Westchester Insider: Westchester County: WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT PROMOTES GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY PROMOTES GREAT AMERICAN SMOKEOUT.

 

Westchester County Department of Health Promotes Tobacco Cessation on November 21.

 

(White Plains, NY) –  It is never too late to quit smoking, and this is underscored by the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout on Thursday, November 21.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lung cancer kills more people than any other cancer, and cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor. The American Cancer Society promotes the third Thursday in November as the Great American Smokeout, and the Westchester County Department of Health encourages County residents to participate by quitting smoking or vaping.

 

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “If you are still smoking or vaping, today is a great time to stop. I urge you to join the Great American Smokeout. Find a support group, and tell your friends and family so they can encourage you.”

 

Current smokers or those who quit within the past 15 years, but who smoked the equivalent of a pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years, are advised to ask their doctor for an annual lung cancer screening, which is covered by most insurance.

Support for those who want to quit is available with support from County Executive George Latimer’s Westchester Tobacco Free Programs as follows:

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• In Mount Vernon: Westchester Community Health Center, Ndeye Yacine Loum, 914-699-7200 x 1504; nloum@wchchealth.org
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• In New Rochelle: United Community Center of Westchester, (se habla español), Saida Agustin, 914-813-2896, info@uccenter.org
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• In White Plains: The Loft LGBTQ+ Community Center, Darby Allison-Dugue, 914-948-2932, x 13, darby@loftgaycenter.org
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• In Yonkers: City of Restoration Ministries, Pastor Theresa Fraser, cityofrestorationyonkers@gmail.com
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• In Yonkers: Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, Rev. Nikolas Delaveris, 914-963-3638, fathernikolas@prophetelias.org

Additional resources are as follows:

 

• NYS Smokers’ Quitline - 1-866-NYQUITS (1-866-697-8487)
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• Centers for Disease Control - 1-800-QUIT-NOW
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• American Cancer Society support groups - 1-800-277-2345
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• American Lung Association - find a clinic near you, call 1-800-LUNGUSA
• Find Meeting | Nicotine Anonymous (nicotine-anonymous.org) for online or phone meetings

 

To reduce youth tobacco use in Westchester, the County Health Department partners with community organizations to support these efforts:

 

• Youth Ambassadors in the Know Better, Live Better program lead discussions with their peers about the risks of tobacco and vapes;
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• Through games and activities, the Tar Wars program, from the American Academy of Family Physicians, raises awareness among fourth and fifth graders about tobacco marketing to kids and emphasizes the consequences of tobacco use;
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• The Department also has added staff and ramped up enforcement of the Adolescent Tobacco Use Prevention Act program in partnership with the Public Safety Park Ranger cadets and collaborates with the County Police on a school-based prevention program.

 

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Bee Line: **November MetroCard Van Schedule**.

The MetroCard mobile sales van makes its rounds in Westchester to assist riders with all of their MetroCard business.  The van is staffed by MTA New York City Transit Authority customer service representatives who are happy to answer questions and help with any issues you may have. 

For service alerts and bus schedules visit www.westchestergov.com/beelinebus

 

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER HOSTS DIWALI CELEBRATION AT THE COUNTY CENTER.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER HOSTS DIWALI CELEBRATION AT THE COUNTY CENTER.

 

Diwali Festivities Bring Community Together to Celebrate the Festival of Lights.

 

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer hosted a Diwali celebration at the Westchester County Center in collaboration with The Coalition of Hindu Organizations of Westchester County. The celebration highlighted Diwali’s significance as a festival symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, featuring traditional dance performances, music, cultural presentations, and a taste of Indian cuisine. Hundreds of Community members gathered to honor the values of hope, light and unity that Diwali represents.

Latimer said: “Celebrating Diwali is a reminder of the values that bind us all together — hope, unity, and the pursuit of light over darkness. Westchester County is proud to honor this special holiday and stand with our Hindu community to celebrate their rich cultural traditions. Diwali brings light to our County in more ways than one, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful celebration.”

Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “This Diwali celebration is a shining example of Westchester’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural exchange. It’s an honor to stand with our Hindu friends and neighbors to celebrate the Festival of Lights, and we look forward to continuing to embrace the rich diversity of our County through events like these.”

