WDFH - In Focus

In Focus - 7/22/2013

Mon, 22 Jul 2013 21:58:51 GMT

Briarcliff Manor school reorganization, Town of Cortlandt anniversary celebration, Affordable housing in Briarcliff Manor, Ossining schools contract.

In Focus - 7/15/2013

Mon, 15 Jul 2013 21:05:43 GMT

14 Hudson River acres+$1 million for Croton?; conduct of people along the Croton River Gorge; Business Group IDs Oss as young professionals'
destination

In Focus - 7/8/2013

Mon, 08 Jul 2013 20:04:33 GMT

Longtime Ossining pastor dies, plans are discussed for a museum at Sing Sing, a controversial rezoning in Croton on Hudson is approved.

In Focus - 7/1/2013

Sun, 30 Jun 2013 02:34:43 GMT

Independence Day events in Ossining; Town of Ossining has buyer for former police station; recap of area HS graduation ceremonies.

In Focus - 6/24/2013

Thu, 27 Jun 2013 00:59:56 GMT

Briarcliff Manor school budget revote passes; new affordable housing opens in downtown Ossining; Croton-on-Hudson Democrats choose their candidates

In Focus - 6/17/2013

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:32:34 GMT

Briarcliff School budget vote; Transition Ossining talks planting; 6 candidates for 2 seats on Cortlandt Town Bd; Croton considering 1st night
event

In Focus - 6/10/2013

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 04:08:31 GMT

Briarcliff School Budget re-vote after initial budget did not pass, Sing Sing inmate art gallery, former Croton-On-Hudson Village Manager in trouble.

In Focus - 6/3/2013

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 04:01:34 GMT

Ossining Village Fair/Dale Cemetery and state's Reg of Historic Places/Ossining Vol Fireman hold Communion Breakfast/Running of the Balls?!

In Focus - 5/27/2013

Tue, 28 May 2013 21:32:02 GMT

Memorial Day festivities in the communities; election and budget roundup; Town Hall in the Town of Ossining; Village of Briarcliff Manor settles CSEA contract

In Focus - 5/20/2013

Tue, 28 May 2013 21:31:34 GMT

May 2013 elections, specific budget issues and candidates for Hendrick Hudson, Croton-Harmon, Ossining and Briarcliff Manor

In Focus - 5/13/2013

Tue, 28 May 2013 21:30:54 GMT

Ossining councilman will run for District 9 Westchester County legislator/The NYC Dep of Envir & NY Guard held celebration for citizen soldiers

In Focus - 5/6/2013

Mon, 06 May 2013 19:07:33 GMT

Discussion about the Ossining Bicentennial celebration; Briarcliff fire chief elections, and its leadership structure; expanded Metro-North service, and the impact it has along the Hudson River communities.

In Focus - 4/29/2013

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:41:30 GMT

Ossining schools find alternate funds for transportation, walking tours of Ossining, Croton-On-Hudson budget and Cortlandt Town Board Democratic candidates

In Focus - 4/22/2013

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 03:38:05 GMT

Ossining school transportation referendum fails; commemoration at Sing Sing for the anniversary of a murdered prison guard; Earth Day and environmental activities in Ossining, Briarcliff and Croton.

In Focus - 4/15/2013

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 22:46:33 GMT

Ossining vote to expand school bus service faces opposition; controversial Croton rezoning upheld in court; Briarcliff Manor school budget likely to exceed state prescribed tax levy cap.

In Focus - 4/8/2013

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 01:47:16 GMT

Ossining Bicentennial celebration. Briarcliff fire chief elections. Expanded Metro-North service along the Hudson Line.

In Focus - 4/1/2013

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 02:57:41 GMT

The kickoff of the Village of Ossining's Bicentennial Celebration is Tuesday night, April 2, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Ossining Public Library.
The Village of Briarcliff Manor's tentative budget comes within the state tax levy limit; the Village of Croton-on-Hudson's does not. Area school districts are targeted for state aid increases.

