this week’s great news in the ’hood

the kids are more than alright—they’re speaking out about data centers and advocating for their future. youth organizer cj of cohort z spoke alongside senator kristen gonzalez outside of orangetown’s planning meeting on tuesday to protest the development of databank’s phase 2. listen to his speech, and let it inspire you to get out the vote!

something that inspired us

travel with us to monterey, ma, a little town in the berkshires with a lot of heart. and a lot of hearts. lawn signs with a large red heart signify involvement in neighbor to neighbor (n2n), a program created by jennifer brown of the local police department, where volunteers raise their hands to both help and receive help from neighbors. at its core, n2n is all about identifying need and combatting isolation.

“neighbors who might never have met have begun forming friendships and networks of support. by cultivating these connections, n2n is not just filling gaps in services—it is strengthening the social fabric of monterey, reminding residents that community thrives when people step forward for one another.” —bright initiatives.org

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• participate in your county board of legislators! whether you show up for meetings or watch via zoom, speak at a public hearing or send a note to your local board, your participation helps local leaders understand what matters to the community! find your county info here: dutchess | putnam | rockland | westchester

• “what if saving democracy starts with showing up?” mark your calendars to show up on 9/18 for a screening of join or die at the lyceum (39 n broadway, tarrytown, 7:15 pm) followed by a community club fair. the lyceum is serving as a pop-up screening venue for the new sleepy hollow cinema (give ’em a follow).

• are you kitten me? snarr northeast rescue needs syringe feeders for four tiny kittens. contact them if you can lend a literal hand. more of a dog person? snarr has volunteer opportunities for all animal lovers.

support a spot in need

bingo for a cause! this sunday, august 30, from 2-5 pm, head over to sing sing kill brewery in ossining (75 spring street) to support blood cancer united. each $25 ticket gets you 4 bingo cards, and every dollar raised will support patients and families affected by blood cancers. get your tickets here.

what’s coming up w plus one

• we know, we know. we’ve kept you waiting! sliding scale tix are now available for tie-dye 4 ny! join us on 10/10 from 3-7 pm for tie-dye, food, music, and more. fun for all ages - check out a sneak peek of the kids’ shirts.

• our next 57 dinners is a festive fall mix of gatherings and block parties. ready to meet your neighbors? sign up here to host.

• our just moved in campaign is launching. we have one remaining volunteer slot to come stuff envelopes with us at the katonah reading room on 9/8 from 1-4 pm to welcome our neighbors. sign up here.

• big deal. we’ve got an actblue link. we’d love your support - you can make a gift here

this week’s great news in the ’hood

camino al éxito is opening their new community space next wednesday, august 26 at 12 pm at 527 route 22 in pawling. “a place where youth, families, and community members can learn, connect, and grow together.” want to join the community in celebrating the grand opening? get the deets here.

something that inspired us

did you know monday was national thrift shop day? “every august 17, national thrift shop day shines a spotlight on something we at planet aid think about every day: the power of reuse to protect the environment and strengthen communities.” build community, but make it ✨fashion ✨.

ny17-based secondaries boutique is organizing a clothing swap on 8/23, making it possible to 1) live that sustainable life; 2) chill with cool people; 3) clean your closet; and 4) get new-to-you clothes to liven up your wardrobe.

just drop your items off (1875 route 6 in carmel) from 8/20-8/22, get tokens based on what you drop off, pay a $10 swap fee, and show up on 8/23 to use your tokens to snag new pieces.

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

this week is all about signing up for get-out-the-vote gatherings that are so fun, you’ll want to bring a plus one:

• 📬 just moved in | tuesday, september 8 | 1-4 pm | katonah reading room (19 edgemont rd, katonah) sign up now to join plus one at the katonah reading room as we launch our just moved in campaign. we’ll be stuffing envelopes to welcome new neighbors to ny-17 with info about their town, voting district, and upcoming elections.

• 🎨 tie-dye 4 ny | saturday, october 10 | 3-7 pm | sundial farm (1311-1321 kitchawan rd, ossining) join us for a day of tie-dye with exclusive shirts, live music, food, face painting, and community. tickets are now available on a sliding scale!

• 📨 may we suggest a postcard party? simple steps:

  1. you order postcards at vote.signsofjustice.com

  2. they send you addresses of progressive voters who skip midterms.

  3. you call up some friends (maybe some 57 dinners friends?!) and make it an evening of civic action.

  4. you send voters postcards, and pat yourselves on the back for getting out the vote.

support a spot in need

our friends at pizza girls are collecting donations for colombian earthquake victims. drop off non-perishable foods, hygiene products, baby supplies, first-aid and emergency supplies, and cleaning products to the restaurant (38 e main st, mt kisco) or to the montgomery house at iona university (34 montgomery place, new rochelle).

what’s coming up w plus one

• big deal. we’ve got an actblue link. we’d love your support - you can make a gift here

• tie-dye 4 ny is happening on 10/10, and it’s gonna be a ten outta ten time. get yer tickets here for tie-dye, food, music, and more from 3-7 pm!

• our just moved in campaign is launching. come stuff envelopes with us at the katonah reading room on 9/8 from 1-4 pm to welcome our neighbors. sign up here.

this week’s great news in the ’hood

dutchess county voted unanimously to raise the pay for preschool special-ed providers, matching neighboring counties and removing the need to travel far for physical, occupational, or speech therapy. yvette valdés smith, chair of the legislature, said it best: “it’s investing in our community and our kids.” more of this, please!

something that inspired us

we’re loving the conversations the bottom-up revolution podcast is having about building resilient towns. their episode with zero empty spaces co-founder evan snow got us thinking about how vacant storefronts in ny-17 could become shared artist studios, experimental kitchens, and community spaces that bring people together.

“this is a space where they’re creating and collaborating. you’re getting to meet them. you’re getting to have a conversation with them. you’re getting to pick their brain. and then there’s also people that were crossing paths from different backgrounds and walks of life. . . . you know, they probably really wouldn’t have intersected or had their family and their friends have this meeting place and third space and opportunity for those conversations and dialogues.” check out more from the strong towns movement and give the episode “the vacancy problem artists can help solve” a listen.

