Lectures, Music And Much More In The 88th Assembly District this Weekend

Dear friends and neighbors,

There may be plenty of winter left but there is still so much to do and see in the cities, towns and villages of the 88^th Assembly District. Here’s a closer look at some of the events that are taking place. If you have an event that you’d like me to include in the coming weeks, send the information to Paulina@NYAssembly.gov.

THURSDAY

• The Indoor Scarsdale Farmer’s Market will take place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursdays through April 26 at 13-15 Boniface Circle, the former home of Space NK. Visit scarsdale.com for more information.
• Rabbi David Levy will kick off his “Understanding the Prayer Book” lecture series at The Westchester Reform Temple (255 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale) with a 9:30-a.m. discussion. The temple will continue to host Fauda: A Film and Discussion series at 11:30 a.m. The six-part series will focus on an Israeli television series about a deep-cover unit of the Israeli Defense Forces. Visit wrtemple.org for more information.
• Westchester Road Runner will host a free group run at 6:15 p.m. that will kick off at 179 East Post Road in White Plains. The 2.5-mile run will take you through the streets of White Plains. Visit westchesterroadrunner.com for more information.
• The Reformed Church of Bronxville will host its “Food For Thought Book Club” meeting at The Taphouse (16 Depot Square, Tuckahoe) at 7 p.m. Join Carol Godfrey as she leads a discussion on The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman. Visit reformedchurch.org for more information.
• The White Plains Performing Arts Center (11 City Place, White Plains) will present “Disney’s High School Musical on Stage”. The Basketball Cast will perform at 7 p.m., then again Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. The East High Cast is scheduled to perform on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and again Sunday at noon. Visit wppac.com for more information.
• Sarah Lawrence College (1 Mead Way, Bronxville) will host The Barbara Walters Campus Center Groundbreaking and Reception from 1:30-4 p.m. Visit sarahlawrence.edu for more information.
• The Chabad of Bronxville (1 Stone Place, Bronxville) will host Torah Applied: Ancient Wisdom, Modern Application with Rabbi Sruli Deitsch at 7 p.m. Visit jewishbronxville.com for more information.
• Yan Kjar will be at Underhill’s Crossing (74.5 Pondfield Road, Bronxville) from 7-11 p.m., playing at the piano bar. Visit underhillscrossing.com for more information.
• The JCC of Mid-Westchester (999 Wilmot Avenue, Scarsdale) will show the film “Big Sonia” at 10:30 a.m. It’s the story of a diminutive Holocaust survivor with a huge personality. Visit jccmw.org for more information.
• The Freestyle Poetry Workshop with Toni Blackman will take place at ArtsWestchester (31 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains) from 5-7 p.m. Visit artswestchester.org for more information.
• The Bronxville Library (201 Pondfield Road, Bronxville) will host Picasso’s Pyrenees at 7 p.m. Learn about the French town of Ceret and how it became a haven for artists through the first half of the 20^th Visit www.bronxvillelibrary.org for more information.
• The Tuckahoe Library (71 Columbus Avenue, Tuckahoe) will host local author Christina Lafaro-Naclaro at 11 a.m. for a children’s story time. She will read from her book, What Will Happen If. Visit tuckahoelibrary.org for more information.
• The American Red Cross will host a blood drive at the New Rochelle Library (1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle) at 2 p.m. Visit nrpl.org for more information.

 FRIDAY

• Scarsdale Temples Tremont and Emanu-El (2 Ogden Road, Scarsdale) will host Tzedek Shabbat with Chai Notes at 8 p.m. It’s part of the temple’s program of mixing social justice with prayer. Stephanie Merkrebs from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) will speak about anti-Semitism, particularly on college campuses. Visit sstte.org for more information.
• The Bronxville Women’s Club (135 midland Avenue, Bronxville) will host its BWC Coffeehouse Music Series with host Al Hemberger at 8 p.m.
  

  Near To You — Pelham Art Center

  Visit bronxvillewomensclub.org for more information.

• Dannis Winston will be at Underhill’s Crossing (74.5 Pondfield Road, Bronxville) from 8-11:55 p.m., playing at the piano bar. Visit underhillscrossing.com for more information.
• The Pelham Art Center (155 Fifth Avenue, Pelham) will hold an opening reception for its latest exhibit “Near To You” from 6:30-8 p.m. Six exciting new artists will display their work in the exhibit that runs through March 24. Visit pelhamartcenter.org for more information.
• The Junior League of Central Westchester will hold a “Sip & Swirl” event for those interested in becoming members from 9:30-11 a.m. at Wayside Cottage (1039 Post Road, Scarsdale). Visit jlcentralwestchester.org for more information.
• The New Rochelle League of Women Voters will continue its Coffee and Conversation Series at 9:30 a.m. at the New Rochelle Library (1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle). Visit nrpl.org for more information.

