People lined the streets of the hamlet on Wednesday evening for the annual Katonah Fire Department Parade. The department’s carnival continued from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, and 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, at 65 Bedford Road in Katonah. JIM MACLEAN PHOTOS

By JIM MACLEAN It was a familiar scenario for the Fox Lane girls varsity lacrosse team. After a great regular season where the Foxes finished with a 16-1 record, Fox Lane entered the Section 1 Class A tournament as the number two-seed, cruised in the first round past Carmel, and hosted No. 3 seed Yorktown in the semifinals on May 29. Dylan New Last year, Fox Lane hosted Yorktown in the semifinals and the Huskers defeated the Foxes and went on to win the championship. This time, the Foxes knew it would be a tough test, and once again the Huskers were able to take control and pull away for a 14-8 victory to advance to the finals, while the Foxes had a disappointing ending to another great season with a 17-2 overall record. “It was a tough one, we played hard, made some mistakes here and there, they were very good on the draws and we weren’t winning any, and we had some offensive opportunities where we hit the post or turned it over, it just didn’t go our way,” said Fox Lane coach Jaime Williams. “I told the girls to keep their heads up, we had a heck of a season with one of the youngest teams I’ve ever coached. We had a seventh grader, two eighth graders and two ninth-graders starting, and the girls played great all season long.” Fox Lane started off well in the first quarter, determined to give the Huskers a tough game. Yorktown jumped out to a 1-0 lead with a goal by Ava Ryan, but the Fox Lane defense and goalie Molly Rodriguez stood tall on two ensuing possessions for the Huskers with Madyson Greene and Phoebe Fisher coming up steals and clears for the Foxes. Down the other end of the field, Dylan New took a pass from Michaela Kaltsas, made a move to the goal and finished it off for her first goal of the game to tie it up at 1-1 at the 10-minute mark. Taylor Webb Fox Lane then took its first and only lead of the game as Cora Moore scored off an assist from Kaltsas a minute later to make it 2-1. However, Yorktown responded with Ryan leading the way. Ryan scored her 100th career goal to even it up at 2-2, and the Huskers took the lead for good, closing out the first quarter with a 3-2 lead. Yorktown scored the first two goals of the second quarter to take a 5-2 lead. New scored her second goal of the game with less than a minute left in the half, but the Foxes didn’t hold the momentum long as the Huskers won the ensuing draw and scored with just 22 seconds left to make it 6-3 at halftime. The Huskers carried the momentum into the second half and scored to make it 7-3, but once again New responded for the Foxes with her third goal of the game for the hat trick at 7:43 to cut the lead down to 7-4. It was 9-4 after another goal from Ryan and a goal from Lily Diaz for the Huskers. Taylor Webb answered with a goal for Fox Lane to cut the lead down to 9-5, but once again Yorktown was able to score in the final minute of the quarter to take a 10-5 lead. New gave the Foxes hope heading into the final period as she answered before the bell with four seconds left in the third quarter, scoring her fourth goal of the game to make it 10-6. “Dylan, the second half of the season she just started taking off, finding her confidence, she’s been playing really well,” Williams said of New. Fox Lane carried the momentum over into the fourth quarter as Kaltsas scored to make it 10-7, but Yorktown answered with four-straight goals, two of them from Ryan, to put the game away. Phoebe Skinner scored the final goal of the game off an assist from Taylor Webb to make the final score 14-8. Julia Sirchia It was the final game of an incredible high school career for senior captains Moore and Kaltsas as they both left their names in the record books among the all-time leading scorers for the Foxes. Moore will go on to play at Jacksonville College in Florida, while Kaltsas will play at Williams College in Massachusetts. “Cora and Michaela have been with me for eight years and I’ve seen so much growth from both of them,” Williams said of Moore and Kaltsas. “To watch them develop into such great players, two of the best players in the section, they’re going to go on and play at the next level and I can’t wait to watch them. Those are some big shoes to fill, very positive role models for a young team.” On defense, senior captain Isabel Valenzuela and senior Olivia Wong helped lead the way in front of freshman goalie Molly Rodriguez for the Foxes. “Isabel stepped up big time, she started last year, but really came into her own this year on defense,” Williams said of Valenzuela. “Olivia Wong is another senior who moved into a starting role this year and she was phenomenal. Our defense has played well all season and kept us in a lot of games.”

