A VERY TROUBLING POLICY, A LETTER FROM RICK TURNER

The following letter from Rick Turner appears in this week's Gazette...

To the Editor:

Last night I spoke at a Village Board meeting regarding the wisdom, legality and necessity of a proposed contract. The Mayor accepted my comments and pledged to consider the issues I raised. 

OK. Although I am grateful the momentum to repeat past contract fiascos (plural) was averted (temporarily at least), the incident was troubling. During my 5 minute “citizen/ taxpayer” moment, I was informed that the Board would not answer any questions and, indeed has adopted a formal policy of not answering questions from citizens.  Wow; really?  I am truly shocked . . . and saddened. Our Village Board has a formal, written policy of not responding to citizen/ taxpayers.

Read more here 

ROBERT SCOTT HAS PASSED AWAY

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

Your editor received the sad news today that Croton's own Robert (Franklin) Scott has passed away. You can read the obituary in today's Gazette.  Services were private.

Scott was a long time resident of the village, a historian, and a no-nonsense kind of guy who spoke his mind on everything from the acquisition of the Gouveia property to Harmon re-zoning.  His analysis of local issues was always cogent and always well-researched. He was also the author of the well-respected series, CHRONICLES OF CROTON'S BOHEMIA. 

Here are some of our favorite Scott articles:

CHRONICLES OF CROTON'S BOHEMIA:
--INEZ MILHOLLAND, BEAUTIFUL SUFFRAGETTE ON A  WHITE HORSE; MORE HERE
--DORIS STEVENS SUFFRAGETTE; MORE HERE
--CRYSTAL EASTMAN; MORE HERE
--DUDLEY FIELD MALONE; MORE HERE
--LOUISE BRYANT, LIFE GOES ON AFTER JOHN REED; MORE HERE
--FLOYD DELL, A RESPECTABLE RADICAL; MORE HERE
--LILLIAN NORDICA, UNLUCKY IN LOVE http://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2013/02/lillian-nordica-more-chronicles-of.html
--THE MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF ACTRESS FLORENCE DESHON; MORE HERE
--MABLE DODGE  https://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2012/09/chronicles-of-crotons-bohemia-continues.html

MOVIES:
--PAY NO ATTENTION TO THAT MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN; THE WIZARD OF OZ; here
--GONE WITH THE WIND; MORE HERE

AND ROBERT SCOTT, REMEMBERING MARY LAMBRUSCHI https://everythingcroton.blogspot.com/2011/10/robert-scott-remembering-mary.html 

and his MEMORIES OF THE CROTON STEAK HOUSE; more here 

A VERY PLEASANT VISIT TO THE MEADOWS FARM IN YORKTOWN

If you're looking for a very pleasant drive---and an opportunity to support a local farm--then check out Route 129--past the Croton Dam and the Reservoir--just beautiful--and head into Yorktown...stop at 329 Underhill Avenue where you will find...THE MEADOWS FARM....(click on the photos and enjoy).

The Meadows Farm is a Family owned and operated farm in Yorktown Heights NY. You can read more about its history here and keep track of it via FB as well here.

MEADOWS often has produce varieties seldom found elsewhere....

Currently their garlic scapes are some of the best we've seen anywhere--and when tomato season goes into full swing, look for some of the sweetest cherry-types around---and heirloom varieties like their HEART OF THE BULL.

And for the organic crowd, Meadows added 20 acres of organically grown produce in 2013. 

They also feature some of the best potted zinnias for sale we've ever seen. 

So keep it local---enjoy the very quick, very pleasant drive--and visit THE MEADOWS FARM market today.    

Note: All content on this blog is Copyright (c) by Maria Cudequest and by the posters who have contributed specific content. All material is for your personal use only. No content or photos may be republished or sold, without prior written from your editor and the individual who contributed the content in question. For permissions or questions about this policy, please contact the editor.     

SOME MORE RECENTLY UNEARTHED BITS & PIECES ABOUT CROTON NOTABLES, GLEASON, BELLER & ULRIC

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

SOME MORE RECENTLY UNEARTHED BITS & PIECES ABOUT CROTON NOTABLES, JACKIE GLEASON, KATHLEEN BELLER & LENORE ULRIC--click on the photos and links.

First up from 1957, Jackie Gleason invites a few friends to Toot Shor's.....For those who don't know, Toots Shor's Restaurant was a restaurant and lounge owned and operated by Bernard "Toots" Shor at 51 West 51st Street in Manhattan during the 1940s and 1950s. Its oversized circular bar was a New York landmark. Perhaps this was where Gleason developed his fondness for the circular! CLICK HERE

That's followed by an ad for the 1963 Gleason vehicle--PAPA'S DELICATE CONDITION--a comedy film starring Gleason and Glynis Johns. It was an adaptation of the Corinne Griffith memoir of the same name, about her father and growing up in Texarkana, Texas. 

Jimmy Van Heusen (music) and Sammy Cahn (lyrics) won an Academy Award for Best Song for "Call Me Irresponsible". 

READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE. 

Here's a LITTLE blurb about notable Kathleen Beller from 1984--a radio interview in which she discusses her "fame" as Kirby from the 80's television show DYNASTY. 

Beller was on the show for two years; you can read more about her character here.

And from 1929, not the best year to release a film it turns out, Croton's own Lenore Ulric in her first "talkie" a.k.a. sound movie--FROZEN JUSTICE.

FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW: Frozen Justice is a 1929 American partially sound drama film with a synchronized soundtrack featuring music and sound effects directed by Allan Dwan. The picture starred Lenore Ulric and is based on the 1920 novel, Norden For Lov og Ret, by Ejnar Mikkelsen. 

The film was set in Nome, Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898 and 1899 and is presumed lost. 

The film received mixed reviews (the crash of 1929 did not help ticket sales). You can read more about it here. 

p.s. Director Allan Dwan had a Croton connection via THE CROTON AERO CLUB; read more here.

You may also enjoy seeing a still with Ulric and Greta Garbo from 1936's "Camille" here.

SEE THE LAST EDITION OF MORE BITS & PIECES UNEARTHED ABOUT CROTON NOTABLES HOWARD DA SILVA, VERA NEUMANN AND FLOYD DELL HERE.

Note: All content on this blog is Copyright (c) by Maria Cudequest and by the posters who have contributed specific content. All material is for your personal use only. No content or photos may be republished or sold, without prior written from your editor and the individual who contributed the content in question. For permissions or questions about this policy, please contact the editor.   

7/6/18 WITHOUT A NET AND SENASQUA TOO

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.

The latest from Croton's own WITHOUT A NET blog:

Friday July 6, 2018 was a banner day for fans of the band when they performed for the Summer Concert Series at Senasqua park in their home town of Croton-on-Hudson, NY. Our lead photo shows a happy Chris Oliver on the drums (who hardly ever gets lead billing) along with a banner custom created for the occasion by lead guitarist and graphic artist Jeff Thornton--read and see much more at https://withoutanetband.blogspot.com/2018/07/without-net-at-senasqua-762018.html

You may also enjoy their 2017 gig at THE WINERY HERE

BY SPECIAL REQUEST: THE GRAND OPENING OF THE WESTCHESTER MALL, 1974, THE PATENT TRADER

Harken back to a time when malls were new and exciting: The Grand Opening of The Westchester Mall. Courtesy of The Patent Trader, June 13, 1974. Sliced into three sections for easier reading.  Click on the images below and enjoy.

A JULY VISIT TO CORTLANDT'S VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK & AVELLINO'S TOO

If you haven't been to the Town of Cortlandt's Veterans Memorial Park on the Verplanck waterfront, make it a point to do so soon.  

Dedicated in 2012, (see the photos here) the park is not only a great location for eagle watching in the winter months, but is a great spot for osprey and cormorant watching as well---especially now.  On a recent visit, we spotted two immature eagles that have remained in the area, a pair of very active ospreys, a pileated woodpecker and numerous red-wing blackbirds.

Lake Meahagh is also within walking distance and a great spot for fishing or just relaxing. For those who don't know: Lake Meahagh was created by the Knickerbocker Ice Company during the second half of the 19th century to ship ice to New York City residents.

And if you get hungry---one of our faves--and a Verplanck "landmark" of sorts--Paradise Restaurant is nearby for your dining pleasure.

But on our most recent visit, however, we stopped at Avellino's in Montrose for lunch.

Avellino's is one of our favorite haunts during eagle season for soup and much more (read about that here). Yes, their pasta fagioli is amazing but it's really all good.

Freshly renovated, comfortable, excellent service, consistent food---add the Margarita pizza to your must-try list---and their Fettucini Alfredo too. p.s. They make an excellent espresso as well.

For more about Avellino's Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant, visit their FB page at www.facebook.com/avellinosmontrose/

Click on the photos and enjoy! 

Note: All content on this blog is Copyright (c) by Maria Cudequest and by the posters who have contributed specific content. All material is for your personal use only. No content or photos may be republished or sold, without prior written from your editor and the individual who contributed the content in question. For permissions or questions about this policy, please contact the editor. 

A BIG EVERYTHING CROTON SHOUT-OUT TO THE CROTON HARMON MUSIC ACADEMY

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. 

A BIG EVERYTHING CROTON SHOUT-OUT TO THE CROTON HARMON MUSIC ACADEMY for their very welcoming (and beautiful) garden urns and bench. (Click on the photo.)

The Croton Harmon Music Academy opened in the summer of 2017; read all about the owners and more, courtesy of a Croton United post from last August, at https://bit.ly/2m5oBoB

ANOTHER FUN WINDOW FROM OUR OWN "THE WESTCHESTER BALLOON COMPANY"

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.

