Over 5,000 athletes and coaches arrived in Orlando, Florida on June 5 to compete in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. Among them was star athlete Paul Asaro, of Eastchester, who has been a Special Olympics New York athlete since 1994 and a coach since 2008.

According to Asaro’s coach, Courtney Sim, the longtime athlete won two medals for his performance including the gold medal for the first-ever open swim competition and a silver medal in the Triathlon. 

“I’m beyond proud to have been part of his journey. He is an incredible athlete to coach!” said Coach Sim.

The open swim competition was on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at Luckys Lake in Central Florida. This was the first-ever Open Swim for the U.S. Special Olympics. “He edged out the competition for a gold medal with a time of 36:06!” explains Coach Sim.

Three’s a charm for this incredible athlete! Asaro’s triathlon performance was stellar. In the 440-yard swim, 10.8 Mille bike ride and 5k run, Asaro took home the Silver.

“The Triathlon was held in Clermont, Florida where Paul received the silver medal with a time of 1:33:35!” Coach Sim says.

Thank you for making New York and Eastchester proud, Paul! #ShineON!

Special Olympics USA featured musical guest Sara Bareilles, Presenting Partner Jersey Mike's Subs, Host Partner Walt Disney World and Global Broadcast Partner ESPN.

Learn more about this incredible athlete HERE.

The New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Announces Upcoming 56th Annual Thanksgiving Parade 

The Chamber of Commerce of New Rochelle is again partnering with the City of New Rochelle to host the 56^th Annual Thanksgiving Parade on Saturday, Nov. 23^rd. This year’s Grand Marshal is The New York Empire, the only professional sports team to call New Rochelle home and 2019 Champions of the American Ultimate Disc League (AUDL). The parade will kick off at 10 a.m. on North Avenue at Eastchester Road and proceed down North Avenue ending at Bonnefoy Place.

The New York Empire, owned by the Stevens Family and lead by head coach, Bryan Jones, finished their season with a victory against the Dallas Roughnecks (26-22), in August 2019. They not only won the championship title, but also became the third team in AUDL history to finish a season undefeated. The New York Empire has been a professional AUDL East Division team, having originated in Brooklyn before moving to New Rochelle’s Joseph F. Fosina field at Flowers “City” Park in 2018. They have been devoted to the community; especially the youth, ever since their arrival.

President of the Chamber, Robert Hayes, said, “When they first joined the Chamber I knew they had something special. They were fun, fresh and community focused. As Champions they helped contribute to what makes New Rochelle great. We aren’t just the Queen City on the Sound; we are a City of Champions!”

Barbara Stevens, owner of NY Empire said, “We could not have chosen a better place for the NY Empire to call home. We are thrilled to be a part of this community and cannot wait to get back on the field. It is our goal to represent NY and the City of New Rochelle with professionalism and to provide a fun, friendly, exciting experience. Ultimate is a great sport that anyone can play. Come out to support the team and join in the fun. Gooooo Empire!”  

Noam Bramson, Mayor of New Rochelle, expressed how the parade contributes to the area by saying, “The Thanksgiving Parade is one of New Rochelle’s most beloved traditions, bringing thousands of friends and neighbors together in celebration of the season and our community. This year, we will have the added pleasure of recognizing the New York Empire, 2019 American Ultimate Disc League Champions, which has brought pride to countless fans both within and beyond New Rochelle.”

The parade will feature several big balloons including New Rochelle’s hometown hero, Mighty Mouse, sponsored by United Hebrew celebrating their 100^th Anniversary. The balloons will be joined by marching bands playing throughout the parade, clowns, beauty princesses, superheroes, singers and marchers from Iona and Monroe Colleges, local schools, businesses and organizations.“Because the Parade is the 2^nd largest parade for Thanksgiving in the state of New York outside of the Macy’s parade, we invite all of our surrounding communities to join us for this spectacular event!” stated Diamond Wollaston and Jennifer Lanser, of the Chamber of Commerce. 

North Avenue is also located right off the New Rochelle stop at the New Rochelle Transit Center on the Metro-North New Haven Line and can easily be accessed from all areas. The parade ends near Main Street where you can enjoy lunch and more fun activities.

WHO: The general public is invited to line the streets of North Avenue to cheer on and celebrate the marchers. There will be several viewing stands along the Parade route.

