Rye Town Council approves $7.71 million 2025 budget
After a month-long public hearing on the 2025 Rye Town preliminary budget was opened in November, the town council adopted the spending plan with little input from the community.
Blind Brook MS/HS debate teams get their first home field advantage
District hosts its first league-sponsored debate tournament
After 40 minutes of intense argument, Blind Brook Middle School Debate Team members Jaime Chen and Seima Kitano huddled around high school junior Harry Mattinson to get feedback on their performance as they waited for their judge to deliberate.
First R.B. Scout earns her wings
All-girls BSA Troop 420 produces second Eagle Scout
Audrey Sweeney still remembers what drew her to becoming a Scout. She joined Rye Brook’s Cub Scout Pack 3, and when it came time to move up the ranks in 2021, she became a member of the newly-formed Troop 420—the first all-girls BSA Troop in the area.
PCSD tests new ways to teach math
After 10 years, the district is piloting a new curriculum
The Port Chester School District has been in the process of redeveloping its elementary-level curriculum for the last several years. The district had been using Eureka Math for the last 10 years, she said, and while there wasn’t anything wrong with the program, it was time for a change.
Former R.B. mayor involved in wrong-way parkway crash
The northbound lanes of the Hutchinson River Parkway in Rye Brook were shut down for seven hours after a serious car crash occurred shortly after midnight on Monday, Dec. 16.
Burgling beef
A homeless man was arrested by Port Chester police officers on Saturday, Dec. 14 after he allegedly stole $150 worth of meat from a grocery store.
Stealing some shrimp
While Port Chester police officers were investigating a shoplifting incident at the Stop & Shop at 25 Waterfront Pl. on Saturday, Dec. 13, an employee notified them of another larceny in progress.
Trespassed for beer
A 26 Exchange Pl. man was arrested by Port Chester police officers on Thursday, Dec. 12 after he allegedly stole a pack of beer from the Stop & Shop at 25 Waterfront Pl.
Walked out with brew
Port Chester police were dispatched to the Stop & Shop at 25 Waterfront Pl. after an employee allegedly saw a homeless man steal a pack of beer on Monday, Dec. 9.
Three out-of-towners charged
Last week, three out-of-towners were arrested for assault and shoplifting.
Building bonds between faiths with a trip to the Holy Land
Congregation KTI Rabbi Ben Goldberg and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Pastor Jim O’Hanlon treasure their working relationship.
New moms get a helping hand
Beverly Sherrid has seen firsthand the struggles immigrants in the Village of Port Chester have. So, when Pastor Hilario Albert, who previously served at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, approached the group with the idea to host a community baby shower, they jumped at the chance.
B.B. school board takes first steps in search for new superintendent
What does the ideal Blind Brook superintendent look like?
Holiday tales for all
Port Chester Hispanic Advisory Board hosts inaugural Bilingual Story Time at the library
Members of the Port Chester Hispanic Advisory Board, a group founded last year to assist the Spanish-speaking community in having their voices heard, have said part of their goal is to create a bridge between cultures.
Crashed with tequila in the car
A car accident in the parking lot of the Costco at 1 Westchester Ave. resulted in the arrest of a New Rochelle man on Friday, Dec. 6.
What does the Portrait of a Graduate look like?
P.C. superintendent talks upcoming education changes
After the New York State Education Department (NYSED) created the Blue Ribbon Commission to reevaluate high school graduation requirements, the Board of Regents adopted the “NY Inspires” plan. The changes being made are meant to align students’ education experience, skillsets and schools’ curriculum with the Portrait of a Graduate, which serves as an end goal for school districts.
BBSD looks to align culture to match its growing diversity
Data collected from several DEI initiatives suggests school district is working to create comfortable environment, but more work must be done
Blind Brook Superintendent of Schools Dr. Colin Byrne is well aware of the perception many people have about the school district’s population. He highlighted the growth in diversity the district has seen over the last decade—the population of non-White students has grown from 10% in 2014 to 25% in 2024.
Pre-dawn blaze brings P.C. Fire Dept. to vacant buildings on Broad Street
An early morning fire engulfing two vacant buildings on Broad Street saw a quick response from the Port Chester Fire Department on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
Officers transfer to PCPD to be closer to home
Luis Marino and Kevin Iglesias look to honor and support their families by serving the Village of Port Chester
The two newest Port Chester police officers are no strangers to the job or the Village.
