District 10 Update: September 13, 2024

Dear Friends and Neighbors,  This week, I attended the NYSAC conference, where my colleague Ben Boykin was installed as president. One session, "Conflict to Conversation: Must Disagreement Be Disagreeable?" left a lasting impression on me. The speaker made a powerful point: "There is no freedom of speech without a concurrent need to listen." As a country, we pride ourselves on free expression, but true progress begins when we listen. If no one is listening, our words lose value, and we go unheard and unresolved. Upon returning, I was deeply moved by the story of a front-line survivor from the October 7 tragedy, whose experience of trying to save others while fearing for her own life reminded me in some ways of the countless stories of heroism from 9/11. As I then commemorated 9/11 in Eastchester, New Rochelle, and at the Kensico Dam, I realized that our younger generation, including the young lady who spoke the night before, do not remember that horrific day, and don't know a world where security and terrorism are not primary concerns. I reflected on how hatred, rooted in refusal to listen, misunderstanding, and using labels to dehumanize others, has a recorded history of leading to such devastation.  In a world where security concerns have become a constant presence, we are reminded that our strength lies in coming together. Just as we united after 9/11, we must continue to bridge divides, listen to each other (even when we don't agree about certain things), and support one another to remain resilient in the face of adversity. For more news and updates on upcoming events, please see my weekly update below. Sincerely, Judah Holstein Legislator, 10th District Chair Emeritus Benjamin Boykin Named President of NYSAC The Westchester County Board of Legislators proudly announces the appointment of Chair Emeritus Benjamin Boykin as President of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC). Boykin, a respected leader with over 30 years of service, brings a strong track record of advocacy, progressive legislation, and financial stability to his new role. His leadership will guide NYSAC as it celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025. The Board extends heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed colleague and friend. Read More Westchester County Hosts September 11th Memorial Ceremony Westchester County held a two-day memorial ceremony to honor the lives lost in the September 11, 2001 attacks, as well as those who have since passed away due to 9/11-related illnesses. The event featured an Interfaith Prayer Vigil and the addition of eight new names to the 9/11 First Responders Memorial, bringing the total to 81. Representatives from various religious communities led prayers, and a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Twin Towers steel beam. For more details and to watch the ceremony, click here.    UPCOMING WEEKEND EVENTS 1st Annual Westchester Pizza Festival & Cook-Off Get ready for a day of delicious fun at the Westchester Pizza Festival and Cook-Off on Saturday, September 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.! Enjoy free admission and indulge in Italian street food, pizza, pasta, antipasto, pastries, and more. Watch local pizza makers compete for cash prizes and take part in free pizza, mozzarella, and pasta-making demos. Enter the free raffle for a chance to win a pizza oven or wine baskets. Rain or shine, this family-friendly event promises great food and entertainment. Learn More New Rochelle Street Fair The New Rochelle Street Fair is celebrating its 11th year! More than 200 local vendors will fill North Avenue from Winthrop to Fifth Avenues on Saturday, September 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an expanded area on Hamilton Avenue to Beaufort Place. Enjoy live performances, giant inflatables, and many other fun activities! New Rochelle National Night Out To celebrate National Night Out, the New Rochelle Police Department invites the community to their headquarters at 475 North Avenue on Saturday, September 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will include equipment demos, food, games, kids' activities, a bubble bus, and more. National Night Out is a yearly event that strengthens police-community partnerships and promotes safer, stronger neighborhoods. Snapper Fishing Kids Derby The New Rochelle Snapper Fishing Kids Derby will be held on Saturday, September 14th at Hudson Park from 9AM to 12PM. This event is for youth ages 6-16. Learn More   Join Us for the Next Board of Legislators' Meeting The Board of Legislators invites you to participate in our upcoming meeting on Monday, September 16, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. This is your opportunity to provide valuable input on matters that affect our community. In addition to this regular board meeting, a public hearing will be held on: Local Law amending the Laws of Westchester County by adding a new Chapter 713 prohibiting Unauthorized Dumping on County-Owned Property. Learn More To watch the live stream of the meeting, visit the Meeting Calendar section on our website. Navigate to the video column and click on "in progress." If you wish to speak or share comments, please follow our Speaker Participation Instructions 42nd Annual Westchester County Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Nomination Deadline Extended Nominate a senior who has made a positive impact in Westchester County through their contributions. Eligible nominees must be 60 or older, live in Westchester, and not be a past inductee. The nomination deadline has been extended from September 13 to September 17, ensuring that as many deserving seniors as possible have the opportunity to be recognized. The event will take place on December 6, 2024, at the Westchester Marriott Hotel in Tarrytown, NY. For more information, including nomination details, visit the DSPS website here. Board of Legislators Announces Unclaimed Funds Initiative Find out if you are eligible for a refund Over 65,000 Westchester County residents have unclaimed funds waiting to be collected. In collaboration with the New York State Comptroller's Office, the County Executive and Board of Legislators are hosting a series of workshops to assist residents in reclaiming their money. The first workshops will be held on September 19th at Somers Library (10 a.m.-12 p.m.) and Cortlandt Town Hall (1-3 p.m.). For more information and to check if you have unclaimed funds, click here.