Furniture Sharehouse, Westchester’s Furniture Bank, has issued an urgent call for donations of furniture to fill the increased immediate needs of individuals and families suffering furniture poverty in the County. The organization furnished 42 families in October, a 30% increase in requests for furniture assistance since this summer, due in part to recent flooding, an influx of newly-settled refugees, and general increased hardship due to economic circumstances.

https://news.hamlethub.com/1a0cd0c9-01f8-44a7-8ce1-4ce4b1cc272c" alt="Text Box: • Kitchen tables & chairs • Coffee tables • Lamp tables • Nightstands " >Furniture Sharehouse is seeking donations of good condition, apartment-size furniture, with the greatest need for:

•       Sofas
•       Loveseats
•       Dressers
•       Armchairs
•       Kitchen tables and chairs
•       Nightstands
•       Rugs
•       Lamp Tables

If you have good condition, apartment-sized furniture to donate, please check furnituresharehouse.org/donation-guidelines to make sure your items can be accepted.  Items meeting the guidelines may be dropped at their warehouse located at the Westchester County Airport on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 am – 12 pm, and the third Saturday of each month from 10 am – 12 pm. If you have three or more qualifying items, pick-up can be arranged for a $50 pick-up fee (pick-up in Westchester only), go to furnituresharehouse.org/how-to-donate/

Unlike other organizations that accept furniture donations to sell in re-sale stores, Furniture Sharehouse gives it FREE OF CHARGE DIRECTLY to those who cannot afford to buy furniture, even at re-sale store prices.  Since 2007, they have distributed over 98,000 items of FREE furniture worth over $5.5 million to more than 17,500 individuals who were living in empty apartments and could not afford even the most basic furniture. 

Enjoy a perfect day trip on Wednesdays for the duration of Greenwich Historical Society’s exhibition Radical Pots & Cooperative Hands: Katherine Choy and Clay Art Center, on view through February 4^th, featuring works and archival items on loan from Clay Art Center collection.

Start your day at Clay Art Center Gallery at 40 Beech Street, Port Chester, NY at 11:30 am for a free Guided Exhibition and Studio Tour including their permanent Katherine Choy collection.

Make Greenwich Historical Society at 47 Strickland Rd., Cos Cob, the second stop for a free visit to thedynamic exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of trailblazing ceramic artist Katherine Choy (1927-1958), visionary co-founder of Clay Art Center. Featuring boundary pushing ceramic works by Choy and previously unseen archival material from Clay Art Center’s archives, Radical Pots & Cooperative Hands: Katherine Choy and Clay Art Center offers a glimpse into the vital artistic community that thrived in mid-century Port Chester and Greenwich.

Both locations are within15 minutes-drive from each other and easily accessible by car or Metro North. No appointment necessary. For more information: https://greenwichhistory.org/event/radical-pots-cooperative-hands-katherine-choy-and-clay-art-center/. For group tours please contact regina@clayartcenter.org.

- Westchester Parks Foundation announced Wednesday, October 11 that Westchester’s most beloved holiday celebration, presented by Westchester Medical Center Health Network, will return to Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla from November 24 through December 31, 2023.  Westchester’s Winter Wonderland will again feature thousands of electrifying lights, fan-favorite holiday scenes and the best LIVE Santa Claus in Westchester all conveniently located close to home and from the warmth and comfort of your own car.  

Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins and Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor joined Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF) Chairperson Seth Mandelbaum and Tricia Hiller from Maria Fareri Children's Hospital from Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Health Network, to officially kick off the holiday season in Westchester with tickets on sale starting today. SANTA arrived in style and was excited to hear the new additions including: a NEW LIVE character – SNOWBALL THE ELF – who will be interacting with children of all ages from the Ice House, kept cool in the breeze of Old Man Winter; THE TRANSPORTER TUNNEL- a 175-foot-long glowing string tunnel with a central stargate running along the back of the Kensico Dam, and RUDOLPH’S RUNWAY – colorful light tubes ushering you into and out of the north pole.  

