MOUNT KISCO, N.Y. - As we get set to turn the calendar to another year, The Mt. Kisco-Bedford Times takes one last look back at some of the biggest stories from the past year.
'No Kings' Protest
In October, Mount Kisco became a hub for civic engagement as residents joined the nationwide “No Kings Day of Action” to protest President Trump's administration and perceived government overreach. Demonstrators lined roads with homemade signs, sang patriotic songs, and waved American flags, maintaining a peaceful atmosphere despite occasional opposing views. The rally highlighted the community’s commitment to activism and public expression.
Berisha Goes Out On Top
Fox Lane senior Alex Berisha capped an outstanding wrestling career by winning the 2025 New York State boys’ wrestling title at 215 pounds, becoming the school’s first state champion since 2011. After a hard-fought overtime victory in Albany, Berisha celebrated a season that included Section 1, Eastern States, Shoreline, and Westchester County titles, cementing his legacy as one of Fox Lane’s all-time greats.
Shofar, So Good
In September, more than 200 people gathered for Shofar in the Park, Chabad of Bedford’s Rosh Hashanah Tashlich service—an event nearly derailed after the village initially denied a permit over concerns about holding religious events in Mount Kisco’s Leonard Park. Following public pushback and legal intervention, officials reversed course, allowing the long-standing tradition to continue. The service drew a far larger crowd than usual, with shofar blasts, prayers, honey cake, and a spontaneous dance circle, which Rabbi Arik Wolf called a powerful display of community solidarity and unity.
Kellogg Retires
After 28 years of service, longtime Deputy Town Clerk Nina Kellogg retired this fall, closing out a career that spanned nearly three decades and two generations of her family’s service to Bedford. Widely praised for her institutional knowledge and steady presence, Kellogg was called “the very foundation” of the clerk’s office by Town Clerk Alexandra Whalen. Her departure follows last year’s retirement of former clerk Lisbeth “Boo” Fumagalli, whom Kellogg once mentored, marking a significant transition for the town’s vital records hub.
Near Drowning at Health Club
The Genesis-Saw Mill Club outdoor pool reopened this summer after a near-drowning incident involving a five-year-old camper prompted a county inspection. The Mount Kisco club was cited for lapses in supervision and safety protocols, but swift action by staff, particularly instructor Valerie Kaplan, helped rescue the child. Since then, the club has upgraded lifeguard training, added staff, and implemented enhanced safety measures, ensuring compliance with health regulations and a safer pool environment.
Collins Sentenced to 19 Years
A long-running criminal and civil case concluded this year with Bedford Hills resident James Collins Jr., former owner of “Jimmy’s” bar in Katonah, sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for attempting to entice minors. Collins, a former local coach and camp coordinator, had been accused of abusing children over several decades, with related civil cases involving Mount Kisco institutions settled earlier in 2025. Authorities and victims hailed the outcome as long-awaited justice and a safeguard against future abuse.
Board of Ed Election
In May, a crowded field vied for four open seats on the Bedford Central School District Board of Education. Gilian Klein, Blakeley Lowry, Prasad Krishnan, and Leo Sposato were elected, besting opponents Eric Florio, Robert Mazurek, and Amal Shady. Voters approved the 2025-26 budget of $160,905,500.
Dems Triumph in Mount Kisco
On Election Day, voters in Mount Kisco cast their ballots in favor of a shift on the Village Board as Deputy Mayor Theresa Flora and Trustee Angie Garcia-Guerra, who ran on both the Republican and the VIP lines, were ousted by Democratic challengers Heather Bryant and Tammy Brown.
Mayor J. Michael Cindrich, and Town Justice Anthony Markus were both re-elected after running unopposed.
Democrats Re-elected in Pound Ridge
In the race for Pound Ridge Town Board, incumbent councilpersons Diane Briggs and Daniel Paschkes, both Democrats, were re-elected on Nov. 4, besting challengers Peter Avellino and Ronald Asaro of the Pound Ridge Party. Democratic Town Supervisor Kevin Hansan also turned away the challenge of the Pound Ridge Party's John McCown.
Neighbors Link Arrives
Neighbors Link celebrated the opening of its new 8,000-square-foot headquarters in Mount Kisco this October, marking a major milestone for the nonprofit after nearly 20 years in a smaller space. The center offers expanded resources for immigrant families, including workforce development, legal assistance, and educational programs, while fostering community connection and inclusion. Supported by donors and state funding, the move reflects the organization’s mission of compassion, resilience, and strengthening Westchester’s immigrant community.
Bike and Scooter Ban
In September, Mount Kisco strengthened pedestrian safety by passing a law banning motorized bicycles and scooters—and non-motorized bikes for anyone over 18—from sidewalks. Exemptions include electric mobility devices for disabled users, who must follow safety rules while riding. The Village Board debated the measure’s impact, with discussions also exploring the possibility of adding bike lanes on busy streets like North Bedford Road and Lexington Avenue, though officials noted challenges in implementation and potential effects on parking and local businesses.
Open Meetings Lawsuit Dismissed
Pound Ridge resident John Nathan’s lawsuit alleging that town officials violated the Open Meetings Law over cannabis dispensary discussions was dismissed by a Westchester judge in June. The court ruled the town had provided sufficient notice and that the statute of limitations had expired. Nathan has appealed the ruling. The case highlighted ongoing debates over transparency, cannabis regulation, and local government accountability.
Library Proposition Passes
In November, Bedford voters overwhelmingly passed a proposition to increase funding to three town libraries. The measure approved a $2,628,845 annual town contribution to be shared for library operations in Bedford, Bedford Hills, and Katonah.
In the rest of the town’s uncontested races, Supervisor Ellen Calves, Town Clerk Allie Whalen, Town Justice Jodi Kimmell, and Town Board candidates Stephanie McCaine and Midge Iorio were all elected to new terms.
Jennings Honored
Mount Kisco honored the legacy of Wilfred “Mr. J” Jennings this year with the dedication of a memorial garden celebrating his decades of mentorship at the Boys & Girls Club. Known for his compassion and guidance, Jennings positively impacted hundreds of children in the 1960s and ’70s, transcending racial barriers. The garden, complete with flowers, plaques, and a stream, serves as a peaceful space to reflect on his enduring influence and the community values he embodied.
BESS Bans
Mount Kisco, Bedford, and Pound Ridge all took stands on large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) amid safety and zoning concerns this year. Mount Kisco, citing fire risks and lack of space for appropriate sites, moved to effectively ban the facilities by changing its local code to state that BESS weren’t considered public utilities. Bedford extended its six-month moratorium for the third time while drafting regulations to manage commercial BESS installations over 80 kWh. Pound Ridge also paused approval for commercial and utility-scale BESS to give it time to update zoning regulations, address environmental and safety concerns, and ensure proper first responder training. In September, it extended that moratorium for another six months. Bedford and Pound Ridge continue to allow small-scale residential battery systems such as those paired with solar panels. Mount Kisco, however, voted in August to prohibit battery systems of any size.
Mount Kisco Sesquicentennial
Mount Kisco celebrated its 150th anniversary in June with a lively weekend of parades, performances, food festivals, and community activities. Highlights included the dedication of the Will Jennings Garden, a grand parade with floats, bands, and vintage cars, and events at Leonard Park featuring games, music, and a pool party. Local groups and nonprofits, from the Mount Kisco Historical to Neighbor’s Link to the Boys & Girls Club, participated, making it a festive celebration of the village’s history and community spirit.
Carol Reif, Tom Bartley, Ray Gallagher, and Tom Walogorsky contributed to this report.
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