Facts of Life

Isaac Mintz of Rye Brook, a senior who is majoring in Business, Organizations & Society at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa. and played on the men’s soccer team, is among 77 student-athletes who earned a place on the 2024 Centennial Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll. He was also among 12 scholar-athletes who were named to the conference’s academic honor roll and were previously recognized as All-Centennial Conference performers. Isaac is a graduate of Blind Brook High School.

State Sen. Shelley B. Mayer will host a Holiday Celebration Fri., Dec. 6, 4-6 p.m. at the White Plains Recreation and Parks Community Center, 65 Mitchell Pl. Parking is at the City Center Municipal Parking Garage, 237 Martine Ave. RSVP to https://tinyurl.com/SenMayer2024Party or email [email protected]. Guests are encouraged to bring diapers to support neighbors in partnership with Westchester County’s Diaper Bank.

The Westchester Chamber Music Society, Inc. will present a concert by The Lysander Piano Trio Sun., Dec. 8 at 4 p.m. at Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, 2125 Westchester Ave., Rye. See the concert in person or livestream it. Tickets are $20 for first-time WCMS attendees; $40 general admission online; $45 at the door; $30 remote viewing; free for students. www.WestchesterChamberMusicSociety.com or 914/320-4168.

A Greek Christmas Market, presented by the Greek Orthodox Church of the Savior Hellenic School PTA, will be held Sat., Dec. 7, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 2195 Westchester Ave., Rye. This fundraising event helps support the PTA. Attendees can purchase Greek made food and gifts, and there will be crafts for kids.

The next bulk trash pickup in Port Chester will be Wed., Dec. 11. There will be no further green waste pickups until spring.

The next Port Chester High School Marching Band bottle and can recycling collections will be Sun., Dec. 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. in the Middle School parking lot on Bowman Avenue, Rye Brook. Collections generally take place on the first and third Sunday of each month. Call 914/200-1464 for updated information.

Port Chester Council for the Arts has announced their upcoming arts programming, Spring Arts at the Mansion, for children in grades K-6, to be held at Crawford Park Community Center, 122 N. Ridge St., Rye Brook. Classes will run Jan. 13-Apr. 14 with a make-up class on Apr. 21. Class offerings are as follows: Mon.: World of Art, 1^st-3^rd grade, 4-5 p.m.; 4^th-6^th grade, 5-6 p.m., Tues.: Broadway Magic, K-3^rd grade, 4-5 p.m.; 4^th-6^th grade, 5-6 p.m.; Wed. Triple Threat—Sing, Act, Dance, 4^th-6^th grade, 4-5 p.m., 1^st-3^rd grade, 5-6 p.m.; FunSketch, 4^th-6^th grade, 4-5 p.m., 1^st-3^rd grade, 5-6 p.m. $450 per course; multi-course discount of 10% if registering for more than one class. Register at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd55hsngsHDWDoOSWSE-2zzjS3suTBDaTaK_rj16tjJW0ta-w/viewform by Fri., Jan. 3. For more information, write to [email protected]

Westchester County Executive George Latimer has announced that Westchester Parks has, for the fifth time, earned accreditation by the National Recreation and Parks Association, the highest honor that can be bestowed on a parks system and sets it apart from thousands of other parks systems throughout the nation.

There is no overnight parking in the Village of Rye Brook thru Mar. 15, 2-6 a.m., unless posted otherwise.

Port Chester Recreation has announced that kids of all ages can write a Letter to Santa and drop it in his special mailbox located at the Port Chester Village Hall Main Entrance, 222 Grace Church St. Letters will be collected Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., thru Dec. 13. A mailbox will also be available at Port Chester's Christmas Event, Sat., Dec. 14. Be sure to include a name and a return address so Santa and his elves can return a letter! www.portchesterny.gov

Port Chester Recreation is again holding a Holiday House Decorating Contest. Nominations must be received by Dec. 10. Judging will take place Dec. 11 and winners will be announced Dec. 16. Email [email protected] or call 914/939-2354 and give your name and address.

The Village of Port Chester and the Port Chester Fire Department are partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in Toys for Tots. The public can drop off toys thru Dec. 13 at Port Chester Village Hall, 222 Grace Church St., Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Port Chester Senior Center, 220 Grace Church St., Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or at Port Chester Fire Department Headquarters, 209 Westchester Ave., Mon.-Sun., 10 a.m.-9 p.m. www.portchesterny.org

Paula’s Pals 14^th Annual Coat Drive is taking place thru Dec. 6. The coat drive is in memory of Paula Paniccia Bertolacci and seeks to collect clean, reusable coats. Collection boxes are located at the Rye Brook Recreation Office, 938 King St. and at Posillipo Center, 32 Garibaldi Pl., both in Rye Brook. For additional information, call 914/939-3235.

