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Aviation Geek Turns Holiday Legend: Airport-Themed Display Spreads Christmas Cheer In Rockland Aviation Geek Turns Holiday Legend: Airport-Themed Display Spreads Christmas Cheer In Rockland
Aviation Geek Turns Holiday Legend: Airport-Themed Display Spreads Christmas Cheer In Rockland Shrieks of joy from children and large smiles from the adults greet New City resident Gary Cirlin when he flips the switch on his large Christmas light display, which is much more than just lights. Named the "New City North Pole Airport," the home of envy is located at 12 Oriole Road in New City. It features thousands of lights and interactive exhibits. The neighbors don't seem to mind the miles of cars that line up each night to see the display, the laughs, the bright lights, and the sheer joy the whole thing has become. Gary Cirlin decked out his car and his house. Gary Cirlin It…

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by Kathy Reakes
Lifestyle
NY Dad's Epic 'Christmas Vacation' Light Display Would Make Clark Griswold Proud NY Dad's Epic 'Christmas Vacation' Light Display Would Make Clark Griswold Proud
NY Dad's Epic 'Christmas Vacation' Light Display Would Make Clark Griswold Proud In a quiet Long Island neighborhood, one house stands out this holiday season – not just for its 25,000 twinkling lights, but for the sheer joy and nostalgia it radiates. Crowds are flocking to Jason Orsini’s Smithtown residence each evening to take in his jaw-dropping light display: a painstaking recreation of the beloved holiday classic, "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” The Griswold family station wagon donning their Christmas tree. Cousin Eddie’s RV. Aunt Bethany’s lime Jell-o mold. It’s all there. “I didn’t expect [the response] to be this big,” the 45-year-old Orsini, a marrie…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Region: 'A Friend To All' Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Region: 'A Friend To All'
Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Region: 'A Friend To All' This story has been updated. A Virginia pilot who regularly flew dogs in need to safe homes around the country was killed when his small plane crashed in a remote area of New York. The Greene County incident happened in the Town of Windham at around 6:10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. Sheriff’s officials said a single-engine Mooney plane was traveling from Maryland to Albany carrying the pilot and three dogs when it crashed in a remote area. The impact killed the pilot, 49-year-old Seuk Kim, of Springfield, Virginia, and one of the dogs. A second dog, a lab mix puppy, survived but suffered two bro…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Police Officer In Westchester 'Doing Well' After Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis Police Officer In Westchester 'Doing Well' After Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis
Police Officer In Westchester 'Doing Well' After Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis Members of a police department in Westchester will be growing out their facial hair as part of their effort to support one of their own who is bravely facing off against cancer.  Throughout this month, the Irvington Police Department will be supporting the American Thyroid Cancer Association with its annual No-Shave-November as one of its members, Officer Estefania Mejia, fights her own battle against the disease. According to the department, Mejia was diagnosed earlier in the year. There's good news, though — she has undergone surgery and treatments and is now "doing well," …

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by Ben Crnic
News
Journalist Rallies Help For Westchester Family Hoping To Build Therapy Pool For Son Journalist Rallies Help For Westchester Family Hoping To Build Therapy Pool For Son
Journalist Rallies Help For Westchester Family Hoping To Build Therapy Pool For Son A former news anchor is coming to the aid of a Westchester family hoping to raise enough money to build a therapy pool for their young son facing a challenging genetic disorder.  Karen Swensen, a former news anchor for WWL-TV based in New Orleans, is spearheading efforts to assist Port Chester residents Kristin Testerman and Steven Santiago in constructing a sanctuary pool at their new home for their 11-year-old son, Lucas.  Lucas is affected by a rare genetic disorder that has caused him to go blind and struggle with serious physical and medical obstacles. Lucas, who has no eyes…

