Westchester Insider: **PRESS RELEASE**WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR ERIKA PIERCE ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR ENDEAVOR THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP PROGRAM.

(L-R: Patricia Byrns, Director of Development, Emily Bushnell, Executive Director Stryker, Equine Partner, Lisa Maksimyadis, Instructor & Barn Assistant, Legislator Erika Pierce and Laurie Ciavardini, LCSW-R & Military Clinical Counselor)

WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR ERIKA PIERCE ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR ENDEAVOR THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP PROGRAM.

White Plains, NY — Westchester County Legislator Erika L. Pierce (D - Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers) announces $6,592 in funding for 2024 to support Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship (Mount Kisco, NY) and its female Veterans program in partnership with Montrose VA Medical Center.

Founded in 2014, Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship offers equine-assisted services to individuals with disabilities, at-risk youth, veterans, active duty military, school groups, and incarcerated women. A 501(c)(3) charity, Endeavor provides services throughout the New York metro area.

This funding reflects Legislator Pierce and the Board of Legislators' commitment to the well-being and resilience of all community members, especially those who have served our country.

Legislator Erika Pierce said “The work that Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship does to support our Veterans, as well as others in our community including at-risk youth, community members with a broad range of disabilities, and incarcerated women, is so critical.  Having watched our Veterans interact with the trained staff at Endeavor, you can see very clearly the difference made by these therapy sessions. As a member of the Board of Legislators, I am so happy to be able to be a partner in this critical work, especially in support of female Veterans, a population which is particularly underserved, and also, by providing a virtual program to give access to those without transportation.” 

Emily Bushnell, Executive Director of Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship said “Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship Inc.’s mission is to empower individuals with a broad range of needs by providing the highest quality equine-assisted services in an inclusive and welcoming environment.  Since 2020, Endeavor has offered virtual programs to individuals who cannot join us at the farm. The Female Virtual Veteran Program creates a community for female veterans to learn about horses, horse behavior, the way horses communicate, how horses partner with humans in sport and work, and the many parallels between horse behavior and human behavior. It is led by a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and a Clinical Social Worker and creates opportunities to learn and address mental health goals. Endeavor thanks Westchester County for underwriting our Virtual Female Program.”

For more information or to schedule a tour, call (914) 241-0211. Details on volunteering and inquiries can be found at https://www.endeavorth.org.

 

The Westchester County Board of Legislators consists of seventeen members and is the policy-making branch of County government, serving one million residents. The Board's primary responsibilities are to allocate funds, approve the budget, and impose taxes, in addition to passing local laws, acts, and resolutions. It is the longest-running elected body in New York, serving as the Voice of the People of Westchester County for over 300 years. Learn more by visiting www.westchesterlegislators.com

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: SAXON WOODS GARAGE SALE RETURNS SATURDAY, SEPT 21.

 

SAXON WOODS GARAGE SALE RETURNS SATURDAY, SEPT. 21.

Residents are invited to shop pre-owned treasures at the annual event.

 

(White Plains, NY) – One of Westchester County’s favorite traditions, the Saxon Woods Garage Sale -https://parks.westchestergov.com/saxon-woods-garage-sale returns, Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Saxon Woods Park in White Plains.

 

Attendees will have the opportunity to browse second-hand treasures like clothing, household items, furniture, toys, sports equipment, books and more. Parking and admission for shoppers are free. Rain location is the Westchester County Center in White Plains; same date and time. Parking and admission will also be free if the event is moved to the County Center.

 

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “The Saxon Woods Garage Sale is a beloved Westchester County tradition that residents look forward to year-round. It’s a great opportunity for families to find items in their homes that no longer serve a purpose and offer it to others who may find it useful.”

 

Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said, “The Recreation Division and staff at Saxon Woods go above and beyond year after year to ensure the Saxon Woods Garage Sale runs smoothly for our vendors and that shoppers also enjoy the experience.”

 

Saxon Woods Park is located at 1800 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains.

 

Westchester County Center is located at 198 Central Ave. in White Plains.

 

Visit our website - https://parks.westchestergov.com/saxon-woods-garage-sale for more information.

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: Westchester County Executive George Latimer Announces Senior Law Day Returning to County Center on October 1.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER ANNOUNCES SENIOR LAW DAY RETURNING TO COUNTY CENTER ON OCTOBER 1.

 

Free Consultations and Workshops on Legal, Financial and Geriatric Care Issues

for Seniors, Caregivers and Families.

