SEA BRIGHT – Over 400 people came out on a windy, chilly Sunday morning to support the Tigger Stavola Foundation’s fifth annual Polar Plunge on March 10.
Held at Edgewater Beach & Cabana Club, this year’s event was in memory of Brian Duddy, Jr. who lost his life to substance-use disorder nearly a year ago.
Prior to plunging, attendees enjoyed breakfast and prepared inspirational stones used to form a heart in the sand as a memorial to the many beautiful souls lost to the disease of addiction.
The event was supported by local political leaders, including Monmouth County Commissioners Director, Thomas A. Arnone, who was a “Bear Friend” sponsor, and Assemblywoman Luann Peterpaul, who was in attendance.
Athletic teams like Red Bank Regional High School Boys Lacrosse and service groups like the Boys & Girls Club Leaders of Asbury helped bolster attendance this year. Middle and high school students traveled from as far as New Egypt, Jackson and Manchester Township to volunteer and plunge.
“Attendance at this event has more than doubled in the past two years,” said Founding Director, Lisa Stavola, who lost her son Tigger at 25 years of age to an accidental overdose.
This incredible turnout is indicative of the impact that addiction and overdose is having on our community, so we’re thrilled to see so many of our youth showing up and engaging in important conversations about preventing addiction.”
Matt Bellace, a motivational speaker who is part of the foundation’s Partner School Program, delivered a pre-plunge pep talk about the benefits of achieving natural highs.
Attendees also had the opportunity to sign up for the LED (Leadership, Education and Drug Prevention) by Tigger mobile engagement tool, designed to help 7th through 12th graders make smarter decisions when confronted with vaping, marijuana, alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
Visit tiggerstavolafoundation.org to learn more about drug education programs available for your school.
Text TIGGER to 43386 to sign up for LED by Tigger.
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]]>YORKTOWN, N.Y. -- Shrub Oak native Nadia Briones grew up studying the art of arias. But these days, the 2013 Lakeland High School grad and classically trained singer spends more time immersed in the science of anatomy as a student at the New York Medical College (NYMC) School of Medicine.
With a musical ear attuned to harmony and rhythm, and hands adept at healing touch (she’s also a licensed massage therapist), Briones is about to finish her first year at NYMC, where she’s training for a career devoted to compassionate care and holistic well-being.
Briones has always had a gift for music. Born into a musical family, she began singing at the age of five. She has explored various genres throughout her life, including classical, jazz, and – inspired by a connection to her Argentinian roots – tango.
Her introduction to formal musical training was with the Taconic Opera, a Croton-based company that was then looking for children to join its chorus. She would eventually perform regularly with the New York City Opera and The Metropolitan Opera, enjoying a decade-long career. Choosing a favorite performance is difficult for Briones; however, she says portraying Lucia from Gaetano Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” and singing in Jimmy López’s “Bel Canto” rank among her most memorable experiences.
“I just look back and think of how much fun I had performing,” Briones said. “I loved music production and the whole performance environment.”
Briones, a coloratura soprano, went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance at the Hartt School of Music in West Hartford. During a study-abroad trip singing opera in Milan, Italy, her passion for the arts collided with her interest in the sciences when a friend introduced her to the tech startup Bright Line Eating.
“The idea of people struggling with food and eating intrigued me,” she said. “I can’t really explain where it came from, but we’ve all encountered our own struggles with our bodies and eating healthily.”
After piquing her curiosity, the startup marked her first venture into the sciences, as she worked remotely in customer service, research, and IT.
After graduating college, Briones came back to New York and continued her work with Bright Line Eating. She also renewed her involvement with the Taconic Opera, where she helped start a summer program for young adults. While she also had performances in between, she started feeling the work-from-home blues, long before it became the norm in the years of the pandemic.
“Even though I was grateful that I had a job that allowed me a lot of flexibility [with Bright Line], I missed human connection,” she said.
While looking for a way to find that connection, she found an advertisement for the Finger Lakes School of Massage. She took a leap of faith and went to orientation. Briones ran into a family friend who was a massage therapist and encouraged her to make a career change.
“This was a really fun and meaningful way of interacting with a body that I had never thought about,” Briones said.
Without formal science training, massage therapy was Briones’ first exposure to the study of anatomy; she said it was a pivotal moment in her life.
“My teachers said, ‘You don’t belong here. You belong somewhere where you can really study this stuff in an advanced way,’” she recalled.
At first, Briones shrugged off suggestions by her teacher and mentor that she pursue a science-based career. But that started to change after her massage therapy program was invited by NYMC to explore the anatomy lab. One of her teachers asked Briones if she could see herself working there; at first, she dismissed the suggestion as “ridiculous.”
Yet a few years later, she would be in that same lab studying anatomy with the same professors she met during her tour.
After working at an athletic center providing massage therapy for Olympic weightlifters, Briones realized she wanted to advance her knowledge in healthcare. She said the familiarity and “homeyness” of NYMC made her choice of medical school easy.
With a guitar in hand and a certification in massage therapy, Briones, who expects to graduate from NYMC in 2027, brings a unique perspective to medicine.
“I love music,” she said. “Music is medicine for my soul. But I will say that something I love in particular is performing. Connecting with an audience and telling a story.”
As a School of Medicine student senator, she is helping to organize a public speaking workshop in April with NYMC’s Phillip Capozzi, M.D., Library to teach students ways to engage, convince, and present in front of an audience. She says she was inspired by her undergraduate studies in performance and saw the need for students to master the art of communication in the medical field.
“I’ve been a student nonstop almost since I was born,” said Briones, who still finds time to sing as a member of the choir Choral Chameleon along with some smaller local community choirs and occasional performances with the Taconic Opera and the Hudson River Opera. “I know it’s early in my medical education, but I fantasize about all the different specialties I could pursue. It’s hard to choose one now, but I can see myself happily being a physician knowing that my scope would end at the depths of the field and not the width.”
As for how music and medicine continue to coexist in her life, Briones said that while the stage and the surgery are very different places, they inspire her in similar ways.
“I find that medicine and music share so many elements actually,” she said. “One thing that links music and medicine for me is my love of learning. My parents showed me that knowledge and education are the most valuable things you can acquire. No one can take education away from you. I also happen to just love both fields so much, and I find a deep sense of fulfillment by immersing myself in them. When I was young, I used to worry a lot about how to make different aspects of my life ‘fit together, and someone close to me assured me: ‘If you’re ever worried that you can’t find the connection between two distant aspects of your life, then remember that you are that connection.’”
Article courtesy New York Medical College/edited by Yorktown News
]]>RED BANK, NJ: The Red Bank BSA Troop 67 is having a Flapjack Fundraiser on Sunday, March 24 from 8:00am – 10:00am at the Middletown Applebee's, 1183 Route 35, Middletown, NJ!
Tickets are $15 each for ages 10 and over and $12 for children under 10 years of age. Proceeds help with troop activities and summer camp,” said Christina Dostie, Troop 67 fundraiser lead.
All proceeds benefit Troop 67 to purchase supplies, badges, camping gear. They also will go towards subsidizing the costs of camping trips and registration fees for our troop members.
If you are unable to attend the Flapjack Fundraiser, but would like to support the troop, you can email the troop at njtroop67@gmail.com
Purchase Tickets Now!
For more information and to purchase tickets, click HERE.
