Happy Birthday to my Baba Anna John in Heaven.

Tomorrow will be my Grandmother's Birthday the late Anna John. Happy Birthday in Heaven Baba. I love you and I miss you.

Delfim Heusler - Your Grandson 

Happy New Year 2024 from Yonkers Insider Publisher Delfim Heusler and Yonkers Insider Staff!

 

Happy New Year 2024 and Best Wishes for a Happy,  Healthy, Prosperous and Blessed New Year.

Yonkers Insider Publisher Delfim Heusler and Yonkers Insider Staff. 

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Susan Cacace, Democrat for Westchester County District Attorney. Elections 2024.

 

Hello friend,

As 2023 draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support as we embark on this campaign for Westchester County District Attorney. I am profoundly humbled by your trust and encouragement. 

Personally, 2023 marks the end of one of the most meaningful chapters of my professional life, having retired from the Westchester County Court after 19 years on the bench. I never thought I’d be lucky enough to have such a fulfilling career and yet 2024 brings with it the possibility of a new chapter of public service.

2024 presents an opportunity for us to come together – united in our pursuit of a safer and fairer Westchester – and I am committed to serving the people of our county with integrity, transparency, and a deep understanding of the challenges we face.

Campaigns for a job this important are hard work and I’m ready, especially knowing I’ll have you by my side, as we embrace the boundless possibilities that 2024 holds.

With fond appreciation,

Susan Cacace

Matters of Faith: Weekly Column by Rev. J. Loren Russell.

 

Jeremiah 29:7 NKJV‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

“And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.

On this final Sunday in the year 2023, it seems appropriate to look at the new year with great expectancy. The concept of a new blessing from an old method and living life at 100% is birthed from the heart of a loving God who wants only what’s best for all of us. 

Jeremiah shares an old concept with a new twist. There is a formula here if you look closely. This concept is personified on a three-point foundation; a love of God, a love for community, and a willingness to work collaboratively. 

The plans the Lord had for the Israelites in captivity was contingent upon them not listening to the false prophets and understanding that the Lord was using their situation and their circumstances to prepare them for a mighty blessing. Jeremiah tells them to prepare themselves by;

• Building houses and living in them,

• Planting gardens and eating the produce,

• Taking wives and having children with the inhabitants of those cities,

• Finding husbands for their daughters and wives for their sons,

• Having grandchildren,

• Working to bring peace in whatever city they found themselves,

• Asking God to bless that city and their people,

• Avoid being misled and deceived by false prophets,

• “And seek the peace of the city where [the Lord has] caused [them] to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace, [they] will have peace” (Jer. 29:7).

Notice that their blessings began with the thoughts or plans that the Lord had for them. Their peace is tied to the peace of their kidnappers. That’s where they establish community and a willingness to work collaborative for their mutual benefit. 

Jesus taught a new blessing from this old method. He said in Matthew 5:43-45, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” The Lord’s love never blinks. Living at 100% requires sharing your blessings with others. Jesus proved Himself to be a friend even to the most despicable of us. Would we dare to do any less? 

This new year, let’s strive to live at 100%, receiving a new blessing from an old method. 

Be Blessed, and Happy New Year! 

Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church and is the spiritual leader of the Evangelical Church of God, both in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company/J Loren R Consulting, LLC for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096) and is the producer and host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on Facebook Live. Be sure to ‘Friend’ the Matters of Faith YouTube Channel. Email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smashwords.com/books/view/993177

Yonkers Insider/White Plains Insider: Artists Reception to be held at White Plains Public Library on Saturday, January 20th.

 

Artists reception at the White Plains Public Library on January 20. 

15 portraits will be on display. 

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Council Reorganization Meeting.

 

Yonkers Insider: News from City of Yonkers.

 

YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO, CHIEF JUDGE, CITY COURT JUDGE AND COUNCILMEMBERS TO BE SWORN IN AT 2024 INAUGURATION CEREMONY.

