Insider News Center: From Greenburgh Insider: 48th year of Bicycle Sundays resumes tomorrow: May 1.

 

Forty eight years ago (when I was still a student) I served as a member of Westchester County Executive Al DelBello's Bikeway Committee. I was previously the chair of the Task Force for Bikeways in Westchester which successfully lobbied the Board of Legislators to approve the first bikeway in Westchester on the Bronx River Parkway.  Al DelBello was an amazing public servant - someone who encouraged young people to get involved. He made students feel important, listened to our ideas and made us feel good about democracy. 

I suggested that the county close the Bronx River Parkway for cyclists on Sundays. The Task Force agreed. And County Executive DelBello immediately said yes to the idea.  Bicycle Sunday's continues to be one of the most popular recreation programs in Westchester and resumes tomorrow - Sunday, May 1st from 10 AM to 2 PM.   48 years of Bicycle Sundays --a great day for every participant.

2022 Bicycle Sunday Dates

10a.m. – 2p.m.

May 1, 8, 15, 22

June 5, 12, 19, 26

September 11, 18, 25

Oct 2

PAUL FEINER

Greenburgh Town Supervisor

To Read More, Link To: https://greenburghinsider.blogspot.com/2022/04/greenburgh-insider-48th-year-of-bicycle.html

Insider News Center: From New York State Insider: Election Desk 2022 News: Statement from Lisa Hofflich Democrat for New York State Senate 36th District: Elections 2022.

 

New York State’s highest court ruled this week that the State Senate lines must be redrawn, with a new primary date of Tuesday, August 23rd. 

 

Let me assure you right now: this ruling changes nothing for me. I decided to run for State Senate to improve public safety, fight climate change, and create quality affordable housing. Hard-working New Yorkers will still wake up tomorrow concerned about those issues.  

 

All my best, 

Lisa Hofflich Democrat for New York State Senate 36th District.

To Learn more about Lisa's Campaign for New York State Senate, Please Visit: https://www.lisahofflichforsenate.com/

To Read More, Link To: https://newyorkstateinsider.blogspot.com/2022/04/new-york-state-insider-election-desk_30.html

Insider News Center: From Westchester Insider: Election Desk 2022 News: [PRESS STATEMENT] Alessandra Biaggi Issues Statement Regarding Her Campaign For Congress.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 28, 2022.

SENATOR ALESSANDRA BIAGGI ISSUES STATEMENT REGARDING HER CAMPAIGN FOR CONGRESS.

“I entered this race because I am deeply committed to fighting for the people of NY-3 and protecting abortion and voting rights, combatting the climate crisis, and expanding access to affordable healthcare and housing. I am the most experienced, qualified, and committed candidate in NY-3, and I am staying in this race.”

To Read More, Link To: https://thewestchesterinsider.blogspot.com/2022/04/westchester-insider-election-desk-2022_29.html

Insider News Center: From Westchester Insider: Westchester County: County Executive George Latimer Signs Legislation Capping Westchester’s Gas Tax.

 

County Executive George Latimer Signs Legislation Capping Westchester’s Gas Tax.

 

(White Plains, NY) –  Following his introduction of this legislation, Westchester County Executive George Latimer has signed into law a cap on the County’s collection of sales tax on gas purchases to $.12 per gallon, equal to the cost of the tax with gas at $3.00 per gallon. In addition to this, Latimer has taken executive action to suspend the collection of Bee-Line Bus fees through the summer.

 

Latimer said: “These two actions, both the capping of our gas tax and suspension of Bee-Line Bus fees, are simple measures that can really add up for Westchester residents. No matter how you commute, saving money on your trips each day can make a big difference. I thank the Board of Legislators for their partnership on this important, and timely, legislation.”

To Read More, Link To: https://thewestchesterinsider.blogspot.com/2022/04/westchester-insider-westchester-county_37.html

Insider News Center: From Greenburgh Insider: Grandpas United White Plains Youth Bureau is offering a $500 scholarship to a GBG graduating senior.