 SATURDAY

• The Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum (895 Shore Road, Pelham Bay Park) will host Bartow’s Literary Elevenses from 10-11:30 a.m. Join guides Laura DeRiggi and Caitlyn Sellar as they lead the Mansion’s historical fiction book club discussion of The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gilman. The museum will also host a Civil War mansion tour from 3-4 p.m. Visit bartowpellmansionmuseum.org for more information.
• The Playgroup Theatre (One North Broadway, White Plains) will present “Guys and Dolls” at 8 p.m. on Saturday followed by 2-p.m. shows on Sunday. Visit playgroup.org for more information.
• Local author Nadine Haruni will be at Barnes & Noble (680 Post Road, Scarsdale) at 11 a.m. to discuss and read some of her Gold Mom’s Choice Award-winning children’s stories. Author Falguni Kothari will speak at 5 p.m. about her most recent novel, “My Last Love Story”. Visit https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/3304?page=1&size=10&month=Month&day=Day&type=all for more information.
• GirlAgain (4 Martine Avenue, White Plains) will host an American Girl Spa Day at 11 a.m. Visit girlagain.com for more information.
• The New York Strongest Man and Woman Competition will take place at The Westchester County Center in White Plains at 10 a.m. Visit countyenter.biz for more information.
• The Westchester County Mobile Shredder will be in Pelham at the rear of Town Hall on Harmon Avenue from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Visit westchestergov.com for more information.
• Mike LaMassa will be at Underhill’s Crossing (74.5 Pondfield Road, Bronxville) from 8-11:55 p.m., playing at the piano bar. Visit underhillscrossing.com for more information.
• Daniel Tirado will perform at Rockwells (105 Wolfs Lane, Pelham) at 9:30 p.m. Visit rockwellsusa.net for more information.
• The Bronxville Library (201 Pondfield Road, Bronxville) will hold an informational workshop about becoming a foster parent at 1 p.m. Visit bronxvillelibrary.org for more information.
• The Tuckahoe Library (71 Columbus Avenue, Tuckahoe) will host its Book Club meeting at 1 p.m. to discuss Orphan Train by Christina Baker Klein. Visit tuckahoelibrary.org for more information.

 SUNDAY

The Rebel Ensemble for Baroque Music

• The Rebel Ensemble for Baroque Music will perform at The Grace Church (33 Church Street, White Plains) at 4:30 p.m. Visit dtmusic.org for more information.
• The Friends of Bronxville Library will host Kathryn Lockwood as she plays the viola and pianist Jon Klibonoff for a 3-p.m. concert at the Bronxville Library (201 Pondfield Road, Bronxville). There will be a reception to follow. Visit bronxvillelibrary.org for more information.
• The Eastchester Public Library (11 Oakridge Place, Eastchester) will present The Great American Songbook Part IV at 1:30 p.m. Richard Knox will host. Visit eastchesterlibrary.org for more information.
• The Friends of the Music and the Arts Winter Music Festival will take place at the Scarsdale Library (54 Olmstead Road, Scarsdale) from 3-6 p.m. Visit scarsdalelibrary.org for more information.
• Pianists Matthew Harrison and Vlada Yaneva return to the New Rochelle Library (1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle) for Masterworks Conversation: Night in the Garden of Spain at 3 p.m. Visit nrpl.org for more information.

 Please visit www.burbio.com/lists/district-88-events for more information about these and other area events.

 

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Enjoying Another Holiday Weekend In The 88th Assembly District

Dear friends and neighbors,

The weather will be warming up a bit this holiday weekend and there are plenty of things to do in the 88^th Assembly District. Here’s a closer look at some of the events that are taking place. If you have an event that you’d like me to include in the coming weeks, send the information to Paulina@NYAssembly.gov.

THURSDAY

• The Indoor Scarsdale Farmer’s Market will take place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursdays through April 26 at 13-15 Boniface Circle, the former home of Space NK. Visit scarsdale.com for more information.
• The White Plains Performing Arts Center (11 City Place, White Plains) will present “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, a musical based on the Victor Hugo story with music from the Disney movie, at 7 p.m. There will also be shows on Saturday (7 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.). Visit wppac.com for more information.
• Rabbi David Levy will kick off his “Understanding the Prayer Book” lecture series at The Westchester Reform Temple (255 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale) with a 9:30-a.m. discussion. The temple will also host Fauda: A Film and Discussion series at 11:30 a.m. The six-part series will focus on an Israeli television series about a deep-cover unit of the Israeli Defense Forces. Visit wrtemple.org for more information.
• Melissa Tomlin and Sara Roth of Scarsdale-based (914) PopUps will host a Winter Wonderland Dinner at The Ritz-
  

  Westchester County Cheerleading Invitational

  Carlton New York, Westchester (3 Renaissance Square, White Plains) at 7:30 p.m. Chef Anthony Goncalves, of Kanopi, will prepare a fine-dining experience during which you can enjoy terrific views of NYC, the Long Island Sound and Westchester. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/914popups-dinner-tickets-39336509559 for more information.

• Westchester Road Runner will host a free group run at 6:15 p.m. that will kick off at 179 East Post Road in White Plains. The 2.5-mile run will take you through the streets of White Plains. Visit westchesterroadrunner.com for more information.
• The Westchester County Cheerleading Invitational will conclude at The Westchester County Center in White Plains from 4-8 p.m. The show begins on Wednesday at 4 p.m. Visit countycenter.biz for more information.
• Yan Kjar will be at Underhill’s Crossing (74.5 Pondfield Road, Bronxville) from 7-11 p.m., playing at the piano bar. Visit underhillscrossing.com for more information.

 FRIDAY

• The Winter Extravaganza Baseball Card Show will take place at The Westchester County Center in White Plains from 2-7 p.m. The show will continue on Saturday (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Sunday (9 a.m.-4 p.m.). Visit nyshows.org for more information.
• The Coalition for Mutual Respect MLK Dinner and Service will place at Temple Israel of New Rochelle (1000 Pinebrook Boulevard, New Rochelle). There will be a 6 p.m. dinner followed by a 7:30-p.m. service. Visit tinr.org for more information.
• The Second Friday Book Club will meet at The Pelham Library (530 Colonial Avenue, Pelham) at 10:30 a.m. to discuss The Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBIby David Grann. Visit pelhamlibrary.org for more information.
• The Scarsdale Library (54 Olmstead Road, Scarsdale) will continue its Golden Age on the Silver Screen Film Series with a 1:45 p.m. presentation of “Bridges of Madison County”. Visit scarsdalelibrary.org for more information.
• Jazz pianist Dinah Vero will perform from 7-10:30 p.m. at Alvin & Friends Restaurant (14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle). Visit alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com for more information.
• Dannis WInston will be at Underhill’s Crossing (74.5 Pondfield Road, Bronxville) from 8-11 p.m., playing at the piano bar. Visit underhillscrossing.com for more information.