 

The City of Yonkers will host its 2024 Inauguration Ceremony on Monday, January 1st at 12:00pm at Yonkers Riverfront Library. Mayor Spano will be sworn in for his fourth term as the 42nd Mayor of the City of Yonkers along with Yonkers Chief Judge Arthur J. Doran III, Yonkers City Court Judge Karen T. Beltran and Yonkers City Councilmembers Deana Renee Robinson (First Council District), Tasha Diaz (Third Council District) and Michael B. Breen (Fifth Council District) for new terms.

 

The Inauguration will include participation from Yonkers Public Schools students, state and local elected officials, Yonkers clergy and singers. The Inauguration ceremony will be preceded by a Catholic Mass at Annunciation-Our Lady of Fatima Church (475 Westchester Avenue) at 10:15AM.

 

The Inauguration will stream live on www.yonkersny.gov and on Facebook/YouTube (City of Yonkers/Mayor Mike Spano).

Yonkers Insider/Westchester Insider: News from Westchester County Bee Line Buses.

 

On Sunday, December 31, 2023, Bee-Line buses and ParaTransit will operate on a Sunday schedule.  

 

On Monday, January 1, 2024, Bee-Line buses and ParaTransit will operate on a Sunday schedule.  

 

Free fares are in effect through Monday, January 1, 2024. Riders are encouraged to visit Bee-Line’s schedule page to plan their trip in advance or call our information lines noted below.

 

Bee-Line Bus System (914) 813-7777

ParaTransit (914) 995-7272

 

Yonkers Insider: News from Westchester County Government and Announced by Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

 

Westchester County Executive George Latimer is pleased to announce the implementation of a special New Year's Eve Bee-Line bus shuttle service to facilitate safe and convenient transportation for residents and visitors during the festive celebrations on December 31, 2023.

The Bee-Line bus shuttle service will operate in three key areas – White Plains, Yonkers, and New Rochelle – providing reliable transportation options for individuals looking to enjoy the New Year's Eve festivities responsibly. Latimer has already announced that Bee-Line buses will be running fare-free through January 1.

Latimer said: “As we bid farewell to 2023, it's crucial that all in our community enjoy the New Year's Eve celebrations responsibly. This special free Bee-Line bus shuttle service aims to make the festivities more accessible, allowing residents and visitors to travel conveniently and safely. A sincere thanks to our Bee-Line bus drivers and DPW/T workers for their efforts in advancing this initiative.”

Read more here: https://ow.ly/Tbzu50Qmcxi

#BeeLineNews

From the Desk of AJ Woodson.

 

City of Yonkers: Legal Notice.

City of Yonkers - Yonkers City Clerk's Office. 

City of Yonkers: Legal Notice.

City of Yonkers - Yonkers City Clerk's Office.

Yonkers Insider: Happy Kwanzaa from Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.

 Dear Friends,

This day begins Kwanzaa, a week-long celebration of African American culture and heritage by families and communities around our City and nation.

Earlier this month, we held a Pre-Kwanzaa celebration at City Hall with giveaways for our children. You can watch the celebration and learn more about Kwanzaa here.

Kwanzaa is a time to reflect on the seven guiding principles of the season: unity, self-determination, responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.

Habari Gani! Wishing you a blessed Kwanzaa to you and your family!

MIKE SPANO

Mayor

Yonkers Insider: Merry Christmas from CSEA Union.

 

Yonkers Insider: Business Advertisement from Realtor Andy Maldonado.

 

"🏡✨ Wishing you joy, laughter, and all the warmth of the season! 🎄 As we wrap up this year, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your support. 🙏🏽 Exciting news: I'm still passionately practicing real estate in New York and Florida! 🗽☀️ Whether you're dreaming of a city skyline or a tropical oasis, I'm here to make your real estate dreams come true. 🌟 Feel free to reach out for any real estate needs – let's make 2024 the year you find your perfect home! 🏠💫 #HappyHolidays #NewBeginnings #RealEstateDreams"

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and Best wishes for a Happy and blessed 2024.

We Wish A Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays  and Best wishes for Happy and blessed 2024 from the Heusler Family at 334 Riverdale Avenue. 