John Jay coach Theresa Swertfager-Assumma lets the umpire know the correct call as Elise Templeton slides in safe at third. JIM MACLEAN PHOTOS By JIM MACLEAN So close, but in sports and life it’s true, the higher you reach, the harder the fall. You could see that disappointment on the faces of the John Jay girls varsity softball team as the girls accepted their Section 1 finalist plaque on Sunday, May 31, on the turf field at North Rockland High School. John Jay seniors (l to r) Laney Daly, Maggie Lawton, Bella Barry and Claire Doherty accept their sectional finalist plaque. It was not the trophy the Wolves were hoping to take home as they watched Pearl River celebrate with the Section 1 Class B softball championship trophy and plaque after the Pirates held on for a 3-1 victory over John Jay in the title game. John Jay was the No. 5 seed in the tournament, advancing to the finals with a thrilling 7-2 victory over No. 1 seed Somers in the semifinals on May 28, but the Wolves ran out of magic in the finals as No. 2 seed Pearl River held on to claim the crown. Pearl River advances to the state tournament with a 21-3 record, while John Jay finished at 18-6 overall. A disappointing ending to a great season for a team with a new coach and only four seniors in Bella Barry, Laney Daly, Claire Doherty and Maggie Lawton as those four accepted the plaque on behalf of their teammates. A sacrifice fly by catcher Carys Cooper gave the Wolves a 1-0 first inning lead. “This was the first time we’ve been to the sectional finals in a very long time at John Jay and it was an amazing feeling to get here and play on this field at such a competitive level,” said senior shortstop Laney Daly, a four-year starter for the Wolves. “We hustled in the Somers game and our energy got us here. This team, this season has been the best, a whole new coaching staff, it brought us all closer together. This team is my family, I’ve been with some of these girls for four years on this team, they are my sisters and I’m going to miss everyone, we had an amazing season.” John Jay got off to a good start in the championship game as Elise Templeton led off with a single, stole second, advanced to third on a sacrifice, and came home on a sac fly by Carys Cooper to give the Wolves a 1-0 lead. Pearl River answered right back in the bottom of the first, as the Pirates managed to score three runs on a single, two infield hits and a pair of errors by the Wolves, before freshman pitcher Julia Gieras was able to end the inning with a strikeout. That would prove to be all the runs scored in the game for both sides Gieras settled in and went the distance, recording nine strikeouts for the Wolves. However, Pearl River answered with a freshman pitcher of its own as Ashlyn Ryan went the distance for the Pirates and only allowed four hits by the Wolves to record the win. Riley Foote connects for a fourth inning double. John Jay tried to answer right back in the top of the second as McKenna Foote drilled a double, but the Wolves could not bring her home. Riley Foote drilled a double in the fourth inning, but she was stranded at second. Down to their final three outs in the top of the seventh, John Jay tried to rally as Riley led off with a single. However, Pearl River centerfielder Taylor Donnelly came up with two diving catches to take away hits and crush any hopes of a rally by the Wolves. “They won off of errors and we’ve got to play clean and work on that for next year,” said John Jay coach Theresa Swertfager-Assumma, in her first year at the helm at her alma mater. “Julia pitched a great game, she was amazing, but we need to make the plays. We’re losing four seniors, but we have a lot coming back. We’re going to work hard in the offseason and hopefully that trophy can be ours next year. We’re happy with the season, but we’re ready for more and we’ll get back at it.” Freshman Julia Gieras pitched well in the loss to Pearl River. To get to the finals, John Jay came out strong and took control at Somers in the semifinals against the top-seeded Tuskers. After falling to the Tuskers twice during the regular season, the last time by a score of 1-0, the Wolves knew they had to strike early and wasted no time in the first inning as Templeton and Charlotte Bender got on base and Riley Foote came through with a two-run single. Maria DeGaetano then scored Riley to make it 3-0. “Somers is a really good team and that first inning was huge, we just wanted to jump out and get those first runs,” explained Riley Foote. “We really wanted to win this one and everyone played well and it was an awesome game for us.” Somers answered with a run in the bottom of the first and made it 3-2 with a run in the fourth, but John Jay made it 4-2 in the fifth as Cooper singled and McKenna Foote delivered an RBI single. The Wolves put it away in the top of the seventh as Bender had an RBI single and McKenna Foote had another RBI single to make the final score 7-2.

