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Sunday, dec 22
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John Jay High School
Obituaries
Beloved Northern Westchester High School Student Dies After Leukemia Battle At Age 16
A 16-year-old Northern Westchester high school student is being remembered for her determination to keep working and learning throughout her courageous battle with cancer. Brooke Audrey D’Aleo, a student at John Jay High School in Lewisboro, died on Thursday, June 27 at the age of 16 after a battle with leukemia, according to her obituary. Born in 2007, D’Aleo began life as a joyful baby, "always smiling and giggling," her obituary said. As the years went on, she grew into a role model for her younger sister and best friend, Paige, and became known for her selflessnes…
News
Stretch Of Busy Road Named After 6 Fallen Veterans Who Graduated From Northern Westchester HS
A stretch of a well-traveled road in Northern Westchester has been dedicated to six fallen veterans who graduated from a nearby high school, officials announced. A section of Route 121 in Lewisboro will now be known as the “John Jay High School Veterans Memorial Highway” following a ceremony held at the school's front lawn on Saturday, May 25, New York State Sen. Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Chris Burdick announced. The renaming honors the memory of four veterans who graduated from John Jay and died in service during the Vietnam War: Pfc. Kenneth Richard Jaconett…
Schools
HS Students Honored As Outstanding Teens By Northern Westchester Non-Profit
A Northern Westchester non-profit organization has honored several accomplished high school students as outstanding teens. The students were announced as winners during the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester's Annual Youth of the Year Award Ceremony on Tuesday, March 26 at Crabtree’s Kittle House in Chappaqua, the organization announced on Friday, March 29. The three winners chosen by the ceremony's judges were: Pleasantville High School junior Grace Gerosa, who won the Youth of the Year Award. Gerosa, who has been a club member for a decade, manages…
Schools
'Sopranos' Star Edie Falco Stops By Northern Westchester High School
Edie Falco, one of the stars of "The Sopranos," took some time to give some advice about acting and life to students during a visit to a Northern Westchester high school. In a 90-minute visit to John Jay High School in Cross River on Tuesday, March 19, Edie Falco, known for playing Carmela Soprano in "The Sopranos," spoke to over 100 students as part of the school's Social and Theoretical Criticism in the Serial Narrative elective. During the visit, which took place in the school's auditorium, Falco answered students' questions about her life and career and told the story of how …
Police & Fire
Westchester Man Nabbed For Stalking Students At Hudson Valley HS, Police Say
A 33-year-old man has been charged with allegedly stalking a female student and approaching two others at a Hudson Valley High School. The incident took place in Dutchess County on Tuesday, Sept. 12. According to the East Fishkill Police, the department received a complaint of a suspicious man approaching students at John Jay High School in East Fishkill. The man reportedly followed the student in his vehicle and approached two other students in an area off campus on the same day, police said. In response, the department's Detective Division opened an investigation and worked tirelessly t…
Schools
Swastika Drawn On Classroom Desk In Northern Westchester, School Responds
School officials are responding after a swastika was drawn on a classroom desk in Northern Westchester. The hate symbol was drawn on Thursday, Jan. 12 on the leg of a desk at John Jay High School in Cross River, according to a letter sent to parents by Principal Steven Siciliano. In the letter, Siciliano condemned the drawing. "I strongly condemn the drawing of and the appearance of this symbol of hatred in our school," Siciliano said, adding, "Given its location and size, it could give the impression that it was drawn more out of a cowardly need for attent…
News
'A Grave Injustice': GoFundMe Started To Help Fired High School Coach In Northern Westchester
Supporters of a fired high school coach in Northern Westchester are taking it upon themselves to help him get his position back. A GoFundMe has been started to raise legal funds for Coach Bill Swertfager, who coached varsity wrestling in the Katonah-Lewisboro School District at John Jay High School in Cross River. The fundraiser page was started on Friday, Nov.18. Swertfager, who has coached for nearly 40 years according to the GoFundMe, was removed from his position by the Katonah-Lewisboro School Board and Superintendent Andrew Selesnick, the fundrais…
Obituaries
Career Healthcare Worker From Northern Westchester Dies At Age 64
A lifelong Hudson Valley resident who spent his career working in healthcare has died at age 64. Dutchess County resident Gregg Ralph Felice, of Pawling, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 5, at his home in Pawling, according to his obituary. He was born in Mount Kisco and grew up in Cross River. During his time as a student at John Jay High School, he played football and baseball, his obituary said. Felice also attended Dean Junior College and earned an undergraduate degree from SUNY New Paltz and a master's degree from Adelphi University, his obituary said. "He spent his career in …
