Westchester Insider: Westchester County: WESTCHESTER COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT AWARDS $287,000 IN CDBG FUNDS FOR FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AWARDS $287,000

IN CDBG FUNDS FOR FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM.

 

CDBG Funds used to Purchase Mobile Food Pantry to Service

Port Chester and Ossining Communities.

(White Plains, NY) – A bright blue mobile food pantry will now patrol the streets of Port Chester and Ossining, thanks to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding awarded by the Westchester County Department of Planning. Caritas of Port Chester, a neighborhood soup kitchen and food pantry giving to anyone in need of food, drink, clothing or other emergency services, was awarded $287,500 by the County to purchase the van. Caritas will begin using the van for home delivery of groceries, fresh produce and meals to those who are unable to access a food pantry in the Port Chester and Ossining communities.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “The purchase of this mobile food pantry is just one of the many reasons reestablishing our CDBG program in Westchester was so important. These funds can be used for infrastructure improvements, housing needs and community development in our communities, where a project may otherwise have been left on the chopping block. Because of this grant provided by our Planning Department, residents who may be experiencing food insecurity, or who have difficulty accessing a pantry will have an easier time receiving the good, nutritious food they need.”

Commissioner of the Westchester County Planning Department Norma Drummond said: “This is another example of CDBG funds being deployed by the Department of Planning to a partner agency in an innovative manner that will deliver resources directly to those in the Port Chester and Ossining communities with the highest needs.”

The CDBG funding was used for the following:

 

·         The purchase of the pantry truck

·         Staffing a logistic coordinator to manage the sourcing and allocation of farm fresh produce

·         A refrigerated container for truck storage

·         Shelving, mats and bins for food storage inside the truck

 

The vehicle will primarily serve Port Chester and Ossining, in addition to other neighborhoods experiencing high levels of food insecurity.

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Margaret Cunzio 3rd District: TACONIC OPERA: Handel’s Messiah, Croton-on-Hudson, Dec. 10 & 11.

 

As part of its 25th Anniversary celebration, Taconic Opera invites you to its very first December holiday concert, performing the oratorio that has survived almost 3 centuries since first presented in Dublin in 1742: George Frideric Handel’s magnificent Messiah. No need to go to Carnegie Hall when you can hear it practically in your own back yard.

Hear the Messiah in a whole new way - not as sung by soloists and chorus, but as sung by opera soloists and an opera chorus…and with full professional orchestra.

Fun Facts:

• In his piece, Handel combines three concepts: the nativity and its prophecy, the crucifixion and redemption of mankind, and a commentary on the Christian soul and it’s victory over death. The chorus is at the center of all three parts of the piece, accompanied by four vocal soloists and an orchestra.
• Messiah was originally intended for Lent, not Christmas. Due to its neglect, the Victorians moved the oratorio to Christmas to revive interest.
• Handel wrote the work in just 18 days, and three weeks later he wrote his oratorio Samson.
• The King James version of the Old Testament provides the text for nearly all of this work.

Two weekend matinee concerts in central Westchester:
Sat., Dec. 10, and Sun., Dec. 11 , 3 p.m.
Holy Name of Mary Church, 110 Grand St., Croton-on-Hudson.  

This beautiful venue is handicap accessible and ideally suited for live sacred music of this caliber due to its acoustical and architectural properties. 

Tickets:
Toll-free (855) 886-7372 or https://taconicopera.org/TIckets/

Ticket Prices: 
Advance Sale: $25, Seniors $20, Students $12
Door Sale: $30, Seniors $25, Student -$15
Groups of 5 or more: deduct $5 per ticket
Discounts can be taken together

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Board of Legislators: WESTCHESTER COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS PASSES BILL PROHIBITING THE SALE OF FLAVORED TOBACCO PRODUCTS.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS

PASSES BILL PROHIBITING THE SALE OF FLAVORED TOBACCO PRODUCTS.

 

White Plains, NY — Monday night, the Board of Legislators (BOL) passed a bill banning the retail sale and distribution of flavored tobacco products in Westchester County. The legislation will be one of the most comprehensive in the state by banning all tobacco flavors, including menthol, mint, and wintergreen.

