On a Sunday afternoon in February, a dozen or so residents gathered in a Katonah living room to commiserate over the loss of the community’s local newspaper which had abruptly shuttered just a few weeks earlier. Yes, we still had social media to connect with neighbors, learn about tag sales and post about lost pets. But, we agreed, those channels rarely provided reliable, professionally-sourced information and were ill-equipped to hold government, school and other officials to account. Out of that initial meeting an idea was born: Create a local nonprofit to serve the community’s need for independent, nonpartisan, quality journalism. The vision was to develop a weekly print newspaper and website connecting all residents, civic organizations and businesses in the towns of Bedford, Lewisboro and Pound Ridge — a sizable portion of northern Westchester encompassing nine hamlets and a combined population of roughly 28,000. A few friends and media experts who heard about our plans called us crazy. We understood where they were coming from; after all, recent history was not on our side. Internet and mobile technology, changing habits of news consumption and a precipitous decline in advertising revenue together have decimated the national and local news industry. In recent years, over 2,600 newspapers across the country have closed, resulting in hundreds of counties becoming “news deserts,” with the void too often filled by social media misinformation or hyper-partisan “ghost” newspapers. Numerous studies confirm that such a void can result in increased polarization, less government oversight, less effective schools, lower arts participation and sports engagement, fewer opportunities for businesses to attract customers, and a general decline in civic involvement. That wasn’t the future any of us wanted for our community. Inundated with interest and support from countless like-minded neighbors, volunteers formed a working group with the goal of building a community news organization from the ground up. To help insulate us against the industry’s economic headwinds, we chose a nonprofit business model that relies mainly on support from community members in the form of annual subscriptions and voluntary donations, as well as from advertisers. Our application to become a tax-exempt nonprofit won IRS approval and we are now a 501(c)(3) that can accept tax-deductible donations. In the spring, we successfully began to raise  funds from dozens of generous local donors who shared our belief in the essential role of independent local journalism. We are grateful to every one of them and to Northwell for signing on as our founding underwriter sponsor.  We assembled a team of award-winning journalists, editors, photographers and graphic designers. And we came up with a name — The Recorder — to convey our mission of chronicling local life. Soon after, we learned while researching one of our first stories that we are in good company. A newspaper called The Katonah Recorder preceded us by more than 150 years, and signs of the defunct publication are still visible. Last week, a family doing home renovations in the building that once housed the Hoyt Bros. Furniture Store uncovered in their floorboards tattered pages from the paper’s Jan. 7, 1896 issue.  With this inaugural print issue of The (new) Recorder, we are happily following in the footsteps of our journalistic ancestors. We are most focused on the future, taking the needed steps to build a financially sustainable organization. We look forward to your support of The Recorder as well as your feedback. Suggest article ideas. Share your photos. Submit letters to the editor on local topics. (See contact details at right.) And please help ensure the vitality of The Recorder as a new community nonprofit by subscribing and donating. Thank you for being a Recorder reader and joining us on this exciting new journey. Ed Baum, Karen Sabath and Lloyd Trufelman Board members and co-founders The Recorder News Inc.

Lawsuit upholds due process and need for open decision making To the Editor: In his lawsuit Pound Ridge resident John Nathan lays out in detail the active and behind the scenes actions by Supervisor Kevin Hansan and the town board in 2021 as they received information from Westchester County elected officials, organizations, consultants and lawyers regarding cannabis. Despite every nearby town having public hearings on this matter in 2021 and then deciding to opt out, Pound Ridge showed no transparency and made a secret decision not to opt out. In addition to being an abysmal example of governance from any angle, these actions likely violated numerous New York state laws that are intended to stop such backroom practices. I encourage anyone interested in our local government to read the full 33-page lawsuit. Nathan’s well-written complaint systematically uses documents obtained under FOIL to show the town board was engaged with almost everyone on the cannabis issue except for the very citizens they were elected to represent. In my opinion, the clear evidence that the town board violated numerous sections of the Open Meetings Law is incontrovertible. The cannabis store operator also showed a disregard for law by opening when a moratorium was in place not allowing that action. Unfortunately, the Office of Cannabis Management in Albany hardly covered itself in glory in this situation as it issued a license during the moratorium and after representations said it would not do so.  Hopefully this lawsuit will result in a court upholding the rule of law by requiring that the effect of the board’s apparently illegal action is unwound, and that due process is followed. Due process and the need for open and transparent decision making have always driven my views on this matter. This has nothing to do with a second bite of the apple over cannabis opt-out policy and everything to do with giving residents their first bite of this apple. Jock McCown Pound Ridge A sigh of relief, but we need to be mindful that we need to contribute To the Editor: We are familiar with losing coverage of local news. In my time in the town of Lewisboro, we have lost not only The Record-Review, we have also lost the Lewisboro Ledger as well. It is a national trend that local news sources can't make ends meet, so it is with great joy and relief that I write a letter of gratitude to my fellow neighbors and others who are making The Recorder the newspaper of choice for Lewisboro, Pound Ridge, and Bedford.  The Pew Research Center finds “A large majority say local news outlets are at least somewhat important to the well-being of their local community. Most people also say local journalists are in touch with their communities and that their local news media perform well at several aspects of their jobs, such as reporting the news accurately. At the same time, a relatively small share of Americans (15%) say they have paid for local news in the last year.”  It is important that we have local journalists and photojournalists cover our neighborhoods. It brings transparency to government and school boards. It increases a sense of community by providing a forum for our cultural and literary groups somewhere to promote events and ask people to volunteer and contribute. While we celebrate and breathe a sigh of relief, we also need to be mindful that we need to contribute — not only material, but mindful consideration of others’ perspectives in civic discourse. We also need to support this newspaper with subscriptions and advertisements of our local businesses. When we take care of each other, our community becomes stronger.   Mary Shah South Salem Navigating change with trusted local journalism To the Editor: Change is inevitable and 2024 is certainly on pace to continue the succession of “unprecedented times” that have brought significant shifts to our community. We are witnessing changes across the board — new industries from pickleball to cannabis, and technologies such as battery storage and electric vehicles are reshaping our local landscapes. Post-pandemic trends that brought young families, like mine, to the area in recent years, have opened a new chapter of change for our neighborhoods, schools, and downtowns. These local changes coincide with a broader political landscape that grows more unpredictable by the day. The upcoming election, especially New York’s 17th Congressional District race that encompasses our area, is one of the most consequential in recent history and will play a critical role in determining control of Congress and the country’s direction. The Recorder is an outgrowth of change. When northern Westchester unexpectedly became a news desert earlier this year, The Recorder emerged to fill the gap, offering reliable, fact-based reporting to help us understand the challenges and opportunities of our time and the changes taking place all around us. Amid this change, accurate and trustworthy local news is essential, especially in an era where misinformation can easily take root. I want to recognize the entire Recorder team for stepping in when many believed local journalism — especially print — was fading. Their efforts have created an invaluable resource for our community as we navigate whatever change is in store next. Zach Silber Bedford Editor’s note: The author is a member of The Recorder’s Working Group of volunteers that has helped develop and launch the new nonprofit local news organization.