"A week of camp life is worth six months of theoretical teaching in the meeting room." Lord Robert Baden-Powell
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]]>BEDFORD, N.Y. - Earlier this month, Bedford 2030 was pleased to announce that Gabrielle Bilik has joined the organization as the new Program Administrator.
Bilik had previously worked for United Way and 4Communi-T, and had also been a long-tenured staff member with Halston Media, the parent company of this newspaper.
Now, she will bring her skills as a designer and writer to Bedford 2030’s mission of addressing climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the preservation of our natural resources.
“I always enjoy roles where I feel like my work is contributing to the greater good, so working here is a great tool to redirect some of my climate anxiety,” Bilik explains. “Instead of feeling helpless when I watch the news or notice the weather, I can feel like I’m taking some action in my little corner of the world.”
In her new role as Program Administrator, Bilik will support the organization’s community engagement, events, and public relations.
In pursuing their goal of fighting for clean air, water, and land resources by reducing greenhouse gasses, Bedford 2030 has developed deep roots in the community and called on residents to take collective action.
The organization is also looking ahead to their Earth Day Festival, to be held on Sunday, April 21 at the Bedford Hills Train Station. The day will include live music, family activities, local experts who can explain green incentives, and the final student presentations of the Greenlight Award contest.
As she settles into her new role, Bilik has found that Bedford 2030 has already given her plenty to be excited about.
“They're doing so many fun and exciting things,” she concludes. “I'm particularly excited about Bedford 2030's plans and model. Through their work, the Town of Bedford reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 44% and exceeded its 20% by 2020 goal three years ahead of schedule. Their new goal is to reduce GHG emissions 80% by 2030. The Town of Bedford and Bedford 2030 worked together to write an aggressive Climate Action Plan, and this showcases the potential for meaningful change through deliberate efforts. What truly inspires me is the prospect of Bedford's model influencing communities beyond its borders. I'm passionate about encouraging other towns to adopt similar strategies, especially for those hesitant due to immediate financial concerns. It's crucial to acknowledge Bedford's resource advantage and commend their responsible use, setting an example for less resource-endowed communities. In my role, I hope to contribute to making these goals attainable for all.”
For more information on Bedford 2030, visit bedford2030.org, and follow them on social media. (FaceBook: facebook.com/Bedford2030; Instagram: bedford_2030; Twitter: @bedford2030)
]]>KATONAH, N.Y. - The Katonah Village Library welcomes author and poet S.T. Haggerty with intimate stories of Norman Rockwell’s models and their time in Rockwell's studio.
The presentation will take place in the lower level accessible Garden Room on Tuesday, March 19 at 1 p.m.
Haggerty explores the dynamic exchange between artist and model, and gives insight into Rockwell's sentimental, romanticized world and work. Some of these models lived here in Westchester.
In 1940, America’s favorite illustrator Norman Rockwell, his wife Mary and their three sons moved to the picturesque rural village of West Arlington, Vermont. The artist discovered a treasure trove of models. Norman Rockwell’s Models: In and Out of the Studio details these models’ lives, friendships with the artist, and experiences in his studio.
Upon meeting people, young or old, the artist would say, “Call Me Norman.” Rockwell learned the models’ roles in the community and their personalities, which fostered genuine paintings. He strove, for example, to find real-life soldiers to model as WWII heroes and spirited boys and girls for lively paintings. In the studio, Norman was charming and polite, but painstaking. He demonstrated poses and did whatever was necessary to evoke his trademark expressions, including telling stories of his own life, sometimes laughing or crying.
Haggerty spent entire summers at his family’s farmhouse near West Arlington, Vermont, and knew many models, including those who posed for such iconic works as Freedom of Speech, Breaking Home Ties, and Girl at the Mirror. Along with models and their families, the author hayed the scenic fields in the Batten Kill River Valley and swam under the red covered bridge on the Village Green. These experiences give him a unique perspective for telling this story.
]]>MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Beginning Monday, March 18th Town Hall's official hours will be Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM to help better serve residents.
It is not a change for most because many departments already adhere to these hours, and the Township would like to keep them consistent across the board, so community members know when they can conduct business at Town Hall and other satellite Township offices.
This change in hours will NOT apply to the following facilities:
Middletown Arts Center
Middletown Senior Center
Middletown Township Public Library
Tonya Keller Community Center
NEW: Extended Hours to Assist Public
On the evenings of Township Committee Regular Meetings, a representative from certain departments will be extending their hours from 5:30-7:30 PM to assist the public. On Monday, March 18th, the following departments will be available at Town Hall to answer questions and/or help community members conduct municipal business:
Building
Clerk's Office
Court
Health
Planning/Zoning
Tax Assessment
To contact departments ahead of time, visit www.middletownnj.org/directory for a list of phone numbers.
]]>HAZLET, NJ: It is time for Hazlet's very organized, Town-Wide Garage Sale! Registration is now open: Click here to register.
Hazlet is holding a spring Town-Wide Garage Sale on Saturday, April 20. (Rain date is Sunday). If you plan to sell, get listed on the interactive Google Map to advertise your garage sale. There are already over 20 homes listed! The map will be published on the township website the week before the sale. So, get a start on the spring-cleaning, and get ready to recycle your stuff!
]]>Check out our NEW streaming services now available to all Somers cardholders!
Mango
Interested in learning a new language? We've got the service for you!
Somers Library cardholders now have access to Mango Languages, a service that teaches vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and culture through everyday conversations.
Mango utilizes conversational methodology and adaptive learning process evolves to adjust according to your progress and unique learning behaviors preparing you to start the conversation with confidence.
• Over 70 world languages
• English Courses for other speaker languages
• Indigenous and endangered languages
• American Sign Language
• Learn to speak pirate!
Use their app or your favorite browser.
Click HERE to get started!
medici.tv
This is your streaming service for classical music, opera & dance.
Featuring content both live streaming and recorded.
Cultural programming includes,
• Classical and jazz
• Concerts
• Operas
• Ballet
• Documentaries
• Classes
Watch via the app, Roku, or your smart TV
Click HERE to get started!
the Shelf
The ultimate library streaming service for the Hispanic Community
A streaming video collection of Spanish-language movies & TV series with content from Latin America and Spain.
• Movies
• Music
• Series
• TV channels
• Performing arts
• Podcasts
• Games
Focus by country of origin or age audiences
Watch on their app or cast to a Smart TV
FAQ available en Espanol or in English
Click HERE to get started!
Brought to you by the Somers Library through the Westchester Library System.
Empowering libraries, empowering communities.
ASBURY PARK, NJ - At the Jersey Shore, St. Patrick's Day has finally arrived, bringing with it a wave of green, joyous parades, community fundraisers, and lively events. This year, the towns of Belmar and Asbury Park outdid themselves, hosting extremely successful parades that have become a staple of the region's festive spirit. Belmar enjoyed some of the best weather conditions in the parade's history, while Asbury Park celebrated its 10th anniversary with a record-breaking number of participants, marking a significant milestone in the event's history.
As Irish-Americans, and those who don the green to be Irish for the day, start their celebrations in places like Kelly's in Neptune City, before moving on to other local favorites such as The Break in Asbury Park and Jack’s by the Tracks in Belmar, it's crucial to reflect on the significance of this day. St. Patrick's Day, observed annually on March 17th, transcends mere festivity, embodying a profound celebration of Irish culture, heritage, and the diasporic ties that bind Irish-Americans to their ancestral homeland.
