Westchester County: See Your Favorite Cartoon Mice at Winter Wonderland Sunday, Dec. 1 | Kensico Dam Plaza.

Westchester County Legislator Kitley Covill 2nd District: The Holidays Come to District Two.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
Harvey School Ice Skating Rink, Jay Street, Katonah
Ice Skating at Harvey School: 12:45 - 2:45 PM
Join the Bedford Town Rec for this annual favorite. $5 per person. You must supply your own skates. No hockey permitted. Hot Chocolate will be available for purchase and a DJ will be on hand spinning your favorites. Additional dates are: 12/27, 1/20, 2/17.
Old Field Preserve , Mead Street, Waccabuc
Adult/Family Hike AND Kids Scavenger Hunt: 1 - 12:30 PM
Walk off those Thanksgiving calories with these two events hosted by the Lewisboro Land Trust. The kids program will be led by Shantala DuGay-Iyengar. Meet at the OFP parking lot on Mead Street in Waccabuc. Steady rain cancels. Click here for more information.
Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay Street, Katonah
School’s Out/Art’s In: 10 AM - 3 PM, plus additional dates
Drop in to the Learning Center on select school vacation days for unique artist-led projects where kids can make an artistic mess, experiment with new materials and practice unusual art making techniques all inspired by the abstract expressionist works on view. Free to members, non-member children and adults $10. Additional dates: December 24, 26, 27, 31 and January 2, 3. Click here for more information.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
Bedford Elementary School, 45 Court Road, Bedford
2019 Bedford Turkey Trot 5k: 9 AM
Be part of the 15th annual Bedford Turkey Trot 5K. The course begins on Court Road at Bedford Village Elementary School in historic Bedford Village, NY. The halfway point is just past the top of Indian Hill Road - not for the faint of heart. Finish: at Bedford Village Memorial Park. $25 per person. Register here.
Behind Chase Bank, 140 Katonah Ave, Katonah
Santa Comes To Town: 11 AM - 12 PM
A Katonah tradition brought to life by the Katonah Fire Department and the Katonah Chamber of Commerce. Santa will be arriving to meet boys and girls between at 11 AM.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah  (914) 864-7282
Muscoot Farm Christmas: 5 PM
Visit the farm today to meet Santa, visit the animals, and get holiday treats. Fee: $5. Call 914-864-7282 for additional information.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main Street, Bedford Hills
Town of Bedford Annual Senior Adult Holiday Luncheon: 11 AM – 12 PM
This annual holiday event is a favorite, and is packed with good food, friends and holiday cheer. $5 admission fee.  Reservations required and must be made by 11/29. Call: 914-666-7203.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6

Fountain Park, Mount Kisco Village Hall,
Village of Mount Kisco Christmas Tree Lighting: 6 PM
Join the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce for the annual tree lighting at Fountain Park. There will be caroling, a special visit from Santa, and refreshments in the Library.

Muscoot Farm, 51 Route 100, Katonah  (914) 864-7282
Muscoot Farm Christmas Carol, 6:30 - 7:30 PM plus additional dates/times
Visit a magical adaptation of Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol.” Tickets are limited. $12 for children/ $20 for adults. Additional dates and times: 12/6 @6:30, 12/7 @5 & @6:30, 12/13 @5 & @6:30, 12/14 @5 & @6:30. For additional information call (914) 864-7286.

Village Green, Bedford Village
Bedford Village Holiday Tree Lighting: 7 PM
Join the Bedford Village Business Association for the annual holiday tree lighting on the Village Green. Meet at the Fire Department for hot chocolate and good cheer, then head over to the Village Green to sing holiday songs. This begins a full weekend of activities in Bedford Village.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7

Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main Street, Bedford Hills
Breakfast with Frosty and Friends: 8:30 AM breakfast, 9:00 Entertainment
Frosty is stopping by the Bedford Hills Community House for breakfast. Advance sign-up recommended.  Contact Town Recreation for more information. For ages 8 and under. $7 in advance for residents, $9 non-residents, $15 at the door. More information is available in the Winter Brochure.

Lasdon Park, 2610 Amawalk Road, Route 35, Katonah  (914) 864-7263
Holidays on the Hill Train Show : 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, and additional dates
This Lasdon Park holiday favorite will run weekends until December 29 from 11 AM to 4 PM. Entrance fees range from $5-$10. Click here for more information.

Bedford Historical Hall, 608 Old Post Road, Bedford
Holidays at the Hall: 11 AM – 1 PM 
Join the Bedford Historical Society for a family day of crafts, hand-cut silhouettes, refreshments and fun at Historical Hall. Tickets are $10/child or $25/family. Advanced reservations are required for the silhouettes. Email cyndiazima@gmail.com.