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• stand with rockland’s haitian community. the supreme court’s decision to end temporary protected status (tps) for haitians weighs heavy. whether or not you live in rockland county, you can stand with our haitian neighbors by adding your name to this public statement of solidarity.

• knock, knock! who’s there? you! join the ny dems in putnam valley for some door knocking this saturday, august 15 from 10 am - 1 pm and/or the following saturday, same time. sign up here to canvass, or reach out to zack couzens at couzens@nydems.org with any questions.

• blood for a brew. new york blood center is coming to the field library in peekskill on thursday, august 20 from 1 - 7 pm, and they’re offering up coupons for a free beer, soft drink, or coffee! sign up at nybc.org/sponsor and use code #71990 to register for a slot. cheers to saving lives!

support a spot in need

a fire at the parth knolls apartment complex in ossining on friday resulted in significant damage - and one neighbor stepping up to help in a big way. matthew gullotta, the founder and president of the gullotta house, has offered residents temporary housing and help with other aspects of recovery. they’re collecting gift cards, clothes, and monetary donations for seven families impacted by the fire.

what’s coming up w plus one

• big deal. we’ve got an actblue link. we’d love your support - you can make a gift here

• tie-dye 4 ny is happening on 10/10, and it’s gonna be a ten outta ten time. mark your cals for tie-dye, food, music, and more from 3-7 pm!

• as we look ahead to november, we’re gearing up for more neighbor-to-neighbor efforts that encourage voter registration. keep your eyes on this space for updates on how you can plug in, whether through us or a sister org!

this week’s great news in the ’hood

hundreds of you incredible ny17 folks showed up for our 57 dinners “get together edition” this past sunday, august 2, and man, was it an uplifting day of community. check out our highlight reel, and stay tuned for more opportunities to meet your neighbors!

something that inspired us

seeding sovereignty’s community action initiative shows how anyone can make a real impact by coming together in moments of crisis. so keep meeting your neighbors and building that network - successful outreach is a whole lot easier when you know who to reach out to!

“we can’t stress this enough: when neighbors get together, great stuff happens . . . none of these started with a grant or partnership. they started with just 2 neighbors who talked to each other and collaborated.”

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• nypirg is taking on data centers and we 👏 are 👏 here for it 👏. the new york public interest research group is a nonpartisan non-profit with many victories advocating for environmental protections, affordable higher ed, and good government practices. their latest work is fighting to keep data centers out of nys. want to help? call gov hochul at 518-474-8390 and use this helpful script to amplify their message.

• know your rights, and help your neighbors. weteachnyc.org is offering up a free digital “know your rights” comic book in 14 languages. download and share!

• back to school is around the corner, and we’re flagging some school supply drives:

  • you can drop off supplies at the field library in peekskill before august 10 (4 nelson ave)

  • help 1,500 rockland students start the school year with confidence by supporting people to people’s school supply drive

  • venmo westchester community mutual aid to support the purchase of a bag and essential supplies (@WestchesterMutualAid; suggested donation $25).
    

  know of a drive in your area you’d like us to highlight? email hq@plusoneforamerica.org.

support a spot in need

a family in bedford hills that’s near and dear to us is going through the unthinkable with the loss of their 11 year-old son. please consider contributing to their gofundme.

a few weeks ago, we introduced you to camino al exito, a youth-focused org in dutchess county that’s providing ongoing support for underrepresented families. in the wake of the july storms, they need help more than ever, and we now have a direct link to donate for this effort.

what’s coming up w plus one

• big deal. we’ve got an actblue link. we’d love your support - you can make a gift here

• we’re postponing the tie-dye event to october. exact date will be announced next week!

• as we look ahead to november, we’re gearing up for more neighbor-to-neighbor efforts that encourage voter registration. keep your eyes on this space for updates on how you can plug in, whether through us or a sister org!

this week’s great news in the ’hood

water we excited about (in addition to puns)? the nys dec (department of environmental conservation) has released “a five-year plan outlining priorities to protect and restore the hudson river estuary and its watershed” following $450 million in funding from this year’s state budget. the plan will maintain clean drinking and recreation water, conserve natural areas, and expand public access and educational opportunities along the hudson river. we’ll drink to that!

something that inspired us

if you build it, they will come. author priya parker joined documentary filmmakers pete and rebecca davis to talk about the core tenets behind join or die, “a film about why you should join a club . . . and why the fate of america depends on it.”

“civics and community is an ecology. it’s like a rainforest. and when a rainforest collapses, ecologists will point to many factors of why it collapsed…and that’s what happened in so many of these towns with these civic ecosystems. a newspaper shuts down and there’s a ritual of transmitting group culture to children that got cut off…and you wake up 50 years later and what used to be a civic rainforest was a civic desert. But what’s really exciting about the ecological metaphor is we can turn things around through a reforestation process…and so that’s what we’re always encouraging people to do on this tour, which is one step at a time of reforestation. Start a local newsletter, start a local calendar, buy a building and make it a community space.”

want to dig in deeper? watch the full substack live convo by becoming a paid subscriber to priya’s substack or consider hosting a screening of join or die. you can also check out priya parker’s book the art of gathering and robert putnam’s book bowling alone from our favorite community space: your local library.

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• paper or plastic? let’s recommit to choosing paper as we wrap up plastic free july. this simple swap protects wildlife, reduces waste in landfills, and conserves natural resources.

• the simple act of running errands creates opportunities for connecting with your community, even in small interactions like a shared smile. @strong_towns highlights how well-planned infrastructure can foster that connection. give them a follow and use your learnings to help inform how you vote on town planning. and when you see a neighbor, offer up a smile.