For the Irish-American community, St. Patrick's Day is a vibrant declaration of cultural identity. The day is filled with displays of traditional Irish music, dance, literature, and cuisine. Parades feature bagpipers, Irish dancers, and floats that honor Ireland's rich history and folklore. The widespread wearing of green, symbolizing Ireland's lush landscape, acts as a gesture of unity and pride. These festivities serve not only as entertainment but as a means for Irish-Americans to reaffirm their connection to their roots and celebrate their unique heritage.
The historical significance of St. Patrick's Day for Irish-Americans cannot be overstated. It commemorates Saint Patrick, credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland, and has evolved to recognize the achievements and struggles of Irish immigrants in America. The first St. Patrick's Day parade in 1762, organized by Irish soldiers in New York City, was an act of communal solidarity. These parades have since become a powerful expression of Irish pride and a reflection of the Irish-American journey from marginalized immigrants to vital contributors to American society.
St. Patrick's Day also serves as a platform for social and political engagement, addressing issues critical to Ireland and its diaspora, such as peace in Northern Ireland and immigration reform in the United States. The participation of politicians in these events underscores the importance of the Irish-American community and the issues they champion, blending celebration with advocacy.
Moreover, St. Patrick's Day's embrace by the broader American society highlights its role in celebrating multiculturalism and inclusivity. The day offers insight into the American immigrant experience, demonstrating how diverse traditions enrich the national fabric. The participation of people from all backgrounds in St. Patrick's Day festivities showcases the day's ability to bridge cultural divides and foster a sense of communal belonging.
In conclusion, St. Patrick's Day represents a key moment for Irish-Americans, a time when cultural pride, historical reflection, social engagement, and inclusivity converge. It is a day that celebrates the full spectrum of the Irish-American experience, highlighting the enduring connections between Ireland and its diaspora. Through parades, cultural events, and reflections on shared heritage, St. Patrick's Day remains a vital expression of identity, memory, and community, particularly at the Jersey Shore, where the spirit of the day is alive and well, uniting all in a shared celebration of Irish heritage.
]]>BELMAR, NJ - At the Jersey Shore, St. Patrick's Day has finally arrived, bringing with it a wave of green, joyous parades, community fundraisers, and lively events. This year, the towns of Belmar and Asbury Park outdid themselves, hosting extremely successful parades that have become a staple of the region's festive spirit. Belmar enjoyed some of the best weather conditions in the parade's history, while Asbury Park celebrated its 10th anniversary with a record-breaking number of participants, marking a significant milestone in the event's history.
As Irish-Americans, and those who don the green to be Irish for the day, start their celebrations in places like Kelly's in Neptune City, before moving on to other local favorites such as Jack’s by the Tracks in Belmar and The Break in Asbury Park, it's crucial to reflect on the significance of this day. St. Patrick's Day, observed annually on March 17th, transcends mere festivity, embodying a profound celebration of Irish culture, heritage, and the diasporic ties that bind Irish-Americans to their ancestral homeland.
For the Irish-American community, St. Patrick's Day is a vibrant declaration of cultural identity. The day is filled with displays of traditional Irish music, dance, literature, and cuisine. Parades feature bagpipers, Irish dancers, and floats that honor Ireland's rich history and folklore. The widespread wearing of green, symbolizing Ireland's lush landscape, acts as a gesture of unity and pride. These festivities serve not only as entertainment but as a means for Irish-Americans to reaffirm their connection to their roots and celebrate their unique heritage.
The historical significance of St. Patrick's Day for Irish-Americans cannot be overstated. It commemorates Saint Patrick, credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland, and has evolved to recognize the achievements and struggles of Irish immigrants in America. The first St. Patrick's Day parade in 1762, organized by Irish soldiers in New York City, was an act of communal solidarity. These parades have since become a powerful expression of Irish pride and a reflection of the Irish-American journey from marginalized immigrants to vital contributors to American society.
St. Patrick's Day also serves as a platform for social and political engagement, addressing issues critical to Ireland and its diaspora, such as peace in Northern Ireland and immigration reform in the United States. The participation of politicians in these events underscores the importance of the Irish-American community and the issues they champion, blending celebration with advocacy.
Moreover, St. Patrick's Day's embrace by the broader American society highlights its role in celebrating multiculturalism and inclusivity. The day offers insight into the American immigrant experience, demonstrating how diverse traditions enrich the national fabric. The participation of people from all backgrounds in St. Patrick's Day festivities showcases the day's ability to bridge cultural divides and foster a sense of communal belonging.
In conclusion, St. Patrick's Day represents a key moment for Irish-Americans, a time when cultural pride, historical reflection, social engagement, and inclusivity converge. It is a day that celebrates the full spectrum of the Irish-American experience, highlighting the enduring connections between Ireland and its diaspora. Through parades, cultural events, and reflections on shared heritage, St. Patrick's Day remains a vital expression of identity, memory, and community, particularly at the Jersey Shore, where the spirit of the day is alive and well, uniting all in a shared celebration of Irish heritage.
]]>YORKTOWN, N.Y. - A gas leak has caused a major headache for the owners and loyal customers of a popular Yorktown eatery.
The leak has forced Yorktown Pizza and Pasta, located at 2013 Crompond Road in Yorktown Heights, to close its doors a it waits for Con Edison to restore service.
According to Con Ed's website, the leak was first reported on March 9 and was inspected the same day. At the time of writing (Saturday, March 16), the Con Ed online Gas Leak Map showed that the leak had been "made safe" and was a "priority repair" but offered no timeline for when service would be restored to customers in the area.
Meanwhile, the popular eatery, which opened in 1990, remains closed with no definitive date for reopening.
Other homes and businesses in the building are reportedly without heat but have been allowed to remain open. But the restaurant has been forced to close until its gas service can be restored.
In a Facebook post on Friday (March 15), Joe Giuliano, who owns the restaurant with his son Mike, said Con Ed hasn’t given them a clear timeline about returning to complete the repairs.
"Con Ed said we'd be back by Tuesday—they never specified which Tuesday," the restaurant’s Facebook post said. "Unfortunately, we are still without gas...and are unfortunately still closed. We're hoping to hear some good news about progress over the weekend, but in all likelihood, it looks like we're looking at the closure going into next week. This is absolutely the last thing that we want to be dealing with, and we're asking for your patience while we go through these tough times."
According to their Facebook page, the Yorktown Pizza and Pasta team initially hoped Con Ed would repair the leak by last Tuesday. Even a few days of downtime has been a major blow for the business.
"In the meantime, we are doing our best to figure out how to best honor the commitments we've already made to clients and will be reaching out to them to try and figure out how to go about the next few days," the restaurant posted on Facebook at the time. "We're sorry for all the inconvenience this will cause, but believe us, this is the absolute last thing that we want to be dealing with. We will keep you updated with any additional information we receive over the next few days.”
Customers have rallied to the business's support. Suzanne Nesbitt Keiling said patrons were frustrated with Con Ed's lack of action and the energy giant's indifference to the harm the delays were causing the business.
"We should all throw a party, any kind of party, in the parking lot," Keiling posted on Facebook. “That would get someone’s attention. So sorry you have to deal with this, with no answers after an entire week.
"YPP has been a part of our family, like many other families/customers for about 34 years or so now," Keiling continued. "I can probably count on one hand how many times Joe has taken off or closed his business. It’s always been the customers first for him and is still this way today. We will all be back to welcome you with open arms."
Customer Arlene Gioia noted that the Lenten holiday, when many Christians avoid meat on Fridays, was an especially bad time for a pizzeria to be closed.