Bedford Hills Train Station, Depot Plaza, Bedford Hills
Bedford Hills Neighborhood Association Tree Lighting: Events 1 PM, Tree Lighting 6 PM
Join your neighbors and friends for caroling, and light refreshments at the circle in front of the Bedford Hills Train Station starting at 6 PM. Pictures with Santa will run from 1-4 PM.

Pound Ridge Fire House, Scotts Corners, Pound Ridge
Scotts Corner’s Annual Tree Lighting: 5 PM
Come join your neighbors for this annual Pound Ridge Favorite.

Stevens Memorial Unitarian Church, 8 Shady Lane, Lewisboro (914) 533-2635
Santa, Songs & Supper: 5 PM
Join your neighbors for caroling, tree lighting, Santa arriving on a fire engine and a community supper.Click here for more information.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8

Bedford Historical Hall, 608 Old Post Road, Bedford
Bedford Lions Pancake Breakfast: 7:30 AM – 12 PM
Eat breakfast with Santa and Leo the Leon. Music will be performed by the Fox Lane Chamber Choir. Poinsettias will be available for sale.Tickets: $10/person. $35 maximum/family. Seniors and children under 3 admitted free. Click here for more information.

Ruth Keeler Library, 276 Titicus Road, North Salem (914) 669-5161
Natural History Hike: 10 AM- 12 PM
Join North Salem Open Land Foundation for a natural history hike at Durand Preserve, located behind the Ruth Keeler Library. Hikers will search for evidence of how residents used the land in the past and explore the landscape that served them well, including a sugaring cauldron that is almost 100 years old. Warm up with cider and donuts at the library after the hike. For all ages, no registration.

Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Pell Hills Parking Area, Rte. 121, Cross River.
Walking Tour of Geology:  12 - 2 PM
Join Lewisboro Land Trust for a tour through geologic history with naturalist Krista Munger. The tour will highlight the Indian Rock Shelter and Raven Rocks on a 3 mile round-trip through billion-year old Fordham Gneiss and Pound Ridge Gneiss formations. Meet at the Pell Hill Parking Area, WPRR. $10 entrance fee per car. Steady rain cancels.

Saint Luke’s Church, 66 Bedford Road, Katonah
Katonah Chamber of Commerce Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting: 6 PM 
Join your neighbors for this special Katonah tradition, complete with live musical performances, food and fun.

Chappaqua Performing Arts Center, 480 North Bedford Road, Chappaqua
Will Dance for Food: 5:30 PM
Students from six local dance studios, including the Pulse, will be performing at this annual event, with proceeds going to fill the food pantry at the Community Center of Northern Westchester. Tickets are available here.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
Fox Senior Center, 198 Carpenter Avenue, Mount Kisco (914) 666-8766
Senior Holiday Luncheon: 12 PM
The annual holiday favorite featuring the Fox Centertainers. For further information, call (914) 666-8766.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
Conant Hall, 257 Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge
Neighbor to Neighbor Senior Holiday Luncheon
Enjoy a holiday lunch with your neighbors. For more information, contact (914) 764-8201.

The Nutracker

For some families, the holidays are not complete without seeing The Nutcracker.  In addition to a variety of professional productions nearby, the below productions involve young dancers from District Two.

County Center in White Plains, Dec 13-15 – For tickets to the Westchester County Ballet’s production, click here.

Ridgefield Playhouse, Dec 13-15 – For tickets to the production by the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, click here.

SUNY Purchase, Dec 21-22 – For tickets to this production by the Northern Westchester School of Dance, click here.

Westchester County Police to Increase DWI Enforcement & Security Patrols During Thanksgiving.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY POLICE TO INCREASE DWI ENFORCEMENT AND SECURITY PATROLS DURING THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY PERIOD.

Increased police presence planned for county parkways, airport, and other locations.

            Westchester County Police will deploy increased patrols this Thanksgiving holiday season to enforce DWI laws and enhance security around the Westchester County Airport, public transit hubs, houses of worship and retail shopping areas.

Beginning Wednesday, County Police will be participating in a statewide STOP-DWI enforcement campaign that will continue through the Thanksgiving weekend. In addition, uniformed officers and tactical teams will be stepping up inspections and critical infrastructure patrols around railroad and bus stations, major retails hubs in Mount Kisco and Cortlandt, houses of worship and other sensitive locations.

