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<p>New York State Senator Pete Harckham has announced that the State Legislature restored 100% of the $2.4 million funding for the 2-1-1 Helpline New York network in the enacted FY2024-2025 State Budget. Local United Way organizations statewide operate the 2-1-1 Helpline network, which ensures that community resources centers can connect individuals with health and human service needs with the right agencies and programs.</p><p>“The 2-1-1 Helpline combines shared services and public-private partnerships to help residents in so many ways, from paying bills and finding caregivers to providing information about disaster relief and pressing concerns,” said Harckham. “It is such an important asset for our local municipalities and state government, in terms of knowing what resources are available to bring certain assistance to our residents. I thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and the members of the Westchester legislative delegation for their tremendous support of the 2-1-1 Helpline.”</p><p>The number of inquiries to the statewide 2-1-1 Helpline was up 153% in 2021 over figures from 2019 to over 15 million calls. Harckham, who represents communities in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties, has sponsored the bill for putting the helpline funding into the state budget in recent years. He made his announcement during a recent visit to United Way of Westchester and Putnam, which operates the 2-1-1 Hudson Valley community resource center from its White Plains location. </p><p>The increased allocation for the Helpline in the new State Budget will expand 2-1-1’s texting capability statewide, support 2-1-1 activations in areas experiencing a disaster and include 211 in New York State’s emergency plan, which will clarify communications, messaging and activations. The 2-1-1 Helpline New York network matches the legislative appropriation with $5.3 million in local grants, contracts and fees for services agreements, including $1.3 million in local United Way investments.</p><p><strong>Hugh Perry, president of the United Way of New York State</strong>, said, “With $2.4 million state support, we will be able to be a resource for people in need every day of the year, every hour of the day. We will also continue our ongoing efforts to make 2-1-1 easy to use and by those seeking help.” </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Tom Gabriel, president and CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam</strong>, said, “Two million<span style="color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"> New Yorkers rely upon the 211 Helpline each year during times of disaster or when looking for help with their basic needs. For almost 20 years, the New York State Legislature has recognized the importance of 211 in connecting people to the programs and services that can help them. We are honored that New York State will continue to fund this essential service and thank Senator Harckham and all the Legislators that supported it.”</span></p><p>United Way’s 2-1-1 Helpline has nationally certified community resource specialists trained to answer questions and provide referrals for health and human service needs round-the-clock and 365 days a year in 200 languages. For help in the Hudson Valley region, an individual can dial 2-1-1, text their zip code to 898211, or visit <a href="http://211hudsonvalley.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">211hudsonvalley.org</a>.</p><p> <span style="color: black;">[Attached photo: State Sen. Harckham with (l-r) </span><span style="color: rgb(49, 49, 49);">Cassandra Rajcumar, Director of Program and Services, 211 Hudson Valley & Long Island Region; Tom Gabriel, President and CEO of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam; and William M. Mooney III, Esq., United Way Board Chair, and Group Director-Senior Vice President at Customers Bank. Credit: Office of State Sen. Pete Harckham / James Persons]</span></p><p><em>Pete Harckham represents the 40th Senate District, which includes the towns of Carmel, Kent, Patterson and Southeast, and the village of Brewster in Putnam County; the town of Stony Point in Rockland County; and the city of Peekskill, the towns of Bedford, Cortlandt, Lewisboro, New Castle, North Salem, Ossining, Somers and Yorktown, the town/village of Mount Kisco, and the villages of Briarcliff Manor, Buchanan, Croton-on-Hudson and Ossining in Westchester County.</em></p>
