What’s it like being LGBTQ in Westchester?

This past weekend, Larchmont and Mamaroneck commemorated fallen soldiers in the celebration of Memorial Day. Both local officials and residents participated in festivities across the community. Last Thursday, the Village of Larchmont held its annual Memorial Day Parade, which was hosted by American Legion Post 347. Hundreds marched from the train station to the firehouse to honor the veterans who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom today. Also on that day, The Kemper Memorial fund presented awards to Helene Graham, Alia Shenasa, Emily Morris and Tricia Ballard for its annual essay competition at Mamaroneck High School. The assignment for this year was to respond in unique ways to the question, “Why are memorials important in America today?”. The ceremony was held at the high school and each winner was presented with a $250 cash prize. On Monday, the celebration ended with the Mamaroneck parade, which was hosted by American Legion Post 90. Residents and veterans were on hand to honor our fallen heroes. After the parade, there was a ceremony at the American Legion’s Hall on Prospect Avenue.

The Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club resumed its decade-long battle over renovations last week. The public hearing was held at the Village of Mamaroneck Board Meeting and highlighted the club’s latest proposal. During the hearing, the plan was under fire by Mamaroneck residents who had concerns about sewage, drilling and potentially disruptive construction, among other issues. Residents also stated that within  the proposal, there were incorrect important pieces of information. This portion of the hearing was officially closed by the Board. Another meeting is scheduled for July in which the Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club is expected to present a written response to many of the concerns voiced at the most recent meeting. We will keep you posted on any new developments.

 

In the last few months, parking on Mamaroneck Avenue has changed. After years of political discord, the Village of Mamaroneck has moved forward with a pilot program to test three different types of new parking meters. Two different styles of “smart single-space meters and one multi-space meter were tested. The trial period is the next step in an on-going battle which dates back to 2013, when the Village Board hired the Walker Parking Consultants to help with parking issues on the avenue. In 2014, the Board of Trustees discussed two new resolutions and purchased 18 multi-space meters for over $117,000 and then were hit with heavy backlash from local residents and business owners when they tried to implement these new solutions. In December, after surveying local residents, the newly-formed Parking Committee proposed the Village to move forward with the testing of different types of single-space meters on Mamaroneck Avenue and multi-space meters in local parking lots. However, the Board of Trustees approved a proposal that includes the multi-space meters in the pilot program on Mamaroneck Avenue. According to Maria De Rose, the chair of the Parking Committee, purchasing new single-space meters for Mamaroneck Avenue could cost the Village $400 per meter, or nearly $100,000 in total, in addition to the  over $150,000 that has already been spent on meters and consultation. According to Village Manager, Richard Slingerland, a new survey will soon be conducted to gather public opinion. So come down to Mamaroneck Avenue and see which type of meter YOU prefer. We will keep you updated on this story.

On June 1st, the New York Immigration Coalition held an event at St. Peter’s Church in Port Chested in support of the Ecuadorian Government’s request for TPS or Temporary Protection Status of Ecuadorian immigrants who live in the US. There was a disastrous earthquake in Ecuador where killed 650 and injured over 27,000. If the request is granted, it would give any Ecuadorian immigrant who lives in the US permission to work legally and travel to Ecuador without fear of deportation. TPS has not yet been approved, but members of the Ecuadorian community and immigration activists are organizing events nationwide to gain supporters.

In our Round Table discussion, Mike Witsch spoke with Angela Jordan, Westchester-based reporter; Kevin Burke, former owner of Ignite Bar; David Diamond, Pride Works Director; Bernard Galeano, Masters Student of Social Work and Kat Andriotis, LOFT Director of Communications & Membership about LGBTQ Pride Month and what it’s like being gay in Westchester.

Last week, LMC-TV held its annual Awards Night where we honor the people who put together the shows that you watch on the channel.  Local Live reporter, Eli Lederman reported on the event.

Attention high school seniors, with prom just a few weeks away, if you still need a corsage, check out The Flower Bar in Larchmont. Local Live reported James Levinson visited the shop to find out more.

Our Pet of the Week is Beyoncé, a 20-pound lab mix. She is a year old and is sweet, friendly and playful. She gets along great with all the dogs in her foster
. She is also very well-behaved, good with children and would make a great addition to any family. For more information on Beyoncé and other adorable pets, go to http://www.ny-petrescue.org.

If you like our show and want to keep us on the air, please support our program by checking out our website at www.lmctv.org and click on the DONATE button in the upper right. We really appreciate any contribution.

 

We are always looking for new volunteers and interns, so please send your emails to thelocallive@lmctv.org and join us. We love hearing from you.