Yonkers Insider: Statement from Westchester County Legislator Ruth Walter, 15th District: January News Update.

 

Westchester Rolls Out Vaccine; District 15 Gets 2021 County Support; and This Zoom Life Continues.

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All Eyes on Washington

To put it mildly, we’ve had an eventful January. A riotous mob attacked the Capitol, the new Biden-Harris administration was sworn in, New York State legislators opened their 2021 legislative session. A new round of business grants at the County was announced--they will help local business owners keep their doors open. Eviction moratorium at the state level was extended to keep people in their homes until at least May 1, 2021. Food insecurity grew. Bronxville passed an affordable housing model ordinance.

In these times of great change, I want to assure you that my team and I at the County are working hard to keep you informed and, as always, are here to help.

Call us at 914-995-2851

When Will I Get the Vaccine?

By now most of us are familiar with the two state portals to find doses of the vaccine:  check if you’re eligible here or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).

NY State is only receiving a maximum of 300,000 weekly doses for a state of over 19 million people, 7 million of whom are eligible right now. This is inadequate supply, but that’s where we are, based on the national allotment. Westchester County Center is distributing 1,500 doses per week, but once the supply chain is expanded, that number, plus increased numbers at local pharmacies, will increase.

The vaccine currently takes two doses. Until you are fully vaccinated, please continue to wear a mask, limit indoor exposure and keep a social distance. Newer, more contagious strains have been identified and some are already in New York. Keep up your guard. As County Executive George Latimer said, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but we’re still in the tunnel. If you are eligible to receive the vaccine, but you are unable to make an appointment, the County has created a notification list for when the supply increases. You may add your name here. 

A constituent gets the Covid-19 vaccine.

Community Benefit Organizations

One of the important parts of my position is advocating for my district. For many years, organizations in District 15 received little funding by way of direct Legislator advocacy. That will change in 2021. With my colleagues, I have put hundreds of thousands of dollars into organizations in Yonkers and Bronxville, dollars that will benefit seniors, schoolchildren, expectant mothers and the environment. Westchester is a wealthy county, but there are pockets of real need, and without these organizations delivering services, our County would be poorer indeed. This month, I will highlight the contracts for community gardens. Not only will these gardens be aesthetically beautiful, they will also grow food for the community, host classes on nutrition and positively impact the environment. Click the links to read more about the organizations awarded:

• Andrus, a school for vulnerable children, was awarded a County contract for a garden for their students.
• Groundworks Hudson Valley, an environmental advocacy organization, was awarded a County contract for community vegetable gardens and Saw Mill River flood riverbank restoration.
• Greyston, an organization practicing Open Hire model for the formerly incarcerated, was awarded a County contract for community vegetable gardens.
• Yonkers Public Library was awarded a County contract for community gardens.

Why the particular emphasis on community gardens? Many of us in Westchester have access to our own green spaces. However, gardening as an activity, both passive enjoyment and the care of plants, is not available to those in apartment buildings or those without financial resources. Gardening has been shown to improve mental stability, establish a sense of connection to nature and improve general peacefulness. Gardens take time, work and planning. As Chair of the Environment & Health Committee, I am seeking ways to improve our environment in local and visible ways.

I’m proud that my advocacy will bring tens of thousands of dollars to Yonkers organizations, both those who already have gardening programs and those who are eager to start.

In future newsletters, I will outline some other organizations receiving support in 2021 as well as exciting capital projects that will provide substantial improvements to our district.

Touring a greenhouse.

Stay Healthy

We are in extremely stressful times. Please prioritize your health by avoiding any risky behaviors like indoor gatherings. Please also care for your mental health, with soothing activities like music, outdoor walks and Zoom calls with friends. Westchester County’s Department of Mental Health has a hotline where you can talk to a profession about what’s bothering you. Call or text 914-461-7281. We are in this together, and no one should feel alone.

Reach out to my office if you need help connecting to online arts organizations, group exercise classes (by zoom) or mental health resources.

Libraries in Yonkers and Bronxville among others have adapted to our new normal and continue to offer on-line classes and pickup materials. I encourage you to join your neighbors in an interesting exercise class or book group. The possibilities of live engagement in Zoom world are many.

I know we will feel better and be better in 2021.