I hope that you are all enjoying the first days of autumn in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson. There are a lot of great events planned for this month, including the much-loved Goblin Walk and Howl-o-ween Dog Parade, both scheduled for October 26. Please be sure to check the Village website and social media pages for more information on our community events.

As mentioned in last month’s newsletter article, the Village was hoping to resume its resurfacing program this fall and I am happy to share that Loconto Street, Palmer Avenue, Michaels Lane and the southern portion of Nordica Drive have all been repaved. The Village DPW is planning to undertake another round of repaving before the winter begins, so please continue to check our website and social media for further information.

The Village Board of Trustees are continuing their review of the special permit application for a multifamily residential building at 1 Croton Point Avenue. The public hearing on the application, which was opened on September 18, has been continued until the next board meeting on October 9. Members of the public are welcome to attend the public hearing to provide input to the Board or may submit their comments in writing via the following webform link: https://www.crotononhudson-ny.gov/home/webforms/send-us-comments.

Sections C, D (handicapped) and E (preferred) remain closed for construction as part of the solar canopy project at the train station parking lot. We anticipate Section C re-opening in the next two weeks as the project heads towards completion. Thank you for your continued patience as we hopefully see the successful completion of the project this fall.

Finally, I want to thank everyone who participated in our NY Forward meetings and submitted ideas via our call for proposals. The data that has been provided will be invaluable in helping the Village craft an application to this very competitive grant program from New York State.

Please remember to check the Projects and Initiatives page of the Village website for updates on various other work being done. These pages are updated regularly as more information becomes available. As always, residents are welcome to contact me at bhealy@crotononhudson-ny.gov or 914-271-4848 with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Bryan T. Healy

Village Manager

DPW will vacuum leaves from November through December. Only loose leaves left at curbside will be picked up - bagged leaves will NOT be picked up. Please keep leaf piles out of the roadway (see photo to the left). Please do not park on or near leaf piles. Twigs, branches and other yard debris should not be mixed in with the loose leaves. Yard waste, such as small twigs, clippings, flowers, etc. (not including loose leaves) will continue to be picked up through October on the collection schedule. Yard waste should be in bio-degradable bags or in open-top garbage cans. As always, the Village recommends that residents mulch their leaves on their property.

Kayak & Canoe Winter Storage Now Available!

Secure your spot for winter storage at the Echo Canoe Launch. Registration for the Storage Season (November 1 - April 1) is now open online at https://croton.seamlessdocs.com/f/winterstorage.

Storage Fees:

• Village Resident: $200
• School District/Non-Resident: $250
• Village Resident Senior: $80 (Proof of address and age required via driver's license for the discount)

Get vaccinated at the Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building!

Save Mor Pharmacy will hold a Flu & COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic in the Georgianna Grant Room (Second Floor) of the Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building at 1 Van Wyck Street, Croton-on-Hudson, on October 18th from 9:00 AM to Noon . Flu vaccines will be available for ages 3 and older. COVID-19 vaccines will be available for anyone age 18 and older.

Register online or call 914-271-2895 to reserve an appointment slot. Please bring your insurance card to the clinic. Vaccines are free with most major insurances.

If you have questions regarding the vaccines or insurance, please call Save Mor at 914-271-2900.

Deadline Approaching: Water Service Line Inventory

The deadline for all community water systems, including the Village of Croton-on-Hudson, to submit a comprehensive water service line inventory to the New York State Department of Health is fast approaching—October 16, 2024. Residents who have not yet completed the survey are urged to do so immediately. The brief online survey requires uploading a photo of the water meter and piping, and can be accessed at crotononhudson-ny.gov/WSLsurvey. All information provided will remain confidential and will not be publicly accessible.

For those who prefer an in-person inspection by the Water Department, appointments can be made by calling 914-862-1419.

Early voting for the General Election is a nine day period where voters can vote in-person before Election Day in Westchester County. For the November 5, 2024 General Election, all registered voters in the County of Westchester can vote early.

Early Voting in New York State will begin prior to the November 5th General Election. The early voting period will be from Saturday, October 26, 2024 through Sunday, November 3, 2024. Early Voting days and hours as follows:

• Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
• Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
• Monday, October 28, 2024 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 29, 2024 from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 30, 2024 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
• Thursday, October 31, 2024 from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.
• Friday, November 1, 2024 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
• Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
• Sunday, November 3, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

You can vote at any of the 25 designated Early Voting locations across the County, including the Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building at 1 Van Wyck Street. Voting during early voting is the same as voting on Election Day. When you get to the early voting center, you will check in to vote, receive your ballot and vote as any other election.