 

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer is pleased to announce that 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 1, 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.

 

Senior Law Day is open to all County older adults and their families. Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Sign-up for the free, 15-minute, one-on-one consultations will be available at the door, and complimentary parking will also be available.

 

Latimer said: “We can’t stress enough the importance of planning, especially when it comes to aging. Senior Law Day helps Westchester families navigate the legal, financial, and health-related concerns that all of us experience as we grow older. And the fact that we are able to return to the County Center enables us to offer a more robust in-person experience than in recent years.”

 

Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) Commissioner Mae Carpenter said: “Since its inception, the Senior Law Day Collaborative has benefitted an estimated 15,000 seniors, family members and caregivers throughout Westchester. It’s one of our department’s most valuable programs not only because of the services we offer, but because of the dedicated community partners we work with. These partners have volunteered their time and expertise since 2000 to make this event possible.”

  

This year’s workshops are being offered in six thematic areas:

 

• Elder Law/Estate Planning Basics
• 
  
• Organizing and Protecting Yourself
• 
  
• Staying Afloat
• 
  
• Caregiving
• 
  
• Aging & Estate Planning Today
• 
  
• Long Term Care

 

There will also be a workshop for Spanish speakers entitled, “Planning for a Child with Disabilities as We Age,” and a special Q & A session on Elder Law.

   

Senior Law Day is presented by DSPS, the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services (WPPP) and the Senior Law Day Collaborative. The Collaborative is Co-Chaired by Melinda Bellus, Attorney-in-Charge, Yonkers Office; Legal Services of the Hudson Valley; Krishna Brodigan, Director of Outreach, Westchester Library System and Sarah A. Steckler, Esq., Partner, Warshaw Burstein LLP.

 

Hospice of Westchester is the Official Conference Bag Sponsor. Anchor Health, Emerald Medicare, The Feller Group, P.C.  and Woodlawn Cemetery – Conservancy are the Silver Sponsors. Atria Senior Living, Ballard-Durand Funeral & Cremation Services, CAREPatrol, ClearCaptions, LLC and Longbridge Financial, LLC are the Bronze Sponsors.

 

For registration or additional information, call (914) 813-6300.

Westchester Insider: 2024 Election Desk: Alessandro Crocco GOP Candidate for New York State Assembly 92nd District.

 

From Alessandro Crocco For New York State Assembly

Today I met with voters to discuss the critical upcoming public hearing on the Edgemont Secession. This move could have devastating consequences for Greenburgh, leading to skyrocketing taxes, overwhelmed municipal services, insufficient public safety, and a disproportionately negative impact on poor and minority families.

Join me in taking a stand against this proposal at the Public Hearing Against the Edgemont Secession on Wednesday, September 18 at Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Ave, at 7:30 PM.

Your voice matters!

Westchester Insider: Political AD: RE-Elect New York State Senator Shelley Mayer 37th District.

 

In the General Election, Vote to Re-Elect New York State Senator Shelley Mayer in the 37th District, Running on the Democratic and Working Families Party Lines.

Early Voting from Saturday, October 26th till Sunday, November 3rd.

Election Day: Tuesday, November 5th.

For More Info on State Senator Mayer's Campaign, Please Visit: https://www.shelley4senate.com/

Paid for by Shelley for Senate 37.

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: PHOTO/VIDEO: LATIMER HONORS FORMER COUNTY EXECUTIVE EDWIN G. MICHAELIAN WITH BUILDING REDEDICATION CEREMONY.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER TO HONOR FORMER COUNTY EXECUTIVE EDWIN G. MICHAELIAN WITH SPECIAL DEDICATION.

Forty Years After the Building was First Named, Michaelian to be Honored with Building Rededication Ceremony.

Watch the Building Rededication Ceremony Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfBJcOODslk

(White Plains, NY) – In an ongoing effort to honor past leaders who have made substantial contributions to Westchester County, County Executive George Latimer rededicated the Edwin G. Michaelian Office Building in White Plains in honor of Edwin G. Michaelian. Michaelian, who served as Westchester’s fourth County Executive from 1958 to 1973, left office 50 years ago, and is remembered for his impactful leadership. In Michaelian’s honor, Latimer will bestow the Edwin G. Michaelian Award for a Distinguished Public Official upon Nancy Kaboolian, the highest-ranking Armenian American elected official in Westchester, and the Edwin G. Michaelian Award for Public Service upon John M. Vorperian, Esq., for his contributions to Armenian history and culture in the County. 

