The Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce has announced the slate for the Chamber Honors Dinner to be held Thursday, June 4, at 6 p.m., at the Mount Kisco Country Club, located at 10 Taylor Road, Mount Kisco. Dan and Sammi Taplitz, longtime Mount Kisco residents, will be honored as Citizens of the Year. Dan Taplitz is president of the Mount Kisco Rotary Club and has served on numerous committees and boards of the Chamber, Temple Shaaray Tefila, and Fox Lane High School and Middle School, among others. The couple own Right Click Solutions and are active in increasing cybersecurity awareness. “Through their interests in volunteerism, service and advocacy, they have made a meaningful impact by encouraging compassion, creativity and personal well-being in others,” according to the Chamber. The Mount Kisco Dental Group, headed by Dr. Zach Logozio, will be honored as Business of the Year. The business was founded in 2015 and has sponsored many Chamber programs. It has been the hospitality sponsor at the Chamber’s Septemberfest for a number of years. The Chamber said that Logozio and his staff “have embraced Mount Kisco and have earned a reputation for constantly saying ‘yes’ and helping many organizations.” The Organization of the Year award will honor Community Living Corporation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting adults with developmental disabilities in northern Westchester County. With a mission to promote independence and community integration, CLC provides both residential and day habilitation services tailored to each individual’s needs. Founded in 1990, CLC operates 39 licensed residential homes, serving approximately 150 adults under the oversight of the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. In addition, the organization offers a community-based “without walls” day habilitation program, community habilitation and respite services to individuals living in the broader community. Honorees are selected annually by the MKCC Board of Directors in recognition of dedication to community and contributions towards the betterment of others. The Honors Dinner also includes an auction and fundraising raffle to help fund the Chamber’s Pay It Forward Program. Visit business.mtkiscochamber.com for more information.

By MARTIN WILBUR Village officials have requested the New York State Department of Transportation reduce the speed limit on a portion of Main Street to make the corridor safer for pedestrians, including students walking to and from Mount Kisco Elementary School. A resolution at May 18’s Village Board meeting originally sought a DOT study to examine the intersection of Main Street and West Hyatt Avenue to determine whether a speed limit reduction is appropriate on the state road. However, once the village’s inquiry into creating a school zone for the elementary school could not be granted, the board amended its request to include lowering the speed limit from 30 to 25 mph from Route 172 to Route 133. Trustee Heather Bryant, who raised the possibility of creating a school zone in the vicinity of Main Street and West Hyatt Avenue, said school property must touch the road that a municipality would like the school zone to include for the state to grant that request. The elementary school is located at 47 West Hyatt Ave., roughly midway between Main Street and Lexington Avenue. The latter is a county road. “They did say if you want to petition to lower the speed limit of the road, you can do that by board resolution. So that’s why we went ahead and did that,” Bryant said. “I’ll reach out to the county next to see what we can do, if we can get a school zone on a county level, if the rules are any different. We’ll see what we can do there. If nothing else, we can lower the speed limit on Lexington. At least that’s the hope.” Before voting to request the state to consider lowering the speed limit on Main Street, Deputy Mayor Karen Schleimer called on the board to conduct a traffic study for all of Mount Kisco, since a change could have a ripple effect. “We should have a completed traffic plan for the entire village since the traffic is circular and what we do in one area, we should do in both areas,” Schleimer said. The village completed a Complete Streets Action Plan within the past two years, which enabled Mount Kisco to receive $7 million in federal funding in 2025 for pedestrian and vehicular safety improvements, Village Manager Ed Brancati said. “I think the action plan is what we continue to follow in its recommendations, but I think one of those is 25 miles (per hour) is what we would like to see the speed limit and the action plan and Complete Streets Study support reducing the speed limit to 25 miles per hour village-wide,” Brancati said. The board last year approved a 25 mph limit on all village roads. The DOT lists several requirements in addition to having a portion of the school property on a state road. Some of the students must walk or ride a bicycle to and from school, or if the building is separated by a highway, students have to cross the highway. Also, school administrators and the municipality must each document support for a school zone speed limit in writing. Also, the DOT decides what the new speed limit would be and the hours it would be in effect. Typically, school zone hours can be on school days from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or 7 to 9 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m., its website stated. School zones extend a quarter-mile from the school property. Bryant said it is unclear how long it may take for the DOT to consider the village’s speed limit reduction on Main Street.

Proposition 3 defeat a ‘failure of leadership’ To the Editor: Last week, the Katonah-Lewisboro School District community voted on next year’s school budget. Included on the ballot was Proposition 3, a $25 million bond to renovate the vacant Lewisboro Elementary School in preparation for the state-mandated 2028 universal pre-K program. While the school budget passed and two incumbents on the Board of Education were reelected, Proposition 3 failed by just 22 votes. This narrow defeat reflected a failure of leadership. The incumbent trustees did not effectively communicate the importance of the initiative or clearly explain why the investment was necessary. Rather than taking a visible and proactive role in advocating for the proposal, trustees relied too heavily on the school district administration to make the case. That left a communication vacuum that opponents were quick to exploit, most notably Lewisboro Town Board member Rich Sklarin. Sklarin led a divisive campaign against the bond built on fear-based fiscal rhetoric rather than honest engagement with the district’s long-term obligations and educational priorities. Instead of acknowledging that universal pre-K is a state mandate requiring local preparation, he fueled distrust around an investment intended to benefit future generations of families in our community. His approach amplified misinformation at precisely the moment when residents needed clarity and thoughtful leadership. Lewisboro residents should remember that Rich Sklarin helped derail a necessary investment in our children and our community’s future, and voters should respond accordingly in the next election cycle. At the same time, the incumbents failed to engage directly and consistently enough with the public. Where were the “Talk Prop 3 with Me” coffees and community meetups? Why did supportive signage appear only on voting day? Where were the consistent social media efforts directly addressing misinformation and answering residents’ concerns? With a margin this small, a more visible and organized outreach campaign could very well have changed the outcome. Elected officials have a responsibility to clearly inform the public about what is at stake in major community decisions. By failing to take ownership of the public conversation, trustees allowed Town Board member Rich Sklarin and others to weaponize misinformation and define the narrative. In doing so, they collectively failed the children and families this proposal was intended to support. Jennifer Cayea South Salem Reader urges ‘Vote your values’ in CD17 primary To the Editor: In the NY17 Congressional primary runup, there’s a reason that Effie Phillips-Staley has the endorsements of progressive champions and organizations — Ro Khanna, Jamaal