By David Pogue Hello. My name is David, and I hate lawns. It’s an instant monoculture. It provides no habitat. Grass roots are only an inch deep, so they can’t reach down to find water, so you have to irrigate a lawn to keep it from turning brown. (Some native plants’ roots grow down 12 feet.) Fertilizer is a carbon-emissions nightmare, and the mowing is a noisy, gas-burning CO2 factory.  So when my wife and I moved to Bedford a year ago, we had grand plans for our 4-acre property: Lose the lawn. We’d meadow this baby! We dreamed of waking up to a glittering, colorful explosion of wildflowers, teeming with bids, butterflies and bees. We could help the planet! We could reduce our carbon! We could quit paying a lawn crew! Hello. My name is David, and I’m a naïve idiot. Meadowing, as it turns out, is not cheaper or lower maintenance than a lawn, at least not for the first few years. The very first step, getting rid of the grass itself, turns out to be a huge, fraught project. According to Kathy Moreau, our landscape designer, you can kill the lawn in any of three ways: Smother it with plastic or cardboard for a year. Dig up the sod with earthmoving equipment. Or spray Roundup.  Hmm, tough choice. I’ll bet plenty of my followers on Facebook have been through this process. I thought maybe I’d ask them which method they’d used.  The result was internet civil war; 615 commenters, ripping each other to shreds. — “It is obvious that some of you have zero experience.” — “That is the surest way to failure for a meadow. Clearly, you’ve never done a meadow yourself.” — “What you propose is not supported by the science.” — “I love pseudo environmentalists that don’t know what they’re talking about.” People suggested all kinds of alternative approaches: — “Controlled burning! Feeds the soil and clears the area.” — “Put a couple of horses on it. In a couple of weeks you’ll have mud.” — “Go with artificial grass.”  There was one thing everyone seemed to agree on, though: Don’t use Roundup. — “NO ROUNDUP! You will poison the soil and nothing will grow and it will take a long time for nature to return.” — “Oh my. No no no no no.”  — “Bad idea! Kills grass, bugs, birds, snakes, people.”  Well, you know. It’s the internet. Everybody’s got an opinion. The real question is, what do the experts say? At Bedford2030.org , you can sign up for a free Rooted Solutions coaching session. Landscape experts come to your place, study your property, and offer a plan for making your property more sustainable.  Our coaches, Andrea Good and Fiona Mitchell, had a surprising answer to the “how to get rid of the grass” problem. None of the above. “Let the turf grass grow and go to seed; it will flop over,” their report said. “As it becomes weaker, it becomes easier to pull out some tufts, creating room for seeds or plugs of full-sun, medium-moisture meadow plants.” Wow! So maybe we don’t have to get rid of the grass in order to … get rid of the grass. We also called in Pennington Grey, whose firm specializes in installing gorgeous, organic, native meadows. As a bonus, he’s on the board of directors for the Ecological Landscape Alliance. If the goal is doing the right thing for nature, he’s not such a fan of the smothering-the-lawn approach. “You’re going to take that entire area out of service to nature for a year. Because it’s not draining water, it’s not insect habitat, it’s not doing anything.” What about scalping off the sod? “You’re going to be running a two-stroke engine all day. That sod all gets hauled out. You’ll pay $70 a yard to dispose of it in a landfill.” You can probably see where this is going: Grey prefers to spray. He uses glyphosate, the world’s most widely used herbicide — and the active ingredient in Roundup. (He doesn’t use Roundup itself, which contains enhancing agents he doesn’t care for.) “Using herbicide is a very personal decision. It needs to align with the homeowner’s goals and ethos for their land. But it’s a really inexpensive, low-impact way to change your environment from being nonproductive to being exceptionally productive in the shortest time,” he says. “In a residential setting, it has no impact on water quality. It doesn’t impact insect life. It doesn’t impact you or me. At this low rate of application, it doesn’t move   in the soil. It doesn’t get caught by water and get washed off down the road; it binds with the soil. It’s seven days in the soil before it’s degraded by microorganisms.” But wait a minute — then why is Roundup banned in 28 countries? What about the lawsuits that have cost Monsanto, the maker of Roundup, $10 billion in settlements? And above all, what about the World Health Organization, which categorized glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic”? Those, Grey says, have to do with using Roundup for agricultural use, where farmers spray their fields multiple times in vast quantities. (The FDA has found Roundup residue on oats, soybeans, cranberries, grapes, raisins, oranges, apples, cherries and beans in the U.S., at levels the government considers harmless.)  A single application in a backyard, he says, “just doesn’t do anything.” Well, hasn’t our government made a ruling?  Why, yes. The EPA has studied all the studies, and its conclusion is emphatic. Glyphosate poses “no risks of concern to human health,” and there is “no evidence that glyphosate causes cancer in humans.”  So why did the WHO rule differently? Because, the EPA says, the EPA researchers “considered a significantly more extensive and relevant dataset” than the WHO did, including “studies EPA identified in the open literature.” The EPA also found glyphosate safe for “terrestrial and aquatic plants, mammals, and birds.” It’s “uncertain” about bees. Penn State’s agricultural scientists agree. “Glyphosate has lower acute toxicity to humans than 94% of all herbicides and many common household chemicals, including vinegar and table salt,” it says. Oh. So glyphosate is actually OK?  Not if you’re the authors of a 2022 peer-reviewed article in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. “Although there are important discrepancies between the analyzed findings,” they wrote, “it is unequivocal that exposure to glyphosate produces important alterations in the structure and function of the nervous system of humans, rodents, fish, and invertebrates.” Well — GAHHHHHH! At this point, my brain is mush. I just wanted to do the right thing. I just wanted to minimize my carbon, to rewild a big patch of monocrop, to quit mowing and blowing. And now it turns out that I can’t get there without dealing damage to the very planet I set out to save? I’ll keep digging away (at the research, not the yard), and I’ll keep you posted in this column. In the meantime, I’m keeping this data point, from one of my Facebook correspondents, in my back pocket: “Four to eight goats can clear an acre in a month.”