Starting Friday November 24th at 5:30 p.m., the festive celebration takes place six consecutive weeks through December 31, 2023. This year’s event will have extra early times slots available Monday-Thursdays starting at 5:30p.m. and on Saturday - Sundays starting at 4:00p.m.  *End times vary per night. Tickets are $35 per vehicle, making it a great value for families!  (+additional cost for large passenger vans/limos, call for special reservations). Reservations are required to avoid additional surcharges. 

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Every year, The Westchester County Parks Department and Westchester Parks Foundation do an incredible job of putting on Westchester County’s brightest holiday light show. The popular attraction has become a Westchester County family favorite for making memories for years to come.”

Westchester Parks Foundation, the only organization dedicated exclusively to promoting and supporting Westchester County Parks, continues to re-imagine the tenth season of the popular holiday event while creating a convenient and affordable holiday experience the entire family can enjoy. Proceeds from this event benefit WPF and allow the organization to invest in, advocate for and enhance the over 50 parks of the Westchester County Parks system. 

Seth Mandelbaum, Westchester Park Foundation Chair stated: “Westchester’s Winter Wonderland has been a holiday tradition in Westchester for the last ten years. As the only drive-thru holiday event in Westchester, we have the advantage of being accessible, affordable, and convenient to all without having to worry about obstacles including the weather! It is a magical event that enhances the excitement of the holidays without all the hassles of going into the city.”  

Con Edison will return as a Platinum Sponsor of the Event, helping to light up over 118,000 Watts of energy at Kensico Dam Plaza for all to enjoy! Holiday classics will be simulcast through your vehicle’s FM radio, setting the mood from the moment you enter the park. Guests should allow 25-30 minutes to drive thru the attraction.  Favorite attractions include a magical North Pole and live Santa display; breathtaking Kaleidoscope Corridor; Old Man Winter with real snow; Peace on Earth LED display with animated trumpets and angels; Magical Woods; Elf Disco; the largest holiday Christmas tree in Westchester and of course the original 100-foot tunnel with swirling colors that will transport you into a winter wonderland of whimsical displays and warm memories!  

Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O’Connor said: “Seeing Kensico Dam Plaza decked out in holiday lights year after year is a sight not to miss! Our staff, alongside Westchester Parks Foundation, work for months to bring families holiday cheer and I’m excited to welcome visitors back to Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive-thru Holiday Light Extravaganza. 

When purchasing tickets, guests will have the option to donate additional fund to Westchester Parks Foundation to help expand its Camp Morty program for disenfranchised youth along with Westchester Medical Center Health Network Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.    

The lighting masterpiece is designed by Peekskill based Eclectic Precision and Dark Tech Effects.  

Wegman’s is returning as the live character sponsor. 

Special event nights will include the official tree lighting celebration on November 24 sponsored by Robison and a family-friendly festive way to ring in the New Year December 31 at Winter Wonderland sponsored by M&T Bank.  Iona Preparatory School PK-12 in New Rochelle is also returning as the official music sponsor for the event. 

Westchester’s Winter Wonderland is a place to make priceless holiday memories. It has become a Westchester holiday tradition without the hassle or expense of traveling to New York City and one of the safest and most affordable holiday options for the 2023 Holiday Season. For complete information and to purchase tickets, visit wwinterwonderland.com 

NEW WEATHER UPDATE:
DUE TO WET FIELD CONDITIONS, THE ART SHOW WILL BE CANCELLED ON SATURDAY
BUT WILL STILL BE OPEN FROM 10:00AM-5:00PM SUNDAY OCT 1st AS SCHEDULED.

Please wear appropriate footwear.
Any activity changes will be posted.

Household Recycling Days (HRDs) are back in 2023! DEF plans to host several events throughout the year. The next three events will be:

• September 17, 2023 (Sunday), 9 am - 3 pm at the Charles Point Resource Recovery Facility, 3 John Walsh Blvd (Peekskill)
• October 14, 2023, 9am - 3pm: Sprain Ridge Park, Yonkers
• November 4, 2023, 9 am - 3pm: Playland Park in Rye

We hope to see you there! View our flyer for more information or call the County's Recycling HelpLine at (914) 813-5425 (en español).

