<p><strong><u>Lincoln Depot Museum 10</u></strong>^{<strong><u>th</u></strong>}<strong><u>&nbsp;Anniversary / 2024 Season Opening:</u>&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;April 27-28, 2024 Opening Weekend</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Presentations by Local/State Officials &amp; Dignitaries on April 27</span><sup style="color: black;">th</sup><span style="color: black;">&nbsp;at 11:00 am on 4/27 (1:00 pm on 4/28)</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Museum Open until 4:00 pm - Many New Artifacts on Display</span></p><p><strong><u>Lincoln Kids and Families:&nbsp;New Series with programs for families with children age 8 and up.</u></strong></p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;April 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<em>Sybil Ludington: Local Hero of the American Revolution</em></p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nearly coinciding with the 247^th&nbsp;anniversary of Sybil’s famous ride, local historian and author Vincent Dacquino will tell the tale!</p><p>&nbsp;Learn the story of 16-year old local patriot Sybil Ludington and her now-famous ride to alert the militia to the approach of British Troops.</p><p>Come hear the story of the girl, the ride, and the legend it created!</p><p><strong>Copies of Mr. Dacquino’s books will be on hand for purchase (and autographing) after the presentation.</strong></p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p>&nbsp;<strong>First Saturdays at the museum:</strong></p><p>&nbsp;May 4, 2024 at 2:00 PM&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<em>Contrasts in Command: The Battle of Fair Oaks, May 31 – June 1,2024</em></p><p>&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(11, 0, 0);">Surprisingly little has been written about the key Battle of Fair Oaks</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(11, 0, 0);">The bloody two-day affair, fought on the doorstep of the Confederate capital, was the first major battle in the Eastern Theater since Bull Run.</span></p><p> At the head of the Confederate army was Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, and as fate intervened late in the day on May 31^st,</p><p> one of the men who would lay gravely wounded was General Johnston.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His replacement would be Gen. Robert E. Lee – a decision that changed the course of the entire war.</p><p>&nbsp;<em>Museum doors will open at 1:00 pm</em></p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong><em>First Saturdays at the Museum</em>&nbsp;and Lincoln Kids &amp; Families are brought to you by the&nbsp;<em>Friends of the Lincoln Depot Museum</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>The Lincoln Depot Museum is located at </em></strong><span style="color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">10 S Water Street in Peekskill, NY,</span></p><p><br></p>

<p>It is with greatest of sadness that the Brewster Police Department announces the line of duty death of one of our very own, Sergeant Richard Gurniak.&nbsp;</p><p>Sgt. Gurniak collapsed after hanging up his keys during the early morning hours of Saturday April 20, 2024 and despite tireless efforts by a fellow Brewster Officer as well as two members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Gurniak passed away.</p><p>Richard was a retired member of the NYPD who joined the Brewster force two years ago.&nbsp;</p><p>As bunting was placed at the Police Station, Chief John Del Gardo described the day as “one of the saddest in our history. This is the first line of duty death since the Department was formed in 2006.”&nbsp;</p><p>To those that know Sgt. Gurniak, he was known as a great supervisor who was loved and respected by the men and woman of this Department.&nbsp;</p><p>Sergeant Jim Phillips, who serves as our PBA President states that “the entire force is devastated by Richard’s sudden death. We are a small tight-nit department and feel the pain that Sgt. Gurniak’s family is going through. Rich was a good man who will be missed”,&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Mayor James Schoenig recalled hiring Richard stating, “he had a stellar career in New York City which carried over to Brewster. Richard was respected by the entire Department. Sgt. Gurniak died doing what he loved doing – protecting residents of our community”.&nbsp;</p><p>Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. We honor his bravery, sacrifice and service to our community.&nbsp;</p><p>The Village of Brewster PBA and the entire Department wish to thank the PCSO Sergeant Joseph Sadowski and Deputy Richard Planamenta who worked tirelessly to save our Sergeants life; your efforts will not be forgotten. The Department would also want to acknowledge the fast and professional response of Brewster EMS as they performed admirably.