By NEAL RENTZ A popular local tradition will continue next week when the 63rd Lewisboro Library Fair returns. The only year the event was not held was 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, library program coordinator, Liz Gabriele, said this week.  The event is more than a one-day gathering. It will begin with book pre-sales starting Wednesday, Sept. 18, with the fair to be held Saturday,  Sept. 21, as well as a sale day on Sunday.   The fair has “something for everyone,” Gabriele said. The fair and all related events will be held at Onatru Farm Park, located at 99 Elmwood Road, South Salem. The fair will take place, rain or shine, Sept. 21,   from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some of the highlights include a car show, a beer and wine garden, a dunk tank with local celebrities (including local teachers and school district administrator) taking the plunge, food trucks and booths and music. The event will also offer several shopping opportunities, including a book sale, an Attic Treasures Sale, a silent auction and a vendor market.  “There is also a ‘Kids Zone’ with multiple activities such as a bouncy house, a fairy garden workshop and face painting and more,” Gabriele said. “We are very excited about several new additions to the Kids Zone, including performers and a bracelet entry fee to access attractions all day long.”  The annual event financially supports the library, Gabriele said.  “The proceeds go directly into the operating fund to support the day-to-day operations of the library,” Gabriele noted.   “The fair is our largest fundraiser to support the library. While the library does receive town funding, it must raise over 25% of its budget through fundraisers and other initiatives. Secondly, as one of the largest events held annually in Lewisboro, the fair is a great way to bring the community together, whether as attendees, volunteers, or local vendors and community groups who want to get the word out about their services.” One of the new programs being introduced this year will be held earlier in the week. There will be the adult book sale Sept. 18, from 5 to 9 p.m., Gabriele said. The new sale is being presented in response to calls from town residents for a night only for Lewisboro residents, she said. The adult and the children’s book pre-sale is Thursday, Sept. 19, at 5 p.m. Admission is free for Lewisboro residents and $25 for nonresidents. The book pre-sales continues on Sept. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with free admission for all.  In addition, the Attic Treasures pre-sale begins Sept   19, from 5 to 9 p.m. Only VIP ticket holders will be able to shop all of Attic Treasures that evening, Gabriele said, adding non-VIP ticket holders can shop for sporting goods only on that night. There is also an opportunity to shop Attic Treasures on Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a $25 admission fee at the door; VIP ticket holders can shop for free, she noted. Fair-related events will conclude with an after-sale of book and Attic Treasures bargains Sunday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A VIP ticket grants early access to the Attic Treasures on the night of Sept. 19 for up to three people, one priority parking spot on fair day, two raffle tickets, two beer tickets and two free book vouchers. VIP tickets, which are $75, can be purchased online through the library website or in person at the library, which is located at 15 Main St., South Salem. The VIP tickets will not be available for sale on fair day. For more fair information call 914-875-9004 or visit lewisborolibrary.org

Traffic citations abound; two motorists clocked at 60 mph in a 30 zone Several motorists were issued tickets around town for traffic violations. Sunday morning, a driver traveling on Westchester Avenue police clocked doing 60 mph in a marked 30-mph zone was issued a summons. At 12:55 p.m., another driver on Westchester Avenue was issued a summons for the same violations. Wednesday, Sept. 4 10 a.m. — A traffic summons was issued to a driver on Westchester Avenue. No further information was provided.  5:34 p.m. — A driver on Westchester Avenue was issued a summons for a vehicular violation.  Thursday, Sept. 5 6:10 p.m. — A driver on Pound Ridge Road was given a summons for a traffic violation.  8:00 p.m. — A police enforced radar detail turned up no violators.  Friday, Sept. 6 8:05 a.m. — A driver traveling on Westchester Avenue was issued a traffic summons. No further information was provided.  Saturday, Sept. 7   12:44 a.m. — A crash was reported on Westchester Avenue. No further information was provided. Sunday, Sept. 8   12:36 a.m.— A summons was issued to a driver on Westchester Avenue for operating a motor vehicle and simultaneously using an electronic device.  9:34 a.m. — A traffic summons was issued to a driver traveling on Westchester Avenue for disobeying a stop sign.   10:18 a.m. — A driver traveling on Westchester Avenue police clocked doing 60 mph in a marked 30-mph zone was issued a summons. At 12:55 p.m., another driver on Westchester Avenue was issued a summons for the same violations. 10:30 a.m. — A car and a bicycle collided on Westchester Avenue. No injuries were reported. The involved parties exchanged information with the assistance of police.  10:55 a.m. — A driver on Long Ridge Road was issued a summons for driving while using an electronic device.  10:45 p.m. — A noise complaint of “yelling” on Twin Fawn Lane was reported. No yelling was heard on police arrival.  Monday, Sept. 9 6 a.m. — Police received a dog complaint on Barnegat Road. No further information provided. — Eve Marx, The Recorder staff writer This report was made from official reports provided by the Pound Ridge Police Department.