Bowman, Zephyr Teachout, Bernie’s “Our Revolution,” The Latino Victory Fund, The Working Families Party and more, while institutional Democrat endorsements go to “safer” candidates. We’ve seen in race after race that progressive policies are popular policies, and people understand that we would be more secure if our warmaking dollars went to sustainable infrastructure and human needs, and yet party leadership cling to the worn-out belief that these things turn away voters and don’t win elections. Early on, one could have been excused for supporting a candidate out of fear of losing to Lawler if that candidate stood against continuing the flow of bombs to Israel. There is no excuse for that thinking anymore; Lawler is toast regardless of who comes through in the primary. The economy is a wreck, the United States has precipitously transitioned from world-leading superpower to pathetic gangster state with a corrupt circus of leadership, world energy supplies have been disrupted and at very best will take several years to stabilize, synthetic fertilizer shortages threaten the food supply for a billion people and will raise food prices here in the U.S., and Mike Lawler is endorsed by Trump and has an excuse for his every new theft or abuse of power. An elected trustee in Tarrytown with a career in nonprofits helping people, Effie is a solid choice. Effie has shown unique moral fortitude and clarity of principle — no waffling on tough issues — Gaza, abolishing ICE, universal health care. No matter whose petition you may have signed previously you can confidently vote your values in the June 23 primary (or voting early starting June 13) — for most of us, that’s a vote for Effie. Dan Welsh South Salem The author is a Lewisboro Town Board member, but the views expressed here are his own. KLSD outcome not anti-school  To the Editor: The May 19 vote sent a clear message. Voters approved the operating budget and the capital reserve drawdown but rejected the $24.5 million Lewisboro Elementary bond. That outcome was discriminating, not anti-school. It was a refusal to authorize new debt before the district has demonstrated a plan for the obligations already on its books. Those obligations deserve closer scrutiny than they are getting. The district’s audited financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2024, prepared by PKF O’Connor Davies, report an unfunded Other Postemployment Benefit (OPEB) liability of $241,374,564 — nearly twice the annual operating budget, and the dominant reason the district’s total net position is negative $220,988,376. Vision 2030, as posted on the district website, contains no measurable fiscal benchmarks. There is no published multi-year financial plan, despite the FY2023 external risk assessment flagging that gap. There is no OPEB pre-funding strategy. Staying within the state tax cap is a statutory floor, not a fiscal philosophy. This town demands more than a mere vision. The voters have affirmed they require a fiscally sound plan and decisive modifications to the retirement benefit plans. I respectfully ask the new board, within 90 days, to: (1) publish a multi-year financial plan with explicit OPEB projections; (2) adopt a policy assigning a defined portion of each year’s General Fund surplus to an OPEB designation within fund balance; (3) pass a resolution endorsing state OPEB trust-enabling legislation; and (4) open the next collective bargaining cycle prepared to trade fairly with current union members in exchange for plan-design changes affecting future hires only. I intend to address the board during public comment at its upcoming meeting. Sasha D. Burdett South Salem At last, a candidate who is inspirational’  To the Editor: It’s been a long time since I have been inspired by a political candidate. For years it was just choose the one who seems to share enough of my basic values, fall in line and vote. Inspiration was not part of the picture. That was until I saw Cait Conley talk about the future of this country. Her passion, smarts and proven patriotism reignited something that has been dormant for a long time amidst the mayhem of our current political climate: Hope. She sees an America ready and able to work for everyone. Governed by fairness, not greed and grift. A place where we no longer have to turn away in disgust at another headline telling us how our president has corrupted every corner of this country while his loyal minion, Mike Lawler, rubber stamps his every unscrupulous move. And as the temperature of the NY-17 Democratic primary heats up, Cait makes her case with a positive message, avoiding unnecessary, unsavory and untrue attacks that only serve to damage the Democratic cause as we prepare to take on Mike Lawler in November. Cait has the kind of grit and skill set that Lawler is afraid of: leadership in Army Special Ops, years of service at the highest levels of the federal government protecting us from terrorist threats. She is not another standard issue Democratic politician — the kind Lawler has beaten since 2022. Go to her website and find out where you can see Cait speak and see for yourself how great it feels when someone running for office can actually inspire you again. John Lloyd Katonah

Every generation was represented at Memorial Day observance throughout the area. Photographers were on hand in South Salemk and Katonah. Here's a sampling of what they saw: Robert J. Cummings photos document the rainy fun runs in South Salem as well as the town's parade and ceremony. Adults led the way at the start of the 10K. Sebastian Mendez (#186) of Mount Kisco won the men's race. About halfway through the course he was behind his younger brother, Hunter. Hunter eventually finished fifth. Elizabeth Strattner of Katonah and Ella Blum of South Salem enjoyed a downhill portion of the course. Kids had their own one-mile race to run... ...and "pee wee" racers in divisions from one- to six-years-old got in on the fun. When the rain let up, a granddad and granddaughter shared a patriotic moment. Veterans rode in style at the South Salem Parade, followed closely by Boy Scouts and Lewisboro Senior Adults. Volunteer firefighters were on hand from Vista... ...and from South Salem. Whole families came to cheer them on. In South Salem, everyone pledged allegiance to the flag before the speeches from elected officials and veterans began. Gregory Kaplowitz also stopped by South Salem's events, but he went farther afield to see what was going on in Katonah. Veterans marched to the firehouse for the presentation of the colors in Katonah... ... and veterans and firefighters joined in a salute. A trumpeter blew mournful notes to mark the occasion. A World War II veteran got a hug for his service. If any readers would like to send us their images to add to this gallery, we'll be happy to post them. Revisit this page in the coming days to see how it grows.

BEDFORD Monday, May 18 11:49 a.m. — A woman came to headquarters to report a check she mailed from the Katonah post office dropbox had been washed, altered and successfully deposited to an unknown account. She informed her bank of the fraud and made a claim with their fraud department. 5:27 p.m. — Police went to a man’s residence on Haines Road after his nephew requested a welfare check after not hearing from his uncle in two weeks. The uncle was home and said he had no idea why his nephew was concerned. 6:36 p.m. — Police assisted New York State Police with a traffic stop at Interstate 684 and Cross River Road, with a suspect described as armed and dangerous and wanted for a felony larceny in Port Chester. Assistance was rendered without issue. Tuesday, May 19 12:41 p.m. — A Bedford Hills man reported suspicious mail delivered to his residence. Mail in his mailbox addressed to him contained three pieces of paper, each with a single digit number handwritten on them. There was a Mount Kisco return address. A report was made for documentation. 7:10 p.m. — A New York City woman, 62, was arrested on Katonah Avenue, charged with trespass after being accused of causing a scene at The Whitlock making obscene gestures, and refused to listen to the police. She was taken to headquarters where she continued to be uncooperative, police said. Due to her level of intoxication and erratic behavior she was taken by ambulance to Northern Westchester Hospital; an officer rode with her. She was issued tickets to appear in court May 27. Police left her in the care of hospital staff. Wednesday, May 20 9:24 a.m. — A turtle struck by a car on Goldens Bridge Road was found dead by an officer, who notified the Highway Department. 