 Del Heusler Publisher of Yonkers Insider and other Insider News Sites reporting on News in Yonkers and Westchester County for 20 years. 

Yonkers Insider/New York State Insider: Statement from New York State Conservative Party.

Statement on Gov. Hochul’s Tammany Hall Plot to Bury Local Elections by New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar.

Brooklyn-NY…”Governor Kathy Hochul is every bit the Tammany Hall politician that New Yorkers of good will hoped to never see again. Her relentless attacks on our electoral system are blatantly partisan, designed only to benefit the Democratic Party at the expense of all other New Yorkers. Mrs. Hochul, who narrowly avoided defeat in 2022, knows that by moving odd-year local elections to even years, she will be relegating otherwise prominent county and local races to the bottom of the ballot. These races will get almost zero press coverage in the shadow of larger federal and state races, and voters will be more likely to vote the party line in the absence of sufficient information.

“Governor Hochul’s cynicism seemingly knows no bounds. She is systematically rigging our election processes to the benefit of county Democratic Party operations and to the detriment of democracy itself. The Conservative Party — and others who believe in free and fair elections — will see her in court again.

Yonkers Insider: Susan Cacace Democrat Announces for Westchester County District Attorney.

 

ANNOUNCING 

CACACE FOR DA

 Susan Cacace officially launches her campaign for Westchester County District Attorney.

On December 13th, in front of the Richard J. Daronco County Courthouse and a crowd of nearly 200 supporters, the Hon. Susan Cacace formally announced her candidacy for the position of Westchester County District Attorney!

“From protecting the most vulnerable in our society from domestic violence and child and elder abuse, to holding our government officials to the highest standards, and eliminating political corruption on all levels, to prosecuting the most heinous of crimes, sex crimes and homicides, every case will be given the attention it requires under my leadership and at the capable hands of the outstanding people who I will bring to serve in the Westchester DA’s office”, Cacace said.

Susan Cacace is married to James G. Dibbini of James G. Dibbini & Associates, P.C.

Yonkers Insider/Westchester Insider: News from Westchester County Bee Line Buses.

 

City of Yonkers: Legal Notice: SO.52-2023 - Bond Ordinance.

 

Yonkers Insider: Business Advertisement from Without A Slice.

 

Paid for by Without A Slice. 

Yonkers Insider: 2024 Election Desk: Campaign Video for Susan Cacace Candidate for Westchester County District Attorney.

 

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers Community Events Calendar.

 

Yonkers Insider/New York State Insider: Statement from New York State Independent Redistricting Commission.

 December 15, 2023

 

STATEMENT OF NEW YORK INDEPENDENT REDISTRICTING COMMISSION CHAIR JENKINS AND COMMISSIONERS COLLADO, CUEVAS-MOLINA, FLATEAU, AND FRAZIER ON COURT OF APPEALS DECISION

New York Independent Redistricting Commission (“IRC”) Chair Ken Jenkins, and Commissioners Yovan Collado, Ivelisse Cuevas-Molina, John Flateau, and Elaine Frazier, welcome the Court of Appeals’ decision holding that “the people of New York are entitled to the” IRC “process set out in the Constitution, for which they voted,” and are eager to re-commence the process to submit proposed congressional districts to the Legislature.

We heartily thank all members of the public who submitted comments and participated in the IRC process. In its December 12, 2023 ruling, the Court of Appeals stated that the IRC need not conduct any further solicitation of public commentary beyond what the IRC has done previously. 

We are proud of the historic and robust public participation in the IRC process. The IRC engaged in nine public listening sessions between July and August 2021. After releasing its draft maps, the IRC then conducted the constitutionally required twelve public hearings in the cities of Albany, Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, and White Plains, as well as Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens, Richmond, Nassau, and Suffolk counties. The IRC also held three additional public listening sessions that sought input from the Southern Tier, the North Country, and the State as a whole.

In all, from July 2021 through January 2022, the IRC conducted not only the twelve constitutionally required public hearings, but also an additional twelve listening sessions throughout the State. During this time period, the IRC heard testimony from over 630 speakers, and received over 2,100 written submissions from New Yorkers concerned about their communities and how those communities would be represented.  