Dash Stewart JIM MACLEAN PHOTOS By JIM MACLEAN John Jay had high hopes entering the Section 1 Class C boys lacrosse playoffs. The Wolves cruised past Byram Hills in the quarterfinals on May 27, with an impressive 14-6 victory at home, and that meant they would be on the road to face No. 1 seed Rye in the semifinals on May 30. During the regular season John Jay had suffered a 10-7 setback to Rye, so the Wolves had hope as they entered the semifinals, knowing that if they played their best game they could compete and give the Garnets a battle. However, Rye had other ideas. Rye was determined on their home field to advance to the finals, and the Garnets came out strong and dominated from the start, cruising to an 11-2 victory to advance to the championship game, ending John Jay’s season as the Wolves finished at 10-8 overall. “Rye is excellent, a really strong team and it would have taken a lot on our end to get them,” admitted John Jay coach Mike Bocklet. “They didn’t make any mistakes and we made some early and they capitalized. We couldn’t win a face off and were not generating anything on offense, they have a good defense and they were pretty solid to hold us.” Peter Hill Jack Casey James Tesi It was a slow first quarter as both teams stood tall on defense, but Rye finally broke the ice and scored at the 6:30 mark, and added a second goal two minutes later for a 2-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Then the Garnets picked it up in the second quarter, scoring a pair of goals just 11 seconds apart and building a 6-0 lead at halftime. In the third quarter, Rye scored four more goals, including two in the final 34 seconds, one with just two seconds left on the clock to make it 10-0 after three quarters. It was 11-0 when James Tesi finally broke through to get John Jay on the board as he scored off a pass from Dino Rajamani. Riley McMahon followed with a goal for the Wolves off an assist from Tesi to make the final score 11-2. John Jay goalie Blake O’Callaghan was busy all game long as he finished off his amazing five-year varsity career with 19 saves in goal for the Wolves. It was not the finish O’Callaghan was hoping for as he moves on to play in college next year at Princeton after recording 800 career saves for the Wolves. “Amazing career, the program’s all-time best goalie, he proved it with the stats and also with his style of play,” Bocklet said of O’Callaghan. “He’s such a great kid both on and off the field. I’m excited to watch him at the next level at Princeton.” O’Callaghan was one of only six seniors on the John Jay roster, including fellow captains Rajamani and Peter Hill, as the Wolves worked all season long with a young roster that included seven sophomores, three freshman, and an eighth-grader taking faceoffs. “The senior leadership was unwavering and we’re going to miss those guys,” Bocklet said of his senior class. “We lose some really strong leadership, but hopefully, some of the younger guys have learned from them. This is good experience in these type of games and they can build off it and we’ll be back.” To get to the semifinals, John Jay dominated in the 14-6 win over Byram Hills in the quarterfinals. Freshman Dash Stewart led the way with four goals and two assists, while senior Jack Casey scored four goals in his final home game for the Wolves. Tesi had a big day with two goals and four assists. Rajamani scored two goals and added an assist. Nick Harris had a goal and an assist, freshman Holden Hughes scored a goal, and senior Patrick Ryan had an assist. John Jay girls fall to Rye, too, 14-1 It was a rough two days of lacrosse for John Jay fans on the turf at Rye as the day before the boys semifinal game, the John Jay girls varsity lacrosse team came to Rye on May 29, as the number-four seed Wolves faced the top-seeded Garnets in the girls Class B semifinals. Dillon Hall scored in the first quarter, but that would prove to be the only goal of the game for John Jay as Rye pulled away for a 14-1 victory to advance and the Wolves finished the season at 11-7 overall.

Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts will host the return of Bedford Music Festival at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6. This year’s festival will be headlined by The Motet, and will also feature the Jamie McLean Band, Summer Fling, The Rock and Roll Playhouse and more. All performances will be held outdoors at Friends Field, set amid the gardens and grounds of Caramoor, with the Venetian Theater serving as the location in the case of bad weather. Advance and VIP tickets are available now. VIP tickets include concert tickets, access to an exclusive VIP tent and artist lounge, featuring food, drinks, and the opportunity to mix and mingle with the artists, plus guaranteed seating for each performance in the event of rain. Tickets are free for all children under the age of 12. The Bedford Music Festival is a celebration of live music and local community spirit, bringing an exceptional lineup of artists to Caramoor and the broader Bedford communities. Caramoor is located at 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah. Visit caramoor for more information.

