The Westchester County Press
“Documenting
Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle Revives Remington Flyers
Youths Benefit from Vital Lessons About Fitness and Sportsmanship
NEW ROCHELLE, NY -- May 14, 2026 — The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has officially relaunched the Remington Flyers, its storied youth track and field program, bringing new energy to a legacy that has inspired generations of local athletes.
Led once again by longtime coach Walter Brown, the revived Flyers program is already generating strong enthusiasm among Club members and the broader
community. Children from first through eighth grade are eagerly signing up, with 20 participants drawn by a program that offers both competitive and recreational opportunities in events including running, hurdles, pole vault and javelin. The Remington Flyers have competed in the Colgate Women’s Games, USA Track & Field tournaments and Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) tournaments.
“We’re thrilled to bring the Reming-
ton Flyers back to life,” said Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle CEO Becky Mazzanobile. “This program is about so much more than track and field — it’s about wellness, confidence and giving young people a healthy, supportive environment where they can grow. Seeing the excitement from our kids, alumni and supporters has been incredibly rewarding.”
For youths, being a Remington Flyer brings rewards and fun. “I really enjoy
Coach Walter Brown and the Remington Flyers.
Senator Shelley Mayer, State Lawmakers, Reproductive Freedom Advocates Urge Passage of Abortion Patient Privacy Legislation
ALBANY, NY – State Senators Shelley Mayer, Erik Bottcher, and Jeremy Zellner were joined today by reproductive rights advocates including Reproductive Futures, National Council of Jewish Women - New York, Dr. Mary Applegate, Dr. Cheryl Frye, and Medical Students for Choice NYC Coalition to urge immediate passage of legislation protecting New York patients’ privacy in the wake of ongoing federal attacks on medication abortion access.
The legislators and advocates highlighted S.8656A (Mayer)/A.10428 (Reyes) and the urgent need for its passage in the Assembly. The legislation allows pharmacists and health care providers dispensing abortion medication to exclude the name and address of the patient, the prescriber, and the dispenser from the prescription label, offering additional privacy and safety for those providing and receiving care. The bill is a necessary and timely response to growing risks faced by patients accessing abortion medication, including risks from antiabortion state actors and abusive domestic partners.
Last Thursday, the Supreme Court sent Louisiana v. FDA back to a lower court, preserving telemedicine abortion access using the preferred medication (mifepristone) temporarily while the case continues. With federal protections for mifepristone remaining uncertain, New York’s legislative action to protect patients and providers is urgent and necessary.
Mifepristone was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2000 after a rigorous, science-based re-
view, and has been safely used for medication abortion for more than two decades. Today, medication abortion accounts for over 65 percent of all abortions. Recent data has revealed no new safety concerns and reinforces the medication’s strong track record.
State Senator Shelley Mayer said, “I am proud to stand with reproductive rights advocates, healthcare providers, and my colleagues as we reaffirm New York’s unwavering commitment to protecting women in our state and across the country from the aggressive and hostile attacks on their reproductive freedom. The Supreme Court made clear in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, when it overturned nearly fifty years of precedent under Roe v. Wade, that decisions regarding abortion access would be left to the states. Now, we are seeing Louisiana try to force their ideology on other states, among other coordinated and aggressive attacks on states that protect reproductive freedoms.
“I am proud to sponsor legislation, alongside Assemblymember Karines Reyes, to redouble our efforts and build on shield laws and protections to ensure women in New York, and across the country, can continue to access safe, legal, and essential healthcare in a post-Roe America. While the Supreme Court’s decision preserves access to medication abortion through telehealth while the case filed by Louisiana plays out in the lower courts, the fight is clearly far from over. We must act – as we have – to ensure our patients and providers are protected.”
Julie Kay, Founder and CEO of Reproductive Futures, said, “Last week was a reminder of what we already know: women are depending on New York lawmakers to make sure telemedicine abortion is protected within our state, and nationwide, as anti-
Cont’d. on page 11
Hudson Valley Residents, Nurses Rally to Save Good Samaritan
WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK
— Empire State Voices, alongside Protect Our Care New York, local residents, cancer survivors, nurses, and community activists, rallied outside Good Samaritan Hospital as it faces potential closure due to devastating Medicaid cuts in the 2025 Republican Tax Law—legislation supported by Rep. Mike Lawler.
Statewide, as many as 45 hospitals are now at risk of closure under these policies, underscoring the growing threat to New York’s health care system.