Obituaries
Westchester's Arlene M. Mavilia, 75, Was A Nurse In The Area For Over 50 Years
Arlene M. Mavilia, 75, of Baldwin Place, NY and a former resident of South Salem, passed away on May 9 after a brief fight with cancer. Arlene was born November 11, 1946 in Brooklyn to the late Alfhild and Edward Anderson. She grew up in Lake Telemark, NJ and Stamford, CT before settling in South Salem’s Lake Waccabuc community. A 1967 graduate of the Greenwich Hospital Nursing School in Connecticut, Arlene worked as an RN in various capacities for over 50 years — including several years as the school nurse at John Jay High School in Cross River. Arlene moved to Sarasota, FL in 1993 …
Schools
Concerning Note Causes Closure Of Two Schools In Hudson Valley
A “concerning note” led to the closure of two schools in the Hudson Valley after it was found on a school bus. In Dutchess County, Wappingers Central School District Superintendent Dwight Bonk issued an alert advising that Fishkill Plains Elementary School and John Jay High School would be closed on Friday, Jan. 28 due to the disconcerting note. According to Bonk, the note threatened harm to other students, and it was found on a bus that provides transportation to both schools, prompting the preemptive closure as a precaution. “In order to ensure a complete and thorough investigation both …
Schools
Social Media Threat Leads To Early Dismissal Of School In Hudson Valley
Students at a Hudson Valley high school were dismissed early after a threat was made on social media. In Dutchess County, John Jay High School in Hopewell Junction was dismissed at approximately 11 a.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 3, Principal David Kedzielawa said in a message released to parents in the district. According to Kedzielawa, the threat was made on Snapchat “threatening the school community.” Kedzielawa said that the district has contacted law enforcement and is working inc coordination with the Office of the Superintendent, East Fishkill Police, and State Police. “Please understand…
Obituaries
Beloved High School Teacher, Coach In Northern Westchester Dies
A lifelong Hudson Valley resident who was a beloved high school coach, and teacher, as well as the chief of a local fire department, and a standout college athlete in Connecticut, has died. Northern Westchester resident Michael Repp, of Somers and formerly of Katonah, died on Wednesday, Oct. 6 at age 82 at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco. He was born in Orange County on May 15th, 1939, in Cornwall, to the late Michael and Irene Repp. He was raised in Katonah, attended Saint Mary’s School in Katonah, and was a member of the first graduating class from John Jay High S…
Obituaries
Westchester Native Frank Pallett, Owner Of Theater, Fitness Complex In Area, Dies At Age 51
An entrepreneur who owned two popular Hudson Valley businesses, has died at the age of 51. Frank Pallett died on Wednesday, Aug. 11 after a brief illness. He was the owner of The Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie and Maximum Fitness in Newburgh. He also had a radio show called "Live from The Chance." Pallett was born in Yonkers. He was a graduate of John Jay High School in East Fishkill, and he later attended Dutchess Community College and Empire State College, his obituary said. He is survived by his wife, Michelle Clemens, his two daughters, 7-year-old Daniella and 2-year-ol…
Politics
Cuomo Must Admit To 'Predatory Behavior,' Says Second Accuser In New Statement
One of the two women who has accused New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo of sexual harassment is calling on the governor to admit to his “predatory behavior’ and is urging other women to come forward. Charlotte Bennett, age 25, who came forward over the weekend with allegations against the 63-year-old Cuomo following a lengthy blog post by former aide Lindsey Boylan last week, was back in the news on Monday, March 1 to criticize the governor's statement on the matter. Bennett said in a statement first published by The New York Times that Cuomo “has refused to acknowledge or take responsibility for …
Schools
Covid-
19: High School, Middle School In Northern Westchester Go Remote After Positive Cases
A high school and middle school in Northern Westchester have switched to remote learning due to COVID-19 cases. The Katonah-Lewisboro School District said it learned of additional individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. Those persons are connected to John Jay High School and John Jay Middle School in Cross River, and the Katonah Elementary School, Superintendent Andrew Selesnick said. Due to the number of staff at JJHS and JJMS staff who are now quarantining, both the middle and high school switched to fully remote learning on Thursday, Nov. 12. "There wil…
Schools
New School District In Hudson Valley Eyes Dropping Indians Nickname
