Rev. Dr. J Loren Russell: Matters of Faith: Weekly Article: Human Nature: Backatcha!

 

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy: Reminder-ZUPPA RESTAURANT BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION HAPPENING TOMORROW.

 

Please join Mayor Mike Spano and I in celebration of another year of my life on September 30, 2025 at Zuppa Restaurant.

Yonkers Insider: New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District: St. John's Riverside Hospital "Born to Read" Program Launch.

 

Assemblyman Sayegh attending the St. John's Riverside Hospital "Born to Read" Program Launch, a collaboration with the Yonkers Public Library encouraging parents to read aloud to their newborns by providing them with a special care package of children's books to take home. Pictured here alongside Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, City Councilwoman Tasha Diaz, County Legislator Shanae Williams and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

Yonkers Insider: New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District: Dominican Independence Day.

 

Pictured here with Westchester County Legislator Jose Alvarado, Millie Gutiérrez, and Dominican-American Community Leaders!

Yonkers Insider: New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District: India's Independence Anniversary Celebration.

 

Assemblyman Sayegh welcoming and honoring Indian Consul Ms. Shruti Pandey during a celebration in honor of the anniversary of India's Independence. Shri. Syriac M Kurian, Mr. Shaimi Jacob, and Shri. Harry Singh were also honored. Pictured here with Guruji Dilkeep Thankappan, Senator Shelley B. Mayer, and Community Leaders.

Yonkers Insider: Statement from New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District.

 

Friends,

This summer has been a busy season in our district. We celebrated the diversity of our community. I had the privilege of hosting the 2024 Indian Independence Anniversary Event where my office welcomed and honored Indian Consul Ms. Shruti Pandey, as well as Shri. Syriac M Kurian, Mr. Shaimi Jacob, and Shri. Harry Singh. I was joined by Guruji Dilkeep Thankappan, Senator Shelley B. Mayer, and numerous Indian-American community leaders. Additionally, I joined our Dominican community to celebrate Dominican Independence Day. Moreover, the Salvadoran and Mexican Independence Day celebrations were nothing short of inspiring, filled with energy and pride that truly captured the heart of our community. Celebrated the 2024 Pakistani Day Parade in New York alongside the Pakistani Board of Trustees. Furthermore, my Legislative Director Damian Garcia attended a Yonkers Public Schools Community Partners meeting on my behalf. The discussions focused on enhancing educational opportunities and strengthening community partnerships. Lastly, I'm honored to be selected as the Dickinson & Avella Assemblymember Spotlight! It's truly humbling to be recognized for my work as Assemblyman and to have the opportunity to represent our incredible community. Thank you to Dickinson & Avella for this meaningful acknowledgment—I'm excited to continue working hard for the people of Yonkers and New York State! I call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon! I urge all involved parties to engage in negotiations for a lasting peace agreement, which includes the release of all hostages and prisoners. Additionally, it is imperative that the international community promptly addresses the hunger, starvation, and displacement affecting the entire population of Gaza, and now Northern Israel and Southern Lebanon. From the start of this conflict, over 45,000 have died, 100,000 are injured, and 2 million displaced from their homes. This must stop immediately!

Nader J. Sayegh NYS Assemblyman 90th District-Yonkers

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: BLU PRINT RIBBON CUTTING

Customized t-shirts and hoodies are all the rage at Blu Print on 118 Lake Avenue, one of the newest businesses in Yonkers.

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: ITALIAN FLAG RAISING.

Members of the community are invited to attend the annual Italian flag raising and coffee reception at the City Hall unity Fountain on Tuesday, October 1 at 4:30 p.m. Mayor Spano will join the Italian American community to kick off Italian Heritage Month, observed in October.

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: GOLD STAR MOTHERS.

The annual Gold Star Mothers Ceremony, paying tribute to mothers and families who lost loved ones fighting for freedom, will be held on Sunday, September 29 at 10:00 a.m. at the Gold Star Mothers Monument by the Yonkers Riverfront Library.

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.

