Statement of Assemblymember Amy Paulin on the Fate of Abortion Medication
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The U.S. Supreme Court announced today that they will hear the case regarding access to abortion medication. It is frightening that such an impactful decision is in the hands of a court instead of medical providers, but this is where we are, and I will be fighting to make New York State a safe haven for women everywhere.
For years the abortion medication Mifepristone has been safely and effectively used by millions of women in the U.S. and worldwide. Mifepristone and misoprostol can be taken up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy, greatly expanding the abortion window for women. They have no risk of overdose or addiction, and have a lower rate of complications than many widely used drugs, including Tylenol.
In recent years the FDA has expanded access by allowing abortion medication pills to be prescribed online, mailed to patients, and dispensed at retail pharmacies.
In 2021, over half of abortions in the United States were medication abortions, specifically using the two-drug regimen of mifepristone and misoprostol.
Abortion pills are therefore key to expanding abortion access and fighting the Court’s draconian decision to strike down Roe v. Wade, as the pills can be transported across state borders.
After the FDA ruling allowing pharmacies to dispense, I immediately introduced legislation for New York State to allow pharmacists to dispense the pills used for medication abortion through the use of non-patient specific prescriptions. Democratic Governors in 15 states also issued a letter to the CEOs of major pharmacy chains urging them to be guided by “science and medical evidence” and “not politics or litigation threats.”
Now once again our court system is being used to undermine science and the FDA’s regulatory authority, as the fate of abortion access lies in the hands of the Supreme Court.
Poll after poll shows that the majority of Americans believe that abortion should be legal. Will the Supreme Court once again ignore the public’s will and seek to control women’s bodies?
Imagine having to travel out of state to get an abortion, even in circumstances where a woman’s pregnancy is non-viable and a threat to their health and future fertility, as just happened in Texas. Is this a play for humanity or control over women? Clearly it is the latter.
And if an FDA-approved medication can be effectively banned by the court, what is next? Will anti-vaccination activists persuade the court to ban similarly widely used and FDA-approved vaccines? It’s a frightening trajectory and one we cannot allow.
Access to abortion is something I have fought for throughout my time as a legislator. I will continue to fight against the tragic and destructive attempts to turn back the clock to the detriment of women and families. I will work to ensure that New York State not only allows, but expands abortion access, and that our great state is a safe haven for all.
Latimer Announces Bid For Congress
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This just in: Westchester County Executive George Latimer has announced that he will challenge Congressman Jamaal Bowman for the Democratic nomination for Congressional District 16 which includes Scarsdale.
Below find the official announcement and a link to a video outlining Latimer’s platform:
Westchester’s Democratic County Executive George Latimer today formally launched his campaign for Congress in New York’s 16th District. Latimer is no stranger to winning tough races, having won his current position by defeating MAGA republican Rob Astorino, and winning tough contests throughout his over thirty-year career in public service from local offices to the state legislature. The district includes a large segment of Westchester as well as a smaller portion of the Bronx, although lines may change due to court-ordered redistricting in the coming months.
Latimer launched his campaign with a video titled “Real Progressive Results. Not Political Rhetoric” which can be seen here, in which he discusses his long history in the district and the work he has done to make lives better for the residents of Westchester and the Bronx. Throughout the campaign Latimer will be contrasting his record of solid progressive achievements on civil rights, the environment, abortion rights, gun violence prevention, infrastructure, LGBTQ+ rights, fiscal responsibility, housing, supporting Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism, and other issues, versus the incumbent’s divisive and distracting approach to holding office.
“Our country is facing an existential crisis and our very democracy is at risk right now,” said Latimer. “We need our voice in Congress to be someone who brings people together and delivers results on the issues that matter. We need someone who will listen to all voices, not just those who agree with him, and takes those concerns seriously. We need someone more interested in progressive results than showboating on social media. Those who know me know that I am and have always been that kind of elected official, and I look forward to talking to the voters about how we can all do better with new leadership in our Congressional district.”
George Latimer is a lifelong Westchester resident who built his career in public service by delivering unparalleled progressive results for local residents. George’s track record in making Westchester the most progressive County government in the state includes successfully cutting regressive taxes, fighting for civil rights and racial equality, defending a woman’s right to choose, standing up to the NRA to keep guns off our streets, voting for marriage equality, and smartly investing a Green New Deal style infrastructure projects across the County.