 SATURDAY

• The St. Paul’s Church and National Historic Site (897 South Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon) will host Tutti Bravi Productions as it presents “Anne Hutchinson: A New Play”. It is an original, multi-act musical exploring the life of Anne Hutchinson. Visit nps.gov/sapa for more information.
• John Flynn and Reggie Harris will give a 7:30-p.m. performance at The Memorial United Methodist Church (250 Bryant Avenue, White Plains) as part of the Walkabout Clearwater Coffeehouse Music Series. Visit walkaboutclearwater.org for more information.
• The Playgroup Theatre (One North Broadway, White Plains) will present “Guys and Dolls” at 8 p.m. on Saturday followed by 2-p.m. shows on Sunday and Monday. Visit playgroup.org for more information.
• The Playland Job Fair will take place at The Westchester County Center in White Plains from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. There will be on-the-spot interviews for the first 300 applicants. Visit playlandpark.org/home/job-opportunities for more information.
• The Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle (116 Guion Place, New Rochelle) will host its first BGCNR Adult Dodgeball Tournament at 2 p.m. All proceeds will go to the Boys & Girls Club of Puerto Rico to help with its rebuilding efforts. Visit bgcnr.org for more information.
• Volunteer New York will host a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service with opportunities to volunteer in Scarsdale, New Rochelle, White Plains, Mount Vernon and other sites throughout Westchester. Visit https://www.volunteernewyork.org/MLK for sites.
• The “Cook By The Book” Book Club will meet at the New Rochelle Public Library (1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle) at noon. Share thematic recipes from the library’s terrific collection of cookbooks or from favorite food blogs. Visit nrpl.org for more information.
• The Junior League of Central Westchester, along with the Westchester County Diaper Bank and Westchester County, will host a 9:30-a.m. Diaper Packaging event at Wayside Cottage (1039 Post Road, Scarsdale). Diaper deprivation affects one in three American mothers. Help package diapers for those in need. Visit jlcentralwestchester.org for more information.
• The Delfonics Review will take place at Alvin & Friends Restaurant (14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle) beginning at 7 p.m. The Leslie Pintchik Trio will also perform from 7:30-11 p.m. Visit alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com for more information.
• Comedian Fred Rubino will perform at Rockwells (105 Wolfs Lane, Pelham) at 9:30 p.m. Visit rockwellsusa.net for more information.
• Michelle DeAngelis will be at Underhill’s Crossing (74.5 Pondfield Road, Bronxville) from 8-11:55 p.m., playing at the piano bar. Visit underhillscrossing.com for more information.

 SUNDAY

• The Picture House (175 Wolfs Lane, Pelham) will host a special screening of “Destination Unknown”, the story of 12 survivors and 12 families torn apart by the Holocaust, at 6:30 p.m. There will also be a post-screening discussion with Dr. Jack Terry, a concentration camp survivor, and Bonnie Glogover, an award-winning inventor and entrepreneur whose father was a Holocaust survivor. Visit thepicturehouse.org for more information.
• The Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum (895 Shore Road, Pelham Bay Park) will join forces with the Pelham Bay Park Urban Rangers to host a guided walk through the coastal and forested area of New York City’s largest park. The hike begins at 10:30 a.m. Dress warmly. Visit bartowpellmansionmuseum.org for more information.
• The White Plains Religious Leaders and the Ministers Fellowship Council of White Plains and Vicinity will host the annual White Plains MLK Interfaith worship service at Temple Israel Center (280 Old Mamaroneck Road, White Plains). Rabbi Shira Milgrom of Congregation Kol Ami and Rev. Dennis Pickett of Trinity United Methodist Church of White Plains will be preaching at the 7-p.m. service.
• The MLK Oratorical Contest will take place at Shiloh Baptist Church (185 Lincoln Avenue, New Rochelle) at 10:30 a.m. Call (914) 636-7440 for more information.
• Chabad of Pelham (135 Lincoln Avenue #2, Pelham) will host “Mini Chefs” at 11 a.m. Children will have the chance to cook, bake and decorate Jewish-themed foods. Visit chabadpelham.com for more information.
• Chip Shelton’s Peace Time Ensemble MLK Jazz Brunch will take place from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Alvin & Friends Restaurant (14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle). Visit alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com for more information.
• Author Peggy Belles will be at Barnes & Noble (680 Post Road, Scarsdale) to discuss her book “Peace in Pieces” at 12:30 p.m. Visit https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/3304?view= for more information.

 MONDAY

• The St. Paul’s Church and National Historic Site (897 South Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon) will host Professor Kristopher Burrell of Hostos Community College as he holds a 1 p.m. discussion about Martin Luther King, Jr. Visit nps.gov/sapa.
• The Eastchester Community Action Partnership (ECAP) will host The 33^rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast from 9-11 at The Reformed Church of Bronxville (180 Pondfield Road, Bronxville). Contact ECAP at 914-337-7768 for more information.
  

  Martin Luther King, Jr.

