<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>

<p>Historic Hudson Valley is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated spring tour season will begin on Friday, May 3, with tours of Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate, Philipsburg Manor, Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, and Union Church of Pocantico Hills, all National Historic Landmarks. On Saturday, May 25, the return of The Pinkster Festival will add to a full spring lineup of activities.</p><p>A new tour experience at Philipsburg Manor allows visitors to explore this former provisioning plantation at their own pace. Visitors can step into the working gristmill, walk through the manor house with period artifacts, and learn about the 23 enslaved individuals of African descent who lived and labored on the plantation. Museum guides throughout the site provide information and answer questions as visitors explore the grounds. At Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, visitors tour the author’s cottage and the bucolic grounds, which were designed by Irving himself, and learn about America’s Founding Father of Literature. Picnic tables are available at both sites and light snacks, as well as souvenirs and local finds, are available to purchase in the museum shops. Visitors to Union Church of Pocantico Hills view spectacular stained-glass windows by European masters, including the last commissioned work by Henri Matisse and nine windows by Marc Chagall, and learn the inspiration behind each one.</p><p>At Kykuit, the estate’s modern and classical art collection, architecture, and expansive gardens make it one of the top-rated cultural attractions in the lower Hudson Valley. Visitors to Kykuit learn the story of the Rockefellers, beginning with John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil, whose business acumen made him the richest man in America in his day. He later became the country's first significant philanthropist and by his death in 1937, he had given away more than half his fortune through various philanthropic programs.</p><p>Kykuit visitors can choose from three tours: Classic, Grand, and Selected Highlights.</p><p>&nbsp;The Pinkster Festival, New York’s oldest African American holiday, will be celebrated on May 25 at Philipsburg Manor with a day filled with art, poetry, live music, dance, and storytelling. Visitors will hear spoken word performances, dance to the beat of African kora and djembe, listen to African folk tales, and try hands-on crafts such as making flower crowns and mini drums. The Pinkster Festival is supported by Insperity.</p><p>&nbsp;Capacity is limited for all the historic site tours and events, and visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance at&nbsp;<a href="http://hudsonvalley.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">hudsonvalley.org</a>. Same-day admission prices are subject to a $2 surcharge.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>DETAILS: PHILIPSBURG MANOR</strong></p><p>In 1750, Philipsburg Manor was home to 23 enslaved individuals known to have lived and labored there. It is the country’s first living history museum to focus on the history of northern slavery.</p><p>The site will be open Friday-Sunday: May 3 – Sep 30, Nov 8 – Dec 1; Wednesday-Monday: Oct 2 – Nov 3; and Saturday-Sunday: Dec 7 – Dec 22, plus Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day, and Veteran’s Day. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and young adults, and $13 for children. Tickets are free for Historic Hudson Valley members.</p><p>Philipsburg Manor is at 381 North Broadway (Route 9) in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., two miles north of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>DETAILS: WASHINGTON IRVING’S SUNNYSIDE</strong></p><p>America’s “Founding Father of Literature” created a romantic, picturesque estate nestled along the Hudson riverbank. The house and the furnishings, many of which are original to Irving, have been restored to their 1850s character.</p><p>The site will be open for guided tours Friday-Sunday: May 3 – Sep 30, Nov 8 – Dec 1; Wednesday-Monday: Oct 2 – Nov 3; Saturday-Sunday: Dec 7 – Dec 22, plus Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day, and Veteran’s Day. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and young adults, and $13 for children. Tours are free for Historic Hudson Valley members.</p><p>Washington Irving’s Sunnyside is at 3 W Sunnyside Lane, Irvington, one mile south of the Tappan Zee Bridge.