serious.”  MORE AT Village ‘under siege’ as vagrancy surges

MR. JAFFERY, IT’S TIME TO STEP DOWN---JOEL GINGOLD

MR. JAFFERY, IT’S TIME TO STEP DOWN--JOEL GINGOLD

In all of our lives, there often comes a juncture at which we realize that we were wrong and, as difficult as that may be, we must take action to rectify the situation we have created. To Ali Jaffery, that time is now. And the correct, decent—and intelligent—thing for him to do is to abandon his quest to become Croton Village Justice, step down from the campaign, and leave the field to Sam Watkins.

Sam has distinguished himself as our Village Justice through decades of service, and has created a court that the overwhelming majority of Croton residents wish to keep and who enthusiastically oppose its transfer to the Town of Cortlandt—a stance adopted, at last, by the Croton Village Board. Many of the comments made by citizens of our village at the recent Board meeting considering the closure of the Croton court included praise for Sam, his fairness, and the outstanding court he has created for our village over those many years of service.

It would be one thing if Sam had announced his retirement. But he has strongly expressed his desire for another term as our Justice and his willingness to place his name before the electorate once again. And there is nothing in his recent actions that would even suggest that he might be slowing down.

Yet, despite Sam’s profession of his availability, the Croton Democratic Committee, in its infinite wisdom, unceremoniously dumped him from the ticket and designated Mr. Jaffery as the Democratic candidate for Village Justice in November. It was a procedure mimicking the medieval Star Chamber, shrouded in secrecy and devoid of the participation of or input from the thousands of registered Democrats in Croton. It was never made clear exactly what grievous sin Sam Watkins had committed or why Mr. Jaffery was considered the superior candidate. Could it have been Sam’s vocal support for maintaining the court in Croton, a position, until recently, opposed by most members of our Village Board? I don’t know, but the whole process was highly suspicious.

But Sam demonstrated his vitality by refusing to accept the Committee’s edict and simply slinking quietly away. He immediately sought another ballot line for his candidacy for Village Justice and was rapidly rewarded by the endorsement of the Voice of Croton, the principal opposition in Croton, which recognized his sterling qualities and the experience he brings to the position. So Mr. Jaffrey and the Croton Democratic Committee notwithstanding, Sam Watkins will appear on the November ballot as a candidate for Croton Village Justice.

This alone should be adequate reason for Mr. Jaffrey to step down. While I am certainly not a professional pollster, informal discussions with a large number of Croton residents suggest that Sam will win the position in a landslide. Mr. Jaffrey will likely suffer an ignominious and humiliating defeat in his first run for public office.

And what are Mr. Jaffery’s qualifications for this office? He is an attorney with a relatively brief residence in our village. One of many, many lawyers in Croton, and not yet a particularly distinguished one. He is known by relatively few outside of the Croton Dems. In his only public action of which I am aware, he proved himself to be offensively partisan by publishing a letter in the Gazette in which he promulgated disparaging—and erroneous—comments about a candidate for the Village Board who dared—dared—to run against the Democratic establishment in our village. So perhaps that makes him qualified for a position in the Democratic party, but is this the character of an individual we want on the bench, making judgments about us and our neighbors? Is this the action of one who would be pledged to be evenhanded and unbiased for or against anyone who appears before him? I think not.

There is no question whatsoever that Sam Watkins is the superior candidate for Village Justice and he should be returned to office for another term, regardless of which party line he runs on.

While it may be none of my business, but, as one who has been involved in village affairs for more than six decades, I would advise Mr. Jaffrey, “Step down now. Do not pursue this position this year. Over the next four years, become active in the affairs of our village, not the party. And do something beneficial for your fellow Crotonites, rather than simply disparaging them.” If you follow this route, and you can actually make a contribution to our village, perhaps at that time, your fellow citizens might just find you qualified and worthy of an elected position in Croton.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY LAUNCHES PODCAST

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.

