Friday, December 31, 2021

Westchester Insider: As Latimer Begins His Second Term, He Sits Down to Discuss His First Four Years and Plans for the Next Four.

 


As Latimer Begins His Second Term, He Sits Down to Discuss His First Four Years and Plans for the Next Four.

 

(White Plains, NY) – County Executive George Latimer reflects on the achievements of his first term, and shares his goals for the future of Westchester.

 

Watch this brief interview as Latimer begins his second four-year term as Westchester County Executive.

 

Watch HERE.

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Westchester Insider: Choice Matters.


2021 is on track to be the most devastating anti-abortion state legislative session in history
—and these same lawmakers are forcing voter suppression legislation through state legislatures to ensure they stay in office in the next election cycle.


We are at war—a war that is being waged in every city, suburb and rural area across this nation, and right here in New York State. We are battling for control of our state governments, and the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. This battle goes to the very heart of all that we value.

As president of WCLA – Choice Matters, I am asking you for your financial support because it is “sink or swim” for women’s reproductive rights. Please consider matching or increasing your previous support. Never before have we been at this point where we stand to lose everything that we have fought so hard for. When Roe v. Wade is overturned, it will be too late. That is exactly why your help is so critical now.

We're counting on supporters like you to help us in this fight for sexual and reproductive health and rights in the coming year.

This is a moment for courage. A few weeks ago, an attorney representing the state of Mississippi stood before the Supreme Court asking the Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. Make no mistake—6 Supreme Court justices indicated a willingness to do exactly that. Their concerted campaign against our constitutional right to abortion is real.

In 2022, we face the very real possibility that Roe v Wade will be overturned. It will be gone. Many states have already put “trigger” laws in place that will immediately go into effect outlawing all abortionsand as the attack on All Women's Health and Medical Services in White Plains on November 27th foreshadows, violence against patients, providers and facilities will continue to increase as this Supreme Court panders to extremists.
  

We need to be ready to confront these dangers head-on, and keep fighting no matter what the court rules next year. 

Please make a donation, https://choicematters.org/donate-now/


Catherine Lederer-Plaskett
President & Chair



Westchester Insider: Westchester County: County Executive George Latimer Releases 2021 Year in Review Video.


County Executive George Latimer Releases 2021 Year in Review Video.

 

(White Plains, NY) – Following the completion of the final year of his first term as Westchester County’s leader, Westchester County Executive George Latimer has released a compilation video highlighting the accomplishments the County as a whole has achieved during this past year.

 

From urging the importance of the vaccine with some special guests to cutting taxes and vastly improving the County’s fiscal health to rebuilding our infrastructure and cutting ribbons on completed projects, 2021 proved an important year for County residents. Following his re-election, Latimer is looking forward to beginning a second term in 2022.

 

Watch the 2021 year in review HERE.

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: **Bee-Line New Years Service Alert**


On Friday, December 31, Bee-Line buses and Para-Transit will operate on a regular weekday schedule.

On Saturday, January 1, Bee-Line buses and Para-Transit will operate on a Sunday schedule.


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

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: MEETING NOTICES – January 2022.

 


MEETING NOTICES – January 2022.

 

Go to https://meetings.westchestergov.com/BoardAndCommisionsAjax/Home/Index to watch.

 

Meetings will be held as follows:

 

Westchester County Electrical Licensing Board

Tuesday January 4, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.

Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via https://meetings.westchestergov.com/BoardAndCommisionsAjax/Home/Index

 

Westchester County Planning Board

Tuesday, 1/4/2022 at 9:00 a.m.

Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

Westchester County Board of Health

Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 8:30 a.m.

Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via https://meetings.westchestergov.com/BoardAndCommisionsAjax/Home/Index

 

Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors

Friday 1/21/2022 at 9:00 a.m.

Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

Westchester County Board of Health

Thursday, January 20, 2022 at 8:30 a.m.

Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via https://meetings.westchestergov.com/BoardAndCommisionsAjax/Home/Index

 

Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors

Friday 1/21/2022 at 9:00 a.m.

Pursuant to Chapter 417 of the Laws of 2021, this meeting will be conducted remotely using WebEx. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so via meetings.westchestergov.com.


Wednesday, December 29, 2021

News from Ardina Seward of SW Yonkers Hamlethub.

 


https://news.hamlethub.com/swyonkers/life/2681-covid-testing-but-no-appointments-available

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: Please Join Us - Inauguration Ceremony.

 


Westchester Insider: Westchester Putnam Central Labor Body (AFL CIO): Westchester & Putnam Counties COVID Testing.