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by Ben Crnic
Lifestyle
John Oliver Bear Cakes Flying Off Trays At Hudson Valley Bakery John Oliver Bear Cakes Flying Off Trays At Hudson Valley Bakery
John Oliver Bear Cakes Flying Off Trays At Hudson Valley Bakery A bakery and restaurant owner in the region is having the time of his life selling comedian John Oliver bear cakes after a fake fight with the funnyman over restaurant equipment from a closed Red Lobster. The whole "fight" began when Oliver, who had purchased kitchen equipment from a closed Red Lobster in Ulster County, recreated the restaurant in his studio to serve the audience the signature Cheddar Bay biscuits. He also commented on his HBO show "Last Week Tonight" on Sunday, June 2, about someone who had posted a sign on the door of the closed restaurant saying they wanted to buy some k…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Former Officer Avoids Jail Time After Stealing From New Rochelle Charity For Autistic Children Former Officer Avoids Jail Time After Stealing From New Rochelle Charity For Autistic Children
Former Officer Avoids Jail Time After Stealing From New Rochelle Charity For Autistic Children A former police officer and co-founder of a Westchester-based charity for autistic children has been sentenced after stealing $24,000 from his own organization named after his son, officials announced.  New Rochelle resident Christopher Greco, age 52, was sentenced to a one-year conditional discharge for stealing from Christopher’s Voice, Inc., a New Rochelle-based charity for autistic children that he co-founded, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah announced on Friday, Dec. 3. Earlier Report - Former Police Officer Steals $24K From New Rochelle Charity Fo…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Stew Leonard's Founder Dies At 93, Leaving $600 Million Legacy Stew Leonard's Founder Dies At 93, Leaving $600 Million Legacy
Stew Leonard's Founder Dies At 93, Leaving $600 Million Legacy The creator of "one of the most famous food retailers in the world" died at 93 years old, leaving a world-record-breaking grocery store chain to his family.  Stew Leonard Sr., of Westport, Connecticut, died on Wednesday, April 26 at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City after a brief illness, according to Stew Leonard's website.  We are sad to announce that Stew Leonard, Sr., the founder of Stew Leonard’s, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2023,... Posted by Stew Leonard's on Thursday, April 27, 2023 Leonard launched the first Stew Leonard's in Norwalk, Connecticut in December 1969.  …

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by Morgan Gonzales
Obituaries
Hudson Valley-Based Charity Designated For Donations After Death Of HS Senior Hudson Valley-Based Charity Designated For Donations After Death Of HS Senior
Hudson Valley-Based Charity Designated For Donations After Death Of HS Senior A charity located in the Hudson Valley has been designated for donations following the death of a teenager who was hit by an SUV while skateboarding. Long Island resident Gerrin Hagen, who turned 18 on Monday, Dec. 26, played both ice hockey and lacrosse at Long Beach High School, where he was a senior. Earlier report: Teen Dies From Injuries After Being Struck By SUV On Long island  The incident happened in Hicksville around 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 12. Hagen was riding his skateboard westbound on Cantiague Lane near Robbins Lane when he was struck by a 19-year-old driving a 2012 H…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
New Philanthropic Coffee Shop In Westchester Celebrates Official Grand Opening New Philanthropic Coffee Shop In Westchester Celebrates Official Grand Opening
New Philanthropic Coffee Shop In Westchester Celebrates Official Grand Opening It's official: a new coffee shop in Westchester County that aims to give back all profits to nonprofit organizations is now open to those seeking a fresh cup of joe.  Earlier Report - New White Plains Coffee Shop To Donate All Profits To Local Charities The Pamplemousse Project, located in White Plains at 124 Mamaroneck Ave. (Route 125), and named after a nickname for the owners' dog, held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening on Tuesday, Dec. 13, according to an announcement by the business.  The coffee shop was started when owners Lydia and Gary Kris decided to combine t…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Beloved Hudson Valley Restaurant Owner Dies At Age 65 Beloved Hudson Valley Restaurant Owner Dies At Age 65
Beloved Hudson Valley Restaurant Owner Dies At Age 65 A beloved restaurateur from the Hudson Valley died at the age of 65 following a lengthy battle with cancer. Jerry J. Accomando, the owner of Rockland County staple Babe’s Bar & Grill in West Haverstraw, died on Friday, Jan. 14, his family announced, following a near two-year battle with colon cancer. Best known for his popular restaurant, Accomando was also an avid motorcyclist who was also a prominent figure with the Stony Point Seals and Nam Knights of America. “If one word could be used to describe Jerry Accomando that would be the word we would choose,” Michael Lydon wrote on the …