WHERE: The one mile parade shall start at Eastchester Road on North Avenue and Eastchester Road, in front of New Rochelle High school and proceed down North Ave. New for this year, the parade will end on North Avenue at Bonnefoy Place.

DETAILS: The Grand Marshals, dignitaries, Board Members, parade committee and sponsors will participate in a photo-op and event Ribbon Cutting at 9:45 AM on North Avenue and Eastchester Road with the large balloons as a backdrop to officially kick off the parade at 10 AM. For more information visit www.newrochellechamber.org or www.newrochelleny.com

The parade will be preceded by the New Rochelle Fund for Educational Excellence’s Pancake Breakfast in the House IV cafeteria, starting at 8AM. For more information, visit www.nredfund.org.

on September 9th, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation (S.4166A/A.1801B) establishing September 11th Remembrance Day. The new law allows for a brief moment of silence in public schools across the state at the beginning of the school day every September 11th to encourage dialogue and education in the classroom, and to ensure future generations have an understanding of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks and their place in history. The law is effective immediately.

"9/11 was one of the single darkest periods in this state's and this nation's history, and we owe it to those we lost and to the countless heroes who ran toward danger that day and the days that followed to do everything we can to keep their memory alive," Governor Cuomo said. "By establishing this annual day of remembrance and a brief moment of silence in public schools, we will help ensure we never forget — not just the pain of that moment but of the courage, sacrifice and outpouring of love that defined our response."

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., said, "I am grateful for Governor Cuomo's approval of my 9/11 observance bill. I am hopeful that this new law will mean that the significance of the tragic events of September 11th, whether it be the loss of loved ones or the largest rescue operation our nation ever witnessed, will be forever acknowledged by school students too young to have witnessed this life-changing day."

Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato said, "Students graduating from High School as part of the Class of 2019 were just newborns during the terrorists attacks of September 11, 2001, and soon enough there will be no students in the national public school system born at the time of 9/11. By mandating a brief moment of silent reflection every year, we may ensure that future generations will better understand this day and its significance in our history. Governor Cuomo understands the importance of educating our children about our state and country's history. I applaud him for signing this bill into law and for his continued partnership."

The WPPAC Mainstage presents US Regional Premier of The Bodyguard with performances NOW through May 12

For tickets, click here.

Based on the 1992 Oscar-nominated film that starred Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, this dazzling production is about a former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love.

A breathtakingly romantic thriller, THE BODYGUARD features a host of chart-topping hits from the #1 selling soundtrack of all time, including: “Queen of the Night”, “I Have Nothing”, “So Emotional”, “One Moment in Time”, “Saving All My Love”, “Run to You”, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and one of the biggest selling songs of all time, “I Will Always Love You”.

For tickets and performance dates and times, click here.

WPPAC is located at 11 City Place in White Plains.

This Saturday, March 30, Eastchester’s Mickey Spillane’s plays host to a national fundraiser working to support veterans and their families.  Pints for Pat, a fundraiser for the Pat Tillman Foundation, has taken place in major metropolitan cities across the country, and this weekend’s event brings a more local flair to Westchester.

The event has gained a considerable amount of support from local donors, as close to 20 local merchants have contributed services, gift cards, and raffle items for the night’s festivities.  In addition to these donations, corporate and resort magician Mr. Tom Pesce will be on hand to entertain the audience throughout the evening.

In addition to Mr. Pesce’s entertainment, attendees will enjoy two hours of food and an open bar (beer/wine).  Raffle tickets will be available for purchase, and four silent auction items will add further intrigue to the evening.  Admission tickets for this 21+ event are on sale this week online and at Mickey Spillane’s; while online sales end Friday, tickets will still be available at the door on Saturday (cash only).

The Pat Tillman Foundation, created after its namesake’s death in 2004, has put considerable efforts into helping veterans and their spouses earn scholarships to further their educational pursuits.  Since 2008, the Pat Tillman Foundation has donated over $16 million to more than 560 veterans.

Gift baskets include:

Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society

Chocolate Box Cafe

Good Shepherd Distillery

Growler & Gill Craft Beer Shoppe

Pat Tillman items

NY Giants items

NY Yankees items

Gift cards donated by:

Alamo Drafthouse

Benjamin Steakhouse

Coffee Labs Roasters Inc.

