PHOTOS, 2012 CROTON ROTARY CLASSIC CAR SHOW

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

Despite predictions of scattered showers, the 2012 Croton Rotary Classic Car Show went off without a hitch. Click on the photos below to see some of today's great event:

TODAY'S HNM SPECIAL RECOGNITION & BLESSING FOR FIRST REPONDERS, 911 AND LOCALLY

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

Today, Holy Name of Mary held a special recognition of, and blessing for, the first responders of both 9/11 and locally who serve us so loyally day in and day out at the 10:45 am mass. We thought you'd enjoy seeing this photo. Of course, the Knights of Columbus are always on hand for such events! Click on the photo.

REALLY BIG DOG! AND A MOOSH AT HEART...

EVERYTHING CROTON'S BIG DOG OF THE MONTH--HECK THE YEAR! IT'S QUAZZY! Click on the photo! Got a head like a bear and over 5 feet tall on all fours. Click on the photo.

JOURNAL NEWS ARTICLE, DOCUMENTS OBTAINED THROUGH FREEDOM OF INFORMATION, INCINERATOR ASH, CROTON

JOURNAL NEWS, 9/26/12, CROTON WASTE SITE'S RESURRECTION WORRIES RESIDENTS

NOTE: NOT ALL DOCUMENTS OBTAINED PURSUANT TO FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ARE  COVERED IN THIS ARTICLE. Highlights only. Read more at the link below:

CROTON-ON-HUDSON 
--New ownership of a controversial dump site (1A Croton Pt. Avenue) appears imminent, raising concerns about future operations there, as well as scrutiny of discussions held by village officials behind the scenes over the proposed use of the facility...What new ownership of the property might mean is being evaluated in light of previous correspondence with Mayor Leo Wiegman and Westchester County officials, obtained through Freedom of Information requests. The e-mails show discussions about the site, formerly owned by Metro Enviro, and its potential for use in transporting ash from a Peekskill incinerator.
--As one e-mail from the deputy environmental facilities commissioner, Louis Vetrone, stated, in early 2011: “You may recall Croton Mayor Wiegman requested that the County explore whether it would be feasible for the County to purchase or lease the former Metro Enviro rail spur property and use it to transport ash” from the incinerator. 

The foiled documents from the county are here: http://tinyurl.com/9huvr7c
READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE HERE http://www.lohud.com/article/20120926/NEWS02/309260105/Croton-waste-site-s-possible-resurrection-worries-residents

EDITOR'S NOTE: CROTON OFFICIALS ARE DISPUTING THIS ARTICLE: 
Perhaps the mayor and trustees, and the public, would be better served if Croton's officials immediately contacted the county department of environmental facilities and asked for a retraction of the content found in the documents they provided pursuant to a freedom of information request from a citizen. If it is the board's position that these documents are erroneous, that county officials are misinterpreting these many meetings, discussions, events, conversations, etc., which apparently Trustee Schmidt, a fellow trustee, was not made aware of, then they should immediately ask county officials for a public retraction.

LETTER TO THE GAZETTE ON THE MAYOR'S "DENIAL"  http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2012/10/1a-croton-point-ave-update-response-to.html

CHRONICLES OF CROTON'S BOHEMIA CONTINUES, MABEL DODGE, ROBERT SCOTT'S LATEST

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

In his newest Postscriptsseries titled "Chronicles of Croton's Bohemia," Croton's own Robert Scott focuses his attention on the many fascinating personalities who contributed to the vibrant bohemian community that flourished in Croton and Harmon a century ago. 

This week's article tells the story of wealthy socialite Mabel Dodge, the catalyst who brought artists, writers, radicals and intellectuals together in her salon--the "movers and shakers" whose ideas on art, politics, relationships and sexual equality were upsetting the old order. Read the Mabel Dodge story on Postscripts at http://notorc.blogspot.com/2012/09/mabel-dodge-power-of-money.html

FUNGUS AT THE MERWIN OAK

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

We were all quite alarmed when we spotted this type of wood rot fungus quickly overtaking a portion of Croton's Merwin Oak at its base--click on the photo--and made some inquiries. Artie Neff, on hand for the Fun Fall Day, told us that it had recently been treated professionally. We'll keep you posted.