Good Samaritan is one of two hospitals in New York’s 17th Congressional District now at risk of
Hospital from Medicaid
closure as a direct result of the Republican Tax Law, which cuts up to $128 billion from New York’s Medicaid program over the next 10 years. These draconian cuts threaten care for the 211,500 NY-17 residents, roughly 27% of the district, who rely on Medicaid and the hospitals that provide it.
Tuesday’s event came as Protect Our Care New York releases a new report detailing the damage GOP Medicaid cuts are already causing in New York. Congressional Republicans representing New York supported the largest health care cuts in history, slashing an estimated $102
billion from the state’s Medicaid program over the next decade. In NY-17 alone, roughly 28,000 residents could lose health coverage.
Medicaid is the largest health insurance provider in the country, covering over 68 million Americans, including almost 6.5 million New Yorkers. Across New York, hospitals are already facing mounting financial pressure from federal policy changes that reduce coverage and increase uncompensated care, threatening the stability of community-based providers and the patients who rely on them.
The Rally to save Good Samaritan Hospital and protect local health
Cuts
care access was held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM, at 1 Indian Rock, Suffern, NY. Participants in the rally included Empire State Voices; local residents; nurses; community activists
Speakers highlighted how Rep. Mike Lawler’s vote for the Republican Tax Law is putting local hospitals at risk and forcing communities to confront the possibility of losing essential care to fund tax breaks for billionaires and major corporations, and pulling the rug out from under New York’s children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working families who rely on Medicaid. Advo-
SENATOR SHELLEY MAYER
Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle Revives Remington Flyers
competing in hurdles,” said Aayson. Jhova, another participant, said “Sportsmanship teaches you about not just winning, but teamwork and cheering for each other.”
The Remington Flyers – generously supported by the McCabe family, the Remington Women’s Auxiliary and the Remington Men’s Club – have deep roots in New Rochelle. Originally founded in the 1980s by Brown, the team quickly became known not only for developing athletic talent, but for building confidence, discipline and self-esteem in hundreds of young people. Over the years, the program has served as a positive outlet for youth, helping them stay active, focused and engaged.
The relaunched program (watch a video here: https://www.instagram. com/reels/DRSEsKvjhdi/) reflects both tradition and community support. Flyers alumni are stepping forward to mentor and assist, while generous donors have contributed funding for uniforms and equipment, ensuring that every child can participate.
Participants train two to three times per week, learning the fundamentals of track and field while also developing teamwork and perseverance. The program is intentionally designed to serve young athletes at all levels — from those trying a sport for the first time to those seeking to compete more seriously.
Brown, who has dedicated decades to coaching youth in New Rochelle, said the return of the Flyers feels like a natural continuation of the Club’s mission.
“Track gave so many kids a sense of purpose and belonging,” Brown
said. “It’s exciting to see a new generation getting that same opportunity — to run, to compete and to believe in themselves.”
The program’s revival comes at a time when youth wellness and physical activity are more important than ever. By offering structured, engaging athletic programming, the Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle continues to provide safe spaces where young people can thrive.
With strong early participation and growing community backing, the future of the Remington Flyers looks bright — once again serving as a launching point for young athletes and leaders.
For 95 years, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle has been an integral part of the community, offering
quality, achievement-driven programming encompassing academics, mental wellness, fitness, leadership and civics. Today, it is one of Westchester County’s largest nonprofits and a leader in youth development, serving over 12,100 youths annually at 12 school sites and two clubhouses.
Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle’s impactful before-school, after-school, elective, and summer offerings empower members to excel in school, become good citizens, and lead healthy, productive lives while effectively bridging the gap between school and home. Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle is proud to be affiliated with
REMINGTON FLYERS, Cont’d. on page 11
The Remington Flyers.
The Lady Remington Flyers flex their muscles.
OP-ED: Don’t Let Misinformation Undermine Proven Crime-Fighting Tools
By Chief John Dixon (Ret.), Past President, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)
After decades of working in law enforcement and a lifetime of community engagement and empowerment, I’ve seen firsthand what works to keep our communities safe and secure. A key aspect to building a community safety plan that works is making sure our officers have the tools necessary to respond when the call comes.
Chief John Dixon (Ret.) Past President National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)
As technology continues to develop at a rapid rate, criminal behavior becomes more advanced and more complicated – it is critical our officers are equipped with tools that can combat this crime. License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology is one of these tools.
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It has a proven track record in real-time identification, which helps our officers solve crimes faster and protect our communities more effectively.