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by Zak Failla
News
It's Official: Danbury Approves Renaming Sewage Plant After HBO's John Oliver It's Official: Danbury Approves Renaming Sewage Plant After HBO's John Oliver
It's Official: Danbury Approves Renaming Sewage Plant After HBO's John Oliver Comedian John Oliver’s bluff was called and he now has a “poop plant” named in his honor in Fairfield County. The Danbury City Council voted 18 to 1 to take Oliver up on his offer after the HBO late-night star offered thousands of dollars to the city if it named its wastewater treatment facility the “John Oliver Memorial Sewer Plant.” The war of words began in September when Oliver took a shot at the city during a rant on his HBO show “Last Week Tonight.” 
 Earlier story - John Oliver Salutes Danbury For Response To Rant, Makes $55K Donation Offer, With Conditions “If you’re going …

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by Zak Failla
News
Danbury Mayor To Comedian John Oliver: We'll Take Offer To Rename $110M Sewage Plant After You Danbury Mayor To Comedian John Oliver: We'll Take Offer To Rename $110M Sewage Plant After You
Danbury Mayor To Comedian John Oliver: We'll Take Offer To Rename $110M Sewage Plant After You * Watch a video of the announcement here Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton says he's going to make good on his promise to name the city’s $110 million sewer plant after John Oliver and has accepted an offer from the comedian - with one condition. "You must come here to Danbury when we cut the ribbon," Boughton said. Oliver said that he would donate $25,000 to the Connecticut Food Bank, $25,000 to Donors Choose fund for Danbury teachers, and $5,000 to ALS Connecticut if Boughton went through with what was initially a tongue-in-cheek proposal about renaming the sewage plant. Boughton's proposal c…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
COVID-19: FreshDirect To Sell Prepared Meals From Restaurant Associates COVID-19: FreshDirect To Sell Prepared Meals From Restaurant Associates
Covid-19: FreshDirect To Sell Prepared Meals From Restaurant Associates In an effort to bolster restaurants negatively impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, FreshDirect announced it is teaming with a dining management company to sell prepared meals, bringing some employees back to work. FreshDirect announced it has joined forces with Restaurant Associates, which will enable the company to serve more customers with a rotating selection of heat-and-eat meals while bringing furloughed employees back to work. The online grocer stated that “the alliance expands its offerings in the prepared food category, allowing the company to serve more customers…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
Actress Glenn Close, Friends Help Brighten Holidays For Seven Families In Northern Westchester Actress Glenn Close, Friends Help Brighten Holidays For Seven Families In Northern Westchester
Actress Glenn Close, Friends Help Brighten Holidays For Seven Families In Northern Westchester Seven families around the Northern Westchester area had a brighter holiday season with the help of actress Glenn Close of Bedford. Nancy Evans, Close’s Executive Assistant, and Allison Palermo, her colleague, decided to forego a traditional gift exchange in favor of finding a way to “bring the joy of giving and receiving to others” by donating to a local charity. The group reached out to the Community Center of Northern Westchester, a non-profit organization, where they were informed of the numerous families in need during the financially difficult holiday season. Together, Close, Evans an…

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by Valerie Musson
Business
Trump Foundation Will Close After Being Accused Of 'Shocking Pattern Of Illegality' By State AG Trump Foundation Will Close After Being Accused Of 'Shocking Pattern Of Illegality' By State AG
Trump Foundation Will Close After Being Accused Of 'Shocking Pattern Of Illegality' By State AG President Donald Trump has agreed to shut down his personal charity as he battles allegations that he and his family used it for personal benefit, Attorney General Barbara Underwood announced on Tuesday. A lawsuit against the foundation will move forward, Underwood said. The Donald J. Trump Foundation will be dissolved, and its remaining funds will be given away, Underwood announced on Tuesday, as she continues pursuing a lawsuit against the charity, the president and his children. "We’ve secured a stipulation requiring the Trump Foundation to dissolve under judicial supervision, with our …