• the community center of northern westchester is moving from its temporary site in bedford hills back to katonah on august 11th! know a neighbor who relies on their resources? make sure to give them the new address: 84 bedford rd, katonah 10536. take the 19 bus to the bedford rd @ katonah ave stop—ccnw is just a 4 minute walk away. want to help their cause? consider organizing a clothing or food drive, or looking into one of their other suggested acts of support.

support a spot in need

everybody needs a little help—even the helpers. community action partnership for dutchess county helps low-income folks and families through their dress for success/suited to succeed programs, food pantries, weatherization assistance, and tax help. they’re looking for raffle prize donations for their october bowl for action fundraiser—fill out the form here.

what’s coming up w plus one

• our next 57 dinners is 8/2 + we’re callin’ it the ‘get together’ edition. in addition to our dinner format we’re encouraging picnics, coffee and bagel meet ups, snack breaks - whatever you can dream up. while host sign ups have closed you can still sign up today to be a guest at a gathering near you!

• big deal. we’ve got an actblue link. we’d love your support - you can make a gift here

this week’s great news in the ’hood

“when I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘look for the helpers. you will always find people who are helping.’” —fred rogers

on july 17, the executive director of neighbors link, carola otero bracco, was named recipient of this year’s distinguished service award by nonprofit westchester. a nonprofit headquartered in mt kisco, neighbors link advocates for immigrant families through education, legal services, and economic development. at a time when the news showcases the worst, we’re offering up three cheers for carola, the ultimate helper and neighbor.

something that inspired us

move over hot girl summer. it’s mutual aid summer! this post from little_folx has us inspired to shift the focus from charity to mutual aid. think: circulating used goods at an affordable price via yard sales or buy nothing groups; stocking food pantries; checking in with shelters and transitional housing programs to see what they need; freezing water bottles and leaving them out in a cooler where neighbors can benefit.

wanna join in? we’ve got some suggestions below for how to get your mutual aid on in ny17.

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• tioli (take it or leave it) sheds are a community hub where residents can drop off gently used household items for others to take. stop by one of the tioli sheds in bedford hills or chappaqua, or join a buy nothing group like the clarkstown pay nothing/all free facebook group to recycle your goods and uncover new-to-you pieces. one neighbor’s trash is another’s treasure!

• combat child food insecurity during summer breaks. check this list of food banks across ny17 and help them stock up on kid-friendly foods to ease the absence of free school lunches.

• lifting up westchester helps provide stable housing for 3,000 women and children every year, and they have many ways you can plug in: donate directly, partner with them as a landlord or business owner, or buy tickets for their october 1st benefit concert at captain lawrence in elmsford, ny.

support a spot in need

shining a spotlight on pawling. july storms in pawling resulted in significant damage throughout the community, and many area families are in need. camino al exito is a local youth-focused org providing ongoing support for underrepresented families. they’re collecting donations for the families they work with. “youth success is inseparable from family stability.” make a difference—donate here.

what’s coming up w plus one

• our next 57 dinners is 8/2 + we’re callin’ it the ‘get together’ edition. in addition to our dinner format we’re encouraging picnics, coffee and bagel meet ups, snack breaks - whatever you can dream up. while host sign ups have closed you can still sign up today to be a guest at a gathering near you!

• mark your cal! join us 8/15 from 3-7 pm for tie-dye 4 ny!* sundial farm in ossining, ny (1311-1321 kitchawan rd) is hosting, and if you know the farm, you know it’s gonna be a good time. join us for tie-dye stations with exclusive shirts, food trucks, music, + more. *that’s tie-dye for en why, my guy

• big deal. we’ve got an actblue link. we’d love your support - you can make a gift here

this week’s great news in the ’hood

v.i.b.e (visibility + inclusion + belonging + equality) is a new collective in peekskill that’s creating community-centered events, with a focus on supporting local business and local artists. their inaugural event last saturday had bbq, dancing, cocktails, a dj, AND the community we’ve all been seeking. follow them on insta for a heads up on the next gathering.

something that inspired us

we knew we were onto something with meeting your neighbors, and this article from vox offers up anecdotes on how connecting can move from charming to critical when natural disasters and health events arise. getting to know your neighbors is good for you! not sure how to go about it? read the article for some clever tips on how to connect, from sharing “walk-tails” to finding commonalities like pets or hobbies.

“the bottom line: try to see a connection with your neighbors as an investment in your health and happiness, not a chore. ‘oftentimes when we’re working from home, the last thing we think about is touching our neighbors - getting in touch with them, getting to know their names - but that is so important,’ aldrich says. ‘for me, there is no level of investment in neighbors that is not worth it.’” julia sullivan for vox.

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• make good trouble! july 17-19 is the good trouble lives on weekend of action. this friday, july 17 at 1 pm, head to veterans memorial park (4 depew ave in nyack, ny) and join our neighbors for a peaceful protest in support of civil rights. shoutout to our faves at cohortzny17 for the heads up.

• everybody, move your body! peekskill pride is hosting a mental wellness hiking series, with the first hike taking place this sunday, july 19 from 12:30-3 pm. meet up at blue mountain reservation (435 welcher ave, peekskill) to connect and walk in pride.

• want to be an ally, but prefer heels to hiking boots? secondaries’ pride in july after-hours night market & 21+ lounge on july 18 (1875 route 6, carmel, ny, 6-10 pm) is the fun time you’re looking for. With an indoor night market, free giveaways, a beer garden and open mic karaoke, the promenade on 6 parking lot is gonna be lit.

support a spot in need

we’re big fans of affordable childcare and equitable access to early ed! mount kisco child care center (mkccc) is a nonprofit org that offers both. check out their giving page for ways to contribute—from a simple one time donation to a legacy gift, to sponsoring an event.

what’s coming up w plus one

• this friday is our sign up deadline for our next 57 dinners! the big ‘get together’ edition gathering will be on 8/2 - time and format of your choice - making it easy peasy to host. in addition to our traditional dinner format we’re encouraging picnics, coffee and bagel meet ups, snack breaks - whatever you can dream up. sign up today to host or guest

• big deal. we’ve got an actblue link. we’d love your support - you can make a gift here.

this week’s great news in the ’hood

the village of spring valley in rockland will reopen the walton gould children’s park on saturday, july 18th with safe new playground equipment thanks to a CREST grant. cheers to more spaces where kids can play + neighbors can connect!

something that inspired us

we know, we know, there are tons of reasons to be online—from photos of T+T’s nuptials to new puppies to staying informed on world news—but what about the many reasons to be offline? shayla love makes the case for seeking out community in real-life gatherings, where support structures and friendships are built + sustained.

we agree + encourage you to meet your neighbors on 8.2.