Cornell’s True Value

Hudson Valley Renegades

Jewels by Joanne

Sedona Taphouse

Yoga Haven

Zachys Wine & Liquor

Silent auction items include:

Emozioni Hot Diamonds Jewelry Set #1 one 33mm reversible coin keeper and three coins (donated by D’Errico Jewelry)

Emozioni Hot Diamonds Jewelry Set #2 one 25mm reversible coin keeper and four coins (donated by D’Errico Jewelry)

Golf outing for four at a private country club (Greenwich, CT)

One hour Swedish massage and Europe.an facial package (donated by Tranquility Spa)

Framed, limited edition Pat Tillman lithograph

If You Go:

Saturday, March 30, 7-9pm

Mickey Spillane’s

431 White Plains Road

Eastchester, NY 10709

21+ only

Tickets are currently available at Mickey Spillane’s, via contact on Facebook (Pints for Pat – Eastchester), and on Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pints-for-pat-eastchester-ny-fundraiser-for-the-pat-tillman-foundation-tickets-53743291632?aff=ebdssbdestsearch)

In proclaiming March as Women’s History Month in Westchester County, the Board of Legislators will celebrate the outstanding contributions of four woman serving the public good.

This year’s annual celebration will take place Monday, March 25, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at the Board Chambers, 148 Martine Avenue, 8th Floor, White Plains, NY.

This year the Board will salute four honorees:

Barbara Davis, New Rochelle City Historian, Community Relations Coordinator for the New Rochelle Public Library, and past President of the Westchester County Historical Society

Dr. Bettye H. Perkins, Founder and CEO of Today’s Students Tomorrow’s Teachers, which recruits and mentors culturally diverse and economically challenged students interested in a career in teaching

Isabel Villar, Founding Executive Director, and Judith Aucar, Deputy Director, El Centro Hispano, a community center celebrating its 45th anniversary that helps Hispanic men and women find jobs, education and access to health care

All are invited to celebrate their outstanding contributions at the Board’s March 25, 2019 meeting, when the Board will present proclamations in the women’s honor, and have the opportunity to hear them address the Board and guests.

Please join NCADD, Westchester, Inc., (The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) on Thursday, April 11, 2019 for our 16^th Annual Awards Dinner at Mulino’s at Lake Isle.  We will be honoring Harris Stratyner, PhD., VP of CARON Treatment Centers, Janet Segal, LCSW, President of Four Winds Foundation, Leonard Spano, ED, WESTCHESTER School for Special Children, Bob Feinberg, VP of Yonkers Honda and Judge Michael A. Martinelli of Yonkers Drug Court. 

Event and ticket information is available on our website at www.ncaddwestchester.org or call our offices at 914-949-8500.

With just over three weeks until Mickey Spillane’s hosts Eastchester’s Pints for Pat fundraiser, preparations are in full swing.  Many local businesses have generously donated gift cards, gift baskets, and an array of services to help make the event on March 30th a success.

The event, a fundraiser for the Pat Tillman Foundation, is working to raise money to help support the Tillman Scholars program.  Tillman Scholarships are awarded to servicemen and women who are pursuing educational studies. The Foundation also offers networking and professional development opportunities to active duty personnel, veterans, and their families.

Raffle items at the event are from a variety of familiar local businesses: gift certificates from Cornell’s True Value (Eastchester), Sedona Taphouse (Mamaroneck), Coffee Labs Roasters (Tarrytown), Benjamin Steakhouse (White Plains and Manhattan), Yoga Haven (Scarsdale and Tuckahoe), Zachys Wine and Liquor (Scarsdale) and Alamo Drafthouse (Yonkers); gift baskets donated by The Chocolate Box Café (Tuckahoe), Good Shepherd Distillery (Mamaroneck), and the Growler & Gill Craft Beer Shoppe and Tasting Room (Nanuet); and sports-themed baskets featuring the NY Giants and NY Yankees.  The Hudson Valley Renegades have also contributed to the cause, donating tickets for a date of the winner's choosing during the 2019 season.

Silent auction items will include a spa package donated by Scarsdale’s Tranquility Spa and a foursome of golf at a private country club in Greenwich, Connecticut.

One of the most unique features of Pints for Pat events is the 20-oz Imperial pint glass, engraved with Pat Tillman’s #42.  The glass, a replica of the one Tillman used at the Rúla Búla Irish Pub in Tempe, Arizona, is free with the first 50 tickets purchased.  Additional glasses will be available for purchase at the event.