 


**WESTCHESTER**

Westchester County has partnered with Quadrant Bio Sciences to offer FREE PCR COVID-19 testing at the Westchester County Center starting Wednesday, December 29.

This testing is APPOINTMENT ONLY – walk ins will not be accepted. Appointments will only be available 3 days in advance. Testing is for anyone experiencing symptoms or anyone who has been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.  The testing is not for travel. Testing is available for all ages, including children and infants.

Tests can be scheduled here: http://www.westchestergov.com/health

Testing will be conducted through the below schedule:

  • Dec. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (full)
  • Dec. 30, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (full)
  • Jan. 3, Noon – 4 p.m.
  • Jan. 4, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Jan 5, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Jan 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Jan 7, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Jan. 10, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Jan. 11, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

**PUTNAM**

Click here for the testing schedule and where to obtain vaccines (1st, 2nd or booster) http://www.putnamcountyny.com/health/covid19/#testing


Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Ruth Walter 15th District: Fake COVID-19 Vaccination Cards Are Now Illegal in New York.

Dear Friends and Neighbors, 

As you know, my term ends January 1, 2022. I have truly enjoyed sending you these e-newsletters that connect my constituents with helpful information regarding County government. 

From essential health information about flu shots and COVID vaccination guidelines, to Bee Line bus schedule changes, to fun events throughout the County parks, my enthusiasm for all our County’s amazing services has not lessened but rather grown over these two years. After the end of December, I invite you to write to me at legislatorwalter@gmail.com or find me on social media. It has truly been an honor to serve District 15!

Sincerely,

Ruth Walter




Fake COVID-19 Vaccination Cards Are Now Illegal in New York.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed new legislation on December 23 making fake COVID-19 vaccination cards a misdemeanor crime. And it creates a new felony crime of computer tampering.

The new law also helps schools get better access to a statewide immunization database, among other directives.

This comes as more cities tighten rules requiring proof of vaccination in the face of the omicron surge.

Westchester Insider: Choice Matters: Leaving 2021 - Meeting 2022 Head ON!

 


We're just days away from another crucial election year, and Choice Matters is already hard at work positioning true reproductive rights allies at all levels of government. Our staff is out in frontpushing forward to train our police departments, pass “safe” clinic access legislation, establish a statewide abortion fund, and implement My Body My Health sexuality education in our schools.

As this year comes to an end, we thank those who helped us in our hard-fought battles against abortion bans, clinic violence, and gerrymandered districts on all levels—county, state and congressional, in 2021. Now we must be laser-focused on 2022.


This is a moment for courage. A few weeks ago, an attorney representing the state of Mississippi stood before the Supreme Court asking the Court to overturn Roe v. Wade. Make no mistake—6 Supreme Court justices indicated a willingness to do exactly that. Their concerted campaign against our constitutional right to abortion is real.

https://choicematters.org/donate-now/


In 2022, we face the very real possibility that Roe v Wade will be overturned. It will be gone. Many states have already put “trigger” laws in place that will immediately go into effect outlawing all abortionsand as the White Plains November 27th attack foreshadows, violence against patients, providers and facilities will continue to increase as this Supreme Court panders to extremists.
  


We count on you!

Catherine Lederer-Plaskett
President & Chair

Westchester Insider: Westchester County District Attorney: STATEMENT FROM DISTRICT ATTORNEY ROCAH ON ANDREW CUOMO INVESTIGATION.

 


WESTCHESTER COUNTY OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY

MIRIAM E. ROCAH


 

 

 

***STATEMENT***

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 28, 2021.


 

STATEMENT FROM DISTRICT ATTORNEY ROCAH ON ANDREW CUOMO INVESTIGATION.

 

The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office conducted a thorough investigation into allegations reported by two women against former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Specifically, the alleged conduct, of which we are aware, that occurred in Westchester County is as follows: 
 
1- A woman, identified as Trooper 1 in the Attorney General's Report, alleged that, when Cuomo was the Governor and Trooper 1 was a member of his detail and on duty at his home in Mount Kisco, she asked the Governor if he needed anything and he responded by asking her if he could kiss her. She further indicated that she was concerned about the ramifications of denying the Governor’s request and so she said “sure.” The Governor then kissed her on the cheek and, as indicated in the Attorney General’s report, “said something to the effect of, ‘oh, I'm not supposed to do that’ or ‘unless that's against the rules.’” 

 
2- A second woman has alleged (publicly and to our investigators) that Cuomo grabbed her arm, pulled her toward him and kissed her on the cheek without seeking permission for such a greeting while the two were at an event at White Plains High School.  
 

