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District 10 Update: September 26, 2024

You may have received a letter from my office about unclaimed funds recently. If you did receive that letter, please make sure to follow the instructions to claim your funds from the New York State Comptroller's office. Even if you didn't get a letter, you can still visit their website to see if there are unclaimed funds waiting for you or your loved ones and claim them. 

Also this week I joined colleagues at the grand opening of the New Rochelle food scrap recycling program. New Rochelle now has 2 drop off locations for food scraps, one at the Pinebrook tennis courts at the bottom of Albert Leonard Drive, and the other at D'Onofrio Park. Eastchester residents can drop off their food scraps at the bottom of Farella Way, and Tuckahoe residents can use the recycling center at DPW at 15 Marbledale Road. 

Recycling food scraps is an easy yet effective way to help the environment - it reduces the amount of incinerated and landfill garbage which ultimately emits harmful methane and greenhouse gasses into our air for years. Whether you use municipal drop-offs or compost at home, recycling food scraps plays an important role in moving us toward a zero-waste society.

For more news and updates on upcoming events, please see my weekly update below.

Sincerely,

Judah Holstein
Legislator, 10th District

Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) Legislative Breakfast

On Tuesday, September 24th, the Westchester County Board of Legislators participated in the Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS) Legislative Breakfast. This meeting offered a valuable opportunity to engage with community leaders to identify the most urgent human services issues facing Westchester County and explore collaborative solutions. We also gained insights into WJCS' services, which provide essential support to Westchester residents of all ages and backgrounds, including children, youth, and seniors, ensuring they receive the help they need. Thank you WJCS for having us this morning!

Westchester Watch: Legislative Highlights

During the latest Westchester County Board of Legislators meeting, several important initiatives focused on improving community safety, environmental protection, and accessibility were passed:

  • Protecting Our Green Spaces: A new law was enacted to enforce stricter penalties for unauthorized dumping on county-owned property, helping to preserve the natural beauty and environmental health of public spaces.
  • Increasing Accessibility: A bond act was approved to fund the acquisition of new paratransit vehicles, offering specialized transportation options for individuals with disabilities and those requiring assistance to access essential services.
  • Safety & Technology Upgrades: The Board authorized a new lease and easement agreement for the construction of a state-of-the-art radio tower and stormwater management facility on the Croton Falls Fire Department property in North Salem.

Watch the Board Meeting Recap Video HERE 

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Join Us for the Next Board of Legislators' Meeting

Please join us on Monday, September 30th before our regular board meeting for our annual celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, streaming live from the BOL Chamber at 7 p.m.  We are proud to be recognizing two outstanding individuals, Wilson Soto, Esq., a dedicated family law attorney and community advocate and Karine Patiño, a community leader and criminal defense attorney advocating for justice.

In addition to the regular board meeting, five public hearings will be held on:

  1. Proposed Local Law adding a new Chapter 527-relating to fees for a license to carry a pistol or revolver, purchase or take possession of a semiautomatic rifle, and amend or renew such license. More Info
  2. Proposed Act to increase and improve Westchester County Refuse Disposal District No. 1 facilities to carry out certain Capital Projects at a maximum total cost of $74,500,000. More Info
  3. Proposed Local Law adding a new Chapter 709 relating to the establishment of the "Westchester County Red Light Camera Demo Program." More Info
  4. Proposed Local Law authorizing a lease agreement with Croton Falls Fire District for district-owned property located at 40 Sun Valley Drive, North Salem, for a period of 20 years. More Info
  5. Proposed Local Law authorizing an amendment to an existing agreement for the lease of space located at 22 Rockledge Avenue, Ossining for Westchester Community College, extending the lease by an additional 5-year period. More Info

Learn how to watch or speak here.

AJC Shared Roots: "Mending Relationships, Mending the World"

Join Iona's Driscoll Professorship in Jewish-Catholic Studies and AJC Westchester/Fairfield for the next installment of the Shared Roots, Divergent Paths series on Monday, September 30th at 7:30pm at Iona University.

Interreligious experts, Dr. Heather Miller Rubens and Dr. Benjamin Sax of the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies in Baltimore, MD will guide us in a discussion of the importance of Jewish-Christian reconciliation and the insights the long process of healing have for us in today's polarized world. Register Here

Demystifying Medicare & Healthcare Coverage for Seniors

Join the Westchester Library System's Senior Benefits program for an interactive workshop designed to help seniors and caregivers navigate the complexities of Medicare. This free workshop is ideal for those who already have Medicare or are approaching 65, planning for retirement, or assisting others with healthcare decisions.

Topics include Original Medicare, Advantage Plans, Part D, Medigaps, and cost-saving programs like MSPs, Extra Help, and EPIC. Walk-ins are welcome, but pre-registration is requested at (914) 231-3236.

The Fall Series starts on 9/30, with workshops offered through 11/17. Learn More

Candlelight Vigil for Victims of Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Help "Shine the Light on Domestic Violence in Westchester" by joining Westchester County Executive George Latimer and the Westchester County Board of Legislators for a candlelight vigil honoring victims of domestic violence. The vigil will take place on the front steps of the Michaelian Office Building, located at 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains, NY.

Victims of abuse represent a diverse cross-section of our county, many of whom live in fear with both visible and invisible wounds. If you or someone you know is in need of help, contact the Office for Women at 914-995-5972 or reach out to one of the many local providers.

For further information, contact Carlla Horton, Executive Director of Hope's Door, at 914-747-0828 Ext. 1002 or via cell at 914-714-5131. You can RSVP by emailing chorton@HopesDoorNY.org.

Co-sponsors of the event include Hope's Door, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, My Sisters' Place, New Dawn Family Resource Center, Pace Women's Justice Center, Victims Assistance Services, Nonprofit Westchester, The Business Council of Westchester, and the Westchester Women's Agenda.

Senior Law Day Returning to County Center on October 1

The 24th Annual Senior Law Day will return to the Westchester County Center for the first time since 2019. It will take place on Tuesday, October 1st, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Westchester County Center, located at 198 Central Avenue, White Plains. This free event features 18 educational workshops, one-on-one consultations and an opportunity to learn from experienced elder law attorneys, certified financial planners and geriatric care managers. County agencies and nonprofit organizations will also be on hand to provide resources and information. Learn More

Metro-North Railroad Announces Schedule Update Effective Oct. 6

Metro-North Railroad will implement a new schedule starting Sunday, Oct. 6, featuring expanded weekend service and increased trains for the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's holidays. Some departure times, particularly on the New Haven Line, will shift slightly to improve reliability. Learn More

Your Voice Matters! Help Shape the Future of Our Hispanic & Latino Community – Take the Survey Today!

Westchester County is conducting a survey to better understand the needs of the Hispanic and Latino community. The results will shape policies and resource allocation, aiming to help everyone thrive.

If you are a Westchester resident of Hispanic or Latino descent and are 18 or older, we encourage you to participate. The survey covers topics such as employment, housing, childcare, and more. Take the survey here.

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L'Shana Tovah! Wishing You a Joyous and Peaceful Rosh Hashanah

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, we extend our warmest wishes to all who celebrate the Jewish New Year. As we reflect on the challenges of this past year -- in our own lives, in our community, and abroad -- we also have high hopes for the future. May the coming year bring blessings of comfort, health, happiness, and peace to us all.

As we enter 5785, let us continue to strengthen the bonds of unity, compassion, and service that make Westchester such a special place to live. L'Shana Tovah!

כתיבה וחתימה טובה!

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