The National Weather Service is predicting 1-3 inches of snow during the daylight hours Saturday, mainly after 9 a.m. Snow is forecast to continue into Saturday night up to one inch more.

The NWS's Winter Weather Advisory says a few spots across the Hudson Valley and into eastern Connecticut could see up to 6 inches.

The high Saturday will be near 34 degrees, with a calm wind becoming northeast at 5 to 8 mph during the afternoon. The temperature will dip overnight to around 26. Winds from the northwest will be 5-10 mph.

Sunday is predicted to be mostly sunny, though breezy. The high will be near 34.

As of Friday morning, the weather service isn't forecasting any more precipitation through New Year's Day.

Forecasts can change, so check back with Patch for updates.

Enrichment and Fitness classes at Sarah Lawrence College. Dec. 30. All day. Enrich your mind and body at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville starting in January. Choose from cardio strength-training classes, Zumba, introductory French, and more. Check the school website for more information or call 914-395-2205. Sarah Lawrence College, 1 Mead Way, Bronxville. $75.

New Mommy Meet-Up. Jan. 2. 11:30 a.m. Mothers of newborns to 6-month-olds can find a new network of friends and a great excuse to get out of the house by joining the World Cup Nursery School and Kindergarten mommy group in Chappaqua on Wednesdays. No charge, but older siblings have a $10 fee to attend. Call Kim at 914-238-9267 x 20 to RSVP or email her at kim.bremer@worldcupschools.com. World Cup Nursery School and Kindergarten, 160 Hunts Ln,Chappaqua. FREE.

“CROSS-REFERENCES” - - AN EXHIBIT OF WORKS BY NATASHA RABIN. Dec. 30. All day. Catch Natasha Rabin's "Cross-References" exhibition at the Nyack Public Library before it closes Dec. 31. Rabin worked with librarians to ensure books referenced in her works, which include portraits and collages, are available to patrons. All works cross reference film, narrative works and other points of inspiration. www.natasharabin.com. Nyack Public Library, 59 S Broadway, Nyack. FREE.

New Years Eve Comedy/Dinner Fundraiser for Special Olympics at Emmett's Castle. Dec. 31. 5:30 p.m. Start the new year by giving back to a good cause. Attend the New Years Eve Comedy-Dinner Fundraiser for Special Olympics at Emmett's Castle hosted by New York City comic/emcee Doug Adler. Also performing is Regina DeCicco, who was named Lower Hud’s Funniest Person in 2011. If DeCicco's name sounds familiar, it's because her father is one of the partners in DeCicco's grocery chain. Reserve as soon as possible for one of two seatings at 5:30 and 9 p.m and enjoy a five-course dinner. Cost is $100 per person and includes a five-course dinner, comedy show and three-hour open bar, with ten dollars of each ticket going to the Special Olympics of New York. Emmett’s Castle's “Safe Ride” program will also be in operation, providing bus pick up and drop-off for surrounding area residents within an eight-mile radius. For reservations and for more information on the Safe Ride program, call 845-735-3504. Emmett’s Castle at Blue Hill is located at 285 Blue Hill Road in Pearl River.  For more information go to emmettscastle.com. Emmett's Castle at Blue Hill, 285 Blue Hill Rd, Pearl River. $100. 

GALA NEW YEAR'S DAY CONCERT. Jan. 1. 3 p.m. The Cortlandt Chamber Orchestra presents the New Year's Day Gala Concert featuring guest conductor Hillarie Moore and Strauss waltzes, marches, and light classical and American favorites. Holy Name of Mary Church, 110 Grand St, Croton on Hudson. FREE.

Harrison Council for the Arts Presents "Winter Grays" Paintings by Ruth O. Carlucci. Dec. 30. 9:30 a.m. The Harrison Council for the Arts presents “Winter Grays” paintings by Ruth O. Carlucci through Jan. 26. Attend an opening reception Jan. 5 from 2 to 4 p.m. Works are abstract, mixed media paintings. The exhibit may be viewed Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m. For info call 914-835-0324 or visit www.harrisonpl.org. 2 Bruce Ave, Harrison. FREE.

The National Weather Service predicts 2-4 inches of snow Dec. 29 and another 1-2 overnight.