 

The new legislation takes action to address socioeconomic health disparities and youth experimentation by restricting access to flavored tobacco products without criminalizing consumers. Scientific data definitively shows how harmful and deadly prolonged use of flavored tobacco is on the human body. Furthermore, limiting the ability to purchase these dangerous products increases the likelihood of smoking cessation among current smokers and reduces user initiation, primarily in teens and young adults. 

 

“This is a positive step for public health in Westchester County. It is good policy and protects the vulnerable from continuing to be exploited by Big Tobacco. We seized an opportunity to shield our citizens, especially children from the challenges of nicotine addiction and related health risks,” remarked Legislator Williams Johnson, sponsor of the bill and Chair of the Committee on Health, “In passing this legislation, our Board has set an example for other jurisdictions to follow. The lives of our children and families are worth so much more than the millions of dollars tobacco manufacturers make from the intentional, long-term destruction of our communities.”

 

“People under 25 are more susceptible to nicotine dependency because the human brain is still developing. Menthol enhances the effects of nicotine on the brain leading to lower impulse control and higher risks of lifelong addiction. By banning these lethal products, we are going to save lives,” Chairwoman Catherine Borgia commented, “I congratulate Health Committee Chair Legislator Williams Johnson for her tenacity in getting this legislation over the finish line.”

 

Across the country, the call to ban flavored tobacco is mounting. Earlier this year, the United States Federal Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a federal ban on menthol and other flavored tobacco products. Following that announcement, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) endorsed the FDA’s proposal citing the decades of disproportionate targeting to communities of color. Westchester County joins a growing list of over 350 localities that have already passed measures to restrict flavored tobacco products.

 

Legislator Christopher Johnson added, "The road to getting this bill passed was full of roadblocks. But, even with intense pressure from the tobacco industry, we remained resilient to make Westchester pioneers in the fight against flavored tobacco. We urge our counterparts in other counties to do the same."

 

Legislator Erika Pierce said, “Tonight Westchester took a giant leap forward towards creating generations of smoke-free Westchester residents. I am extremely grateful to Dr. Philip Gardiner, Dr. Hazel Dukes, the many other advocates, and to my colleague Legislator Williams Johnson for leading the charge on this important investment in our community’s health.”

 

Enforcement of this ban will rest solely with the County Department of Health and not by any other agency, especially not those responsible for criminal law enforcement. There are no criminal penalties to individuals for using flavored tobacco products, however fines will be issued to businesses found out of compliance.

This local law shall take effect six months after enactment.

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: County Executive George Latimer Statement on Giving Tuesday 2022.

 

County Executive George Latimer Statement on Giving Tuesday 2022.

 

“While the holiday shopping season is in full swing, there are so many of our neighbors in our Westchester community who need our support. This Giving Tuesday, please take into account those who are in need, and the organizations in our County that provide so much to better the lives of those less fortunate. Your donations keep them going, and without them, we all would be worse off.”

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER ANNOUNCES FREE BEE-LINE BUS FARES FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

 

FREE BEE-LINE BUS-FARES CONTINUE FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

 

 

(White Plains, NY) – Just in time for the holiday season, free Bee-Line Bus fares will return from December 7 through December 26.

 

Latimer said: “This holiday season, we want people to visit with family and friends, and we want them to shop and go to work with ease. Leave the driving to us, and save some money this holiday season.  From Yorktown to Yonkers, we have a robust system that can get you where you need to go.  Now is a perfect time to try out the Bee-Line system if you haven’t already. We take great pride in the fact that our buses are safe, clean and accessible.”

 

This past summer, and during Thanksgiving week, the County offered free Bee-Line bus rides and the system experienced a 37% increase in ridership during the three-month period of June, July and August, compared to the prior three-month period in March, April and May.   

 

Latimer said: “The benefit we are providing to the traveling public is about $2.6 million if we see the same level of increase during Thanksgiving week, and the holiday shopping period in December.”

 

The Bee-Line Bus System offers a cleaner, greener, more cost-effective way for residents to travel the County. The promotion is valid on all routes in the fixed route bus system, including the express route into Manhattan, the BxM4C. Free rides are also valid on the Bee-Line ParaTransit system.