Rev Up 250 Winners. By DANIELA RYNOTT Eighth-grader Benjamin Trotta summed up the evening of May 14 at the packed Bedford Playhouse where student films were shown on the big screen: “Bedford has unparalleled community pride.” The Rev Up 250 Student Video Showcase winners were recently honored at the Bedford Plahouse as part of the town of Bedford’s yearlong semiquincentennial celebration. It brought together students whose visual media explored what it means to grow up in, and belong to, this community. The grand prize of $1,776 — sponsored by the Bedford Historical Society — went to Trotta and his collaborator, Joseph Torres, both eighth graders at Fox Lane Middle School. All other winners received $250 prizes, courtesy of community partners including the Bedford Village Chowder & Marching Club, the Women’s Civic Club of Katonah, Friends of John Jay Homestead, and Life Stories. Torres, who directed their documentary “One Nation Under God,” said the goal of the video was to live up to the country’s name. “Our goal was to unite everybody — to really make the United States rather than the divided states,” he said. The film took viewers on a walking tour of Bedford’s historical sites, from the courthouse to the cemetery. The two students tag-teamed, with Trotta bringing historical knowledge and on-camera presence, and Torres handling production with CapCut editing software. Trotta, who Torres described as someone who “knows everything about Bedford,” framed the film around a single word: perseverance. “People in Bedford are committed to seeing our community thriving,” he said. “Perseverance — I think that’s a great word for this video. It’s showing how Bedford perseveres.” He walked through the film’s structure almost like a tour guide. The courthouse, he noted, was burned by the Green Dragoons on July 11, 1779, and rebuilt in 1787. The cemetery holds veterans of both the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. “I bet many people just pass by the graveyard and they see the flags, but they want to know more,” Trotta said. “We wanted to show them that these are not just everyday things that you see on your rendezvous to oHHo [The Old Firehouse] or [Bedford] 234. These are important, essential parts of our country’s history.” John Jay High School students Elise Templeton, a sophomore, and Maggie Lawton, a senior, took a more personal approach to the contest with their video, “America’s Favorite Pastime.” The two, friends since early childhood, bonded through years spent on the same travel softball team and the fact that they live up the street from each other. Their film wove together childhood clips of themselves playing softball with the deeper history of baseball in America, arguing that the sport — whether played in a backyard or a stadium, in 1776 or 2026 — has always brought people together. “Baseball has been around for a while and still brings people together. You can still make memories and friendships and a sense of community through something so tiny but yet so big,” Templeton said. Panelists at the Bedford Playhouse praised the video for being personal and heartfelt while also speaking to a broader community aspect. When asked about a standout video from one of their peers, Templeton and Lawton shouted out Amity Doyle, a Hackley School sophomore. At Katonah’s John Jay Homestead, she performed in a music video her original song, titled “Lady Liberty.” Inspired by the folk tradition of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, Doyle wrote a song about American patriotism and the shared experiences of growing up in this country. The closing lyrics — ”We are the people, hand in hand, created equal across the land” — capture the song’s spirit. The showcase also recognized a group entry from John Jay High School — Maria DeGaetano, Clare Doherty, Cassady Tondorf and Alix Siegal created a video titled “Too Much Bedford for Three Minutes,” which highlighted the many historical sites woven into the town’s everyday life. “Even though so much time has passed, the town still has the same strong sense of community and connection that it did years ago,” DeGaetano said. “Making this video helped us appreciate how much history surrounds us every day and how important community still is today.” Their film aimed to show Bedford as a place where the past and present are interwoven and history is alive in daily gathering places. Taken together, the films reflected a notion that the evening’s panelists kept returning to, that Bedford’s history does not just lie in its archives or historical monuments, but also in the residents and the stories they choose to tell. As panelist John Cronin urged the students that night, “never be afraid to have an idea.”

Westchester Land Trust announced May 15 it has earned reaccreditation from the Land Trust Alliance’s Land Trust Accreditation Commission, reaffirming the organization’s standing among a select group of land trusts nationwide that meet the most rigorous standards for excellence, accountability and the permanent conservation of land. Bedford Hills-based WLT was among the first land trusts in the country to achieve accreditation when the program debuted in 2008. With each subsequent renewal, WLT has demonstrated its continued commitment to upholding national quality standards for sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship ensuring that conserved lands are protected forever. The reaccreditation follows a comprehensive, multi-year review assessing WLT’s processes, policies, and procedures that support its regional conservation activities. “Reaccreditation is more than a milestone, it’s a promise,” said Kara Whelan, President of Westchester Land Trust. “For nearly two decades, this designation has reflected the trust placed in us by our community. When a landowner partners with us, or a supporter invests in this work, they are helping ensure that these landscapes — our forests, our water, our shared spaces — are cared for and protected for generations to come.” The Land Trust Accreditation Commission was established in 2006 as an independent program to verify that land trusts across the country meet national quality standards. Today, 480 land trusts nationwide out of 1,281 groups have achieved accreditation. Together, these land trusts have protected more than 61 million acres of land in the U.S. Since its last reaccreditation, Westchester Land Trust has continued to expand its impact across the region, conserving nearly 1,000 additional acres, including its largest acquisition to date, Lodestone Preserve in Southeast. WLT has also expanded its work in urban communities, advanced forest health and pollinator habitat initiatives to restore ecological resilience, and sustained its food pantry garden program, which grows and donates more than 10,000 servings of fresh produce annually to local families. WLT’s land protection efforts help protect critical drinking water resources that serve more than nine million people across New York City and Westchester County, while also safeguarding wildlife habitat, strengthening climate resilience, and expanding access to nature. “Land conservation is a long-term commitment that requires both vision and discipline,” said Janelle Robbins, vice president of conservation at WLT. “This reaccreditation reflects the strength of our work at every level, from the legal protections that secure land permanently to the hands-on stewardship that sustains these ecosystems over time. It’s how we ensure that every acre we protect continues to provide real benefits for clean water and biodiversity, and for the communities who depend on these landscapes every day.” One of the first accredited land trusts in the nation, WLT continues to serve as a trusted partner to landowners, municipalities, and funders working to address the growing pressures of development, climate change and habitat loss, officials said. Westchester Land Trust will hold its annual benefit June 6 at The Center at Mariandale in Ossining. The event will celebrate leaders in conservation, restoration, and community stewardship while raising critical funds to support WLT’s ongoing conservation work. This year’s honorees include the Dominican Sisters of Hope, Allison Turcan of DIG Farm, and community volunteer leader Doug Mancinelli. Visit westchesterlandtrust.org for tickets and donation information; and visit landtrustaccreditation.org for more information about the Land Trust accreditation program.