HRD's offer an opportunity for residents to recycle household items like old medications, chemicals, paints, electronics, textiles (clothing, footwear, handbags, linens, leather, small area rugs) and more! 

If you cannot make an HRD event, you can always schedule an appoint at DEF's Household Material Recovery Facility (H-MRF) located on the Grasslands Campus at 15 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY. The permanent facility accepts the same items as the HRDs and is open year-round. Household hazardous waste and other items worthy of special handling are accepted from Westchester County residents on an appointment-only basis. 

At HRDs, service works on a first-come-first-served basis, and in extreme weather when working conditions are deemed unsafe, events may be cancelled or terminated early. The Mobile Shredder is available at all HRDs, but be advised that on occasion the Mobile Shredder unit can reach its maximum capacity for paper shredding before closing time. Although infrequent, residents should be aware of this and open minded of the possibility of an early closure. On the day of an event, residents can call the County's Recycling HelpLine at (914) 813-5425 to check on a cancellation or early closure.

Follow these simple rules:

• Remember to close all bags and bottles tightly.

• All chemicals must be in original or labeled containers.

• Place all chemicals in a sturdy box and in the trunk of your car.

  There is no fee, but pre-registration is required for 100 pounds or more of solid material or 25 gallons or more of liquid. To pre-register, call the Recycling HelpLine at (914) 813-5425.

The following items are collected at the events:

Properly labeled household chemicals, including-

• Most automotive fluids – antifreeze, brake fluid, gasoline

• Paint (both oil and latex)

• Common household cleaners

• Flammable liquids – kerosene, butane, charcoal fluid, turpentine

• Textiles (bring in a bag: clothing, footwear, handbags, linen and more!)

• Metal, jewelry and furniture polishes, and wood preservatives

• Fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, photographic and swimming pool chemicals

• Fluorescent light bulbs and CFLs

• Fire extinguishers

• Propane tanks (1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 pound tanks)

• Batteries – only auto, rechargeable and button cell types

• Household appliances with Freon – air conditioners, refrigerators, dehumidifier

• Mercury thermometers and thermostats

• E-waste – items related to communications, including TVs, computers, monitors and related accessories, printers, fax machines, cell phones, radios, stereos, and speakers

• Car tires (maximum 4)

• Expired or unused pharmaceuticals – both prescription and over the counter

• Confidential documents

The items below are not accepted. For disposal information, call the Recycling HelpLine at (914) 813-5425.

• Non-rechargeable batteries – discard with household trash

• Motor oil – take to service station or motor oil retail outlet

• Compressed gas cylinders – helium and oxygen tanks

• Smoke and fire detectors – (dispose in trash or contact manufacturer for possible return service)

• Explosives – flares, fireworks, ammunition

• Medical waste – hypodermic needles

• Construction and demolition debris – materials from home improvement and construction projects (e.g. drywall, wood, pipes, fixtures)

• Materials from commercial and institutional users

Screenings Under the Stars, The Bad Guys, rescheduled from August 25, will be shown at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle on Friday, September 1.

Admission and parking are FREE. Screenings Under the Stars are made possible by generous sponsors and hosted by Westchester County Parks and Sharc Creative.

Movies begin at sundown. Moviegoers should bring blankets, folding chairs and a picnic. Refreshments will be available for sale. Movies may be canceled due to inclement weather.

The White Plains Hospital Screenings Under the Stars is presented by Westchester County Parks and Sharc Creative with Westchester Parks Foundation, and support from Robison Oil, HamletHub, 100.7 WHUD, 107.1 The Peak, LOOK Dine-In Cinemas, Inspiria Outdoor Advertising and Westchester Magazine.