More information on voting and elections can be found on the Village website at crotononhudson-ny.gov/voterinfo

On September 17th, Hudson Valley Regional Council (HVRC) hosted an exclusive tour of the nearly-completed 4.22 MW solar canopy at the Croton train station. Lindsay Audin, Chair of the Croton Sustainability Committee, highlighted the village's leadership as a Silver Climate Smart Community, noting its solar arrays, EV chargers, heat pump projects, and the solar canopy project—the largest project of its kind on municipal property in the state.

On September 25th, the Village of Croton-on-Hudson announced the retirement of Peter 'Pete' Anfiteatro, our dedicated Code Enforcement Officer and Fire Inspector, after over 20 years of service.  A graduate of Croton-Harmon High School Class of 1969, Pete has been a fixture in the Village, ensuring safety and compliance for all residents. In addition to his role in code enforcement, Pete has also served for over 40 years as a valued member of the Croton Fire Department. We thank Pete for his service to Croton and wish him a very happy retirement!

The annual Oktoberfest in the Upper Village of Croton-on-Hudson took place on Saturday, September 28, with strong community participation. The event was organized by the Croton Business Council, with participation from vendors and local businesses.

The Croton Rotary Club hosted its 40th Annual Car Show at the Croton-Harmon Train Station. In addition to classic cars, the show featured an electric vehicle corral and showcased village vehicles from the Department of Public Works, Police, and Fire Department. The Rotary Club will use the proceeds from the event to support scholarships, veterans, and other philanthropic causes.

Wild Saturdays at Gouveia Park!

Dates: Saturdays in October

Time: 10:30 AM to Noon

Location: Gouveia Park, 1300 Albany Post Road

Join Croton Recreation and The Rewilding School for a series of fun-filled family activities throughout October at Gouveia Park:

• October 5th: Fairy House Construction for families with children aged 2-7. Help create a woodland fantasy village with Rewilding School teachers. $35.00 per child (adults free).
• October 12th: Color Hike for families with children aged 2-7. Explore the fall colors with matching games, nature exploration, and a lesson on the science of color. $35.00 per child (adults free).
• October 19th: Archery for ages 8 and up. Join USA Archery certified coaches for an introduction to archery. All equipment provided (traditional bows only).  $50.00 per person.
• October 26th: Nut Collecting for families with children aged 4 and up. Gather and process nuts while learning about their historical uses and enjoying nut-related games. $35.00 per child (adults free).

Register online at https://rewildingschool.jumbula.com/Workshops2024/wildsaturdaysatgouveiapark

Compost Giveback & Community Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale

Date: Sunday, October 6th

Time: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Location: Croton Point Park, 1 Croton Point Avenue

Westchester County's Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) is hosting Fall 2024 Compost Giveback Events, where residents can receive free compost created at CompostED. Registration is required: There is a limit of two bags per registrant (approx. 5 gallons each). Register online at https://hmrfres.westchestergov.com/events/rsvpform.php. To purchase compost bins, rain barrels and other accessories, interested residents can explore https://westchester.compostersale.com/

Riverview Jazz Concert

Date: Sunday, October 6th

Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Location: Croton Free Library

Join us for an afternoon of jazz — a centennial birthday celebration of the great Bud Powell! It features Antonio Ciacca on the keys, joined by John Earl Powell. This is the first concert in of a four-part series offered in tribute to the late Manny Albam, a long-time Mount Airy resident, a renowned trombonist, arranger, and director of the BMI Composer's Workshop. First come, first served — and previous concerts in this series have been very popular, so please plan to come early because the space might fill up! This Jazz Sundays series is co-sponsored with the Library by the Village of Croton-on-Hudson's Arts & Humanities Council.

Shaping Tomorrow: Housing Trends in Croton-on-Hudson and the Hudson Valley

Date: Monday, October 7th

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Georgianna Grant Room, Stanley H. Kellerhouse Municipal Building, 1 Van Wyck Street

Discover the future of the Hudson Valley at an exciting information session led by Adam Bosch, President & CEO of Pattern for Progress, the region’s leading nonprofit dedicated to driving sustainable growth through innovative policy, planning, and research. Get a firsthand look at the trends shaping our community as Adam unpacks the key challenges and opportunities facing the Hudson Valley. Come with your questions and leave with valuable insights into the future of our region!

Croton Welcome Wagon Autumn Community Potluck

Date: Sunday, October 13th

Time: Noon

Location: Senasqua Park Pavilion

The Croton Welcome Wagon is hosting an Autumn Brunch Community Potluck in October! Come meet an mingle with new and long-standing Croton residents at a Community Potluck with the Croton Welcome Wagon. Enjoy autumnal treats from The Black Cow and Shoprite, and bring goodies to share. All residents welcome.