1:09 p.m. — An employee at a retail business on Katonah Avenue spoke with police regarding an older man who has been coming into the store once a week for a year but in that time has only made one purchase. He recently made uncomfortable comments to the employee, who told her boss. They wanted him trespassed. Police told them to call if he returns. 4:41 p.m. — The town experienced a lengthy period of stormy weather through 9:03 p.m. Throughout the hamlets, police received numerous reports of trees down, wires down and loss of power. Power was restored to traffic lights in Bedford Hills in the early morning hours. A brush fire caused by burning wires was reported in Bedford Hills; firefighters extinguished it. No injuries were reported. Thursday May 21 10:33 a.m. — A Bedford Hills man reported filled planters were removed from his property. He said a landscaper did the work and he would be consulting them. A report was made for documentation. 3:21 p.m. — An employee at the Bedford Village post office reported a resident, male, 60, who cursed and yelled at him and was asked to leave. He did leave when police were called. A report was made to document the incident. 3:45 p.m. — An Elmsford man, 39, was arrested and retrieved from Pleasantville police headquarters after stealing two jump packs from Advance Auto Parts on Bedford Road, Bedford Hills, police said. His vehicle description and license plate information was dispersed to local patrols and Pleasantville Police located him in their jurisdiction. Three Bedford officers went to collect him and charge him with theft. The jump packs were still inside his car which was towed to Bedford police impound. He was processed at headquarters and scheduled to appear in court May 27. The stolen property was returned to the store. Friday, May 22 10:20 a.m. — A woman on Lyons Ridge Road, Katonah, reported items moved around her pool area; she believes people are using her pool after dark. She set up a Ring camera but it only picked up voices talking. She was advised of a better location to place the camera. 12:18 p.m. — Two males were reported in camo with shotguns parked on a dirt patch at the intersection of Old Post Road and Stone Hill Road. Police later spoke to a resident who came to headquarters to say he and his son were hunting wild turkey before the season closes. Saturday, May 23 8:27 p.m. — A minor teen male who had a panic attack at his home in Bedford was transported to Northern Westchester Hospital by Bedford firefighters. He told his mom and the police he’d smoked a vape pipe. The vape itself was taken into police property. Sunday, May 24 9:43 p.m. — A caller on Croton Lake Road reported a man in a dark-colored BMW came to the call box on his estate gate inquiring if the residence was an Airbnb. After being told “no,” the man pitched his mobile car wash services, which were declined. He drove away. A report was made for documentation. LEWISBORO Aggressive real estate broker On Saturday, May 23, at 7:42 p.m., a homeowner from Post Office Road, South Salem, complained of harassment in the form of text messages and phone calls from a real estate broker after she casually mentioned she was selling her home. The woman told police unwanted gifts of food had been left on the doorstep, in addition to other unwanted courtesies. Police called the broker and explained her services were not wanted and to cease contact. Monday, May 18 9:20 a.m. — Police observed a Honda Odyssey with New York plates sideswipe a Mazda CX-5 while backing into a parking space in the lot of Orchard Square in Cross River. Minor damage was sustained by both vehicles. The operator of the Mazda was at his place of employment at the pharmacy. Tickets were issued to the driver of the Honda and a report was made for documentation. 12:08 p.m. — Police responded to a Goldens Bridge address after neighbors had a dispute over the placement of garbage cans. Police spoke with the other party to resolve the situation. Tuesday, May 19 11:40 a.m. — A caller in South Salem claimed she notified police in multiple jurisdictions over several days regarding her cousin, who she said was on Bishop Park Road when someone took the keys to his truck after he hit a cat. She said he sent pictures of his vehicle near a house in the vicinity of routes 137 and 124. The caller said her cousin said this person is holding the keys hostage until her cousin pays $65 for the cat he supposedly ran over. No further information was provided by the police. 5:03 p.m. — Six kids said to be recklessly driving e-bikes were reported on Lake Shore Drive, South Salem. The caller said they nearly ran him and his dog over. A report was made of the incident. Wednesday, May 20 3:17 p.m. — Fire was reported on the lot of the Mercedes-Benz dealership on Route 22 in Goldens Bridge. On arrival police saw a telephone pole ablaze. Goldens Bridge firefighters arrived on scene; black smoke was visible from the roof of the dealership and it was confirmed the building caught fire. Occupants inside the structure were evacuated and firefighters from multiple departments working in unison extinguished both fires. 7:44 p.m. — Police went to Elmwood Road for a house fire. Vista and South Salem firefighters were on scene. The homeowner said his gas-powered generator had ignited in flames. The fire was extinguished and no one was injured. Thursday, May 21 11:30 a.m. — A two-car collision on Route 35 resulted in major damage to both vehicles. One person was taken to Northern Westchester Hospital for head pain by the Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Both cars were towed. One operator was issued a ticket for following too closely. 11:50 a.m. — Police went to a home in South Salem to speak with a woman who said she was hearing voices. No medical issue was apparent and police spoke with her at length about medication she was taking. After speaking with her sister and a neighbor who said he thought she was behaving normally, police left and no further action was taken. Friday, May 22 8:30 a.m. — Officers went to a home in Goldens Bridge to assist a woman who was upset and ill after a night of drinking. She was taken by ambulance to Northern Westchester Hospital. 8:45 a.m. — Two officers conducted a bike-to-school escort from Onatru Farm Park to Increase Miller Elementary School. 6:08 p.m. — Medical personnel and police went to Le Chateau on Route 35, South Salem, for a woman reported unresponsive but breathing. She was awake when the police arrived. She said she was a wedding guest when she suddenly lost consciousness and was guided to the floor. She was taken by ambulance to Danbury Hospital. Saturday, May 23 12:17 p.m. — Police went to the North County Shopping Center in Goldens Bridge after a caller reported a man in the parking lot slumped over his steering wheel. An officer knocked on the driver’s side window multiple times before the man awakened. He explained he was on his way home to Connecticut, and resting after working. Sunday, May 24 10:00 p.m. — Police went to a residence in Waccabuc for a report of an out-of-control party. The homeowner said he arrived home to find a large party in progress and requested assistance. Police stayed until all the party-goers were dispersed. MOUNT KISCO Monday, May 18 5:10 a.m. — Police received a report of a man sleeping on the train station steps. The condition was corrected. 7:12 p.m. — An officer responded to West Street to assist a man injured in a fall at home. EMS was requested. Tuesday, May 19 5:55 a.m. — Police received a report of a man feeling ill at the Mount Kisco train station. The man was found to be highly intoxicated. EMS was requested to take him to the hospital. 10:44 a.m. — An officer responded to Kensington Way to assist a woman injured in a fall. Westchester EMS responded and determined the woman had suffered a possible broken leg. The Mount Kisco Volunteer Ambulance Corps also responded and took the woman to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. 12:19 p.m. — An officer responded to Kirby Plaza on a report of an elderly man who was disoriented. The man’s wife was contacted and EMS was requested. The man was taken to the hospital for evaluation. 