“Thanksgiving is a time of year when a great many people are traveling through Westchester’s airport or on our parkways,” County Executive George Latimer said. “The County Police will be deploying extra resources to ensure that everyone can reach their destinations as safely and efficiently as possible. Our police will ensure that all traffic rules are enforced and they will be there to help any distressed motorists.”

Public Safety Commissioner Thomas A. Gleason said the DWI enforcement effort will include roving patrols and sobriety checkpoints along the Bronx River, Cross County, Saw Mill and Hutchinson River parkways as well as in several municipalities.

 “We have seen an increase in impaired driving in recent years in the days around Thanksgiving,” Gleason said. “I remind everyone that there is zero tolerance in Westchester when it comes to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

The County Police will also be participating in Operation Safeguard, a public safety and counter-terrorism initiative. Law enforcement agencies in Westchester and Putnam counties will be working together to conduct security checks of religious facilities, train stations, commuter parking, bus routes, shopping malls and public gathering places.

Under this initiative, more police officers may be observed, including heavily armed tactical teams.  The public is reminded that this increased presence is not in response to any specific threat but is simply part of ongoing security and counter-terrorism efforts.

Westchester County: DID YOU KNOW WESTCHESTER COUNTY HAS ITS OWN WORKING FARM?

DID YOU KNOW…

Westchester County has its own working farm? Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center

(White Plains, NY) – Each month, the “Did You Know” video segment of the My Westchester newsletter explores a different topic that is unique, and little known about Westchester County. This month, we visited Westchester County’s Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center in Yorktown Heights, to learn about sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, accessible food systems and life on the farm.

Watch the video segment on Hilltop Hanover Farm.

Hilltop Hanover is a working farm and environmental center operated by Westchester County in partnership with the Friends of Hilltop Hanover Farm. Visitors are warmly welcomed year-round, and are encouraged to visit with the farmers and the animals, take advantage of organically-grown produce at the farm stand, pick-your-own vegetables in the gardens, and attend special events and classes.

If you have something you are curious about, or something you think no one knows, send us an email at Communications@WestchesterGov.com. Your idea might just appear in a future edition of “Did You Know.”  

Westchester County Legislator Margaret Cunzio: Westchester's Winter Wonderland Opens Friday, Nov. 29.

County Executive George Latimer Announces Older Driver Safety Week: Keys to Safe Driving, A Series of Programs to take place December 2 – 6 throughout Westchester.

Westchester County Legislator Margaret Cunzio: Wreaths Across America - 12/14.

Upcoming Events in Westchester County Parks - 11/26 - 12/2.

Weekly Events in Westchester County Parks.

November 26 – December 2, 2019.

TUESDAY, NOV. 26

Westchester County Center, 198 N. Central Ave., White Plains: (914) 995-4050
Westchester Knicks v. Fort Wayne Mad Ants: 7 p.m.
Tickets at westchesterknicks.com.

FRIDAY, NOV. 29 – SUNDAY, DEC. 1

Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Pkwy., Valhalla: (914) 231-4033
Westchester’s Winter Wonderland: Fri. 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Sat.4 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Sun.4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Celebrate the holidays close to home. A one-of-a-kind holiday experience featuring Santa’s Village, amusement rides, unlimited skating on an outdoor ice rink (skates included), the Winter Wonderland Holiday Circus, food and beverage options and a dazzling light show. Special opening day tree lighting ceremony Friday at 6 p.m. Admission: $20 ages 3 and over; group sales (20 people or more): $18. Through Jan. 4, 2020; full schedule and tickets at wwinterwonderland.com. 

SATURDAY – SUNDAY, NOV. 30 – DEC. 1

Croton Point Nature Center, Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson: (914) 862-5297
Project Feeder Watch: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
ID and count birds at the nature center feeders with volunteers from Saw Mill River Audubon. Great opportunity for photography, indoor activity, all ages, all skill levels. Also, 12/7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29.

SUNDAY, DEC. 1

Muscoot Farm, Route 100, Somers: (914) 864-7282
Muscoot Farm Christmas: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Visit the farm today to meet Santa, visit the animals and get holiday treats. Fee: $5. Call (914) 864-7286 for additional information and to register.

MONDAY, DEC. 2

Muscoot Farm, Route 100, Somers: (914) 864-7282
Monday Morning Bird Walk: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Come to the farm for an early morning bird walk with Anne Swaim, president of the Saw Mill River Audubon. Wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars. Walk leaves from the parking lot.

Go to parks.westchestergov.com.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY LAUNCHES VAPING PREVENTION AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOR GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT

WESTCHESTER COUNTY LAUNCHES VAPING PREVENTION AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOR GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT.

Westchester County Department of Health Focuses on Prevention.