The real-time alerts from LPR cameras allow us access to critical, time-sensitive data, helping to recover stolen vehicles within hours, track suspects fleeing violent crimes, and generate leads on human trafficking and kidnapping cases far faster than what is achievable with only manpower. The success isn’t theoretical; it’s been proven in more than 5,000 communities nationwide.
Despite these key points, misinformation around privacy concerns and officer misuse continue to undermine the very tools we need to combat crime. These concerns, while important, have been discouraging to see. Modern criminals don’t operate in neat boxes. Their actions span throughout multiple jurisdictions and are constantly evolving, making it harder for traditional policing methods to keep up. Choosing to reject a proven tool like LPR cameras threatens our ability to respond quickly and means accepting that some crimes will go unsolved.
When Hate Crimes Reach Home
By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher
San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper Chairman of the Board of Directors, NNPA
While we all grieve the loss of life and the attack on our local Islamic house of worship, we must not allow our condolences to become a band-aid on the manifestation of hate expressed in this violent attack. Freedom of Religion, as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution, means everyone has that right and not just a chosen few. The fact that two young men would have such a “learned” hatred is indicative of the growing problem in America, where a few peo-
ple assume that their rights override the lives and rights of others who do not either agree with them or worship as they do.
Once again, we have the deadly misuse of the right to keep and bear arms. Once again, we must remind the people of this state that while the attack was on members of our Muslim community, Blacks still have the highest incidents of hate crimes in the State of California.
The tragic attacks and loss of life at the Islamic Center of San Diego is a reminder that hate is a “Clear and Present Danger” right here at home, that the “Stop The Hate” Project that this newspaper conducted during the past two years is needed now more than ever, and that those who publicly mourn and express their outrage at times like this, must step up their support for all our anti hate efforts so that we fight this problem before we experience more such attacks and threats to all our safety, just because of how we worship.
Where do you stand? Let’s have your voice and response to such efforts.
While there are legitimate conversations to be had about privacy and accountability when using this tool, these concerns should not be used as a reason to abandon the tool altogether. The answer is not to eliminate the technology, but to ensure it is implemented responsibly with clear safeguards, local oversight, and adequate transparency.
Too much of the debate on this topic is driven by hypothetical fears rather than the real-world implications. While we continue to argue about what could happen, our officers are out responding to what is actually happening on the streets. The responsibility for public safety is not theoretical; it’s our sworn responsibility. Our community deserves to have every tool available to keep them safe.
DR. JOHN E. WARREN
Chief John Dixon (Ret.)
Students Explore Futures in STEM at My Sister Keeper STEM Day
OLD WESTBURY, NY -- Students recently participated in the My Sister Keeper STEM Day at SUNY Old Westbury on Monday, May 4, 2026, joining peers from across the region for a full day of learning, leadership, and inspiration centered around careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The immersive program provided students with an opportunity to experience college life firsthand while engaging in meaningful conversations about academic success, career pathways, and personal growth. The day began with a graband-go breakfast before students gathered for programming that officially started at 9:30 a.m.
Throughout the event, students participated in a variety of STEMfocused presentations designed to introduce emerging fields and encourage curiosity and innovation. A featured College Experience and Beyond panel discussion allowed
participants to hear directly from college students, professors, and academic advisors about navigating higher education and preparing for future careers.
Students also enjoyed a guided campus tour of SUNY Old Westbury, giving them a closer look at college facilities, academic spaces, and student life. The experience helped students envision themselves pursuing higher education and future opportunities in STEMrelated fields.
Networking opportunities throughout the day encouraged students to build connections with mentors and professionals while gaining valuable insight into college readiness and career planning. Lunch was provided for all registered student participants, helping to create a welcoming and community-focused atmosphere.
To promote unity and assist with identification during the event, each student received a commemo-
rative event T-shirt and a goodie bag.
Dr. Connally, a member of the New York State My Sister Keeper Steering Committee, emphasized the importance of creating opportunities that expose students to
STEM education, mentorship, and college readiness experiences. The event reinforced the value of representation, leadership, and access in helping students pursue successful futures in STEM disciplines and beyond.
Dr. Alexandria Connally at SUNY Old Westbury.
‘Whites Only’ Signs Were Haunting Reminders of America’s Racism
By Aaron Morrison, Contributing Writer | Los Angeles Wave
iStockphoto/NNPA
NEW YORK (AP) — “No dogs, no Negros, no Mexicans.” “Colored served in rear.” “For whites only.”
It’s the type of signage that hung from the doors and windows of establishments across much of the American South for many years.