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded New Yorkers of the start of the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning. Since 2009, DEC enforces the annual brush burning ban from March 16 through May 14 to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires.&nbsp;</p><p>“Last month, DEC encouraged everyone to be extra vigilant when burning brush because of the risk for wildfires caused by early dry conditions, but starting this Saturday, March 16, it will be illegal to burn brush for the next two months,”<strong>&nbsp;Commissioner Seggos said.&nbsp;</strong>“Due to the drier and warmer winter, New York State is at a greater risk for wildfires this spring. This ban is essential to protecting communities and natural resources, as well as the Rangers and other firefighters called to extinguish the wildfires.”&nbsp;</p><p>Even though some areas of the state remain blanketed in snow, warming temperatures can quickly cause wildfire conditions to arise. Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in New York State. When temperatures warm and the past fall's debris and leaves dry out, wildfires can start and spread easily, further fueled by winds and a lack of green vegetation. Each year, DEC Forest Rangers extinguish dozens of wildfires that burn hundreds of acres. In addition, local fire departments, many of which are staffed by volunteers, all too often have to leave their jobs and families to respond to wildfires caused by illegal debris fires. DEC’s&nbsp;<a href="https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/wildfires/fire-danger-map" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 77, 209); background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><u>Fire Danger Map for the 2024 fire season</u></a>&nbsp;displays each region’s potential fire risk.&nbsp;</p><p>New York first enacted strict restrictions on open burning in 2009 to help prevent wildfires and reduce air pollution. The regulations allow residential brush fires in towns with fewer than 20,000 residents during most of the year, but prohibit such burning in spring when most wildfires occur. Backyard fire pits and campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small cooking fires. Only charcoal or dry, clean, untreated, or unpainted wood can be burned. People should never leave these fires unattended and must extinguish them. Burning garbage or leaves is prohibited year-round in New York State. For more information about fire safety and prevention, go to DEC's&nbsp;<a href="https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/wildfires/firewise-new-york" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 77, 209); background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><u>FIREWISE New York</u></a>&nbsp;webpage.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Some towns, primarily in and around the Adirondack and Catskill parks, are designated "fire towns." Open burning is prohibited year-round in these municipalities unless an individual or group has a permit from DEC. To find out whether a municipality is a designated fire town or to obtain a permit, contact the appropriate DEC regional office. A&nbsp;<a href="https://dec.ny.gov/about/contact-us/map-of-dec-offices" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 77, 209); background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><u>list of regional offices</u></a>&nbsp;is available on DEC's website.&nbsp;</p><p>Forest Rangers, DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs), and local authorities enforce the burn ban. Violators of the State's open burning regulation are subject to criminal and civil enforcement actions, with a minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. For search and rescue, reporting a wildfire or illegal activity on state lands and easements, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264). To report environmental law violations, call 1-844-DEC-ECOs (1-844-332-3267).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Summer ARTS for Kids and Teens</strong>&nbsp;at the Putnam Arts Council in Mahopac.&nbsp;Join us this summer and enjoy the arts as you make new friends and learn new skills.&nbsp;Our summer kids art programs are flexible and affordable and are offered throughout the summer.&nbsp;</p><p>We offer a variety of themed&nbsp;<strong>Clay Programs</strong>&nbsp;for kids 6-10 .&nbsp;&nbsp;Each Program meets&nbsp;10am-noon twice a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) for four weeks.&nbsp;The first of 3 sessions begins July 9, the second starts on July 30&nbsp;and the last session begins August 20.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;We also feature a once a week class on Thursday evenings from 5:30-7 where kids 8-10 will&nbsp;enjoy our&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Drawing and Painting for Kids Program</strong>&nbsp;which begins on July 11.