Moreover, Chair Jenkins, and Commissioners Collado, Cuevas-Molina, Flateau, and Frazier, invited the public to submit any additional input on congressional districting while the Court of Appeals’ decision was pending. Between October 2, 2023 and the issuance of the Court of Appeals’ decision on December 12, 2023, more than 2,700 written submissions were received. We thank the members of the public for these additional comments. As the process now turns to the IRC’s submission of proposed congressional districts to the Legislature, the submissions@nyirc.gov email address will no longer be actively monitored. All submissions that were received on or before the Court of Appeals’ decision on December 12, 2023 have been made available to all Commissioners and staff. Thank you.

 

Event from The Matthew Wallace Foundation.

 

Yonkers Insider/Westchester Insider: Reminder from Westchester County Bee Line Buses.

 

For more information, visit www.westchestergov.com/beelinebus or call (914) 813-7777.

Yonkers Insider: Press Release from City of Yonkers.

 

YONKERS, NY – December 14, 2023 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced William Fitzpatrick as his nominee for the City’s new Fire Commissioner.

 

Fitzpatrick returns to lead the Yonkers Fire Department (YFD) after 32 years of service with the Department. He retired as Deputy Chief, overseeing operations, in December 2011.

 

“William Fitzpatrick has the knowledge, management skills and compassion to lead our Yonkers Fire Department,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano. “He’s a firefighter’s firefighter, who rose through the ranks during his career. This job is part of who he is. His father and three brothers retired from the Yonkers Fire Department and what better way to continue that legacy than returning as Commissioner.” 

 

Fitzpatrick joined the Department in 1979 as a Firefighter assigned to Station 3. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1988, serving with Tower Ladder 71. In 1991, he was promoted to Captain becoming Commander of Squad 1 (which later became Rescue 1). In 2001, he was elevated to Assistant Chief with a focus on training and operations. He was promoted to Deputy Chief of Operations in 2004 and remained in that position until his retirement in 2012.

 

“I’m looking forward to getting back in! I’m so impressed with how the Yonkers Fire Department has evolved in the 11 years since my retirement,” said Fitzpatrick. “Thank you to Mayor Mike Spano for this opportunity to rejoin the Department. I look forward to partnering with Administration, EMS and Yonkers Police Department to enhance everyone’s safety and protect the citizens of Yonkers.

 

William Fitzpatrick is a Yonkers native and graduate of Sacred Heart High School. His father retired as a Captain of the Yonkers Fire Department in 1978 and his three brothers retired as Assistant Chiefs.

 

During his time with the Yonkers Fire Department he was instrumental in the creation of Squad 11 Engine Company along with redefining hazardous material response and improving training for technical rescues.

 

Fitzpatrick replaces current Fire Commissioner Anthony Pagano who will retire effective December 31, 2023. Pagano first served as Fire Commissioner from 2002 to 2011 and returned in 2021.

 

“Tony has brought his decades of experience to this role, becoming an exceptional Fire Commissioner,” said Mayor Spano. “We thank him for his service and dedication to the City of Yonkers and to our Fire Department. We wish him well in his retirement.”

 

The new commissioner will be responsible for the command, control, administration, disposition and discipline of the Fire Department, while coordinating and planning the activity and efficiency of all firefighting units in the City of Yonkers.

 

William Fitzpatrick will be presented to the Yonkers City Council for final confirmation in the coming weeks. The new Commissioner will begin his role on January 1, 2024.

 

Yonkers Insider/New York State Insider: Statement from New York State Conservative Party.

 New York State Conservative Party Chooses Nassau Legislator Mazi Pilip to Run in NY-3.

Brooklyn-NY…The New York State Conservative Party today announced that Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip is its choice to run in the upcoming special election in New York’s 3rd Congressional District on Long Island. Ms. Pilip, who was also endorsed today by the New York State and Nassau Republican Party, will run against perennial Democrat candidate, former congressman Tom Suozzi.