 

Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Public Works & Transportation Hugh Greechan said: “We’ve made a lot of recent improvements to our Bee-Line bus fleet including the addition of 106 brand new 40-foot hybrid/electric buses. This is the perfect opportunity for Westchester residents to leave your cars at home, and take a free ride on one of our clean, comfortable state-of-the-art buses.”

 

Director of the Office for People with Disabilities Evan Latainer said: “County Executive Latimer is once again providing our ParaTransit ridership the opportunity to travel the Bee Line ParaTransit system free of charge during this upcoming holiday season. This will once again provide our ridership with great savings during this time period to go out and about Westchester County at no cost. Riders should take pleasure in traveling for work, recreation and other needs during this time period.”

 

For more information about the free rides program call (914) 813-7777. An information agent is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

The Bee-Line is Westchester County's bus system, serving over 27 million passengers annually with convenient service connecting residents to jobs, recreation, shopping and other regional transportation services. It is the second largest transit bus fleet in New York State, operated by the County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T).

 

Over 65 percent of all Westchester County residents are within walking distance of a Bee-Line bus route, making the bus both close and convenient. The system has over 3,300 bus stops and almost 60 routes. All Bee-Line buses are accessible, and designed with many accessibility features including “kneeling” buses, ramps and lifts.

 

 

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

 

MEETING NOTICES – December 2022.

 

Go to meetings.westchestergov.com to watch.

 

Meetings will be held as follows:

 

The Westchester County Industrial Development Agency will be meeting on 12/01/2022 at 8:30 a.m. Pursuant to the open meetings law, Board members must attend the meeting in person.  Members of the public may join in person as well or view the meeting online via WebEx.  Members of the public wishing to make comments at the end of the meeting should register at least 1 day prior to the meeting date with Rosa Ramon (rramon@westchestergov.com).  Members of the public may also view the meeting using this link: meetings.westchestergov.com

 

The Westchester County Planning Board will be meeting on 12/6/2022 at 8:30 a.m. in the Casella Conference Room (Room 420) of the County Office Building at 148 Martine Avenue in White Plains, NY. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so in person or via meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

Westchester County Solid Waste Commission will be meeting on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at 3 P.M. at 148 Martine Ave, White Plains, NY - Finance Conference Room, 7^th Floor. Pursuant to the open meetings law, Board members must attend the meeting in person. Members of the public may join in person or via meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

Westchester County Transportation Board will be meeting on Friday, December 9, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. at 148 Martine Ave, White Plains, NY – 5^th Floor Room 527. Pursuant to the open meetings law, Board members must attend the meeting in person. Members of the public may join in person or via meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

The Westchester County Housing Opportunity Commission will be meeting on 12/13/2022 at 12:00 p.m. in the community room at the Regent Senior Center located at 37 South Regent Street in Port Chester, NY. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so in person only.

 

The Westchester County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board will be meeting on 12/13/2022 at 5:00 p.m. in the Casella Conference Room (Room 420) of the County Office Building at 148 Martine Avenue in White Plains, NY. Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so in person or via meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

The Westchester County Airport Advisory Board will be meeting on:

Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 7:00 PM

Westchester County Airport

240 Airport Road, 2^nd Floor Conference Room

White Plains, NY 10604

 

The Westchester County Board of Health will meet on Thursday, December 15, at 8:30 A.M. at 10 County Center Road, White Plains, NY – Health Department Conference Room, 2nd Floor. Pursuant to the Open Meetings law, Board members must attend the meeting in person. Members of the public may join in person or via https://meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

The Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation Board meeting will be on Thursday, 12/15/2022 at 4:00pm-5:30pm in the 2^nd floor conference room of the PRC Headquarters Building at 450 Saw Mill River Road in Ardsley, NY 10502.

Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so in person or via meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

The Human Rights Commission will hold its December Board Meeting on December 20, 2022 at 6:45 p.m.

112 East Post Road, 3rd Floor

White Plains, NY 10601

Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so in person or via meetings.westchestergov.com.

 

The Fair Housing Board will hold its December Board Meeting on December 20, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.

Fair Housing Board November Board Meeting

112 East Post Road, 3rd Floor

White Plains, NY 10601

Members of the public wishing to attend the meeting may do so in person or via meetings.westchestergov.com

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: WESTCHESTER COUNTY OBSERVES WORLD AIDS DAY ON DECEMBER 1.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY OBSERVES WORLD AIDS DAY ON DECEMBER 1.

