Assemblywoman Amy Paulin Introduces Bill to Protect New Yorkers’ Access to Vaccines Amid Federal Interference
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Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-Westchester), Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, has introduced the Vaccine Integrity Act (A.9060/S.8496), legislation that would allow continued access to vaccines and ensure insurance coverage for vaccinations. Her bill, which authorizes various healthcare practitioners to administer immunizations recommended by existing New York State immunization advisory bodies, is in response to recent federal actions which have disrupted New York’s longstanding, reliable vaccine distribution system. “New Yorkers should be able to get vaccines easily and safely at their local pharmacies,” said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. “The newly imposed federal barriers and the spread of vaccine skepticism put New Yorkers’ health at risk. My bill would ensure that New York State can continue to allow vaccines to be readily accessible to all New Yorkers at pharmacies without unnecessary obstacles.”
Most New Yorkers over the age of eighteen get their vaccines at local pharmacies, where they can simply walk in and receive an immunization. This approach has made vaccination convenient and accessible. Recent federal actions however have made it harder for people to get vaccinated in New York State. Under current NYS law, pharmacies can only provide vaccinations without an individual prescription if those vaccines have been recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). ACIP has historically provided guidance that New York and other states rely on to shape public health policy, vaccine schedules and insurance coverage.
The September 19th recommendation by ACIP that individuals should receive the COVID vaccine only after consulting a healthcare provider means barriers will exist.
Governor Hochul’s September 5 Executive Order expands COVID vaccine access in the short term, allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines to children as young as three. However, the Executive Order is valid for only 30 days, would need to be continually renewed monthly to maintain access, and only applies to the COVID vaccine.
The Vaccine Integrity Act creates a permanent legal framework which would allow New York State to rely on guidance from the New York State Immunization Advisory Council (IAC), the 21st Century Workgroup for Disease Elimination and Reduction (WDER), and any regional advisory body that New York joins, such as the Northeast Public Health Collaborative that New York State jointly established along with eight states in the region (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware) on September 15, in addition to ACIP. This would provide New Yorkers with reliable access to vaccines, even if federal guidance is disruptive or delayed.
Importantly, Paulin’s bill would require health insurance providers to cover any vaccines recommended by these state or regional committees, just as they currently cover ACIP-approved vaccines. This guarantees that residents can get the vaccines they need without facing financial barriers.
“My legislation provides a permanent solution that protects vaccine access, ensures insurance coverage, and maintains the convenience that pharmacies have provided for decades,” said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. “Vaccine policies must be based on science, not misinformation, and they must expand access, not create barriers, in order to safeguard the health of New Yorkers.”
The legislation is sponsored in the State Senate by State Senator Michelle Hinchey.
Westchester Remembers 9/11
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Local officials, first responders and family members gathered at the Kensico Damn on September 11, 2025 to commemorate the 24th anniversary of 9/11 and the lives lost on that day along with many who passed away in the intervening years from 9/11 related diseases.
This year the weather this year was as sparkling as 9/11/01 when terrorists struck the World Trade Center, taking the lives of those who worked in the towers and the first responders who attempted to rescue them.
A large crowd gathered at Kensico Dam Plaza for the ceremony, which opened with the Westchester County Police Unit Color Guard, and a parade of pipes and drums from the Police Emerald Society of Westchester County.
The ceremony was emceed by Fox 5 NY Reporter Richard Giocovas who introduced County Executive Ken Jenkins. He said, “What stood out most was not the tragedy but the selflessness that defined every person in New York…. First responders rushed into danger without any hesitation. We chose courage, compassion and unity… We leaned on each other. There was a kindness, a compassion and a sense of shared duty. That spirit took us through those dark days. We all understood that we were part of something bigger than ourselves… We cannot forget that unity. Sometimes it feels like it is gone… We must get back to a place where we can see what binds…So today let us not just remember what happened. Let us re-commit to the lesson it taught us, that in unity and kindness and love we find strength as a people. May we never forget that in our darkest hour we find light in one another.”
Other speakers included Vedat Gashi, Chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislatures who said, ”Though many years have passed the pain of that day remains. We remember the lives lost, and the courage we witnessed ….We saw first responders run towards danger not away from it…Ordinary citizens did extraordinary things…Americans chose to protect one another. They chose love over fear, service over self, and hope over despair. They revealed the very best of who we are. We also honor those who we lost in the years since, those who suffered from 9/11 related illnesses. Their sacrifices, though less visible, are no less profound. In their memory let us continue to work toward a future that is more just, more caring and more hopeful.”
Matthew J. McCauley, 9/11 Memorial Committee Co-Chair said, “More 9/11 responders have passed away since the event then we lost that day. The illnesses that are out there are very real. We went there because we wanted to go there and nothing will take that away.
