***MEDIA ADVISORY TUESDAY 9/3 AT 11AM*** COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH AND PARTNERS KICK-OFF SEPTEMBER AS SUICIDE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS MONTH.

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH AND PARTNERS KICK-OFF SEPTEMBER AS SUICIDE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS MONTH.

Tuesday, September 3

11a.m.

Michaelian Office Building

148 Martine Ave.

9^th Floor

White Plains, NY 10601

Upholding Westchester County’s Commitment to suicide prevention, awareness and the importance of overall mental health, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, the Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) and several community partners will kick-off the month of September as Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month. The month-long messaging campaign was created to help educate Westchester County residents on the appropriate ways to discuss mental health crisis in identified communities, and the resources available to them.

***PRESS RELEASE, VIDEO, AND PHOTOS*** WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER JOINS WITH VOLUNTEER NEW YORK! TO ANNOUNCE “9/11: SERVE + REMEMBER” VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER JOINS WITH VOLUNTEER NEW YORK! TO ANNOUNCE “9/11: SERVE + REMEMBER” VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES.

Watch Full Press Conference HERE.

(Valhalla, NY) - In honor of those whose lives were lost or forever changed by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Westchester County Executive George Latimer will join with Volunteer New York! to host “9/11: Serve + Remember.” Latimer, Volunteer New York! Executive Director Alisa H. Kesten and other Westchester officials and business leaders gathered at The Rising at Kensico Dam Plaza to announce this year’s volunteer opportunities.

Latimer said: “Each year, hundreds of Westchester County residents look for ways to honor the thousands of lives that were lost or forever changed on September 11. I encourage everyone to participate in the 9/11 Serve and Remember Program, and spend a little bit of time doing something good in memory of those who lost so much.”

Volunteer opportunities will be taking place on Saturday, September 7, Sunday, September 8 and Wednesday, September 11, 2019. The community-wide action event is sponsored by Robison Oil, with additional support from Empire City Casino and WMCHealth Network (WMCHealth). Service projects at the Westchester County Center will take place on September 11, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Volunteer New York! Executive Director, Alisa H. Kesten said: “Over the last 9 years we have worked with thousands of volunteers to help turn 911Day into a day of doing good. Businesses have sent teams to create blankets for children in shelters, youth athletic teams have stepped up to make sandwiches for those in need, families have come together to create cards thanking our veterans—each good deeds brings our community closer together and builds on this American legacy of positive response in our darkest days.”

Many volunteer opportunities are family-friendly, and all will help support one of 35 local non-profits and causes where helpers are needed throughout the year. To participate, volunteers must register through www.volunteernewyork.org/service or call (914) 948-4452 for more information.

Westchester County will also host its annual employee blood drive in partnership with the New York Blood Center on Monday, September 11, at the Westchester County Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Volunteer Opportunities at the Westchester County Center on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 are as follows:

·         Donate Blood (for ages 16+)

·         Create Inspirational Notes & Cards for Deployed Service Members

·         Create Blankets For Children

·         Help Feed the Hungry with One Sandwich At a Time

·         Package Diapers for Needy Families

·         Donate Diapers For Westchester County Diaper Bank

·         Participate in a Sensory-Friendly Community Service Project to Support Our Troops

·         Support Families in Emergency Shelters

·         Sock and Underwear Drive for Children in Need

·         Courtney’s Tie Drive to Support Veterans

·         Create Math Kits For Elementary School Children

Additional projects taking place on Sept. 7, Sept. 8 or Sept. 11 happening outside of the Westchester County Center include:

·         Trout Stream Revitalization with Westmoreland Sanctuary

·         Warehouse Clean-Up at Furniture Sharehouse

·         Help Provide Clothing to Children

·         Help Harvest a Nonprofit Community Garden

·         Take Emergency Preparedness Training

·         Spend Time With Seniors

·         Support the New Rochelle Street Fair

·         Create Literacy Kits for Head Start Programs

·         Support Shelter Dogs

·         Pack Back-to-School Supplies

·         A-Home Restoration

·         Trail and Lake Clean-up at Teatown

·         Yonkers Waterfront Restoration

·         Create Comfort Kits for patients at WMCHealth Network (WMCHealth)

For the complete list of the 2019 #911Day Volunteer Opportunities taking place on September 7, 8 and 11 please visit www.volunteernewyork.org/service or call 914-948-4452.