Nearly 100 scholarships and awards were awarded to graduating seniors at the John Jay High School senior recognition day Tuesday, June 2. Students stood as their names and accomplishments were read out. ROBERT J. CUMMINGS PHOTOS Each student acknowledged the applause of friends and family. JJHS Valedictorian Helen Dollar with her mom Heather and her dad Mike. Will Hershey poses with his mom Eleanor, Barbara Berardino, and Jed Hershey with his Good Neighbor Scholarship. Jackson Moreo won the Lewisboro Baseball Association Scholarship and posed with his dad Jim Moreo and his mom Joanne Monteleone. The Ebert Family came in support of Matthew Ebert '26 who won the John Jay Trailblazer Scholarship. The Treble Makers, a John Jay a capella group, sang the national anthem to open the festivities.

The Chase family: Cydney, Emily, Alex Baglieri (Emily's partner), Chevy, Jayni, and Caley Chase. ROBERT J. CUMMINGS PHOTOS Daughters Cydney, Caley, and Emily Chase donated a bench in honor of their parents, Jayni and Chevy Chase, who are nature lovers and fans of the sprawling Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. Murray Fisher and bench builder Christopher Hawver carry the bench to the scenic overlook The bench sits atop the Leatherman Overlook, which looks west towards the Cross River Reservoir and the Hudson Highlands in the distance.Park manager Taro Ietaka organized the event with the assistance of the Friends of Trailside Nature Museum. Other parks and county officials on hand included Director of Conservation Jason Klein, District 2 Legislator Erika Pierce, and County Executive Ken Jenkins.The daughters praised their parents who instilled the love of nature in them from an early age. Janyi and Chevy made remarks where Chevy said he was so proud of his daughters and they were their true legacy. The view from Leatherman Overlook.

Consider wildlife when you light the landscape To the Editor: Outdoor lighting is becoming increasingly popular in our town. While you may enjoy the lights in your landscape, or feel it improves safety, it is important to consider its contribution to light pollution. Satellite measurements indicate that the extent and brightness of artificial light at night are increasing globally by about 2% each year. This is not without consequences. Darkness is essential for birds, moths, bats, and other wildlife that rely on it for feeding and navigation. Tree uplighting is especially disruptive. Artificial light can trap moths around lights until they are exhausted, and interfere with their ability to feed and reproduce. Insect populations have already declined dramatically, with bird populations following. Although often unnoticed, moths make up the majority of butterfly and moth species (Lepidoptera), and only a few species of the many thousands cause damage to clothing. Moths are important nighttime pollinators and a critical food source for wildlife, yet many are showing troubling declines. Most bird chicks depend on caterpillars for food, and many caterpillars are the larvae of moths whose survival depends on dark nights. Disrupting these bird and insect communities also weakens the natural balance in our yards, including the regulation of insects and other organisms we often consider pests. So please, if lighting is desired, use motion sensors or low, downward-facing fixtures on timers. Softer, warmer light is also less harmful than bluish light. Limiting outdoor lighting not only protects wildlife, but also respects your neighbors and allows them to enjoy a natural starlit sky. Filippine Hoogland Bedford Lauding Cait Conley's lifetime of service and leadership To the Editor: As voters in New York’s 17th Congressional District consider who is best prepared to represent us in Washington, Cait Conley stands out as a candidate with a lifetime of service, leadership, and results. A fourth-generation Hudson Valley native from a working-class family, Cait understands the challenges facing local families because she has lived them. Her mother spent nearly five decades serving our communities as a postal worker, and her father worked in construction. Cait became the first in her family to graduate from college, earning admission to West Point after being inspired to serve following the attacks of Sept. 11. For 16 years, Cait served our nation as an Army officer, deploying six times to combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan and earning three Bronze Stars. She later continued her service at the White House National Security Council and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, where she worked to protect our country, our critical infrastructure, and the integrity of our elections. Today, families across the Hudson Valley are struggling with rising costs, unaffordable housing, aging infrastructure, and concerns about health care. Cait Conley has spent her career tackling difficult challenges and delivering solutions. She is not a career politician; she is a proven public servant who has led under pressure and understands how government can work for ordinary people. At a time when experience, integrity, and effective leadership matter more than ever, Cait Conley offers a compelling vision for the future of NY-17 and the ability to get results from day one. Chuck Newman Yorktown Get to know Mike Sacks before casting your ballot To the Editor: Did you know that there are five candidates in the Democratic Congressional Primary on June 23, 2026? A lot of people don’t. In the latest poll I can find (Global Strategy Poll sponsored by VoteVets Action Fund, May 7-12), Undecided won at 38%. Even after lots of money and endorsements have gone to two of the candidates early on, those candidates are still polling at 29% and 22%. This is a problem. Democratic voters appear to be seeking something else, but something else