Governor Hochul Declares State of Emergency and Provides Update on State Response to Statewide Winter Storm

State of Emergency Declared in Albany, Bronx, Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Fulton, Greene, Herkimer, Kings, Madison, Montgomery, Nassau, New York, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange, Oswego, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Sullivan, Rensselaer, Suffolk, Ulster, Wayne, Westchester and Contiguous Counties

Forecasts Call for Highest Snowfall Totals for New York City Since 2022; Peak Snowfall Rates of Two or More Inches an Hour Possible

Widespread Four to Eight Inches of Snow Forecast for Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Regions; Localized Amounts of Up to One Foot Possible

Widespread Three to Six Inches of Snow Possible in Areas Throughout Central New York, Southern Tier and Capital Region; Localized Amounts of Up to Eight Inches Possible

Ice Accumulation is Possible in Western New York

Hazardous Travel Conditions Possible Friday Night; Drivers Should Take Extra Precautions, Leave Extra Time Between Destinations

New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111

Governor Kathy Hochul today declared a State of Emergency for more than half of New York counties and provided an update on the State’s response ahead of anticipated widespread snowfall Friday night into Saturday morning. Areas of the Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island regions will see the highest snowfall amounts with totals of four to eight inches possible and with localized amounts of up to 12 inches. On average, snowfall rates will be between a half inch to one and a half inches, with peak rates of more than two inches an hour possible. New Yorkers expecting to travel Friday in impacted areas should plan to get to their destinations prior to 6 p.m. when the heaviest snow is expected to begin, and avoid any unnecessary travel until later Saturday morning. If travel is unavoidable, New Yorkers should be sure to leave themselves extra time between destinations and ensure their vehicles are packed with safety essentials. State agencies began preparations for this storm earlier this week.

The State of Emergency impacts Albany, Bronx, Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Fulton, Greene, Herkimer, Kings, Madison, Montgomery, Nassau, New York, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange, Oswego, Otsego, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Sullivan, Rensselaer, Suffolk, Ulster, Wayne, Westchester and contiguous counties.

“As widespread snowfall is expected to start in New York City and its surrounding areas this evening, I will declare a State of Emergency to ensure that our agencies and local partners have the resources and tools they need to respond to the storm,” Governor Hochul said. “The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and I continue to urge extreme caution throughout the duration of this storm. Please continue to monitor your local forecast, avoid unnecessary travel and if you must travel, take all necessary precautions to ensure you arrive safely at your destination.”

Snow has already begun to fall in the western portions of the state and the system is expected to move east throughout the day. The highest snowfall totals are expected to be throughout the Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Regions with a widespread four to eight inches of snow and some areas potentially may receive one foot. Additionally, parts of Central New York, Southern Tier and Capital Region will see a widespread three to six inches of snow with localized amounts of up to eight inches possible. The heaviest snowfall of the storm is expected in these areas between 6 p.m. and midnight Friday, with the potential for some downstate areas to see snowfall rates of more than two inches per hour. These conditions have the potential to create hazardous driving conditions and reduced visibility, so New Yorkers are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel until late Saturday morning.

Strong winds also are anticipated with gusts of 25 to 35 mph possible and localized gusts possibly reaching 50 mph. This wind combined with snow, which could be wet and heavy at times, could create the potential for power outages.

In addition to preparing for snow and wind, New Yorkers should also prepare to protect against the dangers that can result from colder weather and winter activities. Under state regulation, a Code Blue is automatically in effect whenever the temperature and wind chill equal less than 32 degrees. Local social services districts are legally required to take necessary steps to ensure those experiencing homelessness have access to shelter and that shelter hours are extended. New Yorkers also should check out these cold weather tips from the Department of Health; additional tips for preventing frostbite and hypothermia information on Carbon Monoxide poisoning; information on the proper use of generators; and safe winter driving tips.

The New York State Department of Labor advises workers and employers to engage in extreme cold weather best practices such as:

• Limit outdoor work, provide frequent breaks in warm areas and schedule outdoor work during the warmest times of the day.
• Ensure access to clean drinking water.
• Stay hydrated with warm beverages and avoid drinking caffeine.
• Wear proper PPE, including at least three layers of clothing, gloves or mittens, thick socks, insulated footwear and a hat, hood or hard hat liner.

View more information on best practices for working in cold weather.

Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories have been issued, and New Yorkers should closely monitor their local forecasts and look for updates issued by the National Weather Service. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.

New Yorkers should also ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111. 