• The annual MLK Freedom Library Book Fair will take place from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at The White Plains City Center Barnes & Noble (230 Main Street). There will be storytelling, games a concert and more. Visit mlkwestchester.org for more information.
• The WESTCOP/NRCAP annual Drum Major Awards Breakfast will take place at The Bethesda Family Life Center (71 Lincoln Avenue, New Rochelle) at 8:30 a.m. Call Harriet Logan / Benita Hamlettat 914-636-3050 for more information.
• The Beth-El Synagogue Center (1324 North Avenue, New Rochelle) will host The Sisterhood’s Annual Cinema Brunch at noon. “Mamadrama: The Jewish Mother in Cinema” will be shown. Visit bethelnr.org for more information.

Please visit www.burbio.com/lists/district-88-events for more information about these and other area events.

 

Working On Taxes As Part Of My 2018 Legislative Agenda

I will soon introduce a package of bills aimed at helping mitigate the harm that the new federal tax laws will cause for many New Yorkers.

The provision to cap the amount of the state and local tax deduction at $10,000 disproportionately affects residents in areas of the state with high property taxes, like Westchester– which has the highest property taxes in the nation. These residents will now face an increase in federal and possibly state income taxes on top of those steep property tax bills. According to ATTOM data solutions, 73 percent of Westchester homeowners pay more than $10,000 in property taxes.

The first bill, which I announced two weeks ago, would allow New York residents to itemize their New York State tax return even if they do not itemize their federal returns. The categories of itemized deductions used at the federal level are also used for the New York State personal income tax.

According to a July 2017 report from The Office of the State Comptroller, without legislation to change the State tax law, eliminating deductions at the federal level would eliminate them at the state level and potentially increase taxpayers’ state income-tax burden. This legislation would ensure that taxpayers will still be able to itemize on their New York return, preventing them from facing a higher New York tax bill.

The second bill would establish a two-pronged approach. The first portion of my new legislation would establish a dollar-for-dollar state income tax credit for charitable donations made to foundations that support state-funded institutions, such as the State University of New York. 

The second portion of my legislation would allow a taxpayer to receive a credit on their property or school taxes for donations made to local foundations working alongside school districts and municipalities. Some examples of these types of foundations that already exist are The Pelham Education Fund or the Scarsdale Schools Education Foundation.

Since charitable gifts remain deductible on federal taxes, taxpayers would be able to receive a federal deduction to help offset the loss of the state and local tax deduction.

We must do everything we can to lessen the damage that the new federal tax law will cause for so many New Yorkers.  I have fielded dozens of calls from constituents about the new tax law and many people are considering moving, because the cost to stay here will be too high. We cannot allow that to happen.

This legislation would enable taxpayers to make up for some of the losses they will experience under the disastrous federal tax law, while maintaining the revenue that the State and local school districts receive.

 

Braving The Deep Freeze In The 88th Assembly District

Dear friends and neighbors,

The biting cold will still be here this weekend but there are plenty of things to do and ways to keep warm in the 88^th Assembly District. Here’s a closer look at some of the events that are taking place. If you have an event that you’d like me to include in the coming weeks, send the information to Paulina@NYAssembly.gov.

THURSDAY

• The Indoor Scarsdale Farmer’s Market will take place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursdays through April 26 at 13-15 Boniface Circle, the former home of Space NK. Visit scarsdale.com for more information.
  

  The Hunchback of Notre Dame

• The White Plains Performing Arts Center (11 City Place, White Plains) will present “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, a musical based on the Victor Hugo story with music from the Disney movie, at 11 a.m. There will also be shows on Friday and Saturday (7 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.). Visit wppac.com for more information.
• Rabbi David Levy will kick off his “Understanding the Prayer Book” lecture series at The Westchester Reform Temple (255 Mamaroneck Road, Scarsdale) with a 9:30-a.m. discussion. Visit wrtemple.org for more information.
• Westchester Road Runner will host a free group run at 6:15 p.m. that will kick off at 179 East Post Road in White Plains. The 2.5-mile run will take you through the streets of White Plains. Visit westchesterroadrunner.com for more information.

 FRIDAY

• The annual Crusaders Classic high school basketball game between Archbishop Stepinac and Iona Prep will take place at The Westchester County Center in White Plains at 7:30 p.m. The game is part of a doubleheader with Ardsley and Byram Hills squaring off in the 5-p.m. opener. Visit countycenter.biz for more information.
  

  Casablanca

• The Chabad of Bronxville (1 Stone Place, Bronxville) will host Soup and Scotch at 5:30 p.m. Following services there will be a variety of soups and fine scotch to sample. Visit jewishbronxville.com for more information.
• Temple Israel Center (280 Old Mamaroneck Road, White Plains) will host author Noah Isenberg as he discusses his book, “We’ll Always Have Casablanca”, at 7:50 p.m. The lecture is part of the Shabbat Author Series. Services begin at 6 p.m. followed by dinner and then the lecture. Visit templeisraelcenter.org for more information.
• The Beth-El Synagogue Center (1324 North Avenue, New Rochelle) will host Café Shabbat from 4-5:30 p.m. Enjoy a musical Shabbat celebration led by Lori Weber followed by a dinner and dessert. Visit bethelnr.org for more information.
• The New Rochelle Public Library (1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle) will host The Friends Big Book Sale at 10 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Visit nrlp.org for more information.

 SATURDAY

• Pianist Takeshi Asai will present “All That Jazz” as part of the Midland Music Series at The Bronxville Women’s Club (135 Midland Avenue, Bronxville). Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Visit bronxvillewomensclub.org for more information.
• GirlAgain (4 Martine Avenue, White Plains) is hosting a “New Year, New Style” event at 11 a.m. Get an exclusive t-shirt for your American Girl doll. Visit girlagain.com for more information.
  