(White Plains, NY) – Upholding Westchester County’s commitment to public health, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, the Department of Health and several community partners have launched a Vaping Prevention and Awareness Campaign. The campaign includes a series of three public service announcements (PSAs), released in the days leading up to the Great American Smokeout, November 21. The videos were created to help inform Westchester County residents about the dangers of vaping.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “For more than 40 years, the American Cancer Society has hosted the Great American Smokeout on the third Thursday in November. Today, we are facing a new challenge with vaping becoming more prevalent with our youth. This Public Awareness Campaign is designed to help educate our parents on the dangers and health risks associated with vaping, so they can hopefully stop the problem before it starts.”

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD said: “Quitting vaping can be just as difficult as quitting smoking because nicotine in vapes and tobacco is highly addictive. Watch these videos, get the facts and if you smoke or vape, make a plan to quit.”

Help is available to you in Westchester County:

·         NY Smoke Free - 1-866-697-8487

·         Centers for Disease Control - 1-800-QUIT-NOW

·         American Cancer Society support groups - 1-800-277-2345

·         American Lung Association - find a clinic near you, call 1-800-LUNGUSA

The first Westchester County PSA focuses on The Health Risks of Vaping in Children. It features Amy Brown, MD, MBe and Shetal Shah, MD. Dr. Brown is an attending Pediatric Pulmonologist at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at New York Medical College. Dr. Shah is a neonatologist and researcher and a Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Neonatology at New York Medical College. 

The second PSA focuses on How to Recognize Vape Devices. It features Carolyn D’Agostino, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuser Counselor and Credentialed Prevention Professional who is a Student Assistance Counselor for Student Assistance Services, a not-for-profit agency whose focus is substance abuse prevention.

The final PSA focuses on How to Talk to Kids about Vaping. It features advice from Sherlita Amler, MD, Commissioner of Health, and Daniel A. Cohen, MD, a pediatrician at WestMed in Purchase.

Dr. Amler is a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at New York Medical College School of Medicine; and a Distinguished Lecturer at the College’s School of Public Health, as well as a Senior Fellow at its Center for Disaster Medicine. Dr. Cohen is Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Watch the first PSA on the Health Risks of Vaping in Children.

Watch the second PSA on How to Recognize Vape Devices.

Watch the third PSA on How to Talk to Kids about Vaping.

For more information, call the New York State Vaping Hotline at 1-888-364-3046.

Westchester County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky: Traffic Advisory-Single Lane Closure- SB Bronx River Parkway -Town of Greenburgh.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
TRAFFIC ADVISORY

BRONX RIVER PARKWAY
LANE CLOSURE
WORK EXTENSION
TOWN OF GREENBURGH
PATHWAY CONSTRUCTION

ROADWAY: The southbound Bronx River Parkway.

LIMITS: From Fenimore Road to Crane Road (Exit 12).

WHAT: Pathway construction.

IMPACTS: The southbound right lane of the Bronx River Parkway closed to motorists within the above limits.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 20, and Thursday, November 21, 2019, between the hours of 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM.

WHO: Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transportation contract #11-151R.

For additional information please contact Westchester County Traffic Engineering Division at (914) 995-2555.

Media Alert: Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer, Westchester Library System, Yonkers Public Library, The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, and BOCES Announce One Book Westchester

Yonkers, N.Y. (Nov. 2019) – The Yonkers Public Library Crestwood Branch will be hosting a press conference on November 21, 2019 at 2:00 pm, where Westchester County Executive George Latimer, along with the Westchester Library System, The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, and BOCES will proudly announce the One Book Westchester literacy initiative. One Book Westchester is designed to bring the community of Westchester together through books written by local authors, focusing on the rich history of our County. The books chosen were selected by librarians from the Westchester Library System and voted on by members of the One Book Westchester Committee. The committee is offering three reading selections to target three different age groups. Also, throughout 2020, different activities and events will occur across the County in support of this shared reading experience. The book selections are: Adult novel: Dear George, Dear Mary: A Novel of George Washington’s First Love, by Mary Calvi. The story of George Washington’s relationship with New York heiress Mary Philippe, crafted from hundreds of letters, journal entries and witness accounts. Mary, a resident of Yonkers, NY, said, “History lies hidden in every hometown just waiting to be discovered. One Book Westchester will allow us to explore together what for centuries has been buried. Romance, deception, and war – all of them taking place right here in our backyards.” Young adult/Middle School novel: The Night Diary, by Veera Hiranandani. Written in diary form, the book tells the story of 12-year-old Nisha, who is fleeing India with her family in 1947 after the country becomes independent of British rule. “I’m so honored and grateful for my work to be recognized by the local community through One Book Westchester. I always hoped that The Night Diary would reach as many people as possible and encourage young readers to be curious about their world and open to the differences around them. Thank you for helping me do that with this important initiative.”  Elementary School author: Author and illustrator, Eric Velasquez uses his beautifully drawn books to detail the immigrant experience. Many of his books are written in English and Spanish. Eric’s latest book Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library by Carole Boston Weatherford won the 2018 Walter Award from the WNDB organization as well as the SCBWI’s The Golden Kite Award and The International Latino Award Honor. “As a twenty-five year resident of Westchester County, it is a great honor for my work to be highlighted through the One Book Westchester initiative. Through my stories and illustrations, I have always tried to provide my young readers with an up-close and personal view of people and places that they might not have had a chance to experience. One Book Westchester is giving me the opportunity to do that on a larger scale.” For more information please contact the Yonkers Public Library directly at 914-337-1500.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY RELEASES THIRD PSA FOR VAPING PREVENTION AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY RELEASES THIRD PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