Our investigation found credible evidence to conclude that the alleged conduct in both instances described above did occur. However, in both instances, my Office has determined that, although the allegations and witnesses were credible, and the conduct concerning, we cannot pursue criminal charges due to the statutory requirements of the criminal laws of New York. This conclusion is unrelated to any possible civil liability which is beyond the scope of a District Attorney’s jurisdiction, which focuses solely on criminal laws. 

 

We continue to recognize the bravery of the women and witnesses who have cooperated with law enforcement and we remain committed to supporting them and all survivors. As in all cases of alleged misconduct, my Office will investigate such claims irrespective of the position or status of the accusers or the accused. We thank the Attorney General, the State Assembly and our sister DA Offices for their collaboration and cooperation.    

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Ruth Walter 15th District: COVID Testing at the Westchester County Center.

 


Westchester County has partnered with Quadrant Bio Sciences to offer FREE PCR COVID-19 testing at the Westchester County Center starting Wednesday, December 29.

This testing is APPOINTMENT ONLY – walk ins will not be accepted. Appointments will only be available 3 days in advance. Testing is for anyone experiencing symptoms or anyone who has been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19.  The testing is not for travel. Testing is available for all ages, including children and infants.

Tests can be scheduled here: http://www.westchestergov.com/health

Testing will be conducted through the below schedule:

  • Dec. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (full)
  • Dec. 30, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (full)
  • Jan. 3, Noon – 4 p.m.
  • Jan. 4, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Jan 5, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Jan 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Jan 7, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Jan. 10, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Jan. 11, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, December 27, 2021

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: Please join us virtually on Monday, January 3 at 2 p.m.

 


Westchester Insider: Westchester County: December 27: County Executive George Latimer Gives Westchester Weekly Update.

 


December 27: County Executive George Latimer Gives Westchester Weekly Update.

 

Westchester County Center Opens For Free Covid-19 Testing.

 

Watch full video here: https://youtu.be/CLAJ-UDNh34

 

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County has partnered with Quadrant Biosciences to offer free PCR COVID-19 testing at the Westchester County Center starting Wednesday, December 29. 

 

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Westchester County and across the region.  Along with vaccinations, mask usage and social distancing – testing – is a tool to combat COVID-19.  Re-opening the County Center, this time for COVID-19 testing, is an important step to keep County residents safe and try to control this deadly and infections virus.”

 

Testing is for anyone experiencing symptoms or anyone who has been exposed to someone who tested positive for COVID-19. The CDC recommends being tested 5 to 7 days after exposure to test.  The testing is not for travel. 

 

Appointments are required – walk-ins will not be accepted.  The testing is for all ages, including infants. To schedule a test, go to www.westchestergov.com/healthAppointments will only be released 3 days in advance.  Keep checking back, as appointments will be added every three days. 

 

COVID-19 tests will be available as follows:

 

  • December 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • December 30, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • January 3, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • January 4, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • January 5, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • January 6, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • January 7, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • January 10, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • January 11, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Westchester County Covid-19 Dashboard can be viewed here: https://arcg.is/10naWv0

 

Mobile Friendly Version of Westchester County Covid-19 Dashboard can be viewed here: https://arcg.is/qHDS9

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky 12th District: Fake COVID-19 Vaccination Cards Are Now Illegal in New York.


Fake COVID-19 Vaccination Cards Are Now Illegal in New York.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed new legislation on December 23 making fake COVID-19 vaccination cards a misdemeanor crime. And it creates a new felony crime of computer tampering.

The new law also helps schools get better access to a statewide immunization database, among other directives.

This comes as more cities tighten rules requiring proof of vaccination in the face of the omicron surge.


Westchester Insider: Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Open Through Sunday, Jan. 2!.

 


Last chance this season to visit Westchester's Winter Wonderland Drive-thru Holiday Light Extravaganza at Kensico Dam Plaza, Valhalla!
 
Open through Sunday, Jan. 2.

https://www.showclix.com/event/wwinterwonderland

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Ruth Walter 15th District: Term-End Report Highlights Legislative Accomplishments of the Past Two Terms.

 


Dear Friends and Neighbors,

On December 17, we released the Term-End report on the Board of Legislators' activities since 2018. Highlights include the passing of an historic budget for 2022 that cut the property tax levy by $7 million, provided a $10.2 million increase for childcare and $50 million for affordable housing -- the largest single-year commitment of this sort in County history, and major expansion of the County's investment in infrastructure improvements for the 21st century.

The 2022 budget is the culmination of four years of hard work, disciplined choices, and creative thinking by the County Executive's administration and the Board of Legislators that rebuilt the County's reserve funds from an historic low of $65 million four years ago to an expected $300 million at the end of this year.

