Yonkers Insider: From New York State Senator Shelley Mayer, 37th District.

 

Dear Friends & Parents: Please join me on Thursday, October 1st for a presentation by the American Red Cross that teaches children (ages 7-12) about emergency preparedness. The Pillowcase Project Emergency Preparedness Program for Children Thursday, October 1, 2020 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM Click here to register. The presentation will also be livestreamed on my Facebook Page: Facebook.com/ShelleyMayerSD37 The Pillowcase Project is a free virtual emergency preparedness education class that teaches children (ages 7-12) about emergency preparedness. The project emerged during Hurricane Katrina, when many people who evacuated carried important items to shelters in their pillowcases. The program aims to educate children on specific disasters and empowering them to feel emotionally and physically prepared to deal with emergencies; reinforces personal preparedness by engaging children in a discussion about emergencies, teaching coping skills; and practices preparedness at school and home.  Kind regards,

Shelley B. Mayer State Senator 37th District

Yonkers Insider: Town of Greenburgh Report.

 

Public Hearing: Oct 14 at 7:30 PM Town to consider law similar to law in White Plains and Yonkers--motorists convicted of drag racing would have vehicles forfeitured. Watch video: digital sign on Central Ave advising motorists of proposed law...James Nolan talks to Town Board about his brother's death . He was a victim of drag racing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPLU617ltSY https://westchestermagazine.com/publications/remembering-michael-nolan/

Yonkers Insider: Fundraiser for Verris Shako, Democrat for Yonkers City Judge.

So Thankful for the support of these amazing men! Please join us for a Magnificent Night with Deputy County Executive Kenneth Jenkins, Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, Mayor Mike Spano, County Legislator Christopher A. Johnson, County Legislator David Tubiolo, County Legislator Jose Alvarado, City Council President Mike Khader, Councilman John Rubbo and County Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels at the Warburton Gallery!!

Yonkers Insider: ***NEWS RELEASE***: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO REAPPOINTS CITY ASSESSOR & APPOINTS NEWEST YONKERS BOARD OF EDUCATION TRUSTEE.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO REAPPOINTS CITY ASSESSOR DAVID JACKSON.

 Mayor Also Appoints Newest Yonkers Board of Education Trustee.

 

 

YONKERS, NY – September 30, 2020 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the reappointment of David B. Jackson as the City Assessor and his appointment of Gail Burns to the Yonkers Board of Education.

 

David Jackson was sworn in today as Assessor for another six-year term. Mayor Spano first appointed Jackson as City Assessor in 2013.

 

"Dave’s extensive experience in assessment administration allows us to continue to build on our efforts in providing Yonkers taxpayers with a fairer and more efficient assessment process,” said Mayor Spano. “I am confident he will continue to do a superb job for our city taxpayers.”

 

Prior his tenure with the City of Yonkers, Jackson served at the Westchester County Tax Commission, worked with the Norwalk, Connecticut Department of Finance, Washington D.C.’s  Department of Finance and Revenue and the City of New York’s Department of Finance. Jackson was the former President of the New York State Association of County Directors of Real Property Tax Services, a past Executive Board member of the International Association of Assessing Officers (IAAO), formerly Vice President of the Washington Metropolitan Area Chapter IAAO, Treasurer of the Metropolitan New York Chapter IAAO, President of the Fairfield County Connecticut Assessors Association and President of African American Property Valuation Professionals. Jackson is a graduate of St. John’s University where he obtained a B.S in Urban Health Management and an A.S in Business Administration and holds multiple assessment administration designations.

 

"I want to thank Mayor Spano for the opportunity and confidence in me to continue to build upon the work and the technology set in place in recent years to assist Yonkers taxpayers,” said David Jackson. “I look forward to another productive term here in Yonkers.”

 

Yonkers taxpayers can contact the Assessor’s office by sending email inquiries to CityAssessor@yonkersny.gov or sending exemption applications or inquiries to AssessmentSupport@yonkersny.gov.   Additionally, commercial property owners can now file income and expense forms or exclusion online and all taxpayers will be able to file formal assessment appeals online after reviewing their assessment on November 1.

 

Mayor Spano today also swore in Gail Burns as his newest appointee to the Yonkers Board of Education. As trustee of the Yonkers Board of Education, Burns joins a nine member Board, which is the official policy making body of the School District. Burns’ term is effective immediately, expiring in 2025.