1:50 p.m. — A 44-year-old Bronx man was arrested and his car impounded after a traffic stop at South Moger Avenue and Kirby Plaza. An officer made the traffic stop after observing a vehicle with temporary Virginia plates make an illegal U-turn. The vehicle was impounded after it was determined that its temporary registration had expired and the vehicle was uninsured. Upon impound, a pair of plastic knuckles were found in the car and the man was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a misdemeanor. He was booked at the Green Street precinct and released pending a June 4 appearance in Mount Kisco Justice Court. 2:16 p.m. — A sinkhole was discovered on property behind St. Francis of Assisi Church on Green Street. Public Works was advised and responded to make a repair. 8:45 p.m. — Officers responded to Spring Street on a report of a dispute between a father and son. It was verbal in nature only. A New York state domestic incident report was prepared. Wednesday, May 20 8:16 a.m. — A disorderly employee was reported at a North Bedford Road business. The employee was refusing to leave the premises as directed by the employer. The condition was corrected. 10:46 a.m. — Police received a report of a man down on the Early Settlement Trail near Lexington Avenue and East Main Street. The man was found to be intoxicated and EMS was requested. He was issued a summons for public consumption of an alcoholic beverage, a violation, before being taken to a hospital by the Mount Kisco Volunteer Ambulance Corps for evaluation. The summons is returnable to Village Court on June 18. 3:09 p.m. — Police received a report of a worker at a construction site on Smith Avenue having caused damage to his employer’s property. A manager requested that a report be prepared to document the incident but declined to pursue a criminal charge. 3:37 p.m. — Check fraud reported by a complainant at the Green Street precinct. The person reported mailing two checks from her employer totaling more than $34,000 that were stolen at some point and cashed by an unknown party. A report was prepared. The matter was turned over to detectives for continued investigation. Thursday, May 21 2:03 a.m. — Officers responded to a Barker Street residence on a noise complaint regarding a barking dog. They located the apartment where the dog was barking but no one was home. Efforts to contact the tenant were unsuccessful. The complainant was advised to address the issue with building management in the morning. 9 a.m. — An unwanted male, possibly intoxicated, was reported inside a Lexington Avenue laundromat. He was directed to leave the premises as requested by management. The condition was corrected. 11:14 a.m. — Officers responded to a car rental agency on North Bedford Road on a report of a woman who was unresponsive behind the wheel of a parked car with the engine running. The woman was not responsive when officers knocked on the window and had to force their way into the vehicle. The 25-year-old woman was disoriented and found to be in possession of a quantity of heroin. She was taken into custody and booked at the Green Street precinct on charges of fourth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony, and driving while impaired by drugs, a misdemeanor. She was held for arraignment in Mount Kisco Justice Court. At arraignment, she experienced symptoms of heroin withdrawal. She was released on her own recognizance and the Mount Kisco Volunteer Ambulance Corps was called to take her to the hospital. 7:49 p.m. — An officer responded to Mount Kisco Justice Court at the request of the District Attorney’s Office. A man in custody of the Westchester County Department of Correction needed to be fingerprinted and booked on a charge of third-degree bail jumping. An officer brought the man into the precinct for the fingerprinting and booking, then turned him over to the custody of correction officers. POUND RIDGE Scam averted On Tuesday, May 19, at 10 a.m., fraud was reported by a Brook Farm Circle woman who told police she received a call from an unknown party telling her that her son had been involved in an accident and needed money for a lawyer. She went to the bank and attempted to remove cash but the bank denied her request and advised her she was being scammed. She called her son who told her he hadn’t been in an accident. Tuesday, May 19 12:36 p.m. — A two-car collision on Westchester Ave resulted in no injury and no tow. 5:00 p.m. — Wires were down and sparking on Stone Hill Road. The utility was notified. 5:30 p.m. — A two-car collision on Route 124 resulted in no injury and one car towed. 5:35 p.m. — A man was taken by Pound Ridge Volunteer Ambulance Corps to Northern Westchester Hospital for unknown reasons. Wednesday, May 20 3:45 a.m. — A man was taken by ambulance to Northern Westchester Hospital for unknown reasons. 8:18 a.m. — Wires were reported down on Scofield Road. The utility was notified. 9:38 a.m. — The Pound Ridge Volunteer Ambulance Corps helped a person off the floor at their home. No further assistance was requested. 12:54 p.m. — Gas leaf blowers were reported in violation of local ordinance on Kinnicut Road East. Police on arrival saw no gas leaf blowers in use. 4:45 p.m. — Gas leaf blowers were reported in use on Trinity Pass Road. The landscapers were gone before police arrived. 5:15 p.m. — Kitchawan Road was reportedly blocked by multiple downed trees and fallen wires. The utility was notified. 6:25 p.m. — A broken utility pole was reported on Old Mill River Road. Police closed the road until further notice. 6:45 p.m. — A caller on Trinity Pass Road reported teens throwing bottles into the woods. Police looked for the alleged disorderly youths without success. 7:30 p.m. — A natural disaster was reported on Twin Fawn Lane after a tree was reported falling into a house. A tree company was contacted to deal with the tree and a restoration company to board up the home’s damage. 7:31 p.m. — A large limb and wires down were reported on Old Bedford Road. The utility was notified. 8:15 p.m. — A dog reported missing on Pheasant Road was located and returned to its owner. Thursday, May 21 11:15 a.m. — A snapping turtle was reported in need of assistance on Salem Road. Police were unable to locate the reptile. 11:50 a.m. — A driver on Long Ridge Road was given a ticket for using their cellphone while operating a motor vehicle. 4:18 p.m. — A man was assisted up off the floor at his residence by a police officer. He said he didn’t need further help. 418 p.m. — A man was taken by ambulance to Northern Westchester Hospital for unknown reasons. 4:53 p.m. — A man was taken by ambulance to Northern Westchester Hospital for unknown reasons. Friday May 22 12:17 a.m. — A white van reported as suspicious on Miller Road belonged to someone who told police they were helping their friend move. 13:00 p.m. — A one-car crash on Highview Road resulted in no injuries and no car towed. 5:00 p.m. — Three summonses were issued to drivers on Salem Road. One was for speeding 50 mph in a 35-mph zone. Two drivers were cited for no insurance. Saturday, May 23 8:15 a.m. — During a routine traffic stop on Westchester Avenue it was learned a Tennessee man was operating his vehicle with suspended driving privileges. He was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and given a date to appear in court on June 22. 10:45 a.m. — A suspicious incident was reported on Old Church Lane. No details were provided. 9:48 p.m. — An Old Stone Hill Road resident reported he fell for a cyber scam by responding to a pop-up on his computer he thought was from Apple security. The message had him calling a number and providing his credit card; he was charged $1,499 for what he believed was additional security. An Apple Store employee soon after advised him it was a scam. He canceled his card. Police told him to monitor his accounts. 9:50 p.m. — While patrolling Westchester Avenue an officer came upon a fallen tree limb. They removed it from the roadway and the road was cleared. Sunday, May 24 11:05 a.m. — A driver on Westchester Avenue was issued a summons for using a cellphone while driving. Monday, May 25 4:00 a.m. — A woman was taken by ambulance to Stamford Hospital for an unknown condition. This report was made from official records provided by the Pound Ridge, Bedford, Lewisboro and county (Mount Kisco) police departments. Mount Kisco is compiled by Martin Wilbur, all others by Eve Marx.