FOR VAPING PREVENTION AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.

Westchester County Department of Health Focuses on Prevention.

(White Plains, NY) – Upholding Westchester County’s commitment to public health, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, the Department of Health and several community partners have launched a Vaping Prevention and Awareness Campaign. The campaign includes a series of three public service announcements (PSAs), which were created to help inform Westchester County residents about vaping.

Released in advance of The Great American Smoke-Out on Thursday, November 21, the final PSA focuses on How to Talk to Kids about Vaping. It features advice from Sherlita Amler, MD, Commissioner of Health, and Daniel A. Cohen, MD, a pediatrician at WestMed in Purchase.

Dr. Amler is a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at New York Medical College School of Medicine; and a Distinguished Lecturer at the College’s School of Public Health, as well as a Senior Fellow at its Center for Disaster Medicine. Dr. Cohen is Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Watch the Public Service Announcements HERE.

LATIMER PROPOSES TERM LIMITS LEGISLATION FOR THE OFFICE OF COUNTY EXECUTIVE.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER PROPOSES TERM LIMITS LEGISLATION FOR THE OFFICE OF COUNTY EXECUTIVE.

View full press conference HERE.

(White Plains, NY) – Referencing the wisdom of the American Constitution, specifically the need for checks and balances on power and to create a steady, fresh supply of leaders to serve in elected offices Westchester County Executive George Latimer Americans has submitted legislation to the County Board of Legislators to reduce the existing three term limit (12 years) for County Executives enacted in 2011 in Westchester, down to two terms (eight years).

Latimer said: “All of our local governments follow that Revolutionary Era philosophy; restricting the reach of government. I have been a student of government as well as a practitioner these many years, serving on three different levels: city, county and state. Now, as I complete my second year as County Executive, I see the authority granted this position - and I strongly believe it should be further limited to ensure a balance of interests are better served.”

From committee report attached to local law amending Chapter 110 of the Laws of Westchester County to impose a limitation on service by a Westchester County Executive, the report outlines:

“[…] term limits prevent government officials from serving for more than a specified number of terms to bring fresh perspectives to government and ensure responsiveness to voter demands.  […]  Longtime office holders can often become more interested in serving their own reelection interests than serving the interests of the people they represent and challengers with new ideas are at an unfair advantage when running against incumbents with higher name recognition. Your Committee believes that restricting the service of lawmakers through term limits prevents politicians from amassing too much power and removes the intense focus on politics and places it back on policy. Term limits encourage younger, minority and other aspirants to run for office as the hurdle to defeat a well-entrenched and senior incumbent is lowered.  In addition, term limits result in greater voter turnout particularly in local elections if people feel there is a real race going on and their votes can count.  Your Committee believes that implementation of term limits keeps a steady, fresh supply of leaders to serve in elected offices.  Many talented potential leaders will simply not run for a particular office because of the challenges and battles of running against an incumbent.” 

While Latimer wants to limit the term County Executive, he proposes no change in legislative term limits, which currently allow a maximum of service of 12 years (six terms).  The new term limit, if passed, would reduce Latimer’s available to run for future terms from three terms to two. 

Latimer said: “I have included my tenure as covered within the law. Oftentimes, incumbents are "grandfathered" in, meaning the restrictions apply to the next occupant of the seat. But, they will apply to me as well. Eight years is a period of time most common where Executive term limits apply, and I think it is a defensible change.”

Latimer said: “The length of my tenure is up to the voters, but to limit the total years to eight makes good sense, and ensures the proper check and balance.”