<p><strong>YMCA Camp Combe Registration is Open!</strong></p><p> Registration for YMCA Camp Combe is going strong, and with all the exciting improvements around camp, The YMCA of Central and Northern Westchetser is gearing up for the best summer ever! Haven't registered yet? Visit their <a href="https://d2t9rz04.na1.hubspotlinks.com/Ctc/GH+113/d2T9Rz04/VWSN2-1J8ZJDW8TVr8t7YsjP1W5j5c_V5fbJXGN1vWRsg3qn9gW7lCdLW6lZ3pFV41ZbD1fKRSLW43bwH17BRR5FN4s-LftVxP9yW1Qgtc65-rV_cW1GrGHj7KSg0jW12LZx86bnjBGW8PJXvX5t9n7lN87xHm64W8FvVkPxb13syHrKMVyDKwZDRDZW5hMFDW81DR53W8p38vW7Btr7cVFr2H01R2Hs0V8kQnK2bHqPyW6DsQYm4_5pSnW3lb3yz2v_Yb1W6yy7D98rkHY1N5LxkXrnnBvyW7zp1FC2pVKYGW6_rBwc71GwbfVy5ktP7BPfsFW5MSrZM6XKp0GW8XT2VT7jQ0fyW8wbj0771KdJ1dhDvNP04" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 164, 189);">Dates and Rates</a> and <a href="https://d2t9rz04.na1.hubspotlinks.com/Ctc/GH+113/d2T9Rz04/VWSN2-1J8ZJDW8TVr8t7YsjP1W5j5c_V5fbJXGN1vWRr-3qn9gW6N1vHY6lZ3nsW1K7F472Ny1n2N4S3Lpshl6cMW3r96z6645DdJW47YGrD6pWmgxW66kDwW7jQTyRW8CHtfy1G65RVW2D79d_61KXCWW3ZKJWM7VHTcgW7NGtnY4yZ3C5W9k9Y1n9gCXpYW8tBpFb8FPfNbW4p-gj05NCM3fW3xtcj54B7c8HW9h36mq1XRNnCW6l2PnC8DtF8VW53DXgD4NPTQJV6BTz_85q3S_W4M2x_y5pyxZRN4zFqzWP7WcPW3_mVR21NSR41N84jdT1CZKzQW49X6Sm5n3sRKdX34Q604" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 164, 189);">Theme Weeks</a> pages for more information about summer 2024, or <a href="https://d2t9rz04.na1.hubspotlinks.com/Ctc/GH+113/d2T9Rz04/VWSN2-1J8ZJDW8TVr8t7YsjP1W5j5c_V5fbJXGN1vWRsg3qn9gW7lCdLW6lZ3mRW5Q4PL31Nzjb7W590r6Q7LhbR4W1Ks1_36p6w-FW85Hdmh20RmLdW8zw4r25Vp6FYW13zQwx6Nv02-W8fHrFQ2MqchjW2D2lqD74Q7BNW1lrNXp5WrsBFW5Ctf5T8C7Y66W4QkMDW5NkjPgW4lS7b_1jMGg_W8QdXYy4l8nSVW3Sl9XL80hP90W2bBb-m11NrMSN6FN7ww80-CnW58BvqK13QhJjW2gLh8x3YnXY-VG4CWX29fS9LW62ssT37xVKZ_W9gsS2n4xhrzqW50f2DV361QfnW2S_SQj4pd-T6V9R9LG8tS3VWf8-l4Mj04" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 164, 189);">Register here</a>. </p><p><br></p><p>The YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester is thrilled to share some fantastic updates about the beloved camp! </p><ul><li><strong>Bridge and Boardwalk Completion</strong>: One of the most anticipated projects, the new bridge and boardwalk, will be completed by the end of the month </li><li><strong>Lodge Renovations: </strong>New siding and roofing are completed on the lodge </li></ul><p> Thank you for being an essential part of the YMCA Camp Combe family. YMCA of Central and Northern Westchester looks forward to sharing these exciting new features with everyone and making unforgettable memories this summer. </p>
<p>Help Assemblyman Matt Slater Help Those In Need In The 94th Assembly District</p><p>COLLECTION DATE:Now through MAY 31, 2024</p><p> Help donate feminine hygiene products to those in need throughout the 94th Assembly District Pads </p><p>Items needed include:</p><p>Tampons </p><p>Deodorant</p><p>Shampoo</p><p>Conditioner </p><p>DROP-OFF LOCATIONS:</p><p>TOWN OF YORKTOWN TOWN HALL 363 Underhill Ave, Yorktown Heights </p><p><br></p><p>PUTNAM CAP 121 Main Street, Brewster TOWN OF CARMEL TOWN HALL 60 McAlpin Ave, Mahopac </p><p>TOWN OF SOUTHEAST TOWN HALL 1360 NY-22, Brewster </p><p>TOWN OF KENT TOWN HALL 25 Sybils Crossing, Carmel Hamlet </p><p>TOWN OF PUTNAM VALLEY TOWN HALL 265 Oscawana Lake Rd, Putnam Valley </p><p>PATTERSON RECREATION 65 Front St, Patterson TOWN OF SOMERS TOWN HALL 335 US-202, Somers </p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Did you know that this Saturday April 27 is Independent Bookstore Day? We’ll be joining more than 1200 bookstores nationwide to celebrate with lots of fun activities and promotions including:</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">- a free preloved book to the first 25 customers in the door on Saturday</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">- triple punches on HBVH frequent shopper cards</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">- a free Hudson Valley Book Trail or Local Vibes tote bag with $75 purchase or more</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">- and a treasure hunt for kids!</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And of course we’ll have our weekly Read Aloud for kids at 11:30. Come and join us on Saturday for fun and games and giveaways!</span></p><h4>Hudson Valley Books for Humanity</h4><p>67 Central Avenue</p><p>Ossining, NY 10562</p><p><a href="mailto:amy@hvbooksforhumanity.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: initial; color: var(--paragraphLinkColor);">amy@hvbooksforhumanity.com</a></p><p><a href="http://squarespace.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: initial; color: var(--paragraphLinkColor);">(914)847-0773</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.hvbooksforhumanity.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hvbooksforhumanity.com/</a></p><p><br></p>
