Community Update: Election, "Plant Pink," Helping Those in Need

Dear Friends:

I am honored to be re-elected to serve as your State Senator for the 37th Senate District. This has been a tough and divisive election season, and things are still unsettled in many races locally and nationally as we await the work of election officials in counting every duly casted ballot. Once all the ballots are counted, those of us sworn into office serve all constituents, irrespective of political affiliation.  

Each state has its own laws and regulations surrounding the administration of elections, as governed by their state constitutions and state legislative bodies. Here in New York, Absentee Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, Tuesday, November 3rd, and received by the County Board of Elections by Tuesday, November 10th in order to be counted. Absentee Ballots will not begin to be processed until after the deadline to receive them on Tuesday, November 10th. Due to the threat of COVID-19, a significant percentage of New Yorkers voted by Absentee Ballot. In many instances throughout the state, 25% or more of the total votes cast for a race were done through an Absentee Ballot. Because such a significant percentage of New Yorkers voted by Absentee Ballot, the outcome of a close race may not be known until after November 10th when these ballots are processed.

Though we may disagree on issues, we must agree that every citizen who cast a ballot in accordance with election law must have that ballot counted. It is certainly frustrating to have to wait so long to find out the results of a political race we feel strongly about, but we must ensure that every American who voted has their voice heard.

After the election season is over, our path forward must include open dialogue leading to productive discussion. As many of you already know, I welcome your opinions, take them to heart, and have never shied away from discussing difficult issues with constituents who disagree with me. I respect your thoughts on issues, appreciate when you take the time to explain your position, and believe we can disagree without being disagreeable.

Eastchester Beautification Foundation's "Plant Pink" Initiative

The Eastchester Beautification Foundation's "Plant Pink" Initiative asked Eastchester residents, neighborhood associations, businesses, and restaurants to plant pink flowers all throughout spring, summer, and fall as a thank you to first responders & essential workers and in memory of those lost from COVID-19. The initiative quickly painted the town in pink. Lamp posts showed-off pink supertunias draping from baskets. Pink hydrangeas anchored sidewalk benches. And pink begonias filled planters in front of restaurants, jewelers, service stations, hairdressers, laundromats, food markets, and private homes.

On Wednesday, October 21st, I presented the NYS Senate Empire Award to the Eastchester Beautification Foundation for this thoughtful, beautiful initiative that brightened spirits all throughout the town. Co-Presidents Judith Blau & Maura McMahon also received Commendation Awards for their leadership. Thank you to the Town’s Highway & Parks Departments and numerous volunteers for all of their hard work supporting the "Plant Pink" Initiative. Click here to read more.

Recognizing the Work of the Community Resource Center during Hispanic Heritage Month

In October, I was pleased to award the Community Resource Center (CRC) with the NYS Senate Empire Award in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month for its exceptional work serving the Hispanic community during the Coronavirus crisis.
When the pandemic hit, our community’s immigrant families were suffering alongside other community members. Immigrant working parents had to stay home from work to care for children out of schools; young people supporting their families were laid off; and hourly & seasonal workers were no longer able to find employment. The CRC worked with community partners to launch the Emergency Assistance Fund to provide cash assistance to families whose finances were impacted by the pandemic. To date, they have helped over 250 Westchester families fight food insecurity and meet the burden of housing costs after losing income. The CRC deserves to be celebrated for its tremendous work and for being a beacon of hope for the Hispanic community in Westchester during this extremely challenging time. Click here to read more.

$1.27 million in CARES Act funding for Remote Learning Centers in Westchester

Last week, I joined Westchester County Executive George Latimer at the YMCA of New Rochelle as he announced $1.27 million in CARES Act funding for Remote Learning Centers in Westchester. Remote Learning Centers help parents return to the workplace knowing their children are continuing their education in a safe environment.
Agencies funded to Provide Remote Learning Centers:

• New Rochelle YMCA – New Rochelle
• YMCA of Yonkers, Inc. – Yonkers
• YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester – White Plains
• YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester (Camp Combe) – Ossining, Somers, Yorktown
• Town of Greenburgh Department of Community Resources/ TDYCC – Greenburgh
• Lakeland Children’s Center – Yorktown Heights
• Boys and Girls Club of Northern Westchester – Mount Kisco
• Healthy Kids Extended Day Program, Inc. – Harrison, Peekskill, Yonkers
• Young Men’s Christian Association of Rye, Rye YMCA – Rye
• Ossining Union Free School District – Ossining
• Danielle’s Helping Hands – Pelham
• Town of Lewisboro Parks and Recreation Department – Lewisboro

The federal funding will last through the end of 2020, with the hope that additional federal legislation will be enacted to continue Remote Learning Centers into 2021 at no cost to county taxpayers.

White Plains Historical Society's Annual Commemoration of The Battle of White Plains

On Sunday, October 25th, I joined the White Plains Historical Society at the Jacob Purdy House for its annual commemoration of The Battle of White Plains. The Jacob Purdy House was one of President George Washington's Headquarters during the Revolutionary War and is a National Historic Site. Click here to read more about the treasured Jacob Purdy House.

Investing in Local Roads:
$9.39 million in Pavement Renewal Projects in the District

In October, Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Department of Transportation announced 135 pavement renewal projects throughout the state. This announcement included over $ 9 million in projects throughout the 37th Senate District. The projects are currently being designed and construction will begin next spring.

• $5.2 million to resurface Route 22 from Route 120 to Middle Patent Road in the North Castle;
• $2.7 million to resurface Route 120 (King Street) from Lake Street in Harrison to the Greenwich American Centre in North Castle;
• $1.0 million to resurface Route 120 (Purchase Street) from Westchester Avenue to Westerleigh Road in Harrison;
• $490,000 to resurface Route 433 from Connecticut state Line to Route 22 in North Castle.

Click here to read more about pavement renewal projects throughout the state.

Westchester County Health Department and Open Door Family Medical Center Offer Increased Testing in Port Chester

Westchester County Health Department and Open Door Family Medical Center will begin offering increased testing at Open Door Port Chester. The testing initiative was made in consultation with the New York State Department of Health.

Open Door Port Chester
5 Grace Church St, Port Chester, NY 10573

• Thursday, November 5: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Friday, November 6: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Saturday, November 7: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Insurance is not required, and testing is free of charge. Those who wish to make an appointment should call 914-995-7425 or click here. Walk-ins will only be accepted on a limited basis.

Programs for Yonkers Seniors Via Zoom

The Yonkers Office of the Aging, in partnership with the Yonkers NNORC (Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community), Yonkers Public Library, and New York-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital, is sponsoring several programs for seniors via Zoom. The programs include Body/Mind Fitness on Wednesdays at 9:00 AM, Bingo on Thursdays at 1:00 PM, and Meditation Chair Yoga on Fridays at 9:00 AM. Click here for a flyer with more information including Zoom information on how to join the programs. Contact Sally Pinto at the Yonkers NNORC for programs, services, and referrals: (914) 391-1323 or sally.pinto@yonkersny.gov.

November 10th: National Economic Impact Payment Registration Day

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) set November 10 as "National EIP Registration Day," to encourage those who are not required to file a tax return to register to receive an Economic Impact Payment, also known as the "stimulus check." Non-filers who haven't received a stimulus check can use the Get My Payment tool to enter their information to receive the $1,200 Economic Impact Payment, also known as the "stimulus check." The deadline to register for the payment is November 21.

Kind regards,

Shelley B. Mayer
State Senator
37th District