Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Minority Leader Margaret Cunzio 2nd District: Veterans & Military Appreciation Day – Free Event on September 2nd!

 

Veterans & Military Appreciation Day on Monday, September 2nd.

Westchester County Veterans Services Agency Office will host a FREE event for Veterans and Active Duty Military Staff on Monday, September 2, 11AM -10PM: Veterans Ceremony, 3PM and BBQ, 4PM at Playland Park in appreciation for the courage, commitment, and sacrifices made by our Armed Forces to protect our country.

To obtain a Wristband and FREE Parking Passes for the event, visit
Veterans Services Agency Office at 10 County Center Road, White Plains, NY 10607, 2nd Floor, Suite 204, 10AM - 3PM through August 30th.

For more information, call 914-813-5145.

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Bee Line Buses: **Bee-Line Labor Day Schedule**.

On Monday, September 2, 2024, Bee-Line buses and ParaTransit will operate on a Sunday schedule.

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

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: EXPANDED RECALL OF DELI MEATS DUE TO LISTERIA OUTBREAK.

 

EXPANDED RECALL OF DELI MEATS DUE TO LISTERIA OUTBREAK.

(White Plains, NY) – A New York state resident is among nine fatalities linked to a nationwide Listeria outbreak connected to Boar’s Head deli meats, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Westchester County Health Department is reminding residents that Listeria infection poses a risk to anyone who consumes contaminated food, often leading to mild gastrointestinal issues. However, the infection can be particularly dangerous for pregnant individuals, those 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems. In pregnant women, Listeria can result in miscarriage, premature birth or severe illness in newborns. Seniors and individuals with compromised immunity are at a heightened risk of severe or fatal outcomes.

For a full list of the contaminated products, https://health.westchestergov.com/

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Bee Line Buses: **Bee-Line Service Change for 9/3/24**.

 

Effective Tuesday, September 3, 2024 

FARES RESUME ON ALL ROUTES

·        Routes 5, 32, and 66 – There will be weekday schedule adjustments.

·        Routes 7 and 25 – There will be weekday and weekend schedule adjustments.

·        Route 30 – There will be weekday and Saturday schedule adjustments.

·        Route 42 – There will be Sunday schedule adjustments.

·        Route 70 – There will be morning schedule adjustments.

·        BxM4C – The schedule will revert back to pre-summer 2024.\

For service alerts and your new bus schedule visit www.westchestergov.com/beelinebus

Westchester Insider: STATEMENT FROM WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ON EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS.

Statement from Westchester County Health Department on Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

We were saddened to learn of the passing of Steven Perry, a 41-year-old man from New Hampshire, due to Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a rare but deadly virus spread by mosquitoes.

Here in Westchester County, no humans have contracted EEE, and no mosquito pools have tested positive for the virus. The County Health Department continues to monitor and test local mosquito populations for viruses such as EEE and West Nile Virus.

We encourage all residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their families, including eliminating standing water around their homes, using mosquito repellents, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours, from dusk to dawn.

The Westchester County Health Department cautions residents to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in their yards by dumping out standing water from flower pot drip trays, unused kiddie pools, and other places where water can collect after it rains. Those spending time outdoors between dusk and dawn are advised to wear repellents to avoid mosquito bites.

Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property should report them to the County Health Department at (914) 813-5000.

For more ideas on how to reduce the mosquito population near your home, visit https://health.westchestergov.com/west-nile-virus.

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Distrct Attorney Office: MOUNT VERNON MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR HIGH-SPEED VEHICULAR CRASH THAT KILLED TWO PASSENGERS, SEVERELY INJURED THIRD.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 28, 2024 

 

MOUNT VERNON MAN SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR HIGH-SPEED VEHICULAR CRASH THAT KILLED TWO PASSENGERS, SEVERELY INJURED THIRD.

Defendant drove without a license in excess of 100 miles per hour on the Cross County Parkway before crashing head-on into tree.

 

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah announced today that a Mount Vernon man was sentenced to an indeterminate term of 2½ to 7½ years in state prison for causing a high-speed vehicular crash that killed two passengers and severely injured a third. 

 

DA Rocah said: “The devastating consequences of the defendant’s selfish and reckless behavior killed two young people and permanently altered the life of another. We hope today’s sentence provides a measure of solace to the victims and their families.” 

 

The defendant, Anthony Rose, 21, pleaded guilty on April 4 to two counts of Manslaughter in the Second Degree and Assault in the Second Degree, all felonies.   