In addition to access to raffle and silent auction items, attendees will enjoy two hours of food and drink (beer/wine) and entertainment provided by Tom Pescé. Mr. Pescé, who resides in Ridgefield, CT, is a magician with twenty years experience.  Recently Mr. Pescé performed at the Mohonk Mountain House resort in New Paltz, NY and the Woodloch Resort in Hawley, PA. He will be performing in Clearwater Beach, FL, in late April.

If You Go:

Saturday, March 30th, 2019

7:00-9:00 PM

Mickey Spillane’s Pub

431 White Plains Rd

Eastchester, NY 10709

Tickets are currently available at Mickey Spillane’s, via contact on Facebook (Pints for Pat – Eastchester), and on Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pints-for-pat-eastchester-ny-fundraiser-for-the-pat-tillman-foundation-tickets-53743291632?aff=ebdssbdestsearch)

Please join NCADD, Westchester, Inc., (The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) on Thursday, April 11, 2019 for our 16^th Annual Awards Dinner at Mulino’s at Lake Isle.  We will be honoring Harris Stratyner, PhD., VP of CARON Treatment Centers, Janet Segal, LCSW, President of Four Winds Foundation, Leonard Spano, ED, WESTCHESTER School for Special Children, Bob Feinberg, VP of Yonkers Honda and Judge Michael A. Martinelli of Yonkers Drug Court. 

Event and ticket information is available on our website at www.ncaddwestchester.org or call our offices at 914-949-8500.

Student Advocacy will be holding their 24^th Annual Overcoming the Odds Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 9^th at 6:30pm at the Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, NY. 

Join us for an inspirational night of celebration as we honor the accomplishments of four remarkable students from our community and support Student Advocacy’s mission to help all struggling students to overcome the odds and thrive! The awards recognize youth who have made school a priority despite significant obstacles. Their stories encourage us to remember that with hard work, determination, and the right support - anything is possible! Student Advocacy provides an effective voice for children who face significant obstacles in school, so they receive the resources they need to succeed educationally and rediscover their lives.

To RSVP for this event, please visit https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_f491c16f-4d4a-11e7-afbe-024e165d44b3&WidgetId=1060864.

For more event information, please contact Renee Renna at 914-347-7039 ext. 122 or email rrenna@studentadvocacy.net. 

Student Advocacy will be holding their 24^th Annual Overcoming the Odds Awards Dinner on Thursday, May 9^th at 6:30pm at the Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, NY. 

Join us for an inspirational night of celebration as we honor the accomplishments of four remarkable students from our community and support Student Advocacy’s mission to help all struggling students to overcome the odds and thrive! The awards recognize youth who have made school a priority despite significant obstacles. Their stories encourage us to remember that with hard work, determination, and the right support - anything is possible! Student Advocacy provides an effective voice for children who face significant obstacles in school, so they receive the resources they need to succeed educationally and rediscover their lives.

To RSVP for this event, please click here. For more event information, please contact Renee Renna at 914-347-7039 ext. 122 or email rrenna@studentadvocacy.net.

With the Patriots and Rams kicking off Sunday evening, it’s the perfect time to look ahead to another football-related event coming to our area this spring with a decidedly local flair.  

On Saturday, March 30, Pints for Pat comes to Mickey Spillane’s in Eastchester as a means of raising money for the Pat Tillman Foundation.  The Foundation, which was created after the death of its namesake in 2004, works to provide scholarship, educational, and networking support for veterans and their families.  

The choice of both venue and entertainment for the event makes Eastchester’s Pints for Pat different out from other events.  While Pints for Pat fundraisers have taken place across the country, they are typically in larger cities such as Seattle, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. 

The first Pints for Pat was held in 2009 at Rula Bula, an Irish pub in Tempe, Arizona, frequented by Pat Tillman during his time with the Arizona Cardinals.  Honoring that tradition, the Eastchester event organizers selected Mickey Spillane’s as their site for the event.  Mickey Spillane’s is not only known for its Irish flavor, but for having a strong connection to the Eastchester community itself.  

Local magician Tom Pesce, who has been performed at locations across the country in addition to playing venues such as Mohegan Sun, has  been announced as the night's featured entertainment. Mr. Pesce, who is based out of Ridgefield, Connecticut, agreed to bring his talents to Pints for Pat.