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>DETAILS: UNION CHURCH OF POCANTICO HILLS</strong></p><p>Union Church was organized as a non-denominational Protestant church in 1915, with John D. Rockefeller among the founders. Over the years, the Rockefeller family commissioned stained-glass windows by European masters Henri Matisse and Marc Chagall to adorn the unassuming country church</p><p>.The site will be open for tours Wednesday-Sunday, May 3-Dec 22, plus Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day, and Veteran’s Day. Tickets are $10. Tours are free for Historic Hudson Valley members.</p><p>Union Church of Pocantico Hills is at 555 Bedford Road, Tarrytown.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>DETAILS: KYKUIT, THE ROCKEFELLER ESTATE (Pictured)</strong></p><p>Built between 1906 and 1913, Kykuit was home to four generations of the Rockefeller family, beginning with John D. Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil. Later, his grandson Nelson Rockefeller, the former governor of New York and vice president of the United States, lived there with his family.</p><p>The site will be open for guided tours Friday-Sunday: May 3 – Sep 30, Nov 8 – Nov 10; Wednesday-Monday: Oct 2 – Nov 3, plus Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day/Indigenous People’s Day.</p><p>Kykuit, a historic site of the National Trust, is operated and maintained by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund as a center for its philanthropic programs. Historic Hudson Valley operates the public visitation program.</p><p>All visits to Kykuit start at the Kykuit and Philipsburg Manor Visitor Center, located at 381 North Broadway (Route 9) in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y. Tickets start at $25 for adults, $23 for seniors, and $20 for youth (10-17) young adults (18-25). Westchester County residents receive a $5 discount on the adult ticket price for the Selected Highlights tour. National Trust for Historic Preservation members receive a 50% discount on all tours and Historic Hudson Valley members receive a 15% discount.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>DETAILS: THE PINKSTER FESTIVAL</strong></p><p>&nbsp;Pinkster has been celebrated in New York since the 1700s and is the region’s oldest African American holiday. Visitors will be able to tour the historic site and take in live performances throughout the day. Featured performers include Malik Work, spoken word artist and founder of The Real Live Show, master kora player Yacouba Sissoko, DJ GoodWill, artist Nichole Washington, and storyteller April Armstrong.</p><p>&nbsp;Tickets are $14 for adults; $12 for young adults and seniors; and free for children under 17 and Historic Hudson Valley members.</p><p>The Pinkster Festival takes place at Philipsburg Manor, 381 North Broadway (Route 9) in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.</p><p>&nbsp;The Pinkster Festival is supported by Insperity.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>About Historic Hudson Valley</strong></p><p>&nbsp;Historic Hudson Valley, Westchester County’s largest cultural organization, educates and entertains more than 325,000 visitors a year through school programs, tours of National Historic Landmarks, and Halloween-themed experiences, which have earned a national reputation as among the best in the country.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>New York has 70,000 miles of rivers and streams, 4,000 lakes and ponds, 2.4 million acres of wetlands and extensive aquifers. These abundant resources need our protection to remain clean. Human activities leave behind materials like pesticides, pet waste, trash and even loose soil that can wash into our waters and pollute them. Even where you don't see a stream or lake, streets, roadside ditches and underground storm sewers carry polluted runoff into the closest waterbody. The good news is that your positive actions can do much to protect New York's waters.</p><ul><li><strong>Return used motor oil for recycling</strong></li><li>Never pour oil onto the street or down a storm drain. It'll wash, untreated, into the nearest waterbody. Most New York service stations accept used oil. Some municipalities also collect used oil as part of a community household hazardous waste collection.</li><li><strong>Use a commercial car wash</strong></li><li>Or wash your car on the lawn to keep dirty, soapy water from flowing into storm drains and eventually into your local streams and lakes.