I hope you had a lovely President’s week. Town Board members and I had the pleasure of accompanying US Congressman Jamaal Bowman around Bedford on Thursday as he presented some proclamations to a few local businesses and organizations including the Community Center of Northern Westchester for their outstanding work helping people in need. We also discussed wastewater and sewers to impress upon him how important federal funding will be to continue to modernize our infrastructure. |
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Given that the rate of COVID-19 positive cases has continued to decline, the Town will lift the indoor mask mandate in municipal buildings on March 1. However, the court is still required by the state to continue to require masks, so please wear a mask if you enter the court side of the Town House when court is in session.
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Please make sure to check out some of the info we have shared this Black History Month:
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Read about some of the notable achievements and nearby places to visit including the Ella Fitzgerald statue in Yonkers.
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Learn about Jack Peterson, a militiaman of African descent who aided in the discovery of the Benedict Arnold plot, and Madam C.J. Walker, daughter of enslaved people who became the nation’s first female self-made millionaire and was a prominent leader in the Black community in the early 20th century.
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Read more about (and visit) The Bedford Historical Society exhibit, Black History in Bedford, and register for online history lectures hosted by John Jay Homestead.
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Stop by Black-owned businesses including Mimi’s Coffee House in Mount Kisco, Pik Nik BBQ in Tarrytown, and Bazodee Street Food, a Bedford Bills-based food truck serving Caribbean food (often outside of Brew and Co).
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Now is the time to help weigh in on the solutions regarding wireless coverage in Bedford. Click here to take the survey and click here for the Spanish version. Survey closes 3/1/22.
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After 21 years of service to the Town of Bedford, Sue DeFonce has retired from her position in the Recreation and Parks Department. I remember going to the Rec and Parks office during the first week I moved here, and Sue was so friendly and helpful, I knew we had moved to the right place. On behalf of the Town, I want to express my appreciation for her service and we wish her all the best!
I hope to see you around town, and I am always happy to hear from you with comments or concerns.
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Compost Facility and the Dog Park |
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It was brought to the Town Board’s attention for the first time last week that the mulch/compost facility next to the dog park creates a great deal of noise and dust for dog park go-ers to endure. We also understand that the compost operation provides a valuable service to the Town, residents, and local businesses and provides free mulch and compost to residents. We are looking into how we can improve the experience at the dog park and also meet the needs of the Town. We will keep the public appraised of this progress. |
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91% of plastics are not recycled? There will be 12 billion metric tons of plastic in landfills by 2050... 35,000 times as heavy as the Empire State Building! |
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Register at bit.ly/BedfordPlastic for Bedford 2030's virtual film screening of The Story of Plastic, then join a discussion with an expert panel on March 8, 7-8PM.
Registration for this two-part event will provide a link to view the film at your leisure, then to join a Zoom discussion with our speakers. Discussion will ask who’s responsible for solving the plastic pollution crisis, as well as how to shift towards a zero-waste system. An audience Q&A will follow the panelist discussion, and participants will be encouraged to reduce plastic use in their own home.
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Speakers include:
Moderated by:
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8-unit building on the corner of McLain and Route 172 at the 2/1 Town Board meeting. The Town Board asked Director of Planning Jesica Youngblood to present a modification to the code to enable the construction of this building on this location for the purpose of affordable housing. Director Youngblood will present a proposed change on 3/15 and the Town Board will determine whether to refer it to the Planning Board for their review and recommendation.
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Summer is coming and the Town Board would like to consider a policy to allow Food Trucks to operate on public property during events. This would require an organization or person to fill out an event application and indicate where, when, and for how long a food truck would be located. Ideally, the Town will provide a list of approved locations to choose from for this purpose. Then the food truck would be required to submit paperwork to the Town and show insurance. Please contact me at supervisor@bedfordny.gov if you want to suggest locations or weigh in on this idea.
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How to hold an event on Town property |
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Organizations that want to hold events on public property, close roads, or or use public facilities, please get your applications to the town and on the calendar. Between sidewalk sales, parades, clean up days, and bike rides, we love to see all the activity in town and want to make sure your event is on our radar if we will need to staff police or DPW for road closures. Leave plenty of time to organize your event, which will need a Town Board approval on a meeting agenda.
For public events and the use of town facilities please use our event application. Community organizations may also fill out a
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Updates at the Town Board meeting on Tuesday 3/1 |
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Chief of Police Melvin Padilla will present to the Town Board: BPD Facts and Figures from 2021 and give an update on activities. Transparency, regular communication, and presentation of annual data were encouraged by the members of the PD and volunteers who issued the Police Reform Collaborative Committee Report. We appreciate the Chief coming to share his Annual Report with the Town Board on 3/1.
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County Legislator Erika Pierce will give the Town Board an update from the County as well as about her meeting with NYSEG and ConEd about the rising cost of energy.
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Health Fair Committee Forming |
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At the next Town Board meeting we will discuss the formation of a committee to hold a Health Fair - a free event for community members and employees to learn about resources in the area that support community health and wellness. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact Town Board Member Andres Castillo acastillo@bedfordny.gov.
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Seasonal Employment Opportunities |
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Bedford Recreation and Parks Department |
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The Bedford Recreation & Parks Department in now accepting applications for summer 2022 jobs! The department will be hiring for day camp, pool and seasonal park maintenance positions. If interested, please submit an “Application for Seasonal Employment.” Feel free to contact our office by phone at 914-666-7004 or by e-mail at recreation@bedfordny.gov with any questions.