has been thwarted. There are reasons why you may not have heard of some of the candidates. Early on, candidates with lots of money flooded the field with ads and mailers, two other candidates were not invited to a large forum, and three candidates had objections filed against their nominating petitions, which are required to be on the primary ballot. There are rumors that Mike Sacks is not on the ballot. He is. Mike Sacks has run a grassroots campaign of integrity and has avoided bashing his competitors. Every signature on the nominating petitions for Mike Sacks was gathered by unpaid Democratic Committee district leaders or unpaid Democratic volunteers like me. The objection against his petitions was filed as a “placeholder” by a vice chair of the Putnam County Democratic Committee who was then unable to state a reason for her objection. Let’s get on to real business. The job of Congress is to write and analyze law to guide our democracy. All the candidates have good ideas but without the ability to navigate the nuances of Federal law, these ideas will not get done. Without media savvy, these candidates will not get to Congress. As a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and an Emmy Award-winning journalist who has covered federal law and the Supreme Court of the United States for decades, Mike Sacks combines a deep background in federal law with a deep understanding of media to avoid getting muddied in a vicious general election. That’s why Mike Sacks is my candidate for Congress. I hope he will be your candidate, too. Ellen Kearns Pound Ridge Beth Davidson is a cut above the rest of the pack To the Editor: Beth Davidson’s résumé, track record and ability to beat the incumbent make her the most qualified candidate for CD-17. Her experience holds up to the scrutiny of voters and showcases her values — that help all constituents no matter what their gender, color, ethnicity or religion. She delivers for her community by bringing together legislators from both parties. When the federal government and the current representative threatened the very livelihoods and healthcare of her constituents, Beth was instrumental in ensuring gaps were filled locally. Getting things done doesn’t happen simply by being inspirational or by assertion but by doing the work: Beth is deeply immersed in communitåy, understands needs, shows up for constituents at all hours of the day and night and legislates in a bipartisan way. It relies on being a team player, not a fighter. As a Rockland County legislator, she has proved in multiple elections her ability to garner votes across a diverse range of constituents, including Republicans and CD-17 can only be recaptured with strong support across the entire district, making Rockland County votes essential. With Beth, what you see is what you get — her record speaks for itself. Her ethical transparency makes her hard to go after on the merits. We’ve already seen the desperation of attacks from the Republican incumbent, tipping his hand that Beth is a threat. With so much at stake in the battle for CD-17, the way we recapture that seat is to have a candidate who is authentic, transparent, with the experience, track record, and the math to convert the votes. The only candidate that makes the cut is Beth Davidson. Lisa Schwartz Bedford Hills No hesitation, my vote is for Beth Davidson To the Editor: My past involvement in the political process has been limited to being a consistent voter. But this year, I felt the congressional campaign for NY17 required more of my attention and effort. And so I listened carefully to all the candidates. I paid attention to their demeanor, their positions, their voting record, and their background. After a year of listening and watching, in person and online, I decided, without hesitation, that Beth Davidson will have my vote in the Democratic congressional primary. Beth’s commercials inform us of her community service, her work in government, and her decades long dedication to the environment and women’s and worker’s rights. But those great contributions alone are not why I will be voting for Beth. More than her work, is Beth’s approach. She is a fighter without needing to go into battle. She is laser focused on the job at hand and transparent about who she is. She is a defender of Israel without defending the actions of Netanyahu. Beth has spent the last 20 years in NY17, raised her children in NY17, and consistently voted in NY17. She knows the area, not because of a childhood memory, but because her life has been here. The final consideration for me has been who will beat Mike Lawler in the general election. I have no doubt that Beth Davidson, more than any other candidate, can accomplish this. She knows Rockland and knows Lawler. She can speak with ease on any topic, and has the skill to take him on in real time. While I am a 30 year Westchester resident, I understand the importance of Rockland in this race. I look forward to voting for Beth Davidson in the primary, and hope that I can do so again in the general election. Dorothy Venditto Mount Kisco Please decide to vote for Beth Davidson To the Editor: The upcoming democratic primary in CD17 will be decided by you, the undecided voter. In fact, some say, the trajectory of our country’s future rests in your deliberative hands as we select the candidate who is most prepared to wake Congress from its slumber. I first met Beth Davidson on a cold winter evening on Feb. 18 at the Westchester County Democratic Convention, just months after the previous election. Long before campaign season was in full swing, she was organizing, listening, and building the coalition we need to win this seat. As I learned more about Beth Davidson, she continued to represent the candidate we will need in November. A proven local Rockland County legislator, who won