  Takeshi Asai

• The Westchester Wedding and Bridal Expo will take place at The Westchester County Center in White Plains from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit countycenter.biz for more information.
• Temple Israel of New Rochelle will host Temple Tennis and Cocktails at The Rock Club (130 Rhodes Street, New Rochelle) from 7-11 p.m. There will be a light dinner, drinks and dessert. Visit tinr.org for more information.
• Jewish educational scholar Bennett Muraskin will speak at The Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation (468 Rosedale Avenue, White Plains) about the Jewish perspective on Jesus at 2:30 p.m. Contact Dmitry Turovsky at aristophil@yahoo.com for more information.
• The JCC of Mid-Westchester (999 Wilmot Road, Scarsdale) will host “Stand Up For Peace”, featuring comedians Dean Obeidallah and Scott Blakeman, at 8 p.m. Visit jccmw.org for more information.
• The Calpulli Mexican Dance Company will perform at The New Rochelle Public Library (1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle) from 4-5:30 p.m. as part of the Three Kings Day celebration. Visit nrpl.org for more information.

 SUNDAY

• The Reformed Church of Bronxville (180 Pondfield Road, Bronxville) will host Antti Pentikainen, a special envoy for the Prime Minister of Finland, as part of the Sunday Morning Adult Education Series. He will present “Defining Humanity in Front of Violence and Terror.” Visit
  

  Antti Pentikäinen

  reformedchurch.org for more information.

• The Bronxville Women’s Club (135 Midland Avenue, Bronxville) will host the opening reception for the “BWC Members Art Exhibit” from 2-5 p.m. Visit bronxvillewomensclub.org for more information.
• The Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League will take on the Austin Spurs in a 5-p.m. contest at The Westchester County Center in White Plains. Visit countycenter.biz for more information.
• The Beth-El Synagogue Center (1324 North Avenue, New Rochelle) will continue its Hot Topics in Judaism Lecture Series at 7 p.m. This month’s discussion will focus on “Intermarriage and Jewish Identity”. Visit bethelnr.org for more information.
• Christian Science Monitor film critic Peter Rainer will lead a 1:30-p.m. discussion on film at The Eastchester Library (11 Oakridge Place, Eastchester). Visit eastchesterlibrary.org for more information.

 Please visit www.burbio.com/lists/district-88-events for more information about these and other area events.

 

 

Happy New Year In The 88th Assembly District

Dear friends and neighbors,

I’d like to wish everyone a Happy New Year. Remember there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season responsibly in the cities, towns and villages of the 88^th Assembly District. Here’s a closer look at some of the events that are taking place. If you have an event that you’d like me to include in the coming weeks, send the information to Paulina@NYAssembly.gov.

THURSDAY

• The Indoor Scarsdale Farmer’s Market will take place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursdays through April 26 at 13-15 Boniface Circle, the former home of Space NK. Visit scarsdale.com for more information.
• The Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services will host a guidance program on county services for seniors at the Scarsdale Library (54 Olmstead Road, Scarsdale) from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit scarsdalelibrary.org for more information.
• The White Plains Performing Arts Center (11 City Place, White Plains) will present “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, a musical based on the Victor Hugo story with music from the Disney movie, at 2 p.m. There will also be shows on Friday (7 p.m.) and Saturday (2 and 7 p.m.). Visit wppac.com for more information.
  

  The Hunchback of Notre Dame

• The fifth annual community Kwanzaa celebration will take place at 95 Lincoln Avenue in New Rochelle at 7 p.m. Contact Mark McLean at mmac8@aol.com for more information.
• Yan Kjar will be at Underhills Crossing (74.5 Pondfield Road, Bronxville), playing at the piano bar from 7-11 p.m. Visit underhillscrossing.com for more information.
• The Pelham Library (530 Colonial Avenue, Pelham) will host “Offline Family Time” from 3-5 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of board games and hot chocolate away from the electronic devices. Visit pelhamlibrary.org for more information.
• Tuckahoe Mayor Steve Ecklond will be at The Tuckahoe Library (71 Columbus Avenue, Tuckahoe) at 11 a.m. to read holiday stories and sing songs with Miss Elaine and Miss Gail. Visit tuckahoelibrary.org for more information.
• The Eastchester Library (11 Oakridge Place, Eastchester) will continue its Family Movie Series with a 2 p.m. showing of “Despicable Me 3”. Visit eastchesterlibrary.org for more information.

 FRIDAY

• The Victor LaGamma Trio will perform at Alvin & Friends Restaurant (14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle) from 7-10:30 p.m. Visit alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com for more information.
  

  The Amazing Kreskin

• The Amazing Kreskin will give a 9:30-p.m. performance at Rockwells (105 Wolfs Lane, Pelham). Visit rockwellsusa.net for more information.
• Dannis Winston will be at Underhills Crossing (74.5 Pondfield Road, Bronxville), playing at the piano bar from 8-11:55 p.m. Visit underhillscrossing.com for more information.
• The Animal Embassy will be at the Pelham Library (530 Colonial Avenue, Pelham) at 3 p.m. with an array of winter animals, including ferrets, chinchillas and more. Visit pelhamlibrary.org for more information.
• The Bronxville Library (201 Pondfield Road, Bronxville) will continue its Family Film Movie Series with a 2 p.m. showing of “The Emoji Movie”. Visit bronxvillelibrary.org for more information.
• Performer Will Shaw will be at The New Rochelle Library (1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle) at 1 p.m. for a children’s show that will include tricks, music and more. Visit nrpl.org for more information.
• The Barn Band will perform from 6-10 p.m. at the Broken Bow Brewery (173 Marbledale Road, Tuckahoe). Visit thebarnband.com for more information.

