<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Martha Stewart, lifestyle icon and renowned animal lover, has once again highlighted the beauty of pet adoption by welcoming a silver-shaded Persian cat named Magnolia into her home. Magnolia’s journey, facilitated by the local Bedford Hills, NY, non-profit Rock ‘N Rescue, shows the heartwarming impact of finding a forever family for rescue animals.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Rock ‘N Rescue proudly announced on Instagram that their first adoption of 2025 was none other than Magnolia, once named Angel, rescued from NYC Animal Care Centers. Now, Magnolia is thriving at Cantitoe Corners, Martha’s picturesque farm. “This kitty hit the literal catnip pot!” shared Rock ‘N Rescue, who celebrate finding extraordinary homes for their rescues.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Martha detailed her experience on Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/marthastewartblog/#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">marthastewartblog</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> sharing her admiration for Rock ‘N Rescue and encouraging others to adopt pets: “I urge anyone looking for a pet to check out local rescues and shelters – there are so many desirable and wonderful animals waiting for homes.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Here’s Martha’s detailed account of Magnolia’s adoption journey and her glowing endorsement of Rock ‘N Rescue:</span></p><ol><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">A Visit to Rock ‘N Rescue: Martha was drawn to Rock ‘N Rescue for their dedication to pet adoption and therapy work with animals.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Meeting Juli Cialone: Martha spent time with the non-profit’s founder and executive director, Juli Cialone, whose passion for rehoming pets is inspiring.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Therapeutic Partnerships: Foster coordinator Kathleen Birmingham shared how Rock ‘N Rescue uses cats like Scooter, a therapy office feline, for emotional support.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Comprehensive Care: Magnolia, like all animals at the facility, underwent medical evaluations and temperament testing to ensure a successful placement.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Beyond Cats: While specializing in cats, Rock ‘N Rescue also finds homes for dogs, birds, rabbits, and other small animals.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">The “Meet and Greet” Rooms: These cozy spaces allowed Martha to interact with Magnolia and confirm the feline’s calm and friendly nature.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">First Impressions: Magnolia captured Martha’s heart in a “cuddle” room filled with natural light and views of the outside world.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">A New Home: Magnolia is now adjusting to life at Cantitoe Corners, where she joins Martha’s menagerie.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Persian Elegance: Martha highlighted Magnolia’s breed traits, including her beautiful copper eyes and plush coat.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Settling In: Magnolia is acclimating well and becoming part of the Stewart family, fulfilling the mission of rescue organizations like Rock ‘N Rescue.</span></li></ol><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Rock ‘N Rescue specializes in connecting families with happy, healthy pets that can also serve therapeutic purposes. While cats are their focus, they work tirelessly to find homes for a variety of animals.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Martha’s Instagram post concludes with,"Pet adoption... it’s a very good thing."</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Learn more about Rock ‘N Rescue and how to adopt your new best friend at</span><a href="https://www.rocknrescue.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"> rocknrescue.org</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p>

<p>Bucknell University has released the dean's list for outstanding academic achievement during the fall semester of the 2024-25 academic year. Congratulations to Katonah residents Danielle Acocella, class of 2025; Riley Bazaar, class of 2025; Rachel Dahling, class of 2027; Lucy DiChristina, class of 2027; and Brenna Doherty, class of 2027, who were named to the Dean's List.</p><p>A student must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0 to receive dean's list recognition.</p>

<h3>Songs from the Heart with Joanna Mongiardo Presented by Friends of ChappPAC and the Town of New Castle on Sunday, January 26</h3><p>Internationally acclaimed operatic soprano and Chappaqua resident&nbsp;Joanna Mongiardo, presents a concert entitled,&nbsp;Songs From the Heart. This is a family-friendly concert which will include world famous operatic arias, art songs and some of her favorite Broadway standards. Joanna will be accompanied by the incredible pianist, Craig Ketter.</p><p>Doors open 30 minutes prior to event</p><p>Running time approximately 90 minutes (includes one short intermission)</p><p>Program suitable for all ages but may be best enjoyed for children over the age of 5</p><p>Presented by Friends of Chapp PAC &amp; the Town of New Castle</p><h3><a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/36677/production/1225748?performanceId=11576218" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(34, 36, 37);">PURCHASE TICKETS HERE</a></h3><p><br></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This year, instead of tossing your used Christmas tree to the curb for yard waste pickup, why not give it as a gift…to your yard?&nbsp; Letting your tree (no tinsel or ornaments) decompose in your yard can create a wonderful habitat for insects (the good kind), birds, and other wildlife during the cold winter months.