Dear Friends:

The upcoming holiday season will be unlike anything we have been able to celebrate before. I know some of you are already putting up holiday decorations. And we certainly need all of the extra joy the season can bring during this difficult time.

Day after day, the positivity rate is increasing throughout Westchester and the state. I am working with Governor Andrew Cuomo's office, County Executive George Latimer, and other colleagues to monitor and contain the rising number of COVID-19 cases, but we need residents to do their part. We know from following the data and contact tracing that the main sources of the uptick in cases are coming from gatherings at private residences, establishments where alcohol is served, and gyms and fitness centers. In an effort to slow down the spread of the virus, new rules have been put in effect including limiting indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences to 10 people.

I urge you to speak with your family and friends and come up with a plan for this holiday season that keeps everyone safe. After so many months of not being able to see family members, I know how difficult it is to sacrifice seeing loved ones during the holidays, but we must limit gatherings for this Thanksgiving, so everyone can be at the table next year.

Even as we all redouble our efforts to stay home and maintain social distance, I am inspired by the advocacy and commitment of community members to civic participation and advocacy. I had the pleasure of speaking at the NYS PTA Statewide Convention to greet local PTA presidents, where there were over 400 members in attendance. I also spoke at the NYS Association of Small City School Districts Board meeting where we discussed the upcoming challenges of small city school districts. Under incredibly difficult and evolving circumstances, I know how hard they, and so many others, are working to serve and advocate for parents, students, and teachers. It is an honor to work alongside so many terrific advocates. 

On Wednesday, November 11th, I was pleased to attend Veterans Day Ceremonies throughout the district, including at Empire City Casino, North Castle, Bedford, and New Rochelle, among others. The weekend prior I had the opportunity to welcome women veterans at the Barbara Giordano Foundation Retreat. Virginia Giordano created a terrific program responding to the unique needs of female veterans. We owe tremendous gratitude to Veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice in defense of American values.   

I will always be grateful to them, and my office is always available for anything Veterans and their families might need. Please call (914) 934-5250 to speak with a staff member or email smayer@nysenate.gov.

Grassy Sprain Pharmacy has served the Yonkers community for over 60 years and prides itself on being open all year round, every day, even on Christmas Day. The pharmacy continued to assist the community with meeting the challenges of the pandemic by making thousands of home deliveries and offering curb-side pickup. On Monday, November 16th, I presented Grassy Sprain Pharmacy and owner and longtime friend Anthony Ciarletta, along with his business partner Dan Molino, with the NYS Senate Empire Award.

On Tuesday, November 10th, I presented LMC Media with the NYS Senate Empire Award for its service to the Villages of Larchmont & Mamaroneck and the Town of Mamaroneck during the Coronavirus Pandemic. LMC Media is an exemplary model of community-focused media programming that provides the Public, Education and Government access channels for the Villages of Larchmont & Mamaroneck and the Town of Mamaroneck.

Like other non-essential institutions in the State, LMC Media closed its offices on March 16th, and staff began working remotely through digital integration methods. The nonprofit media network used its platforms to disseminate important information during a time when everything felt uncertain, and made sure the community remained connected even when asked to quarantine and stay at home. LMC Media helped small businesses, local governments, schools, libraries, and more get important information out to the public. Congratulations to LMC Media, Executive Director Matt Sullivan, and its staff on this well deserved honor. Click here to learn more.

Port Chester's Caritas and Carver Center have partnered to bring the Carver Market, which provides groceries to those in need. The market will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. On Saturdays, the Carver Market will distribute pre-packaged meals from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Carver Market is open to all Westchester residents. If you have any questions, please call the Carver Center at (914) 305-6010. If you are interested in contributing, you can find more information, including a list of most needed items here.

400 Westchester Avenue

Port Chester, NY, 10573

There are three new affordable housing opportunities for individuals or families. The affordable units are available for individuals and families with household income up to 80% of the Westchester County Median Income. The current guidelines are: $70,480 for a single-person; $80,560 for a two-person household; and $90,640 for a three-person household.

Two inclusionary units are available in a 16 unit condominium in a walkable mixed use district. Selection will be done by lottery. Click here for a brochure with more information about the units at 470 Main Street. The deadline to apply is November 20th.

The Carraway Apartments on Corporate Park Drive have 42 affordable units available in a 420 unit rental development in West Harrison. Selection will be done by lottery. Click here for a brochure with more information about the Carraway Apartments. The deadline to apply is December 22nd.

NewRo Studios are specially designed for artists but they are open to all income eligible households meeting the 80% Median Income requirements. Applications are considered on a first come first serve basis. Click here for an informational flyer about the NewRo Studios.

Kind regards,