Winter Driving Safety Tips

• Monitor the forecast for your local area and areas you may be traveling to.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• If you have a cellphone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
• The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
• It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit.
• Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, to safely clear several lanes at one time.
• Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions.
• Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while it's operating.

Power Outage Safety Tips

• Check with your utility to determine area repair schedules.
• Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
• If heat goes out during a storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.

To Report an Electric Outage, Call:

• Central Hudson: 845-452-2700
• Con Edison: 800-752-6633
• National Grid: 800-867-5222
• NYSEG: 800-572-1131
• O&R: 877-434-4100
• PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
• RG&E: 800-743-1701

For more safety tips, go to www.dhses.ny.gov/safety.

Statement from New York City Council on Mayor Adams’ Veto of Legislation That Allows Survivors of Gender-Motivated & Sexual Violence to Seek Accountability

 

Bill was passed by the City Council in November with a veto-proof majority

In response to Mayor Adams’ Christmas Eve veto of a bill to help victims of gender-motivated violence seek accountability (Introduction 1297-A), the New York City Council issued the following statement from spokesperson Julia Agos: 

“Mayor Adams has chosen to use his final days in office to attempt to deny survivors of sexual and gender-motivated violence the opportunity to hold their abusers accountable. There is no excuse for allowing those responsible for violent abuses to escape accountability.”

On background:

•   The mayor’s veto message must be received at the Council’s next Stated Meeting, which is scheduled for January. Once the veto is received at that meeting, the clock for the 30-day deadline to override the veto will begin.
•   Introduction 1297-A, sponsored by Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, would create a civil cause of action for crimes of violence motivated by gender that occurred prior to January 9, 2022. Any person claiming to be injured by a party who commits, directs, enables, participates, or conspires in the commission of a crime of violence motivated by gender may bring a civil claim against that party. The claims brought under this law must commence within 18 months of the effective date of the local law. Any person who brought a claim between March 1, 2023, and March 1, 2025, that meets the requirements of a cause of action under this law may amend or refile their claim to add a cause of action under this section.

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Require Warning Labels on Social Media Platforms

Legislation S4505/A5346 Requires Social Media Platforms with Certain Predatory Features To Display Warning Labels to Young Users

Builds on the Governor’s Ongoing Efforts To Address the Youth Mental Health Crisis

Governor Kathy Hochul negotiated a chapter amendment and signed legislation that will require social media platforms to display labels warning of the dangerous impact certain features can have on young users’ mental health. Legislation S4505/A5346, under the chapter amendment, requires social media platforms that offer addictive feeds, auto play or infinite scroll to post warning labels on their platforms. This legislation builds on the Governor’s ongoing efforts to address the youth mental health crisis statewide.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority since taking office, and that includes protecting our kids from the potential harms of social media features that encourage excessive use,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers deserve transparency. With the amount of information that can be shared online, it is essential that we prioritize mental health and take the steps necessary to ensure that people are aware of any potential risks.”

Recent studies show that adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of anxiety and depression. About half of adolescents claim that social media makes them feel worse about their bodies, and teenagers with the highest levels of social media use are nearly twice as likely to rate their overall mental health as poor or very poor.

Consumer warning labels are already found on a variety of different products, such as tobacco, where they communicate the health risk of cancer; plastic packaging, where they communicate the risk of suffocation for small children; certain high-sugar and sodium food products, where they communicate the risk of diabetes, obesity, tooth decay, heart disease, or stroke; alcohol, where they communicate the risk of birth defects during pregnancy as well as the dangers of driving while drunk; and video games and other types of media, where they communicate the risk of flashing lights for users with photosensitive epilepsy.

To combat the mental health risks of using harmful features of social media platforms that prolong use, this legislation will require social media companies to display warning labels on their platforms when a young user initially uses the predatory feature and periodically thereafter, based on continued use. Users will not be able to bypass or click through the warnings. 

New Yorkers for Parks - Better parks are possible - you can help!

 

A New Year, A New Opportunity

January 1, 2026 will bring a new Mayoral administration – and with it, a new opportunity to shape the future of our parks.  

Better parks are possible, and you can help! 

With your support, NY4P will be front and center in the coming weeks, pushing new leadership in City Hall and the City Council to make the funding and policy commitments our parks need to thrive. Learn more in our Parks 2030 plan and First 100 Days for Parks Agenda.

Please consider making a year-end donation today to help us leverage this rare and brief opportunity.

Your generosity will directly strengthen our advocacy and help us build the park system New Yorkers need and deserve. 