Westchester County Government has launched a new podcast segment titled Westchester, Explained, a special series designed to give residents a deeper understanding of the policies, programs and decisions shaping life across the County. MORE AT Westchester County Launches “Westchester, Explained” Podcast Series to Break Down County Policies and Programs - River Journal Online - News for Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, Irvington, Ossining, Briarcliff Manor, Croton-on-Hudson, Cortlandt and Peekskill

TOM FARANDA'S FOLLY---AND HIS FRIDAY COCKTAIL SERIES---THE BLOOD AND SAND

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.

OUR REGULAR FRIDAY GUEST FEATURE--TOM FARANDA'S FOLLY---AND HIS FRIDAY COCKTAIL SERIES---THE BLOOD AND SAND---SEE MORE AT Friday Cocktail – The Blood and Sand – Tom Faranda's Folly

REMINDER---TODAY---CROTON SENIORS---ST. PATRICK'S

Hello all, Sorry for the delay, was out of town with poor or no reception or time to write.

We meet in the 

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Social hour begins at 11 with little bites followed by the big feast of corned beef and cabbage and sides provided by Cole's Market.

The leprechauns have decorated and put in the cake order.  It should be fun as always.  There will be iced tea, seltzer, beer and assorted soft drinks.
 
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WEAR SOME GREEN!

Be well, be safe,

 
El Presidente and Bob

REMINDER---ST. AUGUSTINE'S YOUTH GROUP'S ANNUAL PLANT SALE

Welcome to Everything Croton, (while the New One is down) a collection of all things Croton--our history, our homes, our issues, our businesses, our schools, our houses of worship--in short, EVERYTHING CROTON.

ST. AUGUSTINE'S YOUTH GROUP'S ANNUAL PLANT SALE 

MARCH 21 AND 22ND

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR...

The latest Croton Crafts and Commerce news (with a smattering of other local events too)....just 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, 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, 3RD Universe, MONDAYS GIFTS, Raga, ShopRite, and more.


SOME RECENT POSTS YOU MAY HAVE MISSED...

 

Because life gets busy:

*PHOTOS, CROTON GIRL SCOUT TROOP 2267 RECENT FUNDRAISER FOR FIRST RESPONDERS AND DPW; GO HERE

*THANK YOU TOM FARANDA'S FOLLY; WE MISSED IT: EverythingCroton: THANK YOU TOM FARANDA--WE MISSED THIS EXCELLENT ARTICLE: HATRED OF ISRAEL IS THE NEW ANTISEMITISM

*PVC SEEKS PRINCIPAL, MIDDLE SCHOOL, CROTON HARMON; go here

*ICE RESCUE TRAINING; CROTON FIRE DEPT; GO TO EverythingCroton: THANK YOU CROTON FIRE DEPARTMENT

* 2026 NYS BUDGET PROPOSALS RE: EDUCATION; CLICK HERE

*NEWS 12 THREATS AGAINST CROTON FIREFIGHTERS AND EMS WORKERS LEAD TO FELONY CHARGES; CLICK HERE

*THREE FABULOUS HISTORICAL ARTICLES FROM THE LATE ROBERT SCOTT AND HIS POSTSCRIPTS SITE; THERE WILL BE MORE LATER; FOR NOW, CLICK HERE

*GOUVEIA BANK BUILDING, OSSINING; CLICK HERE

*ICYMI-----ABOUT THAT NY TIMES/HECHLINGER ARTICLE---FROM THE CROTON HARMON DISTRICT, STEPHEN WALKER; MORE HERE

*1966 VINTAGE CROTON, FASHION SHOW; NEWCOMERS; GO TO EverythingCroton: 1966 CROTON NEWCOMERS FASHION SHOW AND CARD PARTY---HELD AT HOLY NAME

*MIRANDA DEVINE AND OUR CORRUPTED NEWS MEDIA; GO TO EverythingCroton: MIRANDA DEVINE AND THOSE CORRUPTED NEWS ORGANIZATIONS.....

UPDATED--MICHIGAN SYNAGOGUE ATTACKER IDENTIFIED




The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed to Fox News that the man who allegedly rammed a truck into a synagogue in West Bloomfield earlier today and was killed by security guards is Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a Lebanese national.

