Statement from Westchester County Executive George Latimer.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER STATEMENT.

“Today in Westchester County we are grateful Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Property Tax Payer Protection Act.  This County owes a debt of gratitude to the Governor and New York lawmakers, especially Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Speaker of the New York State Assembly Carl Heastie and Westchester’s New York State Delegation Leader Assembly Member Gary Pretlow, for giving property tax payers relief, and for giving us the ability to stabilize the County’s finances. 

“We fought a long hard battle for parity with other counties and with other cities in our own County, and today we are able to say property tax payers will soon see some relief. This is a victory for municipalities and school districts in this County – today we all benefit.

“Tomorrow, the Westchester County Board of Legislators will hold a special meeting to vote to enact this measure.  My administration is working on a number of very specific actions that will be implemented immediately in response to this news that we will announce at a press briefing July 8 at Greenburgh Town Hall. 

“This is a new day in Westchester County, and I am thankful and proud of the teamwork and unity exhibited to accomplish this.”

County of Westchester Statement.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY STATEMENT ON SHELTER SERVICES.

(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Department of Social Services, is committed to providing a vital safety net for those in need of housing during their most vulnerable time. The County has long provided shelter services in Yonkers. While that commitment continues, the Sharing Community's Mens Drop-in Center, at 1 Hudson Street in Yonkers, will be closing June 30, at 6:30 PM, and the drop in shelter will be moving to a YWCA site at 68 Palisade Avenue, beginning June 30, at 6:30 PM. The YWCA staff will also be available at 1 Hudson Street and Larkin Plaza on June 30, at 6:30 PM, to answer questions and coordinate rides to the new location.

The YWCA will be providing shelter services to men only, along with meals for clients who will be housed there. 

The County is committed to making this transition as smooth as possible, but most of all the County is committed to making sure the people of this County are provided with the services they need.

Westchester County Press Release.

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION EXTENDS WELLPATH AS HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDER.

(Valhalla, New York) The Westchester County Department of Correction recommends continuing its eight-year relationship with its inmate healthcare provider, Wellpath (formally Correct Care. Solutions).

In November 2018, the Department of Correction issued a comprehensive public request for proposals (an ‘RFP’) to provide health care to over one thousand people in its custody.  The RFP  assessment, which included subject matter experts in corrections, healthcare, technology and law, took several months.  Many of the individuals in WCDOC custody suffer from critical mental health disorders, or have significant addiction issues and highly-specialized medical needs, so it was vital that the provider selected had the ability to address the needs of our vulnerable population. 

The County issued the RFP and received two proposals (one from Wellpath and a second from Naphcare, proposing as Proactive). The two proposals were reviewed against the RFP, and against each other, to ensure that all required services were accounted for in a fiscally and operationally responsible manner.  After several months of vetting that included reference checks and other important analysis, the Department of Correction’s administration recommended that Wellpath be awarded the agreement to continue to provide health services to its population.  Its recommendation was based upon several factors, including Wellpath’s strength in mental health care.  In 2016, the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) recognized Westchester and Wellpath’s groundbreaking ‘CORE’ mental health reentry program as its National Mental Health Program of the Year.  Additionally this past January 2019 Wellpath successfully passed its NCCHC reaccreditation audit, receiving a rating of 100% compliance with all related standards.  Wellpath performance has also been substantially exceeding the expectations of medical care as per the United States Department of Justice Independent Monitor since May 2016. 

Additionally, The Department of Correction’s and Wellpath’s performance in both medical care and mental health care for inmates has been under review by an independent monitor appointed under a settlement between the County and the Department of Justice in 2015. The monitor recently found that they are in substantial compliance with every category evaluated.

Correction Commissioner Joseph K. Spano stated: “Development of the RFP and review of responses was a very significant undertaking.  Many of the individuals that we serve suffer from complicated medical and mental health issues. Wellpath’s proposal ensures continued delivery of critically-needed services. 

“The Department’s executive team for the past 15 months has thoroughly reviewed all aspects of DOC operations, including the delivery of inmate healthcare services.  Wellpath has and continues to deliver excellent service and care to our population and contributes to other critical aspects of DOC operations that include training of our staff and supporting our robust transitional service programs for returning citizens.”

Westchester County Media Advisory.

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

COUNTY EXECUTIVE LATIMER, COUNTY POLICE MARINE UNIT TO DISCUSS BOATING SAFETY AND UPCOMING BWI ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVE.

Increased Marine patrols planned for July 4 and holiday weekend.