 

Westchester County Health Department Offers Testing and Preventive Services.

 

(White Plains, NY) – On World AIDS Day, the Westchester County Department of Health is encouraging residents to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with a positive HIV status, and honor those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.

 

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “Free testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases and preventive services are available through the County Health Department, and our partners. Everyone should know their HIV status.”

 

Free rapid and regular HIV testing and PrEP are offered by the Health Department at 134 Court Street in White Plains. Residents can call 995-5800 for dates and times or view the clinic schedule at  www.westchestergov.com/health.

Through a partnership with the Urban League of Westchester, the Health Department also offers free, rapid HIV testing on-site at the Syringe Exchange Program, 4 Wilson Place, Mount Vernon. PrEP is a preventive treatment that when taken daily, can prevent HIV in people who are most at risk. PEP or post-exposure prophylaxis is medicine taken to prevent HIV after a possible exposure.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer is encouraging residents to wear a red ribbon to commemorate World AIDS Day, and the continuous fight against HIV.

 

Latimer said: “On World AIDS Day, it’s important that we acknowledge all those affected by AIDS, along with the advocates and healthcare workers whose compassionate care serves them. We are reminded that AIDS has not gone away, and that there is still a vital need to increase awareness, fight prejudice, and improve education around this disease.” 

 

An estimated 1.2 million Americans are living with HIV, and 13 percent of them don’t know it and need testing, according to HIV.GOV. The Westchester County Department of Health reminds residents to get tested for the disease. HIV continues to have a disproportionate impact on racial and ethnic minorities and gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men.

 

Sponsored by the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute, the 24^nd Annual World AIDS Day Event, will be held virtually on December 1. Participation is free and open to the public. Register to participate at https://whova.com/portal/registration/nysdo3_202211/.

 

This year’s theme is advancing health equity, with the tagline “Collaborating for Change: Partnering for Health Equity.” The goal is to highlight the many diverse and extraordinary partnerships developed to address inequities such as access to quality health care/services, safe housing, nutritious food, quality education, and safe environments, for people living with, or placed at risk for, HIV, STIs, and Hepatitis C.

 

HIV remains a nationwide and worldwide epidemic. HIV.GOV estimates that 38 million people worldwide are living with HIV. Although there are effective treatments for HIV, there is still no cure for HIV and no vaccine to prevent it. 

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: REMINDER: County Budget Conversation on December 1st.

 

Legislator Catherine Parker's Annual Budget Meeting with Residents.

Join County Executive George Latimer and myself for a virtual townhall/public hearing on Westchester County’s proposed 2023 budget on Thursday, December 1st at 8 PM. Highlights for the budget include a tax cut of $6 million dollars to the tax levy, $90 million dollars to help municipalities create more affordable housing, and $12 million for flood mitigation

Registration in advance is required:  bit.ly/3TWotoI

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Parks: Muscoot Farm’s Holiday Lights on the Farm, Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 2, 3, 9,10, 16 and 17!

 

Visit Muscoot Farm at night
for its
Holiday Lights on the Farm event
Fridays and Saturdays, Dec. 2, 3, 9,10, 16 and 17
5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

$25 per family of four.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/holiday-lights-on-the-farm-tickets-465877601447

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: DISTRICT ATTORNEY MIRIAM E. ROCAH TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING PRISON SENTENCE IN VIOLENT YONKERS HATE CRIME.

 

DISTRICT ATTORNEY MIRIAM E. ROCAH TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING PRISON SENTENCE IN VIOLENT YONKERS HATE CRIME.

 

Tuesday, November 29

12 p.m.

Westchester County District Attorney’s Office

Floor 5

111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd

White Plains, NY 10601

 

Watch on Facebook Live: https://www.facebook.com/WestchesterDA.NY/

 

WHITE PLAINS, NY – Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah, joined by Yonkers Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza, will announce the sentence of Tammel Esco, a Yonkers man convicted of a violent hate crime in the March 2022 attack of a 67-year-old Asian woman.  

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Margaret Cunzio 3rd District: Blood Drive in Chappaqua – Saturday, 12/3.