Never forget. Make sure that we continue to respect those that passed away and to honor those that we keep losing. Keep telling their stories. Keep saying their names. That’s the way to respect their families. Continue to ensure that those who are sick are being cared for. Never forget those who we lost, those who are ill and those who we continue to lose. They will never be forgotten.”
Following remarks from Georgia Asciutto, who lost her husband on 9/11 and is a Co-Chair of the Westchester County 9/11 First Responders Memorial Committee the names of the 434 victims were read aloud in a solemn tribute to those whose lives were lost.
Scarsdale Procedure Committee Invites Residents to Join the Citizens Nominating Committee
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The Scarsdale Procedure Committee is seeking 10 nominees from the community to serve on the Citizens Nominating Committee (CNC), the cornerstone of Scarsdale’s unique non-partisan system of local government.
For more than a century, Scarsdale has relied on the CNC to select qualified candidates to run for election for the offices of Mayor and Village Trustee. This time-honored system ensures that local leadership remains focused on experience, integrity, and the needs of the community—rather than partisan politics.
Who Can Serve?
-Any resident of Scarsdale who is a registered voter having resided in Scarsdale for at least 2 years.
-Individuals who are not currently serving as an elected Village official.
-Community-minded residents who are willing to dedicate time by attending 6 meetings in December and January, participate in deliberations, and uphold the principles of nonpartisanship and confidentiality.
Why Serve?
-Serving on the CNC offers residents the chance to:
-Contribute meaningfully to Scarsdale’s civic life.
-Help shape the future leadership of our Village.
-Carry forward a democratic tradition that has kept Scarsdale governance responsive and effective for over 100 years.
How to Get Involved
Interested residents are encouraged to step forward as candidates for the upcoming CNC Election to be held on November 13th at the Scarsdale Library. Members serve a three-year term, with 2 representatives elected from each of Scarsdale’s neighborhoods (Fox Meadow, Greenacres, Quaker Ridge, Edgewood and Heathcote).
To learn more and download the nomination form, please visit.
Together, we can continue to ensure that Scarsdale’s government reflects the values, vision, and voice of our community.
Contact:
Ralph Geer, Chair and Dan Besikof, Vice-Chair
Scarsdale Procedure Committee
ralphgeer@gmail.com
https://www.scarsdaleprocedurecommittee.org/
Eagle Scouts Build Picnic Tables for the Greenburgh Nature Center
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Oliver BandsmaWhen most people think of picnic tables, they don’t consider the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into building them, especially when they’re part of a community Eagle Scout project. But for Oliver Bandsma from Troop 2 Scarsdale, the tables represented much more than places to sit and eat. They became a symbol of perseverance, teamwork, and service.
The project began with a clear goal: to build three large cedar picnic tables to install at the Greenburgh Nature Center. The initial plan depended on a generous lumber donation from a nearby lumberyard, which had previously expressed interest in supporting the endeavor. “We had almost enough for three tables,” Bandsma explained, “but we were still short on wood, and we needed more cedar to complete the job.” He and his family made repeated attempts to contact the lumberyard’s CEO and other representatives, but communication fell silent. “They had been incredibly generous already, so we didn’t want to push too hard or risk offending them,” he said.
Ian Rozens, Oran Bandsma, Adelia Bandsma, Moira Crouch, Woody Crouch, Connor Cassidy, Michael Cassidy
With the project’s timeline tightening and assembly day approaching, the family made the decision to purchase the remaining cedar from another lumberyard using funds raised by the Scout himself. It turned out to be a smart call. The original supplier never responded again, and the purchased wood allowed the project to move forward on schedule. “My dad went out and brought back the rest of the cedar, and we got to work preparing all of it for the build.”
On November 23, 2024, work began at the Bandsma home. Measurements were taken, and adults assisted with cutting and drilling holes. A last-minute discovery that the bolts purchased were too short nearly delayed the effort—but the team quickly returned them and sourced the correct hardware.
The main assembly day took place on November 30. A small team of volunteers tackled the job with only two drills and a lot of determination. “It was tough because only two people could screw in deck screws at once.” But it was worth it. Despite the setbacks, the group completed all three tables—with an hour to spare.
Matteo Buccellato, Connor Cassidy, Oran Bandsma, Simon Bandsma, Paulo Sorensen
Challenges didn’t stop at limited tools. The team faced difficulty aligning holes, and natural knots in the cedar added complexity to the build. But the imperfections only added to the tables’ character. Oliver sums it up, “There were a few minor errors, but they made the tables look handmade. You’d only notice if you were really inspecting them.”
Matthew Jakaitis, Manager of Facilities and Grounds at Greenburgh Nature Center said, ”The Nature Center is always looking for ways to become more accessible for everyone. With the accessible benches Oliver and his troop provided, we are now able to accommodate more visitors comfortably. Thank you to Oliver, Troop 2 Scarsdale, and everyone else who contributed to this project!”
