District 10 Update: August 28, 2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,  This week, I had the privilege of celebrating seniors at the Senior Dance and Senior Social, women at the Women's United annual luncheon, youth at the Eco Ambassadors graduation, and diversity at the Muslim American Heritage Celebration at Kensico. While at the celebration at Kensico, two young men approached me about the Magen David Adom pin I wear on my lapel, which features both the American and Israeli flags, and which I've worn consistently since October 7. They challenged me about why I wore it at the event and ultimately about US government support for Israel with taxpayer dollars. It was, without question, an uncomfortable conversation. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed. While we didn't agree on the history or politics of the Middle East, we ultimately parted peacefully. Driving home, I reflected on how proud I am of Westchester's diverse population, especially in District 10, but also on how we still spend too much time living in our own cultural bubbles. Sometimes it takes difficult conversations and even confrontations to build empathy with those whose life experiences don't resemble our own, and whose viewpoints conflict. America is great because it allows us to celebrate our culture, our heritage, and our individuality. But true diversity also means celebrating each other's. That's what I love about our heritage celebrations in Westchester. And it's also why I was especially proud of Eastchester's recent "We Are Eastchester" day, where all local cultures were represented in one place at the same time. Perhaps next year, we can build something similar countywide. It could help us not only celebrate side by side, but also become better neighbors, even when our cultures differ or come into conflict. Please check out my weekly update below, which includes information on the following: District 10 Events Con Ed Worker and Residents Reveal Con Ed's Ratepayer Rip-Offs at Final Input Session Fall Bee-Line Service Changes Weekend Fun in Westchester Parks Volunteer New York's 15th Annual 9/11 Serve + Remember Volunteer Days of Service Westchester County to Host Interfaith Prayer Vigil and 9/11 Memorial Service Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter! Sincerely, Judah Holstein Legislator, 10th District District 10 Events Tuckahoe: The 49th annual Tuckahoe Challenge (Run) is back on September 14; events start at 9 AM. See info and register here.   New Rochelle: Individuals and businesses seeking assistance accessing the health insurance marketplace may obtain guidance from Westchester County Dept. of Health, by appointment, at New Rochelle Public Library on Wednesdays in September between 11 AM and 12 PM. Make appointment with Elizabeth Blackwell at DOH at eqbf@westchestergov.com, or by phone at (914) 336-0925.    Con Ed Worker and Residents Reveal Con Ed's Ratepayer Rip-Offs at Final Input Session   A packed room of angry community members and utility workers voiced outrage about Con Edison's alarming rate hike proposals at the Board's final Public Input Session in Mount Kisco on August 19. Con Edison utility workers comprised nearly half of the 50 attendees. Frank Morales, President of the Utility Workers Union of America, A.F.L.-C.I.O., Local 1-2, spoke passionately about the exploitative practices and wasteful spending of Con Edison leadership.  Read the full press release here. You can still have a say! The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) will make the final decision on Con Edison's proposed rate hikes. The most direct way to influence the outcome is to tell them how these increases would affect you and your family. So far, just over 6,100 comments have been submitted on the electric case and about 4,570 on the gas case—most from New York City residents. Westchester needs to make sure our voices are heard, especially given the risk that we could end up subsidizing New York City's energy costs. Submit your comments here (Comments Close Friday, Nov. 21): •    Electric rate case – Case 25-E-0072 •    Gas rate case – Case 25-G-0073 Westchester County Announces Fall Bee-Line Service Changes   Fall service changes to the County's Bee-Line Bus System go into effect on Tuesday, September 2. Several adjustments are being made to better meet the needs of Bee-Line customers. Revised trip schedules will reflect actual travel times and changing demand. Learn More Weekend Fun in Westchester Parks   Looking for family fun this weekend? Westchester County parks have something for everyone! On Saturday, Book Buddies at Muscoot Farm gives kids a unique chance to read with animals, Lasdon's Arboretum offers a free walking tour, and Hilltop Hanover has sweet and savory Farm-to-Table classes. Families can also join a Naturalist's Choice Hike at Marshlands or help out with the Lasdon Green Squad. On Sunday, start the day with Yoga in the Gardens, shop the Muscoot Farmers Market, or take part in Gardening Sundays before heading to DJ Day at Saxon Woods Pool. Learn More Volunteer New York's 15th Annual 9/11 Serve + Remember Volunteer Days of Service   Join Volunteer New York! and Westchester County Government this September for the 15th Annual 9/11 Serve + Remember Days of Service. Events kick off on Friday, September 5, with a meal-packing initiative at Monroe University in New Rochelle, where hundreds of volunteers will prepare 50,000 meals for local families in need. On Thursday, September 11, volunteers will gather at the Westchester County Center for hands-on activities including assembling literacy kits and blankets, giving blood, and creating cards for U.S. troops. Individuals, groups, schools, and families are encouraged to register at www.volunteernewyork.org/serve. . Westchester County to Host Interfaith Prayer Vigil and 9/11 Memorial Service   Please join us as we honor the memory of Westchester County residents who perished in the tragic events of September 11, 2001, as well as those who have succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses. This two-day event will feature an Interfaith Prayer Vigil on September 10 at 5 PM, and a Memorial Service to foster unity and remembrance on September 11 at 3 PM. If you are a family member of someone who died on 9/11 or of a 9/11-related illness and would like to be involved in these memorial events, please send an email to communications@westchestercountyny.gov.    Both events will be held at Kensico Dam Plaza and are open to the public. Learn More