<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>

<p><em style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The new facility combines animal rescue operations with the nation’s only cat/kitten therapy center, aiming to rescue pets that in turn save people.</em></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Rock ’n Rescue, a certified 501(c)3 non-profit animal rescue organization and formerly based in South Salem, New York, announces the grand opening of its Bedford Hills animal rescue and community therapy center. This development marks a significant milestone that extends the organization’s reach and impact. To date, they have saved over 18,000 at-risk animals from euthanasia and contributed over 500 hours of therapy through animal-assisted community service to elder care facilities, cancer centers, hospitals and more.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">“We’ve been saving pets since 2017 utilizing our incredibly vast foster program which is core to our mission. Fosters care for and prepare these animals to be ideally matched to their forever homes, and many become therapy animals, thereby saving more human lives,” said Juli Cialone, Founder and Director of Rock ’n Rescue. “This new facility really changes the game. We can receive larger transports of pets at risk to be euthanized from all over the country, expand our foster and community outreach footprint, and provide a healthier (more fun!) adoption experience that is lower stress for both the pet and the adopter," she explained. "We also finally have a dedicated area for our therapy programs. This is the first cat-based therapy program in the USA (perhaps beyond) where our on-site therapist utilizes kitten therapy to work one-on-one or in a group environment. Initially, trauma is the therapy focus, which includes a broad range of issues such as suicide, PTSD, anxiety, grief, transition, etc... Having kittens present helps patients relax and open up more - children with neurodivergent conditions, for example, really respond to the physical interactions with a kitten, enhancing the quality and impact of the therapy services we're able to provide.”</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Rock 'n Rescue's new facility features a dedicated therapy program floor led by Jessica Salvatore, a certified Animal Assisted Intervention Specialist. “From my days at a veterinary clinic to my time with patients at Green Chimneys in Brewster, including working with young children with disabilities, I have seen the power of positive interactions between people and animals. I've witnessed many healing moments that happened organically,” she shared. “This inspired me to become a Certified Animal Assisted Intervention Specialist, allowing me to incorporate animals as a key component to my therapy programs. This partnership with Rock n' Rescue is just the next step in our journey to rescue people.”</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The new headquarters for Rock ’n Rescue is located across from the MTA train station in Westchester’s quaint town of Bedford Hills, next-door to local restaurants and shops. Notably, this location makes it easier for NYC residents to reach Rock ‘n Rescue along with surrounding Tri-State area communities.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The facility is open to volunteers, fosters and adopters, and in addition to on-site therapy programs, private at-home therapy services can also be arranged, such as kitten cuddling for homebound individuals or even corporate wellness events like "Coffee with Kittens." All sessions can be customized to the recipients' preferences - casual or clinical.</span></p><p>James Scova</p><p>Rock 'n Rescue</p><p>+1 914-774-8423</p><p><a href="mailto:james@rnrpets.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">james@rnrpets.org</a></p>