Ms. Pilip was unanimously chosen by the Conservative Party’s executive committee, after being nominated for the office by Nassau County Conservative Party Chairman Daniel Donovan. Nassau Conservative Party Executive Vice President Chris Mistron seconded the nomination.

“There were a number of terrific candidates pursuing this nomination, but Legislator Pilip has everything we think it will take to retain this seat,” said State Conservative Party Chairman Jerry Kassar. “Ms. Pilip has an extraordinary background, and a built in political base within Nassau County. We trust that voters in the 3rd Congressional District will see what we see in her: a strong and confident leader and a champion of common sense. We look forward to campaigning with Ms. Pilip in the important weeks ahead.”

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Westchester County District Attorney Office.

 

DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S STATEMENT ON THE CASE OF THE 2022 DEATH OF STEPINAC STUDENT IN YONKERS.

 

“The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office has remained committed to seeking justice for CJ Hackett and his family. We consistently recommended to the Court that the defendant receive the maximum sentence under the law of two and one-third to seven years in state prison for the vehicular manslaughter of the 16-year-old Stepinac High School student. 

 

“While we are disappointed that the Court’s promised sentence today will not reflect our recommendation, the defendant, Stephen Dolan, is going to prison.  

 

“Our thoughts remain with the Hackett family and the Yonkers and Stepinac communities.”  

 

Yonkers Insider/Westchester Insider: News from Westchester County.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER APPOINTS NEW LEADERSHIP TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING.

 

(White Plains, NY) – Furthering his mission to bring experienced leadership to Westchester County Government, County Executive George Latimer has appointed Blanca Lopez as Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Planning. In addition, Susan Darling has been named Chief Planner, Leonard Gruenfeld has been named Program Director for Community Development, and Craig Lader named Director of Transportation Planning. 

 

Latimer said: “Blanca Lopez was appointed as an advisor on Fair and Affordable Housing at the start of our administration, and she has demonstrated a lifelong passion for affordable housing and community services for vulnerable families. Blanca’s dedication to the people of Westchester County is on display every day, and this promotion is very well-earned.”

 

Lopez said: “It is truly an honor to be appointed as the new Commissioner of Planning for Westchester County. I will not take lightly the responsibilities bestowed upon me in this new role and will work to my fullest potential on behalf of the County to encourage responsible growth and development. I am privileged to lead a department of professionals who share the same goals as I do with respect to improving the quality of life of current and future generations as well as protecting the environment and our communities from emerging challenges.”

 

Prior to serving as Commissioner, Lopez served as Acting and Deputy Commissioner of Planning. She also served as Assistant Director of Operations for Westchester County responsible for oversight of all County housing-related programs. Lopez brings over two decades of experience in community development, urban planning and housing.

 

Yonkers Insider/New York State Insider: Statement from New York State Conservative Party.

 New York Court of Appeals Redistricting Decision Blatantly Political: New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar

Brooklyn-NY…“The New York State Conservative Party profoundly disagrees with today’s Court of Appeals decision, which was wrongly decided based on process rather than merit. Under New York State’s Constitution, redistricting is only permitted once per decade, and Governor Hochul’s liberal-dominated court should know that.

“The Court has reopened a partisan can of worms in New York. It should know that any new attempt at Democratic-party gerrymandering will be met with additional legal challenges.

“Even New York good government groups, which typically skew liberal, understand that what we just witnessed in New York is Tammany Hall politics at its worst. This decision is a stain on New York’s political integrity. It is a disgrace to all who believe in fair district lines and competitive elections.”

Yonkers Insider/New York State Insider: Statement from Independent Redistricting Commission.

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

December 12, 2023

 

Statement from Ken Jenkins, Chair of the New York State Independent Redistricting Commission regarding today’s decision from the Court of Appeals:

 

“We are pleased with the Court of Appeals’ decision and look forward to getting back to work with our colleagues as soon as possible to ensure that New York’s voters receive the benefit of the historic redistricting reforms they voted for in 2014.”

 

 

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Yonkers City Councilman Anthony Merante 6th District.

 GIVING YOURSELF A PAY RAISE IS UNETHICAL.