 

Latimer said: “I am proud to stand on the steps of the Edwin G. Michaelian County Office Building and recognize the great accomplishments of my predecessor. While we may have differed in our ideologies from administration to administration, each County Executive has used their time in office to create positive change for the people who call Westchester County home. I hope today’s rededication ceremony reminds us all of the great leader Edwin Michaelian was, and encourages us to follow in his footsteps.”  

 

Kaboolian said: “As a person of Armenian descent, I am honored to be part of the rededication of the Michealian Building and to celebrate Armenian culture in Westchester County. All my grandparents and both of my parents were Armenian. I am proud of my Armenian heritage. I know that my desire to help the asylum seekers when they came to Ardsley was inspired by my grandparents’ stories of immigration to this Country and the lessons, I learned from them. As Mayor of Ardsley, I love to celebrate our Village’s diversity, so it is especially meaningful for me to celebrate my Armenian culture today.” 

 

Vorperian said: “Ed Michaelian’s legacy remains a blueprint to all that seek Westchester’s betterment. A fearless advocate for the County in Albany and DC, a relentless recruiter to companies to make Westchester their home, a true conservationist securing acres of parks enjoyed by residents to this day. He acted locally and thought globally. Proud of his heritage, he helped found the Armenian Assembly of America which educates decision-makers in understanding vital issues to our community. Kudos to County Executive George Latimer for honoring this legendary leader.”

 

Under Michaelian’s 16-year tenure, numerous projects and developments were launched that have had a lasting impact on the County. The new County courthouse was built, and several large corporations made their headquarters in Westchester including IBM, Nestle, PepsiCo, Texaco, AT&T, as well as smaller companies and retail stores. Michaelian’s plans for a new Westchester Medical Center at Grasslands were approved, and the County acquired more than 4,000 acres of parkland including Muscoot Farm, and a portion of Ward Pound Ridge Reservation. The Sprain Ridge Pool Complex opened in 1971, and Michaelian established the first sales tax for County government in 1972.

 

Since 1938 Westchester County has had nine County Executives. Latimer recently proposed naming the Westchester County Trailway in honor of Andrew P. O’Rourke, and intends to celebrate the contributions of other former leaders who have played a pivotal role in Westchester County history.

 

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Bee Line Buses: **September MetroCard Van Schedule**.

 

The MetroCard mobile sales van makes its rounds in Westchester to assist riders with all of their MetroCard business.  The van is staffed by MTA New York City Transit Authority customer service representatives who are happy to answer questions and help with any issues you may have. 

Reminders:

·        Fares resumed Tuesday, September 3.

 

• The Parking Office window at Westchester County Center has reinstated the MetroCard refill machine and the sales of individual MetroCards and ParaTransit ticket books. Services are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

 

·        All Bee-Line passengers who regularly transfer to/from New York City Transit buses and subways should continue to use MetroCard until OMNY - https://transportation.westchestergov.com/omny is officially introduced on the Bee-Line Bus System.

 

 

For service alerts and bus schedules visit www.westchestergov.com/beelinebus

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: PHOTO/VIDEO: WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER APPOINTS LEADERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER APPOINTS LEADERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY.

 

Latimer Promotes Terrance Raynor from Acting Commissioner and Adds James Luciano as Chief of Department.

 

Watch the News Conference Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTu2YcYhwCg

 

 

(White Plains, NY) - Westchester County Executive George Latimer has announced the appointment of Terrance Raynor as the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety, following his service as the Acting Commissioner, and James M. Luciano as Chief of Department, the highest uniform position in the department. The appointments come as part of the ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Westchester County residents.

 

Latimer said: “Once again, it is clear that our dedication to combatting crime in Westchester County remains steadfast – and it could not be more evident than through the appointments of Terrance and James. The Westchester County Department of Public Safety is funded at the highest level ever because of our Administration’s commitment to keeping this County safe for us all.”

 

Raynor said: “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the Police Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety. I am committed to working closely with the men and women of this Department, community stakeholders and the law enforcement community as a whole, to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.”

 

Raynor brings with him both experience and a strong commitment to community-oriented law enforcement and leadership – beginning as a City of Mount Vernon Police Officer in 1984. With a background in various leadership roles, including Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Chief and Commissioner, Raynor has demonstrated leadership and a dedication to public service throughout his career.