Animal activist causes commotion with chickens  On Sunday, Sept. 8, at 11:55 a.m., police responded for a second time for a report about roaming chickens. They went to the location where a woman was waving them down. She said she knew where the chickens live but nobody was home. She identified herself as an animal activist and was attempting to herd them back inside their coop. She admitted opening the homeowner’s mailbox to get the homeowner’s name; police advised this was a poor decision and sternly warned her against opening other people’s mail. Neighbors said the chickens are often outside. The chicken owner was contacted and said they are free to range. The woman who flagged down the officer was advised although her intentions were good, there was no problem and not to trespass. Monday, Sept. 2 9:55 a.m. — A South Salem resident was assisted by police after accidentally locking himself out of his car. He said he could see the keys on the driver’s seat. After ascertaining the caller was the car owner and lived at this address, an officer used the “big stick” tool to retrieve the keys and give them to the owner.  7:50 p.m. — A barefoot man dressed in black was reported pushing a shopping cart on Route 35, Cross River. Pound Ridge and Bedford police departments received similar calls hours earlier reporting him on Route 121. Police found him by the Fifth Division Market & Deli and said he was coherent and not in distress. He refused help as he did in the Bedford and Pound Ridge jurisdictions. He said he was on his way to Connecticut and headed to New Hampshire. He provided the officer with his name but had no I.D. on him. He told them he was in his 20s but police said he appeared older. They followed him for his own safety on a narrow part of the roadway and saw him resting near a wine store in the vicinity of routes 35 and 121. The officer provided him with a disposable yellow blanket and asked him to wear it for his safety while traveling in the dark.  Tuesday, Sept. 3 7:26 a.m. — Emergency responders went to a home in Goldens Bridge for a man possibly having a heart attack. Goldens Bridge firefighters were already on scene. The man complained of chest pain and was taken to Northern Westchester Hospital by Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps.  8:20 a.m. — Police received a report of a disheveled-looking man walking on Route 35 near Route 121. It was the same man that was reported Sept. 2.  He repeated his story that he was headed to Connecticut but this time said his goal was to get to Vermont, not New Hampshire. An officer asked him if he needed help or was hungry and he declined assistance. The officer kept an eye on him traveling on Route 121 where the road shoulder is narrow, and the man continued on his journey.  2:27 p.m. — A caller in South Salem residing in a multifamily building said a man came to their door and knocked for some time without leaving. The only description the caller could provide was that the man’s right arm was tattooed. Police checked the condo complex area with negative results. 3:18 p.m. — Fraud was reported by a South Salem resident who said someone emailed her and demanded she pay $2,000 or embarrassing information about her would be released. The reporting party was provided with a QR code to pay; Bitcoin would also be accepted. The fraudster showed they “meant business” by sending her a picture of her former residence. She was advised to block the sender and advise her financial institutions and the Federal Trade Commission of the threat.   5:40 p.m. — A car was impounded on Route 35, South Salem, after an officer saw it had an expired inspection. A traffic stop was initiated and the operator, whose license was suspended, said she’d moved to Connecticut but her husband never renewed the registration as the car, leased, was being turned in at the end of the week. The car was towed and the operator issued five tickets, including one for not having insurance.  Wednesday, Sept. 4 9 a.m. — A resident of South Salem came to headquarters to report they were contacted by someone who claimed they were with Medicare requesting personal information. Before she realized it was a scam, the caller did provide some of her personal information. She contacted Medicare who advised her to make a police report.  12 p.m. — Police went to a shopping center on Route 22, Goldens Bridge, after a license plate reader picked up a car with a suspended registration. The car was impounded and the operator issued two summonses for having an unregistered vehicle and no insurance.  3 p.m. — Suspicious activity was reported on Salem Lane, South Salem; a caller said a white box truck was parked in front of her home. Two men were taking pictures of her house and her cars. She asked them what they were doing and they said they were making an appliance delivery for Best Buy. She said they were at the wrong address; they told her husband the company requires them to take a picture of the house where the delivery is made. She said she has images on her home security camera which she will provide to the police.  Thursday, Sept. 5 5:23 p.m. — An elderly resident of Quincy Court, Goldens Bridge, complained to police about a blue car that parks in front of her home. It’s her contention where this car is parked makes it difficult for her friends and family members to visit. It was explained that the car is legally parked unless the condo board changes its regulations. The officer did look, without result, for the blue car’s owner to ask if they could, as a courtesy, park someplace else.  Friday, Sept. 6 7:41 a.m. — A resident of South Salem was taken to Northern Westchester Hospital after falling in her home. On arrival, she was on the floor and being evaluated by Westchester EMS. Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps took her to a hospital for a suspected head injury.  12:15 p.m. — Police were dispatched to a location on Route 123 where they met with a man at the intersection of Mill River Road, South Salem, who said he accidentally left his phone on the roof of his car and was notified it was here. Police helped him look for his phone which was found in the grass.  3 p.m. — An order of protection was served to a South Salem resident from the Monroe County Family Court. No further information was provided. 3:50 p.m. — A person who tripped at their group residential care home in Goldens Bridge, striking their head, was taken to Northern Westchester Hospital by Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps.  Saturday, Sept. 7 5:15 p.m. — A tree was reported down and blocking the roadway in the vicinity of Bouton Road and Route 35. Police on arrival said the report was unfounded.  Sunday, Sept. 8 10:50 a.m. — Chickens were reported in the road at Bouton Road and Main Street, South Salem. Police searched the area with negative results. 4 p.m. — A Lewisboro police officer and a New York State Trooper went to a single-family home in South Salem for a report of a particular party removing items from the house. The caller, in Connecticut and not at the scene, told police this person did not have permission to be inside the house. A neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, said the person removing the items is the homeowner. The neighbor advised they hadn’t seen the person around the house for at least two weeks and thought they’d moved out. The person was no longer at the residence on police arrival.   — Eve Marx, The Recorder staff writer. This report was made from official reports provided by the Lewisboro Police Department.