 

Currently, Burns serves as the Executive Director of the Yonkers Parking Authority where she manages the operations and budget of the city’s parking lots, garages and parking meters. She also serves as the city’s liaison to the Mayor’s Disability Board. Previously, Burns served as the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services under Mayor Spano. Prior to this position, Burns served as served as Director of Constituent Relations for the New York State Senate where she supervised constituent relations and case management, assisting Yonkers residents with issues relating to education, housing and quality of life. A lifelong Yonkers resident, Burns attended Yonkers Public Schools and is a parent to a Yonkers Public Schools graduate.

 

“As we work toward providing our students with the best education possible, I am proud to appoint Gail Burns to the Board of Education as she brings unique perspectives as a parent, an alumna and active community member. Gail brings over 20 years of government experience to the Board and is aware of the issues and concerns of our Yonkers families, which she can effectively communicate to the Board,” said Mayor Spano.

 

Gail Burns commented, "I am honored to join the other members of the Board of Education in their commitment to promote a valuable and robust educational experience to all Yonkers students. I am thankful to Mayor Spano for his faith in me as we collectively strive for the very best for our Yonkers children.”

 

Rev. Steve Lopez, President, Board of Education stated, “The Trustees and I welcome Ms. Burns.  Having known Ms. Burns for many years, I am confident her vast community experience will be an asset to the Board’s work.  These are complex times for public education and requires significant input from the knowledgeable community members and our families.”

 

“Our Board of Education Trustees are a dynamic group of individuals with a deep commitment for quality education.  I look forward to working with and learning from Ms. Burns,” noted Dr. Edwin M. Quezada, Superintendent of Schools.

 

Yonkers Insider: MAP: Active/Total Westchester County Covid-19 Cases as of 9/30.

 

Yonkers Insider: SENATOR MAYER & WCA HOST NYSDOL PRESENTATION ON SHARED WORK PROGRAM TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, September 30, 2020

SENATOR SHELLEY MAYER & THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY ASSOCIATION (WCA) PARTNER WITH THE NYS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR TO HELP LOCAL BUSINESSES WEATHER THE CURRENT CRISIS. 



The NYS Department of Labor gave a presentation on the benefits of the Shared Work program which allows employees to stay on payroll & collect partial Unemployment Insurance benefits.

WESTCHESTER, NY — On Wednesday, September 30th, Senator Shelley B. Mayer and the Westchester County Association (WCA) co-hosted an event with the NYS Department of Labor about the Shared Work program to help small businesses and their employees weather the current crisis.

The Shared Work program helps employers weather difficult business cycles by keeping employees on the payroll while allowing staff members to receive partial Unemployment Insurance benefits when working reduced hours. Employees are paid for the hours they work, and they receive partial Unemployment Insurance benefits for the balance of reduced work hours. The Shared Work program is especially suited to help small businesses during the Coronavirus Pandemic by keeping trained employees on staff during temporary business downturns, which allows businesses to gear up quickly when conditions improve.

Attendees also heard from Westchester business owner Donna Hager, Founder & CEO of Macan Deve, who used the program, and how the program was a crucial part in keeping her business successfully operating throughout the crisis.

As of September of this year, there are 3,058 employers statewide with active Shared Work Plans and 262 of those employers are in the Hudson Valley Region.

Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “Small businesses need all of the help they can get to survive the current crisis. The Shared Work program offers a smart alternative to laying off valued employees who hold a wealth of knowledge about the business’ work and operations. I am pleased to partner with the Westchester County Association and the NYS Department of Labor to let local businesses know about this valuable and innovative program offered by the NYSDOL. Thank you to Michael Romita, President & CEO of the WCA, and the dedicated staff of the NYSDOL for working with me to help small businesses. Special thank you to NYSDOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon for working to expand outreach about this important program especially suited to help small businesses during this economically challenging time.”

NYS Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Many people think of the Shared Work program as an unemployment program, but we actually look at it as a crucial employment program that can help employers navigate the challenging economic times created by this Pandemic. This is a way for employers to prevent layoffs and retain their talented workforce by keeping New Yorkers employed during this public health crisis. Shared work will keep our workforce strong as we reignite our economy and build a better New York, and we encourage employers to take advantage of this vital program.”

Michael Romita, President & CEO of the Westchester County Association, said, “Hundreds of our regional businesses and nonprofits have used New York’s Shared Work program to manage short term downturns while helping their employees even before COVID-19. It’s a smart and responsible lifeline that is available right now. Thank you to Senator Mayer and the Department of Labor for sharing this information at a time when many businesses are experiencing a temporary decline in demand for goods and services. And thank you to Donna Hager at Macan Deve for sharing her experience.”

