Westchester Insider: Election Desk: Fundraiser New York State Senator Shelley Mayer 37th District, Democrat for NYS Attorney General: Elections 2022.

 

Yonkers Insider Monthly Traffic Stats for Our Blogger Site for the Month of November.

 

As we head to the Month of December. Yonkers Insider comes through with A solid Month with Traffic Stats on my Blogger Site for November. On Yonkers Insider News Site, We had  13,283  Hits for November. This is all owed to my Loyal Readers and Followers, My Online Newspaper is nothing without You guys. I love you all. 

I love what I have done for the last 18 Plus Years Reporting the News of Yonkers and Westchester County. 

I have never done this for Praise or Credit or Recognition, this was all done to be My Community and Public Service to the City and County that I love so much. 

I am still here as the Publisher of Yonkers Insider for the Last 18 Plus Years. If Interested in Advertising with me, call me at 914-888-3069 or email me at delfimheusler@gmail.com to find out My Rates for Advertising. 

Yonkers Insider Publisher Del Heusler

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: Yonkers City Hall Hanukkah Celebration.

 

Yonkers Insider: STATEMENT FROM COUNCILMAN RUBBO: Burglary on Yonkers Avenue.

 

STATEMENT FROM COUNCILMAN JOHN RUBBO. Tuesday, November 30, 2021

On Tuesday morning, 11/30/21 three people committed a burglary at approximately 3:49 AM.  The perpetrators broke into a phone store at 695 Yonkers Avenue. “This type of criminal mischief will not be tolerated in the City of Yonkers and especially in the fourth council district. Our small business owners have already suffered greatly during the pandemic and these heartless thugs just added salt to the wound.  This city will not accept this type of activity.  I am confident that the Yonkers Police Department will bring these thieves to justice,” stated Councilman John Rubbo. “My sympathy goes out to the business owner and I am here to assist in any way possible” added Rubbo.

Councilman John Rubbo

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Kitley Covill 2nd District: December Opportunities for Business and Fun.

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors, The County is committed to growing the local advanced manufacturing industry and to ensuring that companies have access to qualified local talent. The Westchester County Office of Economic Development and Westchester Community College will launch a pre-apprenticeship program for advanced manufacturing beginning in January 2022. This program will help to equip the next generation of employees with valuable skills and ensure our businesses have access to the talent they need locally. Those who are interested can visit: WestchesterCatalyst.com/SignMeUp to be notified when the enrollment period opens. Remember to celebrate the holidays with Westchester’s Winter Wonderland light show.  Beginning Friday, November 26th,  guests can be dazzled and delighted along the 1.2 miles of holiday lights with a whimsical display of jubilant children from around the world, a breathtaking Peace on Earth LED display with animated trumpets and angels, and two new thirty-foot snowflakes to light up the largest holiday Christmas tree in Westchester. This event will display the Kensico Dam Plaza and run through January 2nd. For tickets, visit: https://www.showclix.com/event/wwinterwonderland Even as the days grow colder and shorter, remember that summer will be here again before we know it. Applications have opened for Westchester County Lifeguards this summer. Individuals can apply online and must be at least 15 years old, First Aid/CPR certified, and able pass the Westchester County practical skills test. County Parks will offer training for new guards, which includes waterfront training for the option to guard at either a pool or beach. For information, contact the County’s aquatics team at mailto:prc-aquatics@westchestergov.com or (914) 231-4556. Very truly yours, Kitley S. Covill

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Ruth Walter 15th District: Remote Participation Procedures for Public Hearings, Public Comment for Meeting of 12/7.

 

Remote Participation Procedures for Public Hearings, Public Comment for Board Meeting 12/7.

The Board of Legislators’ next regular meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 7 at 7 p.m.

To watch: As always, the meeting will be streamed live on the Meeting Calendar section of our website, http://westchestercountyny.legistar.com

To speak: The Board has re-established remote participation procedures for those who would like to speak during the meeting. These procedures have been instituted to protect public health, pursuant to Chapter 417 of New York State Laws of 2021 -- which allows public bodies to meet and take action without permitting in-person public access and authorizes meetings and public hearings to be held remotely by conference call. We welcome your participation.

