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Town of Bedford
May 19, 2023
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Dear Bedford,
Town board colleagues and I enjoyed the presentation of the Bedford Police awards and the police memorial week ceremony on Saturday. We appreciate that we have so many talented, selfless, and smart officers who work well together and who care about our community.
In fact, in response to recent reports of theft, our police will be offering residents a chance to have their car’s catalytic converter marked to deter theft and facilitate identification if it is ever stolen. Details below.
Yesterday, Prison Relations Advisory Committee Chair Sharon Ballen, DOCCS Commissioner Annucci, religious leaders, and I were at the thank you lunch for the employees at the correctional facilities here in Bedford. I am proud of PRAC's work and was glad to be able to thank those who make PRAC's work possible on the inside.
We are staying in communication with our county, state and federal officials regarding the situation with asylum seekers who are being sheltered by NYC in Westchester. I will keep you abreast of any developments that I hear about that may impact our town. With an influx of migrants in general, services and organizations that serve those in need will be in high demand.
Please read below for highlights from this week's Town Board meeting and many upcoming events. Also, check out the new patriotic banners in Bedford Hills and Katonah as we prepare for Memorial Day!
I will be out of the office for an extra long Memorial Day weekend (next weekend) with my family. Councilwoman Stephanie McCaine will be serving as Deputy Supervisor and Lisa Burke, my chief-of-staff, will be in the office.
Please feel free to reach out with questions or concerns. I'm always glad to hear from you.
Be well,
Ellen
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Good Neighbors
At the Town Board meeting on Tuesday, we had the honor of reading a proclamation and giving thanks to a neighbor who saved his neighbor from a fire. It was a heroic thing to do at the time, but I think what is most important about the story is the effort that went in before that night. Without a relationship, without knowing his neighbor had a disability, without knowing where she might be inside her home, this rescue would not have been possible. Living in a community where people know their neighbors is increasingly rare, but something that is very special and something many people love about Bedford. If you don't already, I encourage you to get to know you neighbors, especially your elderly or disabled neighbors.
Other Town Board Meeting Highlights:
- Daughters of the American Revolution recognized Jenny Weisburger for her preservation of historic cemeteries,
- bid accepted for a new heating and cooling system in the town office building,
- new members appointed to the Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee,
- law approved to allow for the appointment of an alternate member to permitting boards,
- water rules and regulations approved,
- collective bargaining agreement with the blue collar unit ratified,
- policy regarding town owned cemeteries adopted and a contract approved to mark the area sell cremation plots in one of them;
- process to review the potential impacts of building a sewer system in the historic Bedford Village business district began,
- and (unhappily) the retirement of Lieutenant Patricia A. McGraw was accepted, and she will be missed!
The board also met to approve use of the Bedford Village Green for a few days next week for an installation of 1,000 orange pinwheels which is intended to raise awareness about gun violence.
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BV Green - Free Wi-Fi
Now Password Free
Bedford Village Green Wi-Fi is no longer password protected. After some equipment replacements, we are online, free, and password free. We have also removed the passwords on the Wi-Fi at the pools.
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Time to Shred!
Mobile Shredding Truck Coming Saturday
Saturday, May 20
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Town Recycling Center
343 Railroad Avenue, Bedford Hills
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Neighborhood Heroes
Recognizing John Dente
It was an honor to recognize John Dente & the Lincoln Ave neighbors for their heroism on the night of March 31st when Diane Bamford tragically lost her home to a fire. In what is a story about the power of knowing and caring for your neighbors, John Dente went into Diane Bamford's burning house, rescuing her that night. Bedford salutes John Dente and the Lincoln Avenue neighbors and the Bedford fire department who put out the blaze. As Diane Bamford rebuilds her life, please read more if you would like to help. Read more.
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Recognizing Jenny Weisburger
Presentation by DAR
Jenny Weisburger, chair of the Bedford Town Cemetery Committee and founder and chair of the Friends of Bedford Burial Grounds, was recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution for her years of service to preserve history in our town cemeteries.
Thank you Jenny and the Cemetery Committee for all you do to preserve history and keep our cemeteries beautiful!
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Police Memorial Week and Awards
In memory of Sgt. Thomas Wade
The annual ceremony at the Bedford Police Department last Saturday observes National Police Memorial Week by remembering a Bedford Police Officer who died in the line of duty, Sgt. Thomas Wade. Members of his family came to lay a wreath on the memorial in front of the police station and participate in the ceremony. It was also an opportunity to thank our police officers. We understand that they put their physical and mental well being at risk to serve and keep our community safe, and we are grateful.
The ceremony was followed by the presentation of the Bedford PD awards for outstanding service in 2021 and 2022. Many harrowing situations were described which officers handled with bravery, skill, and quick and thoughtful actions.
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Bedford Police Department Officers of the Year
Congratulations to Bedford's Finest!
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2021 Officer of the Year
PO Christopher Olson
Joined: Jan 2, 2018
PO Olson is highly regarded as an exemplary employee. Active in traffic enforcement as well as in community relations and interactions, he continues to grow in his responsibilities and knowledge. PO Olson is an asset to his squad as well as to the department and encompasses what a Bedford Police Officer is expected to be.