Donna Hager, Founder & CEO of Macan Deve, said, “The Shared Work program has been a huge help for us bridging a payroll gap. We were still working our way out of COVID-19 impacts when we exhausted our PPP funds. New York State’s program helped us keep critical staff, and without them at the firm today we could not deliver services to our clients. I am extremely grateful to our legislators, the NYSDOL, and the WCA for providing much needed leadership and solutions throughout this period.”

The Shared Work program benefits the employees by avoiding full layoff, retaining fringe benefits, receiving UI benefits in addition to pay from employer, and not needing to look for other work while in the Shared Work program.

As a smart alternative to layoffs, the Shared Work program helps small businesses by retaining valued employees who hold significant experience, having flexibility week-to-week as individual business climate adjusts, and being able to gear up quickly when conditions improve.

To learn more about the Shared Work program, visit: https://dol.ny.gov/shared-work-program-0 .

Employers can call 888-899-8810, email sharedworkinfo@labor.ny.gov, or visit: https://dol.ny.gov/shared-work-employer-eligibility-and-application.

Employees can call 518-485-6375 or visit: https://dol.ny.gov/how-file-claim-under-shared-work-program.

ABOUT SENATOR SHELLEY B. MAYER

Senator Mayer was elected to the New York State Senate to represent the 37th District in an April 2018 Special Election, and she was subsequently re-elected in November 2018. The 37th State Senate District includes the Cities of Yonkers, White Plains, Rye and New Rochelle; the Towns of Bedford, Eastchester, Harrison, North Castle, Mamaroneck, and Rye; the Villages of Bronxville, Larchmont, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Port Chester, Rye Brook, and Tuckahoe; and the unincorporated hamlets of Katonah, Bedford Hills, and Armonk. Click here to read more about Senator Mayer.

Yonkers Insider: Election 2020 Campaign Trail: New York State Senator Pete Harckham, 40th District.

 

With the election just 33 days away and early voting starting on Oct. 24, both pace and purpose for our campaign are picking up.

 

You can sense the momentum in the number of Letters to the Editor in support of my re-election to the State Senate that our friends and neighbors have written and were published recently.

 

From Yorktown Heights: “…environmental quality has been a priority for Pete Harckham.”

 

From Mount Kisco: “Responding to the COVID-19 crisis, Pete has held food drives all over the district and assisted individuals and small businesses.”

 

From Yorktown: “Sen. Harckham believes in community policing and understands that a strong relationship between law enforcement and the public fosters a safer environment for all of us.”

 

From Croton-on-Hudson: “Although a freshman lawmaker, Pete leapt right into the fray and has left his mark on a multitude of legislation that has greatly benefited us all.”

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Pete Harckham

 

Yonkers Insider: VIDEO: Latimer, Westchester County Tourism & Film Director Natasha Caputo and Historic Hudson Valley President Waddell W. Stillman Discuss “Westchester With Care” and the Hospitality Industry’s Changing Landscape.

 

VIDEO: County Executive George Latimer, Westchester County Tourism & Film Director Natasha Caputo and Historic Hudson Valley President Waddell W. Stillman Discuss “Westchester With Care” and the Hospitality Industry’s Changing Landscape on Facebook Live.

 

Westchester County Gears Up To Safely Celebrate Fall & Halloween Here in the Hudson Valley.

 

“Westchester With Care” Unites Businesses Countywide In A Pledge To Safeguard Residents And Visitors Returning To Work And Play.

 

Watch the full discussion: https://youtu.be/_CVHdyCJZyY

 

  

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – With COVID-19 restrictions beginning to ease, restaurants, shops, hotels and attractions throughout New York’s Westchester County are uniting to make residents and guests feel safe and secure as they once again venture into the community. Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Tourism & Film Director Natasha Caputo sat down – virtually – with Historic Hudson Valley (HHV) President Waddell W. Stillman as HHV’s famous Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze opens to the public once again.

 

Westchester With Care, an initiative of Westchester County Tourism & Film, is enlisting area businesses and nonprofits to help fight COVID-19 and safeguard the health and wellbeing of all who live, work and play in our beautiful destination just north of New York City. All participating organizations are required to take an online pledge at https://www.visitwestchesterny.com/westchesterwithcare to:

 

• Follow CDC and N.Y. State Department of Health guidelines for cleaning;
• Provide employees with training in health, safety and sanitizing best practices;
• Monitor employees for COVID-19 symptoms or exposure, and mandate they stay home if there is cause for concern;
• Use protective equipment, including face coverings;
• Encourage or require customers and visitors to comply with guidelines;
• Reduce capacity and maintain social distancing in accordance with government mandates;
• Complete the statewide N.Y. Forward reopening plan.