Man found dead after apparent lawnmower mishap On Saturday, Sept. 7,   at   4:32 p.m., Police and Katonah Fire Department personnel responded to a location on Croton Lake Road, Bedford Hills, for a report of an unresponsive man by a pond. He was found lying on the lawn; part of his leg was detached as well as a severed index finger. They also saw a shredded left boot and work gloves , and a lawn mower a short distance away leaning against a stone. Police applied a tourniquet and CPR was initiated before it was determined the man was deceased. His wife told police she saw him mowing the lawn shortly before she called 911. She said he had a prior medical condition. The medical examiner’s office was notified to take over the scene.  Katonah man arrested for disobeying a court order  A resident of Katonah, male, 48, was arrested Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 4:49 p.m., on Katonah Woods Road, charged with criminal contempt and disobeying a court order. Police say he went to his parents’ home and knocked on the back door despite an existing court order prohibiting him from the property. Police met with his mother at the residence and she said her son was on the back deck. He told police he was aware he wasn’t supposed to be on the property. He was arrested on scene at which time police say he was in possession of a powdery substance and behaving erratically. An ambulance was requested and he was taken by Katonah Bedford Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps to Northern Westchester Hospital where medical staff determined he wasn’t a danger. He was brought back to headquarters where he was processed and transported to court in Mount Kisco for arraignment. A judge placed him on a hold with a $1,000 bail and he was transported to the Westchester County Department of Corrections in Valhalla. He is to appear in court Sept. 4. A New York state domestic incident report was completed.  Monday, Sept. 2 1:23 p.m. — A female teenager was reported missing from her home in Bedford Hills by her grandmother, who was also reported as missing the first day of school. Police utilized a family court pin that located her in several locations in the area. They were contacted later in the day by the grandmother who said she was in White Plains with the teen in family court.  11:36 a.m. — Bedford Police responded to the Byram Lake reservoir near Oregon Road for a report of a capsized boat, a person possibly stuck in the boat, and a possible injury. On their arrival North Castle Police and Armonk Police were already on scene providing medical care and their assistance wasn’t needed. No additional information was provided. 5:15 p.m. — A caller reported a young child wandering on its own on Millertown Road, Bedford. Police arrived and spoke with the caller who said the child returned to its home. Police went to the home and spoke with the parents who said they were in the process of moving and hadn’t locked the door, and the 2-year-old wandered out. The child was in the mother’s arms when police spoke with the parents. The parents were reminded to keep the doors locked. Tuesday, Sept. 3 11:51 a.m. — Two students were involved in a collision in the parking lot at Fox Lane High School. One driver struck an unoccupied car belonging to another student while attempting to park. Police say both cars were drivable and nobody was injured. The parents of the two students would be notified of the incident by school authorities.   2:55 p.m. — The Bedford dog control officer spoke with a man who said while jogging on High Street, Katonah, he was approached by a dog that bit or scratched him. The reporting party took pictures of the dog and claimed to know where it lives. The dog control officer went to that residence and spoke with the homeowner who said they have a dog, but that wasn’t their dog. Records show no dog that looks like the dog in the picture is licensed to anyone at that address.  Wednesday, Sept. 4 4:18 p.m. — A male youth running on Cherry Street, Katonah, was reported as suspicious. Police searched the area with negative results. 7:24 p.m. — Management at a nail salon on Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, reported a man inside the shop refusing to leave. Police arrived and saw the man on a couch. He was using the landline of the salon to make calls. He told police he is homeless and was using the salon’s phone to fix an error at his bank. He left when the officer asked him.  11:32 p.m. — A resident of Bedford Hills, female, 52, reported her foot was stuck in her bed and she required assistance. Police and Katonah Bedford Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps arrived and found her foot was stuck between the box spring and the mattress. Her foot was freed and she refused further assistance.   Thursday, Sept 5 11:35 a.m. — The operator of a pickup truck traveling on Guard Hill Road, Bedford Hills,  was issued two summonses for loose cargo and unsecured load.  3:34 p.m. — A caller at the Bedford Memorial Park on Greenwich Road, Bedford, reported a woman wearing an army vest who was acting in an odd manner. Police arrived and saw her seated at a picnic bench. She appeared to be “chanting.” The officer observed she appeared to be living out of her car. The woman said she didn’t need help and police left the area.  Friday, Sept. 6 6:50 a.m. — A dog reported abandoned at the dog park on Beaver Dam Road, Katonah, was not abandoned, police say. They spoke with its owner who said he was with the dog at the park the evening before; the dog refused to leave with him, so he left it. The officer helped him get his dog and no further action was taken.   Saturday, Sept. 7 12:21 a.m. — A resident of Baldwin Road, Bedford, reported her burglar alarm was activated and she thought someone might be inside the house. Police checked the exterior and interior and found no problem. The caller said she was new to living in the house and was still getting used to its sounds and noises.   1:40 p.m. — A caller reported a man riding a child’s vehicle on Katonah Avenue, Katonah, which they found suspicious. Police spoke to a man operating a “Power Wheels” Jeep Hurricane t o check its safety. Police said there was no problem.   Sunday, Sept. 8 2:55 p.m. — Police responded to a report of a man in a wheelchair in front of Kohl’s on Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, soliciting money. He told police he was trying to raise funds for his basketball team. He said he would leave the area.   5:37 p.m. — A road rage incident was reported by a Katonah resident; she said the incident happened on Interstate 287 westbound. The reporting party said a red sedan got too close to her and then pulled out in front and stopped short. She was advised to report the incident to the New York State Police because the incident occurred in their jurisdiction.  9:05 p.m. — Police went to a residence in Katonah after a female, 28, was reported by family members in need of an ambulance. On their arrival, officers spoke with the parents who said their emotionally distraught daughter punched a window resulting in lacerations to her arm and wrist. They said prior to the window, she went around the house breaking things before they called 911. She was transported to Northern Westchester Hospital by Katonah Bedford Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps for care and evaluation.  11:44 p.m. — An animal was reported screaming in the parking lot of the Blue Dolphin restaurant on Katonah Avenue, Katonah. Police saw an injured raccoon; there was a second raccoon on scene who was either trying to help the injured one or kill it. As there was no safe place to safely dispatch the injured wildlife, police decided to let nature take its course and no further action was taken.   — Eve Marx, The Recorder staff writer This report was made from official reports provided by the Bedford Police Department.