Asian American Advisory Board Chair Marjorie Hsu said: “Diwali represents the joy, light, and unity that all communities can appreciate and celebrate. Events like this remind us of the beauty in learning from one another and fostering connections and culture that make Westchester a stronger, more unified place.”

The Coalition of Hindu Organizations of Westchester County Coordinator Amol Inamdar said: “Diwali is a time for reflection and gratitude, celebrated by the Dharmic community including Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and several other communities worldwide. We thank Westchester County for supporting this celebration with the larger community. Diwali signifies the victory of good over evil, and this event is a wonderful way to share our traditions.”

The Diwali celebration at the County Center reflects Westchester’s dedication to inclusivity and cultural appreciation. Events like this strengthen community ties, bringing residents together to honor and share in the diversity that defines Westchester County.

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: VIDEO/PHOTO: WESTCHESTER COUNTY KICKS OFF HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE.

VIDEO/PHOTO: WESTCHESTER COUNTY KICKS OFF HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE.

Drives Helps Brighten the Holidays for More than 1,000 Vulnerable Children.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHutUZ8looQ

[White Plains, NY] — Westchester County’s annual Holiday Gift Drive got underway Thursday, kicking off with a special event at the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains.

The Drive runs through Monday, December 16, collecting gifts and monetary donations to provide a brighter holiday for more than 1,000 children in Westchester who are in foster care, the homeless system, and receiving other protective and preventive social services.

There are six drop box locations throughout Westchester, accessible during business hours, where new, unwrapped toys, appropriate for newborns through 21-year-olds can be donated. (Please, no stuffed animals or violent toys.)

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Nelson Mandela said, 'There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.'  I'm asking the people of Westchester to join us in brightening the holiday for kids who need that brightening the most. For a child who may not have gotten a gift otherwise, that gift you donate does more than cheer them for a moment, it reinforces for them a message that there's joy in the world, and that is the true message of the holiday season.”

Westchester County Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “Whether it’s Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa, or another celebration, every kid in Westchester deserves to feel excitement and love this holiday season. It's especially important for kids who find themselves in tough family and financial circumstances. The Holiday Gift Drive is an opportunity to step up to the plate and deliver joy to these young people. Please join us in making sure that the most vulnerable kids in our county get the holiday they deserve.”

Westchester County Department of Social Services Commissioner Leonard G. Townes said: “Many children in Westchester find themselves separated from the things we take for granted during the holidays. The Gift Drive lets residents tangibly impact their lives for the better. For us it's dropping a toy in a box. But for a child, opening that gift is a message that they are remembered and valued.”

Barbara Sabater, Program Coordinator of Constituent Affairs, Westchester County Departments of Social Services and founder of the Gift Drive said, “On behalf of all our kids, we are so appreciative of every single donation. Over the years we’ve also had generous donations from scout groups, school groups, religious groups, foundations and local businesses. If anyone has any questions about how they might participate I invite you to please email me at bms7@WestchesterCountyNY.gov or call (914) 995-1937.”

 

Drop Off Locations:

 

Westchester County Michaelian Office Building 148 Martine Avenue, White Plains   Dept. of Social Services Central Office 112 East Post Road, White Plains   Mt. Vernon District Office 100 East First St.

Peekskill District Office 750 Washington St.   White Plains District Office 85 Court St.   Yonkers District Office 131 Warburton Ave.

Monetary donations are accepted in the form of gift cards, Zelle/cash or checks made payable to: “Westchester Child Welfare Holiday Fund.”

 

Donations may be mailed to: Barbara Sabater 112 East Post Road, Room 637, White Plains, New York 10601

 

Electronic Donations: Zelle ID email: WCDSSHolidayGiftDrive@gmail.com

 

For questions contact Barbara Sabater at bms7@WestchesterCountyNY.gov or call (914) 995-1937

 

Westchewster Insider: Westchester County: WESTCHESTER COUNTY URGES RESIDENTS TO CONSERVE WATER AS DROUGHT WATCH CONTINUES.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY URGES RESIDENTS TO CONSERVE WATER AS DROUGHT WATCH CONTINUES.