Scarsdale Supports White Plains Hospital
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Susan Fox (Larchmont), Wendy and Scott Kleinman (Scarsdale)Thanks to the Friends of White Plains Hospital and supporters, nearly 700 guests attended the hospital’s 2023 annual gala on October 14 at Westchester Country Club. Actor, singer, and White Plains Hospital committee member Christopher Jackson (Hamilton, And Just Like That) emceed the event, making the night a magical success.
William Null (Sleepy Hollow), Katherine Winterroll (Scarsdale), Christopher Jackson (Tarrytown), Susan Fox (Larchmont), Mayor Thomas Roach (White Plains), Geralyn Della Cava (Scarsdale), Jonathan Spitalny (White Plains)
Wendy Berk (Scarsdale) , Jan Quartner (Tuckahoe) and Mary Brennan (Scarsdale)
Andrew and Carrie Bank (Scarsdale), Jan Quartner (Tuckahoe), Ann and David Yaspan (Scarsdale)
In attendance was committee member William Null of Sleepy Hollow, event co-chair, Katherine Winterroll of Scarsdale, emcee and committee member Christopher Jackson of Tarrytown, White Plains Hospital President and CEO, Susan Fox of Larchmont, Mayor Thomas Roach of White Plains, committee members; Geralyn Della Cava of Scarsdale and Jonathan Spitalny of White Plains. Wendy and Scott Kleinman, Albert and Carol Lowenthal, all of Scarsdale, Dr. Michael Palumbo, MD of Pound Ridge. Committee members: Margaret and Laurence R. Smith, Andrew and Carrie Bank and Wendy Berk, all of Scarsdale. Jan Quartner of Tuckahoe, Mary Brennan of Scarsdale, and Ann and David Yaspan of Scarsdale.
Photo credit: Hechler Photographers and John Vecchiolla Photography
Alan and Suzanne Waxenberg (Scarsdale)
Margaret and Laurence R. Smith (Scarsdale)
Paulin and ECC Address Traffic Back-Up on Central Park Avenue
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Over the summer, as part of the Edgemont Community Council’s (ECC) comprehensive traffic and pedestrian safety initiative, the ECC Traffic, Sidewalks, and Safety Committee received feedback from concerned and frustrated residents that the intersection of Central Avenue and Underhill Road/Old Army Road experienced significant backup at the traffic signal during school dropoff and pickup, even after the installation of a left turn arrow by New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) at this intersection in 2019.
ECC President Dylan Pyne brought this concern to the Office of Assemblymember Amy Paulin, who worked with the NYSDOT to have “school timing plans” – which are effectively changes to traffic light traffic timing during school pickup and dropoff times - added to the traffic signal at the intersection of Central Avenue and Underhill Road/Old Army Road. These traffic light timing changes were made at the end of September 2023. Since that time, Dylan Pyne and Office of Amy Paulin staff observed the intersection and witnessed a significant enhancement in traffic flow during school dropoff and pickup.
“I’m very pleased that the traffic light timing changes have been made and have alleviated the congestion in the area,” said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. “I appreciate the ECC and Edgemont residents who participated in their traffic study and was happy to help. I hope that the Edgemont community continues to use me and my office as a resource and partner.”
“The Edgemont Community Council thanks Assemblymember Amy Paulin, her staff, and the NYSDOT for their responsiveness to the concerns of Edgemont,” said ECC President Dylan Pyne. “The ECC seeks to improve the quality of life for those living in Edgemont and appreciate Assemblymember Paulin’s and the NYSDOT’s partnership in helping us fulfill our mission.”
Local Pro Hosting Tennis Retreat in Cancun... You're Invited
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Local tennis pros and a fitness instructor are offering a spring tennis retreat at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre in Cancun. They invite you and your friends and family to join them for five days of strength and sunshine on and off the courts from April 5-9, 2024.
The retreat is designed to help you take your tennis to the next level through sport-specific mobility and strength training, and expert drills and games.
Daily tennis clinics will be coached by Fox Meadow Tennis Club’s Pavle Jefferson and Geoff LoConte from Beachpoint in Mamaroneck. Mornings will focus on drills, technique and form, while afternoon court time will be structured games and match play to put what you learned into practice. At the end of the retreat, they’ll hold a tournament for all levels!
Each morning, Michele and Lucero (Mi&Lu) will host a functional movement workout to get you ready for your day of tennis. You'll build up core strength and activate the muscles needed to be a more efficient and powerful athlete on the court. And after tennis, the duo will offer a class to rebalance your body, wind down and relax. This class will focus on the MELT Method and stretching. All classes are for any level of fitness.
When you're not on the courts or in the studio, you have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the resort's five-star amenities. From indulging in the spa to dipping in the pools or the sea, to enjoying various land and water activities on site, you will have many options to make the retreat your own during down time.