</li><li><strong>Sweep sidewalks and driveways</strong></li><li>Hosing yard debris off hard surfaces just washes it into storm drains.&nbsp;<a href="https://dec.ny.gov/chemical/8799.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 77, 209); background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Compost yard waste</a>&nbsp;instead.</li><li><strong>Fight mud</strong></li><li>Cover areas of bare soil with mulch, or plant grass or ground covers to keep rain from washing soil into storm drains, ditches, streams and lakes. Fine soil particles, or sediment, can suffocate fish and destroy their habitat.</li><li><strong>Avoid using lawn fertilizers that contain phosphorus</strong></li><li>Test your lawn first to see if it needs phosphorus. Phosphorus that is not needed by turf grass is often carried by rain into nearby waterbodies where it can cause serious environmental problems. The new&nbsp;<a href="https://dec.ny.gov/chemical/67239.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 77, 209); background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Dishwasher Detergent and Nutrient Runoff Law</a>&nbsp;severely restricts or prohibits the use of phosphorus-containing lawn fertilizers.</li><li><strong>Leave an unmowed buffer next to streams and lakes</strong></li><li>A buffer strip filters the pollutants carried by storm runoff, stops erosion of banks and helps prevent flooding downstream. A buffer of native plants also benefits wildlife and beautifies your backyard.</li><li><strong>Flush responsibly</strong></li><li>Rather than flushing, dispose of cleansers, beauty products, medicine, auto fluids, paint, and lawn care products at a local household hazardous waste facility. Take pharmaceuticals to special collection locations.</li><li><strong>Use the trash, not the drain</strong></li><li>Dispose of excess fats and grease, diapers and personal hygiene products in the garbage can. These materials can clog pipes and cause raw sewage to overflow.</li><li><strong>Block the buzz</strong></li><li>Prevent mosquitoes from breeding by eliminating standing water in old tires and clogged gutters, or use dunks containing the larvacide Bti (a bacteria that targets mosquitoes). Empty and refill kiddie pools and pet water dishes at least once a week. When sitting outside, place multiple citronella candles close by. Protect infants and toddlers with light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and by draping netting over strollers. In spring, mount bat and purple martin houses to encourage these mosquito-eating machines. (Note: A chemical repellant such as DEET may be necessary where mosquito-borne diseases are likely.)</li></ul><h3>Volunteer at Local Watershed Association</h3><p>To find out if there is a watershed association in your town, see "<a href="http://cfpub.epa.gov/surf/locate/index.cfm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 77, 209); background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">Surf Your Watershed</a>".</p><p>Here are some of the ways you can become involved:</p><ul><li><strong>Join a Stream Team:</strong>&nbsp;To watch for sources of pollution, illegal dumping, bank erosion and to monitor the condition of the river.</li><li><strong>Participate in a River Clean-up Day:</strong>&nbsp;Watershed associations often need volunteers to help remove the debris that accumulates in the water and along the banks of rivers.</li><li><strong>Water Quality Monitoring:</strong>&nbsp;Information on flow rate, temperature and other variables is collected by volunteers. Individual water samples are taken and brought to labs to be analyzed. This vital information is used to track the overall health of the water bodies.</li></ul><p><strong>Contact for this Page</strong></p><p>DCEE, Bureau of Digital Services</p><p>625 Broadway</p><p>Albany,&nbsp;NY&nbsp;12233</p><p><strong>Phone:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="tel:518-402-8013" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 77, 209); background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">518-402-8013</a></p><p><a href="mailto:contact@dec.ny.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(21, 73, 115); background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">contact@dec.ny.gov</a></p><p><span class="ql-cursor"></span>(Photo from NY State Department of Environmental Conservation)</p>