 

Westchester County Encourages Voluntary Water Conservation From Residents as Drought Watch Continues.

 

(White Plains, NY) – New York City issued a Drought Watch that affects Westchester County water supplies. As part of the Drought Watch, Westchester County residents are asked by the County’s Department of Environmental Facilities to practice water conservation measures. Additional notifications will be made should the Drought Watch escalate to a Drought Warning or Drought Emergency.

 

To support water conservation, the County recommends that residents:

·       Limit lawn and garden watering to early morning or evening hours to minimize evaporation

·       Check and fix leaks in plumbing, faucets, and hoses

·       Run dishwashers and laundry machines only with full loads

·       Avoid washing vehicles or hosing down sidewalks

 

Residents can visit the following sites for drought conservation measures:

https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/water/water-saving-tips.page

https://www.epa.gov/watersense

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION HOLDS CULINARY GRADUATION CEREMONY.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION HOLDS CULINARY GRADUATION CEREMONY.

                

(Valhalla NY) – The Westchester County Department of Correction and Aramark Food Service recognized four residents who graduated from a culinary training program at the Westchester County Jail. In partnership with Aramark, this ‘IN-2-WORK’ culinary certificate program requires eight weeks of vocational training, incorporating both in-class lectures and hands-on culinary training, totaling 40 hours of formal instruction.  In addition to the hands-on culinary training, this program focuses on kitchen safety in food storage, preparation and serving. Students who successfully completed this formal training received a ServSafe certificate that’s recognized as the national standard in the food service industry. Through coordination with Aramark Food Service, graduating students will have access to a web portal of available employment opportunities, assistance with writing resumes and the availability of scholarships for further study.  

 

In addressing the five graduates, Correction Commissioner Joseph K. Spano stated firmly: “At our agency, we don’t judge incarcerated individuals. From the moment someone is remanded into our care, we focus on assessment, treatment and the rehabilitation process. I thank and commend you for volunteering to participate in this program and many others offered at WDOC. Doing so demonstrates your commitment and desire to get on a better life path, and should greatly aid your transition when you return back to your family and community.”

 

Aramark District Manager Robert Love said: “Aramark Correctional Services is proud to continue its partnership with Westchester County in offering our IN-2-WORK programming to the residents of Westchester County Correction. For many years, this program has received tremendous support from Commissioner Spano and designated members of his team, including First Deputy Commissioner Nory Padilla and Assistant Warden Jeremiah Tejada.  Working together, we have enhanced culinary aspects to the program, and feel that our graduates will have that much more to offer prospective employers when they re-enter the workforce. A special thanks to our local IN-2- WORK facilitator Chef Darnel Pierre and on-site Director Sharron Watkins for being instrumental in building and supporting the new program curriculum.”

 

Program participant Dominick Labarta said: “I look forward to using what I have learned in the future to meal prep and possibly get a job in a restaurant kitchen.”

 

Program participant Omar Green said: “The program was a wonderful experience full of knowledge, our instructor did a great job of teaching culinary skills. I love the fact that I can apply for a scholarship and that I can get my family involved in the program upon release.”

 

Program participant Lyle Long: “I really enjoyed the class and I think it helps inmates stay on a successful path upon re-entry.”

 

At the conclusion of the graduation ceremony, the twenty-five attendees from WDOC, Aramark and 914 United enjoyed meals prepared by the students. 

 

The Westchester County Department of Correction is considered a national leader in the space, recognized for its robust rehabilitation program system and accreditation certifications through the American Correctional Association, the National Commission on Correctional Healthcare and the Prison Rape Elimination Act. 

 

                                                                                                                                 

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER STATEMENT ON VETERANS DAY.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER STATEMENT ON VETERANS DAY.

 

 

"On Veterans Day, we pause to honor the selflessness and bravery of those who have served in our armed forces. Our freedom and liberties are possible because of the men and women who were willing to sacrifice so much to protect them. We express our heartfelt gratitude to every veteran who has served this Country. Let us remember their sacrifices, honor their legacy and strive to live up to the ideals they fought to preserve. Today and every day, we thank you for your service."