 

I will be voting NO on this pay raise proposal. I believe it’s highly unethical to vote your own raises. If anything , the Council should be voting only on a pay raise for the next administration and the Council should not directly benefit themselves. If the raises proposal passes, l will give mine back by donating $500 per month to charitable organizations in my sixth district. In addition, Councilmembers get a city car and free gas along with other perks.

 

Since first elected, I have refused a city car because I don’t believe taxpayers should be paying for my ride. Many politicians have forgotten that they are public servants which means serving the public not themselves. When you run for political office, everyone knows what the salary is. If the pay scale is not satisfactory just don’t run.

 

Yonkers Insider: From Charter School of Educational Excellence.

 

Informational Sessions:  CSEE is open for  Applications for the 2024-2025 School year. 

Charter School of Educational Excellence (CSEE). 

Yonkers Insider/Westchester Insider: Special Announcement from Westchester County Bee Line Buses.

 

Yonkers Insider: News from Yonkers City Council.

 

Please be advised that the Budget & Finance Committee will meet Tuesday, December 12, 2023 6:00PM. The Meeting will be held in person.

 

It is respectfully requested that Administration direct any Department heads related to the items be present for the meeting.

 

 

Budget & Finance Committee Meeting

City Council President Lakisha Collins Bellamy

 

 

Budget Committee Agenda

                               December 12, 2023 6:00pm

 

 

1. PRESENTATION OF THE ANNUAL AUDIT REPORT

2. Any additional items that may properly come before this Committee.

 

 

BUDGET & FINANCE COMMITTEE

City Council President Lakisha Collins Bellamy – Chair

Majority Leader – Tasha Diaz

Majority Whip – John Rubbo

Minority Leader – Mike Breen

Councilmember Corazon Pineda-Isaac

Councilmember Shanae Williams

Councilmember Anthony Merante

 

Yonkers Insider: Press Release from City of Yonkers.

 

YONKERS MAYOR SPANO, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & TEAMSTERS LOCAL 456 TO CELEBRATE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH RESIDENTS AT DPW SERVICE CENTER.

 

Celebrations includes Menorah Lighting and Selfie & Sip with Santa.

 

 

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, Department of Public Works Commissioner Thomas G. Meier and Teamsters Local 456 will celebrate the holidays with residents with a Menorah Lighting Tuesday, December 12 at 5:30PM at the DPW Service Center, 1130 Nepperhan Avenue and Selfie & Sip with Santa Thursday, December 14 at 4PM at the DPW Service Center, 1130 Nepperhan Avenue.

 

During the Selfie & Sip, visitors are invited to enjoy holiday lights and decorations, FREE hot cocoa, candy and the opportunity take their own photo with Santa in his “workshop” on the following days:

 

v Friday, December 15 4PM-7PM

v Saturday, December 16 11AM-3PM

v Sunday, December 17 11AM-3PM

 

Yonkers Insider/Westchester Insider: News from Westchester County.

New State Law Allows Mobile Crisis Response Teams to Use Flashing Green Emergency Lights.

 

Westchester County-driven Legislation Signed by Governor Hochul.

 

(White Plains, NY) – As Westchester County’s network of Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT) continues to build and serve communities throughout the County, they, and teams around the state, will soon have a new tool to help them arrive at behavioral health emergencies faster and more safely. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into law legislation, sponsored by State Senator Pete Harckham and initiated in Westchester County, that will allow Mobile Crisis Response Teams across the state to display flashing green emergency lights in their vehicles when responding to a call.

As part of Westchester County Executive George Latimer’s “Project Alliance,” Westchester County deploys MCRTs throughout the County, connected to law enforcement and a “Crisis Network” phone line that serves to divert people in behavioral health crisis to the de-escalation and services they need.

At the outset, planning for these teams included a step-by-step analysis of needs and design, with the ability to arrive quickly and safely to those in crisis. The Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH), in an effort led by Deputy Commissioner Joseph Glazer, worked closely with Harckham and his staff to draft legislation that would allow MCRT members to use flashing green emergency lights on their vehicles. Unlike flashing red lights, which require drivers to yield the right of way to emergency vehicles displaying them, flashing green lights request drivers to yield the right of way so they can arrive at the scene more quickly and safely.