“The act of organizing IRL creates deeper relationships unfettered by algorithms, which build stronger foundations for talking about or acting on any issues that you may care about. . . . imagine the rich and exciting people you might meet if you seek out and spend time in what they described as ‘social infrastructure’: public places where people meet face-to-face — not only for political solidarity, but also for learning, support, play, and rest.” read the full article on vox.

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• ossining knows what’s up. their every-other-month community mixer gathers diverse communities for the exchange of ideas and collaboration. their next mixer on july 15 (6:30 pm, 40 somerstown road) spotlights westchester youth alliance. rsvp here for an evening with local light bites, raffle prizes, + more.

• shop local! it’s independent retailer month. let’s show support for small business owners—our neighbors—and strengthen our local economy. carve out 10 minutes to research which local shops share your values, seek out a nearby zero-waste store, and make a purchase you can feel good about.

• mark your calendars for secondaries boutique’s pride in july after-hours night market & 21+ lounge on july 18 from 6-10 pm at 1875 us-6 in carmel. tons of local vendors (ahem, could it be any easier to shop local?) with everything from tarot readings and baked goods to free mom hugs.

support a spot in need

when heavy rains hit st. john the evangelist’s church in mahopac over the fourth of july weekend, parishioners showed up to help. pastor rev. syzmon kurpios put the call out, “and people came—wonderful, beautiful community.”

even with all hands on deck, the church is in need of new floors, with asbestos tiles that need professional abatement. donations can be made via their online giving page, which also supports their ongoing food pantry service.

what’s coming up w plus one

• our next 57 dinners is 8/2 + we’re callin’ it the ‘get together’ edition. in addition to our dinner format we’re encouraging picnics, coffee and bagel meet ups, snack breaks - whatever you can dream up. sign up today to host or guest

• big deal. we’ve got an actblue link. we’d love your support - you can make a gift here

this week’s great news in the ’hood

we have a candidate. that’s right folks, the wait it over and we have a candidate to take on mike lawler this fall. congrats to cait conley and her team!

reposting here what we said last week (pre election) about this topic:

no doubt this has been a contentious primary - take a deep breath (or 27 of them) + make a deal with yourself that you’ll do what you can to make sure we win in november. that doesn’t mean you need to hit the ground this week. maybe you need a month off - that’s cool. july is meant for the pool anyway.

something that inspired us

are we the last ones to find out about the touch grass challenge??? host a ’90s-style hangout has us buzzin’ + even though we’re a week and change late, we’re all about it.

I recently did my first phone-free hangout in about 25 years. Afterward, we agreed that it was the best time we’d spent together in ages. We paid more attention to each other and to our surroundings. At one point we hung out on a park bench — normally a time we’d pull out our phones. Instead, we sat in comfortable silence and people watched. - jancee dunn | nytimes

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• make a plastic free pledge this july! on 7.1.26 (tomorrow) choose one plastic item to refuse. here’s some inspo to take you through the month!

• 5 things to do this july 4th if you love our country's potential but are flattened by the current reality. we like all options on offer + encourage you to do one of these between now and monday, july 6th.

• volunteer work that’s certified fresh! get fresh deliveries in rockland county delivers fresh food to local pantries, and they need help moving boxes from palettes to delivery trucks on thursday mornings. put those muscles to good use, for the neighborhood.

support a spot in need

snarr northeast is hurting. a few weeks ago one of their buildings caught fire and has been deemed uninhabitable. all donations will provide care for their displaced animals, cover emergency expenses, and help them rebuild.

ways to donate:

🐾 givebutter.com/donatesnarr

🐾 text “snarr” to 53-555

🐾 via paypal: paypal.me/snarrnortheast

🐾 mail to: po box 307 white plains ny 10602

what’s coming up w plus one

• our next 57 dinners is 8/2 + we’re callin’ it the ‘get together’ edition. in addition to our dinner format we’re encouraging picnics, coffee and bagel meet ups, snack breaks - whatever you can dream up. sign up today to host or guest

• big deal. we’ve got an actblue link. we’d love your support - you can make a gift here

if you’re like, geez, with the hyperbole emily, “hopes and wishes for a different world come 2027”…

the thing is, it’s true. those of us who live in ny17 have this extraordinary opportunity to flip the congressional majority from red to blue this november, putting a check on this administration’s power.

tomorrow’s outcome (and your participation in it) is a big step towards that necessary victory.

what’s possible in our little corner of the country is a very, very, very big deal. and an even bigger responsibility. so much of the u.s. is reliably blue or red. I feel lucky as hell to live in a place where change is possible - and the movement towards it is necessary. we have something to do here!

i could go on and on and on, but I won’t. info here and below for tomorrow’s big day.

get that sticker!

emily + plus one

this week’s great news in the ’hood

a win for families in rockland! child care assistance in the county is going up by almost 70% ($11m to $18.7M). we’ll take it! read about it here.

something that inspired us

knicks fever continues. if you haven’t had a chance to, watch mamdani’s full speech from last thursday’s parade. in it, he quotes jalen brunson, “you’re allowed to think about the worst possible scenario, but you’ve got to go out there and do something about it.”

a guiding principle for so much, including…democracy!

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

we’re gonna make this easy as pie.

• vote tomorrow - it’s the big day!