In Focus - 3/25/2013

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 02:32:48 GMT

Election results in Buchanan; Briarcliff Manor election results including the almost take over of four-term mayor William Vesicio from newcomer Laura Morris; Village of Ossining's initial dates for its bicentennial beginning with April 2, 200 years to the day that the "Corporation of Sing Sing" was created; questions about several thousands of dollars in revenue that was never accounted for from the sale of scrap metal in Ossining.

In Focus - 3/18/2013

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:10:07 GMT

Briarcliff pharmacist charged in $500,000 Medicaid scheme; elections in Briarcliff and Buchanan; budget talk in Croton-Harmon.

In Focus - 3/11/2013

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:07:28 GMT

The proposed Ossining school budget calls for a tax levy hike lower than permitted under state law; Briarcliff Manor Mayor William Vescio is being challenged for re-election on March 19; State D.O.T. says that if people/local officials are not satisfied with proposed Bear Mountain Parkway Extension upgrades it has planned for later this year, it may not have the work done.

In Focus - 3/4/2013

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 19:00:16 GMT

A Briarcliff Manor Fire Department member celebrates 70th anniversary; County Executive Rob Astorino visits the Town of Ossining for a town-hall-style meeting; Ossining and Hendrick Hudson school districts get new superintendents; Briarcliff Manor school district examines potential changes to the budget.

In Focus - 2/25/2013

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 23:11:58 GMT

Ossining referendum on school busing; Ossining Town and Croton are among first members of organization to help finance energy upgrades to some multifamily homes; informational meetings on upgrades to Bear Mountain Parkway Extension in Cortlandt and Peekskill.

In Focus - 2/18/2013

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 23:08:11 GMT

Fox TV show films in Ossining; US Rep. Nita Lowey tours Indian Point, saying that if it were a new facility, it wouldn't be approved; Croton-Harmon schools considers staff reductions to comply with state's "tax levy cap law."

In Focus - 2/4/2013

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 20:50:05 GMT

MetroNorth reports second-highest ridership year for 2012. Croton still discussing repairs to Yacht Club bulkhead and possible restaurant on adjacent property. Annual Eagle Fest conducted by Teatown is held February 9 from 9-4. "Times Square Hero" Duane Jackson tries to keep his trustee seat in Buchanan.

In Focus - 1/28/2013

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 02:52:16 GMT

Nomination of village justice candidate in Briarcliff Manor; Archdiocese to close two area Catholic schools; two Intel Finalists from our area; suggested cuts in Ossining school budget; Pacifica Radio app, featuring WDFH.

In Focus - 1/21/2013

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:55:10 GMT

In a surprise move, Briarcliff schools' superintendent Neal Miller will be resigning effective June 30, only two years into his five-year contract. The reasons are not known. High school principal James Kaishian will move up as interim superintendent and the school's assistant principal, Debora French, will move into Mr. Kaishian's spot.

The Croton-Harmon train station parking lot is jumping into the twenty first century with the advent of license plate readers to replace the sticky tags currently in use by permit holders. The new system is scheduled to go into effect June 1.

Ossining will hold a public hearing on approximately $3 million in necessary budget cuts. Please share your thoughts on Wednesday, January 23, at 7:30 p.m. at the Claremont school.

In Focus - 1/14/2013

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 22:04:04 GMT

Intel Finalists in local high schools; Briarcliff People's Caucus to hold election for new Village Justice; Cooperative Scholarship Fund hols annual MLK event at Ossining HS.

In Focus - 1/7/2013

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 05:56:21 GMT

Lifelong Briarcliff resident Eileen O'Connor Weber passed away; last chance for info on Briarcliff school athletic field cleanup; Croton EMS starts PR campaign to reinvigorate current members and attract new ones; Ossining school board seeks three community residents to sit on superintendent candidate review panel.

In Focus - 12/31/2012

Sat, 05 Jan 2013 19:09:21 GMT

Inaugurations in Ossining on Jan. 1; Briarcliff People's Caucus meeting on Jan. 8; Ossining Town ends funding for Police Resource Officer at middle school.

In Focus - 12/17/2012

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 21:40:25 GMT

Anti-bullying program at AMD Middle School; 97th annual Baker-Collyer Cheer Fund; senior volunteers inducted into Westchester Senior Hall of Fame; Croton approves upgrade of Croton Point Avenue.

