The Week’s Roundup: A Quiet Start

We are less than a week old, as this writing. Barely four days ago, on Dec. 30, 2009, Bedford-Katonah Patch arrived on the local scene, joining a burgeoning constellation of Patch news Web sites in the area that bring hyperlocal news.

Roughly 48 hours later, witnessed another birth. This time, it wasn't an online publication, but a tot. Hilde Benguria and Ever Martinez, a Bedford Hills couple, welcomed Westchester County's first baby of 2010, at 1:06 a.m., on Jan. 1.

Whether or not it was on account of the frigid, gale-force winds that began their tour of our area on Dec. 31, New Year's Eve turned out to be a fairly sedate affair. There were no public revelries or conspicuous festive gatherings in sight.

Some of our week's editorial highlights are below:

In Government: The Planning Board green lighted a proposal to rezone Bedford Park, a plot located off Route 172, near the McLain Street intersection, to build a future condominium complex that would house 44 units. On another front, the town is considering selling 55 permits to The Canine Commons to out-of-towners.

In Business: The Richard Oliver House opened its doors in Katonah, after more than half a century of existence in Bedford Village.

In School: We brought to attention Katonah Lewisboro School District sports head Chris McCarthy's new fitness program that emphasizes fitness for everyone.

In Opinion: Kathleen Ryan O'Connor made a moving commentary on the Bedford Oak. Amy Baker gave us tips on some easy-to-make, time-friendly hors d'eouvres for the New Year's. (Which, by the way, can be made any time of the year).

A political tradition, the swearing-in ceremony of public officials was scheduled for New Year's Day. Around 12:00 p.m., town residents converged in the inner sanctum of the Town House to witness the inauguration of five town functionaries: Erik Jacobsen as Town Justice, Lisbeth "Boo" Fumagalli as Town Clerk, Lee V.A. Roberts as Town Supervisor, Peter Chryssos and Francis Corcoran as councilmen.

Until next week …