• text three neighbors before 9 am tomorrow (6.23) saying somethin’ like this:

  

• no doubt this has been a contentious primary - take a deep breath (or 27 of them) on wednesday morning + make a deal with yourself that you’ll do what you can to make sure we win in november. that doesn’t mean you need to hit the ground this week. maybe you need a month off - that’s cool. july is meant for the pool anyway.

support a spot in need

help children of incarcerated mothers through hour children’s summer visitation program. consider opening your bedford hills area home + hosting a child this summer.

for information, email vcapellupo@hourchildren.org, rfoster@hourchildren.org or call: 646-874-1195, 914-536-3618

what’s coming up w plus one

• our next 57 dinners is 8/2 + we're callin’ it the ‘get together’ edition. in addition to our dinner format we’re encouraging picnics, coffee and bagel meet ups, snack breaks - whatever you can dream up. sign up today to host or guest

• we’ve got a world cup watch party happening this saturday (6.27) at 7 pm at hacienda la paloma in mount kisco. wine, beer + tapas on us!. rsvp here

• big deal. we’ve got an actblue link. we’d love your support - you can make a gift here.

have a toaster that’s on the fritz? you’re in luck. sustainable putnam is having a repair cafe from 10:30 - 1:30pm on 6.13.26 in mahopac. registration + more details here.

something that inspired us

at least 4 of you neighbors have sent us this piece by @zuhdae. give it a spin.

But listen. I have to focus hyperlocally first. Why? Well, because… where do I live? Who do I survive with? Who must I organize with when and if our own government neglects our needs? My literal neighbor. The people on my block. The community I share a zip code with. That’s who I’m building with daily.

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• we’ve plugged pride earlier this month + we’re gonna keep on plugging it! show your support of the lqbtqia+ community + get your joy fix at the same time:

  • putnam 6.13.26 - carmel, 1 - 5pm

  • rockland 6.14.26 - nyack, 11 – 5pm

  • westchester 6.13.26 - mt. kisco, 11 -2pm

• before 6.15 touch base with a neighbor about the 6.23 primary. options include:

  • write a text to someone who shares your zip code

  • have an irl convo with a neighbor on your block

  • do an IG post

we’ve got talking points galore here, but if you want us to spoon feed you a script, here goes:

hey pal. hope you’re great. just checking in to see if you knew about the democratic primary election on 6/23? plus one has user-friendly resources here in case you want an overview! and i’m happy to answer any questions!

• ensure that YOU (+ the folks in your household) are primary-ready by completing our 5 pt. checklist here

support a spot in need

• the docs are reminding us that the time in between Memorial Day and Labor Day is when the need for blood across the country increases! find a drive near you here.

what’s coming up w plus one

• big deal. we’ve got an actblue link. we’d love your support - you can make a gift here

• our next 57 dinners is 7/18. sign up today to host or guest

we’re crisscrossing the district between now and june 23 (primary day) sharing voter registration materials. should we show up at the gathering you or your town is hosting? or would your place of biz like to post this flyer or this one? email us stat at hq@plusoneforamerica.org and tell us what’s up and how we can share our voting resources there.

how we all doing? still upright? I’ve been down and out with a plague of sorts for 2 weeks - wowee. hence the lack of routine posting here. mea culpa! rest assured I’m back at it, as is this newsletter.

there’s loads of stuff happening in the district:

• pride celebrations galore,

• farmers markets a plenty,

• food drives for days and

• a big old incredibly important primary on june 23.

read all about it and have a great weekend,

emily + plus one

this week’s great news in the ’hood

an inclusive work out space? sign us up

breakthrough fit co. is opening a new location in New City with a mission centered on accessibility for people with neurodivergent, physical, mental and emotional challenges. co-owner jake described the company as a place where clients can “walk in, be themselves” and improve physically and mentally through movement, whether they are athletes, working professionals or individuals living with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury or other needs.

read all about it here

something that inspired us

local connects via neighborhood news

you’ve subscribed to this newsletter, so we assume you’re into local news. kyle chayka’s new yorker article “your friendly neighborhood newsletter” spotlights how the written word fosters community through local newsletters. “in the era of atomized feeds and generative A.I., people often talk about craving ‘community’ online, and what is a neighborhood if not a physical, unavoidable community? You engage with it every time you step outside. in that sense, perhaps collecting people who care deeply about the same places is a more promising digital model than trying to appeal to everyone everywhere.”

we’re glad you’re here, neighbor.

(if bypassing paywalls gives you the ick, here’s a link to subscribe to the new yorker.)

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• take a trip to peekskill tomorrow (saturday, may 30) and drop some food + essentials at this drive benefitting chhop, organized by senator harckham. the drive runs from 1-3 pm in the peekskill high school parking lot (1072 elm street).

• on friday, june 5 at 7 pm, join rockland moms demand action at nyack memorial park (4 depew ave, nyack), where they’ll be in community with gun violence survivors, community partners, and gun safety advocates for national gun violence awareness day. #wearorange + rsvp here

• 🏳️‍🌈 pride! pride! pride! dei bedford is giving neighbors 4 opportunities in 18 days to celebrate pride! get to 1 of ’em - or all 4 of ’em!

support a spot in need

there’s plenty of need to go around this week - we’re plugging two places to support

• people to people in rockland is going “down the shore” on sunday, june 7 at 5:30 pm to feed rockland’s hungry. grab your tickets here, which start at $250 - yea, $250 isn’t nothing, but it’s extremely meaningful to the the 5k rockland residents who rely on people to people to put food on their tables each month.

• food not bombs nyack is in need of refrigerator space in the nyack area. please reach out to them if this is you!

what’s coming up w plus one

• you heard it here first, our next 57 dinners is 7/18. sign up today to host or guest.

• we’re crisscrossing the district between now and june 23 (primary day) sharing voter registration materials. should we show up at the gathering you or your town is hosting? email us stat at hq@plusoneforamerica.org and tell us what you’ve got going on and how we can share our voting resources there.

• big deal. we’ve got an actblue link. we’d love your support - you can make a gift here.

this week’s great news in the ’hood

food scraps for chickens!

the putnam valley commission for the conservation of the environment is collecting food scraps for chickens all season long. starting 5/29, bring your food scraps to the friday farmers market at tompkins corners cultural center and help turn food waste into something useful!

something that inspired us

neighbor gatherings are in. we’re already on it.

seems like plus one’s whole, “let’s get neighbors together” is pretty en vogue. san francisco has a meet your neighbors fund which gives sf residents $100 to host simple, low-lift gatherings that bring neighbors together.