In Focus - 12/10/2012

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 22:31:41 GMT

New Executives at Ossining Fire Department begin their terms on January 1. Ossining Community Crib nativity scene dedicated for 57th year in a row. Gary shares opportunities for local charitable giving this holiday season. Croton trustees swearing in delayed; changing election date is contemplated.

In Focus - 11/26/2012

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 21:35:45 GMT

All about Ossining: Highway Superintendent position remains, Ossining logo and tagline for bicentennial in the works, reduction in garbage collection considered.

In Focus - 11/12/2012

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 02:54:05 GMT

Aftermath of Hurricane Sandy; local election results.

In Focus - 10/29/2012

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 20:09:58 GMT

Hurricane Sandy coverage; Metro North suspended, train station parking lots closed; Ossining Community Center will serve as a shelter and location to charge cell phones. Candidates' debate postponed; no new date set yet. Briarcliff fashion show postponed to 11/14. Recommendations for faster ambulance response in Croton; Ossining parade celebrating school Intel awards.

In Focus - 10/22/2012

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 21:00:17 GMT

Indian Point hearings in Tarrytown...you can go but you can't speak. Ossining looks ahead to 200th birthday. Parenting dinner and workshops at Ossining's Dorner Middle School.

In Focus - 10/15/2012

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 00:28:20 GMT

The funeral was held for four-year-old Jason Reish who was allegedly killed by his mother. Auction of Brooke Astor's estate brings in much more than anticipated. Ossining farmers market to run through the winter.

In Focus - 10/1/2012

Mon, 01 Oct 2012 23:00:37 GMT

The Croton Yacht Club's lease expires soon and some feel the rent's too low - it's a conversation about the property. Ossining going ahead with improvements to Main Street despite not receiving federal dollars yet. The Ossining Rotary Club recently held a fundraiser for polio cause. Ossining High School garners more awards. Brian Lehrer addressed the folks at the Club at Briarcliff Manor.

In Focus - 9/24/2012

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 21:39:05 GMT

Croton Democratic primary; Entergy employee sues the company, alleging insufficient security and retaliation for whistleblowing; review of info sessions about road improvements in Croton.

In Focus - 9/17/2012

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 22:16:29 GMT

Blue Star Byway Marker dedication ceremony in Briarcliff Manor; Ossining HS recognized by Intel as first in the nation for science program; family of Alexander Grant offers $100,000 reward in connection with his death; proposed changes in Croton to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion.

In Focus - 9/10/2012

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 22:15:46 GMT

Ossining Matters 5k run/2 mile walk; Toughman Half Triathlon competition; 9/11 memorial events.

In Focus - 9/3/2012

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 20:22:55 GMT

Local run/walk races this weekend; Briarcliff schools approve remediation plan for contaminated soil on laying fields; new Veterans' Park in Cortlandt/Verplanck.

In Focus - 8/20 and 8/27/2012

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 16:23:28 GMT

Ossining board of trustees settles with Policeman's Benevolent Association on five-year contract, which will include some retroactive coverage. One result is that active employees and future retirees will contribute to health care expenses.

September 8 will mark the tenth anniversary of the 5K run and two-mile walk benefitting Ossining Matters, an organization which helps provide local schools with needed aid. To register, visit ossiningmatters.org.

We update on the case of Maria Villa Loja, charged with the suffocation of a five-month-old infant in her care.

In Focus - 8/13/2012

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:41:45 GMT

Winner of first Ironman U.S. Championship is former resident of Briarcliff Manor; new trustee for Briarcliff Manor schools; Briarcliff Manor schools approve new playground; Cortlandt announces opening of new Veteran's Park.

In Focus - 8/6/2012

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:41:01 GMT

We follow up on Croton River problems with safety and overuse, the 9/11 memorial in Cortlandt, and Ossining's highway superintendent position change.

In Focus - 7/30/2012

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 22:13:28 GMT

Man drowns in Croton River while rescuing his children. Sandy Galef still pushing for mandatory boating safety courses. Underage drinking parties target of OCTC... "It's 10pm, do you know where your children are?"