 

Raynor has received law enforcement training from the New York City Police Department, the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 201st National Academy. Raynor has been with the Westchester County Department of Public Safety since 2018, proving himself an invaluable asset to keeping our community safe.

 

Luciano said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chief of Department. I look forward to working alongside Commissioner Raynor and the dedicated men and women of the Department to uphold public safety and build stronger, safer communities.”

 

Luciano, brings over 35 years of law enforcement experience with the Department of Public Safety to his new role. With extensive experience in management, supervision, and critical incident response, Luciano has a proven track record of effective leadership and strategic planning. He maintains long established and high-level contacts in the region with Federal, State and Local law enforcement agencies, which aids in the department’s policing efforts. Luciano holds a BA degree, and in addition to various trainings and certifications, he is a graduate of the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development Program. He has specialized training in a multitude of areas including Special Operations, Investigations, Incident Management, and Community Relations.  He is a NYS certified Police Instructor dedication to excellence and his commitment to fostering positive relationships with community members make him a clear choice for this new leadership position.

 

The Westchester County Department of Public Safety (DPS), also known as the Westchester County Police Department, is committed to protecting County parkways and County properties, including Westchester’s vast parks system and key facilities such as the Westchester County Airport. In addition, it conducts municipal patrol operations in Mount Kisco and Cortlandt, and has School Resource Officers assigned to four schools in the northern part of the County. County Police serve as a resource for local law enforcement in Westchester, especially pertaining to the Forensic Investigation Unit and the Special Operations Division, which covers the Aviation Unit, Hazardous Devices Unit, Marine Unit, Canine Unit and Special Response Team.  DPS is at the forefront in protecting our citizens and critical infrastructure from acts of domestic and international terrorism.

 

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: Join us for the Rededication of the Michaelian Office Building – Friday, September 13.

 

You Are Invited to the Rededication of the

EDWIN MICHAELIAN OFFICE BUILDING

and Celebration of Armenian Culture in Westchester County

 

Friday, September 13

10 A.M.

Michaelian Office Building 148 Martine Avenue White Plains, NY 10601

 

Speakers to Include:

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan, Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church

Rev. Fr. Mesrob Hovsepyan, Pastor St. Gregory the Enlightener Armenian Church

Van Krikorian, Co-Chair, Armenian Assembly of America

 

Please join us for a special event honoring the legacy of Edwin Michaelian,

the 4th County Executive of Westchester, with the rededication of the building named in his honor.

The rededication will also feature a celebration of Armenian culture and community in Westchester County.

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: PHOTO/VIDEO: WESTCHESTER COUNTY HOSTS SEPTEMBER 11TH MEMORIAL CEREMONY.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY HONORS RESIDENTS LOST ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 AND VICTIMS OF 9/11-RELATED ILLNESSES.

Two-Day Event to Honor Victims and Promote Unity.

View the September 11^th Memorial Ceremony Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6RqeY9J9-A

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County held a two-day event to honor the memory of residents who perished in the tragic events of September 11, 2001, as well as those who have succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses. The event featured an Interfaith Prayer Vigil and the September 11th Memorial Service fostering unity and remembrance.

This year, eight additional names were added to the 9/11 First Responders Memorial to remember those who died of 9/11-related illnesses, bringing the total 81. Everyone honored on the Memorial either resided in Westchester County, worked in the County, or volunteered within Westchester.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “This year, we add eight more names to the 9/11 First Responders Memorial – eight more people who celebrated birthdays in our County, walked their kids to school here and called Westchester County home.  They are part of us, just like those we lost on 9/11, those we have lost since, and those who continue to suffer from 9/11-related illnesses. It is our duty to gather, remember and honor these brave souls. This interfaith vigil and memorial service not only pay tribute to their memory, but also stand as a testament to our community’s resilience and unity. 

Together, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the affected families and ensuring that the legacy of their loved ones endures.”

Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “As the 23rd anniversary of Sept. 11 approaches, we once again pause to reflect on the profound loss and enduring strength that arose from that tragic day. This year, we solemnly add eight new names—individuals taken from us far too soon due to 9/11-related illnesses—to the 9/11 First Responders Memorial. These men and women, like the victims we lost in previous years and on Sept. 11, represent lives cut short but leave behind a legacy of service, courage and love. Together, as one community, we vow never to forget and will continue to support the families and friends who carry this heavy burden every day. Today, as on all days, we reaffirm our commitment to honor their sacrifices—their lives—and to ensure that future generations understand the true cost of freedom.”