P.C. and R.B. seniors earn spots in Westchester Hall of Fame
Three residents to be honored for their work in the education, elderly and medical communities
On Friday, Dec. 6, 78 people from 31 municipalities will be inducted into the Westchester Senior Hall of Fame during a luncheon at the Westchester Mariott in Tarrytown. The honorees’ career paths vary wildly, but they all share one thing in common: they give back to their community. Among them are Dr. Harmon McAllister and Anne Galletta, both of Port Chester, and Rye Brook resident Dr. Cynthia MacKay.
Drinks after shopping, but before driving
A report of a car accident brought Port Chester police officers to Eldredge Street on Sunday, Dec. 1.
Repeat offender
Reports of a woman allegedly trespassing brought Port Chester police officers to the Stop & Shop at 25 Waterfront Pl. on Monday, Nov. 25.
Theft caught on camera
A 49 Oak St. resident was arrested by Port Chester police officers after he allegedly stole $80 worth of brisket from the Stop & Shop at 25 Waterfront Pl. on Saturday, Nov. 30.
Shoplifter runs into the cops
While parked in the Stop & Shop parking lot on Saturday, Nov. 23, Port Chester police officers were drawn to the sound of a commotion at the front of the 25 Waterfront Pl. store.
Brawl among bar buddies
Port Chester police officers reported to the corner of Westchester Avenue and Waterfront Place after receiving a call from the victim of an alleged assault at 4:46 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1.
From Caritas to Meals on Main Street: Nonprofit grows to feed those in need
Food insecurity organization encourages residents to get in the spirit of giving
Meals on Main Street (MoMS) has seen many changes since it began serving the community 30 years ago.
The new fight for unemployment rights
P.C. serves as launching point for workers’ rights campaign to provide protections for undocumented immigrants and the self-employed
With the promises made by the soon-to-be commander in chief, Donald Trump, some communities are worried about how their lives could change. Kevin Duarte, a wage dispute coordinator at the Don Bosco Community Center, believes the political climate is more reason to come together and fight for one another. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, a meeting space on the top floor of the community center at 22 Don Bosco Pl. became a launching point for a struggle that immigrant advocacy groups are undertaking: The Unemployment Bridge Program.
Crashed while drunk
Port Chester police officers reported to South Main Street to respond to a car accident on Sunday, Nov. 24.
Bout of road rage gets physical
Rye Brook police officers arrested a man on Saturday, Nov. 23, after he allegedly assaulted his partner in front of a witness.
Ran off with meat
The Port Chester police were led on a foot chase after a 70 Purdy Ave. resident stole meat from the Stop & Shop on Thursday, Nov 21.
Jacking beer under a jacket
Port Chester police officers reported to the Stop & Shop at 25 Waterfront Pl. after an employee allegedly witnessed a shoplifting incident on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
Walked out with a case of brew
A Port Chester police officer patrolling Waterfront Place was flagged down by a Stop & Shop employee with regard to a shoplifting incident on Saturday, Nov. 23.
Six out-of-towners charged
Last week, six out-of-towners were arrested for brandishing a loaded gun, fraud and more.
Despite a projected revenue slump in 2025, R.T. Council looks to keep budget under tax cap
When discussing the preliminary 2025 Town of Rye budget, Comptroller David Byrnes described its development as a “balancing act.” The budget was presented to the Rye Town Council by Town Clerk Hope Vespia during a special meeting on Nov. 4. After some adjustments, it’s become closer to what will be presented for approval on Dec. 12.
Lending library gives readers a new place to find books
Project represents a community effort at Port Chester Middle School
Kristin Pascuzzi is always on the lookout for ideas to bring to Port Chester Middle School—even when she’s on vacation. She’s made a habit of touring school buildings during her travels as a way to see how educators around the world serve their students. The Little Lending Library, the newest installation in the green space under the Port Chester Middle School main entrance, is the result of one of her trips.
PCHS Drama Club puts a spotlight on gender and workplace injustice
Fall production of ‘Radium Girls’ debuts this weekend
Last year, the Port Chester High School Drama Club's enthusiasm for dramatic theater manifested in their tension-fueled performance of “12 Angry Jurors.” And when it came to selecting this year’s fall show, the students opted to dive even further into the drama—with the emotional tale of “Radium Girls.”