 

Grandpas United White Plains Youth Bureau is offering a $500 scholarship to a Greenburgh graduating senior. The senior must have a connection to White Plains. If you learn of other scholarship opportunities please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. And, I will share with the community.     

Last year Greeburgh’s Kyle Shepard was the recipient of this award.

PAUL FEINER

To Read More, Link To: https://greenburghinsider.blogspot.com/2022/04/greenburgh-insider-grandpas-united.html

Insider News Center: From Westchester Insider: Westchester County: Westchester County Executive Congratulates 2022 Wunderkinds.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE CONGRATULATES 2022 WUNDERKINDS.

Assistant Director of Intergovernmental Relations Among List of Wunderkinds by 914Inc.

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer congratulates Copernicus “Copper” Crane, Assistant Director of Intergovernmental Relations, for being selected as a 2022 Wunderkind by 914Inc. Crane joins 26 others across Westchester County building momentum and generating change in their industries.

Latimer said: “This issue of 914Inc. showcases how each of these young people in our great County has the capacity and command to do amazing things. As Assistant Director of Intergovernmental Relations, Copper has worked in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitated our police reform task force and managed our annual intern program. He is more than deserving of this elite list and he is among great company as a 2022 Wunderkind.”

Deputy Director of Communications, Joseph Sgamatto, Esq. was selected as a Wunderkind in 2020. Chief of Staff Andrew Ferris was named to the 2019 class of Wunderkinds.

 

See the list and read more here: https://westchestermagazine.com/wunderkinds-home/

 To Read More, Link To: https://thewestchesterinsider.blogspot.com/2022/04/westchester-insider-westchester-county_17.html

Insider News Center: From Westchester Insider: Westchester County: WESTCHESTER COUNTY TO HOST SECOND HRD EVENT ON SATURDAY, MAY 7 IN YONKERS.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY TO HOST SECOND HOUSEHOLD RECYCLING DAY EVENT OF 2022 AT SPRAIN RIDGE PARK IN YONKERS.

 

Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

 

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County’s Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) will be conducting its second Household Recycling Day (HRD) Event on Saturday, May 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sprain Ridge Park, 149 Jackson Avenue, Yonkers. The upcoming HRD event in Yonkers will be the second HRD event of 2022, and gives residents across the County an opportunity to conveniently and safely dispose of their household waste.

 

 

Generally, the following items are accepted for safe disposal or recycling:

·           Properly labelled household chemicals, such as:

§  Household cleaning products

§  Most automotive fluids (antifreeze, brake fluid, gasoline, but not motor oil)

§  Flammable liquids (kerosene, butane, lighter fluid, turpentine)

§  Metal, jewelry, and furniture polishes and waxes; wood preservatives

§  Fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides

§  Photographic and swimming pool chemicals

·           Batteries – only vehicle, rechargeable, or button cell

·           Textiles- footwear, clothing, linens, leather, small area rugs, and handbags

·           Latex and oil-based Paint, wood stains

·           Fluorescent light bulbs & CFLs

·           Fire extinguishers

·           BBQ propane tanks (up to 20 lbs.)

·           Mercury containing devices (thermometers and thermostats)

·           Electronic waste (TVs, computer monitors and towers)

·           Expired or unwanted medications, both OTC and prescription

·           Personal documents for shredding (limit of four (4) file-size boxes per household)

·           Tires

 

Items that will not be accepted and should not be brought to the Household Recycling Day include, non-rechargeable alkaline and carbon zinc batteries (they can be safely discarded in the trash), motor oil, smoke detectors, cell phones, explosives (flares, fireworks, ammunition), construction debris and hypodermic needles. Also, waste from businesses, schools, or other institutions will not be accepted.

 

For more information on what to bring to this event, visit www.westchestergov.com/recycling or call (914) 813-5425.

