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Honoring Black History Month |
“We must never forget that Black History is American History.
The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our Nation’s greatness.”
Yvette Clarke
US Congresswoman
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It was a sad week in which we lost Mark Rutherford, a long-time Bedford town employee and ex-assistant chief and 47 year member of the Bedford Hills Fire Department. On behalf of the Town, I wish to express deep appreciation for his service to our Town and condolences to his family and friends.
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On Tuesday evening we recognized contributors to our Town's achievement in obtaining the rank of #1 in the state in the Clean Energy Community contest (read more below). Participation has earned us $130,000 in grant funding to continue to invest in clean energy. The celebration was followed by a work session to discuss how to continue to incorporate the Climate Action Plan, adopted by the Town Board in 2020, into our policies and actions to achieve our pollution reduction goals.
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On Tuesday, 2/15 our town Board meeting will include an update on the Regional Wireless Plan (more info below). The Town Board will hold a work session that evening regarding the process for allocating ARPA funding and we will (hopefully) agree to changes to be made to the leaf blower law prior to calling for a public hearing in March where public input will be encouraged. On March 1st we will hear from Police Chief Melvin Padilla regarding the 2021 activities of the police department. All are welcome to attend these meetings in person or on Zoom. 2.15.22 Agenda
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COVID-19 is still among us and while the Governor lifted the mask mandate for businesses, we are still wearing masks in Town offices until our COVID committee has a chance to meet and decide when we will lift the requirement.
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Black History Month continues I hope you will spend some time reading below about ways to remember, honor, and visit some of our Westchester historical sites such as The Monument to First Rhode Island Regiment, the burial grounds at St. Paul's Church and Villa Lewaro, the home of Madame C.J. Walker, the first female millionaire in the US. Want to stay close to home? Take a quick drive to the Bedford Historical Society exhibit, Black History in Bedford. |
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Be well,
Ellen
Town Supervisor Ellen Calves
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Mark Rutherford
Bedford misses you
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Beloved Town employee Mark Rutherford passed away on Saturday, February 5th, 2022 at his home. Mark started his career at the Bedford Highway Department on November 14, 1988 and retired on August 1, 2020. He provided exceptional service to the Town for over three decades as a truck driver, street sweeper operator, under scraper operator in the Croton Lake dirt road section, and finally as an assistant foreman. His leadership, work ethic, humility, and sense of humor made him one of the greats.
He took great pride in his work, leading to frequent complements from residents. He specialized in tree work and was very skilled at it, training many employees. Mark’s demeanor left an indelible impression of anyone who met him. His kindness, generosity and trustworthiness were some of the key elements of his character. In addition to his excellent service to the Highway Department he was a proud member of the Bedford Hills Fire Department. He will be sorely missed.
Thank you our Town's Department of Public Works team for this tribute.
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Honoring Black History Month in Westchester Part Two
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Just as Black History is American History, Black History is Westchester County History. Of the 50 counties in New York State, Westchester ranks fifth for overall diversity (just after the New York City counties), with over 16 percent of its population identifying as Black or African American. And the history of African Americans in the County is long and complex. READ MORE
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Senior Outreach Manager is now Full Time
The Town of Bedford is happy to announce that Rosemary Vorel, Senior Advocate, has been appointed to a full-time position with the Town.
Rosemary is now available Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm to provide supportive services to resident seniors.
Rosemary is regularly available for in-person meetings at her new office at the Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main Street, Bedford Hills. If you would like to contact Rosemary you can reach her by phone at 914-882-5886 or by e-mail at rvorel@bedfordny.gov.
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Bedford Ties for #1 in the State as a Clean Energy Community by taking Climate Action
The Town has earned $130,000 in grant funding to continue to invest in clean energy and low carbon solutions. Read more here
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Certificates of appreciation were presented to Department Heads and other groups and individuals who contributed to this success. |
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Wireless Regional Plan
Cell coverage crosses town lines, which inspired the creation of the Northern Westchester County Wireless Master Plan. Susan Rabold of CityScape Consultants Inc., will present a draft of the plan at the Bedford Town Board meeting on Tuesday 2/15 at 7pm.
This plan will create a cooperative wireless master plan for seven northern Westchester towns and villages to facilitate finding sites that may serve the needs of multiple towns and potentially reduce the number of tower proposals in the attempt to fill coverage gaps.
After the presentation, residents will be asked to participate in a community wide survey that will include questions about where Bedford residents do the majority of their work, the wireless services and providers they use, and how they would characterize the quality of the wireless network coverage where they live, work and travel around town.
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Avoid higher heating costs
this winter
New Yorkers' energy bills are on the rise this winter, but you can take steps as a tenant, homeowner, landlord or building owner to avoid paying higher prices.
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Sign up for a FREE virtual consultation with our energy coach, Bob Fischman for tips to decrease your heating bills and reduce your energy consumption. Bob provides free advice about your unique home or building via Zoom, and consultation can be provided in English and Spanish. No purchase or commitment required. Visit https://bedford2030.org/energy-coach/ for more information and to sign up!
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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:
- Planning Board - 1 opening for a 5 year term
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Recreation and Parks Committee (Bedford Hills rep) (3 year term)
- Building Health and Performance Advisory Committee (tenant and landlord spots open)
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COVID RESOURCES AND
OPEN DOOR FAMILY MEDICAL CENTERS
Open Door now has a COVID-19 Outreach Specialist. John Rodriguez is fluent in both English and Spanish and can help you with your questions related to COVID-19, including access to tests, vaccines, boosters, and proof of verification (e.g., NY Excelsior Pass). Please call 914-488-6621 or email hello@odfmc.org
Free test kits are currently available at Open Door locations in Sleepy Hollow, Ossining and Port Chester. Please visit opendoormedical.org for more information.
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Project Hope Support Virtual Groups
Online COVID-emotional wellness support meetings for various age groups, parental support groups, adults coping with fear and anxiety during the pandemic, those dealing with grief and loss during the pandemic, and more.
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New York State Broadband Internet Survey
Please participate in the New York State Department of Public Service data gathering project by completing a broadband speed test and survey available at www.empirestatebroadband.com
If you would like to make a comment concerning the availability, affordability, and adoption of residential and commercial broadband internet access services in NY State, you may sign up to testify at an upcoming public hearing Feb. 23 - March 3.
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Vine Cutting: Sign up to Volunteer
Saturday, February 12th 11AM -1PM or 1PM to 3PM
Raindate Sun. Feb 13 11AM to 1PM or 1PM to 3PM
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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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Amphibian Migrations and
Road Crossings Project
Zoom training on February 15 at 7pm.
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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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Katonah Museum Of Art
YOUNG ARTISTS 2022
February 6 - 27, 2022
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Past Supervisor newsletters:
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