 SATURDAY

• The St. Paul’s Church and National Historic Site (897 South Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon) will host a New Year’s harp concert at 1 p.m. Visit nps.gov/sapa for more information.
  

  Alan Tardi

• Award-winning wine and food author Alan Tardi will speak at Barnes & Noble (680 Post Road, Scarsdale) about champagne at 5 p.m. Visit https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/store/3304?view= for more information.
• Pianist Dinah Vero will perform at Alvin & Friends Restaurant (14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle)from 7-10:30 p.m. Visit alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com for more information.
• Comedians Kareem Greene and Meghan Hanley will perform at Rockwells (105 Wolfs Lane, Pelham) at 9:30 p.m. Visit rockwellsusa.net for more information.
• Mike LaMassa will be at Underhills Crossing (74.5 Pondfield Road, Bronxville), playing at the piano bar from 8-11:55 p.m. Visit underhillscrossing.com for more information.

 SUNDAY

• The White Plains New Year’s Eve Spectacular will take place from 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. at Court and Main Streets. There are four gated entry points to the event so arrive early. The entry points are Main Street at Church Street, Renaissance Square at Williams Street, Court Street at Martine Avenue and Martine Avenue at Mamaroneck Avenue. A Safe Rides transportation stand will also be available for those wishing to be driven home. Visit wpbid.com for more information.
• The Harlem Globetrotters will play at The Westchester County Center in White Plains at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Visit
  

  Harlem Globetrotters

  countycenter.biz for more information.

• The eighth annual New Rochelle “Ring in the New Year at Noon” celebration will take place from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in NewRoc City (31 LeCount Place, New Rochelle). There will be a balloon drop, games, food and more. Visit newrochelledowntown.com for more information.
• Alvin & Friends Restaurant (14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle) will host “New Year’s Eve at Alvin & Friends” beginning at 5:30 p.m. There will be food, music and more. Visit alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com for more information.
• Comedian Goumba Johnny will perform at Rockwells (105 Wolfs Lane, Pelham) at 8:30 p.m. Visit rockwellsusa.net for more information.
• Liam Davis will be at Underhills Crossing (74.5 Pondfield Road, Bronxville), playing at the piano bar from 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Visit underhillscrossing.com for more information.

 Please visit www.burbio.com/lists/district-88-events for more information about these and other area events.

 

Looking To Help New York Residents With Their New Tax Burdens

I will soon introduce legislation to help mitigate the harm that the new federal tax laws will cause for many New Yorkers, particularly residents of Westchester.

The provision to cap the amount of the state and local tax deduction at $10,000 disproportionately affects New York. Many residents in areas of the state with high property taxes, like Westchester– which has the highest property taxes in the nation, will now face an increase in federal and possibly state income taxes on top of those steep property tax bills. According to ATTOM data solutions, 73 percent of Westchester homeowners pay more than $10,000 in property taxes.

At the suggestion of a constituent, I will be introducing legislation that would allow New York residents to itemize their New York State tax return even if they do not itemize their federal returns. The categories of itemized deductions used at the federal level are also used for the New York State personal income tax.  

The new federal tax bill is an assault on New York and my constituents. We must take action to change the tax law in New York to make sure that we do not also see an increase in our state taxes as a result of this disastrous federal law. Allowing people to keep itemized deductions on our state returns regardless of how we fill out our federal returns, is one step we can take to prevent this.

I have already heard from constituents who are considering moving out of New York unless something is done to help mitigate the harm the federal bill will cause them. Without these changes, many people simply cannot afford to stay.

Currently, New York State tax law only allows taxpayers to itemize their state returns if they have itemized their federal returns. Nearly 30 percent of New Yorkers who currently itemize their deductions claim the real estate deduction. The $10,000 cap on the deduction for state and local taxes will mean that far fewer New Yorkers will itemize their federal returns and instead opt to take the standard deduction.

According to a July 2017 report from The Office of the State Comptroller, without legislation to change the State tax law, eliminating deductions at the federal level would eliminate them at the state level and potentially increase taxpayers’ state income-tax burden. This legislation would ensure that taxpayers will still be able to itemize on their New York return, preventing them from facing a higher New York tax bill.

My Public Bathroom Access Bill Was Signed Into Law

I am pleased to announce that A.1982/S.3295, legislation I authored, was signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday.

The law amends the public health law by making employee-only restrooms in places of business open to those in the general public who have an eligible medical condition such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis that requires immediate access to a restroom. This legislation would not create any additional costs to businesses as they are not required to alter their toilet facility. Also, a business would not be required to provide access to their toilet facility when another facility is immediately accessible to the requesting person.

Ally Bain, a teenage girl in Illinois who suffers from Crohn’s disease, was the inspiration for this law in Illinois and 14 other states. Bain had a humiliating experience in which she was denied access to an employee-only bathroom when she was in need of one and no public bathroom was available. A resident of Paulin’s district initially brought this issue to her attention.

Stories like Ally’s are heartbreaking. No one should be forced to endure such a humiliating situation simply because they have a medical condition over which they have no control. This legislation creates a compassionate system for those suffering from gastrointestinal diseases who can be in need of a restroom at any given moment.

Crohn’s disease alone is an ongoing disorder of the gastro-intestinal tract. It causes swelling of the intestines, creating pain and diarrhea. People who suffer from such diseases often need urgent and sudden access to a toilet facility.