 

If you are unable to attend the HRD Event, you can dispose of your hard-to-get-rid-of household waste by making a convenient appointment for the County’s Household-Material Recycling Facility (H-MRF), 15 Woods Road, Valhalla.  The H-MRF is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. by appointment, and accepts the same items that are accepted at the HRD events. For more information about the H-MRF or to make an appointment, visit https://environment.westchestergov.com/facilities/h-mrf or call (914) 813-5425.

 

For more information on Westchester County environmental programs and events follow us on Facebook at:

www.facebook.com/WestchesterCountyDEF

To Read More, Link To: https://thewestchesterinsider.blogspot.com/2022/04/westchester-insider-westchester-county_56.html

Insider News Center: From New York State Insider: [PRESS RELEASE] Senator Biaggi, Senator Gounardes, and Assemblymember González-Rojas Introduce Stop Silencing Survivors Act to Ban Non-Disclosure Agreements.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, April 29th, 2022.

Senator Biaggi, Senator Gounardes, and Assemblymember González-Rojas Introduce Stop Silencing Survivors Act to Ban Non-Disclosure Agreements. 

ALBANY, NY – Senator Biaggi, Senator Gounardes, and Assemblymember González-Rojas have introduced legislation (S8914) to ban non-disclosure and non-disparagement clauses in settlement agreements in workplace disputes and in employment contracts. 

This legislation bars employers from including a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) or non-disparagement agreement in a waiver, settlement, agreement, or other resolution to an alleged violation of the human rights law or labor law. Agreements may still include language barring an employer from revealing the identity of an employee or the circumstances surrounding their complaint, providing important protections to victims who want privacy. Additionally, the legislation bars employers from including language in a contract or application for employment as a condition of employment that bars employees from disclosing information related to any future alleged violations of the human rights law, labor law or their experience with the employer. 

“Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) have been used again and again by employers to silence survivors of workplace harassment and discrimination and protect abusers. By passing the Stop Silencing Survivors Act we can put the power back in the hands of employees –– giving them the agency to share their experiences when and if they so choose. I am incredibly grateful to the Sexual Harassment Working Group and Lift Our Voices for spearheading this movement to create safer, more equitable workplaces, and to my colleagues Senator Gounardes and Assemblymember González-Rojas for their partnership on this legislation,” said Senator Alessandra Biaggi. 

To Read More, Link To; https://newyorkstateinsider.blogspot.com/2022/04/new-york-state-insider-press-release_29.html

Insider News Center: From Greenburgh Insider: Enjoy some amazing local theater, music, arts this weekend.

 

Some fantastic theater, music to enjoy this weekend and it's all local.

 If you are not familiar.... check out the ArtsWestchester calendar for a list of live and virtual performances that you will enjoy.https://artswestchester.org/

Riverarts.org sponsors many amazing arts programs in our area. On Saturday, April 30 and May 1 they will be celebrating Beethoven (it's his 250th birthday) at the Irvington Presbyterian Church. Cellist Peter Seidenberg and pianist Hui Mei Lin will perform. April 30 at7 PM. Sunday, May 1 at 3 PM. riverarts.org/Beethoven/

Clockwork Players has a great show tomorrow at the Tarrytown Music Hall  Disney's Moana Jr at noon

TOMORROW at 7:30 PM River Edge Theatre Company will host a performance: Short Sweet Tiny PLays at 7 PM at First Reformed Church in Hastings. At 6:30 PM goodies, music and raffle.  Please come masked and vaxxed.  Check out riversedgetheatre.com. Meghan and David Covington started this independent theatre company--enjoy local talent!

Enjoy the arts.  And, don't forget to check out Greenburgh Arts and Culture programs.  www.greenburghartsandculture.org. Sarah Bracey White has coordinated exhibits of paintings, drawings and photographs, the Kids Short Story Connection, the Poetry Caravan, an annual fall flower show, a cable TV series and much more.

If you would like to share upcoming performances, weekend activities please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com. 