"That’s awful," she said, "You should get free electric for the loss, especially during Lent."
Rob Manzella was one of several customers promising to make up for lost time.
"Now we have to come on and order double to make up for lost days," he posted.
As they wait to be able to fire up their ovens, the owners are looking for ways to operate and have thanked customers and fans for their support.
"Big, big thanks to everybody who has offered kind words of support in the meantime. They mean more than you know," they said on Facebook. "We'll update you with more information when we find it out!"
This is a developing story and will be updated.
]]>NEPTUNE CITY, NJ — The community is invited to attend the Second Annual Neptune City Autism Awareness Flag Raising Ceremony hosted by Mayor Rachel McGreevy, Councilman Brian Thomas and Board of Education member Sheri Zanni.
The ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 28, at the Neptune City Community Center, 117 Third Ave., beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Neptune City's mission is to show support for Autism Awareness.
Balloon Animals with the famous Bessie Boodles will be available along with temporary tattoos with Girl Scout Troop 902, awareness pins and bracelets by Atlantic Behavior Analysis.
This event will also feature pizza, refreshments, music, coloring with Woodrow Wilson Elementary School teachers and family fun.
Proceeds from bracelet and ribbon purchases will go to support Autism New Jersey.
]]>SOMERS, N.Y. - You may have noticed that the granite obelisk that had held aloft the statue of Somers’ totem Elephant, Old Bet, for nearly two centuries is no longer there.
But don’t fret, it hasn’t gone lumbering off into the sunset permanently; the town is hoping to have it all fixed up and back in place by World Circus Day, a celebration that takes place on the third Saturday in April every year.
Various iterations of pachyderm-topped pillar have stood in front of The Elephant Hotel, aka Town Hall, at the intersection of Routes 202 and 100 for 196 years.
Old Bet was the star of Hachaliah Bailey’s traveling menagerie.
The early 19th-century entrepreneur erected a monument in memory of his cherished creature after it had been shot by an irate farmer while touring Maine in 1816.
The original effigy was carved out of wood and gilded with gold paint. The most recent version was made of concrete. It too eventually succumbed to the elements. Large cracks were plainly visible in its legs and concerns were raised about safety.
Last spring, the town unveiled a beautiful new bronze statue of Old Bet, commissioned by the Somers Historical Society, made by local sculptor Luigi Badia, and paid for by the family of the late Joseph and Barbara Wittmann.
A few months later, the concrete Old Bet was removed and stored elsewhere on town property. It was simply too big to cart up the stairs to the society’s Museum of the Early American Circus.
The new Old Bet, which sits on the same footprint as its predecessor but is heavier, was bivouacked in the town meeting room while professional engineers examined the obelisk to see if it is structurally sound enough to hold it. A local blacksmith was also called in to give the original wrought iron frame a once over.
The stone pillar apparently was found not to be totally plumb (or vertical), which is not surprising considering its age.
It was removed last week via truck and taken away to be “cored.” Its base will be reinforced and, if everything goes well – toes and trunks crossed -- it should be back up within weeks, according to Supervisor Rob Scorrano.
Last week, the Town Board voted to formally accept the donation of the new Old Bet sculpture as a gift from the historical society and to acknowledge the town’s ownership of the old Old Bet.
That was done for legal purposes, to protect both parties in case something should happen.
The state’s Historical Preservation Office is fine with the project but told the Old Bet committee last year that the monument has to look the same in order to retain its landmark status, local historians say.
The red brick building itself – opened between 1820 and 1825 by Bailey as an inn and tavern -- was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2005 for its role in the development of the American Circus.
Bailey had purchased Old Bet at an animal auction, thinking she would be a fine farm draught animal. That didn’t work out.
But when neighbors began clamoring to see the elephant, Bailey realized he could make a buck by charging up to $1 – a lot of money in those days – per peek.
Soon, Old Bet and other critters were part of a traveling menagerie. Sadly, it was the money part that sealed the elephant’s doom. The farmer who shot her thought it was a sin to charge poor folks to see a wild animal.
]]>BELMAR, NJ - The eagerly anticipated annual Easter egg hunt is making its return to Belmar Beach, promising an exceptional day of family fun on the sands this Saturday, March 16th, at 11:00 AM. This event, cherished by the community, invites young children and their families back to the beach for a festive treasure hunt, an experience uniquely different from traditional Easter celebrations.
"Kids all over the world will be enjoying Easter egg hunts this month, but our kids are some of the few that get to have one on the beach. How lucky are they?" shared Councilwoman Caitlin Donovan, a mother of three and a fervent supporter of the event. Her perspective highlights not just the uniqueness of the occasion but also the collective effort and joy poured into its organization. "I’ve always loved the Easter egg hunt as a parent. Now, as part of the Council, I can see how hard our staff works and the joy they bring into it. It’s a great event,” Donovan added, underscoring the community's anticipation and the dedication of those behind the scenes.
Scheduled to commence at 11am sharp, the hunt will span the 4th and 5th Ave beaches, transforming these seaside locations into a sprawling playground for children to explore. Participants can look forward to the thrill of discovery, with over 3,000 eggs hidden in the sand. Adding to the excitement, one golden egg per age group will contain a winning ticket for a special prize, ensuring that the hunt remains as thrilling as it is rewarding.
The Easter Bunny, a beloved figure of the season, will not miss out on the fun. Expected to make a special appearance on the boardwalk and beach, families will have the chance to capture the joy of the day with memorable photos.
This event is open to residents of Belmar and Lake Como free of charge, welcoming children aged 1-9 to participate in the hunt, divided into age-appropriate groups for a fair and enjoyable experience. With the promise of a sunny morning on the boardwalk and beach, the community holds its breath for favorable weather to complement what is set to be a highlight of this year's Easter celebrations.
]]>MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. - Residents of Barker Terrace, a 92-unit co-op in Mount Kisco, reeling after being hit with an increase of more than 54 percent in their monthly maintenance fees, are sending out an SOS.
Several who fear losing their homes appeared before the Village Board recently to plead for help. Dozens of others have signed a petition seeking a broader solution to what they claim is an untenable situation. And elected officials from all levels of government have been rallying to find ways to soften the blow.
Barker was among five Mitchell-Lama housing projects outside of New York City that were selected for review as part of an audit of the state Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR), the agency tasked with providing financing, maintenance, and supervision of mortgages to these privately-owned and managed developments as long as they remain in the program.
The audit, conducted by the state Comptroller’s Office, criticized DHCR for what it called poor oversight of Barker Terrace and four other such developments throughout the state, including Sunnyside Manor in Yonkers.
The audit’s intent was to determine if the developments were providing safe and clean living conditions, and whether funds were being properly accounted for and used for their intended purposes.
What is Mitchell-Lama?
The program came to be because of the Limited-Profit Housing Companies Act in 1955, legislation championed by state Sen. MacNeil Mitchell of Manhattan and Assemblyman Alfred Lama of Brooklyn.
It aimed to create affordable housing – both rental and co-ops -- for middle-income New Yorkers.
The program oversees 269 developments, containing a total of approximately 105,000 dwelling units.
Some of those projects are rental apartments. Barker, however, is a co-op, which means the folks who live there have to buy a fixed number of shares in the housing corporation that owns the building.
That makes them shareholders, not tenants. They don’t get deeds or title to the spaces they live in, instead they get stock certificates.
It also means that folks who are struggling financially can’t just sell up and immediately use the money to start fresh elsewhere.