 

On Dec. 18, 2021, at approximately 5:23 a.m., the defendant, who did not have a driver’s license, drove in excess of 100 miles per hour, with his headlights off with three passengers in his car on the Cross County Parkway in Mount Vernon before nearly hitting one car, striking a second vehicle, and crashing head-on into a tree. 

 

Mount Vernon residents Noelina Pantaleon, 20, died at the scene, and Harry Jonathan Hurst, 19, was transported to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, where he remained with a traumatic brain injury until he died on March 7, 2022. A third passenger, Nyaquae Henderson, 22, also of Mount Vernon, was transported to the hospital and treated for a traumatic brain injury and will undergo rehabilitative treatment for the remainder of her life.  

 

The Westchester County Department of Public Safety arrested the defendant on Jan. 26, 2023. The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office assisted with the investigation. 

 

The case was before New York State Supreme Court Justice Larry Schwartz and prosecuted by Vehicular Crimes Bureau Chief Jonathan Strongin, with assistance from the DA’s Criminal Investigators Squad and the Victims’ Justice Center.  

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Bee Line Buses: COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER ANNOUNCES SUMMER SERVICE CHANGES FOR THE BEE-LINE BUS SYSTEM.

county executive george LATIMER ANNOUNCES SUMMER Service CHANGES for the Bee-Line bus system.

 

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced that service changes will take effect on the Bee-Line system on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. In order to improve operating efficiencies and accommodate the needs of riders, there will be schedule changes on the following routes.

Routes:

5, 7, 25, 30, 32, 42, 66, 70, BxM4c

 

Riders should consult timetables for specific details about each route. For a full list of all the summer service changes and new bus schedules, visit www.westchestergov.com/beelinebus. You can also call the Bee-Line Customer Service Center at (914) 813-7777, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Automated information is available 24-hours a day.

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Beaches: UPDATE: TWO WESTCHESTER BEACHES REOPEN IN MAMARONECK.

 

UPDATE: TWO WESTCHESTER BEACHES REOPEN IN MAMARONECK.

 

(White Plains, NY) – All Westchester beaches are now reopened to swimmers. After retesting, the following beaches associated with the preemptive closure due to rainfall were permitted to reopen:  

 

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• MAMARONECK:
  • 
    
  • Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club
  • 
    
  • Harbor Island Beach
  • 
    

Residents and visitors are advised to visit the Westchester County website for the latest updates on beach closures and reopening schedules. The County remains committed to maintaining high standards of environmental health and safety across its recreational facilities.

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEAT ADVISORY - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28 FROM 11 A.M. TO 8 P.M.

 

WESTCHESTER COUNTY ISSUES HEAT ADVISORY FOR WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28 FROM 11 A.M. TO 8 P.M.

(White Plains, NY) – The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory in Westchester County for Wednesday, August 28 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. During this period, heat and humidity are expected to combine to make outdoor temperatures feel close to 101 degrees.

With heat, humidity and air quality in mind, the Westchester County Health Department reminds residents that these conditions pose significant health risks. To counter the effects, drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and check on vulnerable family members and neighbors.

 

Westchester County Commissioner of Health Dr. Sherlita Amler said: “A slower pace is best during a heat wave. Drink lots of water, be sure your pets have ample water and shade and don’t overexert yourself outdoors when it is so hot and humid. People who are most vulnerable to adverse effects from the heat include the very young, seniors, people who are obese and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or lung conditions. Heat stroke and dehydration can surprise you. High humidity, chronic health conditions and some medications can also increase a person’s risk for heat stroke.”

 

Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures. Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to an air conditioned place. If you don't have home air conditioning, continue to seek out cool spaces each day as long as it remains hot. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors. When working outdoors, schedule frequent rest breaks in the shade or air-conditioning.

 

Amler said: “To avoid tragedy, never leave anyone or any pets in a closed car no matter how brief the time. Closed vehicles can quickly heat up to a life-threatening 140º F or more.”

Those who plan to travel by car should check their tire pressure, tread, coolant and fluids, bring a cell phone charger, spare tire and jack. If you plan to travel in less populated areas, bring water and an umbrella for shade if it becomes necessary to leave the car. Always keep air flowing throughout the vehicle, and try to park in the shade. 

