Yonkers Insider: Election Desk 2024: Fri., Nov. 1, 10 am: Prominent Black Pastors to Challenge Gov. Hochul's 'Forces of Darkness' Statement.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Church of God in Christ (COGIC) Pastors to Address Gov. Hochul’s ‘Forces of Darkness’ Comment; Warn About Prop 1 Ballot Amendment at Online News Conference.

 

PROMINENT BLACK PASTORS FROM THE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST (COGIC), ONE OF THE LARGEST CHRISTIAN DENOMINATIONS IN AMERICA, WILL ADDRESS GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL’S CONTROVERSIAL STATEMENT THAT CHRISTIANS OPPOSING THE PROP 1 BALLOT AMENDMENT ARE “FORCES OF DARKNESS” AT AN ONLINE NEWS CONFERENCE ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST AT 10 AM TO WARN NEW YORKERS ABOUT THE POTENTIAL UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF THE PROP 1 BALLOT AMENDMENT.

 

THE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST HAS 12,000 CONGREGATIONS THROUGHOUT THE NATION.

 

SPEAKERS AT THE NEWS CONFERENCE WILL WARN THAT PROP ONE JEOPARDIZES THE WELL-BEING OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES. PROP ONE PROVIDES THE KEY CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR COURTS TO:

 

• DEPRIVE PARENTS OF THEIR AUTHORITY TO MAKE LIFE-ALTERING DECISIONS WITH THEIR CHILDREN;
• 
  
• ALLOW MINORS TO ENGAGE IN TRANSGENDER MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS WITHOUT PARENTAL NOTICE OR CONSENT;
• 
  
• PERMIT BIOLOGICAL BOYS AND MEN TO COMPETE AGAINST BIOLOGICAL GIRLS AND WOMEN IN SCHOOL SPORTS AND OTHER SPORT COMPETITIONS, IN ADDITION TO SHARING LOCKER ROOM AND RESTROOM SPACES;
• 
  
• PROVIDE SCHOOLS WITH MORE AUTHORITY THAN PARENTS REGARDING GENDER TRANSITIONING OF MINORS;
• 
  
• CHILL RELIGIOUS FREEDOMS, AND
• 
  
• THREATEN SENIOR DISCOUNTS, INCLUDING SENIOR HOUSING.

DATE: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2024

TIME: 10 AM

PLACE: VIA GOOGLE MEET (PLEASE EMAIL

          BILL@NOVEMBERTEAM.COM FOR LINK.)

The Coalition to Protect Kids-NY is a nonpartisan ballot issue committee registered with the New York State Board of Elections. It is composed of New Yorkers from all walks of life dedicated to defeating the so-called Equal Rights Amendment to the New York State Constitution.

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Yonkers City Council Majority Leader John Rubbo 4th District.

 

Happy Diwali from Councilman John Rubbo!

Wishing you and your family a joyful Diwali filled with light, prosperity, and happiness. May the spirit of Diwali bring peace to our hearts, strength to our community, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

On behalf of the Yonkers City Council, we celebrate our city's vibrant diversity and unity. May this festival of lights inspire us all to spread kindness and warmth throughout our community. 

Happy Diwali!

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano: Happy Diwali.

 

Dear Friends,

Today, millions of Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and people around the world will celebrate Diwali.

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a celebration of good over evil and brings happy tidings and a promise of a better tomorrow.

Let us become beacons of light for each other and triumph over hopelessness. Let us work together against darkness and shine bright in our communities for our neighbors and our children.

 

Please join me in recognizing the history, success, and many achievements of South Asian and Indo-Caribbeans in the City of Yonkers and beyond.

 

To our families celebrating this occasion, I wish you joy and prosperity.

 

Happy Diwali!

MIKE SPANO

Mayor

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: For Immediate Release: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO & YONKERS PARKS DEPARTMENT TO UNVEIL NEW RENOVATIONS AT STILWELL PARK - Fri., 11/1 @ 3:30 P.M.

YONKERS MAYOR SPANO & YONKERS PARKS DEPARTMENT TO UNVEIL NEW RENOVATIONS AT STILWELL PARK. 

 

 

Stilwell Park Joins the List of Eleven Yonkers Neighborhood Parks Revitalized in 2024.