Snowfall could be heavier across the Hudson Valley and into southwestern Connecticut, however. 

The NWS has issued a Winter Weather Advisory through 6 a.m. Dec. 30.

Whether you're happily settled in for the weekend or trying to get somewhere, take some photos and upload them here to Patch!

Should You Know Which Homes Have Guns? [POLL]

"Lost in the emotional outcry is that fact that the map published by the Journal News/Lohud.com does not identify gun owners. It only identifies handgun permit holders. Consequently it does not identify what guns are kept at any particular address, or how many. And since permits are not required for rifles or shotguns, the map provides no information about ownership of them at all. Naturally the map also doesn't show the names of people who own handguns without the required permits. So: want to know who in your neighborhood has guns in their house? The map won't help very much with that. I think gun permit info should be public, but I also understand the objection by some permit holders that the map is equivalent to having a scarlet letter painted on them when they've done nothing wrong and have complied with the law." -- Nick Richards

...

"What's good for the goose is good for the gander. How is it shameful to "publish" their information which is readily available." -- Jaques Strape

...

"This is an invaluable marketing tool for criminals. Now they know exactly which houses are safe to break into. I can't see why anyone who doesn't have a gun would want this information public." -- Steve Wilder

... and ...

"Terrible idea to publicly display law abiding people's addresses this way. What a breach of privacy! Even if names aren't used! They are not child molesters or sex offenders. Shame on the Journal News for scaremongering. The ultimate responsibility lies with parents. We have to ask when our children play somewhere if there are guns and how are they secured. A visit to your child's playmate's home for assurances is the best way to protect your child. Or your adult friends' homes too! And by the way, Having a pistol license does not mean a person actually owns a pistol. And a final thought, with the question about banning assault weapons, which I think is a great idea, let's not forget that when George Washington drafted the second amendment to include the right to bear arms for a well organized militia, that the guns of that day were muzzle loaded, black powder weapons.... Nothing like what's out there today. So, yes, we should all have the right to bear muzzle loaded, black powder guns.... And keep them locked away from kids too." -- pauline schneider

Finding Meaning, Solace, Help For Victims of Mass Violence

"Dear Liz and Stephen, it was wonderful to see your story told of taking tragedy and doing the only thing you can with it- make other lives better. Mary Cain" -- mary cain

Homeless Man Found Dead in Memorial Park

"I agree with Patricia, this is not an isolated tragedy. The SDA Church at the corner of Hudson and Broadway gives a hot lunch and groceries to many of Nyacks homeless every Tuesday. The village citizens must help the Mayor to secure a shelter, especially during the winter months." -- Richard Lugrezia

... and ...

"Yes, lets build a shelter, so that Nyack becomes a magnet for even more homeless, and other communities have a place to dump their homeless, If you build it, they will come, buy the scores." -- INTHEKNOW

Rye Officials Unanimously Support Pending Sustainable Playland Agreement

"Of course Rye likes it...Sustainable Playland is removing most of the rides and making it a more passive park and will reduce attendance and traffic." -- ArTDecoPlayLand

... and ...

"Sustainable Playland is anything but. It will destroy the character of the park by building a massive for-profit sports facility while removing enough rides to make the amusement park unsustainable. The fact is that if more people in Rye understood the impact of this plan, they would not support it." -- Summer

The second snowfall of the week blanketed the Hudson Valley on Saturday afternoon with accumulations forecast between one and six inches depending on where you live. 

Road crews manned plows and salt spreaders trying to keep the streets clear although many accidents were reported on local roadways. Some delays were also reported at local airports delaying holiday travellers again.

People could be seen brushing snow off their cars, shovelling their driveways and walkways, or just going about their normal business despite the snow.

Earlier this week, the Brooklyn Nets fired Head Coach Avery Johnson after a 14-14 start to their season.

Johnson was coach of the Nets a little more than two seasons. He took over a Nets team that went 12-70 in 2009-2010 and doubled its win total the following season. Last year, the Nets went 22-44 in the lockout-shortened season.

The Nets had high expectations coming into this season, their first playing in Brooklyn. They completely overhauled their roster, with only six players returning from last year and trading for six-time all-star Joe Johnson.