Learn more https://parks.westchestergov.com/screenings-under-the-stars

The Westchester County Health Department announced that this season’s first two batches of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in Westchester were found in Rye and Mamaroneck. The Health Department will inspect areas surrounding the positive mosquito batches and if needed, treat any nearby catch basins that hold standing water to protect against further mosquito breeding nearby.

To date, these are the first positives out of 108 batches of mosquitos collected by the County Health Department from 11 locations throughout Westchester that were tested for West Nile Virus by the New York State Department of Health. Last year, 11 Westchester batches of mosquitoes had West Nile Virus out of 151 submitted for testing, with the virus first detected in mosquitoes collected August 4.

Commissioner of Health Sherlita Amler, MD said: “As you spend more time outdoors, protect yourself and your family by using repellents, especially from dawn to dusk, when many mosquitoes are active. Apply sunscreen first, and repellent second.”

The Health Department reminds residents about mosquito safety through news releases, social media and our website, where a report on mosquito control and surveillance can be found on the West Nile Virus page. Throughout the season, the Department also traps and tests mosquitoes to track the presence of mosquito-borne viruses.

Symptoms of West Nile include fever, headache, body aches and joint pain, but can be more serious for people 60 and older, and those with underlying medical conditions.

Tips to avoid West Nile:

• Avoid the outdoors in the late afternoon and early evening when mosquitoes are active and feeding, or use insect repellents then and follow the label instructions.
• Adults can use insect repellents with up to 30 percent DEET on infants over two months of age by applying the product to their own hands and then rubbing it onto their children, avoiding their children's hands, eyes, and mouth.
• Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and socks when outdoors, especially in areas where mosquitoes are active and feeding.
• Check around your property for anything that can hold water, and pour it out or put it away.
• Check and remove standing water from children’s toys and play houses left outside.
• Remove discarded tires.
• Drill holes in the bottoms of all recycling containers that are left outdoors.
• Turn over plastic wading pools, buckets and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Change the water in birdbaths at least twice weekly.
• Keep storm drains and gutters clear of leaves and debris.
• Continue to chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor spas and hot tubs until properly winterized or drained for the season. Also, if not chlorinated, drain any water that collects on their covers.

Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property should report them to the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000.

Head back out to the Bronx River Parkway with us for more Bicycle Sundays, as the event returns, Sunday, Sept. 10 and will run through Oct. 1 for the season!

The last Sundays of the season in which Bicycle Sundays will take place are Sept. 10, 17 and 24 and Oct. 1. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, “September Bicycle Sundays are a special time as it feels like an extended summer. I’m delighted to welcome cyclists, joggers and families back to the Bronx River Parkway for the fall installment of the 2023 series.”

Westchester County Parks Commissioner Kathy O'Connor said, “Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean it’s time to put away our bikes or running shoes. I encourage folks to get out and ride or jog the Bronx River Parkway to keep moving well into the fall.”

Chairperson of the Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF), Seth Mandelbaum said, “Bicycle Sundays embodies the WPF mission to invest, advocate, and enhance all 50 Westchester County Parks. We thank NewYork-Presbyterian and Con Edison for their continued support of this iconic program and look forward to seeing everyone along the Bronx River Parkway this Fall.”

During Bicycle Sundays, a portion of the Bronx River Parkway is closed to cars from for the exclusive use of bicyclists, joggers, walkers, scooters and strollers. The course runs from the Westchester County Center in White Plains, south to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers, a round-trip of 13.1 miles. There are many points of entry and exit along the way.

Bicycle Sundays is presented by Westchester County Parks and sponsored by Westchester Parks Foundation and its partners, through generous donations from co-presenting sponsors NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester and Con Edison, with Jen’s Cycles in Yonkers as the official Bicycle Sponsor.

Westchester Parks Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, philanthropic organization which provides private support to preserve the County’s Park system and improve the quality of life in our communities. Westchester Parks Foundation’s mission is to invest in, advocate for, and enhance the over 50 parks of the Westchester County Parks system. For more information, visit http://www.thewpf.org

 Westchester County Placed Seventh Nationwide on CDG’s List of “Digital Counties” with a Population over 1,000,000

 Westchester County is always looking for ways to better deliver services to the people it serves – and that includes finding better ways to provide streamlined governmental services online. Recognizing these efforts, the Center for Digital Governments (CDG) has awarded Westchester County Seventh Place nationwide on its “Digital Counties” list following their annual survey.