To speak via the Board's Webex online teleconferencing system, please register at https://bit.ly/3lbr0gw 

When you register, you will be asked to select from one or more of the following speaking opportunities:

• #1 Public Comment Session, lasting up to 30 minutes.
• #2 Public Hearing: An ACT to modify the Peekskill Sanitary Sewer District by the addition of One (1) parcel of property located in the Town of Cortlandt, more information at:  https://bit.ly/3o3nEhm
• #3 Public Hearing: An ACT to modify the Saw Mill Valley Sanitary Sewer District by the removal of One (1) parcel of property located in the Town of Mount Pleasant, more information at: https://bit.ly/3E5Bsh5 

People also may speak by phone, by calling 1-844-621-3956 at the start of the meeting and using the access code: 2430 188 2052

Speakers will be called in the order of registration.

Comments may also be submitted in writing

• By email at: BOLPublicHearingComments@westchesterlegislators.com or
• By mail at:  Clerk of the Board of Legislators, 148 Martine Ave., 8th Floor, White Plains, NY 10601
• Written comments must be received by December 7, 2021 at 5 p.m.

Yonkers Insider: It is #GivingTuesday at CSEE!

It is #GivingTuesday at CSEE and across the country!

We ask that you consider making a tax-deductible contribution to support the ongoing efforts of the Charter School of Educational Excellence K-12 Program. We invite you to share in this one-of-a-kind day of global generosity and consider making a tax-deductible donation to support CSEE’s students and families. 

 

At a time when we are all experiencing the effects of the pandemic – adjusting to living and learning in a much different way, generosity is what brings us all together. Generosity gives us the power to make a positive change in the lives of others.

 

All donations are welcomed and encouraged, no matter the amount.  One-time or recurring donations of any amount are valued and sincerely appreciated.  Please help CSEE support its mission of providing educational excellence and equity for all students!

 

Please donate at:

www.CharterSchoolofEducationalExcellence.org

 

Thank you,

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers Cares: Raising Money for Feeding Westchester at an Event on December 4th at Yonkers Brewing Co.

 

Outraged Studios presents A Christmas Spectacular! at Yonkers Brewing Co. on December 4th. Live music all day starting at 12:00pm and extending all the way through till 11:30. Raising money for Feeding Westchester.

Come out and watch the following 10 acts rock the house…and please feel free to donate to a good cause as well through the link below.

Rain or Shine
Seeing Red Trio
A Guy and A Girl
The F Off’s
Hindsight
Tayla Rees
Patrick James Band
The Traveling Medicine Show
White Noize
Jackknife Lori

https://gofund.me/d04b1b17

Yonkers Insider: Cafe 2.0 On The Hudson Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 12/1.

 

Cafe 2.0 On The Hudson Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 12/1.

When: Wednesday December 1st, 2021. 

Where: 1 Alexander Street Yonkers, NY 10701. 

Who: Hosted by Mayor Mike Spano, Reginald Joseph. 

Cafe 2.0 On The Hudson located at 1 Alexander Street Yonkers, NY 10701, will have its official ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by Mayor Mike Spano on December 1, 2021 at 2PM. Elected officials, community members and customers will all be in attendance to celebrate.

“I want to thank the entire community, officials, the residents , visitors and the other business owners who embrace and support us each day,” says Cafe 2.0 on The Hudson owner Reginald Joseph. “The new generation of business men and women, leaders, and creative minds are all around us. I want to let all the youth know you can be anything you want to be in this world if you stay focused and create a plan and the steps to execute that plan. I look forward joining in the mission of revitalizing the beautiful waterfront district in downtown yonkers.”

Westchester County Legislator Christopher Johnson who represents the area where the cafe is, has supported the business since it’s inception. “A new business in Yonkers is always a reason to celebrate. However , a new black-owned business in the heart of downtown Yonkers that has been able to withstand the effects of COVID-19 and provides job opportunities to our youth, is an establishment I am honored to support.  I wish Reggie all the best and look forward to frequenting the Cafe for years to come.”

The ribbon cutting will also mark the re-grand opening of the Cafe, as it has been closed during the month of November for renovations and training. Since its opening in 2020 the Cafe has served hundreds of customers, expanded its menu, hosted numerous events and secured partnerships with other organizations around the city such as The Hudson River Museum and We Art One. 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Ben Boykin 5th District: Traffic Advisory for Bronx River Parkway 12/1.

 

TRAFFIC ADVISORY BRONX RIVER PARKWAY NORTHBOUND & SOUTHBOUND ROAD CLOSURE BRIDGE INSPECTION CITY OF WHITE PLAINS ROADWAY: Bronx River Parkway. LIMITS: Northbound: Exit 21 - Main St. to Exit 22 - Westchester County Center/ (NY 100) Southbound: Exit 21 - Chatterton Ave. to Main St. WHAT: Bridge Inspection. IMPACTS: The northbound Bronx River Parkway will be closed at Exit 21 - Main St. between the hours of 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. The southbound Bronx River Parkway will be closed at Exit 21 – Chatterton Ave. between the hours of 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.At no time will both directions be closed simultaneously. WHEN: Wednesday, December 1, 2021 between the hours of 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

New York State Insider: New York State:GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES ACTIONS TO INCREASE ACCESS TO FOOD ASSISTANCE FOR OLDER ADULTS AND DISABLED NEW YORKERS.