Questions? Email crotonwelcomewagon@gmail.com

 

Learn more about the Croton Welcome Wagon: crotonwelcomewagon.com

Fall Family Fun Day

Date: Saturday, October 19th

Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Location: Vassallo Park (Rain Location TBA)

Join the Village of Croton-on-Hudson for a day of family fun! This free event, hosted by the Village Recreation Department, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works, Police Department, and Fire Department, promises fun for all ages.

Bring the whole family to enjoy:

• Pumpkin Painting: Get creative with your very own pumpkin to take home.
• Touch-a-Truck: Kids can get up close and explore the big trucks and equipment used by the DPW, Police, and Fire Departments.
• Refreshments: Enjoy seasonal treats! 

44th Annual Harry Chapin Memorial Run Against Hunger

Date: Sunday, October 20th

Location: Croton Harmon High School

5K Race & Walk: 8:30 AM

10K Race: 10:00 AM

1-Mile Fun Run: 11:45 AM

The Harry Chapin Run Against Hunger is an annual charity event named after the late singer-songwriter and social activist Harry Chapin. Known for his efforts to combat hunger, Chapin's legacy is honored through this event, which raises funds to support local, regional, and international hunger relief programs. Proceeds from the run benefit organizations such as the Croton-Cortlandt Food Pantry, WhyHunger (founded by Chapin), Croton Caring, and other initiatives focused on alleviating food insecurity. The race courses take participants through scenic parts of Croton-on-Hudson, including views of the Hudson River and the village’s tree-lined streets.

Register now at https://runagainsthunger.com/

Demystifying MEDICARE and Healthcare Coverage for Seniors

Date: Sunday, October 20th

Location: Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Drive

Demystifying Medicare is an interactive session designed to help anyone navigate the complexities of Medicare, whether you're already enrolled, turning 65, planning retirement, or assisting others with healthcare decisions. Learn about Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription plans, Medigap, and various cost-saving programs like MSPs, Extra Help, and EPIC.

This session, part of the Westchester Library System's efforts to provide vital information for seniors, is co-sponsored by the Croton Free Library and Croton Recreation & Parks. Registration is requested—sign up on the Library’s website or call (914) 271-6612.

Annual Croton-on-Hudson Goblin Walk

Date: Saturday, October 26th

Time: 11:30 AM

Location: Municipal Building / Vassallo Park

Get your costumes ready for the Village of Croton-on-Hudson's annual Halloween Goblin Walk! All goblins, ghosts, and spooky creatures are invited to gather at the Municipal Building (1 Van Wyck Street) at 11:30 AM for a fun and festive parade to Vassallo Park. Once at Vassallo Park, enjoy some tricks and treats, along with plenty of fun surprises for all ages!

This family-friendly event is a Croton tradition, so don’t miss out on the chance to show off your costume and enjoy a spooky good time. Please note that dogs are not permitted in the parade (our canine companions will have their own special parade later in the day!)

HOWL-o-ween Dog Parade

Date: Saturday, October 26th

Time: 2:00 PM Registration / 2:30 PM Parade

Location: Croton Landing Park

Join us for a spook-tacular HOWL-o-ween Dog Parade! This fun-filled event welcomes all dogs to show off their creative costumes and enjoy a day of festive fun. The parade will feature a costume contest where you can dress your furry friend in their most inventive, funny, or spooky outfit for a chance to win exciting prizes.

Participants will also have the opportunity to enter our raffle for a chance to win fantastic prizes. We’ll be giving awards for the best costumes in various categories, so get creative!

All participating pooches must be up-to-date on immunizations, licensed, and play well with others.

Community Blood Drive

Date: Saturday, October 26th

Time: 10:00am to 4:00pm

Location: Croton Free Library, 171 Cleveland Drive, Ottinger Room

Every month, the New York Blood Center holds a community blood drive at the Library. To sign up, call 800-933-2566 or visit nybc.org/donate. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins will be welcomed if space permits. Please remember to eat, drink, and bring your donor ID card or ID with name and photo.

Green Living Series: Light Pollution

Date: Tuesday, October 29th

Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: Croton Free Library

Join the Conservation Advisory Council for an enlightening discussion on the effects of light pollution in our village. Charles Fulco, Westchester Chapter Director of DarkSky.org, will provide insights on how artificial lighting impacts our environment, health, and safety—and how we can make changes to preserve our night skies and save taxpayer dollars. Learn practical tips to help reduce light pollution and protect our natural nightscapes. We look forward to seeing you there!