According to one shareholder, they have to return the shares to the corporation and wait until it sells the unit in order to recoup their money. That could take months, she claimed.
Which because of the increase means someone who pays, say $1,000 a month, now has to fork over $1,542 and change.
Parking fees have also gone up, Barker residents said.
Flaws Found
Conducted from January 2019 through December 2022, the audit found that all five Mitchell-Lama developments sampled had not adhered to the proper use of funds and that all five had operated at a net loss for at least a year during the audit’s scope.
“In light of this, it’s imperative that DHCR officials take a stronger position in enforcing improved monitoring by the management representatives,” the 32-page document said.
Barker was one of two – the other being Tompkins Terrace in Beacon – that the audit also found had not been maintained properly. At both, auditors observed “several hazardous conditions, including rusty railings and water damage that has gone uncorrected for years.”
Barker resident Margie Nugent, who moved into the eight-story brick building at 1 Barker St. 23 years ago, told Halston Media that there have been multiple floods in her first-floor apartment due to the aging building’s systemic plumbing issues.
“It took out my sheetrock. There’s black mold. It’s been horrendous,” she claimed.
A single mother, Nugent’s just one of many co-opters who’ve fallen behind in her monthly payments because of the new maintenance charges.
Brenda Tollinchi is also struggling.
A teaching assistant in Whites Plains, she’s been living in a two-bedroom unit at Barker Terrace since 1999. It’s where she raised her now-24-year-old daughter, who she said has learning disabilities.
Until recently, Tollinchi was able to make ends meet because of her second job.
That changed when she lost that position due to an office transition.
Tollinchi’s now actively seeking another second job but, at present, she simply can’t afford the $600 hike in her maintenance tab.
“When I saw that increase on my birthday I started crying,” she told Halston Media, adding that she remains hopeful of remaining in her home.
“I pray on it daily. I pray that it gets better,” the hard-working mom added.
Inadequate Oversight
The state audit also found that DHCR officials didn’t adequately oversee financial and physical conditions at the selected developments.
Specifically, the agency’s representatives did not conduct regular site or office visits (during the audit period).
DHCR’s own policies and procedures require at least one site visit a year regardless of a particular project’s rating. If those aren’t conducted, then “every subsequent annual rating will be based on years-old, unreliable information,” the audit said.
DHCR’s response to the audit argued that, due to pandemic-related federal mandates and the state’s executive orders, in-person visits were suspended in 2020 and management representatives were to conduct “desk reviews” instead.
The audit found that there were no such reviews in 2020 at all five projects and only one in 2021, at Sunnyside.
It also said that even when site or office visits were conducted, DHCR’s management representatives “follow-through” with reports were “deficient.”
DHCR management representatives assigned to Barker never submitted a report after two visits in 2019, and for the remaining four developments, did not send the reports promptly, the audit said. In one case, it was 11 months after the visit. (DHCR further stated that “desk reviews” were for “internal purposes only.”)
DHCR officials “have not developed the controls, including monitoring of management representatives” to ensure that operating funds are “spent efficiently and effectively” and that development management is “providing a safe, clean, and secure living environment” for residents,” the audit said.
This contributed to its findings of “fiscal mismanagement and hazardous physical conditions.”
Moreover, all five Mitchell-Lama developments paid bonuses to certain employees “despite operating at a net loss,” it found.
In Barker’s case, that net loss amounted to $141,027 in 2021. It applied for, and was eventually granted, the maintenance increases that took effect on Nov. 1, 2023.
The audit emphasized that any development that “spends funds on unnecessary transactions and operates at a loss will eventually have to pass the cost down to tenants and co-operators (as co-op shareholders are called) through rent and carrying charge (or maintenance fees) increases.”
The DHCR recently approved the allocation of nearly $293,000 to be used by Barker Terrace to hire an architect to develop and supervise a capital repair plan and to fund environmental testing and other improvements.
In its response to the audit, DHCR agreed that up-to-date management plans and corrective actions were warranted. However, it felt that the comptroller’s office had not sufficiently recognized “the limited regulatory role” it has in overseeing day-to-day management of Mitchell-Lama housing.
It also argued that the audit underestimated the amount of time and resources needed to maintain said housing, didn’t adequately acknowledge challenges posed by Mitchell-Lama financial and ownership conditions, and failed to appreciate the “extraordinary impact” COVID-19 had – notably the restrictions on in-person site visits during the pandemic – on DHCR’s oversight role.
According to DHCR Commissioner Ruthann Visnauskas, the audit acknowledges that it’s the responsibility of Mitchell-Lama owners and managing agents (the companies hired by the projects) “to provide safe and habitable housing,” yet it suggests that DHCR “should manage even the smallest of financial transactions and minor repairs at the property.”
The comptroller’s office disagreed with all of those assertions and issued seven recommendations covering the five sampled Mitchell-Lama projects including mandating regular training for development management and co-op board members to “ensure that they’re aware of good governance and their fiduciary duties.”
The Ferrara Management Group, the Bedford-based property management company that works for the corporation running Barker, also took issue with the audit’s findings, which its founder and president, Robert Ferrara, called “inaccurate” and “misleading.”
It also contained allegations that were “baseless” and “without merit,” he said.
Contending that his company had hounded DHCR for years to sort out Barker’s financial and physical woes, Ferrara claimed that the situation deteriorated because the agency was “slow” to release funds.
Ferrara defended his company and Barker’s board of directors, saying both had acted in a “proper, lawful, and professional manner” and had fulfilled all of their duties, obeyed the tenets of the management agreement, and followed DHCR requirements.
Calling the DHCR’s recent release of $239,000 for the capital plan “a start,” Ferrara saw it as a sign that things were “moving in the right direction.”
Age is a big factor driving costs at Mitchell-Lama projects.
“Buildings are getting older and older,” he said, pointing out that Barker’s comparatively small size – 92 units – means making tough decisions.
Also beyond anyone’s control is skyrocketing insurance bills, fuel costs, and electrical charges. Not to mention inflation’s impact on day-to-day operations.
“How do you split the cost? It’s not affordable,” Ferrara asked.
The corporation is independently audited and must provide proof of spending to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, he said.
The board of directors contends that “their books are in good standing” and that no funds have been stolen or misspend, as certain shareholders have alleged.
His firm is hired to guide the board by making recommendations, but can’t actually implement proposals or sign the checks, Ferrara explained.
“We haven’t been accused of misspending money,” he said.
DHCR Explains
A spokesperson for the DHCR issued the following statement on Thursday, March 7:
“DHCR has a limited role in overseeing the day-to-day management of Mitchell Lama housing which is privately-owned and managed. DHCR’s highest priority is the safety and welfare of the low- and moderate-income residents it serves, and DHCR is committed to ensuring that all state Mitchell Lama properties are well positioned to make critical investments. In the past five years alone, HCR helped rehabilitate 24,000 Mitchell Lama units, investing more than $265 million to preserve this important supply of affordable housing.”
The repair plan, once completed, “is anticipated to create a path for a more comprehensive rehabilitation,” it added.
According to DHCR, the audit sample “isn’t random” – it includes some of the most structurally challenging and operationally complex developments in the Mitchell Lama portfolio.
“Due to the oversight and operational difficulties during COVID, the challenges at these properties deepened and the housing companies and HCR faced significant obstacles to addressing them,” it said.
DHCR has reminded all housing companies, of “their responsibilities under agency regulations regarding identity of interest and conflict of interest.”