Things started off well for Avery Johnson and the Nets this year, as they opened the year 11-4 through November, earning Johnson coach of the month honors. Once December started, however, things turned around. The Nets went 3-10, leading to Johnson’s firing, even though at 14-14 the Nets still held a playoff spot.

NetsDaily reported that the firing had been in the works for the entire month, with Nets ownership disappointed with the team’s play. Johnson also had a shaky relationship with some of the players on the team, according to multiple reports. Most notably, star point guard Deron Williams told The New York Times earlier this month that he wasn’t comfortable in Avery Johnson’s system.

Since the firing, Williams defended himself to ESPN New York, saying he didn’t talk to General Manager Billy King about being unhappy or wanting Johnson fired.

So, with the team’s struggles this month, were the Nets right to fire Johnson despite having so many new players on the roster?

Senator Greg Ball (R-Westchester/Putnam) isn't thrilled.

When The Journal News published a map detailing licensed gun owners in the Lower Hudson Valley, Ball lashed out, railing against the cannon cartography.

"[They] place[d] a virtual scarlet letter on law abiding firearm owners throughout the region," Ball penned in his Patch blog. "This is clearly a violation of privacy, and needs to be corrected immediately."

In the comments, some readers lauded Ball's outrage -- while others defended the Journal News' map, and assailed Ball's retort.

On the same note, blogger Bruce Apar discusses the perception of bias in the media, and boils the gun map issue down to a more personal concept.

"It certainly is [biased]," Apar writes. "It's biased because every human being brings to the story his or her own set of biases."

In his religion-oriented blog, Rabbi Mark Sameth makes a bold statement: "There is no God."

But his assertion isn't atheistic -- instead, it leads into a meditation on gun violence. For further reading, click here.

__

If you're interested in blogging for Patch and sharing your story, insights, opinions or photos, email kevin@patch.com.

In this year's Deck the House contest, the second time was the charm.

Joseph Felix's home in Dallas, GA outshone the other 24 finalists to win the 2012 Deck the House contest and $100,000 for the Paulding County, GA school district.

After placing second in the nationwide voting in the 2011 contest, the Felix home received nearly 11,000 votes this year to finally win Deck the House.

The home, with 100,000 computer animated holiday lights choreographed to Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas is You," received about 300 more votes than a home in Coventry, R.I., which finished in second place.

Judging by the 80 comments on the Felixes' Deck the House submission, visiting the home has become a holiday tradition in Dallas, a suburb about 45 minutes outside Atlanta. Many people said they bring their children every year and that the Felixes’ hard work putting together their holiday lights display was worthy of national recognition.

The Felixes' holiday lights aren't just for show. According to their website, Joseph and his wife, Jenny, began using their holiday lights display in 2006 to raise money for Relay for Life, a national cancer charity, collecting $12,000 from 2006-2010. With their Deck the House win, the Felixes now have raised even more money for a worthwhile cause—$100,000 for their local schools.

Patch will present the Felixes with their $100,000 prize check during a local presentation in early 2013.

Big congrats to the Felix family for winning our 2012 Deck the House contest!

Local ice skating rinks offered a fun solution to cabin fever and residents traveled to Brewster, Elmsford, White Plains, Suffern and Pelham to lace 'em up and take a spin around the rink.

At Ebersole Ice Rink in White Plains on Sunday, parents held the hands of their children who took to the ice for the first time, holding the wall as they crept along, while more experienced skaters sped past, skating backwards or practicing spins.

Other parents chose to stay warm with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate while sitting near a fireplace, venturing out for a few seconds to wave or take picture of their children as they skated past.

Cops: Man Strikes Vehicle with Shopping Cart in Shrub Oak

Yorktown Police charged a Putnam Valley man with second-degree criminal mischief after the man allegedly struck a vehicle with a shopping cart and caused more than $1,500 in damage. The man, 64, turned himself into police. 

Woman Complains of 'Telepathic Harassment'

Tarrytown police responded to a report that a woman at the Warner Library claimed she was being telepathically harassed by another patron. The alleged harasser was sitting in another room and the woman claims he was sending her inappropriate messages. The alleged victim accused the same man of similar acts at a Walgreens about one month earlier. Police asked the man and a witness if he had any contact with the woman that day and both said no. At the request of the woman, the incident was noted on the blotter.  