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2022 Officer of the Year PO Amy Carelli
Joined: April 25, 2018
PO Carelli is a Community Resource Officer, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, Police Bicycle Instructor and Officer, Domestic Violence Instructor at the Westchester County Police Academy, and Car Seat Technician. She also assists in the maintenance of the bicycle unit, EMS supply and data management and maintains the department social media accounts.
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Happy Retirement, Lieutenant!
We also wish Lieutenant Patricia A. McGraw well in her upcoming retirement. She has been an important leader in the department, a role model for women in the field and an active community liaison - she will be missed!
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Br'ers Opening in Bedford Hills!
Ribbon Cutting 5/23 - 4pm
We are delighted to welcome Br'ers BBQ at 52 Church Street to Bedford Hills at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday 5/23 @ 4:00 pm. At this ceremony, Br'ers will provide ice cream and sliders. They will open to the public on Friday, May 26th, over Memorial Day weekend.
Welcome to Bedford Hills! Visit Br'ers website for more info
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Paint Recycling - Lewisboro
Drop off your unwanted paint cans
Saturday, May 20
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Lewisboro Town Park, South Salem
Our neighbors in Lewisboro have set up a drop off for unwanted paint cans on Saturday. Great opportunity to drop off your unwanted paint cans!
More Information
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Bedford Fishing Derby
Bring your own fishing pole
Sunday, May 21
12:00pm - 3:00 pm
Bedford Hills Memorial Park - Lake Marie
Join this fun event. Open to ages 15 & under. Children under 10, must be accompanied by an adult. $5 pp.
Registration required by May 20th
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St. Patrick's Annual Carnival
Ferris Wheel, Bumper Cars, Cotton Candy!
May 17-May 21
Hours Vary (see link below)
St. Patrick's School (now The Hawthorn School)
This year marks the 48th annual event and benefits for educational and charitable ministries of the St. Patrick's Parish.
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Memorial Day Events
All Welcome
All are welcome at the Memorial Day events. Veterans who wish to march may simply show up at the starting point shortly before the event begins - no need to commit ahead of time and no dress code.
Friday, May 26
Westchester County Memorial Service
1:00 pm
Lasdon Park Veterans Memorial
Monday, May 29
Bedford Hills Memorial Day Parade
9:00 am
Babbitt/Glen
Katonah Memorial Day Parade
10:00 am
Katonah Fire House
Bedford Village Memorial Day Parade
11:00 am
Seminary/Pound Ridge
Lewisboro Memorial Day Parade
12:15 PM
Spring/Lake Shore
Katonah American Legion Cookout
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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Juneteenth Celebration
Bedford Hosts County Kick-Off
Thursday, June 1
6:00pm -8:00 pm
Bedford Hills Community House
Bedford is the proud host of the 2023 Westchester & Rockland County Juneteenth celebration. Festivities feature a performance by 6 time Grammy award winning cellist and Katonah resident, Akua Dixon, amongst others.
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Pride Flag Raising
Love is love
Saturday, June 3
11:00 am
Bedford Town House
Join the Bedford Town Board, distinguished guests, and leaders of the LGBTQ+ community for a ceremony and flag raising to mark the start of Pride Month.
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Bedford Barks
Bedford's first dog festival
Saturday, June 3
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Bedford Village Memorial Park
Don’t miss out on Bedford’s first dog festival, Bedford Barks! Tickets are going fast so get yours today! Humans are free. Dogs are $10/each. Tickets
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Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft
Free Event
Saturday, June 3
10am - 2:00 pm
Bedford Police HQ - 307 Bedford Road
RSVP: kpeterson@bedfordny.gov
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Jazz Vespers
Sunday, June 4
5:00 pm
Antioch Baptist Church
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month | |
Mental Health Association of Westchester
Supporting Youth Mental Health
Tuesday May 23, 2023
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Via Zoom or In-Person at the Greenburgh Public Library
Are you familiar with common warning signs and risk factors for mental health issues experienced by youth? What protective factors can family members, educators, and the community foster to positively influence a young person’s well-being? Join the Mental Health Association of Westchester on Tuesday, May 23 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm as they explore these questions and more in an engaging Community Conversation centered on youth mental health.
Learn More and Register.
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The TIOLI Shed is Open for Business
Donate. Shop. Volunteer.
Saturdays from May-October
10am-12pm
Bedford Hills Train Station Parking Lot
To learn more, Click Here
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We❤️ First Responders
Volunteers needed!
Bedford's amazing Ambulance Corps and its three Fire Departments are comprised entirely of volunteers! If you are interested in becoming a first responder, there are opportunities in all four agencies. Please visit our Bedford First Responders page below for more information and quick links to applications!
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Check out our local libraries for outstanding resources, activities and community. | |
Bedford Hills Free Library | |
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Please excuse us if if there is something we missed. Send us info and we are happy to include. | | | | |