The words, like screaming headlines from Page One of a broadsheet newspaper, were the most visible, daily reminder of the subordinate status of Black people who lived life alongside and yet separate from people who, regardless of class, were considered white.
After the Civil War, and upon the collapse of Reconstruction, the Jim Crow system of public etiquette and laws regulated the free movement of both Black and white people for generations until the civil rights movement began chipping away at legalized racial discrimination.
The Jim Crow system was undergirded by beliefs that formerly enslaved Black people and their descendants were inferior to white people in fundamental ways, including intelligence, morality and behavior. Allowing white
and Black people to coexist as equals, the system’s supporters believed, might encourage interracial sexual relations and spur the rise of an abominable race that would destroy the racial purity of the nation’s superior white populace.
Spatial segregation first was culturally accepted, then enforced violently or through threat of re-enslavement via incarceration. After the 1896 Supreme Court decision Plessy v. Ferguson established the “separate but equal” doctrine, Jim Crow segregation signs were more statutory than strongly worded warnings.
Ritualized humiliation became constitutional subjugation. Railway cars, buses, water fountains, restrooms, hotels, lunch counters and swimming pools were among a long list of the public facilities segregated by signage. Black people were forced to use substandard facilities. Schools, churches and cemeteries had long been racially divided. By design, it kept many Black men away from white women and stripped Black people of their dignity,
sense of citizenship and social and political belonging.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended legalized racial separatism, although many in the American South resisted desegregation after signs were pulled down and placed into museums. Steven Reich, a history professor and author of an encyclopedia on the Jim Crow era, says one lasting impact of legalized segregation remains evident in the modern American workforce.
Segregation divided the working class and compelled white workers to identify more with their employers than with their Black coworkers, Reich says. That continues to stifle opportunities for Black and white workers to organize and work together on common issues, including diversity and inclusion.
Aaron Morrison writes for the Associated Press. This story was featured in the Los Angeles Wave, an NNPA member publisher, and is part of a recurring series, “American Objects,” marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Black Business Leader Honored By Business Council of Westchester
WHITE PLAINS, NY – May 2026 — The Business Council of Westchester (BCW) has awarded the prestigious Jim O’Toole Memorial Award to Wiley Harrison, President of Business of Your Business, LLC.
The award was announced during the BCW Classic, held May 18 at the Sunningdale Country Club in Scarsdale, N.Y., recognizing Harrison’s exceptional leadership, years of service, and unwavering dedication to the BCW’s Day of Golf, Day of Wellness, and the Classic.
The BCW created the Jim O’Toole Memorial Award in memory of O’Toole. O’Toole was a BCW Board Member Emeritus, past Chairman of the Board, a former Chairman of the BCW Day of Golf, and the driving force behind many initiatives.
“Jim’s fierce devotion to the BCW and his unwavering belief
in its role as the region’s leading business growth, economic development, and legislative advocacy organization helped shape the very foundation upon which BCW has grown,” said BCW President and CEO Marsha Gordon. “Wiley’s contributions to the community and business in Westchester, especially small business, defines the incredible man we are recognizing tonight. Just like Jim, Wiley’s humility, wisdom, positive outlook and love for the BCW has been unwavering for so many years.”
O’Toole’s family, including his wife Sandy, son Jamie and daughters Sara and Katie attended the celebration.
Harrison, a highly respected fixture in Westchester County’s business community, has provided expert bookkeeping and financial services to local businesses and organizations for more than 30 years. After graduating from Columbia Business School in 1984 with an MBA, Harrison honed
his expertise at a large accounting firm and a Fortune 500 corporation before successfully launching his own firm, Business of Your Business, in 1992.
“I am truly honored and grateful to be recognized by the Business Council of Westchester, especially through an award that carries the name and legacy of Jim O’Toole. Jim’s life of service reminds us that leadership is about more than success—it’s about commitment to community and improving the lives of others. That is a legacy we all strive to live up to,” said Harrison.
Beyond Harrison’s professional success, he has a distinguished record of public and civic service. He has lent his financial acumen to several high-profile economic development boards, including appointments to:
• Governor’s Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council
• Westchester County Executive’s MWBE Task Force
• Westchester County Industrial Development Agency
• Westchester Putnam Workforce Investment Board
Harrison’s profound impact on the community is also reflected in his board leadership for numerous non-profit and civic organizations. He has served as the Vice-Chair of the Small Business Development Council for the Business Council of Westchester, Chairperson of the Board for the Thomas H. Slater Community Center, and as a Board Member for the YMCA of Central Westchester and Northern Westchester.