 

County Executive George Latimer said: “What will make this campaign so impactful is that it’s true – Westchester truly does care. Not only are we home to some of the most accomplished and savvy business owners and restauranteurs, we are also home to some of the most caring and compassionate. Together – we will build back stronger and this is just one example of how.”

 

Director of Westchester County Tourism & Film Natasha Caputo said: “As we all adjust to a ‘new normal,’ Westchester’s economic recovery will depend on our ability to draw people back to the businesses that make our County so vibrant and appealing. Westchester With Care demonstrates our community’s commitment to create a safe environment for all residents and guests and provides vital marketing support to all entities that take the pledge.”

 

President of Metro-North Railroad Cathy Rinaldi said: "Metro-North is proud to partner with Westchester County to promote safe travel whether it's for business or pleasure. At various locations throughout the service area, riders can get masks from station ambassadors, vending machines and even Metro-Man, himself. Hand sanitizer is always available, along with signs reminding customers of best practices for protecting themselves and others from Covid."

 

Westchester County Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons said: “Westchester’s economy thrives when all of our markets are firing at full blast. This program will put us back on that path as our local merchants look to keep all of their customers safe and show all that Westchester has to offer.”

 

Co-Chair of the Westchester County Business Reopening Task Force, and local business owner, Louie Lanza said: “When Westchester cares, Westchester will succeed. I’m honored to be a part of this tremendous group of professionals and encourage all to support local businesses who take this pledge.”

 

Co-Chair of the Westchester County Business Reopening Task Force Legislator Catherine Parker said: “This campaign is all about re-assuring everyone who lives, works and visits Westchester that our local businesses really DO care about their health and safety.  That assurance is essential to building a stronger and healthier future for all of us. It's not just a promotional campaign, it's a public health and safety vow.  We really mean it, we do care.”

 

For businesses, taking the Westchester With Care Pledge means access to free tools and resources to help them communicate the latest information about the County’s safety measures with their employees and guests. Participants will be promoted in Westchester County Tourism & Film’s tourism promotions and provided a toolkit including badges for website and social media promotion, window clings, buttons, face masks and other high-impact materials to demonstrate their care for the greater community.

 

More than fifty Westchester County organizations have already enlisted in Westchester With Care. These include world-class performing arts venues like Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts and White Plains Performing Arts Center; attractions from Wings Air Helicopters to Wolf Conservation Center; and Historic Hudson Valley, a non-profit educational organization that operates a number of historic sites and events. Participating restaurants and catering venues range from Kanopi to Xaviars on the Hudson to Walter’s Hot Dogs. Lodging partners include the newly opened Abbey Inn & Spa, historic Crabtree’s Kittle House Restaurant & Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Suites Peekskill, Hyatt House, Sheraton Tarrytown, SpringHill Suites Tarrytown Westchester and Spring Hills Suites Tuckahoe.

 

About Westchester County Tourism & Film

Westchester County Tourism & Film is Westchester County’s official destination marketing organization. Its mission is to generate economic benefits by enhancing the image and promoting Westchester County as a premier business and leisure destination in the Hudson Valley region. Flanked by Long Island Sound and the Hudson River, Westchester is made up of big cities, small towns, villages, farms, and miles of natural beauty. The county is easily accessible by major interstate highways and parkways, its own regional airport, Amtrak and three commuter rail lines and is home to more than 35 hotels and conference centers. For information about visiting Westchester, visit www.visitwestchesterny.com, connect on Facebook (@westchestercountytourism), Instagram (@westchestercountytourismny) and Twitter (@westchestertour), or call 1-800-833-9282.

Yonkers Insider: From Westchester County: Breast Cancer Awareness.

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among women in the United States after skin cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer death among women after lung cancer.

Be vigilant about breast cancer detection!  Examine yourself regularly and contact your doctor with any concerns.  Be diligent about annual exams and mammograms.  The following can also help decrease your risk of developing breast cancer:

1. Limit alcohol.
2. Don't smoke.
3. Control your weight.
4. Be physically active.
5. Having a history of breast-feeding has lowered risk.
6. Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy.
7. Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution.

 

Minorities and the poor continue to bear disproportionate burden of cancer particularly in terms of diagnosis, incidence and mortality.

 

• Did you know African American women are more likely than white women to die of breast cancer?  The mortality gap is widening as the incidence in African American women is increasing.
• Did you know African American women nearly 2x as likely as white women to be diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer which is more aggressive and harder to treat than other subtypes of breast cancer?
• Did you know African American women are diagnosed at stage 3 at a higher rate than other racial/ethnic groups? African American, Asian, Pacific Islanders, American Indian and Hispanic women are all diagnosed at stage 2 at a higher rate than white women. The time of diagnosis is crucial; survival rates are 100% at stages 0 and 1, 93% at stage 2 and 72% at stage 3.