<p>The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the Youth Turkey Hunting Season will take place on Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21, for junior hunters ages 12 to 15.&nbsp;The regular spring turkey season for all licensed turkey hunters opens May 1 in Upstate New York north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary and in Suffolk County on Long Island.</p><p>“Youth turkey hunting season provides an excellent opportunity for experienced adults to mentor young hunters to promote safe and ethical hunting practices, while enjoying time together outdoors and connecting with nature,”&nbsp;<strong>DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said.</strong>&nbsp;"As hunters take to the field this spring to enjoy the many&nbsp;turkey hunting opportunities throughout New York State, DEC reminds everyone to hunt safe and hunt smart by following the guidelines to support hunter safety."</p><p>To participate in the youth turkey hunt, both the junior hunter and their adult mentor must have a hunting license and turkey permit. Each youth hunter can harvest one bearded bird during the two-day hunt.&nbsp;For eligibility requirements and more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWJzY3JpYmVyX2lkIjoiNjA3ODk1NTgzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5fbGlua19pZCI6IjEwMCIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpkaWdlc3QiLCJsaW5rX2lkIjoiNDk1MDU5NTMwMCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTguOTM1NDc5ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2RlYy5ueS5nb3YvdGhpbmdzLXRvLWRvL2h1bnRpbmcvdHVya2V5L3lvdXRoLWh1bnQtZm9yLXdpbGQtdHVya2V5IiwiZW1haWwiOiJicmV3c3RlckBoYW1sZXRodWIuY29tIn0.JZhhQ-akRUmIJJu3-h7cUDb56ZGxlV_SgzfxMSxQ6Xw" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 87, 130);">DEC’s website</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>Overall, spring turkey harvest in New York averages approximately 16,000 to 18,000 birds but varies based on the number of participants and turkey productivity in the previous few springs. This spring, DEC expects improved turkey harvest compared to last year. Hunters prefer to take toms (two+ year-old birds), so typically there is a two-year lag between summer productivity and spring take. Overall, New York turkey populations are lower currently than in the early 2000s but are generally stable throughout the state.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Spring Turkey Harvest Data Dashboard</strong></p><p>In both the spring and fall, DEC uses extensive hunter surveys to reliably estimate turkey harvest.&nbsp;Data from these surveys help biologists understand trends in populations around the state and are used to help guide management.&nbsp;DEC recently released a new interactive online dashboard for the public to explore historic spring turkey harvest.&nbsp;The dashboard allows hunters to select Wildlife Management Unit aggregates near where they hunt or where they are considering hunting to understand trends in turkey harvest success.&nbsp;For more information or to explore the data, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWJzY3JpYmVyX2lkIjoiNjA3ODk1NTgzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5fbGlua19pZCI6IjEwMSIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpkaWdlc3QiLCJsaW5rX2lkIjoiNDk1MDU5NTMwMSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTguOTM1NDc5ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2RlYy5ueS5nb3YvdGhpbmdzLXRvLWRvL2h1bnRpbmcvdHVya2V5L3R1cmtleS1oYXJ2ZXN0LW1hbmFnZW1lbnQiLCJlbWFpbCI6ImJyZXdzdGVyQGhhbWxldGh1Yi5jb20ifQ.QO3ZjN9F0sOBAMMIp2QKsDi9dCKDIFTydYgCNtW1Ih4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 87, 130);">DEC’s website</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Other Important Details for the Spring Turkey Season, May 1-31, 2024</strong></p><ul><li>Hunting is permitted in most areas of the state, except for New York City and Nassau County.</li><li>Hunters must have a turkey hunting permit in addition to a hunting license.</li><li>Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day.</li><li>Hunters may take two bearded turkeys during the spring season, but only one bird per day and no more than one bird per season in Wildlife Management Unit 1C (Suffolk County).</li><li>Hunters may not use rifles or handguns firing a bullet. Hunters may hunt with a shotgun or handgun loaded with shot sizes no larger than No. 2 or smaller than No. 9, or with a bow or crossbow. Crossbows may not be used in Westchester or Suffolk counties.</li><li>Successful hunters must fill out the tag that comes with a turkey permit and immediately attach it to any turkey harvested.