It also sent a memo advising board directors and managing agents of the requirement to submit monthly reports and board meeting minutes.
What Can the Village Do?
The audit results, released on Dec. 8 by State Comptroller Thomas P. DeNapoli, caught the eye of village officials.
The shareholders’ plight was addressed at a Village Board meeting in January by Mayor Michael Cindrich, who said he’d been contacted by several Barker residents “in dire straits” who wanted to know if there were vacancies in local subsidized housing facilities.
After doing some research, he found that there were none.
“Housing is at a premium,” Cindrich explained, adding that he didn’t “want to see people that are on fixed incomes be displaced because the oversight failed.”
He hastened to add that he was “not pointing blame at anyone” but was just hoping to “find a solution.”
“We’re dependent on these bureaucrats that are supposed to be overseeing how money is spent and making sure the buildings are safe and secure,” Cindrich said.
Trustee Karen Schleimer suggested that the village demand that state representatives “declare some sort of moratorium so that these people can remain in their homes while we figure out whether the building is safe, whether it can be made safe, and who’s going to pay for it and how.”
But what can village and county officials do when Mitchell-Lama is a state-run program and the developments are privately owned and operated?
They and other elected folks can advocate for changes, insist Barker residents who signed a petition asking the village to look into the feasibility of adopting a SCRIE (Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption) and/or a PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) “with respect to the ownership of the above premises.”
The petition was filed with the village on Jan. 25.
SCRIE is a provision of the Emergency Tenant Protection Act and the Rent and Eviction Regulations.
Maximum income levels differ from municipality to municipality. In Pleasantville, for instance, that’s $16,500.
Mount Kisco isn’t currently among the 17 towns, cities, and villages in Westchester County that participate in the program.
Speaking Out
Terrence Gallimore, a 66-year-old teacher’s assistant in the Mount Vernon School District, urged authorities such as the state Attorney General’s Office to follow the money.
According to Gallimore, the folks who own the building – the Mount Kisco Middle Income Housing Corp. -- had mortgaged it in order to pay for building upgrades.
A native of Jamaica, he came to this country when he was 13. Two years later, his family moved into Barker and the dad of one has lived there ever since.
Once a co-op board member himself, Gallimore claimed that the corporation kept an average surplus of funds – usually around $500K – sufficient to cushion unexpected expenses or to defray rising costs due to inflation.
“We’re in a crisis right now,” he told the board on Feb. 5, thanking the village for its interest and suggesting that the state Attorney General’s Office get involved.
“The people who are responsible for us being in this situation should be investigated. What happened to our money? Where did it go? And if they’re found guilty of mismanagement and abuse of our finances, they should be dealt with accordingly,” Gallimore said.
Cindrich reminded him that his role as mayor was “not to fix blame” but to find a solution to a very “challenging” situation.
While he appreciated the “mental trauma” everyone’s going through, the mayor also asked for patience.
“We’re going to at least point you in the right direction. Right now we don’t know what we can do. I don’t have a magic wand,” Cindrich said.
Barker resident Nicole Shreves-Wright also spoke.
“This is an ongoing problem that has exploded, if you will, and it’s to the point where we’re bringing it to your attention,” she said.
She implored village officials to work with shareholders.
“We’re here, we’re open to suggestions, and we’re listening,” Shreves-Wright said, adding: “We would like this to be resolved because the longer it continues, the worse the problem becomes and really, we’ve been left to our own devices.”
She claimed that shareholders haven’t been able to get answers from Barker’s management company, its board, or the DHCR.
With so many moving parts, it’s hard to pinpoint the exact cause of the troubles.
Some of the blame does land at the doorstep of the property’s managing agents, said Village Manager Ed Brancati, but “more importantly, because this is Mitchell-Lama housing, it’s the DHCR that has oversight and responsibility for this. At the end of the day, they failed in this instance and for this property. It’s not the only one, but it’s the only one that we care about at the moment.”
Longtime Barker resident Lavinia Wiggins, interviewed in early March by Halston Media, had another take on the situation.
She thought it was “mind-boggling” that anyone could claim they were blindsided by the fee hike.
There was a meeting to that effect and residents were also notified by mail. DHCR representatives met with them and explained that the increase was necessary because operating, electrical, and insurance costs have gone way up.
“Under Mitchell-Lama, it’s our responsibility to pay for it. Nobody wants to pay more. It’s unfortunate that we’re in this rough situation, but it’s reality,” she said.
Better communication between the co-op board and the residents could help, Wiggins suggested.
Folks need to attend board meetings and the board itself should resume releasing its minutes, she said. That stopped after its secretary left.
Wiggins has had flooding problems, too. She once had to camp out at a hotel for two months while her unit was being repaired.
There hasn’t been a big maintenance hike in a long time, according to Wiggins, recalling that the last one was around 7 percent.
“So we’re kind of spoiled because we’re not used to that,” she said.
Wiggins, who is a few years away from retirement, is “not happy” to be paying more but is being “realistic.”
“Bills need to be paid and operating costs have to be covered,” she said, pointing out that Mitchell-Lama buildings are good to be in because “market-rate apartments are so much more.”
Wiggins confirmed that Barker appears to be almost full up.
There’s only four units that are unoccupied and one of them needed extensive renovations after someone who moved in when the building was opened in 1967 left.
“There’s always a list to get in,” she said.
Wiggins also pointed out that despite some residents’ allegations of mismanagement, nothing fiscally nefarious is going on.
“There’s no cahoots. We don’t just work on our own. We have our own DHCR representative. We’re audited and our accountant gives us financial reports every month,” she said.
Wiggins also found “misleading” references to surplus funds supposedly maintained for emergency purposes by Barker in the past.
Mitchell-Lamas aren’t allowed to keep such reserves and besides, what happened 20 years ago is no longer relevant, she said..
Co-op board president Ursula Johnson told Halston Media last week: “We are looking for ways to remedy this situation with the hopes of paying off all of our bills and hopefully lessening the impact of the current increase on our residents.”
Options Examined
In December, local elected officials posed several questions to Joseph Palozzola, vice president and assistant counsel for the Office of Intergovernmental Relations at DHCR.
They asked if there was a statute that would permit Barker Terrace to convert from a limited equity cooperative to a rental property, and, if so, what the process would be.
The agency responded in a memo dated Feb. 2, parts of which were read by Cindrich on Feb. 5. The village’s lawyers have been tasked with unraveling the legalese for village officials and the public.
The answer was that there is no statute that specifically permits an Article 2 regarding Mitchell-Lama projects under the Private Housing Finance Law. The DHCR said it never heard of any such conversions within the program.
The DHCR also noted that it is only aware of “a few, if any, examples” of a co-op to rental conversions.
Even if it did, PHFL requires multiple shareholder votes under such a scenario and any funds required for conducting a feasibility study or paying legal fees be “raised privately and cannot come from the corporation’s operating budget.”
Also on people’s minds is the possibility of the housing company declaring bankruptcy and/or the appointment of a “receiver” to run the property. (Ferrara told Halston Media that the state has assured Barker that bankruptcy won’t happen.)
The DHCR “would oppose” those types of efforts, the memo said, pointing out that the state Legislature has given it the authority to carry out the PHFL’s provisions under Article 2, the intent of which is that housing projects be maintained “through sufficient carrying cost income and other incidental income controlled at a rate to make them more attractive and available to middle-income earners.”