County Executive George Latimer said: “Under the leadership of Commissioner Marguerite Beirne, our Department of Information Technology (DoIT) is constantly looking at ways to further a dual mission – to keep our public information safe and provide the best services possible for our residents. This award shows that those efforts, while already recognized here, are gaining national attention. I commend them on this award, their work and I look forward to future advances for the people we serve.”

The survey, developed in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo) and conducted by CDG, identifies the best technology practices among U.S. counties, including initiatives that streamline delivery of government services; provide data analytics to allow decisions based on performance and outcomes; enhance cybersecurity; and apply innovative and emerging technologies to county priorities.

Beirne said: “Our Department’s dedicated staff understands the importance of our role for the people of Westchester County. This award is a recognition of our work. I thank County Executive Latimer, the County’s leadership and our hardworking DoIT staff for putting us in the position to receive this honor.”

CDG Vice President Todd Sander said: “This year’s survey results highlight how counties continue to use digital tools to respond to top priorities by providing comprehensive access to services, expanding opportunities for economic development, and ensuring the ability to be resilient in the face of unexpected crisis. The Center for Digital Government is excited to recognize and congratulate this year’s winners for their accomplishments and continuing efforts to use technology to make government better.”

About Westchester’s Department of Information Technology, the CDG said: “Improving IT governance has been a major undertaking over the past 12 months in Westchester County, N.Y., which moves up one place in this year’s Digital Counties Survey. Those efforts have included working with county leadership to reorganize the Department of Information Technology (DoIT), including working with Human Resources to refine and align agency priorities. This has meant reclassifying or creating new roles, like cybersecurity analyst, in areas that have become more important in recent years. DoIT also identified common needs among agencies and increased standardization countywide, like enterprise solutions for asset management and secure file sharing, which has led to both cost savings and efficiencies.

To support the county’s health and safety priority, particularly reduction of discrimination and hate crimes, DoIT worked with other local and regional agencies to develop a portal for the reporting of hate crimes and bias incidents in the area. The department’s GIS team has worked on initiatives like the development of an online Westchester County broadband map for residents and businesses, who can, if needed, submit an availability challenge to the Federal Communications Commission’s map and improve access for the greater community. In cybersecurity, DoIT instituted a new policy to conduct regular tabletop security training exercises and, as part of a shared services program, offers cities in the region free use of cybersecurity software like endpoint protection. More than two dozen jurisdictions participate.”

NACo Executive Director Matthew Chase said: “Counties are using technology to pursue bold, cutting-edge approaches to serving our residents. Whether improving disaster resiliency, enhancing transportation, or exploring the potential of artificial intelligence, counties are leveraging technology to achieve local priorities. We applaud the Digital Counties Survey winners for deploying technological solutions that improve our residents’ quality of life.”

Robison Summer Concert Series continues on Thursday, Aug. 17 with Zac n’ Fried - A Zach Brown Tribute Band from 7 to 9 p.m. at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.

Concerts begin at 7 p.m., admission and parking are free. Please bring blankets and lawn chairs for general seating and coolers are permitted.

And, mark your calendars for Thursday, Aug. 31, the final concert in the summer series is The Dave Matthews Tribute Band!

The Robison Summer Concert Series is presented by Westchester County Parks and Sharc Creative with Westchester Parks Foundation, and support from 100.7 WHUD, 107.1 The Peak, Captain Lawrence Brewing Co., Hamlethub, Inspiria Outdoor Advertising, Morano Group Landscapes and Hardscapes, Westchester Magazine and White Plains Hospital.

Kensico Dam Plaza is located at 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla. For more information, call (914) 864-PARK or click here.