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
Westchester's Vanessa Williams Headlines Holiday Benefit Concert Westchester's Vanessa Williams Headlines Holiday Benefit Concert
Westchester's Vanessa Williams Headlines Holiday Benefit Concert Local talent will be on display this season at the Holiday Benefit Concert for San Miguel Academy of Newburgh on Tuesday, Dec. 18 when Chappaqua’s own Vanessa Williams will take to the stage and headline the show. Sponsored by the Orange Bank and Trust Company, this event will take place at Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, located at 480 Bedford Road in Chappaqua. Opening for Williams is Frank Shriner and his All-Star Band. As mentioned, the concert will benefit San Miguel Academy of Newburgh (SMAN). Newburgh, New York is considered to be the 4th most impoverished urban area in the Unite…

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by Valerie Musson
Lifestyle
8th Annual Westchester Wine & Food Festival Approaching Fast 8th Annual Westchester Wine & Food Festival Approaching Fast
8th Annual Westchester Wine & Food Festival Approaching Fast A total of 315,000 burgers served. 25,000 glasses of wine, 360 participating restaurants, 50,000 guests and $200,000 for charities. These are just some of the statistics that help to tell the success story that is Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Festival.  In seven years it has emerged as the signature culinary and beverage event kicking off the summer season in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley. With the 2018 festival slated for June 5 through June 10, the numbers will continue to grow as new restaurants, fine wines, spirits, craft beers, specialty foods and so much more inc…

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by Jon Craig
Schools
9th Annual Mamaroneck High School Sharehouse Furniture Drive Is Saturday 9th Annual Mamaroneck High School Sharehouse Furniture Drive Is Saturday
9th Annual Mamaroneck High School Sharehouse Furniture Drive Is Saturday Spring has sprug, and the long-awaited, 9th Annual Mamaroneck High School Student Government and Furniture Sharehouse Club drive is Saturday, March 24. It runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Students will collect gently-used furniture to benefit Westchester families in need.  The drive will take place in the parking lot at Mamaroneck High School, 1000 W. Boston Post Road (Route 1) regardless of rain, snowmelt or shine.  Only moderately-sized, basic home furniture in good condition will be accepted, so before you load up your car or van, click here on www.furnituresharehouse.org to make sure your …

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by Jon Craig
Lifestyle
Support Surges For Hudson Valley Twin Baby Fighting Without Diagnosis Support Surges For Hudson Valley Twin Baby Fighting Without Diagnosis
Support Surges For Hudson Valley Twin Baby Fighting Without Diagnosis More than $2,900 had been raised as of Thursday on a GoFundMe for a Hudson Valley twin baby. Amarie and Pedro Hepson-Barbosa of Middletown were born August 2017 and since then, she has been unable to breathe or eat on her own. No doctor has found an answer or a diagnosis, and it's beginning to take a toll on her parents. The family has spent the last six months traveling from Middletown to Westchester, to give their babies the care that they need. "The costs of this devotion have been considerable: traveling costs alone are extremely high for this trip back and forth; medical costs a…

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by Cecilia Levine
Neighbors
Community Rallies Around Westchester Family After New Father Dies Community Rallies Around Westchester Family After New Father Dies
Community Rallies Around Westchester Family After New Father Dies Paulie Packes was only 9 days old when his father, Anthony, a Stamford resident who grew up in Hawthorne, died of a brain tumor at the age of 36. A GoFundMe page has been launched for the Packes family. As of Friday morning, the page has raised $51,565 in four days from 325 people. Anthony was diagnosed with a brain tumor in March 2015. The tumor was surgically removed, and he was given a clean bill of health. He married Toni in October 2016, but his brain tumor returned last June. While the tumor was surgically removed, it eventually resurfaced and was deemed inoperable.  "Anthony n…

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by Sam Barron