Facts of LIfe

July 3, 2024 at 10:45 p.m.

Heather Paul cuts the birthday cake the St. Paul’s Church congregation surprised her with after their service Sunday morning, June 30. The longtime Port Chester resident turns 98 on July 6. (Jananne Abel/Westmore News)

Happy birthday to Danny Kormes, son of Christina Rytelewski Kormes, who turned 12 on June 27.

Happy birthday to retired Sgt. James Mitchell of the Rye Brook Police Department, a resident of Port Chester, who celebrates July 9.

Happy birthday to Port Chester native Danny Connors of Charlotte, N.C., who celebrates July 11.

The next Port Chester High School Marching Band bottle and can recycling collection will be Sun., July 7, 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.

Justin McFadden and Joelle La Guardia, both of Port Chester, graduated this spring from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Justin received a B.S. in management information systems; Joelle received a BFA in medical illustration.

Kenneth Konigsberg of Rye Brook has been named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2024 semester at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa. Muhlenberg College students and Muhlenberg College School of Continuing Studies students with a term GPA of 3.50 or higher were recognized for this academic achievement.

Charlotte Keane of Port Chester and Carly Ceja of Rye Brook received degrees from the University of Rhode Island in Kingston at commencement ceremonies May 17-19.

Nicholas Loiaconi of Rye Brook has earned Dean's List honors at SUNY Oneonta for the spring 2024 semester. Nicholas is studying Adolescence Education: Social Studies. To qualify for the Dean's List, a student must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.

Ashley Jackson of Port Chester was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Ashley was initiated at Long Island University. Only the top 10% of seniors and 7.5% of juniors are eligible for membership.

Jennifer McKay of Rye Brook was named to the Dean's List at Bates College in Lewiston, Me. for the semester ending in April 2024. This is a distinction earned by students whose grade point average is 3.92 or higher. Jennifer is majoring in Economics and Classical and Medieval Studies.

Matilde Garcia of Port Chester has been named to the President's List for the Spring 2024 semester at Siena College in Loudonville, N.Y. The President's List requires a 3.9 grade point average or higher.

Sebastian Marsalese of Port Chester has earned a place on the Dean's List for the Spring 2024 semester at Dean College in Franklin, Mass. Students named to the Dean's List have demonstrated a serious commitment to their studies while at Dean College.

Village offices and the Rye Brook Senior Center will close at 2 p.m. on Fridays in July and August starting Fri., July 12.

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.

Clay Art Center in Port Chester’s Annual Scholarship Appeal is drawing to a close and, thanks to supporters, it has raised 80% of its $30,000 goal. Help CAC cross the finish line and make the $30,000 goal to continue what it does best: provide access to clay, support its students, and deliver high-quality arts education in a professional studio setting. Your best gift today will have a lasting impact on our community! www.clayartcenter.org

Playland Park, the historic amusement park and waterfront destination in Rye, has announced a first-time participation with The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester to offer live music and entertainment at Playland’s Main Stage every other weekend from July 6-Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. The first event on July 6 will feature 1 Wild Night Bon Jovi Tribute (Genre = 80s Rock); July 20: Jacknife Lori—90’s All Rock Hits; Half Step--Grateful Dead Tribute; Aug. 3: Half Step: Grateful Dead tribute; Aug. 17: Damn the Torpedoes—Tom Petty Concert Experience; Aug. 31: Taylor’s Version—A Swiftie Dance Party. In addition, weekly Friday and Saturday night fireworks take place at 9 p.m., launched from the end of the pier at Playland and viewable from the amusement park, the Playland Boardwalk and from Rye Town Park.

In addition, starting Sun., July 7 at 2 p.m. and continuing every other week until Sept. 1, Playland and The Capitol Theatre will present The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series translates some of music’s most recognizable anthems into age-appropriate sing-alongs suitable for listeners of all ages, with classic titles from a variety of genres such as classic rock, new wave, pop, and pop-punk. July 7 at 2 p.m. will feature The Music of Queen and more for Kids ft. Scaramouch & The Fandangos (Genre = Classic Rock); July 21: The Music of the Talking Heads; Aug.4: The Music of Taylor Swift & more for kids; Aug. 18: The Music of Blink 182, & more for kids; Sept. 1: The Music of The Beatles, and more for kids. For more information, go to https://playland.com

The Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library is offering Summer Reading Bingo for adults and teens thru Aug. 30. Receive a gift for signing up. Complete the whole board and get a prize and a raffle entry. Raffle winners will be notified after Sept. 5. You do not need to be present to win. Please register at the library. For more information, call 914/939-6710 and press 5.

The DMV Mobile Unit will be at the Westchester Mall, 125 Westchester Ave., White Plains Sun., July 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for residents to get their REAL ID that will be required by the federal government to board a domestic flight. A standard license will no longer be accepted; only a REAL ID or Enhanced License will be. For information about REAL ID and Enhanced Driver Licenses, go to dmv.ny.gov/REALID

    The Little Red Schoolhouse, one of the sites on Westchester County Historical Society’s History Hunt.

The Westchester County Historical Society’s 150^th Anniversary Program provides fun and enriching learning experiences for all ages. Families can register to participate in the free program that allows them to sample more than 300 years of Westchester by visiting 1-3 sites in more than 30 communities. The History Hunt will conclude Sept. 8, with prizes presented in the fall to families or groups that complete the entire hunt and/or have highly creative entries. The WCHS History Hunt mobile app provides GPS-guided directions to the places, then gives a description, images and an audio recording with brief background. As proof of visiting the site, participants are given a simple task. For information go to www.westchesterhistory.com.

    New Big Brothers Big Sisters Board chairman
  

Garrett (Gary) Gizowski has been named board chairman for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester & Putnam for 2024/2026. Gizowski, a CUES Certified Chief Executive (CCE), is currently Chief Executive Officer of the Educational and Governmental Employees Federal Credit Union based in Westchester County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Westchester County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. Through the power of mentorship, they inspire and empower youth to reach their full potential, contributing to healthier families, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all.

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.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced the return of free Bee-Line Bus Rides for this summer thru Sept. 2 on all Bee-Line buses including Para Transit. Fare-free service will provide residents and visitors with a convenient and cost-effective transportation option throughout the County. For information on schedules and routes, go to www.westchestergov.com/beeline or call 914/813-7777.

The Westchester County Clerk's Office has announced 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 debut of 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/

Gov. Kathy Hochul has designated more Free Fishing Days in New York this year: Sept. 28 and Nov. 11. During these days, the fishing license requirement is waived for freshwater fishing on New York’s waters. The Free Fishing Days program provides a great opportunity for aspiring anglers to try freshwater fishing for the first time or former anglers to reconnect with one of America’s favorite pastimes.

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.