 

 

 

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, along with Parks Commissioner Steve Sansone, City Council members, and community residents, will gather on Friday, November 1 at 3:30PM (1018 McLean Ave.) to celebrate the official reopening of Stilwell Park, showcasing the latest improvements as part of the City’s larger effort to revitalize public spaces.

 

Renovations include state-of-the-art playground equipment, new rubber safety surfacing and updated site furniture, all designed to safety and enjoyment for residents. Stilwell Park was funded and supported by New York State Senator Shelley Mayer.

 

This project marks the eleventh neighborhood park revitalized in 2024, with upgrades at Cochran Park also underway. These investments reflect Yonkers' commitment to providing modern, well-maintained outdoor spaces that foster community and wellness. 

 

Yonkers Insider: Yonkers Police Department Press Release.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/30/2024 

 

Yonkers Police Department Holds Bridge Re-Naming Ceremony in Memory of Detective Sergeant Frank Gualdino.

Yonkers, NY- Hundreds gathered earlier today on Tuckahoe Road at the Sprain Brook Parkway overpass as the community celebrated the renaming of the overpass in memory of Yonkers Police Detective Sergeant Frank Gualdino.

On December 1st, 2022, Detective Sergeant Frank Gualdino was killed in the line of duty in a head-on crash when an unlicensed 16-year-old speeding driver lost control of his vehicle and collided with Sergeant Gualdino’s police vehicle while he was traveling on Tuckahoe Road. After a lengthy investigation, this driver was charged and arrested exactly one year ago today. This case was adjudicated in Family Court due to the driver’s age.

After this tragic loss, plans were set in motion to memorialize the sacrifice of Detective Sergeant Gualdino. A bill to create this roadway dedication was ultimately signed by Governor Kathy Hochul earlier this year. The bill was primarily sponsored in the NYS Assembly by New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, and primarily sponsored in the State Senate by Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, co-sponsored by New York State Senator Shelley Mayer. These members worked closely with local officials in Westchester County, including County Executive George Latimer and County Legislator James Nolan, who provided local support to enact this dedication. Resolutions to support this dedication were also made by Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and the Yonkers City Council.

“With this sign, it’s an eternal thank you from the people of Yonkers,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “We will never stop supporting our local police officers, who, like Det. Sgt. Gualdino put their uniforms on every day and protect and serve our City. This is a moment in our hearts to pause and celebrate his life every time we drive across this bridge.”

“Even almost two years since his death, we still feel the void caused by the tragic loss of Detective Sergeant Gualdino,” said Yonkers Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza. “When we lose an Officer in the line of duty, we vow to ‘never forget.’ This is the reason why we do memorials and dedications- we want our community to remember Frank every time they are on this bridge; his legacy, service, and sacrifice to our community will never be forgotten.”

The NYS Department of Transportation placed memorial signs on both the northbound and southbound lanes of the Sprain Brook Parkway at the Tuckahoe Road overpass. The City of Yonkers installed memorial signs both eastbound and westbound on Tuckahoe Road at the overpass, which were created and installed by the Department of Public Works.

 

Yonkers Insider: Where Justices will be if Voters Right to Vote is Denied.

This is where Justices will be sitting in case someone is denied the right to vote!

Kudos to Eric Schoen for sending me the Info. Much Appreciated.

Yonkers Insider Publisher Delfim Heusler

Yonkers Insider: PRESS RELEASE: Yonkers Public Library: Exciting News: Library Jazz Band Announces 2024-25 Season!

Library Jazz Band Announces 2024-5 Season With Support of ArtsWestchester And The Yonkers Public Library.

YONKERS, New York (October 28, 2024) The Yonkers-based Library Jazz Band has been awarded funding through ArtsWestchester to support its 2024-5 season, consisting of two musical programs offered in Fall 2024 and Spring 2025. The programs will be offered free to the public, in partnership with the Yonkers Public Library and other Yonkers-based organizations.

LJB has been awarded both an Arts Alive Community Project grant and a Yonkers Arts Initiative Project Support grant. Arts Alive is a regrant program of ArtsWestchester with support from the Office of the Governor, the New York State Legislature, and the New York State Council on the Arts;  Yonkers Arts Initiative Project grant is made possible through funding from the Westchester County Executive and the Board of Legislators. 