About the Business Council of Westchester
The Business Council of Westchester is the county’s largest and
most prestigious business membership organization representing more than 1,000 members, including multinational corporations, hospitals, universities, biotech pioneers, not-for-profits, entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes. As the most influential economic development and advocacy organization in Westchester, The Business Council of Westchester’s members enjoy unparalleled access to today’s top thought leaders, diverse business development opportunities and lawmakers at all levels of government. The BCW Data Exchange provides the latest demographic research to help guide smart business decisions. The LEAP program, a one-of-akind initiative, gives members direct access to lobbying efforts at the county, state and national levels on issues that directly affect their businesses. Build, Connect and Win with The Business Council of Westchester. Visit thebcw. org to connect today.
Wiley Harrison, left, and BCW President & CEO Marsha Gordon, third from left, pictured with Jim O’Toole’s family members including, from left, daughter Katie, wife Sandy, daughter Sara and son Jamie at the award presentation held May 18 at Sunningdale Country Club in Scarsdale. Photo courtesy of the BCW,
Countywide Juneteenth Kick-Off
May 28-31, 2026
Celebrate the legacy, power, and promise of Black entrepreneurship at the sixth Annual Countywide Juneteenth Kick-Off, where culture, commerce, and community come together in one unforgettable celebration. This year’s theme, “Built by Us: The Black Blueprint of American Business,” honors the generations of Black business owners who built opportunity, created pathways, and shaped the economic landscape of America.
Join us for an inspiring weekend that highlights the brilliance and resilience of Black-owned businesses, local talent, and community leadership.
Juneteenth Kick-Off Opening Program & Reception
Thurs., May 28 | 6-8pm
Black Business Expo
Fri., May 29-Sun., May 31 | 12-5pm
ArtsWestchester 31 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, NY
From engaging speakers and live entertainment to a vibrant business expo and fashion showcase, this celebration invites everyone to shop, connect, learn, and support the entrepreneurs building the future right here in Westchester.
Produced by Althema Goodson, Adrienne Michel, and the Countywide Juneteenth Coalition, with support from the Westchester County Government
Supported by:
COU NTY 1683 ORGA NIZED
COUNTYBOARD OF LEGISLATORS WESTCHESTER COUNTY, N Y Register today!
LEGISLATION,
Cont’d. from page 2
abortion forces in Louisiana and elsewhere try to curtail our rights. Next up, the FDA’s leadership could be moving toward putting anti-abortion politics ahead of science in seeking to curtail access to proven-safe medications like mifepristone. New York now has the opportunity to continue its historic leadership protecting reproductive rights. I urge the Governor to sign S8544/ A9217 into law, and for the Assembly to pass S8656A/A10428, so that every patient in New York can access the privacy protections they deserve now and for the future.”
“Jewish texts and teachings value the life and health of a pregnant person and support reproductive freedom and abortion access. National Council of Jewish Women New York urges passage of S.8656A/A.10428 because at a time when medication abortion and reproductive healthcare are under attack across the country, protecting patient privacy has never been more important,” said Andrea Salwen Kopel, Executive Director of NCJW NY. “We are deeply grateful to Senator Shelley Mayer and Assemblymember Karines Reyes for championing this important legislation and helping ensure that New York remains a leader and a haven for safe, confidential reproductive healthcare.”
“Patients seeking abortion care are facing intensely personal, difficult decisions. They risk harassment from abortion opponents and even life-threatening violence from intimate partners,” said Dr. Mary Applegate, a public health physician in Albany County. “This bill offers a practical safeguard. Allowing the use of a pseudonym on prescription labels can be a matter of life and death.”
Nikita Kakkad, a representative of the Medical Students for Choice NYC Coalition, said, “As a medical student, I have the privilege of not only participating in abortion care, but working alongside incredible physicians who work to provide compassionate, thoughtful care to patients seeking to make decisions about their reproductive futures on their own terms. Allowing the use of a pseudonym on prescription labels ensures that the medications can reach the correct recipient safely but without exposing their information to legislators looking to criminalize abortion and harassment from members of their community or violent partners.”
Dr. Cheryl Anne Frye, PhD, said, “Patient privacy is deeply connected to health, safety, and the ability to seek care without fear or intimidation. When patients are concerned that sensitive reproductive health care information could be exposed, it can create enormous psychological stress and anxiety. For some patients, especially those in abusive or controlling situations, that fear is very real and can place them at risk of emotional harm, coercion, or violence.”