The Bedford Playhouse is offering a sensory-friendly screening of "Star Wars: The Mandalorian And Grogu" on Saturday, May 30. Here's a selection of area events, activities and programs of interest beginning May 29. Friday, May 29 Jason Mraz. Capitol Theatre, 149 Westchester Ave., Port Chester; thecapitoltheatre.com. The two-time Grammy winner performs; 8 p.m. PRIDE Sign Pop-Up. Lewisboro Town House, 11 Main St., South Salem; lewisborony.gov. Get your signs to celebrate Pride month. From 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 30 Lewisboro Pride in the Park. Town Park, 1079 Route 35, South Salem; lewisborony.gov. The sixth annual Pride in the Park Celebration will include community favorites Drag Queen Story Hour, Pet Pride Parade, tabling from over 30 community organizations, a kid’s zone, DJ dance party, food, drinks and more. From 2 to 5 p.m. Take It Or Leave It Shed. Bedford Hills train station, Lot 8, Bedford Hills’ bedford2030.org. Recycle and reuse. From 10 a.m. to noon. Welcome Summer & Open Grounds. Caramoor, 149 Girdles Ridge Road, Katonah; caramor.org. Explore the grounds and preview the summer season. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. John Jay Farm Market. Held in downtown Katonah, Lot 2, entrance at Coldwell Banker. Fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, seafood, breads, specialty items and more. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pleasantville Farmers Market. Memorial Plaza, Lot 10, Pleasantville; pleasantvillefarmersmarket.org. Year-round farmers market that runs on Saturday mornings and includes cheese and bake stands. From 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sensory-Friendly “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.” Bedford Playhouse, 633 Old Post Road, Bedford; bedfordplayhouse.org. A screening of the new “Star Wars” franchise, presented for the neurodivergent community. Everyone is welcome; 3 p.m. Lucky’s Sports Cards & Memorabilia. Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains; countycenter.biz. Featuring 500 tables of vendors, with on-site authentication and grading. From 3 to 7 p.m. Also held Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grow Together Inclusive Gardening. Hilltop Hanover Farm Garden, 1271 Hanover St., Yorktown Heights; hilltophanover.org. Everyone is invited to enjoy an inclusive planting experience designed for children of all abilities. Each child will be paired with a buddy to help during the experience. From 10 a.m. to noon. Mount Kisco Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade. Mount Kisco Village Hall, 100 East Main St., Mount Kisco; 11 a.m. Vendor Village. Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla; parks.westchestercounty.gov/heritage-festivals. Local vendors, live music, food trucks and more. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Darren Criss. Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill; paramounthudsonvalley.com. Criss tells stories and performs songs from “Glee,” Broadway shows and more; 8 p.m. “Dear Evan Hansen.” A.C.T. of Connecticut, 36 Old Quarry Road, Ridgefield, CT; actofct.org. The groundbreaking, deeply personal Broadway musical that explores the power of connection, identity, and the search for belonging in the digital age. Various show times. Through June 21. Sunday, May 31 Pound Ridge Color Run. Pound Ridge Elementary School, 7 Pound Ridge Road, Pound Ridge; poundridgepartnership.org. Hosted by the PRP in collaboration with the Human Rights Advisory Committee, the Color Run is dedicated to celebrating Pride Month, with a splash of Holi-inspired color. From 9 to 11 a.m. Muscoot Farm Farmers Market. 51 Route 100, Katonah; muscootfarm.org. Featuring over 25 local vendors every Sunday until Nov. 15. Bicycle Sunday. Westchester County Parks sponsors 6.5 miles of car-free and traffic-free Bronx River Parkway for cyclists, joggers and walkers. The route runs between Scarsdale Road in Yonkers and the Westchester County Center in White Plains; thewpf.org/bicycle. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Polish Cultural Celebration. Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla; parks.westchestercounty.gov/heritage-festivals. Family-friendly event with music, food, crafts and more. From noon to 6 p.m. Author Talk with David Pogue. Lewisboro Library, 15 Main St., South Salem; lewisborolibrary.org. Pogue will discuss his latest book “Apple: The First Fifty Years.” From 3 to 4 p.m. Monday, June 1 “The Celluloid Closet.” Bedford Playhouse, 633 Old Post Road, Bedford; bedfordplayhouse.org. Harvey Fierstein and Rob Epstein will discuss the film; 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 2 PRIDE Flag Raising & Ally Promise. Bedford Town House, 321 Bedford Road, Bedford Hills; bedfordny.gov. From 5 to 6 p.m. “Happiness Included: Jan Brady and Beyond.” Bedford Playhouse, 633 Old Post Road, Bedford; bedfordplayhouse.org. Join Eve Plumb to discuss her memoir; 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 Katonah Fire Department Parade & Carnival. KFD 65 Bedford Road, Katonah; katonahfd.org. Parade, 7 p.m.; Carnival through Saturday, June 6. “Pegasus: Changing Lives Through Horses. Bedford Playhouse, 633 Old Post Road, Bedford; bedfordplayhouse.org. Pegasus Therapeutic Riding is celebrating 50 years of enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and challenges through equine-assisted activities. Q&A and reception follows; 7 p.m. Thursday, June 4 Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Road, Ridgefield, CT; ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The storied New Orleans jazz band; 8 p.m. Pride Craft Party. Katonah Village Library, 26 Bedford Road, Katonah; katonahlibrary.org. Celebrate Pride Month with pin making, bracelet making and rock painting. Plus, rainbow themed snacks. Open to teens in grades 6 and up. Everyone is welcome. “Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage.” Bedford Playhouse, 633 Old Post Road, Bedford; bedfordplayhouse.org. Author Belle Burden recounts the sudden end of her 20-year marriage during the early days of the pandemic; 6:30 p.m. Quilt Show Opening. Katonah Village Library, 26 Bedford Road, Katonah; katonahlibrary.org. A docent talk of the Northern Star Quilters’ Guild celebration of the 250th anniversary of our country. From 5 to 6 p.m. Pride Crafts Party for Teens. Katonah Village Library, 26 Bedford Road, Katonah; katonahlibrary.org. Celebrate Pride Month with crafts and rainbow-themed snacks. Open to teens grades 6-plus. All are welcome. From 4 to 6 p.m. “Bill & Lois Wilson: In Their Own Words.” Bedford Hills Community House, 76 Main St., Bedford Hills; steppingstones.org. Staged readings; 7 p.m. Also Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday, June 7 at 1 p.m. Armonk Fol-de-Rol. Wampus Elementary School, Wampus Brook Park, Armonk; armonklionsclub.org. Food, games, rides, crafts and more. From 6 to 10 p.m. Through Sunday, June 7. Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Road, Ridgefield, CT; ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The storied New Orleans jazz band; 8 p.m. Friday, June 5 Lauren Acampora Book Launch. Katonah Village Library, 26 Bedford Road, Katonah; katonahlibrary.org. Join award-winning local author Lauren Acampora in conversation with Ann Leary, to celebrate the “The Animal Room.” From 6 to 7 p.m. Bedford Village Sidewalk Sale. On the Bedford Green. Shopping, music, pet adoption pop-up, and more. From noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday, June 7. First Fridays: Inside the Song. Bedford Playhouse, 633 Old Post Road, Bedford; bedfordplayhouse.org. An evening with three songwriters and musicians; 6:30 p.m. “The Spitfire Grill.” Whippoorwill Theatre, 19 Whippoorwill Road East, Armonk; armonkplayers.org. The story of Percy Talbott, a young woman newly released from prison who seeks a fresh start in the rural town of Gilead, Wisconsin, presented by the Armonk Players. Various dates and times through June 13. Tig Notaro. Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, 1008 Brown St., Peekskill; paramounthudsonvalley.com. The stand-up performs; 8 p.m. Saturday, June 6 Asian American Celebration. Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla; parks.westchestercounty.gov/heritage-festivals. Family-friendly event with music, food, crafts and more. From noon to 6 p.m. Music Recital From Classic to Jazz. Katonah Village Library, 26 Bedford Road, Katonah; katonahlibrary.org. Yuliya Kirichenko, local music teacher/performer and her students and guests will perform. From 3 to 4 p.m. “Autistic Mode.” Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Road, Pleasantville; burnsfilmcenter.org. An anthology of visionary works from five autistic animators, followed by Q&A with director Bob Clark. For audiences 16 and older; 2 p.m. Concert with Marcus Miller. Grace Farms, 365 Lukes Wood Road, New Canaan, CT. The summer kickoff concert with saxophonist Miller and his band; 5 p.m. Sunday, June 7 PRIDE Flag Raising. Westchester County joins with LOFT Community Center in celebrating Pride Month; westchestercountyny.gov. Michaelian Office Building, 148 Martine Ave., White Plains; 11 a.m. Lewisboro New Neighbor Ice Cream Social. Lewisboro Town Park, 1079 Route 35, South Salem; lewisbororecreation.com. New residents to the town ( two years or less) are invited to meet new people, neighbors and town officials. Bring your spouse and children to the event. From noon to 2 p.m. COMING SOON Tuesday, July 28 Art Garfunkel. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Road, Ridgefield, CT; ridgefieldplayhouse.org. Known as the “voice of a generation,” Garfunkel performs; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6 Louis Cato. Bedford Playhouse, 633 Old Post Road, Bedford; bedfordplayhouse.org. An intimate event with Cato and his trio; 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26 Leslie Odom Jr. Grace Farms, 365 Lukes Wood Road, New Canaan, CT; gracefarms.org. The award-winning artist performs an evening of music that features selections from the American Songbook, pop favorites, musical theater classics and songs from “Hamilton.”; 5 p.m. LIBRARIES Bedford Free Library. 32 Village Green, Bedford; bedfordfreelibrary.org. Bedford Hills Free Library. 26 Main St., Bedford Hills; bedfordhillsfreelibrary.org. Katonah Village Library. 26 Bedford Road, Katonah; katonahlibrary.org. Lewisboro Library. Lewisboro Library, 15 Main St., South Salem; lewisborolibrary.org. Pound Ridge Library. 271 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge; poundridgelibrary.org. Mount Kisco Public Library. 100 East Main St., Mount Kisco; mountkiscolibrary.org. PARKS Croton Gorge Park. 35 Yorktown Road, Croton-on-Hudson; parks.westchestergov.com. The 97-acre park at the base of the New Croton Dam is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Croton Point Park. 1 Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson; parks.westchestergov.com. The 508-acre park situated on a peninsula on the east shore of the Hudson River is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. John Jay Homestead. 400 Jay St., Katonah; johnjayhomestead.org. Visitors may explore the 62-acre park and seven gardens. Open daily, sunrise to sunset. Teatown Lake Reservation. 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining; teatown.org. The trails on the 1,000-acre nature preserve and education center are open daily, dawn to dusk. Dogs on leash are allowed. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. 6 Reservation Road, Cross River; friendsoftrailside.org. The 4,315-acre park has varied terrain with miles of wooded trails. The Trailside Nature Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays-Saturdays. Westmoreland Sanctuary. 260 Chestnut Ridge Road, Mount Kisco; westmorelandsanctuary.org. A 640-acre nature preserve with 7.5 miles of hiking trails. The preserve and Nature Center are free and open to the public seven days a week.

Mario Rodriguez Donis won $3 million with a New York Lottery scratch-off ticket. NEW YORK LOTTERY PHOTO A Bedford Hills man won the top prize in the New York Lottery’s $3 Million Max game. Mario Rodriguez Donis purchased the scratch-off ticket at the A Plus Mini Mart at 791 North Bedford Road, Bedford Hills. The Sunoco station and convenience store has a large acrylic display dispenser for an array of colorful scratch-off tickets on one side of the checkout counter. A clerk at the counter Wednesday said the owner wasn’t around to comment on the lucky customer. The merchant also gets a windfall, but exactly how much that was in this case isn’t clear. Rodriguez Donis recently redeemed his ticket at Lottery headquarters, opting for a single lump sum payment of $1,360,593, after required withholdings. The Lottery said that all top prizes on the $3,000,000 Max ticket have been claimed. Valid lower tier prizes may be cashed through March 6, 2027. The status of any New York Lottery scratch-off game can be checked by downloading the Game Report at nylottery.ny.gov. A clerk at the A Plus Mini Mart in Bedford Hills, and the lottery ticket display. THANE GRAUEL PHOTO New York Lottery scratch-off games generated $4,339,794,048 in total sales during fiscal year 2024-2025. School districts in Westchester County received $136,234,133 in Lottery Aid to Education funds during the same period.

“Petal Pocket (Red),” a 2025 work utilizing kimono silk, denim, muslin, tulle, wire, thermoplastic and gold leaf, created by Natale Adgnot, will be displayed from May 30 through June 29. NATALE ADGNOT PHOTO By NEAL RENTZ Fiber artists use such materials as yarn, thread, and fabric in the creation of their works. Works made from those and other materials by dozens of artists will be on display at The Gallery at Yellow Studio in Cross River. The “Fiber Forward” exhibit, which will be held from May 30 through June 29, features work from female and non-binary artists. Tina Villaveces, founder and director of The Gallery at Yellow Studio, said recently she came up with the idea of “Fiber Forward” in January 2025 and began the open call for artworks in March 2026. “Over the years, I’ve met several fiber artists with interesting bodies of work, and I wanted to showcase their art in a focused and intentional way while also surveying what other artists across the field are creating,” Villaveces said. “The title, ‘Fiber Forward,’ was intended to elicit forward-thinking, boundary-pushing fiber submissions, artwork unlike anything you’ve seen before,” Villaveces said. Fiber art has become an important art form, Villaveces said. “I wanted to bring that conversation to Westchester for the collectors, art lovers, and engaged audiences here who deserve to see the full range of what artists are doing with thread, fabric, rope, and fibrous materials. The 38 artists in this exhibition work across sculpture, installation, embroidery, weaving, and mixed media, and their work addresses everything from the politics of women’s labor and memory to resilience, community, and material meaning.” Through an open call, the exhibit drew nearly 200 submissions for the exhibit from the U.S. and abroad. Villaveces chose 56 pieces from 38 artists. “What I was really looking for was a sense of innovation and experimentation, work that pushes the medium forward in some way, visually and conceptually,” she said. Villaveces said she hoped exhibit visitors would leave with a deeper understanding of what fiber art is today. “This is a medium with an enormous range, and I want people to experience that range firsthand, to encounter work that surprises them, challenges them, and introduces them to artists they may not have known before.” “I also hope visitors leave feeling connected to the Yellow Studio community,” Villaveces said. “The gallery has always been about more than showing art. It is about building something, a place where artists and audiences come together, where conversations happen, and where people feel welcome. That is as much a part of what we offer as the work on the walls.” “Fiber Forward” will participate in the Upstate Art Weekend, scheduled for June 25 through 29. The annual arts event brings together artists, galleries, and audiences from the Hudson Valley and Catskills every summer, Villaveces said, adding this will be the third year the gallery is participating in the event. “It is always one of the highlights of the gallery calendar,” she said. One of the artists participating in the exhibit is Natale Adgnot, who lives in Brooklyn and New Paltz. She has two artworks on display in “Fiber Forward.”The first piece from Adgnot is “Pocket Kakemono.” The textile wall sculpture was made from a western snap shirt, reclaimed kimono silk, cotton muslin, tulle, thermoplastic, and metal leaf on panel, she noted. The second piece from Adgnot is “Petal Pocket (Red),” made from acrylic painted denim, reclaimed kimono silk, cotton muslin, tulle, wire, thermoplastic, and metal leaf on panel. Both are part of her series “Saddle Couturage,” Adgnot said. “The materials in the series are autobiographical and central to this body of work, a metaphor for my yearning to bridge cultural gaps in understanding,” she said. Katrina Majkut of Pound Ridge is providing three of her DIY Counted Cross-stitch Kits artworks from the series “Stitch n’ Bitch.” The series consists of activist artworks that are “aiming to disrupt traditional craft store embroidery kits,” Majkut said. “At any major craft store, embroidery kits exclusively promote conservative narratives and motifs that reinforce oppressive stereotypes of femininity, are void of professional and intellectual ambitions, promote limited