 

Chappaqua Volunteer Ambulance Corps & Chappaqua Fire Dept.
BLOOD DRIVE

Saturday, December 3, 2022
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
491 King Street, Chappaqua, NY

To sign up, call (800) 933-2566 or visit https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/301016

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: PHOTO/VIDEO: COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER RAISES ALBANIAN FLAG ON ALBANIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY.

WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER RAISES THE ALBANIAN FLAG IN HONOR OF ALBANIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY.

 

Watch the Flag Raising Ceremony Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp7Bj7VnSqY

 

 

(White Plains, NY) – On November 28, Westchester County Executive George Latimer raised the Albanian Flag outside the Michaelian Office Building in White Plains. The flag raising ceremony was held in honor of Albanian Independence Day, which commemorates the signing of the Albanian Declaration of Independence on November 28, 1912. Today marks the 110^th Albania Independence Day.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Westchester County salutes the Albanian community on Albanian Independence Day, and every day. In Westchester, we take pride in celebrating all of the various ethnic communities that make up wonderful County.”

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: November 28: County Executive George Latimer Gives Westchester Weekly Update.

November 28: County Executive George Latimer Gives Westchester Weekly Update.

 

Watch the Full Briefing Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kKfMXg-EA2I

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: 11/28 - 2 P.M. - County Executive George Latimer to Give Westchester Weekly Update.

 

County Executive George Latimer to Give Westchester Weekly Update.

 

Monday, November 28

2 p.m.

Watch on https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/

 

During his weekly Westchester briefing, Latimer will discuss:

·         Guest: Director of Economic Development Bridget Gibbons

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: County Executive George Latimer Statement on Thanksgiving 2022.

 

County Executive George Latimer Statement on Thanksgiving 2022.

 

“Each year on this day, families of all shapes and sizes gather in our County, State & Nation to give thanks. While we all face challenges in our everyday lives, it is important we use this Thanksgiving holiday to take an accounting of what we do have and be thankful. To all my fellow neighbors in our warm, accepting Westchester community, I wish a Happy Thanksgiving.”

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Parks: Westchester’s Winter Wonderland Drive-thru Holiday Light Extravaganza Opens Tonight, Friday, Nov. 25, 6 p.m.!

 

https://maingatetickets.com/events/view/1318

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: County Executive George Latimer Announces Older Driver Safety Week.

 

County Executive George Latimer Announces Older Driver Safety Week.

Series of programs to take place Dec. 5 – 9 throughout Westchester.

 

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer has announced that “Keys to Safe Driving” – a series of five free programs sponsored by the County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) – will take place during Older Driver Safety Week this December 5-9.  

 

The programs are presented by DSPS’ Older Driver Coalition and will offer tools, tips and techniques that older drivers can use to be on the road as safely as possible for as long as possible. The programs will also explore when it is time to stop driving and what alternative transportation services are available when seniors decide to relinquish their keys.

 

Each session will cover similar material, registration is suggested but walk-ins are welcome.

 

SMART Commute staff from Westchester County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW/T) will be at each session to help seniors interested in signing up for the MTA Reduced-Fare MetroCard.

 

For more information about the Older Driver Coalition and the help it offers year-round to seniors and their families, contact Beverly Carter, DSPS’ liaison to the coalition, at bdc1@westchestergov.com or (914) 813-6188.  The dates, times and locations for the programs are:

 

Monday, Dec. 5                     Albert A. Capellini Community Cultural Center

11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.          1974 Commerce Street, Room 113, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Contact: Noreen O’Driscoll    Phone: (914) 962-7447

 

Tuesday, Dec. 6                     James Harmon Community Center

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.                    44 Main Street, Hastings on Hudson, NY 10706

Contact: Anne Russak            Phone: (914) 478-2380 ext. 644

 

Wednesday, Dec. 7                Joseph G. Caputo Community Center

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.          95 Broadway, Ossining, NY 10562

Contact: Debbie Klein |          Phone: (914) 762-1350

 

Thursday, Dec. 8                   New Rochelle Office of the Aging

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.                      94 Davis Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10805

Contact: Phillis Maucieri        Phone: (914) 235-2363

 

Friday, Dec. 9                        Radio station WVOX

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.                      Your Community in Action - 1460 AM dial

Contact: Arlene Saliman        Phone: (914) 636-0110 www.wvox.com