With thanks for the additional media sponsorship provided by K-LOVE Radio.

PRESS RELEASE Events in Westchester County Parks Sept. 11 - 15, 2019.

WEEKLY EVENTS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS.

September 11 through 15, 2019.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 11

Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Pkwy., Valhalla: (914) 231-4033

The Memorial Ceremony at The Rising: 3 p.m.

Honoring and remembering the Westchester residents lost on Sept. 11, 2001. RSVP is encouraged: Communications@WestchesterGov.com.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14

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

Morning Farm Chores: 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Learn about farming in this hands-on farm workshop. $6 per person or $20 for a family of 4. Registration required at (914) 864-7286.

-and-

Story Craft: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Listen to a story and make a craft. $5; registration required at (914) 864-7286.

Lenoir Preserve, 19 Dudley St., Yonkers: (914) 968-5851

Late Summer Walk to Untermeyer Gardens: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

A walk to Untermeyer Gardens via the Old Croton Aqueduct. Meet at the Nature center. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle and expect to walk 4 to 5 miles.

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

Bird Walk at the Sanctuary: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Take an easy walk with Chris Mignone of Central Westchester Audubon to see how our feathered friends are faring this season.

Marshlands Conservancy, Route 1, Rye: (914) 835-4466

Volunteer Work Project: Grooming the Picnic Area, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Great for any type of service credit hours. Please bring work gloves. All hand tools will be provided.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 15

Kensico Dam Plaza, 1 Bronx River Pkwy., Valhalla: (914) 231-4033

Sunset Yoga in the Park: 4 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Free. Bring your own mat or towel. All levels welcome. Meet some of the instructors from Tovami Yoga and fellow yogis. Go to thewpf.org/events to register.

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

Bicycle Sundays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Also: Sept. 22 and 29.

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

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

Fairy Walk: 12 noon – 3 p.m.

Go on a fairy walk with the resident fairy queen, along with a craft and some surprises.

-and-

Farmers Market: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Nearly 30 local farmers offer a variety of produce and other food goods Sundays through October. Vendors at muscootfarm.org.

Marshlands Conservancy, Route 1, Rye: (914) 835-4466

Fall Migration Bird Hike: 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Bring binoculars to observe these feathered wonders.

-and-

Fall Seining Hands-On Exploration: 2 p.m. – 3:30 pm.

Use a 25-foot net to catch and study salt water creatures in their prime.

My Westchester Newsletter – August 29, 2019.

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

Westchester County Legislator Gordon Burrows 15th District: Traffic Advisory-Roadway Closure-Bronx River Parkway-Bike Sundays.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
TRAFFIC ADVISORY

ROADWAY CLOSURE
BRONX RIVER PARKWAY
CITY OF WHITE PLAINS & YONKERS, TOWNS OF
EASTCHESTER & GREENBURGH AND VILLAGES OF BRONXVILLE, SCARSDALE & TUCKAHOE

ROADWAY: Northbound and Southbound Bronx River Parkway.

LIMITS: Bronx River Parkway between the Westchester County Center and the Sprain Brook Parkway.

WHAT: Bike & Skate Sunday’s.

IMPACTS: All lanes of the Bronx River Parkway will closed to traffic within the above limits. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes such as the Sprain Brook Parkway, Route 100, and Route 22 to avoid delays during this event.

WHEN: Sunday's September 8, 15, 22, and 29, 2019 between the hours 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (Weather Permitting).

WHO: Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation.

NOTE: For additional information please contact Westchester County Parks at (914) 864-PARK or the Westchester County Center at (914) 995-4050.

***PRESS RELEASE*** WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON’S INTERNS HOST AN EVENT BRINGING YONKERS YOUTH TOGETHER.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY LEGISLATOR JOHNSON’S INTERNS HOST AN EVENT BRINGING YONKERS YOUTH TOGETHER.