ideas of domesticity and motherhood, and offer narrow opportunities for self-expression and exploration,” she said. Majkut said she is presenting the “Keep Free Expression in Circulation Kit,” a collaboration with the National Coalition Against Censorship, because she was censored in 2023 and made national news. “While a seemingly benign medium, the craft’s biased messages and permanent placement in the home makes it a powerful influencer,” Majkut said. “The craftivist mission of the ‘Stitch n’ Bitch Project’ is to upend these visual and symbolic constraints. The project aims to modernize, democratize, and decolonize mass-produced/consumer-based embroidery kits by making them into diverse, inclusive, and creative social change outlets.” The Yellow Studio is an important showcase for female artists, Majkut said. “The art world is still male dominated with them getting the majority of shows or their being no parity on a galleries roster; even being a mother-artist is still covertly not accepted,” she said. Majkut gave her thoughts on what she would like those visiting the exhibit to take away. “Visitors will hopefully behold the power of textile art,” she said. “It’s not the passive, out of date and out of touch, gendered obsolescence of the past. There are women or non-binary artists taking radical risks and approaches to textile processes and the very identity of textiles.” The opening reception for “Fiber Forward” is Saturday, May 30, from 4 to 6 p.m. The Gallery at Yellow Studio is in Yellow Monkey Village, located at 792 Route 35, Cross River.

By THANE GRAUEL and EVE MARX The Bedford Police Department has been investigating a rash of thefts from local postal dropboxes that then spread to other towns, and last week made good on comments they expected to zip the case up quickly. Three men were arrested Friday, May 22, near the Bedford Hills post office and are facing a variety of charges. The action came after weeks of investigation aided by license-plate reading technology and physical surveillance. Police had suspects and details of their vehicle. Bedford detectives had been probing thefts from the blue boxes in Bedford Hills and Katonah for several weeks before thieves began pushing the envelope and targeting drop boxes elsewhere, including Cross River and Pound Ridge. Mail was going missing, and checks were found by many people to have been “washed,” altered and cashed by the wrong people. Police had said thieves were using sticky materials to insert into the boxes, preventing mail from dropping down to the collection bins below. Police were watching the dropbox outside the Bedford Hills post office about 11 p.m. on May 22 when, they said, the suspects arrived. “Three individuals exited the vehicle, two of which stood by as lookouts, while the third male walked to the USPS drop box and removed multiple pieces of mail and concealed them down his pants,” police said. “Members of both the Detective Division and Patrol were already in the area surveilling.” Police said they had gotten license plate reader hits that indicated their suspects’ vehicle was headed back to Bedford. Police said that after the vehicle arrived and mail was swiped from the box, the three were standing outside their vehicle. Investigators moved in and arrested the trio. Police said it went down without incident. The three men were brought to police headquarters for processing. Police said all have records of prior arrests. Arrested were Breilin Mirabel Matos, 26, of Mount Vernon; Orbik Gutierrez, 29, of the Bronx; and Raymond Duluc Nathanial, 23, of the Bronx. All were charged with four counts each of petit larceny and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, and a single count each of sixth-degree conspiracy and possession of burglary tools. Whether the trio might be charged in any of the other thefts in the area remains to be seen. “They can only be charged at this time with thefts witnessed by the police officers,” Bedford police said. All three are to return to court June 10.

Mike Lawler with President Trump at the Rockland Community College event last week. MIKE LAWLER FACEBOOK PAGE By MARTIN WILBUR Democrats and Republicans and their supporters provided vastly different reactions to President Donald Trump’s visit last week to Rockland Community College, a stop that was made to help boost Congressman Mike Lawler’s reelection prospects. President Trump spoke for about 85 minutes in his May 22 appearance, lauding Lawler for fighting for the reinstatement of a larger state and local tax property deduction and for being an ally in Congress. He also endorsed Lawler’s bid for a third term this November. “Mike Lawler’s fantastic. He’s been fantastic,” Trump said before a cheering throng of supporters. “I call him Mr. SALT. He didn’t stop. He wouldn’t stop. He was driving us crazy. We have to get SALT, we have to get SALT back, and he got it back, and he’s a terrific guy, and you’re lucky to have him. I’ll tell you he loves you. He’s done things, he’s done things here.” The president was referring to the lifting of the cap on state and local income tax deductions from $10,000 in his signature 2017 tax bill to $40,000. Republicans and Democrats in high-tax states fought to eliminate or significantly raise the cap, with Lawler being one of the loudest voices. Despite the excitement at Trump stumping for Lawler, Democrats are once again targeting the 17th Congressional District seat with it being one of a few nationwide that voted for Kamala Harris for president but elected a Republican congressional representative. With Trump’s polls lagging and the party out of power generally having an advantage in mid-term elections, the Democrats are eyeing the 17th Congressional District as a potential pickup in their bid to retake the House. Rockland County Legislator Beth Davidson and military veteran Cait Conley are considered the co-favorites in the race. They and the three other Democrats vying for their party’s nomination will face off on June 23 in the primary. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee called Lawler “Trump’s lapdog” for backing his economic plans and supporting the war in Iran, which has worsened the affordability problems for many of his constituents. “Nothing says I don’t care about my district quite like Mike Lawler bringing Donald Trump to NY-17 to tout a disastrous economy that’s crushing working families at every turn,” DCCC spokesperson Riya Vashi said in a statement. “From skyrocketing gas and groceries to unaffordable housing and health care, Lawler bearhugging the unpopular architect of this economic disaster in his own district is just the latest reminder for Hudson Valley voters that their so-called representative will always put Donald Trump first, and they sure as hell won’t forget it come November.” Maureen O’Toole, spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said Trump’s visit was to help energize the base for Lawler, who has overperformed in his congressional victories. Lawler won his race in 2024 by about 10 percentage points, despite Harris winning the district. But the congressman also pushes back against the president when warranted, she said. “While Beth Davidson, Cait Conley and Effie Phillips-Staley are peddling the same tax-and-spend policies that have made New York one of the most unaffordable states in the nation, President Trump and Mike Lawler have worked tirelessly to right the ship,” O’Toole said. “Thanks to their efforts, Hudson Valley families saw the SALT deduction quadruple, their paycheck grow and their taxes go down. Voters know Mike Lawler always puts their needs first, and that’s why they’ll send him back to Washington in November.” For his part, Lawler said it was an honor to welcome Trump to the district last week. “If you want to get things done, you have to be in the arena. You have to have a seat at the table and fight for your community,” Lawler said. “That’s exactly how I approached the fight for Hudson Valley families. I made a promise that I would not support a tax package that left New Yorkers behind, and I fought every step of the way to deliver real relief. Together, we secured the largest tax cut in the package and put thousands of dollars back into the pockets of hardworking families.” But Alex Lawson, executive director of Social Security Works, an organization committed to saving the 91-year-old program and to ensure proper funding of health care and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, said Saturday during the weekly rally in Mount Kisco, that Lawler has voted to give away trillions of dollars for health care and food for the hungry to give tax breaks to billionaires. “This is about life and death,” Lawson said. “This is about our dignity and our democracy and they are stealing it to give it to the worst people you can imagine.”