PAUL FEINER

To Read More, Link To: https://greenburghinsider.blogspot.com/2022/04/greenburgh-insider-enjoy-some-amazing.html

Insider News Center: From Yonkers Insider: City of Yonkers: MAYOR SPANO APPOINTS DEPUTY CHIEF CHRIS SAPIENZA AS YONKERS POLICE COMMISSIONER.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAYOR SPANO APPOINTS DEPUTY CHIEF CHRIS SAPIENZA

AS YONKERS POLICE COMMISSIONER.

 

27-Year Veteran of the Yonkers Police and Former United States Marine to Lead Yonkers Police Department.

Acting Yonkers Police Commissioner Chris Sapienza

(Photo Credit: Maurice Mercado/City of Yonkers)

 

YONKERS, NY – April 29, 2022 – Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced his appointment of Yonkers Police Deputy Chief Chris Sapienza as the City’s new Police Commissioner. Sapienza will serve as acting commissioner, pending Yonkers City Council confirmation. Sapienza will replace outgoing Commissioner John Mueller, who retired earlier this week.

 

“Police Commissioner Chris Sapienza has the temperament and keen ability to cultivate relationships with the community and our officers to ensure they can all be the best versions of themselves,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “Chris has been a shining star in the Department for years, and epitomizes the meaning of true leadership, demonstrating his in-depth knowledge, training, and dedication to the men and women of our police force. We look forward to advancing the progress we have made thus far to foster stronger community relationships and continuing to keep our residents safe.”

 

Police Commissioner Sapienza said, “I am deeply honored with the responsibility and privilege the Mayor has entrusted to me to guide the Yonkers Police Department. Our police officers and supervisors have done incredible work during the Spano Administration to drive crime down to historic lows while enhancing community relations and improving our residents’ quality-of-life. I look forward to building on that progress by working together with the community, administration, and City Council.”

 

Sapienza began his career with the Yonkers Police Department in 1995 as a Police Officer in the 3rd Precinct and then the Emergency Service Unit. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2006, Lieutenant in 2015, and Captain in 2019; he served as the President of the Captain’s, Lieutenant’s, and Sergeant’s Association from 2015 - 2019. In 2019, he was appointed Deputy Chief of the Support Services Bureau, overseeing multiple divisions and units responsible for the logistic operation of the Department.

 

Mayor Spano added, “I want to thank Commissioner Mueller for his service to the residents of the city and to our police department. Under his leadership, Yonkers has achieved unprecedented successes, including a reduction in overall crime, a more diverse police force, and the introduction of various community policing initiatives that have transformed our police department. I congratulate him on a stellar career and wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”

 

Sapienza will serve as the City of Yonkers’ 23^rd police commissioner.

To Read More, Link To: https://yonkersinsider.blogspot.com/2022/04/yonkers-insider-city-of-yonkers-mayor_29.html

Insider News Center: From Westchester Insider: Westchester County Board of Legislators: Press Release: BOARD APPROVES GAS TAX RELIEF.

 

PRESS RELEASE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 28, 2022

BOARD APPROVES GAS TAX RELIEF: Measure Will Be Accompanied by Bus Fare Holiday.

 

White Plains, NY —  The Board of Legislators has approved gas tax relief for Westchester residents.

In a special meeting on Thursday afternoon, the Board voted 15-2 in favor of a measure to cap sales tax on gas purchases at $.12 per gallon, the equivalent of the tax drivers would pay if gas was $3.00 per gallon.  The tax relief will run from June 1 through August 31.

The relief, proposed earlier this week by County Executive George Latimer, is designed to help residents struggling with inflationary pressures and uncertainty in gas prices relating to the war in Ukraine and other market factors.

To go along with the gas tax cap, the County Executive will suspend fares on the County's Bee-Line bus system for the same period.

Because of federal transit support for the bus system, the fare holiday is expected to have no impact on the County budget.