ED RONDTHALER'S WIRE SCULPTURES OF HISTORIC BRIDGES & BUILDINGS ON PERMANENT DISPLAY AT THE CROTON LIBRARY

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

CROTON FREE LIBRARY, 171 Cleveland Drive, Croton-on-Hudson, NY 10520

914-271-6612, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ed Rondthaler's Wire Sculptures of Historic Bridges and Buildings of the Croton River Go On Permanent Display at the Croton Free Library

Thirteen small wire sculptures, created by the late Edward Rondthaler (1905-2009), merge his artistic talents, craftmanship and his passion for history and storytelling, with his love of the Croton River. Started during a long winter in 1947, they hung for more than 60 years on a map he painted on his living room wall. After he passed away in 2009, at the age of 104, his friend Carl Oechsner, President of Croton Friends of History, facilitated the generous donation by the Rondthaler family to the Croton Free Library—an organization Ed had long supported.

The sculptures start with a train crossing the bridge at the mouth of the Croton River and end with the bridge that crosses the spillway of the New Croton Dam. Along the way we see historic buildings—Van Cortlandt Manor, the Ferry House, the Underhill Mill—and bridges that have long fascinated Crotonites, like the Revolutionary War "New Bridge" that George Washington crossed on the way to victory at Yorktown and Quaker Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Westchester County.  

One of the highlights is Ed's sculpture of High Bridge, the magnificent covered wooden bridge, built 60 feet above the river in 1842, after the collapse of first Croton Dam washed away every bridge on the Croton River. In Ed's clever depiction there's a gondola tied up below the bridge. Why? Because 28 years after High Bridge collapsed, real estate developer Clifford Harmon built Nikko Inn on the very same cliff and had gondolas made by Croton’s Osborn Boat Works, to transport visitors up the river from the train station to the inn.

“When I look at the High Bridge sculpture I can hear Ed telling a story,” says Carl Oechsner. “He’d talk about the prehistoric glacier that formed the Croton River, he’d tell stories about the Native Americans, the Van Cortlandts, the way “Croton Water” from the river saved and helped to create New York City. We hope this wonderful gift will keep Ed’s passion for local history alive in Croton.”

The display of Ed's work has been a community effort. His friend and neighbor, Elton Robinson, contributed a large photographic portrait by Croton resident Thomas Kristich, taken in front of Ed's beloved "picture tunnel". Carl Oechsner and Marc Cheshire worked with the Croton Free Library to archivally frame Ed's work, and to complement the library's display they have posted an article on the Croton Friends of History website that reveals how Ed came to create the wire sculptures and the history behind them.

CROTON PHOTOS, FUN FALL DAY 2012: CET PTA, HISPANIC MINISTRY OF HOLY NAME, FRANZOSO CONTRACTING

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

Well Croton's first annual FUN FALL DAY went off without a hitch. The threatened rain held off until later in the evening and everyone had a great time.

One of the nicest things about these types of events is the opportunity to learn new things about the village--and of course, to meet old friends and make new ones--perhaps most importantly, however, these events deepen one's appreciation for why we all came to Croton in the first place: it's small town atmosphere and charm.

We learned quite a bit today--The CETPTA table was selling very cool spiritwear (visit www.cetpta.com for more info). Meanwhile, the fundraising table for the Hispanic Ministry at Holy Name of Mary had everything from Hummel plates to Korean dolls (click on the photos below)--p.s. The 2nd anniversary celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Grotto is 10/7.  Oh and don't forget, the famous Rotary Classic Car Show is 9/30/12--check out Franzoso Contracting's fully restored 1930's pick-up truck on display at yesterday's Fun Fall Day. Stay tuned for more photos.

 

R.I.P. JASPER

We received the sad news today that Everything Croton's Cute Dog of the Month for July--Jasper--passed away last night (see him in all his coiffed glory here: http://tiny.cc/j5uzkw)

Jasper will be very much missed from our doggie playdates. We'd like to think he's spending time with the late Bobo and Chang, head-butting, eating deer poop (why do dogs like that stuff) and otherwise fiercely guarding his slice of heaven. R.I.P. Jasper

ODD CLOVE-LIKE SMELL THROUGHOUT UPPER VILLAGE, MAKING INQUIRIES--UPDATED

We've noticed, and lots of people have written, especially local businesses, about an overpowering smell through the village described as cloves or medicinal lavender. We've called the village office (supposedly a tree company was spraying it but we do not have confirmation of that) and will post the response if we get one. Meanwhile we're keeping the windows closed.