(Tarrytown, NY) – As July and August always bring a surge in recreational boating traffic to the Hudson River and Long Island Sound, the Westchester County Police Marine Unit will discuss boating safety regulations and review the equipment required to be aboard any vessel on Westchester’s waterways. In addition, the Marine Unit will discuss its participation in an upcoming nationwide Boating While Intoxicated enforcement initiative to prevent operating a boat or personal watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Note: After the briefing, media seeking to obtain B-Roll or photos out on the river will be permitted to go out on one of the Marine Unit patrol boats.

Monday, July 1

2 p.m.

Tarrytown Marina

236 Main Street

(Adjacent to the Tarrytown Metro-North station)

Tarrytown, NY 10601

Westchester County Press Release.

YOUNG OFFENDERS TO BENEFIT FROM JAIL LIBRARY GRANT.

(Valhalla, NY) – As the school year draws to a close, many high school students across Westchester will receive their summer reading assignments to carry them through to September.  Like those students, young people in the custody of the Westchester County Department of Correction will similarly enjoy the experience of a good book, through a recently-received grant which expands the Department’s onsite library.

By way of a long-time partnership with Southern Westchester BOCES, the Department of Correction provides educational services to persons in custody, including young people who attend high school within the jail at the Sprain Brook Academy.  Recently, the American Association of School Libraries awarded SWBOCES one of only six grants nationally, and the only grant awarded to a school operating within a correctional institution.  The $5,000 grant will be used to enhance the Academy’s collection of English and Spanish language soft-cover books, periodicals and graphic novels.  And just like in a community library, each book will have a sign-out card in its rear cover to note who borrowed it. 

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Books have had a profound influence on my life, allowing me the chance to travel to anywhere in the world. Reading is essential for everyone, and if this grant will help us to provide that opportunity for our inmates, we will all benefit.”

Commissioner of Correction Joseph K. Spano said: “For any offender, the ability to get lost in a great book while in custody cannot be overstated. It can help take a person’s mind to a different place outside of our walls, or to perhaps learn a new skill.  We are very appreciative of the opportunity to expand our library collection, particularly books that our young people can access ‘24/7’ in their housing areas.”  

In addition to the SWBOCES partnership, the Department of Correction maintains over 30 other innovative reentry, rehabilitation and educational programs.  These programs include a recently-received Obama Foundation mentoring grant to assist young men from Yonkers, as well as a partnership with Manhattan College that provides for onsite campus-level coursework.  First Deputy Commissioner Louis A. Molina stated “We recognize that when the young people in our care are in the community, they rely on digital content as a source of information.  The ability to provide them with traditional books in addition to our existing digital library and educational tablets will support their educational journey, enhancing their reentry to their respective communities.”

Claudia Murphy, Senior Director of Adult and Community Services at SWBOCES stated “The administration of Southern Westchester BOCES and the Center for Adult & Community Services, which operates the Sprain Brook Academy in collaboration with our partners at the Department of Correction, are thankful to the AASL for supporting this important work. This grant will help ensure we meet our educational mission to serve all of our students.”

Westchester County Legislator, Virginia Perez, 17th District.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The Sprain Ridge Park is ready for summer fun – just in time for the 2019 Season. Complete with extensive repairs to the activity pool, an updated spray deck, a brand new on-site playground and a renovated bath house, residents are invited to get out and enjoy the park July 4 weekend and throughout the summer. Sprain Ridge activity pool and spray deck as well as the other County pools and beaches open on a full summer schedule beginning this Friday, June 28. 

A new playground also replaced a 20+ year old playground, and is located adjacent to the reserved picnic area. The playground features a poured-in-place rubber safety surface that feels ‘bouncy’ under foot, instead of an old-fashioned wood-chip safety surface. A colorful slide and two separate jungle gyms for different age groups have also been added, for 2 to 5-year-olds and 12-year-olds. The playground meets ADA accessibility codes as well as consumer product safety codes, and brings a well-used, aging facility into the 21st century.  

The Sprain Ridge bathhouse has been renovated with a new floor that features a slip-resistant surface, and a coating that will make it easier to keep clean. A new walkway has also been paved between the bathhouse and the playground/reserved picnic area. 