Give Today

MAYOR ADAMS AWARDS KEY TO THE CITY OF NEW YORK TO EMMY AWARD WINNING AND VETERAN JOURNALIST MARVIN SCOTT

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today awarded the Key to the City of New York to 60-year veteran journalist Marvin Scott — a New York State Broadcasters Hall of Famer, 14-time Emmy award winner, and recent Governors Award winner — in recognition of his lifelong impact on the city he continues to serve. Scott is a Bronx native that has been a cornerstone of New York broadcast news for more than five decades. Since joining WPIX in 1980, he has served as anchor, reporter, host, producer, and senior correspondent.  

  

“Today, we honor a man whose voice has echoed across the five boroughs and around the globe for generations. Marvin Scott is a giant of news and journalism,” said Mayor Adams. “For six decades, Marvin has shone a light on what is happening in our streets, across our nation, and around the globe, and he has done it with courage, integrity, and a dedication to the truth. For his lasting impact on journalism, news, and public service, it is my honor to present the Key to New York City to a New York legend.” 

  

“To receive the Key to the City of New York, which has been my work home and my greatest story for six decades, is an extraordinary honor,” said veteran journalist Marvin Scott. “I feel privileged to have been able to tell New York's story through the voices of the people. My gratitude to Mayor Adams for this honor.” 

 

A seasoned reporter of local, national, and international news, Scott has covered major stories from the front lines of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Cambodia, to the Civil Rights movement with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He has interviewed six U.S. presidents, as well as global figures, including Israeli Prime Ministers Golda Meir and Yitzhak Rabin and Palestine Liberation Organization Chairman Yasser Arafat, and has chronicled every New York City mayor since John Lindsay. His work has earned more than 40 Emmy nominations and numerous professional honors, including recognition from the Associated Press, the American Bar Association, and the New Jersey Working Press Association. 

  

Before WPIX, Scott held reporting and anchoring roles at WNEW-TV, CNN, Mutual Broadcasting System, and WABC-TV, and contributed to the New York Herald Tribune and Parade Magazine. A New York native who sold his first news photo at age 14, he has also reported extensively on the U.S. space program, authored the book “As I Saw It: A Reporter’s Intrepid Journey,” and exhibited his photography at different New York galleries.  

  

Scott’s contributions to journalism and public service have been recognized with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, inductions into the Silver and Gold Circles of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the Bronx Walk of Fame, and the Bronx Jewish Hall of Fame.  

  

The Key to the City of New York was first awarded in 1702 by New York City Mayor Phillip French, when he offered "Freedom of the City" to Viscount Edward Cornbury, governor of New York and New Jersey. By the mid-1800s, it became customary to award the Key to the City of New York as a direct symbol of the city's wish that a guest feel free to come and go at will. Today, the Key to the City of New York is a beloved symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement.

CONSUMER ALERT: New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Reminds Holiday Shoppers to Review Store Refund and Return Policies

Avoid Unexpected Surprises: Learn What to Look for in a Product Return Policy

As the Holiday Shopping Season Ends, These Tips Will Help Shoppers Make Informed Decisions 

“Before making a trip to the store, keep in mind that return and exchange policies vary by retailer.”

As the holiday shopping season winds down, the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is providing consumers tips to navigate store return and refund policies. The National Retailer Foundation estimates that consumers will return $849.9 billion worth of merchandise this year, or 15.8% of retailers’ total projected annual sales. Returning products is even more common for online shoppers, with consumers expected to return nearly 20% of online purchases made this year.

While returns have become a regular part of shopping for many, policies vary from store-to-store, making refunds a challenge at times. Consumers should be aware of laws that protect them so they can make informed decisions about holiday returns and understand what to look for when reviewing store policies.

 “As the holiday rush comes to a close, it’s common for consumers to return or exchange gifts that didn’t quite work out,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “Before making a trip to the store, keep in mind that return and exchange policies vary by retailer. Taking a moment to review these policies in advance can help New Yorkers save time and avoid frustration.”

PAY ATTENTION TO RETURN POLICIES:

• New York State law requires that stores post their refund policies conspicuously on the item, at the store entrance, or near the cash register. State law now also requires online stores to display or hyperlink to refund policies for consumers before checkout. Retailers must provide a written copy of the store’s return policy when requested.
• New York state law does not require retailers to accept returns, but they must post a conspicuous notice visible to consumers before the point of sale telling them that returns won’t be accepted.
• If a retailer does not post a return policy, the law requires the retailer to accept returns of unused, undamaged merchandise within 30 days of the purchase date. The returned item must include a proof of purchase, like a receipt or any other form of verification permitted by the vendor, and the refund must be made by cash or credit based on the customer’s preference.

