Northern Westchester

BEDFORD  — An evening of wine, jazz and art is planned Friday at St. Patrick’s School.

Sample light fare, listen to live entertainment from the jazz group The Flux, and browse art work for sale from local artists and student artists.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

Everyone 21 and older is welcome.

For more information contact Dorothy Monaco at 914-234-7914.

Read on for the announcement from the League of Women Voters:

A forum on the controversial housing settlement agreement between Westchester County and the federal Housing and Urban Development agency and its impact on local communities will be held at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 29, at Justice Court, Bedford Town House, 321 Bedford Road, Bedford Hills. (Snow date is March 7.)

The program, “Everything You Want to Know about Fair and Affordable Housing: Who’s Involved? Why Here? Why Now?” is co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westchester and the LWV of Bedford, Lewisboro, North Salem and will feature a panel of key players on the local, regional and national levels. The forum will be open to the public free of charge.

The panel represents a broad spectrum of those currently involved, including the county government, HUD, local leaders, builders of affordable housing and the court-appointed monitor. At issue are plans to carry out an agreement between HUD and the county to build 750 units of fair and affordable housing in 31 communities identified as having little or no minority representation. (more…)

KATONAH – The Katonah Chamber of Commerce is inviting anyone with a taste for chili to kick off the new year tonight at its annual chili bowl.

The two-hour party will feature live music, drinks and an array of that great American comfort food called chili.

The event is from 6-to-8 p.m. at the Katonah Museum of Art on Jay Street.

Tickets are $20.

Call the Chamber at 232-2668 for more details.

Assemblyman Robert Castelli, who represents much of northeast Westchester, objects to the proposed new lines for his district as a continuation of partisan gerrymandering from 10 years ago. Here is his statement:

GHOST OF ELBRIDGE GERRY VISITS ALBANY

Recently, an account published by media outlets said that if Assemblyman Robert J. Castelli (R, C – Goldens Bridge) was re-elected in 2012, that “the seat would be his for 25 years.”

Notwithstanding the fact that Castelli (the sponsor of term limits legislation) has no plans to remain in Albany beyond his ability to serve effectively, that kind of longevity nevertheless may be guaranteed for many other lawmakers, thanks to decennial redistricting process, and the newly proposed district maps for the State Senate and Assembly.

“Ten years ago, the 89th Assembly District was gerrymandered,” Castelli points out. “And in one of those ironies of politics, it wasn’t gerrymandered to the advantage of one party or another, but more so to give one person in the same party a competitive advantage over another.”

Under the maps shared with lawmakers yesterday, Castelli’s 89th Assembly District is renumbered the 93rd Assembly District, and would add the town of North Salem, along with some adjustments to the district’s boundaries in the City of White Plains.

“In essence, the partisan gerrymandering remains,” Castelli said. “I believe there is still time for us to do better, though, because when politicians are choosing their constituents, instead of the other way around, it’s the people that lose.” (more…)

BEDFORD—When fallen trees from Hurricane Irene and last year’s freak October snowstorm caused damage to the home of Peter Kaplan that insurance did not cover completely, Robison Oil secured money from state and federal sources to install a new heating system.

“They expedited the documentation process and did an incredible job with the installation,” Kaplan said. “Robison was there to help every step of the way.”

He said there were plenty of other friends and good neighbors who helped as well – doing everything from clearing trees to providing showers while the family home was in repair. Today the Kaplans are back in their home with a new roof, boiler and hot water heater.

Meet the winner of the all-white hand-stitched quilt created by the Bedford Presbyterian Quilters.

Congratulations to Caroline Biskup, who won the special occasion quilt in a raffle on Dec. 3 at the annual Mistletoe Mart at Bedford Presbyterian Church.

News from the Board of Legislators:

Westchester Legislators Approve EOH Grant Funds for Drinking Water Protection

Votes, Including a Veto Override, Bolster Environmental Safety and Provide Tax Relief

White Plains, NY – The Westchester County Board of Legislators (BOL) voted to approve two separate measures recently that are meant to bolster environmental safety near the reservoirs in the northern part of the county. The legislative action will also provide tax relief to county taxpayers.

The first vote by the BOL authorizes release of up to $10 million grant funding from the East of Hudson (EOH) Water Quality Improvement Program to help a number of Towns in Westchester within the New York City Watershed finance implementation of stormwater retrofit plans.

The legislation was introduced in the BOL Environment & Energy Committee by BOL Majority Leader Peter Harckham (D-Katonah) to approve the funding for the municipalities and also authorize the County to enter into inter-municipal agreements (IMAs) with the municipalities for distribution of the grant monies. (more…)

Fox Lane’s Sam Speno, left, defeated Brewster’s Jimmy Duncan in the 132-lb final at the Division 1 Section 1 dual meet tournament at North Rockland.

See more photos of the Division 1 Section 1 dual meet wrestling tournament

Three 12-year-olds who try to raise awareness about autism in school are finalists in a community service competition hosted by a Connecticut toy company.
Mohamed Elsaid of Mount Kisco, and Robert Belcher and Robin Day, both of Bedford Hills, are competing for votes as Team Autism Speaks with several other finalists including Ryan Basso, 10, of Port Chester, who is raising awareness for Stargardt disease that has left him legally blind.
The winning prize is a $1,000 award from the toy company, Zylie the Bear.
Votes for the finalists can be placed at the toy company website, Zylie the Bear.

BEDFORD — The annual Christmas Boutique at St. Patrick’s School in Bedford is planned Saturday at the school grounds on Route 22 and Greenwich Road in Bedford Village.

More than 70 vendors will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., selling crafts and holiday-themed gifts.

Children may also have their photograph taken with Santa and create a holiday craft. Hot chocolate, coffee and other refreshments will be served as well.

Admission and parking is free.

For more details Visit the school website or call 914-234-7914.