Here’s what you need to know:
Who will be my coaches during the retreat?
Pavle Jefferson, a Scarsdale local (who graduated from Scarsdale High School), will be the lead tennis instructor. Pavle is Fox Meadow Tennis Club's Director of Racquet Sports. Pavle played for Columbia University, and prior to Fox Meadow Tennis Club, coached collegiate tennis at Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and Duke University. He has also coached players at the professional level (including Israeli star Shahar Peer in 2006 - she was ranked 15 in the world). Pavle is an innovative teacher and has many creative programming ideas for players of all ages.
Geoff LaConte will be joining Pavle as a tennis instructor during the retreat. Geoff is the Director of Pickleball and Platform Tennis at Beach Point Club in Mamaroneck. After playing college tennis at UMASS-Amherst, Geoff went on to receive his Masters Degree in Education from NYU and taught for several years before returning to tennis. Geoff continues to play competitively in all three racquet sports.
Lucero Barry is one of the talented trainers for the retreat. She teaches both classical Pilates and the MELT Method of self-care. She received a B.F.A. in dance from the Boston Conservatory of Music. Her methods are influenced by her experiences teaching dance and being a dedicated practitioner in meditation and mindfulness.
Michele Oppliger is our other trainer. She was a professional modern dancer in NYC for over two decades. After her dancing career ended, she took her love and experience of movement and became a certified Pilates and MELT teacher. Her students are getting stronger, more resilient and are functioning better in their daily lives with her combination of Pilates, MELT and strength training.
Where will we stay?
The Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Resort and Spa is a luxurious beachfront property located on Costa Mujeres beach, an esteemed spot on the Mexican Caribbean, just a short drive from the vibrant town of Cancún. The best part? The acclaimed Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre is on site at the resort, and that's where our classes and recreational play will take place daily!
The resort has three fabulous pools, including swim-up bars where you can relax and indulge. There are eight international restaurants and stocked bars, complimentary Wi-Fi in all facilities, and a 5-star spa and wellness center. Plus, you have the opportunity to take part in any resort-led activities or shows if you'd like.
What separates this trip from other trips?
Apart from the world-class location, high-end accommodations, and stellar staff, this retreat offers competitive tennis instruction as well as specific training to prepare the body for sustained performance and injury-prevention. General tennis camps are fun and help improve your game, but exclusively focusing on court skills without building a solid body foundation will only lead to injury in the long term. Pavle and Geoff will prepare and organize dynamic drills and point play in a thoughtful progression over the course of the retreat. Michele and Lucero will help strengthen your core, shoulders, and lower body to maximize your output on the court without overusing or injuring the main body groups. In addition, Michele and Lucero will offer online training sessions for 10 weeks leading up to the retreat at no additional cost to help prepare players before they arrive (this is an incredible value!).
What can you expect on a daily basis?
You will have the opportunity to play, learn, and improve your game on and off the court while enjoying the beautiful colors of the ocean, having a margarita (or your favorite drink) with new and old friends, and exploring local attractions. Each day offers a mix of tennis instruction, fitness training, and social activities while providing time for our participants to relax at their own pace during off-times. The arrival and departure dates will include some fun activities to introduce the players and coaches (arrival date) and round out the trip (departure date), while the middle three days will include 3.5 hours of tennis and 1.5 hours of training and time for players to enjoy the beautiful environment.
How many spots are available?
The retreat is designed for a maximum of 16 players (4 students/teacher ratio).
Does my level of play matter?
Yes and no. We take all levels of play but will be mindful to group players based on level of play.
Is there a deadline to register?
While there is no deadline to register, we expect spots will sell out by Thanksgiving, if not sooner, so register now!
Pricing and Registration
$2700 double occupancy (price per person)
$3450 single occupancy
What's Included
5 days / 4 nights accommodations at an all-inclusive beachfront resort
All meals and beverages included (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
Daily tennis lessons on the red clay Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre courts
Afternoon games and optional match play
End-of-retreat tennis tournament
Daily strength and mobility class tailored to tennis players
MELT and restorative stretch classes
All meals, snacks and drinks included (bottle service and other exceptions may apply)
10 weeks of conditioning classes via Zoom with Lucero and Michèle leading up to the retreat
Free time to enjoy resort amenities or sign up for additional activities or spa treatments
Additional court time available free with day-of reservation or $25 for advanced reservation (speak with front desk to reserve)
Notes:
Travel insurance highly recommended.
Flights to Cancun, Mexico (CUN) and airport transfers not included.
Final payment due no later than January 5, 2024.