The Department of Homeland Security told Fox News that Ghazali entered the U.S. in 2011 on an IR1 immigrant visa as the spouse of a U.S. citizen.

He was naturalized as a U.S. citizen in 2016 during the Obama administration, Fox reported.Ghazali allegedly rammed a vehicle into the Temple Israel Synagogue and School and began firing a weapon when he was killed by a security guard.  MORE AT Michigan Synagogue Attacker Identified

Thursday, March 12, 2026

A WORD FROM CONGRESSMAN LAWLER ABOUT THE WORKING FAMILIES TAX CUT BILL



On July 4th, 2025, the Working Families Tax Cuts Bill was signed into law, delivering major tax relief for families across the Hudson Valley. That means families living in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, and Dutchess counties will see the immediate impact, with the average family saving $3,293 a year in federal taxes, and some even more.

Families in our region face some of the highest living costs in the country. Between property taxes, housing costs, child care, and everyday expenses, too many hardworking New Yorkers are being stretched thin. This law helps ensure you can keep more of the money you earn, and with tax season approaching, I want to make sure you understand how this legislation can directly benefit you and your family.

Some of the ways this law provides relief are through: Raising the SALT Cap from $10,000- $40,000 Raising the cap allows families to deduct more of the state and local taxes they already pay, and keeping the Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) intact, which protects small-business owners from facing a sudden federal tax increase.

Making Middle-Class Tax Cuts Permanent Increasing the Child Tax Credit to $2,200 per child, creating a 20% deduction for small businesses, and a higher standard deduction, meaning most families pay taxes on less income.

Creating No Tax on Tips or Overtime Workers can now deduct up to $25,000 in tips from federal income taxes and up to $12,500 in overtime pay.

Creating Tax Relief for Seniors Seniors 65+ living on a fixed income will benefit by claiming an additional $6,000 tax deduction, with married couples deducting up to $12,000.
 
Helping Businesses Grow and Create Jobs Helps businesses invest and expand by allowing them to deduct the cost of equipment purchases, rather than spreading deductions over many years, making it easier for local companies to grow, hire workers, and invest in the Hudson Valley.

Supporting Housing and Local Investments -This law permanently strengthens the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, New Markets Tax Credit, and Opportunity Zones, which help drive affordable housing and economic development in communities in the Hudson Valley.
 
Additional Relief for Families No tax on interest for new car loans on American-made vehicles, tax-free employer student loan repayment assistance, and expanded child-care tax credits to help working families manage costs.

Families across the Hudson Valley work hard and face one of the highest costs of living in the country. These tax reforms help ensure that working families, small businesses, and local communities can grow and succeed while keeping more of what they earn.

I am especially proud of the work alongside my colleagues in the SALT Caucus to secure meaningful relief for middle-class families who have been hit hard by the previous $10,000 cap. I remain committed to fighting for policies that lower costs, support our local businesses, and make life more affordable for families across the Hudson Valley.

I’m honored to serve as your Representative in Congress. If there is anything we can do for you or your family, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at 845-201-2060 or reach out through my website at lawler.house.gov. Additionally, you can keep up with the latest news on my efforts by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram - and by opting in to periodic updates from my office by CLICKING HERE.

REMINDER--SAVE THE DATE 4/18---TEMPLE ISRAEL'S GOT TALENT

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

4/18---Cheer on your Temple Israel friends as they dazzle and delight us with amazing acts including bagpipes, poetry, dancers, singers, percussionists and more! Come one and all to see Rabbi Jaech, Cantor Hayley & Cantor Dan reveal talents beyond the liturgical realm. MORE AT Temple Israel's Got Talent! - Event - Temple Israel of Northern Westchester

 


1870 THE BRICKMAKER STRIKE AT CROTON LANDING AND PEEKSKILL

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

1870 THE BRICKMAKER STRIKE AT CROTON LANDING AND PEEKSKILL...please note...this article is a product of its time.  If that sort of thing gives you the vapors, just move along.  For everyone else, click on the images below, courtesy of the LOC.