Westchester Insider: Westchester County District Attorney: MOTHER AND HER TWO DAUGHTERS ARRAIGNED FOR PROVIDING FRAUDULENT COVID-19 VACCINATION CARDS IN RELATION TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT AT A CROTON-ON-HUDSON NURSING HOME.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY

MIRIAM E. ROCAH

 

 

***NEWS RELEASE***

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 31, 2022.

 

 

MOTHER AND HER TWO DAUGHTERS ARRAIGNED FOR PROVIDING FRAUDULENT COVID-19 VACCINATION CARDS IN RELATION TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT AT A CROTON-ON-HUDSON NURSING HOME. 

 

 

White Plains, NY -- Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah announced that a mother and her two daughters were charged for providing fraudulent COVID-19 Vaccination Record Cards to maintain and obtain employment at a Croton-on-Hudson nursing home.  

 

Poughkeepsie residents Antoinette Clarke, 48, Dzjara Clarke, 27, and Jajvia Clarke, 22, were each arraigned on January 31, 2022, in Cortlandt Town Court with Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree, a felony. The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and members of the New York State Department of Health’s Vaccination Complaint Investigations Team made the arrests following a collaborative investigation.   

 

As alleged in the felony complaint, Antoinette Clarke, a nurse employed at the nursing home, and Dzjara Clarke and Jajvia Clarke, applicants for nursing assistant positions, each submitted a copy of a forged COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to the facility. In New York State, healthcare workers must be vaccinated as a condition of employment.   

 

“People who create fraudulent vaccination cards and pretend to be vaccinated to enter workplaces, businesses or facilities, particularly ones with vulnerable populations, are putting others at increased risk of the serious effects of COVID-19,” DA Rocah said. “Making, possessing, purchasing or selling fraudulent COVID-19 Vaccinations Record Cards is a crime and those with knowledge of anyone breaking the law are encouraged to contact my office at (914) 995-TIPS.”  

 

"Vaccination fraud is a serious crime. It creates a threat to public health and undermines the safety of our healthcare professionals who are working around the clock to get us through the pandemic," said New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. "For those who choose to flout the law and endanger their patients and others around them, you will be held accountable. I thank our partners at the Westchester County District Attorney's Office for their work and the strong message we are sending together." 

 

The defendants are scheduled to appear again in Cortlandt Town Court on March 14, 2022.   

 
The case is being prosecuted by the Trials and Investigations Division’s Economic Crimes Bureau. If anyone has information regarding the purchase, possession, or sale of fake or forged vaccination cards, please call the District Attorney’s Office at (914) 995-TIPS. 

 

New Yorkers can also report vaccine-related fraud to the New York State Department of Health by calling 833-VAX-SCAM (833-829-7226) or emailing STOPVAXFRAUD@health.ny.gov.  

 
The charges against the defendants are merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

 

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

 

MEETING NOTICES – February 2022.

 

Go to meetings.westchestergov.com to watch.

 

Meetings will be held as follows:

 

Westchester County Planning Board

Tuesday, February 1 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 Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board

Tuesday, February 8 at 4:30 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 meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

Westchester County Deferred Compensation Board

Wednesday, February 9 at 10:00 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.

 

Airport Advisory Board Meeting

Wednesday, February 9 at 7p.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.

 

African American Advisory Board

Tuesday, February 15 at 6:30p.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 Historic Preservation Advisory Committee

Wednesday, February 16 at 4:00 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 meetings.westchestergov.com.

Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Directors

Friday, February 18 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.

 

County of Westchester Industrial Development Agency

Thursday February 24 at 8:30 am.

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.

 

Police Advisory Board

Monday, February 28 at 3p.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.

 

Citizen’s Consumer Advisory Council Meeting

Monday, February 28 at 5p.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 Insider: New York League of Conservation Voters: Environmental News for January 31st.