 

Dear Neighbors, It's been another milestone week here in the City of Yonkers. We joined Robert Halmi Jr. and the cast of Raising Kanan for a star-studded opening of our newest Yonkers Public School, the Robert Halmi Sr. Academy of Film and Television. The entire student body attended the ceremony in the gymnasium and they heard from actress Patina Miller and Robert Halmi, Jr. These students now will follow in the footsteps of famed producer Robert Halmi, Sr.. Many of them will learn specialized skills that can be used to jumpstart their career in the film industry and with Lionsgate here in Yonkers, our kids can work right here at home! I'm sure we will be seeing many of these superstars in the future! I hope you all have a great weekend! Be well, MIKE SPANO Mayor

Yonkers Insider: Promotions: 2024 Election Desk: Fundraiser for Susan Cacace Democrat for Westchester County DA.

 

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/cacace_oct1

Paid for by Cacace For DA.

#cacace4da

City of Yonkers: Legal Notice: Public Hearing Notice - October 1, 2024 at 6:15 p.m.

 

City of Yonkers: Yonkers City Clerk.

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Council Majority Leader John Rubbo 4th District: Ribbon Cutting of the new Robert Halmi Sr. Academy of Film and Television.

 

Robert Halmi Sr. Academy of Film and Television.

I was proud to join Mayor Mike Spano, Superintendent Aníbal Soler Jr., the Yonkers Board of Education, and renowned film producer Robert Halmi for the ribbon cutting and opening ceremony of the Robert Halmi Sr. Academy of Film and Television, a groundbreaking new high school within the Yonkers Public Schools District.   This innovative trade school is designed to offer students hands-on, project-based learning in the dynamic world of film, television, and the arts. With a curriculum developed in partnership with industry leaders like Great Point Studios, IATSE, and CAA, the Robert Halmi Sr. Academy will prepare students for exciting careers in fields such as sound design, project management, social media marketing, and more!   Named in honor of Hollywood legend Robert Halmi Sr., this academy marks a new era of opportunity for our youth, equipping them with the skills to succeed in the entertainment industry and beyond. It was an incredible day celebrating this milestone for Yonkers and the future of education in our community! Warmest regards, Yonkers City Council Majority Leader John Rubbo 4th District.

Yonkers Insider: Westchester County Legislator David Tubiolo 14th District: Celebrate my Birthday.

 

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers Public Schools: ***MEDIA RELEASE***: Yonkers Public Schools Announces the Opening of the Robert Halmi Sr. Academy of Film & Television.

 

(Photo Credit: Maurice Mercado, City of Yonkers)

Providing Students with Pathways to Careers in Film, Television, and Media.

YONKERS, NY (September 27, 2024) – Yonkers Public Schools is proud to announce the opening of the Robert Halmi Sr. Academy of Film and Television, a groundbreaking new academy that will provide students with the skills and hands-on experience necessary for careers in film, television, and the broader media industry. Named in honor of legendary producer Robert Halmi Sr., the academy is the latest addition to the district’s specialized educational offerings, demonstrating a continued commitment to fostering innovation and career readiness among Yonkers students.

Dr. Rosalba Corrado Del Vecchio, President of the Yonkers Board of Education, emphasized the significance of this new school, stating, “The opening of the Robert Halmi Sr. Academy marks an exciting new chapter for Yonkers Public Schools. Through this innovative CTE program, we are offering students unmatched opportunities to gain the skills and experience they need to excel in the creative arts and media industries. This collaboration exemplifies the strength of our community partnerships and our commitment to preparing students for bright futures.”

Superintendent of Schools Anibal Soler, Jr. highlighted the academy’s impact on Yonkers students: “The Robert Halmi Sr. Academy is more than just a school – it’s a pathway to unimaginable opportunities for our students. This new academy perfectly supports Mayor Spano’s bold vision of creating a ‘Hollywood on the Hudson,’ turning Yonkers into a film and media production hub. We are deeply grateful to Mayor Spano and Robert Halmi for their unwavering support in bringing this academy to life. Their commitment to providing students with unique, hands-on experiences while delivering a world-class education is a testament to the belief that Yonkers students deserve every opportunity to succeed in these emerging industries.”