The Healthier Mamaroneck Access to Care Free Health Fair will take place this Saturday, August 5 from 10am to 2pm at Mamaroneck Open Door Family Medical Center, 689 Mamaroneck Avenue.

The Fair will provide attendees with free health screenings for blood pressure, asthma, BMI, vision and diabetes, confidential HIV testing, COVID vaccinations.  It will also feature a live DJ, Zumba demonstrations, raffles, giveaways, a balloon artist, and Arts Westchester’s Arts Mobile with art activities for children.

The health fair is open to the public and is held in partnership with members of the Healthier Mamaroneck Coalition with support from the Alzheimer’s Association, Community Resource Center, Hispanic Federation, Larchmont Mamaroneck Lions Club, MVP Health Care, National Association of Hispanic Nurses, Open Door Family Medical Center, Rye YMCA, White Plains Hospital, Yale New Haven Health Greenwich Hospital, and the Offices of State Senator Shelley B. Mayer and Assemblyman Steve Otis, and Westchester County Government: George Latimer, County Executive and Sherlita Amler, MD, Commissioner, Department of Health.

“This health fair will serve as an opportunity to answer the health-related questions of attendees and help identify potential health issues as early as possible,” said Marilyn Pacheco, Director of Marketing & Community Relations at Open Door. “Education and prevention, after all, are critical in keeping the members of our community healthy. As we kick off National Health Center Week (August 6 – 12), we support this year’s theme “The Roadmap to a Stronger America” and aim to reach as many community members as possible.”

Westchester Parks Foundation Announces Announces 2023 Gala Awards Honorees

Westchester Parks Foundation (WPF) to honor Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton with the inaugural Leadership Award at 46th-anniversary gala titled Parks Are Essential on Thursday, September 21 at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle beginning at 6:00 pm.

All funds raised will benefit the many WPF programs and services which preserve, enhance, and beautify Westchester County Parks. 

“Parks are Essential” annual gala provides opportunities to recognize remarkable vision and leadership in our community, and celebrate the dedication to, and support of, Westchester Parks Foundation by individuals, businesses and friends who help our Westchester County parks grow and flourish. All of the funds raised will benefit WPF’s programs and services towards preserving, enhancing and beautifying our county parks.

During this special evening we will honor outstanding individuals and businesses that support our organization, and parks and open space in Westchester:

•  Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton – Westchester Parks Foundation Leadership Award

• Montesano Bros, Inc.– Community Partner Award

• Wegmans – Business Impact Award

• Eileen Andreassi & the Adaptive Sports & Therapeutic Recreation
  Program at Burke Rehabilitation - Special Recognition Award

For additional Sponsorship or Ticket Information, please contact Erin Cordiner at 914-231-4600 or Erin@theWPF.org

For additional information regarding the Parks Are Essential Gala and to purchase tickets, call 914-231-4600 or click https://www.thewpf.org/gala2023

Join us as we celebrate the 22nd year of the KVIS K5K and 1 Mile KIDS FUN RUN on September 9.

And new this year, we welcome the youngest runners in the KIDS DASH, no fee to register!  The races will start on the village green at Parkway and Edgemont.  The 5K will start promptly at 8:00 and will be followed by the 1 Mile Kids Fun Run at 9:00AM and the KIDS DASH at 9:30AM.

REGISTER TO RACE HERE:

https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Katonah/Katonah5K

Interested in sponsoring this wonderful community event? We’d love to have you!

There are three levels of sponsorship available:

ROADRUNNER SPONSORSHIP                                                                                 Rate: $500

• Prominent placement of your logo on race shirts, website and promotional materials.
• Two complimentary race registrations.
• Mention in social media posts.
• Opportunity to provide sampling, marketing or special offer on race day.

SPRINTER SPONSORSHIP                                                                                          Rate: $250

• Placement of your business logo on race shirts.
• One complimentary race registration.
• Acknowledgment in publicity and select promotional materials.

VARSITY SPONSORSHIP                                                                                            Rate: $100

• Your name (no logo) on race shirts and select promotional materials.

Sign up today!

Learn more here.