**a reminder that we want everyone to be able to host one of plus one’s 57 dinners and are offering up to $150/host in support to go towards food, childcare, or whatever it is you need to be able to open your home to neighbors. next din din is 7/18!

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• check your voter registration in preparation for the 6.23 primary.

• the primary is coming! the primary is coming! identify three people on your street, in your zipcode or in your town to remind about the 6.23 democratic primary in ny17.

• 1 million women shared an inspiring list of small acts of resistance. pick one - any one!

support a spot in need

help support women at bedford hills correctional facility

we’re collecting a small number of personal care items for women at bedford hills correctional facility. based on guidance from volunteers, these items are especially appreciated and may be approved to bring inside:

• dove white soap or dove cucumber melon soap
• suave sweet pea deodorant

interested in contributing? drop items off 85 hickory lane, bedford, ny 10506 by friday, may 29. there will be a big tupperware bin by the front door.

small acts of care can make a meaningful difference, neighbors.

what’s coming up w plus one

• sign up to be a host or guest at our next 57 dinners on july 18

• plus one is now on actblue! support our work with a one-time or recurring contribution and help us keep building community across ny-17.

this week’s great news in the ’hood

no need to go it alone: new mom support group in garrison

calling all putnam county moms with newborns to 3 year-old kiddos! head on over to the desmond-fish library (472 route 403, garrison ny) on friday, may 8 from 1-2:30 pm to meet other new moms, talk to a bilingual certified lactation counselor, ask nurses your questions, and more. created by the putnam county dept of health, this new group will meet at the library on the second friday of each month. potential playdates abound!

something that inspired us

why “neighborism” is having a moment

aisha nyandoro, the founding ceo of a nonprofit that provides support to subsidized housing residents, tells vox that in the communities she works with, neighborism is not new or optional—it’s how people survive. “it’s the belief that the people who live closest to you are not just strangers who share a wall or a street, but co-creators in your safety, your joy, and your ability to thrive.” nyandoro says that, in practice, it looks like “a neighbor watching a child when a parent’s shift runs long” or “moms texting each other to see if someone needs a ride to the grocery store.” we're loving the idea of more connection in ny17. read the full article from sara radin at vox here.

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• subscribe to a local paper. need help finding one? we got you.

• register to attend the reel justice festival may 8 + 9 at the stony point center in rockland. you’ll be educating yourself on the most pressing issues of our time, meeting like-minded neighbors and hearing from local leaders in post-screening panels.

• not in district, but we couldn’t resist: help the debt gala folks reach their goal.

support a spot in need

apps for access

join rivertowns for reproductive rights and bloomy for appetizers for access monday, may 11 from 4-8 pm. the event raises funds directly for nyaaf and gives our community an opportunity to come together in support of abortion access. $65 suggested donation.

what’s coming up w plus one

• sign up by 5/9 (saturday) to be a guest at our next 57 dinners on May 16

• are you playing plus one’s civic bingo? it’s all the rage.

  • info to play here

  • download your card here

  • deadline 5/15

this week’s great news in the ’hood

(so fresh and so) clean energy funding

nyserda chose two tarrytown schools for $10 million in state funding to install clean energy tech and lower energy usage. fossil fuels are soooo 20th century.

something that inspired us

find your third place

meeting neighbors shouldn’t cost money, and it can’t happen at home (well, it can, if you’re a 57 dinners host, but we digress.) what you need is a third place: a spot where sparking up a convo costs you nothing but your time and willingness to participate. read what allie conti at the atlantic has to say.

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• plan an outing to a fruit farm. fruit farms in our area experienced a severe freeze on april 21. among them are our dear neighbors: wilkens fruit & fir farm (yorktown heights), harvest moon farm & orchard (north salem), salinger’s orchard (brewster), fishkill farms, and dr. davies (congers).

  ways to help:

  • purchase produce and products directly from local stores, farmers’ markets, and farm stands

  • make it a date night. try out harvest moon’s cider and trivia nights, wilkens’ wine tastings, salinger’s big blue bus lunches, fishkill farms’ angry orchard cider tasting festival, and dr. davies’ red barn cidery parties.

  • buy local! look for “locally produced” labels at your supermarket

  • join a CSA—many neighboring farms offer them

• read why school board elections matter, and locate your polling place. school boards impact many facets of life—from raising property values to lowering crime, to pushing harmful agendas.

  • this just in! clarkstown central school district’s school board elections are around the corner on may 19. if clarkstown’s your district, show up!

  • find your town’s school board election dates by visiting your district’s “board of education” or “clerk” page

• join sustainable sleepy hollow for their annual hudson river shoreline clean up this saturday, may 2, from 10 am - 12 pm. gloves and trash bags are provided, byo water and sunscreen. a great way to connect with neighbors while trashin’ some trash. register here.

support a spot in need

did we mention local farms could use some help?

don’t wait! fishkill farms’ angry orchard cider tasting festival is this saturday, may 2, from 12-5 pm in walden, ny. not looking to trek quite so far? they also have an apple blossom festival & vendor market on sunday, may 3 (9 fishkill farm rd, hopewell jct) where you can support local makers and enjoy live music. more info here.

do you know a neighbor/org/etc who needs a signal boost? plus one is ready to help. nominate here!

what’s coming up w plus one

• sign up to host or guest at our next 57 dinners on May 16th.

  • we’re still seeking hosts in:

    • rockland: ramapo

    • putnam: patterson, mahopac, kent + philipstown

    • westchester: ossining, north salem, armonk

    • dutchess: east fishkill

• are you playing plus one’s civic bingo? it’s all the rage.