The Sprain Ridge activity pool was scheduled to open for summer 2018, but was forced to close after the Westchester County Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) deemed the pool not structurally sound. Work that should have required 12 to 15 months to complete was finished in just six months, and as a result the materials did not have enough time to cure, leading to cracking and ruptured pipes underground. The County then closed the pool for another season. After working through the summer and fall of 2018, in addition to the spring of 2019 to make renovations, the county declared the pool ready for visitors and opened the activity pool and spray deck, noting that the competition pool would open by the end of July.  

Sincerely,

Celebrate Our Nation’s Independence

Celebrate America’s independence with live music and one of the area’s most stunning fireworks shows at the annual Music Fest and Fireworks on Wednesday, July 3, at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla.

The event is sponsored by Westchester Parks Foundation with support from WHUD radio.

Entertainment begins at 5 p.m. with a guest DJ, and the Bensen-Scott Big Band performs at 8 p.m. The fireworks begin about 9:15 p.m.

Admission and parking are free. Carpooling is suggested. Concertgoers should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating, as well as a picnic supper.

Westchester County Newsletter.

Westchester County Newsletter Link - https://emailblast.westchestergov.com/CE/whoknows/

Westchester County Media Alert.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER TO MAKE MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT

ON SPRAIN RIDGE POOL IN YONKERS.

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer will make a major announcement on the repair and renovation of Sprain Ridge Pool, and the upcoming 2019 season.

Wednesday, June 26

2 p.m.

Sprain Ridge Pool

149 Jackson Avenue, Yonkers

Westchester County Newsletter.

https://emailblast.westchestergov.com/CE/whoknows/SpecialEditionJune2019/

Westchester County Parks Schedule of Events.

WEEKLY EVENTS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS.

June 25 through July 1, 2019.

TUESDAY – SUNDAY, JUNE 25 - 30

Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000

Amusement Park Open; hours vary.

June 25, 26 and 27: $20 nights 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. New laser show called Laser Nights: Rockin’ Lights, nightly, Tuesdays through Sundays. Admission and parking fees apply. Info at playlandpark.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 25

Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye     (914) 813-7000

Ardsley Day   10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Ardsley residents will receive discount coupons when they arrive at the park by going to the Fountain Plaza Administration Building and showing their I.D.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26    **RESCHEDULED TO THIS DAY**

Saxon Woods Pool, 1800 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains: (914) 995-4480

Senior Pool Party and Barbecue: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For Westchester seniors ages 60 and older. Registration required at (914) 813-6426.

Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye     (914) 813-7000

Bedford Day  11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Bedford residents will receive discount coupons when they arrive at the park by going to the Fountain Plaza Administration Building and showing their I.D.

THURSDAY, JUNE 27

Briarcliff Manor Day           11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Briarcliff Manor residents will receive discount coupons when they arrive at the park by going to the Fountain Plaza Administration Building and showing their I.D.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28

County pools and beaches open for the season; go to parks.westchestergov.com for hours, fees, parking, residency requirements and other information.

Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye     (914) 813-7000

Bronxville Day           12 noon – 11 p.m.

Bronxville residents will receive discount coupons when they arrive at the park by going to the Fountain Plaza Administration Building and showing their I.D.

Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7000

Concert by Tramps Like Us, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band: 7:30 p.m.

Free with paid admission.

Westchester County Center, White Plains: (914) 995-4050

New York Liberty vs. Dallas Wings, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets and information at liberty.wnba.com or ticketmaster.com. Parking fees apply.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29

Trailside Nature Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River:  (914) 864-7322

Stream Study: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Bring your curiosity and use dip nets to explore all of the amazing creatures hiding in the park’s streams. Wear shoes that you won’t mind getting wet, and meet at Kimberly Bridge parking area.

Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, Playland Park, Rye: (914) 967-8720

Eco-Avengers: 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Meet some of naturalist Anthony Cogswell’s wild animals and learn how you can help them in their natural habitats. Sponsored by the Friends of Read Wildlife Sanctuary.

Westchester County Center, White Plains: (914) 995-4050

New York Streets vs. Jacksonville Sharks: 7 p.m.

Tickets at nystreetsfootball.com or ticketmaster.com. Parking fees apply.

SATURDAY – SUNDAY, JUNE 29 - 30

Muscoot Farm, Route 100, Somers: (914) 864-7282

Art Show: Works by Hope Freidlander and Friends: Noon – 4 p.m.

The final two days of pieces on view in the historic main house.

SUNDAY, JUNE 30

Muscoot Farm, Route 100, Somers: (914) 864-7282

Farmers Market: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Local farmers offer a variety of produce and other food goods Sundays through October.