 

For Immediate Release: 11/29/2021

GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL

 

 

GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES ACTIONS TO INCREASE ACCESS TO FOOD ASSISTANCE FOR OLDER ADULTS AND DISABLED NEW YORKERS.

 

Changes Include Simplifying Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Application and Extending Window For Receiving Benefits.

 

Effort Aimed at Helping Eligible Older Adults Avoid Food Insecurity.

 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced changes aimed at encouraging more food-insecure older adults and disabled individuals to enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The changes include simplifying the SNAP application, extending the duration these households can receive benefits before needing to recertify, and eliminating the need for them to complete an interview during the recertification process. 

 

"New York's senior and disabled communities were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to food insecurity in some cases and exacerbating it in others," Governor Hochul said. "Allowing easier access to SNAP benefits for these groups will help alleviate this stress. No one should have to wonder when their next meal will be and I am proud to take these steps to remove barriers that prevented older adults and disabled individuals on fixed incomes from accessing the food benefits that can help them to put food on the table."

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which administers SNAP in New York, to offer a simplified application. This shortened application form can be used for both applying and recertifying for SNAP—easing and simplifying the process for qualified older and disabled adults. Households need only to complete a single sheet application, front and back, which greatly reduces the amount of time and effort required to apply or recertify for benefits. 

 

Starting in December, eligible older New Yorkers can also now recertify their benefits for 36 months—12 months longer than the previous timeline for recertification. Additionally, applicants will no longer be required to complete an interview to recertify their benefits—frequently one of the greatest impediments to successful recertification. 

 

Although New York leads the nation in SNAP participation among adults age 60 or older, the rate is still lower than the state's overall average. About 70 percent of eligible older adults and disabled individuals are enrolled to receive benefits, which is significantly lower than the statewide participation rate estimate of roughly 89 percent. 

 

One leading reason proposed for this lower participation is the length and complexity of the form to apply for SNAP. The regular application includes nine pages of questions and information geared at determining a household's eligibility. Because many older individuals and disabled individuals live on fixed incomes and generally experience far fewer household changes, much less information is required to verify their eligibility and calculate benefits.  

 

Additionally, studies show that providing SNAP benefits for those 65 and older results in better health outcomes. There is a direct link between SNAP and decreased long term care placement, health costs, and emergency visits. Receiving SNAP benefits also enables those aged 65 and older to focus their limited resources on paying for other basic needs such as prescriptions and rent.

 

Office of Temporary and Disability Executive Deputy Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, "By making it easier to apply for and maintain their SNAP benefits, we can encourage a greater number of vulnerable New Yorkers put healthy, nutritious food on the table. I applaud Governor Hochul's leadership in continuing to help even more households in the state access critical SNAP benefits." 

 

Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen said, "For older adults, food insecurity is associated with worsening chronic disease, illness, and debility, which is why nutrition has been a core focus of our pandemic response effort. Under the leadership of Governor Hochul, we've greatly expanded home-delivered models to overcome food access barriers. The Governor has also been a leader in maximizing SNAP benefits and supplemental emergency assistance for all New Yorkers facing hunger. The pandemic continues to demand that we remain nimble in getting help to those who need it most. I am proud to join Governor Hochul in delivering these important program changes to simplify the application process and ensure continuity of food assistance for older adults."

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: CONSUMER PROTECTION AND SENIOR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES PARTNER TO RAISE AWARENESS OF MORTGAGE FRAUD ON ELDERLY HOMEOWNERS.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY CONSUMER PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND

DEPARTMENT OF SENIOR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES PARTNER TO RAISE AWARENESS OF MORTGAGE FRAUD ON ELDERLY HOMEOWNERS.

 

According to an FBI Report, Threats of Mortgage Fraud are on the rise for Elderly Homeowners.

 

(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Departments of Consumer Protection and Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) have joined forces to raise awareness of older homeowners falling victim to mortgage fraud.    According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation Office of Private Sector, criminal actors are using forgery, identity theft and online activity to target older homeowners and conceal unlawful activity from their victims, lenders and law enforcement.