  • info to play here

  • download your card here

  • deadline 5/15

the youth continue to show us the way + give us the inspiration we need!

the westchester youth alliance is holding their 2nd annual teen changemaker summit + civic symposium this saturday (4.25) at the white plains public library. teens are welcome to join from 10-12:30 + adults and friends can listen to keynote speakers + open symposium with poster session starting at 12:30.

something that inspired us

we knew gathering was where it’s at.

researchers found that when a nonprofit in maine started hosting potluck suppers where neighbors were asked to bring a dish and share a story, 98% of the people who came left knowing someone they didn’t know before.

journalist stephanie gravalese + her podcast food stories told confirms our suspicions that gathering together for a meal is transformative.

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• secondaries boutique in carmel is swapping clothes on 4/26. kill two birds with one stone - clean out that closet AND honor earth month. bring your items april 23-25 btwn 11am-4pm to earn tokens for swap day + then join for the swap on april 26 from 12-3pm. more deets here.

• with the 6.23 primary around the corner, check your voter reg. status:

  • am I registered?

  • whoops, i’m not. register here

  • extra credit: make sure 2 people on your block check their status too.

• 4/25 is indie bookstore day. ditch the reads in your amazon cart + find your way to one of the district’s fabulous independent bookstores on saturday.

  • here’s a comprehensive list of westchester spots,

  • split rock books in putnam is a treasure

  • pawling book cove is an indie that’s been in the biz for 40 years

  • and the sparkle bookstore or big red books in rockland don’t disappoint

support a spot in need

as part of their feeding our families / alimentando a nuestras familias, NBC/@telemundo47 and @stopandshop are hosting a regional food drive to support local food banks.

pop by the mount kisco stop & shop april 25 (195 n. bedford road) 7:30am - 8pm the pantry will be accepting nonperishable food and cash donations for the pantry. more info. here.

do you know a neighbor/org/etc who needs a signal boost? plus one is ready to help. nominate here!

what’s coming up w plus one

• sign up to host or guest at our next 57 dinners on May 16th.

  • we’re still seeking hosts in:

    • rockland: ramapo + orangetown

    • putnam: patterson, mahopac, carmel, putnam valley, kent + philipstown

    • westchester: ossining, north salem, north castle (armonk)

    • dutchess: pawling + east fishkill

• are you playing plus one’s civic bingo? it’s all the rage.

  • info to play here

  • download your card here

  • deadline 5/15

speaking of bingo. join us at katonah reading room on 4/29/26. 7pm. rsvp here

remember a few week’s back when we prattled on about how awe-inspiring the young organizers were at the no kings sister rallies in tarrytown and nyack?

well watch out ’cause that same group of ny17 gen-z organizers are making their presence official with the debut of their ig account, cohort z.

follow along to track what they’re up to and share their account with any ny17 folks south of 30 years-of-age in your life.

something that inspired us

the river towns are honoring earth month AND getting fun and creative while doing it.

live in one of westchester’s river towns? register today for rivertowns earth month scavenger hunt. billed as “a friendly competition among rivertown villages [that] adds extra excitement while celebrating the places, people, and everyday actions that make our communities thrive,” we wish every town in ny17 was taking part. learn more here to participate (or incorporate into your town’s planning for ’27)!

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• let’s keep the earth month theme going.

  • grab a garbage bag, put on some garden gloves and don a safety vest if you have one.

  • set a timer for 25 min.

  • clean up the roadway by your house, place of biz or a street in your town that needs some love.

  • post about it on ig (you deserve some applause).

  • challenge 2 neighbors to do the same thing.

• get prepped for pride month. if you live in bedford, mt. kisco, lewisboro or pound ridge, purchase a lawn sign ($10 suggested donation) and stand with the community in celebrating love, diversity and belonging. info here.

• donate food to folks facing food insecurity with a few clicks. people to people in rockland invites neighbors to make food donations via their website. skip your nightly doom scroll + donate 3 needed food staples instead. looking to drop off items in person? pop by people to people or any one of the many ny17 pantries on this list.

support a spot in need

ny17 votes is seeking volunteers to help with their voter registration efforts.

they have volunteer needs as early as 4/18 in lewisboro and will be continuing to recruit support through the november election. sign up here if you’re interested in lending some time.

do you know a neighbor/org/etc who needs a signal boost? plus one is ready to help. nominate here!

plus one’s upcoming events

• sign up to host or guest at our next 57 dinners on May 16th.

  • we’re still seeking hosts in:

    • rockland: stony point + ramapo

    • putnam: patterson, mahopac, carmel, kent + philipstown

    • westchester: ossining, north salem, new castle (chappaqua/millwood), north castle (armonk), tarrytown

    • dutchess: pawling + east fishkill

“…what’s 57 dinners?” you might say. on 2/7 over 500 neighbors from across NY17 gathered across the 57 towns and villages of the district for dinner. we’re doing it again on 5/16. sign up

• are you playing plus one’s civic bingo? it’s all the rage.

  • info to play here

  • download your card here

  • deadline 5/15

• speaking of bingo. join us at katonah reading room on 4/29/26. 7pm.

katonah reading room is hosting an OG bingo night on april 29th + we’re gonna be there plugging our civic version.

this week’s great news in the ’hood

you too can join the singing resistance!

singing resistance chapters are poppin’ up all over the district. singing resistance rockland is holding their next sing-in from 4-5 pm on 4.26.26 at the angel nyack s. broadway nyack. join them and other songbirds as they prepare for upcoming rallies and events.

something that inspired us

🧑‍🍳 want to cook a lasagna for a total stranger? lasagna love does just that.

our friends at reasons to be cheerful have a monthly newsletter called “the spark” that is a real shot in the arm. we love all their april edition has to offer, but encourage you to give 1 min to the second story, pass the lasagna.

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• sign up to be in community with your neighbors.

  • plus one is seeking 57 hosts, representing all 57 towns + villages in ny17, to open their homes for a dinner with neighbors on may 16th. 500 neighbors joined for our inaugural february dinner + it was a smash! our next one is 5 weeks away - PLENTY of time to prep. sign up today to host or guest

  • you don’t have to take our word for it, to check out what it looked and felt like on 2.7, click our reel, view this news 12 segment, and read this piece in yonkers times.
    