In Focus - 7/23/2012

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 21:54:50 GMT

Ossining to hold hearing on abolishing elected position of Superintendent of Highways; Croton to hold elections in November for the first time.

In Focus - 7/16/2012

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 22:00:18 GMT

Briarcliff approves expansion of Chilmark Shopping Center and new C.V.S. store; Croton enacts temporary water use restrictions; Briarcliff applying for funding to improve Scarborough Park.

In Focus - 7/9/2012

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 17:57:47 GMT

Ossining school superintendent Dr. Phyllis Glassman to retire effective January. Briarcliff school board member Rosella Ranno resigns effective immediately. Town of Ossining looking to reassess property taxes.

In Focus - 7/2/2012

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 06:28:39 GMT

17th Congressional District contest; Ossining HS graduate drowns in accident off City Island; Briarcliff Manor schools appoint new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Assessment, and Human Resources; petition for center media barrier on Bear Mountain Parkway.

In Focus - 6/25/2012

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 19:50:30 GMT

Former Testwell site in Ossining has new tenant. Highway post in Ossining may become appointive rather than elective. Gary give us a lesson in road-paving techniques. Brief synopsis of Tuesday's Republican primary choices for residents.

In Focus - 6/18/2012

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 20:18:34 GMT

Water conservation in Briarcliff Manor; Ossining town supervisor holds third monthly Town Hall meeting; Croton E.M.S. services may be reviewed.

In Focus - 6/11/2012

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 21:30:31 GMT

Ossining sends smoking ban consideration in town parks to public hearing. Croton continues to cogitate on rezoning Harmon area. Croton Democrats have a slate for November election. Maryknoll conserves much of its land.

In Focus - 6/4/2012

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 21:52:57 GMT

Ribbon cuttings at three local parks; Ossining mayor marries his longtime partner; Ossining Volunteer Ambulance Corps honors three responders; Ossining Village Fair this weekend; Ossining Civil War re-enactment.

In Focus - 5/28/2012

Sun, 27 May 2012 23:37:52 GMT

Sandy Galef has a challenger; shifting district lines discussed. Local Kung Fu master sentenced for inappropriate youth contact. Harassment charges among Briarcliff school officials now dropped.

In Focus - 5/21/2012

Tue, 22 May 2012 03:17:20 GMT

Brief recap of passed school budgets and other financials from Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, and Hendrick Hudson. Ossining honors native son Luiz Carlos da Costa, who was killed in Haiti. Indian Point parrot: 25 years later.

In Focus - 5/14/2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:27:01 GMT

Peter Falk Night a the Ossining Public Library; school board, budget, and library elections in Ossining; school board and budget elections in Briarcliff Manor.

In Focus - 5/7/2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 04:26:16 GMT

Buchanan appoints Times Square hero to Board. Regional traffic meeting scheduled for May 10. Notes from the 39th Briarcliff/Scarborough Historical Society meeting.

In Focus - 4/30/2012

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:07:33 GMT

Ossining adopts local law to deal with pawn shops; family of Skidmore College student from Briarcliff Manor who died after being served with excessive amounts of alcohol files wrongful death lawsuit against other students who allegedly served him; Ossining Post Office unveils stamp honoring former resident José Ferrer.

In Focus - 4/23/2012

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 05:43:13 GMT

Possible consolidation of Ossining Town and Village of Ossining explained. Tribute to passing of Robert Galassi from Music Center. Ossining resident José Ferrer gets postage stamp. Cortlandt wants median barriers on Bear Mountain Parkway.

In Focus - 4/16/2012

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 20:47:53 GMT

"Community Helping Hands" will help local senior citizens remain in their homes; Ossining school budget; Hendrick Hudson HS film festival; Croton library anniversary celebration.

In Focus - 4/9/2012

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 18:03:22 GMT

Sentencing in Ossining theft from Pulitzer family. Petition drive to annex part of Ossining to the Village of Briarcliff Manor. Accessory apartments rules may be relaxed in Ossining.

In Focus - 4/2/2012

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 02:22:59 GMT

Oldest firehouse in the county celebrates 200 years of service to Ossining. Briarcliff schools propose $10.5 million capital project plan. We discuss light bulbs. Croton Point Avenue may remove parking but add a bike lane.