Man Bashed with Pool Cue During Christmas Game

A Christmas Day party in Ossining went very wrong for a man who claims to have been bashed in the head with a pool cue. The victim claims he had an argument with another man playing pool when a third man struck him and then hit him with a pool ball. 

Community Creche is Target for Second Year in a Row

A statue of the infant Jesus that was part of a Pearl River community creche was vandalized with spray paint, according to Orangetown police. The incident marked the second year in a row that this particular creche was targeted. Last year, police caught two men stealing the baby Jesus statue. The spray painted Jesus figure was replaced.  

Police: Woman Forced to Fend off Dog

A 60-year-old Scarsdale woman was forced to fend off a violent, unleashed dog belonging to her neighbor while walking her own dog, according to police. The woman told police she had to kick the dog to protect herself and reported that similar incidents have happened in the past. 

Monsey Resident Arrested For Criminal Trespass & Criminal Possession Of Weapon

A Monsey man, 51, was arrested at a Rite Aid for trespassing and criminal possession of a weapon after being found in the employees only section of the store carrying a knife. 

Police: Men Tried to Sell Drugs to Off-Duty Cop

Two Port Chester men were arrested after attempting to sell cocaine to an undercover police officer. One man approached the officer and offered to sell the drugs, setting up a time and place to make the deal. At the time of the deal, that same man asked the officer to follow him to his car, where the drugs were stored and a second man was in the vehicle. Both men involved in the deal were arrested. 

Sleep Hollow Police: Man Swings Stick at Cars

A man swinging at stick at cars in Sleepy Hollow on Route 9 was reported, but police were unable to locate anyone doing such a thing. Also in Sleepy Hollow, a woman reported that someone kept ringing her doorbell and running away, but that she was too scared to open the door. Police discovered an intoxicated person at the wrong address and took the person to their home. 

Update:

Multiple media outlets are reporting that, according to Clinton's doctors, the clot was found in her head.

CBS and the AP report that the clot is "in the vein in the space between the brain and the skull behind the right ear."

Clinton did not suffer any neurological damage or a stroke, the media outlets reported, and that she is expected to fully recover.

Update:

The State Department has posted a statement on its website confirming Clinton's hospitalization. Below is a copy of it, with quotes added:

"In the course of a follow-up exam today, Secretary Clinton's doctors discovered a blood clot had formed, stemming from the concussion she sustained several weeks ago. She is being treated with anti-coagulants and is at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital so that they can monitor the medication over the next 48 hours.

"Her doctors will continue to assess her condition, including other issues associated with her concussion. They will determine if any further action is required."

Original Story:

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has been hospitalized due to a blood clot caused by a concussion that she sustained earlier this month, multiple media outlets reported.

Clinton, a Chappaqua resident, was admitted to New York-Presbyterian Hospital and is being treated with anti-coagulants, the Associated Press reported. According to the media reports, State Department Spokesman Philippe Reines said the clot was discovered on Sunday during a follow up medical exam following her concussion. The secretary will remain hospitalized for 48 hours, according to the AP.

Clinton suffered from the concussion earlier this month after fainting due dehydration from a stomach virus.

The crowd at the Westchester County Center got to witness an incredible individual performance amidst two tremendous team efforts as Ossining defeated Irvington 90-84 to win the 14th Annual Slam Dunk Tournament Sunday evening.

Despite the weather forcing the rescheduling of the final games to Sunday, a large crowd came out and saw Ossining's Saniya Chong score 51 points to lead her team past the Irvington Bulldogs in the tournament final.

Impressive numbers from Irvington's Lexi Martins (30 points) and Brittni Lai (27 points) couldn't stop Chong, who rained down three-pointers from all over the court and seemed almost unstoppable as she drove to the hoop through the Irvington defense, sometimes making the lay-up, other times dishing the ball to her teammates.

Chong also had several steals and was aided on defense by the strong play of Jalay Knowles, Madison Strippoli and Andra Espinoza-Hunter. 

The boy's final pitted Archbishop Stepinac against New Rochelle later in the evening.