 

For relief from the heat, residents can cool off at a County beach or pool. Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Croton Point Beach in Croton-on-Hudson is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. All four pools, Saxon Woods in White Plains, Sprain Ridge and Tibbetts in Yonkers and Willson’s Waves in Mount Vernon are all open daily from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Last entry at all facilities is at 6 p.m. Proof of Westchester County residency is required at Glen Island Beach and all pools. Admission fees apply; parking fees apply at Glen Island, Croton and Tibbetts.

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Beaches: UPDATE: ONE WESTCHESTER BEACH REOPENS IN NEW ROCHELLE.

 

UPDATE: ONE WESTCHESTER BEACH REOPENS IN NEW ROCHELLE.

(White Plains, NY) – After retesting, the following beach associated with the preemptive closure due to rainfall can reopen for swimmers:  

 

·         NEW ROCHELLE:

o   Hudson Park West Beach

 

After retesting, the following beaches associated with the preemptive closure due to rainfall must remain closed to bathers:  

 

• MAMARONECK:
• 
  
  • Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club
  • 
    
  • Harbor Island Beach

Residents and visitors are advised to visit the Westchester County website for the latest updates on beach closures and reopening schedules.

The County remains committed to maintaining high standards of environmental health and safety across its recreational facilities.

Westchester Insider: CULTURAL HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS CONCLUDE WITH MUSLIM HERITAGE FESTIVAL AT KENSICO DAM PLAZA.

CULTURAL HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS CONCLUDE WITH MUSLIM HERITAGE FESTIVAL AT KENSICO DAM PLAZA.

 

(Valhalla, NY)  – Come explore Islamic culture and traditions at the Muslim Heritage Festival on Sunday, Aug. 25, from noon to 6 p.m. at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. This festival concludes Westchester County’s series of cultural heritage celebrations for 2024.

County Executive George Latimer said, “It is wonderful to see Westchester residents come together to embrace cultures from all around the world at one of our most popular programs. Bring your family and join us on the great lawn at Kensico Dam Plaza for the final festival this season.”

Parks Commissioner Kathleen O’Connor said, “As we near the unofficial end of summer, take some time to explore Muslim culture and gather with friends at our own Central Park!”

The Muslim Heritage Festival takes places from noon until 6 p.m. There will be performances, music, arts and crafts, a market place, and food trucks.

The festival will be held rain or shine. Seating is informal; bring blankets or folding chairs for seating on the lawn. No coolers will be allowed. Admission and parking are free. Carpooling or taking mass transit is encouraged. To attend the festival via Metro North, ride the Harlem Line to Valhalla Station.

The Muslim Heritage festival is presented by Ahlan NY and co-sponsored by Westchester County Parks.

Kensico Dam Plaza is located at 1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla. Go to parks.westchestergov.com or call (914) 864-PARK.

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: 8/26 AT 2PM - COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER TO GIVE WESTCHESTER WEEKLY UPDATE.

 

Westchester County Executive George Latimer to Give Westchester Weekly Update.

 

Monday, August 26

2 p.m.

Michaelian Office Building

Press Room – 9^th Floor

148 Martine Avenue

White Plains, NY 10601

 

Press Conference Will be Streamed Live on Facebook.

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

During the Westchester Weekly Update:

 

·         Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler will discuss the importance of ensuring your children receive their “back-to-school” vaccinations. Amler will provide an overview of the essential vaccines, explain their benefits, and guide you on which vaccines are recommended at different ages.

·         Westchester County Commissioner of Community Mental Health Michael Orth will discuss Overdose Awareness Week, highlighting key issues and available community resources.

·         Latimer will also reflect on the life and legacy of Harry Phillips, III. Phillips, a trailblazer in executive benefits within the insurance industry, achieved numerous milestones, including serving as a New York State Regent and as Chairman of the Board for Westchester Community College.

 

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Margaret Cunzio 3rd District: Free EKG Screening Event for Ages 10-27 - August 27th in Armonk.

 

EKG Screening Event.

Tuesday, August 27th, 2024, 11 a.m. -7 p.m.

Armonk Fire Department, 400 Bedford Rd, Armonk

Anyone ages 10-27 can be screened!

https://www.whoweplayfor.org/newyork-westchester

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Beaches: UPDATE - NINE WESTCHESTER BEACHES REOPEN; THREE REMAIN CLOSED.

UPDATE: NINE WESTCHESTER BEACHES REOPEN; THREE REMAIN CLOSED IN MAMARONECK AND NEW ROCHELLE.