 

“This is a huge help for our young organization,” said Nancy Maron, co-founder and artistic director of the 17-piece jazz orchestra, which is based in Yonkers. “This support gives us the ability to develop a full season of programming to share widely throughout the community.”

“The YPL has seen audiences continue to grow for this exciting new band; we are looking forward to their new musical season,” said Jesse Montero, Library Director. “Making new cultural experiences available to all is a key part of YPL’s mission.” 

The 2024-5 season will include these two thematic programs:

 

FALL 2024: It's Showtime! LJB Takes on Broadway

Sunday, November 24 at 2pm 

Grinton I. Will Branch/1500 Central Park Avenue

A salute to music from the Broadway stage including tunes from West Side Story, Chicago, Pippin, Gypsy, Porgy & Bess. As always, LJB programs highlight the work of the best bands and arrangers including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Buddy Rich, Chico O’Farrill as well as original compositions and arrangements by members of the band.  For this show, we are delighted to be joined by vocalist Amy London.

 

SPRING 2025: Hitting the Low Notes 

April 2025 [Date TBD]

This concert will feature instruments many audience members may not have seen in this setting before: the tuba and the baritone and bass saxophones. Joining us for this show will be tuba and baritone horn virtuoso Joseph Daley, veteran of Liberation Music Orchestra and band member of so many adventurous greats including Sam Rivers, Carla Bley, Gil Evans, Charlie Haden, Muhal Richard Abrams, Taj Mahal and many more.

In addition to two performances at YPL branches, funding from ArtsWestchester in 2024 will support additional LJB events in partnership with local partners, including Yonkers Paddle and Rowing Club, Yonkers Arts, and Make Music Yonkers. 

 

Extending an idea begun in early 2023, LJB rehearsals take place at the Will LIbrary are advertised and open to the public. The band encourages music enthusiasts of all ages to come hear how the band rehearses. Please see the YPL calendar for performance and rehearsal dates.

About the Library Jazz Band

Library Jazz Band is a 17-person jazz orchestra based in Yonkers, New York. We perform throughout Westchester and beyond, in venues – like libraries and festivals – that make our music available to all. Our musical selections are a mix of classics performed by the greatest jazz bands (Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, and terrifically creative new compositions and arrangements by members of our band. Our members are outstanding jazz professionals who come together to celebrate and share a love of America’s original music. All are working musicians, and many are teachers, as well.

 

Library Jazz Band was launched  in December 2021 when two friends - Nancy Maron and Sarah Cion - noticed how few big bands there were and decided to start their own, with the goal of bringing America’s own music – jazz – to as many people as possible.   

Yonkers Insider: New York State Senate Majority Andrea Stewart Cousins 35th District: Vote YES on Prop 1.

 

When Roe v Wade fell, the New York State Senate immediately sprung into action to codify the right to an abortion in New York's Constitution and now the final step to officially add it to the constitution is for voters to vote Yes on Prop 1 this November.

All New Yorkers deserve the freedom to control our own lives, futures, and healthcare decisions, including our right to abortion — and no New Yorker should be discriminated against or taken advantage of by those in power. This November, New Yorkers have the opportunity to vote for Proposal 1, a constitutional amendment that puts the power in the hands of New Yorkers.

 

And Prop 1 doesn’t stop there: it also closes loopholes in the state constitution to make sure that no New Yorker can be discriminated against by the government, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, pregnancy status, disability status, or whether someone is LGBT. Because those in power shouldn’t be able to take advantage of any New Yorker, especially the most vulnerable among us.

 

Make sure to turn over your ballot and vote YES on Prop 1! 

 

Remember- When Democrats Vote, Democrats Win! 

 

Warm regards,

Andrea Stewart-Cousins
New York State Senate Majority Leader

To learn more about Proposal 1, visit yesonprop1ny.org 

Yonkers Insider: 2024 Election Desk: Prop 1 Debate Challenge Issued by Coalition to Protect Kids-NY.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NONPARTISAN COALITION TO PROTECT KIDS - NY CHALLENGES NEW YORKERS FOR EQUAL RIGHTS TO PROP 1 -DEBATE.

 

New York-Oct. 29…The nonpartisan Coalition to Protect Kids-NY today issued a debate challenge to New Yorkers for Equal Rights on the controversial Prop 1 ballot proposal that New York voters will decide upon on Tuesday, November 5.