Bronx River Parkway, White Plains to Yonkers: (914) 995-4050

Bicycle Sundays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Bike, jog, ride, walk or skate the parkway from the Westchester County Center in White Plains to Scarsdale Road in Yonkers.

Playland Park, Playland Parkway, Rye: (914) 813-7010

School of Rock/East Coast Tour concert: 3 p.m.

Free with your park admission. Parking fees apply. PlaylandPark.org.

Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial, Route 35, Somers: (914) 864-7268

Walking Tour of the Memorial Garden: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Meet at the Shop at Lasdon.

More info at parks.westchestergov.com.

Westchester County Legislator, Gordon Burrows, 15th District.

Sprain Ridge Pool Opening Day - Wednesday, June 26th.

Purchase your park pass and enjoy the summer sun and fun in our beautiful County.

Westchester County has more than 18,000 acres of parkland, which include more than 50 great facilities ranging from golf courses, pools and beaches, parks, to trailways and nature centers.

A pass entitles the holder entry to all county-owned pools and beaches and facilities, as well as discounted admission to all pools, beaches and parking.

It also allows access to the boat launch at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle and the six all-weather tennis courts at Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers.

It is available to residents 12 years of age and older.

Discounts
A Park Pass provides discounts for:

• Golf at all six county-owned courses for the Park Pass holder only; guests of pass holders pay the full rate. Young golfers under age 12 pay junior rates and must be accompanied by an adult Park Pass holder.
• Parking – Where parking is charged, Park Pass holders pay reduced rates, except at Playland and the Westchester County Center.
• Camping at Croton Point Park, Mountain Lakes Park and Ward Pound Ridge Reservation.
• Boat launching at George’s Island and Glen Island parks.
• Sportsman Center fees.
• Group picnic fees at many parks.

How to get a Park Pass
The Park Pass is a photo I.D. and is issued in person only. You must present proof of county residency with either a New York State driver’s license; or, a valid photo I.D. along with proof of residency such as a lease, deed or utility bill. Passes are not transferable and may not be used by anyone but the holder. A lost pass will be replaced at the full fee.

Season Swim Pass
Park Pass holders may also purchase a money-saving Season Swim Pass, which allows residents to pay one price to swim as often as they like all summer long. The pass also includes parking fees. It may be used at Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle, Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains, Sprain Ridge and Tibbetts Book Pools in Yonkers, and Willson’s Woods Pool in Mount Vernon. The pass is not accepted at Playland or Croton Point Parks. It can be purchased at all five locations. 

Park Pass Locations
Passes are available year-round at the Westchester County Center and at the Parks Department’s administrative offices, Monday through Friday (except holidays), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To find other locations please visit: https://parks.westchestergov.com/2015-02-06-20-26-30/where-to-buy-passes 
 

Westchester County News.

MEDIA ADVISORY — TODAY, 5 P.M.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY HELPS FULFILL “BUCKET LIST” BIRTHDAY WISH OF 95-YEAR-OLD AT PLAYLAND.

https://yonkerscommunitymedia.com/yonkersinsider/index.php/2019/06/21/yonkers-insider-westchester-county-news-2/

(Rye, N.Y.) — When she lived in Harrison in the 1920s Yolanda Celli was a fan and frequent visitor with her family to Playland Park. And this week, Yolanda arrives from her current home in North Carolina to fulfill her “bucket list” wish to celebrate her 95^th birthday at her lifelong favorite park. She will be joined by her three daughters, her sister Sadie, County Parks and Playland officials and Coaster the Dragon.

Friday, June 21

5 p.m.

Playland Park, Rye (Birthday Party area)

According to her daughter Donna Baldwin, Yolanda’s family lived in Harrison back in the 1920s and the sisters attended K through 12 in the Harrison public school system. Yolanda graduated from Harrison High in 1942. Yolanda and Sadie left home, got married and eventually ended up on opposite ends of the United States — Yolanda in Maryland and Sadie in Washington State. After becoming widows the sisters now live in the Raleigh, North Carolina, area. Yolanda had three daughters, one of whom lives in her old Harrison neighborhood. At 95 years of age, Yolanda still lives independently.

With 2019 being a distinguished birthday year for Yolanda, her daughters asked what was on her bucket list and what she wanted for her 95th birthday. Without hesitation she said “I want to go back to Harrison and go to Playland. Some of the best memories of my life were in Harrison and Playland." 

Yolanda will be presented with a proclamation from the Office of Westchester County Executive George Latimer. Her name will be “in lights” on the park’s digital display board, and the costumed character Coaster the Dragon will present her with a themed birthday cake, ride wristbands and Playland commemorative gifts.