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Here’s why it matters:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Insect Habitat: Decomposing wood provides shelter for beneficial bugs that are essential to our ecosystem. These bugs provide much needed protein for birds during the winter months when food is scarce.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Wildlife Haven: Evergreen branches can serve as a cozy resting spot for birds and other wildlife, giving them a safe, wind-free place to perch and find food.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Natural Mulch: Over time, the tree will break down and enrich your soil naturally.</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It’s an easy way to give a gift to our natural environment after the holiday season. Just set your tree in a quiet corner of your yard - or chop it into smaller pieces if space is tight.</span></p><p><a href="https://mynewcastle.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=05b1d63a07ff872c80253d7c6&amp;id=937e0bb9f1&amp;e=c89aa8241b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Here are eight ways to give the gift of your Christmas Tree - from the Arbor Day Foundation</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Let's all work together to make New Castle greener for everyone.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Please contact us with any questions </span><a href="mailto:NewCastleConservationBoard@MyNewCastleNY.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">NewCastleConservationBoard@MyNewCastleNY.gov</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong><em>Jonathan Becker: Lost Time</em>&nbsp;Book Signing on Sunday, December 15, 2024, 12:00 – 1:30 PM</strong></p><p>Jonathan Becker will be at the Katonah Museum of Art, signing copies of his stunning new monograph,&nbsp;<em>Jonathan Becker: Lost Time</em>.&nbsp;Published by Phaidon, this monograph is available for purchase at the KMA.</p><p>Don’t miss your chance to meet the artist, get a personally signed copy of his monograph, and visit the exhibition now in its final weeks at the KMA.</p><p>The exhibition and monograph,&nbsp;<em>Jonathan Becker: Lost Time</em>, spans&nbsp;five decades of Becker’s evocative photographic work documenting lives of the twentieth-century beau monde. A protégé of legendary Parisian photographer Brassaï and a longtime contributor to&nbsp;<em>Vanity Fair</em>, Becker’s work provides a link between fine-art photography and the notion of the photographer as social observer.</p><p>Gift wrapping will be available.</p><p>Free with Museum admission. Purchase your ticket today.</p><p><a href="https://wtyhwhcab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001HxZOFriGfe4XRNVKBidTzdIalDfyrSbcWMCrsVZyz3Nt5ZgR8aw2LiUVsTFVl_tUi6CrIXzs_RFnF5JIvGGoIm888r-E9sGuimzk11ETUAFCfXX2eDAN6a9j0_vm9zUAJqmdsHt6MAV9Y0FDlXiBUB5UPBuQsvM8SfsVIC5LeTkdejEFwptEKsueQuAoddTLyt0mr7Xvff66Es3H4WitKpn3eeUDF-d0rAUFTIe4pII=&amp;c=Nb4_sCBiF3wTfUhKZc8hzC0XFFH_-9cfLqNWFRfCqoX3t-IlN6xfWA==&amp;ch=b5Ep6gKtxBjgOQygBF8y7VpAotqDXKMBDxLm9kAl7c6LkS7K2zR9AQ==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(49, 95, 195);"><strong>ADMISSION</strong></a></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p><strong>Westchester Parks Foundation</strong>, the only organization dedicated exclusively to promoting and supporting Westchester County Parks, will host the inaugural&nbsp;<strong><em>Westchester Santa Fun Run &amp; Walk</em></strong>&nbsp;on Wednesday, December 4th&nbsp;from 6-8pm at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. The non-competitive run/walk will take place along the 1.2 mile <strong>Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Drive Thru Light Extravaganza</strong>, providing the ultimate backdrop of thousands of magical lights and majestic vignettes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>While Westchester’s Winter Wonderland has been a drive-thru since 2020, this event will offer the public an exciting, one-night opportunity to take in the magic and lights as a walk-through experience. Tickets to the event are $50 for adults, $20 per child and includes a free Santa Hat with registration. Proceeds from this event benefit WPF and allow the organization to invest in, advocate for and enhance the over 50 parks of the Westchester County Parks system.&nbsp;</p><p>Special activities will be available for children at the end of the course including face painting, arts and crafts and a holiday dance party. Participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite holiday character for a costume contest with festive prizes. Food and drink will also be available for purchase.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Tickets and parking are limited, so act fast!&nbsp;</p><p>To register for the Westchester Santa Fun Run &amp; Walk, click&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC5R-2BWpaXEhRsFlX-2Fg0JNsUwlarS5G-2F-2BBHwxQw-2FmEYkPQ9yTQ-2FFPBEngWDqfDU-2F0JvyM-2B2P2KQhkVhE4y4S0VnNA-3DDHTJ_Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61q1gufQgi3uo3sO5-2BIoQsNjgf4iqXmt9uazDd1G1KzkN-2BFfEEtDmQ9DtcHiVLUzLek68fgmSKfHNYnfAO1s1l4dQJowtZCwcZ09aWMvjW8EMaodA89oiCx8nLEpmwFVhI4BoOa5bG52BI-2FifPBGK8LLPuwEDcYvw4BLHvAA9nkUMlZjbk8A5CtpmaOZI86zDB9QJlYTDnHa-2BipBrGY-2FIqwF9ewlrmAUcLnV9CR-2F1VOUQ0cSFFA7Y3G4h-2BP2G-2FQcgmF87tlXbpZuCxae-2FUAq6SlNK-2B-2F9xMRaV9niV5tYiJ-2BuSw-3D-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><u>&nbsp;HERE</u></a>&nbsp;</p><p>For more information on Westchester’s Winter Wonderland, click&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rCxAMVfyUS4Ux-2F2ZuKUeAIQAd8vGeUZ7ymHF60JeXHkv7bsW__Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61q1gufQgi3uo3sO5-2BIoQsNjgf4iqXmt9uazDd1G1KzkN-2BFfEEtDmQ9DtcHiVLUzLek68fgmSKfHNYnfAO1s1l4dQJowtZCwcZ09aWMvjW8EMaodA89oiCx8nLEpmwFVhI4BoOa5bG52BI-2FifPBGK8LLpHopjmdp6kGK7w64E8w-2BNu-2Fz0Cs8LEPuLJCIvvhhkwtfVJ9G6UJlX9D-2BbgdXU8bjwudVqq2VTAYrXLKIEtXfS3Tv59thBQ86aHyF8oYow2iXCuZ-2FbORPAbLdpHT3L511b9wuFco2H3biLPqb414YyA-3D-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><u>HERE</u></a></p>