 

The nonpartisan Coalition to Protect Kids-NY (CTPK-NY) is an official ballot issue committee opposing Prop 1; New Yorkers for Equal Rights (NYER) is the official ballot issue committee supporting the controversial ballot amendment.

 

“It’s time for the gaslighting to end, and for the facts about Prop 1 to be put on the table for all New Yorkers to see and hear,” said Coalition to Protect Kids-NY spokesperson Ayesha Kruetz. “With one week to go before Election Day, it is imperative that New Yorkers learn what this Constitutional amendment could do to children, parents, Girls Sports, senior citizens, and  religious institutions. New Yorkers for Equal Rights has been hiding out for months. We challenge them to explain themselves before the election.”

 

The Coalition to Protect Kids - NY proposes two three-person debate teams — one for the CTPK-NY and one for NYER at an Oxford-style debate. The group proposes a live debate in Rochester, or a statewide debate via Zoom. It will update members of the news media if NYER accepts the challenge.

 

The Coalition to Protect Kids-NY is a nonpartisan ballot issue committee registered with the New York State Board of Elections. It is composed of New Yorkers from all walks of life dedicated to defeating the so-called Equal Rights Amendment to the New York State Constitution.

Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: ***NEWS RELEASE***: CITY OF YONKERS ISSUES 2024 HALLOWEEN CURFEW & SAFETY GUIDELINES.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CITY OF YONKERS ISSUES 2024 HALLOWEEN CURFEW & SAFETY GUIDELINES.

Mayor Spano & Yonkers Police Advise Residents on Halloween Safety Tips.

 

YONKERS, NY – October 29, 2024 – To ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the Yonkers Police Department will issue a citywide curfew for children 16 years of age and younger on Halloween night – Thursday, October 31.  

"Yonkers children love the magic of Halloween, which is why we are taking a proactive approach in providing a safe, fun-filled night for our communities," said Mayor Spano. "Our traditional late-night curfew on young people will allow for a memorable and safe Halloween for our community. We are asking residents to be vigilant, stay safe, and make smart choices. "

"This Halloween, our priority is the safety of everyone celebrating,” said Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza. “Please wear reflective clothing if possible, stay in well-lit areas, and report any suspicious activity. Parents, please accompany young children and review safety rules before heading out. Drivers, be extra cautious on the roads, as trick-or-treaters may be harder to see. We’re asking our teenagers to respect neighborhood rules and stick to the curfew. Let's work together to make Halloween a fun, safe event for all.”

As part of the curfew, the Yonkers Police Department advises:

·       Children ages 11 and younger must be home by 10PM

·       Children ages 12 to 13 must be home by 10:30PM

·       Children ages 14 to 16 must be home by 11PM

Exceptions include:

·       Accompanied by parent or guardian.

·       On an errand with parental permission, with prior notice to YPD Community Affairs Division – 914-377-7293

·       ½ hour after the end of school, religious and volunteer public entertainment -- no later than 12:30 AM unless police are notified by host organization 24 hours in advance

·       ½ hour after work -- with proof from employer

·       All youngsters 16 and under not subject to curfew if on or immediately next to their home (and if neighbor does not object)

Violators of the curfew will be taken to the nearest Yonkers Police Precinct, and parent/guardian will be notified. For more information about the Halloween curfew, contact the Yonkers Police Department at 914-377-7923.

 

Following are Halloween safety tips issued by the City of Yonkers for parents, children & residents:

 

Parents

·       Do not leave children unattended.

·        Know the route your child will travel and give him or her curfew.

• Be sure children can see through their masks. Costumes should be easy to see, either made from light colors or marked for nighttime with reflective tape. 
• Dispose of unwrapped candy and only keep factory-wrapped treats.
• To help plan a safe route, visit the sex offender registry at http://www.criminaljustice.ny.gov/nsor/

Children

·       Avoid trick-or-treating alone.  Try to walk in groups.

·       Don't eat anything from a trick-or-treat bag before your parents have looked at it first. 

·       Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult.

·       Walk on sidewalks when possible and face traffic to stay safe.

·       Stay away from dark streets and buildings -- only visit well-lit homes. 

 

Residents

·       Drive slowly and be alert in residential neighborhoods.  Children are excited about Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.