PHOTO CREDIT: JIM MACLEAN Top row: Coach Andrew Giuliano is back for his fourth-year at the helm for Fox Lane; Declan Connors returns after leading the Foxes in rushing last fall. Middle row: John Czernyk is a three-year starter at quarterback for the Foxes; Senior Logan Mammola will play a big role on both sides of the ball; Will Rudolph will be a big target for the Foxes at wide receiver. Bottom row: Cam Bahari (right) will return for his senior year to anchor the line; The Foxes are ready to go on both sides of the ball. By JIM MACLEAN  It was an exciting football season last fall at Fox Lane. Some big victories and a trip to the playoffs as the Foxes turned in a winning season that included wins over local rivals Horace Greeley and John Jay, along with a thrilling last minute victory over Mahopac. That was last year, but a bunch of those players are back again this year and after getting a taste of winning last season they want to finish strong in their senior year. Fox Lane coach Andrew Giuliano is back for his fourth year as the head coach, and he knows the talent and potential are there. He also knows the Foxes play in one of the toughest leagues in the state, and they are out to take it one game at a time after putting in a lot of hard work in the off season to hopefully make it another fun year. ‘I like our staff. I like our team and we’re excited to get going.’ — Fox Lane coach Drew Giuliano “We have a core group of seniors, about eight guys, who really lead this team. We’re experienced in the skill spots, some names who have been on the team for a while now and have played in a lot of varsity games.” Many of the seniors have been on the varsity for three years, coming up and playing a big role as sophomores and taking their lumps on the varsity level. They turned the corner last year, and now they want to continue to head in the right direction. The Foxes did lose two key players in four-year varsity starter Brian Bailey and three-year varsity starter James Minotti, who are both playing in college this fall. However, the Foxes have several key players returning at key spots all over the field to get the job done and compete. One of those three-year varsity starters is senior quarterback John Czernyk who returns to lead the offense for the Foxes. Czernyk will have plenty of experienced and talented players around him as the Foxes hope to score more this year and find the end zone after several close and low scoring games last fall. In the backfield Declan Connors returns as another talented senior three-year starter. Connors was the leading rusher for Fox Lane last year and he is bigger and stronger this year as he hopes for a big finish to his impressive career. Will Rudolph and Logan Mammola are two more veteran seniors coming back and they provide two big targets for Czernyk as returning  starters at wide receiver. Providing balance in the backfield to carry the ball alongside Connors will be sophomore Evan Stackle and junior Justin Sarote. Nate Getman and Mac Keller are two more offensive weapons returning for the Foxes, and newcomers Owen Baker and Will Brogheimer will also help spark the offense. On the line, Cam Bahari will be a senior leader as he returns after missing most of last season with an ACL injury. Kenny DeLaCruz is another returning starter to help anchor the line, and Joe Cerone is a newcomer on the varsity ready to move into a starting spot on the line. It adds up to a veteran team with a lot of talent and potential, but Giuliano and the Foxes know what they are up against competing in their league that includes defending New York State Class A champion Somers, and defending state Class B champion Rye has also moved up to Class A this season. “Our league is insane, but we like it that way, no weeks off. It’s tough, but it makes us better. I really like competing in this league, everyone is close together and it makes it more exciting for the fans. We’re ready and they’ve been working hard. I like our staff. I like our team and we’re excited to get going.” Fox Lane does not have a  week zero game  this fall. Instead, the Foxes were set to host a four-team scrimmage with Pleasantville, Scarsdale and John F. Kennedy on Friday, Sept. 6. The Foxes will kick off the season on the road at Mahopac on Friday, Sept. 13, and Giuliano knows that will be a big test to start the year. “Our goal is to beat Mahopac in week one, that is what we’re focused on. We know we are facing a lot of good teams and we have to take it one game at a time and get better every day.”

PHOTOS BY JIM MACLEAN Pictured clockwise from the top left, Quarterback Tommy Machado, taackle Manny Ruiz; practicing a play; Coach Joe Candarelli; the John Jay offensive line; Jojo Kern. By JIM MACLEAN The John Jay football program has become accustomed to winning and competing for the playoffs, but the Wolves also know that they face a tough schedule every year and every week against state champions and other successful programs in their league competing in Section 1 Class A. John Jay finished at 4-5 overall last season, but coach Joe Candarelli knows how hard his team is working and is confident that they can face the challenge of their tough schedule and turn in another winning season. “It’s their turn, our mantra is to keep swinging, be super resilient, keep playing and be ready for the next play. I’m very excited and I like this group. Obviously, there are some very talented teams in Section 1 Class A, the best in the state, but I’m excited about our group and our program.” Last year John Jay entered the season with just a couple of returning starters after being hit hard by graduation. This year a lot of those young players are back — and hungry to prove what they can do on the field. “This senior group is an experienced one, a lot of them played quite a bit last year and we’re bringing back a lot of varsity experience. The year before we lost everyone. We have a lot of guys who played key roles last year [who are] back with experience at important positions.” One of those key positions is quarterback, and senior Tommy Machado returns after starting last year for the Wolves to lead the offense. Candarelli knows what Machado did last year and the work he put in during the off-season to get ready for his senior campaign as a leader for the Wolves. “Conversation starts there; he came on the end of last year and played very well. He is bigger, faster, and he’s been a phenomenal leader. Number seven with the ball in his hands is a good thing for John Jay.” In front of Machado the Wolves will have three key senior starters returning to anchor the offensive line with senior James Dachik back at center, and Mathias Baez and Peter Hill back at the tackle positions. Sophomore Ryker McCarthy is a key newcomer taking over one of the guard spots. Machado has a pair of veteran receivers returning to connect with in the air as junior Patrick Ryan and senior Manny Ruiz return to provide talented targets to move the chains. In the backfield, sophomore Nicholas Rinaldi returns as a running back after coming up to varsity last year as a freshman. Senior Jojo Kern is anxious to get back on the field carrying the rock for the Wolves after missing all of last year after suffering a knee injury in the first week of the season. Most of those veterans will be playing on defense as well with a lot of two-way starters, but Candarelli is also counting on sophomore newcomer Kyle Halsey to play a big role on defense at linebacker. It adds up to a team with talent and potential, but the Wolves know they have yet to prove it on the field. John Jay faces a schedule that includes defending state Class A champion Somers, and defending state Class B champion Rye has also moved up to Class A this year. Not many people are talking about John Jay as a title contender, but the message from Candarelli and the Wolves’ is clear: they are ready to compete and don’t underestimate John Jay. “Our schedule is phenomenal, Section 1 Class A football is some of the best teams in the state and it’s an honor to play that schedule. We want to play the best, it only makes us better, and we’ll take it one game at a time.” John Jay will open the season on the road at Mamaroneck on Friday, Sept. 6, in a non-league week zero game against one of the top teams in Class AA.