<p>New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that the newly enacted FY2024-2025 State Budget includes $4,084,738 in Aid and Incentives to Municipalities (AIM) funding for Senate District 40 (SD40), an increase of $362,836—9.75%—from last year’s budget. Outstanding in the AIM funding is $2,477,102 for the City of Peekskill, a $257,718 increase—11.61%—from the prior budget.</p><p> “This increase in enacted AIM funding is a win for our local governments,” said Harckham. “It gives municipalities more spending power at a time when rising costs have been impacting programs, services and various initiatives. I think this record-high funding is a meaningful benchmark that will benefit our residents in many ways and ease some of the burden from our taxpayers.”</p><p> “The City of Peekskill is extremely grateful for the generous AIM support afforded to us by our partners in state government,” said Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie. “As we move forward with a spectrum of civic improvements, having this source of unrestricted funding available will give us some flexibility in spending on important projects without having to raise taxes to do so.”</p><p> <span style="color: black;">The FY2024-2025 state budget agreement includes $758.1 million for the AIM program statewide, a $43.4 million increase. The main source of unrestricted state aid for local governments, AIM funding has been frozen at about $715 million since the FY2011-2012 budget, and this year’s increase is the first since then.</span></p><p> <span style="color: black;">In SD 40, the 13 towns and six villages all received 6.99% or 7% increases in their enacted AIM funding. Among recipients are the Town of Cortlandt, which is getting $202,702 in AIM, and the Town of Yorktown, which is getting $189,144. The Village of Ossining will be getting $216,573.</span></p><p> </p><p>The Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIM) program was instituted first in the FY2006-2007 State Budget, replacing a number of revenue sharing programs, each of which had targeted municipalities that often overlapped. Funded at $849 million (an increase of nearly $56 million, or 7 percent, from pre-AIM revenue sharing in the FY2005-2006 State Budget, AIM combined six revenue sharing programs into one program, representing the largest appropriation of unrestricted aid to local governments in a decade. The funding dropped to the $715 million level during the Great Recession.</p><p> <span style="color: black;">Town of Cortlandt Supervisor Dr. Richard Becker said, “On behalf of the Town of Cortlandt, I would like to thank Senator Peter Harckham for his ongoing support of the Town of Cortlandt. Once again, he has been instrumental in securing additional financial resources for the Town via the Aid and Incentives for Municipalities (AIMs) funding program. This ongoing support will assist us in our efforts to provide vital services to residents.”</span></p><p> [Attached photo: State Sen. Pete Harckham discussing the newly enacted FY2024-2025 State Budget with Peekskill Mayor Vivian McKenzie. Credit: Office of State Sen. Pete Harckham / James Persons]</p><p> <em>Pete Harckham represents the 40th Senate District, which includes the towns of Carmel, Kent, Patterson and Southeast, and the village of Brewster in Putnam County; the town of Stony Point in Rockland County; and the city of Peekskill, the towns of Bedford, Cortlandt, Lewisboro, New Castle, North Salem, Ossining, Somers and Yorktown, the town/village of Mount Kisco, and the villages of Briarcliff Manor, Buchanan, Croton-on-Hudson and Ossining in Westchester County. He is chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee.</em></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">As $4.2 billion is being provided through the Environmental Bond Act, Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) has called on Gov. Kathy Hochul to ensure the Hudson Valley region receives the proper investment to protect its natural resources.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Lakes all around the 94th Assembly District including Lake Carmel, Palmer Lake and Tonetta Lake have been plagued by Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) in recent years, and although there were efforts made in 2018 to combat them, there has been no additional funding since. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency’s new limits on PFAS chemicals will have an immediate impact on local drinking water systems. Addressing these environmental issues not only protects public health but also prevents potential liabilities and costly remediation efforts for property owners. </span></p><p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“It is time for New York state to make important investments in the Hudson Valley that address the needs of its natural resources and ease the crushing burden on property owners. I strongly urge the governor to not let the Environmental Bond Act be another missed opportunity,” said Slater.