The Westchester County Board of Legislators celebrated AAPI Heritage Month on Monday night with a ceremony honoring two outstanding community leaders: Dr. Bhagwati J. Mistry, a pioneering pediatric dentist, holistic wellness advocate, and community leader dedicated to healthcare equity and cultural preservation in Westchester for over four decades, and Jaclyn Liu, former President of OCA-Westchester & Hudson Valley Chapter and co-founder of the Chinese Academy of Greater New York, who has dedicated over a decade to strengthening AAPI communities through cultural programming, youth development initiatives, and community advocacy.

Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D- New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) convened the ceremony, welcoming guests and the Board’s honorees.  He said, “In celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are honored to recognize the remarkable contributions of Dr. Mistry and Ms. Liu, who exemplify the vibrant spirit and enduring impact of our AAPI community in Westchester County. Their dedication to service, whether through healthcare equity or youth empowerment, has created lasting positive change that extends far beyond their respective fields. In honoring their achievements, we celebrate not only their individual excellence but also the rich cultural tapestry they have helped weave throughout our entire County community.”

Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson (D- Elmsford, Greenburgh, Tarrytown, White Plains) said, “It is beyond apropos and fitting to recognize Dr. Bhagwati Mistry during AAPI Heritage Month, a time when we celebrate the resilience, brilliance, and contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Her dedication to healing, equity, and education is incredible and embodies the very spirit of this month. She is a distinguished resident of my district and I couldn’t be prouder to honor her before our Board, a celebration worthy of her remarkable impact.”

Legislator David T. Imamura (D- Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Greenburgh, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington) said, “I am thrilled to recognize my constituent Jaclyn Liu for her service to Westchester County.  When I was elected as the first Asian American County Legislator in Westchester’s history, Jaclyn was head of OCA, the largest Asian American organization in the County.  I was honored to work with her on countless issues affecting our community. Her leadership and drive will be missed.”

View Monday night’s event program HERE.

Immediately following the celebration, the Board of Legislators convened a regular meeting in which it acted to modernize the County’s public transportation payment system, improve road safety for families and children and maintain a beloved cultural institution.

The Board unanimously approved an investment to equip Westchester County's Bee-Line buses with both contactless payment technology (OMNY) and cash fareboxes. This upgraded dual system preserves free transfers between Bee-Line and MTA services, benefiting approximately 6 million annual passengers.  With this approval, the board is consolidating old and new funding into a single $16.25 million bond, representing an increase of $12.75 million.

Legislator Erika L. Pierce (D- Bedford, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers), Chair of the Board’s Public Works and Transportation Committee said, “I am thrilled to see our transition to the OMNY program moving forward! This important funding is critical to support that transition, while also maintaining our commitment to the 1/3 of our passenger audience that relies on their ability to use cash at the farebox.”

In addition, the Board unanimously approved measures to:

• Move a step closer to fulfilling a request from the Village of Pleasantville for permission to install a red-light camera on a treacherous Saw Mill Parkway intersection which children cross daily on their way to and from school.
• Set a public hearing for a proposed local law extending the lease agreement with the Westchester Children's Museum an additional 20 years. This would allow for the continued operation of the popular, interactive children's museum in approximately 21,390 square feet of County property in Rye and clarify certain repair provisions to keep it safe and well-maintained.

Watch the full meeting HERE.