• skip the friday morning coffee shop routine this week and donate the $12 you would have spent to a locally based non-profit doing the good work. some org. suggestions:

  • neighbors link

  • rockland pride center

  • green chimneys

  • sustainable putnam

• attend the invest in our new york (iony) rally in croton on friday the 10th at noon.
  

• a reminder that we kicked-off district-wide civic bingo. get a bingo by 5.15 and get a prize. if you take any of the actions above, make sure to give yourself credit! download + print out plus one’s civic action bingo card.
  

support a spot in need

new blood donors are needed!

donate blood tomorrow (4.8.26) from 12-5 pm at the mount kisco public library:

mount kisco public library
100 e main st., mt kisco, ny 10549

best part of the CD17 no kings sister rallies? two groups of very cool, informed and clear-eyed gen-z voters marched toward one other on the mario m. cuomo bridge from opposite sides of the hudson. they met in the middle, demonstrating the unity of the district. they then spoke at their respective rallies in nyack and tarrytown and were the stars of the show, speaking truth to power and giving the crowd a much-needed dose of hope and vision for the future.

read organizer brianna casserly’s post by clicking here or on the snap above.

something that inspired us

• Americans aren’t facing a democratic collapse. We’re living in its aftermath

  • Eric Reinhart | The Guardian

    People are stepping in where their political representatives have cowered, choosing to defend their neighbors directly rather than waiting for permission from institutions that have proven unwilling to act. These acts are small, improvised and often invisible outside the communities within which they occur, but they reveal something essential: democracy does not begin with politicians and institutions that promise to save us. It begins when people decide they will not abandon one another.

  • our take: the more we get together, get to know our neighbors, and build a resilient community in NY17, the stronger we are. especially when our leadership doesn’t share our values—something we can’t always count on—we’ll have each other to lean on.

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• download + print out plus one’s civic action bingo card. that’s right - we’re kicking off district-wide civic bingo and you get to play. get a bingo, get a prize. black out your card, get a BIGGER prize. and if 1,000 ny-17 neighbors get bingo, we’ll be cookin’ up something special to celebrate. you have until may 15th, let’s gooooooo. more info. here.

  

• sign the Invest in Our New York petition which ensures every New Yorker can breathe clean air, live in safe and affordable housing, receive a high-quality public education, access comprehensive healthcare and universal childcare, and live in well-resourced communities on a livable planet. more information on the campaign & legislative priorities can be found here.

• put your money where your values are. spend 7 minutes reviewing your bank statement from the past month. is there a place of business or two where you’re spending money that isn’t aligned with your values? can you make a plan to stop frequenting that business? on the flip side, can you identify businesses that are working towards the world you want to live in and start spending your dollars with them?

  • little blue cart is a curated directory and marketplace of vetted, values-aligned small businesses and service providers. it can get you started!

  • ethical consumer is a website that helps you make informed choices about where you shop and which products you buy.

  • boycat is an app that provides visibility to who’s behind the brand. scan any barcode or search to see which brands are flagged and to find verified alternatives with buy links. you can choose your causes when you create your profile to ensure you’re buying what you’re aligned with.

support a spot in need

food not bombs nyack is doing the good work.

• distributions on fridays at Nyack YMCA @4:30 pm. DM them on IG to donate supplies or get involved.

hello my NY17 neighbors!

it’s emily from plus one.

we’ve heard from a lot of you that you want to take action but don’t know where to start / don’t have time to research what to do / etc. etc. etc. i get it. we get it.

plus one is v excited to help. every week, starting today, we’re gonna send you a short snappy email like the one below. it will share good news in the neighborhood, offer a few simple actions you can take to make a difference, give a heads up about a neighbor in need and share a little inspo to carry you through the week.

if you’re like me you get 63 emails each morning that you don’t want to be getting. this isn’t one of those emails. this is a “be a good neighbor” forward newsletter. plus one and I are here to aid all of us in strengthening our civic muscle so that our local community and democracy can be stronger. this is be a good citizen stuff - AND it’s fun and quick.

thanks for following along.

emily

p.s. speaking of following, make sure you follow plus one on IG

Subscribe now

this week’s great news in the ’hood

bedford books is leading by example.

according to their IG post they’re creating “A Night In” baskets for women who have survived human trafficking and are rebuilding their lives. In partnership with @lifewaynetwork, each basket is designed to offer a quiet evening with thoughtful items that encourage creativity, reflection, and time for themselves. 📚✨

✨ how you can help: stop by anytime this week and pick something from our curated table—we’ve stocked it with mini puzzles, coloring pencils, books, cozy socks, journals, pens, and coloring books.

something that inspired us

• Opinion | Why Minnesota Matters More Than Iran for America’s Future - The New York Times

neighboring: 1

treating folks inhumanely: 0

three ways to be a good neighbor this week

• spring is springing. dig up 8 pieces of clothing you haven’t worn in a year and donate them to a local charity/goodwill/second hand outfit. suggested spots in NY17:

  • rockland: center for safety and change. give them a call at 845-634-3391 and they’ll give you instructions on how to donate.

  • westchester + putnam: community center of northern westchester + big brothers big sisters of putnam + westchester

  • dutchess: pawling resource center

• attend NY17’s NO KINGS 3/28 (this saturday) sister rallies in Tarrytown and Nyack. plus one has booths at both events - pop by to say hi!

• sign this petition in support of NY4ALL which protects our local communities by prohibiting state and local resources from being diverted to federal authorities for ICE activity.

support a spot in need

putnam cap is hosting it’s 50th annual luncheon on April 9th. attend or make donation in lieu of attending.

do you know a neighbor/org/etc who needs a signal boost? plus one is ready to help. nominate here!

and if you haven’t had enough by now, i suggest you sign up to host or guest at our next 57 dinners on May 16th. …what’s 57 dinners? you might say - on 2/7 over 500 neighbors from across NY17 gathered across the 57 towns and villages of the district for dinner. we’re doing it again on 5/16. community will be in first position with getting folks registered to vote in a close second. i highly recommend signing up - it promises to give you a little boost about what we’re capable of when we’re together.

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