</li><li>Successful hunters must report harvests within seven days of taking a bird. Report harvests online at DEC's&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWJzY3JpYmVyX2lkIjoiNjA3ODk1NTgzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5fbGlua19pZCI6IjEwMiIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpkaWdlc3QiLCJsaW5rX2lkIjoiNDgyMjk1MTc0NiIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTguOTM1NDc5ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2RlYy5ueS5nb3YvdGhpbmdzLXRvLWRvL2h1bnRpbmcvcmVwb3J0LXlvdXItaGFydmVzdCIsImVtYWlsIjoiYnJld3N0ZXJAaGFtbGV0aHViLmNvbSJ9.Fr0rUsTYwwtE4gyK4WS0sJJGZaBji2b0l0huvh9aKCI" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 87, 130);">Game Harvest Reporting website</a>&nbsp;or call 1-866-426-3778 (1-866 GAMERPT).</li></ul><p>For more information about turkey hunting in New York, see the 2023-24 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWJzY3JpYmVyX2lkIjoiNjA3ODk1NTgzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5fbGlua19pZCI6IjEwMyIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpkaWdlc3QiLCJsaW5rX2lkIjoiNDk1MDU5NTMwMiIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTguOTM1NDc5ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2RlYy5ueS5nb3YvdGhpbmdzLXRvLWRvL2h1bnRpbmcvdHVya2V5IiwiZW1haWwiOiJicmV3c3RlckBoYW1sZXRodWIuY29tIn0.cDeAz9qDKvlH1iURBacqTCz7eAxyvfRXQmkAOfQYRdY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 87, 130);">Turkey Hunting</a>&nbsp;pages of DEC's website.</p><p><strong>Tips for a Successful and Safe Turkey Hunting Season</strong></p><ul><li>Don't stalk. More than half of turkey hunting injuries happen when a hunter stalks another.</li><li>Wear hunter orange when going in or out of the woods and when walking around.</li><li>When sitting still waiting for a turkey, put hunter orange on a nearby tree.</li><li>When calling, sit still with against a tree to break-up any silhouette.</li><li>Wrap any takes or decoys in hunter orange.</li><li>Never wear turkey colors – red, white, or blue.</li><li>Always assume any call or footsteps are from another hunter. Don't shoot until the whole turkey can be observed and its sex identified.</li><li>When encountering another hunter, speak clearly and don't move. Never wave or use a turkey call to alert another hunter.</li><li>Turkeys are tough, and 30 yards or less is the best distance for a clear head or neck shot. Do not try to shoot turkeys in the body or while they are flying.</li><li>Smaller shot, no. 4, 5, and 6, work better than larger shot, due to denser shot patterns.&nbsp;New shotshell technologies allow for shot sizes as small as 8 and 9 to be effective for turkeys.&nbsp;Do research and pattern shotguns to learn what works for each setup.</li></ul><p><strong>Buy Sporting Licenses Online</strong></p><p><a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWJzY3JpYmVyX2lkIjoiNjA3ODk1NTgzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5fbGlua19pZCI6IjEwNCIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpkaWdlc3QiLCJsaW5rX2lkIjoiMjc2Nzc4NzUyOCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTguOTM1NDc5ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2RlY2Fscy5lYXN0LmxpY2Vuc2luZy5hcHAvIiwiZW1haWwiOiJicmV3c3RlckBoYW1sZXRodWIuY29tIn0.ZFWtQuHat6lyyKOdZcIrYu6gal03_P0aM8NEfPFN-fE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 87, 130);">Sporting licenses may be purchased online at any time</a>, and anglers may use privileges immediately by simply carrying a DEC ID# with them while afield. Anglers, hunters, and trappers may also use the HuntFishNY mobile app to display an electronic copy of a license.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWJzY3JpYmVyX2lkIjoiNjA3ODk1NTgzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5fbGlua19pZCI6IjEwNSIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpkaWdlc3QiLCJsaW5rX2lkIjoiNDc3Njk1NDgyOSIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTguOTM1NDc5ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2RlYy5ueS5nb3YvZ2V0LWludm9sdmVkL2h1bnRmaXNobnktbW9iaWxlLWFwcCIsImVtYWlsIjoiYnJld3N0ZXJAaGFtbGV0aHViLmNvbSJ9.Dz3RRgjS6cCvmsyyhGo48yrMItHGXLAYL2QHCLTNCMg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 87, 130);">The HuntFishNY app is available for download</a>&nbsp;through the Apple App or Google Play stores. If purchasing any type of hunting license, permit or privilege online or over the phone, allow up to 14 business days to receive back tag, carcass tags, and license via mail.