Dear Residents,
February is off to a great start in the Town of Bedford.
It is Black History Month and in our February newsletters, we will have a special section to highlight historic contributions by Black and African Americans. I hope you will take a moment to read and learn more about history through this lens that has not always been in focus when celebrating significant achievements in history.
COVID cases continue to decline. The Westchester County COVID tracker shows how new cases began to rise around Dec. 1, peaked around Jan 1, and are approaching early Dec. levels again. Thank you for wearing a mask.
After one month as Town Supervisor, I am convinced I have the best job in the world. I love the challenges and opportunities to help Bedford residents. Thanks to everyone who has reached out and for continued patience as I still have much to learn (and there is always room to improve)! We have incredible, friendly, and competent staff members and the best residents. I am grateful to our amazing department heads and the town board for their support and hard work. We are moving forward in many positive and productive ways.
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Be well,
Ellen
Town Supervisor Ellen Calves
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Celebrating Black History Month
in Westchester, Part 1
Despite ongoing struggles, 2021 was a notable year, one that will be remembered for significant achievements by the Black community. In athletics, arts, literature, entertainment and government, trailblazing Black leaders made history. Jennifer King became the first Black woman to become a full-time assistant coach with the National Football League (NFL); Amanda Gorman became the youngest inaugural poet in US history as she recited her poem “The Hill We Climb” at the 2021 Inauguration Ceremony; Terence Blanchard became the first Black composer to have his work performed at the Metropolitan Opera; Zaila Avant-garde became the first Black American contestant to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee; Raphael Warnock became the first Black U.S. Senator to represent Georgia and the first Black Democrat to represent a southern state in the Senate; and of course, Kamala Harris became the first female, first Black, and first Asian-American sworn into office as Vice President of the United States. And the list goes on. And on.
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Here in Westchester, there are many ways to celebrate, to recognize and to educate ourselves about the storied history and myriad accomplishments of Black Americans in our own County. Each week during the month of February, we will highlight 5 or so local venues - from historical sites to art exhibits to musical performances and more - that underscore the rich contributions of Black Americans in Westchester.
First, head down County and pay a visit to the READ MORE
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2.1.22 TOWN BOARD MEETING RECAP
The Town Board had a conversation about the leaf blower policy, heard a presentation about a possible affordable housing opportunity, and took some action on other issues Tuesday night including appointing a new member to the Town Board - Tom Catoliato.
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Tom lives in Bedford Village and has been a member of the Planning Board since 2016. He is thrilled to be joining the board at a time when his skills as an engineer and passion for the town will be extremely helpful to our board and residents. |
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Leafblower Work Session
As for leaf blowers - we will move forward with some changes to the proposed law which includes a town-wide, “off season” ban on gas-powered leaf blowers (when there are no leaves or heavier debris on the ground) with some exceptions. The Town Board is considering setting forth criteria by which a future full ban may go into effect rather than on a specific date. A revised version will be up for discussion on 2/15 and if the town board is comfortable with that version, it will be put forward for a public hearing in March. We appreciate all the input we received from community members on this.
Town Departments
While it still feels like winter with more ice today, town departments are busy preparing for spring (which the groundhog indicated will be coming soon).
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Highway, Parks, and Building departments are staying on top of snow and ice. Call 914-666-SNOW if you need to report road or sidewalk conditions that need attention
- DPW is focusing on fixing up dirt roads which are in bad shape due to weather conditions over the past couple of weeks
- Winter activities and paddle tennis continue and Recreation is making plans for spring programs, pools, camps, and events
- Senior advocate has started on a full-time schedule and senior activities are in full swing with some exciting arts programming for seniors coming soon
- Tax Receiver received payments on behalf of the school districts (and we were glad to see so many come in on time).
- The Building Department was approved to purchase a new online system to facilitate online applications and improve communication with applicants.
- Police Department is preparing to give a community update at our Town Board meeting on 3/1.
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The Town of Bedford has been selected as a recipient of the New York State Municipal Workers’ Compensation Alliance 2022 G. Jeffrey Haber Leadership Award. This award is in recognition of the town’s dedication to maintaining a safe workplace for its employees. The leadership that our town has shown to minimize the time lost due to workplace injury is impressive and we thank our personnel director and department heads for their efforts
We are lucky to have such incredible town departments and employees and wonderful support from the community to continue to provide a high level of services to our residents. Thank you!