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Summer Internships for College and High School Students in Washington DC |
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Your elected officials are looking for bright, inquisitive, politically oriented high school and college students to work in Washington DC for the Summer! Join Representative Sean Patrick Maloney and Representative Jamaal Bowman and spend your Summer exploring a vibrant, culturally rich city while learning about the inner-workings of Congress, including voter registration, campaign strategy, general office upkeep, political organizing, and the process for passing legislation.
More information regarding Congressman Jamaal Bowman's (NY 16th Congressional District) can be found here.
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Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (NY 18th Congressional District) will be accepting interns through the Democracy Summer Program, founded by Congressman Jamie Raskin. Democracy Summer Fellows will spend two days a week taking part in an intensive curriculum focused on leadership training, the history of social change in America, and best practices in political organizing today. During the remainder of the week, the Fellows will be on the ground, organizing and connecting with voters in participating districts and nearby swing districts to help hold the House in 2022. More information about the program can be found here. The application can be reached through this form.
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The town policy is to post every open position and have an interview or conversation with qualified interested parties as well as people who are interested in being reappointed for another term. The intent is not a commentary on existing members; it is to set up a system that encourages accessibility and inclusion. Permitting boards are interviewed by the Town Board, and committee members may be interviewed by one or more Town Board member. All appointments must be approved by a majority of the Town Board. We will endeavor to post all openings quarterly for the following three months, so below is a list of committees that either have vacancies or have members with expiring terms between April 1 and June 30. We will aim to conduct interviews for these prior to April 1st.
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Planning Board: There is one position for a five year term, and is open to any resident of the Town of Bedford. The ideal candidate will be able to analyze information from a wide range of sources and to take a multi-dimensional approach to problem solving. Candidates should have an open, creative approach towards balancing various perspectives and an interest in and/or ability to interpret professional presentations and site development plans. Training, experience, and/or a demonstrated aptitude in one or more of the following fields is a plus: small business management, policy analysis, design, community engagement or similar. The selected candidate must be willing to dedicate and commit time and energy to the Bedford Planning Board’s meeting schedule, attend site visits, and complete required yearly training. Residents who reflect the diversity of Bedford’s population are particularly urged to apply.
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Town Housing Committee: seeking an attorney interested in affordable housing
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Conservation Board: We are seeking to fill a full board position with the Conservation Board, preferably someone who will take minutes at meetings. The board serves as an advisory resource to the Town of Bedford regarding open space and environmental issues, including the review of applications that come before the town and its boards and commissions, public outreach on environmental matters, initiating draft ordinances on environmental topics, and providing members the opportunity to lead environmental projects that assist the town. Skills centered on land use, such as a scientific background in biology, legal experience in land issues, or experience as a naturalist are a plus, but are not necessary for membership. The most important asset is to bring to the board an inquisitive mind, a willingness to participate in board activities, and a strong value for the natural world within our town. The Board also has openings for associate members, who have the same responsibilities as a full member, but cannot vote on any matters that come before the board. We are always looking for students, who can join as either a full or associate member.
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Senior Advisory Committee: Seeking members of any age to fill 4 vacant positions for a 3-year term each. The Seniors Committee focuses on the welfare of senior citizens by promoting policy and programs geared toward transportation, nutrition, recreation and housing needs. The Committee meets on an “as needed” basis.
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Drug Abuse Prevention Council: seeking members to be actively engaged in tri-town events and education to promote wellness and prevent drug and alcohol abuse. Planners, organizers, marketers welcome.
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Katonah Classic Stage "Art", a benefit reading
February 25 & 26, 7pm
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High School Writing Contest! |
Writing contest for High School students who attend school or reside in the Bedford Central School District. Submissions Due March 7 @ 5PM
First Place Winner Receives $100!
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Katonah Museum Of Art
American Stories: An exhibition of poems inspired by ARRIVALS
February 6 - 27, 2022
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Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship Presents
The American Soldier
March 3 @ 6:00 pm
live performance and following Q&A at the Bedford Historic Hall
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Katonah Village Library presents
Lady Chieftains presented by Oleana Whispering Dove
March 4 @ 7:00 pm
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Creative Alliance Project presents
Soul of the Artist
March 5 @ 10:00 AM Virtually
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Bedford Village Chowder & Marching presents their annual Dinner Dance:
Après Ski Party
March 5 @ 7:00 PM at Historic Hall
Tickets are required for admittance. Purchase tickets here
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Connectivity is important for addressing the digital divide, especially during the COVID pandemic. This organization connects low-income families, seniors, schools and nonprofits to high-quality affordable Wi-Fi. They have an online form for individuals and organizations to receive a free consultation. Click here for more info.
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Assistance Paying Electric Bills |
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The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps low-income individuals pay the cost of heating their homes. If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off.
HEAP may be able to help you if you heat your home with:
- Electricity
- Natural Gas
- Oil
- Coal
- Propane
- Wood/Wood Pellets
- Kerosene
- Corn
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Are you a Senior (55+) in need of a job? We can Help! |
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Preparing to find a new job can be overwhelming for anyone, especially seniors. But don’t worry, with 34 years of experience placing people in jobs, WE CAN HELP. CAREERS Support Solutions is offering a FREE program to help seniors find jobs.
Any resident of Westchester, Putnam or Dutchess County who is at least 55 years old, and in need of a job, is eligible for Jobs for Seniors.
Jobs for Seniors will:
• Teach workforce readiness skills to attain, and keep, a job
• Provide assistance in resume preparation
• Help with finding job openings
• Arrange interviews
• Be available for on-the-job placement
• Provide ongoing support to assure job success
• Provide individual services tailored to meet the unique and changing needs of each senior, including problem solving and stress management
Let us help you take the next step!
For further information contact: Allison Scorca
Phone: (914) 741-8500 X106
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Past Supervisor newsletters:
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