By THANE GRAUEL The Pound Ridge Town Board on Tuesday unanimously voted to set some details for a special election on whether to form the Scotts Corners Water District. The board itself approved the district’s creation in July. Now the property owners will have their say. The election — at which the owners of the  39 or so ta xable properties in the district can vote — will be held Thursday, Oct. 24, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Town House, located at 179 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge. Two election inspectors, one Democrat and one Republican, will be on hand. Water issues, whether the supply of drinking water or how to deal with wastewater, have been an issue for many communities in the region.  Scotts Corners’ groundwater has been contaminated by fuel and chemicals from a gas station, a cleaner, spills and leaking underground tanks over the decades. In addition to gasoline and additives, the “forever chemicals” perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, PFOS, and perfluorooctanoic acid, PFAS, have been found. The water district would be formed to solve the problem of providing safe drinking water to the 39 or so affected residential and commercial properties. A May 2024 engineering report commissioned by the town saw four courses of action, including taking no action. The other alternatives are: 1. Connecting to a treated water storage tank, owned by the Aquarion Water Company, at the Pound Ridge Golf Club on High Ridge Road. That would require laying 13,000 feet of water main. 2. Using the Siscowit Reservoir as a raw water supply and building a filtration and disinfection facility. This would require a new 200,000-gallon water storage tank and 13,000 feet of 8-inch water main. 3. Installing individual point-of-entry treatment systems at each property to treat the existing private well supply, with quarterly water supply testing and regular replacement of treatment components. The report recommended the first alternative, hooking into Aquarion’s system on High Ridge Road, which has an estimated cost of $10.8 million.  At previous town board meetings, some residents were  critical of aspects of the plan, and questioned what the actual annual costs to the property owners in Scotts Corners might be. Also percolating have been fears that by creating a water district, a wastewater treatment plant might soon follow. That was on the mind of Jessica Genova of Fox Run Road on Tuesday night. “I’m very concerned about, it seems like if we go down that direction, we’re putting in the pipes, we’re going to end up with a wastewater treatment plant,” she said. “I know that there’s been talk about it being at Old Pound Road, which is very close to the elementary school, the town park, where young children and families regularly congregate and play.” “I can ensure that all these new young families in town will be enraged if they find out about this anywhere near where children congregate and families congregate,” Genova said. She mentioned numerous studies she said document the health hazards of having a wastewater treatment plant near a residential area, including airborne hazards, well hazards, respiratory and gastrointestinal reactions, headaches and more. “Our town is a residential town, so we have to remember that,” she said. “We don’t have the ability, we don’t have the place to put this that won’t impact the health of people.”  She said people come to live in Pound Ridge because it’s far from major infrastructure, train stations and highways. “I’m very concerned … because we know if pipes go in downtown it’s going to end up here,” she said of a wastewater plant. “There will be lawsuits, I can assure you, because this is not the right thing for this town,” Genova said.  Town Supervisor Kevin Hansan thanked her as she left the podium, and Genova said, “I don’t want to say I told you so.” A man in the audience asked whether people could vote by absentee ballot in the special election, and whether the number of eligible property owners had been determined to be 37. “There will be no absentee ballots,” Town Attorney William Harrington said, “You have to be in person.” “They can delegate somebody,” Hansan said. Harringtown said a special counsel is helping with the legal aspects of the election, helping figure out questions such as who gets to vote if a property has two owners; and if a property is owned by a trust, obtaining written authorization for someone to vote on its behalf. He also was asked about what would constitute a majority vote. “So, it’s a situation where if you don’t show up, it’s obviously a ‘no’ vote, the question is whether or not it’s a majority of the people who vote, or a majority of the people who are in the district eligible to vote,” Harrington said.  A special counsel would help figure that out, he said.