The law grants the DHCR the authority to increase carrying costs as “necessary to meet all expenses and maintain the project in secure financial conditions,” it added.
And that means that, at Barker Terrace, “it is necessary that income and cash flow be increased” if the corporation is to pay its bills and maintain state standards for the building.
In Barker’s case, increases in insurance requirements, “a lack of prior year’s necessary maintenance costs, and current inflationary trends have increased operational and utility costs that were not previously conceived.”
Then the memo’s wording got a whole lot scarier.
“It’s clear that an increase in room rentals is required and absolutely necessary to put Barker Terrace on firm, financial footing,” it read.
Failure to do so could “result in insolvency with a bankruptcy and foreclosure resulting with attendant impairment of security, great additional expenses, and the potential loss of shareholder equity upon purchasing the shares to their apartments (units).”
Strength in Numbers
County Legislator Ericka Pierce, a Democrat from Katonah, has taken a serious interest in helping Barker folks as have state Sen. Peter Harckham (D-Lewisboro) and Assemblyman Chris Burdick (D-Bedford).
On Feb. 28, Pierce, Schleimer, and others gathered in a packed Barker community room to discuss programs available to struggling residents.
Harckham’s community liaison, Tito Davilla, was among the audience members.
A number of co-op owners there told Halston Media that they haven’t been able to pay the higher maintenance fees and are worried sick about losing their homes.
Pierce has pointed out that while it’s Albany, not Westchester, that’s responsible for Mitchell-Lama projects, she’s been trying to shake loose some money from a county foreclosure prevention fund.
The legislator has also approached the village’s tax assessor for information about benefits and tax exemptions such as STAR and Enhanced STAR that might be available to Barker residents who are seniors, veterans, volunteers such as firefighters or ambulance corps workers, and/or disabled.
“There are a lot of ‘buckets’ of funds to pull from. If we can get different pieces and put together a whole pie, it might help you,” she told the crowd, noting that the county has been working with folks at the Mount Kisco Fox Senior Center, which puts together programs for those 55 and older.
The goal there is to help them figure out how to “re-balance” all sorts of public benefits in order to “maximize” their impact and to ensure there’s equal access for all, Pierce explained.
“These conversations are happening; we’re doing our best,” she promised.
Barker’s financial struggles are not unique. “This is happening everywhere,” Pierce noted.
Among those making presentations was Tiffany Kilpatrick, director of homeownership and housing retention with Community Housing Renovations, a not-for-profit organization that serves Westchester, and Ronni Cox of the Westchester Department of Senior Programs and Services, who Pierce called a “fearsome advocate for seniors and a wealth of knowledge.”
CHR offers financial assistance of up to $24,000 to those who are delinquent or who are facing foreclosure as well as counseling and assistance for renters. The catch is, it has to be due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the window for applying is looming, and the total piggy bank is currently about $100,000. Plus, eligible applicants have to prove they can pay their bills going forward, and that seemed far out of reach for some Barker folks.
Cox handed out folders containing helpful information about free income tax preparation and other services such as crisis/suicide intervention, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP), the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), and free legal and/or credit counseling, among other things.
There was even a Mitchell-Lama Tenant Complaint Form in the packet.
Cox reminded residents that they’re “owners NOT renters,” and, as such, they should be able to band together through a homeowner’s association, something Barker currently doesn’t have.
It wasn’t in Cox’s job description to give legal advice. However, she said certain organizations that provide free legal services (civil cases only) to low-income clients have been made aware of the Barker situation.
Individuals can reach out for help and maybe a “collective complaint” aka class action lawsuit could be considered?
Again, that’s not something that’s in the DSPS’s wheelhouse.
Several members of the audience told Cox that they’re still confused about the reasons why the maintenance fee went up so much and seemingly so suddenly.
There are certain expenses that the corporation has to bear, Cox said.
Costs have to be spread out among the shareholders, and there’s no getting around it.
“It’s like the homeowner who doesn’t want to pay for the roof repair. It’s your house and your roof!” she said.
However, if residents still feel they don’t have all the answers, they should definitely bring the DHCR folks back “for another discussion,” Cox said.
Pierce urged people to take advantage of all available benefits. And help isn’t just for older folks. Young families could be eligible for childcare scholarships, for instance.
“Let’s say we get lucky. Let’s say we’re able to reduce that increase down to 30 percent, whatever. Life is still expensive. It is very difficult for a lot of people out there right now,” she said.
Wiggins appreciates that elected officials appear to be on board.
“With all these eyes on it, everything that can be done will be done,” she predicted.
]]>HOLMDEL, NJ: A planned appearance by Mr. Eric LeGrand made quite an impact, and made Leap Day 2024 certainly one to remember for the many gathered to greet him.
Community members gathered at Bar Bella in Bell Works in great numbers to support the motivational speaker and tremendously inspiring man, Mr. LeGrand.
In October 2010, Rutgers University football star, Eric LeGrand, sustained a spinal cord injury at his C3 and CA vertebrae during a fourth quarter play at Metlife Stadium. His initial prognosis was beyond grim. However LeGrand demonstrated his super-human strength by going beyond all expectations for his recovery and rehabilitation. He lives with paralysis, and he hopes to dispel the misconception that those living with paralysis cannot enjoy life's finer pleasures, like his Eric LeGrand Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, featured at Bar Bella in Bell Works!
Talented jazz musicians held the stage, and spirits were light as guests at the "open to the public" event at Bell Works enjoyed sipping free samples of Mr. LeGrand's very own bourbon - Eric LeGrand Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. LeGrand donates $5.20 of every bourbon case sold to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. LeGrand wore #52 when he played for Rutgers.
Pictured above is Eric LeGrand's bourbon at Bar Bella in Bell Works!
Above photo: Ralph Zucker, President of Inspired by Somerset Development
Eric LeGrand was thrilled and humbled to receive a $5,200 check to benefit "Team LeGrand" for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.
The donation was presented by Ralph Zucker, President of Inspired by Somerset Development, who commented, "We are proud to have Eric's own brand of bourbon here at Bar Bella...we are also proud to present a check of $5,200...to Team LeGrand...It is a great moment, and let's continue working inspired...and more importantly, let's all live inspired!"
LeGrand made himself available for the evening festivities and welcomed many entertaining conversations, enthusiastic exchanges and lots of admiration from the large and supportive crowd.
Holmdel residents look forward to welcoming Mr. LeGrand again soon in this tight-knit community. As he had stated “Holmdel always makes me feel right at home."
Bell Works proudly donated to the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, whose mission is to help find a cure for spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis.
This bourbon is available to try at Bar Bella inside Bell Works, Holmdel, and for sale at the local Buy Rite in Middletown for $39.99 a bottle. Each bottle purchased donates $5 to the foundation "Team LeGrand" that Mr. LeGrand began in September of 2013.
]]>MAPLEWOOD / SOUTH ORANGE, NJ - We received an email this evening announcing a rally to be held at 6:30pm on Thursday evening, March 14th. The details are in the copy of the flier posted here:
In addition to this rally planned for Thursday evening, many CHS students walked out of class about 1:30pm and held a rally in support of Frank Sanchez on Ritzer Field.
]]>BELMAR, NJ - TAPinto Belmar/Lake Como has proudly announced the victors of its annual Shop Local Beach Badge Contest, following the past holiday season buzzing with community members fervently supporting local commerce in Belmar and Lake Como. This year's contest saw participants avidly visiting and patronizing a myriad of stores across the towns, showcasing the community's commitment to boosting local businesses during the quieter, off-season months.