Time to celebrate the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013. Here's 5 festive things for the week ahead:

Ring in the New Year at Noon, Monday, December 31, 10:30 a.m. New Roc City, 33 Lecount Pl., New Rochelle, NY. Families can enjoy the thrill of New Year’s Eve during the day at New Roc City’s New Years at noon event designed to mimic the Times Square countdown. Exciting guest emcee to host countdown at noon: Renowned radio personality, Jimmy Fink of 107.1 The Peak will emcee the event, providing music, trivia games and the count down at noon. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Countdown and Thrilling Balloon Release: Watch as balloons drop from all three levels of the atrium — covering New Roc’s entire entertainment complex at the stroke of noon. Countdown begins at 11:45 a.m.

White Plains Ball Drop, Fireworks and Music, Monday, December 31, 10 p.m. Main St, between Court St. and Renaissance Square, White Plains, NY. Come one, come all to downtown White Plains this New Year’s Eve! Mayor Thomas M. Roach today announced that the City of White Plains, in cooperation with the White Plains Business Improvement District, will ring in the New Year in a spectacular style on Main Street between Court Street and Renaissance Square. This free outdoor event will be held on Monday, December 31 and will feature: Celebration Entertainment DJ music from 10:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m., the entertainment continues with a musical performance beginning at 11:00 p.m. by “The Showtime Dance Band.” The excitement peaks with a fabulous crowd countdown, illuminated ball drop, and a midnight fireworks display by the Zambelli Company.

New Year’s Eve Safe Ride Home, Monday, December 31 & Tuesday, January 1, Heineken USA will sponsor the “New Year Safe Ride Program.” Look for the “New Year Safe Ride” stand on the corner of East Post Road and Mamaroneck Avenue from 11:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. A dedicated fleet of 30 cars provided by On Time Transport will be available to transport persons 21 years and older to residential locations in Westchester County.

New Year’s Day Celebration, St. Paul’s Church N.H.S., 897 S. Columbus Ave., Mount Vernon, NY. Tuesday, January 1, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Site will be open with hot cider and cookies to welcome the New Year. Also games and toys. Presentation on history of New Year’s Day at 1 p.m. Contact David Osborn, 914-667-4116 for more information.

Latin Jazz Guitars, St. Paul’s Church N.H.S., 897 S. Columbus Ave. Mount Vernon, NY Thursday, January 3, 7 p.m. Ricardo Gautreau Duo, Guitars, with Doug Munro, featuring Latin music, with originals and covers from Ellington to Santana. Contact David Osborn, 914-667-4116 for more information. 

Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers), chairman of the county board of legislators, will join the 2013 race for county executive, his campaign announced in an email Sunday night.

Jenkins, elected to the board over six years ago and its chairman since 2010, enters what is now a three-way race for the Democratic nomination. New Rochelle Mayor Noah Bramson and Bill Ryan, a seven-term legislator in White Plains, announced their candidacies earlier this month.

Jenkins will make his announcement at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in White Plains Wednesday at noon.

Bramson said his experience as mayor of a diverse community will enable him to lead the county with energy and innovation.

“It is time for a serious debate about our future, and I intend to offer a campaign of substance and ideas,” he said in his announcement.

Ryan released a statement following Jenkins email, saying it was important for the Democratic party to choose the "candidate who can win throughout the county,"Newsday reported.

Republican County Executive Rob Astorino has not announced his intentions to run for re-election next November, but he is expected to after the new year—lining up what could be a heated political contest between Jenkins and Astorino.

The two have sparred over the county budget in recent weeks, with the Yonkers Democrat calling the process a "circus" orchestrated by a "misguided" county executive.

The Hudson Valley had its fair share of weird crime in 2012: a man engaged in sexual activity with a dog, a vacuum was held hostage, and a woman claimed to be harassed telepathically. Tire and metal thefts were rampant, but no one expected a homeless Ossining man to sue rapper Eminem for allegedly stealing his idea for a commercial. Here is a collection of the best of our weekly column, Unusual Suspects, from the last year. Reports do not indicate a conviction. Enjoy!  

11. Actor Stephen Baldwin Arrested for Failing to Pay Income Taxes

Actor Stephen Baldwin was arrested in Rockland County for allegedly failing to pay New York State taxes for a three-year period, totaling $350,000, including penalties and interest. Baldwin is a resident of Upper Grandview.