Rye Brook residents open their homes to Israeli families looking for respite
To help the families of members of the Kibbutz Gevim Emergency Team, the Jewish communities of Rye Brook, Port Chester, Rye and Harrison partnered with Project 24, a group that strives to assist those who were directly affected by the Oct. 7 attacks, to participate in the Thanks4Giving initiative. It brought dozens of families to the U.S., including 16 to Westchester, to give them a week of respite away from the war.
Walked out with drinks
Port Chester police officers reported to the Stop & Shop at 25 Waterfront Pl. after receiving a report of a shoplifter on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
Five out-of-towners charged
Last week, five out-of-towners were arrested for drunk driving and grand larceny.
Too drunk to drive home
A Port Chester police officer was dispatched to the area of Midland Avenue near Pitt Street after receiving a call about a man asleep in a car with the driver-side door open on Sunday, Nov. 10.
Breaking in to ask for money
After receiving reports of a dispute on Sunday, Nov. 10, Port Chester police officers reported to the intersection of Bush Avenue and Poningo Street to find a group of people restraining Kevin Gutierrez on the pavement.
Two out-of-towners charged
Last week, two out-of-towners were arrested for assault and shoplifting.
P.C. isn’t alone in FD struggles
Village Manager’s Speaker Series brings in professional to talk power struggles, upcoming changes municipalities need to navigate
The Port Chester Fire Department came under scrutiny a few months ago when it came to light that half of the 24 active officers hadn’t received the training required to hold their positions. It sparked heated debate between members of the department and Village officials regarding how the fire prevention service should be run and who should bear the responsibility of oversight. To help clear the air, Village Manager Stuart Rabin invited New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) Counsel John Mancini to address the topic at the Port Chester Senior Community Center on Oct. 29 as part of his ongoing Speaker Series.
PCHS students use ’Hamilton’ to take a new view on history
School’s partnership invites classes to channel their inner Lin-Manuel Miranda and catch a matinee of the acclaimed Broadway musical
Teaching history in New York can be a bit rigid in terms of getting students engaged, said Port Chester High School teacher Elizabeth Messina. But for the last two years, the school has partnered with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History to partake in its Hamilton Education Program. The partnership blends the realms and disciplines of theater and history in a way that puts engagement in the spotlight.
Author looks to the past to rethink modern politicians
R.B. area native John Lipman to discuss book about the life and legacy of New York public servant at Port Chester-Rye Brook Public Library
Though John Lipman grew up somewhat familiar with the career of Alfred B. DelBello, it wasn’t until later in life that he was able to grasp what the former Yonkers mayor and Westchester County executive had accomplished.
More family connections pieced together at A.A. cemetery, honored for Veterans Day
Rye Town celebrates those who fought in America’s past while looking at how to commend them in the future
Dave Thomas, founder of the Friends of the African American Cemetery, described the graveyard in Rye as the site of an ongoing story.
Colin Byrne to retire in June as Blind Brook superintendent
Longtime Blind Brook employee reflects on his time in the district
When Blind Brook Superintendent Dr. Colin Byrne started his career in the district in 2003 as a computer teacher and technology facilitator, he promised himself that he would never be an administrator. “I really swore I wouldn’t be a superintendent. But here we are,” he said, gesturing to himself while sitting outside the Blind Brook administration building on an unseasonably warm fall day. On Monday, Nov. 4, the district sent an email to Blind Brook families announcing that Byrne will be retiring on June 30, 2025.
P.C. to dedicate Cottage Street in honor of family of soldiers
Seven Sandarciero brothers, who served in WWII and the Korean War, recognized for their service
Anne Romanello, née Sandarciero, has always held her family in high regard. “I’m proud to be a Sandarciero. I didn’t even want to change my name when I got married,” she said. “Because I know what my family did. I know what they sacrificed.”
New York State Military Museum names P.C. resident Veteran of the Year
Every year, the Friends of the New York State Military Museum and the Capital District of New York Chapter of the Association of the United States Army come together to elect their Veteran of the Year. Historically, veterans from the regional area have been selected. But that trend changed this year when a board member familiar with Chester "Chet" Edwards’ post-military career put his name into the running.
BBHS quartet to test their skills in next Chamber Music Society show
When the Westchester Chamber Music Society (WCMS) introduced a youth initiative in 2023, Blind Brook High School Band Director Brian Lotze was keen to be a part of it. That goal will be achieved at the group’s concert on Sunday, Nov. 10, which will feature high school senior flautist Rachel Horn, junior flautist Lianne Ferentz, junior oboist Jocelyn Zheng and junior pianist Abigail Weintraub performing before the Frisson Ensemble.
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