ANOTHER FUN WINDOW FROM THE WESTCHESTER BALLOON COMPANY THAT JUST SCREAMS SUMMER--CLICK ON THE PHOTO

FOR MORE ABOUT THE WESTCHESTER BALLOON COMPANY, VISIT THEIR FB PAGE HERE 

AND NOW...FOR A LITTLE VINTAGE CROTON SUMMERTIME: WHAT IS SUMMER, CROTON 1972; more here  AND MORE FROM A CROTON SUMMER OF 1972; click here.

A LITTLE APRIL IN CROTON 1973

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

And now by special request...and before it gets too warm(!)...A LITTLE APRIL IN CROTON 1973

Click on the images below, courtesy of THE CROTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY. VIST THEIR NEW WEBSITE TODAY AT crotonhistoricalsociety.org/

METRO STARS NEARLY KILLED, CLIFFORD HARMON ESTATE

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

METRO STARS NEARLY KILLED, CLIFFORD HARMON ESTATE---we knew about Francis X. Bushman and the movie at Harmon's estate---read more about that here

But we didn't know about this! Click on the article from the June 18, 1918 edition of MOTOGRAPHY.

MORE RECENTLY UNEARTHED BITS & PIECES ABOUT CROTON NOTABLES, VERA NEUMANN, FLOYD DELL & HOWARD DA SILVA

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

SOME MORE RECENTLY UNEARTHED BITS & PIECES ABOUT CROTON NOTABLES, VERA NEUMANN--FLOYD DELL--AND HOWARD DA SILVA--click on the photos and links.

First up from the Patent Trader, 1974, Katonah Gallery to feature Collections/Philosophies--Vera Neunann lent her Picasso owl drawings, her Miros and other items reflecting her love of color and design to the exhibit.

Next up, Floyd Dell Reads Poems to Members of Croton Rotary 1930...

Dell was part of "Croton's Bohemia" and while few read his books today, his novels were once immensely popular. 

Read more about Dell, courtesy of Croton's own Robert Scott in...

Floyd Dell: A Respectable Radical, Chronicles of Croton's Bohemia https://bit.ly/2teshGr

Next up, more about Howard Da Silva, one of Croton's most famous notables....a charming little clip (highlighted in red) from December 1946, "IN HOLLYWOOD".

It;s followed by a p.r. blurb for 1947's BLAZE OF NOON, with ANNE BAXTER, HOWARD DA SILVA, WILLIAM HOLDEN, STERLING HAYDEN, SONNY TUFTS, and WILLIAM HOLDEN in starring roles.

Blaze of Noon is a 1947 aviation adventure film directed by John Farrow and based on writer and aviator Ernest K. Gann's best-selling novel Blaze of Noon (1946), a story about early air mail operations. 

The screenplay was from well-known writer and aviator Frank "Spig" Wead and Arthur Sheekman.

And in case you missed it, a post on Da Silva in The Lost Weekend with Ray Milland here.

See the last edition of......

MORE RECENTLY UNEARTHED BITS AND PIECES ABOUT CROTON NOTABLES, FAY BAINTER, ALEXANDER CALDER, AND GLORIA SWANSON, MADAME SANS-GEN at

https://bit.ly/2J2bGgp

PLASTIC BAG HYPOCRISY

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

PLASTIC BAG HYPOCRISY 

July 06, 2018

The following letter was published in this week’s issue of the Gazette.

To the editor:
The growing use of plastic worldwide creates multiple problems, and plastic bags are one component of that problem. For that reason, reduction in plastic bag use is a legitimate issue of public policy. But legislation should not be necessitated by the hypocrisy of the members of our community, and that is what we have today in Croton. 

In the June 14/20 issue of The Gazette, 57 local businesses put their names on an ad in support of a law banning plastic bags in Croton. Yet many of those same businesses are continuing to use those same plastic bags. Croton businesses know what needs to be done to save our planet, they just refuse to stop using plastic bags till they are forced to do so under penalty of law.

Is it possible to be more of a hypocrite? Incredibly, the answer is “Yes.” Some of the Croton businesses who put their names in the advertisement not only continue to use plastic today, they would be exempt from the proposed law in whole or part.

READ MORE AT  http://www.crotonunited.org/news-views/2018/7/6/plastic-bag-hypocrisy

1968, CROTON LIONS, JUNIOR STAMP & COIN CLUB

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

A very old request for any info on Croton's "Stamp and Coin Club"...here's what we've got--(and hopefully what the reader was looking for)--courtesy of the outstanding archives maintained by The Croton Historical Society....

--From 1968, Click on the photo...the "Junior Stamp and Coin Club", sponsored by The Croton Lions Club, with Jerry Marfito.

--And in case you missed it, 1982, Croton's Jerry Pinkney, Robinson stamp to debut--click on the photo.

YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY THIS 1971 POST about a rare $34,000 stamp and the Croton Rotary Club here.

AND FROM 1948, CROTON-ON-HUDSON CANCELLATION STAMP GETS HYPHENATED!  https://crotonhistory.org/2017/03/31/croton-on-hudson-gets-hyphenated-april-1-1948/