Leading the pack were Clare and Sharon Hayner, clinching first place with an impressive collection of 95 receipts from diverse businesses in both Belmar and Lake Como. As repeat champions, the Hayners shared their enthusiasm for the contest with TAPinto, stating, “We look forward to the Beach Badge Contest each year. It gets us out of the house to walk around Belmar & Lake Como, meet people, and help support our businesses in town during the off-season. Thank you, TAPinto Belmar/Lake Como.”
Hot on their heels, Pam & Joe Hroblak secured the second spot, earning themselves three season passes for 2024 with 82 receipts. The Hroblaks highlighted their love for Belmar and the importance of supporting local, often family-owned businesses, adding, “The beach badge contest is great because it gives us a push each year to try places we haven’t been to yet.”
John Walsh Sr. completed the podium with a commendable third place, garnering two season passes for the upcoming year by collecting 47 receipts. Walsh emphasized the significance of local shopping during the holiday season for community support, remarking, “Shopping local for holidays is a good way of supporting local business that for the most part support community. That's what makes Belmar special; we are all in it together.”
TAPinto Belmar/Lake Como extends its gratitude to all contest participants for their dedication to supporting the local economy this past holiday season, and thanks Lofidelic Records on Main Street for their collaboration in collecting the contest receipts. The organization also expressed its hopes for favorable weather this summer, allowing winners to fully enjoy their well-earned beach badges.
This annual competition not only fosters community spirit but also underlines the vital role of small businesses in enriching the local culture and economy. As participants and businesses alike look forward to another year of collaboration and support, TAPinto Belmar/Lake Como remains committed to celebrating and nurturing the ties that bind the community together.
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SOUTH ORANGE, NJ – ErinRose Baldry, Seton Village Events and Communications Grant Manager, presented its budget to the South Orange Board of Trustees at their Monday night meeting. She mentioned that Seton Village focused on facade improvements like painting and awnings in 2023 and will continue to work on that this year, but funding for that is limited now.
She spoke about the 2024 plans. “We're focusing more on permanent, sustainable changes in the form of safety, road safety and traffic-calming measures. Each year we have to pick a focus and that's the focus of this year.” Baldry also talked about Irvington Avenue cleanup and sidewalk maintenance.
She explained that residents had expressed concern about a lack of pedestrian safety and crosswalks that need to be enhanced, updated or repaired. “We're going to focus the bulk of our budget for the grant this year on those measures,” she shared. Baldry said that another 2024 priority is tree well rehabilitation. “Some trees that are either dying, not sustainable or causing pedestrian safety because the roots are causing damage to the sidewalk need to be addressed. So we're going to work with Essex County to hopefully fix the most problematic trees this year.”
Baldry reported that the Department of Recreation is fully staffed and has a bigger budget, and they'll be taking on more of the responsibility for planning and funding events. Seton Village and the Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) grant will be involved in these special events that foster the community. She mentioned the Hola Fest will be separate from the Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival this year. Baldry also talked about “various sorts of arts and cultural events” as well as Seton Hall partnering with Seton Village for the Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival.
She’s planning a Spring Egg Hunt again this year since it was such a success last year. The egg hunt will have toys and trinkets inside the eggs, and will be held in early April this year. Spring will also feature an event at the community center at 133 Fairview, during which people will beautify Carter Park and the lawn in front of 133 Fairview with garden enhancements. That will be at the end of May.
Baldry reported that Bloom Seton Village will promote the community planting organized by Trustee Olivia Lewis-Chang. Baldry remarked that she’ll also work on seasonal lighting and cafe lighting.
She elaborated on the proposed traffic-calming measures and commented that she’s received quotes on them and wants to have set up by the summer. “Our aim and goal is to include traffic speed, display signs, pedestrian crossing, signs, redo painting as and where it's possible for South Orange to work with. Painting the crosswalks and also designated parking areas, so people can delineate parking versus road.” According to Baldry, the main focus is Irvington Avenue. She proposed Fairview, Riggs and Ward Place as the roads most in need because they require more speed traffic display signs and pedestrian crossing on both sides of the road.
]]>SOUTH ORANGE, NJ – Public comments during the South Orange Board of Trustees meeting on Monday were mostly from residents calling in to request or oppose the board signing a ceasefire proclamation. Members of the group SOMA for Palestine said they had drawn up a resolution, but Village President Sheena Collum reported that she hadn’t seen it yet.
The Maplewood Township Council had a similar resident debate during their meeting last week, and West Orange has also received public input during their meetings about a ceasefire.
Some callers told trustees that they are complicit in Gaza deaths if they don’t publicly advocate for a ceasefire. Others pointed out that Israel has made a couple of recent ceasefire offers, and Hamas has rejected them.
Collum spoke about the division in the community, and that the war in Gaza is emotionally charged for both sides. “A couple things that I want to put on the public record. We know that the emotions have been incredibly high.” She added, “In fact, they've been incredibly high for me. I'm sure my colleagues feel the same way. We are acknowledging the immeasurable pain and suffering from people within this community and the calls for help from local leaders.”
She said she that residents want to be heard, and she’s very upset that people don’t feel safe in their community. “There are two components of that. I think one is what's happening on the streets in our community, and then also one that is happening online.”
Collum explained that everyone has a right to speak in public, and South Orange is enforcing a local ordinance to separate protestors and counter-protestors, so rallies don’t escalate into fighting/violence. She reminded gathering organizers to contact the Clerk Davis to schedule rallies.
Collum commented on a Montclair Pro-Palestinian rally which became frightening for attendees that residents had mentioned. “It was incredibly scary, and some of the advertisements of what I saw was coming our way scared me as your village president.” She mentioned a social media post calling community members “America-hating, terrorist-loving antisemites” and another referred to “racist counter protesters who support apartheid and genocide.”
“We, as a local government, on this topic, are going to do our best to keep people safe, to make sure that all participants understand our policies and that there has to be a basic code of conduct to avoid any type of escalation, especially any physical harm, but I will now note that we have not seen that but we are always preparing for that,” reported Collum.
She shared that she had heard that two resolutions have been written. One demands a ceasefire and the other condemns terrorist activities and supports peace. Collum pointed out that both resolutions “have more commonalities than differences.” She described each document as requests for “self-determination, peace and safe futures for Palestinians and Israelis.”
Collum also remarked that South Orange and Maplewood are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces its diversity, values all life and upholds the principles of equality and human rights. She described what the anti-terrorist peace proclamation reflects, “Their concern is that when you have a terrorist regime that is in power in Palestine, and I'm paraphrasing, if you have a ceasefire without acknowledging that a terrorist organization is in power, they could repeat the atrocities of October 7. You can't have a ceasefire without understanding what that ceasefire would entail.”
She talked about safety for all residents of South Orange and Maplewood as well as peace in Gaza and Israel. “We [have] to tone this down. You hear the pain in people's voices. You see what your actions do to people who are literally your neighbors. These aren't some distant people in internet land or miles away from you.” She continued, “These are people that you have children going to school together and that you come to community events together, maybe not the same rallies. But we have to do better here,” said Collum.
She thanked the residents for caring and speaking at the meeting. Collum promised, “We're going to work on something. I welcome anybody who will sit down with another group to have a conversation. I did try to do that. I've reached out to both parties.” She acknowledged that she understands residents want to know the local government supports them and said that she wants people to love living in South Orange.
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