Another Hudson Valley school is weighing whether or not to change its mascot away from one with Native American representation amid civil unrest across the country. In the wake of the Washington Redskins removing its mascot and John Jay High School, located in Lewisboro in Northern Westchester, transitioning from the Indians to Wolves, Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls could soon also see a nickname change. Related story - High School In Northern Westchester Picks New Nickname To Replace Indians School officials said they are open to changing the mascot and retiring the I…
News
New School District In Hudson Valley Eyes Dropping Indians Nickname
Another Hudson Valley school is weighing whether or not to change its mascot away from one with Native American representation amid civil unrest across the country. In the wake of the Washington Redskins removing its mascot and John Jay High School, located in Lewisboro in Northern Westchester, transitioning from the Indians to Wolves, Roy C. Ketcham High School in Wappingers Falls could soon also see a nickname change. Related story - High School In Northern Westchester Picks New Nickname To Replace Indians School officials said they are open to changing the mascot and retiring the I…
Politics
Harckham, Astorino Spar Over School Mascots In State Senate Race
The race for State Sen. Peter Harckham’s seat in the 40th District with former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino is heating up as the two trade barbs over school mascots. This week, Harckham, a Democrat, purportedly introduced a bill that would limit funding to New York school districts that have potentially race-based mascots or logos that could be deemed offensive, such as those with ties to Native Americans. Related story - Astorino Will Challenge Harckham For State Senate Seat Serving Parts Of Three Counties The proposed legislation would impact at least three high schools in t…
News
Assistant Tried To Make Grisly Murder Of Hudson Valley Tech CEO Look Like A Hit, Report Says
The personal assistant arrested for the murder of a tech CEO from the Hudson Valley who was found dismembered in New York City reportedly attempted to make the killing look like a professional hit job. Tyrese Devon Hapsil, 21, an employee of the victim, longtime Hudson Valley resident Fahim Saleh, was charged with his murder on Friday, July 17 after Saleh was found dismembered in his Lower East Side luxury condo on Tuesday, July 14. Earlier story - Details Emerge After Tech Entrepreneur From Hudson Valley Found Dismembered Hapsil, wearing all black with a black mask and a duffel bag, had …
News
Tech Entrepreneur From Hudson Valley Found Dismembered Inside Luxury NYC Condo
A well-known tech start-up executive from the Hudson Valley was found dismembered, his body parts stuffed in garbage bags, inside his luxury Manhattan apartment. Longtime Dutchess County resident Fahim Saleh, 33, a 2005 graduate of John Jay High School in East Fishkill, was found by police around 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 14, inside his residence at 265 East Houston St., according to the NYPD. Saleh, who was born in Saudi Arabia, moved with his parents to the Poughkeepsie area in his early teens. Police said his death has been ruled a homicide but released little other information. Of…
Schools
High School In Northern Westchester Picks New Nickname To Replace Indians
The Indians are out and the Wolves are in at a large school district in Northern Westchester. After weeks of discussion, the votes have been counted and the new mascot at John Jay High School in the hamlet of Cross River in the town of Lewisboro will be the Wolves, replacing the former Indian mascot after it was deemed insensitive. The initial vote was between the John Jay Wolfpack and John Jay Ravens. The Katonah-Lewisboro School Board settled on the John Jay Wolves. “Wolves and Wolfpack were overwhelmingly the top suggestions to our selection committee when the community was first sur…
Schools
Choice For New John Jay HS Nickname On Hold Due To 'Concerns' Over One Of Two Choices
After months of discussions of a new mascot at a high school in Northern Westchester, officials have pressed pause on a scheduled vote due to concerns of one of the two choices. This week, voting was to take place as John Jay High School in Cross River transitions away from its former “Indian” mascot, choosing instead between the John Jay Wolfpack and John Jay Ravens. Unexpectedly, however, the Katonah-Lewisboro school board announced that the decision was being delayed due to concerns “regarding potentially harmful connotations associated with one.” The district did not specify which of …
Schools
Move To Change Mahopac HS Mascot Called For As Nearby John Jay-Cross River Picks From Two Names
What’s it going to be? After agreeing to change the name of its mascot away from the John Jay “Indians,” the Katonah-Lewisboro School District is now holding a one-day vote to determine its replacement. The move to replace the Indian mascot at John Jay High School in Cross River has also spurred calls for changes at the nearby Mahopac School District, where Mahopac High School also has the Indians' nickname. The two finalists for new nickname at John Jay HS are: The John Jay Wolfpack or the John Jay Ravens. According to the district, the eligible voters consist of rising sixth graders t…
Politics
Trump Confidant, Area Native Roger Stone Sentenced For Witness Tampering, Lying To Congress