“Protecting access to abortion means safeguarding patients’ privacy, safety, and ability to access care without fear,” said Robin Chappelle Golston, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts. “We are proud to stand with the National Council of Jewish Women, Senator Shelley Mayer, Assemblymember Karines Reyes, and our partners in support of this important legislation. As attacks on reproductive freedom escalate nationwide, New York must continue to lead by strengthening protections for patients and providers so that no one is put at risk.”
Mini Timmaraju, President and CEO, Reproductive Freedom for All, said, “As anti-abortion extremists escalate their attacks on medication abortion access, and patient data is increasingly being used to track and target people seeking care, New York is stepping up to protect its patients and providers. Republican attorneys general across the country are continuing to test the limits of their reach into blue states—by expanding prescription labeling privacy protections, New York is firmly shutting its door on bad actors trying to reach in and interfere with lawful care. We applaud the state of New York for being at the forefront of innovative protections for reproductive freedom.”
REMINGTON FLYERS,
Cont’d. from page 3
Boys & Girls Club of America, widely considered as both the leading youth organization and among the top nonprofits in the United States. Learn more at BGCNR.org.
NURSES RALLY, Cont’d. from
page 2
cates will call on Lawler and federal lawmakers to reverse course and protect Medicaid before more hospitals are pushed toward closure.
About Empire State Voices: Empire State Voices is a multi-year campaign dedicated to amplifying the voices of everyday working New Yorkers. We are fighting for economic policies that make life more affordable for constituents and holding members of Congress across the state accountable when they fail to do the same. To learn more about Empire State Voices, contact press@empirestatevoices.org
About Protect Our Care New York: Protect Our Care New York is the state team for national advocacy nonprofit Protect Our Care, which is dedicated to making high-quality, affordable and equitable health care a right, and not a privilege, for everyone. Protect Our Care educates the public, influences policy, supports health care champions and holds politicians accountable. For more information, visit www.protectourcare.org.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
200 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 500 White Plains, New York 10601 (914) 668-4600 • (914) 669-6371
Serving Metro-New York and Westchester County
PRACTICE AREAS
REAL ESTATE (Residential and Commercial)
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RELIGIOUS /NON-PROFIT (Administration & Tax Status)
BUSINESS LAW (Corporations & Partnerships & Limited Liability Corporation)
*Bruce L. Bozeman, Esq., * Carla Lewis-Burnett, Esq. John S. Savage, Esq. ~ of counsel, Leticia Arzu, Esq.
*Principals of the firm serve as seminar speakers, upon request. Appointments Preferred.
Community Calendar
CALENDAR SUBMISSION: Please use a brief paragraph to describe your event. The paragraph should include event name, date(s), time, location and contact information. Send calendar information via email to westchestercountypress@yahoo.com. Please type “CALENDAR EVENT” in the subject bar
May 21 to Aug. 2
Exhibits on View at ArtsWestchester: May 16- Aug 2, 2026: Forever, Amen is an ongoing photographic study of the oldest Black churches in White Plains. Despite widespread displacement and cultural erasure caused by urban renewal, some of these churches have existed for nearly two centuries. The series examines how these places of worship have anchored Black residents of the city and its surrounding communities.
May 21 to Aug. 2
Exhibit on View at ArtsWestchester: The LGBTQ+ Listening Library is an immersive celebration of queer music and the artists who shape it. What began as a homegrown collection has evolved into a growing archive of vinyl, CDs and cassettes that invites visitors to explore the sounds and stories that define LGBTQ+ culture.
Thursday, May 21
Westchester County Board of Health Meeting will be held onThursday, May 21 at 8:30 a.m. at the Westchester County Health Department Office, 11 Martine Avenue, 12th Floor, White Plains, NY 10606. Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestercountyny.gov
Thursday, May 21
Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation Board Meeting will meet on Thursday, May 21 at 2 p.m. in the PRC Headquarters Conference Room 2nd Floor, 450 Saw Mill River Road, Ardsley, NY 10502 Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings. westchestercountyny.gov
Friday, May 22
Veterans Remembrance Service
to be held at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, NY, on Friday, May 22 at 2:30 PM, 2026. Now in its twentieth year, this meaningful ceremony will honor military personnel from Westchester County who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as all those who have served in the Global War on Terrorism.
Tuesday, May 26
Dept. of Public Safety Police Board will meet on Tuesday May 26, 3 p.m., at the Department of Public Safety Conf. Rm. 218, Saw Mill River Parkway, Hawthorne, NY 10532. Members of the public may view this meeting online at meetings.westchestercountyny. gov
Wednesday, May 27
Westchester County Advisory Council on People with Disabilities will meet on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 4PM in the Bleakley A, Conf. Rm A, 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains, New York 10601.