the seat by connecting with all voters to capture over half the vote. An advocate for housing affordability, healthcare access, humane immigration reform, public safety, the environment, gun safety and government accountability, all while campaigning for CD17. At Manhattanville College, I watched Beth Davidson substantively debate her competitors on these topics. She was strategic, speaking truth without raising her voice to be heard, but firm in her conviction to replace Mike Lawler in the general election. From her legislative seat, she has assembled a public record on the issues that you can confidently carry to your neighbors. We will need your voice in the general election to inspire other undecided voters. I am asking you to prepare for those conversations in this primary by voting for Beth Davidson. Michael Kempin Katonah Lawler votes against interests of district To the Editor: Regarding “Boost or bust? Trump stumps for Lawler” (May 29, Page 1). I appreciate Mr. Wilbur’s attempt to showcase the president’s visit in support of Congressman Lawler NY CD17 while presenting “both sides” of the discussion. That said, I’d like to clarify and correct some points made in the article. At the rally, the president is described as “lauding Lawler for fighting for the reinstatement of a larger state and local property tax deduction,” known as the SALT cap. Readers should note that until 2017, with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act by a Republican Congress and signed into law by then President Trump, the SALT deduction had been unlimited. The $10,000 cap was implemented in the 2017 law, to broaden the tax base and offset revenues lost by other tax cuts favoring the wealthiest. This cap disproportionately impacted states with high income and property taxes and disproportionately Democratic majority states. It is disingenuous for the president to “laud” Mr. Lawler for raising that very cap he put in place. Some remarks by the spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, Maureen O’Toole, reported in the article require clarification. One quote, “the congressman pushes against the president when warranted” was demonstratively inaccurate. Mr. Lawler votes along the MAGA party line consistently for items large and small and fails to rein in the president’s domestic and foreign policy actions upon which Congress has oversight powers. For example, Mr. Lawler did not oppose the unlawful tariffs that the president has levied, which cost Americans as well as our trading partners billions. Additionally, he has voted against the War Powers Resolution submitted numerous times to the House floor, which would allow for Congressional oversight of the Iran war. Nor has he demanded a formal declaration of war for the “anti-narcotic” strikes on small boats in the Atlantic and Pacific that have killed as many as 200 and which numerous legal and military experts believe to be unlawful. Most inaccurate are her statements referring to Hudson Valley families, that “Mike Lawler always puts their needs first” and “put thousands of dollars back into the pockets of hard-working families.” The OBBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) of 2025, which Lawler supported, has tremendous adverse consequences for his district. With this bill, thousands of children, low income families and elderly face the loss of health care coverage; removal of ACA subsidies increases health insurance rates for all; area safety net hospitals shoulder the massive surge in uncompensated care from these health care cuts; SNAP benefit reductions threaten food security for thousands of Hudson Valley residents; and cuts to the clean energy tax credits reduce clean energy jobs and increase household energy costs while promoting on-going environmental degradation. Just to name a few. Lastly, many of the effects of the OBBBA will not be evident until after the November elections — a clause cleverly included in the bill to shield voters from the repercussions of this damaging bill before casting their votes. Congressman Lawler has consistently voted against the best interests of this district. It is essential he be voted out this November. Judith Mason Katonah Why I'm supporting Cait Conley in CD17 To the Editor: I strongly urge you to vote for Cait Conley in the June primary as the Democrat to defeat Mike Lawler, incumbent, Trump pal, and self-dealer. Any of the Democrat candidates would represent us better than Lawler. Cait and the others understand and would address the challenges in providing health care, affordable housing and education. They recognize the essential role of science research for our country. They each are known to listen to and respond to the needs of their constituents. They do not focus on building their own businesses and wealth as Lawler and Trump have done. However, the unfortunate situation is that these are not normal times. President Trump and his incompetent pals Hegseth and Rubio have damaged the armed forces of the United States, through firing many in leadership, spending trillions on the still ongoing war on Iran, and enacting policies that hurt the troops. Cait is a decorated combat veteran and has worked at the highest levels on infrastructure security, counterterrorism and cybersecurity. No one wants war, and nobody understands the cost of war more than a veteran. Cait also understands the peril and the potential of AI. We need Cait Conley. Her knowledge, leadership experiences and skills are critical for the country. Primary Day is June 23. Early voting is June 13–21 at Mount Kisco Public Library or any other early voting site in Westchester. Jeanine Meyer Mount Kisco Beth Davidson “a proven fighter, winner” To the Editor: In this month’s primary, Democrats must elect a candidate who can beat Mike Lawler in the November general election. Rockland