“Everyone with Crohn’s disease faces this problem once, twice, three times a year, some almost every day,” said Yoely Drummer, the founder and Executive Director of the Jewish Crohn’s and Colitis Support Group.   “This [law] means they can have an easier life.”

Crohn’s disease is more prevalent among Jews of Ashkenazi origin than other segments of the population because of a genetic predisposition. According to the Public Library of Science Journal (PLoS), a 2012 study showed that Ashkenazi Jews are four times more likely to suffer from Crohn’s disease than other populations.

Kemp Hannon (R-6) sponsored the bill in the Senate.

 

Another Big Holiday Weekend In The 88th Assembly District

Dear friends and neighbors,

I’d like to wish all who are celebrating, a very Merry Christmas. Remember there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season in the cities, towns and villages of the 88^th Assembly District. Here’s a closer look at some of the events that are taking place. If you have an event that you’d like me to include in the coming weeks, send the information to Paulina@NYAssembly.gov.

WEDNESDAY

• The City of White Plains Winterfest Holiday Market will kick off at 11 a.m. on Court Street between Martine Avenue and Main Street. There will be shopping, entertainment, food, and more. The Winterfest will run until 7 p.m. Gospel singer Monica Judkins will perform at 12:30 p.m. while The Tappan Zee Bridgemen, a marching band, will perform from 5-7 p.m. Wild Sea Salt with chef Lisa Caccamise will give a cooking demonstration at noon. Visit wpbid.com for more information.

 THURSDAY

• The City of White Plains Winterfest Holiday Market continues from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Court Street between Martine Avenue and Main Street. The Forever Young Singers will perform from 1-2 p.m. followed by the Archbishop Stepinac High School Choir from 4-5 p.m. The Deidre O’Mara School of Irish Dance will perform at 6:30 p.m. White Plains Education & Training Center chef Joe Brefere will conduct a cooking demo at 11 a.m., demonstrating how to prepare filet mignon. Visit wpbid.com for more information.
• The Indoor Scarsdale Farmer’s Market will take place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursdays through April 26 at 13-15 Boniface Circle, the former home of Space NK. Visit scarsdale.com for more information.
• The Westchester Sandbox Theatre will present “A Fairytale Christmas Carol” at The JCC of Mid-Westchester (999 Wilmot Avenue, Scarsdale) at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Visit wstshows.com for more information.
• The Reformed Church of Bronxville (180 Pondfield Road, Bronxville) will host “Blue Christmas”, a meditative service of music, candlelight, readings and prayer for those seeking stillness and peace during a busy holiday season, at 7 p.m. Visit reformedchurch.org for more information.
• The faculty of the Music Conservatory of Westchester will perform at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Westchester (3 Renaissance Square, White Plains) in the lobby lounge from 5-8 p.m. Visit musicconservatory.org for more information.
• Growlers Beer Bistro (25 Main Street, Tuckahoe) will host “The Feast of the 7 Dogfishes” from 7-10 p.m. Enjoy seven of Dogfishes rarest beers responsibly along with food specials. Visit growlersbeerbistro.com for more information.
• The Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services will host a guidance program on county services for seniors at the Scarsdale Library (54 Olmstead Road, Scarsdale) from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit scarsdalelibrary.org for more information.
• The New Rochelle Little Beehive Holiday Market will be open from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the New Rochelle Train Station (1 Penn Central Railroad Plaza, New Rochelle). There will be local vendors on hand for the city’s new holiday outdoor market. Visit newrochelledowntown.com for more information.
• The Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League will take on the Lakeland Magic in a 7-p.m. contest at The Westchester County Center in White Plains. Visit countycenter.biz for more information.
• The Community Church of the Pelhams (448 Washington Avenue, Pelham) will host Baharat, a contemporary ensemble playing music from the Middle East and from native cultures throughout the world, in a 7:30-p.m. concert. Visit communitychurchofpelham.org for more information.
• Jeff Dawson will play at the piano bar at Underhills Crossing (74.5 Pondfield Road, Bronxville) from 7-11 p.m. Visit underhillscrossing.com for more information.
• Zachys (16 East Parkway, Scarsdale) will host a sparkling wine tasting from 4-7 p.m. Visit zachys.com for more information.

 FRIDAY

• The White Plains Performing Arts Center (11 City Place, White Plains) will present “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, a musical based on the Victor Hugo story with music from the Disney movie, at 7 p.m. There will also be shows on Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. Visit wppac.com for more information.
• The City of White Plains Winterfest Holiday Market continues from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Court Street between Martine Avenue and Main Street. Sean Cantatore from Flanders Warehouse will perform at 12:30 p.m. The Westchester Chordsmen, a renowned male chorus, will perform Christmas and Hanukkah songs at 5 p.m. Room To Create will present a Craft Workshop at 5:30 p.m. There will be a reading of Polar Express at 6 p.m. followed by a 6:30-p.m. performance by The Lagond Music School. The Carousel Dance Studio will showcase its talent at 7:30 p.m. and the evening will conclude with an open mic from 8-9 p.m. Visit wpbid.com for more information.
  

  The Westchester Chordsmen

• Julius Rodriguez will perform from 7-10:30 p.m. at Alvin & Friends Restaurant (14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle). Visit alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com for more information.
• Michelle DeAngelis will play at the piano bar at Underhills Crossing (74.5 Pondfield Road, Bronxville) from 8-11:55 p.m. Visit underhillscrossing.com for more information.
• The Bronxville Library (201 Pondfield Road) will show the film “The Santa Claus 3 – The Escape Claus” at 3:30 p.m. Visit bronxvillelibrary.org for more information.
• Zachys (16 East Parkway, Scarsdale) will host a Johnnie Walker Blue tasting and engraving from 4-7 p.m. Visit zachys.com for more information.