The vigil brought together representatives from the Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Muslim communities for prayer and included a ceremonial wreath-laying at the 9/11 steel beam from the Twin Towers.

The memorial service honored the memory of Westchester County residents who were killed on 9/11 and those who have died from 9/11-related illnesses. The names of those who perished on 9/11 were read aloud, as well as those who have since died of 9/11 related illness. 

Westchester County Board of Legislators Chair Vedat Gashi said: “During this two-day event, we honor the heroes we lost on September 11, 2001 and those who perished due to related illnesses. This is an opportunity for our community to come together as we extend our deepest respect to their colleagues and families, whose strength and resilience reflect the courage of those we remember.”

Master of Ceremonies for the 9/11 Memorial Ceremony and former WCBS 880am News Director Tim Scheld said: “I am deeply honored to be part of Westchester County’s 9/11 memorial ceremony. Like all New Yorkers and Americans, I will never forget the moment I learned that our city was under attack. It is a privilege to work towards ensuring that those who perished that day are never forgotten, and that those who have passed and are suffering from 9/11-related illnesses receive the respect and recognition they deserve. On that day, we were all New Yorkers, and we must always remember and uphold that unity."

9/11 Related Illnesses Memorial Committee Co-Chairs Matthew J. McCauley and Georgia Asciutto said: “As co-chairs of the Westchester County 9/11 First Responders Memorial, we view the memorial from two different perspectives: one as a widow of a 9/11 first responder who passed away from a 9/11-related illness and the other as a 9/11 first responder. While we may have different perspectives, as co-chairs of the memorial, our perspectives align into what you see—a humble and respectful memorial to those who selflessly answered the call on 9/11 and for the months after, and who unfortunately later lost their lives because of it. We applaud Westchester County, and especially County Executive George Latimer, for his continued support of this unfortunately growing memorial. Thank you for showing these growing number of families that Westchester County will never forget their sacrifices.”

Generations Church Elder and President IRC of New Rochelle Mark McLean said: “As we gather together as a faith base community to pray for the people of our County, it is so important for us to never forget the pain and the triumph that was 9/11/01.  In remembering and commemorating the courage and heroism of our first responders on that fateful day we honor the best in us and indeed in our nation.”

 

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: PHOTO/VIDEO: WESTCHESTER COUNTY HONORS RESIDENTS LOST ON 9/11 AND VICTIMS OF 9/11-RELATED ILLNESSES AT PRAYER VIGIL.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY HONORS RESIDENTS LOST ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, AND VICTIMS OF 9/11-RELATED ILLNESSES AT AN INTERFAITH PRAYER VIGIL.

Prayer Vigil Part of a Two-Day Memorial Event to Honor Victims and Promote Unity.

Watch the Interfaith Prayer Vigil Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bz7VVslWlyA

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County held the first of two memorials to honor the memory of residents who perished in the tragic events of September 11, 2001, as well as those who have succumbed to 9/11-related illnesses. The first event featured an Interfaith Prayer Vigil with prayers from:

·         Rev. Dr. Stephen W. Pogue
Pastor of Greater Centennial A.M.E Zion Church
United Black Clergy President
Presiding Elder of Westchester District

·         Rabbi Evan Hoffman

Immediate Past President of the Westchester Board of Rabbis

·         Arun Bhagirath
Hindu Temple of Tri-State, White Plains

·         Shaffieq Chace
Islamic Center of New Rochelle

The Program also included a benediction by Elder Mark McLean, Pastor of Generations Church and President of the Inter-Religious Coalition of New Rochelle as well as a ceremonial wreath-laying at the 9/11 steel beam from the Twin Towers.

This year, eight additional names were added to the 9/11 First Responders Memorial, remembering those who have passed from of 9/11-related illnesses, bringing the total 81.  The names are:

• FF John G. Daly Jr.
  Scarsdale FD
• Det. William J. Keating
  NYPD
• Chief Daniel J. Raftery
  Greenville Fire District
• Ronald J. Pennella
  Construction Industry
• FF George D. Ewell Jr.
  Mount Vernon Fire Department
• John Lunapiena
  NYSDOT
• FF Ronald N. LaManna
  Yonkers FD
• Senior Investigator George L. Johansen
  NYSP

Everyone honored on the Memorial either resided in Westchester County, worked in the County, or volunteered within Westchester.