 

Here’s what we’re reading this week:

2022 State Policy Agenda Highlights 

The state legislative session has officially commenced! Our elected state representatives have the opportunity to get bold legislation passed that will protect generations of New Yorkers from adverse public health impacts and climate change. With bold legislation must come even bolder plans for adequate funding. Investing public dollars into our environment is essential to proactively fight the climate crisis and protect all New Yorkers from already existing flooding and extreme weather.We will be advocating for our top priorities, released earlier this month in our New York State Policy Agenda.

 

Read More

NYLCV Partners with Clean Energy & Environmental Groups to Push for Direct Sales of Electric Vehicles

NYLCV has partnered with the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) and several other stakeholders to push for the Governor to include legislation that allows for the direct sales of electric vehicles in her 30-day budget amendments. Direct sales is a policy that unites environmental and consumer interests and is shown to be an instrumental policy for increasing EV sales at no cost to the taxpayer. In April 2021, New York State announced the goal of having 2 million zero-emission vehicles on the road by 2030. We have only achieved 4.5% so far. Florida – a state without incentives and no direct sales cap – saw 60% higher EV sales than New York in 2020. Read more in this Op/Ed in the Buffalo News from Anne Reynolds, Executive Director of ACE.

Read More

Click Here To Support Direct Sales of EV's in New York!

NYLCV President Julie Tighe was featured in CityLimits this week, penning an Op/Ed:  How Eric Adams’ Administration Can Prioritize Climate Change and Protect NYC.

 

Recent extreme climate events in New York City have made it clear that our city is at risk. Extreme flooding, intense heat, and devastating storms are unfortunately the new normal, and we must act urgently to make sure that New York City can withstand the threats of climate change. The Adams administration can set the tone in its first 100 days and “Get Stuff Done” to create a greener, more resilient future for our city. Mayor Adams can make New York City a global leader in the fight against climate change and transition to a green economy. His administration must advance environmental priorities that will make our city more sustainable, resilient, and equitable for future generations.

 

(CityLimits)

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has made extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging a priority for her first term by including a provision in her executive budget and calling for the program to start as early as 2026. Her first State of the State report last week called the effort a "landmark proposal" that would help raise recycling rates and divert material from landfills. Hochul also called for eliminating PFAS in food packaging by Dec. 31, 2022, and other packaging by Dec. 31, 2024, in amounts exceeding 100 parts per million by weight.

 

(WasteDive)

Suffolk County will connect about 1,900 South Shore homes to the Forge River Watershed Sewer Project in Mastic and Shirley with the groundbreaking Thursday of a $224 million wastewater treatment plant. The state and county announced the $409 million Suffolk County Coastal Resiliency Initiative last fall. The project, which received funding from the Environmental Protection Fund and Clean Water Infrastructure Act, includes three different sewer lines following Superstorm Sandy to connect nearly 6,000 homes in Babylon and Mastic, by replacing septic tanks and cesspools and eliminating nitrogen polluting the bays and marshlands. Projects like these are critical and underscores the importance of the upcoming Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act this November.

 

(Newsday)

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: **Bee-Line Service Alert 1/30/22**.

 

On Sunday, January 30, Bee-Line buses and ParaTransit service will operate on a regular Sunday schedule.

 

We will continue to monitor road conditions for potential detours.  Bee prepared with our brochure on snow detours.    

 

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

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: Significant Storm to Hit Westchester Starting Tonight.

 

LARGE STORM PROJECTED TO HIT WESTCHESTER STARTING TONIGHT.

County Executive Latimer Urges Residents to Take Precautions In Advance.

 

(White Plains, NY) – With a Nor’easter heading into Westchester tonight, County Executive George Latimer is urging residents to take precautions now so they can remain inside during the storm.

 

The storm is projected to bring significant snowfall to the County, making travel very difficult and dangerous. Latimer said residents should obtain or replenish food and other supplies before the arrival of the severe weather to avoid having to be out once the storm arrives.

 

The Westchester County Police will have extra Patrol and Emergency Service Unit officers working to assist motorists and close sections of parkways if conditions require it. Public Safety Commissioner Thomas A. Gleason asked residents to avoid unnecessary travel, which will make it easier for officers to respond to accidents and emergencies and for snow plows to do their work.