Playland Park.

FREE CONCERTS, DANCING AND MORE COMING TO PLAYLAND THIS SUMMER.

Playland Park will be all about fantastic music this summer when classic-rock bands, tribute acts and local artists bring their talents to the stage. 

“The season’s lineup offers music of all varieties,” County Executive Latimer said. “Everyone will enjoy hearing the songs live and onstage, from classic rock and Motown to funk, soul and Big Band.” He suggested that you “arrive early, grab a good spot and get ready for a terrific time.”

• Saturday, June 22, 7:30 p.m.: Bed Rock presents a high-energy tribute to the ultimate hair-band bands of the ’80s and ’90s.
• Friday, June 28, 7:30 p.m.: Tramps Like Us, a renowned Bruce Springsteen tribute band, brings The Boss’s New Jersey beat to the Long Island Sound.
• Sunday, June 30, 3 p.m.: School of Rock 2019 Summer Tour features performances from musicians ages 12 to 18 from Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
• Sunday, July 14, 12 noon: Latin Palooza highlights Longe, Penelope Robin, Strings ’n’ Skins, the Playland DJ and Gennesa & the Selena Experience. 
• Friday, July 26, 7:30 p.m.: Voyage, A Journey Tribute Band, has a lead singer who has been called a ringer in looks and sound for Steve Perry.  
• Saturday, July 27, 5:30 p.m., Brandi & the Alexanders, a soul, funk and rock group, brings its tunes from its base in Brooklyn.
• Friday, Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m.: For the Jessie’s Girl “Back to the Eighties” tour, get out the leg warmers, fingerless gloves and neon brights. Be there when the band, which bills itself as the “World’s Greatest ’80s Tribute Band,” performs stunning renditions of favorites by Prince, Madonna, Bon Jovi, Michael Jackson and more.
• Saturday, August 11 at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.: Dr. K’s Motown Revue. There’s sure to be dancing in the aisles to its upbeat, pop-influenced style of rhythm and blues.
• Friday, August 23 at 7 p.m.: Amish Outlaws, with over 25 years of performing classic rock, the Outlaws’ set list includes music from the likes of Johnny Cash, Jay Z, Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Pitbull, Elvis Presley, Luke Bryan and Dropkick Murphys.
• Saturday, August 31 at 7 p.m.: Jessica Lynn, a native New Yorker, treats Playland to her country set list.

Admission to the concert area is covered in your park admission price; no additional concert fee is charged. Parking fees are in effect for all entertainment.

Playland’s famous fireworks light up the sky every Friday, from July 12 to August 30 at 9:20 p.m., with special holiday shows on July 4 and 5 at 9:30 p.m. Fireworks can be viewed from inside the park or for free on the boardwalk outside the amusement park complex.

Finally, don your dancing shoes when the Playland Orchestra plays on the boardwalk for free on July 12, 19, 26 and August 2 at 7:30 p.m. (Friday night shows in July and August will break for fireworks at 9:20 p.m.)

Times for all shows are posted at the park and at PlaylandPark.org. Follow us on Facebook (Playland Park Westchester County); Twitter (@Playland_Park) and Instagram (@PlaylandParkOfficialPage). Follow the conversation at #HeyCoaster and use our Snapchat filter while you’re in the park.

Playland Park is on Playland Parkway, off I-95 exit 19 in Rye.

Westchester Newsletter.

| CE WELCOME |

	Calendar @ Westchester Parks
	CDBG Funding Restored For the first time since 2010, Westchester County qualifies to receive CDBG funding from the federal government for infrastructure improvements.
	Consumer Protection Alert Westchester County investigators find high tech skimming device inside a gasoline pump in Elmsford.
	New Playland Entertainment Playland is all about fantastic music this summer with classic-rock bands, tribute acts and new local artists coming to the park.
	Element 46 Pitch Night The top 12 business Start-Up finalists make their pitches to a panel of judges and mentors at Koi Creative Space.
	Playland Town Days 2019 Ready for fun? Playland’s Town Days start next week, including two-for-one ride bands, free mini golf and a free beach/pool pass.
	Seniors Summer Kick-off Party Senior citizens from across Westchester are invited to start their summer with a pool party and BBQ at Saxon Woods on June 25.
	Top 5 Arts Picks in Westchester Plan your week in Westchester County at one of the many cultural attractions supported by ArtsWestchester.

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