County Legislator Beth Davidson is the only Democratic primary candidate who is an elected legislator who has repeatedly defeated Republicans in Lawler‘s backyard. In her last election, Davidson garnered 57% of the vote and helped flip the Rockland County Legislature to a Democratic supermajority. While in office, Davidson has worked to minimize the widespread damage caused by the pernicious Mike Lawler and this administration. Davidson helped forge a consensus to suspend the Rockland County gas tax and to protect Constitutional rights. Instead of merely talking about “fighting back,” Davidson is in the arena every day, successfully working to expand economic opportunity, empower our first responders, and protect her constituents in a place where she has deep community roots. Beth Davidson is a proven fighter and winner. She is experienced and prepared to do the work in Washington. No other candidate comes close to sharing her history of action, activism, and long-term commitment to the district. Beth Davidson has what it takes to beat Mike Lawler. The Democratic Primary for NY-17 is June 23. Early voting begins on June 13. Jennifer Saine Bedford

Edward Giobbi died May 9 of natural causes at his home in Katonah, just two months short of his 100th birthday. According to his daughter, Eugenia, “he was 99.10 and died while napping.” An accomplished painter and sculptor, he was also a well regarded chef and the author of four popular cookbooks, including “Italian Family Cooking” and “Italian Family Dining.” He was also a winemaker, gardener, and practitioner of martial arts. Outspoken and irreverent, he loved to tell stories, both verbally and through his works. He was born to Italian immigrants in Waterbury, Conn., on July 18, 1926. His father was a coal miner in Pennsylvania before moving to Waterbury and becoming a factory worker. His mother ruled the kitchen, and it is her recipes that he gathered in his books, and continued to use. He was a veteran of World War II. Trained as an artist in both New York and Florence, Italy, his aesthetic style reflected a dual American and Italian influence. According to Rita Baunok of Chroma Fine Art Gallery in Katonah, which presented a show of his works in 2023, there are references to Medieval and early Renaissance European art and architecture in his works, and he used a Mediterranean palette of sunbaked sienna, umber, and ochre. “His colors are gorgeous, so strong and bright,” said Baunok. At the time of that show, he spoke of his father being pleased that he wouldn’t have to work in a factory. “He always said, if you go to school, I’ll back you up as much as I can. You study what you want to study. But you have to either work or go to school. If you bum around the house, I’ll throw you out.” He said both his parents were very supportive, “no questions asked,” which made him very lucky. “I had friends whose wealthy parents insisted they had to take a job where they made a lot of money,” he said. “And they’d end up doing something they hated to do, but they had money. Big deal! If you’re miserable, what good is money?” As a student at The Art Students League in New York in the early 1950s, he was nourished and shaped by the New York art scene. Robert Taylor of The Boston Globe positioned him as “among the most compelling painters” in the United States. In 2011, Hurricane Irene brought a huge tree down on an annex to his Katonah studio, where some of his thousands of paintings were stored. Insurance covered most of the loss, but when the insurance company asked if he wanted them to dispose of the damaged works, he decided instead to cut the canvases into smaller sections, which he then pieced together into collages, recycling pieces of earlier works to tell new stories. He was the recipient of both a Ford Foundation Grant and a Guggenheim Fellowship. His work is in the collections of the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze in Florence, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Boston Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, the Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., the National Academy of Design, the Tate Gallery in London, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. He was predeceased by his wife, Elinor Turner Giobbi, who died in 2022 after a long illness. Elinor and Edward moved into their house on Croton Lake Road in 1961. They lived in Katonah their entire adult lives, where they raised chickens, rabbits, pigeons, numerous pets including peacocks and ponies, garden vegetables and flowers. He is survived by children Eugenia Giobbi Bone, Elizabeth Giobbi and Chambliss Giobbi, and five grandchildren, all of whom live in New York City and are involved in the arts. A private ceremony is planned. In lieu of a public memorial, neighbors and friends are encouraged to visit the Chroma Fine Art Gallery located at 194 Katonah Ave., Katonah, where Giobbi's work will be on exhibit this summer. — Jeff Morris

Cardinal Timothy Dolan is welcomed by Hawthorne School students. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, who served as archbishop of New York from 2019-2025, recently visited the Hawthorn School in Bedford. Dolan’s day began at St. Patrick’s Church, where he celebrated the 9 a.m. Mass alongside the pastor, the Rev. Brian Graebe, parishioners, and families from the school community. During his homily, the Cardinal praised the close relationship between the parish and the growing school, commending Father Graebe for fostering a spirit of partnership and shared mission. “You can feel the vitality here,” Cardinal Dolan said during the Mass. “I have been watching the growth of The Hawthorn School from afar for many years, and it brings me great joy to finally be here with you today.” Following Mass, the Cardinal visited the school campus.