Peekskill-Cortlandt, NY|News|
CORRECTION: Peekskill Meeting, Memorial Lights Lit, Christmas Dinner and Polar Plunge
Five things you should know for today, Dec. 24.

Rasheed Oluwa
Local Editor: WhitePlains.Patch.com
Email:Rasheed.Oluwa@patch.com Phone: 914-217-6135
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/PeekskillPatch
Bio: My name is Rasheed Oluwa and I'm a contributor for Patch. I am a New York City native who moved into the mid-Hudson Valley about 20 years ago. I'm the oldest of seven children
I have 10 years of experience as a reporter and I have written on a wide range of topics ranging from crime and politics to education and the environment.
I am an avid N.Y. Mets fan, which means I don't usually watch a lot of baseball when September rolls around. I also root for the N.Y. Giants and the N.Y. Knicks.
I began working for Patch in May 2010 and I look forward to hearing and writing about the concerns of the residents in this community.
Your Beliefs
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This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
* How would you describe your political beliefs? Social libertarian.
* Are you registered with a certain party? No. I'm still open.
Local Hot Button Issues
* What do you think are the most important issues facing the community? I believe taxes are one of the biggest issues facing communities across the country. Our state and local representatives must come together to develop a taxing mechanism that is fair and doesn't place undo burden on property owners.
Five things you should know for today, Dec. 24.

John P. Hunt was given the Rosemarie Siragusa Award last week for for his contributions serving local youth and their families.
Here is a list of homes in the Peekskill/Cortlandt area that were recently purchased.
The Hendrick Hudson cheerleading team for won foruth place in the American School Spirit Award competition.
The vigil begins 7:30 p.m. at the Riverfront Green Park in Peekskill.
A look at some of the new homes that have been constructed in the Peekskill/Cortlandt area.
The county executive's office released estimated changes in the county tax levy by community Friday. Peekskill's contribution to the county budget will be 2.63 percent less in 2013, while Cortlandt's contribution will be 1.6 percent more.
Peekskill officials review bids; businesses seek input in the process.
John Stevenson was charged with felony driving while intoxicated after he crashed his tow truck into five parked vehicles on Main Street in Peekskill last weekend.
A roundup of events this weekend in the Peekskill/Cortlandt area.
Deb Milone, executive director of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce, sent a letter expressing disappointment that the Chamber wasn't included on the review committee for the new operator of the Paramount theater in Peekskill.
Peekskill officials announced three bids have come in for operation of the Paramount Center for the Arts. Deb Milone, director of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce, believes the chamber should be part of the review process.
Peekskill Mayor Mary Foster signs letter, pleads with White House to help curb mass shootings.
Five things you should know for today, Dec. 20.
The grants are part of a $98.2 million funding pool that will be used for 84 projects in the Mid-Hudson.
The following is the Cortlandt police blotter from the Westchester County Police Department submitted for the period of Dec. 12-16.
An 88-year-old Peekskill man who accidentally fired a shot from his rifle into his neighbor's apartment Monday will not be charged, according to police.
Maria Pereira, assistant court clerk for the Town of Cortlandt, was named the town's employee for this quarter.
Five things you should know for today, Dec. 19.
The district has stepped up efforts to monitor its buildings following last week's tragedy in Newtown, Conn.