Port Chester Recreation is holding a Coat Drive thru Dec. 11. Donate your unwanted coats to help others stay warm. Drop donations at Port Chester Recreation, 222 Grace Church St. or at Rye Ridge Cleaners, 265 S. Ridge St., Rye Brook, Mon.-Fri., 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For additional information, call 914/939-2354.

The Village of Port Chester’s online portal to apply for and access real time updates on building permits and property information is now live. This portal offers 24/7 real-time permit applications, case status updates, and property information. To apply for a building permit, check permit status, view inspection reports and pay online, you need to "Register for an Account." You will receive an email instruction to activate your account at the end of registration. In the future, you will be able to file a complaint and view code violations, search for fire inspection records, file a planning application and register for an alarm permit. This portal replaces the previous land use application “Municity.” Go to www.portchesterny.gov

The Port Chester Democratic Committee is looking for candidates for the upcoming March 2025 Village Election. They are looking for candidates for Mayor and Trustee. In March 2025 the Mayor and ALL six Trustee seats are up for election.

Also, in November 2025, the Town of Rye will be having an election. Petitions for these offices must be completed by early 2025. The offices up for election for the Town in 2025 are: two Council seats, Receiver of Taxes and judicial candidates.

For information or anyone interested in running for the above seats, please contact Raymond Sculky, Chair, at [email protected] or 914/469-8889 or Hattie Adams, Vice Chair, at [email protected] or 914/426-0782.

The Town of Rye/Port Chester Republican Committee is looking for party/campaign support. Tasks can be done both in person and virtually and on a part-time/as needed basis.

In March 2025 there will be LOCAL elections, and the Committee is interviewing for the following:

Mayoral seat (1)

Trustee seat (6)

The process for those elections occurs in late 2024 and early 2025.

For further information about running for an elected position, please call: Aldo Vitagliano, GOP Village Chairman, at 914/921-0333.

Clay Art Center, 40 Beech St., Port Chester, has announced that the preview of their Winter Session classes for adults in wheel throwing, handbuilding and sculpture is online now. Registration for members is taking place now; general registration begins Fri., Dec. 6. The Winter Session will run from Fri., Jan.10-Tues., Mar. 3. For information and to register, go to www.clayartcenter.org

Clay Art Center, 40 Beech St., Port Chester, invites residents to be part of their impact by making a contribution to support their exhibitions and programs. To donate, go to www.clayartcenter.org

Fall leaf collection in Rye Brook will continue through the third week of December. It is the Village’s goal to provide leaf collection service with a maximum of three weeks between collections at peak periods (weather depending). During the 12- to 13-week program season, highway department employees will travel each street of the Village and collect leaves placed curbside. For equipment to be efficient, leaf piles need to be placed in a row along the curb line, not in the roadway. Please advise your gardeners not to create mounds of leaves at the curb, over storm drains or in the roadway, but to create long rows.

The Village of Rye Brook has partnered with Westchester County to offer residents a free cell phone app called RecycleCoach where you can look up your Rye Brook sanitation schedule, view holiday week changes, and receive answers to commonly asked questions such as if a particular item is recyclable. It is a very useful tool, is relatively user-friendly and can be downloaded from the App Store.

Qualified homeowners in Westchester County may be reimbursed for repairs for damage their homes sustained during Hurricane Ida in 2021. The New York State's Department of Homes and Community Renewal has unveiled a new reimbursement and repair program that is now accepting applications through Jan. 17. For information go to https://hcr.ny.giv/general-Ida-programs.

Lifting Up Westchester, a community-based nonprofit agency that provides life-changing support to people who have lost their housing or are struggling to meet their other basic needs, has announced its eighth annual student essay contest. Open to all 7-12^th grade students attending school in Westchester County, this year’s contest is entitled The Gift because it asks students for their perspective on how to best use a substantial, unexpected donation of $1 million. First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded in each of the three grade groups: 7^th and 8^th; 9^th and 10^th; and 11^th and 12^th. First prize in each category is $500, second prize is $250, and third prize is $100. Students can enter until Feb. 7 at 5 p.m. Students should enter the contest at www.liftingupwestchester.org/essay-contest and upload their essays. Winners will be announced in early March, and an awards ceremony will take place Apr. 14. Students, teachers, and parents can learn more about how the contest works and review the judging process and criteria by visiting liftingupwestchester.org.