UNDERSTAND THE REFUND TERMS: New York State law does not require stores that allow refunds to give them in a specific manner. However, retailers must tell you how you’ll get your refund before a purchase, including options like cash, store credit, or an exchange. Retailers must also tell you whether there will be any fees to return the item. Make sure to read any notices in the store, on the business website, or in any online hyperlinks before making your purchase to verify refund and return policies, including whether if the store charges shipping or “restocking” fees for returned merchandise.

KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS: Consumers should hold onto receipts just in case a product needs to be returned. Ask for a gift receipt if you’re purchasing a gift. For online shopping, make sure you keep emails with any purchase information when shopping online. Having an email address or inbox dedicated to online shopping can help you keep your online receipts all in one place.

RUNNING INTO REFUND PROBLEMS? CONTACT THE DIVISION: Consumers having difficulty obtaining a refund are encouraged to file a complaint with the New York State Division of Consumer Protection.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook.

Permits Filed for 3822 Sedgwick Avenue in Kingsbridge Heights, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for an eight-story residential building at 3822 Sedgwick Avenue in Kingsbridge Heights, The Bronx. Located between Stevenson Place and Fort Independence Playground, the lot is closest to the 231st Street subway station, served by the 1 train. Sinai Gross is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 74-foot-tall development will yield 20,806 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 30 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 693 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a 20-foot-long rear yard.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet for the residential building on the site. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

VCJC News & Notes 12/26/2025

 

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center

News and Notes

Last regularly scheduled News and Notes for 2025! Happy Civil New Year!

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful!

Reminders

2. Shabbos schedule - Services on Saturday morning will not be held because of the impending snow storm
   
   
   Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar.
   Here are the times you need:  
   Shabbos Candles Friday 12/26/25 @ 4:16 pm
   
   
   Shabbos Ends Saturday 12/27/25 @ 5:20 pm

   If you require an aliyah or would like to lead services, read from the torah or haftorah please speak to one of the gabbaim.

   
   

   
   

   
   

3. Candle Lighting time corrections to the Center Light

   There are some errors in the calendar in the Center Light for December. A corrected calendar was emailed out.
   The end of Shabbat for 12/27 is 5:20PM, not 5:22PM.

4. Shabbos parsha

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Parashat Vayigash 5786 / פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּגַּשׁ

   27 December 2025 / 7 Tevet 5786

   Parashat Vayigash is the 11th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading.

   Torah Portion: Genesis 44:18-47:27

   Vayigash (“He Approached”) opens as Judah pleads with Joseph not to keep Benjamin as a prisoner. Joseph reveals his true identity to his brothers, crying and kissing them. The brothers bring Jacob from Canaan to Egypt, and Jacob and his children settle in Goshen. The portion ends as Joseph buys most of Egypt’s land in exchange for food. [1]

   
   

5. Tenth of Teves Fast, Tuesday, 12/30
   Fast starts 6:07AM
   Fast ends 5:22 PM

6. Please help with information about buildings

   As part of rebuilding the membership and congregation, the Board of Trustees would like your help. There are a lot of either new or renovated buildings being put up in our catchment area. We would like to seek the cooperation of the owners / developers of those properties in publicizing these opportunities to live near an orthodox synagogue.  If you are aware of any of these buildings, please provide what information you can about them.  This could include the address, any contact information that might be posted, and any information about the building itself (size, type, etc.). Additionally, if you are aware of vacancies in existing buildings or of houses for sale, please let us know about that as well.

   
   

   
   

7. 3rd annual Community Cleanup Day for MLK Day
   We received the following in an email and are passing it on for your information.

   “My name is Spence Weitzen, and I work for GrowTorah, where we do experiential & environmental Torah education. I hope you're doing well!

   
   

   I'm reaching out as we're hosting our 3rd annual Community Cleanup Day for MLK Day with the UJA Federation of NY & Westchester Parks Foundation on Monday, January 19th, which also happens to be Rosh Chodesh Shevat! Here's a link to the event page.

   
   

   The event will take place at the Bronx River Pathway. We've had hundreds of participants collect hundreds of pounds of trash in the past while honoring the legacy of Dr. MLK Jr. and preparing for Tu B'Shvat.”

   
   

8. An Appeal from the Met Council for SNAP help

   
   

   See the VCJC blog post from the Met Council’s announcement.

   
   

Our mailing address is:
Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
3880 Sedgwick Ave
Bronx, NY 10463