·       Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from great distances.

·       Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM, so please be aware during this time.

 

Yonkers Insider: Event: Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy: Veteran Brunch with CCP.

 

Yonkers City Council President Lakisha Collins-Bellamy.

Yonkers Insider: New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District: National Disability Employment Awareness Flag Raising.

Assemblyman Sayegh at the National Disability Employment Awareness Flag Raising at City Hall with the Mayor's Disability Advisory Committee.

Yonkers Insider: New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District: Charter School for Educational Excellence Homecoming.

 

Assemblyman Sayegh at the Charter School for Educational Excellence’s Homecoming Football Game with Mayor Mike Spano and Eddie LaGuerre, Chairman of the School Board of Trustees. I was honored to help kickoff the Homecoming Game with the coin flip.

Yonkers Insider: New York State Assemblyman Nader Sayegh 90th District: Yonkers City Council Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration.

 

Assemblyman Sayegh attending the Yonkers City Council Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration alongside fellow Community Leaders.

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

 

Friends,

The week began with the National Disability Employment Awareness Flag Raising at City Hall. Standing alongside Chairwoman Carole Conklin and members of the Mayor's Disability Advisory Committee, I felt a great sense of pride in how far we've come in advocating for individuals with disabilities. Their flag serves as a symbol of our commitment to creating a more inclusive city, one where every voice is heard and every individual is empowered. A personal highlight from the week was attending a spirited Homecoming Football Game for the Charter School of Educational Excellence. Joined by Mayor Mike Spano and Eddie LaGuerre, Chairman of the School Board of Trustees, we witnessed a fantastic game that showcased not only athletic skill but also the importance of education and teamwork. It’s always a joy to see our youth excelling in both academics and sports, demonstrating their potential to be future leaders in our community. Additionally, I joined the Westchester Hispanic Law Enforcement Association for their annual gala, where we honored the incredible contributions of Hispanic law enforcement officers and community leaders. These individuals are more than just officers, they are role models, mentors, and protectors of our community. Moreover, the 2nd Annual Matthew Wallace Foundation Diwali Festival brought light, joy, and cultural unity to Yonkers. Held at Neha Palace, this vibrant event was a wonderful celebration of the Festival of Lights, where we came together to honor the spirit of Diwali and the victory of light over darkness. I was honored to stand alongside fellow Community Leaders as we embraced the diverse traditions that make Yonkers such a rich and welcoming place. Finally, I capped off the week with a thrilling experience at the Five Alarm Fright Haunted House, hosted by the Youth & Senior Empowerment Foundation and The South Broadway BID. The haunted house was packed with creepy scares perfect for getting into the Halloween Spirit! I again 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, Southern Lebanon, and the West Bank. 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: Westchester County Legislator Shanae Williams 16th District: Virtual Discussion on Domestic Violence Awareness and Community Safety.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to recognize the impact domestic violence has on thousands of individuals and families in our community each year. Nonprofit Westchester is dedicated to raising awareness and connecting our community with resources that can make a difference. Join NPW on Monday, October 28th, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. for a virtual training focused on domestic violence awareness, workplace safety, and community resources. Gain valuable insights into creating a safer, more supportive environment while learning to recognize and address domestic violence.

For more information and to register, visit npwestchester.org/nonprofit-assets

Matters of Faith: Article - "Under His Shadow!" By Rev. Dr. J Loren Russell.

 

Yonkers Insider: Promotions: Judge Karen Ostberg for New York State Supreme Court Justice, 9th Judicial District.

Paid for by Karen Ostberg for Justice.

Yonkers Insider: Promotions: Ed Mevec for New York State Supreme Court Justice 9th Judicial District.

On the campaign trail with Putnam County Republican Chairman Andres Gil.

Paid for by Friends of Edward R. Mevec.

Yonkers Insider: Statement from Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.

 

Dear Neighbor, This week, we lost one of the most passionate, diligent, kind people to have ever graced City Hall. Lucia Trovato was devoted to the City of Yonkers for more than four decades. She was responsible for Mayoral proclamations, planning city-wide events and worked tirelessly to honor the people and culture of Yonkers. She shied away from being given credit for anything she would do. She had the knack of being so thoughtful and caring while always speaking her mind. She will be sorely missed by all of us. Be well, MIKE SPANO Mayor