Two Yonkers residents interning in Legislator Christopher Johnson’s Office plan a successful networking event for youth.

(Yonkers, NY) –Taijah Pink of Southwest Yonkers and Abigail Witter of Downtown Yonkers, interned this summer in the office of County Legislator Christopher Johnson. During their internship they were tasked with several projects, including organizing a “Young People’s Assembly” for young Yonkers residents. The event brought together dozens of youth and 8 different vendors including: The Census Bureau, who has job opportunities available; Yonkers Partners In Education and Westchester Equal Opportunity Center, who provide educational programs; and a voter registration table to encourage the youth to increase their civic participation.

The event began with networking opportunities amongst the youth and vendors, and then a panel discussion took place focusing on topics such as criminal justice reform and mental health awareness. After breaking out into smaller groups to focus more deeply on the topics, everyone was eager to share their thoughts and ideas. “This event was planned and executed by the two young interns, who did everything from the design of the flyer, to choosing which topics would be discussed. And I’m proud to have been able to provide an environment where young people can take control of their own spaces,” said Legislator Johnson. Because of the success of this event and how much the youth enjoyed it Legislator Christopher Johnson is hoping to make this an annual event where youth can network and open up about topics that matter most to them.

If you are a student looking for an internship opportunity or an individual or organization interested in being involved please reach out to Shatika Parker at 914-995-2813 or slpc@westchestergov.com.

Artwork by Mental Health Community to be Showcased at ArtsWestchester’s Gallery in White Plains.

Artwork by Mental Health Community to be Showcased at ArtsWestchester’s Gallery in White Plains.

Visions 2019: Art Defined? will be on view September 6-12, 2019.

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (Month Date, 2019) – Beginning Thursday, September 5, Westchester County’s Department of Community Mental Health, Rockland Psychiatric Center and ArtsWestchester will present Visions 2019: Art Defined?, an exhibition that features original artworks by more than 60 artists who are recipients of mental health services in Westchester County.

“Westchester County is extremely grateful to the team at ArtsWestchester for providing art services and residencies to so many individuals who have benefitted from many forms of art and expression,” says Michael Orth, Commissioner, Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health.

Visions 2019: Art Defined? is free and open to the public, and will be held in ArtsWestchester’s Shenkman Gallery at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in downtown White Plains. The exhibit will be on view from 12-5 pm on Tuesday-Friday and from 12-6 pm on Saturday beginning Friday, September 6 through Thursday, September 12.  An opening reception will take place on Thursday, September 5, from 5:30–7pm. For more information, please call (914) 428-4220 or visit artswestchester.org.

For more than 35 years, ArtsWestchester’s partnership with Westchester County's Department of Community Mental Health has provided art services and residencies to people with chronic mental illnesses, allowing them the opportunity to participate in hands-on art workshops and to enjoy live performances.

“The activities are designed to be outside the therapeutic framework, enabling those who participate to tap their imaginations, express their creativity, develop new skills, and to fully integrate into the community,” says Janet Langsam, CEO of ArtsWestchester.* 

Many of those who take art workshops – whether painting, creative writing and poetry, ceramics, mosaics or jewelry making – find that they have an affinity for the work. These programs are a bridge to the community. The Visions 2019 exhibition not only shows the community that recipients of mental health services are gifted and talented, but it demonstrates that recipients are capable of engaging in challenging art-making experiences. In turn, a sense of pride, accomplishment, positive self-worth and public acceptance, validates the goal of these partnerships.

Visions 2019: Art Defined? is a partnership between ArtsWestchester and Rockland Psychiatric Center. This exhibition is made possible with funding from Westchester County Department of Community Mental Health and Rockland Psychiatric Center.

Participating agencies include Rockland Psychiatric Center, HDSW/Hope House, Mental Health Association of Westchester /Sterling Community Center, Westchester Jewish Community Center – Peekskill and New York Presbyterian Hospital /Westchester Division.  Artists not affiliated with these agencies will also participate in this event.

About ArtsWestchester: For over 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.