10. Coast Guard Confirms Light Reflects on River

A man called Irvington police to report a "discoloration with a blue-ish hue in the middle of the river." After police confirmed the color was there, the Coast Guard was brought in and determined the discoloration was sunlight. 

9. Tarrytown Police: Vacuum Held Hostage

A disgruntled employee held a $1,200 vacuum hostage hoping to pressure his Tarrytown-based employer to pay him money he was allegedly owed. The business owner filed a complaint with police and asked not to press charges, but to have the vacuum returned. The employee returned the vacuum and police recommended he take the employer to court if he was really owed wages. 

8. Man Caught With Cheese

A 40-year-old man was caught with 17 packages of Kraft cheese in his backpack after walking out of Shop Rite in White Plains without paying for the products. The cheese was valued at $95.

7. Toddler Walks Quarter-Mile Alone

A diaper-clad toddler walked a quarter-mile alone before Carmel police stopped the boy from crossing a busy road. The boy was discovered in front of police headquarters when an ex-Cub scout visiting the station noticed him and pointed him out to his mother. Apparently, the boy was planning to visit his grandfather. The toddler was returned to his mother. 

6. Mating Turkey Vultures in Hastings-on-Hudson

A woman feared a possible gas leak in Hastings-on-Hudson after noticing turkey vultures in the area. In spite of not smelling gas, the woman believed the turkey vultures, who have an unusually keen sense of smell, had detected the leak and been attracted to the area. Officials told the woman that it was turkey vulture mating season and that's probably why they were in the area.  

5. Naked Man Emerges From Car

A man called Hastings police to report a black Lexus was parked on his property. When the man's mother went outside to confront the car's operator, a naked man emerged from the car and pushed her into the bushes. Police identified the car's owner and discovered his son had been driving the vehicle that night. No charges were filed. 

4. House Painter Arrested After Hiding In Client's Closet

A Scarsdale resident called police after seeing someone hiding in a third-floor closet of the resident's home. An Elmsford house painter revealed himself to police after they searched the floor. Police also discovered the basement windows had been concealed with cardboard and various items belonging to the painter were found in the basement area, including "the defendant's lunch box, sneakers, T-shirt, silicone vagina-style sex toy... and a dark stain that was left on the carpet," according to the police report.

3. Homeless Ossining Man Sues Eminem

A homeless Ossining man was reportedly set to sue hip-hop artist Eminem for $9 million, reports AllHipHop.com. The man claimed Eminem used an idea he gave him during a phone conversation for what would eventually become a Super Bown commercial. The man claims he gave the idea to Eminem while at White Plain's Legal Seafood restaurant with pop star Christina Aguilera, who put him on the phone with the rapper. 

2. Bestiality in Rye?

Kujtim Nicaj was arrested for burglary and later pleaded guilty to engaging in acts of bestiality with a dog in the apartment he burglarized. Nicaj was employed as a superintendent at the Rye Colony Apartments, where the incidents took place.

1. Woman Complains of 'Telepathic Harassment'

A woman at Tarrytown's Warner Library told police she was being telepathically harassed by a man in another room of the library. Police questioned the man and a witness who both claimed the man had no contact with the woman. According to the woman, the man had done something similar at a Walgreens about one month earlier.   

For further reading:

Pleasantville Woman, 22, Killed in Hit-and-Run

Escapades on Ice [PHOTOS]

Reports: Hillary Clinton Hospitalized Due to Blood Clot

With thousands of people ready to visit White Plains tonight during their New Year's Eve celebrations, a program is ready to help those who need a safe ride home after drinking.

The "New Year. Safe Ride." program will be available for anyone 21 and older who is in need of a sober ride home on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Heineken USA is sponsoring the program, which will offer rides to anyone in need from 11 p.m. on New Year's Eve to 3 a.m. New Year's Day. Pick-ups will be made at the intersection of E Post Rd. and Mamaroneck Ave.

As many as 20,000 people are expected to visit downtown White Plains on New Year's Eve. A fleet of between 20 and 30 vehicles will transport people from White Plains to anywhere in Westchester County. This is the ninth time Heineken USA, which is located in White Plains, has sponsored the program.