Saturday, May 30
Mothers Out Front “Spring Cleaning Clothing Swap”: Saturday, May 30. Mothers Out Front is hosting a Spring Cleaning Clothing Swap: Bring adults’ and kids’ winter gear, clothes and shoes, and swap for new treasures! Textile recycling by Helpsy will also be available. Saturday, May 30, 1 - 3 p.m. at Eastchester Public Library, 11 Oakridge Place, Eastchester.
Tuesday, June 2
Tuesday Talk at Dorry’s Home Seeker: Help Searching for Affordable Housing. Featured Speaker: Blanca Lopez, Commissioner, Westchester County Department of Planning Housing Specialist. Important Zoom Information Zoom calls will open at
5:50 PM on the Tuesday the discussion is scheduled. This allows time to join, settle in, and address any technical issues before we begin.
Wednesday, June 3
Register now for a moderated candidate forum, hosted by LWV of Westchester and LWV of Rockland, in which all five Democratic primary candidates (listed alphabetically) in the race to serve Congressional District 17 in the U.S. House of Representatives have agreed to participate: • John Cappello • Cait Conley • Beth Davidson •Effie Phillips-Staley • Mike Sacks. The candidate forum will offer an opportunity for candidate opening and closing statements, as well as a question and answer format with timed responses. An LWV of Westchestertrained moderator from outside of CD 17 will preside, and the forum will be conducted in a way that does not promote or advance any candidate over another. Questions to be posed at the forum will be finalized in advance but not made available to the candidates or any of their staff members.
NOW Thru June 7
As we move toward Memorial Day, the American Red Cross calls on people to schedule their blood or platelet donation appointments now to help medical centers stay ready and respond quickly to emergencies. Having blood products immediately available is a key part of summer safety. With millions of Americans expected to hit the road around Memorial Day and spend time boating, swimming, camping and enjoying the outdoors, the risk of traumatic accidents rises. Blood and platelets on hospital shelves help meet the demand when people experience critical injuries and massive
bleeding. During Trauma Awareness Month, the Red Cross highlights this need by asking donors of all blood types and those giving platelets to give now to support all patients who count on transfusions for care.Book your time to give lifesaving blood or platelets now — To schedule, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.
Thursday, June 25
Westchester County Fair Housing Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, June 25 at 6 pm in the Human Rights Commission Conference Room, 112 East Post Road, 3rd Floor, White Plains, NY 10601.Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings.westchestercountyny. gov
Thursday, June 25
Westchester County Human Rights Commission Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, June 25 at 6:45 pm in the Human Rights Commission Conference Room, 112 East Post Road, 3rd Floor, White Plains, NY 10601. Members of the public may view this meeting online at: meetings. westchestercounty.gov.
If you or your family need food today, help is available. Use Feeding Westchester’s pantry locator to search by ZIP code and find a food pantry near you. Many sites offer weekly food distribution, and hours vary by location. All services are free, and no ID is required unless noted by a partner site. Please call the location you choose ahead of your visit to ensure service availability. (FP = Food Pantry; SK = Soup Kitchen.) If you need immediate assistance, call 914-923-1100. Meals On Main Street is another excel-
Village Historian to Present 250 Years of Health Care in Ossining
From Spiritual Care, Apothecaries and Remedies, to Community Health Care
(Ossining, NY -- Noteworthy as the home of Sing Sing Prison, Ossining may also lay claim to being the county’s foremost monument to the shifting trends in health care.
It’s a story that will be brought alive in “From Spiritual Care to Modern Medicine: How Ossining Learned to Heal Itself,” an integrative storytelling experience that speaks to the dramatic changes in health care, as well as the struggles and successes that are unique to the village itself from the 1770s to today.
It will be presented to the public by Village Historian Joyce Sharrock Cole and the Open Door Care Network on Thursday, June 11th beginning at 7 p.m. at Open Door’s newly-opened home at 2 Church Street.
The program is based on Cole’s extensive research and a live performance by local actors, telling a story that spans 250 years of health care and highlights the continuum of Ossining “caring for itself,” from the Revolutionary War, when many blacks in the village received spiritual care at local churches; through the advent of dispensaries, apothecaries and (in some cases, questionable) remedies; to the creation of the long-since closed Ossining Hospital; and, to the growth of Open Door, a federally qualified
health center, which today cares for nearly 60,000 people in Ossining and its other locations in the Lower Hudson Valley.
