For Outstanding Volunteerism, the
Award Goes to Rosaleen O'Neill
The Rye Lions Club will honor Rosaleen Doyle O'Neill at its Fourth Annual Charter Dinner, Friday, Nov. 17, 6:30 p.m. at Coveleigh Club.

County Budget to Be Demystified
Westchester County Budget Director Kathleen Carrano will discuss the proposed 2007 County budget in an informational meeting Thursday, Nov. 29, 9:30 a.m. The meeting, co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters, will be held at the White Plains Public Library on Martine Avenue.

At the meeting, Ms. Carrano will explain how the fiscal decisions affect social services, environmental programs, housing, transportation and, of course, taxes. A question and answer period will follow the presentation.

And an Ever-Blooming Pear Tree

Residents were very surprised to see a pear tree at Manursing Island Club in bloom just before Halloween. When asked about the “mixed-up” tree, Don Peterkin of Evergreen Arborists said he has seen it happen to trees and bushes during the winter when there are a few warm days in a row. As for this pear tree, Peterkin says it was also confused by the weather, and the good news is that it will bloom again in the spring.

County Proposes Leaf Blower Ordinance

Regrettably, this new ordinance proposed by the County Executive Andy Spano will not lower the noise of leaf blowers. Nor, will landscapers lose their uncanny ability to start their engines just when you’d like some peace and quiet.

Rather, Spano is keen on reducing the air pollution caused by leaf blowers. Surprisingly, leaf blowers are as chemically noxious as they are noisy. Just one emits more pollution in a half hour than a car traveling 2,000 miles.

The proposed ordinance would apply to professional landscapers and gardeners. They would have to switch over to the new generation of leaf blowers that can meet stringent emissions levels. A transition period of two years would be allowed to soften the burden of buying new ones.

As for noise, Spano notes, that’s up to your local city council.