In Focus - 3/26/2012

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:24:57 GMT

Redistricting of state senatorial districts joins Ossining with Rockland County, across the Hudson River; Ossining Town Supervisor Sue Donnelly holds first "Town Hall" style meeting.

In Focus - 3/19/2012

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:24:19 GMT

Ossining approves capital projects, now on to the budget. Montrose VA hospital's Enhanced-Use Lease plan on hold due to congressional inactivity. The anniversary of the events at Fukushima were honored with a march to Indian Point.

In Focus - 3/12/2012

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:23:42 GMT

Ossining public schools referendum on March 6; free home energy audits; Ossining Rotary Club to celebrate 90th anniversary.

In Focus - 3/5/2012

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 05:59:22 GMT

Ossining public schools referendum on March 6; free home energy audits; Ossining Rotary Club to celebrate 90th anniversary.

In Focus - 2/27/2012

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:25:24 GMT

Developers have revised plan for Harbor Square project in Ossining; Briarcliff schools committee shares its recommendations, which don't include detailing the contamination at the playing fields; Croton Conservation Advisory Council to hold first free public meeting.

In Focus - week of 2/20/2012

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:59:02 GMT

Metro North expansion of Cortlandt station complete. Ossining unhappy about redistricting. Briarcliff Manor urges residents to vote on March 20.

In Focus - 2/13/2012

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:47:10 GMT

Retired county police officer who ran martial arts studio is convicted of sexual molestation of four minor students; Briarcliff schools plans to fire teacher's aides and replace them with teaching assistants; Community Markets will hold indoor markets Saturdays in Croton.

In Focus - 2/6/2012

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:33:13 GMT

A benefit is planned for the Briarcliff/Croton/Cortlandt 9/11 memorial fund on Feb 12. Community Markets hopes to move indoors for the winter in Croton. Some urge saving the historical value of the Harmon building on Benedict Boulevard.

In Focus - 1/30/2012

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:04:21 GMT

Eagle Fest -- a chance to see these magnificent birds in their winter habitat along the Hudson River. There is a push against a redistricting plan. Public meeting at the Ossining Public Library to discuss the problem of "library overlap" and how to solve it.

In Focus - 1/23/2012

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:03:42 GMT

Four Ossining H.S. seniors become semifinalists in Intel science talent competition; upgrades coming to Croton Dam; Democratic State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer announces she will not seek re-election.

In Focus - 1/16/2012

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:31:04 GMT

Ossining Board of Trustees post is filled, and the school board approves $41.5 million budget for vote. Candidates are chosen in Briarcliff caucus.

In Focus - 1/9/2012

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:07:30 GMT

Briarcliff Manor caucus scheduled for January 11. Ossining school board decision on referendum also scheduled for January 11. Possible winter farmers market in Croton.

In Focus - 1/2/2012

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:17:42 GMT

Swearings-in of new Ossining officials; Ossining town signs new contract with Teamsters; Ossining public schools floating capital bond referendum.

In Focus - 12/26/2011

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 21:32:26 GMT

A group home in Ossining may be joined by another right next door. Ossining schools regrouping to go for smaller referendum for critical work. Bethel Homes celebrates centennial.

In Focus - 12/19/2011

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:21:12 GMT

Remembering Tom Cambariere, former Ossining mayor, and Stan Carney, longtime custodian at Park School; State Education Commissioner congratulates Ossining High School for two exemplary programs.

In Focus - 12/12/2011

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:32:55 GMT

Ossining's new budget raises tax rate by 4.23%. Energy savings realized by Northern Westchester Energy Action Coalition member towns. Briarcliff schools ad hoc facilities committee had it's first meeting. Croton's new village historian.

In Focus - 12/5/2011

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 21:52:20 GMT

Briarcliff schools facilities committee expected to discuss contaminated soil remediation this Thursday; new teachers' agreement in Briarcliff; site inspection at Chilmark Shopping Center this Saturday.

In Focus - 11/28/2011

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:15:04 GMT

Options for cleaning up the Briarcliff school practice fields; OVAC to provide an E.M.T. to Croton E.M.S.; Baker-Collyer Cheer Fund seeks donations.