Included is a look at those individuals who helped shape that history, including Elijah Hunter, a double agent for the Continental Army who communicated directly with George Washington and later founded First Baptist Church, where enslaved people were able to worship and be baptized. Centuries later, the church basement became Open Door’s first home; Benjamin Brandreth, an English-born entrepreneur who successfully marketed and produced in his Ossining factory the Vegetable Universal Pill, a cure-anything remedy that, in fact, was nothing more than a laxative;
Dr. George Hill, the village’s first black doctor, a revered figure who in 1935 integrated the staff at Ossining Hospital (which would close in the late 1950s) and yet as many as 40 years later still found it difficult whenever he left town to find a local doctor willing to treat the village’s blacks; to the two women who founded and grew Open Door (its founder and first president Marge Griesmer, and Lindsay Farrell, a volunteer at the organization in 1984 who has been its second president since 1998).
The program is the brainchild of Farrell, Cole, and Laura Mogil, a long-time board member of the Open Door Foundation. They both saw the significance of pairing Ossining’s 250th anniversary with that of Open Door, which recently celebrated its 50th year of service to the community.
“The Open Door is an important part of the history and fabric of the Ossining community, and this is a way to celebrate Open Door’s 50 years of service in the community as well as Ossining’s 250th anniversary,” said Mogil. One of their first moves was to get buy-in from Cole, a professional storyteller and Ossining’s Historian since 2020, who was familiar with parts of the story, but said “it’s never been put all together before. I knew pieces of this history, but I had never seen them woven together in this way before. This program gives us a chance to tell Ossining’s story of healing as a continuous thread, from spiritual care and community support to the founding of Open Door.”
Community partners for the event are Bethany Arts Community, Briarcliff Ossining Ministerial Association, Congregations Sons of Israel, ENU Builds, IFCA, Gullotta House, JTC Experiences, Juneteenth Council, Kindle Com-
munity Inc., Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg, MVP Health Care, NAACP – Ossining Branch, Neighbors Link, Nonprofit Westchester, Ossining250, Ossining Chamber of Commerce, Ossining Children’s Center, Ossining Food Pantry, Ossining Padres Hispanos, Ossining Public Library, Ossining Riverworks, and Westchester Women’s Agenda.
There is no charge for the event. Seating is limited. To register, or for more information, contact foundation@odfmc.org or visit https://lp.constantcontactpages. com/ev/reg/fh4v736
New Rochelle Public Library Thanks Community Following Approval of Budget and Bond
NEW ROCHELLE, NY -- The New Rochelle Public Library today expressed its gratitude to residents following voter approval of the Library’s budget and $55 million bond referendum.
The vote marks a major milestone in the Library’s effort to revitalize a building that has served generations of New Rochelleans since 1979.
“This is a meaningful moment for our Library and for our city,” said Eugenia Schatoff Executive Director of the New Rochelle Public Library. “We are deeply grateful to the community for taking part in this process, for asking thoughtful questions, and ultimately for placing their trust in the future of this institution.”
The bond will support a comprehensive, multi-year revitalization of the Library, including critical infrastructure upgrades to heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as improvements to public spaces throughout the building. The project is designed to ensure the Library remains welcoming, accessible, and responsive to the needs of a growing and evolving community.
Over the course of the campaign, Library leadership, staff, trustees, and community supporters met with neighborhood associations, civic organizations, and residents throughout New Rochelle to discuss the proposal. The Library also hosted public
information sessions and a hearing at the Ossie Davis Theater to provide opportunities for residents to learn more about the project and ask questions.
We heard clearly throughout this process how much the Library means to people,” said Lucille Renwick, President of the Library Board of Trustees. “For many, this building represents opportunity, connection, culture, and community. Tuesday’s vote reflects a shared belief that this institution is worth investing in.”
The New Rochelle Public Library is the most active library in the Westchester Library System and serves residents of all ages and backgrounds through educational pro-
gramming, cultural events, literacy services, workforce support, technology access, and community gathering spaces.
Planning for the revitalization project will continue in the months ahead. An important aspect of that planning includes listening sessions to ensure the public has a chance to express their vision for the Library. Our Library. Our Future. was more than a campaign message,” Ms. Schatoff added. “It was a reminder that this Library belongs to all of us, and that its future will be shaped by the community it serves.”
For more information and future project updates, visit www.nrpl.org.
JOYCE SHARROCK COLE