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AND, MORE BIG NEWS - We are tied for #1 in NYS!! |
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Celebrate Our Clean Community Efforts!
Congratulations, Bedford! Our town is in first place -- out of 391 communities statewide--for completing clean energy actions in the state of New York!
The Town of Bedford earned this proud distinction through New York State's Clean Energy Communities program. As a result, our community has earned $130,000 in grant funding - the Town and residents are saving money - and, we are reducing pollution and making our air cleaner and healthier for everyone. Go Bedford!
Join us for a celebration of this exceptional achievement and Bedford's continued leadership in climate action on Tuesday, February 8th at 6pm in person or on Zoom.
We are excited to recognize many people who have worked tirelessly to earn this distinction, including our Town Department Heads and staff, Town Board members, Bedford 2030 and most of all, our amazing community.
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WORK SESSION
Tuesday February 8 at 6pm
Clean Energy Community Celebration and
Climate Action Plan Implementation
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Bedford 2030 will join the Town Board and town department heads for a celebration, followed by the work session to discuss further implementation of the Town’s Climate Action Plan and goals
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2030.
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Congratulations to our newly appointed
committee members!
The Town Board meeting the following were appointed the following to some committees:
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Police Community Group
Rev. Kymberly E. McNair
John Goodrich
Conservation Board
David Beckett
Town Housing Committee
Amy Dickan
Wetlands Control Commission
Andrew Messinger, Chair
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Building Health and Performance
Kevin Brenner
Andres Castillo
Andrew Chintz
Frank Green
Rosemarie Noonan
Mariah Okrongly
Bill O’Neil
Lee Sauerhoff
Mark Thielking
Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Advisory Committee
Meesha Chang
Mindy Yanish
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Town Committees
If you are interested in serving on a committee, board, or commission, please let us know! Submit a letter of interest and resume to supervisor@bedfordny.gov.
Vacancies:
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Recreation and Parks Committee (Bedford Hills rep) (3 year term)
- Senior Committee (3 year term)
- Building Health and Performance Advisory Committee (tenant and landlord spots open)
- Wetlands Control Commission (3 year term)
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VINECUTTERS EVENT FOR THIS WEEKEND
IS RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER.
Due to inclement weather today and tonight, the organizers are concerned that the invasive control fieldwork scheduled for tomorrow at the Beaver Dam Sanctuary will not be safe to hold this event. Plus the response to our outreach was so successful that the organizers would like to break the volunteers into two separate smaller groups so that we can have more experienced people working along with first-timers.
Therefore, we have rescheduled the event for two times on Saturday, February 12th with one group meeting at 11 AM to 1 PM and the second group at 1 PM to 3 PM.
The rain date will be Sunday February 13th also in two groups
(11 AM to 1 PM and 1 PM to 3 PM.).
It is mandatory that you RSVP to sskolnik@bedfordny.gov with your preference for the time slot for next Saturday or Sunday.
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NYS Dept. of Public Service and Winter Preparedness
For information on controlling your heating costs, financial assistance programs, consumer protection, energy efficiency and winter safety, click here.
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Katonah Museum Of Art
YOUNG ARTISTS 2022
February 6 - 27, 2022
Young Artists, now in its 39th year, features the work of local high school artists who take part in all aspects of its curation, installation, and marketing efforts to produce this perennially favorite exhibition. The works range in scale, concept, media, and process, reflecting the diversity of expression in the region’s young artists. Free Admission, (donations accepted). By Reservation only. TICKETS
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Valentine's Day
Senior Social
Mon, Feb 14, 10am-12 noon
Bedford Hills Community House
Pre-register call
914 666 7203
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February 16, 7-8pm
FREE. Registration required.
A zoom link will be sent to you
upon registration.
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Katonah Classic Stage
"Art", a benefit reading
February 25 & 26, 7pm
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We CAN make a difference
with Bedford 2030!
Thank you to all community members who are helping to support clean, healthy air through this program! If you are not participating, visit https://sustainablewestchester.org/wp/ to learn more and sign-up.
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Past Supervisor newsletters:
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