 

(White Plains, NY) – After retesting by the Westchester County Health Department, the following beaches associated with the preemptive closure due to rainfall must remain closed to bathers:  

 

• MAMARONECK:
• 
  
  • Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club
  • 
    
  • Harbor Island Beach

 

·         NEW ROCHELLE:

o   Hudson Park West Beach

 

The following beaches, which were closed due to a Harmful Algae Bloom observed in the bathing areas, can reopen:

 

• MOHEGAN LAKE:
  • 
    
  • Mohegan Beach Park District Beach
  • 
    
  • Mohegan Colony Association Beach

 

The following beaches, which were preemptively closed due to rainfall, are allowed to reopen to bathers:

 

• RYE:
  • Coveleigh Club

 

• MAMARONECK:
  • 
    
  • Beach Point Club
  • 
    
  • Orienta Beach Club

 

• NEW ROCHELLE:
  • 
    
  • Hudson Park East Beach
  • 
    
  • Davenport Club
  • 
    
  • Greentree Club
  • 
    
  • Surf Club

                           

Residents and visitors are advised to visit the Westchester County website for the latest updates on beach closures and reopening schedules. The County remains committed to maintaining high standards of environmental health and safety across its recreational facilities.

 

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: Join us in Recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day.

 

Please Join us in Recognition of

International Overdose Awareness Day

 

A Day of Remembrance and Awareness

 

This year’s theme is: “Together We Can”.
Highlighting the power of Communities, the power in people standing together. 

As well as a time to remember those that we have lost to substance use

without stigma and to acknowledge the grief of their loved ones.

 

Wednesday, August 28

5:30 – 7 p.m.

 

City of White Plains Library Plaza

100 Martine Ave.

White Plains NY 10601

 

A collaboration of the Westchester County Departments of Community Mental Health

and Health and our network of community service providers

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: FYI - Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins to be Honored at ArtsWestchester's November 12 Benefit Concert.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Deputy Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins to be Honored at ArtsWestchester’s November 12 Benefit Concert.

 

White Plains, N.Y. – (August 20, 2024)—ArtsWestchester will honor Deputy Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins at its Tues., Nov. 12 Benefit Concert featuring The Wallflowers. ArtsWestchester chose Jenkins because he has helped to expand the county's vision of the arts to include diverse forms of creative expression from the grassroots community.

 

“Jenkins has strengthened the public-private partnership between the arts and government by supporting innovative programs such as ArtsWestchester’s Challenge Grant program and ArtsMobile services,” said ArtsWestchester CEO Kathleen Reckling. “He recognizes arts and culture in Westchester as a critical economic engine and has always worked with the arts council to ensure the accessibility and diversity of the arts for residents, particularly those in our underserved communities.”

 

Jenkins’ community involvement includes service on the boards of the Greyston Foundation, the United Way, the Westchester County District Attorney's Community Advisory Committee, Westchester County Crime stoppers and the Community Planning Council of Yonkers. He was President for over five years of the Yonkers Branch of the NAACP. He also has served as President of the Yonkers Community Action Program.

 

“Art is like a universal language that brings all people together, and therefore is an essential element to a vibrant Westchester County. I am especially proud that through ArtsWestchester’s Art$WChallenge matching grant program, we have raised nearly $7 million to support Westchester’s arts and cultural sector, matched with over $3 million in County support since its inception. We look forward to the County’s continued support of cultural programs and services throughout Westchester,” said Jenkins.

 

With more than 10 million albums sold internationally and two Grammy Awards, The Wallflowers’ 30-year career includes hits from their massive 1996 album, Bringing Down the Horse, to their more recent explorations in 2021’s Exit Wounds.

The Benefit Concert at the Capitol Theater in Port Chester is a fundraiser to support the programs and services of ArtsWestchester. Businesses and individuals can support the event through the purchase of sponsorships and concert tickets available online: https://artswestchester.org/benefitconcert/

 

Attendees have various ticket choices, ranging from a concert-only purchase to a VIP option that allows access to a pre-concert reception at 6:30 p.m. in Garcia’s, adjacent to the theatre lobby. VIP attendees will enjoy a buffet of hors d’oeuvres, choice wines, and cocktails. Prime concert seating starts at 8:00 p.m., with the performance kicking off at 8:30 p.m.

 

ArtsWestchester, founded in 1965, is New York State's largest private not-for-profit arts council. The organization plays a crucial role in funding and supporting arts and culture throughout Westchester. By providing grants, bringing artists into schools and community centers, advocating for the arts, and building audiences through diverse marketing initiatives, ArtsWestchester enriches the lives of everyone in the community.