Facts of Life

Happy birthday to Allison Low of Rye Brook who turns 16 Aug. 4. Love from Grandma and Grandpa.

Happy birthday wishes are going out to my best friend, the love of my life and the most wonderful wife in the world, Cheryl Richards, who will celebrate her special day on Aug. 4. Happy birthday, Cheryl! From your husband Janusz.

Wishing the happiest of birthdays to Cheryl Richards of Port Chester who celebrates Aug. 4.

Happy birthday to former Rye Brook Mayor Joan Feinstein who celebrates Aug. 5.

Best wishes to Cheryl and Janusz Richards of Port Chester who celebrate their 45^th wedding anniversary on Aug. 11. Wishing you much happiness in the coming year.

The next Port Chester High School Marching Band bottle and can recycling collections will be Sun., Aug. 4 & 18, 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.

Cristian Sigua of Port Chester has been named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2024 semester at SUNY Delhi in Delhi, N.Y. Cristian is pursuing a degree in Architectural Design and Building. The Dean's List is a recognition of academic achievement for students who are enrolled in six or more credits and earn at least a 3.5 grade point average for the semester.

Kevin O'Neill of Rye Brook was named to the Dean's List for the spring 2024 semester at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. Kevin is enrolled in the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts. To qualify for the Dean's List in the Sam Fox School, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.5 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units.

The U.S Department of Agriculture has expanded its recall of deli meats linked to a multi-state Listeria outbreak. An additional 71 varieties of Virginia ham, salami and bologna that were produced in a Virginia plant and sold under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brands have been added, in addition to the original Boar’s Head liverwurst that tested positive for the listeriosis bacteria. Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD said: “We want people to be aware of this recall of deli meat, and the potential risk of a Listeria infection. If you have these products in your refrigerator at home, discard them immediately or return them to the store where the food was purchased. Check the Health Department’s website for proper cleaning protocols to sanitize your refrigerator and prevent the contamination of other foods. For a full list of the contaminated products and more detailed cleaning instructions, go to https://health.westchestergov.com..

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 addition to the November 2024 elections which include races for Congress, State Senate and Assembly and judicial offices, in March 2025 there will be LOCAL elections and the Committee is currently interviewing for the following:

Mayoral seat (1)

Trustee seat (6)

The process for those elections starts later in 2024 and early in 2025.

Also, there are several openings on various Port Chester boards and commissions. These are excellent ways to get civically involved. Consult [email protected] or ads seeking candidates in the Westmore News.

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

The Westchester County Health Department announced that this season’s first batches of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in Westchester were found in Croton, Mount Vernon, Rye, White Plains and Yonkers. The Health Department will inspect areas surrounding the positive mosquito batches and, if needed, treat any nearby catch basins that hold standing water to protect against further mosquito breeding nearby. These are the first positives out of 45 batches of mosquitos collected by the County Health Department from eight locations throughout Westchester that were tested for West Nile Virus by the New York State Department of Health which reminds residents about mosquito safety through news releases and social media. A report on mosquito control and surveillance can be found on the West Nile web page, https://health.westchestergov.com/west-nile-virus

Clay Art Center, 40 Beech St., Port Chester has announced that registration for their fall Wheel Throwing, Handbuilding & Sculpture Classes for adults & teens will begin Wed., Aug. 7 for members and Fri., Aug. 9 for non-members. For information on classes and to register, go to www.clayartcenter.org

 Residents of Port Chester and Rye Brook are eligible for free beach access at Rye Town (Oakland) Beach, 95 Dearborn Ave., Rye, every Tues. thru Aug. 27. Proof of residency is required, and standard parking fees apply. www.townofrye.com

Rye Brook Village offices and the Rye Brook Senior Center will close at 2 p.m. on Fridays in August.

New York City Restaurant Week runs thru Aug. 18. Reservations are open for 2-course lunches and 3-course dinners at $30, $45 & $60. For a list of participating restaurants and to make reservations, go to https://www.nytourism.com/restaurantweek

Playland Park 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 thru-Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. as follows: 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. thru Aug. 31, launched from the end of the pier at Playland and viewable from the amusement park, the Playland Boardwalk and from Rye Town Park. Playland has also announced that the world’s largest rubber duck is set to make its grand return to Playland’s Beach from Fri.-Sun., Aug. 16-18 to celebrate the “Second Annual Duck Days of Summer.” The 61’ high Mama Duck and her 10’ high baby duckling, Timmy, will come ashore at Playland’s Beach to add to the family fun as visitors gather for the final weeks of summer vacation. The six-story high spectacle will bring excitement and wonder to the waterfront park, as well as a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity. On Sat. Aug. 17 & 31 at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Playland will offer a special ferry experience departing from the Playland Pier. Join tour guide Barbara Davis, Co-Director of the Westchester County Historical Society on an hour-long voyage through the past, complete with local lore. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.playland.com

Playland and The Capitol Theatre are also presenting The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series, every other Sunday at 2 p.m. until Sept. 1. It 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. 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 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

The Bruce Museum in Greenwich has again achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and to the museum-going public. The museum has been accredited since 1997. Alliance Accreditation brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement.

Hillside Food Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to delivering high-quality, nutritious food to low-income and limited mobility families, seniors and the chronically ill in Westchester, Putnam, and Fairfield counties, is calling on the community to join its mission. The organization, which provides food deliveries free of charge to more than 2,000 individuals twice per month, is in urgent need of volunteers to help meet the rising demand. They are seeking additional delivery volunteers to ensure that no household on its waitlist of over 100 families goes hungry. Volunteers typically deliver to up to six households, fostering trust and long-term relationships with the clients they serve. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, call 914/747-0095 or visit hillsidefoodoutreach.org.

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.

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 will be open 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 two 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.