To Read More, Link To: https://thewestchesterinsider.blogspot.com/2022/04/westchester-insider-westchester-county_38.html

Insider News Center: From New York City Insider: Secretary Blinken Praises Representative Espaillat's Leadership on Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release April 28, 2022

Secretary Blinken Praises Representative Espaillat's Leadership on Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. Comes On Heels of House Passage of Espaillat's Bill, H.R.4133 – The Caribbean Basic Security Initiative Authorization Act.   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during a House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations hearing on the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Request for the Department of State, Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised Representative Adriano Espaillat's (NY-13) spearheading of H.R.4133 - The Caribbean Basic Security Initiative Authorization Act – which passed the House last night. In response to Representative Espaillat’s questioning, Secretary Blinken said: “So, first let me just thank you for your leadership on this. One of the things we’re trying to do more on – and I had an opportunity to talk to the Chairwoman about this as well yesterday – is to focus more on the Caribbean Basin across the board. Of course there’s the climate challenge which is – as you know very well – acute, and helping to make sure our nearest neighbors have the means to engage in adaptation and building resilience.”

To Read More, Link To: https://newyorkcityinsider.blogspot.com/2022/04/new-york-city-insider-secretary-blinken.html

Insider News Center: From New York State Insider: Albany Bureau: Sen. Kavanagh & AM Epstein to Hold Press Rally Supporting Bill that Legalizes ADUs.

 

To Read More, Link To: https://newyorkstateinsider.blogspot.com/2022/04/new-york-state-insider-albany-bureau_28.html

Insider News Center: From Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky 12th District: Westchester County Ranks in Top Five Statewide in Health Outcomes and Factors.

 

Westchester County Ranks in Top Five Statewide in Health Outcomes and Factors.

For the seventh year in a row, Westchester County has ranked in the top five out of 62 counties statewide for health outcomes and health factors, according to the County Health Rankings released Wednesday by the national County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation program.

When compared with other counties in New York State, the distinction proves that Westchester is among the healthiest places to live and raise a family, with lower rates of physical inactivity, obesity, teen births, alcohol-impaired driving deaths, motor vehicle crashes and drug overdose deaths, and chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease. Westchester also had higher rates of high school graduation and college attendance, and lower rates of children in poverty, violent crime and injury deaths.

The survey showed that Westchester residents reported they felt physically and mentally healthy more often than residents statewide. County residents had better access to primary care providers, dentists and mental health providers, than residents statewide, with more providers per capita, and higher rates of flu vaccination and cancer screenings.

Despite the toll taken by COVID-19, the County ranked fourth for health outcomes, which measure the length and quality of life, and fifth for health factors, which measure the ways health behaviors, clinical care, social and economic factors and the environment affect our health. Westchester has ranked in the top five since 2016, and in the top 10 since 2011. The overall life expectancy in Westchester is 83.6 years, which is better than top performers statewide and nationally.

To Read More, Link To: https://thewestchesterinsider.blogspot.com/2022/04/westchester-insider-westchester-county_88.html

Insider News Center: From New York City Insider: House Passes Bipartisan Espaillat Bill to Boost Security and Cooperation in the Caribbean.

 

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release April 27, 2022

House Passes Bipartisan Espaillat Bill to Boost Security and Cooperation in the Caribbean. Bill Increases Funding to Caribbean Basin Security Initiative - Enhances U.S.-Caribbean Relations, Combats Corruption and Drug Trafficking, and Supports Civil Society.   WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement on House passage of his bipartisan bill, H.R.4133 – The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Authorization Act. This legislation would allocate nearly $75,000,000 per year from 2022 through 2026 to improve security cooperation with Caribbean nations and combat illicit drug trafficking, support justice sector reform and strengthen the rule of law, and address instability caused by natural disasters. "This bill is vital to combatting drug trafficking, promoting good governance and independent justice sectors, and empowering civil society in the Caribbean," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). "The U.S.’s partnership in strengthening the security of the Caribbean in a multidimensional manner will help fortify stability and development with some of our closest allies. Working together, we can help increase citizen safety, build resilience to natural disasters caused by climate change, and improve strategies to reduce illegal narcotics trafficking."

To Read More, Link To: https://newyorkcityinsider.blogspot.com/2022/04/new-york-city-insider-house-passes.html