Senator Harckham and his staff drafted the legislation, not just for Westchester but as a statewide bill, recognizing a growing desire to create MCRT teams across New York State. The bill (S.5397/A.5604) was sponsored in the Assembly by Transportation Committee Chair William Magnarelli (D-Syracuse). The lights will be deployed to teams as defined with certain service model criteria.

The new law will become effective 180 days from the day it was signed by the Governor.

Latimer said: “The goal of Project Alliance is really to help first responders across Westchester to be better prepared, and able to meet the needs of the communities we all serve. This measure, shepherded to adoption by our own Senator Harckham, and Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, will serve to help us get to people in crisis faster and more safely.”

Harckham said: “Allowing Mental Health Crisis teams professionals in transit to use green lights on vehicles will certainly save lives. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this legislation into law and Assemblymember Magnarelli for his steadfast efforts in galvanizing support for expanded behavioral health initiatives like this, which signals to residents that ‘help is on the way.’ The Green Light law promises to enhance community wellness in many ways.”

 

DCMH Michael Orth said: “Since the inception of this model, we have worked to reinforce that our Mobile Crisis Response Teams serve our community as true first responders. That means they are prepared to help when called, and arrive as quickly as safety allows. By adding the use of green emergency lights to the toolkits they have, they will be better able to meet the needs of the people of Westchester.”

 

DCMH Deputy Commissioner Joseph Glazer said: “I am so appreciative of everyone who helped bring this idea to fruition. Senator Harckham and his staff, Assemblyman Magnarelli and his office, our colleagues at NYS Office of Mental Health (OMH) and the Governor’s office, and our own Westchester County intergovernmental team who all worked together to make this the law in New York State. Across Westchester and our entire state, access to these emergency lights will further enhance our ability to create seamless, efficient systems to address behavioral health crises.”

Matters of Faith: Weekly Column by Rev. Loren Russell.

 

Party and Celebration of Delfim A Heusler Twenty Years of News Reporting in Yonkers & Westchester County.

 

Yonkers Insider: Community Events Calendar.

 

Yonkers Insider: News from Westchester County Legislator Ben Boykin 5th District.

 

City of Yonkers: Public Notice: Local Ordinance.

 

City of Yonkers: Yonkers City Clerk's Office. 

Yonkers Insider: Event from Yonkers PAL.

 Yonkers PAL

Yonkers Insider: Close to 20 Years Since my Grandmother My Baba Anna John passed Away on December 3rd in 2004.

Today marks a Sad Day for me, it is close to 20 Years since my Grandmother my Baba Anna John passed away. She gave me much in life, she gave me my Integrity through her teachings and also my Smile and also my kindness to help others. Baba would always help people. She was a great person and she was my hero and She is my Guardian Angel. I love you baba. She was loved by all who knew her and particularly by Me, She taught me many things and I always remember and follow her teachings, I always had my best times as a kid, when I was next to my Baba. I am who I am, all thanks to my Baba. I love you Baba from your Grandson, Delfim Heusler. 

Baba was a fighter in her quiet way, she led by example and she was also a person with lots of Integrity and was always for what was right and to stand up for all people and in particular our poor and that is what She instilled in me and I continue to do this till this very day to follow Baba's Great Example. Baba believed in the Power of Prayer and that led her through her life and She loved life and She is missed by me so much. I found her dead on December 3rd, 2004. That was the worst day of my life. I thought how could I live without her, But since that day I suddenly had New Energy, I have followed her example and her teachings to treat people right, but she always told me, be nice but never be afraid to take a stand when you know you are right and she told me when you have the truth on your side to never be afraid and she thought me never be afraid of a Bully. I love you Baba, I live the rest of life all as a Memorial to you.

Yonkers Insider Publisher Delfim Heusler

Yonkers Insider: Promotions from MPAC.

 

Submitted by MPAC. 

Yonkers Insider: New York State Senator Shelley Mayer Fundraiser.