The New York Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) offers heating assistance to eligible low-and middle-income residents to help with winter energy costs. Homeowners and renters may qualify for up to $900 in aid, with potential add-ons based on income, household size and household members’ age or disability status. For assistance, call DSS at 914/993-3333 or apply at MyBenefit.portal

The Department of Environmental Conservation has announced their 20^th annual “Create a Watershed Superhero” poster contest for middle school students. The theme challenges students to create their own superhero to inspire environmental stewardship. Posters will be accepted thru Jan. 3. The winning posters will be featured in DEC and NYWEA’s 2026 Annual Calendar. For information go to https://dec.ny.gov/get-involved/education/teacher-information/poster-contest/create-a-watershed-super-hero-claendar-contest

Congregation K.T.I. is participating again this school year in Food 2 Grown On to provide bags of groceries each weekend and during school vacations to alleviate hunger and food insecurity among elementary-aged children at Edison, Park Avenue and King Street school in Port Chester. Checks made payable to Food 2 Grow On are also welcome and should be mailed c/o the Rotary Club, P.O. Box 26, Port Chester, NY 10573. Food donations requested include healthy cereal, peanut butter (14-16 oz. jars), tuna fish, canned fruit (14-18 oz. size)—store brands are OK. Food donations can be dropped in the box at 48 Meadowlark Rd., Rye Brook or purchased through the Amazon link, Holiday Food Drive 2024. For questions or to arrange a pickup of donations call Leslie at 914/939-8659 or email her at [email protected]

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles has launched the New York Mobile ID, a highly secure digital version of a state-issued driver license, learner permit or ID on a smartphone. The Mobile ID is a voluntary product designed for the convenience and security of New Yorkers and is available to IOS and Android users. Anyone who has a valid, state-issued driver license, learner permit or non-driver ID can download the secure Mobile ID app through Google Play or the App Store.

The Westchester County Clerk's Office is open with extended evening hours for their popular mobile passport services weekdays from 5-8 p.m. at 110 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., White Plains. The U.S. Department of State estimates standard passport processing times at 6 to 8 weeks and expedited at 2-3 weeks, with an additional charge. Remember to bring all necessary documents, like proof of citizenship (birth certificate, consular report of birth abroad, or naturalization certificate) and proof of identity (driver’s license or government-issued ID). For renewal applicants, there are specific guidelines to follow, and for minors under 16, both parents need to be present, unless specific conditions apply. All details and forms are on their website, www.WestchesterClerk.com. Fees: $130 for adults; $100 for minors under 16. Payment is by money order or check payable to the U.S. Department of State, plus a $35 service fee payable to the Westchester County Clerk (credit card, money order, or check). Passport photos are $10 each ($7 for seniors). For questions, call 914/995-3082 during the week or go to the website.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum, located in the footprints of the Twin Towers in NYC, offers free admission exclusively to New Yorkers on the first Monday of each month, providing New Yorkers a special opportunity to see the Museum with one another and to reconnect with the feeling of community and cohesion that blanketed the city and nation in the wake of 9/11. The Memorial can be visited daily 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; the Museum is open Wed.-Mon., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. For regular admission rates, go to https://visit911memorial.org

Westchester County Executive George Latimer has announced the new Westchester Craft Beverage Trail and free online passport. The trail includes more than 24 distilleries, craft breweries and cideries throughout the region. A free, online passport for users 21 and older allows them to easily sip and savor their way across the County while earning rewards for fun items reflecting Westchester’s craft culture. Learn more at www.visitwestchestercounty.com/things-to-do/dining/craft-beverage/trail/

At Congregation KTI it is a Mitzvah (good deed) moment for all to help feed those in the community who are needy. All food collected in KTI’s ongoing drive is being given to the Salvation Army in Port Chester. Food requested includes cans of tuna, chicken, vegetables, beans and fruit as well as pasta, 10-16 oz. bags/boxes of white rice, snacks, shelf-stable milk, healthy cereals, macaroni and cheese and canned meals like Chef-Boy-r-Dee, chili, etc. The food can be left in bins in Leslie Brandeis Novack's driveway at 48 Meadowlark Rd., Rye Brook.