 SATURDAY

• The St. Paul’s Church and National Historic Site (897 South Columbus Avenue, Mount Vernon) will host organist Kathryn Jones as she performs holiday classics at 2 p.m. Visit nps.gov/sapa for more information.
• The Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum (895 Shore Road, Pelham Bay Park) will present “Cookies and Crafts” from noon-2 p.m. Decorate holiday cookies and explore the mansion as its all decked out for the holiday season. Visit bartowpellmansionmuseum.org for more information.
• The Christopher Brown Band will perform at Growlers Beer Bistro (25 Main Street, Tuckahoe) at 9:30 p.m. Visit growlersbeerbistro.com for more information.
• The City of White Plains Winterfest Holiday Market continues from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Court Street between Martine Avenue and Main Street. Santa will be on hand from noon-2 p.m. The Rockin’ Winter Chicklets & Two Elves will perform from 2-3 p.m. Christopher Agostino’s Story Faces – Tales of Transformation and Wonder, a unique performance of storytelling and face painting, is scheduled for 3 p.m. The Back 2 Rock Music School will play from 4-5 p.m. followed by Jim Keyes, who will perform Dickensian-era music in costume with authentic instruments. The Katonah Celebration Ringers are scheduled to play from 6:30-7:30 and the evening will close out with a show by The Jacob Harelick Groove from 8-9 p.m. Break Bread Not Hearts will present a cooking demo by chef D’Amour Green at 5:30 p.m. Visit wpbid.com for more information.
• The Westchester Knicks of the NBA G League will take on the Wisconsin Herd in a 5-p.m. contest at The Westchester County Center in White Plains. Visit countycenter.biz for more information.
• The Leslie Pintchik Trio will perform from 7:30-11p.m. at Alvin & Friends Restaurant (14 Memorial Highway, New Rochelle). Visit alvinandfriendsrestaurant.com for more information.
• Mike LaMassa will play at the piano bar at Underhills Crossing (74.5 Pondfield Road, Bronxville) from 8-11:55 p.m. Visit underhillscrossing.com for more information.

 SUNDAY

• The City of White Plains Winterfest Holiday Market continues from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Court Street between Martine Avenue and Main Street. White Plains mayor Tom Roach will read ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas at 11 a.m. Visit wpbid.com for more information.
• Liam Davis will play at the piano bar at Underhills Crossing (74.5 Pondfield Road, Bronxville) from 6-11 p.m. Visit underhillscrossing.com for more information.
• The 103^rd annual Bronxville Village Christmas Pageant will take place at The Reformed Church of Bronxville (180 Pondfield Road, Bronxville) at 5:30 p.m. Visit reformedchurch.org for more information.

 Please visit www.burbio.com/lists/district-88-events for more information about these and other area events.

 

Thank You Governor Cuomo

Governor Andrew Cuomo spoke this morning about prioritizing my domestic violence gun bill. I am very grateful for his interest in this issue. I issued the following statement as a response.

While we lead in New York with some of the strictest gun laws in the nation and the lowest firearm homicide rates, domestic violence victims in our state are still in grave danger because legal protections for their safety come up short.

Here in New York, a gray area in between state and federal laws allows some convicted domestic violence offenders to retain access to firearms. While federal law stipulates that someone found guilty of a misdemeanor domestic abuse charge cannot possess any firearms, state law is not consistent.

In other words, a person who is found guilty of a crime that results in him not being able to buy or own a gun under federal law can keep the one he already possessed under New York law.

My legislation would outline an unambiguous legal procedure, provide uniformity in the courts, and ensure that abusers cannot keep the guns they are prohibited from possessing.

As a result of the most recent shootings in California, Las Vegas and Texas, we have come to face the fact that no New Yorker is safe from the lethal rage of an armed domestic abuser, even those with no relationship to his victims.

We must work together to find ways to combat domestic violence and reduce the danger that perpetrators pose to victims and communities alike by enacting common-sense solutions that will save lives.

I want to thank Governor Cuomo for prioritizing my legislation and working towards protecting all New Yorkers from the epidemic of gun violence.

My FOIL Bill Has Been Signed Into Law

I am proud to announce that A.2750-A/S.2392-A, legislation I authored, was signed into law today by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The law will award attorney’s fees to a prevailing party who has gone to court to challenge an agency’s refusal to provide records requested under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL). The time and cost involved in these court proceedings can be staggering for individuals, and may deter them from pursing legal action to compel agencies to provide the records. This bill would encourage agencies to comply with FOIL in order to avoid potentially paying the attorney’s fees for prevailing individuals who challenge the agency in court.

Very often, the time and effort involved in getting a FOIL request fulfilled is trying enough. A person petitioning an agency through FOIL shouldn’t have the added expense of a lengthy court proceeding as well.

This law establishes a two-tiered approach. In court cases where an agency failed to respond to a person’s request for records or appeal within the allowable time, the court may require the agency to pay for a person’s attorney’s fees if the person prevails in court. In cases where an agency denied an individual’s request for records and the court finds that there was no reasonable basis for the denial, the court must order the agency to pay the individual’s attorney’s fees if that individual prevails in court.

The Committee on Open Government recommended this two-tiered approach in its 2016 annual report.

The bill is sponsored by Patrick Gallivan (R-59) in the Senate.