</p><p><strong>&nbsp;Teen Fridays:</strong>&nbsp;features our every popular Teen Clay Program or our Drawing/painting/anime Program - both programs meet from 6-8pm for four weeks beginning July 12^th.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.putnamartscouncil.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">www.putnamartscouncil.com</a>&nbsp;for more information and to register.&nbsp;We accept a maximum of 10 students in pottery and 12 in the drawing/painting/anime classes allowing for lots of personal attention and interaction.&nbsp;Call us if you have questions –845-803-8622&nbsp;or email to Joyce Picone at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:joyce@putnamartscouncil.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">joyce@putnamartscouncil.com</a>&nbsp;We are located in the Belle Levine Art Center at 521 Kennicut Hill Road in Mahopac and registration is open to everyone.</p>

<p>Douglas S. MacCrae of Brewster, NY, a cherished husband, father, brother, and public servant, passed away unexpectedly on April 17, 2024, at the age of 67. Born on May 15, 1956, in Yonkers, NY, Doug lived a life marked by dedication, love, and a deep sense of duty.</p><p>Doug's journey began as the beloved son of Archibald and Joyce (Redhead) MacCrae, who predeceased him. His formative years in Yonkers laid the foundation for a life of service and commitment. In 1974, Doug answered the call of duty and served as a Military Police Officer in the US Army until 1977, a period that shaped much of his character and future endeavors.</p><p>Following his military service, Doug continued his commitment to public safety as a Deputy with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office eventually rising to the rank or Sargeant. His unwavering dedication to the community did not go unnoticed, and after retiring, he extended his expertise to the Lewisboro Police Department and the SPCA of Putnam County. Doug's passion for service was further exemplified through his instrumental role in the development of the School Resource Program in Putnam County, ensuring the safety and well-being of countless children within the school system.</p><p>On September 28, 1984, Doug married Mary Jane Castegner, and together they embarked on a journey filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams. Their union was blessed with two wonderful children, Sarah and Alex, who brought immense joy and pride to Doug's life. He is also survived by his brother, Donald MacCrae, with whom he shared an unbreakable bond.</p><p><br></p><p>Doug's interests extended beyond his professional life. He was a big animal lover, a passion that was reflected in his work with the SPCA and in his personal life. His love for adventure and exploration was fulfilled through traveling cross country in his RV with his family, creating memories that would last a lifetime.</p><p>The legacy Doug leaves behind is one of integrity, courage, and love. His life was a testament to the values he held dear, and his memory will continue to inspire those who knew him.</p><p>Please, no flowers. Memorial donations in Doug’s name can be made to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spcaputnam.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(210, 179, 119);"><strong>SPCA of Putnam County</strong></a>.</p><p>All are welcome to attend a memorial visitation on Wednesday, April 24th from 3-7 PM at the Joseph J. Smith Funeral Home in Mahopac, NY.</p><p><em>(Photo of PCSO Sergeant McCrae courtesy of Joseph J. Smith Funeral Home in Mahopac, NY.)</em></p>

<h3><strong>2024 GOLF OUTING &amp; FUNDRAISER HONORING ED MULVIHILL &amp; MICHAEL HONEY</strong></h3><p>The Brewster Education Foundation (BEF) will host their annual golf outing at Centennial Golf Club in Carmel on Thursday, May 16th starting at 1pm. As many of you know, the BEF has a great tradition of honoring an invaluable member of the community and will continue this tradition at this event. This year, they will be recognizing two fantastic teachers and longtime coaches.&nbsp;<strong>Ed Mulvihill </strong>(BHS Class of ’82), Wells Math Teacher, Head Football Coach and Former Baseball Coach and <strong>Michael Honey </strong>BHS Math Teacher, Football Defensive Coordinator, JV Girls Basketball Coach and Former Head Lacrosse Coach will be celebrated together!</p><p>Sponsorships are available. Please consider donating gift cards, golf apparel and equipment, dinners and sports tickets or just make a donation. Sponsorships are available on our website, and if you would like to donate a physical item, please contact Joe at 914-483-6620. Visit <a href="http://www.bef.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.bef.org</a> for more information on the outing or to sign up to play in the event.</p>