The 100,000 square-foot campus, located at 463 Hawthorne Avenue, will provide state-of-the-art facilities for students. The academy’s curriculum, developed in collaboration with Great Point Studios, Syracuse University, New York University, and industry leaders such as IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees), covers a wide range of fields including:

• Storytelling & Screenwriting
• Videography, Cinematography, & Stage Management
• Electric & Rigging
• Lighting & Design
• Set Construction & Design
• Animation
• Costume Design & Construction
• Directing for Film, TV, & Theatre
• Sound Design, Editing, & Recording
• Music Composition for Film, TV, & Theatre
• Acting, Dance & Choreography
• Hair, Make-Up, & Specialty Make-Up

This comprehensive curriculum will allow students to explore various aspects of the industry, giving them practical skills and experience to prepare for careers in media and the creative arts.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano also spoke about the importance of the academy, saying, “We excited for this next chapter for our City as we partner with Great Point Studios in our effort to provide more specialized educational opportunities for students. The collaboration between the City of Yonkers, Yonkers Public Schools, and Great Point Studios is a model for other urban districts on how to create pipelines from classrooms to careers. RHA is now home to a vibrant and diverse learning community where young people will get hands-on experience and prepare for the next phases of their educational journey.”

Robert Halmi, Founder and CEO of Great Point Studios, expressed his excitement about the academy, saying, “Through this academy, we are not only teaching students the technical skills of film and television; we are preparing the next generation of innovators in our industry. Naming this academy after my father is a tribute to his dedication to the arts and continues to carry forward his legacy.”

The Robert Halmi Sr. Academy is part of Yonkers Public Schools’ broader effort to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, offering students specialized pathways to college and career readiness.

For more information about the Robert Halmi Sr. Academy of Film and Television, visit: https://www.yonkerspublicschools.org/halmi.

 

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Yonkers City Councilwoman Corazon Pineda Isaac 2nd District.

 

Westchester County is currently conducting a Hispanic & Latino Community Survey with the purpose of identifying available community resources, assets and areas for improvement in Westchester County.  If you identify as Hispanic or Latino, Westchester County wants to hear from you! They have extended their deadline for the survey until October 7, 2024. Please take a few minutes to fill it out and make your voice count.

Take the survey here. - https://pace.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5BZuvSBzMKX2Hyu

Have a great weekend!

Hon. Corazon Pineda-Isaac

40 South Broadway, Suite 414

Yonkers, NY 10701

(Tel) 377-6312

(Email) corazon.pineda.isaac@yonkersny.gov

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy: UPDATED: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thank You for Supporting the Residents of the Palisades Towers.

 

Yonkers Insider: Event: Habitat for Humanity ReStore Celebrates its 1 Year Anniversary.

 

Yonkers Insider: Westchester County Democratic Committee: Press Release: WESTCHESTER DEMS BACK NY ERA & FOUR-YEAR TERMS FOR COUNTY LEGISLATORS.

 

WESTCHESTER DEMS BACK NY ERA & FOUR-YEAR TERMS FOR COUNTY LEGISLATORS.

Berger Re-Elected Chair at County Reorganization Meeting.

(White Plains, NY) - The Westchester County Democratic Committee is urging voters this fall to approve two ballot propositions: one that will enshrine civil right protections, including protections for abortion, in the New York State Constitution, and another that will make the terms of Westchester County legislators four years instead of the current two, the full length of legislative term limits will be unchanged.

At the Committee's reorganization meeting at the Westchester County Center Tuesday night, the Committee voted enthusiastically to support the two measures, which will be on the ballot this November.

Proposition 1, which some have referred to as the New York Equal Rights Amendment, would add to the State Constitution prohibitions against discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy and pregnancy outcomes, including protecting against government action that could limit reproductive autonomy or access to reproductive health care.

Suzanne Berger, Chair of the WCDC, said: "Many voters don't realize that the New York State Constitution, while it prohibits discrimination on the basis of race and religion, has no protections against discrimination on the basis of age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or reproductive health access. Westchester Democrats believe it's imperative that we make these protections a matter of State Constitutional protection. While laws exist to protect these rights now, laws can be easily changed by any future state legislature. In a time when our rights and freedoms are under attack, enshrining these civil rights protections in our state constitution allows us to preserve these rights for future generations."

Proposition 2, which would take effect in January if passed, would change the term of Westchester County legislators from two years to four years. A 12-year consecutive term limit will remain in effect, legislators are currently limited to six two-year terms.

Berger said, "By changing the County legislative term to four years, we can reduce the amount of taxpayer dollars spent on elections and at the same time ensure that our legislators have the time and continuity to focus on the increasingly complex legislative issues that confront our growing county, instead of perpetually campaigning. This is good governance, and is in keeping with the terms lengths of other counties like Rockland, while holding firm on term limits that many other counties do not have."