“The safe ride program allows us to commit to and to promote responsible consumption," said Stacey Tank, senior vice president and chief of corporate relations for the company, "to make it easier for consumers to make smart choices when they are getting home on New Year’s Eve.”

This year's celebration will begin with live music at 10 p.m. in downtown White Plains. There are also plans for a fireworks display and ball drop. As many as 2,000 people have used the safe ride program in the past. Kevin Nunn, executive director of the White Plains business improvement district, said offering safe rides has become a critical part of the city's New Year's celebration, which generates hundreds of thousands of dollars for downtown businesses.

Among those who helped kick-off the program was Carole Sears, president of the Westchester branch of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Sears' husband Andy was killed by a drunk driver in November 2002, and she stressed the importance of making a plan to safely arrive home before celebrating with alcohol.

“We are here because today because the week’s prior to New Years Day include some of the most dangerous days for drunk driving deaths," Sears said. “In fact, New Years Day is the most dangerous day of the year.”

To the editor:

The debate on how to avoid a recurrence of the tragedy at the Sandy Hook Elementary School has been sullied by The Journal News’ abominable act of publishing the names and addresses of law-abiding citizens in Rockland and Westchester Counties that hold gun permits. 

The publication of the information suggests that permit holders are a danger to the community. The Journal News has responded to the flurry of criticism following this publication that “people are concerned about who owns guns in their neighborhoods.” 

Frankly, the only individuals with firearms that I am concerned about are the people that do NOT appear on the database.   

Licensed permit holders are community residents that have passed rigorous police background checks. They have been trained in the proper and safe use, and storage, of firearms.   

Many of them, myself included, are active in promoting safety and security in their communities. The reckless decision of this newspaper has only resulted endangering these law-abiding community residents by making them targets for would-be gun thieves. Additionally, it has added to the hysteria and anger left in the wake of the Newtown tragedy. 

As such, The Journal News has failed the community that it claims to serve. 

There are no easy answers to preventing another Sandy Hook. Society must deal with a number of things. Perhaps first and foremost, people must realize that sociopaths will use any means to achieve their ends.  Had the firearms not been available, Adam Lanza could have easily concocted explosives made with household items. The Internet is replete with recipes for bombs made from products that may be found under the sink! 

Secondly, society must realize that we are living in a very dangerous age. As a result of the deadly attacks on innocent people by sociopaths and deranged individuals (Lanza, James Holmes in Pennsylvania), as well as by terrorists (Beslan, Russia), we really need to develop a new operations paradigm for schools.

The new paradigm should include armed security personnel in schools and emergency drills that prepare students and staff for active shooter and make-shift bomb attacks. 

Additionally, I believe that we need to have specially certified teachers and administrators embedded in each school that have passed rigorous psychological tests and training in crisis management, firearms use, and defensive tactics. These education professionals need to have access to firearms or other devices during an attack that will allow them to protect the children and themselves pending the arrival of police and SWAT members.

While the issue of teachers utilizing firearms in schools is a controversial one, there are precedents in place. The state of Utah and the Harold Independent School District in Texas allow teachers with permits to carry concealed arms. The Arizona Attorney General introduced a proposal this week that would allow a school principal or designated staff member to have access to a secured firearm on school grounds and to receive training on firearm use and emergency management. 

American society must acknowledge that the world has changed significantly in the last 15 years. We must adapt our schools and policies to deal with the new realities if we are to protect our children and ourselves.

—Anne Putko, Piermont 

--

Putko is a graduate of the Rockland County Citizen's Police Academy and a member of the FBI's InfraGard organization. 

A Colonial at 37 Upland Avenue in White Plains—built in 1929—is asking just over a half-million.

Listed at $540,000, the home features three bedrooms and three bathrooms.

For more photos, click here.

Information provided by AOL Real Estate.

From the SPCA of Westchester:

This gorgeous corgi/border collie mix is as sweet as they come!

Banjo was rescued from a high-kill shelter recently and would love a second chance.

He is great with everyone he meets and loves kids and most other dogs.

Banjo loves to just get pet and have everyone rub his belly.

He isn’t overly energetic and really is in his glory when he is surrounded by people giving him love and attention! 

See here for more information about the SPCA of Westchester or call 914-941-2896 ext. 22.