</span></p><p>“The Environmental Bond Act must prioritize the protection and investment in our natural resources, especially in the Hudson Valley region. Lakes like Carmel, Palmer and Tonetta have suffered from Harmful Algal Blooms and face threats from PFAS chemicals. It’s imperative that New York state seizes this opportunity to address these environmental challenges and alleviate the burdens on property owners. These issues have been ignored by Albany for too long,” <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">said </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Michael Cazzari, Town of Carmel supervisor.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“As the town supervisor of Putnam Valley, I have seen firsthand the damage of Harmful Algal Blooms and its effect on our lakes. Lakes like Lake Peekskill in Putnam Valley have been burdened in many ways due to the damaging impact of HABs making this once vibrant recreational lake unusable for the past three summers. The effects of HABs extend far beyond the aesthetic and recreational aspects of Lake Peekskill. Additionally, the contamination of Lake Peekskill poses a significant threat to Peekskill Hollow Brook, which feeds into the drinking water supply of the City of Peekskill. State funding is desperately needed. Assemblyman Slater’s request highlights the urgent need for funding to mitigate and prevent HABs in Lake Peekskill and similar bodies of water across our state. Putnam Valley supports and encourages Assemblyman Slater’s request to the governor to ensure lakes within the 94th Assembly District are adequately funded through the Environmental Bond Act,” said </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Jacqueline Annabi.</span></p><p> “I would like to thank Assemblyman Slater for his continued understanding and support of the issues affecting my community. Putnam Lake lies in the headwaters of the East Branch Reservoir of the New York City Water Supply. In 2023, Putnam Lake experienced its worst year ever with Harmful Algal Blooms. These blooms affect no<span style="background-color: transparent;">t only Putnam Lake but downstream waters as well. Without the state’s aid and financial support to address these long-standing Harmful Algal Blooms, Putnam Lake will be forced to continue reliance on chemical solutions, which are hit and miss at best,” said Richard Williams,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Town of Patterson supervisor.</span></p><p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“The Hudson Valley region has been hit hard by storms in the last year or two. There needs to be an action plan that helps with the resiliency of our infrastructure as well as the repair of what was damaged during the storms. As one of the highest tax areas in the state, there needs to be a reconciliation that diverts some of these resources back into our community for these important projects,” said Ed Lachterman, Town of Yorktown deputy supervisor. </span></p><p><br></p><p><em style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);"> Assemblyman Matt Slater represents the 94th Assembly District, which includes parts of Putnam and Westchester counties, including the towns of Kent, Patterson, Putnam Valley, Carmel, Southeast, Somers and Yorktown, as well as the village of Brewster.</em></p>
<p class="ql-align-center"><em>Earn rewards, explore favorites and savor the best of Westchester's liquid craftsmanship from 24 local distilleries and craft breweries</em></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong> </strong></p><p>Westchester County Executive George Latimer will join Westchester County’s Department of Film and Tourism and craft beverage artisans from around the County to toast the debut of the new Westchester Craft Beverage Trail and free online passport. The event will include bites, tunes and brews, celebrating agritourism by the makers that make Westchester a dynamic (and delicious) place to explore.</p><p> </p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Craft Beverage Trail</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Thursday, April 25</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>4:00 p.m.</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Broken Bow Brewery</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>173 Marbledale Road, Tuckahoe, New York</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong> </strong></p><p>The new Westchester Craft Beverage Trail includes more than 24 distilleries, craft breweries and cideries throughout the region. A free, online passport for users aged 21 and older allows them to easily sip and savor their way across the County while earning rewards for fun items reflecting Westchester’s craft culture. Learn more at <a href="http://www.westchestergov.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">www.westchestergov.com</a></p><p> </p>