&nbsp;</p><p>Sporting licenses can also be purchased in-person at over 1,100 License Issuing Agents (LIAs) throughout the state. LIAs will print license and tags immediately upon purchase. To locate a LIA, use the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWJzY3JpYmVyX2lkIjoiNjA3ODk1NTgzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5fbGlua19pZCI6IjEwNiIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpkaWdlc3QiLCJsaW5rX2lkIjoiMjc2NzU5NzExNyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTguOTM1NDc5ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2RlY2Fscy5lYXN0LmxpY2Vuc2luZy5hcHAvdmVuZG9yX2xvY2F0aW9uX3NlYXJjaCIsImVtYWlsIjoiYnJld3N0ZXJAaGFtbGV0aHViLmNvbSJ9.PQSevnTVU_DIljQqhNfdHzcvb3xm3gFBaT2NxbiBSUI" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 87, 130);">Vendor Locations search tool</a>&nbsp;on the DEC’s sporting license sales website. For more information about sporting licenses, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWJzY3JpYmVyX2lkIjoiNjA3ODk1NTgzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5fbGlua19pZCI6IjEwNyIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpkaWdlc3QiLCJsaW5rX2lkIjoiNDQxMzY4NDA3NCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTguOTM1NDc5ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2RlYy5ueS5nb3YvIiwiZW1haWwiOiJicmV3c3RlckBoYW1sZXRodWIuY29tIn0.k8DmCSEpKno8DWfpZvMefNhEO06F_VERWvhhFVGCgFc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 87, 130);">DEC’s website</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier this year,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWJzY3JpYmVyX2lkIjoiNjA3ODk1NTgzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5fbGlua19pZCI6IjEwOCIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpkaWdlc3QiLCJsaW5rX2lkIjoiNDk1MDU5NTMwMyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTguOTM1NDc5ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2RlYy5ueS5nb3YvbmV3cy9wcmVzcy1yZWxlYXNlcy8yMDI0LzIvZGVjLWFubm91bmNlcy1jaGFuZ2VzLXRvLXNwb3J0aW5nLWxpY2Vuc2UtZnVsZmlsbG1lbnQtYmVnaW5uaW5nLWF1Zy0xIiwiZW1haWwiOiJicmV3c3RlckBoYW1sZXRodWIuY29tIn0.NvJv9MGf_KpKsZk1EHlrcO9hYyrhatrFKJE1gjdngG4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 87, 130);">DEC announced the transition to paper tags and sporting licenses</a>&nbsp;for the 2024-25 license year that begins Aug. 1, 2024.&nbsp;<strong>The change to plain paper does not apply to the spring 2024 turkey season; please allow ample time to receive your backtag and carcass tags if buying a license online or over the phone.</strong></p><p><strong>Citizen Science Opportunity: DEC Seeks Turkey Hunters for Ruffed Grouse Drumming Survey</strong></p><p>Turkey hunters can record the number of ruffed grouse heard drumming while afield to help DEC track the distribution and abundance of this game bird. To get a survey form, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWJzY3JpYmVyX2lkIjoiNjA3ODk1NTgzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5fbGlua19pZCI6IjExMCIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpkaWdlc3QiLCJsaW5rX2lkIjoiNDk1MDU5NTMwNCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTguOTM1NDc5ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2RlYy5ueS5nb3YvbmF0dXJlL2FuaW1hbHMtZmlzaC1wbGFudHMvYmlvZGl2ZXJzaXR5LXNwZWNpZXMtY29uc2VydmF0aW9uL2NpdGl6ZW4tc2NpZW5jZS9ydWZmZWQtZ3JvdXNlLWRydW1taW5nLXN1cnZleSIsImVtYWlsIjoiYnJld3N0ZXJAaGFtbGV0aHViLmNvbSJ9.xZbs1yoPrXlkWOviYSJIT-30D4K98W_cg5k1FWlBPPY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 87, 130);">DEC's website</a>&nbsp;or call (518) 402-8883. To participate in DEC's Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey or other wildlife surveys, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWJzY3JpYmVyX2lkIjoiNjA3ODk1NTgzIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5fbGlua19pZCI6IjExMCIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpkaWdlc3QiLCJsaW5rX2lkIjoiNDk1MDU5NTMwNCIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTguOTM1NDc5ODEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2RlYy5ueS5nb3YvbmF0dXJlL2FuaW1hbHMtZmlzaC1wbGFudHMvYmlvZGl2ZXJzaXR5LXNwZWNpZXMtY29uc2VydmF0aW9uL2NpdGl6ZW4tc2NpZW5jZS9ydWZmZWQtZ3JvdXNlLWRydW1taW5nLXN1cnZleSIsImVtYWlsIjoiYnJld3N0ZXJAaGFtbGV0aHViLmNvbSJ9.xZbs1yoPrXlkWOviYSJIT-30D4K98W_cg5k1FWlBPPY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(29, 87, 130);">Citizen Science page of DEC's website</a>.</p><p>(Photo from Pexels)</p>