 Rockland Psychiatric Center (RPC) provides treatment, rehabilitation, and support to adults 18 and older with severe and complex mental illness. The focus is on treatment and rehabilitation, with the goal of assisting recipients to live   in his or her community of choice. RPC emphasizes recovery, symptom management, rehabilitation, support and activities that build social, vocational and educational skills. Aftercare planning and developing networks of support help recipients accomplish their personal goals.

Westchester County Legislator, Gordon Burrows, 15th District: Want to go apple picking? Here's where to pick.

Want to go apple picking?

Here's where to pick

Half Moon Farm & Orchards

Apple picking begins Aug. 31 with picking hours 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m One $30 bag (which can hold 25 pounds of apples) admits five people to the orchard. There are weekend festivals all through the season beginning Sept. 7, with a bouncy castle, face painting, pony rides for the littles, and beer and live music for the big kids. Farm store open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. No pets allowed. 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, 914-485-1210, harvestmoonfarmandorchard.com..

Outhouse Orchards

This family-owned orchard opens Aug. 31 for picking. During September and October, expect to find McIntosh, Cortland and Rhode Island Greenings. There’s also a corn maze and hayrides. Parking on weekends is $10 (weekday parking is free). $25 for a bag. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, 139 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, 914-277-3188, outhouseorchardsny.com.

Stuart’s Fruit Farm

Apple picking begins Aug. 31 and runs daily, 10 a.m-5 p.m. through November. There are over 20 different varieties to choose from so go to the farm’s website and see what is available when you plan to pick. Pumpkins are also available to pick. There are also weekend hayrides, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and a farm stand and bakery. 62 Granite Springs Road, Granite Springs, 914-245-2784, stuartsfarm.com.

Wilkens Fruit Farm

This 102-year-old farm is open daily for pick-your-own apples, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 1. View the Harvest Calendar for more specific dates, with Gala and Mcintosh being the earliest. The minimum cost to enter the orchard for every 2 adults is 1 peck bag of apples and the minimum to enter the orchard for every 3-4 adults is a 1/2 bushel bag of apples. You may end up paying more, if you pick more, when you check out. Onsite market, which has picked produce, pies, cider, doughnuts and more, is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. There is also a winery and a corn maze for the kiddos. Check out White Hill’s tasting room noon-5 p.m. weekends. 1335 White Hill Road, Yorktown Heights, wilkensfarm.com.

Westchester County Legislator, Gordon Burrows, 15th District: Westchester County and Empire State Development to Present Access to Capital Program for Small Businesses.

Westchester County Legislator Margaret Cunzio: Let's 'Break the Hold' on Suicide.

TOMORROW AUGUST 8/29 AT 3PM*** WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER JOINS WITH VOLUNTEER NEW YORK! TO ANNOUNCE “9/11: SERVE + REMEMBER” VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER JOINS WITH VOLUNTEER NEW YORK! TO ANNOUNCE “9/11: SERVE + REMEMBER” VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES.

Thursday, August 29

3p.m.

The Rising at Kensico Dam Plaza

Kensico Dam Plaza

Valhalla, NY 10595

Westchester County Legislator Gordon Burrows, 15th District: How Will You Volunteer on Sept. 11? — Registration Now Open for “9/11 Serve + Remember”.

HOW WILL YOU VOLUNTEER ON SEPTEMBER 11? 
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR “9/11: SERVE + REMEMBER” 
VOLUNTEER ACTION PROJECTS.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

In honor of those whose lives were lost or forever changed by the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Westchester County will join with Volunteer New York! to host “9/11: Serve + Remember.” Volunteer opportunities will be taking place on Saturday, September 7, Sunday, September 8 and Wednesday, September 11, 2019. The community-wide action event is sponsored by Robison Oil, with additional support from Empire City Casino and Westchester Medical Center. Service projects at the Westchester County Center will take place on September 11, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Many volunteer opportunities are family-friendly, and all will help support one of 35 local non-profits and causes where helpers are needed throughout the year. To participate, volunteers must register through www.volunteernewyork.org/service or call (914) 948-4452 for more information.