 

According to a recent report, the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division (CID) in coordination with the FBI’s Office of Private Sector (OPS), concluded that there was an increasing threat of mortgage fraud targeting the elderly homeowner equity. In response, the two County Departments are working together to put forth an informational campaign to stop instances of mortgage fraud in Westchester. 

 

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Unfortunately, elderly individuals are the most frequent targets of fraud scams. Our elderly neighbors may be lonely, willing to listen, and are generally more trusting leaving them more vulnerable to scammers. We hope this information will encourage our senior population to be on high alert, especially during the holiday season.”

 

Director of the Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection Jim Maisano said: “The Consumer Protection Department is engaged each day in educating the public about the latest scams. Mortgage fraud is a particularly egregious scam often targeting seniors. Our best advice is to always avoid unsolicited communications to our phones, texts, emails, mail or even someone knocking on the door. Do not trust ANYONE who contacts you about your mortgage if you are not 100% sure who they are. If you think you have been contacted by someone engaging in mortgage fraud, call law enforcement immediately. If you ever have questions about any possible scams, call our office at 914-995-2155.”

 

DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter said: “We want to be sure that our seniors are informed about any and all possible threats to their good quality of life and the possessions they have worked so hard for.”   

 

Victims are typically homeowners without liens or judgements and who are less likely to monitor their financial accounts. These perpetrators also conduct searches of County records to identify victims and property. Homes owned but not occupied are targets as well. 

 

The illegal scheme is usually carried out in one of two scenarios;

 

·         The perpetrator mortgages the victim’s property in the victim’s name, sells the property to unsuspecting buyers and keeps the proceeds, or:

·         Transfers the property to an entity the criminal actor, in which the perpetrator controls (i.e. a limited liability company) and then mortgages the property.

In both situations, a cash-out mortgage loan is secured, which increases the risk of foreclosure or financial institution losses. Reports from mortgage lenders indicate that in order to qualify for these loans, the criminal actor employs individuals to answer requests for verification from lenders and hire complicit attorneys to serve as settlement agents at loan closings.

 

Unfortunately, elderly homeowners may not discover the fraud until long after the deed has been transferred out of the homeowner’s name, and the proceeds misappropriated. 

 

Homeowners typically discover the fraud when they receive:

 

·         A notice to vacate from the County sheriff;

·         A notice of foreclosure;

·         A notice from the tax office, when owner tries to pay property taxes.

Lenders may not find out about the fraud unless they have exercised due diligence over and above what is required by their underwriting guidelines. It is also important to note that many fraudulent cash-out mortgage loans meet all underwriting requirements, making it that much harder to identify wrong-doing. 

 

Education is the best remedy for helping older persons avoid mortgage fraud. Consumer Protection and DSPS suggest the following to avoid this type of theft:

 

·         Monitor your credit report for suspicious activity

·         Routinely inspect a property’s chain of title

·         Do not respond to unsolicited advertisements

·         Do not share personally identifiable information to unknown solicitors

·         Use caution when giving out your social security number

·         Do not sign anything you do not fully understand

·         Do not answer phone calls from unknown callers and

·         Do not share  your personal identifiable information

 

You can learn more, or report fraud to any of the following: FBI Private Sector Coordinator at a local FBI Field Office at https;//www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices: The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov; the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Inspector General at www.hudoig.gov/hotline-form; the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) at www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint or by calling 855-411-CFPB.

 

Additional resources are available via the U.S. Department of Justice Elder Fraud Initiative at www.justice.gov/elderjustice/financial-exploitation

 

You can also contact The Departments of Consumer Protection and Senior Programs and Services for guidance.  For the Consumer Protection Department, please call (914) 995-2155 or the Department of Senior Programs and Services at (914) 813-6300.

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: Register for Muscoot Farm’s Night Tours.

 

Get into the holiday spirit at Muscoot Farm!

Register for Night Tours to see the farm lit up for the holidays, enjoy treats and other holiday surprises!

$20 per family of four.

Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12 and 18.

http://sales.westchestergov.com/wbwsc/webtrac.wsc/wbsearch.html?wbsi=9065d3f5-919c-a48a-ec11-3b51bc951010&xxsearch=yes&xxmod=AR&xxrowid=&xxtype=MCME&xxkeyword=&xxkeywordoption=N&xxavailabilityoption=A&xxdisplayoption=D&per=18&page=3&xxmulti-list=&xxmulti-lbls=

Yonkers Insider: Westchester County Legislator David Tubiolo 14th District: REMINDER - Fundraiser on Thursday!