<p><strong>Westchester Parks Foundation</strong>&nbsp;kicked off its largest volunteer event of the year today at Ridge Road Park in Hartsdale.&nbsp;</p><p>Started in the late 90’s,&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC5R-2BWpaXEhRsFlX-2Fg0JNsUwhupX0vLc-2Fdhrjpgka8Hw2QX6azCyUwP8SycgrE-2BJbuFGy6qyXUTWzl44wxqkWoZI-3DkQ-b_Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61q1gufQgi3uo3sO5-2BIoQsNjgf4iqXmt9uazDd1G1KzkN-2BFfEEtDmQ9DtcHiVLUzLek68fgmSKfHNYnfAO1s1l4d81M4Xs4MCHpqyfU8SpJFdsWu0jq6wkz-2FTPp-2FNNU7TWLO2AkeZAk2F3MrqV8R7toedas-2FykgUxhiti8MHDoS-2FukkylWhhHQbFsymnHjXOpEV0zORcc0eoSY9Lqb-2FpKFlWlGT0HAsJrb3qlJuaE-2Babpac2NAVhCEH5vEkdLwcDgX69lYuZl9z-2Fh6qdlFBw-2Fi12spXkb0kZwbi0hvO0gayY1A-3D-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><strong><em><u>Pitch in for Parks</u></em></strong></a>&nbsp;is the largest multi-day volunteer event that helps get parks ready for peak season.&nbsp;</p><p>The event runs five days through and culminates on Earth Day April 22.&nbsp;Park stewards will help with trash clean up, clearing trails and shorelines, restoring wildlife habitats, removing invasive vines from trees, painting, raking, and preparing and planting flower beds. Participating local businesses include returning Gold Sponsor, Triton International.</p><p>The annual event, held in partnership&nbsp;with the Westchester County Parks Department, will take place throughout Westchester County Parks.&nbsp;</p><p>Projects for volunteers, working as individuals, families, corporations, local businesses, or groups, will be held at Willsons Woods Park, Mount Vernon; Muscoot Farm, Katonah; Glen Island Park, New Rochelle; Tibbetts Brook Park, Yonkers; Bronx River Reservation at Westchester County Center, White Plains; and Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson, among others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hearing a lot about federal student loan forgiveness in the news? You’re not alone — scammers are, too. You might get a call from someone saying they’re affiliated with Federal Student Aid (FSA) or the Department of Education. (They’re not.) They’ll say they’re following up on your eligibility for a new loan forgiveness program, and might even know things about your loan, like the balance or your account number. They’ll try to rush you into acting by saying the program is available for a limited time. But this is all a scam. What else do you need to know to spot scams like this?</p><p><br></p><p>The only place to get help managing your federal student loans is&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 94, 162); background-color: transparent;">StudentAid.gov</a>. FSA (and your federal loan servicer) won’t ever pressure you to sign up for anything — but a scammer will.&nbsp;And sometimes, it’s easier to tell what’s real by learning to spot what’s not. To get you started:</p><ul><li><strong>Don’t rely on government seals or logos.&nbsp;</strong>Scammers use official-looking names, seals, and logos to make them seem more legit.</li><li><br></li><li><strong>Don’t buy promises of special access.</strong>&nbsp;There’s no special access to repayment plans or loan forgiveness programs. No one can get you into loan forgiveness programs you don’t qualify for or wipe out your loans. Use your FSA&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 94, 162); background-color: transparent;">account dashboard</a>&nbsp;to see which programs you might be eligible for.</li><li><strong>Never pay an upfront fee.</strong>&nbsp;It’s illegal for companies to charge you before they help you reduce or get rid of your student loan debt.<strong>&nbsp;</strong>And if you have to pay upfront, you might not get any help — or your money back. Get free help managing your federal loans at&nbsp;<a href="http://studentaid.gov/repay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 94, 162); background-color: transparent;">StudentAid.gov/repay</a>. If your loans are private, go straight to your loan servicer for help.</li><li><strong>Never share your FSA ID login information.</strong>&nbsp;Only scammers say they need it to help you. If a scammer gets your FSA ID, they could cut you off from your loan servicer — or even steal your identity.</li></ul><p>Check out FSA’s resources for&nbsp;<a href="https://studentaid.gov/resources/scams#beware-of-student-loan-debt-relief-companies" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 94, 162); background-color: transparent;">avoiding student loan scams</a>. And if you spot a student loan scam, tell the FTC at:&nbsp;<a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 94, 162); background-color: transparent;">ReportFraud.ftc.gov</a>.</p>