UPDATE: PRODUCT USED WAS A FAST ACTING WEED AND  GRASS KILLER, ORGANIC, PET APPROVED, CALLED BURN-OUT II, MADE FROM PLANT OILS

THE GAZETTE--PRICE TAG UP FOR CONTROVERSIAL CROTON POINT AVENUE/BIKE LANE PLAN

UPDATED 1/17/13 http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2013/01/new-at-facebook-citizens-against-croton.html

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

The new Gazette Week of September 20-26, 2012 has a front page article on the 9/18 Croton Point Avenue/Bike Lane project info meeting.

Please note:
--Contrary to the Gazette article, there were more than a "half-dozen speakers": 11 people spoke. You are encouraged to watch the videotape at the village website to verify.
--The article says "continued on page 6"; it is not on page 6 but page 4

Here are some highlights:

PRICE TAG UP FOR CONTROVERSIAL CROTON POINT AVENUE PLAN

"A $300,000 increase in the cost estimate--to $2.8 million--certainly didn't make a proposed upgrade along Croton Point Avenue and connecting roads any more appealing among the project's detractors..."

"Croton Pt. Avenue commercial property owners Mark Franzoso and John Perillo reiterated their opposition to the ban on parking along the entire length of Croton Point Avenue, which was implemented early this year in anticipation of the project getting the green light from the trustees. Claiming it is deleterious to the value of their properties, they urged a redesign that would exclude a bicycle lane along the north side of Croton Point Avenue."

"The village's share is now projected at $1.1 million (this appears to be incorrect, we believe it is higher and will check)...With the federal share of the project remaining at $1.2 million reflecting the time 4 years ago when a consulting firm INCORRECTLY estimated the project cost of $1.5 million--the village's share is now projected at $1.1 million, not including a county grant of almost $500,000 in reserve."

"The public will have until October 5 to offer written comments to the Board of Trustees, after which the board is expected to decide whether to proceed...if it decides to table the plan, the village is reportedly on the hook for some $150,000 in design and engineering costs."

"A few speakers were critical of the board conducting the informational meeting Tuesday night. They said it should have been cancelled, or a second session should be scheduled, due to the afternoon and evening's major rain and wind storm in the area which included a tornado watch posted by the National Weather Service. Some road closures including both lanes of Route 129 were closed to traffic through the early evening due to downed tree limbs and utility wires". 

You are encouraged to read the article in its entirety. You may also have an interest in http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2012/03/franzoso-no-parking-is-no-good-for.html  AND http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2012/09/croton-ptbike-lane-info-meeting-to-go.html

CARDBOARD CHRISTMAS DOT COM IS FAMOUS...KINDA

Fantastic news: Paul Racep tells us that CardboardChristmas.com is famous—well sort of—click on the link: http://www.cardboardchristmas.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=205

And for all us (Putz) Village enthusiasts—Christmas or otherwise--a new publication—Village D’Lights: “If you just stick up a few buildings on the mantel or sofa table, Village D-Lights isn't for you. But if you want power -- want to create cities and towns or to create that perfect neighborhood we all wished we lived in. Then this is the magazine for you.”

Click on the link: http://collectibles.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=collectibles&cdn=hobbies&tm=73&f=20&su=p284.13.342.ip_p504.6.342.ip_&tt=4&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.villaged-lights.com/

And all that reminded us again of Cora Baitler’s amazing Christmas putz village circa 1950’s; we could look at all the pictures a hundred times and never stop being amazed. Click on the link http://www.flickr.com/photos/22283683@N07/sets/72157627723865005/with/3144949425/

CROTON PT/BIKE LANE INFO MEETING TO GO ON AS SCHEDULED

Despite the fact that the Hudson Valley is under a tornado watch until tonight, WITH GALE FORCE WINDS POSSIBLE and heavy rains currently. the information meeting will go on as scheduled unless...

Mr. Zambrano stated: The village is holding the meeting.  If there are last minute changes due to severe weather, we will announce accordingly. 

Huh?

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU'LL FIND AT THE CROTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY #11, FORD, VINTAGE COCA-COLA AND JACKIE GLEASON

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

PART ELEVEN - YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU'LL FIND AT THE CROTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY: A rich newspaper archive with great old ads, vintage magazines, the unusual, the stuff of future exhibits. We've picked out some interesting things today.

First, it's Glenn Ford, star of Mr. Soft Touch, for Chesterfield cigarettes; then there are 2 great Coca-Cola ads, 1950 and 1949, followed by more Jackie Gleason--his 1958 album Riff Jazz, AND A SONG CALLED THE CROTON CRAZE; Gleason lived in nearby Cortlandt--Click on the photos and enjoy. And see his round house and music room, also courtesy of The Croton Historical Society HERE.

CLICK ON THE PHOTOS.