Westchester County will also host its annual employee blood drive in partnership with the New York Blood Center on Monday, September 11, at the Westchester County Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Volunteer Opportunities at the Westchester County Center on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 are as follows:

• Donate Blood (for ages 16+)
• Create Inspirational Notes & Cards for Deployed Service Members
• Create Blankets For Children
• Help Feed the Hungry with One Sandwich At a Time
• Package Diapers for Needy Families
• Donate Diapers For Westchester County Diaper Bank
• Participate in a Sensory-Friendly Community Service Project to Support Our Troops
• Support Families in Emergency Shelters
• Sock and Underwear Drive for Children in Need
• Courtney’s Tie Drive to Support Veterans
• Create Math Kits For Elementary School Children

Additional projects taking place on Sept. 7, Sept. 8 or Sept. 11 happening outside of the Westchester County Center include:

• Trout Stream Revitalization with Westmoreland Sanctuary
• Warehouse Clean-Up at Furniture Sharehouse
• Help Provide Clothing to Children
• Help Harvest a Nonprofit Community Garden
• Take Emergency Preparedness Training
• Spend Time With Seniors
• Support the New Rochelle Street Fair
• Create Literacy Kits for Head Start Programs
• Support Shelter Dogs
• Pack Back-to-School Supplies
• A-Home Restoration
• Trail and Lake Clean-up at Teatown
• Yonkers Waterfront Restoration
• Create Comfort Kits for patients at Westchester Medical Center

For the complete list of the 2019 #911Day Volunteer Opportunities taking place on September 7, 8 and 11 please visit www.volunteernewyork.org/service or call 914-948-4452.

Sincerely,

***Press Release***Westchester County Police Hosting Cops & Cones in Mount Kisco on Thursday.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY POLICE HOSTING COPS & CONES IN MOUNT KISCO.

Event is Aug. 29 from 4 to 9 p.m.

(Hawthorne, NY) – Westchester County Police are once again hosting a fun-filled Cops & Cones event in the heart of Mount Kisco’s downtown.

This year’s event will be held Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m. in the Blackeby municipal parking lot. Free ice cream and inflatable amusements will be available and a variety of Westchester County Police equipment, including the department’s helicopter and specialized vehicles, will be on display.

County Executive George Latimer said, “Westchester County and the County Police have a strong partnership with the Village/Town of Mount Kisco. Events like Cops & Cones enhance public safety by strengthening the relationship between the police and the people they protect.”

Commissioner Thomas A. Gleason said, “Since 2015, it has been our privilege to protect and serve the people of Mount Kisco. Cops & Cones is one of the many ways that we ways we work to connect with the community and build relationships with village residents. We invite everyone to come by, meet our officers, and have some ice cream and a great time.”

Gleason thanked Mayor Gina Picinich, the Board of Trustees, the village manager’s office and the Mount Kisco Highway Department for their assistance in planning and holding the event.

Mayor Picinich said, “Folks throughout our wonderful Village are looking forward to participating in the 3rd annual Cops and Cones event. Facilitated by the WCPD and the Village, and funded by local businesses, this family-fun evening provides an opportunity to build and extend relationships across the community. This is another great example of the strength of our partnership with the WCPD.”

Gleason said Cops & Cones would not be possible without the generous sponsorship and participation of numerous business and community organizations, including: Diamond Properties, Mount Kisco Chevrolet, Rivera Toyota, Grand Prix NY, Cassidy-Flynn Funeral Home, Mount Kisco Diner, Saw Mill Club East, Village Social, O'Neills Mister Softee, Kisco Sweets & Treats, Decker Tool Rental, Modells, Party City, Starbucks, Mount Kisco Gold & Silver, Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce, Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Westchester County Police PBA, Westchester County Sheriffs Association, Mount Kisco Fire Department, Mount Kisco Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Village / Town of Mount Kisco.

WCPD will display resources from the Patrol and Special Operations Divisions, including an Emergency Service Unit truck, the STOP-DWI driving simulator and the Aviation Unit helicopter. There will also be a Motorcycle Unit demonstration, photo opportunities with our canines and K-9 Officers, and Operation Safe Child ID cards will be available.

The rain date is Friday, Aug. 30.