She added, “Remember, on Election Day, turn over your ballots and vote ‘yes’ on these propositions.”

At the convention, more than 600 County Committee members heard inspiring words from State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins and congressional candidate Mondaire Jones and were revved up to work hard for a Democratic Victory on Nov 5.

Also on Tuesday night, the Committee elected its 2024 officers:

Chair: Suzanne Berger

First Vice Chair: Shelley B. Mayer

Second Vice Chair: Bruce Campbell

Vice Chair - Female 1: Terry Clements

Vice Chair - Female 2: Terry Degatano

Vice Chair – Female 3: Linda Fernberg

Vice Chair - Female 4: Ximena Francella

Vice Chair - Female 5: Karen Pecora

Vice Chair - Female 6: Erika Pierce

Vice Chair - Male 1: Joseph Apicella

Vice Chair - Male 2: Don Buchwald

Vice Chair - Male 3: Phillip D. Chonigman

Vice Chair - Male 4: Tom Meier, Jr.

Vice Chair - Male 5: Anthony Nicodemo

Vice Chair - Male 6: Louis Sanchez

Treasurer: Marcel Florestal

Assistant Treasurer: Brian Higbie

Secretary: Tajian M. Nelson

Assistant Secretary: Diana Toledo

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers for Prop 1 Rally - Saturday, September 28.

Equality is on the ballot this year, and it’s vital that we pass Prop 1, the New York Equal Rights Amendment!

This Saturday, Join Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Attorney General Letitia James, NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Senator Shelley Mayer, County Executive George Latimer, Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, and others as we rally for Prop 1 in Yonkers!

Prop 1 will enshrine our reproductive rights, including abortion, into the state Constitution. It will also close loopholes that currently exist in our Constitution, and make sure that no New Yorker can be discriminated against, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, pregnancy status, disability status, or whether someone is LGBT.  

Please join us on Saturday and help us spread the word: Flip your ballot and vote YES on Prop 1!

Location: Yonkers Train Station – Larkin Plaza

Time: 4pm

Please RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/YonkersRally.

We are looking forward to seeing you!

Best,

Yonkers for Prop 1

 

Yonkers Insider: Event: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand & NYS AG Tish James to Headline Yonkers Rally in Support of Prop 1 on 9/28@4P.M.

EVENT: Rally to Support Prop 1.

DATE: Saturday, September 28th

TIME: 4PM

PLACE: Yonkers Train Station/Larkin Plaza

SPEAKERS: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Attorney General Tish James, NY State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, NY State Senator Shelley Mayer, NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman, and more.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand NY State Attorney General Tish James To Headline Yonkers Rally in Support of Prop 1.

Prop 1 Protects Fundamental Rights and Freedoms - Including Abortion.

Yonkers, NY - U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and New York State Attorney General Tish James are headlining a rally organized by Democrats in Support of Prop 1 on Saturday, September 28th @ 4PM at the Yonkers Train Station/Larkin Plaza. The event is designed to increase awareness about the November ballot initiative and to encourage voters to flip their ballot and vote “Yes” to the proposal.

Prop 1, formerly known as the Equal Rights Amendment, aims to protect fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to an abortion, by enshrining these protections into the New York State Constitution. This amendment would also safeguard New Yorkers from discrimination based on a variety of factors, including gender. 

New York politicians have introduced 53 anti-abortion bills this decade alone. By voting "Yes" on Prop 1, voters are supporting the constitutional guarantee of abortion rights. Early voting in New York begins on Saturday, October 26th.

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers City Council Meetings - September 24, 2024 by Yonkers City Councilwoman Corazon Pineda Issac 2nd District.

 

On Tuesday September 24, 2024, the Yonkers City Council held a Community & Mental Health Services Committee Meeting, a Real Estate Committee meeting, as well as a Stated City Council meeting. All items on the agendas appear below, as well as the decisions taken by the City Council in regard to these items. 

