AN END OF YEAR NOTE FROM EVERYTHING CROTON

Dear Readers of Everything Croton:

As another year has come to a close, it's important to once again recognize those here in the village who seldom receive a thank-you...but should...

And especially in a year of rising crime, surging inflation,  and calls for "pandemic amnesty"........

Indeed for these special Croton residents, life has always been about more than lawn signs, marches and postcards---they choose very real everyday actions instead that have very real impact....

Here’s just a small sampling....and in no particular order:

1. Special thanks to all our veterans--and to those village residents who have recently chosen to serve their country...we recognize your sacrifice--and that of your families......(For more about Croton's Vets visit THE NEW EVERYTHING CROTON: VETERANS DAY, CROTON-ON-HUDSON, 2023, PAST & PRESENT)

2. Many thanks to Jo-Jo, Lyn, Don, Kim, and so many others for providing holiday packages to our soldiers serving overseas.

3. Many thanks to all the volunteers associated with the Croton Caring Committee---and to those volunteers who regularly collect for the Montrose VA Food Bank. Special note of thanks to the reactivated MIDNIGHT RUN MINSTRY AT HOLY NAME. 

4. Once again, village animal lovers helped pay for the spaying/neutering of several feral cats, found homes for numerous kittens, and re-united 2 lost pets with their families. Thank you!

5. The “Grand Street Gals” continue their impromptu “Clean up Croton” days, especially at the Duck Pond. Special thanks again for their unsung efforts.

6. A special round of thanks to everyone monitoring the Katz, Finkelstein and other local projects.

7. Many thanks to  all the unsung youth ministries at Croton's assorted houses of worship.

8. To our service organizations, a BIG EVERYTHING CROTON THANK YOU for all you do for the community and the world at large--your activities are too numerous to mention: the Croton Lions----Holy Name of Mary's Knights of Columbus----and the Croton Rotary Club.

And to our all-volunteer Croton Fire Department--and Croton EMS----we don't know what we'd do without you.

9. Special thanks to all of Croton's businesses who have often had to contend with far too much nonsense from the "never satisfied" crowd. They nevertheless continue to support our schools, sports programs and other local causes whenever possible---especially in this very difficult and challenging environment. Special note to Feed the Birds, and all the other businesses, for their wonderful Christmas decorations. (You may also enjoy the Top Ten business posts at the blog.)

10. Special thanks to all those we may have forgotten who volunteer without compensation for the greater good.

11. Special thanks as always to the keepers of the flame, the hard-working volunteers of THE CROTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

12. Special thanks to those who just say no to online trolling and community "conversation" that disparages their neighbors and local businesses.

13. Special thanks to those in the police profession. They have had a tough year that only got worse. Enough said.

14. Many thanks to Paul Steinberg, Joel Gingold, Tom Faranda, Jessica Dieckmann, MICHAEL BALTER (The Croton Chronicle) and other members of the "loyal opposition" for shining a hard light on assorted issues of the day-----and to all those who hold their village, town and school officials accountable. (You may also have an interest in THE NEW EVERYTHING CROTON: THE TOP TEN CURRENT CROTON EVENTS OF 2023)

15, Special note of thanks to Croton's houses of worship---from maintaining food banks to thrift shops to holding free community concerts, you are truly the backbone of the village.

16. A note of thanks to everyone who worked on the village anniversary celebration.

In short, thank you everyone for doing more than just complaining--and doing it selflessly! Happy New Year and best wishes for 2024.

Your editor at The New Everything Croton