In addition, the Board’s legislative achievements regarding public health and economic initiatives in response to COVID-19, our commitment to climate change, improvements to County parks, strengthening of government ethics and diversity policies, police reform, and increasing transparency in the co-op market are outlined in the report.

The last four years have been historic and consequential for this Board. As Westchester County elected officials, our greatest responsibility is to work towards a County that is improved in every way from the one we inherit. When people look back on the last four years, they will see that we have done that, and more.

We have restored the County's financial health; passed historic legislation to support Westchester's working families; taken action to respond to the climate crisis; invested in our roads, bridges and infrastructure; preserved and improved our parks and historic buildings; increased affordable housing access for thousands of seniors and working people; strengthened County government ethics and transparency; supported small businesses and consumers; embraced and protected Westchester's diversity; and confronted a once-in-a-century pandemic.

The Board's achievements during these historic times are the result of the committed, focused and collaborative work of all Legislators over the last four years, the outstanding work of the Board's dedicated staff, and the support and leadership of our partner in County government, County Executive George Latimer and his staff.

Read the report athttps://www.westchesterlegislators.com/images/pdf/2021Term-EndReport.pdf

Please forward this E-News to family and friends who may be interested in this information.

Sincerely,

Ruth Walter

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Westchester Insider: Rep. Jamaal Bowman Improves Transit for Westchester & the Bronx.


Dear neighbor, 

Many of you shared with me the importance of expanding access to transit in our district so that your daily lives would see material improvement. I took this seriously, and worked hard with all levels of government and the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) to improve our infrastructure and transportation. 

I am so proud to announce that we have secured major game-changing transit investments coming to the Bronx and Westchester. Last week, after months of advocating for these improvements, Amtrak agreed to pay $500 million to build the line to Penn Access through the Bronx and up to New Rochelle. The MTA will also allocate $432 million toward rehabilitating Amtrak-owned tunnels under the East River that were damaged by Superstorm Sandy. What this means for our community is huge. 

This will create hundreds of good paying jobs for our neighbors, create a new train station for Co-Op City, and upgrade the New Rochelle station. It will also reduce commuting time by 1.5 hours daily from Co-Op City to Manhattan and by 2.5 hours daily for those commuting to Connecticut. We fought for Bronx and Westchester residents to have equitable access to transportation and this is a major step in the right direction.

High quality transit also means that our planet and communities thrive. Less time will be spent traveling on the train and more time will be spent with family, pursuing educational and career advancement opportunities, engaging with surrounding communities, and more. We will also reduce our carbon footprint by expanding transit access so that less cars are on the road. 

I am honored to have joined Governor Hochul, Senator Schumer, Mayor Noam Bramson and Mayor Bill de Blasio, along with my colleagues throughout New York to continue supporting this project. We will keep working to create transit justice and equity by collaborating to address your needs and championing investments at the federal level that make a difference in your life.

Please feel free to share what else our office can do to continue to build on this effort in order to make transit more accessible and affordable in our district. We enjoy reading your feedback, comments and concerns. Our work is to best serve you.

Happy Holidays,

Image 

Congressman Jamaal Bowman (NY-16)

Westchester Insider: STATEMENT FROM DISTRICT ATTORNEY ROCAH ON GOVERNOR HOCHUL SIGNING COVID-19 LEGISLATION AND THE CREATION OF MULTI-AGENCY COVID VACCINE FRAUD TASK FORCE.

 


WESTCHESTER COUNTY OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY

MIRIAM E. ROCAH


 

 

 

***STATEMENT***

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – December 23, 2021


 

STATEMENT FROM DISTRICT ATTORNEY ROCAH ON GOVERNOR HOCHUL SIGNING COVID-19 LEGISLATION AND THE CREATION OF MULTI-AGENCY COVID VACCINE FRAUD TASK FORCE.

 

 

We commend Governor Kathy Hochul for signing legislation that will enable law enforcement to better protect our communities against COVID-19 and those who seek to thwart vaccine requirements through fraudulent acts. The new legislation clarifies that making, possessing or selling a fraudulent COVID-19 vaccine cards is a crime and criminalizes computer tampering related to COVID-19 vaccine provisions. 

 

We are also pleased to announce the COVID-19 Vaccination Fraud Task Force to combat instances of fraud associated with COVID-19 vaccinations. The task force, which has already been meeting and collaborating, includes the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office, the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York County District Attorney’s Office, together with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. As part of our ongoing efforts in this area, we are releasing the attached public service announcement.

 


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. ...