Young Swimmers Raise $10,000 for Cancer Research and Support
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It was HOT, HOT, HOT, somewhere near the 90-plus-to-100-degrees with a burning sunshine overhead.
But that didn’t deter the highly dedicated adult-and-young-children swimmers with different family backgrounds, vocations and swimming capabilities from energetically swimming to help fight cancer, and raise money for cancer research, prevention and treatment.
The Swim Across America fund-raising event, “Making Waves to Fight Cancer” took place at Scarsdale Golf Club (SGC) on Thursday afternoon, July 24th. Participants swam one mile, a half mile or formed relay teams for longer distances that consisted of family and friends.
Every swimmer who participated received a T-shirt and a towel, a unique participation medal, and other promotional items. Individual donations started at $500 and increased upward from there.
While there were no specific prizes for the longest swims of the day, except a big thanks for their swims and donations, time and a job well done, adult swimmers Sue Miles and Peter Mehlich did indeed register three-and-two miles respectively for their swims. With those outstanding swims, it was noted that they were seemingly never out of the pool for the whole event.
Swimmers All-In to Fight Cancer
It was obvious from watching the event that everybody involved was all in to fight cancer. Overall, it also was indeed a star-studded swimming fund-raiser for the benefit of the Long Island Sound chapter of Swim Across America.
Those included in the very successful fund-raiser were a bunch of adult swimmers, such as Tania Weiss, executive director of Cancer Support Team (CST); Bonnie Gould, former board chair of CST, SGC member and a long-time Scarsdale resident; and CST Advisory Board Member Sabrina Fiddelman. Many other CST officials and supporters were also on hand to work the event. 
Young Swimmers Stole the Show
If you were there on site for the event, you know first-hand that it was the amazing kids, not the most caring adults, who stole the show, and literally in most dynamic kid-like fashion, with their smashing smiles and over-the-top energy, led the swimming parade for fighting cancer.
They were supported by grandparents and parents who were there to cheer them on in very much a family affair. Penny Bowman of Scarsdale, one of those grandparents and a SGC member, even swam with her granddaughter, Brooklyn Bowman, 12, and her friend, Elizabeth Abramov, 10, also from Scarsdale. Grandpa Mattias Bowman was on the sidelines the whole time to cheer all three on.
The LaSalle family of Scarsdale also made themselves known at the event as daughter Elenora LaSalle, 13, swam 216 laps and son Raphael LaSalle, 11, did 130 laps. Emera LaSalle, mother, chauffer for the day, Upper School English Teacher at Friends Academy in New York City and an outstanding soprano singer with Scarsdale’s New Choral Society, also swam in the event.
As usual, Gould headed the CST committee that provided a watchful and careful supervisory eye for the event, and coordinated exceptionally well with Laeh Yang-DiPietro, new SGC aquatics director and photographer for the event, to ensure everything went according to plan, as well as, above all, safely. Lifeguards aplenty were on hand to make sure.
No questions were needed to be asked of the spectators/donors in attendance about who were the rising stars of the event. It was obvious from the very beginning that they knew full-well who brought out the smiles for the day. Answer: It was those wonderful kids.
Ranging in ages from 5-to-13, there they were swimming happily and smoothly in a variety of swim positions, such as freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke, while actively helping fight cancer, more often than not, for a personal family reason. Several youngsters in attendance said they were swimming for an important and close relative.
The donations definitely were coming in methodically last Thursday afternoon from the well-organized 3-to-5-pm swim and the benefit for the previously mentioned Swim Across America (SAA), a national organization that has acknowledged local roots with plenty of supporters in Scarsdale, Eastchester, Larchmont and other Westchester towns and villages. SAA for years has religiously spread its funding to a number of worthwhile and local cancer-related organizations.
For example, the Cancer Support Team of Purchase, NY, with its numerous cancer patient services and a cadre of fully trained nurses, is one of those most deserving non-profits.
Swim Event Reached its Goal
Prior to the event, $3,017 had already been raised. After the two-hour swim and donations collected during, before and after, the final tally, according to CST’s Weiss, was $10,000, a record for the three-year event at SGC. More is expected from other donors who were expected to mail-in their donations to SAA, P.O. Box 217, Larchmont, NY 10538.
Proceeds from all the local Westchester swims support immunotherapy research at the Swim Across America research laboratories of Dr. Luis Diaz and the MSK Kids Department of Pediatrics at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; immunotherapy research and clinical trials at the Swim Across America Laboratory at Weill Cornell Cancer Center; pediatric oncology research at Morgan Columbia University Medical Center, and the previously mentioned patient services from the Cancer Support Team.
Congratulations to one and all for a most worthwhile and well-organized local fund-raising swim event for a very good cause. Some of the attendees and supervisors and those good-looking kids from the event are still smiling about the success of this most important local charitable event.