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker: Coffee, County Budget, and Conversation on December 4th, 2021.

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

On Saturday, December 4th, I will be hosting two opportunities to be heard on the County budget with County Executive Latimer.

Please join us…

Coffee and Conversation on Saturday, December 4th

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Mamaroneck Senior Center 
1288 W. Boston Post Rd., Larchmont, NY 


2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Rye Recreation Center 
281 Midland Ave., Rye, NY 

Sincerely,

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: County Executive George Latimer Statement on Giving Tuesday 2021.

 

County Executive George Latimer Statement on Giving Tuesday 2021.

 

“While the commercial holiday shopping season is heavily advertised and discussed, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving is a date set aside to remember that this season is more than getting the best sales. Giving Tuesday is a day to set aside resources to help those who help us in times of greatest need. Westchester is home to so many not-for-profit organizations who provide world-class services to our community – many of which have proven to be life-saving during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are able to, find an organization, or organizations, and show your appreciation for their efforts through a monetary donation. Because truly, that is what the holiday season is about.”

News From Ardina Seward of SW Yonkers HamletHub.

 

https://news.hamlethub.com/swyonkers/life/2677-black-woman-makes-jewish-bread

Yonkers Insider: New York League of Conservation Voters: Environmental News for November 29th.

 

Here’s what we’re reading this week:

Electrifying Our Buildings to Fight Climate Change

 

As global fossil fuel emissions are the leading cause of climate change, leaders all over the world have come up with solutions to lower their region’s carbon footprint. In New York, policies have been implemented to help reduce gas emissions through transportation, industrial, and power sectors. Since the primary source of the city’s emissions comes from buildings, it is evident that building decarbonization is necessary to achieve our climate goals. One of the most critical ways to fight climate change in New York City is to electrify buildings. NYLCV therefore supports Intro 2317, a bill that would place an emissions cap on all new and renovated buildings and encourage building electrification. However, we feel that there need to be some major amendments to the bill so that we approach the complexities of building electrification pragmatically.

Read More

Advocates Seek Support of Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee Concerning Lead in Drinking Water

 

Recently, nearly 40 environmental and public health advocates including NYLCV sent a letter to the Children’s Health Protection Advisory Committee (CHPAC) concerning lead in drinking water.  According to the EPA website, CHPAC is a “body of external researchers, academicians, health care providers, environmentalists, state and tribal government employees, and members of the public who advise EPA on regulations, research, and communications related to children’s health.”

Read More

Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters said, "The City needs to make green infrastructure a priority, and the League is looking forward to working with Mayor-elect Eric Adams in this effort to take big steps forward during his administration. New research by the Center for an Urban Future shows that we have a long way to go on our green infrastructure goals. Climate change is causing more frequent and more severe rainstorms that have led to tragedy; comprehensive mitigation efforts must be across all five boroughs while prioritizing neighborhoods underserved and most affected. Modernizing our infrastructure means developing green in places at risk of flooding, investing in parks and, and reducing combined sewer overflows to protect our waterways, as green infrastructure absorbs storm water to help minimize stresses on the sewer system. We have to take action, and fast, to combat the impacts of climate change."

(Crains New York Business)

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and a cast of dozens, including NYLCV President Julie Tighe, showed up at the base of the Queensboro Bridge on Tuesday to break the news that city cycling could reap a windfall of federal fun bucks in the years to come. “How much will New York get — $289 billion for bike infrastructure,” Schumer said at a press conference celebrating the street safety aspect of the recently passed federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The federal infrastructure bill boosted the amount of money that goes towards the federal “transportation alternatives” grants, and also created a new pot: a $200-million-per-year Safe Streets For All program that will support Vision Zero efforts in cities and states across the country.

(StreetsBlogNYC)

The House of Representatives took a major step to a clean energy future by passing the transformative Build Back Better Act, which is critical to address our climate crisis and invest more than a half trillion dollars to reduce emissions, make our communities more resilient, and expand renewable energy. This legislation will take significant action to remove lead water pipes, fund clean school bus fleets, provide incentives to buy electric vehicles (EV) and expand the network of EV charging stations, and create good-paying, green energy jobs through the new Civilian Conservation Corps all while cutting pollution and investing in disadvantaged communities. The New York League of Conservation Voters thanks every member of our congressional delegation who voted yes for this transformative bill, and urges the Senate to take quick action to meet the moment and send the final bill to the President’s desk so New York and our nation can realize the benefits of a clean energy economy. 

(NYLCV.org)