By MARTIN WILBUR Mount Kisco will display the Pride flag on municipal grounds for the first time throughout June but officials decided against raising it on the Village Hall flagpole because of the absence of a policy regarding flags. The Village Board agreed 4-0 at its last meeting on May 18 that it would recognize Pride Month, which commemorates the Stonewall uprising in Manhattan in June 1969, considered by many as the spark that created the modern LGBTQ+ movement. But Deputy Mayor Karen Schleimer said she had concerns that without a specific policy the village may not be authorized to fly the Pride flag on its flagpoles. She also had received correspondence from residents questioning whether it was permissible. “We need to have a policy concerning all flags that we may be requested to fly on village flagpoles,” Schleimer said. “Personally, I think it is something that we do need to discuss.” She suggested that the board pass the resolution recognizing Pride Month but to omit the portion concerning raising of the flag and asked Village Attorney Jonathan Nelson for guidance. Nelson said he was unaware of any policy that speaks to whether or not Mount Kisco can raise the Pride flag on its pole. The original resolution stated that the village would have to comply with all laws, rules and regulations, including the United States flag always having to be above any other flags on a pole. “I do know, it’s my understanding it’s not going to be raised on a flagpole, it’s going to be displayed, and given that it’s commensurate with the month of recognition this month, I don’t know of any policy that would preclude that,” Nelson said. Two board members contended that if Mount Kisco included the flag on its pole at Village Hall it wouldn’t be running afoul of any laws. Trustee Tom Luzio said many other municipalities throughout Westchester and the United States fly a Pride flag each June without consequences. “I’m pretty certain that your firm won’t find any law precluding raising such a flag,” Luzio said to Nelson. “Mount Kisco, this town, celebrates multiple events in multiple ways that recognize various heritages, be it in regard to race, culture, ethnicity or religion. "Parades, displays and festivals are just a few of the ways we celebrate these sorts of things in our town, and this town should, likewise, welcome our LGBTQ+ community in a similar way.” Trustee Heather Bryant suggested that either the board could fly the flag and work on a policy or display the Pride flag somewhere else on the grounds at the Village Hall to show Mount Kisco is commemorating Pride Month. The board voted to amend the resolution to make it clear the Pride flag will be displayed at Village Hall but not flown.

Julia Gieras, pictured here, and Maria DeGaetano combined for a no-hitter against Byram Hills. JIM MACLEAN PHOTOS By JIM MACLEAN In the playoffs, you need solid pitching, and that has been the story for the John Jay varsity softball team as the Wolves rolled into the Section 1 Class A semifinals with a pair of shutout victories. Almost perfect, in fact, that sums up what the John Jay duo of Julia Gieras and Maria DeGaetano have done on the mound for the Wolves as they combined for a no-hitter in the first game of the playoffs, a 12-0 win over Byram Hills, and followed that up with a 2-0 shutout win over Ardsley in the quarterfinals to advance to the semifinals. Every team is good “A combined no-hitter, only one walk, we’re keeping them both sharp and ready to go,” John Jay coach Theresa Swertfager-Assumma said about her pitchers after the win over Byram Hills. “We’re playing well. We’ve cleaned it up throughout the season and we just keep improving. Everyone is a good team at this point, and you have to play to win and finish every game.” On the road at Ardsley, No. 5-seed John Jay faced No. 4-seed Ardsley and the Wolves knew they would face a tough team, but were also confident that they could play with the Panthers. The two teams had met a week earlier with John Jay pulling out a 4-0 victory. This time, John Jay pounced early in the first inning for a couple of runs as Carys Cooper and Riley Foote came up with the big hits for the early lead. Then it was up to the pitchers on the mound and they responded by shutting down the Panthers. Gieras pitched five innings, allowing just one hit and striking out seven, including her 100th career strikeout, even though she is only a freshman in her first year on varsity. DeGaetano came on to finish it up, shutting down the Panthers in the last two innings as John Jay moved on to the semifinals. Cooper had two hits to lead the way at the plate, including a double. McKenna Foote also had a double and an RBI for the Wolves. Bella Barry connects for a second inning triple to ignite a four-run rally. In the opening round of the tournament, John Jay hosted No. 12-seed Byram Hills and wasted no time moving on. Gieras started the game and pitched the first three innings, with DeGaetano came on in the fourth inning to pitch two innings before the game was halted by the mercy rule as John Jay wrapped up the 12-0 victory. It was the final home game for the seniors, and Bella Barry delivered as she drilled a triple to ignite a four-run rally in the second inning to get the Wolves started. “I love this team so much, I just don’t want to go home because this team means so much to me,” Barry said after her final home game. “We put a lot of pressure on ourselves, just in the mindset to keep winning, we don’t want to lose and think we can make it really far this year. We’ve got a really good team and we’re pushing ourselves.” In addition to the triple from Barry, Elise Templeton had a single that scored two runs to give John Jay the 4-0 lead after two innings. The Wolves added another run in the third inning as Cooper drilled a single and DeGaetano had an RBI single to make it 5-0. Laney Daly lays down a bunt for a hit. The Wolves added two more runs in the fourth inning as senior Laney Daly led off with a bunt single and ended up on third base after a throwing error. Charlotte Bender then drove her home with an RBI triple, and she scored on a wild pitch to make it 7-0. Fifth inning rally John Jay finished it off in the fifth inning as Barry led off with a single, followed by a single from DeGaetano, and a two-run single from McKenna Foote. Claire Doherty then singled and Natalie Sacco had an RBI single. Riley Sacco drove in the final run to make it 12-0. With the two wins, John Jay moves on to the semifinals where the Wolves were scheduled to face No. 1 seed-Somers on the road Thursday, May 28. The Tuskers had defeated John Jay twice during the regular season, with the last game being a 1-0 setback for the Wolves. The winner will advance to the Class A championship game Sunday, May 31, at North Rockland High School.