Community & Mental Health Services Committee Meeting 1.Local Law amending Section C14-20 entitled "Reserved", of Part E, entitled "Office of Human Rights and Affirmative Action", of Article XIV of the Charter of the City of Yonkers, entitled "Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation" (Moved to Rules Committee meeting agenda of October 1, 2024) Real Estate Committee Meeting 1.General Ordinance amending Section 43-8 "Definition of Terms" of Article II of Chapter 43 Part V of the Charter of the City of Yonkers (Kept in Committee for further discussion) 2. Resolution referring the proposed amendment to the Yonkers Zoning Code to allow for the Building Department's more effective enforcement of same to eliminate single room occupancy in single family zones to protect the health , safety, and welfare of the residents of the City of Yonkers to the Westchester County and Yonkers Planning Boards pursuant to the General Municipal Law and the Yonkers City Code (Moved to Stated City Council meeting agenda of September 24, 2024) 3. Resolution of the Yonkers City Council seeking Lead Agency status under SEQRA and authorizing and directing notice to all other involved agencies of a proposed General Ordinance amending the City’s Zoning Map by rezoning a portion of the premises known as 218 South Broadway from its current “SB-central sub-district” zone classification to a “C” commercial district zone classification to match the “C” commercial zone classification of 12 Bright Place, the neighboring property. (Moved to Stated City Council meeting agenda of September 24, 2024) Stated City Council Meeting 1. General Ordinance amending Chapter 43 of the Code of the City of Yonkers entitled “Zoning” in regards to Senior Citizen Housing Parking Requirements. (Adopted 7-0) 2. General Ordinance – amending Chapter 50 of the Code of the City of Yonkers entitled “Green Buildings” in relation to electric vehicle charging stations. (Adopted 7-0) 3. General Ordinance amending Chapter 43 of the Code of the City of Yonkers entitled “Zoning” in relation to electric vehicle charging stations (Adopted 7-0) 4. Special Ordinance – authorizing acceptance of the Growing Tennis Together grant from USTA-Eastern in the amount of $4,436.00 and amending the City of Yonkers Grant Budget for Fiscal Year 2025. (Adopted 7-0) 5. Special Ordinance – authorizing the summer youth employment program grant from the Westchester County Youth bureau in the amount of $17,224.00 and amending the City of Yonkers grant budget for fiscal year. (Adopted 7-0) 6. Resolution of the Yonkers City Council seeking Lead Agency status under SEQRA and authorizing and directing notice to all other involved agencies of a proposed General Ordinance amending the City’s Zoning Map by rezoning a portion of the premises known as 218 South Broadway from its current “SB-central sub-district” zone classification to a “C” commercial district zone classification to match the “C” commercial zone classification of 12 Bright Place, the neighboring property. (Adopted 7-0)   7. Resolution – approving an Inter-Municipal Agreement between the County of Westchester and the City of Yonkers the provision of a youth employment program through the City’s Youth Bureau. (Adopted 7-0)   8. Resolution – to issue a revised determination of significance pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) relating to water system improvements. (Adopted 7-0)   9. Resolution by the City Council of Yonkers proclaiming and recognizing the month of October 2024 as "Breast Cancer Awareness Month" throughout the City of Yonkers. (Adopted 7-0)   10. Resolution of the Yonkers City Council declaring the month of October 2024 “Disability Employment Awareness Month” in the City of Yonkers (Adopted 7-0)   11. Resolution by the City Council of Yonkers to declare the month of October 2024 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" in the City of Yonkers. (Adopted 7-0)   12. Resolution of the City Council of Yonkers declaring the month of October 2024 “LGBTQ+ history month” in the City of Yonkers (Adopted 7-0)   13. Resolution by the City Council of Yonkers declaring October 6, 2024 as “World Cerebral Palsy Day” in the City of Yonkers. (Adopted 7-0)   14. Resolution of the City Council of Yonkers declaring the month of October 2024 “Italian American Heritage Month” (Adopted 7-0) 15. Commissioner of Deeds (Adopted 7-0) Addendum: 15A: Resolution referring the proposed amendment to the Yonkers Zoning Code to allow for the Building Department's more effective enforcement of same to eliminate single room occupancy in single family zones to protect the health , safety, and welfare of the residents of the City of Yonkers to the Westchester County and Yonkers Planning Boards pursuant to the General Municipal Law and the Yonkers City Code (Adopted 7-0) You can tune in to City Council meetings via the City Council Facebook page, City Hall TV (accessible via the City of Yonkers website), Optimum channel 78, or Verizon Fios channel 39.  

Best regards,   Hon. Corazon Pineda-Isaac E-mail: corazon.pineda.isaac@yonkersny.gov Tel: (914) 377-6312