Roger Stone, a Fairfield County native who graduated from high school in Northern Westchester and has been a longtime adviser and confidant of President Donald Trump, was sentenced to prison for lying to lawmakers investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and other charges. The 67-year-old Stone was indicted in January 2019 as part of special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe into whether Russia colluded with the Trump's presidential campaign. Stone was sentenced to 40 months (three years, four months) in prison by Judge Amy Berman Jackson on Thursday, Feb.…
Schools
Online Survey Seeks Feedback For New John Jay HS Nickname To Replace Indians
With their former “Indians” nickname on the way out, John Jay High School in Cross River is seeking the public’s opinion on a new moniker. The Katonah-Lewisboro School District released an online survey this week asking for members of the community to offer their input on the new mascot for John Jay High School and John Jay Middle School. According to the district, all suggestions will be reviewed until the John Jay Mascot Steering Committee ends the survey on Sunday, Feb. 23. Suggestions should “have a strong connection to (the) community; inspire passion and pride; and convey a positive …
Lifestyle
Area Native To Appear On Popular A&E Show ‘America’s Top Dog’
A dog trainer from the Hudson Valley is set to take center stage with her dog on a new competition series on the A&E Network. Hopewell Junction native Jill Viggiani, who now is the owner and head trainer at MotoDog Training in Huntington, Vermont, will appear on “America’s Top Dog” with her 6-year-old purebred boxer Moto this week. The episode featuring Viggiani - a 1993 graduate of John Jay High School in East Fishkill - is scheduled to air at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29 on A&E Network. The show features police canines and their handlers being put up against civilian dogs and the…
Politics
Area Native Roger Stone Found Guilty Of Witness Tampering, Lying To Congress
Roger Stone, a Fairfield County native who graduated from high school in Northern Westchester and has been a longtime adviser and confidant of President Donald Trump, was found guilty of lying to lawmakers investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and other charges. The 67-year-old Stone was indicted in January 2019 as part of special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe into whether Russia colluded with the Trump's presidential campaign. A jury of nine women and three men deliberated starting on Thursday, Nov. 14 before announcing on late Friday morning, Nov. 15 t…
Schools
Katonah-Lewisboro School Board Agrees To Replace Indians Mascot
John Jay High School in Cross River is putting the community debate over its “Indians” mascot to bed and will opt to replace it. Though there was no formal vote, following the suggestion of Superintendent Andrew Selesnick, the Katonah-Lewisboro Board of Education reached a consensus to replace the mascot, noting that some in the community may find it offensive. The Board reached an agreement that the mascot is dated and potentially not politically correct. However, some in the community rallied around the longtime mascot, and were reluctant to look into the idea of a new one. “For s…
Schools
Katonah-Lewisboro School Board Could Be Close To Replacing Indians Mascot
John Jay High School in Cross River may soon have a new mascot patrolling its sidelines as the Katonah-Lewisboro School Board grapples with what has been described as a “divisive symbol” by some school officials. At the most recent Board of Education meeting on Thursday, Oct. 17, dozens showed up to debate the idea of replacing the district’s popular, but controversial, Indian mascot. According to reports, the school board is in agreement that the mascot is dated and potentially not politically correct, noting that the superintendent should consider a change. However, some in the community …
Obituaries
Longtime Westchester Resident Carol Dreska, Office Manager In Fairfield County, Dies At 52
An office manager in Fairfield County who grew up in and graduated from high school in Northern Westchester has died at age 52.. Carol L. Dreska, (nee Chiacchia) of Sherman, Connecticut, died Thursday, Aug. 15 at Lake Bomoseen, Vermont. She was the office manager for Neves Electric in Brookfield. Dreska was born on Feb. 27, 1967, in Mount Kisco, to the late Mario and Patsy Chiacchia. She grew up in Katonah and attended John Jay High School in Cross River. Dreska was a huge Jets fan and avid cook. She loved lake life in Vermont. She could always be heard cheering on "Bobby…
News
Two Admit Guilt In Death Of Fellow Teen Dragged By SUV In Area
Two teenagers have admitted to their roles in the death of a 15-year-old John Jay of East Fishkill High School student after they attempted to steal marijuana and dragged him along the side of an SUV in the area last year. District Attorney William Grady announced on Friday, June 14, that East Fishkill resident Anthony Puccio, 18, has pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter, a felony. His plea comes after Paul Mauro, 16, pleaded guilty to the same charge for his role in the death of William Santiago. Grady said that both teens admitted that they agreed to steal marijuana from their vic…
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