 

The Westchester County Department of Health reminds residents how to avoid hypothermia and frostbite, and to use gas-powered tools and generators outdoors only and to take care when using alternate heating sources.

 

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said:  “Dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting clothing to trap body heat when you venture out to shovel and keep a spare blanket in your car in case of breakdowns. Wear a hat, gloves and a scarf. Instead of waiting until the snow stops, shovel a few times to avoid straining yourself. Clear the snow off the roof of your car to avoid creating a hazard for others and don’t shovel snow into the street. If you are able to, clear a path for your elderly neighbors and check on them. Low temperatures can be life-threatening, especially for seniors, infants and people who are at increased risk for hypothermia.”

 

Seniors and infants less than one year of age should never sleep in a cold room and should be dressed in warm clothing to prevent the loss of body heat. If a safe temperature cannot be maintained inside your home, make temporary arrangements to stay elsewhere.

 

Warning signs of hypothermia in adults include stumbling, mumbling, fumbling and grumbling, shivering, slurred speech and confusion. Infants with hypothermia may appear sluggish, with very low energy and bright red, cold skin. 

 

Frostbite is another cold weather concern and is especially dangerous because it often happens with little warning. Numbness can occur so quickly that the individual, unaware of being frostbitten, may remain

outside, increasing the chance of permanent damage. Older people, and those with diabetes, are especially vulnerable to frostbite because of impaired circulation.

 

When working, exercising or playing outdoors in cold weather, follow these tips to prevent frostbite and hypothermia:

 

·         Start with synthetic or silk thermal underwear to wick moisture away.

·         Add fleece or wool sweaters or sweatshirts to trap heat and keep cold out.

·         Top it off with a waterproof or water-repellent jacket and pants.

·         Add gloves, a hat and sturdy shoes or boots with good traction.

·         Go indoors when you begin to feel cold.

 

If you think that someone is suffering from hypothermia or frostbite, call a medical provider immediately.

 

Residents who lose power and use a portable generator to fuel their homes must be aware that using a generator indoors can kill you in minutes! Never use a generator inside your house or in partly enclosed areas such as garages, basements, porches, crawlspaces, sheds, carports or breezeways, even if your windows are open. Generators should only be operated outside, away from open windows. Carbon monoxide in the generator's fumes can build up and cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which can lead to death.

 

For the same reason, never start your snow blower or chain saw inside your garage, because the carbon monoxide these power tools give off can quickly overcome you. And camp stoves and portable barbecues should only be used outdoors.

 

The Health Department also reminds residents to take the following precautions when using alternate heating sources in their homes:

• Vent fireplaces, wood stoves and other combustion heaters to the outside.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for space heaters and wood burning stoves.
• Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use - don’t substitute.

• Keep space heaters on the floor, at least three feet away from water, furniture, rugs, bedding and curtains.
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves to avoid accidental burns.
• Wear non-flammable gloves and clothing when adding fuel to a fireplace or space heater.
• Never add fuel to a space heater when it is hot
• If you have a fire extinguisher, keep it nearby.
• Never leave candles burning if you leave the room.

If you lose power, call your utility company. Con Edison can be reached at 1-800-75-CONED; NYS Electric and Gas can be reached at 1-800-572-1131 for electrical outages and 1-800- 572-1121 for gas.

 

For more information on cold weather safety, contact the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000 or visit our website at www.westchestergov.com/health. You can also follow us on Twitter @wchealthdept or like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/wchealthdept.

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

 

MEETING NOTICES – February 2022.

 

Go to meetings.westchestergov.com to watch.

 

Meetings will be held as follows:

 

Westchester County Deferred Compensation Board

Wednesday, February 9 at 10:00 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.

 

Airport Advisory Board Meeting

Wednesday, February 9 at 7p.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.

 

African American Advisory Board

Tuesday, February 15 at 6:30p.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.

 

Police Advisory Board

Monday, February 28 at 3p.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.

 

Citizen’s Consumer Advisory Council Meeting

Monday, February 28 at 5p.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.