The Westchester Republican County Committee will hold its 2012 Convention to endorse candidates for the 37th Senate District and the 93rd Assembly District. These are the newly created districts. The Convention will be held at Westchester Manor located at 140 Saw Mill River Road, Hastings-on-Hudson. The Convention starts at 7:30 pm on May 16th.

The 37th Senate District retains the same number and is now comprised of Bedford, Eastchester, Harrison, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle (part), North Castle, Rye City, Rye Town, White Plains (part) and Yonkers (part).

The 93rd Assembly District is now comprised of Bedford, Harrison, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, New Castle, North Castle, North Salem, Pound Ridge, and part of White Plains. The 93rdAssembly District is the old 89th Assembly District. Assemblyman Bob Castelli’s seat is now the 93rd Assembly District.

This event is free and open to the public. Only those District Leaders representing Election Districts in the 37th Senate District and those District Leaders representing Election Districts in the 93rd Assembly District will be allowed to vote at the convention.

Awards to recognize outstanding work in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community

The Westchester County LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) Advisory Board will hold a Town Hall Meeting Wednesday, May 23 to celebrate achievements and present awards recognizing outstanding community service. The event will take place at The LOFT, 252 Bryant Avenue, White Plains, beginning at 5:30 p.m. LGBT community members and their friends, families and allies are invited to attend.

Awards will be given to Ossining Mayor William Hanauer, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, B Lounge of Valhalla and My Sister’s Place, an organization dedicated to ending domestic violence and human trafficking, The event will include opening remarks by County Executive Robert P. Astorino, a presentation by the LGBT Advisory Board on its work for the community over the past year, and an open microphone session for participants to voice concerns and suggestions directly to the board.

(New Rochelle, NY) -- New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo held a press conference at The College of New Rochelle on May 10, 2012 to announce ground-breaking legislation to protect people with special needs and disabilities.

More than 200 representatives of local community organizations, members of the CNR Community, press from all the major news outlets, and government officials filled the College’s Maura Ballroom for the event.

CNR President Judith Huntington welcomed the Governor, praising him for the legislation, which she said sets a “new standard of care and protection for our most vulnerable populations. This important legislation resonates with the mission at The College of New Rochelle which for more than 100 years has been committed to service and ensuring social justice for underserved populations.”

(Washington, DC) -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY-17) has introduced legislation protecting users of social networking sites from having to divulge personal information to employers, schools and universities. The legislation protects people already employed or enrolled, and those seeking employment or admittance, or those facing disciplinary action. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09) is an original co-sponsor of the legislation.

(New York, NY) -- Con Edison is sponsoring a “Get Out the Vote” poster design contest for students to encourage and show the power of voting in this fall’s elections.

New York City or Westchester County students who are at least 13 years old and who will be in high school in September are eligible.

“We’re calling on our next generation of civic leaders to illustrate the importance and privilege of our freedom to vote, the hallmark of our democracy. The contest will engage students in promoting voter registration and participating in the November elections,” said Frances A. Resheske, Con Edison senior vice president for public affairs.

A panel of judges, comprised of two executives of nonprofit organizations involved with the arts and three company employees, will chose six finalists from the poster entries. The winning design will be selected by Con Edison employees during a week-long intranet poll.

The George T. Davis Funeral Home is hosting a trip to Calverton National Cemetery for those families or veterans who do not get an opportunity to visit their loved ones or friends.

This FREE trip will take place on Wednesday, May 30, 2012. The bus will depart from 14 LeCount Place, New Rochelle, NY at 8:15am and will return approximately 4:30pm. A ceremony will host special guest speaker, Commissioner Terrance C. Holliday; Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs New York City and Retired Colonel in the United States Air Force, patriotic songs, folding of the flag, a dove release, Taps and more, will be held at the Assembly area of the cemetery. This year we will also honor those indigent veterans who have no family. After which family and friends will visit the graves of their loved ones.

A continental breakfast will be served at George T. Davis Funeral Home between 7:15am and 8:00am. A box lunch will be provided on the bus at Calverton National Cemetery.

Statement from Westchester Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins (D-Yonkers) on District Court Judge Denise Cote’s ruling today reaffirming the need for County Executive Robert P. Astorino to promote source-of-income legislation as part of the Fair and Affordable Housing Settlement between Westchester County and the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development:

The sounds of old-time carousel organ music will waft through the air, the smell of freshly spun cotton candy will abound and the mighty Dragon Coaster will roar in its tracks when Playland Park in Rye hosts its 84th opening day, Saturday, May 12.
The fun gets underway with a parade and entertainment beginning at 11 a.m. and rides opening at noon.

Special opening day admission is $15, which is good for unlimited rides until the park closes at 7 p.m. Admissions go on sale at 10:30 a.m.

The opening celebration begins with strolling entertainment at the Fountain Plaza at 11 a.m., followed by the traditional parade with the Port Chester High School Marching Band accompanied by local dignitaries, staff and Playland’s mascot, Coaster the Dragon.

Grab a seat in front of the Music Tower Theater stage to hear the band Reunion perform hit sounds from the ‘50s,’60s and ‘70s. at 1, 3 and 5 p.m.

In 2013, the City of New Rochelle will celebrate the 325th anniversary of our founding in 1688. During the year-long observance, our culture, diversity and identity will be commemorated, alongside our rich history and growth from a small French-speaking settlement to our present-day eminence as a thriving first-tier suburb.

To organize and facilitate the celebration, a volunteer committee has been formed, spearheaded by former City Councilwoman, the Hon. Marianne L. Sussman, and community volunteers are sought for every aspect of planning. A kickoff meeting will be held for all interested New Rochelle organizations and individuals on Wednesday, May 16 at 7:30PM at City Hall, Council Chambers, 515 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801.

Nominations of candidates are now being sought for this year’s Westchester Sports Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame honors outstanding professional and amateur sportsmen and sportswomen, living or deceased, who have gained prominence in their fields and who have made substantial contributions to sports in Westchester County. Since its establishment in 1968, the organization has inducted more than 200 individuals into its prestigious membership ranks.

A prospective candidate should be a person of integrity and good character who has gained prominence in either professional or amateur sports as a player, coach, manager, official, owner, writer or broadcaster.
Nominees are reviewed by a committee that selects those who best meet or exceed the criteria of the Hall of Fame. Induction will take place this fall, when each member will be presented with a trophy and have his or her name inscribed on a plaque in the Sports Hall of Fame gallery at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.