Road rage  On Wednesday,  Aug. 28, at 3:30 p.m., police were dispatched to Railroad Avenue, Bedford Hills, on a report of a  disturbance in a parking lot. They spoke with a taxi driver and a passenger who described a woman driving on Bedford Road near Cherry Street who was speeding and cut off the cab. The woman, a Bedford Village resident, had a few things of her own to say about the cab. She followed it to the parking lot and initiated a verbal argument. Neither party cared to pursue the matter further and a report was made for documentation only.  Party crasher  On Saturday, Aug. 31, at 9:47 p.m., police went to a residence on Hook Road, Bedford, on a report of a party crasher. They spoke to the homeowner who said the man, who lives up the street, wasn’t invited. Police spoke with the unwanted party who said he was under the impression it was an open house and said he’d been at the party for two hours before being asked to leave. Police told him not to come back unless he’s invited.  Monday, Aug. 26 12:21 p.m. — A woman stuck in an elevator at the Hunting Ridge Mall on Old Post Road, Bedford, was freed by Bedford firefighters. 3:55 p.m. — A woman was reported walking in the roadway on McLain Street, Bedford Hills; the caller thought she might be in need of assistance. Police contacted her and she said she was fine and walking home to Mount Kisco.   9:28 p.m. — Police went to a residence on Adams Street, Bedford Hills, for a report of a woman crying. On their arrival, they saw a man standing outside holding a young child. There was a language barrier and as no Spanish-speaking officer was available, police used a translating app on their phone to facilitate a conversation. They spoke with the woman who said she and the man had argued and it turned physical. He struck her on the wrist and her face which is when she called 911. Her friend arrived and took her and her young son to their home in Mount Kisco. A New York state domestic incident report was completed and the woman was provided with information on how to get help for her situation.   Tuesday, Aug. 27 11:39 a.m. — A CVS employee on Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, reported that an unknown man entered the store and stole two electric toothbrushes valued at about $250. Police say the employee followed him out of the store and saw him get into a car where someone was waiting; the car was seen headed towards Green Lane. The store has surveillance video and police are investigating.   5:21 p.m. — Police went to a home on Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, for a report of a domestic  incident. There was a language barrier and police used the translation app on their phones as no Spanish-speaking officer was available. A female, 24, said she and her boyfriend went to a relative’s home to collect her child. An argument started between the woman and her mother and her sister, who are seeking custody of the victim’s child. The sister pushed the complainant and someone called 911. Katonah Bedford Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps was on scene but the woman declined medical attention. The victim, her boyfriend and the victim’s son were brought to headquarters for paperwork and the other parties left the residence. A New York state domestic incident report was completed and child protective services were notified of the situation.  Wednesday. Aug. 28 1:35 p.m. — A motorcyclist, male, 68, was reported down in the roadway on Route 117, Bedford Hills, in front of McDonald’s. He said he was making a right hand turn out of the parking lot when he lost his balance and fell off his bike, sustaining a minor laceration to his hand. His bike was damaged and he refused medical attention.  8:51 p.m. — A resident of Harris Road, Bedford Hills, spoke to police after her son called them to say she’d locked him out of their condo. The mother told police she wouldn’t let him back inside because the last time she did, he stole something from her. The son said he was going to spend the night in White Plains and he would speak to his mother later.   Thursday, Aug. 29  10:51 a.m. — A female, 84, was taken to Northern Westchester Hospital by Bedford firefighters after she fell in her Bedford home after tripping over a carpet. No further information was provided. 5:40 p.m. — A motorcycle reported weaving between cars was struck by one after stopping at a traffic light on Cross River Road, Katonah. No injuries were reported and the motorcycle did not require a tow.   Friday, Aug. 30 12:30 p.m. — The dog control officer responded to an animal rescue operation located on Babbitt Road, Bedford Hills, after the rescue reported two cats were returned without paperwork after being adopted. The reporting party said the person who adopted the cats failed to pay the adoption fee. That person’s son found the cats famished and dehydrated and returned them to the rescue. When asked to provide the cats’ paperwork including vaccination information, the son bolted. The rescue made a report with law enforcement.  10:22 p.m. — A man came to headquarters seeking police advice. He said he formerly resided at an equine facility on Succabone Road, Bedford Hills, which is still his current place of employment. He said his wife moved out and his employer gave him a deadline when he had to clear out of the apartment. He missed that deadline and said he found his belongings outside and that some of them were missing. He did not enter the apartment or take his belongings. Police advised him not to return until he was invited to do so by the property owner.  Saturday, Aug. 31 9:48 p.m. — A malfunctioning hot water heater brought police and Bedford Hills firefighters to a residence on Haines Road, Bedford Hills, after a report of a fire in the basement. There was no fire and firefighters disconnected the water heater and told the resident to call a plumber for service.   Sunday, Sept. 1 1:10 p.m. — An older woman who collapsed in the ShopRite parking lot on South Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, told police and Katonah Bedford Hills Volunteer Ambulance Corps crew she was fine and didn’t need assistance.  2:13 p.m. — A caller on Hook Road, Bedford, reported there was a raccoon on the porch trying to enter the house. They said the animal looked ill. Police looked for the raccoon but didn’t find it. The caller was told to call back if it returned.  — Eve Marx, The Recorder staff writer This report was made from official reports provided by the Bedford Police Department.

By NEAL RENTZ Lewisboro property owners are getting a break from some building department fines via a new program. For a limited time, property owners with expired building permits are not required to pay the $102 filing/records management fee and the 25% additional fee to obtain renewals. The legislation was approved by the town board, at the request of the building department, July 22. The moratorium program, which began Sept. 1, runs through Nov. 1. “They sought to achieve a user-friendly way to close out these permits and save the homeowners of our municipality the 25% surcharge for renewing the permit.”  — Building Inspector Kevin Kelly Program participants will need to submit a building permit application with the supporting documentation and the renewal fee. The building department will do a brief code review to determine what inspections or other items are required to work toward closing the permit. The permit renewals will be valid for one year from the date of issue and standard inspection protocol will resume.  After final inspection and all required items are in place, a certificate of compliance or a certificate of occupancy will be issued by the building department, the legislation stated. Some residents have told the town board they were not aware that they did not receive a certificate of occupancy from the building department, even though they applied for one for work on their buildings many years ago, Supervisor Tony Gonçalves said over the summer. Those building owners said they were surprised that they not only had to pay another building fee, but also were given penalties by the town, he said.   Building Inspector Kevin Kelly told The Recorder on Sept. 4, that property owners need to apply to renew a building permit application. The building department will then approve or deny the application, and if approved, an inspection will be scheduled to close out the permit, he said. The goal of the program is “to create a more cost efficient process for homeowners to achieve their goal of obtaining a certificate of compliance or occupancy,” Kelly said. Gonçalves and the town board met with him to discuss ways to address lapsed open permits earlier this year, Kelly said. “They sought to achieve a user-friendly way to close out these permits and save the homeowners of our municipality the 25% surcharge for renewing the permit.”  In addition to presenting their concerns to town board members, a few residents reached out to the building department, Kelly noted.  “If any residents are unsure if they have an open permit, they can call the building department at 914-763-3060 to check,” Kelly said. For more information about the program, Kelly is asking residents to read the flier on the town website Building Department Amnesty Program, at lewisborony.gov .