 

Yonkers Insider: Blue Door Art Center: Salt Dough Masks - Free Children's Online Art Workshop with Vicky Youngman.

 

Yonkers Insider: Westchester County Board Chair, Ben Boykin, 5th District: Prepare, Connect, Adapt: Maximizing Your Business’s Agility and Resilience During Uncertain Times.

 

Upcoming Events Prepare, Connect, Adapt: Maximizing Your Business’s Agility and Resilience During Uncertain Times We are living through a time period where uncertainty is the new normal, which means that now, more than ever, business owners must be able to adapt to the ever-changing landscape with an agility never before needed. To do this, the strongest business owners need the right team of experts and advisors (a good lawyer, CPA, banker and insurance partner) to help identify opportunities, identify and evaluate risk, and offer creative solutions and sound advice. Join the Business Council of Westchester as these experts in their respective industries help you achieve that Team of Professionals and discuss what's important to your business in these unprecedented times.  Date: October 1, 2020 Time: 11:00 AM Register Here   Westchester Community College Grow Your Business: Recovery and Resiliency Westchester Community College's Gateway to Entrepreneurship will host its annual entrepreneurship conference virtually. The event will consist of three dynamic sessions packed with relevant content and tips that you can incorporate tomorrow to grow your business. It will focus on leadership, strategy and marketing in times of economic distress. There will also be networking opportunities with local and national entrepreneurs. Date: November 6th, 13th and 20th, 2020 Time: 8:00 AM- 10:00 AM Register Here To see a list of upcoming events and recordings of prior events, go to Westchestercatalyst.com/events Employment/Training Opportunities Check out the NYS Department of Labor to find their current listings of job openings throughout the region. Visit https://labor.ny.gov/jobs/regional.shtm Enroll in free online training! Westchester residents can complete online classes, explore career pathways, obtain a skills gap assessment, and prepare for industry-recognized certifications to learn new skills. The access will be valid until October 1st and residents can complete as many courses as they would like. The Metrix E-learning system has a catalog of over 5,500 courses. Visit http://yonkers.skillupamerica.org or email carol.holman@yonkersny.gov.

Yonkers Insider: Westchester County Legislator and Majority Leader, MaryJane Shimsky, 12th District: Mobile Shredder is coming to Hastings-on-Hudson - Saturday, 10/10.

 

Mobile Shredder is coming to Hastings-on-Hudson.

Saturday, October 10, 2020  from 10:00 AM  to 1:00 PM.

134 Southside Ave., Zinsser Parking Lot.

Masks Required

Residents can bring up to 4 file-size (10”x12”x15”) boxes of confidential papers per household to the Zinsser Parkin Lot, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for shredding.  Please remove all large binder clips and covers.  Papers from businesses, institutions or commercial enterprises are not acceptable and will be rejected, as will any junk mail or newspapers.

First come, first served
Service at the events works on a first-come-first-served basis, as the Mobile Shredder unit can reach its maximum capacity before closing time. In extreme weather, events may be cancelled or terminated early.

Please call the county's Recycling Helpline at (914) 813-5425 to check on a cancellation or early closure.

Important information

It is important to be aware of what you place the paper to be shredded--no matches, lighters or anything combustible. Staff at the events will be checking the material prior to being shredded.

Kinds of documents to shred

Remember, it's best to shred documents you're no longer using, that contain personal identifying information such as name, address, phone number, credit card number or social security number. Such documents should be shredded before they are thrown out for recycling. Some examples are:

• expired credit card statements and receipts
• old tax returns or any other personal documents containing you name, address or other identifying information.
• pre-approved credit card applications
• licenses

As this service is gaining in popularity, residents should be prepared to wait as lines are sometimes long. However, the wait doesn't have to be that long. Come prepared. This means you've removed all metal clips, fasteners, binders, folders and hard covers and placed the papers loosely in a box. Hard covers – cardboard or plastic covers on items such as ledger books, marble composition books and hard-cover books – cannot be shredded and will be turned away. Residents must rip pages out from hard cover books for shredding and throw the covers in their regular household trash. Up to four boxes of papers are allowed for shredding.

For more information about identity theft, call the Dept. of Consumer Protection (914) 995-2155. For questions about recycling, call (914) 813-5425, the Recycling Helpline.

For more information about the mobile shredder, visit the Westchester County Department of Environmental Protection Mobile Shredder page.