“I was immediately interested in Pints for Pat when I was approached,” Mr. Pesce recounts. “Pat Tillman encompassed qualities that we as Americans should hope to emulate: self-sacrifice, dedication, and love.

Tillman was able to put his love of the game, along with a healthy contract, on the back burner for the love of serving his country first.  That is a true American.  The true calling we all have is to serve others whenever and wherever we can; Pat Tillman put this calling into action when it was far from convenient, and he wound up making the ultimate sacrifice.”

With over 20 years of experience, Mr. Pesce has played everything from large stages to smaller, intimate events.  In many ways, Mr. Pesce’s local ties made him an ideal candidate for event collaboration.  As both an educator with multiple graduate degrees and as a father to three young girls, Mr. Pesce appreciates the goals of both the Pat Tillman Foundation and the fundraiser itself.

“Pat Tillman was an outstanding role model for young people,” Mr. Pesce continues, “and I know that the results of this fundraiser will go to help more young people across the nation.”

If you go:

• Date: March 30, 2019
• Time : 7-9pm
• Tickets: $50, available at Mickey Spillane’s, via Facebook (Pints for Pat – Eastchester, NY), or Eventbrite here

To view Tom Pesce's promotional video and see what's in store for attendees on March 30, visit: https://vimeo.com/312018122

Eastchester has an opportunity to make a difference. Our newly elected Government officials have announced the Connecticut Day of Service taking place on Sunday, January 6, 2019, just three days before Governor-elect Ned Lamont is sworn in as Governor of Connecticut.

Lamont and Lt. Governor-elect Susan Bysiewicz, will spend the day volunteering at and learning more about non-profit organizations in cities and towns across Connecticut. They invite Connecticut residents to join them on January 6 as they roll up their sleeves and support a host of nonprofits across the state including. 

Opportunities within 15 miles of Eastchester are:

For a complete list of the venues and to register to participate in Connecticut’s Day of Service, https://www.lamonttransition.org/day-of-service" target="_blank">click here.

 Urgent need for blood and platelet donations

Donate by Dec. 19 and receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card

The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood and platelet donors from Eastchester to give now to ensure blood is available for medical treatments and emergencies during the holiday season.

Blood and platelet donations often decline during the holidays. Regular donors are busy with holiday activities, and travel and severe winter weather may cause blood drive cancellations. Yet donations remain critical for patients like 4-year-old Wyatt Monacelli who is in the midst of intense chemotherapy treatments for leukemia. He has received a number of transfusions since his diagnosis in June and will likely need more. Locations in and around Eastchester are:

“We are fortunate to have had so many donors give the gift of life to our child so far throughout the course of his treatment, and even more so, we are lucky to have had a supply of blood available for him when he needed it,” said Julianna Monacelli, Wyatt’s mother.

Donors are urged to give now to ensure that families like Wyatt’s don’t have to worry about the availability of blood this winter. In thanks for helping meet the urgent need around the holidays, all those who come to donate blood or platelets now through Dec. 19, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.)

Make an appointment to donate blood or platelets by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Another way to help keep the blood supply strong is to host a Red Cross blood drive this winter. To learn more about hosting a blood drive and to sign up, visit RedCrossBlood.org/HostADrive.

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

TGIF and raise your glass because today, Friday, September 28, is National Drink A Beer Day!

A recent report by 247WallStreet indicates that beer drinking among Connecticut residents has dwindled as of late. Come on Connecticut! We’re ranked #49 of #50 for beer drinking, consuming 20.7 gallons of beer annually. That might seem like a lot, but not in comparison to New Hampshire which placed first by consuming 40.6 gallons of beer annually!

In the past decade, local breweries have been popping up all over Connecticut and around Eastchester. The State of Connecticut coined the phrase  “The Connecticut Beer Trail” to highlight the many beer destinations. According to Connecticut Brewers Guild, promoters of Connecticut breweries, as of September 2018, there are 80 operational breweries (with many more on the horizon).

Here is a list of local breweries near Eastchester that you can check out:

(courtesy of Wikipedia)

Enjoy a cold one while taking in the magnificent colors of fall in New England. Of course, safety first - before hitting the trail (beer trail) name a designated driver.

For more information check out Connecticut Breweries here.