Good evening and welcome to our town board work session of October thirteenth, twenty twenty-six.

If we could all rise for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Thank you.

Uh I'd like to add um I heard the news today, evidently the Pope was diagnosed with um lung cancer, and and uh I think uh may our prayers uh go out uh to him and all his followers.

Thank

you, Lonnie.

All right, uh, we'll uh go into some proclamations.

Is there anyone here who should read Italian American Heritage Month?

Uh yeah, uh I think I'll uh I'll volunteer for that one.

And I do have a couple of comments after all the proclamations on Italian on Columbus now, I will make them quick.

Um we do it.

Go on.

All right, Italian American Heritage Month, October 2026, whereas October is recognized as Italian American Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich history, traditions, and cultural cultural heritage of Italian Americans and to celebrate their lasting contributions to our nation, state, and local community.

And whereas generations of Italian immigrants came to the United States in pursuit of opportunity, freedom, and a better future for their families, bringing with them strong commitment to family, hard work, perseverance, faith, and community, and whereas Italian Americans have made significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of our nation through their achievements in government, public service, business, education, medicine, science, technology, the arts, music, literature, sports, and countless other fields, and whereas Italian American heritage has enriched our communities through its traditions, language, architect, architecture, craftsmanship, culinary arts, music, festivals, and enduring spirit of generosity and civic engagement, and whereas the history of Italian Americans reflect both the challenges faced by generations of immigrants and their determination to overcome adversity, preserve their cultural identity, and build a better future for generations to come.

And whereas Italian American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of Italian Americans, honor the sacrifices of those who come before us, celebrate uh contributions of Italian American residents and families, and encourage future generations to embrace and preserve their heritage.

And whereas our community is strengthened by the diversity of its people and the many cultural traditions that contribute to our shared history, civic pride, and collective future.

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that on behalf of Edward A.

Lacterman, the supervisor, along with the town board of the town of Yorktown, do hereby proclaim October 26 2026 as Italian American Heritage Month in the town of Yorktown and encourage all residents to recognize and celebrate the rich heritage achievements and enduring contributions of Italian Americans.

Thank you, Sergio.

Um we do have a physical copy of that proclamation.

Would you be able to get this to the uh Columbus Society?

Because I know they're waiting for you to come by anyway with your application.

Yes, I know.

Yeah, I know.

And your check.

All right.

Uh Alan, German American Heritage Month, please.

Uh, whereas the history of German Americans is an integral part of the history of the United States, beginning with early German settlers who arrived in the 17th century in pursuit of religious freedom, economic opportunity, and a better life for their families.

And whereas generations of German Americans have contributed to the growth and prosperity of the nation through their dedication of agriculture, industry, commerce, science, education, medicine, the arts, public service, and community development.

Uh whereas German American heritage has enriched our shared cultural traditions through music, literature, architecture, culinary arts, craftsmanship, festivals, and customs passed on from generation to generation.

You should include, we should have included sports.

Uh this uh uh we had a couple of pretty good uh Yankees, if I believe.

Even though I'm a Met fan.

Uh whereas the German Americans have played an important role in the preservation of democratic ideals, civic responsibility, innovation, and public service, helping to strengthen the communities in which they live and work, whereas the enduring cultural and historical ties between German and the United States continue to foster friendship, Germany and and the United States continue to foster friendship, mutual understandings, educational exchange, and cooperation between our peoples.

Whereas the enduring cultural and historical ties between German and the United States continue to foster friendship, Germany and the United States continue to foster friendship, mutual understandings, educational exchange, and cooperation between our peoples.

And whereas German American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize the achievements and contributions of German Americans, celebrate their rich cultural traditions, and encourage future generations to learn about and preserve this important part of our collective heritage.

And whereas the recognition of German American Heritage Month affirms our commitment to honoring the diverse backgrounds, traditions, and experiences that contribute to the strength and character of our community.

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that Ed Lackerman's supervisor, along with the town board of the town of Yorktown, do hereby proclaim October 26th as German American Heritage Month in the town of Yorktown and encourage all residents to recognize and celebrate the history, culture, achievements, and lasting contributions of German Americans.

And be it further resolved and proclaimed that we honor the generations of German Americans whose hard work, creativity, service, and commitment to our community have helped shape our nation and encourage all residents to participate in appropriate educational, cultural, and commemorative activities throughout the month.

Thank

you, Alan.

And I know we don't have our own German heritage club in town, but there is one right over the border, and I know that uh they're doing something that you're going to, Serge?

Yes.

Would you mind bringing this to them?

No problem at all.

I appreciate that.

Thank

you.

And

I think they're waiting for an application in a check as well.

I'll join their club too.

Why not?

Okay.

Last but not least, uh International Day of the Girl, October 11th, 2026.

Whereas every girl deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, grow in safety, receive equality education, pursue her dreams and reach her fullest potential, and whereas International Day of the Girl is observed annually on December 11th, I'm sorry, on October 11th, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 to recognize the rights of girls and bring attention to the unique challenges they face around the world.

And whereas the 2026 International Day of the Girl theme and child marriage and invest in girls' rights calls upon governments, communities, families, and institutions to protect girls' childhoods, uphold their human rights, and ensure every girl has the freedom and opportunity to shape her own future.

And whereas child marriage, gender-based discrimination, violence, unequal access to education, and limited economic opportunities continue to hinder the well-being and advancement of girls, and whereas girls are leaders, innovators, advocates, students, and change makers whose voices, ideas, and contribution strengthen our families, schools, communities, and society, and investing in girls through education, health care, mentorship, leadership, development, safety, and equitable opportunities helps build a more just, inclusive, and prosperous future for all.

And whereas our community recognizes the importance of creating environments in which girls are respected, protected, encouraged to speak up, and empowered to participate in decisions that affect their lives, and International Day of the Girl provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, resilience, talents, and aspirations of girls while renewing our collective commitment to eliminate barriers to their success.

Now, therefore, be it proclaimed that I, Edward A.

Lacterman, supervisor, along with the town board of the town of Yorktown, do hereby recognize October 11th, 2026 as International Day of the Girl in the town of Yorktown, and encourage all residents, community members, educators, families, organizations, and public and private institutions to join in celebrating girls and advancing their rights and opportunities, and be it further proclaimed that we affirm our commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of every girl, promoting access to quality education and essential services, preventing child marriage, abuse, exploitation, and discrimination, supporting girls' leadership and participation, and investing in the resources and opportunities necessary for girls to thrive, and be it further proclaimed that we call upon all members of our community to listen to girls, amplify their voices, celebrate their accomplishments, and work together to ensure that every girl can learn, lead, make informed choices, and pursue her aspirations without fear or limitations.