Community Update: Pediatric Cancer Legislation Recognition, In the Community, Food Drive

Dear Friends,

This week, I had the distinct honor of welcoming United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayer to Yonkers, alongside Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Yonkers Public Schools Superintendent Anibal Soler Jr., and Yonkers elected officials, for the opening ceremony of the Justice Sonia Sotomayor Community School. This community school will provide hundreds of Yonkers students and community members with opportunities and resources they need to thrive. I am proud to have been involved in the process in the State Legislature that has helped make this new school come to life.

From September 15 through October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and recognize the many countries, their extensive histories, and the significant contributions of all Hispanic/Latino Americans. I encourage readers to participate in the County’s Hispanic Survey to provide in-depth information about the needs of the diverse community here in Westchester.

I am pleased to partner with Feeding Westchester again for a food drive in honor of Hunger Action Month. Feeding Westchester does remarkable work helping to ensure our neighbors are nourished and have access to nutritious foods and resources to build a better, healthy life for themselves and their families. We are so lucky to live in a community where we look out for our neighbors, so if you are able, please consider donating what you can. Thank you to the White Plains Fire Department, the Yonkers Fire Department, the New Rochelle Fire Department, the Mamaroneck Fire Department, and the Town of Pound Ridge for offering your space. More information is below.

This week was National Voter Registration Day! The last day to register to vote in New York is October 26. To register to vote, check your status, and for more information visit: http://citizenparticipation.westchester.gov.com/. The Civic Center is also inviting New York State educators to a free workshop on Wednesday, Sept. 25 to learn more about how to help ensure students' voices being heard.

If there is anything my office can assist you with, please email me at smayer@nysenate.gov or call (914) 934-5250.

Warm regards,

Shelley B. Mayer

State Senator

37th District

Food Drive with Feeding Westchester

I am proud to partner with Feeding Westchester For a Food Drive, September 16 through 30, at five drop-off locations: White Plains Fire Department Station 1, Yonkers Fire Station 11, New Rochelle Fire Station 5, Pound Ridge Town House and Mamaroneck Fire Department. Your non-perishable and shelf-stable donations will be given to Feeding Westchester and distributed to our neighbors in need. Many thanks to the White Plains Fire Department, the Yonkers Fire Department, the New Rochelle Fire Department, the Mamaroneck Fire Department and the Town of Pound Ridge for offering your space!

Legislative Update

Honored for Pediatric Cancer Legislation

I was proud to be honored by the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Making Headway Foundation, and the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation for my bill, S.8750, to require health insurers to cover comprehensive neuropsychological exams for children diagnosed with pediatric cancers or brain tumors.

Comprehensive neuropsychological exams are critical to identifying what services are needed and to better understand the effects of the tumor and treatment on the child’s memory, language and development. Unfortunately, some insurance companies don’t cover the long, in depth exams, making them unaffordable and unavailable to many families. This bill, sponsored in the Assembly by my colleague Assemblymember Chris Burdick, will ensure coverage for everyone under the age of 26 who needs the appropriate neuropsychological exams.

NYSUT Disconnected Conference

I was honored to join and speak at the New York State Union of Teachers' Disconnected Conference to discuss and learn about the impact of mobile devices and technology on students, teachers, and families and how devices can best be used to uplift students’ learning experience.

In the Community

Honoring Coach Persio “Andy” Capellan

I was thrilled to present Coach Persio “Andy” Capellan with a framed proclamation in honor of his retirement after 44 years of coaching girls track & field and cross country at New Rochelle High School. During his time coaching, he led his teams to a total of 66 league titles, 58 Westchester County Titles, 42 Section 1 Class Sectional Championships, and 7 national championships. Congratulations to Coach Andy on your well deserved retirement! It was particularly special to hear his story of transitioning from coaching football to girls track and field!

Touring Jawonio in New City

I had a special visit to Jawonio's main campus in New City. It was great to see their early intervention programs and early childhood education center. Jawonio does great work providing care and support to so many with special needs and I am proud to support them. Thank you to CEO Randi Rios-Castro, Co-Director of Education and Clinical Services Heidi McCarthy Ed.D., Director of Early Intervention Stephanie Harzewski, and Chief Communications and Development Officer Diana Hess for the invitation and tour.

Open Door in Port Chester

I had an excellent opportunity to tour the Open Door Health Center (get their accurate name please) in Port Chester. They do terrific work providing care to Port Chester residents and I thank CEO Lindsay Farrell and her team for inviting me to see their facility. As a long-time advocate for Port Chester, I know how invaluable their free and reduced cost quality health and dental services are to so many Port Chester families.

Harrison Public Library Upgrades

I had a lovely time at the West Harrison branch of the Harrison Public Library for the ribbon cutting celebrating their new amenities -- LED lights in the Children's Room, updated parking lot, and new signage. I am happy to help secure funding from the state to help the Harrison Library complete updates needed to serve local residents!